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."
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.
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 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.
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.
Ted Purdy, of Phoenix, tips his hat
after a birde putt on the 18th hole
during the second round of the
Texas Open in San Antonio, Friday,
May 15, 2009. From USA Today.
after a birde putt on the 18th hole
during the second round of the
Texas Open in San Antonio, Friday,
May 15, 2009. From USA Today.
Rick Guy, The Clarion Ledger
PGA Tour pro Ted Purdy of Phoenix tees off on the first hole Wednesday during the Pro-Am play at
Viking Classic Golf Tournament at Annandale Golf Club in Madison, Miss., Oct. 28, 2009.
PGA Tour pro Ted Purdy of Phoenix tees off on the first hole Wednesday during the Pro-Am play at
Viking Classic Golf Tournament at Annandale Golf Club in Madison, Miss., Oct. 28, 2009.
3 aces, double-eagle at Frys.com Open
By Todd Kelly
azcentral.com
Oct. 24, 2009
Ted Purdy, a Valley resident and former UA standout golfer, made a hole-in-one Saturday on the
par 3 16th hole at the Frys.com Open. For his efforts, he also won a blue Mercedes-Benz E350
sedan. What he really did was start a firestorm of amazing shots. Within moments, Nicholas
Thompson recorded a double-eagle on the par 5 11th hole, holing a 3-wood 261 yards away. It
was the fourth double-eagle on the PGA Tour this season. Two holes later, Thompson, born on
Christmas Day, struck again. On the par 3 13th, he made a hole in one with a seven-iron, the
second on of the day at Grayhawk. He went from six-under to 11-under in roughly 30 minutes.
Not to be outdone, Chad Campbell his a six-iron to the 16th green and he, too, made a hole in
one, the third ace in a wild day of scoring in great conditions during the third round of play.
Campbell, however, made his ace too late to win a Mercedes. Only the first golfer of the day to
make a one on the 16th gets the vehicle.
By Todd Kelly
azcentral.com
Oct. 24, 2009
Ted Purdy, a Valley resident and former UA standout golfer, made a hole-in-one Saturday on the
par 3 16th hole at the Frys.com Open. For his efforts, he also won a blue Mercedes-Benz E350
sedan. What he really did was start a firestorm of amazing shots. Within moments, Nicholas
Thompson recorded a double-eagle on the par 5 11th hole, holing a 3-wood 261 yards away. It
was the fourth double-eagle on the PGA Tour this season. Two holes later, Thompson, born on
Christmas Day, struck again. On the par 3 13th, he made a hole in one with a seven-iron, the
second on of the day at Grayhawk. He went from six-under to 11-under in roughly 30 minutes.
Not to be outdone, Chad Campbell his a six-iron to the 16th green and he, too, made a hole in
one, the third ace in a wild day of scoring in great conditions during the third round of play.
Campbell, however, made his ace too late to win a Mercedes. Only the first golfer of the day to
make a one on the 16th gets the vehicle.
John A. Lacko / Special to the Kalamazoo Gazette
Patti Huiskamp and Western Michigan University dance
student Tajh Stallworth swing dancing to Route 66 won the
WMU Department of Dance "Dancing with the Stars" Oct. 29.
Patti Huiskamp and Western Michigan University dance
student Tajh Stallworth swing dancing to Route 66 won the
WMU Department of Dance "Dancing with the Stars" Oct. 29.