Friday, April 8, 2011
Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com
GREATER LAFAYETTE GOLF GUIDE 2011
POOCH PATROL Jim Scott, superintendent of Purdue’s Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, with Heather, a border collie who works at the courses.
Heather is a golfer’s best friend at Purdue By Sam King • sking@jconline.com
Heather is one of Purdue University’s most appreciated employees. Not even 10 years old, she already has a trophy in her office — a Purdue mascot statue called “Pete” she received during a banquet at Ross-Ade Stadium. Heather, a 9-year-old border collie, is used at Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex to keep geese off the course. “She is a working dog, not a play dog,” Jim Scott, superintendent at the complex, said. “She’s kind of gotten out of that regimen because of
VIDEO OF HEATHER IN ACTION
Dog day afternoon: Check out a video by J&C photographer John Terhune of Heather on patrol at jconline.com
everyone petting her.” Heather was raised as a sheepherder in New Kent, Va. In 2005, Scott brought her to West Lafayette to help with the rising geese population on Purdue’s Kampen Course. Using a nonviolent technique, she’s made golf more enjoyable for those who play at Purdue. “The golfers are very appreciative of the dog when they see her out there doing those things,” Birck Complex pro Dan Ross said. One of those appreciative golfers is George Vansco.
DATES SET FOR CITY TOURNAMENTS
In the swing: Men’s City will be played over three weekends at Purdue. Coyote Crossing and The Elks hosting Women’s City. Page 3
Vansco, a regular at the course, has befriended the dog and often has treats in his pocket. “She likes the pepperoni ones,” he said. Needless to say, adding Heather to the Birck Boilermaker Complex staff has proven to be a wise decision. She gets along with fellow employees, is friendly with customers and is a very efficient worker.
Problem solver As the goose population started getting out of control, Scott began researching online and saw that other golf courses had used dogs to herd the animals. He went to Lacy’s Border Collie Farm in Virginia and spent three days in amazement watching Heather herd sheep and — to prove she could also round up something that flies — ducks. He was persuaded, and with the permission of Purdue University,
AREA GOLF COURSE INFORMATION
Pick a course: Your guide to the 28 golf courses in and around Greater Lafayette. Page 4
(BY JOHN TERHUNE/JOURNAL & COURIER)
made Heather an official employee. “It’s nice to have a dog. If you are a dog lover, you like having the dog around,” said Ross, who owns two dogs. “Having a dog here at the complex, kind of a normal thing for me.” Scott stayed with Tom and Karen Lacy long enough to learn the ins and outs of teaching Heather how to round up animals. He couldn’t master the whistle provided to command Heather’s motions. Instead he was taught voice commands that let her know when to veer right or left, when to return and, well, it’s a long list. Scott said during his three days at the Virginia farm, he and Heather bonded. Make no mistake though, Heather came to make sure the number of geese on the golf course dwindled. She quickly proved to be a difference maker. See HEATHER, Page 2
A DREAM FOURSOME OF YOUR CHOICE
Tiger, Phil, Jack or Arnie: Read who area golfers selected to be in their foursome and some pointers on do’s and don’ts. Page 5
2 Friday, April 8, 2011
Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com
HEATHER FROM PAGE 1
“Within a week of getting her, the goose population was about a third,” Scott said, who had tried other means to get rid of the geese. Shooing geese didn’t come as naturally as herding sheep. “It was hard for her to go from sheep to birds,” Scott said. “She can’t see birds as well.” Heather’s adaptation has helped keep the course clear of feces and also made for a friendly face to regulars. “We who consider ourselves part of Purdue golf enjoy Heather and the job she does,” Boilermaker coach Devon Brouse said. “She goes about her daily assignment with such energy and enthusiasm, she is a joy to watch. I hope she enjoys her work as much as I enjoy watching her work.” It didn’t take long for Scott to see that Heather was comfortable in her new surroundings. Upon arriving home, he let Heather in the house. That night, when his three daughters tried to go upstairs, Heather was at the bottom of the steps, denying them access. It wasn’t the only time she tried to exchange sheep for people for her routine. “In the backyard, they would have friends over,” Scott said of his daughters. Heather “would run around them and try to herd them.”
Taking orders Initially, Scott kept Heather from people, hoping to teach her that she was in a working environment. Once he let her around the golfers, Heather became a fan favorite. “Quite a few golfers will see me,” Scott said, “and they never ask how I’m doing. It’s always, ‘Where’s Heather?’ ” Likewise, Scott wanted only a select few giving Heather orders. If too many people give orders, it can get too confusing. Though several people know a select few commands, Heather generally takes orders from only Scott and assistants Jerry Lauraitis and Kyle Post. Scott said Heather is with those two 90 percent of the time. When it comes time to go out on the course, Heather makes her own decision, hopping into a golf cart when the three take off for rounds.
Geese find safety in the water while Heather patrols Kampen Course at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex. (BY JOHN TERHUNE/JOURNAL & COURIER)
Watch a video by J&C photographer John Terhune of Heather in action at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex.
Dog chase On March 2, Heather impressed West Lafayette authorities when she ended a dog chase that lasted nearly two hours. A loose dog was able to stay out of the grasp of owner Dan Becker and police officers long enough to wear them down. When the West Lafayette Police Department contacted the golf course, it wasn’t long before Heather’s services were required. “They were having difficulty catching the dog, and they said they were on the golf course,” Scott recalled. “I said, ‘Heather can do it.’ She ran toward the dog and brought her right back to us.” The dog was Roxy, an 8-pound morkie (Maltese/ Yorkshire terrier mix) who was new to Becker and his family and still unfamiliar with the surroundings. Becker took the leash off Roxy’s collar to transfer her to a tether. In an instant, Roxy dashed off and made sure she got her exercise for the evening. Becker followed, then collected a police officer, who also called for backup. “The dog thought running from one end of the
Brouse
Ross
golf course to the other end was a big game,” Becker said. When Roxy escaped, she ran for Northwestern Avenue, leaving Becker fearing the worst. Calling for her didn’t work. She was still unfamiliar with her name, having been with her new family just three days. Fortunately, Roxy didn’t cause any traffic accidents, and once she was on the golf course, it allowed Heather to go into action. Three golf carts arrived, one with Heather riding along. Once Heather spotted the dog, she amazed everyone who had tried to track down Roxy on foot. Heather went into herding mode and ended the chase rather quickly. “They let the border collie loose, and it took about 20 minutes,” Becker said.
The pay scale Heather’s work schedule requires odd hours. Because geese catch on to repetition, Scott has to change times and sites to keep the birds from beating the system. “You have to alter the schedule or the geese will
Heather patrols the water line on No. 13 at Kampen Course. (BY JOHN TERHUNE/JOURNAL & COURIER)
“Quite a few golfers will see me and they never ask how I’m doing. It’s always, ‘Where’s Heather?’ ” JIM SCOTT,
Superintendent of Purdue’s Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex
catch on,” Scott said. “If you come to the same places at the same times, they will know and go somewhere else.” The geese are often on the move. Sometimes it’s first thing in the morning.
Sometimes it’s as the sun is tucking in behind the trees. “When you have her out, she does her job and she comes back to you,” Scott said. “All the pets and treats, that’s her reward.” Vansco, who has two cats at home, makes sure Heather keeps up on her treats. Even during the golf offseason, he makes his way to the course to provide for Heather. “For three years, we’ve been friends,” Vansco said. “Even in the winter, I’ll go over there, too. She is just well mannered. The first time I saw her, she came over and let me pet her.”
The future Scott doesn’t like to ad-
mit it, but there will come a day when Heather won’t be able to fulfill her duties. She’s a grizzled veteran in a profession best fitted for a young pup. It’s not in the cards yet, but with Heather working out so well for the golf complex, another dog is logically the next step. “What I’d like to do is get another border collie and have Heather train her,” Scott said. “I try to put on this tough guy persona. But it is going to be tough when she’s not around anymore. “I couldn’t find a better dog. She is irreplaceable.”
www.jconline.com • Journal & Courier
Friday, April 8, 2011 3
Dates set for City tournaments By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com
Tippecanoe County golfers who enjoy competitive tournament action will have plenty of opportunities in July. The Men’s City tournament is scheduled for July 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24 at Purdue’s Kampen and Ackerman Hills courses. The first weekend will be comprised of 36 holes of medal play qualifying. The flighted match play portion of the event is set for the final two weekends. According to Tippecanoe County Golf Association president Tim Adams, players will play one qualifying round at Kampen and one at Ackerman Hills. “I’m not sure if all match play competition will be staged at Kampen, or whether we may have some match play at Ackerman Hills, too,” Adams said. “We’re hoping to increase our numbers. Last year, we had approximately 80 players. That’s probably pretty close to what we’re looking at again.” The 36-hole qualifying portion of the event will crown an Open Division champion, a Junior champion (through 17 years of age) and a Senior champion (50 and older). Players who can not commit to three consecutive weekends may choose to play in the medal championship only (July 9-10). Cost for the medal, match play and senior division events is $125 per player. Cost for medal play only for senior and open di-
Craig Hutchinson watches his drive during the championship match of the Men’s City golf tournament at Purdue’s Kampen Course last year. Hutchinson defeated Brent Hofman on the first hole of sudden death playoff to win his first title. (BY JOHN TERHUNE/JOURNAL & COURIER) vision competitors is $100 each. Medal and match play juniors will be asked to pay $85 each, and medal play only for juniors is $60. Entry deadline is July 1. Beginning in mid-April, entry forms will be available at local golf courses. Entry fees also will be available at www.purduegolf.com The Women’s City is set for July 16-17. The women will play July 16 at Coyote Crossing and will play their final round July 17 at The Elks. This year’s Junior City is set for July 18-19 at the Lafayette Golf Course. The tournament was canceled last year because of flooding and wet grounds.
Chief Bender Camp The Lafayette Golf Course will stage the first George “Chief” Bender Summer Golf Camp for children ages 8 to 14. The late Bender enjoyed teaching youngsters to play golf, regardless of their skill level or financial means. This program, which will take place eight consecutive Sundays from June 5 through July 24, is set for 5 to 7 p.m. The $20 entry fee will include a T-shirt, instruction from experienced volunteers and a small tournament on July 24. Instruction will include short game, full swing, course etiquette and super-
vised play on the course. Registration deadline is May 28. To register, call 807-1130 or visit the Lafayette Golf Course at 800 Golf View Drive. For participants who do not have golf equipment, the course will provide clubs. According to course manager Jason Biddinger, anyone who would like to donate an old set of clubs for use in the program is encouraged to do so. “We can shorten them or spruce them up if anyone has clubs they would like to get rid of,” Biddinger said. “If they call the course, we can arrange to take them. Anything will be greatly appreciated.”
Tara Wiley putts during the Women’s City golf tournament at Coyote Crossing last year. Wiley has won four straight City titles. (BY BRENT DRINKUT/ JOURNAL & COURIER)
Ravines Juniors The Ravines will stage a Junior Golf Camp from June 20 to 24 for those in kindergarten through eighth grade. Kindergartners through fifth-graders will participate from 8 to 9:55 a.m. Those in grades 6 to 8 will play from 10:05 a.m. to noon. The Ravines Junior Golf Association will welcome young players each Monday and Wednesday in June and July.
Those who are interested in the camp may pick up a brochure at The Ravines pro shop or call 497-7888.
Ladies league An organizational meeting for the Lafayette Ladies Nine-Hole Golf League is set for 5:30 p.m. on April 27 at The Ravines banquet room. League play is scheduled to begin May 3. League members may contact Michelle Williams at willi2ms@hotmail.com for further information.
4 Friday, April 8, 2011
Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com
FORE!
Your guide to golf courses in and around Greater Lafayette
TIPPECANOE COUNTY 1. Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex 1300 Cherry Lane West Lafayette 494-3139 or 494-3216 www.purduegolf.com Ackerman Hills Course Men’s par: 71, yards: 5,918 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,325 Kampen Course Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,874 Women’s par: 72, yards: 6,067
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2. Coyote Crossing 5801 Augusta Blvd. West Lafayette 497-1061 www.coyotecrossinggolf.com Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,839 Women’s par: 72, yards: 4,881
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10. Oak Grove County Club 609 S. Crown St., Indiana 55 South Oxford (765) 385-2713 www.oakgrovecc.com Men’s par: 71, yards: 6,028 Women’s par: 73, yards: 5,170
CARROLL COUNTY 11. Bachelor Runn Golf Club 625 N. Indiana 75 Flora (574) 967-3987 Par: 36, yards: 3,300 12. Carroll County Country Club 411 E. Howard St. Delphi (765) 564-2155 Par: 36, yards: 3,067
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7. Lafayette Municipal 800 Golfview Road Lafayette 807-1130 www.lafayette.in.gov/golf/ Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,667 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,190
9. Benton County Country Club 402 W. Fourth St. Fowler (765) 884-1864 Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,461 Women’s par: 74, yards: 5,594
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5. Battle Ground Golf Club 5505 Pretty Prairie Road Battle Ground 567-2178 www.golfbattleground.com Course closed to public on Thursdays Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,494 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,245
BENTON COUNTY
Logansport
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4. Lafayette Country Club (private) 1500 S. Ninth St. Lafayette 474-3461 www.lafayettecountryclub.net Men’s par: 36, yards: 2,992 Women’s par: 37, yards: 2,774
8. The Ravines 8525 Division Road West Lafayette 497-7888 www.ravinesgolf.com Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,899 Women’s par: 72, yards: 4,947
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3. Edwood Glen 1601 East 600 North West Lafayette 463-1100 www.edwoodglencc.com Men’s par: 70, yards: 6,135 Women’s par: 75, yards: 5,642
6. Lafayette Elks Club 3224 U.S. 52 West West Lafayette 463-2332 www.elksgolf.com Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,256 Women’s par: 73, yards: 5,219
AREA IN DETAIL
Source: Jounal & Courier research Research by Jeff Washburn/Journal & Courier
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13. Hollow Acres 8291 Indiana 421 Yeoman (574) 965-2182 www.hollowacres.com Par: 27, yards: 1,300
CLINTON COUNTY 14. Angel Hill Golf Course 351 N. Plank St. Rossville (765) 379-3533 www.angelhillgolfcourse.com Men’s par: 71, yards: 6,138 Women’s par: 71, yards: 4,885 15. Deer Track 775 North 700 West Frankfort (765) 296-2595 Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,394 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,229 16. Frankfort Country Club 100 Country Club Drive Frankfort (765) 659-1324 www.frankfortcc.com Men’s par: 71, yards: 6,100 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,088
FOUNTAIN COUNTY 17. Harrison Hills 413 E. New St. Attica (765) 762-1135 www.harrisonhills.com Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,398 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,223 18. Rivercrest 14 Clubhouse Dr. Covington (765) 793-7888 www.golfrivercrest.com Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,346 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,415
JASPER COUNTY 19. Curtis Creek (semi-private) 5385 South 1080 West Rensselaer (219) 866-7729 www.curtiscreekcountryclub.com Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,526 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,040
MONTGOMERY COUNTY 20. Crawfordsville Country club (private) 3272 W. Country Club Road Crawfordsville (765) 362-2353
Men’s par: 70, yards: 6,188 Women’s par: 70, yards: 5,056 21. Crawfordsville Municipal 1000 E. South Blvd. Crawfordsville (765) 364-5171 Men’s par: 71, yards: 6,610 Women’s par: 71, yards: 5,192 22. Rocky Ridge Golf Club 3965 North 625 East Crawfordsville (765) 794-4444 Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,410 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,113 23. Turkey Run 7951 E. Indiana 47 Waveland (765) 435-2048 www.turkeyrungolf.com Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,650 Women’s par: 72, yards: 4,970
NEWTON COUNTY 24. Hazelden Country Club 3705 E. Indiana 16 Brook (219) 275-7771 www.hazeldencountryclub.com Men’s par: 70, yards: 5,935 Women’s par: 70, yards: 4,845
WHITE COUNTY 25. Pine Island 1969 Northwest Shafer Drive Monticello (574) 583-7733 Par: 27, yards: 1,121 26. Pine View Golf Course 5310 Norway Road Monticello (574) 583-3339 www.pineviewgolf.net Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,625 Women’s par: 72, yards: 5,503 27. Tippecanoe Country Club North Shafer Drive Monticello (574) 583-9977 www.tippecanoecc.com Men’s par: 72, yards: 6,728 Women’s par: 73, yards: 5,621
CASS COUNTY 28. Logansport Golf Club 20 Cedar Island Drive Logansport (574) 722-1110 Men’s par: 71, yards: 6,048 Women’s par: 72, yards: 4,831
www.jconline.com • Journal & Courier
Friday, April 8, 2011 5
A few conversation tips for your dream foursome It’s 2011. The long cold winter is behind us, we hope. Now maybe the weather will cooperate, and we can finally shed the layers and play golf as God intended — in shorts and short sleeve shirts. So, the thought for today is, who would be in your dream foursome? Would it be Tiger, Jack, Arnie or one of the many new lions on the tour? I’m guessing that Fred Couples will be high on a lot of lists, as will Mr. Eldrick Woods. Whomever you pick, remember you’ll have their undivided attention for at least four hours. That brings up the question: what will you discuss? Politics? If this is the case, and if you intend to play with tour pros, Democrats not need apply. The economy? Before you breach this subject, please take into consideration that you’ll probably
• My dream foursome would be players that could really improve my game. Other than that, I wouldn’t care who was in the group as long as I got to play Augusta National. On second, thought, I would take the guys who call me to play most often: Ron, Gene and Dave. Mitch Grundman Lafayette • Fuzzy Zoeller — like his ‘lets have fun’ attitude. Fred Couples — longtime favorite, love his golf swing. Natalie Gulbis — no explanation needed. Jim Dexter Lafayette • Jack “The golden bear” Nicklaus, my father and Gary Nicklaus. When you think of the Masters, Jack Nicklaus comes to mind first. He has been our idol for years. My father was born in Columbus, Ohio, and so was Jack. I was born just outside of Columbus also. My dad and I got to go down to a practice round a couple of years ago and Augusta National has to be one of the most beautiful courses on earth. It would be a dream to play a round there. It would be unthinkable to play with Jack Nicklaus and I wouldn’t want to play without the man that taught me the game and it would probably be more memorable if Jack’s son was playing with his dad also. Brad Keller Lafayette • My dream foursome would be Dick Murray, golf coach at Lafayette
Columnist ◆◆◆
Dave Schneider
be with a few millionaires. How about food? Sure, they can talk Beluga caviar, while you discuss the merits of chicken nuggets. So, what will be the topics? Well, I’ve tried to come up with a few Do’s and Don’ts of various subjects that might come up, as you pass the time on the golf course. Please, take each with a grain of salt. To help you out, I’ve divided possible partners into three categories — golfers, entertainers and other sports luminaries. First, the golfers. Tiger Woods — Do discuss his new palatial digs, his bass boat on steroids (his yacht), and his new
swing. Don’t discuss Butch Harmon, pancake houses or Swedish meatball recipes. Nick Faldo — Do discuss Nick Faldo. Don’t discuss any subject not dealing with Nick Faldo. Greg Norman — Do discuss business, the Shark logo and Learjets, as if we know anything about them. Don’t discuss divorce lawyers who are sharks and Chris Evert. Johnny Miller — Do discuss his 63 at Oakmont back in ’73. Don’t discuss Paul Azinger. Fred Couples — Do discuss his laid back golf style, those cool shoes and that incredible swing. Don’t discuss ... well, I don’t think there’s any subject that would be a nono. He just seems like that type of guy. Jack Nicklaus — Do discuss golf course design and his amazing career.
Don’t discuss Tiger’s quest for 19 majors and the current state of Ohio State football. Ian Poulter — Do discuss his fashion sense and his ensembles. Don’t discuss mullets, socks with sandals and tank tops. Boo Weekley — Do discuss camo outfits, 4-wheelers and hunting. Don’t discuss the dangers of chewing tobacco. Now it’s on to the entertainers. Bill Murray — Do discuss the hats he wore this year at Pebble Beach, SNL, and his film history. Don’t discuss Ghostbusters III. Justin Timberlake — Do discuss his singing career, Memphis golf courses, and his natty golf clothes (tie, vests and those cool pork-pie hats). Don’t discuss — Janet Jackson and wardrobe malfunctions. Darius Rucker — Do
discuss his new country music career and the Miami Dolphins. Don’t discuss a reunion tour of Hootie and the Blowfish. Vince Gill — Do discuss guitars, Amy Grant and Belmont College basketball. Like Fred Couples, I think all subjects are good to go. He does have that reputation of being a nice guy. Other sports figures: Charles Barkley —Do discuss the NBA, food and Auburn sports. Don’t discuss Big East basketball teams and how good they are, and his golf swing. Although, if he was in your group it would be like watching a train wreck every time he’d swing. Just can’t take your eyes off of it! Michael Jordan — Do discuss North Carolina basketball, the Charlotte Bobcats and cigars. Don’t discuss his fleeting base-
ball career, gambling and Hanes underwear, with the lay-flat collars. Here’s hoping your foursome comes to fruition at some point of your life. However, if it does, enjoy the round and please conduct yourself in a manner befitting a golfer of your ilk. That means no drooling, staring or giggling like a school girl every time something is said. As for me, my Dream Foursome would include Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis and Annika Sorenstam. What?! Until later then, hit ’em straight, not too often and remember Horton Smith, the first Masters champion back in 1934.
Schneider is the boys golf coach at Harrison High School. He writes an occasional golf column for the J&C.
WHO’S IN YOUR DREAM FOURSOME? We asked, they answered. The golf gods have smiled on you. You’ve received a free round at Augusta National on a picturesque day with the foursome of your choice. You’re only dilemma is who will be in your foursome? Tiger, Phil, Jack, Arnold, someone else? Here’s a sampling of submissions we received from area golfers.
Jeff because he has done a great job helping his players not only compete very well but also helped them deal with other issues going on in their lives. Next would be Chief Bender — if he was still alive — as he had a real heart for helping all junior golfers in our community to the extent that he paid for things they needed out of his own pocket. Last would be Hal Webster. Hal has the funniest stories and is the most enjoyable person I’ve ever golfed with. He has been a role model for never getting upset and really enjoying the camaraderie and the game. Cort Cheney West Lafayette • If it were at all possible, I would like to have Lanny Watkins, Lee Trevino and Rickie Fowler. Well, just look at these great guys: Lee is probably one of, if not the best, ball strikers of all time. He came to play, likes to talk a little bit but so do I, so that’s OK by me. Here’s Lanny. One of the quickest golfers to play the game. I’m very glad, after all of these years of waiting (and all of his accomplishments), someone
finally saw that he truly deserved to be in the Hall of Fame. And then there’s Ricky. He’s amped up and ready to play. He’s very colorful, and a wonderful young man. With him in our foursome, we probably will not have a problem recruiting some pretty nice caddies. I know I’m not even close to these golfers’ expertise, but I promise they wouldn’t have to wait for me. I’ll even buy a round or two when we finish! These fellas are some of my favorite guys in golf. They all come with the Energizer Battery, and are ready to go. This will not be a 5 to 51⁄2 hour round, although in this case, I personally wouldn’t mind at all! P.S. — Sorry Jack, Arnie, Tiger, Bubba, Phil, KJ, and all of you other great players, but I’m sure lots of other golfers will be glad to select you. Toots Clark Lafayette • I could not resist your challenge as I am an avid golfer. I would pick the following: Freddie Couples. Not only a great golfer but he would improve the scenery on the golf course just
Jack Nicklaus, left, and Arnold Palmer at the 2007 Masters. (BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) by being there. Jack Nicklaus. Wow, he is a legend of golf and the one of the reasons it has such a following. I learned to play and picked up a lot of pointers from his book: “Jack Nicklaus’ Lesson Tee.” And, he designs great golf courses. John Daly. I’d love to see a 350-yard drive by someone who dresses so outrageously. The last time I saw him play in an exhibition he gave all his clubs away by the time he finished. I’d add Lee Trevino to walk along and carry my bag as he would keep it light and us laughing. Suzanne Topping West Lafayette • My foursome of choice would be Arnie, Tom Watson, Tiger and Rickie Fowler. My favorite players from different
generations. Past, present and future. Kevin Shoults West Lafayette • My dream foursome would include Old Tom Morris, the Scottish legend and first world renowned course designer, Bobby Jones, probably the father of American competitive golf and designer at Augusta, and from the modern era, Aaron Baddeley, young Christian golfer and role model. David Dimmich West Lafayette • My picks are Arnold, Jack, Tiger and Fred Couples. Jerry Burns Flora • A round at Augusta National with Tiger Woods, Spencer Levin, and Rickie Fowler would be great fun. Will Dillon West Lafayette
• Lee Trevino for his humorous stories and jokes. Bill Murray for his wacky antics. Billy Graham for inspiration (or if he can’t make it — Dr. Irwin Lutzer, Chicago Moody Church Pastor). I can imagine us in the grill room after our round, with our favorite beverages and those Augusta cheese sandwiches, recounting our best and worst shots of the day. What an experience that would be — maybe an ace on No. 12 or No. 16 or an eagle on No.15! Charley Schlehuser West Lafayette • Fuzzy Zoeller, David Faherty and Bill Murray. We might not score well but we’ll have more fun than anyone else on the course. Mike Marpoe West Lafayette
6 Friday, April 8, 2011
Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com
Mickelson emerging as a Masters favorite
By DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press
AUGUSTA, Ga. — He is the talk of the Masters, and for good reason. No other player can top his record at Augusta National over the last decade, with three green jackets, eight finishes in the top five and a signature moment just about every year. That guy used to be Tiger Woods. Now it’s Phil Mickelson. It goes beyond Mickelson being the defending champion, listed for the first time as the betting favorite from London to Las Vegas, and at No. 3 in the world being the highestranked American for the first time in his career. Just listen to some of the players. “It seems that everyone has pretty much got Mickelson in the green jacket Sunday evening and there’s not much use in turning up at this point,” U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell said with a small measure of sarcasm. “He’s a great player around Augusta, and if you finish ahead of him, you’ve got a decent chance.” PGA champion Martin Kaymer, ranked No. 1 in the world, was asked who is the more dominant player at the Masters. “I think Phil,” he replied. And here’s what one player had to say about Woods, a four-time Masters champion.
Phil Mickelson had 18 birdies last weekend to win the Houston Open. (BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) “I don’t think he’ll finish in the top five,” Ian Poulter said. “The shots he was hitting at Doral, they were very inconsistent. You can’t hit shots like that on this golf course and get away with it. I don’t think you want to rely on your short game that much around this place.” Woods hasn’t been chopping it up at Augusta. He also has three wins over the last 10 years, and that doesn’t include his record 12-shot victory as a 21year-old in 1997. He was the runner-up in consecu-
tive years, and his tie for fourth a year ago was impressive considering it was his first competition in five months following a humiliating sex scandal. What makes Mickelson stand out are the 18 birdies he made on the weekend at the Houston Open to win by three shots, his first victory since the Masters last year. “I felt like that golf was in me this year, but I haven’t been getting it out,” Mickelson said. See MASTERS, Page 8
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Friday, April 8, 2011 7
Woods returns to Masters as just another player By DOUG FERGUSON The Associated Press
Tiger Woods at the Masters is every bit the mystery he was a year ago. No one knew what to expect when Woods showed up at Augusta National last year without having played in five months, more vulnerable than invincible from the public humiliation of a sex scandal. No one is quite sure what to expect from him now. His wife divorced him. He changed coaches and decided, at age 35, to rebuild his golf swing for the fourth time. He lost his No. 1 ranking to Lee Westwood, then Martin Kaymer. When he teed off at this year’s Masters it marked the first time since 1997 that Woods was outside the top five in the world ranking. Off the golf course, he has not replaced any of the corporate sponsors that left him. And most glaring of all, Woods is not winning. Not even close. “It’s strange,” Stewart Cink said. “We got so used to seeing him win.” He tied for fourth last year at Augusta, remarkable by any standard but his own. It raised false hopes that he could put his game back together quickly and resume his pursuit of history. But with each tournament, he resembles the guys he once routinely beat. In 69 rounds since the Masters, Woods has broken par only 31 times. In 14 out of 18 tournaments, he has finished at least seven shots out of the lead. In the 18 tournaments before his
downfall, that happened only three times. At Firestone, where Woods had won seven times and had never finished out of the top five, he shot the highest 72-hole score of his career (298) and finished 30 shots behind the winner. In his first start this year at Torrey Pines, where his seven victories include the U.S. Open on a shattered leg, he finished 15 shots out of the lead. That gap between his 14 majors and the record 18 won by Jack Nicklaus now looks like a gulf. “I’m surprised that he has not bounced back by now,” Nicklaus said. “He’s got such a great work ethic. He’s so determined to do what he wants to do. I’m very surprised that he has not popped back. I still think he’ll break my record. We’ll see. You probably can ask me that same question at the end of this year and we’ll see what the answer is. My guess is as good as yours.” That’s about all anyone can do when it comes to Woods — guess. The divorce in August provided for shared parenting. Woods is about to move into a new home he is building in south Florida, not far from where his ex-wife will live. There have been tales of his 2-year-old son, Charlie, already swinging away with a golf club and wandering onto the range to watch Dad at work. Woods keeps these details to himself, along with when and where he spends time with the toddler and big sister Sam, who turns 4 in June. Asked at Doral why he wasn’t playing
Tiger Woods hits a shot from the eighth tee during Pro-Am competition of the Arnold Palmer Invitational last month. (BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS) more tournaments to get his game into shape, his blunt reply surprised even his handlers: “Because I have a family. I’m divorced,” Woods said, staring at the reporter without a trace of emotion. “If you’ve been divorced with kids, then you would understand.” Rumors and gossip continue to dog him — Who is he dating? When is he moving? Is he selling his boat? And it probably won’t abate. Woods entered the celebrity realm with the scandal, and remains firmly planted there, fodder for tabloids. The question of far greater substance is his health, and Woods has been coy about addressing it. His agent confirmed in December that Woods had a cortisone shot in his right ankle to relieve lingering soreness. Woods surprised the media at the Masters
last year when he revealed he injured his right Achilles’ tendon while recovering from knee surgery. Woods ended last season with his best golf until Graeme McDowell beat him on the final day. He played so well that even his caddie said, “The tide is turning.” But it hasn’t. He looked ordinary two months later for the start of the 2011 season. There was a time when few dared to criticize Woods. Not anymore. Masters chairman Billy Payne wagged his finger at Woods last year — “It is simply not the degree of his conduct that is so egregious here. It is the fact that he disappointed all of us,” Payne said. And 21-year-old Rory McIlroy wrote in an essay for Sports Illustrated magazine: “I’m not sure we are going to see him dominate again the way he did.”
Woods used to answer such critics with the kind of golf that left no doubt who was the best in the game. Now, he talks about “the process” of getting better and how this swing change is the most comprehensive one yet. “It’s finally starting to come around,” he said last week at Bay Hill. It was his final tournament before the Masters. He tied for 24th. Woods, of course, is only part of the picture at the 75th Masters. Looking for a favorite? The road to the Masters hasn’t offered many clues. Seven of the 12 winners on the PGA Tour this year who will be at Augusta were outside the top 100 in the world when they won, a list that ranges from D.A. Points to Gary Woodland to Mark Wilson. All will be making their Masters debut.
“It’s an open Masters,” three-time major winner Padraig Harrington told RTE Radio in Ireland. “The best players in the world at the moment have not won majors, and guys who have won majors are not in the best form in their lives. I’m not sure if the new guard is coming through at the Masters, or the old guard is taking control again.” Woods and defending champion Phil Mickelson have won six of the last 10. Now, however, it appears to be anyone’s game — especially with so much uncertainty surrounding Woods. No, he hasn’t shown he is close to winning, but at least he’s playing. His caddie, Steve Williams, said Woods is so comfortable and experienced at Augusta that he played last year in large part on memory, recalling what kind of swing was required and hitting it. Woods closed with a 66 at Doral for his only top 10 this year. He says he is making progress. He has proved his skeptics wrong before. Having gone nearly 17 months without winning, Woods no longer appears to be as imposing as he once was. The intimidation factor is gone. The guy in a red shirt on Sunday is teeing off too early for any of the players to notice. About the only thing in his favor is the tournament itself. “There are certain golf courses where ... I feel pretty good and comfortable, no matter how my form is going into it,” Woods said. “And Augusta is one of them.”
8 Friday, April 8, 2011
MASTERS FROM PAGE 6
“I haven’t had the same type of mental focus throughout the round that I expect. So to be able to have that type of performance heading into here feels very good. Reminds me a lot of 2006, when I was able to put it together the week before and carry the momentum through.” Woods doesn’t have any momentum. He now has gone 17 months since he last won at the Australian Masters, just 12 days before his car crashed into a fire hydrant and his life unraveled. He really hasn’t been close except for the Chevron World Challenge at the end of last year when he blew a fourshot lead in the final round and lost to McDowell in the playoff. He sounded as confident as ever Tuesday, answering questions about his chances with a pursed smile and “Mmm-hmmm.” Asked if fans had seen his best golf,
Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com Woods replied, “No.” “I believe in myself,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with believing in myself. God, I hope you guys feel the same way about yourselves. That’s the whole idea, that you can always become better.” As for the Poulter comments? “Well, Poulter is always right, isn’t he?” Woods said. “My whole idea is to try to win the golf tournament, and that’s what I’m trying to do. My whole idea is to prepare. I’ve prepared all year to peak four times a year, and that has not changed.” There was a real storm that blew through Augusta earlier this week, toppling trees and power lines across town. Mickelson worked out on the range with Butch Harmon, then headed home to rest. He skipped a final practice round, feeling as though the conditions wouldn’t help him much. The wind pushed the clouds away, and sunshine was forecast the rest of the week. That figures to make
Augusta National even faster than usual, putting a special premium on putting. That’s where Woods has been struggling most. “I have been streaky here for some reason, and you can’t be streaky here,” he said. “You have to get it going and you have to keep it going. The years that I’ve won here, I’ve putted well the entire week. No matter how you play the golf course, you’re going to have to make 6- and 8-footers for par. And some of those years, I didn’t make those putts.” The differences between Mickelson and Woods could be found in their news conferences. Woods was grilled on his swing change under Sean Foley, what he’s trying to accomplish, how far along he is in the process and why he changed in the first place. “I felt that taking a step back, or sometimes even two steps back, there’s nothing wrong with that if I’m going to make three, four, five steps forward and becoming better in the end,” he said.
Mickelson looked as relaxed as ever. He spoke of the pure joy of driving down Magnolia Lane, how it energizes his love for the game and for this tournament. And for more than a half-hour, he sprinkled in his share of one-liners. Someone asked if he went back to the spot right of the 13th fairway, where last year in the final round he boldly hit 6-iron off the pine straw within 4 feet. “I didn’t see the point,” he said. “I’ve already done that.” Kaymer had said he wishes he could be lefthanded because he hits a fade, and for a southpaw that shape works best at Augusta. “I would love Martin to play this tournament lefthanded,” Mickelson said. But he wouldn’t touch a couple of questions. One was whether he thought Woods, with 14 majors, could surpass the 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus. And the other was how it felt to be ordained as the favorite at this Masters.
“I don’t know,” Mickelson said. “I certainly enjoy this place and have felt great on this golf course even before I won here. I felt like it was a course I could play well on, and I really enjoy playing it every year.” Tiger or Phil? He’ll leave that to others. And even though both players appear to be going in different directions, it’s not an easy answer.
“Tough one,” Nick Watney said. “I’d say they’re 1-A and 1-B.” He just didn’t say which was which.