December 2011: Editors' Blog: Golf Digest

Golf World Newsmakers Issue: Yani got short shrift!

Friday, December 30, 2011 Comments

Golf World's year-end Newsmakers Issue, as usual, has brought out the editors among our readership. Their gripes begin, not surprisingly, with No. 1, Rory McIlroy. But they don't stop there.

Although Rory had a fantastic year it pales in comparison to the record setting pace that Yani is on. I found it disrespectful to her and the LPGA that you did not mention her accomplishments until page 73 of your recent issue. And to think belly putters were more interesting? Shame on you.- Sarah Hallett

Sarah Hallett La Jolla, CA

Believe me, I am a Woods fan. He's still the most exciting player in the world to watch. That said, the No. 2 Newsmaker (actually tied for No. 1) was Yani Tseng. For a magazine that touts the fact that it covers all the pro tours, you gave the LPGA short shrift as you usually do. I guess I shouldn't complain too much. At least the coverage you give is much more than most daily newspapers. I doubt that you'll print this letter.

Catherine DeBoer

Fortuna, CA

Seeing your continued idolization of Tiger Woods is disappointing at best. His supposed rehabilitation as a golfer is a bigger story than Luke Donald? You're kidding. You have turned an otherwise interesting and informative magazine into nothing more than a shill for a self centered example of humankind.

Tom Hahn

Franklin, NC

We also got several letters about the issue previous to Newsmakers, when Tiger Woods graced the cover following his win in California. Nobody how we cover Tiger, we get comment. In this case, a defender.

I read the three responses by readers who objected to Tiger Woods' picture on the November 28 cover. They must be living in a cave! Woods image sells stuff… from magazines to whatever. Besides it's great to see an underdog succeed.

Richard D. Glehan

Danbury, CT

That final sentiment is widespread. Check out our Masters survey and the response to the question: "Which player would you most likely want to see win this year's Masters?" Woods had 44 % the last time I checked--no one else was close.

Bob Carney

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Reader 2012 resolution No. 1: "reasonable rules"

Friday, December 30, 2011 Comments

Our Reasonable Man's Rules of Golf has at least one supporter. This New Jersey reader would like to see us adopt his version of same in pursuit of faster rounds in 2012. For the record, we're for that. Pretty good letter.

There should be a separate set of Rules for us 18-handicappers who play infrequently. These suggestions are practical and help speed up play. We do many of them already:

1. No stroke and distance for lost ball. You want to really slow up a Saturday morning? Drop/place near by and keep playing.

2. Two club lengths (even better, 10 yards) for all other drops. And don't drop; place the ball.

3. Repair all damage to the green before and after you putt. Heaven knows no one else repairs the greens.

4. Lift and clean whenever necessary. We hit plenty of bad shots using clean golf balls, more less dirty ones.

5. Replace the ball when you feel like it. We all putt with a new ball and play with a different one.

6. If you can move it move it. Obstructions and Loose Impediments anywhere they occur.

7. Play when ready no waiting for the farthest from the green/hole to play.

8. Advice: Take it anywhere and from anyone you can get it!

9. Anything else that makes sense. For example, a player drives deeply into a stand of trees and the ball may be lost. If he hits a Provisional, it will likely end up close to the same spot. Instead, after the first drive, go to where the ball entered the trees, look quickly, if not found, or if it is unplayable, drop or place one near where the original ball entered and keep playing, one stroke penalty.

Think about the delay of returning to the tee where two foursomes are waiting, and hitting another drive (probably into the trees again). Club pros do a great job of helping us amateurs play better and understand the Rules, but until I have a single-digit handicap and am playing in regional tournaments, make golf more fun, play faster and get more people interested in the game.

Dave Savage New Jersey

Thanks, Dave. Good list. You up for a couple of tweaks? First, we think your suggestion about placing the ball instead of dropping will lead to lots of time-wasting spent looking for the perfect lie. Just drop it. Ditto for "lift and clean everywhere." How about: "Don't touch it; hit it!" Finally, we wonder whether accepting advice really helps anyone to play better, but let's say it has to be a single sentence. "Play the ball back in your stance." No homilies. But we love your No. 3--not repairing your pitch mark on a green should be a penalty. All in all, we're on the same page. As my friend Kelly says, "Hit 'em and hunt 'em--and don't spend too much time on that."

Bob Carney

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Can you add to our "18 Most Annoying Golfers" ?

Thursday, December 29, 2011 Comments

Golfdigest.com's slideshow on the game's 18 Most Annoying Golfers has generated tons of page views, loads of comment and even a tweet by Dustin Johnson. Now Geoff Shackelford challenges his readers to come up with archetypes we missed. His readers produce a few good ones--my favorite, "Rangefinder Guy"--but the most appealing comment, in keeping with this holiday season, went against the grain:

While these are all quite irritating partners, I must admit that of the few thousand rounds I've played, often with complete strangers, that there are only a very few people I have played with who have driven me to the level where I didn't enjoy my round. I cannot imagine any other sport or activity with that kind of positive success rate among its members. So, I'd like to offer congrats to essentially all of my fellow golfers for being such pleasant people with whom to spend a few hours!

RickABQ

Well said, Rick!

Bob Carney

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Final Word on Feinstein/Tiger: On to golf!

Thursday, December 22, 2011 Comments

On a subject that's got more mail than Santa Claus, we post the final two letters on John Feinstein's book excerpt in Golf Digest's January issue. It's fitting that these are so far apart, because there seems to be an unbridgeable gap on the subject of how we cover Tiger Woods. Here's my New Year's wish: Tiger plays so well that all we talk about is his golf game and his pursuit of Jack's record and the indelible shots he hits. And of course that the economy improves. Our final two:

It's for articles like John Feinstein's that I renewed my subscription. Keep up the great work.

Frank Dailey Monroe, NJ

John Feinstein has his article all wrong. We do not care if we can't tell Tiger what to do. We care that Tiger performs bottom line. My number is included in the above form if he wants to talk about what people really care about.

Rian Sullivan Wallingford, CT

So there you have it. We golfers are not a homogeneous lot. On to those shots.

Bob Carney

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Tiger/Feinstein approval rating today: 50/50

Friday, December 16, 2011 Comments

Golf Digest's January excerpt of John Feinstein's new book, One on One: Behind the Scenes with the Greats of the Game, has been a lightning rod of comment and complaint. Today's letters reflect the division in your reactions to John's account his relationship with Tiger Woods.

Greetings Golf Digest: I have been a subscriber of Golf Digest since 1981. I am disgusted by the contributions of John Feinstein. Not just about Tiger Woods but his entire attitude. I do not wish to receive your magazine as long as he is associated. I am formally requesting a refund for the balance of issues already paid. I would like a written response either by mail or the e-mail address above confirming that I will receive this refund. I will also encourage all within my circle of influence to do the same. Mr. Feinstein is a pompous, arrogant ass and I do not wish to read his narcissistic opinions any longer. It is a shame, I am getting ready to buy an iPad and I could not wait to get Golf Digest on that device. I guess now I can look forward to Golfweek.

David Murray

Grapevine, TX

I enjoyed John Feinstein's article, "No One Tells Tiger What do Do." Many people are tired of hearing about Tiger, but I really appreciated the insight that was portrayed in the article. I have always admired Feinstein's books and commentary. When he wrote about Bobby Knight, he was blasted for telling it like it was and now I'm sure he will receive the same. Tiger, as a golfer, has had a remarkable career that I have found to be astonishing, but as a person leaves much to be desired.

Don Evans

Antioch, TN

Go figure. Few articles in our history have inspired such opposing sentiment. Apparently tone is either in the Feinstein camp or the Woods camp, and ne'er the twain shall meet.

Bob Carney

illustration by Edel Rodriguez

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On Feinstein: Are they reading the same story?!

Saturday, December 10, 2011 Comments

Mail continues to fly in about the John Feinstein book excerpt in Golf Digest's January issue. In One on One: Behind the Scenes with the Greatest in the Game, Feinstein devotes a chapter to his relationship with Tiger Woods: "No One Tells Tiger Woods What to Do." The excerpt is one of the most talked-about stories we've run. Comments about it and Feinstein's view of Tiger are all over the web, as we noted yesterday. But don't expect consensus. As the letters here make clear, there is none. In fact, it's easy to question whether these folks are reading the same story.

I just read fellow Duke alum John Feinstein's article on Tiger Woods, and it was one of the best, most insightful articles I have ever read in your publication. I think that most recreational golfers (myself included) sometimes view the members of the press as faceless entities, without stories of their own, who are just putting their microphones and notebooks in front of the athletes that they cover. John's piece shows the other side of the interview, and the fine line that the interviewer has to balance when dealing with our public figures. John deserves alot of credit for reporting his observations honestly, without fear of repurcussion, especially when it comes to the Woods machine. While Tiger might not have gotten over his anger with Mr. Feinstein for what he wrote about Earl Woods, I want to echo what Tiger told John after their first interview, "Well good for you then." Mr. Feinstein's books are great, but this article about himself was an equal achievement.
David Schoenfeld Carrollton, GA

The article by John Feinstein on his interactions with Tiger Woods, is the most narcissistic, self-indulgent whining I have ever read in your usually fine magazine. As a "Phil Guy" I usually look forward to a little Tiger bashing, but this was over the top. I have read and enjoyed all of Mr. Feinstein's sports books. I wish he had shown some of the same self-proclaimed courage he had with Tiger's agents and refused his editors request to write this article and book. It is beneath him and Golf Digest.

Edward Coan Toms River,NJ

Dear Mr. Feinstein, I wanted to write to thank you for telling it like it is with Tiger Woods. I must also tell you that I am 71 years old, a life long golfer, and this is only the second time I have ever written a response to an article. The first and only other time was a response to a wonderful article in Sports Illustrated 20 years ago on Roger Maris. You had the courage to tell the truth about Tiger and his Dad. I'm reasonably sure that most writers and magazines have been discouraged to write anything disparaging about Tiger for the greater good of golf in America, etc., etc., etc. He's too good, too popular, wins too often, is a man of color, golf desperatley needs Tiger Woods. Your well written and very fair article expresses exactly what I have been saying for well over 10 years. Obviously, I was delighted to read it in my latest Golf Digest.

Ron Crowe Campton, NH

Okay, then, it's settled. You agree to disagree about Tiger, his critics, our coverage of him. We agree only that he's one of the two or three best golfers ever. That's what he'd like us to focus on--which I suspect we will when he comes roaring back next year.

Bob Carney

Illustration by Edel Rodriguez

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More fiery reaction to our coverage of Woods

Thursday, December 8, 2011 Comments

No one gets more attention in the press than Tiger; and none of our stories get more comment than those about him. A Tiger column by Dan Jenkins in the December issue continues to draw critical comment (see a couple of late arrivals below). A John Feinstein book excerpt about Woods in Golf Digest's January issue, just on newsstands, is drawing loads of comment here and elsewhere. Yesterday we posted an email from an angry reader appalled by the excerpt. Today we have letters from two readers who liked it. On our partner site, Golfwrx.com, a thread about Feinstein's piece is 7 pages long. On Golfchannel.com, there were almost 600 comments as of yesterday about a similar Tiger column by Feinstein. Wow.

First, on the Feinstein excerpt.

I applaud John Feinstein for his article on Tiger Woods. I was hoping for the word "coward" in his piece, but alas not this time. May I suggest that NBC Sports and the Golf Channel be apprised of the content. They apparently are uninformed of Woods' early tour actions and lifestyle heretofor hidden by the press.

Stewart Marshall Fort Worth, TX

I want to thank you for the John Feinstein article in your January 2012 issue. I will definitely buy his book. It's really helped me understand why I can't stand Tiger. It is absolutely refreshing to read something other than the "perfect" Tiger that the media presents, TV included. Thank you for printing this article. I had to read it twice just to make sure it said what it said.

Joe Thompson Sheperdsville, KY

Now, the readers who found the Jenkins December column out of bounds:

I am so sick and tired of reading Dan Jenkins berating Tiger Woods issue after issue. Can you not try something different? The man messed up, we got it! It is time to lay off him I mean he just won a tournament again. I have never read anything written by Dan Jenkins that is complimentary or positive about Tiger Woods. I mean is he racist?? Please adjust his writing so his stupid 32 questions don't always revolve around TW and his former wife....I mean seriously he still writes about Elin when that was 2 years ago. If I don't see changes I will definitely not subscribe again because I can get everything I need anyways online. Seeing his articles make me want to just immediately toss the magazine in the trash.

Patrick Selakovich

I found the Dan Jenkin's article on "Tiger Woods texting" very inappropriate. If it was his attempt to be funny it missed the mark by a mile. I am confident that Golf Digest can find better articles to publish.

Robert Hunt

St. Augustine, FL

More to come...I'm sure.

Bob Carney

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Reader: Feinstein's just bitter about Tiger!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Comments

Yesterday we heard from the Tiger critics who somehow found fault with him despite his stunning finish at the Chevron World Challenge. Today, the Golf Digest January excerpt about Tiger from John Feinstein's new book, One on One: Behind the Scenes with the Greats of the Game, landed and we got the first of what I expect will be a bunch of letters defending Woods. Feinstein's personal history with Tiger, which has left him, well, out of the Tiger fan club, will be controversial. Here's a bit of the Feinstein excerpt, describing a meeting with Tiger:

"One thing I learned that night was that Tiger made almost all his own calls--for good and bad. In fact, looking back at how he has behaved since the accident that changed his image and his life forever, that night is instructional. People--including me--have said that he should fire everyone around him...But in the end I'm not sure it would matter. No one tells Tiger Woods what to do."

Now, the first letter about Feinstein's piece:

I'm very disappointed that Golf Digest would publish a garbage excerpt like "No One Tells Tiger Woods What To Do." Instead of showing that he can be an objective journalist, John Feinstein came off as nothing more than a bitter writer with bruised feelings. He's repeatedly had nothing but negative things to say about Tiger in his articles and interviews. He should remember that if it wasn't for Tiger Woods, golf journalists (and hacks like him) would have far fewer readers.

Anthony Goins Sacramento, CA

Stay tuned. We expect that this story will generate lots of mail.

Bob Carney

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Readers react to Woods win. Predictably.

Monday, December 5, 2011 Comments

Finally, Tiger wins again. In a thrilling finish at the Chevron World Challenge,

he responds to Zach Johnson's 16th-hole birdie at the Chevron World Challenge with two consecutive birdies of his own--just the kind of finish that any golf fan can appreciate. Tiger wins, Zach doesn't lose. So we get letters congratulating the former No. 1 on a great return to glory, right.

Not quite.

Most of the time during 2010 and 2011, watching golf on TV wasn't too bad, although the ads and promos still out numbered the number of golf shots we saw. It was good seeing a variety of golfers as well. Then, Woods makes an appearance, at number 51 or something in the world, and the commentators are all ga-ga over him. They are just so biased with such an obsession with him. He misses a putt and there is all the talk about it, but any other golfer misses a putt (Johnson had putts slide by on 17 and 18 on Sunday) and hardly a word. I'm not looking forward (as are many others) to the golf in twenty twelve when Woods may be playing. The commentators turn us away.

Ron Field

Morton,WA

After watching Tiger beat Zach today are there rules for player conduct on the greens? Specifically when one player is sizing up his putt; rules that govern the distracting movement of the other? Certainly the player who has made his shot would not be allowed to move around. If there are not such "written" rules time to write them up to control Tiger.

Marlin Bricker

Juneau, AK

We don't get it. Whether you love the guy or not, his play this week, especially when it counted on Sunday, was the kind any golf fan can appreciate--and, heaven forbid, maybe even root for. To question whether Tiger's return is a legitimate story seems far-fetched. The Editors' Blog is usually a bit more sympathetic. All we can say this time is, you'd better get used to it.

Bob Carney

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