November 21, 2006 by Jeff Shores, PGA.

It has become very obvious, through the media, that the focus during tournaments is on the worlds #1.  Although all the ads say “these guys are good”, they might as well say “this guy is great!”  I think the excessive coverage has brainwashed the public into thinking that if the #1 ranked player is not playing, the tournament is not worth watching.

One truth, without a doubt, it is that a competition, any competition, requires more than one competitor.  And the reality is that although many fans like to route for the favorite, there are many more who prefer to cheer for the “underdog” or “long shot.”  Without the possibility for a lesser ranked player to win or challenge for victory (just ask a Chicago Cubs fan), would any competition be worth watching?

The media has taken away the opportunity for other players to become fan favorites and new role models for those of us watching a tournament.  This is why during the Ryder Cup, many people said to me “who are those guys,” about many of the U.S. players.  We need to be very careful we don’t make golf all about #1, otherwise, where does golf go without #1.  Would golf really be worth watching if #1 played alone?   

Thanks for golfing with Jeff

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November 18, 2006 by Jeff Shores, PGA.

While watching the Dunlop Phoenix golf tournament, my wife asked me, “Why is Tiger playing in that tournament and skipping tournaments like the Tour Championship?”  The question made me realize that most people probably are not seeing the big picture of tournament selection for a business man like Tiger Woods.  Pretty Simple!  Money..money..money!!!  Tiger is getting paid huge bucks to go overseas and play in those events.  So, what would you do?  Here’s the scenario:  Your boss tells you, “Would you like to work this week and I may give you a paycheck if you work real hard and perform well, or, why don’t you take the week off, come back next week, and I’ll give you a couple million dollars just to show up, and, give you that same opportunity to make a paycheck that I gave you last week.”  I don’t know about you, but I’m taking the week off!  If the dollars don’t make sense to you…I’ve got some land for sale. 

Thanks for golfing with Jeff 

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November 16, 2006 by Jeff Shores, PGA.

So here’s the latest.  Michelle Wie has been invited, through a sponsor’s exemption, to again participate in the Sony Open (a PGA Tour event).  Let me start by saying that I think Michelle Wie is an amazing young talent and do believe she is going to be playing and winning LPGA Tour events for many years to come, however, can’t “Wie” go one step at a time.  Not really her fault, I guess.  Sponsor says “you get to play,” so she plays.  But are the sponsors really looking out for her best interests?  Who is looking out for her best interests?  Is it all about the money?  Or the experience?  Can she make the cut in a PGA Tour event?  Does anyone really care if she does anymore? 

Thanks for golfing with Jeff

Michelle Wie may one day play on the PGA Tour and I wish her the best of luck in doing it the old fashion way…Earning it!  In the meantime, I would love to see her win an event, any event, on the LPGA, hone her skills and grow up a bit…Shame on the powers that be for letting a young girl make grown up decisions.  What do you think?  

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November 15, 2006 by Jeff Shores, PGA.

Here I am; my first blog!  Where do I start to “get the ball off the tee” for discussion and debate about the world of golf?  Well, just as I tell many of my students when they get nervous on the first tee, “this is just one of many shots you’re going to play today, so you might as well relax and enjoy it.”  It is amazing what nerves can do to us.  They can paralyze us to the point that fear takes over and we fail miserably or they can be harnessed and utilized to perform at our highest levels.  What do nerves do to you on the 1st tee?  Do you fear a horrible outcome?  Do you question what your playing partners will think about your shot? Your swing? Your choice of aftershave?  Give it some thought and tell me why the 1st tee jitters exist and more importantly how you deal with them.

Thanks for golfing with Jeff 

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