Rod the Mod

As a child of the 80's understanding who Rod Stewart is, is often a tricky undertaking. My upbringing was full of classic rock as my father is a child of the late 60's and has an impressive music collection, including some Stewart. I say "some" because its actually only one CD, "Rod Stewart - Greatest Hits" and as a visual person, the only thing I remember about this disc is the cover - Stewart wearing a shiny silky pink blazer with no undershirt and a marvelous hair-do, of course. Oh, and Da' Ya' Think I'm Sexy is one of the tracks as is Maggie May, the standard Stewart classics I guess but no real understanding of who this man is and was. At this point in my life, I really just thought he was a has been-coming out with songs like Forever Young, doesn't exactly excite the young-sters.

So when my dear cousin, who prides himself with the deepest understanding of serious rock genre music, came over to my house and handed me a copy of Never a Dull Moment exactly one week ago, I thought, "I'll give it a spin, but cousin, you may be losing me with this selection" but had no real intention of enjoying it. I even thought I would just skip through the songs on my way to work while making a few mental notes of individual tracks so that I could send my cousin a text or an email and make it seem sincere when I thanked him for the disc.

By track 2 - I was hooked, yes, very hooked. I had no idea what the name of the track 2 was, only that Rod (yes, I call him Rod now that I feel I know him personally) and his impressive soulful singing had me tapping on the steering wheel and humming along on the first spin. I have since googled the lyrics for most of the tracks and have spent the last week memorizing each nuance. I continue to return to track 2 which I know now is called, Lost Paraguayos (click on link to listen to song on YouTube and watch a strange video) sounds like it was recorded in basement bar with free verse punk rock style singing and some of Rod's raciest lyrics. Which if they are true, Rod would be facing potential jail time for his statutory behavior. Without going into detail on what Rod may have or may have not meant, I would like to think that Rod was at the........, I guess you could call it,......."sexually exploratory time of his life" while basically writing the book on promiscuity.

So who is Rod Stewart? Is he the washed up has-been I thought he was? Is he one of the greatest rock n' rollers ever? I don't think Rod gives a damn what I think which is why he is who he is, at least to me - Rod the Mod. Regardless, I will continue to sing along. Thank you Rod.

Darling I hate to tell you but I think I'm catching a cold
Put another chair on the fire bring the bottle over here
I feel I'm getting old
I like your laugh and a hot romance
and your orn'ry sense of humor
but if it rains again like it did today
I'm gonna have to leave a little bit sooner

Got to get me some South America sun

Honey don't even ask me if you can come along
Down at the border you need to be older
and you sure don't look like my daughter
Your ridiculous age, start a state outrage
and I'll end up in a Mexican jail
Darling please don't cry you know I wouldn't tell you no lie

Look over there
Oh my God don't look now
but it appears to be raining again
Get upstairs pack my book of prayers
Honey hurry I'm catching pneumonia
I gotta move while I'm in the mood
or I'll disappear into that wall
Darling please don't curse
it really couldn't be any worse
Say I'm a sun fanatic but it's dark in your attic
and your cat sleeps over my head

I know I'm not a football star
but I wanna little better than that
So I'm much obliged for the pure white ride
and a cup of tea every morning
I'll say goodbye, look your man in the eye
you know I wouldn't tell you no lie

So after all, I'll see you in the fall
on a brand new day, brand new way
Goodbye honey, goodbye honey
Goodbye honey, it ain't funny
Goodbye honey, I know it ain't funny

Thanks again.

Fair n' Square

A few awkwardly beautiful things happened yesterday at the 92nd PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. Someone unknowingly broke the rules, someone was an absolute gentleman, someone won and someone lost. All of these things happened in what seems like a matter of moments and while it was sad, heartwarming and joyful; I believe this is what golf is all about.

While Dustin Johnson was setting up for his tee shot on 72nd hole of the tournament, I knew it was about to get exciting. His powerful move, a bowed left wrist, which results in a shut club face, was due for an errant shot and unfortunately he proved me right at the wrong moment. Hitting his ball way right it landed in sand which we found out later was a bunker even though it appeared to be a trampled waste area. Although, everything that happens on the golf course is the responsibility of the golfer; The rest I blame on his caddie. Recognizing the situation and informing the golfer, is and has always been the caddies job. This is no exception and Johnson should be looking for a new looper. Give me a call Dustin, when you wake up from your hangover, I could use the work.

Bubba Watson continues to impress me and while I wish he were the champion this year, it just wasn't his time. Shaping his ball all over that penal layout and shooting 4 under in his final round to be the leader in the clubhouse is half of the story. While on the range keeping loose Bubba was informed that Martin Kaymer had made the putt to force the playoff with him and he smiled and was genuinely excited about the opportunity to possibly "playoff" for the championship. This is the spirit of the game and this attitude will bring Bubba a major, when he is ready.

Thankfully, I have spent my share of Sunday mornings watching the European Tour. Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of watching Martin Kaymer and that syrupy swing of his develop and he has become an amazing player. His modesty will take him far but that move and putting stroke of his will take him farther. You win Martin! and you have done so impressively.

Every PGA Championship 20 club professionals, which I aspired to be at one time, play in the years final major, Rob Labritz is my hero. I was lucky enough to rent Rob's condo from him a few years back while I was living in Florida (trying to make a living caddying). Although he did not win this year, he is the envy of every PGA Professional in the business and he deserves it. Thank you for making it a memorable year.