Legendary Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope dies at 79

As you're aware, this website is dedicated to golf, however, tragic news was reported yesterday as longtime Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster, and inventor of 'The Terrible Towel', Myron Cope died yesterday morning of respiratory failure at the age of 79.

One of the last of the great sports characters, Mr. Cope's life and career were nothing less than book-worthy, even if he had to write it himself. Twice.

"Double Yoi" it was called both times, the second an updated version of the original 2002 volume, the title immortalizing one of Mr. Cope's signature exclamations, which, along with "Okle-dokle," "Dumbkopf!", and "How do?", became so familiar to his radio and TV audiences.

His creation of The Terrible Towel has developed into a worldwide symbol that is synonymous with Steelers football. He also helped immortalize the most famous play in NFL history when he popularized the term 'Immaculate Reception.'

The Terrible Towel is arguably the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team, has raised millions of dollars for charity and is displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Steeler Nation may have lost their favorite broadcaster, but they will never lose his voice.

Golf Gadgets

I have to admit, I'm a big time sucker for golf gadgets. Not so much for things to fix your swing but things that make your round easier. Golf push carts, coolers that hide in your bag, flasks disguised as an extra club in your bag, and, of course, the sky caddie.

But I bought something geared to help me score better and it's worth every penny. While in the 3 straight days of rain, my bro and I decided to torture ourselves and mosey on to the PGA Superstore. This store has everything in the entire world in the way of golf. I had seen infommercials about this thick putting grip endorsed and used by KJ Choi called the 'SuperStroke'.

It's a grip for your putter that's about 4 times the normal size of a regular putter grip. Basically it keeps your wrists completely out of the putting stroke and only lets you use your shoulders. I found a demo on the putting green at the PGA Superstore and immediately fell in love with it. I was hitting putts with the same putter, one with a regular grip, one with the SuperStroke grip and the difference was immediately apparent. I bought it on the spot for about $40.00. I'm always skeptical on those store putting greens because you seem to make everything with no matter what putter you use. I think the holes are bigger, plus the roll is very true.

I got the chance to see if the $40.00 was a waste or if it was going to help. After all, you can spend $40.00 on a liquid lunch so I wasn't going to be too upset if it didn't hold up its end of the bargain. The grip did not disappoint at all. I did make a 3 putt but it was due to a cement green. My lag putts were all tap-ins, 4 footers weren't scary, and I holed out a couple outside of 15 feet. We'll see what happens this season but for the one round, I'm already a believer of this putting grip.

The Scorecard Watcher Jinx

Have you ever been playing a round of golf and you know you're hitting the ball well but aren't following your score? You know you're scoring ok but just don't wanna look. That's when one of your playing partners blurts out, "Hey, did you know you're only 2 over right now?"

That's what happened to me in my only round of golf I was able to play down in sunny, tropical Atlanta. I wasn't really worried what my score was but knew I was hitting the ball well, my only hiccups were a miss-club and a 3 putt. We were only on the 6th hole but that's when my brother had to tell me that exact phrase I typed at the end of the first paragraph. After he told me I was 2 over he also mentioned that it was only because I miss-clubbed and 3 putted. Hey, 2 over par after 5 holes isn't bad for a 17 handicap in February.

My very next swing was god awful and sent the ball screaming OB. I re-teed, hit my 3rd shot and landed in the fairway, hit the green on my approach, and 2 putted for a painful double bogey 6. The rest of the round is a blur because nothing went right since. I finished the front nine at 11 over and shot an 18 over on the back. That's a 101 folks. All because my brother had to point out what my score was.

Guys, if someone's playing good, don't tell them. If they're not, make sure you let them know.

You're Welcome

While I never got an official 'Thank You' from the South, I'm sure you appreciate me getting you out of your 10 month drought.

Let me explain, if you aren't aware, the South is in a tremendous drought dating back to last year. South Carolina, and Georgia are affected the most by it. I wasn't trying to take advantage of the drought, I just wanted to play a couple rounds of golf and was headed to Georgia with my clubs.

In the days leading up to my arrival, the weather couldn't have been better. The average was 65 degrees and mostly sunny. Even when I landed on Wednesday the 20th, it was 60 degrees at 10pm.

Well that's when I decided that the drought was too much and I caused it to rain. However, someone caused it to drop to 45 degrees. Rain isn't too bad when it's warm out. Rain is brutal when it's 45 degrees.

We attempted it anyway and it wasn't too bad until about the 8th hole. It began to downpour and we had to quit after the 12th. No problem though, it hadn't rained in back to back days since last April so tomorrow was a new day. Or was it?

The next day got completely rained out. Needless to say, I haven't gotten a formal 'Thank You' from the Mayor of Georgia but I'll be checking my mail for the next week or so.

In the meantime, YOU'RE F#%&ING WELCOME

Out of Town

Hey guys, I'm heading out of town for a few days of golf and the Supercross in Atlanta. I'll try to update when I can. I'll be back in town on February 26th with the latest updates, news and notes for you to comment on.

I should be able to give you all a bunch of scenario's from the upcoming rain filled rounds of golf we'll be playing.

What Happened to the Big 4?

Remember in the early 2000's when every major tournament focused on what they called 'The Big 4'? It was Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, and Retief Goosen. Tiger was the number 1 ranked golfer but the other three kept swapping spots for a couple years. Vijay Singh would be included in the mix every so often and in 2004, claimed the #1 ranking for a few months. That was until Tiger finally got his new swing clicking.

The big 4 is no more. Basically it's the big 1. The only guy left from that era is Mickelson. He's the number 2 ranked golfer at the moment but the others have fallen a bit. Ernie is somehow ranked 4th, Vijay is ranked 10th, and Goosen is down to 29th.

It could be that they put so much effort into trying to tame Tiger that they've ran out of gas. It could be that Tiger demoralized them like he did to the rest of the tour. One thing is for sure, as each one has faultered, Tiger has only gotten stronger. It's gonna be a long time before he gets knocked down a few pegs.

A Must Read

Linckstir posted a comment on the article "Since When Is Pebble Beach Not Good Enough??". It's an absolute must read.

This young man's rant is a true depiction of how us golf nuts feel about the game. He is 100% correct in his assessment. For those who haven't read the comment, you must do so. Simply click on the headline of the article, "Since When Is Pebble Beach Not Good Enough" and the comment will be underneath.

More comments are welcome. Let us know if you agree of disagree.

Kenny G is a Scratch Golfer

The headline speaks for itself. Did anyone know that our favorite elevator music composer was a scratch golfer? I certainly didn't. I saw highlights of the AT&T Celebrity Pro-Am, a portion that was untelevised which had 8 celebrities competing in a 9 hole scramble format. They showed a golfers swing from behind and I couldn't tell who it was, only that he had long hair. But really what I saw was a tremendously fluid swing. My first thought was that's a helluva swing for a celebrity. Then the guy turned towards the camera and sure enough it was Kenny G.

They were showing the celebrities handicaps who were competing and given the looks of the swing, I wasn't surprised that Kenny G was a scratch golfer. Given the looks and reputation of Kenny G, I was extremely surprised that he was a scratch golfer.

So now I'm torn. You gotta give props to him for being awesome at a game that's ridiculously tough. But is he great because he gets lessons from top notch teachers? Does he have a swing coach that he can refer to whenever he has a hiccup in his swing? Did he get his swing analyzed and have clubs specifically designed for him? Does he have the resources to practice all the shots that are required to be a great golfer? I'm absolutely certain he has a membership to a great country club which makes it easier to practice. Not to mention, like most great golfers, he doesn't have a real job either.

There you have it. My jealousy of him is trying to overpower my respect for his playing ability. I'm trying not to let it though. But I do have a bit of resentment towards him simply for the fact that he has the resources that make it much easier for him to become a better golfer than the average person.

I'm gonna be the bigger man though. Kenny G, your non lyrical, soft music with has been comforting tense elevator rides and dentist appointments all over this country. I would normally bash you simply for that but you've got a great swing and can obviously play some golf. You're OK in my book.

Since When is Pebble Beach Not Good Enough???

Most of these blogs are simply due to extreme jealousy on my part. But I definitely have a good reason. Why aren’t there more big names in the field at Pebble Beach anymore? I understand that some of the tour players don’t like playing 6 hour rounds of golf but it’s Pebble Beach. It’s a celebrity tournament, and it’s for the fans. It’s not about you. Not to mention, you don’t even have a real job. That’s how spoiled these guys are and how much money they’re making that they can pick and choose whichever tournament they want. People with real jobs don’t have that luxury so you’re not going to get any sympathy from me that the rounds of golf take 6 hours at Pebble.

Guys like us would give up our first born to play a round of golf at Pebble Beach but these spoiled, trust fund babies on the PGA tour can’t handle playing a 6 hour round of golf. Hey guys, most people work 8 hours each day. You have to hit a little dimpled ball and get paid millions of dollars because you’re better than most people.

The commissioner of the PGA Tour should step in and do something about that. He’s letting the inmates run the asylum. I would love to see these spoiled brats have a real job. They wouldn’t last a day in the real world.

Listen up guys. Do you really think you deserve that much money for hitting a ball into a cup? Quit being selfish and play the tournaments that have the biggest fan base. Do you realize if there were no fans, there would be no money? Probably not, because you all have been so spoiled that you don’t know what it’s like to not have money. I love golf but I don’t get to play it as much as I like because I do have a job. I also don’t get to play golf that often because golf costs a lot of money to play. That’s something else you guys have no idea about. The reality is most people have to pay to play golf. It’s probably something so farfetched that your minds can’t fathom something so absurd.

Luckily for you bozo’s, I’m addicted to golf so I’ll be watching every weekend, and I will play golf when I can. But you may turn off a huge demographic which could have future repercussions. You should count your blessings that you get to be a millionaire for simply playing a game. Appreciate it, and most importantly, don’t forget, it’s the fans that pay their hard earned money to watch you guys. At least have the decency to play the tournaments that have a big draw. Play Pebble Beach!

Golf On TV Sucks

First of all, you have to give props to Steve Lowery for winning his first PGA Tour Event in 8 years, a span of 199 tournaments, by winning the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. It helped that Vijay Singh collapsed on the back nine, including 3 straight bogeys.

More importantly, the television does not do justice for how good these guys are. They hit the ball off the tee, we see the ball in the air and land softly in the fairway. Then they hit their approach shot and it lands calmly on the green. What the TV doesn't show is these guys are usually working the ball left to right, or right to left, depending on how the fairway goes, or where the pin placement is on the green.

Steve Lowery was on the 18th hole in the middle of the fairway during the 1st playoff hole against Vijay Singh when he set to lay up with his 2nd shot on the par 5 finishing hole. The camera showed Lowery from behind when he hit a 4 iron screaming to the right. It looked as if the ball was going to be in the parking lot. It turns out he hit a great right to left shot that landed in the middle of the fairway about 70 yards short of the green but we, the viewer, don't get to see that. He then hit his 3rd shot to within 5 feet, made the birdie putt and won the tournament.

It's a shame we can't see how these guys work the ball. TV just doesn't do it justice for how good these guys are. It's just one of the many reasons why golf isn't a tremendous draw on television. They would probably appeal to a much bigger demographic if there was a camera that would show the ball flight.

FYI On the Golf Gods

For the record, Tim Clark did indeed miss the cut by shooting a three day total of 3 over par. The cut line was 1 under par so you can thank the Golf Gods for that. As I said, Tim Clark is a good guy and they'll leave him alone after today but they had to use him as an example for Michael Bolton's ridiculous complaint.

Another notable who missed the cut was Phil Mickelson. Lefty was skating along smoothly at 1 under par for the day and 2 under for the tournament, safely under the cut line by a stroke until he got to the 14th hole. He then had the meltdown that only amateurs ever endure. Mickelson hit two shots out of bounds and shot a 6 over par 11 on the 14th hole alone. I don't even know what a 6 over par is. I know 5 over is a quintuple bogey but I'm going to assume it's a hextuple bogey. Well even if it isn't, we'll call it a hextuple bogey. He bogeyed the last hole to shoot a 6 over par 78 and missed the cut by 6 strokes.

It's unfortunate for Mickelson but it makes us amateurs feel a little better when we see an amazing golfer show signs of being human. It's not often we see a number like that so we have to take notice and write about it.

The Golf Gods Won

This post is the conclusion of my Michael Bolton rant from yesterday. Unfortunately for Tim Clark, being paired with Michael Bolton caused him to possibly miss the cut.

On the surface it looks like Clark simply didn't shoot well enough. He was 3 over par after two rounds and is currently over the number by 4 strokes. The projected cut line was 1 under par.

It had nothing to do with how Tim Clark shot. Folks, the reason Clark may miss the cut was because the Golf Gods caught wind of Michael Bolton's issue with the cameras and have to make him pay just because he was partnered with the whiney singer. It isn't Clark's fault but that's how the Golf Gods work. Guilty by association.

They were shocked and appalled by Bolton's lack of integrity on the golf course and made the team pay the price. I'm certain that Tim Clark tried to talk to the Golf Gods and let them know that Bolton's comments didn't reflect the opinion of the team.

Clark is a good guy on the tour and there's no doubt the Golf Gods will spare him after this week. But they have to lay the hammer down on him to remind him that they won't tolerate poor sportsmanship or anyone who tarnishes the great name of Golf.

It's a good bet that Tim Clark will not be pairing with Michael Bolton for any more celebrity golf events.

Some People Just Don't Get It

Ok no matter who you are, you should have a big problem with what I’m about to tell you.

I was sitting down to a bowl of Chunky Roadhouse Chili while watching the AT&T Celebrity Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. What I like to do is heat the chili in the microwave first, then put a couple slices of mozzarella on top and put it in the toaster oven. Be sure to use a bowl that is safe for putting in the oven. It bakes the cheese on the chili and comes out awesome.

Ok back to what’s important. Michael Bolton was paired up with Tim Clark and they interviewed them on the course after their round. This is where I about blew my top. They asked Michael Bolton to give an assessment of his round. He said his round was going fine until the cameras ‘got in his face’. The interviewer thought he was joking and Bolton kept talking about it. He stuck a few snickers in there so as not to come off as a total jerk but he was dead serious. When asked what he would like to do in tomorrow’s round he had this to say, “Well Tim will play fine, and I’ll probably start off ok but then you guys will stick your cameras in my face and then it’s gonna get in my head and mess me up.” What a joke of a human being. During the interview he even said he tried to explain the feeling to Tim Clark. He said it would be like giving Clark a microphone, putting a bunch of camera’s in his face and telling him to sing. The guy giving the interview showed great professionalism and downplayed Bolton’s comments so it didn’t raise any red flags but it didn’t get past me.

First of all, it’s the Pro-Am you jerk. People would kill to play at Pebble Beach but because you make crappy music, you’re allowed to play and we aren’t. Second, it’s the Pro-Am you jerk. Did you really think there wouldn't be cameras there? Your rich, spoiled ass has played there before so you knew there would be cameras there. Not to mention, it’s an official PGA tour event. Did you really think they wouldn’t televise the event because you were playing? They shouldn’t put your sorry swing on TV anyway. Third, it’s nothing like giving Tim Clark a microphone, putting cameras in his face and telling him to sing. You knew it was a golf event, therefore there’s no comparison. It’s not like you went out to buy shoes, wound up at the golf course and cameras showed up. If Tim Clark went to sing at a karaoke bar and a bunch of cameras showed up, then it would be the same. But this is a scheduled event in which YOU were invited to. An event that any amateur would kill to participate in but in order for us to do that, we have to come up with a few grand. But you get an invitation in the mail and just like that you get to play Pebble.

Michael Bolton, I can only hope you read this someday soon. You disgust me and all amateur golfers out there. You should be so thankful that you get to play golf at such a prestigious event but you’re not. Hopefully the event planners will see your interview, take your name off the invite list, and give it to someone who will appreciate the opportunity. You’re an ungrateful, pompous, spoiled jerk. I have no idea what Nicolette Sheridan sees in your ugly mug and I hope you get the laterals (sh**ks) for a long time.

By the way, your music sucks tremendously.

Driving Range Pros

Have you ever been talking golf with a few people, only to have someone who has never played golf before tell you it's not that hard? You ask them how they would know since they've never played and they tell you how they've been to the driving range and they can really pierce the ball.

Well I've had that happen to me a few times. They say how great they are and how far they hit the ball and they're certain that if they played golf they would do just fine. They're also completely clouded about how far they hit the ball too.

I was at the gym one time talking about golf with someone when a meat bag chimed in and said he's never played but can murder a ball which he's done on numerous occasions. Then he went on to say he hits the ball about 350 -400 yards. When trying to explain to this tool shed that pros rarely hit it 350 yards it only fueled his nonsense. We even explained to him that the balls at the range are so beat up and dead that there's no way it's ever gonna go that far, not to mention most ranges don't go past 300 yards. I mentioned to him that I probably average 270 yards off the tee which is a little better than average.

This didn't satisfy him at all and he resorted to, "Ask my girlfriend, she was there with me."

Ah, the classic bail out. That basically means, 'I'm having a tough time convincing myself so I need someone else to prove my accomplishments to me'. The other golfer and I knew that it was a lost cause at this point and let him rant more on the subject which he knew not a damn thing about.

Here's the deal people, if you've never played golf you have no clue what in the world you're talking about!!!!!!! The driving range does not count as golf. More importantly, if you've only gone to the driving range, and never to the golf course, you're even more ignorant than people who have never picked up a club before.

I offer a challenge to anyone who is so wonderful on the range yet has never been to the course before. We can play a round of golf and I'll use 5 clubs and destroy you. Yes, a 17 handicap will absolutely destroy you with only 5 clubs. If anyone accepts, just leave a comment.

He did it AGAIN

Tiger won the Dubai Desert Classic by a single stroke yesterday in a win that was somewhat giftwrapped by Ernie Els. It wasn't that Tiger didn't play well. He shot a 65 and managed to drive the green on 17 and make a birdie, then sink a downhill, 25 footer to make birdie and take the lead on the 18th hole. It was that there were a bunch of groups ahead of him with plenty of golf to play.

Ernie Els has to feel the pain of this one as he missed a 15 foot birdie putt on 16, almost drove the green on 17 but only managed a par. Then he hit is 2nd shot on 18 into the water, finished with a bogey and fell into a tie for 3rd.

Tiger is in everyone's head, but at least Ernie knew he could compete with him. At this point, Tiger is now in Ernie's head too. Ernie Els is in the middle of his 3 year plan to take over the number 1 ranking from Tiger but it's not looking like anyone can stop the world #1.

Tiger finally looked a bit human shooting a one over 73 on Saturday only to come back with a fury on Sunday. That's the difference between Tiger and everyone else. Anyone of those PGA Tour players can shoot 65, but only Tiger can shoot 65 on Sunday.

Props goes out to 3rd year man JB Holmes who won his 2nd ever PGA tour event by winning the FBR Open in a playoff against local favorite Phil Mickelson on the first playoff hole. Holmes' first win was 2 years ago at the same event.

Mickelson was in the clubhouse with a 2 stroke lead when Holmes birdied the 17th and 18th holes to force the playoff. Holmes bombed his tee shot on the first playoff hole and was only about 50 yards out for his approach. He pitched it close, made the birdie putt and won the tournament.

Mickelson will be back and if he can make a putt he'll be tough this year.

Winter Golf Results

35 degrees + blackberry brandy + ski clothes + broken flask = 102

That's the basic synopsis of our first 'Winter' round of golf. Yet it was awesome. I got smoked in match play 7 and 5 but only because the guy I played is very fragile and I crushed him at the end of last season. He hasn't been the same since and I felt the need to let him back to normalcy. Of course I'm kidding but the round was a ton of fun

The broken flask took place on the 5th teebox when I was having trouble getting my tee in the frozen teebox. One of our playing partners who commented as 'anonymous' suggested I use my flask of blackberry brandy to hammer the tee in the ground. Apparently that's not a good use for it as the bottom of the flask dislodged and a bit of booze began to dribble out. That was our cue to chug. Luckily a good scout is always prepared and I had another full flask on me.

Other than that, I have no clue what went wrong or if it's the weather. We'll find out as we've decided to make an effort to get some more winter golf in.

If you are reading the past comments, the laughing buck toothed shark was from that new movie 'Strange Wilderness'.