We Get Golf - Your Best Golf Blog

Hi to all of you. I apologize profusely for my lack of updates over the past month and a half. The reason being I have started my own business and my time is therefore extremely limited unfortunately at present. So much so, I am debating whether or not the blog will continue into the new year.

Before then however, I will include some great content and what better way to start than with an interview with the beautiful Win McMurry. I can’t thank Win enough for her time and would like to congratulate her on the excellent job she does with the PGA Tour (I’m beginning to sound like a love sick puppy I fear!!) Anyway, enough about me, lets see what Win had to say:

Q. Was it always your intention to get into broadcasting at a young age?
When I was young what I wanted to do when I grew up ranged depending on the day from professional ballerina to novelist, actress to high-powered businesswoman. I had always enjoyed playing and watching sports, but it was my junior year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that I really decided I wanted to work in sports broadcasting. I had a fantastic sports journalism professor, Mick Mixon, who helped me discover my passion for sports reporting.

Q. How did your big break in break come about in broadcasting?
After graduating from college, my work with CBS Sports coverage of the PGA TOUR positioned me for my role as host of PGA TOUR Today. It was that experience combined with my passion for golf, my work with WCBS-TV in New York, and my Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UNC-Chapel Hill that gained me the position. I sent my composite reel of my on-camera work along with my resume to the PGA TOUR. They invited me down to the studios and I was offered the job after an interview and screen test/audition.

Q. Who would you say has been your favourite people to interview over the past few years?
I’d have to start out by saying ‘who doesn’t enjoy a Will Mackenzie or Boo Weekley interview?!’ They usually provide some of the biggest laughs. So does Jerry Kelly, who won earlier this year at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. I also have enjoyed interviewing David Toms who is having a great year. Marc Turnesa, who won last year in Las Vegas, is one of the most humble guys out there and has an amazing golf heritage. Veterans Tom Lehman, Stewart Cink, and Rocco Mediate are also players that I have great respect for and have enjoyed having the opportunity to interview.

Q. What does the rest of the year hold in store for Win McMurry?
Well next up is the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup! I’m traveling up to NYC and am planning to go to the U.S. Open of tennis after the Barclays to catch some matches. We have the Presidents Cup this year at Harding Park, and while at this time I am not scheduled to be in San Francisco to cover the event, I’ll be watching and recapping that every night from our studio at the World Golf Village. I love traveling, so once the Fall Series winds down, I plan to use some vacation time and maybe head over to your side of the pond!

Q. Have you ambitions to move forward from your current broadcasting position?
I love my job with the PGA TOUR. It’s a wonderful organization, not only because I get to watch golf everyday, but because of its loyalty and commitment to charities. Living in Florida is fantastic as well! But travel is something I really enjoy doing so I hope to do more of that in the future!

Question related to Golf

Q. Tell me a little about your childhood and how you became interested in golf?
Golf has been part of my life since I was young. My family almost moved to Pinehurst, NC when I was a child because my dad is such an avid golfer. Instead, my parents chose the coastal town of Wilmington, NC where I was on my high school golf team, though I must admit, I was not a great player. Improving my game has been a longtime project!

Q. What is your current handicap and do you get to play often?
Ha ha …wouldn’t you like to know! I’ve been working on my game a lot over the last three months and my ball striking is pretty strong. I’m never going to be an LPGA player, but I’m trying to get my game back into shape. I play whenever I can, but with my busy schedule, I usually end up squeezing in an hour or so a week on the range.

Q. You have the choice of playing one course for the rest of your life….which one is it and what time are we teeing off?
This is really tough. Right off the bat, I was going to say Augusta National, but if it is for the rest of my life I think I’d have to go with Pebble Beach …or maybe Cypress Point!

Q. Have you played links golf before?
I have never played links golf. But don’t count on me coming out like Steve Marino did at Turnberry and shooting a 67 in my first try!

Q. What is your ideal four-ball and who is your golfing hero?
I’d love to play with Tiger Woods …but after reading the book The Match by Mark Frost, I’d love to re-create that four-ball match and witness Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Ken Venturi, and Harvie Ward and play Cyrpess Point.

Q. If I were to ask you to name 3 potential winners of the final major of the year, the US PGA Championship, who would they be?
Tiger Woods. I think playing three events in a row (unlike what he did to prepare for the other three majors) will pan out for him at Hazeltine. Retief Goosen has shown strong promise as of late and how about Paul Casey to capture his first major!

Q. Will Tiger Woods beat Jack Nicklaus and will the US retain the Ryder Cup on foreign soil next year?
Tiger’s win at the Buick Open put him only four total career wins behind the Golden Bear, the same number of majors he has left to equal Nicklaus. Tiger’s only 32. Nicklaus captured his final major at age 46. Consider it done. As for the US retaining the Ryder Cup in 2010…as an American I hope they do. But I know the Europeans will be looking for some revenge on their home turf!

Other Questions

Q. What do you like to do outside of golf?
I enjoy riding my bike at the beach, traveling, going boating with my family and friends, and dancing.

Q. For all our male readers, are you single?
Hmmm…well I am not married nor am I engaged

Q. Which golf blog do you read most?
I love WeGetGolf.com! I read tons of other golf blogs, including the BleacherReport.com’s golf blog and golfobserver.com. And of course, I have to give a nod to my own blog which can be read on the PGA TOUR’s Facebook page.

Q. You always appear immaculately dressed on the PGA Tour show. Are you big follower of fashion? What do you think of fashion in golf these days? Would you prefer the conservative look of say Tiger Woods or the more radical John Daly / Ian Poulter?
I do enjoy reading fashion magazines and watching TV programming to get ideas for my on-air wardrobe. It’s difficult when you have to come up with different attire for shows five days a week and so I have fun with it. While I have read in some country club’s dress codes that the golf course is not a place to make a fashion statement, I’d have to disagree. I believe what you wear is your calling card. It is a way that you chose to express yourself. Fashion has always influenced golf. You can’t watch old footage of Jack Nicklaus and say that he wasn’t influenced by the 1970s fashion culture. I enjoy observing the different golf course fashions and love that Ian Poulter can push the envelope and have fun with what he wears. But I would have to say I am really digging Ryan Moore’s look at the moment. It’s a twist between old school Bobby Jones with a button-down shirt and skinny tie and the skate/surf culture. He wears Pumas that look just like skate shoes, only with spikes. It’s awesome.

So there you have, the interview you were all waiting for. I’m off now to get my hair done just like Ryan Moore and find out just where he buys those damn cool clothes!!

Tags: Blog - Topical, Win McMurry by admin
1 Comment »

Just a quick look inside Australian, Robert Allenby’s bag.

Tags: Blog - Topical by admin
No Comments »

I just spent 4 days without Internet access which was terrible. However, the good news was that I was able to watch the USPGA Championship and hardly missed a shot over the 4 days. Great credit goes to Y.E Yang for a stunning win in defeating Tiger Woods down the stretch. Unfortunately, Padraig Harrington had another 8 on his card to ruin his chances of winning. Later, I will be posting a more detailed piece so stay tuned and I will also be bringing you my official interview with Win McMurry over the next day or two also, which was great.

Tags: Blog - Topical by admin
No Comments »

Last week I had the honor of playing in the Killarney Pro-Am. Played over two days on the Lackabane and beautiful Killens course, it was a fantastic outing. The good news also is that my team, along with our pro, Brenden mcDermott and my fellow friends Owen Lyons and Andrew Whelton won the event, beating a team which coincidentally consisted of my friends Paul Dykes, Kevin Ryan and Jim Ahern.

We had rounds of 95 on Lackabane and 93 on the much more difficult Kileens for a total of 188pts. That was enough to win by 5pts from second and 7pts from the 3rd placed team. I will post some photos from the event when I receive them.

Coming up in the not too distant future is the World Invitational Father and Son competition in Waterville, which I look forward to competing in. I will be doing a quick review of this tonight and also will be interviewing the organizers at the event itself.

Tags: Blog - Topical by admin
No Comments »

Now my girlfriend, Dominique, is certainly not a golf fan. When I explained to her last Saturday night that I was leaving in the morning at 8:30am for golf and would not be back until 8:30pm, she was mystified. Add to the fact Im off for 3 days golf next week and another 5-day golfing break in August and poor Dominique must be praying I somehow fall out of this rejuvenated love affair with golf!

As much as I have tried over the years, she remains an avid non-golfer so my suggestions of going on holidays in the sun and playing a bit of golf are stoutly rejected. However, I have witnessed the first chink in her armour…..this golf blog. Just a few minutes ago, she emailed me from work pointing me in the direction of a golf article she read that might make interesting reading for you guys. Bingo…we have you now Dominique. Welcome to the world of golf! Perhaps I could ask Dominique to do a piece on golf fashion?

Well anyway, the article relates to the noise some of the modern golf drivers make upon impact with a golf ball. Experts have identified at least one case of a golfer of 55 who they believe has damaged his hearing as a result of using one of the new drivers three times a week for the last 18 months. The man in question had been playing golf with a King Cobra LD titanium and the noise of the club hitting the ball was ‘like a gun going off’ he said. It had become so unpleasant he had discarded the club. 

Dr Malcolm Buchanan, an Edinburgh-trained ear, nose and throat specialist - and a keen golfer - said: ‘Our results show that thin-faced titanium drivers may produce sufficient sound to induce temporary or even permanent cochlear damage in susceptible individuals. The solution…..ear plugs is offered as one. However Andrew Coltart has pointed to the fact that if golfers wear ear plugs, they may not hear someone shout fore and could subsequently get hit my a golf ball on the head causing severe injury.

I must admit that I know exactly the type of noise they are talking about and it is completely irratating. When I was on the range a few weeks ago, the noise of the drives from the bay next to me was enough for me to stop and take a 5min break. Why manufacturers cannot create a more solid, favourable noise is beyond me but hopefully now, they will revisit these ridiculous tin-can sounding clubs.

So, who says golf isn’t a sport. Us golfers might not engage in the same physical activities as you rugby players or you soccer players but everyday we go on the golf course, we endanger our own well being. We have to deal with the loud gun-shot drivers that ring out around the course, protecting our ears in an effort to just make it off the course with our hearing intact. Every time we step on to the tee, we cannot know for certain where the other guys are going to hit their ball so when we hear fore, we don’t run…..we stand our ground (albeit with our head crouched between our hands to protect ourselves). When the rain buckets down, the thunder rolls and the lightning strikes, we are there with 14 metal rods, standing in the middle of a field with our only place of refuge under a tree. Think about it, bolts of lightning, metal rods and timber! We are not mere men, we are gladiators every time we step on the 1st tee, ready to do battle with whatever comes our way……..oh and by the way, I picked up a very comfortable pair of ear plugs in the local pharmacy so if anyone needs a recommendation, Im your man…..yes Gladiators I said!

Tags: Blog - Topical by admin
No Comments »

Wow, these omens are really beginning to appear all over the place about Padraig Harrington. Forget about the state of his golf game and Obey the Omen.

When Padraig Harrington won his first British Open, he was the #14 ranked player in the world. As luck would have it, Padraig is now ranked 14 again in the World and so, it would seem everything is perfectly in place for a Harrington 7 shot win…..Forgetting about the fact of course, that the reason Harrington is #14 in the world is because he has plummeted down the rankings, from 3rd, over the past 9 months.

I’m hoping now the hotel staff burn his toast similar to last year, he wears the same socks and shoes as last year and the Worlds best Player is missing like last year…….Doh!!! Come on Padraig, lets prove all the doubters wrong and claim the coveted three in a row at the expense of the mighty Woods!

Tags: Blog - Topical, Tournament Previews/Odds/Reviews by admin
No Comments »

Do you beleive in Omens? Well if you do, consider this;

In 2007, Padraig Harrington decided to give the Barclays British Open at Loch Lomand a miss, instead preferring to play in the Irish PGA Championship on a links course to prepare for the British Open. He went on to win the Irish PGA in a play-off before going to the British Open and doing the same thing, winning his first major….in a play-off against Garcia.

2008 and Harrington again wins the Irish PGA Championship but this time by 4 shots. Guess what, he heads across the water a week later and wins his second British Open. The winning margin…yep, 4 shots!

So what of 2009? Well, the good news for us Harrington fanatics is that he has just won the Irish PGA Championship for a third straight year by a whopping 7 shots! Is this a sign of things to come perhaps. Picture this: it’s Sunday afternoon with Woods and Harrington tied for the lead. In a blistering final round, Harrington shoots 66 to Woods lacklustre 73 to win by 7 shots and delight the omen obsessed Harrington fans. Ooooh I say, pinch me quickly….I think I’m dreaming.

Oh by the way, one other omen that could scupper Harringtons plans. The three Opens contested at Tunrberry over the years have been won by the then current #1 in the World……now I don’t need to tell you who’s #1 in the World today do I?

Tags: Blog - Topical, Padraig Harrington, Tournament Previews/Odds/Reviews by admin
No Comments »

Haven’t posted here in a few days because I was looking after my own golf game. Yesterday I played in a 36 hole Junior Scratch Cup in Carton House and was really intent on doing well. With the Junior Scratch Cup, anyone from 5-10 handicap is entitled to enter but it is based on your gross score so obviously, anyone off 5 handicap holds an advantage. I am off 7 so I knew I would need to play well to feature.

As things happened, I started great with 4 opening pars followed by a disappointing double bogey on the Index 1, 5th hole that threw me off track somewhat. However, standing on the Par 5, 15th hole, I was still only +2 and when I put my second shot to within 20y yards of the green in 2, I had a chance for birdie. A duffed chip meant I did well to settle for Par though.

Worse followed when I three putted the 16th for bogey and took a double bogey from the edge of the 17th green, again three putting. Unfortunately at this stage, the rain was beating down and the 18th cost me another bogey. +4 for my final 3 holes meant I finished my round on +6 (78), a good round but it could have been oh so much better!

So, heading into the afternoon, I reckoned I needed a 76 to have any chance of contending. A solid drive and 6 iron to the first ensured a par but bogeys on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th set me back. A good 4 iron into the 5th saw me par the index 1 and a wedge to 4ft gave me a great chance that I squandered on the 6th. A lipped putt on the 7th from 20ft for birdie and a failure to get up and down from the edge of the par 5, 8th hole, for birdie were annoying but I nevertheless made the turn in +3, which wasn’t too bad.

Coming home, it was a mix of 3 bogeys on the 11th, 12th and 14th, and 6 pars for a secondsuccessive +6 (78). I was pleased with my overall score but realise it will probably be a coulple shots too many to win the event. Nevertheless, it may be enough to sneak me a top 3 position. What’s better is that my nett scores of 71 for both rounds will be enough to get me cut back down to 6 handicap, with the course standard scratch expected to be 73 or 74.

Extremely pleased with the way I am striking the ball, I look forward next week to the pro-am event in Kilarney Golf Club, Kerry before heading to the International Father and Son in Waterville. My short game definitely needs some attention before then however so it’s hopefully back to the range this weekend.

Hope you all had a great golfing weekend

Tags: Blog - Topical by admin
No Comments »

No Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson but it is nevertheless a very strong field at the Par 71 Loch Lomand venue for this weeks European Tour event, The Barclay’s Scottish Open. The Loch Lomand course is poles apart from what the pros will play next week at the British Open in Turnberry, yet it is very well supported. My personal view is that the Irish Open, played on a good traditional links course, would be the ideal tournament the week before the Open but clearly there are political decisions being made. 

My case in point is strengthened by the performances of Padraig Harrington over the past few years in the Open. Harrington has chosen to play in the PGA Irish Championship, instead of Loch Lomand, the past two years as the event is played on tough links courses. It certainly prepared him well in 2007 and 2008 as he went on to win the Open. True to form, he maintained this schedule and at the half way stage, leads by a shot from Leslie Walker this year.

I am sure the rest of the pro’s would like to have this option; to play on a tournament links course like Harrington has, so come on, get the Irish Open moved to the week before the British Open and move the Barclays Scottish to the week after. It makes sense and I think a certain Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey would certainly be present in addition to the rest of those serious about trying to win the Open!

Tags: Blog - Topical by admin
No Comments »

Amazingly, I have had correspondence with the beautiful Win McMurry’s representative and am working on getting an interview. This would be a great interview to get from one of golf’s top broadcasters so here’s hoping I can bring this to you all in the not too distant future.

One of my favorite golfers is Padraig Harrington and this is another player I am trying to get an interview with. Might not be easy considering his schedule but I guess nothing ventured, nothing gained. Regardless, I will continue to try and bring you new and interesting topics, interviews etc.

If there is anything in particular you would like to see in the blog, please let me know and I will do my best to please.

Tags: Blog - Topical by admin
No Comments »