Just watched Jim Furyk successfully defend his Canadian Open title. There’s something about that swing that I love
– it’s weird, but strangely attractive, not to mention extremely effective. And kudos to Jimmy for making the trip
north when so few of his mates could join him. Too bad he didn’t take his hat off at the presentation but, having
seen his rarely exposed and follicly challenged hairstyle, I understand.

Another swing I like is Old Tom Watson’s. Remarkable coincidence given that he just won the British Senior Open Championship today in Scotland. It hasn’t seemed to change that much over the years. Just one of the simplest up-and-down actions I can think of. By the way, wonder why those pompous R&A folks haven’t dropped the “British” from the title of this championship – you know, like they’ve done with the Open Championship that was played last week. Do you think someone should tell them that no one else in the world (the place outside, and all around the
magnificent R&A clubhouse at St. Andrews) calls it anything other than the British Open?

What else do I like?

I like how golf cheats get labeled as such for life; try googling “vijay singh cheat” to see what I’m on about.
I like how the pros react when they watch a competitor miss a put that would tie or beat them on the 72nd hole. It’s so convincing that I’m beginning to suspect that they are actually sincere about it. If it’s not, it must be really hard to fake.
I like how Jean Van de Velde still appears to be unbothered by his monumental f#<&-up at Carnoustie in 1999. I’ve started thinking that he really means it. Bravo to him if he does.
I like the way Geoff Ogilvy acts around the golf course. I saw a program featuring himself where he indicated a sports head doctor had sorted out his overly wound up attitude on the course. When you watch him play it really does look like he doesn’t care what happens. I wish I could be like that.

Here are some things that I don’t like in golf in no particular order.

Carts: I know that some people wouldn’t be able to golf without them so I’ll excuse that group. To everyone else I simply ask, “why?” You’re meant to walk. It’s simple. It’s the only way to properly enjoy the game. Carts are just wrong. OK, maybe in desert sun they’re less wrong – but they are still wrong. And as for courses that don’t allow walking? Totally wrong.

Alcohol: I enjoy more beer than I should and I’ve got no problems with drunks as long as they don’t drive, fight, or talk to non-drunks. But I don’t understand why people think they can successfully mix alcohol and golf. To me golfing time is precious time and I don’t want any of it to wasted. I can drink for most of the other 163 hours in the week. Golf is difficult. Overcoming the difficulty is what makes it fun. Why make overcoming the difficulty harder/ impossible? Get pissed after the game!

Ryder Cup: In the good old days, when nobody really cared about this, it was fun for the Brits and the occasional Irishman to play with and lose to the world’s best golfers. And the Americans so courteously applied the whipping – re: Nicklaus’ 4-foot (or whatever it was) concession to Tony Jacklin in 1973 (or whenever it was) to tie the overall match. Then Ballesteros happened and the rest of Europe joined in to try and even the contest. This was successful and we had ourselves an even battle – much more watchable. It was a fairer fight. But, unlike hockey, there’s no fights in golf and there shouldn’t be any crowds chanting, captains dancing, and fists pumping, which leads me to #4 – Fist pumping.

Fist pumping: First let’s distinguish between a modest closed-fist motion when holing a big put in strokeplay (OK) and the Sergio Garcia-like Ryder Cup antics (not OK). I think Tiger Woods is great and I’ve no problem with how he carries himself (like he cares what I think?) but if I had had one wish ……Tiger, cool it with the fist.

Bad phrases: I’m glad to say that I haven’t recently heard anyone say “golfing the ball” or “golf the ball”, maybe they’ve gone out of vogue: I certainly hope so. I still get annoyed when I recall them though, and wait nervously for the latest evolution of “golfer speak.”

The above is negative, I know so I’ll conclude by saying that I like pretty much everything else about golf.