A New Golf Word
 

"Hawk"

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—PGA Tour golfer Tripp Isenhour was charged with killing a hawk on purpose with a golf shot because it was making noise as he videotaped a TV show
Isenhour was with a film crew for “Shoot Like A Pro” on Dec. 12 at the Grand Cypress Golf course. The 39-year-old golfer, whose real name is John Henry Isenhour III, was charged Wednesday with cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 14 months in jail and $1,500 in fines.

According to scottishgolfhistory.net, commonly used golfing terms are fairly recent in origin.

"Bogey" was the first stroke system, developed in England at the end of the 19th Century. A 'bogle' was a Scottish goblin as far back as the 16th Century and a Bogey-man was a widely used term for a goblin or devil. Golfers of the time considered they were playing a Mister Bogey when measuring themselves against the bogey score.

"Par" is derived from the stock exchange term that a stock may be above or below its normal or 'par' figure.

"Birdie" is certainly derived from the American vox pop term 'a bird of a score' and hence a Birdie. The Historical Dictionary of Golfing Terms (1993) believes that "Birdie", meaning a score of one stroke under Par on a given hole comes from the 19th century American slang term "bird", meaning anything excellent.

"Eagle", a score of two under par for a given hole, was clearly the extension of the theme of birds for good scores from a "Birdie" (see above). It would be natural for American golfers to think of the Eagle, which is their national symbol. A score of two under Par is, in some ways, a 'big birdie' and an Eagle is a big bird.

Three under Par is a very rare score and an "Albatross" is a very rare bird, and now three under Par is generally referred to an "Albatross". However nobody knows exactly when the term was coined and it appears to be quite recent. At late as the 8th April 1935, a day after making an albatross on the par-5 15th hole at Augusta in the Masters, Gene Sarazen referred to his shot as a "dodo". Ab Smith said his group used the phrase 'double eagle' for three under.

Some golfers use the term Buzzard for a double Bogey.

Given the publicity of this latest gaff and the obvious lack of judgement associated with it, a "Hawk" could be the next staple in our golfing vocabulary.

If you make "Hawk" on a hole, what would it mean??? :laughing9

Defining 'Hawk'
 

Good question, Bagger.

Tripp took out the hawk with a wedge from 75 yards. That accuracy has already taken a substantial psychological toll and could cost him a chunk of change and possibly jail time. Therefore, I would define a 'hawk' as follows:

hawk n. A poor score of any magnitude resulting from a shot hit just too straight for the player's own good.

Also:

hawk'ish adj. The adjective describing the offending shot. Usage: That was a hawkish shot.

:sad2:

For example, you would score a hawk if you hit the flagstick and the ball rebounds into a hazard. That happened to Charles Howell III last year when he was in contention. Also to Byron Nelson who made quadruple bogey 7 on the 12th at Augusta when he hit the flagstick off the tee and the ball rebounded into Rae's Creek. He then hit the flagstick again from the drop area and suffered the same cruel fate. [This is an example of the rare 'double hawk'.]

You could also make hawk by picking out a hazardous target you don't think you can reach, but do with a perfect or near perfect shot. [Note: the hawk designation always requires a well-struck shot. Thus, in this situation, a gross error in judgement coupled with a so-so shot would not qualify.] I once made such a hawk on an unfamiliar Florida course. Standing on the tee box of a dogleg left par 4, I picked out a little scrub bush (through the fairway at the dogleg) for my line. I smoked my drive, and darned if the ball didn't run right into the bush's roots. My best swing of the day, and I had to take an unplayable.

But, hey, that's better than doin' time!

:laughing9

More On Tripp's Fowl Shot
 

From the PGA TOUR's website:

Mar. 6, 2008

RESTON, Va. -- Professional golfer Tripp Isenhour has issued a sincere apology for a December 2007 incident in Orlando during which he hit a golf ball into a tree accidentally killing a red-shouldered hawk during the taping of a golf instructional video.

"As soon as this happened, I was mortified and extremely upset and continue to be upset. I want to let everyone know there was neither any malice nor deliberate intent whatsoever to hit or harm the hawk. I was trying to simply scare it into flying away. As evidenced by our family having adopted three cats from a local shelter, I am an animal lover. We ask that everyone accept my sincerest apology, and please be respectful of my family's privacy," Isenhour said.

This ain't going away. An animal rights group -- the Humane Society of the United States -- wants the full pound of flesh: http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.a...0&select=25204

Here's Tripp on The Golf Channel giving his side of the story: http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.a...0&select2=8818

The full interview will be aired tonight at 6 p.m. ET.

I doubt he tried to hit the bird - he isn't that good but we are held responsible for our actions regardless. Three cats- that's funny.

WWJD? The right thing.

Wow, what a great shot. :naughty:

I mean: "poor bird", but you have to admire the skill it took. :salut:

When is a Fluke a Hawk? When Tripp hears a "Who."

okay not good Suess but I need the posts

Tripp's Greatest Hits
 

$1,500 for a hawk...Vijay is paying $5,000 for every eagle he get to St. Judes :naughty: !

Oh yes he did
 

try to hit the bird.......he started at 300 yards and as it got closer


he got all pumped up.....and KILLED AN ANIMAL.........Then issues an apology saying he didnt mean to do it........give me a break.......


my suggestion is no jail time......but off the tour for 1 year

and 1000 hours working with animal protection services.


i ask only 1 thing here...lets take this seriously..........outright animal abuse......absolutely pisses (sorry delete if you care to) me off

hjack

Let the Punishment Fit the Crime
 

Seems a bit extreme to me, hjack:

Take away a man's livelihood for a full year -- his innocent family and charities suffer, too -- and demand a half year of his working life (2,000 hours is considered full-time) . . . for accidentally killing a bird?

And it was an accident. His intent was to scare it away, not kill it. And while he may have aimed at the bird, he had no real thought he could hit it, much less kill it. After the bird was down, he attempted to save it by calling in a veternarian. He's adopted three stray cats from his local animal shelter. Does this sound like the profile of an animal abuser?

It was a one-in-a-million shot for goodness sakes. He was almost a football field away with a golf ball -- not a gun -- and a very small hole in the sky through which to send it. In fact, had somebody handed him a rifle and told him to shoot the bird -- that definitely would have stopped the offensive noise -- there's no way he would have done it.

Tripp has already suffered significantly and is obviously remorseful. That was evident to anyone who saw his interview tonight on The Golf Channel. How is society served by inflicting such severe additional punishment in this freak situation? Even the law pegs the financial damage at only $1,500. Quite a difference from the price you would extract.

WWJJD -- What would Judge Judy do?

:think:

HJ,

I didn't start this thread as a discussion regarding the guilt or innocence of Tripp. This thread is about how a very public incident can work its way into our golf lexicon.

Other than Bucket's behavioral issues, promoting animal abuse isn't tolerated here. :)

Two thumbs up for Yoda's definition. I was thinking along the lines of "wayward shots that land you so deep in the woods you're in jail".

This is a pretty sad and unfortunate incident. I've been on these kind of commercial shoots, and the average person doesn't understand how tough it is (yet how important) to get good "sound" when you're outside (planes, birds, cicadas, etc) for something that's going to air on TV. You get a whole crew of cameramen, sound folks, producers, directors, paid talent, etc, etc, and it's "take 1", take 2", "take 3" for all sorts of reasons. These guys don't work for free and time is money, but that pressure is no excuse for killing any animal, protected species or not.

I saw Tripp's interview and it sure sounds like it was an accident, but he'll have to deal with the consequences. I don't even know what his tour status is, I know the name but I couldn't tell you the last time I saw him in an event or getting any air time. He sure doesn't seem like the type to have done it on purpose.

I imagine the Rotella folks aren't too happy with this kind of pub either.

We see it
 

differently Lynn........i don't think its extreme.....but you do and thats fine.

and bagger i do understand that this thread was about words as opposed to abuse.........

oh well........let me finish this thought and i wont post about this subject.

to me abuse is abuse...... Lynn you know how much i respect you, but you said......"for killing a bird".........YES my friend for killing anything

a bird a dog...or a person.....Killing is Killing.......am i overreacting.....i dont think so........as i close and promise not to post on this again, let me say...........i have a dog......for 11 years...abso love the dog.....

Lynn if someone killed my dog......would you say,

"howard...........its just a dog".....................its all who the author of the statement is.....Thankyou for allowing me to vent

hjack


Prosecutors say the 39-year-old player took several shots at the hawk, first driving to it in a golf cart after the bird interrupted filming from 300 yards away. When the bird later landed within 75 yards, Isenhour’s shots got closer until he eventually hit and killed the hawk. It fell to the ground bleeding from both nostrils, witnesses told the Florida Fish and Wildlife.


accident???? duh

Lynn said "accidentally" killing a bird. Was your dog killed "accidentally?" But yes, the mutiple attempts at "scaring" the bird is tough to handle.

Regardless I'm sure a proper punishment will come out of this but regardless, accident or not, each is responsible for what happens as a result of one's actions. Otherwise nobody is held responsible for anything. Slap my forehead, "jeez I didn't want that to happen!"
Now if he only hit an old republician lawyer in the face with a shot, oh wait thats our VP.


Hawk- A great shot that still can't produce a scoring putt. More of shot term then a scoring term.

Human Rights
 

Please don't misquote me. I said "...for accidentally killing a bird."

And anyone who believes Tripp intentionally killed that bird -- with a golf ball from almost a football field away -- is looking to make a case where there is none.

Tripp Isenhour aimed at a bird a very long way away and had the great misfortune to hit it. A regrettable circumstance to be sure and one for which he is accountable. But . . .

It doesn't warrant destroying his career and life.

No Answer
 

I said i would not post again.......

Free Forum
 

:rolleyes:

Well, that post blew out 'the pledge', didn't it, hjack?

:)

Seriously, post all you want, my friend. That's why we're here. You have your opinion; I have mine.

You want blood.

I'll settle for justice.

And justice in this instance is a whole lot less than the extreme you advocate.

What ever happen to Dave Winfield when he purposely killed a seagul with a thrown ball- not much. Time cruelity has a price. Randy Johnson hit a flying seagul as he made a pitch to the plate- thats an accident. And a Youtube clip. Tripp's was an accident, too but he initiated to action- bed made, time to sleep in it. Life sucks for the stupid and those around him.
The sound crew should have been the only ones with concern.

Blood???
 

No Lynn

i dont want BLOOD

neither did the HAWK.....


AND THINK OF THE DISRESPECT TO


BEN HOGAN

Acting on Impulse often leads to irrational behavior and comments. Let's learn from this and not make the same mistake.

The perspectives, insights and arguments on this issue have been admirable. But, anyone who lets this issue become personal, may also act on impulse. :naughty:

Bang . . . Bang, Bang!
 

Asking for a one-year suspension of an athletic career is not 'blood'? Plus a half year of 'community service'?

Please.

Regarding Ben Hogan, he probably would have tried to hit the hawk two more times before it hit the ground.

:shock:

Sorry, hjack. You know I don't mean it. But I just couldn't resist!

:)

I apologize for quoting out of context but I believe that this is a true statement and would be equally true if applied to one half of the population.

I think that for the other half, one shot would have been sufficient. :laughing9
I apologize again. I'm commenting out of impulse. :naughty:

Just for the record, I'm not defending the behavior, but I am looking the other way.

Ok Judge Judy
 

Ok Lynn

You Dole Out The Punishment

Whats Your Call

Please Remember We Live In A Society That Pampers Athletes...

So Lets See How Fair You Will Be???

Judge Yoda
 

If Tripp were an amateur -- and not a 'pampered' athlete -- you never would have heard of this case.

For example:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aLGYU8RuDBg

Now that you have . . .

Fine him $500 -- make it $1,000 if Orange County needs the money -- and tell him not to do it again.

That should adequately serve the public interest.

Dear Howard,

Please don't turn this incident, of which we are all bystanders, into a mock trial. The public will decide.

Make him buy a Hunting License. Fine him for hunting out of season. Fine him for hunting an endangered specie.

Oh? I looked it up. The Hawk is not on the endangered specie list. http://www.endangeredspecie.com/specieprofile.htm

Hi Jack
 

HJack

Thanks for the big ole bucket of icewater on my thread.:)

PETA would be proud of your efforts and WE GET IT!!!

Lets move on please.:pray: [-o<

Wont Work
 

His Backers Will Pay The 1000 And He Will Say.........yes Sir ..never Again.....

And Try Not To Laugh.......


He Has Learned Nothing.........but Lynn You Did Exactly What Happens To Pampered Athletes........." Tsk Tsk....be Nice...ok??"

If We Help Him Be A Better Person, Then We Have Helped Him....

My 2 Kids Are Good Kids.......probably Because Of Their Mother........but Tough Love......helped...

Lynn...remember......im Not In The Least Saying Your Incorrect

Im Only Saying How I Feel............

We All Value Life.......but After My 6 Way Bypass When I Came Within Seconds Of Dying........life Has Become So Much More Precious,,,,

All Life........

BL,

Let him get it off his chest. No fowl, no harm.

Did anybody fry the bird up?

Ok
 

Ok Bagger.......sorry For Spoiling The Thread

Nothing More To Say

Time To Move On

Hjack

Here's To Life
 

Understood, Howard. Thanks for posting.

S-L-O-W down, everybody, and listen to this incredible gift from the late Shirley Horn:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RmoIkh6BC-g

Oh no!
Don't tell me you are going to bring that group in now.

Great
 

Comeback Bagger Boy

Hjack

The HORROR!!!!!!!!!






















those people aren't going to eat that bird . . .

Hey Daryl
 

I Must Say You Were Close

You Said No Fowl......no Harm

I Might Think

No Fowl...."lots Of Harm"

Hj

When I first read about Tripp apologizing for killing the bird, it sounded like he only made one shot attempt...in the general direction of the tree. Now it appears he continually hit towards the bird, even from just 75 yards away.

This result was NO accident. He may not have intended to kill the bird, but killing it was no accident.

BTW,
what do you think the probability is for hitting a bird from 75 yards away.
I would think it's a good chance that if two decent golfers continually teed up driver shots from that distance, the bird wouldn't last more than a couple of minutes.

If At First You Don't Succeed . . .
 

He was trying to scare the bird away, plain and simple, not kill it. The bird didn't scare away after one shot, so he continued to hit.

Now, you either believe Tripp, or you do not:

“As soon as this happened, I was mortified and extremely upset and continue to be upset. I want to let everyone know there was neither any malice nor deliberate intent whatsoever to hit or harm the hawk. I was trying simply to scare it into flying away.”

Accident or not, the bird is dead, and Tripp is facing criminal misdemeanor charges. The court will determine his guilt or innocence and any penalties to be paid. For now, Grand Cypress Resort (where his crew was filming) has delivered its own verdict and revoked his practice privileges.

If they were really smart . . . they'd ban the freakin' birds . . . they are a pain . . . dookeyin' all over the greens and stuff. Let 'em hang out on a tennis court or over at Daryl's house or something.

I don't want any more birds around my house. There are enough Geese on the Golf Courses. They're not endangered, but they are when I get on the Tee Box. :)