April 2012: #Reaction: Golf Digest

Roland Merullo column draws praise, criticism and invites!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Nobody touches the soul of the game, or of Golf World readers, like novelist and avid weekender Roland Merullo. His recent column in on the distinctly different benefits of public and private golf drew loads of mail, mostly grateful, occasionally critical (a complete surprise to us) and several containing invitations and a bit of homemade promotional material. Among other things, novelist Merullo wrote:

I like the gentility and pace of play at the fancier tracks. But I don't like the guy behind the desk looking down to see how expensive my shoes are when I check in, or speaking to me as if I'm a fourth-grader who's accidentally wandered into the junior-high cafeteria, or the sense that if somebody turns his hat around backwards on a windy day, it's tantamount to taking the Lord's name in vain. In a world where children are hungry (sometimes just down the road) being able to play golf on a magnificent course--on any course for that matter--is something to be grateful for, and I like people who are.

Merullo went on to say he liked the "rough informality" of cheap public courses, but not the 6-hour rounds or all-too-frequent rudeness to women. Here's a sampling of your reactions.

I have a recommendation for Roland Merullo. Come to central Indiana and play a few rounds. I'm a super senior who spent many happy years as a member of a private club. As I approached my 74th birthday I resigned from the club to join my friends as "free agents" playing various courses around Indianapolis. As seniors we received significant discounts playing through the week at many courses. Come to Indy Ron, play for a few days and leave wishing you were a Hoosier!
Jim Capron (Index 11.4) Indianapolis, IN

Mr. Merullo, your article really angered me. You did a wonderful job of slamming 9-hole courses. Granted, there are some courses that could use better maintenance, rental clubs, etc. But, there are many 9-hole courses that are well maintained and have better rental clubs, etc.

My husband and I built our 9-hole course and work very hard to keep it well maintained for our golfers. Encouraging people to play more golf and to enjoy their local courses would have helped. Many 9-hole courses are the grass roots of future golfers.

Your comment about women golfers, "just the sight of a female on the fairway sets their eyes to rolling, or at private courses pretend to be polite" makes my stomach turn. You solidified that men think women are second class citizens ... Actually, golf for all could use support now more than ever.

As for a recommendation for you---well, I do not have locker rooms, fancy food or someone to clean your clubs. I do have a par-30 course that is challenging, fun, affordable, nicely maintained and where play usually moves along. There are many like us, start exploring!!
Mary Spink Fairfield Hills Golf Course Baraboo, WI

I must tell you about a course in Northwest Florida that has it all when it comes to a private/public "feel". We really are glad to welcome every golfer who arrives to play (no fake smiles or judgements here). The courses, (two 18's), are picturesque, well groomed, secluded (with nary a house in sight), some protected wetlands and we guarantee topography rarely seen in Florida. Many of the treasured members here have belonged for decades, there is the Gaggle, the Possy, the Divas, the Duffers & Dolly's, the ladies league, the Hambergers, the Filets, the TAWC Swingers and the high rolling Bootlickers. Come see us on Florida's Emerald Coast---we are one the best and reasonably priced courses in the Destin/Niceville area. We are Eglin Golf Course and we are open to the public.

Barbara McDermott Niceville, Fl <
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As a kid who grew up playing public courses after getting hooked on the game while caddying at a private club, I think Roland captured both experiences perfectly. But as all of your letters remind us, there are no constants. Discovering the exceptions on both sides of the fairway makes the adventure.

--Bob Carney

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Lexi prom video gets you tweeting. Patriotism or public relations?

Friday, April 27, 2012

It startles us sometimes to see what gets you going. Today it's Lexi Thompson, the amazing 17-year-old LPGA player who posted a video on her Facebook page asking for a military man between 18 and 20 to tell her why he should be her high school prom date. Patriotic. Cute. Innocent. Right? Golf Digest tweeted, matter-of-factly: "Lexi Thompson is using Facebook to find a prom date."

Photo by Jensen Larson

Not so fast. Here are some of the comments and tweets that the video and our tweet produced. (Things got cynical swiftly). On Geoff Shackelford's blog:

Scott: "I think her pr staff or agent came up with this idea. (At) least she did not ask the commissioner of the LPGA to escort her."

Brian S: "I think its terrible. Its her Prom, not a PR / Marketing opportunity. This just emphasizes what a non-normal childhood she has had. Not good."

Ky Laffoon's Ghost: "Lexi is a breath of fresh air, probably mature beyond her years, but who in his right mind lets his 17-year-old daughter go out with a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine? Just askin'."

On Twitter, amid some polite acceptance, and even a few kudos, media debate ensued. Selects:

Stina Sternberg: If you want to take a soldier to prom, why not find someone at your local base? Shouldn't be a premeditated PR move.

Steve Elling: @ShoshEAK Re Lexi deal: You take girl who had an atypical childhood and then put her prom date up for bid? Nothing creepy there!

Ryan Ballengee: The Lexi prom thing is a tad weird, no? But guess who I took to my senior prom? A girl I dumped the month before, to keep my word. #dumb.

Alan Shipnuck: Pretty cool. Slightly creepy. RT @RandallMellGC Want to be Lexi's prom date? If you're a military serviceman apply here on.fb.me/IdINLU

Kevin Price: Mostly creepy. @AlanShipnuck: Pretty cool. Slightly creepy. MT @RandallMellGC Want to be Lexi's prom date? Military serviceman apply here...

Matt Ginella: Only reason why @Lexi prom date promo is weird is if you assume it's more than just a night at a prom. And if you assume that, you're weird.

Stephanie Wei: I just watched the Lexi Prom video. It's even more creepy and cringe-worthy than I imagine. How did that corporate stunt get approved??

There are many more. Here's what we think. Lexi Thompson is 17. Seventeen-year-olds, even 17-year-old professional golfers with professional handlers, do sweet, naive things. They aren't nearly as clever or calculating as we give them credit for -- or as we are. That her parents or her agent didn't anticipate the backlash here is unfortunate, but it offers us all a lesson.

Patriotism is in season right now. On the campaign trail. On TV. On tour. It is so in-season, in fact, that corporations are "cause marketing" the military. What brand can seem most grateful for our soldiers -- and in the process collect a bit of gratitude for itself. Maybe Lexi reminds us that patriotism isn't that easy. Read the Pulitzer-Prize winning Huffington Post series by David Wood on wounded vets---read it all, as a patriotic act--and you'll see what we mean. Good for Lexi to try to draw attention to their sacrifices. And if you think her video is too calculating, make a contribution to the American Lake Veterans GC and don't tell anyone about it.

-- Bob Carney

The snacks you eat on the golf course are...awful.

Friday, April 27, 2012

When we published a slideshow of the foods tour players eat during their rounds, we asked you what snacks you rely on to prevent mid-round fatigue. The many answers we received were alarming.

Jim Furyk is a fan of Larabars.

So I've asked Ron Kaspriske, our resident nutrition expert, to weigh in on 10 of your snack choices. Turns out, even those of you who think you're choosing healthy options are falling for marketing ploys and less-than-ideal nutrition. Hold on tight: Ron only knows how to be brutally honest.

Jack Syroid: PureProtein bar (19 grams of protein) and a G2 drink (20 calories).
Kaspriske: Don’t be fooled by the low-sugar advertising on PureProtein bars. It contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener that can have the same initial effect of a high-sugar snack by spiking your energy level followed by a noticeable crash. Your body tries to process it as sugar before realizing it’s not. Gatorade G2 is nothing more than sugary water fortified with vitamins and salts (electrolytes). You would be much better off with a few slices of lean turkey meat to get your protein and some water to avoid cramping. The sodium content in the turkey is all you need.

Mike Mattox: Clif Bars and a muscle milk shake.
Kaspriske: Protein supplements such as Muscle Milk always make me cringe because cheaper, healthier, better protein can be found in nature. If you must have something that’s processed, go with natural beef or turkey jerky and some water. Clif Bars tout that they contain “70 percent natural ingredients.” You know what that means? The other 30 is chemical crap. Furthermore, the average bar has roughly 24 grams of sugar.

Sune Kaern: Bananas, fruit bars, water. Lots of water.
Kaspriske: Not sure what constitutes a “fruit bar,” but sounds like something that could survive a nuclear winter. Stick with the banana and the water.

Dave: Kashi GoLean bars
Kaspriske: The fiber content (6 grams) makes it one of the better choices in the energy-bar market, but it’s still can’t compare to eating a handful of almonds with an apple.

Adam Fair: Nature Valley granola bars
Kaspriske: You’re basically eating a candy bar. You’ll have a lot of energy for about a hole or two and then you’ll be ready for bed.

Robbie Fell: Sunflower seeds
Kaspriske: A good source of fiber, healthy fat, protein and iron. Just don’t buy the salted or oil-roasted varieties.

Riley Martin: Salted nut rolls
Kaspriske: If I was starving, I still might think twice before eating this. Really? Too much sugar. Too much sodium. Too much crap.

Matt Waller: Beer, twinkies and whiskey
Kaspriske: When you look down to putt, does your belly block your view of your feet?

Bryan Pratt: Does tequila count as a snack?
Kaspriske: Sure, if you’re playing me for money. I’ll grab the lime and the salt.

Erik Weiss: Die Dew and Snickers
Kaspriske: Talk about a sugar bomb. Please make sure you eat and drink this about 10 minutes before you have a make-or-break putt in our match.

--Ashley Mayo

Follow @AshleyKMayo

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Recognition for the finalists for this week's Golf World Facebook Punchline Contest

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Our Golf World writers might be in trouble. Our Facebook Front 9 Punchline Contest has been a success, for us, and for our fans who have been published in our magazine. Every Sunday, we invite readers to contribute a snappy comment for co-author our Front 9 feature each week.

GW feeds the straight set-up line on our Golf World Facebook page; readers contribute the punchline, which we publish.

Related: Our magazine's Facebook page

We narrowed our list to four finalists this week who we thought earned a nod!

This was the set-up line we supplied this week:

Time magazine names Yani Tseng one of 'The 100 Most Influential People in the World.'

The winning punchline, supplied by Thomas B. Allen of Middletown, Ohio appears in this week's (April 30) issue of Golf World:

Non-golfers said "Huh?", but he did not make the list this year.

Other punchline finalists:

He Said, She Said: Is golf on a first date ever a good idea?

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

In a weekly series called "He Said, She Said," Golf Digest Associate Editor Ashley Mayo will address your views on gender-related issues in golf. The former collegiate golfer is 26. She somehow maintains a 6 handicap despite living in Manhattan.

You've heard it before: Golf exposes character. Those unlucky bounces, unfortunate lies and long waits between shots can really test a man’s patience. That's why I've always considered golf a great date. As a woman who's been playing for 12 years, I've been paired with my fair share of whackos. Better to find out if a guy is crazy before it's too late, no?

But is golf on a first date ever a good idea? When Golf Digest asked that very question on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, the responses were passionate, if not necessarily in agreement. After tallying 532 votes, 57 percent of you think golf on a first date is a great idea, 28 percent think it's a terrible idea, and 15 percent of you think the range or mini golf is a safer way to start out.

Fellas: Don't ever do this on the golf course. Seriously.

Sure, golf on a first date has its benefits. Think about it: what better window is there into someone's personality? As Dave tweets, "If the guy or gal goes all Tommy Bolt after a chunked chip, RUN!" And Matt Grandone agrees: "Golf has a way of bringing out all of a person's imperfections, might as well get it all out in the open from jump street."

But golf on a first date is also fraught with danger. Being trapped with someone you realize you can't stand could turn an otherwise pleasant afternoon into an excruciating adventure. As Jennie Ryan Luptak tweets, "A frustration-ruined round is worse than bad dinner conversation." And several guys (not-so subtly) suggest that playing golf on a first date sounds like a frightening experience. Like Tony Ostheimer, via Facebook: "THIS IS MY NIGHTMARE!!!" And Anthony Shizas, also via Facebook: "No need to have worlds colliding. Utter chaos!"

When I posed the question to my buddy (let's just call him Bob), he said that "golf for most guys is their escape with their buds, their chance to drink some beers, smoke cigars, piss in the woods and be a 'rebel.'" Good to know, Bobby. Have lots of fun in the woods. Alone.

Ultimately, I say golf on a first date is too risky. Better to meet at the driving range on a first date (yes, this still gives you fellas a chance to give us "flirty" golf lessons), enjoy a few drinks or a long walk on a second date, then venture out to the golf course on a third or fourth date -- just to be sure you can stand someone's company for an extended period.

Oh, and once we're on the golf course, be man enough to handle a good beating. Several guys say they wouldn't be able to manage playing with a woman who plays better (ahem, Rob Sievers). My girl Dani Fankhauser has a nice response: "If he's ok with you showing him up, he's a keeper!"

--Ashley Mayo
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Thanks, Alan, for that "Invite to Augusta"

Monday, April 23, 2012

Editor Alan Pittman's account of his round at Augusta National on the Monday following the tournament generated lots of positive comment. Here's a very grateful letter from a California reader.

Dear Editor:

All I can say is thank you. There are many of us who only get to see places like Augusta on television or video games and our dreams. We don't get involved in the politics or the correctness of what the club does or does not stand for. We are interested in one thing and one thing only. What Augusta means to golf. The history.... Jones, Snead, Hogan, Palmer, Player, Nicklaus, Woods, Sarazen, Oosthuizen, Mickelson, Watson... I'm certain you get the picture. The sights of Augusta... The serenity. The trees, greens... all of it. The sounds... nothing... I mean nothing... sounds like Augusta. Just listen to the tournament on TV. You hear the birds chirping, the breeze in the trees. And, the sound of a solidly struck iron shot sounds like nothing else, anywhere else.

Yet, your photo article showed us a few things we don't get to see. Some things like views of the course you don't see on television. Also, the human and nature side of things, as well. Your caddie. You told us of him and his family. The turtles. Even the Hogan plaque. My former employer had the opportunity to play Augusta once as a guest. He twisted his knee on the 3rd hole and could not complete the round. I was sad for him. The chance of a lifetime, gone.

That said, I just wanted to take the time to write you and give you a resounding thank you for something I may never see myself with my own eyes. You stated it perfectly at the end. You probably didn't play your best golf that day. But, it was a day when your score really didn't matter. But, it is a day that you will always have and remember. If you have the scorecard, frame it, my friend. It will be something you can cherish and look at for the rest of your life.

Dean T. Smith

Enough about us. We want to hear from YOU.

Monday, April 23, 2012

We value your opinion. In fact, we love it. That’s why we're debuting #Reaction, a new GolfDigest.com blog devoted entirely to what you have to say.

It is here where we'll feature your letters and e-mails -- both the good and bad -- about what you've read in Golf Digest, Golf World, and GolfDigest.com. And it's here where we’ll capture what you're talking about on Facebook and Twitter (and Pinterest, and Instagram...). In a new series called "He Said, She Said," for example, Associate Editor Ashley Mayo will solicit your input regarding gender-related issues on the golf course. Do guys really want to date girls who play golf? Is golf on a first date ever a good idea? We want to hear what you think.

We know you aren't bashful, and we're now in a position to gather more of your feedback than ever before. So speak up. We're listening.

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