Chicago Public Golf

The TPC is on TV a lot for the next four days. Remember, the course was rebuilt in the last 12 months, so this is first time we are seeing the new course. But keep in mind that Florida has been mired in a serious rain shortage along the Atlantic coast (it was really bad south of Vero Beach) so conditions could be affected.

If you are so inclined, check out the Hooked on Golf blog for the TV times. I usually watch most of this tournament, but since I haven’t played any golf in the Chicago area yet this year, I feel the urge to sacrifice some HD time for actual playing time. That’s the price the PGA is going to pay for having the tournament in May…they have the weekend all to themselves without the distraction of the NCAA tournament or the Masters in two weeks, but the weather is nice in Chicago so most of us are going to be out playing. Nice call Finchem.

If you’re a Chicago golf fan and looking for some local blood to pull for, you have a few options. As usual, the core trio of Steve Stricker (U of I), Luke Donald (Evanston), and Jeff Sluman (Western ‘burbs I think) are all in.

You have already read my rant on why I’m discouraged that these guys aren’t highlighted in the local papers so I won’t belabor the point. I will make a couple of other points that may be interesting to you.

First, according to my sources (Ed Sherman), the Masters will begin inviting certain PGA tour winners from the previous year. Had this been implemented last year, we would be seeing our man Mark Wilson teeing it up today. Oh well, hopefully he wins again before next year’s Masters.

Second, keep in mind that we actually have a former Masters winner with a Chicago connection (somewhat). Bob Goalby, from Belleville, IL and a graduate of U of I, won the tournament back in 1968.

This wasn’t just an ordinary win and is recounted in detail by famous golf writer Curt Sampson in his book The Lost Masters: Grace and Disgrace in ‘68. Among other reasons, this Masters was famous for a simple scoring mistake. You see, Goalby ended regulation play tied with Roberto DeVicenzo and went on beat DeVicenzo in a playoff. However, DeVicenzo should have won outright. His playing partner marked an erroneous 4 on the scorecard on number 17 rather than a 3-the correct number. If scored correctly, DeVicenzo would have been shrugging on the green jacket that evening, but since he signed the scorecard, the erroneous score stood.

Hmm, I might have to add the Sampson book to my summer reading schedule. I played a Goalby-designed course a few years ago in southern Illinois called Far Oaks. Nice course. I wish I would have known some of this history when I played it.

The Chicago Tribune’s very own Ed Sherman is an Augusta this week so, once again, I’m going to give you the link to his blog so you can follow the action. Hopefully he posts daily.

This week is like the NCAA tournament, Super Bowl, and BCS Championship all rolled into one. Each of those individually pale in comparison, but taken collectively, they may be able to dig up enough excitement to match the four day event that is the Masters. There is no sporting event that consistently turns in the drama that the Masters does. It’s simply the best, period!

For Chicago golf fans, this is the only major championship that occurs during invariably poor weather. I’m happy that April is here, but I think we’re going to be in the 40s this weekend. Great for watching golf. I always find it difficult to watch the US Open (June), British Open (July), and PGA Championship (August) because I would rather be playing. That 100+ day period from June to mid-September is mostly DVR territory for golf viewing as far as I’m concerned.

This year is extra-special also because it is the first year that I’m going to be able to watch it in HD. Golf in HD is great, but Augusta in HD makes it even better.

Clear the decks, here is the TV Schedule.