Francis Ouimet stunned the golfing world by winning the 1913 US Open at twenty years of age. His victory changed the landscape of golf in the United States, as over two-million people embraced the game in the following decade. Francis had a partner in crime; his diminutive (“Not much bigger than a peanut”) impoverished caddie, Eddie Lowery. On September 18, 1913 immediately prior to Francis’ opening tee ball, ten-year old Eddie Lowery had the unenviable task of informing Francis that Jack ... continue reading...
Wee-Met (Part 1 of 3)
In the 1913 U.S. Open, played at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, a local twenty-year old amateur (Francis Ouimet - “Met”) and his diminutive ten year old caddie (Eddie Lowery - “Wee”) took down two seasoned professionals (Harry Vardon age forty-three and Ted Ray age thirty-six) from the Bailwick of Jersey, Channel Islands, becoming the first American-born amateur to win the U.S. Open. Fact: The 1913 U.S. Open, originally scheduled for June, was postponed until September to ... continue reading...
Good Work If You Can Get It
I recently read the November 2017 edition of Golf Digest, featuring Butch (Clyde) Harmon on the cover. In a listing of the top 50 instructors, the publication also listed their corresponding hourly rates. Butch (rated as the #1 instructor in the world by a long shot) charges the same fee for amateurs and professionals alike. He ranks third on the hourly “rate” list: 1) Dave Pelz...$2,500/ hour or $41.67/minute 2) Hank Haney...$1,875/hour or $31.25/minute 3) Butch Harmon...$1,500/hour or ... continue reading...
Stimpmeter
“Johnny, the greens are running at a 10 today! “What? Why are the greens running and where are they going!?” We hear references to green speeds virtually every weekend during the telecast of tournaments (tidbit: Speed readings are never disclosed for August National and Oakmont’s are typically running between13-15). In 1935, Edward S. Stimpson (accomplished golfer and Harvard graduate) invented a device (stimpmeter) to measure green speeds; a simplistic wooden, angled track that releases a ... continue reading...
Frank
In the mid 1990's, I played in my first three day Member/Guest at my home club (Conestoga Country Club), with my brother as my horse. Having been beaten badly in our first nine hole match (which by no means is unusual), with renewed enthusiasm we approached the first hole of our second nine-hole match. There were the customary introductions and salutations; .good luck, have fun, etc. We were playing against a private banker and his guest, an attorney. (I feel like there should be a joke there ... continue reading...
Found & Lost
There is a better than average chance I am a bit of a ball snob. I have played Titleist Pro V’s for a number of years. I do not know the science behind the technology, I just know I am comfortable in my little world. As I attempt to sort out my logic, a few reasons for my commitment come to mind: Reputation Touring pro’s acceptance Sound (a bit better than a Top-Flite) Advertising I have recently researched a few major golf ball manufacturers’ websites (Taylor Made, Bridgestone, Calloway, ... continue reading...
A Small Dog
Some twenty years ago, I had a business appointment in Richmond, Virginia. My client was kind enough to schedule an afternoon golf outing at his local club. Somewhere on the back nine (in wet conditions), I took a significant divot. Fine, it was a really significant divot. Moments later, on my return trip to the scene of the crime, pelt in hand, my host sauntered over to take a closer look. In a slow, southern drawl, he simply said "you could bury a small dog in that thing". Through the years I ... continue reading...