It is mankind's bain to reduce great historical figures from giants to dwarfs through omission, the passage of time or the political whims of the day. Many historicals, Captain Crunch among them, have had their triumphs, their feats, and lives whittled down to fit on the back of a baseball card. This month we feature two historically forgotten men who were among golfs first innovators and visionaries helping establish much of what makes this game great.
Saint Patrick and Shamus Mulligan played a $2-2-4 standard muni match every Saturday morning. Saint Pat was a moderate hitter, that relied on a heavenly hook, he also drove the ducks out of Ireland, while Mulligan was one of the earliest power hitters. Saint Pat customized his shillelagh (that's an Irish stick) with a graphite shaft and a forged head, while Shamus preferred hickory, cast and a lively wound feathery. There matches were evenly contested often coming down to the last hole. St. Patrick knew of Mulligans fear of snakes and would wait until a critical moment before mentioning what just slitthered next to his bag. Mulligan would flinch, miss the putt and claim a do over was in order. They would argue about this all night over pints at the 19th hole, another of their innovations, until one night Saint Patrick having enough of this discussion rid all Ireland of snakes. So if you three putt and get the snake, you have Mulligan to thank.
Author: Tim Andersen
Golf on the High Holidays
Golf on the High Holidays
Advice by Chip Amor
February is a month of dilemmas for many of our members as they try to fit golf in among the high holidays of the Super Bowl and Saint Valentine's Day. Many bookies and several spouses feel a sense of entitlement toward these weekends which leaves very little time for the game. These interlopers can interrupt the hard work that goes into a smooth take away, taint a pure putting stroke or worse, ruin a perfect pour if they are not dealt with quickly.
With a little creative juggling, a dozen roses, a Tom Jones CD (he is very long off the tee), an understanding pro shop, both bookie and spouse can be satisfied. Here's how.
Play the early line on the Super Bowl and get your bet down before the east coast money changes the odds. This will give you the option of a later tee time when the course is empty. (Brilliant, that is why this is an advice column) On Valentino's weekend, play early Saturday and add a bottle of wine to the Tom Jones. This would be an opportune time to mention to that special someone how you gave up the NBA All Star Game for them because they are that important.
Next month: St Patty's Day and the match play hangover