The two best jobs in the USA

We all know without being constantly reminded that our economy has certain difficulties. Whether this financial slump is contrived, manufactured or real, we have been enlightened of that situation for about a year now by every politician and media outlet. Of course, unemployment is one of the foremost talking points and concerns – it's a talking point for politicians and the media and a concern for all of those who are unemployed.

With that in mind there are two individuals who are employed and who would seem to have two of the best jobs in the United States and perhaps the world. While total job security may not be one of the perks of each position, these situations must be viewed as extremely lucrative at the present moment.

The first position is that of the caddy of one Mr. Tiger Woods. Steve Williams has held this position for about a decade now and we can only assume that he is doing adequately in the financial arena. Not only that, his future employment with Mr. Woods seems pretty secure. However, he is in the world of professional golfers who feel that in order to be successful they need an entourage of various expert handlers. I guess this situation is a bit like politics – one bit of really bad advice and there could be a guillotine-like effect.

The second most envied appointment at the current time is speechwriter to President Barack Obama. Jon Favreau currently holds the honor of being Director of Speechwriting for the President. Now this position has a positive and a negative side. On the positive side, considering the large quantity of speeches made by the President, there are lots of words to write. Financially, one could only anticipate that Mr. Favreau has negotiated a contract whereby he is paid by the hour and/or speech. Let's hope a straight salary is not involved. He would obviously be getting the short end of the pen. On the negative side being a speechwriter for the current administration is a lot like being a tournament golfer, one bad speech – or hole in a tournament if you will – can spell disaster.

So, despite the negative aspects of these two occupations, they are most assuredly the best jobs in the good ol' US of A.

What makes the FedEx Cup so unexciting

The Eye On Golf staff got to thinking the other day about why the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup is just so doggone unexciting. Why is it that each event seems like just another four-day, 72-hole PGA Tour golf tournament? Where is the spectator anxiety? Where is the sit on the edge of your seat and scream at the television exhilaration?

So, after lengthy discussion we think we have an answer (or perhaps two) to this most pertinent of golf questions. First no one, except maybe a few talking heads at PGA Tour Headquarters and a few golf scribes, really and truly understands the elimination system. This is the third year of the FedEx Cup and the third attempt at a working playoff system that will generate the ultimate champion. This year, when the third event of the playoffs ends on Sunday, the top thirty players in FedEx Cup point standings will move on to the Tour Championship in Atlanta just like in year past. However, at this watershed all the points that a player has earned throughout the season will be reset and the claim is that any player within the top five who wins the Tour Championship will win the FedEx Cup.

Of course, this has all kinds of nonsense scenarios wrapped up in it. A player could win all the money, lead the FedEx Cup point standings by a mile going into the Tour Championship and then lose the final event by one stroke and walk away without the precious Cup. Do you have a player in mind here?

Second, and perhaps most important, is that this playoff system doesn't generate any thrills except for the fabulous golf. Those actually attending one of these playoff events are there because the circus is in town and it's fun to go to watch the best players in the world. Those of us watching at home just want to see some good golf. We believe that the lack of excitement is due to the length of each “playoff game.” Each “elimination game” is four days long, much too long to generate any allure. The NFL playoffs which culminate in the Super Bowl are a one game, one day events. You don't have to go to the stadium for four days to find out who the winner is. NASCAR has a ten race finale, The Chase, that builds anticipation through each of the final ten races. Once again, each race is a one day event. Fans look forward to that one weekly experience that may make or break their favorite team or player. The sense of excitement and anticipation builds week to week.

The PGA Tour will not get to experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat until it figures out a way to generate that week-to-week excitement.

America’s VetDogs promo a huge success at Robson Ranch Golf Club

The Labor Day weekend promotion for America’s Vet Dogs conducted by Robson Ranch Golf Club proved to be a huge success. A total of $200 was contributed by the members and homeowners of Robson Ranch, Arizona plus the outside guests.

America’s VetDogs uses guide dogs, service dogs, and innovative technology to help disabled veterans and active duty personnel live again with dignity and self-reliance. They serve veterans who are blind or visually impaired; have lost limbs or suffered traumatic brain injuries; or who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Robson Ranch, Arizona is part of Robson Communities, Inc. with projects in Arizona and Texas. It is located in the Eloy/Casa Grande area of Arizona between Phoenix & Tucson, and serves as a resort-style community for pre-retirees & retirees. Lavish country club amenities provide a wonderful social atmosphere for people who share common interests and enthusiasm for life.

The entire staff at Robson Ranch Golf Club would like to thank all players who contributed to this worthy cause in support of America’s Heroes.

A call for LPGA golf in Phoenix

Who will step up for the LPGA in Phoenix? That's the next big question for women's golf in Phoenix. Who will take the giant step forward and invite the LPGA back for another year in 2010. The LPGA is shopping for venues for 2010 tournaments. Deposed commissioner Bivens royally ticked off sponsors at a pace quicker than Doug Sanders' swing. But now, newly appointed, acting LPGA Tour commissioner Marsha Evans will listen to almost anyone who is willing to make a $1.5 million initial investment.

The LPGA and Phoenix have a thirty-year relationship. This yearly dating process should not be allowed to be interupted. The courtship and the romance must continue. The 2009 edition was saved at the last minute (about six weeks before the event was scheduled to take place) by J Golf and Mirassou Winery. Now the LPGA is shopping for new friends in Phoenix. Who will be the LPGA's new BFF in the desert?

The LPGA is trying hard to get back on track but it needs new allies. The picture here shows what great influence the LPGA has in Phoenix.

Step up moguls of Phoenix.

Robson Ranch Golf Club located in Eloy, Arizona is conducting a special promotion over the Labor Day weekend to assist America’s VetDogs. Golfers who play the course from September 4-7 will pay the discounted twilight rate of $18 when they make a $2 cash donation to America’s Vet Dogs. This invitation is extended to anyone who wishes to try his or her skill on the Brad Bartell designed course.

America’s VetDogs uses guide dogs, service dogs, and innovative technology to help disabled veterans and active duty personnel live again with dignity and self-reliance. They serve veterans who are blind or visually impaired; have lost limbs or suffered traumatic brain injuries; or who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Robson Ranch, Arizona is part of Robson Communities, Inc. with projects in Arizona and Texas. It is located in the Eloy/Casa Grande area of Arizona between Phoenix & Tucson, and serves as a resort-style community for pre-retirees & retirees. Lavish country club amenities provide a wonderful social atmosphere for people who share common interests and enthusiasm for life.

The entire staff at Robson Ranch Golf Club encourages all players from Phoenix to Tucson to enjoy the course over the Labor Day weekend and contribute to America’s Heroes. The Golf Shop can be reached at 520-426-3333.

A llama for Obama

With no disrespect to our President and the fact that Llama and Obama have a certain catchy rhyming quality and the fact that our President has been bitten by the golf bug (thus the need for an immediate and irrevocable rejuvenation of our health insurance system) and that in the interest of relating with the common man (read: golfer) he should tread on common golf courses, the following golf facility would seem to meet all of the above qualifications.

It seems that, no make that a definite fact, one particular golf course in Illinois has implemented the use of llamas as caddies for its patrons. Now there are undoubtedly 360 degrees we could take this conversation, but let's head down (not a golf tip) the simple road.

Since this course is within the boundaries of President Obama's home state, the nation's Number One golfer should, without hesitation, head to the beautiful links of Sherwood Forest for a game with a llama as his caddy. This action would, without further doubt, begin to solve a couple of the President's more thorny problems.

First, Obama's visit to Sherwood Forest would provide an immediate boost to the economic arena of the area. The President and anyone else who makes up his foursome would be required to pay the $20 or so green fee. There should be no comps here. This area of the country needs economic resuscitation as much the area inside the beltway. One visit by the Prez for a round of golf would quickly inject the area with economic adrenalin.

Second, the physical health of our nation, and especially its Chief Executive, would take a positive step forward. President Obama and those playing with him would be walking and playing golf. No golf carts here. Get out, walk the links, and let the llama caddy for Obama. Heaven forbid we should get a little exercise while playing golf. This walking while playing would set an example for the entire nation. To see our nation's Head Golfer strolling down the fairway would be an inspiration to all Americans. And who knows where it could lead. Healthier Americans means less in health care costs.

Yes, this entire thought of a llama for Obama could have nothing but positive implications.

Mr. President, go for it!