There is something to be learned from the experience of Jerry Rice this week at the Fresh Express Classic. Golf is f***ing hard. Really hard.
On Thursday, in his professional golf debut, Rice shot a 12-over 83, tied for last place in the field, a round that started and ended with double-bogeys. It was the type of round that humbles you, mainly because you head into an experience like that with such expectations.
Rice is just another on a long list of people in this world that think just because they were athletes once they should be able to dominate the golf world. It isn't that hard. It isn't supposed to be that hard.
Professional golfers have been playing in competitive events since they were a fetus, grinding out an even par round when they don't their best stuff; making birdies on the last hole to turn that 67 into a 66. It's the type of thing that makes the real golfers, the men like Tiger, Phil, Stewart and Angel, so impressive.
Can I go out and shoot a 63 on any given day? Yes, actually I can. Could I do it three out of four days. Hell no, that's why I'm typing and they're chipping. It's a tough game, and Rice let everyone in the world know that this week.
2 comments:
While all the credit goes to the man in the Arena why would Jerry Rice even consider making another Nationwide experiment? Based on what I've seen he couldn't even handle Lawrence Taylor.
Where has Jerry stated that he thinks he can dominate golf? All of his quotes showed that he had realistic expectations (was hoping to break 80). He also spoke glowingly about the entire field in every interview. He sounded honored to be able to get a chance to rub elbows with true golf professionals for a week.
Jerry has no shot to make a cut on any legitimate tour, but he competed and improved. He also brought a heck of alot more recognition to a tour that is starved for attention. He did more to further the careers of those guys he was playing against than any other person in 2010 (by giving their competitive tour a shred of publicity).
I actually think it was a great slap in the face for all the 5 handicaps that think they can sharpen their game and get in the champions tour when they turn 50 or whatever. Hopefully Jerry put an end to those grill room arguments.
I also disagree with the statement that professional golfers have been playing competitively since they are "fetuses." There are plenty of guys that took up golf late and made it on pure talent and drive. It seems like a bit of an excuse to say "oh well those guys just have so much more competitive experience because they've been doing this since the womb." Comes off as kind of a defeatist attitude or excuse making. Sure, most guys played tournament golf very young, but that certainly isn't a requirement to make it.
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