News Topics
Publication: East Valley Tribune; Date: 03/31/2005
On The Fringe
By Bill Huffman
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Danny White: The former Arizona Rattlers coach is playing a lot of golf these days, although that?s about to come to an end.
"I?ve probably played more golf in the last six months than I have in my whole life,?? said the former Westwood High School star who went on to become a quarterback standout with Arizona State and the Dallas Cowboys. "Mostly, I play at Longbow and Mesa Country Club, and in a whole lot of charity tournaments at various other courses.??
But the good life could change for White soon, as he is expected to be named the new head coach for an expansion Arena Football League franchise in Salt Lake City.
"It?s not official yet,?? he said. "But we?re talking with people in Salt Lake, and I?m hoping that some time in the next few weeks there will be an announcement.??
White said when that happens, he plans to split time between Arizona and Utah.
"I?ll live in both places (Mesa and Salt Lake), and also spend as much time as I can up at my home near Springerville,?? said White, who is a partner in Red Cabin Ranch near the small community of Vernon, where he tends to a 40-acre spread.
In the meantime, he?ll play more golf.
"I started playing the game when I was at Westwood,?? he said. "It was a little nerdy back then, and (the golf team) didn?t have cheerleaders,?? he recalled. "It?s funny how that (perception) has changed over the years. If we?d known you could make millions playing golf, that you could turn 50 and still make millions playing golf, and then could retire and build golf courses and still make millions, I probably would have went out for the golf team.??
But White opted for the pigskin because, "football and basketball are the only real sports.??
Golf?
"Well, it?s not really a sport because there?s no clock, the trees and bunkers don?t move around in the fairway to defend you, and the crowd can?t yell as loud as they want to.??
No, according to White: "There?s only one variable in golf ? your swing. So the key is to play a lot.??
On his game: "I?m a 7 (handicap), and I?ve worked hard to get it down to that. I don?t really have a strength. One day, it?s my driving, and the next, it?s my putting. I guess if I do anything well, it?s scrambling . . . just like the old (football) days.??
Speaking frankly: "I?d like to spend the next 13 years coaching football up there (Salt Lake City). It seems like everything in my life has come in 13-year increments . . . I was with the Cowboys for 13 years, with the Rattlers for 13 years, and if I could do this for the next 13 years, I?d be 65, and that would be perfect.??
Do you know a local golfer whose achievements warrant a profile in Local Knowledge? Contact golfwriter@aztrib.com or call (480) 898-6525
NOTEWORTHY
Tournament time: The Arizona State women?s golf team will host the PING/ASU Invitational on Friday through Sunday at the Karsten Golf Course in Tempe. The 17-team tournament will play 18 holes each day beginning at 8 a.m. Among the rated teams vying for the championship, which is in its 40th year, will be No. 2 UCLA, No. 5 Pepperdine, No. 7 ASU and No. 8 Washington.
Winning form: Drew Kittleson, a sophomore at Pinnacle High School, held off defending champion Rory Hie of Lakewood, Calif., on Sunday to win the AJGA Heather Farr Classic at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa. In the girls division, top-rated In-Bee Park of Las Vegas edged Tiffany Joh of San Diego, also by a stroke.
Scrambling: The local qualifier for the Buick Scramble, the world?s largest amateur golf tournament, is set for Ken McDonald Golf Course in Tempe on April 10. Sign-ups are being taken at the course or by visiting www.buickscramble.com.
New office: Former PING executive Gary Hart has joined Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest & Associates as director of business development for the Ohiobased golf course architects. As part of his job, Hart is establishing a new office in Scottsdale to handle business in the West and Pacific regions.
Final thought: Perhaps Suns broadcaster and former player Dan Majerle has a future in golf after winning the club championship last weekend at Arizona Country Club.
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