From the outside, Sammy Schmitz is your typical American guy. He's married, has a couple kids, and schleps to work everyday as a regional director at a healthcare services company. What isn't typical about this 35-year Wisconsin resident is the opportunity that awaits him next April when he tees it up at Augusta National Golf Club for The Masters. Schmitz earned the opportunity of a lifetime by winning the U.S. Mid-Am Championship victory two weeks ago at John's Island Club in Vero Beach, … [Read more...]
Volunteering at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
This weekend, I had the chance to volunteer at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship held here in San Antonio at Briggs Ranch Golf Club. I have to complete 45 hours of volunteer service to fulfill my degree requirements, so I thought why not get 12 hours out of the way volunteering doing something involved with the game of golf! But after spending the last two days out at Briggs Ranch as a forecaddie, I think I might have found much more than getting 12 hours of volunteer work towards my … [Read more...]
Transgender Golfer Suing LPGA Tour
What is setting up to potentially be a showdown in the courts, a transgender golfer, Lana Lawless, is suing the LPGA and two title sponsors after rules and regulations state you must be "female at birth." Lawless had gender reassignment surgery in 2005 and won the long drive championship in 2008. The Long Drivers of America, which oversees the event has recently barred Lawless from competing after adopting similar rules to the LPGA. Lawless is trying to prevent the LPGA from holding … [Read more...]
David vs Congressional
The United States Golf Association revealed an updated Congressional County Club today, making the 2011 U.S. Open course setup a thing of beauty. All 18 greens have been rebuilt, and Mike Davis and the USGA have added seven tee boxes to stretch it out to 7,568 yards, 300 yards longer then the 1997 U.S. Open won by Ernie Els. My favorite hole on the course, #18, has been lengthened to 521 yards and will force players to hit mid or long irons into the green. In 1997, the 18th played as #17, … [Read more...]
Get Your Facts Straight Tiger…
These words from the Executive Director of the USGA, David Fay, when questioned about the greens this week at the 110th U.S. Open. On Thursday, after his first round 74, during his post round interview Woods said the greens were "just awful." I saw the interview live during NBC coverage yesterday with Jimmy Roberts and Fay just flat out called Tiger Woods out. Making a distinct comparison between Phil and Tiger, Fay said: I think two players used the word awful on Thursday. Phil … [Read more...]