Someone near and dear to me recently told me not to be a Bodemeister when it comes to sports.
Initially, I did a double-take. What does a horse have to do with rooting for a favorite team?
After receiving an explanation, it all made sense. Actually took me back to my youth when I read Aesop's fable about the tortoise and the hare.
As you recall earlier this year, Bodemeister established early leads at both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. In each race, I'll Have Another caught him down the stretch.
Last weekend's U.S. Open golf tournament showcased two Bodemeisters. With three holes remaining, third-round co-leader Jim Furyk appeared to be be on cruise control when all of sudden he bogeyed two of the final three holes.
Anxiously waiting in the clubhouse for the remaining three groups to finish was fellow American Webb Simpson, who seemingly came out of nowhere and played his the last 36 holes at 4-under to claim his first major.
University of Texas golfer Jordan Spieth was another relative unknown for four days, but managed to overtake 17-year-old sensation Beau Hossler for the title of low amateur after Hossler double-bogeyed his final hole.
I can go on and on about those who fit the bill as past Bodemeisters. The one example which really hits home occurred last year when the Atlanta Braves appeared to have the National League wild card wrapped up. They led the eventual world champion St. Louis Cardinals by 10 1/2 games on Aug. 26 before losing 18 of their final 27 games.
Hopefully this year, my dear friend believes what they preach while supporting their Pittsburgh Pirates.
There is plenty of local flavor participating, including Parkersburg's Kenny Hess and Washington's J.R. Jones. Among the others representing the Mid-Ohio Valley are Parkersburg's Ben Palmer, Adam Chestnut, Timothy Tedrick and Jeff Harper, Spencer's Richard Moore, Vienna's Alan Cooke and Scott Bibbee, Washington's Trent McCutcheon, St. Marys' Cason Edwards, Williamstown's Austin Root and Belpre's Brian McPherson - in addition to former Gilmer High School standout Philip Reale.
I hooked up with Cooke while he refining his game on the putting green following Monday's cancellation of the Top Flite Junior Tour at Marietta Country Club. Having just graduated from Parkersburg High School, Cooke gained his first exposure to the W.Va. Open while caddying for his cousin Adam Kaminski during last year's event.
"I just want to make the cut - that's my main goal," Cooke said. "That course is going to be tough with that rough. If you miss the fairway, you have to hack it out. It will definitely test your mental and physical game."
Contact Kerry Patrick at kpatrick@newsandsentinel.com
