RDD Q&A on Everything Golf

[RDD]

I just want to give you props for sticking it out on here despite the flack you took on the JT board from myself and others....I'm sure it's frustrating having to defend yourself like that constantly, but a sincere kudos to you sir.

 

I do have a question though....How overstated are the yardages the announcers call? Sometimes they are saying players are hitting 8 iron from 200 or 5 iron from 240 out.....with the exception of maybe DJ or Bubba, how much of an exaggeration is that? I only ask because it really messes with how amateurs play golf in my opinion.

No worries. I had to explain myself somewhere!

Yardages aren't overstated at all, but the club can be sometimes. Announcers have exact yardages but occasionally guess on what club the player is hitting (unless caddy signals). Still, guys are long as hell

[RDD]

In the other thread, you said you wished you had kept the swing you brought on tour. Were you hurt or did you go all Tiger and tear down for a rebuild? Do you think tour pros are over instructed?

Yes tour pros are over instructed.

I changed my swing because as a rookie I hit balls near Fred Couples on the range(I think at Honda, but I can't remember exactly) and I knew I didn't hit it nearly as well as he did. I figured I needed to change something to hit it like that. Big mistake

[RDD]

Close friends and family always come first in life.

 

Why do you think that Justin Thomas, who's going to a wedding of one of his good friends, that was scheduled many months before Arnold Palmer's passing, should shun his friend to participate in the tournament at Bay Hill instead? I'm having a very hard time coming up with logical reasoning for your stance on this.

You're right. Close friends and family are the most important thing in your life next to good health.

That being said, only 10 of 25 players are coming to this year's API. Very few top players went to his funeral. That is awfully disrespectful to his legacy and his family.

I am fine with JT going to the wedding, but hopefully he makes a personal call to Mr Palmer's family to explain.

When I sent the original tweet, I was a sitting at Mr Palmer's old table in the Bay Hill locker room and had a couple beers in me. I wouldn't do it if I had it to do over.

Thoughts on Gary Player not attending Mr. Palmers funeral and paying his final respects to his life long friend? To me that is light years more disrespectful than certain players of today not attending his funeral or playing his event this year.

Word was that Gary Player couldn't get visa in time to get there from South Africa. That's totally understandable.

[whr]

2022 - Are you going to give the Champions Tour a run?

[Frankensteins Monster]

1) Greatest shot you've ever hit.

 

2) Greatest shot you've ever witnessed first hand.

 

3) Greatest shot of all-time in your opinion.

1) 2 iron from right fairway bunker (it's not there anymore) on 18 at Doral's blue monster. I was a rookie on tour and nervous as hell on 72nd hole. Hit it absolutely perfect to 10 feet. Missed the putt but finished 5th. (1st top 10 on tour for me)

2) Maybe Phil Mickelson flop shot on first hole at Westchester. You'd have to have been there to appreciate it, but holy crap...

3) Jack's 1 iron '72 US Open. Pebble Beach, 71st hole

 

Is there a vid of Phil's shot at Westchester? I'm assuming you mean the Buick Classic?

Yes Buick Classic, no video. It was our first hole and it was way before PGA Tour Live.

 

I was probably right there to see it. I attended it pretty much every year.

[RDD]

First. Thanks for taking time to do this.

 

1). Do you think the fairways are too firm? We see as much as 50 yards or more roll.

 

2). Favorite course, major and non major. Favorite Event no longer around.

 

3

Fairways on tour aren't firm enough. Soft fairways give long hitters big advantage.

 

Let's take Bay Hill out of the equation. TPC Sawgrass is my favorite non major (although it should be) course. I played '97 PGA at Winged Foot. That's the best course I played in a major.

84 Lumber (can't remember name of course) was best tournament not still around. Joe Hardy treated us like royalty.

 

2022 - Are you going to give the Champions Tour a run?

Hell no Not a serious run anyway. I'll play one or two just to say hi to my old friends

[DukeOfChinoHills]

Thank you for answering questions RDD. No hard feelings for my quip from yesterday.

 

In your opinion, what's your favorite course that has NEVER hosted a PGA event?

[RDD]

1) Greatest shot you've ever hit.

 

2) Greatest shot you've ever witnessed first hand.

 

3) Greatest shot of all-time in your opinion.

1) 2 iron from right fairway bunker (it's not there anymore) on 18 at Doral's blue monster. I was a rookie on tour and nervous as hell on 72nd hole. Hit it absolutely perfect to 10 feet. Missed the putt but finished 5th. (1st top 10 on tour for me)

2) Maybe Phil Mickelson flop shot on first hole at Westchester. You'd have to have been there to appreciate it, but holy crap...

3) Jack's 1 iron '72 US Open. Pebble Beach, 71st hole

 

Is there a vid of Phil's shot at Westchester? I'm assuming you mean the Buick Classic?

Yes Buick Classic, no video. It was our first hole and it was way before PGA Tour Live.

 

I was probably right there to see it. I attended it pretty much every year.

Then imagine back right pin on first hole (par 3). Phil hit it way over the green long right. Halfway to the tennis courts. Deep rough, downhill lie, no green, hit it to 2 feet

[RDD]

Thank you for answering questions RDD. No hard feelings for my quip from yesterday.

 

In your opinion, what's your favorite course that has NEVER hosted a PGA event?

I have no hard feelings. No such thing as bad press!

I would say Pine Valley, but I've never played there.

Off the top of my head I'd say Bear's Club in West Palm, but I'm sure I'll think of more later

[OutBackHack]

First. Thanks for taking time to do this.

 

1). Do you think the fairways are too firm? We see as much as 50 yards or more roll.

 

2). Favorite course, major and non major. Favorite Event no longer around.

 

3

 

Fairways too firm!? Can't get them firm enough, do you watch much golf?

Guys are not shooting 25 under on firm fairways and greens, I believe fairway firmness is the answer to courses running out of room to extend holes. Pinehurst #2 for eg.

 

 

[Frankensteins Monster]

Then imagine back right pin on first hole (par 3). Phil hit it way over the green long right. Halfway to the tennis courts. Deep rough, downhill lie, no green, hit it to 2 feet

Back right? That green was impossible on the back tier. Everything bounced over. Saw many a bogies from over that green. That sounds like an amazing shot.

[RDD]

Then imagine back right pin on first hole (par 3). Phil hit it way over the green long right. Halfway to the tennis courts. Deep rough, downhill lie, no green, hit it to 2 feet

Back right? That green was impossible on the back tier. Everything bounced over. Saw many a bogies from over that green. That sounds like an amazing shot.

I couldn't putt it to the back tier, let alone hit a flop shot to it

[Poser]

Close friends and family always come first in life.

 

Why do you think that Justin Thomas, who's going to a wedding of one of his good friends, that was scheduled many months before Arnold Palmer's passing, should shun his friend to participate in the tournament at Bay Hill instead? I'm having a very hard time coming up with logical reasoning for your stance on this.

You're right. Close friends and family are the most important thing in your life next to good health.

That being said, only 10 of 25 players are coming to this year's API. Very few top players went to his funeral. That is awfully disrespectful to his legacy and his family.

I am fine with JT going to the wedding, but hopefully he makes a personal call to Mr Palmer's family to explain.

When I sent the original tweet, I was a sitting at Mr Palmer's old table in the Bay Hill locker room and had a couple beers in me. I wouldn't do it if I had it to do over.

 

Just became my favorite person on golf channel. I love how people who preach about free speech are the same ones who go bat s*** crazy when someone actually speaks whats on their mind. What they really mean is free speech if I agree with what you are saying.

 

 

Now onto a question.

 

With all the different swing theories and methods out there what do you subscribe too? Are you more body controlled or Arm?

[RDD]

Close friends and family always come first in life.

 

Why do you think that Justin Thomas, who's going to a wedding of one of his good friends, that was scheduled many months before Arnold Palmer's passing, should shun his friend to participate in the tournament at Bay Hill instead? I'm having a very hard time coming up with logical reasoning for your stance on this.

You're right. Close friends and family are the most important thing in your life next to good health.

That being said, only 10 of 25 players are coming to this year's API. Very few top players went to his funeral. That is awfully disrespectful to his legacy and his family.

I am fine with JT going to the wedding, but hopefully he makes a personal call to Mr Palmer's family to explain.

When I sent the original tweet, I was a sitting at Mr Palmer's old table in the Bay Hill locker room and had a couple beers in me. I wouldn't do it if I had it to do over.

 

Just became my favorite person on golf channel. I love how people who preach about free speech are the same ones who go bat s*** crazy when someone actually speaks whats on their mind. What they really mean is free speech if I agree with what you are saying.

 

 

Now onto a question.

 

With all the different swing theories and methods out there what do you subscribe too? Are you more body controlled or Arm?

I'm my favorite too! I wish I could answer your question, but truth is everyone is different. I subscribe to whatever works for you. I personally was more arm, but not much. Takes both to hit it well

[Hawkeye77]

3) No idea about how many times GC plays Tin Cup

 

Every

 

God

 

Damn

 

Day

 

!

 

They showed "Seve" last night - all is forgiven and they can show it as much as they want!

[Poser]

Close friends and family always come first in life.

 

Why do you think that Justin Thomas, who's going to a wedding of one of his good friends, that was scheduled many months before Arnold Palmer's passing, should shun his friend to participate in the tournament at Bay Hill instead? I'm having a very hard time coming up with logical reasoning for your stance on this.

You're right. Close friends and family are the most important thing in your life next to good health.

That being said, only 10 of 25 players are coming to this year's API. Very few top players went to his funeral. That is awfully disrespectful to his legacy and his family.

I am fine with JT going to the wedding, but hopefully he makes a personal call to Mr Palmer's family to explain.

When I sent the original tweet, I was a sitting at Mr Palmer's old table in the Bay Hill locker room and had a couple beers in me. I wouldn't do it if I had it to do over.

 

Just became my favorite person on golf channel. I love how people who preach about free speech are the same ones who go bat s*** crazy when someone actually speaks whats on their mind. What they really mean is free speech if I agree with what you are saying.

 

 

Now onto a question.

 

With all the different swing theories and methods out there what do you subscribe too? Are you more body controlled or Arm?

I'm my favorite too! I wish I could answer your question, but truth is everyone is different. I subscribe to whatever works for you. I personally was more arm, but not much. Takes both to hit it well

 

Don't get too excited I mean Damn Hack is your competition....

[Hawkeye77]

Congrats on getting on GC. Pretty much quit watching MD a long time ago, and it doesn't fit with my getting to work time any more on weekdays. But caught you a few times.

 

Like that you seem to be at ease with your opinions and not necessarily pushing any agendas for OEMs or Tour. Have to say first time I saw you on the set it took awhile to realize who it was, at first thought you were looking for a Teen Wolf 3 audition. ;-)

 

Thanks for taking a little time for this site.

 

If Rymer ever gets back into Augusta tell him he can use his cell phone and see what he says - classic story from a few years ago.

 

 

[RDD]

Congrats on getting on GC. Pretty much quit watching MD a long time ago, and it doesn't fit with my getting to work time any more on weekdays. But caught you a few times.

 

Like that you seem to be at ease with your opinions and not necessarily pushing any agendas for OEMs or Tour. Have to say first time I saw you on the set it took awhile to realize who it was, at first thought you were looking for a Teen Wolf 3 audition. ;-)

 

Thanks for taking a little time for this site.

 

If Rymer ever gets back into Augusta tell him he can use his cell phone and see what he says - classic story from a few years ago.

I do have lots of hair. Going with goatee now instead of full beard.

I'll see what he says

[SilverBullets]

Welcome to forum and appreciate the insight you are offering. Pretty cool stuff!

 

What is the coolest/most special/meaningful experience you have as a result of your golf career? I always think it's interesting hearing things or event/moments that stand out in people's minds as being really special. Whether it's on the course or off

[cardoustie]

Nice to have you on here RD

 

Thx for sharing

[RDD]

Welcome to forum and appreciate the insight you are offering. Pretty cool stuff!

 

What is the coolest/most special/meaningful experience you have as a result of your golf career? I always think it's interesting hearing things or event/moments that stand out in people's minds as being really special. Whether it's on the course or off

I met my wife at Phoenix Open in 98. I suppose I have to say that!

First and last time playing with AP are both memorable.

First Bay Hill Invitational was most nervous I've ever been.

Right now I'm loving working at Morning Drive. Way more fun than I imagined

[Holy Moses]

Mike Davis threw out the idea of a Tour golf ball that's 80% as long as the current ball. Do you think that would be a good idea for the Tour?

[RDD]

Mike Davis threw out the idea of a Tour golf ball that's 80% as long as the current ball. Do you think that would be a good idea for the Tour?

Would not be bad. Anything to make 6800 yard courses relevant and close the gap between long and short hitters

[ChillyDipper]

Are you aware of the Golf Channel or personalities on the Golf Channel trolling sites like GolfWRX for content and rumours? There have been some coincidences in the past.

Thanks

[RDD]

Are you aware of the Golf Channel or personalities on the Golf Channel trolling sites like GolfWRX for content and rumours? There have been some coincidences in the past.

Thanks

Not aware,but I wouldn't be surprised.

[Hankshank]

OK, one question that the commentators on the golf TV broadcasts in my home country always ask, and many others ask too, including myselt:

 

What about shouting "fore" on broadcasted golf events when balls go astray? Some players do shout, many don't and you see people in the galleries being hit. There is obviously a problem to give a clear message about a ball coming to people 250 yards or more away but, well, I have seen juniors on my home course just extending the arm in the direction of wayward shots in the direction of humans. Clearly the PGA players should be road models? Or is it cool not to shout?

[bladehunter]

My question is. Is Damon hack the real deal ? I mean is he that nice of a guy in person ? I suspect he is so I feel ok asking it. And what do we have to do to get more Duval ??? Love his commentary. Watching him own Chamblee ( who I don't disagree with always ) was priceless !

 

Thank for giving us your time by the way. Certainly gained a fan here just for fact you have guts enough to admit to a mistake. ( a debatable mistake ) and take time to join and talk with us here.

[tigers9iron]

Robert, how well do you know Tiger? You are of similar age, are you friends, i'm sure paths have crossed many times. What's your opinion on where he goes from here? Is it really a health issue or combination of everything (ie-swing changes, mishandling of the scandal, mental, etc)?

[RDD]

Robert, how well do you know Tiger? You are of similar age, are you friends, i'm sure paths have crossed many times. What's your opinion on where he goes from here? Is it really a health issue or combination of everything (ie-swing changes, mishandling of the scandal, mental, etc)?

I used to practice with him quite a bit at Isleworth, but I haven't spoken to him in 3 years or so.

Yes there are physical issues, but it is absolutely a combination of those other things you mentioned.

[RDD]

My question is. Is Damon hack the real deal ? I mean is he that nice of a guy in person ? I suspect he is so I feel ok asking it. And what do we have to do to get more Duval ??? Love his commentary. Watching him own Chamblee ( who I don't disagree with always ) was priceless !

 

Thank for giving us your time by the way. Certainly gained a fan here just for fact you have guts enough to admit to a mistake. ( a debatable mistake ) and take time to join and talk with us here.

Damon Hack is one of the nicest people alive. Not an act.

I'm a huge fan of Duval also. GC would be nuts not to use him as much as possible.

Thanks!