Golfers always seem to have a great deal to say, but determining who said what and who said it first can be a problem.
In fact, it may turn out that a quote is often attributed to the wrong person. Regardless, quotes from golfers are always entertaining.
A few years back I talked to Tommy Bolt about an answer he is credited with giving to the question, “What is the toughest shot in golf, Tommy?” Bolt supposedly replied, “The one you’re trying to hit next.”
I asked Tom if indeed those were his words. His reply: “I have no idea. I say so many things, I really don’t know if I said that or not. I might have.”
One thing is sure, quotes are funny and interesting. For example, a golf writer once asked Bolt about his cursing on the course. Tommy’s reply: “I never cussed much, that’s bulls****.”
After scoring an unbelievable 13 on a par three, Ben Hogan was asked how that could happen. Ben, with a steely look, came back with, “Because I missed a 2-foot putt for a 12.”
Who said, “I’m at the twilight of a mediocre career”? Answer: Dr. Jerry Baker, a member of the Indiana State Teachers College men’s golf team that won the 1952 Indiana Collegiate Conference championship.
It was none other than Johnny Miller who declared, “Ninety-nine out of every 100 golfers grip their clubs too tightly.”
Billy Casper once offered this advice, “Try to think where you want to put the ball, not where you don’t want it to go.”
Who said this to Seve Ballestreros just before Seve won the 1979 U.S. Open? None other than Roberto DeVincenzo, who said, “You have the hands. Now play with the heart.”
Guess who did not make this statement, “As great as his talents are on the golf course, he is actually a better person.” These were not the words of Tiger Woods’ ex-wife; they were uttered by his father, Earl Woods.
Lloyd Mangrum, a star of yesteryear, once offered this observation: “That S.O.B. Bobby Locke was able to hole a 60-foot putt over peanut brittle.”
Frank Beard declared, “Everybody cheats when they start playing golf. A lot of people never stop.”
Who limped down a fairway after bashing his knee with a putter?
Answer: Ivan Gantz, who was overheard saying to himself, “I told you what would happen if you missed another short putt.”
Who said, “I’ll either give you shots or let you cheat, but you can’t do both.” Actually this writer used the original line on the eighth hole at Elks Fort Harrison golf course some 15 years ago.
When discussing long-ball hitters, Terre Haute native Bill Neff was fond of saying, “The woods are full of long hitters.”
When asked to join the temperance movement, the great English golfer Harry Vardon replied, “Moderation is essential in all things, madam, but never in my life have I been beat by a teetotaler.”
Golf stories are endless.
It seems that none other than Kenny Bosc has won the Generous to a Fault Award for 2011. It seems that Frank Perry requested a few shots for a side bet. Perry was happy when Bosc offered him 10 strokes.
When the round ended, it seems Perry had won the match without the help of a single stroke. Bosc accepted the loss and came back with an even-par round the following day.
Bosc’s prize for his Generous to a Fault Award is a copy of the book, “How to Bet Smart,” written by Jean Van Devalve.
Kudos are in order for Rich Schelsky for his win in the hotly contested WTHI TV Men’s City Golf Tourney. Congrats are also in order for Ryan Roscoe for running an excellent tournament.
Roscoe took the reins of the Terre Haute Golf Association after Chris Keen had so ably led the THGA for two years. The THGA is one of the best golf organizations you’ll find anywhere.
Billy “Bum” Alumbaugh was obviously “off his game” when he shot a “fat” 92 in the opening round of the recent Spaghetti Open.
This writer can recall Alumbaugh winning medalist honors in this tourney a couple of decades ago with a round of 68.
With the 10-percent rule in effect, Bill needed only to two-putt from 15 feet to win his flight and claim a $175 gift certificate.
Instead Alumbaugh lined up his 15-footer and knocked it squarely into the cup. This violated the 10-percent rule and Bum was relegated to last place.
Although his winnings were “zilch,” this scenario makes Bill look like a totally honest player.
If you top the ball, you are coming “up” on your shot. You may be coming up on your toes, straightening your knees or pulling your shoulders back. The head usually gets the blame for all topped shots, but most of the time the blame lies elsewhere.
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Bob Arnett can be reached by e-mail at subob@aol.com.
Rub of the Green
RUB OF THE GREEN: Loquacious golfers can provide priceless quotes
- Rub of the Green
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The recent Ryder Cup matches are over, but not done with! At the time the final match had concluded the “talking heads” had already gone to work assessing blame to those who didn’t live up to their preconceived expectations.
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Fair Joe is the name and golf is the game when referring to Joe Bukovack, who has sponsored hunts in Terre Haute as well as throughout Indiana during the past 25 years.
The “Fair” in Joe’s title refers to the fact that players who wish to participate in Bukovack’s competition must be willing to follow the rules of golf to the letter, otherwise they will not be invited to participate. -
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When golf is referred to as “The Game for a Lifetime,” you’ve got to believe that description is definitely on target. For example, there is the Danny Williams hunt that converges on the first tee at The Landing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Many players are in their 70s and retired dentist, Bill Aikin, has seen 92 birthdays.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Hunts still popular on golf course
There is something about golf that lends itself to some friendly competition and in times gone by, the competitions were called “choose-ups.” Somewhere along the line, choose-ups became “hunts.” Regardless of what you call them, they remain a most popular mode of play for Terre Haute divot-diggers on courses throughout the Wabash Valley.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Heat doesn’t deter Terre Haute golfers
“When you’re hot, you’re hot, and when you’re not, you’re not.” Those are the words of country singer Jerry Reed and they apply to golfers as well.
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Rub of the Green: Father’s golf imprint still evident today
I was lucky and I knew it. My father, Robert Erwin Arnett, was one of the best dads any youngster could hope for.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Hogan, small of stature, left big footprints
With the Crowne Plaza Invitational being played at Colonial Country Club today, it conjures up images of the man himself, Bantam Ben Hogan, who won so often at Colonial it became known as “Hogan’s Alley.”
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Rub of the Green: Bowling or golf? Both provide plenty of challenge
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Sometimes this can be a confounding game
To be sure, the great Sam Snead certainly knew what he was talking about when he delivered his favorite axiom, “The sun don’t shine on the same dog every day.”
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Ed Grayless has assumed the “head man’s” position at the Links after Ryan Klopfenstein resigned as Hulman Links golf professional in order to pursue other interests.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Young players should match course to skills
One of the biggest mistakes a beginning golfer can make is to keep playing a golf course that is far too difficult for the ability demonstrated by that player.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: On the lanes or links, Davis is competitive
Darrell Davis carries a 240 bowling average which obviously puts him in some strong company on the alleys, but he feels that golf is a much more difficult sport than keggling.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Loquacious golfers can provide priceless quotes
Golfers always seem to have a great deal to say, but determining who said what and who said it first can be a problem.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Rick Fernandes can look back on a great golf career
What does an outstanding golfer have left when an accident has robbed him of the consummate skills he once possessed? The answer most assuredly would be one word, “Memories.”
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Feherty’s humor good for golf
David Feherty is an extremely funny man. If you have read his book written a few years ago, you might have guessed what to expect from him. The book, entitled “Somewhere in Ireland a Village is Missing an Idiot,” set the stage for his far out brand of humor, most of which is directed at himself.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: It's all in your head
A pair of divot diggers had been discussing their favorite sport when one could be heard saying, “You know, I think this game is 90 percent mental.” After a short pause his friend replied, “Well, I think you’re about 10 percent short in your estimation.”
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Golf: ‘The Game You Love to Hate’
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf is only sport that offers both hilarity, pathos
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This writer would heartily agree. No sport or game can offer combinations of happiness and sadness, hilarity and pathos as evidenced by an activity called “cow pasture pool” by some of its practitioners. -
RUB OF THE GREEN: Even golfers say there is drug problem on Tour
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Not all golfers display their trophies
Back in the “old days,” let’s say the 1940s, most of the time when you won something in a golf tournament your prize came in the form of a trophy. That was it, just a dust catcher. Later, merchandise prizes were added.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf full of colorful characters
Every sport has its own cast of characters and golf is definitely no exception. Whether it is diving head first into a greenside bunker or tying an unreliable putter to a car’s bumper and dragging it down the road, golfers can do some strange things.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Winter made golf impossible this year
Old Man Winter along with Mother Nature must have something against area golfers. They have joined forces to sabotage a sport called winter golf, an activity many Wabash Valley players have enjoyed in years gone by.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf instruction a strenuous art
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BOB ARNETT: No matter what your level, watch out for pressure
What is the affliction that can affect most any golfer from those who can’t break an egg to skilled golfers who can break 70?
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RUB OF THE GREEN: THGA tournaments include variety, long history
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RUB OF THE GREEN: PGA playoff system still needs work
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Rub of the Green: Golf can be roller coaster for young pros
Dustin Johnson may be best remembered for his appearances in the major tournaments in 2010, but not because he won. He didn’t win. But he came awfully close.
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Rub of the Green: One size does NOT fit all when it comes to golfing ability
Literally hundreds of books have been written on the subject of golf instruction, and we can be certain they all agree on one fundamental, always keep your head stationary throughout the swing.
Right? Nope, wrong as it could be! How’s that, you say? As examples both David Duval and Annika Sorenstam at one time were rated the world’s No. 1 professional golfers, respectively, and both swiveled their heads well before their clubheads reached the impact zone. In fact, Duval is one of a select few who has a 59 to his credit on the PGA Tour. - More Rub of the Green Headlines
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