PJS Blog, News and Updates

At the end of 2012, I’m happy about the fact that I went through this year WITHOUT a major surgical procedure for the first time since I turned 50 (2004). As far as I’m concerned that’s a huge step! My golf game still isn’t where I want it to be but I’m working hard trying to find it again. My short game is as good as it’s ever been but my long game has suffered due in large part to the many surgeries I’ve experienced these past 10 years and the resulting rehab, recovery and loss of balance and strength. I’m looking forward to this winter and some more hard work on my body and my swing.

And while I’m on the road at my Champions Tour events this fall, I try to catch as many of the Oregon Duck football games as possible. Since they’ve become such a successful program, finding their games on TV is much easier. This years team looks as strong as any in the country but I’m worried that their weak ‘pre-conference’ schedule could possibly hurt their ‘strength of schedule’ rating in the polls. The Ducks were scheduled to play both Virginia Tech and Kansas State this past September but both programs ‘bought’ their way out of their respective games, which I think is wrong. As I write this, the Ducks still have some extremely tough games ahead, most notably USC (this weekend), Stanford, Cal and a much improved and impressive Oregon State team. Having both the Ducks and Beavers playing great really helps both programs in so many ways….recruiting, fundraising, fan support and media attention.

There is nothing like college football. Watching the coaching changes, recruiting process and the ups-and-downs of some major powers is fascinating. It’s great see Notre Dame back playing great football again but I admit that I’m an Oregonian through-and-through and will always be a supporter of both the Ducks and Beavers.