It would seem that the more you learn about Pete Dye, the golf course architect, the more there is to admire about the man. It was decades ago when Dye determined that the insurance business was not for him, and he decided to begin designing golf courses. Even Pete, himself, in all likelihood, couldn’t have known the impact he was going to make on the golf world.
When The Cook Group offered him the opportunity to construct The Pete Dye Course at French Lick, Pete accepted the challenge with nothing more than a handshake to finalize the deal.
After being asked what would happen if he became ill and wouldn’t be able to complete his work on the French Lick course, he advised that his wife and partner, Alice O’Neal Dye was perfectly capable of finishing work on the course on time and on budget. Alice has won many golf championships throughout Indiana and beyond.
Pete Dye has no plans to retire. He still sports a seven handicap, not bad for a man of 84 who still spends several hours at a time walking a hilly course, doing what he calls, “fixing my mistakes”. His attention to detail and his meticulous grooming of a tract of land that is available to become a golf course, sets him apart from many designers.
Dye has returned to The Pete Dye Course at French Lick more that 130 times since work began on the course. It opened on time April 24, 2009.
Dye is quick to give Alice all the credit for a famous hole for which he usually gets the accolades. The watery 17th at the TPC at Sawgrass in Jacksonville, (FL) has witnessed as much or more drama as any hole anywhere. Dye indicates that it was Alice who suggested that an island green should be utilized there. He followed her advice and the rest is legendary.
Dye is usually accompanied on visits to his courses with his dog, “Sixty”. It seems that each of his dogs in the past has been named “Sixty”.
A fable is already in place concerning the clubhouse called “The Mansion” at The Pete Dye Course at French Lick. It seems that some feel that Al Capone supposedly utilized the same building as a hideout when things got too hot for him in Chicago. Perched atop an extremely high hill, the building does offer a 360-degree view of the countryside. If the cops were sneaking up the hill to capture Capone, he would have had ample time to make a clean getaway. Not many golf courses can boast an Al Capone connection.
The following is a partial listing of other courses designed or redesigned by Pete Dye: Crooked Stick (Carmel); The Honors, (Chattanooga, Tenn.); Harbour Town Links (Hilton Head Island, S.C.); Blackwolf Run (Kohler, Wis.); Teeth of the Dog, Dominican Republic; Ocean Course (Kiawah Island, S.C.); TPC at Sawgrass (Jacksonville, Fla.); PGA West Stadium Course (Palm Springs, Calif.); Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wis.); Kampen Course at Purdue (West Lafayette);
Also, Plainfield Elks (9 holes now Oak Tree Golf Course); William Sahm Golf Course (Indianapolis); Eagle Creek Golf Course (27 holes, Indianapolis); Forest Park Golf Course in Brazil; Monticello Country Club; Harbour Trees Golf Course (Noblesville); Plum Creek Country Club (Carmel); The Fort Golf Course (Indianapolis); Mystic Hill Golf Course (Culver); Brickyard Crossing Golf Course (Indianapolis) The Bridgewater Club (Auburn, Ind.); and Woodland Country Club (Carmel).
One thing is certain. The Pete Dye Course at French Lick promises to be one of his best efforts.
• • •
Congratulations are in order for Ken Bosc, the newest member of Terre Haute Golf Association’s Hall of Fame, an honor he richly deserves. With multiple club championships at the former Elks Fort Harrison Course and Rea Park, Kenny also has a Lawrenceville Amateur Championship on his resume. Bosc has long been one of the boldest and best putters in Terre Haute. Ken’s father, Paul is also a member of the THGA Hall of Fame.
Don Tyler has put in some serious effort when it comes to improving his golf game. It has paid some big dividends when you consider that Don has posted several sub par nine hole rounds recently, namely 33, 34, and 35, all posted at River Bend Golf Course at The Landing.
Congratulations are due Chad Collins for his second place finish among all money winners on The Nationwide Tour for 2009. Now all Chad needs is the opportunity to play in up-coming PGA Tour events. Since there are several categories of eligible players, he may be required to wait until his opportunity arises to match shots with others on the big tour.
Tim Clements continues to shoot some sub-par rounds in spite of using a grip that George Amies could never understand. That always reminded me of an old axiom. “You will find good players with a bad grip, but you won’t find bad players with a good grip.” Tim has several sub par rounds to his credit this season. And George, no one knows how Clements avoids hooking with that grip!
• • •
Backward scrambles usually signal the end of the competitive golf season. Dirk Weyls at The Landing advises that the quartet of Steve Thompson, Joe Bukovack, Mike Wagle and Frank Perry combined for a 64, good enough for a one shot victory over the runner-up team of Harvey Cabak, Jim Niemeyer, Steve Cuvelier, and Mike Harden.
At Hulman Links a foursome composed of Chris Keen, Mark Neaderhiser, Dink Simonson and Ted Collins took first place on a tiebreaker with Elliot Booe, Josh Miley, Sam Pollock and Will Pollock. Both teams fired 62s, great scores when you consider the difficulties a backward Hulman Links can present.
• • •
Ray Goddard at Idle Creek reports that Keith Laxton was this year’s club champion and Dave Bryan won the low net division. Bryan was also the winner in the senior division which was played on a “low gross” basis.
• • •
• Tip of the week — Don’t fall into the habit of taking to heart everything you read concerning instruction. It’s possible to learn that you have contracted a terrible malady called “paralysis by analysis.” It’s wise to go to the range and experiment with changes before adopting some new moves as part of your golf swing.
Well, it appears that golf season circa 2009 is heading for the cart barn. Now’s the time to start overhauling your swing and making plans to make 2010 season your best ever. Here’s a new year’s wish in advance for one and all, old and young. May all your drives find the fairways, may all your approaches cover the flagsticks, and may all your putts find the bottom of the cups.
Obviously, all these wishes will not come to fruition, but what of it. It never hurts to dream especially when it comes to golf.
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: Course architect Pete Dye has had lasting impression on game
- Rub of the Green
-
-
Rub of the Green: Bowling or golf? Both provide plenty of challenge
The question has been raised in the past, is it bowling or golf that is the more difficult endeavor?
-
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.”
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Grayless takes over as golf professional at Hulman Links
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.”
-
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.
-
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.”
-
Golf: ‘The Game You Love to Hate’
Golf has been called “The Game You Love to Hate.” In addition, love-hate relationships have been around since the beginning of time.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf is only sport that offers both hilarity, pathos
It’s been stated more than once that “golf is a microcosm for life itself.”
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
Are professional golfers using performance-enhancing drugs? This writer wouldn’t have the foggiest, but if you asked Gary Player, one of the game’s greatest, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes.”
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf instruction a strenuous art
Few who have ever tried their hands at playing the game of golf would describe the sport as “easy”. In fact, just the opposite would be the case.
-
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?
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: THGA tournaments include variety, long history
In days gone by, the Terre Haute Golf Association has always offered more than just a 72-hole stroke play tournament.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: PGA playoff system still needs work
Is anyone fed up with the convoluted Fed Ex playoffs? The PGA has been tweaking its so-called Fed Ex playoff system for years, and they never seem to get it right.
-
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.
-
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. -
Rub of the Green: Gerstmeyer Tech’s reknown Les Brown made his mark in plethora of sports
Les Brown never had a middle name, not even a middle initial. What he did have was an abundance of athletic ability that he utilized to earn letters in five different sports during his senior year at Gerstmeyer Technical High School.
-
Rub of the Green: An inspiring walk of 1,000 miles
Watching the young man on the TV screen move from place to place was like watching the human body battle itself. It seemed as though his arms and legs each wanted to go in separate directions, as he flailed about with only a cane to steady himself.
-
Rub of the Green: From fundraiser to reunited, game of golf wears many different ‘hats’
The game of golf can take on many different characteristics, depending on the objectives of those sponsoring the events. Golf may be played as a tribute or a memorial to the deceased. It may be a time of camaraderie that unites old friends.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Excursions are a tradition for many Terre Haute golfers
Many divot diggers enjoy excursions to play golf courses that offer new and different challenges. Terre Haute can certainly testify to the truth of that with some groups having hit the road for many decades.
-
Rub of the Green: Was 1960 really the ‘Greatest Year in Golf’?
Listening to Willie Nelson warble the lyrics, “Ain’t it funny how time slips away?” reminds this writer that those words are incorrect on two counts. One, it is not funny to get old. The late Bob Bundy often stated, “Old age is not for sissies.” And two, time doesn’t just slip away, it tends to streak on at a full gallop. At least, that’s the felling you get when you qualify for the Methuselah Flight of your club championship.
-
Rub of the Green: Basketball coaching legend Wooden could hold his own on golf course
The name John Wooden doesn’t just “ring a bell” with Indiana basketball aficionados; it resounds like a canon shot. No doubt about it, John Wooden is someone special, and that is a gross understatement.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Can Tiger Woods successfully make over his me-first image?
“Pain, despair and agony on me” are the words of a comical song made popular on an old TV program titled “Hee-Haw.” The refrain might have been heard again if you had occasion to drive by the Tiger Woods residence in the gated community of Isleworth, Fla., as the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday wound down, but this time no one was laughing.
- Rub of the Green: Course architect Pete Dye has had lasting impression on game It would seem that the more you learn about Pete Dye, the golf course architect, the more there is to admire about the man. It was decades ago when Dye determined that the insurance business was not for him, and he decided to begin designing golf courses. Even Pete, himself, in all likelihood, couldn’t have known the impact he was going to make on the golf world.
- RUB OF THE GREEN: French Lick course a treasure With pristine fairways, greens and bunkers providing a colorful patchwork, the course provides onlookers with the opportunity to witness some of the best experiences Mother Nature can provide.
- More Rub of the Green Headlines
-
Rub of the Green: Bowling or golf? Both provide plenty of challenge
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Dragon Arrives at Space Station in Historic 1st
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Passenger Restrained on Flight to Miami Arrested
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Beer Here!: An Historic Exhibit
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: SpaceX Capsule's Docking Delayed
Vegas Grocer Deported to Face War Crimes Charges
Raw Video: Wildfire Burns 110 Square Miles
Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine
Sudden Storm Topples Wisconsin Trees
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Hurricanes and Heat Waves Across America
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
Cruise ship crunch
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Sliders on the Grill
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Kristen Stewart Is Red Hot
Shark Attacks Australian Fishing Boat
Bradley out for playoffs
Kayaker Survives Trip Over Washington Waterfall
Alison Brie Likes To Jog Naked
Heidi Klum Goes Sheer
Alton's Best Burger Ever
Ellie Kemper's Stripper Surprise on 'Ellen'
Maddie the Balancing Dog On Cross-Country Trip
Crawford's Sexy Leather Look
Boys eyes 'removed with spoon'
