Harlow Hickenlooper

What responsibility, if any, do our professional athletes and coaches have when it comes to conduct on the playing field? There is a feeling among most fans that these people have a certain standard of behavior that is required, in large part, because of the money they are paid to be part of a game.

Is that fair? Do we hold other people in lines of work that don’t involve sports under the same rules and guidelines? Compensation should be relative to the importance of the job performed, but in the United States it’s not. We live in a free country. If you don’t like your job and what you get paid, do something else.

World Peace, alias Ron Artest, proved this week that he learned nothing from his season of suspension with the Indiana Pacers. The New Orleans Saints obviously feel that some basic rules in the NFL are meant for the other teams in the league, not them. Every month something happens in sports that tarnishes the image of a sport and its athletes.

Golf has prided itself on a standard of behavior that goes beyond other sports. Interestingly, PGA Tour players are fined for throwing clubs or embarking on profanity laced tirades. However, the PGA Tour has elected to not make these fines public and this has drawn criticism.

The professional golf tour was founded many years ago and it was originally run by the PGA of America. In the late 1960’s there was a split between the players and the PGA. The players were unhappy with the way the Tour was being run and they sought bigger purses. Consequently, and this is confusing, the PGA Tour runs what you watch on television most weeks. The PGA of America runs most of the golf courses that you play and take lessons on.

When I am the President of the PGA of America, I will have a voting seat on the PGA Tour Policy Board. As Honorary President, I will do the same for the Champions Tour. But, my role as a PGA member is to promote and grow golf at my facility, The Legends Golf Club in Franklin. That being said, the PGA of America is the largest working sports organization in the world with our 27,000 members and apprentices. We do own the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, the Senior PGA Championship as well as the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

When I returned to Indiana after working The Masters I received several letters and phone calls about Tiger Woods and his club throwing incident on the 16^th tee during Friday’s second round a few weeks ago. Coincidentally, I was working the 16^th green when it happened and saw it firsthand. Most people are understandably confused about my role and what influence I might have on disciplining Woods for his behavior. But, I still get plenty of advice from people on what should be done.

Carol from South Carolina wrote, “Something needs to be done about Tiger Woods. We were appalled at his behavior- kicking his club, swearing, throwing his clubs…. I am not disputing the fact that he used to be a wonderful golfer with a huge following and I’m sure that is why the PGA turned a blind eye to his bad behavior in the past. Because your organization allowed him to act in an inappropriate manner without consequences, he has continued… Since he’s acting like a spoiled little brat he needs to be treated as one and disciplined.”

William from Alabama said, “I witnessed Tiger’s childish behavior at The Masters. Unless he is exempt, he is subject to discipline by the U.S. PGA. Nick Faldo sums it up best when he said Woods ‘has lost his game and his mind.’ Maybe he has a yacht, a multimillion dollar house and too many expensive toys (mostly in skirts). I spent twenty-one years in the military. His father was a green beret. I would guess his father would chastise him for his behavior.”

Then there was Phil from New York, “I believe his behavior and language needs to be addressed by you or your committee. Think of the millions of young boys and young girls who heard that language and observed his tirade. How shameful! Whatever is causing him to react this way, the media glorifying him; his own personal issues; or personal wealth is no excuse for this behavior from a golf professional.”

The best and most heartfelt post-Masters comment came from Hal Fryar of Franklin. “I am always appreciative of the articles that you write in the local paper around the major championships. I am very disappointed that there was no follow-up on Tiger Woods’ at The Masters. You have a personal life and an article of your own feelings is relevant.  The PGA should be open on Tiger’s fines. Whether its $10,000 or $50,000- it’s a joke. It means nothing to him. Be realistic and know the real world that you live in. Another article is definitely in order.”

For those that may not know, Hal Fryar is a local television icon. He was the host for an Indianapolis children’s show that highlighted the old Three Stooges shorts. He appeared under the name “Harlow Hickenlooper” and performed skits and slapstick comedy routines with passion. His character of Harlow was of someone who nothing ever went right for, no matter how hard he tried.

So, here I am, in my office doing a double take on this voice message about Tiger Woods from Harlow Hickenlooper. Are you kidding me? The face of my boyhood Three Stooges is busting my chops about Tiger Woods’ behavior at The Masters.

Never one to shy away from a fight, I called Fryar. He came to The Legends. We discussed the situation in person. He listened and we chatted about a lot of stuff. That day was my sister’s birthday. He even called her and sang his famous rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Thanks to Tiger Woods it was a great day.

Let me say that Hal Fryar is exactly right. I should have an opinion on Tiger Woods.  Currently, he is just like Hickenlooper. No matter how hard he tries, nothing goes right for him.

So, there you have it. Tiger and Harlow joined at the hip. Who would ever have thunk that?

Watson

The best part about this writing gig is sharing stories with you, the readers. When I returned from The Masters I had many emails and personal conversations with people who expressed enjoyment from sharing that firsthand experience with me at The Masters through the stories I wrote.

Last weekend I received a very compelling story from Derek Sprague, the Secretary of the PGA. I think the following email exchange really captures the essence of golf and the players who continue to leave their mark on the game. Sprague is the General Manager at the Malone Golf Club in Malone, NY. He grew up on the course as a kid and then returned to his hometown of 6,000 people to run the golf operation. Malone is located in the northeastern corner of New York near the Canadian border. Here is the story.

“Gentleman-

“This is a must read. This is from one of my members here at Malone Golf Club who I gave my Masters practice round tickets to. I believe this was the first professional golf tournament he attended. He sent me a note upon his return and then I saw him in person and he told me this story about Tom Watson. It was awesome. Grab a Kleenex and enjoy!

Derek”

Here is the account of Stephen Horne’s experience at The Masters.

“I started to understand Tom Watson’s stature in golf when we found him working methodically on the practice range and saw player after player come over to introduce themselves and shake his hand as a matter of respect. Watson, who was being quite serious in his club-by-club preparation, had time for an extended chat with everyone.

“I thought Watson’s graciousness by itself showed some class, but had it confirmed on the Ninth Tee of the Par Three Contest the next day when I watched Tom instinctively come to the side of a wounded vet with a prosthetic leg. The young sergeant had been graciously given a chance to take a swing after Fred Couples and Charles Coody had taken their shots.

“The vet looked nervous and slightly embarrassed as he teed it up and addressed his ball. Sadly for him and the crowd, he topped it in an awkward swing and it splashed in the pond about fifteen feet from the tee. Though the crowd gave him a warm ovation, he was clearly uncomfortable, as was his crew cut buddy alongside for moral support.

“Tom Watson watched all this from the trees on the cart path and as soon as the previous Couples/Coody group departed the tee, he came over to the vet and put his hand on his shoulder and started giving him a pep talk. We were close enough to hear the smiling Watson joke, ‘There is nothing to be nervous about- it’s nothing like getting shot at, is it?’

“Watson continued his patter and tossed in a few swing tips as the Couples’ group patiently signed autographs and eventually left the green ahead. Then, after all of the pros in Watson’s group had taken their swings, Tom turned to the crowd and loudly announced the vet’s name and rank and waved encouragement to the crowd as it applauded in support.

“This time the sergeant addressed the ball, took a more measured swing and watched the ball cross the pond and land safely on dry ground to the right of the green. The crowd erupted with a standing ovation and Watson, the vet and his buddy grinned from ear to ear.

“It was a sweet moment for all, but for me, it was the telling moment of three great days watching the pros at Augusta. Here, Hall of Famer Tom Watson, amidst his own preparation for this pressure-packed tournament had taken time to notice a kid’s discomfort and had instinctively acted to give him a chance to reclaim this memorable moment. He did it with great class, and it worked.

“No wonder everyone came over to shake his hand the day before on the practice tee- guys like Tom Watson elevate everyone’s game.

“Again, Derek, thanks for the chance to witness moments like this. It might not improve my putting, but it can’t help but make me a better person. And thanks to you and the PGA of America for keeping this spirit integral to the game of golf. Especially now when my other games, football and baseball, slowly lose the essence of clean competition and sportsmanship.

Stephen Horne”

Tom Watson continues to be an example for all players, no matter their age or the number of major championships on their resume. Need I say more?