A word from "The Rocket" commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Tiger Woods wins another tournament Commentary by Rick Rodriguez August 5, 2007

Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

In light of the recent events concerning Eldrick "Tiger" Woods, mainly he has decided to move away from the public eye and its scrutiny by not playing professional golf; I revisited the original post of "A word from the Rocket," about Tiger Woods.  In the original post below, you'll note my admiration of Woods, my reasons are pretty clear; moreover, I make a case against Barry Bonds, and his alleged transgressions.

I guess I shouldn't be disappointed in Woods, nor should I make a judgment of any of the the protagonists of my posts; however,  I offer the following reasons:  Mainly, "I am a golfer" and with that statement comes a responsibility to play the game with honor, integrity, and those values represent character.  Undoubtedly, Tiger Woods, has never been accused of "transgressions" on the golf course, but the recent revelations of character flaws attributed to Woods saddens me. It crushes my hope of a Superstar Athlete also being a man of character; a Father with integrity; a true humanitarian; a husband of commitment, and an honorable golfer.  Make no mistake Tiger Woods has reversed the heights that he had attained in each of these categories. 

The photographs featured in this post were taken by me at the JBWere Masters in Melbourne, Australia in November 2009.  Incidentally, this was Tiger's last competitive tournament and two weeks before Tiger's world began to unravel.  I was extremely privileged to be at the tournament and proud that Tiger represented America with class, style, integrity, excitement, and a great win!  Yes, I was there and now I move away from that position, from Tiger, as a fan, and admirer, and this as a GOLFER saddens me.

ANOTHER WIN FOR TIGER AUGUST 5, 2007

BY Rick Rodriguez

So, what's the big deal: Tiger wins another tournament.  Many people out there aren't so happy when Tiger wins, but I am.  Perhaps, it's because the rich just get richer, or he wins all the time argument, but I love to see any athlete dominate his craft, and Tiger does.  As a golf enthusiast, player, competitor, and a sport fan in general; I'm thrilled when Tiger wins!  There is a reason for this and it is because Tiger brings respectability to the sport world.  Not only does he win, but he's a class act and demonstrates that to fans and competitors alike. 

Contrast that with the other big sport story, Barry Bonds.  How it sickens me to see a player tie the all-time home record under the alleged (past or present) influence of performance enhancing drugs: oh yeah Barry, flaxseed oil.  His and others continued denial of alleged drug induced performances are what has drawn many people away from the three major sports: baseball, football, and to a lesser extent basketball.  Now, a revelation that an NBA ref may have had an influence on NBA games: this makes a fan (like me) wonder whether what we are witnessing is actual or influenced by outside events.  Aren't you sick of all the cheating?

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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Experiencing "Tigermania in Australia" Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

As I sat among the gallery at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia taking photos of then world No. 1 Tiger Woods and witnessing Tigermania and his win at the JB Were Masters, little did I know that this event would be Tiger's last official win!  And now looking back, two plus years later I wonder when the next win will come. Sure, Tiger captured his own tournament, the Chevron World Challenge, against an impressive field of 20 players in late 2011 but the tournament is not a PGA sanctioned event.  Thus, Tiger still seeks his first official PGA win since Melbourne!  

Watching Tiger Woods play golf in Australia was big for Australians and me!  It was his 1st tournament in Australia and the experience was akin to Beatlemania on the golf course!  For me, the experience gave me the very proud feeling of being American and playing golf; my affiliations with Tiger! As I watched the crowds part for Tiger; throngs of security and PGA officials following closely, little did I know life would change for Tiger in just a few short weeks!

I was welcomed to Melbourne by my friend Dr. David Moffet and his trusty associate Stephen Pan; avid golfers; Australians (Sydney-siders), and gracious hosts.  I was invited by the good Doctor to join a golf tour coinciding with the aforementioned JB WERE Masters golf tournament.  As part of the tour and the golf group, I had the privilege of playing renowned golf venues: Royal Melbourne, Metropolitan, and Huntingdale golf club(s). 

Akin to playing  Pebble Beach Golf Links, Royal Melbourne (site of 2011 President's Cup) is an Australian masterpiece, a shotmaker's paradise, and a top 100 golf course in the world.   It is an extreme privilege to play there! As a golfer, I knew right away I was in a special place, partly because of the classic clubhouse adorned with memorabilia of the great champions that have come this way and won here; and also the evident pride of the hosts.  While I can't say the course gave me a lot of personal golf memories (as in a great score)  it did give up an occasional par (s) or birdie that I will remember well into the future.  Pictured above is the No.11 Par 3 hole.  

Metropolitan, ranked in the top 100 outside of the US, is one of the best courses I've ever played. It gave me two birdies including a 40 foot snake on a Par 3. Only my 2nd hole of the day but a putt because of the profound luck that I will never forget!  Framed by towering trees and plenty of Australian bush land, each step felt like paradise, even as I searched endlessly for an errant tee shot or missed iron.  Nevertheless, the course and especially the post round beverage enjoyed adjacent to the day's final hole, and made sweeter by a miraculous save to end play, are still fresh in my mind.  Sitting watching the sun rays trickle behind the trees, secured with a nice position; the golf course slowly descending into the evening after a days work; my feet resting on the plush grass seven thousand eight hundred sixty miles away from my home course, and the setting sun still warming my bones, indeed, I felt really lucky to be there!

Huntingdale as well as the Kingston Heath Golf  Club were certainly as excellent in some respects.  But, neither would supersede my impression of Royal Melbourne or Metropolitan on this trip!   For now, I'll store the memories of Tigermania in my mind and on these photographs and think about how I have been severely fortunate to have been given these gifts by the travel gods.  And maybe in the course of events, Tiger will pullout his next win!

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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Elevated Expectations on The Great Ocean Road Victoria, Australia Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

 Commentary by By Rick Rodriguez

  
Cruising along the southern coastline in Victoria, Australia on The Great Ocean Road, after a week of playing some of Australia's finest golf courses, I began to think about how similar coastlines can be throughout the world: prodigious cliffs, coarse rocks, beautiful beaches, thick brush, seaside coves, and at times tumbling rocks.  However, in visiting the Great Ocean Road, a few hour drive from Melbourne, Australia; I was promised more: a spectacular tour, quaint towns, wildlife, and a marvel of the world—The Twelve Apostles National Park—thus with elevated expectations, I grabbed the coach that would deliver me to this promised land and headed off to the southern part of Victoria! After securing a window seat in the air-conditioned coach, I nestled in and got comfortable, a young man sat next to me (Italian), and in a short while we would engage in a lengthy conversation on our respective trips; however, for now, we would sit silently next to each other not unlike standing elevator companions!    
 

The tour’s 1^ststop was an oceanside pit stop for a Kodak moment and shortly thereafter the small town of Torquoy, Victoria.  The town, a small surf village on Victoria’s southern coast, is very typical of most seaside venues littered with small shops and convenience stores.  After the brief interlude in Torquoy, we continued along the spectacular and rugged shoreline; our driver skillfully adhering to the pavement despite at times hairpin turns adjacent to prodigious cliffs.  In little time we came about the small town of Apollo Bay, and I scampered off to find some postcards to send home.  After surveying the beach, I adhered to the Driver’s warning to return on time for the scheduled departure and we left en route to the Twelve Apostles National Park.

Upon seeing the Twelve Apostles National Park, nature’s gift to the world and the Southern Coast of Australia, I was breathless and inspired!  This is nature at its finest and all one can do is stare and admire the beautifully carved Apostles.  Millions of years of the Ocean’s work stood before me and I could only envision what those of yore might have thought when they came along these testaments to time!  Moving quickly to see as much as possible, I traversed three main trails before heading to a small cove I reached by negotiating a cliff down to the beach.     It is one of those places you often see in a postcard and it was quite dramatic!  The water ebbed and flowed somewhat briskly; however, I could envision sitting here an entire day.   I scaled to each end of the cove despite my attire, jeans and a tee shirt, and in a short while I was back up in the comfort of the coach.  The tour continued on stopping at other segments of the Twelve Apostles National Park before arriving at our last stop.

At our last stop, Port Campbell,  our Driver, once again admonished us about the time schedule. The Italian guy, remember him, saved me from figuring out how to find a way back to Melbourne (3 hours), as in my carelessness, I let the coach leave without me, and really there is never a moment quite like seeing your one and only ride home careening onto the Highway.  Slightly daunted, I asked a local about the possibilities of catching another coach or a cab back to Melbourne; he replied in the negative!  I suspected as much given the remoteness of this town and the paucity of inhabitants.  Slightly perplexed, I began the scanning process of surveying my options, and none looked too good.  As I sat slightly alarmed, 15 & 20 minutes having passed since the coach had departed, I caught eye of another coach coming into town which turned out to be mine.  The Italian guy, thinking it odd I was not on the bus, had finally convinced himself that I hadn’t suddenly decided to leave the tour and informed the Driver that I was not present.  Thank God! 

Alas, after a spectacular day touring the Great Ocean Road, I nearly found myself a temporary inhabitant of a remote seaside village called Port Campbell.  Ah, there is nothing like a little temporary overnighter in sleepy village somewhere on the other side of home, but fortunately I dodged that little event.  Nonetheless, the little episode was certainly adaptable after all I was in Australia, capturing the Great Ocean Road, perhaps for the only time!

 

In three hours, we were back home, and I checked in for the last time at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne.  In the morning, I had a quick breakfast, and grabbed a cab to the Airport.  14 hours later I landed in SFO safe & sound.  The tour of THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD turned out as promised!  It promised elevated expectations and it delivered that and more!  It was another amazing trip to the land down under!

 

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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Extraordinary travel experiences in England Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez 

Some of my most extraordinary travel experiences have come from a sense of being driven toward a destination.  Figuratively speaking, I was driven to get to England in 1996, and yes that's where I ended up that summer almost as if fate interceded and got me there!  Leek Wooten, a small town outside of Warwick (central England) and in the heartland of Shakespeare Country, is where I arrived to compete in the 10th World Left-Handed Golf Championship and attend the 1996 British Open!

The World Left-handed Golf Championship is held around the world every two years.  Several countries are represented and compete in a medal play golf championship.  In England, the host course was The Warwickshire Golf Club, located in the quaint town of Leek Wooten.  This is also very near the Warwick Castle, a famous medieval castle.

It was my 1st trip to England and after arriving at Heathrow International Airport in London.  I rented a car and caught the M (Highway) for a few hour trip north to Leamington Spa and The Courtyard Marriott.  After about 20 km/miles, I realized that I was in fact heading south and had to negotiate a roundabout to get going in the right direction!  I did, and what ensued was a pleasant trip right through central England.  I vividly recall the sense of freedom I experienced out on the open road, seeing unfamiliar terrain, and being alone in a country knowing not a soul.  The spirit of adventure is amazing!  

Once I arrived in Leamington Spa, I immediately found my hotel, got situated, and then headed downstairs to the lobby. I sat down and relaxed at the bar and met a man named Walter.  After introductions, this town local was kind enough to drive me to the golf course.  Once I arrived at the Warwickshire Golf Club, I was overwhelmed by the sense of pride I felt seeing each participating country's flag fluttering in the wind.  I was so proud being there representing the United States as a participating player!

I immediately arranged a practice round and got on on the course.  I found the course to be highly playable.  However, most of that day is but a blur as I was severely jet-lagged.   So, needless to say, my golf play was uneventful save for a few memorable swings with the driver.   After befriending a man & fellow competitor, Bill Hickey, from Montana, we had dinner at The Hilton, and I, shortly thereafter, tried in vain to get some sleep but to no avail.  I was about to experience the dreaded desynchronnosis!!!! 

The next day I headed off to Blackpool on the west coast of England, and the site of 1996 British Open at Royal Lytham. My trip coincided with "The Open" and I had tickets to the final round of the championship. Tom Lehman, an American, had established the lead, but was paired with England's own Nick Faldo.  I wrote in my journal at the time "The Open was fabulous!  I spent most of the day at holes 2, 4 & 5.  I got to see most of the stars: Couples, Pavin, Nicklaus, Norman, Crenshaw, Woods, Mediate, Singh, Faldo, and eventual championship winner Tom Lehman.  I followed Faldo and Lehman most of the way home (18th hole).  Couples made a charge.  Mark Brooks chipped in on 5.  I like him.  The roar of the gallery at The Open is unbelievable especially when Faldo birdied!  I hung out after and took a close up photo of the Claret Jug and Lehman being interviewed by Jimmy Roberts of ESPN."  It is interesting to note who the stars were in 1996.  Back then Faldo, Norman, and Couples were pretty big stars--and a relative unknown--Tiger Woods was playing in his last event as a non-professional golfer.  He turned professional shortly thereafter!

The excitement of "The Open" or inspiration unfortunately didn't carry over for me in the 10th World Left-Handed Golf Championship.  I played and tried hard but didn't have the skill or experience to finish in the higher end of my golf flight. I was crushed and it hurt for a long time! Despite the experience, I learned a few valuable lessons in this tournament.  Basically it comes down to rest and preparation to excel in these tournaments.  I underestimated the jet lag and didn't catch up on my sleep until mid week. I  spent hours awake gazing at the Warwick Castle and lamenting my inability to sleep.  I also learned that if I was going to compete in golf tournaments around the world I needed to improve my golf game.

The trip reminded me to never regret traveling abroad.  Nothing compares to the freedom of being alone in the world and discovering new things.  I had discovered England and the Shakespeare Country and Royal Lytham St. Anne's and the small town of Leek Wooten in Warwickshire on this trip.  

 Not only did this trip broadened my experience of the world but it built friendships for me; it gave me a greater appreciation of where I'm from, and allowed me to continue to follow my dreams!  Always follow your dreams and live extraordinary travel experiences!

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

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Tasmania, Australia October 1998 Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

Commentary by Rick Rodriguez

In 1998, I spent three weeks on the Island of Tasmania, Australia.  This is the tear drop land mass south of the continent of Australia. It is also the home of the famed Tasmanian Devil! The purpose of my trip was to play in two golf tournaments: the Australian National Left-Handed Golf Championship and the World Left-Handed Golf Championship.  Tasmania is a twenty hour flight including stops from San Francisco!  I left out of Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia, and then to the Launceston, Tasmania. 

I got there on October 17, and after I checked into the Hotel Grand Chancellor, I went for a practice round at the Riverside Golf Club.   Arriving at the course, I went over to the practice putting green and gazed over the horizon marveling at the course of events that had gotten me to this point in life.  Here I was, thousands of miles from home, standing on unfamiliar turf, about to play a game I love--GOLF!  I must have been jet lagged because I hacked it up that day, but I reasoned at least I was able to see one of the courses I'd eventually play in the tournament, and what the heck I was on vacation having fun!   After the round, I went for a short run to get a feel for the town.  Launceston is a quaint town with many small stores, and a variety of restaurants; and its got some key tourist spots including Queen Victoria Hall.  My run interweaved between small streets and Cataract Gorge (a key spot), and after a short run, I went back to the hotel and got settled in for dinner.

The next morning the Australian National  Left-Handed Golf Tournament got under way.  The 1st round was contested at the Launceston Golf Club.  As a crowd of golfers gathered to gaze at the starting golfers, I was busily trying to cope with my 1st tee jitters, very soon the gazes would turn toward me, and I wanted to perform well.  I must have shaken them off.  I got off to a good start (42) but struggled on the back and ended with a 95.  I was pretty dejected because I let a good opportunity get away  on what I felt was a fair course.  I had trouble with tight lies and the extremely fast greens.  In the 2nd round at Mowbray Golf Club, I started off well striping my drive right down the middle.  My confidence led to a quick Par, and after 9 holes I shot (45). The front was high-lighted by a great up and down from a green side bunker on hole 9.  Then, just like that I had two consecutive 8's!  Wow, I was crushed and I had to take myself aside for a fast pep talk.  After the positive self-talk, I shot even par that included a birdie on 17 (30 ft. Breaker) on the last six holes.  I shot 87 for the round.

After two rounds, I was in 3rd place in my flight, and I was looking forward to playing the Riverside Golf Club; the site of my 1st round on the Island.   I played well (85), and found myself leading my flight after the 3rd round.  In the round, I was paired with a couple of Australians, David Direen and Keith Martin, and we had a fantastic time.  In fact, David and I hit it off pretty well, and after the round he asked me to come down to Hobart (his home) for the weekend.  Of course, I accepted and after the tournament on Friday we made our way down to Hobart.  After the round, I discovered that I was leading by 3 strokes; apparently no one in my flight had bettered my score.

In the last round, we played the Casino Country Club course, and while I was nervous, I shot another 85 and won my flight by two shots.  I was leading by several shots but on the 18th hole I triple-bogeyed the hole, and not knowing the final outcome actually thought I lost the tournament on 18.  I was quite disappointed.  I didn't discover until the tournament banquet that night that I had held on.  I was awarded a beautiful bronze Tasmanian tiger for the win.  Today, it sits on my desk; a constant reminder of my trip to Tasmania

I never really thought I'd end up winning a golf flight in Tasmania.  But, I guess things just sometimes work out that way.  I also ended up with a great friendship with David Direen that has been renewed in Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada in the ensuing years. 

My trip to Tasmania in 1998 was an amazing lifetime experience.  Intertwined with many splendid moments engaging with friends and relationships I have formed throughout the world, Tasmania is a place that offers lots of outdoor adventure activities; great food, and a warm culture.  It is a place that created amazing moments for me including the reward of playing golf in this far off land.  It was a devil of a time!

Rick Rodriguez is a writer and is frequently published in opinion/editorial sections in local and national newspapers. Rick, a San Francisco Bay Area native and graduate of Saint Mary's College lives in Danville, California with his two children.  Contact Rick at rrodriguez@pacunion.com or (510) 326-4795.

Follow Rick at:

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24 hours of driving in Ireland June 2005 commentary by Rick Rodriguez

 Commentary By Rick Rodriguez

I had 24 hours to drive across Ireland and get back to Dublin for my next tee time Thursday morning! So, after the day's round at Naas Golf Club on Tuesday and one incredible moment (Naas Golf Club is located at Kerdiffstown, Naas, County Kildare just outside of Dublin), I grabbed a rental car and hopped on the highway headed toward Ireland's West Coast and the town of Nenagh. I had not planned on heading to Nenagh and didn't know what I'd find once I got there but what the heck I was in Ireland, and not for long! Opportunity was facing adventure!  So, with little delay I headed out of Dublin and toward my destination. Immediately, I noticed that Ireland'sHighways have much more room to negotiate a vehicle opposed to their country roads. Their country roads, at least the one's I traveled on are so narrow that gleaning countryside glances while driving is only recommended for the totally skilled. This is especially more difficult for right side drivers from the USA. And, while I am no rookie to driving a vehicle from the right side it clearly takes some warm up to get in a comfort zone.

I drove non-stop until I reached the town of Nenagh. Located about 155Km from Dublin in County North Tipperaryand off the N7, Nenagh caught my eye because of the medieval Nenagh Castle. I could see it along the N and it was situated near a large church that also drew my attention. So, I stopped in on a terrific summer day and walked about the place for a bit and then the clouds formed and the brief sunshine turned to a dreary nebulous experience. " Nenagh Castle was built 1216 and was the main castle of the Butler Family before they moved to Gowran, County Kilkenny in the 14th century. The family later purchased Kilkenny Castle which was to be the main seat of their power for the next 500 years. The town was one of the ancient manors of the Butlers who received the grant of a fair from Henry VIII of England. They also founded the medieval priory of St John, just outside the town at Tyone. A small settlement grew up around the castle, but it never seems to have been of any great importance other than as a local market throughout the medieval period. An important Franciscan friary was founded in the town in 1252 in the reign of Henry III of England, which became the head of the Irish custody of West Ireland and was one of the richest religious houses in Ireland. The Abbey was in use for six hundred years; Fr. Patrick Harty, who died in 1817, was its last inhabitant. Nonetheless, the brief stop was one of many I would make en route to my final destination."  Nenagh is a cool town.  I was slightly out of my element but it didn't stop me from fashioning my video camera in search of something out of the ordinary!

After leaving Nenagh, I drove to Limerick and drove aimlessly around town looking for accommodations for the evening.  I had planned on finding a hotel for the night but saw nothing that drew my interest. Limerick appeared very industrial to me and I just couldn't find what seemed like a friendly spot. Perhaps, the local time (10:00PM) had something to do with it and it was still light out. So, again, I made another decision to head to Waterford (famous for crystal) and figured that might be more representative of what I might be looking for that evening. It was, however, 2 hours and 127km drive to Waterford, so I made a mad dash onto the N24, and headed East. Driving through the night on unfamiliar roads is always an interesting experience. In route, I stopped for coffee at a gas station and I am not quite sure who was more startling me or the attendant. With a quizzical look he gave me a cup of joe and I was off as fast as I had arrived.

 










 I found accommodations for the evening at Tower Hotel once I arrived in Waterford, The hotel is situated adjacent to Reginald's Tower  (picture left). Waterford  was founded by Viking raiders who established a settlement at Waterford in 853. Waterfordand all the other longphorts were vacated in 902, the Vikings having been driven out by the native Irish. The Vikings re-established themselves in Ireland at Waterford in 914 and built what would be Ireland's first city. A list of the city's rulers from this date to the mayors of the present day can be found in Rulers of Waterford. Among the most prominent kings of Waterford was Ivar of Waterford.

 

 Finally, relaxing, and in for the night. I replayed the day's events beginning with that incredible moment at Naas Golf Club (I made a 2 on a Par 4) and the Eagle on the 9th hole to the Nenagh Castle and Waterford via Limerick, and finally the 300k's I drove that day and night. Opportunity had met adventure. And as usual adventure turned out the winner! 

  

After a night's rest, I toured Reginald's Tower, had breakfast and headed north toward Wicklow Mountain and back to Dublin.  Not before, however, I scampered off for a riverside jaunt in Wexford that had me wondering if I might encounter some medieval leprechauns deep in the lush riverside hills.  It was one of those hikes reserved for the memory book and my video camera.  It was a fast 24 hours of driving Ireland but it was a spectacular experience!