The Australian Wave

Well, as most of you can guess the Australian Wave is not really a wave at all, but a jerky swat like move as you cuss and blow air, squish your face and close your eyes at those nasty little flies that seem to be in abundance there in Australia.

They are every where and it’s really hard to get use to as you seem to be constantly swatting and batting away the little suckers when ever you are out side. After a while it’s almost comical as you hear other members your group barking, grunting and making funny noises trying to get them off your face and body.

Carrie and I just spent 2 weeks in Australia, the first 7 days playing just out side of Sydney in the Legends Tour Open Championship (which I won, yippy!!). Some how, I was able quiet my commentating voice long enough in my head to hold off Alicia Debos the final 3 holes to win by a two shots.

Imagine Lorena Ochoa and her last 3 holes last Sunday in her quest for the Million $ 1st place purse at Trump International for the ADT Championship. Makes my job seem like a piece of cake.

Anyways, it was fun and I’m proud to be named the Champ and it definitely made our trip to the land of No Worries Mate (don’t believe it, I was scolded for something every day) a lot of fun!

The final days of our journey there in Australia were exploring two different areas known as The Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. Both were outstanding and worth the trip if you are ever in Sydney.

Of course it rained every day, (exactly what I didn’t expect for the spring time Down Under). I mean ugly, fogging misty and sometimes really hard Rain.Somepeople have all the luck. Me and Carrie, Not!

But we gutted it out as we happily went on our 3 hour hike overlooking Echo Park and what pictures showed as beautiful vast views from the rocky cliffs. Of course the fog set in and we couldn’t see past the railing for most of the hike. Until, miraculously the fog lifted just long enough for a glimpse of the steep drop offs and vast wilderness below, and to get a picture of the land mark The Three Sisters at Echo Point.. Not quite as grand as our National Park, The Grand Canyon, but still very beautiful and probably the best hike we’ve ever had.

We ended our stay in Australia in Hunter Valley which is a lot like our own Napa Valley of California where we will be hosting an RJGG event this summer. We thought we might get a head start on our wine tasting skills as we wound our way around the mountain to the beautiful valley dotted with vineyards. If you like to drink wine and eat well then we highly recommend this scenic area. Don’t miss out on the Kangaroo’s, and the beautiful Jacaranda Tree’s in their colorful bloom.

Finally, we made it home after the 14 hour flight back to the US, Trophy in tote, Wine too. Still, we are a little messed up as we fight our sleeping schedule and the urge to Wave. Happy Thanksgiving! That was a real Wave.

Spooky Graveyard

It's always been a part of my October Tradition to turn part of my front yard into a really spooky grave yard scene. Almost as important time of year as Christmas my flikering strobe lights, creepy music, and fog machinge will really give you the heebie - jeebies if you happen to be walking alone at night.

I even get a little rise of goose bumps as I try to light the tiki torches.

It all started about 10 years ago when I was trying to get ready for Halloween and wanted to entice more trick or treaters to the house. Living on somewhat of a busy street, there are not many little goblins traveling the sidewalk, so I started in on my graveyard building. One hanging skeleton, led to another and then eventually the tomb stones, cob-webs and scary trees.

One year, before my mother was robbed from her normal life from a stroke (bless her heart) helped me along with my brother build a coffin from scrap materials which houses one of our skeletons. I remember how much fun we had as she helped paint the door and add the filament to the interior. It was then that I realized I had aquired my creativity and silliness from my mom.

Each year it has been a fun project for me as I find new ways to add a little more fun and oohs and ahhs to the ghoastly yard. Just my way of keeping that kid in me alive.

You all have a Happy Halloween and let that spooky side out and about.

US WINS!

USA WINS!

I just got back from Halmstad, Sweden where USA picked apart Europe on the final day of singles play to win the Solheim Cup!

This marks the first time the cup will be traveling back across the pond since 1996 when we (I happened to be on that team) stormed the Singles matches and won 9 ½ points to win the retain the Cup in Wales. Now again the Americans hold on for another 2 years of gleaming pride.

Although the weather was about as bad as I have seen in any previous Solheim, the gals played great as they wrestled the wind, rain and bitter cold. I myself trudged through the same elements although on the other side of the microphone, as I called the shots on several matches over the long 3 days of play.

My favorite match was watching Christie Kerr and Nicole Castrale come back from 5 down on the back nine against Annika and Catriona Matthew to stay in the match bringing Europe to the 18 hole with a chance to half the point. Although they ended up losing that match, it was a great display of guts and determination as what looked like a sleepy USA team on the front 9, bounce back on the final 6 to give them a run for their money.

We stayed in the adorable town of Halmstad, where a short walk along the Rivers Edge brought you to the town square, full of small shops, restaurants and pubs. The opening ceremonies were staged there so that all the town folk could experience the wonder of Solheim.

This Solheim was definitely a strange one for me having played 7 times before, I felt that cold detachment as I got lost trying to park my car around the corner of my hotel. One bad turn led to another, but thank God for my new Blackberry, I was saved by the hotel clerk as she talked me back in. Where were my teammates, where was my bus and driver, point me the right direction mentality I had been accustomed to at my previous 7 Solheims.

That’s when I realized, yep I did retire and life is changing for me. I welcome the challenge.

Christina's Battle for the Flag

Last week US Solheim team Captain Picked one time celebrated, never to the Dance (Solheim), Niclole Castrale over flamboyant and fiery Christina Kim. Christina, loud, passionate point makeing rookie at the 2005 Solheim at Crooked Stick, finishes in the top 10 -4 times in the last 6 weeks, although this last 2nd place finish was after the pick.

But a Pick is a pick and that is why there is a Captain, picked by a selection committee whom were picked by the LPGA board of Directors and Executive members and not 12 point qualified players.

There is a lot of decision making when it comes down to rounding out your team for the most pressure packed golf event known to women's professional golf. Betsy King, former LPGA Star and Hall of Fame member has tracked the performance of each US player the past two years in anticipation of this moment. Nobody wants to not pick a player for the Solheim, but the gavel must come down and it doesn't always seem to be fare to those heavy hearted players staying home.

Nicole Castrale 2nd full year pro from Southern California wins her first Tournament on the LPGA earlier this year as she out lasted the strongest player on tour Lorana Ochoa in sudden death at the Ginn Open in South Carolina. Her stats are comparable to those of Christina's who really hasn't played well leading up to the last 6 weeks. Niclole 14 th on the money list with $744,329.00 and Christina at $420,000.00 at the time of pick.

Albeit, performance over a 2 year period is important in making the team. But, when the points are close, most captains look at past Solheim performances, personality, and team balance to lock up the final spot on her team of golfing warriors. That's why I was surprised when Betsy passed up the opportunity to have Christina, with a stellar Solheim record, who can play in your face golf especially in a hostile environment like that to be in Halmstad Sweden. Not to mention the anxiety she would of added to the European players.

But a pick is a pick and Christina admits she had at least 40 events over 2 years to prove her self and earn the privilege to Wave the American Flag. She holds no grudges towards Betsy King or Beth Daniel (assistant captain) as she proudly wears her Red, White and Blue down the stretch this past Sunday at the State Farm Classic picking apart the Panther Creek CC and Annika Sorenstam on the way to another 2nd place finish in as many weeks.

And then as any proud American team mate would do, she then rallied the crowd to chant Sherri Steinhauer's name after Sherri rolled in the impossible putt from off the back of the green to win the tournament and beat Christina by 1 shot.

But, a pick is a pick and it's hard to know yourself truly when put into a situation like that of Captain of The Solheim Team. But as any captain would, Betsy Choose from her heart and your heart has to be Big when you cross the pond to play for the U.S.. She knows every single person on that team will give up everything they have to bring the Solheim Trophy back home with them.

I know Betsy and I know the Solheim. And although she may have made this tough decision in picking Niclole, I feel the fire now burns within our captain to prove her choice and that may be the secret weapon she's been looking for. Hopefully, that fire will help her bring us home that cup.

Check out the 2007 Solheim action next week on the Golf Channel where I will be commentating from the ground.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Well, it's true, I have somehow played my way to the winners circle again.

Two days ago I played in my second Legends Tour event this year at the Wendy's Charity Championship in Jackson Michigan, and found my self in a play off after both Nancy Scranton and I shot 5 unders 67.

I was thrilled with my pairing as I was matched up with Hall of Fame Members Pat Bradley and Joanne Carner. Although I played solid on the first few holes it wasn't till the 9th where I finally made a birdie. Three more on the back nine put me in good shape to test the old nerves.

Coming down the stretch, I knew that Nancy playing just behind me in the last group was 5 under with 1 hole to go. I sat at 4 under with a 17 foot putt for birdie on the 18th Green to tie and a chance at a playoff. All those old competitive nerves started to kick in to place as I stalked this final put.


I knew the line of the putt but wasn't committed to the speed as a backed away to take one final look. Good for me, because as I stepped away and looked from the front of the green, the slope became a little more clear and gave me the confidence to trust my line and speed. The ball left my putter a bit low but with just enough speed and I pumped my fist as it slipped in the hole.

It was funny later as I spoke with my partner Carrie about the putt and she mentioned how good it was to see me pump my fist again. It did feel good, it felt great, and I realized it had been over a year since I had done so.

Off we went to #18 again but lucky for me the playoff was over fast as Nancy succumbed to a bogey on the first play off hole.

I, one of only 23 players invited to the inaugural event was also the winner of the next days following Pro-Am to benefit the Adopt Foster Kids Program founded by Dave Thomas of Wendy's. Both wins were a total surprise since my game has taken a back seat to the business (RJGG)and my Golf Channel Commentating.

Winning was fun and you don't get enough of it when you play professional golf. I almost forgot how much fun it could be. Thanks to the Legends Tour for the reminder.

Cheerio Factory

My Partner Carrie and I just got back from NM where we were there for a short week to catch up on a few things, but mainly to visit my mom Doris who lives at Montebello, a nursing home in the NE Heights of Albuquerque. My mom unfortanatley suffered a stroke 4 years , and granted I have 4 siblings that live in the area, and trust her care is at the very best, the only way we (mom and I) have a relationship is over the phone or if I come home to see her. Which I do as many times a year as we can.

It was during this past week's visit to see Mom that credits our title of this blog, Cheerio Factory. We had just got done with a big walk for the morning and on the way through town we got stuck in a little traffic. Now Grant it, I haven't lived in this town for over 30 years and it's unbelievable how much has changed over the years. Intel, who is the major business in the north west area has revitalized the city, but now after this car ride I realize there is more to the big A.

Carrie and I have been working really hard fixing up my house there in Rio Rancho, the house I had purchased for my mom several years ago when she decided to retire. As we sat in a little traffic on Paseo Del Norte we couldn't help noticing a distinct smell of something like Cheerio's. The first thing I said was Wow something Smells like Cheerio's. Carrie's response is yea like some kind of cereal.

Just then as the traffic light changes, I glance to the left and sure enough there is a General Mills Factory sitting right next to the freeway. I mean , there are times you drive by a cattle farm and you know what is what, but this time we were sitting there dumbfounded and thinking, humph! yea that is Cheerio's. And really it was. Wow! We had no idea it was there and Voila! There it was! We had a good laugh over that, as we actually thought we could be hallucinating the smell. Goes to show how old I am. Ha ha. I love Cheerio's

Happy Fourth of July !

I'm always amazed how much fun you can have with just a few friends on a sunny day by the pool. We invited a few girls over for a cook out and a friendly game of pool volleyball. We had so much fun, and when my ribs were done (Sharon's famous ribs from Rochester, NY) we could hardly believe how tender they were.

Another item to the day was also from up north, Ladder Golf. If any of you have ever played it's a great game for the back yard, campground, or tailgating party. Anyways, golf balls on a string, throwing them at a ladder structure getting points. In a nut shell. Fun, Fun!

Of course you can't play by the pool and not drink some beer. We'll have to sneak the recyclables to the curb on Sunday night there are so many. Ha ha!