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Tuesday, January 15, 2008

David Duval Is Back In Action


As most of you know, I'm a fan of David Duval. He's playing in the Hope this weekend, and I hope he does more than makes the cut -- I hope he top tens it to give him the confidence he needs to make this a big year.

Last spring, I wrote about how well Duval was progressing in his multi-year comeback. Shortly thereafter, his season was cut short because he had to attend to family matters. I don't know how much he practiced in the offseason, but I'm pretty sure he'll be ready to contend again soon. He certainly has a good record at the Hope. He's had a win (1999) and three top fives. Last year, he finished in a tie for 39th. So, he should have some good vibes going for him in the desert.

He has set a lofty target for himself this year, which is to make the Ryder Cup. I don't see that happening (he's not even listed in the Ryder Cup points list), but at least he's thinking big again. With a guy as talented as DD, if he can remember what it takes to contend and even win again, the sky's the limit.

I think it's interesting to note that he really hasn't been a force on the Tour since 2001 and there are many, many young players on Tour that have never seen him play well except for on TV. I wonder if seeing and playing with all of the new faces will be uncomfortable for him for the first few tournaments. Not only does he have to prove to himself that he belongs, but he probably wants to prove it to guys where were in the 5th grade when he was winning big tournaments. I predict that he'll be just fine, as it's been widely reported that he's "in a good place" in his personal life, so that should carry over to the golf course.

Sunday, January 06, 2008

GBI Has a New Website

GBI now has a full-fledged social networking website at www.gormangolf.ning.com. It is by invitation-only, so if you are a GBIer who has not received an invitation, email the Commissioner.

The site features a blog, a discussion forum, photos, videos, member pages, comments between members, and other cool things that are in the works. So far, we have eleven members.

Friday, January 04, 2008

GBI Has a Big Time Sponsor

Over the weekend, the Gorman Brothers Invitational secured its first major sponsor for the 2008 edition of the storied championship. The identity of the sponsor is being kept under wraps until just before the weekend. All we can say is that every participant will be impressed by the generosity of said sponsor.

More sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact the Commissioner if you're interested.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Wish List for 2008

My mother wants me to do a post on my golf resolutions for the new year, but I've altered her request slightly and am writing a wish list instead. I asked her to write a guest article, but she came up with a sudden bout of writer's block the second I mentioned it.

Here goes:
I wish....
1) To play 30 courses I've never played before.
2) To break 80 at least five times.
3) To have a double-bogey free round (it's been a while).
4) To enter the local qualifier for the US Amateur Public Links in June.
5) To play golf in South America or Asia.
6) To win GBI.
7) To play at least one of the following courses: Congressional, Aronimink, Five Farms, The NGLA, or Pine Valley.
8) To make an eagle.
9) To improve my wedge play.
10) To have more of my NetworkedGolfer readers click on my ads.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

The Best of 2007 - My Year in Review


Here is a "best of" look at my 2007 golfing experience. As you'll see, not all of the winners had much to do with me.

Best Tournament Attended: The Open Championship at Carnoustie - It looked like it was going to be a rainy day to watch the world's best, but it turned out to be sunny, and we saw all of the biggies before cut time.
Best Golf Trip (International): Scotland
Best Golf Trip (USA): Gorman Brothers Invitational - What else could it be??
Best Golf Event: World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Best New Course (International): The Ailsa Course at Turnberry
Best New Course (USA): TPC at Sawgrass (Stadium)
Best Round: 81 at Swan Point Golf & Yacht Club - sad, isn't it?
Best Nine: 37 at Swan Point
Best Shot: Hole-in-one by my brother Jimmy on #11 at Turnberry
Best Putt: Eighty-five footer for eagle in a charity event at Lee's Hill with Jack Hession
Best Drive: Tubby's shot on the par 4 #16 at Lundin Golf Club to about twenty feet
Best Conditions: The Dunes Golf and Beach Club
Best Greens: Columbia Country Club and Saticoy Country Club (tie) - They were both running true at a solid 13 on the stimp
Best Scenery (International): Highlands Links in Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia
Best Scenery (USA): Sherwood Country Club
Best Ride to the Course: Private ferry at Bayonne Golf Club
Best Weather: Sixty degrees and mostly sunny at Whitemarsh Valley CC on Thanksgiving Day