Sorry I Missed You, Mike Souchak

LAST MONDAY NEAR THE END of an hour-long phone conversation, a retired West Coast sportswriter who shares my interest in the old-time PGA Tour players said what I often think: They won’t be around forever.

Three days later 15-time tour winner Mike Souchak died in Florida, an ex-Duke football player who hit the golf ball long distances and threatened to win several majors, including the 1960 U.S. Open. Souchak held the tournament scoring record (257) for decades until Mark Calcavecchia broke it in recent years.

Along with players such as Gene Littler, Dow Finsterwald and Bob Rosburg, Souchak was considered one of the new guard of tour pros in the mid 1950s. It was a Wake Forest grad named Arnold Palmer who emerged as the superstar of the group.

Mike Souchak was on my call list, someone I hoped to talk to soon. The last year and a half I’ve had the good fortune to talk to many of the legends, some at Champions Tour events and some on the telephone.

Most recently, I talked to Tommy Bolt, a very good golfer with a legendary temper. It was a thrill to talk to a player who routinely sat in the locker room and cussed at and cut up with Ben Hogan. Bolt was a colorful character who didn’t walk on egg shells around the great Hogan. I think Hogan appreciated that.

Others, like Souchak, have passed away or are now in poor health. Masters champion Gay Brewer, who I met in Savannah, died last year. U.S. Open champion Orville Moody, who I rode shotgun with at the Senior Players Championship in Baltimore last summer, is now in a nursing home. Orville had a massive stroke and can no longer play golf.

So I’m sorry I missed you, Mike Souchak. I’m sure you had great stories and anecdotes to share about your life in pro golf. I just didn’t pick up the phone in time to hear them.

−The Armchair Golfer

Related:
Gay Brewer Loved Augusta National
18 Holes with Orville Moody
Legends of Golf: Still Great

The 60 Club: Paula Creamer and Mike Souchak

Souchak on SI cover.

PAULA CREAMER WAS BLAZING HOT yesterday at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic. The Pink Panther fired a course-record 60, including a seven-under 27 on her second nine. Paula birdied nine of her last 11 holes.

At the 1955 Texas Open, PGA Tour player Mike Souchak shot a record-tying 60 the same way as Creamer, going out in 33 followed by a 27. The 81-year-old Souchak died yesterday in Florida.

A 15-time winner on tour, Mike Souchak was considered one of the rising stars in the 1950s, but he never broke through in the majors. Souchak had 11 top tens in majors, and was the 54-hole leader at the 1960 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills, the only national title won by Arnold Palmer.

−The Armchair Golfer

These (Old) Guys Are Good

Tommy Armour III

HEY, HAVE YOU NOTICED? Old is the new good on the PGA Tour.

The magic age might just be 48. I mean, 48-year-olds are coming out of the woodwork.

You have your Kenny Perry, winner of two 2008 events and a lock for the U.S. Ryder Cup team to take on the Europeans in Perry’s home state of Kentucky.

And, as I check the AT&T National leaderboard heading into Sunday’s final round, you have another pair of 48-year-olds. One is the leader, Tom Pernice, Jr. The other, two shots back, is Tommy Armour III, who nearly won a couple of weeks ago at the Travelers Championship.

Is somebody spiking these guys’ Smart Balance? Has the throwback, TA III, discovered a new putting stroke or puffing strategy – or both? Is the grumpy Pernice poised to bag his third tour win?

You gotta throw Rocco into the old guy mix, too. The 45-year-old Mediate is hugely popular after standing up to The Man at the U.S. Open. And while on the subject, let’s include another fan favorite, the 44-year-old Paul Goydos, who finished second to Sergio Garcia at The Players Championship.

It makes me wonder if old guys might be a part of the story line at the year’s last two majors and the Ryder Cup. I hope so.

−The Armchair Golfer

Golf Photographer Sets Off Apology Chain Reaction

A SIMPLE APOLOGY from a golf photographer to Tiger Woods for snapping a photo before impact has been pinpointed as the cause of an onslaught of apologies sweeping the golf world.

The exact order is uncertain, but sources seem to agree that an apology from Retief Goosen to Tiger Woods came next. When Woods informed Goosen that an apology was unnecessary, the South African reportedly called the world No. 1 the following day and apologized for apologizing.

Soon after, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem apologized to corporate sponsors for Tiger’s season-ending injury.

Then Tiger-sponsor Nike got into the act when retired CEO Phil Knight apologized for controversial labor practices in the Far East factories where Nike shoes were made. The Nike founder also apologized for the “K” in his last name remaining silent through the years.

Wendy’s, a longtime corporate golf sponsor, also apologized, saying the Wendy’s 3 Tour Challenge wasn’t really that challenging.

Goosen wasn’t the only player to offer an apology. Phil Mickelson apologized to his fans for losing the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. Lefty also apologized to Butch Harmon and Callaway for not being able to hit more fairways.

A veteran PGA Tour caddie, who wished to remain anonymous, apologized for all the wrong yardages he had given to players since the 1980s.

The USGA apologized for the penal U.S. Open setups that have embarrassed the world’s best golfers over the last six decades. The organization retracted the apology later the same day.

From the broadcast booth, Dottie Pepper apologized for calling her terrier a “choking freaking dog” after a pet toy lodged in its throat.

Meanwhile, Johnny Miller apologized for his entire broadcast career. The two-time major winner also reportedly apologized to his pool boy for telling the young man he would never go very far in his pool-cleaning career with “that grip.”

−The Armchair Golfer

(This is an ARMCHAIR GOLF spoof.)

Everybody Loves Rocco

AS SOMEONE PUT IT, Tiger won the trophy, but Rocco won the hearts. Cliché? Yep. Sappy? Yep. But hey, it’s right on the mark.

Ever since Rocco Mediate went toe-to-toe with golf’s Goliath, Tiger Woods, and nearly brought down the giant in the U.S. Open, golf fans have been sharing the love as if Rocco was that other western PA native son, Arnold Palmer.

Rocco is a PGA Tour rock star, and he’s been soaking it up like solar panels on a sunny day. In fact, the 45-year-old was “toast” after his reception and opening-round 71 at the Buick Open.

Here are some of Rocco's comments (edited) from yesterday’s media conference:

Q. Did you see the banner up there?

ROCCO: I did. I can't believe they did that. It was nice.

Q. Did you find that the banner with the fans was different, were there more fans?

ROCCO: That was this morning, only probably 200, 300,000 fans following me (laughter). It was great. It was obviously louder.

Q. The whole thing is starting to catch up in terms of energy.

ROCCO: Yes, I have noticed.

Q. How does it feel to be a fan favorite?

ROCCO: I think it's cool.

Q. You mentioned yesterday you were tired?

ROCCO: I'm toast. It took a lot out of me. I loved it. But I need to get some rest the rest of the day and tomorrow morning.

−The Armchair Golfer

Q&A: Tiger’s Left Knee Discusses ACL Surgery

(Pocketwiley/Flickr)




IN A BRIEF INTERVIEW, Tiger’s Left Knee updated ARMCHAIR GOLF after Tiger’s ACL surgery performed on Tuesday.



Q: Thanks for talking to me again.

LEFT KNEE: Sure, no problem.

Q: First of all, is there anything you would like to say about the U.S. Open?

LEFT KNEE: Not really. I think everybody saw what happened and the end result.

Q: Your toughest tournament?

LEFT KNEE: We went to Torrey to win a trophy. And we did. I’m proud of that.

Q: Alright. By the way, Tiger’s ACL turned down my interview request.

LEFT KNEE: Yeah, it won’t talk to the media.

Q: I’m a blogger.

LEFT KNEE: I know. It’s not you. I don’t like to generalize, but ACLs aren’t a talkative bunch. They can act kind of superior. I don’t know why. It's a ligament thing.

Q: I read the statement, but from your perspective how did the ACL fix go?

LEFT KNEE: Fine, really. Rosey is great.

Q: Rosey?

LEFT KNEE: Sorry. Doc Rosenberg. Very capable hands. As you know, I’ve seen him a whole lot and just call him “Rosey.” Sometimes I feel like I’ve spent more time in Utah than Karl Malone.

Q: What’s next?

LEFT KNEE: Rest, rehab, trying to avoid Sam when she’s holding something she can throw or swing.

Q: And the comeback?

LEFT KNEE: Better than ever. You can count on it.

Q: Are you sure you don’t work for IMG?

LEFT KNEE: Huh?

Q: Just kidding. Thanks again.

LEFT KNEE: You got it.

Related:
Tiger's Left Knee Speaks on U.S. Open Prep
Q&A: Tiger’s Left Knee Carries Weight of Golf World

2008 U.S. Open: The Inevitability of Tiger Woods

(O'Neal/Flickr)

TIGER WOODS CLINCHED his third U.S. Open title today in a 19-hole playoff with journeyman Rocco Mediate. Could we have honestly expected any other result?

It’s like watching a movie. You know how it’s going to end. Well, you think you know. But there’s Rocco representing every journeyman who ever dreamed of winning the U.S. Open. And the guy is playing his heart out. And you think maybe this will be the time it slips from Tiger’s grasp. No one can keep doing this, can they?

Yes, if his name is Tiger Woods.

I didn’t see the playoff, but in 10 years I’ll probably be telling people I was there. Seriously, I had to drive from L.A. to San Francisco this morning. I couldn't stop thinking about the playoff, though. So I called my dad from Coalinga.

“Rocco is hanging tough,” he told me. “He almost aced the third hole.”

In Santa Clara, I called again.

“Tiger is hitting the ball in bad spots, but his putter is keeping him in it, 12 putts in 10 holes,” he said. “Rocco has made up three shots. They’re tied with four holes to play.”

Then I heard the final result I was expecting on the radio news. Tiger won. Of course. Tiger always gets it done. Always.

But Rocco Mediate, in his own way, was just as impressive as Tiger. Let me explain.

We’ve come to expect the impossible from Tiger. Eagle the last hole to take the lead. Birdie the last hole to force a playoff. Hit shots everywhere and somehow find a way to win in the most desperate circumstances. Whatever it takes.

But how often have we seen a worthy, head-to-head competitor for Woods in the majors? Hardly ever.

The easygoing Rocco played an amazing tournament and didn’t wilt in a toe-to-toe confrontation with the ultimate intimidator. We all knew Rocco was a good guy, but who knew he had so much heart?

I haven’t had a chance to fully digest this major championship, but it must go down as one of the greatest ever. With the bum knee there was a Hoganesque quality to Tiger’s long 91-hole march for the U.S. Open trophy.

Tiger will disappear for a while now to rest the left knee and may skip the British. If he does, it may be necessary to post a flyer:

LOST: One-legged golfer, missing at last major. Answers to Tiger. And U.S. Open champion.

−The Armchair Golfer

2008 U.S. Open: Tiger Woods Is the Drama King

I DIDN’T SEE IT. I’m in California for a family wedding and reception that took place during yesterday’s entire third round of the U.S. Open.

So I didn’t see the drama of Tiger Woods’ painful march across Torrey Pines unfold. I didn’t see the errant drives and the frequent grimaces. The knee is clearly overstressed. Even the stoic Woods can no longer hide it now.

I didn’t see the downhill bomb for an eagle on 13, or the one-hop birdie chip on 17. I missed the final dramatic stroke on 18, another eagle that gave Tiger a one-shot lead heading into today’s final round.

What can possibly happen today? What can the gimpy Woods do for an encore? I wouldn’t begin to try to guess.

One thing is certain: I’ll be watching.

−The Armchair Golfer

2008 U.S. Open: ‘Tin Man’ Tiger Woods Comes Alive

REMEMBER IN THE WIZARD OF OZ when the Tin Man was all rusty and creaky? Then Dorothy squirted him with the oil can and he started moving, smiling and, finally, dancing.

Tiger Woods was the Tin Man today, all rusty and gimpy. Not doing a whole lot, just sort of there.

Then, faster than Dorothy could click her heels, the rust vanished. This “Tin Man” was draining 20-foot birdies like they were $3 gas. Tiger shot an astonishing 30 on his second nine for a round of 68.

The Tin Man with the creaky left knee is just one shot off the 36-hole lead. Heeeeee’s back.

Lastly, inspired by The Wizard of Oz and dedicated to Phil Mickelson, I leave you with this:

(To the tune of “If I Only Had a Heart”)

I would not be just a nothin’ my head all full of stuffin’
My heart all full of pain.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry,
If I only hit a fairway.

−The Armchair Golfer

Tiger Woods: ‘I Guess I Don’t Need a Cart Yet’

Geoff Ogilvy is lurking.

EIGHTEEN DOWN, 54 TO GO. Round one of the U.S. Open is in the books, and two non-household names share the lead at three-under 68, Nationwide Tour player Justin Hicks and 29-year-old Kevin Streelman, who seems to emerge on visits to Torrey Pines.

Streelman was a big story at the Buick Invitational in January when he slipped into the field and then played his way into Tiger’s pairing at the midway point.

I’ve never heard of Hicks, who is your stock obscure first-round leader out of central casting. I sometimes hope these types shoot a good second round just to cause a stir, but usually they post 83 and barely make the cut.

When Tiger was asked what he found out after his first competitive round since the Masters, he replied, “Oh, I can walk 18 holes. I guess I don’t need a cart yet.”

Woods shot a one-over 72 with two doubles. Fellow glam grouping players Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott had 71 and 73, respectively.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see much of the first round because I was flying from Charlotte to LA. But I did see Stricker streak to four under on his opening nine, shooting a 32.

Stricker. Now there’s a guy who could do well this week, I thought. Straight ball hitter, excellent putter. Later I saw a 73 by his name. Stricks shot 41 on his second nine. That’s the Open for you.

There are plenty of big names at the top, including Geoff Ogilvy (69), Stuart Appleby (69), Ernie Els (70), Lee Westwood (70), Luke Donald (71), Vijah Singh (71) and Andres Romero (71).

Today is survive-the-cut day. And, if you’re one of those players near the top, position-yourself-for-the-weekend day.

−The Armchair Golfer

2008 U.S. Open: TV Schedule and Viewing Tips

TWENTY-ONE HOURS of TV coverage are on tap for the U.S. Open. It’s ESPN, NBC and ESPN on Thursday and Friday. It’s all NBC on the weekend.

Thursday & Friday
10 a.m. - Noon PDT (1 - 3 p.m. EDT) on ESPN
Noon - 2 p.m. PDT (3 - 5 p.m. EDT) on NBC
2 p.m. - 7 p.m. PDT (5 - 10 p.m. EDT) on ESPN

Saturday
1 - 7 p.m. PDT (4 - 10 p.m. EDT) on NBC

Sunday
NOON - 6 p.m. PDT (3 - 9 p.m. EDT) on NBC

Viewing Tips
1. Don’t peak too early; it’s a long, grueling tournament.
2. Stay in the moment.
3. Take it one shot at a time.
4. Eliminate all distractions (work, chores/errands, family members).
5. If you like Johnny Miller, you’re golden.
6. If you dislike Johnny Miller, consider the mute button.

−The Armchair Golfer

2008 U.S. Open: Glam Pairing Injury Update

Adam Scott

AT 8:06 A.M. LOCAL TIME, the world’s top three golfers will tee off in the 108th U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. That would be Eldrick “Tiger” Woods, Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott.

And these elite golf warriors are playing hurt.

In case you’ve just returned from another galaxy, Tiger is recovering from surgery No. 3 on his left knee. Despite more knee speculation than Ping has putters, Woods says he’s ready to rumble.

“I'm good to go,” Tiger said on Tuesday. “I plan on playing competitive. Come game time on Thursday I'll be ready.”

Not to be outdone, Adam Scott also has an injury. The Australian star broke his right pinkie finger several weeks ago. No worries, mate. Adam is up to this week’s task.

“Broken finger won’t stop Adam Scott,” announced The Sydney Morning Herald. (But he’ll have to lay off pinkie wrestling for a while.)

And Phil? He’s an inch taller, in case you haven’t heard. It’s all that stretching he’s been doing. I know, I know − it’s not an injury. But the unplanned growth did cause Lefty to go to a 37-inch putter.

How does that factor into Mickelson's game and U.S. Open chances? I haven’t a clue.

−The Armchair Golfer

2008 U.S. Open: Who Won't Win

Defending champ Cabrera

FIRST OF ALL, AN APOLOGY. I'm not usually a negative guy, but it's just too hard to pick a major winner. Last year at Oakmont I picked Tiger and he lost by a shot. I was crushed. (OK, not really.)

Anyway, this year I thought I'd try something different. I'm picking the losers. I don't like it any more than you do, but I don't know what else to do.

As for Tiger, I'm just not seeing it. The knee, the layoff, Torrey on steroids, U.S. Open rough − I think it's too much to overcome, even for Tiger Woods.

Not Winning List
Tiger Woods
Angel Cabrera
Trevor Immelman
Sergio Garcia
Adam Scott
Ernie Els
Colin Montgomerie
Retief Goosen
Zach Johnson
Ian Poulter
Anyone Who Went Through
a Qualifier
Any Amateur
Gene Sarazen (Bobbio)

Might Win List
Phil Mickelson
Jim Furyk
Stephen Ames
Justin Leonard
Anthony Kim
Aaron Baddeley
Mike Weir
Padraig Harrington
Justin Rose
Andres Romero
Geoff Ogilvy
Vijay Singh
Random Guy

No heavy analysis or stats. All from my gut. Chime in. It's U.S. Open Eve, and I don't want to be wrong by myself.

−The Armchair Golfer

A U.S. Open Player Even Matt Lauer Would Beat

BY NOW YOU'VE SURELY HEARD the results of Matt Lauer’s trip around Torrey Pines, site of this week’s U.S. Open. The NBC anchor, a single-digit handicapper, shot an even 100 on the brutal setup.

Playing partner Justin Timberlake did slightly better, shooting a 98. And Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, a fine amateur golfer, had an 84.

But wait. There’s a guy who actually played in the U.S. Open that Lauer would have beaten handily. His name was J.D. Tucker, who teed it up in the 1898 U.S. Open. He shot a 157. Yes, you read that correctly. 1-5-7.

J.D. improved by 57 shots in the next round, carding a 100. Then he quietly withdrew.

Fred Herd was the 1898 winner, with rounds of 84, 85, 75 and 84 for 328, a scoring record until the following year when Willie Smith came home in 315 strokes.

−The Armchair Golfer

(Source: The Telegraph)

2008 U.S. Open: The Winning Score? 284

BEN HOGAN WAS FAMOUS for sizing up a U.S. Open setup and determining what score would win the pressure-packed 72-hole marathon. And then he would go out and shoot it. Hogan won a record four U.S. Opens, and could easily have won five or six.

What will it take to win this year at Torrey Pines? Even par, according to the course superintendent.

“Somewhere right around even par could very well hold up,” Mark Woodward told World Golf.

Based on what I’ve read about Torrey, 284 (the 7,600 yard layout will play to a par 71) sounds like a fantastic score. I’m guessing almost every player in the field would take even par today if you offered it to them, including Tiger Woods.

In the last two U.S. Opens at Winged Foot and Oakmont, the winning score was five over. The USGA has been in the habit of favoring the plus-side of par. Red is their least favorite color.

−The Armchair Golfer

Remembering Jim McKay

LEGENDARY SPORTS BROADCASTER Jim McKay died this weekend. He was 86.

Something I didn’t know: His real name was James McManus, but he legally changed it after hosting a program a CBS executive dubbed “The Real McKay.”

Some of us grew up with McKay, who covered virtually every sport, from the Olympic Games to motor racing to golf.

McKay reported the action at the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and other tournaments during the Palmer and Nicklaus eras when professional golf began to appear on small black-and-white and color screens across America.

His favorite sport? Horse racing. McKay passed away just hours before the running of the Belmont Stakes.

−The Armchair Golfer

A Fellow Scotsman Defends Colin Montgomerie

MY FRIEND, BRIAN, who supplies photography for this blog, is sticking up for Monty after my post about the most overrated tour players. This is bumped up from the comments section, with Brian’s permission:

Sorry, I know it’s not your list but a Scotsman is about to defend another Scotsman!

Colin Montgomerie is not and could never be considered “overrated.” In fact, I am not sure any of those guys could. Maybe not lived up to their expectations, or, as another said, underachieved. Yes, maybe.

Someone who topped the European Tour eight times cannot be overrated!

What about golfers who have freak wins at majors of whom we hear very little or see winning again consistently at the highest levels? Surely, they are the overrated ones. I can think of Paul Lawrie as an example close to home. I am sure there are other closer to home for you. Ben Curtis, maybe?

Monty was a consistent winner and, yes, never cut it in the United States. But then again he never did a Sergio, or a Rose, or a Parnevik, and moved over and tried to make his living on the PGA Tour. He stayed loyal to the European circuit.

To call him overrated seems typical of the disrespectful attitude towards him from certain parts of the American media and public, who, let’s face it, don’t like him. Hence the Mrs. Doubtfire tag.

No one needs to remind him he has never won a major. Believe me, he gets reminded about it every day over here. Would he swap his eight European Order of Merits for one U.S. Open and golfing obscurity thereafter? Not sure.

Winning a major does not get you guaranteed respect over here. Who do you think is more respected in golf, Montgomerie or Lawrie?

I’ll take that last question. Monty. It’s a no brainer.

−The Armchair Golfer

Related:
Will Faldo Pick Montgomerie for Ryder Cup Team?
Colin Montgomerie Is Feeling Old

Tiger’s Left Knee Speaks on U.S. Open Prep

Tiger's Left Knee at the 2007 Masters.
(Pocketwiley/Flickr)

ARMCHAIR GOLF recently caught up with Tiger’s Left Knee during a break between practice sessions.

Q: In Monday’s conference call, Tiger said, “I feel like I'm getting there. Hopefully, it'll be close to 100%. If not, no big deal.”

LEFT KNEE: Yeah, I know. I was there.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?

LEFT KNEE: Nope.

Q: Do you agree with the “no big deal” part?

LEFT KNEE: Next question, please.

Q: What do you think of Torrey Pines?

LEFT KNEE: Love Torrey. Love it. Tiger and I have played there since he was a tyke. Absolutely gorgeous place. Of course, it looks different to me.

Q: How so?

LEFT KNEE: I’m a lot closer to the ground. It’s a whole different vantage point.

Q: Got it.

LEFT KNEE: Still, a great place for me. The terrain is not real up and down, so that’s good, especially coming off surgery.

Q: What’s your biggest concern going into next week?

LEFT KNEE: I want Tiger to play well, of course. We’re so due to win a U.S. Open, and I don’t want anyone to think I’m holding him back from his goals.

Q: Anything else?

LEFT KNEE: I hope we can stay out of that insane U.S. Open rough. That’s probably my biggest personal fear. I mean, when Tiger goes after it in the rough, hide the women and children.

Q: Does it hurt?

LEFT KNEE: Does Titleist make golf balls?

Q: Understand.

LEFT KNEE: Anyway, maybe Stevie will encourage Tiger to keep the driver in the bag a little more than usual so we can keep our dimpled friend on the short grass most of the time.

Q: How are we on time?

LEFT KNEE: I gotta go. We’re working on the short game this afternoon, which I enjoy much more than those 124 M.P.H. swings on the practice tee. Lot less stress on me, if you know what I mean.

Q: Thanks, and best of luck next week.

LEFT KNEE: Yep. We’ll see what happens.

Related:
Q&A: Tiger’s Left Knee Carries Weight of Golf World

U.S. Open Homecoming for Pat Perez

WHEW. HE MADE IT.

Last month Pat Perez told ARMCHAIR GOLF, “This year it’s all about the U.S. Open. I have to get in there. That’s the biggest of the bigs for me. Back home in San Diego, that’s my main goal in life right now.”

When I asked him what it would mean to play the U.S. Open in his hometown, he replied, “Everything. Seriously.”

There was a catch. Then ranked No. 58 in the world, Double P needed to climb to No. 50 to avoid the perils of sectional qualifying. Despite a strong Colonial and Memorial, Pat only got halfway there, to No. 54.

On Monday Perez teed it up with 140 or so players in the Columbus, Ohio, sectional qualifier to vie for 23 spots. Pat's 71-67-138 made it by a shot.

Now that’s pressure, especially for someone who said he’d rather qualify to play in the U.S. Open in his hometown than win his first tournament.

Also in through the Columbus qualifier are PGA Tour players Carl Pettersson (medalist), Davis Love, Bart Bryant, Ben Crane, Jesper Parnevik, Rocco Mediate, Chad Campbell, Nick Watney, Dean Wilson, Joe Ogilvie, Robert Garrigus, Steve Marino and Fredrik Jacobson.

Alas, Fred Couples didn’t make it.

-The Armchair Golfer

The Man Who Nicknamed Jack The Golden Bear

THEY CALLED HIM FAT JACK. Early in his career, a serious, heavy-set Jack Nicklaus was the villain, an object of open scorn on the PGA Tour, especially at Grand Slam events such as the 1962 U.S. Open at Oakmont.

Ten years older and the undisputed king of golf, the charismatic Arnold Palmer was universally adored, the people’s hero.

It didn’t stop the highly focused, methodical and talented Nicklaus from usurping Palmer’s throne to become the game’s top player by the mid 1960s.

By the time the 1967 U.S. Open was played at Baltusrol, Jack had a growing fan base and a new nickname coined by an Australian sportswriter named Don Lawrence. Referring to Jack’s blonde mane and hefty physique, “The Golden Bear” stuck.

“The notion of a growling bear sat well with Jack, who was self-conscious about his high-pitched voice,” writes Ian O’Connor in Arnie & Jack.

Jack’s Memorial Tournament began today in Dublin, Ohio. Matthew Goggin leads with a 65.

−The Armchair Golfer