Irwins Join Forces in Father/Son Challenge

Hale has yet to post a top-10 finish in 2008

By Gary Baines

Colorado Golf Journal, Thursday,December 4, 2008

    The year 1968 was a memorable one for Hale Irwin. He turned pro, joined the PGA Tour, and got married.

     But ’68 was also notable for being the last time Irwin failed to post a top-10 finish on the PGA Tour or Champions Tour -- until this year, that is.

     Time has run out on the Boulder High School and University of Colorado graduate notching an official top-10, seeing that the 2008 Champions Tour finale was held a month ago. But golf’s “silly season” provides an opportunity for a little redemption.

      Irwin’s last unofficial chance at a top-10 -- or even a win, to think big -- comes this weekend when he teams up with his son, Steve Irwin of Golden, for the Del Webb Father/Son Challenge near Orlando, Fla.  The Irwins will be one of 18 father-son teams in the $1.1 million event, which will be televised by NBC on Saturday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. (Mountain Time).

     The Irwins have been regulars in the “Challenge,” playing in the late-fall tournament for the last 13 years. In 2003, they captured first place in the event, which features fathers who have won at least one

Steve and Hale Irwin

major championship. Hale Irwin claimed three U.S. Open titles in his World Golf Hall of Fame career. Son Steve, also a CU grad, is a formidable player in his own right, having been named Colorado’s amateur of the year in 2004.

     Hale said that Steve went to Arizona last month “to get himself primed” for this weekend’s tournament. Hale, meanwhile, has been experiencing some shoulder problems, but noted he was feeling better last month.

      The Irwins are not the only team with Colorado ties competing in the Father/Son Challenge. Evergreen’s Craig Stadler, who combined with Kevin to win in 2002 in a playoff against the Irwins, will team with son Chris this year. And Greg Norman, who owns a 14,000-acre ranch in northwest Colorado, will compete with son Gregory. The Normans will be paired with the Irwins for Saturday’s first round.

     Denver’s David Duval, who played last year with stepson Deano Karavites, isn’t in the field this time around.

     In all, the 18 fathers (or grandfathers) in the event have accounted for victories in a remarkable 67 major championships, with Jack Nicklaus accounting for 18 of those. Arnold Palmer will be in the same foursome as Nicklaus on Saturday. Another notable pairing features the 2008 Ryder Cup captains, Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo. Azinger will compete with Aaron Stewart, son of Azinger’s friend, Payne Stewart, who died in a plane crash in 1999.

GOLF NOTES

COMMONGROUND GRAND OPENING WILL BE MAY 20: The Colorado Golf Association and Colorado Women’s Golf Association have set May 20 as the date for the by-invitation-only grand opening of their new golf course, CommonGround in Aurora. Then on Saturday, May 23, the course will open to the general public.

     “I’ve been hearing quite a bit of buzz about the course” considering it’s still 5½ months from opening, director of golf Dave Troyer noted on Thursday.

     Tom Doak, the noted course designer who worked on CommonGround, is expected to be on hand for the grand opening. CommonGround is on the site of the former Mira Vista Golf Course, where Lowry Air Force Base used to be located.

      CommonGround will have tees ranging from 5,543 to 7,198 yards. Greens fees will be $50 for the general public, $40 for CGA/CWGA members, $15 for juniors (18 and under), and $30 for seniors (65 and older, Monday through Thursday only).

MORE ACCOLADES FOR CU FRESHMAN CHILDS: University of Colorado freshman Emily Childs has been playing college golf for only three months, and she’s already been named Big 12 female golfer of the month twice.

     Childs recently earned the honor for November after doing likewise in September. She became the only player in CU women’s golf history to win the Big 12 award twice.

     Childs received her latest accolade after finishing sixth in last month’s Texas State Challenge, leading the Buffs to the team title. Childs shared the November Big 12 honor with Victoria Stefansen of Iowa State.

     Childs posted four top-10 finishes in her first semester at CU.

DU WOMEN SIGN THREE TOP PLAYERS: The nationally ranked University of Denver women’s golf team announced the signing of three world-class players to national letters of intent.

      Sue Kim of Langley, British Columbia, is the 26th-ranked girls golfer in the world, according to Golfweek magazine. She’s won the last two junior Canadian Order of Merit titles and notched two victories on the Canadian Women’s Tour. She’s also played in two LPGA events.

      Tory Bauman of River Hills, Wis., attended the prestigious IMG Academy in Brandenton, Fla., and is a two-time high school individual champion in Wisconsin. She’s ranked No. 158 among the world’s girls players. Kelly Drack from Melbourne, Fla., stands No. 147 in the same world rankings.