HUGH’S CLUBHOUSE
As I slip quietly into a tryptophan-induced coma after eating way more turkey than any human should at one sitting, I thought now would be a good time to loosen the belt and give thanks to some people and things that have made the already great sport of golf even better this year.
Thank you, Bryson DeChambeau – aka “The Gift That Keeps on Giving”. Yes, he’s odd. Yes, he’s arrogant. Yes, he’s insufferable at times.
But … he’s also THE MOST INTERESTING THING IN GOLF RIGHT NOW. And that was before we found out he and Brooksy are gonna get it on for 12-holes at The Match V … or is it VI? I can’t keep track. Diehards will tune in every weekend whether it’s a Major or “The Fridge Door Open”. But how many casual fans tune in to see The Mad Scientist crush a defenseless golf ball? Doesn’t even matter where it lands, we just shake our heads in amazement wishing we could hit it that far. While most of his teammates were recovering from the Ryder Cup celebration, there was DeChambeau in the Nevada desert blasting 400-yard drives at the Professional Long Drivers World Championship. He finished 6th in a field of 80. Like him or not, BDC moves the needle.
Thank you, Ryder Cup. The Euros had won four of the previous five Ryder Cups coming in to Whistling Straits, so the U-S was looking to bounce back in front of an overwhelmingly partisan (and drunk) crowd. The United States didn’t just bounce back, they demolished the European 19-9, the biggest margin of victory under the tournament’s current format and breathing new life into the rivalry. And they did it with the youngest team ever. Scary. And fun. And scary.
Thank you, Canada. OK, we didn’t have either of our national Opens this year (thanks Covid), but there was plenty of Canadian content to cheer on. How about Brooke Henderson’s win in Los Angeles in April? Or Corey Conners contending at the Masters and PGA Championship? Or Mackenzie Hughes coming close at the US Open and The Open Championship? Or Mike Weir’s win on the Tour Champions? Not to mention the emergence of Taylor Pendrith, Adam Svensson and Michael Gligic. Go Canada Go!
Thank you, manufacturers. Whether you’re new to the game or a weekend weed whacker like me, you can no longer blame it on the tools. The major golf equipment manufacturers have done a tremendous job of creating clubs to make the game enjoyable for all levels of play. Yes, the sheer choice of equipment can be a little overwhelming but a quick chat with your friendly neighborhood Golf Town associate will get you on track. #blatantplug
Thank you, groundskeepers. You know when you wake up and look at the clock and it’s 4am but you’re happy because you still have a few hours sleep left? Well, golf course groundskeepers are already hard at work. With a record number of rounds being played in this country, maintenance is more important than ever. These are the men and women who mow the fairways, repair the tee boxes and roll the greens.
These are the men and women I blame for all my missed putts.
But thanks anyway.
When I watch Bryson DeChambeau swing the club, I can’t help but ask myself: “Is this the reincarnation of the late, great Moe Norman?” His attitude may be a little suspect at times, but hey, isn’t that what draws people to watch a sport sometimes? I don’t have a problem with it.