Going Long

Celebrating the Fourth of July in August makes no sense. Baking a turkey with all the "fixings" in April is frowned upon. Walking through the mall in your Speedo any time of the year is probably a bad idea too.

But for some reason, a golf celebration in February sounds like a hole-in-one. The Hard Rock Casino Tulsa Golf Expo presented by the Broken Arrow and Owasso Golf and Athletic Clubs is inching closer.

The Feb. 11-12 event has called several venues home over the past 10 years including the Fairgrounds for the past six. This year the Hard Rock, 777 W. Cherokee St. in Catoosa, assumes the role of host.

The doors open at 10am on Saturday and Sunday. What can you expect when you enter the golf wonderland?

The first 150 adults who enter the expo on both days receive some free casino bucks. Registering at the door enters you for door prizes and a subscription to Golf Digest. Since you are at a golf expo it would only make sense to take them up on freebies.

It is hard to pinpoint the best portion of the expo. Some might say the special guest. Others would list the seminars.

Many would point to the contests. The Putting Contest, Long Drive Contest and Hole-In-One Contest always deliver. Winners could receive prizes such as a flat screen television.

These are just a few of the giveaways which separate our golf expo from others. It is also one of the reasons it is entering the tenth year.

Of course you will see the booths with people trying to sell their products. You may or may not see the special deal you have been searching for. But let's be honest, it sure beats a day at the mall shopping for clothes.

A huge indoor range promises professional help. Weekend hacks understand the dual meaning there.

The expo trots out some of the best PGA professionals in our area. They offer free lessons and swing tips.

Long drive champion Bobby Wilson might not add 30 yards to your game off the tee, but he delivers nonetheless.

Tickets at the door are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors. Children get in for free with paid adult. Discount tickets can be picked up at select locations such as LaFortune Park Golf Course, Edwin Watts Golf Shop and BA and Owasso Golf Clubs.

Longer Drive

Here at the Urban Tulsa we strive to cover, you guessed it, Tulsa. Over the years, we have ventured in to the world wide sports arena once or twice a year, usually around the Super Bowl. It is once again time.

Four years ago the New York Giants defeated the at-the-time undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Three months ago they battled in a regular season contest. Once again the Giants came out victorious. Eli > Brady

So we have a doozey of a rematch in store for SB XLVI on Sunday, Feb. 5.

Unlike previous years when the outcome seemed easy to predict, this one could go either way. The Patriots opened as a 3.5-point favorite in Vegas.

You could tell me the Patriots will win a blowout or a nail biter and I would nod yes.

On the other hand you, could easily convince the public of a Giants blowout or a Giants-by-three outcome as well.

Since many will throw out predictions and only half will be correct, let's skip the X's and O's talk and get into the serious business at hand. This is the Super Bowl!

SB XLII (their previous matchup) was held in Glendale, Ariz. SB XLVI (this year's) is being held in Indianapolis. Advantage Arizona.

Fox televised XLII with broadcasters Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. This year Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth lead the NBC telecast. Advantage SB XLVI

(Quick tangent: Joe Bucks' lackadaisical call of Eli Manning's throw to David Tyree and subsequent helmet catch was the biggest letdown of the entire game. It was as if his monitor was showing a replay of a three-yard slant in the first quarter instead of the biggest play of the game.)

The Lombardi Trophy will be awarded by Dan Patrick to the winner this year. In 2008, Terry Bradshaw handed out the bling. Advantage Bradshaw.

Back in 2008 American Idol reject Jordin Sparks belted the National Anthem. This year an American Idol winner in Kelly Clarkson gets the honors. Advantage Winning.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers took the stage at halftime at SB XLII. This was in the weird post-nipple gate halftime era. This year Madonna along with Nicki Minaj and Cirque du Soleil look to entertain. Advatage Ear Plugs.

The final score in 2008 read 17-14 for the Giants. The only exciting play was a luckyish helmet catch and Plaxico Buress celebrating the go-ahead touchdown without shooting himself in the leg.

Vegas set the over/under line at 55 points. In 2008 the two teams combined to score 31. In the regular season this year they scored 44.

Of course this means absolutely zilch. Enjoy the golf expo and enjoy the game. And remember, don't drink and drive (unless you are on a golf course and have an 8.5 loft in your hands).

Send all comments and feedback regarding Left Field to ddavis@urbantulsa.com