I didn’t wear a jumpsuit like these pro caddies when I looped for Orville Moody this year. (Glasson/Flickr)
Not too bad a year for this golf blogger. I made many new golf connections, including other golf bloggers and writers and several Tour pros — men, women and a handful of legends.
I was invited to cover golf for MVN (Most Valuable Network) in the spring and started Down the Middle.
At the time, I didn’t know how I’d write for the ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG and Down the Middle (plus a book, plus my clients). Seven months later, I still wonder.
Legendary Connections
My colleague Walter introduced me to his family friend John Derr, who happens to be a legendary golf broadcaster. John shared some great stories about Sam Snead and Ben Hogan that I published here. That led to other new golf connections, including my friend and Ben Hogan aficionado George who passed me along to Jack Fleck, the famous underdog who beat Hogan in an 18-hole playoff to win the 1955 U.S. Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.
Jack and I now talk often, and I enjoyed getting out on the Champions Tour this year to meet him and many other golf legends such as Dow Finsterwald, Bobby Nichols, Billy Casper, Doug Sanders, Fred Hawkins, Gene Littler, Don January, Lee Elder, Charlie Sifford, Howie Johnson, Orville Moody, Bob Goalby, Gay Brewer and Doug Ford.
Voices of the Game
I was fortunate to interview some PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros, including Pat Perez (twice), U.S. Women’s Open champion Cristie Kerr, U.S. Solheim Cup team member Paula Creamer, Jack Fleck and Fred Hawkins. I also interviewed two authors, Chris Lewis (The Scorecard Always Lies) and John Coyne (The Caddie Who Knew Ben Hogan).
Plus, I did a Q&A with Rand Jerris of the USGA, who, along with other USGA staff, was quite helpful when I spent a couple of days in May at USGA headquarters in Far Hills, New Jersey.
Augusta and Ryder Cup Bound
I won two lotteries for dream golf tickets. I am the proud recipient of four Monday practice round tickets for the 2008 Masters. Stepping onto Augusta National for the first time will be a life highlight. I also was awarded a pair of practice round tickets to the Ryder Cup in Louisville. I better go to that, too.
I did play some golf this year, mostly in the summer, mostly on my home course, Great Oaks Country Club. Worst round: 86. Best round: 75.
Many thanks to you for reading the ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG. I started this blog on a lark a couple of years ago. It’s been more fun and surprising then I ever could have imagined. I’m going to stick around a while longer and see what happens next.
The Armchair Golfer
You live a charmed life, AG. Here’s to many more in 2008. Cheers!
You had quite a year!
Here’s to hoping that 2008 is just as exhilarating!
Excelsior…onward and upward. A great year and a great Blob.
Blob, of course, should have been Blog. Sorry!
“At the time, I didn’t know how I’d write for the ARMCHAIR GOLF BLOG and Down the Middle (plus a book, plus my clients). Seven months later, I still wonder.”
I know how you do it. VERY WELL. 🙂
Plus, you forgot another pivotal moment this year. You found a putter. That’s colossal. I expect you to be reporting a few rounds in the 60s next year! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
cheers
golfer
If 2008 is anything like this year I’ll be a lucky man — again. I know two things: I’m going to The Masters and the Ryder Cup. Sorry to keep mentioning this. I guess I can’t help myself.