Answers, we've got
answers
Posted: Thu July 2,
1998
Click here to send a golf question to Alan
Shipnuck.
Well, after last week's Mailbag I got a stern talking-to
from the grand poohbahs here at CNN/SI. It seems they want
a few A's in the Q&A. Imagine that! So after combing
through this week's trickle I was forced to go back for
some old queries. No doubt many of these users are now
boycotting the site, others have died, but at least their
questions will have been answered.
Say, Alan—I've been reading lately about technology
hanging the game. But wouldn't taking titanium drivers,
etc., out of the bags merely increase the advantage that
Tiger Woods and David Duval (big hitters) have over the
rest of the field? Guys like Justin Leonard wouldn't have a
chance. Also—I watched an infomercial (yes, my life
sucks) about a new Carbite putter. They kept saying that
stupid "Drive for dough" crap. I'd much rather be
looking at a two-putt birdie than a one-putt par. That's
all I've got. Who do you like in the Women's
Open?
—Mike Bartholomew, Billings,
Mont.
Phew! I need a yardage guide just to keep up with the
question. Somewhere in there is a cogent point. The big
hitters would love for the technology to be scaled back,
because even with hickory shafts and a gutta-percha ball
they would have the game to attack courses. The pretenders
who are getting by thanks to Ely Callaway and friends would
go back to laying up on the par-5s and once again be forced
to swing the long irons that are presently gathering rust
in their
bags.
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Annika Sorenstam should take home her third U.S.
Women's Open
trophy.
(Jim Gund)
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With regard to the Women's Open, it's all Annika, all the
time. As we saw with her record victory last weekend at the
ShopRite, her game is peaking and she is particularly
motivated after her debacle last year at Pumpkin Ridge. A sleeper pick would be that English lass Lisa
Hackney, a winless sophomore who nonetheless has been on
the verge of breaking through on a number of occasions this
year. She is steady and scrappy, two crucial attributes on
a Blackwolf Run course that is being discussed as one of
the toughest tracks the Women's Open has been played on.
Now, Mike, about that disquieting infomercial confession. I
want you to know there are professionals out there to help,
and that you're not alone in your plight. I once did some
hard time at the Betty Ford myself, trying to kick my
Suzanne Somers Thighmaster habit. Carry on, brave
soldier.
I am having all sorts of trouble with my putting. I guess I
have the yips. Sometimes on a putt I will get halfway, and
other times I will putt it 10 feet past, and neither is on
line. I have tried everything: overlapping grip, split
hand, cross hand, long putter, and nothing works. I believe
I am looking up before striking the ball, but can't seem to
stop it. Do you have any helpful
suggestions?
—F.J. Starr, Macon,
Ga.
F.J., I would recommend you have your bro Ken subpoena a
qualified teaching pro to look at your putting stroke.
Short of that, you might try a drill many pros revert to in
times of need, including Jim Furyk, who's got the best
blade this side of Zorro. Instead of practicing random
50-footers, make 50 putts in a row from the same spot, two
feet from the hole. If you're having trouble consistently
making a two-footer, then move even closer. The point is to
get the confidence boost of hearing a made putt while
building a smooth and proficient stroke through repetition.
As you feel comfortable at one distance keep moving
outward, understanding that as you do you will miss more
putts. That's O.K. as long as you keep making them as
well.
I heard that the exact irons that Tiger Woods uses on Tour
will supposedly be sold in stores. Is this true? How much
are they going to cost and is the supply going to be
limited?
—Ryan Macaluso, Greensburg,
Pa.
Unlike the Tyra Banks rumor, this one happens to be true.
Titleist is going to produce a small number—the word
on the street is 500—of sets of the forged blades that
Tiger uses in competition. The price is going to be around
five grand, but for that hefty fee you'll be able to get
them custom-built to your specs. Me, I'd rather buy a
Hyundai.
Do you think the Senior tour is a little frightened that
Tom Watson is playing too well right now? Will he play full
time on the PGA Tour even after he turns
50?
—Kevin Forbes, Newton,
Mass.
Yes and yes. The day Watson turns 50—September 4,
1999—he becomes the dominant force among the
half-century set. The only catch: He abhors the whole
concept of senior golf. Watson is too old-school to play
more than a couple of token events with the Seniors. He
wants to test himself against the best, and let's just say
that doesn't mean Chi Chi. As grooved as Watson's game is
these days I think he's right to want to keep fighting it
out among the flatbellies, where there are greater riches,
but more important, greater
glory.
Living in Orlando and seeing the excitement that Matt
Kuchar has put into golf, how do you feel Matt will succeed
as a
pro?
—Doug Rowland,
Orlando
Like everyone else, I like his chances. He's obviously got
all the tools, chief among them a great attitude and
shockingly mature ability to manage his game. The
experience he has gotten at the Masters and U.S. Open in
dealing with fans, reporters, expectations, groupies,
jealous colleagues, etc., will be invaluable down the line.
My only advice would be to lose the grin and the father,
not necessarily in that order. Both are as goofy as a Ken
Venturi monologue.
What is the point of golf?? What does it help in terms of
the
body?
—Kristen Lingley,
Eastport
Kristen didn't give a state, but it's not hard to speculate
on her state of mind. Remember at the outset, when I said I
would answer all questions? I lied. Some are better left
alone.
Send your golf questions to Sports Illustrated staff writer
Alan Shipnuck, and check back next Thursday for his
answers.
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