It's been a while since my last post. And a lot has happened.
The US economy is rapidly slipping and our elected officials still can't come together for the good of the nation. They still seem to think that we care more about party than country. That is simply not true, particularly in times of crisis. Congress doesn't live by the concept "You can do great things if you don't care who gets the credit." No pun on "credit" by the way. Let's hope we get it right soon.
OK, enough on that topic. With the above said, what makes me bullish on our country and our future? It's the kids. It's their dreams. It's their right to a future to express those dreams or find new ones. It's a belief that heroes are identified in the challenging times, not the prosperous ones.
Which leads me to my topic of the meaning of tears.
This weekend, our International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT) competed at Tradition National Golf Club, just outside Hilton Head. In the Girls 19 and Under Division, the victory went to Courtney Boe (69-76--145 Total). Courtney's family moved south from Minnesota. Her dad had business reasons to make the move, but they also wanted their daughter to have the opportunity to develop her game. Her first victory didn't come easily having to withstand a playoff with Hank Haney IJGA student Kelly Miller (72-73--145 Total) of the UK.
Heading down the first, and final, playoff hole I had the opportunity to speak with Courtney's dad whom I'd had the chance to get to know a bit over the course of the competition. As Courtney prepared to play her second shot into the green, I asked her father, "Has Courtney been in a playoff before?" His response was, "Yes, but nothing this important."
Both girls reached the front-left of the green with their approaches. Courtney's ball was just outside Kelly's, some 40 feet from the hole. Courtney's first putt missed wide right by four feet. Kelly hit a great first putt. from a very similar line, just missing the hole and stopping about two feet behind the cup. Classic match play.
"First in gets the win" is more than just a saying in the game. It happens more than you might think. Courtney looked over her putt knowing in all likelihood if she missed, she'd hand the trophy to Kelly. But she also knew that if she made, she'd apply a lot of pressure on her opponent.
On the slick Tradition National greens, Courtney confidently rolled her ball in for par. Kelly, needing her putt to force another hole, had a bit too much pace and saw her ball hit the inside left corner of the cup and spin out.
This is where the tears come in.
Courtney walked off the green, after being congratulated by Kelly, over to her dad and started to cry. Tears of triumph. Tears of accomplishment. Tears that said all the hard work at this most difficult of game's was worth it.
Kelly had tears of her own. Tears of disappointment. Tears from feeling she let that putt, and tournament, get away. To me, they showed that she really does care about this game- that it is deeply important to her. Kelly will surely use this as a learning experience as she continues to develop her considerable talent. I'm confident as the IJGT tour continues to unfold this academic year, Kelly will be holding a first-place trophy soon.
And what were once tears of disappointment will then be tears that come from succeeding at something you have a passion for and showing to yourself that you could realize your goal. I hope I'm around to watch.
One final note, in the boys 13-15 Division, Pacelli Perez (72-75--147 Total) from Mexico defeated countryman Gonzalo Rubio (73-74--147 Total) on the first hole of their playoff. In accepting his first-place trophy, Pacelli thanked all the appropriate people and sponsors with great poise. What was interesting was at the end of his brief remarks he went on to say, "I'm very happy that Mexico finished first and second!"
We need more Pacelli's in the US. He placed country over himself and was proud to do so. I really wonder if, given similar circumstances of US players in a foreign country finishing first and second, we would do the same.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Monday, October 6, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Legislating Entertainment
Things are not at all like the LPGA would want them to be. Getting more press for what goes on off the course than on is not a good sign for the world's most recognized ladies professional golf tour.
Yesterday, LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens announced a new policy requiring her tour players speak "conversational" English, or else face suspension. If ever the sport of golf wished it had a mulligan, it would be now.
The issue is simple, should a professional sports organization have the right to legislate a requirement for its members to speak a certain language? The LPGA feels the sponsors deserve to have the players speak English- that it would help keep their installed base and help grow more interest from corporate America. But isn't the requirement to get on the LPGA based on skill not language? Or should they just hand out tour cards to those who speak perfect English? Or better yet, why not just give cards to those they feel are the prettiest- certainly that would entertain the sponsors. After all, sex sells in America.
I'm close to this issue. I walk down the range each morning at our academy training facility watching closely as our young men and women work hard to pursue their dreams. We educate our students, who come from all over the world, at our private school. Those challenged with English take ESL classes (English as a Second Language) so they can assimilate into our educational system. They choose to do this to get the training only Hank Haney can provide. School is part of the deal. But to suggest that someone must speak conversational English when it has nothing to do with their skill is very short-sighted.
Fans want to see talent. Great play trumps language. The drama of athletic competition is based on the human spirit, not what country they're from or what language they speak. Did we cheer less for the Olympic champion who couldn't speak English or marvel less at their accomplishment?
I realize the LPGA has a challenge marketing foreign players with similar sounding foreign names and little personality. But do we really feel being able to say, "how are you," "nice shot," and "you're away," will drive interest and ratings to significant new heights? I differ in that opinion. The challenges the LPGA faces are greater than that and their focus should be on solving those issues instead of getting their players to say "thank you" in English.
Interestingly, the LPGA conducts quite a few "away games"- tournaments outside the USA. Should we require English speaking players to speak conversational Spanish when playing in Mexico? Or how about French at the Evian Masters?
I'm glad our foreign students at the academy are learning English. It's one less hurdle they have to cross when pursuing their goals. They can focus on their golf and let the powers to be find the time to come up with legislation that makes no sense in the world game.
Let's hope in the coming weeks the folly of this position will be corrected and we can return our attention to skill, talent and sportsmanship- the universal language of athletic competition.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Yesterday, LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens announced a new policy requiring her tour players speak "conversational" English, or else face suspension. If ever the sport of golf wished it had a mulligan, it would be now.
The issue is simple, should a professional sports organization have the right to legislate a requirement for its members to speak a certain language? The LPGA feels the sponsors deserve to have the players speak English- that it would help keep their installed base and help grow more interest from corporate America. But isn't the requirement to get on the LPGA based on skill not language? Or should they just hand out tour cards to those who speak perfect English? Or better yet, why not just give cards to those they feel are the prettiest- certainly that would entertain the sponsors. After all, sex sells in America.
I'm close to this issue. I walk down the range each morning at our academy training facility watching closely as our young men and women work hard to pursue their dreams. We educate our students, who come from all over the world, at our private school. Those challenged with English take ESL classes (English as a Second Language) so they can assimilate into our educational system. They choose to do this to get the training only Hank Haney can provide. School is part of the deal. But to suggest that someone must speak conversational English when it has nothing to do with their skill is very short-sighted.
Fans want to see talent. Great play trumps language. The drama of athletic competition is based on the human spirit, not what country they're from or what language they speak. Did we cheer less for the Olympic champion who couldn't speak English or marvel less at their accomplishment?
I realize the LPGA has a challenge marketing foreign players with similar sounding foreign names and little personality. But do we really feel being able to say, "how are you," "nice shot," and "you're away," will drive interest and ratings to significant new heights? I differ in that opinion. The challenges the LPGA faces are greater than that and their focus should be on solving those issues instead of getting their players to say "thank you" in English.
Interestingly, the LPGA conducts quite a few "away games"- tournaments outside the USA. Should we require English speaking players to speak conversational Spanish when playing in Mexico? Or how about French at the Evian Masters?
I'm glad our foreign students at the academy are learning English. It's one less hurdle they have to cross when pursuing their goals. They can focus on their golf and let the powers to be find the time to come up with legislation that makes no sense in the world game.
Let's hope in the coming weeks the folly of this position will be corrected and we can return our attention to skill, talent and sportsmanship- the universal language of athletic competition.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Monday, August 18, 2008
The First day of the Rest of Their Lives
Today marked the start of another year at Hank Haney IJGA. Another year unlike any other year.
You can feel the difference in the program from this past year to now. Lots of change has taken place as we strive to be recognized as the #1 academy in the world for serious junior golfers.
The operative word here is "serious." In the past, many considered us a place wealthy parents dropped off their children without a great deal of expectation as to results.
That all changed last year when Tiger's coach, Hank Haney stepped into the picture.
My relationship goes back to the mid-to-late 90's when I was living in Dallas working for Adams Golf. We had a research and club fitting studio at Hank's Golf Ranch in McKinney, just north of the city.
I'd go to the Ranch each weekend as I was getting my feet on the ground at Adams to learn about equipment to assist me in my responsibilities back at the office. That's where I saw first-hand the genius of Hank Haney. He was obsessed with ball flight and getting his students to produce their best shots more often. He looked at teaching differently from any teachers I had ever encountered- of which there were many.
What impressed me about Hank is I always felt what he talked about was from his own efforts to understand what was happening in the swing, not just a regurgitation of someone else's view. He had done his own homework and came to his own understanding of how to produce the best results.
Now Hank is taking these talents to his students at our academy. Other than Tiger, these are the only students he teaches.
Imagine being a teenager and having Hank work on your game. Unlike the other big name academy, Hank comes each month to be with, and work with, his students. And with his addition of friend and 2005 PGA Teacher of the Year, Peter Krause, to his team of instructors, students are now working daily with arguably the best instructional team in golf.
Our students still need to bring the right attitude and sense of responsibility to practice, but they now have a road map to follow from a man who has figured out what it takes to be the best in the world.
Our players can make this the start of the rest of their golfing lives by following the game's best teacher and showing a real commitment to the plan.
It should be quite a year!
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
You can feel the difference in the program from this past year to now. Lots of change has taken place as we strive to be recognized as the #1 academy in the world for serious junior golfers.
The operative word here is "serious." In the past, many considered us a place wealthy parents dropped off their children without a great deal of expectation as to results.
That all changed last year when Tiger's coach, Hank Haney stepped into the picture.
My relationship goes back to the mid-to-late 90's when I was living in Dallas working for Adams Golf. We had a research and club fitting studio at Hank's Golf Ranch in McKinney, just north of the city.
I'd go to the Ranch each weekend as I was getting my feet on the ground at Adams to learn about equipment to assist me in my responsibilities back at the office. That's where I saw first-hand the genius of Hank Haney. He was obsessed with ball flight and getting his students to produce their best shots more often. He looked at teaching differently from any teachers I had ever encountered- of which there were many.
What impressed me about Hank is I always felt what he talked about was from his own efforts to understand what was happening in the swing, not just a regurgitation of someone else's view. He had done his own homework and came to his own understanding of how to produce the best results.
Now Hank is taking these talents to his students at our academy. Other than Tiger, these are the only students he teaches.
Imagine being a teenager and having Hank work on your game. Unlike the other big name academy, Hank comes each month to be with, and work with, his students. And with his addition of friend and 2005 PGA Teacher of the Year, Peter Krause, to his team of instructors, students are now working daily with arguably the best instructional team in golf.
Our students still need to bring the right attitude and sense of responsibility to practice, but they now have a road map to follow from a man who has figured out what it takes to be the best in the world.
Our players can make this the start of the rest of their golfing lives by following the game's best teacher and showing a real commitment to the plan.
It should be quite a year!
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Without Playing, Tiger Shows His Greatness
Anyone that watched the final rounds of the US Senior Open, the World Golf Championships and the Nationwide Tour's Cox Classic this Sunday witnessed an incredible number of "melt-down's" by top players coming down the stretch.
At the US Senior Open, golf's most accurate driver, Fred Funk, hits a tee shot on hole number 13 into a lie that he could not properly advance. Result- a fast triple bogey and effectively the end of his chances to capture senior golf's most coveted trophy.
John Cook suffered a back nine 39 on way to 77. Kite was within striking distance as the day started, but 75 shots later he finished 12th. Romero, this year's Senior Open survivor, won by shooting a three-over 73.
At Firestone, the perennial site of the World Golf Bridgestone Invitational, Vijay Singh didn't exactly ooze confidence over those short final putts, the last one slithering in from four-feet for the victory. As shaky as Vijay looked coming down the stretch, Phil Mickelson looked even worse bogeying three of the final four holes to hand over the title.
The Cox Classic in Omaha, Nebraska saw 54-hole leader David Branshaw succumb to Sunday afternoon's mounting pressure bogeying three straight holes to start his final nine, finishing with 40 on that inward side. He ultimately lost in sudden-death to Ryan Hietala on the first playoff hole when his 5-footer had no chance of falling.
OK, so what does all this have to do with Tiger? Just that it makes us all realize how inhuman he is on Sunday. Tiger finds a way to get it done. He does it over and over again. We've come to view his greatness as ordinary for him.
When you see some of the game's top players, in form, or they would be in the chase on the back nine late Sunday, falter this dramatically it just reaffirms how truly special Tiger is.
Did you ever doubt Tiger would win at Torrey Pines? That the putt on 18 Sunday afternoon would lip out versus lip in? That he would make another tournament saving putt on 18 Monday afternoon?
Somehow I just don't have that same vibe when watching Phil or Vijay or the rest. That to me is what makes Tiger, Tiger. We have come to expect the remarkable. And he keeps on delivering.
I can't wait to have Tiger back to show us more.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
At the US Senior Open, golf's most accurate driver, Fred Funk, hits a tee shot on hole number 13 into a lie that he could not properly advance. Result- a fast triple bogey and effectively the end of his chances to capture senior golf's most coveted trophy.
John Cook suffered a back nine 39 on way to 77. Kite was within striking distance as the day started, but 75 shots later he finished 12th. Romero, this year's Senior Open survivor, won by shooting a three-over 73.
At Firestone, the perennial site of the World Golf Bridgestone Invitational, Vijay Singh didn't exactly ooze confidence over those short final putts, the last one slithering in from four-feet for the victory. As shaky as Vijay looked coming down the stretch, Phil Mickelson looked even worse bogeying three of the final four holes to hand over the title.
The Cox Classic in Omaha, Nebraska saw 54-hole leader David Branshaw succumb to Sunday afternoon's mounting pressure bogeying three straight holes to start his final nine, finishing with 40 on that inward side. He ultimately lost in sudden-death to Ryan Hietala on the first playoff hole when his 5-footer had no chance of falling.
OK, so what does all this have to do with Tiger? Just that it makes us all realize how inhuman he is on Sunday. Tiger finds a way to get it done. He does it over and over again. We've come to view his greatness as ordinary for him.
When you see some of the game's top players, in form, or they would be in the chase on the back nine late Sunday, falter this dramatically it just reaffirms how truly special Tiger is.
Did you ever doubt Tiger would win at Torrey Pines? That the putt on 18 Sunday afternoon would lip out versus lip in? That he would make another tournament saving putt on 18 Monday afternoon?
Somehow I just don't have that same vibe when watching Phil or Vijay or the rest. That to me is what makes Tiger, Tiger. We have come to expect the remarkable. And he keeps on delivering.
I can't wait to have Tiger back to show us more.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Saturday, August 2, 2008
My Wish For My Daughter
I love golf.
I love playing, love practicing, love the history, love the architecture, love the equipment, even love finding golf balls for less skilled playing partners.
And I'd love to see my eight-year old love the game too.
But that hasn't happened yet.
My wife, who's quite an accomplished player, and myself have tried our best to introduce the game to her. When she was an infant, we would place her car seat in the golf cart and play nine. Then it was clubs, summer camp where we were members and taking her out to the range to hit a few.
We've come up with all sorts of games, from running around the putting green to see who can drop golf balls into the cups the fastest to hitting old balls into the lake- on purpose.
We've taken her friends out to the golf course to see if that might light the spark for the game. Even introduced her to Hank Haney. Nothing yet.
So, it got me thinking. Why do I want my daughter to play golf? Is it because we think she'd be really good at it? Or maybe that we think its a sport she'd have for a lifetime? Maybe we think she'd be more likely meet the "right" boy at the club. How about being able to go on vacations and share the game as a family? I could go on...
What I've come to realize is, although there's some truth in all the above thoughts, the real truth is I just want my daughter to find something that she can love as much as I love golf. I know how much the game has given me, taught me and meant to me. In the end, I just hope she could have that same blessing.
She's only eight. There's still time.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
I love playing, love practicing, love the history, love the architecture, love the equipment, even love finding golf balls for less skilled playing partners.
And I'd love to see my eight-year old love the game too.
But that hasn't happened yet.
My wife, who's quite an accomplished player, and myself have tried our best to introduce the game to her. When she was an infant, we would place her car seat in the golf cart and play nine. Then it was clubs, summer camp where we were members and taking her out to the range to hit a few.
We've come up with all sorts of games, from running around the putting green to see who can drop golf balls into the cups the fastest to hitting old balls into the lake- on purpose.
We've taken her friends out to the golf course to see if that might light the spark for the game. Even introduced her to Hank Haney. Nothing yet.
So, it got me thinking. Why do I want my daughter to play golf? Is it because we think she'd be really good at it? Or maybe that we think its a sport she'd have for a lifetime? Maybe we think she'd be more likely meet the "right" boy at the club. How about being able to go on vacations and share the game as a family? I could go on...
What I've come to realize is, although there's some truth in all the above thoughts, the real truth is I just want my daughter to find something that she can love as much as I love golf. I know how much the game has given me, taught me and meant to me. In the end, I just hope she could have that same blessing.
She's only eight. There's still time.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
First-Ever College Golf Combines
Yesterday may have been a historic day for golf. The first-ever College Golf Combine took place at Tradition National Golf Course in Hardeeville, SC, just outside of Hilton Head Island.
With 100 girl and boy junior golfers participating in the two-day event and 40-plus coaches from Division I, II, III and NAIA scouting potential talent for their programs, the combine represents an additional tool available to both player and coach alike.
Combine organizers developed a series of skills assessments which allowed recruits to hit every shot in their bag under pressure, plus they get out on the course for 18 competitive holes of golf.
As I watched junior players hit bunker shots trying to have them finish within certain distance circles and pitch shots to landing targets on the green, it struck me what a great tool the combine is for players to get a true sense for where their game really is. It exposes the areas they really need to work on if their game's are going to improve.
Most kids, and really all players for that matter, want to practice what they are already good at. If they hit the driver well, then they can't wait to pull that headcover off and pound tee shots to the delight of their friends. Or maybe it's mastery with the flop shot, so again 50 flops later they're still working on a part of their game where they already possess a lot of skill.
Now, through the evaluation that the combine provides, players can really see how they perform and take that understanding to a smarter approach to practice. Parents can encourage their child to work hard at getting those numbers up and they can turn the assessments into new games at their home club. And coaches can look more clearly at areas of attention for their recruits. Pretty cool stuff, no matter how you look at it.
In talking with parents yesterday, what became apparent is the fact that there are a number of talented girls and boys that come from small high school programs. They also don't have the opportunity to compete in many significant junior events. This is a great way for kids that wouldn't normally be seen by coaches to get out in front of them and perform. It also gives parents that might not be so familiar with golf a chance to gain a better perspective on what is really happening in the junior game.
I'm sure several of this year's participants will end up with college scholarships that they wouldn't have received otherwise. That's exciting and potentially life-changing for those involved.
While I don't think the College Golf Combines will replace how coaches have historically gone about their recruiting, I do feel it's a legitimate way to supplement coaches recruiting efforts. As for the junior players, they still need to perform to create interest. Just showing up is not enough.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
With 100 girl and boy junior golfers participating in the two-day event and 40-plus coaches from Division I, II, III and NAIA scouting potential talent for their programs, the combine represents an additional tool available to both player and coach alike.
Combine organizers developed a series of skills assessments which allowed recruits to hit every shot in their bag under pressure, plus they get out on the course for 18 competitive holes of golf.
As I watched junior players hit bunker shots trying to have them finish within certain distance circles and pitch shots to landing targets on the green, it struck me what a great tool the combine is for players to get a true sense for where their game really is. It exposes the areas they really need to work on if their game's are going to improve.
Most kids, and really all players for that matter, want to practice what they are already good at. If they hit the driver well, then they can't wait to pull that headcover off and pound tee shots to the delight of their friends. Or maybe it's mastery with the flop shot, so again 50 flops later they're still working on a part of their game where they already possess a lot of skill.
Now, through the evaluation that the combine provides, players can really see how they perform and take that understanding to a smarter approach to practice. Parents can encourage their child to work hard at getting those numbers up and they can turn the assessments into new games at their home club. And coaches can look more clearly at areas of attention for their recruits. Pretty cool stuff, no matter how you look at it.
In talking with parents yesterday, what became apparent is the fact that there are a number of talented girls and boys that come from small high school programs. They also don't have the opportunity to compete in many significant junior events. This is a great way for kids that wouldn't normally be seen by coaches to get out in front of them and perform. It also gives parents that might not be so familiar with golf a chance to gain a better perspective on what is really happening in the junior game.
I'm sure several of this year's participants will end up with college scholarships that they wouldn't have received otherwise. That's exciting and potentially life-changing for those involved.
While I don't think the College Golf Combines will replace how coaches have historically gone about their recruiting, I do feel it's a legitimate way to supplement coaches recruiting efforts. As for the junior players, they still need to perform to create interest. Just showing up is not enough.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Friday, July 25, 2008
Role Models
In my last post, I discussed the efforts of Richy Werenski in this year's USGA Junior Amateur. Last night Golf Central on the Golf Channel ran a short piece from the championship and showed a clip of the Werenski, Persons Round 2 match concluding on 18. It got me thinking.
Here's a young player in Werenski who just lost in the most unimaginable way- two up with four to play and has three straight birdies fired at him, them a long putt holed from off the green at the last to close out the match and end his Junior Amateur dream.
Richy came into frame on Golf Central's telecast, as he walked over to his opponent, he removed his cap and stuck out his hand and congratulated Persons on his win. Sportsmanship at a young age. Class at any age. I'm sure it wasn't easy to show such sportsmanship at that moment, but that's where character is born.
Anyone can act properly when things go their way. It's a lot more difficult to do so when disappointment is part of the equation. My cap goes off to Richy and all the junior players who conduct themselves with dignity when it would be quite easy to do the opposite.
Speaking of opposite, all you had to do was watch John Daly miss the cut on the European Tour's Inteco Russian Open this week. John made news recently when he went public blaming Butch Harmon for "ruining my life." Butch, when asked about why he's not working with Daly, said John lacked commitment to himself and his game.
Daly tried to insinuate that in some way he was the victim of Butch's comments. Please! John is well overweight, has a history of drinking and gambling issues and has had more marital challenges than anyone I know. Let's hope John Daly starts to face up to his responsibilities and stops playing the "blame game" which has become so much a part of our society today.
I'll take the Richy Werenski's, who show character in the face of defeat, instead of a lack thereof demonstrated by Daly when events went against him.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Here's a young player in Werenski who just lost in the most unimaginable way- two up with four to play and has three straight birdies fired at him, them a long putt holed from off the green at the last to close out the match and end his Junior Amateur dream.
Richy came into frame on Golf Central's telecast, as he walked over to his opponent, he removed his cap and stuck out his hand and congratulated Persons on his win. Sportsmanship at a young age. Class at any age. I'm sure it wasn't easy to show such sportsmanship at that moment, but that's where character is born.
Anyone can act properly when things go their way. It's a lot more difficult to do so when disappointment is part of the equation. My cap goes off to Richy and all the junior players who conduct themselves with dignity when it would be quite easy to do the opposite.
Speaking of opposite, all you had to do was watch John Daly miss the cut on the European Tour's Inteco Russian Open this week. John made news recently when he went public blaming Butch Harmon for "ruining my life." Butch, when asked about why he's not working with Daly, said John lacked commitment to himself and his game.
Daly tried to insinuate that in some way he was the victim of Butch's comments. Please! John is well overweight, has a history of drinking and gambling issues and has had more marital challenges than anyone I know. Let's hope John Daly starts to face up to his responsibilities and stops playing the "blame game" which has become so much a part of our society today.
I'll take the Richy Werenski's, who show character in the face of defeat, instead of a lack thereof demonstrated by Daly when events went against him.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A Tale of Two Players
Richy Werenski had a great chance to advance to the Sweet 16 at the USGA Junior Amateur today. He was two-up with four holes to play.
His opponent, David Persons of El Paso, Texas wasn't quite so eager to start heading west from Shoal Creek however. Persons birdied holes 15-17 to take a one-up lead, then made a miraculous up and down on the last to save par and close out the match with a 1-up victory over Werenski.
Richy will be back at Hank Haney IJGA next month to further refine his game under Hank's watchful eye. We're confident you'll be hearing a lot more from Richy in tournaments to come. Congratulations to Richy for a fine performance this week.
Here's an interesting story. Imagine being 18 years old, living in a foreign country where you don't know the language and deciding to attempt the LPGA Qualifying School, golf's toughest school to graduate from due to the limited Tour Cards that are available each year. Well that's exactly what ShanShan "Jenny" Feng, from China, attempted to do last fall.
By Q-School's end, Jenny was holding one of those coveted LPGA Tour Cards with her 9th place finish. So it was straight to the big leagues from Hank Haney IJGA where she was a student rapidly developing her game.
If you are a LPGA Tour fan, you may have noticed Jenny coming into form over the past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago, at the Jamie Farr Classic, Jenny was one shot off the lead set by eventual winner Paula Creamer with 6 holes to play on Sunday. A couple of mistakes and costly three putts lead to a fourth-place finish and jeny's biggest check as a pro of over $66,000. (Do you know Hank Haney hates three-putts? He feels the ability to avoid three-putting is a major key to successful tournament golf. Tournament statistics back his conclusions on this little talked about part of the game; three-putt avoidance.)
Last week's LPGA State Farm Classic again saw Jenny on the first page of the leader board. She charged from well back on Sunday to post a 63 (her low round this year) and tie for fourth, pocketing another $77,000 check. Not bad for a young woman who is the first player from China to play on the LPGA. Jenny has earned $158,863 and now rests at 55th place on this year's Money List, one spot below Natalie Gulbis. Jenny turns 19 years old in early August.
I can't wait to see what Jenny has in store for us next as the foreign invasion of the LPGA shows no signs of letting up.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
His opponent, David Persons of El Paso, Texas wasn't quite so eager to start heading west from Shoal Creek however. Persons birdied holes 15-17 to take a one-up lead, then made a miraculous up and down on the last to save par and close out the match with a 1-up victory over Werenski.
Richy will be back at Hank Haney IJGA next month to further refine his game under Hank's watchful eye. We're confident you'll be hearing a lot more from Richy in tournaments to come. Congratulations to Richy for a fine performance this week.
Here's an interesting story. Imagine being 18 years old, living in a foreign country where you don't know the language and deciding to attempt the LPGA Qualifying School, golf's toughest school to graduate from due to the limited Tour Cards that are available each year. Well that's exactly what ShanShan "Jenny" Feng, from China, attempted to do last fall.
By Q-School's end, Jenny was holding one of those coveted LPGA Tour Cards with her 9th place finish. So it was straight to the big leagues from Hank Haney IJGA where she was a student rapidly developing her game.
If you are a LPGA Tour fan, you may have noticed Jenny coming into form over the past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago, at the Jamie Farr Classic, Jenny was one shot off the lead set by eventual winner Paula Creamer with 6 holes to play on Sunday. A couple of mistakes and costly three putts lead to a fourth-place finish and jeny's biggest check as a pro of over $66,000. (Do you know Hank Haney hates three-putts? He feels the ability to avoid three-putting is a major key to successful tournament golf. Tournament statistics back his conclusions on this little talked about part of the game; three-putt avoidance.)
Last week's LPGA State Farm Classic again saw Jenny on the first page of the leader board. She charged from well back on Sunday to post a 63 (her low round this year) and tie for fourth, pocketing another $77,000 check. Not bad for a young woman who is the first player from China to play on the LPGA. Jenny has earned $158,863 and now rests at 55th place on this year's Money List, one spot below Natalie Gulbis. Jenny turns 19 years old in early August.
I can't wait to see what Jenny has in store for us next as the foreign invasion of the LPGA shows no signs of letting up.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
From the Open Championship to the USGA Juniors
Am I the only one who thought Tom Watson was out of line on Sunday's telecast of the Open Championship from Royal Birkdale? To constantly criticize Greg Norman's course strategy when Norman, at 53 years young, was in the final group with the lead seemed disingenuous at best. That same strategy had placed Norman in position to be golf's oldest major championship winner by five years with 18 holes to play and had him in the lead as he made Sunday's turn for home. Padraig Harrington should be congratulated for shooting four under par 32 on the championship's final nine- that's the stuff that makes champions. Watson, not much older than Norman, missed the cut.
It's no wonder Watson has been barely visible in the booth over all these years, particularly considering he holds eight of golf's Majors. Frankly, he's a better player than commentator. Then again, this is the same guy that wrote Augusta National disapproving of Gary McCord's comments during CBS' 1995 Masters telecast. That was the last we saw of Gary at golf's hallowed grounds.
Personally, I not sure if Watson should spend more time working on his on-screen delivery or his putting stroke. Both are in need of serious attention.
OK, that's yesterday's generation. And now yesterday's news. How about what's going on at the USGA Boy's and Girl's Junior Amateur Championships this week? Golf's next generation have moved out of stoke play and now are in the round of 32. How many of these players will move from here to the professional ranks remains to be seen, but all are gaining experiences that will last a lifetime.
I'm admittedly partial to two players in particular. Hank Haney IJGA students Stephanie Meadow from Northern Ireland and Richy Werenski from my home state of Massachusetts both qualified for the tournament proper this year for the first time. Both are talented young players. Both are better young people.
Yesterday, Stephanie tied for 6oth with nine players after the 36-hole stroke play qualifying rounds for match play. Ultimately, one shot separated Stephanie from moving on to the Round of 64.
Werenski, who tied for 6th in the 36-hole stroke play qualifying rounds Tuesday, won his first match today over Scottsdale, Arizona's Nicholas Losole III, 3 & 1. Richy's caddie this week is his teacher, Matt Fields, Lead Instructor at Hank Haney IJGA. Prior to the second round of stroke play, Matt found a quarter on the ground and observed it was dated "1969." Matt handed the coin to Richy telling him, "look at the date, that's what you are going to shoot today, 69." Saving par from the greenside bunker at 18, Richy posted 69 for the day. How much of this was purely coincidence versus a passionate coaches subliminal suggestion, we'll never know. But, one thing's for sure, it is the stuff that makes the game great and keeps us wanting more.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
It's no wonder Watson has been barely visible in the booth over all these years, particularly considering he holds eight of golf's Majors. Frankly, he's a better player than commentator. Then again, this is the same guy that wrote Augusta National disapproving of Gary McCord's comments during CBS' 1995 Masters telecast. That was the last we saw of Gary at golf's hallowed grounds.
Personally, I not sure if Watson should spend more time working on his on-screen delivery or his putting stroke. Both are in need of serious attention.
OK, that's yesterday's generation. And now yesterday's news. How about what's going on at the USGA Boy's and Girl's Junior Amateur Championships this week? Golf's next generation have moved out of stoke play and now are in the round of 32. How many of these players will move from here to the professional ranks remains to be seen, but all are gaining experiences that will last a lifetime.
I'm admittedly partial to two players in particular. Hank Haney IJGA students Stephanie Meadow from Northern Ireland and Richy Werenski from my home state of Massachusetts both qualified for the tournament proper this year for the first time. Both are talented young players. Both are better young people.
Yesterday, Stephanie tied for 6oth with nine players after the 36-hole stroke play qualifying rounds for match play. Ultimately, one shot separated Stephanie from moving on to the Round of 64.
Werenski, who tied for 6th in the 36-hole stroke play qualifying rounds Tuesday, won his first match today over Scottsdale, Arizona's Nicholas Losole III, 3 & 1. Richy's caddie this week is his teacher, Matt Fields, Lead Instructor at Hank Haney IJGA. Prior to the second round of stroke play, Matt found a quarter on the ground and observed it was dated "1969." Matt handed the coin to Richy telling him, "look at the date, that's what you are going to shoot today, 69." Saving par from the greenside bunker at 18, Richy posted 69 for the day. How much of this was purely coincidence versus a passionate coaches subliminal suggestion, we'll never know. But, one thing's for sure, it is the stuff that makes the game great and keeps us wanting more.
That's my view on the game.
Mark Gonsalves
CEO
Hank Haney IJGA
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