Everybody Loves List

Inspiration comes in various forms. I was motivated by last week's cover story. Yeah, I know, shilling the paper I write for. What can I say?

Truthfully, I enjoyed learning about alternative beers. It gives me a goal for the summer. Just how many can I sample on my own? You see, it's the little things in life.

So while I'm planning my summer brew tasting, here are the top ten sporty recreations you should check into this summer. Don't let the ubiquitous talk of "the summer doldrums" get you down. Cheer up and enjoy these hot items.

Here is the usual disclaimer. The ten items are in random order. We play no favorites here.

Hit some balls. Yeah, golf has been and will be a repetitive theme this summer. Between the PGA last year and LPGA every year, much like my 4-iron, I'm hooked.

Here is a facet of the frustrating game that attracts everyone. We set our own goals. We each hope to attain something different from a round.

A yard-pass is good for a day with your buddies. The eternal hope of the perfect shot. A more realistic goal of improving your game. Taking money from your foursome. Different strokes for different folks.

Wing it and fling it. A round of ball golf can be expensive and time consuming. Why not try a round of disc golf. Free to play, easy to learn and invisible exercise. What's not to like?

Discs can be purchased at various local stores. Why put off today what can be done tomorrow? Because, if you enjoy it today, you can do it again tomorrow. Visit tulsadiscsports.org for more details and course locations.

One more year. Visiting Drillers Stadium is a no-brainer. Consider this your friendly summer reminder. Our Drillers took a hit to the roster this year. The elite prospects are thin in T-Town.

However, Drillers games offer so much more. Take a friend or three and go crazy, folks. Hell, you can even bring a sign reminding the Drillers they belong downtown. Visit tulsadrillers.com for ticket info and promotional dates.

Go fish. Literally. I have a question for native Tulsans. Why so many ski boats? I feel, especially in Tulsa, everyone should purchase a fishing boat. The right fishing boat serves both the skier and fisherman in the family.

If you find yourself vessel challenged, don't let this stop your pursuit of the big catch. Find a dock or a neighbor with a boat. And remember; always keep your tip up.

Multi-boating. Water sports rule the lakes during the hot summer months. And if catching crappie doesn't excite you, perhaps a relaxing day on the siren water does. The challenges of mastering a knee board, wake board, slalom ski or the ol' donut tube make for good times.

Chances are you'll find yourself immersed in excitement on an Oklahoma lake. Not only do we have more lakes than any other state, they are closer. It bears mentioning with gas prices these days.

No hands. Few sports require the use of little or no hand action. Soccer stands alone in this category on the world stage. You don't have to love David Beckham to enjoy futbol, Tulsa style.

SoccerCity, 5817 S. 118th E. Ave., offers a unique playing surface. A field perfectly suited for a mid-summer romp. Yes, as the name indicates, it's indoors. Visit soccercitytulsa.com for lessons, leagues and other information.

Beating a Dead. Horse racing to the masses died a slow death over the years. Gambling remains the number one draw to the four-legged sport. This year Big Brown has piqued the public's interest once again. The ultimate Triple Crown tease.

Fair Meadows Horse Racing returns this summer. Watching the ponies fling mud while galloping in circles is sneaky good entertaining. Throw a couple of bucks down and bam! Good times indeed. Check exposquare.com for dates.

What a racket. Another sport dying a slow painful death before our eyes on the world stage is tennis. Rampant claims of fixed matches, overzealous fathers, doping and lack of up-and-coming Americans kill the buzz.

Of course, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy a morning or evening of yellow furry ball slapping. Want to make it family fun? Bring a few kids and let them chase errant shots. Exercise masked by sports. Find a facility near you and explore the court space.

High-ya! Ok, I struggled typing out the sound of a karate chop. Suggestions are welcomes. You know my fascination with martial arts these days. Here is a selfish submission. Enroll in a class.

There is no pressure to trade punches with a meathead. Martial arts center on discipline, cardio and general health. If you want to deliver a knee to someone's sternum, I'm sure you can find a huckleberry, too.

Preparation B. Let's all rub a little cream on our inner sports imp. The BOk Center is inching closer to completion. Gas and food prices aside, don't we owe it to ourselves to start getting pumped up for sports action on Tulsa's grandest stage.

Start making it a habit to check bokcenter.com and reading Urban Tulsa Weekly for the latest on BOk Center coming attractions. We voted for it. Let's prove we knew what we were doing back in 2003.

I think we are a smart bunch. We're Tulsarific!

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