Pressel or Poker...Who Makes The Call?

Southern Pines, NC is filling up with women’s golf enthusiasts as the anticipation and preparations for the 2007 US Women's Open builds during this final week before the tourney begins. Storefronts, restaurants and hotels will call out welcomes to the players and fans as they proudly open their community’s doors to the world. The greens keepers are working around the clock…sharpening mower blades, hand watering greens and tees, and putting those final perfect touches on an already beautiful golf course nestled in the heart of North Carolina.

With all this excitement, why does the USGA already have products they are offering for this legendary weekend in their sale merchandise? And why are there still multiple t-shirts, hats and windbreakers from the Oakmont tournament still proudly displayed and not marked down? At first look it appears that the only item associated with the tourney is a sweatshirt. No self respecting golfer wears a big, bulky sweatshirt. But, on further research, it appears there are more items, but they aren't listed under 2007 US Open merchandise. They are tucked in with the other national championships merchandise.

I want the cool stuff and I want to be able to find it and buy it easily online. I want to click and find a selection of good fabrics and colors that commemorate this great annual event. I don’t want a sweatshirt or any of the Men’s Open merchandise that dons the squirrel logo.

More importantly, I’d like to be able to watch the women golf... uninterrupted by yet another poker challenge. While some of you may disagree, I hardly see how poker deserves the spotlight on a sports channel. Have you seen these women’s bodies? They are exquisite athletes with loads of personality and a lot of fun to watch.

As women's golf grows in popularity it seems inevitable that they will be given more airtime by the big sports networks. I don't know about the rest of you, but I know I’d rather watch a 12 year old tee it up at Pine Needles than a fat guy with sunglasses “let it ride”.