Putt Around

Golf is flying under the radar like a Tiger Woods 2-iron. Remember when El Tigre's go-to shot was the famous stinger 2-iron? Remember when Tulsa was the epicenter of the golf universe?

Seems like years ago since the PGA Championship called Southern Hills home. Actually, it was years ago but I digress. Since the Championship departed T-Town much has changed in golf.

Tiger Woods shattered his knee and took a sabbatical. He found time to make another baby while recuperating. Tiger's absence from the tour meant golf's growth appeal increased at the same rate as our economy.

The local issue is the collapse of SemGroup. This set in motion the loss of our yearly LPGA event. No other Tulsa business stepped up to the tee box. The ladies continue to be missed. I'm sure they miss us, too.

The recent resurgence of golf, thanks in large part to Tiger's return, got me thinking about Tulsa golf.

Not that you care but I've been off the links for almost two years. Baby born last year killed that season and is in the process of killing this campaign. I'll get in the occasional round on vacation but the bi-monthly outing is gonzo.

That should not take away from the golf coverage you deserve.

Battle Creek Golf Club, 3200 North Battle Creek Drive, Broken Arrow, is one of my favorites. It's no secret the GPS pushes the enjoyment to the next level.

Sure, the layout is challenging and the greens are well manicured. However, driving up to the ball and grabbing a club knowing the distance beats driving up to the ball, looking for a marker, taking a few paces, guessing the distance and then grabbing the wrong club.

BCGG is currently offering twilight specials online. Starting at 3pm you can enjoy special twilight rates seven days a week.

Personally, when the temps reach triple digits, someone better pay me to golf at high noon. If I were in charge of a golf course, here is the eSpecial I would offer: Purchase a round of golf and your buddy plays for free. Also, starting at 2pm, I'd throw in a couple of free bottles of G.

Other courses are upping the ante as well. If you consider yourself the Earl of golf, perhaps you can follow in Tiger's dad's footsteps.

LaFortune Park Golf Course is offering up a deal for families. LaFortune is calling the deal "family golf night." Every Wednesday for the remainder of the summer, kids play and eat for free with a paying adult.

The offer is restricted to the par-3 course but more importantly, it's free. Rarely in life is free a bad thing.

Not sure about sweating hotdogs out of your pores for a round on the par-3 course? Remember it is lit up. To recap: free golf with your family under the bright lights. Visit www. lafortunegolfclub.com for more information.

The movie Tommy Boy provided several memorable quotes. Without rehashing the entire line, there was one where he asked the butcher for his opinion about a steak rather than sticking his head inside the bull's...

My buddy Kev and his crew are avid golfers. He has a message to course managers across Green Country: Stimulate the golf economy.

"Some of the golf courses are pricing themselves out of business. I played Emerald Falls once because our company got us a discount there, normally it's 60 bucks... uh, good luck with that price, jackasses."

Wait, he's not done with his helpful tips to the local courses.

"I have played Old Page (Belcher) a few times because the course is decent and the prices are fair. Mostly I have played Mohawk and Bailey because they are close to work and twilight prices are fair unlike the 30 dollar twilight at Battle Creek.

"Don't these #*&@#%& know that there is an economic downturn? They need to SLASH the prices of carts and green fees all across the board. I'll tell you... I've had absolutely zero problems getting a tee time when I want at just about any time or day of the week."

Wo-Check-Yo-Self

The University of Tulsa's head basketball coach Doug Wojcik agreed to a six-year contract extension last week. The new contract added a two-year extension to his existing contract. It now runs through the 2014-15 season.

Wojcik has his supporters and critics. The supporters outweigh the naysayers, for now. He's coming off the heels of TU's third straight 20-win season and first trip to the NIT under his stewardship.

"Naturally, we're excited. We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity, as a coach, to be as involved as we are at The University of Tulsa and within the city of Tulsa," said Wojcik. "Tulsa is a great job and a wonderful place to raise a family."

TU basketball is headed in the right direction although the progress is taking a little longer than some TU faithful would like.

A quote like the above from Wojcik is the reason why he endures himself to the local media and fan base in Tulsa. I typically get one-on-one "Wojcik time" once a year. He's never been anything other than fantastic and engaging.

The downside to the media's relationship is what happens if the ship starts to sink. Not to be a Debbie Downer but will the local media have the courage to challenge him if signs of fading are present?

Then again, what would TU fan prefer? A coach jettisoned for futility or a coach taking the big bucks at a BCS caliber school and waiving at TU from the rearview?

Wojcik's record at TU over the past four seasons is a respectable 81-53. Then again, it is light years ahead of his predecessor.

Speaking of impressive TU athletic achievements... The University of Tulsa's Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham has been named the 2008-09 Football Bowl Subdivision Central Region Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics (NACDA).

What exactly does this mean? Not sure since I've never heard of the NACDA. However, it is probably a good indication that his Wojcik extension was a smart choice. Couple the Wojick extension with football coach Todd Graham's 10-year contract and TU is showing commitment.

Cunningham, Graham and Wojcik deserve to celebrate. They should meet on a golf course. I know the perfect player to complete their foursome.

Got golf?