Nantz: Course is playing mind games with golfers
Web posted
Saturday, April 9, 2005
EDITOR'S NOTE: CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz will handle his 20th consecutive Masters Tournament this week. In honor of the 50th Masters telecast on CBS, Nantz will offer stories and insights in daily conversations with Augusta Chronicle writer Scott Michaux.
With mounting delays and waterlogged brains, this tournament needs Phil McGraw as much as it needs Phil Mickelson.
Just imagine the endless possibilities for Dr. Phil: One-on-one couch visits from Ernie, Davis, and Sergio after their rough starts. David Toms, too - he, the recent master of one-on-one golf encounters.
Of all patients, the ultimate would have to be Tiger after he tested the outer limits of his patience the past two days. Putts rolling off the green into Rae's Creek, pin-seeking sand wedges rattling off flagsticks, landing in bunkers. The kind of stuff haunting enough to damage the most hardened psyche.
Yesterday I bumped into none other than Bobby Jones' grandson, Bob Jones IV. We were discussing the weirdness of Tiger's first round when I happened to mention my theory that everyone on the grounds might be in need of a head doctor, given all the disappointment by players and patrons alike.
"Know of any sports psychologists?" I asked.
"Yeah, me!" Bob replied.
All these years I had known Dr. Bob Jones without realizing he was a licensed psychologist working primarily with children.
"Ever worked with athletes?"
"Many times."
Of course the partnership for the ages came to mind immediately - Tigers Woods and Bobby Jones' grandson! How do you beat that?
It would be like Babe Ruth's kin giving a shot in the arm, so to speak, to Barry Bonds. Tiger, let me know, I can set this one up.
Eye on CBS
In 1977, CBS expanded its coverage to include play on holes 9-18. Previously, the network covered action from the 13th green through the 18th hole. Tom Watson held off Jack Nicklaus by two shots for the first of his two green jackets.
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| Editor's Note: CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz finished his 20th consecutive Final Four on Monday night in St. Louis and immediately turned his attention to his 20th straight Masters Tournament. In honor of the 50th Masters telecast on CBS, Nantz will offer stories and insights in daily conversations with Augusta Chronicle writer Scott Michaux: |
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