[vincesanity82]

The Boston Globe's Jim McCabe writes that professional golfers -- who used to partake in practice-round wagering like hedonistic gamblers in Vegas for the AVNs and their buddy's bachelor party -- have had to tone down the betting not so much because the PGA Tour is cracking down, but because today's players are, according to Brett Quigley, "way too serious."

It doesn't mean there still aren't money games, just that they're a little harder to find. Unsurprisingly, John Daly is a big gambler. But guys that aren't obviously degenerate drunks also have stories. Take Brad Faxon, the anti-Daly, for example:

One of [Faxon's] fondest recollections involves a practice round at the 1994 British Open at Turnberry. He got into a money game called No Bogey that had been introduced to him by Andy North and Tom Watson. Each player in the foursome puts up a good sum (in this case $1,000), and whoever plays 18 holes without a bogey takes the loot. A simple concept, but a difficult task, and there was Faxon that day alongside Davis Love, Ben Crenshaw, and Corey Pavin.

"I think Davis bogeyed the second hole, Ben the fourth, and Corey the ninth," said Faxon. "I made 13 pars in a row and they all got mad at me." When his bogey-free round reached the 18th, "I felt as much pressure as I ever did in golf," said Faxon. And when he played it with a rock-solid par, Faxon had a $3,000 windfall, "the most I ever won playing for money."

I suppose somebody could make the point that gambling is gambling and it's all illegal in the eyes of law enforcement. The difference, of course, is that the only person/dog/thing affected by losing a practice-round bet is John Daly's cigarette/Jack Daniels/Diet Coke fund.

Gambling and Golf Go Together Like Ron Mexico and Dogfighting - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[LSC9901]

Lets be realistic ... Bingo is gambling. It hurts when the sport is damaged by the possible intent of the bets. Did he miss that shot to cover his bet ???? That question will always be asked.

[Lefty Noob]

It's different. This isn't a golfer (or an NBA referee) trying to control the outcome of the game, these are guys legitimate betting on who will do the best, go longest without a bogey, get to a whole in the fewest strokes. If anything, it should make these guys MORE competitive since they've got side money sitting on their performance. I can honestly say I don't have a problem with this.

[Bette]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

It's different. This isn't a golfer (or an NBA referee) trying to control the outcome of the game, these are guys legitimate betting on who will do the best, go longest without a bogey, get to a whole in the fewest strokes. If anything, it should make these guys MORE competitive since they've got side money sitting on their performance. I can honestly say I don't have a problem with this.

But its still gambling Lefty. Its like those who compare alcohol and pot.
One is still illegal.

[LSC9901]

So if Pete Rose said he was betting on his team to win, that would have been OK ???

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, I guess you guys are right. Just something seems different about it when it seems like a friendly wager on the links. I dunno.

[LSC9901]

I understand and see your point of view but when you OK something like that there is always someone who will figure out a way to make a buck another way, generally at everyone elses expense.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I understand and see your point of view but when you OK something like that there is always someone who will figure out a way to make a buck another way, generally at everyone elses expense.

I guess it's the whole slippery-slope thing: make this OK, and someone will just keep trying to push the limits further and further.

[Bette]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I guess it's the whole slippery-slope thing: make this OK, and someone will just keep trying to push the limits further and further.

Exactly, and you can just "bet" someone will try to push it further. They always do.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bette

Exactly, and you can just "bet" someone will try to push it further. They always do.

Wanna bet ???

[Bette]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Wanna bet ???

Lefty! He's doing it again. Make him stooop!

[legend]

How much do you think Michael Jordan has lost golfing? And at casinos? Maybe enough to bet on a few NBA games. Never, and I mean never, put anything past a gambler.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by legend

How much do you think Michael Jordan has lost golfing? And at casinos? Maybe enough to bet on a few NBA games. Never, and I mean never, put anything past a gambler.

I'm pretty sure that Jordan never needed money from one bet to use on another. He has way to much at his disposal.