“Jo Jo was a man who thought he was a loner
But he knew it couldn’t last.
Jo Jo left his home in St. Louis, Missouri
and bought a bar in Maynard Mass”

Joseph Henry White, known as Jo Jo White, was born on November 16, 1949. White grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and played college basketball at the University of Kansas. After college Jo Jo played on the 1968 USA Olympic basketball team in Mexico, which went undefeated (9-0), beating Yugoslavia 65-50 in the title game.

After the Olympics, White was drafted in 1969 in the first round (9th pick overall) by the NBA’s Boston Celtics, who at that time had just won their 11th championship in 13 years. However, before White even reported to training camp, the Celtics’ legendary center and player-coach Bill Russell announced his retirement. White would endure a rebuilding season while the Celtics got back on track, drafting Dave Cowens and trading for Paul Silas. Along with these two and veteran John Havlicek, White would be the cornerstone of two Celtic championship teams in the 1970s (1973-74 and 1975-76).

White went on to become one of professional basketball’s first “iron men”, playing in all 82 games for five consecutive seasons during the 1970s.

He was an All-Star for seven straight years from 1971 through 1977, finishing in the top ten in the league in assists from 1973-77. In 1974 and 1976, White helped lead the Celtics to the NBA championship and was named the most valuable player of the 1976 NBA Finals. Perhaps the most exciting game White ever played was the triple overtime win against the Phoenix Suns in game 5 of those finals. White was the game’s highest scorer with 33 points, had a game high 9 assists, leading the Celtics to a 128-126 win. Logging an incredible 60 minutes of play time, only the Suns’ Garfield Heard (61) played more minutes. Many claim it to be the greatest game ever played.

On Friday, April 9, 1982 his number 10 was hung from the rafters at the Boston Garden.

In addition to “NBA Legend” Jo Jo can also add avid golfer, restaurateur and actor to his resume. Now a resident of Middleton and a member of the Ferncroft Country Club he plays as often as he can and has found great pleasure in the quest to perfect his golf game. He says golf offers him the same challenges, both mentally and physically, that basketball did in the past and since his retirement from the NBA golf has filled the competitive void that lurks in most professional athletes upon retirement. It also allows him to represent the Celtics in numerous charity related events. Jo Jo now a 7 handicap first played as a kid but was not allowed on courses. “If I had more opportunity when I was younger I might even be a 2 or scratch. I was probably 10 years old living in St Louis when I first tried golf just in a field. Golf was always time consuming and blacks were not allowed on the courses.  My first time on a course was in 1969 in Kansas. I was always watching Nicklaus who went to Ohio State with John J. Havlicek. Lack of rules and changing of rules has a lot to do with what is going on with our society. We need rules it makes us stronger as a nation and as individuals. We are not teaching anything to our children with regard to rules.”

White is a man whose name is etched forever in the minds of many for the passion and commitment he displayed towards basketball. His professionalism was unrivaled and he was a source of inspiration and propelling force for the scoring consistency of the Boston Celtics in the 1970s. Jo Jo still works for the Celtics as a mentor and continues to council young athletes when they come into the league.  He is now a source of inspiration and propelling force for younger athletes.  He is a legend that many players still look up to even to this day.  People want to listen to a winner and someone they can respect. Finding that combination “a winner you can respect” is becoming harder each day. Perhaps it is the inflated salaries, the lack of education as Jo Jo points out or that athletes are constantly surrounded by yes men.

Jo Jo had the idea to create an environment where athletes can have dinner and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. (www.jojoswest.com) The concept for Jo Jo’s is to cater to the professional athletes with half the location dedicated to a private club and half the place being open to the public. Incorporated in the private part of Jo Jo’s club is the use of limo service, extensive security, a private environment. Think of it as a celebrity night care center. The timing could not be better in lieu of what is currently going on with Tiger Woods.  Jo Jo‘s favorite golfer is Tiger and he knew his father, Earl, as he played baseball at Kansas State while Jo Jo was a t University of Kansas.  “I watched as Earl raised Tiger as an athlete and I have a great deal of respect for Earl as a dedicated father.”  While at Kansas State in 1951, Earl broke the Big Eight Conference “color barrier” in baseball.  When asked to comment on Tiger’s current situation Jo Jo said “It is part of being in the world and unfortunate, like all of us he made the wrong decision. It does not hamper his talent – he is still a tremendous athlete. It was a bad judgment call and we see the tremendous effects it has on his family and image. We are all human and subject to make mistakes he is human just at the top of his sport.”

Why Maynard? According to Chris Barnes, CEO of Jo Jo’s they tried two different buildings in Boston and had an opportunity with a property in Maynard. It just made sense there are 5 towns surrounding Maynard with an average income of 132k, most of the Celtics all live with 20 minutes of the restaurant, their practice facility is at Brandeis University. After the success of the Maynard location they are planning to open second location in Boston next year and then rolling out to Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago and NY.

The advantage to this unique concept for a restaurant and club is that the athlete can enjoy themselves and be comfortable. Many are young and still want to go out have dinner enjoy an evening out, like most of us. The private club has membership component which is invitation only and is handled personally by Jo Jo.  So who has been invited to join? So far the 225 athletes on the 7 Boston teams have been invited to join.

Jo Jo’s is addressing a need – people still need to go out and enjoy themselves especially in a recession and athletes are no different.  According to Jo Jo “Many of the athletes have a pocket full of money and no place to go – we offer something to the general public and something special “a safe haven” that protects the athletes interests. They need a place to blow off steam or they end up in wrong places”. Jo Jo says “Many times we are one turn to the right or left away from making a bad decision –  much of what is going on is a result of operate without rules,  money is dictating sport and education is taking a back seat.”

Jo Jo’s thoughts: “If you do not have education you will run into problems. We have gotten away from education and people are motivated by “things” and they are not important – life itself is the most important thing. Hey you never see any Brinks trucks go into the grave.”

After running the NY marathon Super Stud Olympic Speed Skater Dan Jansen paid a visit to Stephen Colbert Monday night. What do these two men have in common besides a love of golf…. the need for speed and a hunger for Olympic Gold.

Stephen Colbert stepped up when the Dutch bank DSB went bankrupt and left the US speed skating team without a sponsor. This left a $300,000 hole in U.S. Speed skating budget just a few months before the Olympics.

After a compelling  description by Dan Jansen as to the state of affairs for the US speed skating team Stephen Colbert proposed having “Colbert Nation” sponsor the team. So now when the US team crosses the finish line in hot pursuit of Gold they will have “Colbert Nation” on their cap and legs. This is actually due to the generous donations of Colbert’s fans.

If you would like to donate go to www.colbertnation.com.

While Colbert admitted he is a golfer he would not divulge his handicap. Dan Jansen, an excellent golfer with a 4 handicap, often plays in celebrity tournaments. It also helps that he is married to Karen Palacios Jansen one of the top teaching pros in the USA and named 2008-09 LPGA National Teacher of the Year.

Classics never go out of style

Classics- Like a vintage Porsche, a dry martini, a great leather band watch or Arnold Palmer. Even at 80 the King still has plenty of style, looks and charm I can only imagine what he must have been like in his prime.

Two songs come to mind to describe the King – Rob Base “It takes Two” and Paula Cole’s “Where have all the cowboys gone”

‘Cause I’m the winner, no, I’m not the loser, To be a golfer is what I choose ‘a, Ladies love me, girls adore me. I mean even the ones that never saw me…

Where is my John Wayne, Where is my prairie son, Where is my happy ending, Where have all the cowboys gone.

They just don’t make golfers like Arnold anymore. A class act that played the game with style and intense passion, took chances and engaged fans everywhere. Palmer at 80 – Even Paris Hilton would agree “That’s hot”

Write and tell me your favorite Palmer story.

Golf has come a long way first the clothes got hipper and now finally funny golf ads:

Gillette: “Staying Alive” Tiger, Jeter & Federer [link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlYoNlO6Dgw&NR=1]

Remembering the many great ways Ted Kennedy contributed to our country.

The movie “Bucket List” prompted many to think about enjoying life before it’s too late. Perhaps it prompted a few to formalize a list and convert the items on it into reality sooner, rather than later.

There seem to be categories of things we want to experience and achieve. These include career, family, friends, sports, travel, purchases and adventure.

Sports, perhaps more for men than women, are a major category. Some of the events on our to-do list are to attend such big-time events as the Super Bowl, Final Four, the Masters, the World Series, Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown, play Augusta National Golf Club and polo, shake hands with Muhammad Ali, and meet Michael Jordan.

For some, polo is a reality. These include the few gentlemen who played in the Ivy League Polo Cup in Greenwich, Conn.

When asked if there were similarities between golf and polo, Bruce Colley remarked, “It is a lot like golf except in golf you wait for the perfect conditions, silence from the crowd and no movement. In polo you are moving at 20 mph, you have a mallet in one hand, the ball is bouncing and some jerk is trying to knock you off your horse. Draw your own conclusions.”

A polo-playing Italian friend of mine named Massimo told me, “Polo is the most exciting sport a man can do with his clothes on.” I only suspect this is true because he hasn’t played golf naked.

While playing August National or watching baseball may not be on top of the list for Bruce or Massimo, I, a self-proclaimed “Gidget” at heart, had a burning desire to visit Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. A visit to Fenway to watch a game is a must-do for both baseball fans and those who could care less about the sport.

My first Fenway experience was a Friday night game. To get “warmed up” for the game, my cousin took me to Caskin Flagin, the famous bar across from the stadium. Although it may sound as if I was preparing to play the sport, going to this establishment for some libations is like a cult ritual where everyone meets and drinks their own brand of Kool Aid before heading into the temple.

Not a beer drinker, I convinced the bartender to put a lime in a Coors Light; remarkably, after two mugs they tasted great. Not a meat-eater either, I was somehow convinced to try a “Fenway Frank” once inside the park. Chalk this one up also to religion.

There are so many nuances that make Fenway special. Besides a beautiful old ballpark, the main focus is the actual game; a JumboTron hasn’t made it there yet. A vendor walks the aisles, you raise your hand for some peanuts, and a bag will be hurled with such speed that you wonder if he missed his calling and shouldn’t have tried out for a major league team. You pass your money down the row and the change is passed back.

The fan participation here is real and raw. While watching the Sox play the Mets, every so often I heard a chant of “Yankees Suck!” Like every religion, there are the devotees making the Fenway pilgrimage – like two guys from Utah on a three-day baseball binge.

Sitting there watching the game wearing my Titleist hat, seduced by the lights and verdant field, I soaked it all in and allowed Fenway to enchant me. I could almost hear Kenny Chesney singing “She’s from Boston.”

For a moment during the game I could have sworn Boo Weekley was in attendance as I kept hearing the crowd call his name. While it quite possibly could have been the lemon in the Coors Light that affected my hearing, what was being heard was Boston’s version of “Boooo” for infielder Kevin Youkilis – “Yoooouk.”

After the Sox won I floated back to Caskin Flagin, but not before a quick high-five to the Green Monster on my way out.

“Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
Guard me Jesus through the night,
And wake me with the morning light
Oh, and please keep the World Series in sight.”

Phil’s Phanatics are the faithful followers of Phil Mickelson. While Tiger Woods draws the largest crowds, there is a difference between the fans that follow Tiger and those watching Phil, especially in the New York City area. Lefty’s group is arguably the “Arnie’s Army” of his generation.

Why is Mickelson so loved? Because he’s fallible like us, always wears his heart on his sleeve, often going for it and coming up just short. Maybe realizing sometimes you will end up being the bridesmaid, but knowing you are good enough to get invited to the wedding. Even Superman had kryptonite.

Both Mickelson and Palmer have a similar playing style, one that attracts fans. From most accounts, Palmer’s aggressive playing style and dramatic high-risk shots frequently went astray, an apt description of Mickelson’s method. Both styles make for great drama, both live and on TV.

Nick Ferraro is an example of the type of fan that follows Phil. Nick carried his homemade “Phil face” for 18 holes in lousy weather to show his “support and love” for Phil during the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. He had tickets for Thursday’s rained-out first round, but bought the playoff insurance for $10 to enable him and his girlfriend, who also followed in support, to watch the final round on Monday. His “Phil face” was created by a ruler he bought from Staples and giant printouts of Mickelson’s mug he found on the Internet.

Another fan named Hatel had a similar tale after following Mickelson at last year’s Barclay’s tournament. At the end of one round Phil gave Hatel the KPMG hat off his head. The fan was quick to point out “this hat was made for Phil as part of his sponsorship agreement and you cannot buy one like it,” and gushed like a schoolgirl, “I have never seen him so intense or work that hard for a championship.”

From the moment Mickelson steps onto the first tee until he leaves the course you can hear screams from the Phanatics: “You’re the best,” “You’re my hero,” and “I love you Phil.” This reaction has the energy of an Olympic event or college football games. When Phil arrived to the 17 hole at Bethpage, a par-3s, fans did the wave for their hero. This is their man, the people’s man. Why such passion? Because Phil strives for the best and sometimes wins, but more often than not loses. He’s not Tiger, the mythological god/superhero who manages to overcome the obstacles and frequently prevail. Phil’s wins are grittier, drama-filled and sweat-inducing.

At what time do heroes such as Mickelson and Palmer realize they’re being followed with such conviction? According to Palmer, the first time he recognized the phenomenon was at the 1957 Masters when he looked up at the scoreboard and saw a soldier from nearby Ft. Gordon holding a sign that read, “Arnie’s Army.”

Perhaps raw emotion has the masses following Phil. At the Open there were four teenage boys running in a line, like four Rockettes that escaped from Radio City Music Hall, each of their bare chests with a letter that collectively spelled “PHIL.” Grown men in the high-priced hospitality tents left their flat-screens and cocktails to come out on the terraces and pay homage as Phil walked up the 14th and 15th hole.

Another fan named Suchita has been following Phil for 10 years. She was among 200 or so at the U.S. Open pressed against the fence just past the putting green near Bethpage’s clubhouse. What perhaps speaks volumes is that although Mickelson faltered down the stretch and came in second, finding himself in an all too familiar situation- a bridesmaid not a bride again for the fifth US Open- and knowing it was the last time he was playing for a while in order to be with his wife Amy and assist in her treatment for breast cancer, he still talked to the media and then walked into the crowd to sign autographs for 30 minutes. There were more screams of “We love you Phil” as the police held the throngs back. If you didn’t know better, you’d have sworn you were at a Bruce Springsteen concert and Bruce just jumped off stage.

While we wait patiently for his return (in next week’s Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron), you can be sure the fire will continue to burn in the bellies of Phil’s Phanatics.

While the weather played center stage for a good part of the US Open even pushing it to Monday there were some compelling events, story lines and activities on and off course that made it all worth while. Keeping Dry was the name of the game and how better than the pure entertainment of Johnny Miller and Peter Jacobsen in the Lexus tent.

They gave great insight and provided comic relief from the storm. Discussing everything from Tigers swing, predicting who would do well playing in these conditions to impromptu acapella songs and nutrisystem.

Playing a round of golf with someone can give you incredible insight as to their personality and while the weather denied many from watching the long awaited US Open there are still some who found the silver lining. A few new friends took the opportunity to convert the 15the hole into their personal cigar lounge. Their were no frowning faces just a great view, great friends and great cigars you would have never known they were there to watch golf.  

Make no mistake about it the Black course is back – as host of the 2009 US Open. This warning sign on the first tee box is no joke – enough to scare the faint of heart (faint of heart -Fig. people who are squeamish; someone who is sickened or disturbed by unpleasantness or challenge.), shorter drivers or the poorest of putters.

The next few days will test the best of the best.  Even before the event started some golf greats were celebrated. At the Met Golf Writers dinner D.J. Gregory received the Mary Bea Porter award- recognizing an individual, who through an heroic or humanitarian act, saves or betters the lives of others. D.J. grew up with cerebral palsy and was told he would never walk. He had a dream to walk every hole on the PGA Tour. In 2008 he did just that and blogged about it.  In 44 weeks he covered 3,200 holes and over 1,000 miles with only 29 falls.  His message is simple and clear ” From this, I just want people to know that if they have a dream, they need to chase it,” Gregory said, “and never take no for an answer”. If you have not seen DJ walking with friends you can check it out on you tube.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUSHN5EB0v8

You can find DJ this week signing copies of his book Walking with Friends in the merchandise tent Friday.

With predictions running wild and records to be set one thing is for sure if the weather does not cooperate we could convert this event into the worlds largest slip and slide party. Believe me this is the time you wish you owned a Lexus or you may want to think about buying one if it gets you into their hospitality tent.

Brain Gay & caddy Kip Henley

Throughout time there have been great Dynamic Duos – Bonnie & Clyde, The Lone Ranger & Tonto, Han Solo & Luke Skywalker, Tom & Jerry, Starsky & Hutch, Bert & Ernie, Mac & Cheese and probably the most well known, Batman & Robin. Add to that list Brian Gay and Kip Henley.

There are also “cenotes,” deep natural wells or sinkholes formed by the collapse of surface limestone that exposes ground water underneath. The first and largest can been seen in the middle of the fairway on the first hole. “Holey rusted metal, Batman! The ground. It’s all metal. It’s full of holes. You know, holey.” These cenotes were once used by ancient Mayans for sacrificial offerings. There is water all around, deep jungle like mangroves and an array of wildlife that suddenly appears like the chameleon for which the course is named.

On the golf course in the Batmobile:   Robin: “Let’s get going and make an emergency bat-turn!” Batman: “Not this time, old chum. Have to think of the golfers. The retro-rockets would burn up the course.

“This is what makes us like Felix and Oscar, yet we really work well together because I see things differently and he is interested in my opinion and takes it to heart some of the time. I will tell him to go for a shot he may not see or would take a more conservative approach using an extra shot. The lessons I have learned from Brian have been many and mostly non-verbal.”

Brian’s comments mirrored Kip’s in that he describes himself as cautious and analytical, whereas Kip is aggressive and takes chances. “Kip keeps it light when we are on the course; he jokes and gives me another perspective. For example, if I have a water penalty he will say, ‘It is just a golf ball – you get them for free.’ It helps me to relax and not get too in my head.”

When Brian was asked which dynamic duo best represents their relationship, his response, accompanied, by a chuckle, was macaroni and cheese. “Well . . . I like mac and cheese and Kip likes to eat.”

Brian does see some possible comparisons to the Batman and Robin duo in their relationship. Batman was more a serious character in the TV series, while Robin had a total of 352 “holy,” including such nuggets as “Holy Agility” and “Holy Zorro.” While Kip may not be quite so prolific in his “holy” phrases, he often says “forshizzle,” his version of “for sure.”

During the final round of the Mayakoba, Gay had a three-shot lead and faced a 15-foot downhill putt on the 17th green. He asked Kip if it was going to be “super-fast.” Kip responded, “Forshizzle,” the type of word from a caddie that releases tension in his player.

Both men have high praise for Mexico, Mayakoba and the people they met. They enjoyed the international flavor (alluding to more than the guacamole and cervesa) of playing a PGA Tour event outside the U.S., and found the Mexican people to be gracious hosts. Many are now their friends.

Batman: “The green button will turn the car a la izquierda o a la drecha.” Robin: “To the left or right. Threw in a little Spanish on me, huh, Batman?” Batman: “One should always keep abreast of foreign tongues, Robin.”

Along with their abilities to beat mere mortals with a single golf stroke, Gay and Henley possess other superhero qualities, like belts. Yes, most superheroes have a special belt and these two are no exception. Racing to the scene of the crime in the Batmobile, Batman and Robin must (with the help of the trusty Bat-utility-belt) thwart the efforts of a variety of master criminals.

Brian wears 59 Belts, custom-made in Las Vegas. The one he wore the day of his Mayakoba win has a star; being a Dallas Cowboy fan he takes it to represent the team emblem. Gay prefers to avoid superstitions on his belts, shirts, or any other clothing article for that matter. He relies on talent and shies away from placing importance on anything other his ability to play golf. Kip wears Fligo belts from Canada because, he says, “they make a fat guy look cool.”

Robin: “Where’d you get a live fish, Batman?” Batman: “The true crime fighter always carries everything he needs in his utility belt, Robin.”

When asked who’d be the likely candidate to drive the Batmobile, the response from Kip was quick and decisive, “Not up for discussion… me. If it was up to Brian we’d be going the speed limit.”

Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel – The Mayakoba Golf Classic will be held February 25 – March 1, 2009, when the team of Brian and Kip will defend their title.