Posted on 06/13/2013 6:26:21 PM PDT by Kid Shelleen
The Old Man of the Main Line undoubtedly heard the talk. The pros were coming back and, like kids who return to a playground from their youth, they were supposed to find the place a lot smaller than anyone remembered.
It would be too small for their souped-up equipment and their Cybex-tuned bodies and heaven help the place if it rained and the pros didn't have to worry about their shots bouncing off a runway-hard surface.
The Old Man laughed quietly. There's more to the game of golf – and to the game of life, thank goodness – than mere yardage. There's more than one way to befuddle the best players in the sport. There are some tricks they rarely have to solve. So, come on out and let's see what happens. Old Man Merion was ready to teach a new generation some ancient lessons.
(Excerpt) Read more at philly.com ...
*** Golf Ping ***
The last time I golfed I only hit two good balls all day...and THAT was when I stepped on a rake in the sand bunker.
I'm all in for Phil. I'd love to see him atone for 2006 at Winged Foot - especially since this Sunday is his birthday. That would make it special sweet.
I haven't seen enough of the live play because of the rain delays. But, I am itchin' for the weekend.
Yeah, Luke Donald came on strong at the end to beat Phil by a stroke.
A lot idiots like Wory McIlwoy tried to put it out in the dark after the horn blew and missed.
I played in a state amateur there back in the 80’s. Haven’t seen it since, so I watched every minute today. It’s much different. Seems they cleared out a LOT of trees. 17 was almost tree lined back in the day - now it’s wide open.
Still, it’s a great place. Too bad the R&A and USGA can’t do something about the equipment - especially the ball - to make places like this more relevant today.
I guess that makes me an old fart.
As for the tournament - ABT
There's also a sleeper that most are over looking. Ricky Fowler tore this place up in the Walker matches when he was just 19. Those memories could put him in the hunt.
Watch for Steve Stricker to climb the leader board.
I hope it dries up there. Strange to see Merion’s greens holding so well.
If it were bone dry, scoring wouldn’t really be dictated by the greens, rather the speed of the fairways.
I’m a bit surprised scoring isn’t better given the conditions.
Lucky! I have played lots of famous courses, but not Merion.
Truth be told, my best drives were with a PowerBilt Pro persimmon driver with a Dynamic shaft, And Hogan Apex irons, I loved the old stuff.
Persimmon, you say? As in persimmon wood, not colored red-orange like ripe persimmon fruit?
I've heard of persimmon wood (American ebony, Diospyros genus) being used to make musical instruments (you'll find ebony in the fingerboards of string instruments) but not golf clubs.
I always played Hogan Apex equipment. Once I turned pro - much more teaching than playing, I was lucky enough to be on their staff.
Back in that era, you had to have a GOOD old MacGregor driver and a GOOD Powerbuilt 3 wood and a set of Apex II’s with 5 shafts. Mine always had Neumann wrap on leather grips like Jack.
There certainly weren’t any hybrids. Only Apex II one and two irons. Balls were Titleist Pro Trajectory balatas - either 90’s or 100’s depending on a lot of factors.
I actually had a rather lengthy discussion with Ernie Els about this a few years ago. I lamented that the game had gotten too easy and he agreed. I wondered aloud if there were events with forged blade irons, persimmon woods, and balata balls, would he participate. He smiled and said he would sign up tomorrow and win every event.
Ernie is one of the nicest, most gracious guys in the world (rare for that profession). His work with Autism is really something to behold. He is hard not to root for.
Trevor Immelman is another of the good guys. He just can’t shake his bad wrist.
What the bell us up with the wicker thing on top of the flagstick? I like to know what the wind is doing at the green.
+1 on Els
I don't think Phil will ever win The Open... The Gods of Golf will not give him another opportunity like 2006. Sam Snead never won it either. Would still love to see Phil win though.
Assuming they actually hit the fairway.
I have been watching some. The talking heads are busy worshipping at the alter of Tiger Woods (what else is new?) which irritates me. Interesting so far however.
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