It's Not so Hot in Iowa
We've been suprised at how many clergymen have entered our U.S. Open Contest, one suggesting that his congregation will pray for him to break 100. But we shouldn't be. I suspect there are many men of the cloth who are readers. Just today Rev. Daniel Knipper of Lansing, Iowa, wrote with a couple questions about the Hot List.
1) I come from Iowa and the winters here do not allow much play and I feel that selecting new clubs at this time of year might not be the best because I am rusty. Would it be better to wait a couple of weeks when the muscles are back in shape and really able to identify which are the best clubs? 2) Where do I find a pro who will fit me with different brands because that is the best for me instead of going with the whole line of one brand.Good questions, Reverend. I think it depends. On No. 1, your approach makes sense, especially if you're planning to buy a whole set and don't have a heated range where you can keep those muscles in golf shape. If it's just a driver you're after and you have time to demo a few different ones indoors with a pro watching, that's a bit different. It's a little riskier than waiting to play a whole round with a demo club, but some of us can't wait. On No. 2, it should be easy to find a pro to fit you. In April, about the time Iowa begins its thaw, the PGA of America runs its Free Fitting & Trade Up program. Check for local pros who participate at PGA.com or check the list of pros participating in Free Lesson Month in Golf Digest (May issue)--we usually indicate those also participating in the free trade program. YOu'll also be interested in the PGA Value Guide, which will tell you how much you'll get for your old set.
--Bob Carney
01.15.08
Bob,
I did think for a minute that maybe the preacher was saying that he had offers from people who would be happy to "play" for him -- of course, I would be happy to play for him, too, if gets selected and has some other pressing engagement.
I'll make that open offer right here, to anyone else who wins but finds they can't do it.
Emily, thanks for that note. I'm going to post it on the main blog because I think some folks may miss it here.
And to driverseven, thanks for the correction. I did mean pray. Do you think I'm letting golf become a religion for me? Say a prayer it ain't so....
Bob,
You said that the preacher's congregations would "play for them" -- perhaps you meant that would pRay for them?
Dear Editors of Golf Digest:
I just read Pete McDaniel?s powerful column regarding the Kelly Tilghman incident. I cannot agree more with what he said. It seems that we forget our terrible past and tend to give a pass because "it is just a word". What is even worse than the incident is some of the blogs and things I have read in support of Kelly that say it wasn't a problem, nothing was wrong - why the fuss? Well they should read Pete's column. The very use of the word is a grave indication of at best a lack of racial sensitivity.
I am currently studying William Grant Still as I will be giving a recital this spring with the second half devoted to his work. He is considered to be a great American composer but because he was an African-American he did not receive a proper hearing. One of his works is "And they lynched him on a tree" for double chorus (one black, one white), narrator and orchestra. It is an amazing and disturbing work that tells of a lynching from the people closest to the incident - mother, townfolk,etc. A great recording of this is William Grant Still: Skyward My People Rose by Vocalessence Ensemble Singers. Golf Channel should be required to do a show featuring this or a similar work!
I emailed the Golf channel and chastised them for their slow and inadequate response. I suggested that both Kelly and their management should receive racial sensitivity training. I just read a news note where they commented that their email was turning in favor of Kelly. I really feel that they just view this as a publicity problem and only gave the suspension because they had to. They are not truly remorseful. Their responses are inadequate and self-serving. They should do what I suggested plus plan a major series on the history of golf and racial discrimination - with the assistance of Pete.
I am truly sorry that the world is so evil and hateful. I often wonder what we can do to change it and despair over the condition of mankind. The problems are so pervasive and racial hatred is still there - it is just hiding it's ugly head. We can put a pretty face on it but the words have deep seated meanings.
Again, Pete has hit the nail on the head. Please tell Pete to keep his voice strong. The world needs the unvarnished truth!
Thanks,
Emily Brown
Sparta, MI