First Name Basis

It's something to be said, to be a golfer and be on a first name basis with millions of fans. Arnie, Tiger, Freddie, Phil, Vijay, Annika... but possibly the greatest first name ever, Jack, will be playing in his last British Open this week, not to mention his final Major.

Golf has changed over the years. Back in Jack's day, you played and you played a lot. You played like Vijay because you had to if you wanted to make a living as a touring pro. Jack was probably the first to totally gear his game for the Majors. But heck, he was Jack Nicklaus, it was understandable. Nowadays, with millions in prize money and endorsements, it seems even if you've just won a tournament or two, you're expected to turn yourself into a Major golfer. You gear your game to try to peak at the right times of the year. The smaller events don't matter anymore. Sure, you play in some of the smaller tournaments, but only the "big" small ones. I think it hurts the game a little. But then again, if I had the talent, I might do the same thing.

I also think that it takes away from the ability to get to know some of these younger players on a first name basis. Sure, some of them are known... Phil and Vijay as I mentioned earlier, and Ernie and Sergio for sure. For the most part though, everyone seems to be known by their logos, and not their games OR their names.