GOOD OR BAD, I’ve watched an inordinate amount of television in my life.
Most of the time I can pride myself on watching shows that are semi-good for the brain like PBS “Nature” program, “60 Minutes” or “Jeopardy.”
Sure, the occasional lapse into the tawdry occurs.
The Victoria’s Secret Lingerie Show only happens once a year though, so that is limited.
Recently, I was thinking about a golf show I recall fondly from my youth, Shell’s “Wonderful World of Golf.”
It would match two professionals in a skins match in exotic locales like the Bahamas, Italy, Portugal and Venezuela.
These destinations would be spotlighted in almost as much detail as the play itself, which I appreciated.
You would also have the chance to see the banter between the two players, almost like you were playing with them and were part of their foursome.
The show is still airing on the Golf Channel, but I couldn’t find anything on their website to figure out if they are airing new episodes or just showing canned episodes.
If you want to step back to the glory days of the program read this glowing ode to its heyday from 1962-1970 here at http://tinyurl.com/2d43wab.
There’s also Donald J. Trump’s “Fabulous World of Golf” on the Golf Channel, but it usually features celebrities competing against each other. Not really what I’m looking for in a golf show.
If you are looking for a laugh, check out how close Trump’s toupee comes to blowing off during Monday night’s Patriot-Jets football game here http://tinyurl.com/2fmv8ja.
Chances are that wouldn’t have cleared the editing room on his television show.
Ping demo at Peninsula
Kelly Barclay of Ping Golf will visit Peninsula Golf Club in Port Angeles from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Barclay will have the full compliment of the Ping K15 line of clubs available for demonstration including the new K15 iron/hybrid set.
Anybody who comes out to the course and purchases equipment will receive a gift card for a free golf lesson from PGA professional Chris Repass.
For more information, phone Peninsula at 360-457-6508.
Shaking at SkyRidge
SkyRidge Golf Course in Sequim will hold its Pre-Christmas 27-Hole Golf Tournament on Saturday.
The 8:30 a.m. shotgun start will feature nine holes of better ball from the green tees, nine holes of aggregate shot from the silver tees and nine holes of scramble from the black tees.
Only 28 two-person teams can enter.
Cost is $80 per team and includes the usual range balls, lunch and competition money.
Carts are an extra $15, and there is a honey pot available for another $20.
For more information, phone 360-683-3673.
Holiday events in PT
Port Townsend Golf Club will hold its annual Holiday Open House from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday.
Hors dSSRqoeuvres and beverages will be served, and there will be sales merchandise in the pro shop.
The event will provide a good opportunity to pick something up for your golfing pals or family members, or items to help get newbies started.
The following weekend Port Townsend will host its annual Turkey Shoot/Toys for Tots Scramble.
The event raises funds for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots (and teens!) toy drive.
The tournament tees off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18.
Cost is $30 per player with a $10 greens fee for nonmembers.
Gift tree
Port Townsend Golf Club has a couple of events on tap for the coming weeks, but golfers can also take some time to do some good right now.
The course has a Christmas tree with wish tags on it for the children of less fortunate families.
The public can stop in, take a tag and pick up the wished-for gift to provide a nice smile for some lucky youngsters on Christmas morning.
The club also has Kiwanis Christmas Stockings to collect donations that buy coats for needy people during the cold season.
If you have taken a look around outside in recent days, you may have noticed that our weather has been terrible and it’s not even officially winter yet.
There are a lot of needy folks out there, and golfers are usually generous, so please help out if you can!
Erica Blasberg article
A fine piece of investigate journalism that delves into the mysterious suicide death of LPGA Tour pro Erica Blasberg is available in the most recent Sports Illustrated and at http://tinyurl.com/2dernbh.
Blasberg, once thought to be a cant-miss-pro prospect on the ladies tour, was found dead of asphyxia through rebreathing when she was discovered by Dr. Thomas Hess with a plastic bag over her head on May 10.
Toxicology reports indicated she had a cocktail of prescription drugs in her system.
The article goes into detail on why she committed suicide and what role, if any, Hess played in her death.
Hess was a fellow member of Southern Highlands Golf Club and a social companion of Blasberg’s.
It’s an interesting and sad story and is well-researched and well-written and it’s nice to see a good piece of long-form sports journalism.
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Michael Carman is the golf columnist for the Peninsula Daily News. He can be reached at 360-417-3527 or at pdngolf@gmail.com.
