CBS Sports golf analyst Peter Kostis received over 700 e-mails from CBS SportsLine viewers last week concerning a range of golf-related issues. Peter responds here to a selection of those e-mails.
Explain what happened at the Bridgestone on Sunday when the woman sat in her chair and didn't move and Tiger had to move the ball. I thought that was his third stroke plus one for moving the ball but he still played the hole in par. Did I miss something? Janet Shannon
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I was insulted by the references made on Sunday at the Bridgestone Invitational. During the broadcast Tiger Woods was referred to as "boy" and then some reference "were two of him on the ARK" (or something to that effect). At the very least this was a poor choice of words. Though to me, it sounded degrading. Sports broadcasters should have more tact and should discuss the game and not speculate on the players. Mary Etta Fizer
Kostis: Dear Mary Etta, I don’t know what you are talking about or what show you were watching. However, I do know that during the awards presentation, I did congratulate Tiger on putting a “real whooping on those boys today”, meaning the other 82 players in the field. I can assure you no one on the CBS crew is racist, or would degrade any player.
Will someone please tell Rory Sabbatini how awful he looks chewing gum. Also, will someone please tell him to grow up and get his emotions under control. Janet in Savannah, Ga.
Kostis: Dear Janet: How about you do it? You can reach him at Rory Sabbatini, c/o PGA Tour Headquarters, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Why does the PGA post "Tiger Woods" as Tiger and not as his real name of Eldrick Woods. I think it is only fair to call him by his real name. I think it will affect his play. I feel it gives him an unfair advantage since it does not sound intimidating as Tiger does. Start calling him Eldrick on the leaderboards and the signs carried around the course and watch his play. It does not seem fair that he gets equipment adapted to his swing and balls that stop on a dime instead of rolling when he puts all the spin on the ball. He gets the best equipment made and it is customized around his abilities. I also think a lot of players would play better when they go on the tour if they were to get $6 million just to turn pro. Guys like Palmer and Nicklaus had to make a living or not eat when they played but not Eldrick. They could not afford to miss a week of play to get ready for a major the way Eldrick does. It has all been handed to him just because he is "Tiger"! I think a test should be performed to check his DNA for Steroids and performance enhancing drugs, also. He was a tall skinny kid and he bulked up like Barry Bonds did in just a short period of time. That could account for the extra yards he gets out of "all" of his clubs. John Seymoure
Kostis: Whoa, John, you have serious issues! Take a deep breath! Either that, or start breathing into a paper bag! First off, Tiger changed his name legally several years ago. Eldrick no long exists. So, we’re not doing anything incorrect by calling him by his real first name, which is Tiger. Every player on tour gets the best equipment made, and it’s personally customized to them. And finally, Jack Nicklaus rarely played the week before a major. So, thanks for your question, and next time, get the facts straight.
This could be a one of a kind question that you will ever face. I am an immigrant to the US and I fell in love with golf about two years ago. I started to work on my game as much as I could, depending on the weather, and I am consistently hitting 85. I may be dumb to dream about playing professional golf but I do not think it is impossible. My question to you is, when is it time for me to make a move into professional golf? Any tips that you could provide for me to get there are welcome. Jinka in Detroit
Kostis: Jinka, my rule is the same for anybody and everybody, immigrant or not. When you beat everyone in your town, start competing against everybody else in your state. When you can beat everybody in your state, then start competing and beating everyone in your region. If you can do that, you’ll know when it’s time to turn professional.
Keep Nick Faldo on the team!!! He's the Simon Cowell of the golf world! Absolutely hilarious. We love him!! Chase Carter
Kostis: Well Chase, we love him too! Although I’m not particularly sure he’s going to like being called Simon Cowell! Nonetheless, thanks for watching.
