MICHAEL KIRAL / L’Observateur / Febuary 22, 1999

My parents bought me a magnet when they went to Gulf Shores last Summer that reads “When primitive man screamed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. When modern man does it, it’scalled golf.”Of course, when the ancients beat the ground with their sticks, they had some understanding of what they were doing. Golfers cannot always makethat claim.

I have been playing the game on a regular basis for about the last two years and have come up with the following observations and tips for the weekend golfer. Of course, keep in mind these tips come from a playerwhose drives are usually as long as the Saints’ were this past season.

The first tee jitters are a wonderful thing, aren’t they? Nothing like hitting your first shot of the day on a crowded tee box when you’re still stiff and rusty. Now I know how a lead-off hitter feels.The rise in the popularity in golf has been a great thing except for one thing – the amount of time it now takes to play a round. I like being out inthe sunlight and fresh air but if I wanted to stand around and wait, I would go to a checkout line at a supermarket or fast food restaurant. Unless youare going to be at Pinehurst in June, you are not playing in the U.S. Open.Don’t make evry shot out to be like you are.

Unless you have a title or a large payoff riding on every shot, when you are in trouble, don’t get yourself into more trouble. Trying to hook a shotaround a large oak tree unless you know exactly what you are doing is like telling the state trooper who has just pulled you over that you were going much faster than what he has you down for.

A six-inch putt counts as much as a 250-yard drive. Don’t take it forgranted.

If you do miss that six-inch putt, forget about it before you hit your next shot or watch your score exponentially. Just ask Annika Sorenstam,perhaps the best player on the LPGA Tour.

Sorenstam missed a four-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole of the LPGA Valley of Stars tournament this past weekend, got flustered and then left her three-foot putt for par short, given Catrin Nilsmark the championship.

Who you play golf with can make all the difference in the world. A goodgolf partner can make good round better and a bad one tolerable. My friendand I have discussed everything on a golf course from the Clinton impeachment trial to why the Carolina Panthers are in the NFC West and the Arizona Cardinals are in the NFC East. It keeps us loose.Keeping loose is a big key. Walking to your ball, do as Satchel Paige usedto say – do a little jangle to keep the juices following. The only thingtension is good for is a heart attack.

Unless you are one of the less than one percent of all golfers who play for a living, you are out to have fun. Remember that and it will make yourgame more enjoyable.

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