ANNOUNCER
Overrated: Nick Faldo
If you had a nickel for every time he uses the word "trundle," you could buy him a first-edition Roget's Thesaurus. As for insights, here's what we learn from listening to Sir Nick (by the way, please spare us on-air use of that stuffy title): six major wins and a British accent go a long way toward furthering a broadcast career.
Underrated: Matt Gogel
Knowledgeable. Lucid. To the point. No wonder he's grown from Golf Channel bit-player to a prominent voice in the booth each week.
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Overrated: McWozniacki
They're charming together. But on their own, neither is the stuff of centerfolds.
Underrated: Melissa Weber-Jones
When she walked across the driving range at Bethpage, the former Miss Idaho (and wife of Tour pro Matt Jones) got a standing ovation. 'Nuff said.
EQUIPMENT UPGRADE
Overrated: Playing a new ball
Sure, they're nice and shiny. But for the average golfer, the difference in performance between a pricy new ball and a 50-cent beater is so minor, you'll notice it less than the extra money you spent.
Underrated: A new glove
A soft, tacky new glove provides a surer grip, which bolsters confidence, which improves scores. Also, it looks good. Time to toss that ratty old one away.
TOUR FUNNY MAN
Overrated: Ben Crane
Dig the enthusiasm behind the viral videos. But let's be honest: the laughs are a few and far between from this likeable guy gone Gagnam-style.
Underrated: Luke Donald
Take his roast of golf writers at a recent gala dinner, where he ribbed a scribe for being out-of-touch. "I was number one for six weeks," Donald said, "and (he) still thought I was Tom Lewis." Despite years in the States, Donald has retained his wry British wit.
PUBLIC ACCESS COURSE
Overrated: Doral
But let's hope Donald Trump remedies that.
Underrated: Forest Dunes
In and out of bankruptcy, in the middle-of-nowhere Michigan, Tom Weiskopf's gem should not be missed, but often is.
