In Between 18

Stay Dry, Score Low?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:53:00 +0000

The editors of IB18, intelligent as they are, learned something something from 'all the news that's fit to print', even though we gave them the third degree a few days ago over their lackluster golf coverage. We're not sorry for bad mouthing the New York Times, but we just wanted to vent.

Conventional wisdom dictates that inclement weather (wind, rain, cold, etc...) during a golf round will lead to a higher score on the card, but it doesn't have to. Just ask Jerry Mowlds of Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Oregon, who has some good advice for golfing in the rain.

It got us thinking about some other good ways to keep dry, warm and potentially shoot a lower score:

1) Keep warm, but not bundled up. More clothing on the chest and legs will cause your swing to be hindered.

2) Have a spare dry towel to wipe down your grips. Slippery grips lead to errant shots

3) Waterproof shoes are a must and keep an extra pair of socks in your bag, just in case.

4) On wet days, go for the hole on your approach shot. The ball won't be rolling much at all.

5) Have some spare Gore-tex rain pants in your bag ready to go.

6) If you're having trouble making bogey, don't be afraid to call it a day after the 3rd hole. It probably won't get much better.

Golf's Perception=Racist Reality?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Between the AP and ESPN's Outside The Lines (Part I, Part II, Part III) reports on golf's 'mostly white' image, IB18 editors needed to comment. Our take:

If a racist perception is the problem for the PGA then it wouldn't hurt them to provide perhaps at least 3 exemptions to african-american players (amateur and/or professional) at each of its events, in the same fashion that the Northern Trust Open had the Charlie Sifford exemption at its tournament this year. In addition, more PGA players (of all races) should be taken to task on this and use their popularity to address this issue (ie: hold clinics for minorities, community outreach, etc...)

Golf manufacturers and retailers also have a responsibility to attract African-Americans and this can be addressed through EEOPs (Equal Employment Opportunity Programs) at their respective stores and companies. If the face of golf needs to change on tour then it would make sense that it should change at the point-of-sale as well.

African-Americans need to realize that being a Professional Tour golfer, albeit possible, is a time-consuming, high cost proposition that is blind when it comes to matters of race. However, clubfitters, clubmakers, clothiers and teaching pros are still a part of golf's fabric and it would perhaps create more inroads to various careers in golf.

It would perhaps also increase the comfort level of alienated African-Americans wishing to take up the sport.

Tiger and Phil Almost Win!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:31:00 +0000

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were paired together on Sunday at Augusta with a green jacket hanging in the balance. After bogeying his final 2 holes, Woods almost had his 5th jacket and a double bogey at the par-3 12th allowed Mickelson to almost capture his 3rd. There was something truly glorious in watching two players lose the tournament, harkening back to the 1968 Masters where Roberto DiVicenzo almost won the Masters, when he fudged his scorecard.

It was right up there with Bill Buckner, the Buffalo Bills and Peter McNeely almost being victorious.

Even the press got hard-ons over how Woods and Mickelson successfully shat the bed.

There was something so magical about it all even Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune had to concede that this year's tournament was, "Tiger and Phil aided."

Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times conceded, "They nearly stole the jacket. They did steal the Masters."

Mark Hermann of Newsday probably said it best, "Maybe next time they face each other, they will both do so well that one of them will win."

Heck, who needs a sudden death playoff between 3 players? If 'almost' is good enough in horseshoes and hand-grenades, then it's good enough for Morrissey, Plaschke and Hermann and the rest of the knowledgeable, unbiased golf writers of the world.

Almost winning the Masters, or in this case, losing the Masters by 3 or 4 strokes has never been so exciting. Congratulations to near champions Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson!

Masters Profile: Gary Player

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Until Trevor Immelman won the Masters last year, Gary Player was the only South African to ever win at Augusta and had done so on three different occasions (1961, 1974, 1978). At 5 feet 7 inches tall, Player (aka The Black Knight for being clad in black shirt and black pants at tournaments) was never very long off the tee. However, his superior sand play and trust in his putter allowed Player to win 24 events on the PGA tour, including 9 Majors.

When Player won the Masters in 1961, he was the first foreign-born professional to win the Tournament. He will tee off at Augusta for the 52nd time in his career, a record amongst all Masters invitees (Arnold Palmer is 2nd with 50). He made the cut 23 straight times between 1959 and 1982, a record which until last season, was threatened to be tied by 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples.

He courted controversy in his career when he invited fellow golf professional Lee Elder and tennis professional Arthur Ashe to visit and play in South Africa at a time when apartheid (South African government-sponsored discrimination against blacks) will still a law in his home country. As a result, he was branded a 'traitor' by his own government. His comments at the 2007 Open Championship (aka British Open) regarding the use of performance-enhancing substances led the PGA Tour to adopt a policy for its professionals.

Well-spoken, classy, business-savvy and a great ambassador to the game of Golf, Gary Player is timeless.

Vital Masters Stats For Gary Player

# of Masters Appearances (52)
Best Finish (1st - 1961, 1974, 1978)
Top-10 finishes (15) 1959-1965, 1967-1968, 1970-1972, 1974, 1978, 1980

Masters Profile: Pimento Cheese Sandwich on White Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:28:00 +0000

Nutritional info (per sandwich) : Calories (556 cals), Total fat (35 grams), Saturated fat (12 grams), Cholesterol (65 mg), Sodium (307 mg.), Protein (22 grams).

Abandon all expectations of heart-healthy options when it comes to Southern cuisine, as any sort of cholesterol concern gets thrown to the wind. The traditional Pimento Cheese Sandwich has always been a staple of the South, the Masters and is relatively cheap ($1.50) when you consider how much concessions generally cost at sporting events.

Here's a recipe for you, should you want to serve your own while watching the Masters tournament this year.

Commonly used as a spread on crackers or topping on a baked potato, Augusta National has popularized the dish in sandwich form. Cheesy, creamy and kicked up with paprika (or Tabasco sauce) it is a perfect vegetarian alternative to the customary 'meat and bread' fare at the golf course. Despite its wet consistency, the pimento cheese sandwich won't sog up the bread until it is consumed, leaving its soft, mushy love for the palate.

Friggin' Amateurs

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:15:00 +0000

The title bemoans not for Danny Lee and his recent victory at the Georgia Cup, but for both the New York Times and Bloomberg News, who, in the opinion of IB18 editors, have no business reporting on golf or the PGA Tour ever again.

Harsh words? Sure they are. For the titled blurb 'Woods's Youth Record Falls' from today's online NYT (reported by Bloomberg News) notes an achievement that occurred six months ago at the U.S. Amateur championship, when Lee became the youngest winner ever, beating out Tiger Woods by six months.

Of course, this probably wasn't news to NYTOnline or Bloomberg back then, considering that Woods was not playing due to his knee problems. So it isn't too far fetched to think that they had no clue who Danny Lee was, nor did they care until Tiger was 'back' (most notably with his victory at the Arnie Invite this past week).

Still, it's too little too late for all the news that's fit to print.

NYTOnline and Bloomberg News, in trying to make us aware of a story six months after the fact and presenting it to us as 'news', have thus won their own amateur championship.

Fountain of Youth, Still Unfound?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:02:00 +0000

Korean-born, New Zealand-native Danny Lee, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion and the youngest since Tiger Woods (1994) will be giving up his amateur status and turning pro after he plays in this year's Masters tournament. The 18 year-old Lee will make his professional debut at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.

IB18 editors have been well aware of the youth movement in 2009 with such notables as Lee, Rory McIlroy and Ryo Ishikawa, who will also be making their Masters debut in a couple of weeks.

However, IB18 editors are also aware that ultimately, the story will still be Tiger Woods and how many strokes by which he either wins or loses the tournament.

In a season where he is still overcoming arthroscopic knee surgery, he successfully and impressively defended his title at the Arnie Invite, coming back from 5 shots down this past Sunday. This, above everything, is what the casual golf fan was clamoring for.

For die-hard golf fans, we appreciated it, respected it and moved on.

Masters Profile: 16th Hole - Redbud

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Par: 3
Distance: 170 yards
HDCP on Scorecard: 18
2008 Tournament Stroke Avg.: 3.126
2008 Tournament difficulty: 10th overall

In 1947, a pond was constructed in front of the tee box and the green was moved to the right, making this harder than it's back-nine counterpart, Golden Bell (12th Hole). The hole has seen 11 aces during the Masters tournament, including a hole-in-one by Ian Poulter in 2008. Shot placement has been the key at Redbud, determined mainly by flagstick location. A front-right hole position leaves very little landing area and can force bogey should the ball not hold the green. A left-side pin position is easier, when a player can aim for the slope and use it to guide the ball towards the hole.

The gusty winds at Redbud will dictate club selection, as Bobby Jones (founder of Augusta National & the Masters tournament) claimed in a 1959 Sports Illustrated article, "The tee shot to this hole will be played by the tournament players with a number 2-, 3- or 4-iron, depending upon the wind."

The 16th has also been regarded as somewhat of a 'catalyst' hole come tournament time. In 1975, Jack Nicklaus holed out a 40-foot putt and overtook Johnny Miller and Tom Weiskopf by one stroke (which ended up being the difference) on the leaderboard en route to his 5th green jacket and 15th Major championship overall. And who could forget Tiger Woods' chip-in from off the green in 2005, as the 'swoosh' on the Nike golf ball slowly rolled over and into the cup as he went on to capture his 4th Masters overall.

Callaway Claws Back

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Golf equipment manufacturer Callaway may have found a way to potentially keep its brand going on the PGA Tour for years to come, after becoming the official sponsor and exclusive equipment supplier (sticks, ammo & threads) for the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, a division of sports and entertainment conglomerate IMG. IMG Academies are located in Bradenton, Florida and are the foremost competitive and educational training ground for many young, aspiring athletes who seek a chance at a professional sports career.

What a better way than for Callaway to have a nice ‘in’ with a veritable pick of the litter of talented young athletes. This isn’t to say that every boy/girl coming through IMG will have an endorsement contract waiting for them upon graduation, nor it would be wise to suggest that Callaway is forcing their brand upon anyone.

But when you’re in a dogfight with Titleist over patents (read as: our ball is better than yours), it’s good for Callway to know that they’re still wanted and may still survive.

Masters Profile: Jose Maria Olazabal

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:32:00 +0000

On February 5th, 1966, Jose Maria Olazabal was born in Fuenterrabia, Spain and a day later opened the 18-hole course at Real Golf Club de San Sebastian, where his father, Gaspar, apprenticed under his grandfather before becoming Head Greenskeeper. At Real, Jose Maria, or “Chemma” as his mother knew him, was able to learn his craft at a very young age, hitting balls at age 2 and graduating to 18-hole play by age 6.

Despite a career that included 28 Tour victories (22 European, 6 PGA) and 7 Ryder Cup memberships, the Spaniard Olazabal arguably achieved his greatest success at Augusta in 1994 and 1999, joining fellow countryman Seve Ballesteros as a multiple-winner of the Masters (14th overall).

Since winning his last green jacket, it’s been feast or famine for Jose Maria with 3 Top-10s and 3 missed cuts at Augusta. His 2008 season was plagued by rheumatism in his feet, a condition that has beleaguered him even during his victory in 1999.

Vital Masters Stats for Jose Maria Olazabal:

# of Masters Appearances: 21
Best Finish (1st – 1994, 1999)
Top-10 finishes: (7) 1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2006

IB18’s Projection at 2009 Masters: Makes Cut, might creep into top-30.

Masters Profile: Ben Crenshaw

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:44:00 +0000

‘Gentle’ Ben Crenshaw amassed 19 victories during his career on the PGA Tour, including two (2) green jackets in 1984 & 1995. Only he and Jack Nicklaus share the longest period between victories (11 years) at Augusta National.

Of his two victories at the Masters, none was more emotional than in 1995, when Crenshaw’s longtime instructor, friend and mentor, Harvey Penick, died the previous week. Crenshaw, who’s putting prowess was taught and honed by Penick, utilized his smooth stroke on Augusta’s tricky, fast greens en route to a 14-under 274, three shots better than his first victory in 1984.

After playing 4 rounds of tournament golf with a heavy heart, Crenshaw sank a bogey putt on the 18th green for a victory and a 2nd green jacket. An emotional Crenshaw broke down in tears over the loss of his friend and later claimed, "It was kind of like I felt this hand on my shoulder, guiding me along."

Vital Masters Stats for Ben Crenshaw:

# of Masters Appearances (37)
Best Finish (1st- 1984, 1995)
Top-10 finishes (11) 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1995

IB18’s Projection at 2009 Masters: Missed Cut

Boxer Briefs, Fashionable and Functional

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Tiger Woods once had some fans move a two-ton boulder out of the way of his lie. Bernhard Langer once climbed 8 feet up a tree to hit a chip shot.

But Swedish pro-golfer Henrik Stenson truly thought outside the box and his clothes at the WGC-CA Championship this past weekend.

From the ‘somewhat’ easy to assemble uber-furnishings of IKEA to the mutual safety-luxury principles of Volvo automobiles, the Swedes have been well known for combining creative philosophies with practical wisdom.

On the 3rd hole at Doral, Stenson’s ball found the water. Instead of taking the penalty shot and dropping the ball outside of the hazard, Stenson decided to play the shot (the ball was floating in about a half-inch of water). He removed all of his clothes, keeping only his underwear on and played the shot successfully from inside the hazard, hitting the ball about 30 yards safely back onto the grass.

Even though Stenson bogeyed the hole, shot a final round score of 83 and finished tied for 77th, his clothes stayed dry.

And he provided an indelible image into the minds of golf fans and PGA history forever.

The editors at IB18 are eternally grateful.

Doral Gets Attacked, Owned

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:02:00 +0000

Even with its Augusta-like undulating greens, deep rough and water on nearly every hole, lots of low scores were posted at the Doral’s famed Blue Monster on Thursday for the WGC-CA Championship.

The most impressive round certainly belonged to Phil Mickelson, who overcame a double-bogey 6 on the 3rd hole, only to card 8 more birdies (he also birdied hole #1) for a 7-under 65. Joining him at the top of the leaderboard are Retief Goosen, Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand and our perennial favorite/man-crush, Jeev Milkha Singh.

Singh, who was the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit winner for 2008, relied on his smooth swing and trusted his putter en route to his first round score of 65. His 1.53 putts/GIR is tied for a tournament best right now and he will need to maintain that of accuracy once he makes the trip to Augusta for the Masters.

And for those that need their Tiger news (you friggin' brown-noses), he’s at 1-under and tied for 40th. Lucky for him, there’s no cut after 36 holes.

Whose Tour Is This?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Colombian-born Camilo Villegas has every reason to be ticked off when some ‘ignorant, know-nothing about golf’ reporter has to ask him what it will be like playing Tiger Woods again, just as someone did in a weekly interview with a Colombian radio station.

“Guys, I believe it's like 80 players in the field. Again, we just have to take care of what we do, set our goals and accomplish them,” Villegas replied.

To be completely fair, the interviewer wouldn’t know a 3-iron from a bowl of Cheerios unless you had them eat one and gently shove the other up their ass.

And to keep things in perspective, since Woods went on injured reserve after his US Open victory last season, Villegas:

*won 2 events (BMW & Tour Championship in 2008)
*finished 7th on the 2008 money list
*has finished in the top-25 in 3 of 5 starts in 2009
*finished tied for 9th at the WGC-Match Play
*is currently 29th on the 2009 money list

Since his injury, Tiger has bested Villegas in 1 out of those aforementioned categories. He is currently 129th on the PGA Money list after one event (lost in Round 2 at WGC-Match Play… to who?)

Villegas is well aware of his own success and the publicity it has brought him when he also mentions, "I'm going to be known by more people and I'm going to be on more magazines, this and that.”

However, there would be those who would argue that Villegas is popular by virtue of the fact that Woods’ presence on Tour garners more publicity and human interest and thus, owes some of his popularity to Tiger.

To that I say… here’s some Cheerios and a 3-iron.

Swell From The Pacific

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Y.E. Yang’s victory at the Honda Classic should be of no surprise to anyone as an increasing number of players from the Pacific Rim continue to invade American soil. Yang became the 2nd Korean-born player (K.J. Choi) to win a PGA Tour event. With his victory this past Sunday, he jumped to 9th on the PGA Money List and will certainly make a bigger jump from #460 on the WGC.

18-year old Danny Lee (from New Zealand, and of Asian descent) receives an automatic bid to Augusta as the reigning 2008 U.S. Amateur champion, his first ever Masters. He recently won the Johnnie Walker Classic, beating out a tough field that included Lee Westwood, Paul Casey, Anthony Kim and Ian Poulter.

Japanese phenom Ryo Ishikawa, only 17 years of age, got his first taste of the PGA a couple of weeks ago, even though he missed the cut at Riviera (Northern Trust Open).

What does this all mean? Hardly anything. That is, unless you don’t believe that players from mainland Asia, Indonesia and India won’t influence the game over here… because they will.

So learn how to update a leaderboard with calligraphy and character art. You’re going to need a lot of ink.

---> Insert ‘Balls’ Joke Here

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:26:00 +0000

Rivalries have always spurred the public interest. Hatfield/McCoy, Ali/Frazier, Coca-Cola/Pepsi… you get the picture.

In a saga of intellectual property, Callaway claims that Titleist’s Pro-V line of golf balls violates the patent of the “Rule 35” ball, to which Callaway has the original patent. Fortune Brand’s Acushnet division (manufacturer of Titleist) filed a countersuit against Callaway claims that the Tour-I and Tour-IX models ‘unlawfully incorporated the technology’ that is covered by Titleist’s own patent.

Call the argument whatever you want: “We were first—No, we were first!” “Mine’s bigger—No, mine’s bigger!” “Yo mama – No, yo mama”

This isn’t really about an infringement on the other’s patent. To find out who will really win this battle, all you have to do is follow the money. In our dwindling economy, it will only be a matter of time before vertically integrated billion-dollar revenue giant like Fortune (owner of Footjoy, Cobra, Scotty Cameron and another ball brand, Pinnacle) will gobble up Callaway.

Even the worst of amateur golfers will pay $45/dozen (retail). The idea being that because hundreds of PGA Tour professionals use and win with the “#1 ball in golf”, so will they.

The editors at IB18 believe Callaway may very well win the battle, but they’ll ultimately lose the war.

Noble and Perhaps Unnecessary

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Before we write any further, the editors at IB18 have been and currently are clients of Northern Trust, having held a checking account with the bank for nearly 10 years with hardly a complaint.

Nor do we take issue with them, like many politicians and pundits have in recent days, with their expenditures at their sponsored PGA event a couple weeks ago at Riviera Country Club.

Unlike many of their fellow financial institutions, now mired in the woes of having backed sub-prime mortgages, Northern Trust remained shrewd and was profitable in 2008, operating in the black with nearly $800 million in earnings and an EPS of $3.47. Still, the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) gave them a piece of the $700 billion-dollar pie, $1.6 billion dollars worth to be exact, even though Northern Trust’s PGA sponsored-event was easily covered by it’s own assets and NOT the Feds.

Northern Trust has nothing to be ashamed of except poor timing. Sure, it would have been more prudent and politically correct to not throw lavish parties for their employees and clients. However, having taken over sponsorship of the event in 2007 (way before the Feds’ bailout on October 3, 2008), Northern Trust was on the hook and knew fully well that it could cover its responsibilities to the event and its attendees.

To it’s credit, Northern Trust realized the negative publicity it was receiving and has made amends by making the first of its quarterly repayments to the Feds in the amount of $19.7 million dollars

But it doesn’t take a genius (as I don’t profess to be one) that this event was done with THEIR dough, which they RIGHTFULLY EARNED.

And the Feds can go screw!!!

Kim Jong-Il: The IB18 Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:46:00 +0000

In a country where there is a nationally mandated ‘dress code’, radio stations receive only three (3) government-sponsored channels and public executions are held, it’s easy to see why the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK aka North Korea), gets a bad rep.

It’s not everyday that our correspondents get to travel to North Korea. Considering that the country has consistently lobbied against U.S. occupation in the Korean Peninsula, it became even more amazing when IB18 had its visa request granted by the North Korean government.
Moreover, we were allowed to interview the “Great Leader” himself, Kim Jong-Il (no relation to Anthony Kim), for we heard that he is one hell of a golfer.

Kim has claimed to have shot a 38-under par score of 34 on his home course at Pyongyang Country Club (par 72-7,700 yards), the only golf course in the DPRK.

We wanted to know more.

IB18: Good morning, Mr. Kim

KJ-Il: Excuse me, son. What was that?

IB18: Oh right. Sorry. Good morning eternal almighty leader of the DPRK, Master Kim.

KJ-Il: Much better, thank you.

IB18: Before we get to your golfing skills, tell us something about yourself. What should Americans and the rest of the free world understand about the almighty Kim?

KJ-Il: I am the most beloved figure in the history of humankind.

IB18: That’s quite a statement.

KJ-Il: It’s true, though.

IB18: Usually people reserve the term ‘beloved’ for Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King.

KJ-Il: Pussies! Every last one of them.

IB18: They’re still regarded as people who represented the greater good. And for a guy that has a penchant for the torture and starvation of his own people, how do you compare?

KJ-Il: Watch this shit.

Kim Jong-Il heads over to a window overlooking the square of the Kumsusan Memorial Palace. Outside, nearly 500,000 identically dressed North Koreans stand at attention.

KJ-Il: (to the crowd) Who’s your daddy?

Crowd: The almighty beloved great leader! Long live the leader! Long live!

KJ-Il: Damn right! Now stay there and don’t move until I tell you that it’s time to go home.

Kim Jong-Il returns to the salon where we continue our interview.

KJ-Il: (to me) Dig that, you peasant!

IB18: Hey, how can 500,000 brainwashed North Koreans be wrong?

KJ-Il: Exactly. See you’re getting it.

IB18: We hear you play a mean game of golf.

KJ-Il: I routinely average 4 aces (holes-in-one) per round.

IB18: Unbelieveable!

KJ-Il: I once made 11 holes-in-one en route to an 18-hole score of 34.

IB18: Incredible!

KJ-Il: So put that in your capitalist pipe and smoke it, Tiger Woods.

IB18: Mind you, our editors and I are still skeptical about those feats. After all, the odds against two aces in a round of golf are about 9 million to one. I'd be willing to bet...

KJ-Il: (interrupting) Gambling is illegal in North Korea.

IB18: As are cell phones, I understand.

KJ-Il: Correct.

IB18: So much for calling my bookie. Tell us more about that low score.

KJ-Il: It was a blustery, rain-soaked day at Pyongyang Country Club. A 3-club wind was blowing from the Northeast. My caddy and I were the only ones on the course at the time.

IB18: Those conditions would keep most golfers away.

KJ-Il: As well they should. No matter, though. Anyone who showed up on the course that day was imprisoned.

IB18: At least you weren’t held up by slower players.

KJ-Il: Precisely. So I ace the first two holes, a dogleg par-4 and a 550-yard par 5. I was excited to get off to a good start. But then again, it was just another day at the office.

IB18: The 18-hole lowest score record on the PGA Tour is 59 and it has happened only 3 times in history (Al Geiberger, Chip Beck & David Duval) by professionals who spend every waking moment of their lives practicing their game. It just seems unlikely that the busy leader of an industrialized country, such as yourself, has the time…

KJ-Il: (interrupts) Are you calling me a liar?

IB18: I’m just saying…

KJ-Il: You heathen! How dare you insult me! Guards! Seize him!

IB18: Oh, shit!

The author, here, sprints for the nearest exit and vacates the Palace, only to find 500,000 screaming North Koreans chasing him with Kaiser blades and pitchforks. After successfully maneuvering through the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), avoiding every last land mine, the author safely reached South Korea and hit the nearest McDonalds.

Bracketology: WGC-Match Play

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Let’s start with a correction: From the post on Friday, February 20th, the WGC Match Play will not be at The Gallery this year, but at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Same area, different course altogether.

For those that are itchy to fill out a bracket for March Madness, perhaps you can be soothed by filling one out for this week’s Match Play event in Tucson, Arizona, where 64 of the world’s best golfers will battle head to head.

We have our Final Four picks already:

Jones Division Champion: Mike Weir (over Camilo Villegas) – It’s an upset special in the sweet 16 over Tiger Woods (defending champion). Weir’s record in match play is nothing special (13 matches, 6 wins-7 losses), but his putting skills (currently T9 in Putts/GIR) will put pressure on his opponents and his ability to scramble may halve (tie) some holes for him.

Hogan Division Champion: Steve Stricker (over Stewart Cink) – Stricker (11 matches, 7-4) won this event in 2001. He may have the hardest route of all the players in the field. After a missed cut to start the season at the FBR, he’s improved each week he played since (2nd @ NT Open, T3 @ AT&T Pebble Beach).

Player Division Champion: Kenny Perry (over Justin Rose) – A real longshot amongst the rest of the field (9 matches, 3-6), Perry is still the Tour’s leading money winner and at 49 years old, that still counts for something. He’ll show the youngins’ a thing or two.

Snead Division Champion: Anthony Kim (over Jim Furyk) – Based on his success last year at the Ryder Cup, Anthony Kim gets to prove again that he’s a player who can handle the pressure situations. His Birdie average (5.00/round – 2nd on Tour) will help him win holes and his Sand Saves (83.33% - 1st on Tour) will prevent him from losing them.

Thank You, Reuters

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:50:00 +0000

A professional journalist has finally digested perhaps what IB18 editors have been chewing on for the last few weeks.

Mark Lamport-Stokes hits the nail right on the head when he writes, “With Woods competing, the media gather like moths around a candle fame. In contrast, a tournament without Woods is almost viewed as a non-event.”

And therein lies the problem… Not with Woods, but with those media members who want an injured, non-playing professional to simply breathe and speak, while other players toil in relative obscurity.

Even as Phil Mickelson, not necessarily an ‘unpopular’ player, successfully defended his title at Riviera this weekend with erratic and exciting play (63-72-62-72), the media still waits for Tiger like a virgin waiting in a whorehouse.

It’s just like Pee-Wee in the movie Porky’s who incessantly says “We’re gonna get laid.” Or like Dragline in Cool Hand Luke spouting off on his well endowed, soaped up ‘Lucille’.

We know! Quit beating it to death.

Are You Happy Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:50:00 +0000

Everyone who was waiting for the magic words can now legitimately pucker up (IB18 editors included) as Tiger Woods made his announcement to return to golf at the WGC-Match Play event next week.

IB18 recently received criticism as we complained about Woods’ absence making for brown-nosing writers constantly pondering about when his return would be. Our complaint, if any, was the fact there are/were good stories out on the Tour waiting to be found and written about, but the story remained about a person who was not yet playing.

Now that we’ll get to see him next week at The Gallery, we can actually have reason to kiss Eldrick’s golden tush, as we get to see where he stands amongst a worldwide field of talent. Woods is also the last year’s champion at WGC-Match Play and it goes without saying that he will be primed to defend his title, trick knee and all.

And speaking of defending champions, Phil Mickelson was smoking at Riviera yesterday, firing an 8-under 63 at the Northern Trust Open (Mickelson won this tournament in 2008). He carded 8 birdies and 10 pars for some top notch mistake-free golf.

IB18 can only surmise that once he learned of Tiger’s return, the “oh s**t” light turned on and he upped his game.

Sir Charles Gets a Tune-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Hank Haney, world-renowned swing doctor and golf professional, has a dilly of a pickle in trying to figure out what in the world is wrong with the golf swing of former NBA star Charles “Round Mound Of Rebound” Barkley. The Golf Channel broadcasts this great undertaking starting on March 2nd at 9PM ET/8PM CT.

Here’s a look at what Hank will have to deal with… and it’s not pretty.

The editors of IB18 are not swing experts by any stretch of the imagination, nor will we try to be, but we know a bad golf stroke when we see one and can only surmise as to what ‘mental blocks’ exist inside Sir Charles’ shiny, bald dome.

It’s probably sounds something like this:

“Aw, s**t. My shot again? Glad it’s not a pro-am. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. This ball better go somewhere other than O.B. NO NO NO NO NO NO. Swing it easy, not hard, no easy, because there’s a little wind. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO. Maybe I’ll have a B.L.T. for lunch, only 4 holes until the turn. NO NO NO NO NO NO. Okay, here’s the takeaway. Who farted? NO NO NO NO NO NO,”

“Okay now downswing, wait, pause, is that MJ behind me? NO NO NO NO NO. Shift feet, or is it don’t shift my feet? Oh wait… It was me who farted. NO NO NO NO NO. Quit being a baby and just hit the ball. Impact! Damn… I’m O.B. again. Someone have an extra ball I could use?”

Sorry Mr. Phelps, You Can’t Smoke It.

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Among the most endearing qualities to the golf course at Riviera Country Club (host for this week’s host the Northern Trust Open) aside from its scenic beauty and countless number of celebrities who have graced its fariways, is the grass.

In 1934, Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) was planted after inclement weather threatened to destroy the course. A strong type of grass similar to Poa Annua (wintergrass), Kikuyu is arguably what makes Riviera a challenge as much as joy to play.

Because of it’s strong roots, the Kikuyu rough makes it hard for any club to get through cleanly. Kikuyu fairways, when cut correctly (usually through a process known as Verticutting), can leave a course with a plush, smooth surface, allowing for a better ball-roll. Kikuyu also has great tolerance for hot temperatrues as well as frost, making it a good, low maintenance option for golf course greenskeepers as well as homeowners with their own lawn.

However, its tendency to overgrow may prevent other plant species from flourishing and can damage small trees, as well as grow within cracks of stone and mortar.

Thus, it can be classified as a weed, but not the type you’d want to put in your bong.

Easy Money. More Respect?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:22:00 +0000

Normally, you don’t hear much about a professional golfer’s criminal past, as it usually doesn’t exist or in this case, rear its ugly head.

But in the case of Dustin Johnson, perhaps time has healed the wounds.

After inclement weather forced officials to cancel the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the 24 year-old Johnson (the leader after 54 holes) was declared the winner, notching his 2nd career tour victory.

But it can be argued that Johnson’s victories may have been easier to obtain than his freedom.

In 2001, he was caught up in a burglary/murder in his home state of South Carolina. Johnson was 16 years old at the time and was intimidated by his brother’s friend, Steve Gillian, who coerced Johnson and four others to aid him in his crime spree.

Johnson ended up testifying against Gillian (now serving a life term in prison) and was forced to pay restitution for the burglary.

The editors at IB18 are happy to see that Johnson’s career is on the up-and-up and hopes that his success on Tour continues… for it’s hard to focus on making birdies when you’re a prison punk.

Curses Are For Losers, Not For Newborns

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Goodman (Goods)) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:25:00 +0000

Since none of the editors here at IB18 have children of their own, it’s hard to make any sort of commentary regarding the reasoning behind naming a child.

A suburban Plainfield, Illinois couple decided to name their newborn child Addison, which for all intents and purposes, is a nice name. However, when your last name is Clark and you’re a Cubs fan to boot, you flirt with retardation and loser-dom.

Brian and Lauren Clark thought it would be a novel idea to name their newborn daughter, Addison N. Clark, thus proving their loyalty to the most futile sports franchise in U.S. history. IB18 editors won’t wish anything bad upon young Addison; her parents have already cursed her with the moniker of a street corner.

Brian, Lauren, nobody doubts that either one of you are rabid Cub fans and we won’t question your loyalty, but you might as well name your kid B.J. and put a stripper pole in the nursery. You’re no more creative or smarter than rest of the sheep that put a positive mystique upon losing and keep going to the crumbling beer garden known as Wrigley Field.

May Addison grow up to be a White Sox fan and change her name to 35th & Shields.