Johnny Miller…you gotta give him credit for persistence.
So yesterday, while taking a break from yard work, I sat down to watch a few minutes of the Jacques Cousteau Classic…er, I mean the U.S. Open.
The tournament is being broadcast by NBC, which means we’re treated to the inane ramblings of Bob “Why Am I Here?” Costas, Jimmy “I’m Just Trying To Justify My Existence” Roberts and, of course, Johnny “Insert Profane Nickname Here” Miller.
Now, faithful readers will remember that I interviewed Miller a few years ago for GCI and, much to my chagrin, ended up liking him a lot despite his fixation with grain on bermudagrass greens. Hey -- I decided -- I’ll give him grain on one species as long as he doesn’t carry on about bent, Poa or other Northern varieties being “grainy.”
But, now, all deals are off. He exceeded all grain expectations Sunday during what seemed like the 12th round of the Open. It happened when Mike Weir sliced one into the rough on the first hole. The ball landed in mushed-down, foot-high fescue ten yards off the fairway. Miller said, and I quote: “If he has to hit that against the grain, he’s in big trouble.”
Oy vey.
By the way, it goes without saying that Craig Currier, his staff, his volunteers and anyone with the ability to push a squeegee has done a fabulous job over the past few days. Here’s your chance to Craig and the crew know – peer to peer – how much you appreciate their efforts.
Look up Craig and the Bethpage crew in your GCSAA directory or send an e-mail to gci@gie.net, and we'll pass along your congrats and comments.