Richard Russel is a mad man – just like many of us that chase and flog at that little white ball with very expensive sticks.  He is not a pro, nor will you find him along side Peter Alliss commenting on the BBC.  He is, however, everyman who has played the game!  Russell plays off a six handicap – which we all know is the worst handicap you can carry for handicapped or scratch matches. 

His claim to fame is that he has railed against the golf gods for years and has survived to tell the tales.  In My Baby Got the Yips: The Random Thoughts of an Unprofessional Golfer, he puts it all down on paper.  Why?  Perhaps it’s his penance for his on-course behavior or a special therapy that his shrink had cooked up for him to deal with his golf affliction.  Whatever it was, his thoughts on the game of golf are sometimes brilliant in that humorous British sort of way.

His counsel on the best way to throw a club is priceless…  Let’s see, there is the Whirler, the Hammer, and the Snapper.  Care to guess which one is best?  Ever contemplate the impossible-ness of putting?  How about who is the greatest golf hero you have never heard of?  This book is unlike anything you have read on the game.

Russell’s “observations are so in tune with the spirit of the maddening pursuit that it almost qualifies as a masterpiece.”  So says the Sunday Times.  I say, if you can find this book, it will make a worthy addition to any golfer’s library.

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allan@iquestgolf.com

www.iquestgolf.com

Nestled in the back of many golf fan’s mind is the haunting thought that it might be over.  Tiger’s pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ majors record may have reached its apogee and could now be headed in the same direction as his personal life.  While Woods is currently in damage control and will be positively trying to resurrect his image and his game, the world continues to turn; however, things will never be the same.

Woods is still one of the most prolific golfers in the game.  There can be no doubt that his presence on the course drives attendance behind the ropes and puts jingle into the pockets of the PGA, the charities, and the communities that host the tournaments.  While these things are readily apparent to those who track the industry, everyone will take a hit even as Tiger’s PR machine tries to pick up the slack as quickly as possible.

There are many rumors as to what Woods is likely to do.  Will he really take enough time off the golf gravy train to mend broken hearts?  If he is chasing Jack, will he play any majors this year?  The clock is ticking.

The Masters has awarded Tiger four green jackets to date (Jack has six).  This year, the US Open is at Pebble Beach where he destroyed the course by 15 strokes in 2000.  Who can forget Tiger on the hallowed grounds of St. Andrews?  This is the 150^th Open Championship and could be the third consecutive Open Championship win for Tiger on the venerable Old Course.  That is… if he plays.

What’s it going to be?  Time does not wait for any man.  And, while Tiger has traded the spotlight of being golf’s superhero and devoted family man for the tabloids of infidelities and innuendos, you know that Tiger just wants it all to go away.  Hmmm, how many of us have felt that same longing?  I’ve learned in my life that with choice comes accountability and consequences.  Sometimes the consequences are much to bear.  For the moment, Jack’s record of 18 major-championships is safe and secure.  But then, moments don’t last forever either.  What do you think?

© 2010 The iQuest Group, LLC

No ©opyright claim on graphics

allan@iquestgolf.com

www.iquestgolf.com

This year St. Andrews will host the 150th Anniversay of The Open Championship.  The “Home of Golf” is a sacred pilgrimage for all serious golfers to enjoy once in their lives.  I have been fortunate to have experienced many golfing adventures in and around Scotland and the Kingdom of Fife and have enjoyed the captivating Scottish countryside in fair and foul weather. 

James W. Finegan in his book Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens allows me to relive many of those memories.  He also acts as a personal guide to over sixty courses to consider when planning your own pilgrimage to Scotland.  He shares more than just the history of each course.  Many of the little known charms of the area are revealed as you become immersed in Finegan’s art of telling the tales of “golf’s native land.” 

If you are considering a trip to Scotland as a player or a patron of the 150th Open Championship, pick up Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens.  You’ll find yourself off the beaten trails and onto paths that only dreamers follow. 

© 2010 The iQuest Group, LLC

allan@iquestgolf.com

www.iquestgolf.com