Tour golfer update
The young guns?
A few people are already talking up a Singh-Els-Woods-Mickelson duel in the coming months for the no.1 slot in golf. But even if they go head-to-head in enough tournaments (all too unlikely going on this year's experiences), the race still seems to lack a touch of that indefinable "something".
Singh and Els continue to earn a huge bowl of deserved respect (see the archives for my own tributes) for their performances and attitudes, but bubbly affection and iconic status are still waiting, even if you can't find anyone who has a bad word to say about Els.
Woods has both fan adulation and legend status, but isn't playing or winning enough right now to drive continuous interest in the sport. And Mickelson is suffering from a post-Ryder image dip brought about by a pre-Ryder equipment change considered untimely by many.
So perhaps the young guns -- ready to set hearts and minds aflutter with their daring deeds and pants -- will come up with some additional magic of their own?
Unfortunately, a quick cast down the top 30 on the money list reveals only 4 under the age of 30 (if you discount Tiger).
Not only that, but the two hottest young talents are Garcia and Scott, Spanish and Australian respectively. Popular as they both are, I'm sure Americans would like one of their own to cheer on come Sundays. The only young American in the top 30 is Zach Johnson, putting in a great performance for a tour rookie.
It was only a year or two ago that everyone was talking about a new wave of young Americans, citing the likes of David Gossett and Matt Kuchar. That didn't happen and now we hear it's the new wave of Europeans set to take the tour by storm.
But before US readers start any hand wringing, all is not lost.
First, anytime that Tiger gets back to winning ways, excitement levels rise automatically.
Second, just like the future swung Europe's way in 2004, it can just as easily swing back to the US in 2005.
Third, the success of the Champions Tour has given many "older" golfers a reason to keep on top of the game. Which may be why so many over 30s are still heading up the rankings and money lists. That doesn't shut out the young talent, that just delays the time when they can come through and claim the trophies.
So perhaps it's not a question of a dearth of good young golfers, just that the definition of "young" has to change to meet the new realities of the game and sports medicine. Golfer turnover is lower and it takes longer for a newcomer to establish himself. It also means more golfers playing to a higher standard.
So maybe we should learn to better appreciate the talent that's still playing rather than keep looking for the new Tiger Woods. And anyway, there's always Michelle Wie.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
A few people are already talking up a Singh-Els-Woods-Mickelson duel in the coming months for the no.1 slot in golf. But even if they go head-to-head in enough tournaments (all too unlikely going on this year's experiences), the race still seems to lack a touch of that indefinable "something".
Singh and Els continue to earn a huge bowl of deserved respect (see the archives for my own tributes) for their performances and attitudes, but bubbly affection and iconic status are still waiting, even if you can't find anyone who has a bad word to say about Els.
Woods has both fan adulation and legend status, but isn't playing or winning enough right now to drive continuous interest in the sport. And Mickelson is suffering from a post-Ryder image dip brought about by a pre-Ryder equipment change considered untimely by many.
So perhaps the young guns -- ready to set hearts and minds aflutter with their daring deeds and pants -- will come up with some additional magic of their own?
Unfortunately, a quick cast down the top 30 on the money list reveals only 4 under the age of 30 (if you discount Tiger).
Not only that, but the two hottest young talents are Garcia and Scott, Spanish and Australian respectively. Popular as they both are, I'm sure Americans would like one of their own to cheer on come Sundays. The only young American in the top 30 is Zach Johnson, putting in a great performance for a tour rookie.
It was only a year or two ago that everyone was talking about a new wave of young Americans, citing the likes of David Gossett and Matt Kuchar. That didn't happen and now we hear it's the new wave of Europeans set to take the tour by storm.
But before US readers start any hand wringing, all is not lost.
First, anytime that Tiger gets back to winning ways, excitement levels rise automatically.
Second, just like the future swung Europe's way in 2004, it can just as easily swing back to the US in 2005.
Third, the success of the Champions Tour has given many "older" golfers a reason to keep on top of the game. Which may be why so many over 30s are still heading up the rankings and money lists. That doesn't shut out the young talent, that just delays the time when they can come through and claim the trophies.
So perhaps it's not a question of a dearth of good young golfers, just that the definition of "young" has to change to meet the new realities of the game and sports medicine. Golfer turnover is lower and it takes longer for a newcomer to establish himself. It also means more golfers playing to a higher standard.
So maybe we should learn to better appreciate the talent that's still playing rather than keep looking for the new Tiger Woods. And anyway, there's always Michelle Wie.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Sex and the LPGA
This article by Laura Neal, Manager of Communications at the LPGA, sparked a lot of interest and debate among LPGA fans, as you can see from the letters issue that followed the above article.
The "Does the LPGA sell sex?" question, or rather the "Should the LPGA sell sex?" question is one that pops up at regular intervals.
Frankly, I don't think there's a definitive answer (excuse me while I make myself comfortable on this fence I'm sitting on), but there are some observations worth pointing out.
First, society has changed. The typical young female golfer in 2004 is going to be far more comfortable projecting a sensual public image than one a couple of decades ago. That's the way it is today, and has little to do with any action taken by the LPGA.
And in 2004, there are far more media vehicles and opportunities to project this sensuality. Again, nothing to do with the LPGA per se. Self-assured, attractive, professional lady golfers are going to attract a lot of media interest.
Would we want the LPGA to try and stop this? They couldn't if they wanted to.
Second, women's golf has changed. It has grown, both in participation and popularity. Attractive women are coming into a sport they might have avoided a few years ago, again fueling this not-entirely-golf-swing-oriented media interest.
Third, attractive golfers do attract the right sort of fans. When I go through the fan comments sent in to me, there are numerous from men indicating that they've begun to follow the LPGA because of this very point.
But don't confuse attractiveness with some kind of sexual come on. These new fans are not sitting there hoping the wind will lift up Natalie Gulbis's skirt.
Many of the comments are admiring the LPGA stars for their grace and beauty, and indicate this comes from a combination of looks and golfing prowess.
If people were just there to stare at the babes, they'd disappear as soon as the next Baywatch rerun started. But they don't, which suggests that the new generation of good-looking, stylish, skilled golfers is attracting a new fan demographic to the LPGA.
It's hard to see that as a bad thing.
Expecting the LPGA to somehow curtail any whiff of sex in media coverage of its tour just doesn't recognize the reality of the 2004 social and media landscape. Even if they wanted to, you can't turn back the clock.
One thought I'd like to leave you with. Would Tiger, Phil, Adam and others be half as popular if they were pig ugly?
Monday, October 18, 2004
This article by Laura Neal, Manager of Communications at the LPGA, sparked a lot of interest and debate among LPGA fans, as you can see from the letters issue that followed the above article.
The "Does the LPGA sell sex?" question, or rather the "Should the LPGA sell sex?" question is one that pops up at regular intervals.
Frankly, I don't think there's a definitive answer (excuse me while I make myself comfortable on this fence I'm sitting on), but there are some observations worth pointing out.
First, society has changed. The typical young female golfer in 2004 is going to be far more comfortable projecting a sensual public image than one a couple of decades ago. That's the way it is today, and has little to do with any action taken by the LPGA.
And in 2004, there are far more media vehicles and opportunities to project this sensuality. Again, nothing to do with the LPGA per se. Self-assured, attractive, professional lady golfers are going to attract a lot of media interest.
Would we want the LPGA to try and stop this? They couldn't if they wanted to.
Second, women's golf has changed. It has grown, both in participation and popularity. Attractive women are coming into a sport they might have avoided a few years ago, again fueling this not-entirely-golf-swing-oriented media interest.
Third, attractive golfers do attract the right sort of fans. When I go through the fan comments sent in to me, there are numerous from men indicating that they've begun to follow the LPGA because of this very point.
But don't confuse attractiveness with some kind of sexual come on. These new fans are not sitting there hoping the wind will lift up Natalie Gulbis's skirt.
Many of the comments are admiring the LPGA stars for their grace and beauty, and indicate this comes from a combination of looks and golfing prowess.
If people were just there to stare at the babes, they'd disappear as soon as the next Baywatch rerun started. But they don't, which suggests that the new generation of good-looking, stylish, skilled golfers is attracting a new fan demographic to the LPGA.
It's hard to see that as a bad thing.
Expecting the LPGA to somehow curtail any whiff of sex in media coverage of its tour just doesn't recognize the reality of the 2004 social and media landscape. Even if they wanted to, you can't turn back the clock.
One thought I'd like to leave you with. Would Tiger, Phil, Adam and others be half as popular if they were pig ugly?
Monday, October 18, 2004
A song for Singh
It wasn't that long ago that people seriously doubted whether anyone would ever knock Tiger Woods off the top of the world rankings. Today you might be forgiven for thinking the same about Singh, who's won five of his last 6 PGA Tour events.
Observing from a distance, I've watched respect for Singh grow with each fresh victory. At first, the respect was grudging, half-hearted, reluctant. But more lately it's become genuine, even if it's still tempered in media circles by lingering resentment over his reluctance to expose himself to their probings.
Of course this new-found respect is largely driven by his skills with a golf club. But there are other aspects, too.
It's rare - no, impossible - to find any feature article on Singh that doesn't mention how much work he puts into his game. He is the modern embodiment of Gary Player's famous words, "the harder I practice, the luckier I get."
Of course he has natural talent, as do all the top golfers, but his work ethic is an incentive and model for those who need to make up with graft what they might lack in instinct.
We also need to remember where he comes from, in many senses of the phrase. We are not talking about someone who grew up in a house bordering some country club in Georgia.
The chances of getting from the green forests of Fiji to the green jacket at Augusta were slim to none. You might say simply making it to the PGA Tour was a miracle in itself. Making it to No.1, an extraordinary feat of endurance.
Hard work, endurance and success certainly breeds respect from his fellow golfers. But also from those you wouldn't normally consider golf's core audience.
Reading the fan comments I get sent in about Singh, many are from Fijians or Indians who feel a strong sense of pleasure and pride at what he's achieved, and who also see him as a symbol of what they might achieve in their own lives. That whatever your current situation, you can dig your way out.
So for all the winnings and trophies, run-ins with the media, allegations and counter-allegations concerning incidents and statements from the past, perhaps his greatest impact has been to give hope to a bunch of people who are as far away from the PGA Tour now, as he was then.
Monday, October 11, 2004
It wasn't that long ago that people seriously doubted whether anyone would ever knock Tiger Woods off the top of the world rankings. Today you might be forgiven for thinking the same about Singh, who's won five of his last 6 PGA Tour events.
Observing from a distance, I've watched respect for Singh grow with each fresh victory. At first, the respect was grudging, half-hearted, reluctant. But more lately it's become genuine, even if it's still tempered in media circles by lingering resentment over his reluctance to expose himself to their probings.
Of course this new-found respect is largely driven by his skills with a golf club. But there are other aspects, too.
It's rare - no, impossible - to find any feature article on Singh that doesn't mention how much work he puts into his game. He is the modern embodiment of Gary Player's famous words, "the harder I practice, the luckier I get."
Of course he has natural talent, as do all the top golfers, but his work ethic is an incentive and model for those who need to make up with graft what they might lack in instinct.
We also need to remember where he comes from, in many senses of the phrase. We are not talking about someone who grew up in a house bordering some country club in Georgia.
The chances of getting from the green forests of Fiji to the green jacket at Augusta were slim to none. You might say simply making it to the PGA Tour was a miracle in itself. Making it to No.1, an extraordinary feat of endurance.
Hard work, endurance and success certainly breeds respect from his fellow golfers. But also from those you wouldn't normally consider golf's core audience.
Reading the fan comments I get sent in about Singh, many are from Fijians or Indians who feel a strong sense of pleasure and pride at what he's achieved, and who also see him as a symbol of what they might achieve in their own lives. That whatever your current situation, you can dig your way out.
So for all the winnings and trophies, run-ins with the media, allegations and counter-allegations concerning incidents and statements from the past, perhaps his greatest impact has been to give hope to a bunch of people who are as far away from the PGA Tour now, as he was then.
Monday, October 11, 2004
An ode to Els
In the year of big stories and big wins, one man almost slipped through the media net. At least until he won the WGC - American Express Championships last weekend. In doing so, Ernie Els regained second place in the world rankings, relegating Tiger to the ignominy (or so some would have you believe) of third spot.
As an observer of the sport, Els is one of my favorite golfers. And for many reasons.
One, there's his longevity. He won the US Open in 1994 and has won at least one tournament on the PGA Tour every year since (with the exception of 2001). Worldwide he's got over 50 victories to his credit.
Two, he maintains this level of performance despite spending untold hours in airports and planes.
Three, he's one of the good guys. He doesn't get in the papers for the wrong reasons. While even the likes of Woods and Mickelson have had their media run ins, the nearest Els got to courting controversy this year was questioning the validity of the belly putter.
Four, he's one of the few golfers that maintain a regular online dairy for fans. Maybe someone writes them for him, but it at least sounds like it comes from him.
Five, he has a wine business. And his new 2002 release recently picked up a 5 star rating from a top South African wine publication.
All good reasons to like the guy, but not as good as reason number 6...his internationalism.
While the PGA Tour was venturing as far afield as Canada for the Bell Canadian Open, Els was competing in the Kolon Korean Open. He gets around. And in doing so he misses out on a lot of cash and ranking points from the US-based tournaments.
You get a sense that he recognizes that his is a global sport, and that his support can make a real difference in those places without a Golf Channel.
Here's what he said on Sunday...
"There's a world out there. It's not only the United States. I mean, I know that's the stronger Tour and the more money...but I've been doing okay so far. I'm not going to turn my back on the European Tour. I'm actually trying to put some more tournaments in my schedule in South Africa because I feel like I need to support the people down there."
In taking this attitude, Els does his fellow golfers a big service.
Everytime golf gets a boost in some far flung corner of Europe, Africa or Asia, that means more money and influence for the golf industry. And that in turn feedsback to appearance fees, endorsement deals, TV coverage and prize money.
What has become a very me-based sport of late could do with a few more of his ilk.
Monday, October 04, 2004
In the year of big stories and big wins, one man almost slipped through the media net. At least until he won the WGC - American Express Championships last weekend. In doing so, Ernie Els regained second place in the world rankings, relegating Tiger to the ignominy (or so some would have you believe) of third spot.
As an observer of the sport, Els is one of my favorite golfers. And for many reasons.
One, there's his longevity. He won the US Open in 1994 and has won at least one tournament on the PGA Tour every year since (with the exception of 2001). Worldwide he's got over 50 victories to his credit.
Two, he maintains this level of performance despite spending untold hours in airports and planes.
Three, he's one of the good guys. He doesn't get in the papers for the wrong reasons. While even the likes of Woods and Mickelson have had their media run ins, the nearest Els got to courting controversy this year was questioning the validity of the belly putter.
Four, he's one of the few golfers that maintain a regular online dairy for fans. Maybe someone writes them for him, but it at least sounds like it comes from him.
Five, he has a wine business. And his new 2002 release recently picked up a 5 star rating from a top South African wine publication.
All good reasons to like the guy, but not as good as reason number 6...his internationalism.
While the PGA Tour was venturing as far afield as Canada for the Bell Canadian Open, Els was competing in the Kolon Korean Open. He gets around. And in doing so he misses out on a lot of cash and ranking points from the US-based tournaments.
You get a sense that he recognizes that his is a global sport, and that his support can make a real difference in those places without a Golf Channel.
Here's what he said on Sunday...
"There's a world out there. It's not only the United States. I mean, I know that's the stronger Tour and the more money...but I've been doing okay so far. I'm not going to turn my back on the European Tour. I'm actually trying to put some more tournaments in my schedule in South Africa because I feel like I need to support the people down there."
In taking this attitude, Els does his fellow golfers a big service.
Everytime golf gets a boost in some far flung corner of Europe, Africa or Asia, that means more money and influence for the golf industry. And that in turn feedsback to appearance fees, endorsement deals, TV coverage and prize money.
What has become a very me-based sport of late could do with a few more of his ilk.
Monday, October 04, 2004
