The 4th Major... Nobody Seems to Care.

Hackers... I was sitting outside last night having a beer with my roommate, when we got on the topic of The 93rd PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club. He said, "I completely forgot that was this weekend. Why does it not feel like a major?" It is really a question I cannot answer. The PGA does not have the mystic, beauty, or since of entitlement of the Masters. It does not have the storylines and since of national pride of the US Open. Lastly, it does not have the rustic history and mind altering weather conditions of the British Open. The PGA Championship is just kind of the ugly step sister to the three elegant, talented Kate Upton looking other sisters.

The PGA Championship

The Other Majors

Don't get me wrong, major championships always get my juices flowing and the PGA has had some good finishes. Last years finish was one of the best in major history, but also one of the controversial. I know rules are rules, and the PGA had every right to penalize DJ, but I didn't know it was a bunker when I watched it live. How was he supposed to know. Who can forget DL3's memorable and symbolic win at Winged Foot with the rainbow on the 18th hole, a few days after his father's death. What about an 18 year old Sergio trying to tame the Tiger. I can still picture him closing his eyes as he hit that ball. Speaking of Tiger; remember his 3rd leg of the Tiger Slam in 2000? (Somehow) Bob May had played the 3 rounds of his life and was eye to eye, hole to hole with Woods. It led to a playoff which led to the famous "Tiger Wood's Point" and that was all she wrote.

Now on to what you all have not been waiting for! The Not An Expert PGA Championship predictions:

3. Adam Scott: Boom! There you have it. This guy has a ton of game and now he has Stevie. I am not a Stevie fan (nor am I a fan of the Aussie/Kiwi combo, isn't there a law against that somewhere?), but I am a fan of the job he does on the course. Not to mention, Scott has been playing really well. He has also been making putts, which is the main reason he does not have a major title on his resume. I am also hoping for the storyline if he does win. You thought Stevie bragged last week; can you imagine the gross cockiness that would ooze from Stevie if Scott wins?

2. Ricky Fowler: This is a little bit of a biased pick, since I am a big fan of Fowler's game. He reminds me a lot of a young Phil Mickelson, except he is right handed and dresses like a flat billed Easter Egg Skater Gweedo. First, they both hit the ball a long way. I mean, they boom it! Next, they both play risk reward golf. This style of play leads to a lot of birdies, but also a lot of bogies. Finally, they are both streaky putters. If all the stars align and Slick Rick can make some putts, he will be in the mix on Sunday.

1. Webb Simpson: Webb has been so close, but needs to learn how to win on Sundays. He has had a couple of runner up finishes and was in a dominate position going into the last round at the Greenbrier. If he can execute his mid-irons and keep the ball in the fairway, this could be the week he breaks through, and what a week for it.

Sleeper: DL3. Davis has been playing extremely well in 2011. He just needs to put four rounds together. If he can manage to hit greens, make some putts, and pull a horseshoe out of his ass, he would give himself a great opportunity to compete.

The Score

New Team Score Update:

Stevie 1 Tiger 0

I Know It's Not Golf, But It's Still Awesome

Hackers! I know you have been glued to my blog since its inception a few months ago, be sure to give your eyes and mind a break from golf for a few minutes everyday and get your football knowledge from my good buddy Will Wallmeyer. He may be a fan of devil school (Alabama), but he is an ok guy! Check him out at The SEC Footblog.

He's Back: What The Hell Is That On Eldrick's Face?

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @SholesHomewood or shoot me an e-mail with your questions and thoughts at sshomewood@gmail.com.

Hackers, BREAKING NEWS!!!! There is an Eldrick sighting in Firestone! Well, at least he claims that he is Eldrick Woods. I have two legitimate questions: Where did he find that pasty 5' 10 ", 125 lb white nerd carrying his sticks? (And) What in the hell is that furry thing on his chin? Jeez, what type of "rehab" was Eldrick doing? He doesn't look ready to go out there and smoke the field. He looks like he is ready to smoke a fatty and play the bongos with his little pale sidekick caddie! Jeez... shave that catipillar. On the other hand and more serious note, I am extremely excited about seeing what type of game Eldrick brings with him to Firestone. It will be interesting to see how he faces the obstacles that face him, and there are plenty of questions that Eldrick can answer this weekend.

First, I am interested in seeing if he is really healthy. We have all heard the talk before, now it is time to back it up. It wasn't even 2 years ago that we heard, "I am ready to start competing and we will see what happens." That is not a man who was confidence in his ability and body. This time around he is singing a different tune, "I don't feel a thing. It feels solid, it feels stable, no pain. That's one of the reasons why I took as long as I did to come back is that I want to get to this point where I can go ahead and start playing golf again like this." That is a man who is confident, and if he is really 100%; that is one of the scariest things in sports. Before Eldrick starts winning, there are other questions that need to be answered.

What is the state of his golf game? Yes, he is healthy, but has he been playing? If so, what type of swing tweaks has he been working on? Tiger screwed his swing up a long time ago, but has he adjusted anything in his swing that can help him get around the course in a more efficient fashion. I have always been an advocate of "If it ain't broke, then don't fix it!" (I am so sorry for a little "neck" coming out in that statement.) Tiger had the best swing in golf during his "prime"! I mean, it was a thing of beauty, power and timing all rolled into one. It was unmatched. It even made "Captain Negative" (Johnny Miller) drool. Back to my point... with every coach, came a new swing tweak, and with every new tweak, came a less confident Eldrick. You’re talking about a golfer that during his prime, knew he could stick that ball anywhere he wanted to. Since he has lost his confidence, Eldrick also lost his greatest attribute: IMAGINATION. In golf, imagination is everything. Tiger doesn't hit the shot on 16 at the 2005 Masters without it. He doesn't make the putt on 18 at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines. Which brings me to my next point... he needs to figure out how to make putts. (I apologize for leading you down this long road, but this goes to show how one little tweak can destroy your whole game.) In his prime, Eldrick had a way of taking in the moment and willing every BIG putt into the hole. You just knew he was going to make it! If Eldrick can, some how, find a piece of his swing from his old days; it would be the first step to getting back to Tiger form.

The last question: Is his head still in it? Sure, he says he is focused, but is he really? I mean, look at everything he has on his plate... an ex-wife, 1,000 ex-girlfriends looking for their 2 minutes of fame, an ex-caddy ready to make his dime writing a tell all book about the pure debauchery that was displayed while Eldrick was playing his own version of 18 holes in a motel room, and a new caddie who knows this week will probably be his last. That is a lot of EX-Factors (Corny!). On a serious note, that is a lot of situations to juggle. Not to mention, as each year passes, the weight of catching Jack and immortality is slipping away.

Do I think that Eldrick will catch Jack Nicklaus? I think it is 50/50. The first huge step in the right direction would getting his game back to the point where I consistently call him Tiger!

This is an Awesome Story about Golf and Friendship, and What the Combination of the Two Can Achive!

Hackers! I was laying on the couch Saturday morning, fighting off the night before, when this story came on E60 (a show on ESPN about inspirational stories that have a certain connection with sports). This story of friendship and perseverance really struck me to my core. To me, this is the true definition of golf. It is not about what score I shoot, but the relationships I have formed and the experiences I have had while playing this wonderful game! Enjoy! WARNING: This story might make you a little misty! This is The Story of Mike Reed

The End of One of the Great Golf Teams of All-Time

Good Afternoon Hackers! Today was the end of an era. One of the greatest golf teams of all time has been extinguished. You’re thinking to yourself, "Golf team? What the hell is this guy talking about?" I am talking about Eldrick firing his longtime caddie, Steve Williams. Although, one guy swings the club, there are two guys inside the ropes working to make that one guy better. Eldrick and Stevie were a team. Eldrick needed Stevie just as much, if not more than Stevie needed Eldrick. Eldrick has had two caddies in his professional career, Fluff and Stevie. I would say Stevie got the good end of that deal! Just look at the facts.

-Stevie was on the bag for 13 out of 14 of Eldricks majors. Fluff was on the bag for the 1997 Masters, Eldricks first.
-64 of 71 wins.
-Probably the most important stat…. The Cheddar. Stevie was reading putts worth $90,030,123 out of Eldricks career earnings of $94,728,667.

The stats do not lie. The duo had a very impressive run, very impressive. But I think more importantly than selecting a club for Eldrick, was the way Stevie was there for him through thick and thin.
This had to be a difficult decision for Eldrick. Stevie basically was an emotional crutch through some of Eldrick's most trying times on the course. At the British Open in 2006, his first major win after his father’s death, when there was no one to hug. There was Stevie. At the Torrey Pines in 2008, when Eldrick needed someone to lean on and push him through a knee injury that would have ended anyone else’s tournament. There was Stevie. When the entire world is against Eldrick for his outside the ropes antics and needed someone to take away the distractions. There was Stevie to stiff arm an unruly fan or camera man. I just don't think the timing is right for Eldirck.

I find it hard to believe that Eldrick let him go. Sure, Eldrick is the one that sinks the putt, hits the drive, and throws the dart into a stamp sized green, but could he have done it without Stevie? He needs the 6' 4" Kiwi, more than Stevie needs him. Shoot, Stevie has already landed on his feet, Tiger is still trying to find his.

Dagnabbit, 4 AM is Early: British Open Preview

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @SholesHomewood. I would love to also hear your opinion via email (sshomewood@gmail.com) or comments.

Hackers, I am going to give it another shot at predicting a major. Last time, my picks did not turn out so hot, so I will try to bounce back this week.

I love the feel of the British Open. It is ancient and rustic. The tournament takes us back to a time when Old Tom Morris was using a feathery (Pre-1848 golf ball) and persimmon shafted a spoon (old golf club) to attack a roughly manicured piece of land. There are many differences that make the British Open one of the most unique and challenging tests a golfer can face. The bunkers are so deep; you can almost feel the heat from Hell. When you are in the bunkers, you think that you ARE in Hell. They don't use lawn mowers, they use live stock. The rough is not cut at all! Throw in the wind and it could equal the worst day of a golfers life. It is so difficult, that some Americans choose not to attend. They can't stand the brisk links style of play. Heck, even "Irelands Favorite Son", Rory McIlroy, had the 36 hole lead going into Saturday last year and shot an 80. I do love this tournament, but there is always one draw back...

Dag-Gum-it, it is hard to get up and watch it at 4 AM. When you enjoy sleep as much as I do, I try to squeeze as much sleep as I can between the time I hit the snooze and the absolute time I have to start getting ready for work. So there is no chance of me catching the Thursday and Friday rounds live. I always count on catching the Saturday and Sunday rounds, but it is even hard to do that when coverage starts at 8 AM. It is especially hard when you go out the night before catching up with some old fraternity brothers in Atlantic Beach all weekend. But there is nothing like a little couch time with Mike Tirico serenading your hangover away! So on to the "Not So Expert" predictions.

Since I don't think that an American will win, I am going to pick 3 international players and one American sleeper. It will not be Phil, again. The British Open is not really his style.

3. Rory McIlroy - This seems to be the popular pick of the week. Let me say, Rory has the game to win anywhere. If he puts on a show like he did at Congressional, this thing could be over before it starts. He is accurate and can make putts under pressure. Not to mention, he has a backyard that looks like finger of the Golf Gods touched it. See Insert. But also, Las Vegas loves him. In my short gambling experiences, Vegas is almost always right or close to being right.

2. Lee Westwood - This guy is due. He has been one of the best golfers in the world for the past decade. He is always steady. He is another player that is long off the tee and very good around the greens. If he putts well, he will definitely be in the mix on Sunday. Not to mention, he is English. What a headline "England's Own Wins His First Major!" Talk about someone that will party if they win! Westwood is known to drink a few totties in his day.

1. Sergio Garcia - If Westwood is due, Sergio is desperate. Garcia has to fight more than the winds, though. He has a deeper, darker challenge called demons. When this guy is on, he is on! You can tell he is out there playing, not thinking. He is a guy that when you watch him, you can tell that his wheels are turning too much. However, recently he has been in top form. His putting has always been sketchy, but since he has switched to the claw, he is much improved. I think this is the year that he gets the monkey off his back.

American Sleeper Tom Watson - Stop Laughing. Sure, this may be a sentimental pick. But, Mr. Watson is still playing at a high level on the Senior Tour. He is one of the best wind players to ever live (see his 5 British Opens) and 2009 was not that long ago. I know it is not likely to happen, but a guy can dream. Can't he?

This should be fun, the British Open always is. It is fun watching guys putt from 50 yards and knock it stiff. As always, please feel free to send me your picks via comments, E-mail at sshomewood@gmail.com, or Twitter!

Also, to Uncle Steve, Stephen, Will and Conger... Have fun at the British Open tomorrow! I am jealous that ya'll are on leg 3 of the "Career Grand Slam"! Awesome... Don't spend to much time in the pubs!

In this Era of Sports, Nothing Would Suprise Me!

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Good Morning Hackers! Some of you might consider this a reach, but their are some strange coincidences. Today I will revert back to Eldrick's nickname for this article.

The sports era that we live in is constantly being tainted with steroid use and HGH. Sure, it is predominantly in baseball, but other sports are riddled with PED scandals, also: track, football, wrestling, and basically anything in the Olympics; to name a few. Why not Golf? As a traditional sports fan, I am constantly disappointed to hear that each year some of America's greatest sports icons (Roger Clemmons, Barry Bonds, and Alex Rodriguez) are constantly getting crossed of the "Fair Players List"! Even Lance Armstrong, one of the greatest ambassadors of out country, is constantly engulfed in performance enhancing drug (PEDs) speculation. But this blog is about golf...

Yesterday, Dr. Anthony Galea pleaded guilty to bringing PEDs into the United States from Canada. For those of you who don't know of Dr. Galea, he "treated" over 50 athletes in their homes from 2007 to 2009. Some of you will be surprised that his two biggest clients were Alex Rodriguez and Tiger Woods. Now, Tiger has denied any connection with PEDs through Dr. Galea. He states that he received a treatment called blood swirls to help him rehab his knee after the 2008 season, but the changes in Tiger's game and health cannot do unnoticed.

Let's take a glance at some timeline coincidences...

Tiger was at the top of his game coming into the 2008 season; winning 5 majors in 3 years. Even his appearance was one of great stature; he looked more like a starting safety in the NFL, instead of a golfer. Going into the 2008 US Open, everyone knew Tiger had a real shot at doing something special. He had dominated Torrey Pines in the past. Boy, did he do something special! He won in dramatic fashion, beating Rocco Mediate in an 18 holes playoff on Monday. (The Greatest US Open of all time) Not to mention, with a torn ACL. This brings me to my next point, the deterioration of Tiger's left leg.

Something else that happened in 2008, Tim Finchem, announced that the PGA Tour would institute drug testing effective July 3rd, 2008. (Tiger was completely for drug testing on tour... btw) What happens when a human body that has been exposed to steroids for years? It becomes dependant. If you stop the usage of PEDs then the body begins to deteriorate. There could be a direct correlation of this to Tiger's injuries, but it has not been proven. Nor will it be proven. What does this plea mean for Tiger? Probably nothing, but information doesn’t always come out overnight.

As in the case with most athletes who used steroids, most information comes out during or after the trial. For example, take Roger Clemmons, he told Congress that he did not use steroids. Now, several years later, he is in a court room fighting to stay out of jail for lying about it. However, this doctor holds the key for Tiger. He needs to doctor come out and say that he never treated him with PEDs. Until then it has to be something that ways on Tiger's shoulders. What Tiger does not need is some sort of tell all book.

Do I think Tiger has done steroids? I don't know. Do I think it is weird that he chose Dr. Anthony Galea to treat him? Beyond weird! Tiger Woods is the best golfer I have ever seen! Of all these athletes, Tiger would disappoint me the greatest. I am not a huge fan of his, but I have a great respect for him on the golf course. When he was in his "Tiger Mode", it was like magic to watch. He often played as close to perfect as any golfer there has ever been. I would be destroyed to know that it was all a mirage. Let's hope that Tiger did everything by the book and nothing comes of the events yesterday… for both Tiger and the game!

Friday's Links Lesson: Your Not Eldrick

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @SholesHomewood. I would love to also hear your opinion via email (sshomewood@gmail.com) or comments.

Hackers... each Friday I am going to bring a lesson from the golf course that will hopefully help your enjoyment of the game and maybe help you off the course, as well. These are just little lessons that I have picked up over the past 12 years I have been playing the game.

Golf is one of the few sports that can be enjoyed from the ages of 3 to 90. It doesn't matter whether you play by yourself or with a group of friends in the Sunday scramble. It is meant to be challenging and enjoyable. One of my favorite things to do when I was a kid was to get out on that green landscape of Chockoyotte CC and shank it around for 4 hours while thinking about my grades, girls, and just life in general. It was my escape, no one could touch me. Each shot was one to win a Major and each time I missed the next shot was just as important. Gosh, life was good... NO WORK! However, this walk can easily be disrupted when playing with others.

Let me tell you about my late Grandfather, Sam Homewood Sr (Great). Great was a man who had more passion for the game then anyone else I have ever met. He is the one to which I credit my passion. Every Sunday, golf was on, it didn't matter whether it was the PGA, the Seniors, or LPGA. He enjoyed telling me old stories about his playing days and I enjoyed listening. Almost every story had a lesson that he wanted me to learn. He once told me the story of a younger man he played with at the club. He said this guy could par the course with a 5 iron and putter. UNREAL! Great said he was playing with this guy one weekend and the man got all bend out of shape on one of the holes and broke one of his clubs. Great took his bag off the back of the cart and walked back to the clubhouse. "There is no use for something so bad, in a game as beautiful as golf.", he told me. There is no need for an amatuer to get so upset.

Your not Eldrick, you don't practice everyday like Eldrick, so there is no need to think you are going to play like Eldrick.

My brother actually struggled with this concept. My brother, Hill, has one of the most natural swings; with practice, he could shoot in the mid to low 80s. When we were younger, he was a natural athlete in every sport that we played. He was drafted to the upper leagues and All-Star games before me and I was a grade older. I am still a little bitter to this day. Anyways, when he first started playing, it took a few years for him to realize this game just doesn't come to you. He would get upset with himself and it really affected his performance. Once you let the "demons" enter your head, you add at least 5 strokes to your game. This is true for everyone, even the pros! Look at what happened to Rory at Augusta. The "demons" got him. As Hill has "matured" (the jury is still out on this), so has his game. He has learned to enjoy the game as he has aged, and it has had a direct affect on his scores. Still no 80's, but he is working on it.

Don't get me wrong, just because I enjoy playing, doesn't mean I don't like to compete. I enjoy getting out there and competing on the golf course and throwing a little money around. However, I know I am not Eldrick, so there is no point for me to throwing clubs. I don't practice enough to expect anything more out of my game. I have buddies that can go out there, look at the white ball for the first time in 6 months and shoot their average... this is amazing to me. If I haven't played in 6 months, I come down with a terrible and contagious illness called the "Shanks". If you have ever had them, they are worse then the flew.

The first day of Hilton Head, I didn't have a single ball get over 3 feet off the ground. Was it enjoyable to hit the ball that way? Nope, but what is the point in going out there, making an ass out of myself, and ruining everyone elses rounds. I mean, I was on vacation... NO WORK! You know what? I remained patient and finally my game came around by my 3rd round and was on my way shooting the round of my life, with a couple of tweeters thrown in there for good measure.

Don't Mess With The Locals: Things We Learned From Hilton Head

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*The names in this story have been changed to protect the ones involved... HAHAHA!* This is the PG-13 rated version.

Wow! Another year in the books on Hilton Head Island. Hackers, if you have never been down to the low country, it is well worth the trip! This is THE destination if you enjoy great/inexpensive golf courses, great food, great wildlife, and great bars. Now, you have to know the nights to hit each location or you run into the most fierce beasts on the island... the LOCALS.

Whether we go across the pond or to Atlantic Beach, there is always some group of dudes that thinks since they were born there, they claim the right to pop their mouth off at people who are just having a good time. The locals in Hilton Head are different... most, if not all of them, are transplants, meaning they are people from all over the planet and just got content (lazy) and stayed. Therefor, they get pure and utter joy out of making it uncomfortable for the "tourist" who are the one's paying their bills. Not everywhere is like this, there are places that are better than others on certain nights. (If you are planning a trip in the future feel free to email me at sshomewood@gmail.com for a good schedule to follow.)

If you make it down for a Wednesday night, you have to go to Big Bamboo. It is Reggae night with $3 Red Stripes. To my good buddy, "Two Ball Lou", that is like giving Steroids to Roger Clemmons. Jeemaneez, I have seen horses fresh off a run across the Sahara drink slower than that man holding a Red Stripe. Needless to say, that led to a unique experience there at the "Bar"muda Triangle (A place where 5 bars open into a court yard... Awesome!) NOTE TO SELF: There is a garage door and regular entrance in this bar called One Hot Mamas. (One of the many bars at the Triangle). Whatever you do, do not walk in the wrong door. If you do, you might get your head ripped off by a bouncer, who thinks he is Lawrence Taylor on crack... Literally, this guy thought he was something else when he grabbed my buddy "Little Wood's" visor and twisted his head all the way around. Rejected! And if you get banned from a bar in "bar"muda, they hold a grudge and ban you forever (or the rest of the week, time will tell). The "Bar"muda will never be the same...

Some other things that we learned from Hilton Head are pretty valuable.

First, you don't have to feed alligators to get them active! Haha, if rednecks from the bayou on Swamp People, knew this trick... they would be in hog heaven! This was unreal. All it takes is am Iphone with Itunes and boom! The trick is finding a viable juvenile gator call that gets the big mama rowled up. It is outrageous! Nothing like seeing a 10 footer poking it's head up on the bank!

Second, hackers, if you spend more time in the woods then on the fairway... look out for Poison Ivy. I, of course, have learned this the hard way. My ass, ankles, hands are completely covered with the devils itch. I know there are some mother's that follow my blog... any home remedies would be appreciated.

Third, when you eat at Salty Dog Cafe. Request one of the tables outside that is in front of the Restaurant. Make sure you order the seafood pot pie, UNREAL!

Fourth, don't order Jack Daniel's American Honey as a shot. Not only does it increase the volitility between you and the locals. It really does make you look like a pansy.

The most valuable rule. If you are trying to kick it in the pool after it is closed, don't piss off the security guards of the resort the night before! They will watch like hawk over a wounded mammal! Haha, they tend to hold grudges also...


Some of you will be hearing more stories that can't be shared on the internet. To the guys who accompanied me on yet another golf outing, I enjoyed it once again guys! We had a really solid group!


Stay out of the deep end!

Not Golf Related But Significant to Me

"The Dunk Heard Round the World"
Lorenzo Charles 1963 - 2011

Today my Alma Mater lost one of their true greats! Lorenzo Charles was best known for "The Dunk Heard Round the World". He hit the winning shot to lift the 1983 N. C. State Wolfpack team to their 2nd National Title in an unlikely victory againt University of Houston. I had met him several times, when he was driving our fraternity to a school function, and he was always extremely nice and patient with our crowd. RIP Lorenzo Charles.

Let's Not Crown Him, Yet...

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Sorry for the delay, Hackers! This blog is going to recap the US Open and Rory McIlroy's dominate performance at Congressional.

The first word that comes to mind in regards to Rory's performance is “redemption”. The way Rory played made everyone forget about his wayward tee shot at Augusta (Let's face it, we have all been there... one shot is all it takes to derail the train). He gained redemption for shooting an 80 on his home turf at last year's British Open, when in looked like he was on his way to lifting the Claret Jug. (Notice how I put "British" in front of "Open". ESPN, you are an American based company, the US Open should get the stigma of being "The Open"). Rory, just when we thought you couldn't possibly blow up anymore times in a major, "you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!" (Name that movie!) It was completely awesome to see such a classy guy turn our beloved trophy into a Guinness Keg for another year. (He did say that he will be drinking a lot of Guinness with the boys in Ireland last week.)

The second word that I am going to use descibes Rory himself throughout the whole ordeal since Augusta is “classy”. After his blow up on the 11th hole at "The House That Jones Built", this guy went straight to the presser and answered every question that the media had, EVERY QUESTION! We aren't talking one word answers like Eldrick's, "We'll See." He answered them with full, intelligent responses. Nobody would have ever said anything about this guy if he came to the press conference pissed off at himself and made some negative comments, in fact, it was expected. But Rory, with ice water in his veins, walked in and answered every questions as if he had never been in contention. It was like he knew that he would have another oppritunity with a 54 hole lead at US Open. With the arsenal thatt he showed in our Nation's Capital last week, he had every right to keep his head held high! But... let's not crown him... yet.

Golf is dying for the next big thing, but we have to be patient. Rory is not the Heavy Weight Champion of the World... yet! However, after the last two majors, including the "Cage Match" that is The Masters and "Ladder Match" at the US Open, which included some of the great golfers of the world, like Phil "Lucious Lob" Mickelson, Lee "English Bulldog" Westwood, Martin "Berlin Wall" Kaymer, and many others, Rory "Irish Whip" McIroy has become the Number 1 contender. It seems that this year, only one player has really been in (dominate) contention in both majors, that was Rory. All though, Rory has all the tools to compete with Eldrick week in and week out, let's not pretend that he has 5 majors by the age of 22. He has 1 (Although, it was one of the most dominating performances in US Open History). Don't get me wrong, if there is anyone in the world that has the game to compete with Woods, it would be the young Irishman. He has a swing as smooth as a baby's bottom, strength, and the feel around the greens to pull off any shot. The most dangerous part about his performance at Congressional is that he finally knows what it feels like to close. This win will only give him confidence to win more and more majors. It is extremely dangerous because the next major in the cycle is in his backyard. It will be interesting to see if Eldrick catches a chopper (air lift) off his yacht (rehab facility) and makes it overseas to challenge the Number 1 contender.

US Open: America's Underrated Title; Wanted by Many, Needed by One?

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I have always loved "Our National Title", which is the way my good friend John McNamara so elegantly put it. (Check his weekly USA Today Fantasy Golf article out here.) However, I feel that it gets strongly regarded as the second biggest major because it is over shadowed by The Masters.

Yes, ESPN and CBS have done a wonderful job of promoting the tradition of The Masters, but I feel it has left our most important major a little less in the spot light. It is important, as Americans, to relish this treasure of an event that has been around over 50 years longer than the Masters. The tradition is there, from Francis Oimet beating a group of pros in the early 1900's, to Tom Watson's Chip in on 17th at Pebble, to even Eldrick (I am not calling him Tiger till he returns to form) making a 17 footer at Torrey to send it to a playoff with Rocco Mediate (Greatest Open of All Time). Please do not think I am trying to take anything away from The Masters. I have an undying love for "The House the Jones Built"; if I do not get a chance to touch it's luscious grass and see it's blinding greenness before I die, I have surely done something to spite the man above (If anyone is looking to see a grown man act like a 5 year old, I will take any extras)... Sorry back to the Open. This is our title, and true American golf fans should be upset that the trophy is sitting in Graham McDowell's million dollar bar getting used as a Guinness Keg! I am sorry if I seem a little fired up, but this is going to be an awesome tournament. I can tell you one person who wants this title more then anyone else in the world, the real life Mr. Roy McAvoy, Phil Mickelson.

(Perfect Transition)

Now for my not so expert predictions:

US Open

3rd Place: Bubba Watson. Bubba has the length to attack this long course. The course is over 7,574 yards long. Are you kidding me?! Here are a couple comparisons for you common folk! That is over 750 times longer than Jim Tressel’s walk of shame out the Horseshoe in Columbus, OH. It would only take Dale Jr. 2 trips around Daytona to wreck just before the finish line. With the way Bubba pokes it out there, if he can putt (and I mean if he can putt) LOOK OUT!

2nd Place: Luke Donald. This completely contradicts the long hitter argument I made, but like I said this is not an expert’s opinion. No one on tour has had a better year so far then Luke Donald. He has the accuracy of a dart player and the silky smooth putting stroke of an Angel! Not to mention for an average sized dude, he has nerves of steel.

AND THE WINNER IS...

PHIL MICKELSON

Yes, Mr. Mickelson has choked more times in the US Open then Lebron in the NBA Finals, but there is something in the air this year! The course is Congressional CC in our nation’s capital (technically it's in Bethesda, MD, but those are just details), Phil is the "People's Champ" (no offense to The Rock). Phil has the length, but will he bring the accuracy, short game, and his brain to go with it? I believe so, this has been something he has night sweats about every night. He has to get this monkey off his back and why not when Eldrick is sitting on his $40 Trillion yacht "rehabbing" his leg with his "Masseuse"!

Please feel free to follow the blog and post a comment about who you think will win the Great American Classic!

Jeemaneez! This is going to be fun. I know what I will be doing, sitting in front of my TV with an American flag colored Bud Heavy, (btw... It just tastes better, with Ole Glory draping an American Classic) watching Phil Mickelson take back what is rightfully ours! (Barring any moments where I yell "Just pull the 3 Knocker!!" at the TV.) My circumstances might be a little better since I will be on Hilton Head Island all week with a Motley Crew! Don't be too jealous; you will all benefit from it when I return with stories of golf, drinking, and bars!

To send you off with a laugh... Check out the Golf Boys Music Video Here!

The First Tee... "I Feel Like I Am Going to Throw Up"

Gosh, this feels a lot like stepping on the first tee. I can hook it left into the water or stripe one right down the middle with this blog. So why do it? I love the challenge of the unkown that comes with golf and creating something new. It reminds of my first time stepping on the first tee in the North Carolina Division 1A State Tournament (More to come from this experience in a later post). I was 16 years old, the night before all of the upper classmen were joking around about how nervous they were when they stepped on the first tee, one of them even mentioned throwing up! "Isn't it like any other tee shot", I thought to myself. Jeez, they were not lying... When I stepped up to the tee box, with my Callaway "Steelhead" Driver pulled as my "weapon" of choice, all I can remember is 325 yard Par 4 at Hyland Hills GC in Southern Pines, NC looked 1,000 yards and I could not stop shaking. "Trust it..." I striped one right down the middle (I am not going to detail the rest of the hole... for obvious reasons... SHANK)!

Hello All! Welcome to my first blog... First for the player introductions...


My name is Sholes Homewood and thank you for checking out my blog. For those of you who don't know me, Yes, that is my actual name. There are also a few other things you might want to know before we get started... I am no expert on the game of golf, shoot, I don't even break 90 (except for one magical day), but I have a strong love for this mind altering test of a game! Whether I am watching it on TV or playing a round with my crazy cohorts, I am absolutely engrossed with this game that constantly defeats me.


For those Tiger lovers out there, I am one of those fans that believe the Tour is just as good without Tiger, as with him. This does not mean that I hate Tiger Woods (he is the best I have ever seen in my lifetime), but I believe the game of golf and all of the great things about it do not revolve around one man! Come on, We have had the best season I can remember, especially if you like playoffs (Who doesn't like head to head?).


Lastly, my favorite thing about the game... I have enjoyed some of the greatest times of my life with friends, family, or just chasing the white ball by myself on the links. What is better than sinking a 15 footer for birdie, sinking a 16 footer for birdie. To quote my favorite movie and the inspiration behind my blog, Roy McAvoy once said, "Tempo is everything; perfection is unobtainable..."


If you are a player who enjoys a few cold whippersnappers with your friends, listening to a average golfer’s opinion on the major stories in golf, travelling to play different courses and a good story or two thrown in the mix... This is going to a blog you will enjoy!