BugOnMyBall.com

I know that most of the golf world is talking about Tiger’s triumphant return to the links this week (and I’m certainly happy to see him), but I’m going to go out on a limb and talk about something else….

A couple of years ago, I was watching a charity golf event on TV and the participants were made up of the usual folks – celebrities, athletes, and such. Being a fan of that sort of event, I settled in with a drink in hand and the cat in my lap and I have to say that I was not prepared for what I was about to witness. Samuel L. Jackson teed off beautifully as usual, and on this day, he was accompanied by basketball great, Charles Barkley.

Charles leaned over, teed up his ball, and lined up like a pro. A few seconds went by and there it was. The most distinctive, seizure-inducing swing I’ve ever seen. It was like no other… breathtaking… even beautiful in a grotesque sort of way, like going to the circus just for the freak show. It was unsettling, but I just couldn’t turn away!

For the rest of the event, I didn’t care about all of the celebrities showing off their golf savvy. All I wanted to do was watch Charles play. The cat didn’t quite share my enthusiasm (he jumped down and left the room) and I think it may have had something to do with the fact that I kept yelling at the TV when the cameraman would focus on the other golfers.

So, as I mentioned, it’s been a couple of years since I witnessed the glorious phenomena that is Charles Barkely’s swing and I had all but forgotten it until the other day. I was innocently watching the Golf Channel (as I have been known to do) and during a commercial break, I saw an ad for The Haney Project (http://www.thegolfchannel.com/haneybarkley/) and I felt that same unsettling feeling once again. I knew immediately that this show was destined to be MY American Idol. (Please do not attempt to contact me between 8:00 and 9:00pm CST for the next several Mondays – you know where I’ll be.) Since Mr. Barkley will be in the very capable hands of Tiger’s swing coach, the swing that I bizarrely fell in love with is undoubtedly not long for this world…and I will wear black on the day that his breathtaking swing fades gently away.

It’s February and there are 6+ inches of snow on the ground, so naturally, my thoughts have turned to warmer weather and the beginning of the golf season. Since my local course currently resembles the frozen Alaskan tundra, I have to settle for watching the big boys play. However, watching them has inspired me to get ready for the new golf season.

As you may have already guessed, I am an avid golfer with a respectable game, so I frequent golf courses around the country. In the coming days, I hope to provide useful reviews of golf facilities from a female perspective. Although the game of golf is basically the same for men and women (you need to stay in the fairway and putt well for a good score), there are certain amenities that women notice or need that are not required (or even noticed) by our male counterparts. For instance, are there any on-course bathroom facilities or is it Port-O-Potty central? Are the holes challenging, but still female friendly?

Over the next several weeks, I will post reviews of courses I have already been to and reviewed and hopefully, you’ll be inspired to start getting ready for the season too!