One of My Last Remaining Excuses to Play Better Goes Down the Tubes

We all have excuses for why we don't play better. Some people vocalize them all (often), while others use more restraint and don't taint their reputations by making excuses for their sketchy play.

The ones that I hear (and use) most often are:

1) I don't play enough.

2) I never spend any time on the range.

3) I'm getting old, and my body isn't as flexible as it used to be.

4) It's too slow on weekends. It takes me out of my rhythm.

5) It's a) too windy, b) too soggy, c) too cold, d) too hot.

6) The greens are too slow/fast.

7) I need better technology.

8) I only play well when there's something on the line.

9) I have too many other things on my mind.

10) I've been playing too much recently.

This week I got rid of #11, which is, "My eyesight is crummy." I went to the eye doctor for the first time in my adult life, and it turns out I need specs.

The technician who checked my eyes before the doctor saw me asked what the problem was. I told her that I thought my eyes, especially my left one, weren't as good as they used to be. She asked for examples. I said that it's difficult to see exactly where someone's drive lands if it goes 200+ yards. She gave me a look. Then I told her that I thought my putting was suffering because my left eye is a mess. She gave me a very exasperated look. So, I told her I had to strain while driving at night and while sitting at the computer for a long time. These examples seemed to satisfy her. No more looks.

I got the specs yesterday, and I'm trying to get accustomed to wearing them. The optician said it's going to take a few days for them to feel comfortable because my eye muscles need to adjust. Already, things are much clearer and sharper. The difference is nothing short of amazing.

It remains to be seen whether the glasses will help my golf game, but I imagine they will. At the very least, I'll be able to pick the exact tree that my ball hits, even if it's 250 yards away.

"Gatorade Tiger" a New Twist on My Old Idea

A couple of years ago, I wondered why Tiger Woods did not have his own sports or energy drink. I couldn't believe he did not have his own brand. My idea was to have him hook up with an energy drink maker like Hansen Naturals and have his own line of energy drinks called something like Tiger's Milk, Tiger's Sweat, or Tiger's Eye. Golfers and non-golfers would lap it up, and Woods would get a cut of the profits or sales for allowing the company to use his name and image.

I should have done something about it because it turns out he had a similar plan. Instead of creating a product with a lesser-known company and putting his skin in the game, he has chosen to hook up with Pepsi and allowed them to license his name on a new line of sports drinks called Gatorade Tiger. He's getting a ton of cash for it, and there's absolutely no risk. I think the upside of my idea is higher, but I can't criticize his decision for going with a top brand and being paid a set fee for the license.

I Have a Camera Problem

Pictures can really spice up a blog. I realize not everyone reads my articles, but nearly every visitor looks at the pictures. My goal is to accompany each article with at least one picture, but this has not been happening recently. I keep forgetting to bring the digital camera to the course.

Last week, I was in Los Angeles visiting family and friends (and seeing Notre Dame make mincemeat of UCLA), and I was granted the opportunity by Steve Nourse to play two terrific courses, Sherwood Country Club and Saticoy Country Club. Both courses are very scenic and would have made even a mediocre photographer like myself look good. However, I forgot to bring the trusty digital.

This is becoming a pattern, and I hope to break it soon. In the future, I'll make sure to take good pictures for all to see.