Finger fixed for Frys.com Open
University of Arizona golf coach Rick Larose knows how to kiss up to the boss. During his
team's fundraising tournament at Tucson Country Club Friday (Oct. 17, 2008), Larose put
UA Athletic Director Jim Livengood and USA Olympic softball coach Mike Candrea on the
same 3-person scramble team with one of his former players, PGA Tour pro Ted Purdy.
Must be nice to have a Tour golfer on your squad. They shot 15 under par to win the gross
portion of the tournament, the first time Livengood has ever taken a trophy home from the
annual event.
Purdy found some inspiration in beating up on the field of amateurs as he gets ready for
this week's Frys.com Open in Scottsdale. He has been struggling through one of his worst
years on tour after injuring his left index finger in a freak kitchen accident. In May, Purdy
was popping the pit out of an avocado with a "miracle" knife that he'd just purchased from
a late-night infomercial. The sharp blade poked through the fruit and deep into his left
index finger, slicing tendons in that all-important golfing appendage.
All summer, the digit has been swollen to bratwurst size, forcing Purdy to switch from an
overlapping to an interlocking grip. He lost feel and confidence in his swing. Bad golf and
missed cuts, no pun intended, ensued. He weighed getting the finger surgically fixed, but
decided to tough out the Tour's Fall Series and a probable Q-School run.
When Purdy didn't get into Las Vegas's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children
Open last week, he got a second opinion on the finger. A simple cortisone shot has the
digit shrunk back to size and in wonderful working order. "My finger feels great; I can finally
hit the ball," Purdy said Friday. "All year, I've been having to take enough ibuprofen so I
could kind of make the finger bend around the grip. Now I'm kind of frustrated that I didn't
get the cortisone shot earlier."
University of Arizona golf coach Rick Larose knows how to kiss up to the boss. During his
team's fundraising tournament at Tucson Country Club Friday (Oct. 17, 2008), Larose put
UA Athletic Director Jim Livengood and USA Olympic softball coach Mike Candrea on the
same 3-person scramble team with one of his former players, PGA Tour pro Ted Purdy.
Must be nice to have a Tour golfer on your squad. They shot 15 under par to win the gross
portion of the tournament, the first time Livengood has ever taken a trophy home from the
annual event.
Purdy found some inspiration in beating up on the field of amateurs as he gets ready for
this week's Frys.com Open in Scottsdale. He has been struggling through one of his worst
years on tour after injuring his left index finger in a freak kitchen accident. In May, Purdy
was popping the pit out of an avocado with a "miracle" knife that he'd just purchased from
a late-night infomercial. The sharp blade poked through the fruit and deep into his left
index finger, slicing tendons in that all-important golfing appendage.
All summer, the digit has been swollen to bratwurst size, forcing Purdy to switch from an
overlapping to an interlocking grip. He lost feel and confidence in his swing. Bad golf and
missed cuts, no pun intended, ensued. He weighed getting the finger surgically fixed, but
decided to tough out the Tour's Fall Series and a probable Q-School run.
When Purdy didn't get into Las Vegas's Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children
Open last week, he got a second opinion on the finger. A simple cortisone shot has the
digit shrunk back to size and in wonderful working order. "My finger feels great; I can finally
hit the ball," Purdy said Friday. "All year, I've been having to take enough ibuprofen so I
could kind of make the finger bend around the grip. Now I'm kind of frustrated that I didn't
get the cortisone shot earlier."
A good neighbor
Purdy lets man next door carry bag at FBR Open
Photos by John Severson/The Arizona Republic
Byron Nelson was
'ultimate role model'
'ultimate role model'
Ted Purdy eagled the 18th hole at Annandale Thursdto shoot a 68, which was Byron
Nelson's scoring average in 1945, long before the advent of space-aged, high-tech
equipment. Purdy was pleased with the eagle, but he later gushed about his friend,
Byron Nelson.
"In my mind, Byron Nelson is the person everyone out here should try to be like,"
Purdy said. "He is, without a doubt, the ultimate role model."
Purdy, 33, has won once on the PGA Tour - the 2005 Byron Nelson Classic, the only
PGA Tour tournament named for a golfer. Purdy shot a final round 65 to come from
two shots behind to win.
The $1.1 million first place check and the trophy were nice. So was the two-year PGA
Tour exemption that came with them. Best of all, Purdy says, he met and became
friends with Nelson.
"I consider myself one lucky man to have known him," says Purdy, who spent two
days with Nelson last December.
"Just to sit down and talk golf with him was unbelievable," Purdy says. "I mean, he
found out I was from Phoenix so he told me about the time he got snowed out in the
Phoenix Open way back when. They had to play 36 holes with snow on the ground
the final day, and Mr. Nelson shot 65-65 to beat (Ben) Hogan."
Nelson's scoring average in 1945, long before the advent of space-aged, high-tech
equipment. Purdy was pleased with the eagle, but he later gushed about his friend,
Byron Nelson.
"In my mind, Byron Nelson is the person everyone out here should try to be like,"
Purdy said. "He is, without a doubt, the ultimate role model."
Purdy, 33, has won once on the PGA Tour - the 2005 Byron Nelson Classic, the only
PGA Tour tournament named for a golfer. Purdy shot a final round 65 to come from
two shots behind to win.
The $1.1 million first place check and the trophy were nice. So was the two-year PGA
Tour exemption that came with them. Best of all, Purdy says, he met and became
friends with Nelson.
"I consider myself one lucky man to have known him," says Purdy, who spent two
days with Nelson last December.
"Just to sit down and talk golf with him was unbelievable," Purdy says. "I mean, he
found out I was from Phoenix so he told me about the time he got snowed out in the
Phoenix Open way back when. They had to play 36 holes with snow on the ground
the final day, and Mr. Nelson shot 65-65 to beat (Ben) Hogan."
We miss you, Lord Byron.
Ted at Winged Foot.
Arlene, Andie, Sammy and Ted.
"You're going
down," Sammy
says at the range.
Papa Purds holds
him, right, when
he wasn't as
tough.
down," Sammy
says at the range.
Papa Purds holds
him, right, when
he wasn't as
tough.
A father-son golf outing.
Team Purdy-Cheney
finishes strong at the
Pebble Beach Pro-Am
finishes strong at the
Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Kohler executive Cheney replaced Herb Kohler as Ted's partner
in this year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The plumbing king
must be eating his heart out now that Team Purdy-Cheney took
13th place in the uproarious PGA Tour event.
Ted didn't do so badly himself, with his first Top 10 finish of the
year. The Phoenix pro is playing great. Watch for a win in Los
Angeles this week.
in this year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The plumbing king
must be eating his heart out now that Team Purdy-Cheney took
13th place in the uproarious PGA Tour event.
Ted didn't do so badly himself, with his first Top 10 finish of the
year. The Phoenix pro is playing great. Watch for a win in Los
Angeles this week.
Ted Purdy and Herb Kohler
'Ted's Kids' enjoy
Stepping Stone's
visit to FBR Open
Stepping Stone's
visit to FBR Open
Smiles brightened the TPC Scottsdale when a group
of 4- and 5-year-old preschool children, their moms
and teachers joined PGA Tour player Ted Purdy for a
fun day at the FBR Open.
The parents all commented on how nice it was to
observe a calm sport.
From the school bus to the linx, the kids were jazzed.
The preschoolers, from A Stepping Stone
Foundation's 3rd classroom at Granada Elementary
in the Alhambra School District, wore snazzy "Ted's
Kids" T-shirts as they watched the intense golf action,
some for the first time.
The shirts honored Ted for his hand in helping to
make A Stepping Stone's November charity golf
tournament a huge success. He's already working
hard to help make the 2006 event even better.
In A Stepping Stone's fashion, the fun extended to the
classroom, where all the kids drew pictures of their
fun day in the sun.
of 4- and 5-year-old preschool children, their moms
and teachers joined PGA Tour player Ted Purdy for a
fun day at the FBR Open.
The parents all commented on how nice it was to
observe a calm sport.
From the school bus to the linx, the kids were jazzed.
The preschoolers, from A Stepping Stone
Foundation's 3rd classroom at Granada Elementary
in the Alhambra School District, wore snazzy "Ted's
Kids" T-shirts as they watched the intense golf action,
some for the first time.
The shirts honored Ted for his hand in helping to
make A Stepping Stone's November charity golf
tournament a huge success. He's already working
hard to help make the 2006 event even better.
In A Stepping Stone's fashion, the fun extended to the
classroom, where all the kids drew pictures of their
fun day in the sun.
| Photo by Mike Gattorna |
A Stepping Stone Foundation's 2007 charity golf tourney, with
Ted Purdy as master of ceremonies, is going to be good fun for
a great cause. Sign up at www.asteppingstone.org.
Ted Purdy as master of ceremonies, is going to be good fun for
a great cause. Sign up at www.asteppingstone.org.
Sammy shears off bad mojo
Ted Purdy held a 2 stroke lead going into
the last day of the Kolon Hana Bank Korea
Open on Oct. 2. Eight straight bogeys
during the round scuttled his bid for the title.
Of course, spendy hiccups on the golf
course had been the story of his
mini-slump since winning the Byron
Nelson.
When he reunited with his family in San
Francisco for the WGC American Express
Championship, his son was there to
exorcise any superstitions that might have
been getting in the way.
"I wanted to change things up because I
was playing so bad," Purdy said on the eve
of leading the final day of the Michelin Las
Vegas Open, also by two shots.
"I gave my two-year-old, Sammy, the
clippers and said, 'Get rid of this hair.'"
Sammy gleefully buzzed his dad, whose
noggin started looking very much like it had
been afflicted by mange or a "40-year-old
Virgin"-type waxing.
The new, professionally tweaked do is now
a little fuzz above total baldness.
"Some of the other players recoil when I
take my hat off at the end of a round, but so
far it feels like Sammy changed my luck,"
Ted said.
the last day of the Kolon Hana Bank Korea
Open on Oct. 2. Eight straight bogeys
during the round scuttled his bid for the title.
Of course, spendy hiccups on the golf
course had been the story of his
mini-slump since winning the Byron
Nelson.
When he reunited with his family in San
Francisco for the WGC American Express
Championship, his son was there to
exorcise any superstitions that might have
been getting in the way.
"I wanted to change things up because I
was playing so bad," Purdy said on the eve
of leading the final day of the Michelin Las
Vegas Open, also by two shots.
"I gave my two-year-old, Sammy, the
clippers and said, 'Get rid of this hair.'"
Sammy gleefully buzzed his dad, whose
noggin started looking very much like it had
been afflicted by mange or a "40-year-old
Virgin"-type waxing.
The new, professionally tweaked do is now
a little fuzz above total baldness.
"Some of the other players recoil when I
take my hat off at the end of a round, but so
far it feels like Sammy changed my luck,"
Ted said.
Nice, T.!!!
Associated Press
May 15, 2005
IRVING, Texas -- Ted Purdy made sure this one didn't get away from him.
Heartbroken by two close calls last year, Purdy had a birdie putt on every hole and
closed with a 5-under 65 to win the Byron Nelson Championship today for his first
PGA Tour victory.
The tournament began with hype over the Big Five playing together for only the third
time. The trophy went to Purdy, ranked No. 173 in the world, who played methodical
golf for a one-shot victory over Sean O'Hair.
"I played flawlessly today,'' Purdy said. "I won on the PGA. That's been my dream my
whole life. I've been all over the world, but this is the pinnacle, especially this
tournament.''
He took his seat next to Byron Nelson, the 93-year-old host, and collected $1.16
million.
It was an impressive performance by O'Hair, the 22-year-old rookie whose father
treated him like a commodity and pushed him to turn pro at age 17, a year before he
finished high school.
O'Hair, who started the day with a one-shot lead, was within one shot of the lead until
he hit into a bunker at No. 14 and failed to save par. He birdied two of the last three
holes for a 68 and earned $669,600, assuring the Q-school grad his card for next
year and showing that he has the game to achieve greater things.
"I'm really proud of myself, and I'm really happy for Ted,'' O'Hair said. "I learned a lot
as far as what it takes to win. It's not always about making birdies. Sometimes, it's
about making pars, and I made too many bogeys.''
Purdy finished at 15-under 265, and his 65 matched the lowest final round by a
winner since the tournament moved to the TPC at Las Colinas in 1986. It was last
done by John Cook in 1998.
May 15, 2005
IRVING, Texas -- Ted Purdy made sure this one didn't get away from him.
Heartbroken by two close calls last year, Purdy had a birdie putt on every hole and
closed with a 5-under 65 to win the Byron Nelson Championship today for his first
PGA Tour victory.
The tournament began with hype over the Big Five playing together for only the third
time. The trophy went to Purdy, ranked No. 173 in the world, who played methodical
golf for a one-shot victory over Sean O'Hair.
"I played flawlessly today,'' Purdy said. "I won on the PGA. That's been my dream my
whole life. I've been all over the world, but this is the pinnacle, especially this
tournament.''
He took his seat next to Byron Nelson, the 93-year-old host, and collected $1.16
million.
It was an impressive performance by O'Hair, the 22-year-old rookie whose father
treated him like a commodity and pushed him to turn pro at age 17, a year before he
finished high school.
O'Hair, who started the day with a one-shot lead, was within one shot of the lead until
he hit into a bunker at No. 14 and failed to save par. He birdied two of the last three
holes for a 68 and earned $669,600, assuring the Q-school grad his card for next
year and showing that he has the game to achieve greater things.
"I'm really proud of myself, and I'm really happy for Ted,'' O'Hair said. "I learned a lot
as far as what it takes to win. It's not always about making birdies. Sometimes, it's
about making pars, and I made too many bogeys.''
Purdy finished at 15-under 265, and his 65 matched the lowest final round by a
winner since the tournament moved to the TPC at Las Colinas in 1986. It was last
done by John Cook in 1998.
Quotes from the Gallery
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! --- Jack Huiskamp
Now Ted's playing on house money. He can free wheel it now --- Mark Stewart
How cool was it to get the first win at the Byron Nelson and against all of the top
players, too? I always believed that Ted would win and I'm sooooooooo proud of
him not only for winning, but for handling himself with class --- Kathy Hays
players, too? I always believed that Ted would win and I'm sooooooooo proud of
him not only for winning, but for handling himself with class --- Kathy Hays
WOW, THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!! Way to go, T.!!! Even the Golf Channel
interviews were fantastic!!!! What a CHAMPION!!!!!!! Everyone in Tucson and
all over the world just called with congratulatory screams!!! ---- Jamie Purdy
interviews were fantastic!!!! What a CHAMPION!!!!!!! Everyone in Tucson and
all over the world just called with congratulatory screams!!! ---- Jamie Purdy
I can't believe I am friends with the brother of a PGA Tour
event winner. Very cool. He has worked hard a long time to get
where he is today. He deserves it. --- Chris Press
event winner. Very cool. He has worked hard a long time to get
where he is today. He deserves it. --- Chris Press
Last time we communicated we talked about Ted winning the US Open or the
Masters. Well, let him know that I watched him way over here (in Taiwan) kick
ass in the final round of the Byron Nelson. He put on an impressive show.
Should we get tickets for the US Open? --- Jed Van Voorhis
Masters. Well, let him know that I watched him way over here (in Taiwan) kick
ass in the final round of the Byron Nelson. He put on an impressive show.
Should we get tickets for the US Open? --- Jed Van Voorhis
Congratulations on your first PGA victory, Ted. I only underline first because I am
sure that it will not be the only one! Say hi to Pam for me. --- Scott Hilgendorf
sure that it will not be the only one! Say hi to Pam for me. --- Scott Hilgendorf
Bette and I are so proud of you, Ted, and an additional plus in watching your play
was finally getting to see Arlene and Sam. You have definitely maintained the
Purdy Tradition of acquiring a beautiful wife. Again, Bettte, myself and all the
Purdy's congratulate you and thank you for the heights you have taken our name.
--- Clark and Bette Purdy
was finally getting to see Arlene and Sam. You have definitely maintained the
Purdy Tradition of acquiring a beautiful wife. Again, Bettte, myself and all the
Purdy's congratulate you and thank you for the heights you have taken our name.
--- Clark and Bette Purdy
That was so cool yesterday!!! Ted played awesome! He was so calm, cool
and collected!!! --- Lori and Ken Kavanaugh
and collected!!! --- Lori and Ken Kavanaugh
We are so happy for you all! Way to go, Ted! Glad to hear Sam is going to have a
little brother or sister! --- Allie and Katrina Odekirk
little brother or sister! --- Allie and Katrina Odekirk
Congratulations on your Byron Nelson win yesterday. Well, deserved...you
played so well. --- John Garner
played so well. --- John Garner
As we all suspected, it was just a matter of time. Susan and I are very
proud of you. Above all, you are a classy guy and deserve all that you have
accomplished. --- Uncle Dave Purdy
proud of you. Above all, you are a classy guy and deserve all that you have
accomplished. --- Uncle Dave Purdy
I'm so excited, you would have thought I had won it!!!! What a thrill!!!! --- Rosie Muldoon
Great to see Ted on top. Maybe just the beginning of many more wins. --- Golf Ball Barry Mates
Gobble, gobble, gobble... I am fired up --- Kirk Cowan
Ohhhh, I'm just so proud of my grandson!!! Wasn't that marvelous? --- Mar Huiskamp
Congrats to Ted....what a performance against a top-notch field. --- Ben Hopper
Congratulations, Ted!!!!! Mom, Dad and I were very, very nervous watching you play. We met you last summer at
the Memorial (my grandpa is Clark Purdy) and we are so glad that you won!!!!!!!! --- Reilly Poulton
the Memorial (my grandpa is Clark Purdy) and we are so glad that you won!!!!!!!! --- Reilly Poulton
Way to go Ted! You played awesome at the Byron Nelson Tournament. Congratulations on the first of
many wins to come. We were on the edge of our seats --- very exciting. Best of luck with all to come in
the future. --- Sam and Kris Costanzo
many wins to come. We were on the edge of our seats --- very exciting. Best of luck with all to come in
the future. --- Sam and Kris Costanzo
Congratulations on your win at the Byron Nelson Championship. I worked as a volunteer at the Wachovia for two
days. During the Pro-Am on Wednesday, you took the time to say "thanks for helping us." You were the only pro to
take the time to speak. Great to see you have the success you deserve. Proves that good guys still stand a
chance. Good Luck and keep hitting them straight. --- Marvin Mackay
days. During the Pro-Am on Wednesday, you took the time to say "thanks for helping us." You were the only pro to
take the time to speak. Great to see you have the success you deserve. Proves that good guys still stand a
chance. Good Luck and keep hitting them straight. --- Marvin Mackay
Great Job, Ted!! Congratulations to you and your family. --- Marge Costanzo
Send your congratulatory message to purds@earthlink.net
Ted Purdy picked up
some valuable tips from
Gentle Ben, the Walrus
and the Volcano during a
dream practice round at
the 2005 Masters.
some valuable tips from
Gentle Ben, the Walrus
and the Volcano during a
dream practice round at
the 2005 Masters.
Mom's long, fluid swing
shaped Purdy's game
shaped Purdy's game
Q. Did you grow up in a golfing family?
Ted Purdy: I actually learned to play golf from my mother. She had a long,
beautiful, fluid swing. I can still picture it today. We had the first tee
time every morning at our local course and I used to go out with my mom and
my brother. My sister would ride in the cart. That's where I learned the game.
Q. Whom did you model your golf game after?
TP: The great role models are the older players -- the Tom Watsons, the Jack
Nicklauses. But I also grew up playing junior golf with Tiger Woods. I
really respect the way he represents himself and the game. I've beaten him
twice -- probably more than most people -- but he's beaten me about 300,000
times.
Ted Purdy: I actually learned to play golf from my mother. She had a long,
beautiful, fluid swing. I can still picture it today. We had the first tee
time every morning at our local course and I used to go out with my mom and
my brother. My sister would ride in the cart. That's where I learned the game.
Q. Whom did you model your golf game after?
TP: The great role models are the older players -- the Tom Watsons, the Jack
Nicklauses. But I also grew up playing junior golf with Tiger Woods. I
really respect the way he represents himself and the game. I've beaten him
twice -- probably more than most people -- but he's beaten me about 300,000
times.
Purds.com
By Bob Young
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 2, 2007
OK, show of hands:
How many of you would put your livelihood in the hands of your next-door neighbor?
That's what we thought, which is why we figure PGA Tour pro Ted Purdy is either a really nice dude,
or remarkably confident in his Moon Valley neighbor, Chuck Lawston.
The two were in Las Vegas with their wives recently to celebrate the Lawstons' 40th birthdays when
Chuck mentioned that it sure would be cool to caddie for Purdy in a pro-am or a practice round
some time. Purdy asked him how he'd like to carry the bag during the FBR Open.
Lawston thought it was a great idea until Purdy suggested he loop for the entire tournament.
"I said, 'Nah, that's your life.' We kind of let it go, and then I sent him an e-mail and told him, 'I realize
we were making some poor decisions so here's your easy out.' "
Purdy sent a reply saying he already had given his regular caddie the week off. "No backing out
now," he wrote.
So Lawston, a 4-handicap golfer who was good enough to win the Montana Junior Amateur as a
kid, is on Purdy's bag this week.
"The joke among all my buddies is that I'm the worst putter of all of us," Lawston said. "They're
wondering how I'm supposed to caddie when I've got to read putts. I told them, 'I can read 'em, I just
can't make 'em.' "
Lawston sounds like a veteran caddie. He mentioned that although Purdy struggled a bit with his
driver and missed a couple of putts in the first round, "We still ended up 2 under."
(See? Good day, and it's "we.")
"We're a little (ticked) we're not in the hunt," Purdy said after a 70 on Friday left him at 3 under. "But
we made the cut, so maybe we can get in the hunt tomorrow."
Anyway, Lawston is spreading the fun. He's wearing a hat that says "Arizona Fleet Services," a
business owned by his neighbor across the street. And he's wearing a shirt with the Chris Asterino
& Associates logo for another friend and former neighbor, Asterino.
Lawston's real job is selling doors, and he said his bosses have been kidding him about taking the
week off, but it turns out he's run into a bunch of clients at the tournament.
"They're all high-fiving me," he said. "I should be selling them doors, but they're out here anyway."
Plus, Purdy is sponsored by Kohler, which makes bathroom and kitchen fixtures, so you can pretty
much take care of all your home improvement needs by following one group.
"Chuck's been great," Purdy said. "He's real positive. It's nice having a friend on the bag. The whole
key for a good caddie is the relationship has to be stable, positive and fun. We were having fun on
the back nine (Friday)."
So far, Lawston hasn't made any major mistakes, other than a miscalculation of yardage during the
pro-am.
"I was trying to figure out how the whole sprinkler-and-yardage thing works," he said. "I gave him a
yardage of 114 yards, he hit the shot and said, 'Are you sure?' He glanced at the sprinkler as he was
walking up, and after he paced it off on the green he asked again, 'Are you sure about that yardage?'
I did the math again, and it was 111. He knew. These guys are so dialed in, it's amazing."
So, we wondered if he'd consider ever doing it for a living?
"I've got a pretty good job," he said. "I've got a wife and three little kids. I couldn't do it."
Besides, he's found out what pressure is all about.
"I've probably gotten about six hours of sleep this week going over all the possible scenarios. Ted's
a great guy. He's letting me go where 120,000 other people out here won't ever get to go."
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 2, 2007
OK, show of hands:
How many of you would put your livelihood in the hands of your next-door neighbor?
That's what we thought, which is why we figure PGA Tour pro Ted Purdy is either a really nice dude,
or remarkably confident in his Moon Valley neighbor, Chuck Lawston.
The two were in Las Vegas with their wives recently to celebrate the Lawstons' 40th birthdays when
Chuck mentioned that it sure would be cool to caddie for Purdy in a pro-am or a practice round
some time. Purdy asked him how he'd like to carry the bag during the FBR Open.
Lawston thought it was a great idea until Purdy suggested he loop for the entire tournament.
"I said, 'Nah, that's your life.' We kind of let it go, and then I sent him an e-mail and told him, 'I realize
we were making some poor decisions so here's your easy out.' "
Purdy sent a reply saying he already had given his regular caddie the week off. "No backing out
now," he wrote.
So Lawston, a 4-handicap golfer who was good enough to win the Montana Junior Amateur as a
kid, is on Purdy's bag this week.
"The joke among all my buddies is that I'm the worst putter of all of us," Lawston said. "They're
wondering how I'm supposed to caddie when I've got to read putts. I told them, 'I can read 'em, I just
can't make 'em.' "
Lawston sounds like a veteran caddie. He mentioned that although Purdy struggled a bit with his
driver and missed a couple of putts in the first round, "We still ended up 2 under."
(See? Good day, and it's "we.")
"We're a little (ticked) we're not in the hunt," Purdy said after a 70 on Friday left him at 3 under. "But
we made the cut, so maybe we can get in the hunt tomorrow."
Anyway, Lawston is spreading the fun. He's wearing a hat that says "Arizona Fleet Services," a
business owned by his neighbor across the street. And he's wearing a shirt with the Chris Asterino
& Associates logo for another friend and former neighbor, Asterino.
Lawston's real job is selling doors, and he said his bosses have been kidding him about taking the
week off, but it turns out he's run into a bunch of clients at the tournament.
"They're all high-fiving me," he said. "I should be selling them doors, but they're out here anyway."
Plus, Purdy is sponsored by Kohler, which makes bathroom and kitchen fixtures, so you can pretty
much take care of all your home improvement needs by following one group.
"Chuck's been great," Purdy said. "He's real positive. It's nice having a friend on the bag. The whole
key for a good caddie is the relationship has to be stable, positive and fun. We were having fun on
the back nine (Friday)."
So far, Lawston hasn't made any major mistakes, other than a miscalculation of yardage during the
pro-am.
"I was trying to figure out how the whole sprinkler-and-yardage thing works," he said. "I gave him a
yardage of 114 yards, he hit the shot and said, 'Are you sure?' He glanced at the sprinkler as he was
walking up, and after he paced it off on the green he asked again, 'Are you sure about that yardage?'
I did the math again, and it was 111. He knew. These guys are so dialed in, it's amazing."
So, we wondered if he'd consider ever doing it for a living?
"I've got a pretty good job," he said. "I've got a wife and three little kids. I couldn't do it."
Besides, he's found out what pressure is all about.
"I've probably gotten about six hours of sleep this week going over all the possible scenarios. Ted's
a great guy. He's letting me go where 120,000 other people out here won't ever get to go."
Cousin Kevin Flindall and
brother Jamie Purdy
frolic at the Birds' Nest.
brother Jamie Purdy
frolic at the Birds' Nest.
By Angelique Soenarie
The Arizona Republic
December, 8 2006
SCOTTSDALE - The hour and 15 minute drive from Sun Lakes was worth it for
Paul Jordan and Max Spencer.
Perhaps it was because of the lavish gifts, good weather, or golfing among
celebrities like Brandon Webb, Alice Cooper or Kirk Triplett.
The two golfing buddies paid $1,000 each to enter the sold-out Pebble Tec
Charity Golf Tournament, which benefits A Stepping Stone Foundation in
Phoenix. A Stepping Stone is a non-profit group that provides free education
services. Money raised at the tournament supports those services, including
Head Start and General Equivalency Diploma classes. About 90 families
annually participate in the program, which costs about $4,500 per family to
operate.
On Friday, Jordan and Spencer were among 216 golfers to play on the lush
courses of Grayhawk Golf Club in north Scottsdale. Ted Purdy, who hosted the
annual event, hopes to raise $100,000 through the tournament and a silent
auction.
"I think this brings a lot of energy because of where it (the money) goes toward,"
Purdy said.
In return for their donations, golfers received shopping bags full of gifts. Some of
the items were $200 FootJoy golf shoes, a bottle of Jack Daniel's, and a Ping
backpack, T-shirt and windbreaker.
"I like the shoes and Jack Daniel's," said Spencer, who sat in the driver's seat of
a golf cart waiting to tee off.
Marilyn Kolstad, of Scottsdale,one of a few women on the course, sported
martini-print gloves.
"This is a beautiful course and I get to play on it," she said. "I'm very excited."
Earlier, Bob Huiskamp, of Kalamazoo, Mich., one of several co-sponsors for the
event, was trying on a pair of new golf shoes.
"This is Christmas early," said a smiling Huiskamp.
Rocker Alice Cooper likes to participate in charitable golf tournaments. Friday's
event was his fifth in nine days. He said the best part is giving away gifts to those
who can use them.
For the silent auction, Cooper donated a signed leather jacket.
"I think the people here like to get their swag, which means the stuff we get," he
said, while donning a black argyle sweater adorned with a heavy metal necklace.
The Arizona Republic
December, 8 2006
SCOTTSDALE - The hour and 15 minute drive from Sun Lakes was worth it for
Paul Jordan and Max Spencer.
Perhaps it was because of the lavish gifts, good weather, or golfing among
celebrities like Brandon Webb, Alice Cooper or Kirk Triplett.
The two golfing buddies paid $1,000 each to enter the sold-out Pebble Tec
Charity Golf Tournament, which benefits A Stepping Stone Foundation in
Phoenix. A Stepping Stone is a non-profit group that provides free education
services. Money raised at the tournament supports those services, including
Head Start and General Equivalency Diploma classes. About 90 families
annually participate in the program, which costs about $4,500 per family to
operate.
On Friday, Jordan and Spencer were among 216 golfers to play on the lush
courses of Grayhawk Golf Club in north Scottsdale. Ted Purdy, who hosted the
annual event, hopes to raise $100,000 through the tournament and a silent
auction.
"I think this brings a lot of energy because of where it (the money) goes toward,"
Purdy said.
In return for their donations, golfers received shopping bags full of gifts. Some of
the items were $200 FootJoy golf shoes, a bottle of Jack Daniel's, and a Ping
backpack, T-shirt and windbreaker.
"I like the shoes and Jack Daniel's," said Spencer, who sat in the driver's seat of
a golf cart waiting to tee off.
Marilyn Kolstad, of Scottsdale,one of a few women on the course, sported
martini-print gloves.
"This is a beautiful course and I get to play on it," she said. "I'm very excited."
Earlier, Bob Huiskamp, of Kalamazoo, Mich., one of several co-sponsors for the
event, was trying on a pair of new golf shoes.
"This is Christmas early," said a smiling Huiskamp.
Rocker Alice Cooper likes to participate in charitable golf tournaments. Friday's
event was his fifth in nine days. He said the best part is giving away gifts to those
who can use them.
For the silent auction, Cooper donated a signed leather jacket.
"I think the people here like to get their swag, which means the stuff we get," he
said, while donning a black argyle sweater adorned with a heavy metal necklace.
Celebs show for charity golf tournament
Alice Cooper trilled the tournament with his marvelous sense of humor
and sharp golf game. He even donated a stylish black leather heavy
metal jacket to the silent auction.
and sharp golf game. He even donated a stylish black leather heavy
metal jacket to the silent auction.
Jim Purdy builds the best,
specializing in custom construction,
architectural design and customer
service. Call (406) 261-5890.
specializing in custom construction,
architectural design and customer
service. Call (406) 261-5890.
Ted Purdy and Retif Goosen joke with the crowd at the 2007 Wachovia Championship.
"With this field and this golf course,
it feels good to be in the hunt." ---
Ted Purdy, who was one shot off the
Wachovia Championship lead going
into the weekend.
it feels good to be in the hunt." ---
Ted Purdy, who was one shot off the
Wachovia Championship lead going
into the weekend.
| DAVIE HINSHAW, The Charlotte Observer |
| Photos by Chad Dalton |
Ted Purdy jars a slick 32-foot birdie
putt on the par 3 sixth hole Saturday
at the Wachovia Championship.
putt on the par 3 sixth hole Saturday
at the Wachovia Championship.
By Melanie Hauser
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
May 24, 2007
FORT WORTH -- He estimates he voted 100 times. Maybe
more.
Had those thumbs going with text messages all night. Even
lobbied in the locker room.
Jordin Sparks was his girl. Has been all season. No
wavering. No week off from voting. After all, her dad is his
golfing buddy.
So, yes, Ted Purdy was psyched when Jordin became the
latest American Idol Wednesday night.
Thursday morning, he was simply inspired.
Purdy rode the emotion of Jordin's win to an opening 64 that
left him one shot behind leader Anthony Kim at the
rain-plagued Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where
first-round play was suspended for the day late in the
afternoon with only half the field in the clubhouse. And, no,
he couldn't wipe the grin off his face.
Those things he's been working on for weeks now with
Mark Winkley -- he learned the game from Davis Love, Jr. --
suddenly all feel into place. He didn't feel like he was
working on changes. The swing was just there -- more
circular, more accurate. As in 12 of 14 fairways, 13 of 18
greens and 26 putts.
"It's effortless now,'' he said. ''It seems I can aim and shoot.''
He was working on it two weeks ago at THE PLAYERS
Championship, but cost himself dearly at the second and
16th holes. Didn't trust the swing after an early snap hook
and finished 8 shots behind Mickelson, tied for 16th.
"I probably cost myself seven or eight shots on those two
holes alone,'' he said.
That he didn't play at all last week was a positive. He bought
a lake house in Graford, Texas, on Possum Kingdom Lake
-- about 70 miles west northwest of Fort Worth -- and the
family moved in. With a new Chaparral 256 SSI water skiing
boat on the dock. And with buddies J.J. Henry, Rory
Sabbatini and Chad Campbell -- pretty good foursome, he
said -- as lake house neighbors.
"I had 130 grand in my pocket after THE PLAYERS,'' he
smiled.
Purdy also dropped a little on eBay, winning the bidding on
a vintage pinball machine -- "Caddyshack-" inspired No
Good Gophers -- signed by the late Byron Nelson and
auctioned off by the Salesmanship Club. The money went to
charity, the machine to his house in Phoenix, where
three-year-old Sammy is already a whiz at it.
Sammy also knows vocal talent. Or lack of it.
"My singing? My three year-old thinks it's really bad,'' Purdy
said chuckling. "He covers his ears every time I sing in the
shower.''
PGATOUR.com Correspondent
May 24, 2007
FORT WORTH -- He estimates he voted 100 times. Maybe
more.
Had those thumbs going with text messages all night. Even
lobbied in the locker room.
Jordin Sparks was his girl. Has been all season. No
wavering. No week off from voting. After all, her dad is his
golfing buddy.
So, yes, Ted Purdy was psyched when Jordin became the
latest American Idol Wednesday night.
Thursday morning, he was simply inspired.
Purdy rode the emotion of Jordin's win to an opening 64 that
left him one shot behind leader Anthony Kim at the
rain-plagued Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where
first-round play was suspended for the day late in the
afternoon with only half the field in the clubhouse. And, no,
he couldn't wipe the grin off his face.
Those things he's been working on for weeks now with
Mark Winkley -- he learned the game from Davis Love, Jr. --
suddenly all feel into place. He didn't feel like he was
working on changes. The swing was just there -- more
circular, more accurate. As in 12 of 14 fairways, 13 of 18
greens and 26 putts.
"It's effortless now,'' he said. ''It seems I can aim and shoot.''
He was working on it two weeks ago at THE PLAYERS
Championship, but cost himself dearly at the second and
16th holes. Didn't trust the swing after an early snap hook
and finished 8 shots behind Mickelson, tied for 16th.
"I probably cost myself seven or eight shots on those two
holes alone,'' he said.
That he didn't play at all last week was a positive. He bought
a lake house in Graford, Texas, on Possum Kingdom Lake
-- about 70 miles west northwest of Fort Worth -- and the
family moved in. With a new Chaparral 256 SSI water skiing
boat on the dock. And with buddies J.J. Henry, Rory
Sabbatini and Chad Campbell -- pretty good foursome, he
said -- as lake house neighbors.
"I had 130 grand in my pocket after THE PLAYERS,'' he
smiled.
Purdy also dropped a little on eBay, winning the bidding on
a vintage pinball machine -- "Caddyshack-" inspired No
Good Gophers -- signed by the late Byron Nelson and
auctioned off by the Salesmanship Club. The money went to
charity, the machine to his house in Phoenix, where
three-year-old Sammy is already a whiz at it.
Sammy also knows vocal talent. Or lack of it.
"My singing? My three year-old thinks it's really bad,'' Purdy
said chuckling. "He covers his ears every time I sing in the
shower.''
Inspired by American Idol's Sparks,
Purdy cards exceptional first round
Purdy cards exceptional first round
Purdy, in his fifth season on TOUR, is your likeable
next-door neighbor. He bears a double-take resemblance to
two-time U.S. Open champ Retief Goosen and lets his
brother -- an entertainment writer in Tucson -- maintain his
Web site, www.purds.com. Even lets said brother post a for
sale notice on the site for his house in Tucson.
"I don't pay him, so he got a little free advertising out of it,''
Purdy said. "As long as he doesn't sell my house, I'm okay
with whatever he does.''
Purdy has won just once out here, the 2005 EDS Byron
Nelson Championship. A week after that win, he was here
at Colonial Country Club trying to chase down eventual
champ Kenny Perry. He tied for 13th that year; for 25th in
2006. In 2004, he missed the cut.
All over the map? "Well, unfortunately, my career is all over
the map,'' he said laughing.
But what he loves about Colonial is the old style. You shape
shots here, work the ball both ways. No bomb-it, wedge-up
here. In fact, he calls this a great course, one that could, if
not for the infrastructure, host a U.S. Open.
"I wish they would make more courses like this one,'' he
said. "What I like about these old-style courses are the
doglegs. I mean, what makes Augusta National so great
are these big trees and pretty much every hole is you have
to work a shot around the way the shape of the hole is.''
Purdy did just that Thursday. Starting on the back nine, he
bogeyed his first hole, then birdied the next two and make
the turn 4 under. He added three more birdies on the front,
starting with a near-eagle-turned-birdie at the first. He
moved to 7 under briefly with a birdie at 6, but bogeyed the
seventh to finish at 64.
"Anytime you birdie half the holes,'' he said, "you're going to
have a good score.''
And now that he's got his swing changes down? You never
know. He finished T24 at Wachovia, then T16 at THE
PLAYERS. And now with the Jordin factor, you just never
know.
Purdy and Jordin's dad, Phillippe Sparks -- the former New
York Giants cornerback -- play and serve on the board
together at Moon Valley Country Club in Arizona. Purdy
laughs that Sparks is a pretty good player because all he's
done lately is play golf and listen to his daughter sing.
Now he's known as Jordin's dad. Before AI, Jordin was
Phillppe's daughter.
Purdy likes the positive attitude he sees in the Sparks family
and is hoping it will wash over him and his game.
"Jordin's attitude was so positive,'' Purdy said. "I wanted to
carry that positive feel onto the course.''
That, he did. Tired thumbs, proud friend-of-superstar's-dad
smile and all.
next-door neighbor. He bears a double-take resemblance to
two-time U.S. Open champ Retief Goosen and lets his
brother -- an entertainment writer in Tucson -- maintain his
Web site, www.purds.com. Even lets said brother post a for
sale notice on the site for his house in Tucson.
"I don't pay him, so he got a little free advertising out of it,''
Purdy said. "As long as he doesn't sell my house, I'm okay
with whatever he does.''
Purdy has won just once out here, the 2005 EDS Byron
Nelson Championship. A week after that win, he was here
at Colonial Country Club trying to chase down eventual
champ Kenny Perry. He tied for 13th that year; for 25th in
2006. In 2004, he missed the cut.
All over the map? "Well, unfortunately, my career is all over
the map,'' he said laughing.
But what he loves about Colonial is the old style. You shape
shots here, work the ball both ways. No bomb-it, wedge-up
here. In fact, he calls this a great course, one that could, if
not for the infrastructure, host a U.S. Open.
"I wish they would make more courses like this one,'' he
said. "What I like about these old-style courses are the
doglegs. I mean, what makes Augusta National so great
are these big trees and pretty much every hole is you have
to work a shot around the way the shape of the hole is.''
Purdy did just that Thursday. Starting on the back nine, he
bogeyed his first hole, then birdied the next two and make
the turn 4 under. He added three more birdies on the front,
starting with a near-eagle-turned-birdie at the first. He
moved to 7 under briefly with a birdie at 6, but bogeyed the
seventh to finish at 64.
"Anytime you birdie half the holes,'' he said, "you're going to
have a good score.''
And now that he's got his swing changes down? You never
know. He finished T24 at Wachovia, then T16 at THE
PLAYERS. And now with the Jordin factor, you just never
know.
Purdy and Jordin's dad, Phillippe Sparks -- the former New
York Giants cornerback -- play and serve on the board
together at Moon Valley Country Club in Arizona. Purdy
laughs that Sparks is a pretty good player because all he's
done lately is play golf and listen to his daughter sing.
Now he's known as Jordin's dad. Before AI, Jordin was
Phillppe's daughter.
Purdy likes the positive attitude he sees in the Sparks family
and is hoping it will wash over him and his game.
"Jordin's attitude was so positive,'' Purdy said. "I wanted to
carry that positive feel onto the course.''
That, he did. Tired thumbs, proud friend-of-superstar's-dad
smile and all.
Ted's older brother, Jim Purdy, celebrates hitting a fairway at the
Golf for Gary charity golf classic at Tucson's Golf Club at Vistoso.
Golf for Gary charity golf classic at Tucson's Golf Club at Vistoso.
Ted Purdy, right, chats with Kevin Patton
at the 2007 Memorial after Purdy hit his
approach shot to the 16th hole onto
Patton's chair. Patton received the ball
as a souvenir after Purdy finished the
hole.
at the 2007 Memorial after Purdy hit his
approach shot to the 16th hole onto
Patton's chair. Patton received the ball
as a souvenir after Purdy finished the
hole.
| NEAL C. LAURON, Columbus Dispatch |
By DAMON HACK
THE NEW YORK TIMES
June 12, 2007
OAKMONT, Pa., June 11 — Three years ago, at the lush and leafy
K Club near Dublin, Ireland, Thomas Bjorn walked off the course
in the middle of his round on the European Tour, saying he was
fighting demons in his head. The golf course, with its thick trees
and winding rivers, had all but suffocated him, Bjorn said. He did
not want to take another swing.
“I just saw trouble everywhere,” Bjorn said shortly afterward. “The
fairway looked tiny. The green seemed to be the size of the hole.
There was nothing but fear.”
Although Bjorn’s travails caused chatter around professional golf,
the news was greeted more quietly in the locker rooms on the
PGA Tour. It might be because the tale was familiar. “All of us go
through it,” Bob Tway, the 1986 P.G.A. champion, said in an
interview two weeks ago at the Memorial Tournament. “There are
tons of stories like that.”
On the eve of the United States Open at Oakmont Country Club,
considered by many the most difficult course to be host to golf’s
national championship, players talked about the mental stresses
of a game in which physical execution is a fraction of the chore
and every swing is dependent on the individual golfer. “It would
be nice, when things are going bad, to raise your hand and say, ‘I’
m tired,’ and bring someone else in like they do in other sports,”
Tway said. “But we can’t call a timeout and bring another set of
five guys in.”
Instead, much of that stress and strain remains internalized,
some players said, partly because of their personalities. They
describe themselves, and many of their competitors, as introverts.
“I’d say we’re all a little shy,” said Ted Purdy, the winner of the
2005 Byron Nelson Championship. “Even Tiger’s introverted. He’
s to himself. With every golfer, there is a lot going on in their
brains, but you just can’t see it. Inside, we’re churning and
burning.”
Compared with athletes in more reactive sports like football or
tennis, golfers deal with pressure in a much different way, said
Dr. John F. Murray, a sports-performance psychologist based in
Palm Beach, Fla. A football player can run or force a tackle. A
tennis player can react to the ball flying across the net. A golfer,
though, spends the majority of a five-hour round walking and
waiting.
“Hitting a golf ball is less than one percent of the time in a round,”
Murray said in a telephone interview. “Because of that, so much
of their time is getting ready for a shot, and there are more mental
factors that can distract you or also help you and be a positive.
There is more potential for being stressed, but also for being
prepared.”
At its most stressful, “the pressure is often more painful than
somebody punching you in the face,” he said. Unable to run
around a field or court, “these golfers are stewing in their juices.”
“They have nowhere to go but think about what might happen,” he
added. “And you can’t punch the wall because you’re out there on
the course.”
THE NEW YORK TIMES
June 12, 2007
OAKMONT, Pa., June 11 — Three years ago, at the lush and leafy
K Club near Dublin, Ireland, Thomas Bjorn walked off the course
in the middle of his round on the European Tour, saying he was
fighting demons in his head. The golf course, with its thick trees
and winding rivers, had all but suffocated him, Bjorn said. He did
not want to take another swing.
“I just saw trouble everywhere,” Bjorn said shortly afterward. “The
fairway looked tiny. The green seemed to be the size of the hole.
There was nothing but fear.”
Although Bjorn’s travails caused chatter around professional golf,
the news was greeted more quietly in the locker rooms on the
PGA Tour. It might be because the tale was familiar. “All of us go
through it,” Bob Tway, the 1986 P.G.A. champion, said in an
interview two weeks ago at the Memorial Tournament. “There are
tons of stories like that.”
On the eve of the United States Open at Oakmont Country Club,
considered by many the most difficult course to be host to golf’s
national championship, players talked about the mental stresses
of a game in which physical execution is a fraction of the chore
and every swing is dependent on the individual golfer. “It would
be nice, when things are going bad, to raise your hand and say, ‘I’
m tired,’ and bring someone else in like they do in other sports,”
Tway said. “But we can’t call a timeout and bring another set of
five guys in.”
Instead, much of that stress and strain remains internalized,
some players said, partly because of their personalities. They
describe themselves, and many of their competitors, as introverts.
“I’d say we’re all a little shy,” said Ted Purdy, the winner of the
2005 Byron Nelson Championship. “Even Tiger’s introverted. He’
s to himself. With every golfer, there is a lot going on in their
brains, but you just can’t see it. Inside, we’re churning and
burning.”
Compared with athletes in more reactive sports like football or
tennis, golfers deal with pressure in a much different way, said
Dr. John F. Murray, a sports-performance psychologist based in
Palm Beach, Fla. A football player can run or force a tackle. A
tennis player can react to the ball flying across the net. A golfer,
though, spends the majority of a five-hour round walking and
waiting.
“Hitting a golf ball is less than one percent of the time in a round,”
Murray said in a telephone interview. “Because of that, so much
of their time is getting ready for a shot, and there are more mental
factors that can distract you or also help you and be a positive.
There is more potential for being stressed, but also for being
prepared.”
At its most stressful, “the pressure is often more painful than
somebody punching you in the face,” he said. Unable to run
around a field or court, “these golfers are stewing in their juices.”
“They have nowhere to go but think about what might happen,” he
added. “And you can’t punch the wall because you’re out there on
the course.”
There Are No Timeouts in Golf
After walking off the course in Dublin, Bjorn was back competing
days later, finishing tied for 16th at the Scottish Open. The next
year, he won a European Tour event and carded seven top-10
finishes, including at the 2005 P.G.A. Championship. At the P.G.
A., he reflected on why he walked off the K Club on the European
Tour. “I got out there on a very, very difficult golf course and it just
got away from me,” he said. “I didn’t believe in anything. I didn’t
have a shot that I could go to when I was under pressure, and it
just ran away from me.
“I remember a couple of times in my career where I say: ‘This is
it. I’m going to take a break away from the game and get myself
ready to play again.’ I’ve been very successful doing that.”
Bjorn is not the only player who has strained for clues to grapple
with the pressure. At the Memorial Tournament, Sean O’Hair
explained how he went to the self-help section of a bookstore the
night before the 2005 John Deere Classic. His confidence was
shot, he said.
“I went to get a psychology book to kind of get my head straight,”
he said.
After browsing through titles, he ended up in the sports section. “I’
m like: ‘You know what? Let’s get a Nicklaus book,’ ” he said. “It’s
got pictures.”
O’Hair ended up winning the tournament, but he has not won
since. “I think self-doubt, positive self-talk, all those things we try
and work on, it’s not so much we forget how to do stuff,” he said.
“It’s just about believing in ourselves.”
Even Tiger Woods, who has won 12 major titles, at times making
it look effortless, recognizes the sport’s mental strain.
“If you look at reactionary sports, they really don’t lose it as fast as
someone in this sport,” he said. “It’s very rare that you see
somebody like Steve Sax or Chuck Knoblauch get the throwing
yips. But in our sport, you see quite a few guys get the yips, not
only in the golf swing but a ton of guys with putting and chipping.”
Through the years, some players have returned to their past form
easier than others. David Duval, a former No. 1 player in the world
and the 2001 British Open champion, has not won a tournament
since.
Also in 2001 — coincidentally on the same course where Bjorn
walked away — Henrik Stenson withdrew after nine holes at the
European Open and spent months piecing together a game with
a coach and a sports psychologist. (Stenson won the Accenture
Match Play Championship in February.)
Ian Baker-Finch, who won the 1991 British Open, had such a loss
of confidence in the years that followed that it drove him into
broadcasting.
“Thomas Bjorn has made a very nice comeback,” said Justin
Leonard, the 1997 British Open champion. “He’s playing as good
or better than he was at his best. With Finchy, it’s unfortunate that
he couldn’t get it back. He’s still a wonderful golfer, but getting it
out here inside the ropes, he’s kind of seen too many bad things
to recover from.”
days later, finishing tied for 16th at the Scottish Open. The next
year, he won a European Tour event and carded seven top-10
finishes, including at the 2005 P.G.A. Championship. At the P.G.
A., he reflected on why he walked off the K Club on the European
Tour. “I got out there on a very, very difficult golf course and it just
got away from me,” he said. “I didn’t believe in anything. I didn’t
have a shot that I could go to when I was under pressure, and it
just ran away from me.
“I remember a couple of times in my career where I say: ‘This is
it. I’m going to take a break away from the game and get myself
ready to play again.’ I’ve been very successful doing that.”
Bjorn is not the only player who has strained for clues to grapple
with the pressure. At the Memorial Tournament, Sean O’Hair
explained how he went to the self-help section of a bookstore the
night before the 2005 John Deere Classic. His confidence was
shot, he said.
“I went to get a psychology book to kind of get my head straight,”
he said.
After browsing through titles, he ended up in the sports section. “I’
m like: ‘You know what? Let’s get a Nicklaus book,’ ” he said. “It’s
got pictures.”
O’Hair ended up winning the tournament, but he has not won
since. “I think self-doubt, positive self-talk, all those things we try
and work on, it’s not so much we forget how to do stuff,” he said.
“It’s just about believing in ourselves.”
Even Tiger Woods, who has won 12 major titles, at times making
it look effortless, recognizes the sport’s mental strain.
“If you look at reactionary sports, they really don’t lose it as fast as
someone in this sport,” he said. “It’s very rare that you see
somebody like Steve Sax or Chuck Knoblauch get the throwing
yips. But in our sport, you see quite a few guys get the yips, not
only in the golf swing but a ton of guys with putting and chipping.”
Through the years, some players have returned to their past form
easier than others. David Duval, a former No. 1 player in the world
and the 2001 British Open champion, has not won a tournament
since.
Also in 2001 — coincidentally on the same course where Bjorn
walked away — Henrik Stenson withdrew after nine holes at the
European Open and spent months piecing together a game with
a coach and a sports psychologist. (Stenson won the Accenture
Match Play Championship in February.)
Ian Baker-Finch, who won the 1991 British Open, had such a loss
of confidence in the years that followed that it drove him into
broadcasting.
“Thomas Bjorn has made a very nice comeback,” said Justin
Leonard, the 1997 British Open champion. “He’s playing as good
or better than he was at his best. With Finchy, it’s unfortunate that
he couldn’t get it back. He’s still a wonderful golfer, but getting it
out here inside the ropes, he’s kind of seen too many bad things
to recover from.”
Ted Purdy poses with Bill Smith, A Stepping Stone's founder, at
the 2006 Pebble Tec Charity Golf Tournament.
the 2006 Pebble Tec Charity Golf Tournament.
Ted Purdy's Pebble Tec tourney raises $150,000
Ted Purdy's Pebble Tec Charity Golf Tournament
was an event to remember.
The Oct. 22 event raised a lot of money, too.
"We went all-out again," Ted said recently, noting
that he's very excited that last year's tourney raised
enough money to put 26 families through A
Stepping Stone's literacy programs this year.
In three years, the tournament has raised $150,000.
"I see the good work A Stepping Stone does and I
hear the stories of our graduates getting college
degrees and helping out their communities and I'm
inspired to make this a fantastic event," Ted said.
Last year's golf soiree was unforgettable itself.
Players were greeted by a tony tee package that
included golf balls, sun glasses, belts, golf shoes,
was an event to remember.
The Oct. 22 event raised a lot of money, too.
"We went all-out again," Ted said recently, noting
that he's very excited that last year's tourney raised
enough money to put 26 families through A
Stepping Stone's literacy programs this year.
In three years, the tournament has raised $150,000.
"I see the good work A Stepping Stone does and I
hear the stories of our graduates getting college
degrees and helping out their communities and I'm
inspired to make this a fantastic event," Ted said.
Last year's golf soiree was unforgettable itself.
Players were greeted by a tony tee package that
included golf balls, sun glasses, belts, golf shoes,
Jack Daniel's sippin' whiskey, Barefoot Wine,
Coach purses, Ping clubs and a lot more.
Then players has the opportunity to play a fun,
fabulous golf course with a fun format, the
schamble, and perhaps even rub elbows with
such celebrities as Alice Cooper, Brandon Webb
and Eric Dickerson.
The after-round dinner and drinks, live music,
raffle and silent auction also provided a ton of
entertainment.
The '07 tournament follows the PGA Tour's Fry's
Electronics Open at Grayhawk in Scottsdale, so
conditions will be perfect. For an added bit of
excitement, Ted's tourney will be shooting at the
tour's Sunday pins, too.
Please sign up at www.tedpurdyfoundation.org, or
call Jamie Purdy at (520) 990-4319.
Coach purses, Ping clubs and a lot more.
Then players has the opportunity to play a fun,
fabulous golf course with a fun format, the
schamble, and perhaps even rub elbows with
such celebrities as Alice Cooper, Brandon Webb
and Eric Dickerson.
The after-round dinner and drinks, live music,
raffle and silent auction also provided a ton of
entertainment.
The '07 tournament follows the PGA Tour's Fry's
Electronics Open at Grayhawk in Scottsdale, so
conditions will be perfect. For an added bit of
excitement, Ted's tourney will be shooting at the
tour's Sunday pins, too.
Please sign up at www.tedpurdyfoundation.org, or
call Jamie Purdy at (520) 990-4319.
Cynthia Gattorna, executive director of A Stepping Stone Foundation,
gets a hug at last year's Pebble Tec Charity Golf Tournament.
gets a hug at last year's Pebble Tec Charity Golf Tournament.
Mother-son reading time
at an A Stepping Stone
classroom (above).
Players eagerly wait on
Sponors' Row for last
year's tournament to
begin (below).
at an A Stepping Stone
classroom (above).
Players eagerly wait on
Sponors' Row for last
year's tournament to
begin (below).
Jeff Burghardt of Prince Rupert Grain makes Ted an honorary Canadian with gifts
of a tuque, Winnipeg Jets jersey and fresh-brewed Canadian water. The
Canadians were the stars the day before the tourney when they poured out of their
SUV's on Thompson Peak Parkway --- dressed in their golf clothes --- and helped
tired workers hammer billboard signs into the hard caliche for the tournament.
of a tuque, Winnipeg Jets jersey and fresh-brewed Canadian water. The
Canadians were the stars the day before the tourney when they poured out of their
SUV's on Thompson Peak Parkway --- dressed in their golf clothes --- and helped
tired workers hammer billboard signs into the hard caliche for the tournament.
Ted Purdy during the first round of
the FBR Open on Thursday,
February 1, 2007.
the FBR Open on Thursday,
February 1, 2007.
Ted Purdy (R) asks an official for a ruling on the 18th hole during the
second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Feb. 9, 2007.
second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Feb. 9, 2007.
| Photo by Hunter Martin/WireImage.com |
| Marc Feldman/WireImage.com |
Ted gets late invite to the PGA
Ted Purdy was chagrined to be fifth
alternate for this year's PGA Championship
at Southern Hills.
"Who's going to drop out of a major?" he
wondered allowed when he got the news.
Monday afternoon he'd moved all the way
up from fifth to first alternate because of
withdraws. "I'd better get on a plane to
Tulsa," he said as he caught a ride to the
airport with his dad, Jim Purdy.
When Bernhard Langer, who is recovering
from recent emergency kidney surgery,
withdrew on Tuesday, Ted was in.
alternate for this year's PGA Championship
at Southern Hills.
"Who's going to drop out of a major?" he
wondered allowed when he got the news.
Monday afternoon he'd moved all the way
up from fifth to first alternate because of
withdraws. "I'd better get on a plane to
Tulsa," he said as he caught a ride to the
airport with his dad, Jim Purdy.
When Bernhard Langer, who is recovering
from recent emergency kidney surgery,
withdrew on Tuesday, Ted was in.
| Al Messerschmidt/WireImage.com |
Republic news sources
Jan. 4, 2008 12:00 AM
Phoenix golfer Ted Purdy received the first of three
unrestricted sponsor's exemptions for the FBR Open, to be
played Jan. 31-Feb. 3 at TPC Scottsdale.
Purdy, a two-time All-American at Arizona, lost his exempt
status for the 2008 after finishing 127th on the 2007 money
list.
He tied for 23rd at the FBR last year and has made the cut
three times in five appearances.
Jan. 4, 2008 12:00 AM
Phoenix golfer Ted Purdy received the first of three
unrestricted sponsor's exemptions for the FBR Open, to be
played Jan. 31-Feb. 3 at TPC Scottsdale.
Purdy, a two-time All-American at Arizona, lost his exempt
status for the 2008 after finishing 127th on the 2007 money
list.
He tied for 23rd at the FBR last year and has made the cut
three times in five appearances.
Purdy given exemption for FBR Open
"Ted is well-respected in our community, not only for his golf
achievements but for his charitable contributions as well,"
tournament Chairman Tim Louis said. "We are excited to
give him an opportunity to play again in his back yard."
The tournament also announced a new group of
commitments that includes three-time FBR champion Mark
Calcavecchia, David Toms, Stuart Appleby, Stewart Cink,
Fred Funk, J.J. Henry and Jesper Parnevik.
The entry list includes 14 of the top 30 money winners from
last year, 83 of the top 125 and 16 of the top 50 players in
the Official World Golf Ranking.
achievements but for his charitable contributions as well,"
tournament Chairman Tim Louis said. "We are excited to
give him an opportunity to play again in his back yard."
The tournament also announced a new group of
commitments that includes three-time FBR champion Mark
Calcavecchia, David Toms, Stuart Appleby, Stewart Cink,
Fred Funk, J.J. Henry and Jesper Parnevik.
The entry list includes 14 of the top 30 money winners from
last year, 83 of the top 125 and 16 of the top 50 players in
the Official World Golf Ranking.
Ted Purdy, Brandon Webb and Terry Jirovsky at the 2007 Pebble Tec Charity Golf
Tournament at Scottsdale's Grayhawk Golf Club.
Tournament at Scottsdale's Grayhawk Golf Club.
Bad luck
at the AT&T
Veteran Ted Purdy,
having started on the
front-nine, came to the
18th tee at even par for
his round. After hitting
his drive into the rough
on the right, Purdy
walked to his ball.
To his surprise, he
found it before he
expected to, and
accidentally kicked it.
He ended up carding a
triple bogey, leaving him
at 3-over for the day.
at the AT&T
Veteran Ted Purdy,
having started on the
front-nine, came to the
18th tee at even par for
his round. After hitting
his drive into the rough
on the right, Purdy
walked to his ball.
To his surprise, he
found it before he
expected to, and
accidentally kicked it.
He ended up carding a
triple bogey, leaving him
at 3-over for the day.
Stephen J. Coddington, St. Petersburg Times
Ted Purdy smiles at the news from PGA Tour rules
official Steve Rintoul, right, that he got the final spot in
this week's PODS Championship.
Ted Purdy smiles at the news from PGA Tour rules
official Steve Rintoul, right, that he got the final spot in
this week's PODS Championship.
PODS field set after playoff that isn't
Ted Purdy is the last one in after his would-be playoff foe no-shows
By RODNEY PAGE
St. Petersburg Times
Published March 4, 2008
TRINITY --- The key to Monday qualifiers, those nerve-racking one-day
tournaments pros play before the week's PGA Tour event, is posting a low
score and waiting to see if it holds up. There were 113 pros who teed up
at Fox Hollow Golf and Country Club on Monday for four coveted spots in
this week's PODS Championship.
Marco Dawson, playing in the last group, posted 65 on the par-71 course
to earn medalist honors. Jim Renner and Derek Lamely shot 66 to earn a
tee time at Innisbrook. That meant Ted Purdy and Chad Collins needed a
playoff for the fourth spot after they both shot 67.
But Collins, a tour rookie from Clovendale, Ind., chose Beef O'Brady's
instead.
He played in the morning, and tournament officials tracked him down on
his cell phone at the family restaurant, 45 minutes away from Fox Hollow.
There would be no sunlight by the time Collins returned, so he was
eliminated and Purdy was given the final spot.
"The guy left; I can't believe it," said Purdy, 34, of Phoenix. "We were on the
tee ready to go. You had a bunch of millionaire players out there coming
in. You knew any one of them could play well."
Dawson is one of those players. He has been on the tour since 1986 and
finished 145th on the money list in 2007. The 44-year-old Lakeland
resident has played two PGA Tour events this season and made the cut
both times, earning $56,300. He played in the 2006 Chrysler
Championship at Innisbrook and missed the cut.
"I've never gone into that tournament where I'm really striking the ball
well," Dawson said. "I'm striking the ball well, so I'm interested to see how
I do out there."
St. Petersburg Times
Published March 4, 2008
TRINITY --- The key to Monday qualifiers, those nerve-racking one-day
tournaments pros play before the week's PGA Tour event, is posting a low
score and waiting to see if it holds up. There were 113 pros who teed up
at Fox Hollow Golf and Country Club on Monday for four coveted spots in
this week's PODS Championship.
Marco Dawson, playing in the last group, posted 65 on the par-71 course
to earn medalist honors. Jim Renner and Derek Lamely shot 66 to earn a
tee time at Innisbrook. That meant Ted Purdy and Chad Collins needed a
playoff for the fourth spot after they both shot 67.
But Collins, a tour rookie from Clovendale, Ind., chose Beef O'Brady's
instead.
He played in the morning, and tournament officials tracked him down on
his cell phone at the family restaurant, 45 minutes away from Fox Hollow.
There would be no sunlight by the time Collins returned, so he was
eliminated and Purdy was given the final spot.
"The guy left; I can't believe it," said Purdy, 34, of Phoenix. "We were on the
tee ready to go. You had a bunch of millionaire players out there coming
in. You knew any one of them could play well."
Dawson is one of those players. He has been on the tour since 1986 and
finished 145th on the money list in 2007. The 44-year-old Lakeland
resident has played two PGA Tour events this season and made the cut
both times, earning $56,300. He played in the 2006 Chrysler
Championship at Innisbrook and missed the cut.
"I've never gone into that tournament where I'm really striking the ball
well," Dawson said. "I'm striking the ball well, so I'm interested to see how
I do out there."
Renner is also interested to see how he will play at Innisbrook --- but for a different
reason. This is his first PGA Tour event. After graduating from Johnson & Wales
University in Miami, Renner had played only on the Hooters Tour Lamley, 27, of Fort
Myers is a Hooters Tour member as well. Renner shot 70 in his first Monday
qualifier Feb.25 and didn't qualify for the Honda Classic.
"I've only been a pro for exactly one year now," said Renner, 24. "It's tough. It's really
tough on Mondays because you have so many good pros in one place. It's just one
round, so it's a crap shoot."
Renner now must find a place to stay while he plays at the PODS Championship.
He plans on getting there this afternoon and getting in a practice round before the
tournament starts Thursday.
"I don't really know what I'm going to do," he said. "I don't know how to go about it. I
have a few friends on tour, so I'm going to have to call them tonight and see what I
need to do."
Purdy did what he needed to do --- stay around until the final scorecard was turned
in.
He has been on and off the tour since 1999. His best year was 2004, when he
earned $2,198,368.
"In the afternoon the wind died down, and it's usually the other way around," Purdy
said. "We were very fortunate to play in the final round."
And when he says "we," he means caddie Kenny Cavender, who is a junior at
Mitchell High and works at Fox Hollow. Purdy needed a caddie, stuck his head in
the cart room and found Cavender willing to carry his bags.
"I'm taking him with me," Purdy said. "If he can get out of school, that is."
For the record, Cavender said he could.
Rodney Page can be reached at page@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8810.
reason. This is his first PGA Tour event. After graduating from Johnson & Wales
University in Miami, Renner had played only on the Hooters Tour Lamley, 27, of Fort
Myers is a Hooters Tour member as well. Renner shot 70 in his first Monday
qualifier Feb.25 and didn't qualify for the Honda Classic.
"I've only been a pro for exactly one year now," said Renner, 24. "It's tough. It's really
tough on Mondays because you have so many good pros in one place. It's just one
round, so it's a crap shoot."
Renner now must find a place to stay while he plays at the PODS Championship.
He plans on getting there this afternoon and getting in a practice round before the
tournament starts Thursday.
"I don't really know what I'm going to do," he said. "I don't know how to go about it. I
have a few friends on tour, so I'm going to have to call them tonight and see what I
need to do."
Purdy did what he needed to do --- stay around until the final scorecard was turned
in.
He has been on and off the tour since 1999. His best year was 2004, when he
earned $2,198,368.
"In the afternoon the wind died down, and it's usually the other way around," Purdy
said. "We were very fortunate to play in the final round."
And when he says "we," he means caddie Kenny Cavender, who is a junior at
Mitchell High and works at Fox Hollow. Purdy needed a caddie, stuck his head in
the cart room and found Cavender willing to carry his bags.
"I'm taking him with me," Purdy said. "If he can get out of school, that is."
For the record, Cavender said he could.
Rodney Page can be reached at page@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8810.
Klint Lowry/SUNCOAST NEWS
Mitchell High School junior Kenny Cavender caddies for
PGA pro Ted Purdy at the PODS Championship in Palm
Harbor.
Mitchell High School junior Kenny Cavender caddies for
PGA pro Ted Purdy at the PODS Championship in Palm
Harbor.
High School junior caddies for PGA pro Ted Purdy
By Klint Lowry
The Suncoast News
Published March 11, 2008
TRINITY, Fla. --- Ever since Kenny Cavender
started golfing seven years ago, he's
dreamed of being a pro golfer. As the top
golfer on the Mitchell High School team and
winner of the Florida Junior Tour's Greater
Tampa Bay Tournament of Champions last
May, that dream remains alive and well.
This past weekend, however, Kenny, 17, got
an honest-to-goodness taste of the PGA Tour
when he caddied for pro golfer Ted Purdy at
the PODS Championship at Innisbrook
Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor.
"I still felt like I was in a dream," Kenny said
as he and Purdy took it easy after a 2-under
par 69 first round Thursday.
That was understandable, as the chain of
events that had gotten Kenny this opportunity
played out almost like something out of a
movie.
Kenny plays golf nearly every day at the Fox
Hollow Golf Course, where qualifying rounds
were held for the final spots in the PODS
tournament. He got a call on Saturday night
from a friend who works there who tipped
him off that Purdy needed a caddie. The job
paid $100, although that meant nothing to
Kenny.
"I knew he had a real good chance of
qualifying," Kenny said.
The Suncoast News
Published March 11, 2008
TRINITY, Fla. --- Ever since Kenny Cavender
started golfing seven years ago, he's
dreamed of being a pro golfer. As the top
golfer on the Mitchell High School team and
winner of the Florida Junior Tour's Greater
Tampa Bay Tournament of Champions last
May, that dream remains alive and well.
This past weekend, however, Kenny, 17, got
an honest-to-goodness taste of the PGA Tour
when he caddied for pro golfer Ted Purdy at
the PODS Championship at Innisbrook
Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor.
"I still felt like I was in a dream," Kenny said
as he and Purdy took it easy after a 2-under
par 69 first round Thursday.
That was understandable, as the chain of
events that had gotten Kenny this opportunity
played out almost like something out of a
movie.
Kenny plays golf nearly every day at the Fox
Hollow Golf Course, where qualifying rounds
were held for the final spots in the PODS
tournament. He got a call on Saturday night
from a friend who works there who tipped
him off that Purdy needed a caddie. The job
paid $100, although that meant nothing to
Kenny.
"I knew he had a real good chance of
qualifying," Kenny said.
Purdy, winner of the 2005 Byron Nelson
Championship, had recently lost his PGA
Tour exemption from having to qualify prior to
the 2008 season and needed to play his way
into the tournament.
He selected Kenny to caddy for him, and
finished tied with Chad Collins. There would
have been a playoff, but Collins had left the
course to go have dinner, and couldn't get
back before sunset, so the spot in the
tournament was awarded to Purdy.
When he got word, Purdy decided to invite
Kenny to be his caddie at the tournament.
"He was such good luck, I figured why not,"
Purdy said, Kenny showed a good attitude
and competitive spirit out on the course,
Purdy said.
They got to take a practice round together at
Innisbrook's famed Copperhead Golf
Course, on which the tournament was held.
Then they got in nine holes together during a
Pro-Am event that was part of the PODS
Championship schedule of events.
"I had to show him how to rake the traps,"
Purdy said. "Some of those guys on the tour
are pretty particular."
Kenny was by far the youngest caddie out
there, but he said all the other caddies, most
of who are highly paid full-time
professionals, accepted him. He learned that
at the pro level, life is good even for the guys
Championship, had recently lost his PGA
Tour exemption from having to qualify prior to
the 2008 season and needed to play his way
into the tournament.
He selected Kenny to caddy for him, and
finished tied with Chad Collins. There would
have been a playoff, but Collins had left the
course to go have dinner, and couldn't get
back before sunset, so the spot in the
tournament was awarded to Purdy.
When he got word, Purdy decided to invite
Kenny to be his caddie at the tournament.
"He was such good luck, I figured why not,"
Purdy said, Kenny showed a good attitude
and competitive spirit out on the course,
Purdy said.
They got to take a practice round together at
Innisbrook's famed Copperhead Golf
Course, on which the tournament was held.
Then they got in nine holes together during a
Pro-Am event that was part of the PODS
Championship schedule of events.
"I had to show him how to rake the traps,"
Purdy said. "Some of those guys on the tour
are pretty particular."
Kenny was by far the youngest caddie out
there, but he said all the other caddies, most
of who are highly paid full-time
professionals, accepted him. He learned that
at the pro level, life is good even for the guys
in the caddy shack.
"They pretty much got the best food you can
eat," he said.
Caddies and players have a lot of fun out
there, Kenny found, which was pretty much
what he expected and hoped for.
While doing his best to help Purdy, Kenny
has gained a few new insights watching a
pro at work, particularly the mental aspect.
"As hard as it is, just stay positive," Kenny
said. It's something he knew and had been
working on already, but watching Purdy and
the other golfers do it on this level has been
educational, as has seeing them at times
other than when they are actually playing.
As much fun as they have, these guys work
hard at being good at what they do, Kenny
said. He even noticed Purdy's discipline
when it comes to nutrition.
"He's eating broccoli when I'm eating French
fries," Kenny said. He figures he'll reconsider
what's on his own training table, so he can
get back to the PGA someday for the way he
swings a club, rather than how he carries
them.
For the record, after his strong first round,
Purdy shot a 76 and a 79 in the next two
rounds and missed the final cut, finishing
almost exactly in the middle of the field for the
tournament.
"They pretty much got the best food you can
eat," he said.
Caddies and players have a lot of fun out
there, Kenny found, which was pretty much
what he expected and hoped for.
While doing his best to help Purdy, Kenny
has gained a few new insights watching a
pro at work, particularly the mental aspect.
"As hard as it is, just stay positive," Kenny
said. It's something he knew and had been
working on already, but watching Purdy and
the other golfers do it on this level has been
educational, as has seeing them at times
other than when they are actually playing.
As much fun as they have, these guys work
hard at being good at what they do, Kenny
said. He even noticed Purdy's discipline
when it comes to nutrition.
"He's eating broccoli when I'm eating French
fries," Kenny said. He figures he'll reconsider
what's on his own training table, so he can
get back to the PGA someday for the way he
swings a club, rather than how he carries
them.
For the record, after his strong first round,
Purdy shot a 76 and a 79 in the next two
rounds and missed the final cut, finishing
almost exactly in the middle of the field for the
tournament.
If there were a Parrothead Golf Association, Ted Purdy
would probably be on the board of directors, considering
he lists Jimmy Buffett as a hero in his PGA profile.
Being a fan of Buffett is something Ted has in common with a
lot of people on the planet, but there’s something else about
the Scottsdale resident and up-and-coming star that only a
handful of people can relate to. He has beaten Tiger Woods
in golf. Not in a video game, but on a real golf course.
“I beat Tiger, I think four times out of 4000, but I have beaten
Tiger,” Ted told POST. Purdy actually grew up playing
against Woods in junior tournaments around the country,
has competed against him in college when Tiger was at
Stanford and Ted was at the University of Arizona, and of
course on the PGA Tour, so 4000 rounds against the world’s
greatest player might not be much of an exaggeration.
Ted grew up in Moon Valley, Arizona, and if you’re looking for
an early sign that a future as a pro golfer might be on the
horizon, consider this — the school bus used to pick
him up and drop him off at the driving range. “I would hand
my clubs to the range attendant, go to school, then come
back and hit more balls.” The practice most definitely paid
off, as Ted is into his 12th year as a professional golfer, with
stops on the Asian, Nationwide and PGA tours.
In 2005, Ted earned his first PGA tour win with a one-shot
victory at the Byron Nelson Championship. With that win under
his belt, Ted was invited to play the Masters at Augusta
National for the very first time. “My first year I played it, I hated it.
I thought it was the worst course I had ever played. It was long,
it was hard, it was hilly. I thought it was terrible.” A year later,
Ted found the legendary track to be more to his liking, and
obviously would someday like to add an odd-looking green
blazer to his wardrobe. “I played it in 2006, now it’s my favorite
tournament. I have to find a way to beat that sucker.”
Off the course, Ted does even more good things than he does
on it. He stays busy when he isn’t traveling to the next PGA
stop by helping underprivileged youth in the Phoenix area
through his foundation, The Ted Purdy Foundation, which
works closely with A Stepping Stone Foundation to help
children prepare for the elementary school experience. Each
year, Ted finances an impressive and star-studded charitable
golf tournament, with 100 percent of all proceeds going to
support A Stepping Stone Foundation. “I look at this as an
opportunity to give back to the community, and I’m thankful
to have that.”
would probably be on the board of directors, considering
he lists Jimmy Buffett as a hero in his PGA profile.
Being a fan of Buffett is something Ted has in common with a
lot of people on the planet, but there’s something else about
the Scottsdale resident and up-and-coming star that only a
handful of people can relate to. He has beaten Tiger Woods
in golf. Not in a video game, but on a real golf course.
“I beat Tiger, I think four times out of 4000, but I have beaten
Tiger,” Ted told POST. Purdy actually grew up playing
against Woods in junior tournaments around the country,
has competed against him in college when Tiger was at
Stanford and Ted was at the University of Arizona, and of
course on the PGA Tour, so 4000 rounds against the world’s
greatest player might not be much of an exaggeration.
Ted grew up in Moon Valley, Arizona, and if you’re looking for
an early sign that a future as a pro golfer might be on the
horizon, consider this — the school bus used to pick
him up and drop him off at the driving range. “I would hand
my clubs to the range attendant, go to school, then come
back and hit more balls.” The practice most definitely paid
off, as Ted is into his 12th year as a professional golfer, with
stops on the Asian, Nationwide and PGA tours.
In 2005, Ted earned his first PGA tour win with a one-shot
victory at the Byron Nelson Championship. With that win under
his belt, Ted was invited to play the Masters at Augusta
National for the very first time. “My first year I played it, I hated it.
I thought it was the worst course I had ever played. It was long,
it was hard, it was hilly. I thought it was terrible.” A year later,
Ted found the legendary track to be more to his liking, and
obviously would someday like to add an odd-looking green
blazer to his wardrobe. “I played it in 2006, now it’s my favorite
tournament. I have to find a way to beat that sucker.”
Off the course, Ted does even more good things than he does
on it. He stays busy when he isn’t traveling to the next PGA
stop by helping underprivileged youth in the Phoenix area
through his foundation, The Ted Purdy Foundation, which
works closely with A Stepping Stone Foundation to help
children prepare for the elementary school experience. Each
year, Ted finances an impressive and star-studded charitable
golf tournament, with 100 percent of all proceeds going to
support A Stepping Stone Foundation. “I look at this as an
opportunity to give back to the community, and I’m thankful
to have that.”
Purdy Darn Impressive
PHOTO BY ANNA PENA, POST PHX
His involvement has made an unbelievable difference. The
tournament had never raised more than $5,000 before Ted and
his wife Arlene got involved, and to give you an example of power
of Ted’s rolodex, and his ability to get his friends involved, the
event in November of 2006 raised over $100,000.
It’s understandable that Ted’s favorite week on the tour is the
FBR Open at The TPC of Scottsdale, and he recently purchased a
skybox on the course for his friends and family to hang out on the
infamous 16th hole.
“It’s so fun. I went to the U of A (University of Arizona), so I get
heckled a lot by the Arizona State guys. I’ll miss a putt and they’ll
yell, ‘If you went to ASU, you would have made that!’”
tournament had never raised more than $5,000 before Ted and
his wife Arlene got involved, and to give you an example of power
of Ted’s rolodex, and his ability to get his friends involved, the
event in November of 2006 raised over $100,000.
It’s understandable that Ted’s favorite week on the tour is the
FBR Open at The TPC of Scottsdale, and he recently purchased a
skybox on the course for his friends and family to hang out on the
infamous 16th hole.
“It’s so fun. I went to the U of A (University of Arizona), so I get
heckled a lot by the Arizona State guys. I’ll miss a putt and they’ll
yell, ‘If you went to ASU, you would have made that!’”
There are a lot of PGA players that, dare we say, don’t deal with the
good-natured heckling very well, but the laid-back Purdy is one of the
easiest-going, most personable players on the PGA Tour. He knows
how lucky he is to be making a very good living playing a game that
he has loved his entire life.
“The game of golf really brings out your personality, good or bad.”
Ted Purdy is one of hundreds of professional athletes who call the
Valley home. But you’d be hard-pressed to find one as personable
and adamant about making a difference in the community as he is.
Oh, and there is that other thing that separates him from just about
everyone else who’s laced up a pair of golf shoes.
He has beaten Tiger Woods.
good-natured heckling very well, but the laid-back Purdy is one of the
easiest-going, most personable players on the PGA Tour. He knows
how lucky he is to be making a very good living playing a game that
he has loved his entire life.
“The game of golf really brings out your personality, good or bad.”
Ted Purdy is one of hundreds of professional athletes who call the
Valley home. But you’d be hard-pressed to find one as personable
and adamant about making a difference in the community as he is.
Oh, and there is that other thing that separates him from just about
everyone else who’s laced up a pair of golf shoes.
He has beaten Tiger Woods.
Photos by Scott Halleran/Getty Images North America
Ted Purdy plays the back 9 of the TPC Scottsdale during the FBR
Open in February 2008.
Ted Purdy plays the back 9 of the TPC Scottsdale during the FBR
Open in February 2008.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images North America
Ted Purdy hits a tee shot at the Puerto Rico
Open presented by Banco Popular at Coco
Beach Golf & Country Club in Rio Grande,
Puerto Rico.
Ted Purdy hits a tee shot at the Puerto Rico
Open presented by Banco Popular at Coco
Beach Golf & Country Club in Rio Grande,
Puerto Rico.
GASP! Purdy survives Q-School
Ted Purdy gutted out the final day of the PGA Tour Qualifying
Tournament Dec. 3-8, emerging from the grueling 6-day
event with his 2009 Tour Card.
Purdy played solidly all week in La Quinta, Calif., shooting
68-67-74-65-71-68, but was agonizingly close to falling out
of the Top 20 until the 108th and final hole.
Golf Channel cameras swarmed in to watch the carnage.
"I knew where I stood when Gaga (Paul Goydos) arrived on
scene," Purdy would say later. "If they're covering you on the
last day of Q-School, you're on the bubble."
After his drive split the fairway on his last hole, Purdy slightly
yanked his second shot into a deep bunker at the back of
the green. This was going to be dicey. He was looking at a
50-yard sand shot to a lightning fast green that moved away
from him. A lake loomed behind the flag for good measure.
Tournament Dec. 3-8, emerging from the grueling 6-day
event with his 2009 Tour Card.
Purdy played solidly all week in La Quinta, Calif., shooting
68-67-74-65-71-68, but was agonizingly close to falling out
of the Top 20 until the 108th and final hole.
Golf Channel cameras swarmed in to watch the carnage.
"I knew where I stood when Gaga (Paul Goydos) arrived on
scene," Purdy would say later. "If they're covering you on the
last day of Q-School, you're on the bubble."
After his drive split the fairway on his last hole, Purdy slightly
yanked his second shot into a deep bunker at the back of
the green. This was going to be dicey. He was looking at a
50-yard sand shot to a lightning fast green that moved away
from him. A lake loomed behind the flag for good measure.
Bobby Conlin's keen reads helped Ted make it through Q-School.
After six or seven truncated, maybe nervous, practice swings, Purdy
blasted a beautiful high-arching shot out of the trap. The ball
checked, then hurtled down the glassy incline toward the pin. It
looked like it had a chance to go in, but missed and picked up speed.
Now it was gut-check time. He faced a 10-foot uphiller to secure a tie
for 18th and his playing privileges on the 2009 PGA Tour. He stood
far away from the important putt while the other players putted out.
Ted stroked the putt. It rolled toward the hole, a little too poky for
comfort. It didn't seem to have enough gas to make it to the cup. On
its last revolution, the ball tumbled in --- probably propelled by all of
Ted's friends and family gasping in front of their TV's.
"To think that 19-under nearly didn't make it is crazy," Ted said after
the round. "This is dome golf out here, but those numbers are nuts."
Ted's first tournament will be the Sony Open in Hawaii. Then he will
try to make it into all the fields on the West Coast Swing.
blasted a beautiful high-arching shot out of the trap. The ball
checked, then hurtled down the glassy incline toward the pin. It
looked like it had a chance to go in, but missed and picked up speed.
Now it was gut-check time. He faced a 10-foot uphiller to secure a tie
for 18th and his playing privileges on the 2009 PGA Tour. He stood
far away from the important putt while the other players putted out.
Ted stroked the putt. It rolled toward the hole, a little too poky for
comfort. It didn't seem to have enough gas to make it to the cup. On
its last revolution, the ball tumbled in --- probably propelled by all of
Ted's friends and family gasping in front of their TV's.
"To think that 19-under nearly didn't make it is crazy," Ted said after
the round. "This is dome golf out here, but those numbers are nuts."
Ted's first tournament will be the Sony Open in Hawaii. Then he will
try to make it into all the fields on the West Coast Swing.
Valley native Purdy inches closer to dream
By Tim Tyers
Jan. 31, 2009
Special for The Republic
Ted Purdy admits he has dreamed of winning the FBR (Phoenix) Open
ever since he began taking golf seriously as a youth.
The native Phoenician and former University of Arizona star, who is
playing this week on a sponsor's exemption, gave himself a chance to
accomplish that goal on Saturday, firing a 6-under 65 to move into a tie
for sixth at 9-under, three strokes behind leader Kenny Perry entering
Sunday's final round at TPC Scottsdale.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't dream as a kid of winning this golf
tournament," said Purdy, who won the 1991 state high school
championship while at Phoenix Brophy Prep. "I was asked the other day
what would be my ideal year. I said to win the Phoenix Open and back it
up with a major."
That said, he now faces a Herculean task in the final round: Attaining a
title he dearly wants in front of his fans, friends and family, while clearing
his mind and convincing himself that it's just another golf tournament.
Jan. 31, 2009
Special for The Republic
Ted Purdy admits he has dreamed of winning the FBR (Phoenix) Open
ever since he began taking golf seriously as a youth.
The native Phoenician and former University of Arizona star, who is
playing this week on a sponsor's exemption, gave himself a chance to
accomplish that goal on Saturday, firing a 6-under 65 to move into a tie
for sixth at 9-under, three strokes behind leader Kenny Perry entering
Sunday's final round at TPC Scottsdale.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't dream as a kid of winning this golf
tournament," said Purdy, who won the 1991 state high school
championship while at Phoenix Brophy Prep. "I was asked the other day
what would be my ideal year. I said to win the Phoenix Open and back it
up with a major."
That said, he now faces a Herculean task in the final round: Attaining a
title he dearly wants in front of his fans, friends and family, while clearing
his mind and convincing himself that it's just another golf tournament.
He was loosey-goosey Saturday, hitting a full sand wedge nine inches
from the cup on the raucous 16th hole, and then delighting fans by
waving a huge Arizona Cardinals flag on the way to the green for his
tap-in birdie.
"Who knows, I might do it again (Sunday)," he said. "It got me loose, and
that's the point. It's just a golf tournament. It's not that big of a deal. As
long as I have that attitude, I think I'll be fine."
"It's important for me to play well here because of my fans, friends and
family," he said.
He played well in two late season events in October, then regained his
Tour card in December by dropping a 12-foot putt on the final hole of the
final stage of the Tour qualifying school, tying for 18th. His exempt status
should gain him entrance to 28-30 events this year.
"When I make that putt to win the FBR Open, it won't be the biggest putt
I've ever made," Purdy said. "It'll be the one I made in December,
because without that putt, I wouldn't be here (today)."
from the cup on the raucous 16th hole, and then delighting fans by
waving a huge Arizona Cardinals flag on the way to the green for his
tap-in birdie.
"Who knows, I might do it again (Sunday)," he said. "It got me loose, and
that's the point. It's just a golf tournament. It's not that big of a deal. As
long as I have that attitude, I think I'll be fine."
"It's important for me to play well here because of my fans, friends and
family," he said.
He played well in two late season events in October, then regained his
Tour card in December by dropping a 12-foot putt on the final hole of the
final stage of the Tour qualifying school, tying for 18th. His exempt status
should gain him entrance to 28-30 events this year.
"When I make that putt to win the FBR Open, it won't be the biggest putt
I've ever made," Purdy said. "It'll be the one I made in December,
because without that putt, I wouldn't be here (today)."
Ted Purdy sports an
Anquan Boldin jersey
on the 16th hole
Sunday.
In her new book, "The Traveling PGA Family," Arlene Purdy writes about her
uproarious world travel adventures with husband, PGA Tour golfer Ted Purdy,
and their two children, Sammy and Andie. The lighthearted tip guide follows Arlene
on the PGA Tour circuit as she wrangles her children and mounds of gear through
airport after airport. Being Mom on the road is rigorous to say the least. With
superhuman grace, Arlene grapples with such motherly tasks as chasing pacifiers
up escalators and containing explosive diaper situations between squeamish
passengers on a plane. Her book definitely passes the laugh-out-loud test. $14.95
+ shipping. Contact Arlene for purchasing information.
uproarious world travel adventures with husband, PGA Tour golfer Ted Purdy,
and their two children, Sammy and Andie. The lighthearted tip guide follows Arlene
on the PGA Tour circuit as she wrangles her children and mounds of gear through
airport after airport. Being Mom on the road is rigorous to say the least. With
superhuman grace, Arlene grapples with such motherly tasks as chasing pacifiers
up escalators and containing explosive diaper situations between squeamish
passengers on a plane. Her book definitely passes the laugh-out-loud test. $14.95
+ shipping. Contact Arlene for purchasing information.
