One of my wishes every year at this time of year is that folks in Las Cruces continue the phenomenal fundraising accomplishments as so many organizations thrive on golf tournaments as some of the most successful events to generate funds for worthwhile causes.
In the next few years, I would be pleased to see double the number of worthy groups come forward with events that merit our support. I applaud the many businesspeople in this town who are there when the need exists, and I encourage every golfer to show up and give their support to fundraiser tournaments. We live in a great town known for its generosity and giving.
I continue my annual wish that more professional golfers besides Brooks Koepka drop out of the Saudi-funded LIV tour. Since 2022 LIV golf has created the “great divide” in the world of men’s professional golf that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight.
Although I believe the PGA Tour will continue to provide wonderful golf entertainment for golf fans everywhere, especially with stars like Scottie Scheffler, it would be better to have a unified single tour.
Next, I wish the powers-that-be could unlock the code for the Americans to beat the Euros in the Ryder Cup. Maybe it requires a rule that the Euros have to live and play in Europe full time instead of the U.S. like they do now. But what if we still can’t beat them?
More on the Ryder Cup, if they had the folks at Augusta National G. C. (i.e. the Masters) manage the crowds in 2029 at Hazeltine National G. C. in Chaska, Minnesota, and in 2033 at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, there would be none of the ugly, despicable fan behavior that ruined the game at Bethpage Black in September.
I also wish and hope the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour will finally put some teeth into the tedious slow play on both tours that is annoying to watch. They need a rules official following each group, with a timer for each player.
It is boring to watch players walk 100 yards up to their ball and back to their bag, then pull and re-pull several clubs, while yacking with their caddies before they get ready to swing the club. Laser range finders won’t help. Disqualification might. While on the PGA Tour they need to ban the ankle-tight clown pants some of the PGA Tour men wear.
My personal golfing wish list is actually more of a “to-do” list. The first item is: make more putts. I don’t need another putter; I already have 16 very nice putters. I’m not going to Arizona for an AimPoint putting school. I hate AimPoint. I hate even looking at AimPoint.
I just need to practice more. Early in 2026 I will dedicate myself to gaining 15 yards (hopefully 20 yards) off the tee. I know that’s a tall order, since I lost distance due to my injuries in mid-2024.
I’m going to be turning 84 this coming summer, but that shouldn’t hold me back. I’m lifting plenty of weights at the gym – not as much as a few years ago – but still plenty. I need to practice more. My woods and irons are now over six years, so I plan to get fitted for new clubs over the winter. And I need to practice more. And stay injury free.
Maybe you have your own to-do list for the coming year. Maybe you could practice more.
I certainly wish Picacho Hills Country Club success in opening the golf course to public play, starting in January. In some respects, “success” will take the form of not ruining PHCC as a fun-to-play private club. The growing aspect of “welcoming” golfers of all types and abilities is good for golf, and what is also good for golf is suitable attire, good behavior and proper pace of play. Hope that will be the case at Picacho.
I wish everyone, especially my loyal readers, a happy and healthy New Year, and a fresh start to the golf season.
