Jan 19, 2022

Jim McCabe's front 9 musings

1 – The fans count, too

Next time someone suggests a Hawaii tournament should be played weekdays for convenient, football-less, prime-time viewing back here in the mainland, ask them this: Did you see the Sunday crowd at Waialae? Why take away their once-a-year opportunity?


2 – Close your eyes

Kevin Na is only slow if you watch him.


3 – Ignore them

Of the petty grievances that gather attention but shouldn’t, tops on the list are players who cry about not getting captain’s picks for Ryder and Presidents Cups.


4 – Not even close

In golf terms, the Progressive “unbecoming your parents” ad beats all the insurance ads, 8-and-7.


5 – It’s not easy

Making the cut remains a hugely under-appreciated task on the PGA Tour world.


6 – Of course they can talk

Why do announcers ask players, “Can you talk about . . .?”  What’s the option, pantomime it?


7 – Talent is a wonderful thing

Ah, Hideki, you can go driver, iron to reach this par-5 in two or 3-wood, 3-wood. “OK, I will do both in a 10-minute span. Now step aside.”


8 – Make it simple

I’m a one-nickname guy. Eldrick Woods is “Tiger.” He’s not “The Big Cat” and he wasn’t “The Big Cat” when he was at his incomparable best, circa 1999-2009. That was Andres Galarraga.


9 – For a short time, that is

True, you’d rather have it basked in sun and warmth, but a golf course covered in snow is a beautiful picture.