I am rapidly becoming a big fan. This guy is so solid. Think I'll put a few bucks on him to win the remaining majors. He seems to be in great control of his emotions and his swing is so smooth.
Goosen is the way he is because he used to be a bit of a hothead - he would get angry, throw tantrums etc. He worked to cut that out and became the winner we see now. He also, scarily, has reined in his swing - he could hit it longer if he wanted...
Goosen is the way he is because he used to be a bit of a hothead - he would get angry, throw tantrums etc. He worked to cut that out and became the winner we see now. He also, scarily, has reined in his swing - he could hit it longer if he wanted...
That's hard to imagine as calm as he always seems. He's always a good bet in the US Open.
Goosen was a hothead as a kid, before he got struck by lightning. He is lucky to be alive, but after that, his demeanor really changed.
I agree with League, Goosen and Campbell have zero personality. What bugs me the most is that "patrons" are paying hundreds of dollars to see them play. The least they can do is acknowledge the applause they get for a routine par... even for a bogey. When the fans clap, even if you are frustrated, a tip of the cap wouldn't hurt.
I like Retief. I met him once after one of the rounds here in Tampa Bay and he is really a nice guy, just a little shy, especially in front of the camera. And getting struck by lightning is the reason he is the way he is. But I love watching him swing, and he's having a great year so far, except for a win. He has a 5th, two 4ths, a 3rd, and a 2nd. And if Phil could have loaned him his two drivers, he probably would be wearing a green jacket right now. Goose's driver cost him this weekend.
I like Retief. Maybe he's not flashy or exciting but he gets the job done on the course. He's always a good bet at the US Open and I suspect he'll win a Masters before his time is up too if they keep making the course tougher.
What emotions? Goosen and Chad Campbell have the personalities of a soggy cardboard box.
Not to change the subject, but I read so many posts with GWinders and the media mentioning some of the the pro's "dull" personalities on the golf course. When these guys are on the course, are you all looking for something exciting, like them jumping up and down when they make a good shot, or slamming their clubs into the ground from a bad shot? I really don't get the point about these guys being boring on the course. Last I remember, it was the flight of the ball and where it lands that's important, and not what the person is doing. Any actions they do after a shot is not going to make the ball do circus acts.
If there's one weakness in Retief's game, it's his driving accuracy. In fact, it probably cost him the green jacket this weekend. I heard some of his interviews and he said his driving the first two days was so poor, he was constantly having to make 10-15 footers for par. If he gets his driver straightened out, he's going to be winning a lot more majors. He should have won 2 last year (the PGA and USOpen) but once again, couldn't drive it straight in the final round.
Goosens going to remain in the top 10 for years. His disposition, and attitude has won him millions, and kept him in the rankings. When I saw him play Tiger in the world matchplay in carlsbad several years ago ranked 60th I knew he was going to be big.
What emotions? Goosen and Chad Campbell have the personalities of a soggy cardboard box. I'm not saying they have to jump around being the rah rah type but geeze......are there any players playing today more dull than those two?
agreed. I would fall asleep if I had to watch Goosen all day.
I would enjoy seeing the players interacting with the fans more too. But not everyone can be like Arnie. Jack wasn't. Matter of fact, back in his prime, outside of the casual nod or wave that you see from many of the introverts playing on the tour today, the only thing that existed in Jack's mind was a determined focus. His demeanor was totally opposite Palmer, Player, and Trevino, the other stars who would go own to claim their own legacies in the game.
I do think that they entertain us everytime they tee it up and hit a quality golf shot. You gotta realize that these guys are out there to make a living in a vocation that requires paramount concentration. Some have the ability to turn it on and off like a light, others don't. Asking these guys to change their emotions and their personalities could potentially be no different than asking them to try a different grip as opposed to what has traditionally worked for them and allowed them to be where they are.
Besides, if it were not for the quiet types, part of the lore that magnetizes us to guys like Arnie, Fuzzy, etc. would not hold the kindred spirit that it does. ;)
If I was a pro golfer, I would not interact with the fans on the course until after the round ...
or most likely the whole tourney ... this is the pro's ... not your kids soccer team.
However ... I would definitely acknowledge their accolades.
I don't know if i'd say Goosen doesn't interact with the fans. Like I said, when I went to the tournament here, he signed autographs and talked with them and he was a very nice guy, albeit shy. The great thing about golf is every golfer's different, especially when you look at what the media calls "The Big 5." They're all different. From what I hear, Goosen is liked by the golfers. He, Tiger and Ernie are all good friends. We kinda saw that at the Tavistock Cup a couple times. He's a low-key, cool guy who is gonna prolly win a couple more majors before all is said and done. I can't stress this enough...what you see on tv is not always what you see behind the scenes.
I also like Retief. He concentration is admirable. I loved it when he hit off of the rock (in the third round) and saved par. I wish I could stay that cool when I yank my drive. I usually cannot pull my head out after one in the creek. **
Last edited by stlcard_25 : April 11th, 2006 at 12:36 AM.
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April 10th, 2006, 06:34 AM
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