Kay's Flop Shots

Daddy's Girl

2011-08-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

My father has always been there. From the first moment that I was aware of a world beyond myself, of a sky above and the need for nourishment, he was there. I’ve never known a day in which my father didn’t love me, protect me and support me with all that he had. There was a time that I feared being left alone, feared not having constant support. I would occasionally imagine life without my parents and cry. Thankfully that day never arrived, until now.

I am so much like my father. The outside observer knows instantly that we are related. We share the same slight build, long legs, slender arms, and high cheekbones. We share many of the same characteristics as well. We are simple in nature but fight a tendency to complicate. We are level headed and abiding in general with a short fuse that shows itself on occasion. We try not to judge and look for the best in our contemporaries. We are not particularly religious, but rather use reason to answer our questions and guide us.

My father believed in a quiet life filled with hard work and a mantra of doing the right thing no matter what. I strive to follow that philosophy. I attempt to follow the high road even when the alternative beckons. I believe that my father held the dream for a more adventurous life and I’d like to think that I fulfilled that part of his cravings.

My father taught me what was right and wrong by example, not by words. He encouraged me to shoot for the stars and not accept mediocrity. He supported me early on in every manner possible, praising me and correcting me as needed. He never laid a hand on me, instead he disciplined with a slow shake of the head that showed his disappointment when I had chosen poorly. To disappoint my father was the ultimate shame. That was penalty enough.

I will miss seeing my dad physically, but visually I will see, remember, and experience him many times throughout each day. He is a part of me. I am a part of him. We have a connection that will never wane.

Thank you Dad for instilling in me the basics in which to live by and for being there day in and day out for 46+ years. Thank you for introducing me to a balanced way to live life. Thank you for loving me and being proud of me. Thank you for introducing me to the game of golf that has molded my life in so many positive ways. I am honored and thankful to have had someone as unconditionally loving and caring as you.

Please know that I will take care of mom and make sure she transitions well to a life without you. After 63 years together, it isn’t going to be easy. I will be there to help her in any way possible. Together you two became one and will forever be my inspiration for dedication and persistence. A day won’t go by that I won’t miss you or thank you for all that you’ve done to help me become the person I am.

I am my father’s daughter forever.

Dale Cockerill B 12/21/24 D 8/12/11

2011 Women's Amateur

2011-08-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I drove down I-95 from Boston to Barrington, RI excited to get to Rhode Island Country Club and start prepping for the US Women's Amateur. I always look forward to working the Women's Am, but this year I'm especially excited because it's the first time the Am has returned to RICC since 1987, the year that I won it for the 2nd time!
RICC sits near the Narragansett Bay and is part seaside, part parkland course. It's a gem designed by the great Donald Ross in 1911. There is no trickery here, except for the challenging greens. It is a scenic, tranquil course that inspires--one never tires of playing RICC.
This week I'm staying with Bob and Audrey Sprague who ran the Championship back in '87. They live right off the course, so it will be an easy walk or bike ride for me from their house to the tv compound. So far today, I toured the course and memories of my matches here came flooding back. I remember feeling that rare sense of confidence in all parts of my game, especially w/ my putter. I remember beating Carol Semple Thompson for the first time in the quarter finals and having to bring my very best game to do so. I remember during the final match versus Tracy Kerdyk being 2 up after the first 18 only to have play suspended for the rest of the day after we had hit our approaches to the first green of the afternoon match. It was the only time that I was slightly discouraged, mostly because I was so focused and prepared to play 36 holes that day and then suddenly I had to face another anxiety ridden night before another final day. Of course, it all ended up great for me as I beat Tracy 3 & 2 to win my 2nd straight Women's Amateur.
Today, it was great seeing all the women out there playing the second day of stroke play....some were carrying or pull carting their own bags. Some had family or friends on the bag and others had local caddies toting the bag. The course has been lengthened by 150-190 yards and is playing at par 71 rather than par 73. Hopefully the weather will hold tonight and tomorrow am and we'll have the 64 set to play the matches. Can't wait!!

JJ Killeen wins for the 1st time

2011-07-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

There are many satisfying moments watching the best play this game of golf, but today was one of those days that brought an easy, broad smile to my face. JJ Killeen, playing in his 101st Nationwide event, won in grand fashion. He was a man on a mission who had set his sights not on the first place prize, but on the trophy. With his Dad on the bag, JJ maneuvered his way around Willow Creek CC in 262 shots (-22) to win comfortably by 4 shots. He started with a course record tying 62 and ended with a bogey free round of 65. When he woke up today, he joined his wife Tasha in wishing his daughter Olivia a happy first birthday. They served a cake, sang happy birthday and doted on their precious little girl. Several hours later, JJ headed for the first tee trying to do something he had never done before....win a Nationwide event. JJ fought anxiety and a slightly quick swing on Saturday's round, hung in there and ended up tied with Jeff Gove for the lead Saturday eve. Jeff was the favorite due to his over 15 years of experience on both the PGA and Nationwide tours, combined with his 3 Nationwide Tour wins. JJ knew what he was up against and knew that there were several players capable of shooting 64 or better on Sunday as is the norm on the Nat Tour. But JJ was more than up to the task. When his long game let him down, his short game more than made up for any errant shots. He was an absolute magician around the greens. I have to say JJ showed one of the best displays of touch, feel and creativity that I've seen inside 100 yards on a Sunday to win in quite awhile. JJ's putter was his best friend. He 1 putt holes 7 through 10 for two key pars and two birdies and ended up with 13 putts on the back nine. The putter kept his momentum going and separated him from everyone else.

The tears of joy that fell from his wife Tasha's eyes down the stretch speak to the trials and tribulations the Killeen family has endured over the last 4 years. The first thing that Tasha remarked about was the fact that JJ's job was secure for another year.....that he was exempt on the Nationwide tour for 2012. I don't think the full impact of his securing a full PGA Tour card for next year had really sunk in yet. JJ will tee it up at the Sony Open next year, playing in a PGA event for the first time come the first of next year. The kid who gravitated to golf after breaking his arm in football at age 16 has come a long way, fighting and working hard for everything that he's earned.

I can't think of a more honest and joyful experience as walking up the 72nd hole with your dad alongside as your caddy surrounded by the love and support of your family. JJ is one of the nicest guys in golf who finished first in grand fashion this week and with this win will spring up the Nationwide Tour money list from #25 to #5, quickly shedding the title of bubble boy (#25). JJ, the way that you rose to the challenge today was a joy to watch. I can't think of a better place for you to raise your first Nationwide trophy than on the 18th green at the base of the Washatch Mountains. Cheers to you and your lovely family!

Tommy Two Gloves Gained Ground

2011-06-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

As I arrive at the University of Maryland Golf Course for the Nationwide Melwood Prince George’s Melwood tournament, I can’t help but relive Tommy Gainey’s breakthrough win here last year. It was a tight race down to the finish, but Tommy Two Gloves prevailed and won for the 1^st time on the Nationwide Tour. That win legitimized Tommy’s game and reminded all of us how important heart and determination are in deciding who will make it and who won’t.

Three years ago Tommy graduated to the PGA tour via Q-school. He was an unlikely member who climbed his way onto the top tour and surprised many who are unaccustomed to seeing non pedigreed players with home made swings make it to the ranks of the elite. Tommy was not a product of the AJGA or a Division l golfing powerhouse. There have always been late bloomers, self taught naturals and players who honed their games at public courses without the assistance of top ranked teachers and a country club life. But when Tommy Gainey popped onto the scene known only for his Big Break win, a lot of people thought he was a joke and had no shot. That said, just as many or more people took an immediate liking to Tommy. They liked his no nonsense attitude, his truthfulness, his sincerity and genuine gratefulness for everything.

Last year, at this event, Tommy told me that he was downright embarrassed by his play in 2008, his first year on the PGA tour. That year he only made 6 of 24 cuts and ended up in the horrible 126-150 status that doesn’t guarantee you getting into all the tournaments. He felt like he let his family, friends and sponsors down. He analyzed his game and determined that he had to improve inside 100 yards. His short game, particularly his wedge game was weak. He focused his energy on that part of his game over the winter and came to the 2010 season ready to score. And score he did. Tommy 2 gloves held 2 trophies over his head and earned his way back to the PGA tour finishing #4 the Nationwide Tour money list.

This year on the PGA Tour Tommy has already made enough money to secure his card for next year with 4 top 10 finishes. I will miss watching Tommy this year on the Nationwide Tour and I will especially miss his candid interviews while on the course in the heat of competition. There are never any excuses with Tommy. He’s just a real man playing a sport with the determination of someone who has a lot to prove. Go get ‘em Tommy. I can’t wait to see you get your 1^st PGA win and play on the Ryder Cup!

Nationwide BMW Celebrity Pro-Am

2011-05-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

I have a great job. Today my duty was to head out onto the course and follow Wayne Gretzky as he finished his second round. #99 was teamed with Nationwide pro Chris Nallen. They have played together several times and actually won the tournament together back in 2008. Chris is a huge hockey fan, specifically a Rangers fan, and needless to say is delighted to play alongside The Great One.

Wayne is one of the nicest celebrities I've ever met. He is low key, friendly, conversational and interested in what's happening to those around him. He's not egocentric at all. He has that wonderful ability to make you feel important and comfortable. Wayne also has a very respectable golf game. He carries a 12 handicap and has a very nice touch around the greens. He told me that he plays golf 3-4 times a week and truly enjoys the sport. His putting tends to be his weakness.....at least when I've watched him play. I think that the rhythm of his stroke gets short and quick instead of remaining fluid. Sound familiar??

After I interviewed Mr. Gretzky on his final hole, I headed to the 2nd hole to pick up Josh Kelly's group. Josh is a highly talented musician who has a great stage presence. He hasn't quite hit the big time like his brother Charles who is enjoying a successful career with Lady Antebellum--he's the cute blond who sings duets and creates such beautiful harmony with Hillary Scott. Josh's wife happens to be Katherine Heigl, the beautiful, brainy actress of Grey's Anatomy, Knocked Up, & 27 Dresses fame. Josh has a lot of charisma--I hope his new album Georgia Clay catches on and brings him loads of accolades.
BTW, Josh is a fabulous single digit golfer who played college golf for Ole Miss. Not bad!!

Our show tends to focus on the Celebrities the first 3 days, with fewer shots of the pros being shown. Come Sunday, however, we focus on who is going to win the tournament. As of Friday afternoon, Greg Owen had shot a 63 to back up his first round 65 and had caught first round leader Travis Hampshire (who posted a personal best 60 in round 1). Travis cruised to a solid 68 in round two that probably felt like 78 after yesterday's round. There are 10 guys within 5 shots of the lead and considering the winning score the last 3 years here as been -20 or -22, the players know they have to keep the pedal down to have a chance come Sunday afternoon.

Let's see.....who will I follow tomorrow? How about Greg Kinnear?? I loved him in As Good as it Gets, Little Miss Sunshine and Baby Mama. Other Celebs that we'll be watching are-- singer and The Voice contestant Javier Colon, Michael Pena, Gary Valentine and Rob Morrow among others. It will be another day full of actors and singers antics and performances. Can't wait!!

Rookie Reveal

2011-01-12T19:58:00.000-08:00

On the eve of the first full field event on the PGA Tour, I'm excited about checking out the rookie class tomorrow and seeing how they will fair. There are 35 rookies on the PGA tour this year. 26 of them will tee it up tomorrow in the Sony Open. 13 of those rookies qualified by finishing top 25 on the Nationwide Tour money list. In fact, 22 year old Jamie Lovemark finished top dog on the Nationwide money list and was the youngest to become the Player of the Year on that tour. In addition to being fully exempt all year long, Jamie will also tee it up in the Players Championship as the big perk for finishing #1.

There are a lot of young, talented rookies this year on the PGA tour. It's going to be hard to predict who will have the best season. Will it be one of the pedigreed players like Chris Kirk who was the Hogan Award recipient (given to top collegiate player) from Univ. of Georgia and who played on the 07 Walker Cup? Will it be Keegan Bradley who comes from a golfing pedigreed family? He is World Golf Hall of Fame member Pat Bradley's nephew. Jamie Lovemark made his mark in college quickly by winning the NCAA individual title as a Freshman. Or, will the best rookie be a surprise? Maybe the top rookie will be 31 year old William McGirt who has toiled around on various mini tours for the last 9 years before finally making it to the big show. Perhaps 20 year old Bio Kim will make his mark as the first Korean to become Rookie of the Year on the PGA tour.

What I love about the beginning of a season is all the possibilities. I have a few favorites that I will be rooting for and think will play well. One is fellow Bruin Kevin Chappell and another is Nate Smith, who hails from my old stomping grounds of Santa Cruz. However, my gut feeling right off the bat is that Jamie Lovemark and Jhonattan Vegas will make big impressions on the PGA tour. Both of these guys are tall, strong, physical players. They hit it a long way, are fearless and seem to have the required mental game to match. Jhonattan is the first player from Venezuela to earn his tour car and he has a wonderful personality with a smile as big as his game. Jamie is a cool customer who wears his confidence on his sleeve.

Let's wait and see how the 26 rookies who play this week at the Sony Open handle Waialae Country Club and the exctiement and pressure that comes along with teeing it up alongside the best in the world. Everyone will be efforting to achieve that coveted great first start of the 2011 season.

World Series Trophy Tour

2011-01-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

As the World Series trophy is touring Northern California, I can't help but think back to the first leg of its travels in the wee hours of the morning Monday, November 1, 2010 on the Delta charter from Dallas, TX to its permanent home of SF, CA. While we toasted and celebrated the Big Win alongside the players, coaches, operations and front office staff, and family members, the trophy was passed around the airplane cabin. Everyone on board held, admired, hoisted, kissed and took a picture with the gorgeous shining Tiffany beauty. I will never ever forget the sheer bliss and euphoria of that moment and being able to share and experience everything with my best friend and true love.....my husband Danny.

Announcer Lite Saturday in Boise

2010-09-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

This Saturday in Boise, Idaho, the Golf Channel will televise an announcer free telecast of the Nationwide Albertsons Boise Open. Will this departure from the "normal" show be a success? A huge failure? Interesting? Boring? Those are all the questions that we are asking ourselves as the day approaches.
Keith Hirshland, our producer, came up with the idea based on the fact that he loves the natural sounds of the game and conversational interaction of player and caddie. With GC's Executives Jack Graham and Tom Stathakes in full support, the idea went forward . Golf Channel prides itself on "listening in" on the banter between player and caddie better than any other network. Nothing irritates him more than having announcers interrupt and talk about what the player might do or what are they thinking instead of being quiet and listening to the actual conversation. I wholeheartedly agree! What could possibly be better than hearing first hand what the player faces? Yes, even the GC commentators have interrupted from time to time, but we're cognizant of it and effort to not get in the way.

Well, this Saturday, we won't be given the chance to get in the way. After Jerry Foltz introduces the show and what is going to transpire, there will be no more play by play commentary or on course commentary. No more announcer taking you in and out of commercial. Phil Parkin, Stephanie Sparks and I will do a few interviews during the 2 1/2 hour show and Jerry Foltz and Curt Byrum will answer viewers questions and comments via Twitter and/or e-mail . Word on the street is that a couple of PGA players who are at home being couch potatoes will contact us.

GC's graphics and audio team are going to have to go above and beyond and really excel to make up for the lack of commentary. Fortunately, we have a top notch team in place and that shouldn't be an issue.

What will be interesting to find out is whether the public misses the announcers voices. What happens if, heaven forbid, it becomes apparent that we commentators are not missed or needed? Can our egos handle that?? Is the audience going to have a better or worse experience? How will hearing more natural sound and less created sound affect the viewer?

Regardless of whether the telecast is a huge success or failure, I admire the GC for taking the chance on something new. It's good to experiment and try something different. And who knows, maybe the other networks will learn from our show and it will ultimately make all telecasts better! Tune in on Saturday 4:30-7 pm eastern time on Golf Channel to join in on the fun!

2010 USGA Girl's Junior

2010-07-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how WONDERFUL it is to be back in cool SF where it's currently 62 degrees, some 36 degrees cooler than it was last week in hot, humid, oppressive Pinehurst, NC! I was there watching the 62nd US Girl's Jr. Golf Championship, one of 13 National Championships the USGA conducts each year. Winning a match play championship is a true endurance test. After 36 holes of stroke play, 64 players advance to match play. One must make it through five 18 hole matches before making to the 36 hole final. Of course, some matches end early, but others go to extra holes like the Victoria Tanco vs Kristen Park round of 16 match that went 24 holes. Tanco won that match and immediately headed right back out to face Ally McDonald in the afternoon, only to lose in 19 holes! Remember, as I mentioned earlier temperatures were in the 98-99 degree range with the heat index well over 100. The local news was warning people to avoid outside activities! When I think back to my winning 2 Women's Amateur titles, it's no wonder I accomplished those feats in the cool climates of Santa Cruz, CA and Barrington, RI. I don't know how those young girls played as well as they did last week.

The two juniors that came to Saturday's finals arrived via two very different paths. Doris Chen, 17, was born in NYC, grew up in Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) but has spent the last 3 + years in Florida at the IMG Leadbetter Academy and attending the Pendleton School there. She is under the tutelage of David Whelan, the Academy's director of golf, who also happens to coach current Women's US Open Champion Paula Creamer. Katelyn Dambaugh, 15, is from Goose Creek, SC a small suburb north of Charleston. Just saying Goose Creek makes you laugh and conjure up an image of a typical small southern town. Katelyn is a natural athlete who excels at many sports including basketball, softball and soccer. It's only been in the last couple of years that she has focused more on the game of golf.

Doris is stoic. She demonstrates no emotion during the course of play. Her facial features at times appear catatonic. Some might dub her "dull Doris". Her outward demeanor of course is a response to conceal nerves and unsureness on the inside. Actually, Doris is quite funny and much different once you get her away from golf and competition, according to David Whelan. In fact, we saw some of her personality as she walked to the 34th hole on Saturday, goofing around with her caddy Charlie MacInnes, calling him a polar bear. Doris also opened up in her interview with Steve Burkowski saying that she most looked forward to the next USGA event because of all the ice cream they provide on site. She is determined and focused. That, combined with her cool exterior, enabled her to keep plugging along and eventually wear down her competitor in the humid southeast.

Katelyn is all energy, enthusiasm, strength and personality strutting down the fairway. Katelyn

is the daughter of Cindy and Eric Dambaugh. She has an older sister Brooke who is a cheerleader. Katelyn got her athletic talents from her mom who was a very competitive softball player. Katelyn is naturally right handed, but swings the bat and the golf club from the left side. During the last 4 years, she's been coached by Koll Farman who teaches at Coosaw Creek CC. Katelyn doesn't play AJGA events and this was her first USGA Championship. Mostly, she plays tournaments on the South Carolina Junior Golf Association schedule. Last year, she finished second to Katie Higgins in the Beth Daniel Azalea Junior for one of her best finishes. Katelyn still plays HS basketball as a shooting guard who specializes in 3 pointers. Her personal best is 7 three pointers in one game! Katelyn has a great golf swing and as she gets more experience she'll keep improving and hopefully one day will reach her goal of playing for the Duke Women's Golf team. Besides being a big Duke fan, she's got Bieber Fever. Yes, she's in love with Justin Bieber and is going to see him in Charlotte on August 8, coincidentally right before the Women's US Amateur at Charlotte CC, for which she is now exempt!

I thought the different demeanor and games that these two teenage players brought to the US Girls Jr at CCNC was fabulous. Either junior could have won the championship. It was a slug fest with changes in lead happening 4 times and neither player ever going more than 2 up at any point. It was an even, well played match. Katelyn came into the championship just hoping to make match play and who had no expectations. She has to be delighted with the way she played and how she opened a nation's eyes to her talent. For Doris, who lost in last year's semi-finals, this has to be a sweet end to her USGA junior career. She is verbally committed to play golf at USC (Southern Cal) in 2011 but first we'll see if she can become the only player to win the US Girl's Junior and Women's Amateur in the same year. A tall order, but one I'm looking forward to watching in two weeks.

Monday Thoughts

2010-07-26T08:55:00.001-07:00

Ahhh.....I love, love, love the first Monday morning at home after a long road trip. I lounge in bed as long as I can, watching the news, surfing the internet, reading the Chronicle while sipping green tea. I purposely don't plan much for the day so that I can piddle around the house and just enjoy being home. Usually one of my cats is laying next to me, purring that loud amazing song only cats can. Hmm, should I get up and eat, or maybe I'll just remain here and look back on the week's golf highlights:

-Because I was there, my main thoughts are of the US Girls Junior Championship at Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst. Surviving 36 holes of stroke play and 5 rounds of matches, Doris Chen and Katelyn Dambaugh were troopers playing each other in a 36 hole final. They did all this, mind you, in 99 degree humid, oppressive heat! No wonder they were semi catatonic at the end. Doris prevailed down the last 9 holes w/ birdies on two of their last 3 holes, winning 3 &2 . Doris is a stoic, unemotional (at least outwardly), consistent, straight hitting putting machine. Her consistency outdid Katelyn's naturally athletic, long hitting, emotional game. Each were very different in their approach to the game and their journey to this Championship. In the end we were treated to a wonderful match and a glimpse of the future talent of this game.

Two other girls made me look twice--Stephanie Liu who just turned 13 and stands nearly 6 feet tall is going to be a force in the near future. She has a beautiful swing, strength and a maturity that belies her age. She and her 2 brothers are Chinese/Canadian Americans. What?? A very interesting mixed race amazing talent. Look for Stephanie. The other player is Megan Khang who is all of 12 years old from Massachusetts. She not only made match play, but won her first match and took her second opponent, Cali Hipp, to extra holes after birdieing the last 3 holes in a row. She is articulate, cute as a button and just out to try and play her best! Love it!

-Congratulations to Jiyai Shin for winning the Evian Masters. Her nickname, appropriately, is chalk line (always hits the dead center of the fairway) and more importantly Final Round Queen! Jiyai played a brilliant back nine (-2) and took the Evian away from Morgan Pressel who shot +1 on the second nine. Huge congrats to Lexi Thompson who tied for second in her 3rd event as a pro and took home $242,711. Nice chunk of change and a statement to all that she appears to be the real deal!

-Way to go DJ Brigman in winning the Nationwide's event at the venerable Ohio State Univ Scarlett Course shooting a stellar 64 to win by one. This win takes DJ from #47 on the money list to #6 and basically assures him of getting his PGA Tour card for 2011.

-Langer wins British Senior. Great player, but it doesn't move me at all. Would liked to have seen fellow Bruin and Ryder Cup cap't Corey get the win!

-Pettersson's win was amazing considering he barely made the cut, then shot 60 on Saturday to put him in position to get it done on Sunday. Now there's a good lesson to grind all day Friday b/c you don't know what may transpire on the weekend.

Well, I suppose I'll get my butt out of bed and do a little laundry and put away the suitcase for two weeks. Now, that is music to my ears!

Pink Panther tames Oakmont

2010-07-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

2010 Women's US Open Champion, Paula Creamer, efficiently worked her way around storied Oakmont shooting 72-70-70-69 for a 4 day total of 281 (-3). I don't know what is more amazing-the fact that she won by 3, was the only player under par, or that she won her first major just over 3 months after major hand surgery. I had no doubt that Paula would one day win a major....I just didn't think it would be right now! Oakmont was a bear and she handled it beautifully.

One of the keys to her successful championship Sunday started early in the morning when Paula stuck a hybrid to within 6 feet and birdied the 18th hole to finish round. Finishing the round with a birdie at one of the most challenging holes on the course, which gave up only 5 birds in round 3, was crucial to ensure a positive outlook heading to the final round.

Paula's biggest downfall in the past had been lack of patience at majors and putting together 4 good rounds. This year, she displayed complete mental strength and control and stayed committed to her pre-planned strategy of how to play the course. The words of advice she received from the great Arnold Palmer "Stay away from 3 putts and keep your head down" helped her finish strongly and hoist the trophy at the end of the day.

The look on Paula's face when she holed out and won was priceless. You could see the elation, relief, excitement and surprise all in one moment. Her performance was a joy to watch. Paula's positive influence was made clear with her words to the young girls in the audience as she asked them to follow their dreams and let them know they too could be standing on the 18th green one day holding the US Open trophy.

Women's Open Day 1

2010-07-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Whew! I have a headache and I'm exhausted and I didn't even play 18 today! It was as hot, muggy and still a day that I've experienced in quite some time. Let's take a moment to honor the players today that survived Oakmont in extremely exasperating conditions. Just try and have the patience and focus to get around that track in 75 or less! 7 players shot even par or less today, with Brittany Lang leading the way at -2. Remember back in 07 when the men played the Open here, there were only 8 sub par rounds in the 437 played throughout the week. So far, the women have 5!

Big surprise of the day was Kelli Shean! She was the first to post a sub par round of 70 and held the lead for about 3 hours. She is a 22 year old from Cape Town, South Africa who will be a senior at Arkansas. She's the number one player on their team and won her first collegiate tournament this last season. Kelli just took up the game 7 years ago at age 15 and look how far she's come. She played with poise and assurance and was completely charming! Not to mention that she is hearing impaired which has been a hurdle I'm sure.

It will be interesting to see how the players adjust and play the course tomorrow. My bet is the course will still come out on top....the stroke average today was 6 over par (77) when I left the course. Low 60 and ties will make the cut or anyone within 10 shots of the lead. Could be a large cut!

Cheers!

Mallon Memories

2010-07-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

As I look back on this first round of the Women's Open, my thoughts are with my good friend Meg Mallon. It's strange to think that she isn't here this week, after all, she's been a solid fixture at the Women's Open for the last 23 years. Meg has a special relationship with this Championship, winning it twice. The first time Meg won was in 1991, her breakout year on the LPGA when she won both the LPGA Championship (Bethesda CC) and the Open (Colonial) within a three week period. Those were two big wins in a 4 tournament winning season. Meg played in a total of 23 US Open's and had 8 top 10's, including a 4th place finish here at Oakmont CC back in 1992.

Meg's not here because she has decided to step quietly away from LPGA tournament golf. After several years struggling with injuries and personal issues, including the death of her father, sickness of her beloved mother and most recently the passing of her wonderful sister Tricia, Meg gave her career one more attempt. While physically she felt solid, she discovered she lacked that internal drive to get the ball into the hole as efficiently as possible. If your heart isn't in it 100%, it's time to move onward. A great champion like Meg can't just walk the fairways going through the motions.

I applaud Meg's decision to step away. So many people stay on the eternal treadmill, following the same path out of a sense of duty or because it's what they've always done. It takes courage and honesty to look at oneself and change the way your living your life, even if it's "comfortable". I will miss seeing Meg's smiling face and the classy way she played this game and I know a lot of players feel the same way. Good news for me is that Meg has been a longtime friend of mine, starting in 1987 when we played a round of qualifying school together.

I'll get to enjoy Meg the wonderful person for many years to come. If any of you are wondering, Meg is even more fabulous to be around off the golf course than on.

Cheers!

Birthday Girl Under Par

2010-06-24T19:32:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine shooting 71 in a major championship on a very tight, tough course with swirling winds at 50 years of age? Body swinging in sync-check, hitting ball long-check, getting ball up and down-check....can you imagine it? Playing on the biggest stage, two decades after giving birth to your first child and thirty years into a strong marriage? Congratulations and Happy Birthday Juli Inkster! I'm constantly reminded of this amazing woman's ability year after year. Not only is she one of the finest competitors ever to play the game with 31 wins and 7 majors, but she is truly one of the most real, down to earth, giving people I've ever met. She's a great wife, mom, sister and friend and I salute her on this special day. Thank you Carol and Jack for bringing this wonderful woman into our world. Keep paving the way Jules!

Locust Hill on Steroids!

2010-06-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

This year's LPGA Championship presented by Wegmans is going to produce one great golfer! At 6506 yards, it's not the longest course played for this Championship. However, given the already challenging layout of Locust Hill, the additional yardage and other tweaks to the course have turned into a bear. Ten of the fairways have been "pinched" in, or narrowed by 4 or 5 yards....that's like narrowing a bowling lane by a couple of feet. Bordering the slim fairways is 3+ inches of lush Kentucky bluegrass/rye rough and loads of trees. Superintendent Rick Slattery has the greens rolling 12-12.5 on the stimp meter. Also, the course has been lengthened by 150 yards, which doesn't seem like much on paper, but it is mostly felt on #1, 4, 9, 10, and 14 and will cause grief for the players.

Rochester has been inundated with a ton of rain in the last month, in addition to a good inch the last couple of days, so the course is dark green, lush and slow. Several players claimed that they barely advanced 8 irons more than 100 yards when hitting out of the rough. We could see some ugly scores this week, especially if the greens firm up and continue to be lightening fast. Length off the tee is always an advantage, but not at the expense of direction.

Who will win? The straight driver and best putter. My picks are: Ai Miyazato (except for the fact she's trying to win two in a row), Cristie Kerr, Karrie Webb, Suzann Pettersen, Anna Nordquist (different to defend at a new course), and dark horse Song-Hee Kim. Even though Jiyai Shin won at this course last year, she's not at 100% after her appendectomy and won't be a factor. Oh, let's not forget Yani Tseng who won the first major of the year and is the only one to have a chance to grab the first two legs....Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!

Paula's Shoprite experience

2010-06-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

OK, beyond Ai's amazing performance last week was Paula Creamer's remarkable comeback from surgery. That she was able to compete at the highest level and darn near win an LPGA tournament 2 1/2 months after major surgery was remarkable.

Dr. Hunt performed surgery on her thumb March 31 after trying several unsuccessful non surgical options. She ended up seeing 4 different hand specialists and tried various braces and gloves to help support the thumb and enable her to swing relatively pain free. However, none of the solutions lasted and eventually her injury crept into real life as she couldn't hold a plate in her hand w/o dropping it. At that point it became apparent she'd have to go the surgery route. Her left thumb surgery ended up being much more complicated than initially thought. Originally, the surgery was supposed to just tighten up tendons and ligaments that were stretched and too loose. Ultimately, when they opened up the hand, they discovered that the ligaments and the surrounding foundation were torn. Also, a tendon on top of the thumb was moved back into place to avoid it falling off completely in the future. Long story short, her thumb was basically reconstructed.

All off this started over a year ago in June of 09 when Paula started feeling her hand bothering her. After a couple of cortisone shots, she managed to play fairly well through the year with a T6 at the Women's Open, T3 at the British and T2 at Lorena's event in Guadalajara. In November, her thumb started acting up at the Tournament of Champions at Houston. Another cortisone shot followed, then the off season. February 18, 2010 on the 16th tee in Thailand, Paula hit a knock down shot on the par 3 and felt her left thumb pop/tear. She played the last 3 holes in tears and at the end wondered if she'd ever play golf again. She withdrew after a first round of 69.

After Dr. Hunt did the surgery, he was very conservative with her time frame for coming back to golf. Paula was in a cast for 3 weeks and then it was 6-8 weeks before she could start hitting balls. She started with putting, added chip and runs, then pitch shots followed with wedges. It was several weeks before she could hit more than a 9 iron.

Given that she had only played 3 rounds of golf leading into the first hole of the Shoprite LPGA, it's pretty amazing she even completed the tournament much less finished in the top 10. I'd have to say those first two rounds of 67-65 were amazing considering what she'd been through. Even though she shot 71 on Sunday, she was in contention for much of the day and had a chance to win. Don't forget that she was in major pain the entire way and had to ice her hand 8-10 times each night after play. I have to say that was one of the grittiest performances I've seen in a long time. I was truly astounded as to the level of play that Paula brought to the week. She couldn't go after shots hard. She couldn't "work" the ball or hit knock down shots. Nevertheless, she stayed within herself and did what she could....and what she could was better than most.

This week Paula is in Rochester, NY for the LPGA Championship presented by Wegmans. I think this week is going to be a huge physical test for Paula. Last week's course was short and she had lots of lofted irons into holes and didn't have to hit out of thick rough. This course is set up in major fashion with narrow fairways and small, firm greens. The rough is going to pose a huge problem to Paula in terms of testing the strength of her hand and forearms. Also, she's going to have to hold back the number of balls she hits and be patient with her shot selection. She will have to monitor the hand daily and be honest with herself when it comes to pushing it too fast and too far.

I sincerely hope Paula can bounce back and play all the events that she desires. However, she should error on the safe side and rest her body rather than push herself to compete in too many events and risk straining more body parts in the long run. I certainly wish her all the best.

Ai Miyazato is #1

2010-06-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Watching Ai Miyazato as she effortlessly waltzed around the Seaview Resort yesterday in 64 shots, I found myself captivated....and not just because I was staring at a monitor calling the shots for Golf Channel's telecast. I was inspired and uplifted because of the simplicity she displayed in winning her 4th LPGA event of the year (5th overall) and first on US soil. The utimate compliment of any action done is "you made it look so easy!" That's exactly what Ai did. All of us who play golf and have played golf competetively know it wasn't easy at all. She withstood pressure from returning Paula Creamer, charging Suzann Pettersen and newcomer MJ Hur, among others and continued to execute. Only she knows how it truly felt, but to watch her play so brilliantly knowing she'd be the first Japanese player, woman or man, to achieve the #1 Ranking in the World was impressive.

Beyond the flawless technique, dazzling short game and amazing putting, Ai looks like she's having a blast! In this day of angry outbursts, grimacing faces, death stares or even worse--the robotic, trance-like way golfers work their way around the course, it's refreshing to see such simple pure joy from Ai. Watching her makes you want to grab your own clubs and head out to the course. Next time I tee it up, I am going to visualize her slow, beautiful timing and try to emulate it. I'd suggest the same to everyone!

As if attaining the #1 Rolex Ranking weren't enough, Ai is in Rochester to try and win her first Major at the Wegmans Rochester LPGA Championship. Chako Higuchi is the only Japanese woman to capture a major and she won the LPGA Championship in 1977. The great Hall of Fame golfer Ayako Okamoto won 17 times on the LPGA tour but never captured a major. Hiromi Kobayashi who was set to be the next Ayako was Rookie of the Year in 1990 and won 4 times, but no major. Japan follows Miyazato feverishly and to have her win a major would be "Major" indeed. Ai has handled the pressure of a nation admirably, although it took her several years to feel comfortable and find her "style".

I know she has the game to win a major and will win one in the near future. Expecting her to win this week, making it two in a row might be too much to ask. In the meantime, enjoy Ai and all she brings to the game.

2010 Sundance Film Festival

2010-01-26T21:46:00.000-08:00

What a weekend in Park City! We arrived in Salt Lake City on a direct flight from SFO. It's a very easy 1 1/2 hour flight and then only a 45 min ride from the airport to Park City. Getting to Sundance is easy. Getting into the films takes some persistence and patience. Unless you pre- purchased a ticket package or have connections with a sponsor or someone in the film industry, the only way to see a film is to get in line at the main ticket office the day of and hope to get one of the few hard tickets they have for sale....or, get into the wait list line at each movie you want to see. It's a long, hard process to queue up and wait for a numbered ticket to only re-queue up in the proper order and hope to be able to purchase a ticket for $15. The competitor in me liked the idea of getting there early to be at the front of the line and get a low wait list number. The other part of me disliked having to devote so much time in line in order to see a movie. I avoid lines like the plague! I won't stand in the post office line if there's more than 6 people. I guess the determined part of my personality persisted as Danny and I saw 8 films in four and a half days. We were committed to seeing as many as we could, soaking up as much of the atmosphere of Sundance as possible.

My mother asked if we ate any good meals. Negatory! We basically ate on the fly in between movies.The only time we broke from watching films was to take a nap and then go to Doolans to watch the second half of the Jets vs Colts playoff game and then the Vikings/ Saints game. Oh yeah, we also hung out with lots of visitors at the No Name Saloon to celebrate Danny and Kelly's 42nd Birthdays.

So, what films did we see and how do I rate them? Here goes, in order of how I liked them.....

#1 Welcome to the Rileys, starring James Gandolfini, Kirsten Stewart and Leo. This movie was my favorite of the week. The intense performances of the 3 principle actors was extraordinary and the script was equally good. At first, it's hard to look past James' Tony Soprano character, but I quickly forgot about that and felt as though he embodied his new character. It was nice to see Kristen Stewart evolve past her Bella character and delve into something deeper and more complex. Her performance was excellent. I didn't know much about Melissa Leo, but she brought so much to the story with her subtle performance.

#2 Sins of my Father. Sins of My Father, a documentary on the son of Pablo Escobar and his perspective of growing up as the son of the largest cocaine dealer in the world. It was a very interesting viewpoint to a story we all know.

#3 Teenage Paparazzo. Delightfully entertaining movie about a 13 year old boy named Austin Visschedyk who becomes a member of the Papparazi. Adrian Grenier directs and produces this documentary on the general growth and success of the paparazzi phenomenon thru his experience with young Austin. The film is full of fun clips and good sit down interviews with actors. Adrien Grenier has done a great job with his first movie as producer/director. I really enjoyed the Q & A afterward w/ Adrien and his cast and crew. He was very intelligent and eloquent as he answered questions.

#4 Douchbag. Funny story of two brothers and their broken relationship. The amazing thing about this movie is that one of the main actors, Andrew Dickler, is actually a very accomplished editor and made his debut as an actor in this movie. He was extremely natural and interesting in front of the camera.

#5 The Dry Land. This was a very tense, serious look at soldiers coming back home after serving in Iraq and trying to fit back in to their former lives. America Ferrera stared in and co-executive produced this drama. Very well done, but hard to watch.

#6 Please Give. After a great start, this movie loses steam. The performances were very good, but the script sort of stalls and leaves you thinking there could have been so much more. The characters were interesting, but they weren't allowed to go very far and ultimately the ending was disappointing.

#7 HIGH School. There was a lot of buzz for this movie and for the majority of the under 25 crowd that was on hand for the premiere, they were satisfied. It's about two kids that get their whole HS stoned to foil the drug testers on campus. The film had a lot of promise at the start. The main characters were funny and interesting and Adrien Brody was amazing as a whacked out drug dealer. He was so strange! It looked like he had a lot of fun going out on a limb and playing such a weird person. However, the movie became a tad boring because it went over the top with slapstick and craziness.

#8 Bass Ackwards. Aimless Linas Phillips drives across the country and on the way he learns a lot about himself and comes out of his shell. The film moved as slowly as Linas' 1976 VW bus travelled across the country. I was impressed that Linas wrote, directed and stared in this flick, but I admit I closed my eyes a couple of times fighting sleep during the show.

A couple of movies we wanted to see but didn't were Runaways w/ Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart. This was the movie about Joan Jett and Cherie Currrie and the band they were in called the Runaways. I'll watch that when it's released in two months. Get Low has an incredible cast with Robert Duvall, Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek among others....you can't go wrong with a group like that. HappyThankyouMorePlease has to be seen just for the title!

All in all, the experience of Sundance amidst the beauty of Park City made for a great trip. I don't think I'll make it an annual trip, but I certainly want to return again. But, I'll definitely get hard tickets in hand so that more movies can be seen and more than 5 hrs of sleep can be had each night.

Gal Pal Trip 2010

2010-01-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Just returned from our annual Gal Pal trip, this year to Pacific Grove. Every year we get together and go either to wine country or to Carmel/Monterey. The group consists of 8 women and we all know each other through golf. We either played junior, amateur or professional golf together and funny enough until two years ago, we never played golf on this trip. Nobody competes professionally anymore, although we are all self proclaimed Alpha females who are extremely competetive.....at least compared to the average female!

The women in this group teach golf , coach golf at universities, or work for the National First Tee....we also have one who works in commercial real estate and one in who works for law enforcement. It's quite a collection of careers. Nobody is shy or at a loss for words!

Bottom line is we laugh and relax and get away from our "regular" lives. Most of the gals are moms and they appreciate a couple of days w/o catering to their kids and husbands needs.

We play games at night like dominos, catch phrase, taboo, and believe it or not a very intense game of spoons! Nothing that requires too much brain power!

We had an awesome round of golf at Ft. Ord's Bayonette course. The course was in tip top shape and the weather was perfect for mid-January. We had 4 two person teams and played a shamble, which you pick the best drive and then play your own ball into the hole from there. This allowed us to not have to grind over every shot and promoted "team" play. We also had a foursome to foursome competition. Everything turned out great for team K-2 (Kiernan and Kay) as we won the twosome and foursome bets. I also won a couple of skins! Thanks Kiernan for all of your long, straight drives. I love having 8 iron or less into every hole!

I actually played very well despite not practicing or playing in weeks. I had a very clear head, not cluttered with swing thoughts and saw only the target. My routine has become even more simple and I focused only on club selection and setup. Ahh, it's nice to play with simplicity. Did I mention we played in just under 4 hours? Fast golf=Fun golf!

Thank you ladies for a fabulous get together! You are all fantastic and I look forward to our next rendez-vous. Cheers!

Twenty Ten

2010-01-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

Can you believe the 1900's are firmly behind us now? Doesn't it seem like yesterday we thought Prince's "party like it's 1999" was so far away? The number 2010 is quite dramatic to me and signifies a new decade and era even more than when the calendar turned to 2000. So, what do we do now that we are at the beginning of not just a new year, but a new decade? I think it's important at the beginning of the year to take inventory of what each of us has in our lives both physically and spiritually. It's a good time to asses the positives and negatives in our lives and figure out what we need and what we can get rid of, both figuratively and literally. Look at yourself and your life honestly and decide what things need to change and what things should remain the same. Change can be very positive and healthy. At the start of a new year, it's fun to take up a new hobby or activity....especially for us edging up there in age. It stimulates the mind and body and keeps us engaged and growing. My plans for the New Year are to simplify, simplify. I'm going to continue to edit things out of my life and home that are extraneous. I will organize my office and notes for work. I plan on volunteering more--I'm looking at Project Open Hand, the SF Child Abuse Prevention Center, and the SF Golden Gate Parks and will figure out which groups work best with my schedule. I'm going to jump into the pool and start swimming a couple of days a week and Danny and I are going to resume ballroom dancing. There will be personal things to work on as well, but I'm not going share those! Lo siento. Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy year. Be safe and enjoy time with your loved ones, whether they are two or four legged!

Avatar

2009-12-31T00:25:00.000-08:00

Just got back an hour ago from seeing Avatar in 3D at the Kabuki theater. It was simply amazing! Visually it was stunning and the story was pretty good too, although predictable. It was my first 3D experience in over 20 years. In fact, I couldn't even tell you what the last movie I saw in 3D was called it was that unremarkable. At the end of Avatar, I felt as though I had been transported to another world and was a part of the action. I loved the colors, plants, animals, flowers and the Avatars themselves. My only criticism is that it was a tad too long, mostly due to the gratuitous over the top final combat scene....I'm not a fan of dragging out an end just to see more special effects. If you see it at night, plan on staying up for awhile. It's hard to go to asleep after that kind of stimulation. Enjoy!

First Blog Entry

2009-12-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

It's the day after Christmas and I've been motivated by my tech savvy sister and brother in law to start a blog. This will be a spot for me to share my thoughts and ideas which will quite often be connected somehow, someway to the world of golf. I look forward to the process and hearing your comments. Cheers !