Golf Question of the Week: The Daly Effect—How Much Does It Sway You?
http://www.myrtlebeachgolf.com/courseguide/image/regular/98.jpg align=rightFascinating returns so far on today's poll question at The Golf Channel's Web site. Asked if John Daly will ever win another PGA TOUR event in his infamously up-and-down career, respondents so far were split right down the middle - 46 percent "Yes," 46 percent "No," and 8 percent "Not Sure."
For all of Daly's immense popularity with the golfing public, I still would have figured the "No" response to rule the day. But I guess that's the point, too: given Daly's "everyman" appeal, it's reasonable to think that a big portion of the "Yes" voters are fans who simply want him to win another.
I'm one of those guys. I'll admit it, there are two times when I will go out of my way to watch a non-major PGA TOUR event: whenever Tiger Woods is in the field (big shock there, I know), and whenever John Daly is in contention (regardless of the Tiger Effect).
So thanks to The Golf Channel's inspiration, our "Golf Question of the Week" brings a local spin to the "Daly Effect":
How much has the John Daly name influenced your course selection for your Grand Strand golf vacations?
Right in line with TGC's poll results, I've come to know the feelings surrounding Daly's lone signature course in the Myrtle Beach area, Wicked Stick in Surfside Beach, to be equally divided. Chris Baldwin at MyrtleBeachGolf.com offers an even-handed assessment in this 2004 review of Wicked Stick, and I would generally agree with it. If you're either looking for a "wicked" challenge to your game or a consistent links-style feel to your round, you'll probably walk away disappointed.
However, as one group leader suggested to Baldwin for his article, if you're looking for a course that plays to all handicaps and offers plenty of variety, a courteous and helpful staff and a brisk pace of play, you'll probably love it.
It's hard for me to offer vivid details from my own experience playing Wicked Stick, because the last time I tried was a few years ago in July, on a 100-degree day with equal humidity. Two golf shirts, three gallons of water, four sweat-soaked gloves and 12 holes into it, I gave in to the delirium and retreated to the safety of an air-conditioned clubhouse.
So I leave it to you, Beach Bloggers, to tell me. Was the John Daly name enough to get you to Wicked Stick's first tee? If so, how'd you like it?
Course is OK. We’ve had some good outings with small groups there, and for the money you spend you get very good service.
It is a very popular course that is very straight forward and you can score on it. The name Daly personally would not be a deciding factor me if anything it could be the opposite. He is a popular player but a troubled soul. He is not always the best role model and he does need to remember that when he is on the course.