Musicians Are Teeing it Up on the Golf Course

I can still remember the scarce few that were on the golf team back when I went to high school. With all due respect, they made a "band geek" look cool! They were a seemingly lonely bunch that had found enjoyment in a game that I wouldn't even come near for another decade. It wasn't until Tiger came on the scene that the younger, and more "cool", generations took up this wonderful and humbling sport and made golf cool again.

These days, you never know who you will see on the golf course. At any given time, on any given golf course, millionaires and soccer moms, executives and plumbers, along with teenagers and seniors are going to the first tee to enjoy their round. Golf seems to be a melting-pot and common denominator for all "walks of life".

As I further researched the profile of golfers today, I was impressed to find many rock n' rollers bitten by by the golf bug. Many musicians are taking up the game, and "coming out of the closet" with their love of the links.

Neil Young, Judas Priest, and Def Lepard are all known for their need for a local course while touring. Neil Young has been playing for years since his mother was a local amateur champion in Canada. In a recent golf article, Neil Young recalls playing at a course in California and watching this 10 year-old kid practicing. Guess who that "kid" was? You guessed it, Tiger Woods himself!

Robby Krieger, guitar player for The Doors, grew up on a country club and played often. Huey Lewis, Kenny G, Celine Dion, and Alice Cooper are all long-time players, too. Wow, can you imagine that four-some?? Apparently, Alice Cooper took up golf when he gave up booze. How's that for trading one addiction for another?

Vince Neil, lead singer for Motley Crue, hosts an annual charity golf tournament in San Fransisco. Darius Rocker, lead singer for Hootie and the Blowfish, also hosts the infamous Monday After The Masters event that draws many musicians off the stage and on to the golf course.

Huey Lewis remembers how his record label years ago didn't want it known that he golfed. It's amazing to know that not too many years ago, the word "golf" was not good for your image. In 1986 Huey Lewis and the News released their album "Fore!" which featured the song "Hip to Be Square" and made their golfing fetish public. By the early 1990's, VH1 caught on to the trend and began the Fairway to heaven celebrity golf tournament.

How about another interesting four-some? Marilyn Manson, Iggy Pop, Willie Nelson, and Anne Murray. Yes, all golfers!

Golf is no longer a hush-hush sport only enjoyed by business men and doctors in polyester pants. Today, golf is for everyone and anyone. Rock on Golfers! And, better yet, Golf on Rockers!