Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Greatest Show on Earth


...meh...not quite.

I went to see the circus on Saturday night at the AAC. They put on a decent show. It really wasn't bad, but it wasn't the greatest. What they get those elephants to do is amazing and tigers are always cool to watch. Most of the rest of the show was more like Cirque du Soliel instead of what you'd expect from Ringling Bros. I bet a lot of kids were disappointed.

Maybe I choose bad seats. I sat in the Platinum section which is usually good seats for anything in the AAC, but I felt very removed from the action. I had a chance to buy front row seats but I didn't want to drop $250 on tickets, so I spent $50 instead. I'm sure there is a happy medium somewhere in there. I think I would've had a much better time if I was closer.

Oh, and cotton candy cost $12. Holy crap. And it wasn't really good - not very fresh.

Although, all things concerned, I'd probably still go back, but with better seats and I'd skip the cotton candy.

Greenbriar Resort


I think I'm going to put the Greenbriar Resort on my list of places I'd like to go. Watching it on tv was impressive. Also, all the extra-curricular things to do looked like that place could be fun.

However, it looks expensive. They have a golf package which gives you only one round per day, a hotel room, and breakfast for almost $500 per day. I think I'd rather play Pebble Beach or Shadow Creek in Vegas for $500. Hopefully one day I can knock them all out..

What the hell?


I watched DA Points flirt with a 59 on Saturday only to end up with a disappointing 61. You can't 3-jack 18 when you still have a chance to shoot 60. During his run, they showed an interesting stat on tv about 59's and 60's.

Since 1977, there have been 3-59's and 14-60's shot on the PGA tour. However, in the last year or so, there had been a 59 and 3-60's. Now we have another 59 with Appleby today. Granted, these guys played on a par 70 course, but that's still 11 under. Although I am very surprised it hasn't happened more often - especially on par 70 & 71's.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Drove over an hour to play Webb Hill Country Club in Wolfe City way out east near Greenville. The course was dirt cheap to play and actually in pretty good shape considering what we paid. Breakfast sandwiches were some of the best I've ever had and the burger was awesome. My ass was dragging - not sure why. Maybe a lot of driving last week, maybe a few nights of short sleep, maybe the heat or maybe a little of everything. However, for some reason I had absolutely zero interest in golf that day. If it wasn't for good company, this day would have been a total waste.

http://www.webbhillcountryclub.com/ - I'd play it again, but it's a very long drive...it may only be a once a year thing.

Now, regardless of whether or not I ever go out to Webb Hill again or not, I'll probably never forget it. Aubrey threw his 9-iron into the top of a tree and we spent 20 minutes throwing half full water bottles into the tree to try to knock it down. I rule.

Spare British Open


Who is this guy? Will we EVER see him again? I'm going with "no" on that one.

Granted day 1 was very interesting. McIlroy shot a record score, Tiger was playing good, and Daly in 3rd place. The tournament had a chance to be VERY interesting but again, one more tournament passes that I don't even bother to watch.

While Oosty's runaway killed this year's Open, the remainder of the leader board was actually pretty good.

LPGA US Open


Paula Creamer won the women's US Open at Oakmont. Good for her. The LPGA needs more American girls winning on the tour. I seriously doubt American companies will continue to sponsor this fledgling tour if Asians continue to dominate. That's not racist or anything - it's just a fact.

The LPGA is primarily an American Tour (maybe a North American tour) and with Christie Kerr, Paula Creamer, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, and others - they have a chance to put on a good show and present a great product.

However, the LPGA will never compare to the PGA Tour, and I barely watch the big boys anymore. I'd hate to have that new commissioner's job right now. Even with American hotties winning, I'm not sure what the boy can do to save his tour. They lost several tournaments from last year and can go two weeks in a row without a tournament or tv coverage.

The best idea I've heard in a long time was for the girls to play the same venue as the boys each week. Maybe they tee off early, maybe they pair up, maybe they alternate or something. However, corporate american consolidates when times get tough - why not sports?

Maybe they could even be tape delayed and condensed. Direct tv shows NFL games on Monday condensed into about 30 minutes. Maybe if the LPGA was only an hour or two - as opposed to 4 or 5 - and somehow paired with the men, more people would watch.

What's wrong with this picture?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

More Hansen Pics


Hansen

I went to Dale Hansen's backyard party for ALS this past Saturday night. The ticket was $100 and included open bar, margarita machine, BBQ buffet, late night pizza, and semi-decent music.

I thought I'd be smart and get there early so I could talk to the big man himself and possibly secure a round of golf at Dallas National. The gates opened at 6:30 and I arrived at 7:00. Apparently people were beating down the gates to get in because I was about the 300th person there. So there wasn't much chance of a decent 1 on 1 conversation.

I finally figured that I drove 2 hours, so I might as well try to make a deal. I offered him $1,000 for a round with him and 3 guys. He said "we might do something on stage later tonight...if not, call me at the station and I'll take care of you".

Well, we never did a deal on stage, but I'll probably send him an email to see if he'll let me get out there. He did say it costs him $1,000 to take a group out there. If it turns out to be an ALS donation, then at least I'll get a tax write off on top of it.

He ran a small (quantity, not dollar amount) auction and had some pretty good schtick. They auctioned off a balloon ride for about $2k, a Napa Valley vacation for about $3k, a ride in a jet for $6k, and two Super Bowl tickets for $12k. I think he ended up generating over $100k for ALS. Pretty impressive for a local sportscaster.



His place is badass. Great meandering pool with a landscaped backyard that even Tbags would approve of. Probably a hundred acre ranch and house on a small (thousand?) acre lake in Waxahachie. Nice, quiet, and secluded...but not beyond extravagant. I'd much rather have this setup than some of the high end McMansions you see in Frisco & Plano.

Not as many famous people as I thought though. Coach Joe and his voice modulator were there. So was Brad Sham. There was also the woman that fell at Ranger Stadium on opening day about 15 years ago. He quickly asked her to "get off my stage".



He also introduced "the lovely Mrs. Hansen" who is a very attractive older lady. Not what I expected for Dale, but good for him.

I'd go back.




UK in HD


Finally, we'll get to see the great St. Andrews in all it's glory. Those British links courses never got me excited. They always looked like crap on tv. Never understood why people get so excited about flying across the pond to golf.

Hopefully the HD broadcast will change my mind about the birthplace of golf. At least it will probably make the golf more watchable. Although, the past two years have been greatness - with Norman, and especially last year with Watson.

Not sure which tournament has more spare winners - the US or British Open. Both these majors have some serious one hit major winners. Granted there aren't many multiple major winners out there, but British Open winners really seem to fall of the face of the earth. I don't think Stewart Cink will be a multiple major winner. It's not looking much better for Todd Hamilton, Justin Leonard, or David Duval either. Also, the US Open has it's fair share of Lucas Glovers, Grame McDowells, Geoff Olgivee, and Michael Campbells.

Monday, July 5, 2010

UFC 116 - Not Bad


Decided to pay $50 to watch Lesnar vs Carwin on Saturday night. I'm really starting to like the UFC and the product they put out. I watched season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike and I started tivo'ing Inside MMA on HDNET. The Ultimate Fighter is a decent reality show, but I usually just fast forward to the fights. Some of the drama is funny...a bunch of guys that all think they're badass living in the same house can be interesting.

Lesnar vs Carwin went exactly the way I expected...for the first round anyways. Carwin absolutely dominated Lesnar. Carwin did what Carwin does and that's pound the shit out of guys. I'm surprised that the ref didn't stop the fight, but Lesnar was making an effort to defend himself.

At one point Carwin backed off to let Lesnar up, but Lesnar decided to spend the rest of the round on his back and suck in some air...wise move.

In the second round Lesnar took Carwin down and Carwin had no response. Lesnar moved into a choke and it was over...Carwin tapped.

After the fight Dana White indicated that Carwin went to the hospital and Carwin blogged about his body shutting down. As bad as it sounds, I hope he did seize up and really need to be checked out. I hope he wasn't shamed and afraid to show up at the press conference. He may have tapped and I'm sure that's embarrassing, but he kicked Lesnar's ass. Hell, Lesnar even said he was humbled in the after fight interview with Joe Rogan.

Can't believe Carwin only earned $40k for the fight. Lesnar earned 10 times that amount plus the $75k bonus for submission of the night...not sure he deserved it though...there was a submission earlier that was much better...

Lesnar is still an ass. Granted, I like some of his talk before the fight. I completely understand talking yourself up and motivating yourself, but that crap he pulled with Frank Mir after their fight and flipping off the crowd was class-less. It was nice to see Lesnar take a pounding.

No thoughts on Cain Velasquez - never really seen him fight, but he's next for Lesnar. Hopefully Carwin bounces back because I think he's the best fighter going right now.

Watched the Brendan Shaub fight too on Spike. He looks like a solid fighter. He's 240lbs which sucks for him. He'll never be able to get down to 205 to fight as a light heavyweight, and with guys like Lesnar, Carwin, Big Country, Velasquez, and Nogera at a heavy 265, Shaub may never be the cream of the crop. He'll probably be stuck somewhere in the middle. He'll have a tough time with the bigger guys, but should dominate men his size.

UFC needs to consider a new weight class between 205 and 265. Maybe 205-245 and 245-up. The heavyweights that are 220 will never be able to compete with the 265 guys. Fedor looked tiny compared to Carwin and Lesnar.

Indian Creek - Creeks - Not Bad


Played Indian Creek - Creeks course this Saturday. Despite a lot of rain in DFW, and despite being located right through a river, this course was in great shape. Some fairways were a little soggy and some areas around the greens were wet, but overall, the course was in good shape. Greens rolled good. Fairways weren't bad. Obviously, the bunkers were not playable, but I'm not holding that against them.

Indian Creek - Creeks course is a definite go.

Shot an 85. Not great, but I did loose 3 balls. No 3 putts, though. Note to self...don't go long on #10 with a back pin placement...that's an impossible chip.

Justin Rose


I guess I was wrong about Bubba Watson. He's apparently not the next big thing...Justin Rose is. Sure it's impressive that he's won 2 of his last three starts and the Brits are all excited about their new superstar. However, I think by the end of August, we'll have all forgotten about his solid play the past few weeks.

It truly amazes me that a guy can make millions and secure a 2 (or more) year exemption on tour in just a couple of weeks. I'm starting to think that these guys are not much different than us. They have some great weeks, some average weeks, and some weeks where they can't hit ball out of their own shadow. I can't believe I enjoy a game that varies so much week to week. Hell, last year I had back to back rounds at the Tribute of 101 and 79.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Bear Creek East = The Worst


Sad news in the DFW golf world - the greens keeper at Bear Creek apparently has been dead for some time...

Reaves sends me an email asking me if I'd prefer to play Tour 18 (which Steven Gribin said is in the best shape he's ever seen) or Bear Creek on Saturday. Naturally, I responded in favor of the known commodity. Also, I've never liked Bear Creek. It's never been in great shape and the pace of play has always been horrible out there.

Well, the pace was fantastic this week because the course has the absolute worst greens I've ever seen. No putt could roll even remotely decent. We might as well have putted on a rock pile. Even areas where they let the grass grow so high that the green looked decent, you couldn't control the line. The pictures attached do not show how bad this place really is.

I'm sure the superintendent would say that the fairways and teeboxes are in good shape. True, but when you can't put the greens, there's really no point in playing.

Worst of all, they don't seem to be doing anything to fix the situation. They gave us a discounted green fee because the greens were "aerated". However, there was absolutley no sign of aeration...no top dressing...no temporary greens...nothing. And $45 is still a rip off. I wouldn't play that course again if they paid me $45.


Oh, and they gave us a neat "quick check-in card" and a coupon for a green fee only replay round. Thanks, but no thanks guys. That course is officially off my list until someone I know and trust says it's perfect. There are just too many golf courses around to have to play greens like that.

The East course needs to be shut down and worked - hard. The East course is completely unplayable right now. The GM should be ashamed that he's taking people's money.

Probably the thing that pisses me off the most is that's the only round of golf I'll probably be able to play between June 19th and July 10th due to work, school, the holiday, and scuba classes. Perhaps as much as an entire month will go by between rounds and all I have in the middle is Bear Creek. It's really a shame. That course has so much potential. It's about the closest public course in DFW to matching some of the Hill Country courses that I'm learning to love...elevation changes, fully grown trees, and quality layouts.

Eventually, I'll get around to ranking the public courses in DFW. Bear Creek won't be on the list. Save your money. Stay away.


Good Drama on Tour - The Next Big Thing?

Too bad I've given up on watching golf since the US Open finished. I may need to rethink that idea. Apparently I missed a hellova finish when Bubba Watson double bogied 17 only to birdie 18 and ultimately win in a playoff.

Of course, I'm sure all the golf pundits will be crowing Watson the next big thing. Can anyone just have a great week on tour anymore?

It seems like anytime someone wins, the analysts can't wait to talk that person up way more than they should. God forbid anyone ever wins two weeks in a row again...and god forbid that guy is under 30 years old.

I seriously doubt we're going to have a next big thing anytime soon...


Wednesday, June 23, 2010

NORM!!!!!!!
















Soon, I will have a picture just like the one above, except of myself sitting in The Ticket studio during a live radio broadcast. Me, Tbags, Steele, and my brother were high bidders on an auction item that allows us to sit in on a day with Norm Hitzges. We get to show up at 8:30, sit in preshow prep, meet the Musers, watch Norm talk SPORTS, and meet BAD Radio. And, to top it all off, we get to see "yawall". This is truly a P1's dream. Great success.

Anti-Climactic Open


The US Open really had a chance to be something great. Els, Lefty, Tiger, some unknown guy, and the biggest hitter on tour all right there at the end. Those guys...especially the unknown Frenchy have to be sick.

Don't get me wrong, I don't really want some French guy to win. Hell, I'd rather see Phil win than the Irishman. Nothing against Irishmen, McDowell seems like a cool dude. Especially when Johnson was driving it 50 yards past him.

However, I'll be pulling for the American pretty much every time...even if that American cheats on his wife and sleeps with porn stars. After all, what's more American that making lots of money and philandering around, right? It's the new American Dream. It worked for Clinton, didn't it? Seriously, who wouldn't want to go have a beer with Slick Willy? Although, something about Tiger is rubbing me the wrong way right now.

Unfortunatley this was an Open that nobody wanted to win. I wanted to see Els or somebody drop a bomb or two and actually win the tournament, not limp to the finish. I think all Lefty had to do was shoot even par on the back 9 to win, but EVERYBODY limped in.

I hate to say it, but I'm glad Dustin Johnson went triple-double early on. Yeah, it sucks, but the Open would have been an extremely boring boat race. Honestly, I would have loved to seen him come back after that two hole abortion and still pull out a win. That would've been the best scenario in my mind.

Finally, for some reason, all these pictures of McDowell hugging the trophy look kind of gay...not that there's anything wrong with that. He's holding it like a baby and it just doesn't look right. Hell, I don't know - probably a stupid point - probably won't be my last.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Frisco Lakes - Worst Holes

Everyone always talks about great holes (myself included), but some holes flat out suck. Sometimes you can tell the course architect just ran out of room or simply made a mistake. So, in addition to figuring out what the best 18 holes in DFW are, I'm going to figure out what the worst 18 holes are too.

Frisco Lakes
Worst Par 3 - #5 (too long with no room for error of any kind)
Worst Par 4 - #16 (risk reward hole with no real chance of reward)
Worst Par 5 - #6 (nothing wrong with it, just had to pick one)

Overall Worst Hole - #16

The 16th was clearly intended to be a risk-reward par 4 with the opportunity to drive the green. The problem is they made the carry just a little too far for the avid golfer. The carry is probably 250 from the one-up tees which is just a little too much. Plus the hole never plays downwind. This hole would be great if you tee off towards the north and had that south wind helping you out occassionally. What could've been a great hole is just tricked up with an awkward tee shot. Granted it's not long or very difficult, but it is clearly not what the architect intended.

Frisco Lakes - Best Holes

Avidgolfer annually posts their best 18 holes. It's an interesting article and I've had the pleasure of playing a few of them. However, most of their best holes are on private courses. Screw that. I'm going to figure out what the best 18 holes in DFW are for the true avid golfer.

This may be slow, and I'm not sure how the rankings will actually happen, but I'll work it out eventually. I may even post pictures one day...

Frisco Lakes
Best Par 3 - obviously the island green 17th
Best Par 4 - going to go with the long 13th (it tests your long & short game)
Best Par 5 - I like the semi-island green 9th (good risk reward hole)















Overall Best Hole - It's gotta be the par 3 17th.

It's not a hard shot, but it's still an island green. That hole is always something to look forward to and I like the fact that they put it at the end. Too often courses are anti-climactic and have their best holes too early in the round.

Course Conditions - Frisco Lakes - June 12, 2010

Played Frisco Lakes last Saturday and the place is drying out quick. I know there has been no rain around here for some time, but I think they're holding back on some water. I don't know if they're just saving money or stupid, but there is a chance they could loose their course.


Don't get me wrong, the greens roll fine and the fairways are okay...for now. But this place is far from plush. They need rain because it's clear they can't (or won't) put enough water on it.

This winter, they had some of the best turf of any course that didn't overseed. It's ironic that they may be the first course to scratch of my list for the summer.

In a week or two, these fairways will have no turf and you'll have nothing but hardpan lies everywhere...not just fairways. Dry conditions make the course play very short, but I'm looking for plush right now. Hardpan sucks. What's worse is it hasn't even got really hot yet. I hope they don't loose it, because Frisco Lakes is one of my favorites.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Top Sporting Events to Watch

1. The Masters
1a. Cowboys Super Bowl/Playoff Game (don’t get to watch these much)
2. Sunday at the US Open
3. Any Other Super Bowl
4. Texas vs A&M Football
5. NFL Opening Weekend
6. Big UFC Fight (i.e. Lesnar vs Carwin)
7. Opening College Football Weekend

Pebble Beotch

It's opening day of the US Open. The second best tournament of the year. However, opening day of the Open doesn't do much for me.

Now, opening day at Augusta is greatness. They always set up the course in such a way (i.e. short, soft) so that old guys (i.e. Couples, Watson) have a chance at a good day.

The Masters is without a doubt superior to the US Open, but Sunday at the US Open is my second favorite sporting day. For me, the Super Bowl comes third...although we've had some badass Super Bowls in recent history.

The only bad thing about the US Open is that, for me, PGA Tour golf is essentially over after this weekend. I have no interest in the British Open and very little interest in the PGA Championship. I'll watch, but the tour has already blown through Texas and the two best majors are over on Sunday (or maybe Monday).

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

breaking the hymen


This is the g-spot's first post. I'm trying out this website to see how it works. If you're reading this, odds are June 16, 2010 has long past. For whatever reason, I've been fascinated with getting rich and famous off the internet. I have about a thousand ideas, but like most people, I do nothing with them. I do write most of them down, but I still do nothing with them. By the time I get home from work and eat dinner, there's no time left to pursue other interests.

Every business book or success coach says to pick a line of work that your passionate about. The internet has made starting websites and blogs beyond easy. In less than 5 minutes anybody can create an online presence. The best part is I can do this anytime I want and I can be anonymous. Now, being anonymous makes it very easy to be brutally honest. And I intend to...

If a course (or a person) sucks, I can tell the world freely. However, being the nice guy that I am, I will offer anyone that I criticise the opportunity to respond. All you have to do is prove you're the person (or course manager/superindentent) and send me an email response to dfwgolfspot@gmail.com.

If you ask, any email you send defending yourself or your course will be posted. While I will not edit your response at all, I reserve the right to remove anything I deem inappropriate. I define inappropriate as anything that could get me in trouble at my straight gig. I hope this openness lends more credence to my opinions and an understanding that I have the consumer - the avid golfer's best interest in mind.

Now, I completely understand that there is very little chance of ever making money on this, but that's not my sole motivation. There are several goals of this website...
1. Entertain myself
2. Give my opinion on golf (and all that implies)
3. Track my quest to play all the privates in DFW
4. Track a little competition I have going on with the guys
5. Criticise and compliment the local DFW courses
6. Make money