PGA Tour
Well, the PGA Tour has left Texas after a three week stay. I wanted to tell you a couple of experiences I had from the two weeks they were in DFW.
I had the misfortune of breaking my ‘gamer’ driver about a month ago. If you can believe, my bag fell over and hit a nearby cart and struck it just right for my driver to snap like a twig. It was truly unbelievable especially considering I had two in my golf bag and the best one broke! Anyway, I spent a day at the Byron Nelson having two drivers reshafted searching for the elusive feel I had with the broken driver. Two really Tour quality shafts were installed in my Titleist 909 D2 heads. I really felt ok with them, but I was not totally satisfied..they felt slightly more stiff than I really wanted.
I also spent a day at the driving range Wednesday during the Nelson week, and spent some time with Craig Bowden, a friend from way back. He was really looking great and seemed to be striking the ball really well. I was surprised he missed the cut, but he did have a bad draw for tee times. He played early the first day when the wind was blowing, making scoring difficult.
Week two at Colonial I decided to go out and have another shaft installed. Luckily, I knew the Tour rep and he was able to help. The shaft I had installed will be good I believe..I have a tournament in two weeks and will find out ! I did have the chance to see another old friend, Mark Wilson. He is having a great last couple of years and playing the best golf of his career. I also spoke to Damon Green, who is Zach Johnson’s caddy. I have know Damon for a long time dating back to our mini tour days in Orlando, FL. He had a great week..Zach won the Colonial for his seventh career title.
It was great to get out and see several guys I played against during my Touring days. Who knows, I may see them down the road, maybe even on the other side of the ropes !
I would love to see you “on the other side of the ropes”. I just finished reading BEN HOGAN’S “SECRET” a fictionalized biography written by Bob Thomas. Thomas takes a writer’s privilege to touch on the tremendous balance a great player must have to walk the high wire of public scrutiny and privately keeping true to oneself. There is several conversations between Ben and Bobby Jones that opened my eye to the great challenge a champion must meet to compete regularly on an intensely competetive stage. The temptation to cash in your chips and check out of the “rat race” is always an option but most of the top guys need the exhilaration of tournament play like a junky needs a fix.
Something tells me that Rick is continuing to improve not only as a teacher but as a player and at some point will jump back into competition. I also know that he has overcome health issues and keeps in great shape. The Seniors Tour is too far away for now but good money says Rick will definetely be ready. So for now watch out for the guys with the “lean and hungry look”! Good luck to you Rick.
Thanks Paul..you always have great insight and I enjoy hearing from you. We will talk about Bob Thomas’s book soon.