I happen to catch Rory’s interview on Piers Morgan show last night. Even Rory made the point that it seemed like “it was just winning another golf tournament.” There was no mention of it being any kind of special test or having any kind of unusual conditions or treachery.
He certainly seems to have a good head on his shoulders and made the point about how he is going to do his best to keep grounded and not let the press get to him.
I think it’s a shame he didn’t walk away from winning the event really feeling like he did something special other than playing very good golf. But it was very clear to me that even Rory didn’t see the event as being anything unique outside of the hype and hoopla that the media and USGA try to create.
You can see the gallery is out there to watch the pros play under an extreme test. It’s exciting and much more interesting if the game of golf requires precision off the tee also.
Golf was a much more sophisticated game back in the golden age.
Thanks for posting that pic. It really is a bit shocking compared to today’s watered down version.
The amazing thing there is that you can see that he is just off the fairway. It’s not as if there was a primary cut for shots that just trickled out of the short grass. You either split the middle or punched out. I wonder what the winning score would be if they played an event like that now.
Teddy…this pic below is that one from Olympic Club where he slipped…the pic above was from 1952… Julius Boros won and Hogan came 3rd… breaking Hogan’s streak of 3 Open wins in a row…48,50,51. he would again win in 1953
Golf needs a real tournament again on a real golf course with proper gear that fits the course. The United States Persimmon Open would be a good start.
A decent purse, a few marquee players balanced with some younger players would be all that is needed to draw the attention of the press. The press would eat up the story. Something exciting and very controversial… a perfect media recipe and just what golf needs while Tiger is taking a hiatus.
I don’t think it is that hard to do. Might be a cleaner simpler way to get the ball rolling in the right direction. A tour could then expand from that. As much as I would love to orchestrate it all on my own… the reality is I would need some assistance.
This can be done… anyone interested… feel free to write me… we can set up a private “think tank” forum right here in ABS and I can invite some of the prior contacts I have made or whom have shown interests in the past. The energy level needs to stay more balanced and focused. The Las Vegas TRGA event has raised awareness and has been a good pre flagship event for something bigger.
Everyone could do something… whether it’s web design, online geurilla marketing tactics… social networking… testing golf balls, finding gear, … or just coming up with creative ideas on how to make it happen. It needs to happen. It’s a noble cause.
I’ll help. I think you’re right, it could be done and be successful, with just a few key ingredients: a few marque players, a title sponsor and some media relations. Set up the brainstorming forum and let’s see what happens. I have to believe with all the contacts you and others here at ABS have, this is very doable.
Lag,
I know we have spoken privately about this, but since you brought it up on a public forum, let’s get this up and rolling. We have two of the oldest and most storied courses in Texas right here in San Antonio. Pecan Valley G.C., where Julios Boros waxed any hope Arnold Palmer ever had about winning the PGA in 1968. And Brackenridge G.C., a killer old Tillinghast track that was recently restored, where Hogan, Snead, Nelson all played in the Texas Open many many times. In fact, it’s where Mike Souchak shot 60 in 1955 to win with a total of 257. I bring this up because the company that now owns Pecan Valley resides just a few miles from my house, and they have already expressed interest in hosting a Persimmon Tourney, when I spoke with them about it last year. Surely there is a couple of courses in almost every state with some “Persimmon Age” history that would host something like this.
Additionally, a business contact of mine in the golf business is currently in the process of putting together an actual forging house specifically for golf clubs here in the USA…that’s right …a forging house… in the USA, making golf clubs… in the USA. From what I understand from our last conversation, the dies for the wedge heads are nearing completion. He is a former amateur having played in the heart of the Persimmon era in the 1960/1970’s and expressed an interest in having some sort of participation in a Persimmon Tour in an advertising capacity.
Several of you know of my eternal quest to find someone to make wound Balata Balls specifically for ABS students and like minded individuals…alas so far it has not been meant to be. HOWEVER, I do have a contact in the golf ball business that is willing to custom make a urethane covered multi-layer ball to any spec. we want, including compression, cover hardness, dimple design etc…The only kicker is that we’d have to buy 10,000 balls at a time…which is actually quite do-able. I understand TwoMasters has a contact in the Golf Bag making industry. I also speak to Dave Wood on a fairly regular basis…maybe we could get him involved…even if only in a support capacity.
There are a lot of current touring pros who long for the days of Persimmon and Balata…Geoff Ogilvy for starters. He and I had a nice talk about Persimmon and Balata at the most recent Texas Open a few months ago. I actually see a ton of potential for a little underground tour to form, and perhaps blossom into something very interesting. Although I would hate to see the prices on Ebay on vintage equipment start to rise…I just purchased a cherry set of 1959 DynaPowers for $29.00!!!
I can help out with buying some of those golf balls. Especially if it’s a USGA approved manufacturer so I can use them in other events too. Even if not though, I’d be in for a few dozen.
[quote=“lagpressure”]
Ok…
You guys should be able to see it at the bottom of the home page… I have permissioned you.
Already some interesting ideas going on. Post away…
