Smoltz U.S. Open bid falls short

By Stan Awtrey

For the AJC

From the moment the 9:50 a.m. pairing walked onto the first tee to check in with the starter, it was obvious that this wasn’t going to be a typical U.S. Open qualifier. These events are normally attended by only handful of close relatives and friends. On Monday there were at least 30 people and a handful of cameras there to observe and record the proceedings.

That’s what happens when you’ve got a future Hall of Fame pitcher like John Smoltz in the field. The only thing missing was the introductory music when it was time for Smoltz to hit his first shot.

“No,” said Bob Flynn, a Georgia State Golf Association starter. “No music.”

No uniform, either. And, in the end, no U.S. Open either. Smoltz showed up in short black pants and a white golf shirt from the exclusive Hideout Golf Club in Naples, Fla. And there wasn’t a No. 29 stitched on the back, either, although no one seemed confused about his identity. He had been a marked man since making the decision to attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open, which will be held at Pebble Beach in June.

A crowd that ranged between 30 to 50 people accompanied Smoltz and his caddie, poker player Josh Arieh, around Marietta Country Club. Smoltz, who carries a plus-1.5 USGA handicap, was trying to earn one of nine spots into the sectional phase of qualifying for the U.S. Open.

Smoltz has experience playing before an audience. He’s played golf on television. He participated in the pro-am at the Bob Hope Classic in January and last week played a match against longtime teammate and friend Tom Glavine in the final episode of a Golf Channel series called Donald J. Trump’s Fabulous World of Golf.

But this time Smoltz was playing his own golf ball and there were consequences for hitting a bad shot. And there’s admittedly a big step up to competitive golf. He wanted to test himself and potentially qualify, although he put his own odds at 20-to-1. But he also said, “I didn’t want to embarrass myself.”

He didn’t embarrass himself, but didn’t make it, either. His 6-over 76 was six shots away from contention. Smoltz didn’t play poorly, but he failed to hit his approach shots close enough to give himself a chance to make birdies.

The real difference came on the greens, where Smoltz had trouble getting anything to drop. After missing a two-footer on his 11th hole, he quipped, “That’s what happens when you don’t putt gimmes.” He later predicted a putter change, saying he’d probably make a call to the bullpen for one of the 25 different putters he owns.

Despite his putting woes, Smoltz showed he still had the ability to close the deal when he banged in a 20-footer to save par on the final hole, a conclusion that drew applause from the 100 or more who gathered there to watch.

One of those watching was Mike Martin, a member at Marietta Country Club, who promised his grandson, Luke, that he’d try to get Smoltz to autograph a baseball. Martin knew Smoltz hadn’t played a great round and was hesitant to ask for a signature, but decided to make an effort.

“He said, ‘I’d be happy to,’” said Martin, who had the new Wilson baseball safely stowed away in a plastic bag. “He didn’t have to say that. That was impressive to me. It was just so nice of him to do it.”

Smoltz seemed gracious to everyone, starting with his playing partners, whom he met for the first time just prior to teeing off.

“He couldn’t have been nicer,” said Andrew Smith. “He came up and shook my hand and introduced himself. Just a good guy.”

Smith is a native of England who came to America 12 years ago to play college golf at High Point (N.C.) University and stayed to work for a furniture company. Smith says he follows football closer than baseball, but he was somewhat familiar with Smoltz. At the conclusion of Monday’s round, Smith had Smoltz sign his cap. Minutes later he emerged from the pro shop with a new black hat on his head.

“I can’t wear the other one now,” he said.

That wasn’t the only autograph Smoltz signed. There were a handful of young boys who got signatures on their hats. Marietta Country Club assistant professional Mike Porterfield came away with a pair of autographed caps. Others just wanted to shake the right hand responsible for 213 major league victories and 154 saves.

Former University of Georgia All-American Kevin Kisner of Aiken, S.C., was medalist with a 64. Others who advanced to the sectional qualifier were UGA junior Russell Henley (65) and Michael Saari of Lilburn (66). Getting in with 68s were former Georgia Tech All-American Roberto Castro of Alpharetta, David Skinns of England, Lee Williams of Alexander City, Ala., Mark Silvers of Savannah, Matt Hendrix of Greenville, S.C., and Peter Tomasulo of Long Beach, Calif.