Dogs That Chase Cars

Scotland, Here I Come!

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:47:00 +0000

My bags are all packed (I'm bring more stuff than the pilgrims did our way), and my golf clubs are nice and shiny and the golf towel got its first wash in months, so it must mean I'm ready to head across the pond.

I leave tomorrow afternoon on my three-flight excursion, but wanted to let everyone know a couple of things.

First, I'll have a Flickr page (right here) that you can check to see updated photos. Basically, at night when I'm at the bed and breakfast after 11 Tennets, I'll be trying to make funny captions about the day. Follow me as a buddy on Flickr and you might win a high five.

Second, I'll be Tweeting like crazy over in Scotland. Follow me here, and enjoy the pics and stuff I'll be sending around while driving on the wrong side of the road, trying not to hit any sheep.

Cruden Bay, Royal Aberdeen, The Old Course, The Castle Course, Carnoustie and possibly Kingsbarns, if it's lucky. That is the lineup. I'll be reporting from the trip. Follow along and comment at will.

Have a great week everyone.

Well, That Was Awkward

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:46:00 +0000

Tiger Woods is normally pretty cool at everything he does, as long as that doesn't include high fives with Steve Williams or double-fist pumping after a huge putt. I can always forgive those because it is the heat of the moment and I could only imagine how dorky I would look if I ever converted a big putt like Torrey Pines to push a U.S. Open into 18 more holes of fun.

That said, Woods put together one of the more awkward moments of his impressive career after his victory on Sunday at the AT&T National. At the trophy ceremony, champion and tournament host decided he'd interview himself, because, well, why the hell not, right?

Ryan at Waggle Room luckily got some video of it, and, oh what the hell is this?

Hey Buddy, You're Looking the Wrong Way

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:21:00 +0000

I'm sorry for the shitty video quality here, but hey, there is only one Awful Announcing and this ain't it.

Anyway, this is some guy on the 18th hole at the AT&T National, looking the wrong way as Anthony Kim's tee shot came flying at the gallery. Like my co-worker said, "YOU'RE LOOKING THE WRONG WAY. i love those guys, btw. Just out for a f-ing stroll."

Kim lost to Tiger Woods at the AT&T National. Tiger is not in a slump anymore, it appears. Call off the dogs, everyone.

Anthony Kim, We Love You, But Lose the Necklace

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:08:00 +0000

It's the day after July 4th, which most know as "the day I had 11 Advil and drank my local Starbucks out of coffee," so while you're nursing that hangover that has made you and your toilet rekindle that long, lost relationship, golf is now to help between sessions.

Currently, Hunter Mahan is tied with Tiger Woods after Mahan fired a course-record tying 62 with birdies on what seemed like the last 32 holes (I'm not much of a math guy). Also in the hunt is Anthony Kim, who I'm a big fan of but is sporting a necklace right now that looks like he is posing for a Hollister billboard.

Listen, I love Kim, and am all for the crazy belt buckles and what not, but this necklace takes it too far. Come on AK ... douche it down.

Scott Halleran, Getty Images

Happy Fourth, Everyone

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Since it's the Fourth of July, and this is a golf site, I thought of the only thing that combined the beauty of my favorite game with our great country. So, of course, you're getting the goosebump filled 1999 Ryder Cup highlights.

The Justin Leonard putt is around the 4:18 mark, but watch the whole thing. I forgot how fired up Tiger Woods used to get.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July, everyone. Remember, blacjacks + frogs = mean.

We Have a Winner ...

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:20:00 +0000

Just wanted to post that we have a winner for the free tickets to the AT&T National.

Thanks to Alan Smith for his submission, and hope that him and his father have a great trip to the tournament. Who knows, Anthony Kim might fire another 62.

Why Jim Brown Shouldn't Care What Tiger Woods Chooses To Do

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Sure, Tiger Woods is a polarizing figure. He's one of the best athletes in any sport we've ever seen, changing golf from what it was (old, white, boring, flabby) to what it now is (hip, cool, tailored and fit) in just over a decade. Woods burst on the scene and allowed everyone to know who he was, even admitting in a commercial that he wasn't allowed to play on certain golf courses because of his skin color.

The problem is, that isn't the Business Tiger as we see him today. Woods uses everything he posses, from good looks to brains and personality, and benefits from it. Sure, he isn't leading a march against racism in golf or really going out of his way to talk on social issues, but that just doesn't seem to be Tiger. Do you think he does that in the privacy of his own home? Absolutely. Do you think he, like Andy Roddick or Derek Jeter or Sidney Crosby, feel the need to blurt it out to the mass media, hoping to gain a few supporters while losing a whole slew of fans?

Tiger is black, and that is something he will never be able to change.

Last week, Jim Brown said on the HBO's Real Sports that, "You know what's so interesting about Tiger to me? He is a killer, he will run over you, he will kick your ass. But as an individual for social change? Terrible. Terrible. Because he can get away with teaching kids to play golf, and that's his contribution. In the real world, I can't teach kids to play golf and that's my contribution, if I've got that kind of power."

When did teaching kids about the game of golf, and furthering their education become a bad thing? No, he isn't hitting hot button topics, but he is making a difference, and has done so through his career. Being a public figure means you have to share your wealth (Bill Gates is a perfect example) and I think Tiger does that. His foundation has done so much, yet we can't be happy because he avoids topics that are touchy?

Teaching less fortunate kids a sport they would have otherwise never heard about is a negative? How does that make sense.

Tiger responded on Tuesday to the comments by Brown, saying, simply, "I think I do a pretty good job as it is what we're trying to do with the (Tiger Woods) Foundation. We have this event here (The AT&T National), the Chevron World Challenge, our (Tiger) Jam in Vegas and our Block Party in Orange County. What we're trying to do (is) not just here in United States, but what my mom's doing in Thailand."

I'd have to agree with Tiger. He found a niche, he pursued it and it has blown up into a large center for children. I, for one, will be the last to tell Tiger he is in the wrong for this. Is Brown the only one that disagrees?

Jaybird Endorphin Headphones ... So Awesome You'll Want to Practice

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:15:00 +0000

I have reviewed some products over the years, and for the most part I'm pleasantly surprised. You have a golf club, like the TaylorMade r9, that adds 15 yards just for switching. I've had Golf Pride grips that make holding the golf club a different experience.

What I didn't expect was what happened when I picked up a pair of the Jaybird Endorphin headphones ($99 dollars). See, when I go to practice, I listen to my iPod. I don't try to listen to anything intense, just some calming music that makes me think more about my tempo than anything (It also helps keep randoms at bay that would usually approach you for swing tips).

The Endorphin headphones completely changed that. See, the headphones clip around your ears, and stuff deep into your eardrums, allowing you to listen to music at a lower volume while keeping outside noise from disturbing your practice.

These headphones are typically used by runners or bikers, but the range is just as important a place for things like this, because of all the moving parts.

The iPod headphones just don't do it. The string isn't long enough, it is annoying and restraining to your golf swing, and just doesn't cut it. Trust me, I should know, I've been using them for five years.

The Jaybird headphones make it different. The cord is longer than the iPod white headphones, so it allows you a little more slack. I wrapped the headphones around my ears, and allowed the string to go down my spine area, and at times, forgot it was even there.

If you're a range rat that enjoys jamming to tunes while you fine-tune your game, I couldn't recommend the Jay bird headphones higher. They are nearly a must for anyone serious about practice (Cue Allen Iverson).

Getting Set for Scotland

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:03:00 +0000

Interestingly enough, this will be my first of three trips to Scotland when I actually flew from the United States. Once, I was a student in London traveling up with my uncle to take on St. Andrews at its finest. The second time I was a caddie at the Old Course, and my dad visited on his first abroad trip since Vietnam.

This will be a tad different. Jet lag will surely run its course. The free wine on the plane might not feel so spectacular when you get off that plane in Edinburgh at 8 AM and plan on hitting the links.

Also, the planning has been different this go-around. For the last two weeks, I've been really focusing my practice and range time on Scotland golf. Instead of going to the range and hitting big lob wedges, I've been trying to tone down the swing to fit when the wind blows. Sure, that might seem like a bit of overkill, but doing little things like this will allow my game to travel better, and hopefully keep me from having any metal fatigue problems while across the pond.

My dad is doing something similar to what I'm doing, just with fitness. Pops just turned 60 in January, and as we've planned to play 36 holes in one day twice, he understood that fitness would be vital to his enjoyment. Mr. Bacon gets up fairly early in the morning (Read: just as crickets are falling asleep) and walks, but he has upped his distance to help himself prepare for the long walks along the links. Now he is knocking out five miles a day and is also adding a night walk in to help get himself physically prepared for the trip.

Sure, a golf trip to Scotland is intended to be a man's 5th Avenue, but we can't kid ourselves on the goal ... have a ton of fun, and play good golf. I'm hoping to do both, and I'm sure that a Tennets here and there will only aid in the smiles and high fives.

Just Another Day as Jets Quarterback

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:14:00 +0000

A few months ago, Mark Sanchez was hanging out Los Angeles, enjoying the large amounts of So Cal females tossing their inhibitions to the wind for the star Southern California quarterback.

Now, his life hasn't improved much. He just signed a contract with $28 million guaranteed and the possibility of $60 million and is getting to hang out with Tiger Woods.

This was Sanchez and Woods at the EA Sports party last week. Do they live a better life than us? I'm not totally sure. Help me out.

Apparently, Sean Kingston was at this party as well, but I have zero idea who that is.

Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images

Who Wants Free Tickets to the AT&T National This Week?

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:41:00 +0000

Ahhh, free. It really is a word without a definition these days. Just last week, a girl friend of mine was telling me a Starbucks story where she drove up to the window, and the lady told her she was the sixth car in a row that had bought the coffee for the car behind, sort of like a "pay it forward" type deal. "So, did you buy the guy behind you coffee," I asked. "Yes, of course," she answered. "So it wasn't really free," I mused. I got a cranky look from the girl.

Well, this is free. A free contest for some AT&T National tickets this week, to go see Tiger Woods and the boys play at Congressional. No strings attached.

Yellowpages.com has handed me two tickets to the event to give away, and by gosh, I'm going to give them away. Here is the details ...

During the AT&T National, YELLOWPAGES.COM mobile concierges will be in the AT&T Digital Clubhouse and around the entrance to the D.C. Congressional (course map) to help tournament-goers find anything they need locally – top-rated burger joints in D.C., a cab service for the end of the night or golf stores to get that new club that Tiger uses. YELLOWPAGES.COM is used by over 20M consumers a month, and we’re extending the experience to make sure consumers have a convenient way to discover and explore while on the go.

The tickets are good for entrance on either Saturday 7/4 or Sunday 7/5, and include pairings guides and free parking.

So, two tickets, one weekend day, and you get to see Tiger slapping it around the golf course. Since I know I'll get ~~millions~~ hundreds of responses, I decided to have a little contest. Since the 4th of July is upcoming, I wanted to hear a good golf-related story with the holiday. It can be a funny golf scramble story, it can involve some sort of firework display gone wrong at your course or it can even be deeper than that, involving something with a veteran or person serving our country. If you're in the military and want to go, just let me know and you will be automatically bumped to the top of the list.

These are free tickets, and we just want some good responses. Forward around the link to some friends and all responses should be e-mailed to me at shanebacon at gmail dot com.

Thanks to AT&T and Yellowpages.com.

(Also, small disclaimer ... obviously you need to be somewhat in the area to win. If you're not, sorry, but I'm not sending the tickets to dudes in Seattle, Washington so you can put them on your wall.)

Gearing Up for Scotland Trip, 3.0

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:21:00 +0000

I have lived a fairly interesting golf life, if you don't mind me saying so myself. In the United States, I've never played a top-100 golf course, with the closest coming either with Troon North (which is top-100 of courses you can play) or the Ocean Course at Olympic Club (not the one that has hosted U.S. Opens).

Across the pond, however, I've had a ton of experience with world famous golf courses, playing St. Andrews a handful of times, Carnoustie, Turnberry, Prestwick and even Kingsbarns and most of the other courses around St. Andrews.

Next week, my dad and I will again setting in to that long flight for another chance at dominating the Scottish terrain.

Our plans are simple -- play as much golf in five days as possible. We land in Edinburgh and plan to drive up to Cruden Bay and Royal Aberdeen. After playing both courses, we will venture down to St. Andrews to give the Old Course another shot, along with my first test of the Castle Course and possibly another go at Carnoustie (I played really well up until 17 and 18, where I made Jean Van de Velde look like Jack Nicklaus).

We are staying strictly east coast this time, and are still trying (cross those fingers) to get a guest spot on Muirfield.

Anyway, just wanted to update you on the travels. I will be Twittering on the trip and plan to stick some photos and such here for all to see. The last time I played the Old Course I shot even-par 72, so my goal is to better that by a couple of shots, and hopefully (hopefully) break 70.

I've got my Gustbuster umbrella (a must if you're going to Scotland), my Footjoy rain gear, a new set of irons and some Vokey wedges heading my way, so hopefully the equipment part is good to go.

Kenny Perry Won the Travelers Championship, Woohoo

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:29:00 +0000

If you were going to ask yourself, "Did TPC River Highlands play tough this week at the Travelers Championship," I have a stat that might help answer that question.

Kenny ~~Powers~~ Perry made a total of five 5's all week. In four rounds of golf, Perry made five scores that were one shot about a four. That is incredible.

Perry smoked the field, winning his second tournament of the year and putting himself atop the FedEx Cup standings (Was I the only one that just thought to themselves, "The FedEx Cup is still around?").

I Tweeted earlier that if Perry wins, he is probably the second best American golfer on tour, and I'm standing by that statement.

More to come on Monday. Hope your weekend was a lot of fun.

Jim Rogash, Getty Images

And The Dick's Sporting Goods Winner Is ...

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:22:00 +0000

.....

........

..........

None other than, Mr. Christian Dix. Woohoo!

Here is his tale of club-tossing ...

I was playing with my dad and brother at the country club my dad had just joined in Pinehurst, NC. My dad plays to about a 4, me to a 6, but my brother really sucks. Our one rule for playing with us is that he has to play fast (because it can get old waiting for him to hit one of his 130 shots a round). Anyway, it was a humid day and my brother was, as usual, complaining about the cursed genetics that gave all the men in my family overly clammy hands (don't knock us, Clooney suffers from this as well). We are on the 6th tee, a par 4 that borders the road in. My brother asked to borrow my father's driver, took a few practice swings, and on his shot attempt ended up losing the club on his follow through and throwing it over the chain link fence and into the street. Well, before my dad or I could muster a word, an oversized SUV ran it over, breaking the driver in two. Needless to say, my brother shot the best round of his life that day - too bad he only played 5 holes...

Nice work. Sounds like a good time.

Also, my buddy Andrew, who I think is basically missing at this point, reminded me that in all the club-throwing excitement, I forgot to mention our recent adventure in Marshall, TX. Basically, I hit a bad tee shot, but we were just having some fun and I tossed my driver as a joke. The non-funny part? It got stuck in a tree, and when my other friend Rusty tossed his club up in the tree, it broke! Still pictures of the event are below ... Enjoy ...

Hope you enjoyed them. Everyone have a great weekend. I'm playing in a golf scramble tomorrow, so I might Twitter some pictures if I find them necessary.

Ian Poulter Seems Like a Cool Guy

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:45:00 +0000

People bitch about Twitter all the time, but it's mostly the folks that don't really get it. A few rules I live by on my Twitter (or at least try to) are as follows.

1.) Don't tell people what you're eating for dinner or if your dog is sick. Nobody gives a shit. Trust me on this.

2.) If you're a celebrity, you can write whatever the hell you want because even if you say, "Oops, just tooted," 11,000 followers will @reply you "Oh my god, me too!"

3.) Stick to what you do best. If you're funny, be funny. If you're smart, be smart. If you're neither, delete your account.

Ian Poulter basically dominates all Twitter rules. The guy gives us insight to what his life is like, and appears to be just another normal guy with an incredible golf game. His latest Tweet made me appreciate him even more.

hi folks been crazy busy sorry no tweets, IJP is going to wimbeldon 2morrow with my best man, watching murray, having a good few beers

I'm not really into sharing personal stories that aren't golf related, but I have to share this one. Back in '04, I was in London studying abroad and me and two of my buddies decided to go to the Queens Club, the grass tournament that precedes Wimbledon. We get there, and buy our tickets and go to the concession stand to buy a beer and the things are like 5 pounds a piece, and we're some of the most broke people that didn't live on the street you will ever meet.

I buy one, my buddies defer, and as we're walking by some worker, I joke, "Damn, wish we could just bring a cooler in." It turns out, you can, as long as the beer was Stella (the sponsor at the time). You have never seen three men run faster in their lives. We go to a corner store, buy a few 4-packs of Stella (and got a free Stella polo to boot) and went back to watch tennis. I'm not sure if Wimbledon is like this, but it should be. We had more fun that day than any other day abroad.

Why am I telling you this? I don't know, but I do know that if this was the case at Bethpage Black last week, some Long Islander would have passed out in a bunker.

A Couple of Things You Might Have Missed

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:25:00 +0000

First, Happy Friday! The NBA Draft is officially over, which means there is basically ZERO things happened the rest of the summer except Wimbledon, the British Open and (I'm using my blah face) baseball.

That is a good thing for golf. It means more people will care of the coming weeks about our favorite game, and less about crossovers and touchdowns.

Here are a couple of stories from yesterday you might have missed while you were in the war room ...

-- Kenny Perry ties his personal best score on the PGA Tour with a 61. Yeah, it was low, but Perry missed four makeable putts on his way in to give himself a shot at 59. Oh well, he's still leading the Travelers Championship. [FanHouse]

-- Cheyenne Woods, Tiger Woods' niece, shot a 3-over 75 in her LPGA debut. Also, and I'm saying this in the least-creepy way possible, she's kinda cute. [FanHouse]

More to come, but I hope your Friday is rocking thus far.

Michael Cohen, Getty Images

Confidence.

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:38:00 +0000

The above word is an interesting thing. Some people never get it, but once you have it, you can lose it at any moment. The thing is, people with confidence seem to ride momentum for longer stretches than people that question themselves.

Guys like Tiger Woods just ooze confdience. It's ingrained in their skulls and they don't know how to play without it. You hear Tiger talk after rounds and he says things like, "I hit the ball really well today..." even if he shot 74. He is confident in himself. He is confident in his game. He knows his next great week is just around the corner.

Confidence can come from random places. Jason Gore gained it from three solid rounds at the U.S. Open in 2005, only to shoot an 84 the last round and fall completely out of contention. It didn't matter for Gore, who went on to win twice on the Nationwide Tour to gain a battlefield exemption into the PGA Tour and win later that year at the 84 Lumber Classic.

Now, it looks like Ricky Barnes might be surfing that wave. After a second place finish last week on Long Island, Barnes shot a 5-under 65, his best opening round of the year by two shots, and is looking more like the guy that won the U.S. Amateur and less like the guy that carded his first top-10 on the PGA Tour just a week ago.

It is funny what one week will do with your golf game. Phil Mickelson broke through at the 2004 Masters, going on to finish in the top-10 seven of his next nine majors and two wins. Tiger Woods won four straight. If Barnes can continue the confidence, he might just be looking at a win in the near future and the stress of keeping his card will dissipate as quick as his confidence was gained.

You Know, Sergio, You Can Just Take the Visor Off

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:25:00 +0000

This is Sergio Garcia, signing some random fans visor last week at the U.S. Open. I actually typed into Getty Images "golf outfits" in hopes that Rory Sabbatini was in some chicken suit or something today at the Travelers, but I'm pretty pleased with this photo as well.

Honestly, how uncomfortable does this look? It's like Sergio is checking her for neck spasms. I have never given an autograph (obviously), but if I did, this is the approach I'd take.

"Oh ma'am, you'd like your shirt signed?"

/rips shirt towards self

"Here ya, go."

/lady in shock

"Anything else?"

/runs away

Chris McGrath, Getty Images

Dick's Sporting Goods Wants to Give you $20 For Free (No, Seriously)

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:55:00 +0000

You know all those gimmicks about free stuff? "Hey, this is free, but you have to fill out your name, social security number, blood type and jeans size."

This isn't like that. Dick's Sporting Goods, which has been hitting it hard on the golf front of late, is offering up at $20 gift certificate to Dogs, and I'm extending it to you loyal readers.

A couple of things you need to know before you get into the meat of this "contest" -- First, Dick's is now offering 50 percent off golf club regripping, so if your grips look like the spine of a silver-back monkey (Note: I have no idea what that means), go online to Dicks and get your clubs retooled.

Alright, so to pick who gets the free gift certificate, I decided to do this. Tell me the funniest "club tossing" story you have. Now, I need you to understand, I'm looking more for "the club slipped out of my hand because my grips suck" story than "I helicoptered my wedge further than I can hit my driver" story, but I'm down for any and all.

Here are a couple of mine ...

-- At the course I grew up on as a kid (Marshall Lakeside Country Club), one of the par-3s is short but over water. I was a kiddo and it was only 125 yards, but I had to hit driver because, I don't know, I had the early genetics of Mike Weir. Anyway, I went after it and the club went out of my hand and directly into the drink. I tried to get it out but that baby was steel and wasn't going to float. My dad never believed that I did this, thinking I went Romeo on that bad boy and then tossed away the evidence. I still don't think he believes that, to be honest.

-- Second story ... playing golf with two buddies during a high school practice round at a course in Longview, Texas. It was raining pretty hard at this point (luckily, nobody was screaming at us for using our umbrellas), and one of our buddies tended to lose his temper if his game went south. On one of the par-5s with out of bounds down the right side, this kid went the big slider directly over the white steaks, and let go of his club through his back swing in disgust. What he didn't account for was the wet conditions, and the club ended up sliding out of his hands, directly back at me and the other buddy, slamming into my friend's chest at full speed. My buddy that got hit didn't even blink, teed it up and ended up making par on the hole.

I know one of you readers can do better than those. Let me have it in my e-mail (shanebacon at gmail dot com), and you'll win $20 from the fine people at Dick's Sporting Goods.

When You've Probably Had Too Much to Drink on the Golf Course

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Everyone that drinks has done it. You go to the golf course with some buddies, you start drinking on the first tee and before you know, you'd had more beers than pars. Hell, some of us have more beers than blades of grass. Add this dude to the latter.

After drinking at least 10 beers at a golf course on state Highway 167 and being left behind by the relatives who brought him there, a South Milwaukee man decided to drive himself the nearly 40 miles back to his home - in a golf cart.

He did not even take the time to throw the empty beer cans out of the cart before hitting the road in the commandeered cart, according to a Washington County Sheriff's Department incident report released Monday.

The man, 47, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of second-offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated after a sheriff's deputy stopped the golf cart the suspect was driving southbound on state Highway 175, the report says.

See, this is the problem with combining alcohol with the links. Golf makes you go crazy enough as it is, and when you combine something that drops your morals, who knows what might happen.

Well, I do know what happens ... you attempt to drive 40 miles in a rented golf cart with empty beer cans and, eventually, a ticket. I don't know a lot in this world, but I do know this -- if you want to get pulled over by an officer, drive down a highway in a golf cart. That, or try sledding down an Interstate. Trust me, it isn't a good idea and hurts like a bitch.

h/t Deadspin

The Weirdest Picture From the US Open

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:11:00 +0000

I'm not really big on caption contests, but this picture might deserve a little bit of a contest. This is Rory Sabbatini and Ryuji Imada doing some sort of headlock-hug-man love maneuver that I'm not totally sure I'm a fan of.

I did this one to someone. I spent four nights in jail because of it. Watch out, gentlemen.

Ross Kinnaird, Getty Images

I'm Backkkkkk!

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:58:00 +0000

I know some of you are probably groaning into your RSS Feeds right about now, but I'm back from all the U.S. Open craziness. It was an insane week from all standpoints, but we at FanHouse really knocked it out and enjoyed the traffic for it.

First, Lucas Glover. Wow. A couple of things about Glover. First, the guy isn't some unknown that just won the U.S. Open a la Ben Curtis. Glover had won on the tour before (Even if it was back when I was still in college) and has has been on the cusp of making the Ryder Cup team twice. Also, he's only missed three of 15 cuts this year that included a t-3 at the Buick Invitational. So, that being said, Glover winning was a surprise to most, but it shouldn't make you upset. He's a damn good player and will only get better from this boost of confidence.

Second, Phil Mickelson. Wow x 2. I wrote about this in my Winners and Losers column that ran Tuesday morning, but if anyone should be leaving with their head held high, it's Mickelson. You guys know I tend to dog Lefty around these parts, but at the end of the day I want the best for everyone (well, except for the Starbucks lady that didn't give me my damn muffin!), and that is no different for Phil. His week was exquisite, and the eagle putt he made in the final round actually had me yell from my couch, alone (the last time I did that ... during "He's Just Not That Into You" /kidding).

Also, one last thing. Ricky Barnes, you played really well and you're going to win on tour and you made $500 grand so maybe take me out to lunch at some point this week in Scottsdale. I was one of the few still rooting for you on Sunday, so you owe me, plus Roaring Fork's happy hour runs everyday during the summer. Oh, and Mr. Tiger Woods. Guys, getting on him is ridiculous. He played all week with his C+ game and still was in contention until a bogey on 15. Could you imagine if any other player in the world brought their C+ game to Bethpage? Oh wait, Padraig Harrington did, and missed the cut by a billion. Got it.

A couple of things you might have missed while I was in and out ...

-- I interviewed Anthony Anderson, the actor, who is the host of "Golf in America." The show looks fantastic, and debuts Tuesday night at 7:00 PM (my time, not sure Eastern), so check it out on The Golf Channel. He was actually very cool to chat with, and we talked about our games and stuff a lot but I didn't include it because you guys would probably yell at me.

-- My buddy Ryan Wilson made a great point about Bethpage Black's future of hosting another U.S. Open. If the USGA goes back, something will have to be done about the 18th. Playing the final hole at a U.S. Open at 354-yards is ridiculous, and really unfair to most of the guys hoping for a little bit of help. Put the 18th at Bethpage against the 18th at Southern Hills. Nearly apples and oranges.

-- I wanted to ask this but was pretty busy -- is there a single human in the world that heard "John Daly gets in bus accident" and couldn't picture empty beer cans on the RV floor? I know he's turned over a new leaf, but that was my first impression and I hate myself for it.

-- Also, Glover was the first, first-time winner of a major since the 2008 Masters. I have no idea why you care, but blog stats are awesome.

Sam Greenwood, Getty Images

Lucas Glover Claims US Open to Remember

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:36:00 +0000

I know you're probably disappointed with who eventually won that marathon U.S. Open. Most wanted Phil Mickelson. Some wanted Tiger Woods. The others were rooting for David Duval.

Bottom line -- at the end of the day the guy that played the best golf took the crown, making a birdie on 16 and pars on 17 and 18.

The great Awful Announcing pulled some video of the final round, you can find right here.

Hope you enjoy.

U.S. Open Live Chat, Monday Morning

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:47:00 +0000

Hey folks. Tomorrow morning, at 9 AM ET, I will be hosting a live chat for the final round of the U.S. Open at FanHouse. Here is the link, so come by and chat about all that transpires on Monday. It should be a hoot.

The One Good Thing About This Marathon US Open

shanebacon@gmail.com (Shane B.) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:07:00 +0000

The only bright side of this marathon U.S. Open is the fact that we get more Dan Jenkins in our life.

He just Twittered this, which made me chuckle.

If David Duval wins this thing, it'll be the biggest comeback from a slump since Mickey Rourke got nominated for an Oscar.

What a perfect comparison. Duval might be the Mickey Rourke of Bethpage Black. Who would have thunkit?