Bolt caused, but never bowed to, distractions

By Brian Greenspun (contact)

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Tommy Bolt, one of the most colorful golfers to ever play the game, died recently at the age of 92. The Desert Inn’s Tournament of Champions was one of Tommy’s favorite stops. It was also one of the favorite topics of the Sun’s founding publisher, Hank Greenspun.

Hank wrote four columns in 1958 about Tommy’s exploits at the Tournament of Champions. We ran the first installment Sunday and are continuing the series through Wednesday.

April 26, 1958

By Hank Greenspun

The champion!

The gallery is hushed. The crowd is tense. Every stroke of the golf club can be worth $10,000. The champion steps up to the ball, surveys it carefully, shakes his head and steps back. Something must be bothering the champ! What can it be?

What is it Tommy, tell me before I fall apart? Tommy Bolt speaks: “See that gal over there. What in the name of creation is she wearing? The doggone thing is above her knees half way to her hips with a bow in the back. Is that one of those newfangled sack costumes? She looks like she’s standing there in her underwear.”

I didn’t have to think long on that one.

“Is this a time for romance? I thought you were worried about something.”

“I am partner,” Tommy replied. “She’s right in line with the putt. It’s sure upsetting!”

The gal didn’t move. Bolt made the putt for a birdie 3. The tension was relaxed.

Of such stuff are champions made!

No matter the odds, distractions, tensions — the game must be played. The champion may shiver and shake a little but he can’t let up. Like a tiger, he keeps coming on.

All isn’t that simple. It was not the gal that bothered Tommy half as much as the putt. He was worried and conditions weren’t just right for the kind of perfection which a champion must display if he is to remain a champion.

It’s awfully tough staying up on top year after year. It’s plenty of worry, but a man incapable of worry would be incapable of becoming a champion.

So when you get out there today Tommy Boy, worry like the devil. Worry about the sacks the girls are wearing. Worry about the crowd pressing in on you. Worry about anything and everything, but just keep worrying that ball into that little hole.

They may object to your making speeches after every shot, waving your arms and clubs around: but that’s what makes you one of the most colorful players on the circuit.

You’re in a game that requires more perfection than baseball — more concentration than chess: so, if it’s necessary to blow some steam once in a while — let it go.

Tommy Bolt brings a flash of color and talent to professional golf that has helped make it one of the country’s most successful sports.

People follow Tommy around to see him blow up. This man isn’t completely wild. He can be soothed and there’s no better soothing syrup than the first prize of 10,000 silver dollars.

You promised a 67 yesterday and delivered. The forecast for today is a 4-under 68. So shiver and shake, rattle and roll, but keep coming Tommy.