The Official 'Double P' Blog

Woke up today and read that my charity tourney bud Paul Gleason passed away. Needless to say, I was shocked and saddened by the news.

I first met Paul a few years back in a charity tourney and our paths have crossed several time since. Daly and he are good buds, so there have been countless times I've stepped foot on the bus and seen the 'Beeker' on there.

For those who don't remember, Paul really burst onto the scene in 'Trading Places' as Clarence Beeks and became a household name as Principal Richard Vernon in 'The Breakfast Club.' I loved him in both - as well as Coach Hissler in 'Johnny Be Goode.' My buddies and I always quoted the lines back to him in tourneys and I actually got it to a point where everyone called him 'Beeker' instead of Paul.

My heartfelt condolences to the Gleason family tonight. I always enjoyed hanging with the Beeker and will cherish the good times we had. RIP, Paul Gleason.

Hey Everyone. Double P here checking in from Scottsdale this week. I just got back home Monday after a weekend out in Philadelphia. I headed back east to hang with my bud Pat Burrell (LF, Phillies.) He trains and lives in Scottsdale during the off season so he, Mark Mulder (Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals) and I definitely have a good time and tear it up when our seasons end.

I headed out last Thursday night and Burrell was flying in from the Phillies' series at Milwaukee. We met up, grabbed dinner and geared up for a long weekend at the ballpark.

I found out earlier in week that PB had me lined up to take some batting practice before their weekend series with the Red Sox. Some of my old buds from back in the day might recall how much I dug the batting cages at Family Fun Center in San Diego. Thankfully the elbow was feeling better because there was no way I’d miss the opportunity to take BP in the big leagues before a Phillies vs. Red Sox series.

I headed into the locker room and they had a No.1 Phillies jersey with "Perez" on the back in a locker for me. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to wear it on the field because it was retired for Philly legend Richie Ashburn years ago. My caddy mentioned to me after the fact that I should've had them put #60 on the jersey to commemorate my 12-under round at the Bob Hope last January. (Wish you told me that beforehand, H. Your time.)

Third Base Coach Bill Dancy threw BP for me and Hitting Coach Milt Thompson was busting on me for not crowding the plate enough. Of course as soon as I did, Dancy started throwing inside, giving me some chin music. I guess I didn't get the memo that it was "Pick on the PGA TOUR Guy" Day.

Manager Charlie Manuel was telling me to tee up a golf ball and hit it out of the stadium. I wasn't sure if he was kidding, but either way I didn't trust my aim enough after seven weeks off. Last thing I need to do is take out a Philly fan.

Not to mention with over 44,000 in attendance the whole experience was a little bit intimidating. I don't like to whiff at the batting cages in front of friends, let alone in front of a capacity crowd at Citizens Bank Park.

After BP, I checked out both teams' locker rooms and got to chew the fat with Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and Curt Schilling - who I've met a bunch in Scottsdale out at Athlete's Performance, where we both work out.

All of the Phillies were solid as well. Everyone was extremely cool and made me feel at home. It's amazing to me how many of them love golf and had questions about the game. As much as I wanted to know about life in MLB, all these guys were interested in what we do on the PGA TOUR.

Surprisingly, the routines are pretty similar. The guys all get to the park in the morning, hit the locker rooms, change, talk shop, tell stories, joke around and then start getting down to business. Early BP at 3:30, stretching at 4:20, another round of BP, opponents take their BP at 5:30 and then back in the locker room until the 7:05 game time where it's more hanging out and getting mentally prepared.

Matt Clement was throwing for Boston on Friday night, so the Philly video guys put together footage of him throwing in past games. They have this stuff playing throughout the clubhouse on all the TVs so everyone can watch his action and get a feel for what he'll throw that night. Again, one of those things you'd never really think of - but like all professional sports, there is a science and method behind everything.

I ended up going to all three games this weekend and watched from the suite with friends and family of the players.

Another thing I thought was solid was how everyone went nuts over Aaron Rowland when his picture popped up on the big screen. He's on the DL right now from running face first into the outfield wall last week.

I got to talk to him and he's still jacked up. Stitches in his lip and bruises all over. He explained that the guys who set up the field forgot to put the bottom padding on the wall. Of course that's the night he goes face first at full speed. No regrets, though. He'd do it all again and that's why his teammates and the fans love him. When he gets back from injury, that crowd will go nuts for him.

That was pretty much my weekend - three ball games, a couple rounds of BP and getting to hit the town with King Burrell. He really is 'the man' in Philly.

As for my golf game, I finally got down to business and hit a ton of balls on Tuesday. I'm a bit rusty, but I'm feeling pretty solid. I've been back in the gym for two-a-days this week and I'm trying to get my strength and stamina where it needs to be so I can compete against the best of the best. I'm taking it slow and I know I'll get it back, but I'm a little frustrated my game is off right now and that I lost so much of the strength I worked on building up last year in the off season. I know I'll get it back, but I'm a little impatient right now.

Next Thursday at The Memorial, I am going to get after it pretty hard. I'm not expecting too much my first week back out there. My goal is to finish the tournament and remain pain-free. If so, it'll be off to the Barclays Classic and time to climb back up the money list. I was No. 31 the week after the Players Championship and two months later I've slipped all the way to No. 56.

I really want to push myself to the limit that first week. It's the only way to really see if I'm ready to go. Worst case scenario, I re-aggravate the elbow, withdraw and have to sit the rest of 2006 out. I don't even want to really let my mind go there, but I know it's a possibility. Better to find out right away than to go light for a few weeks and re-aggravate it on a big shot a month from now screw up my status for 2007.

I'll just get out there next week, hope to play good, give 110%, stay within myself and let the chips fall where they may (I love sports cliches - don't you?)

A special thanks this week to my boy Burrell and the Philadelphia Phillies organization - especially Charlie Manuel, Bill Dancy, Mick Billmeyer and Milt Thompson. That was definitely a once in a lifetime experience and something I'll remember for a long time. I'll get those PPGolf shirts in the mail for everyone.

Also, check out PatPerezGolf.com and the blog section in the next week or so as we'll have video footage of me taking BP live on the site.

See you at The Memorial. - Double P

Hey Everyone. PP here. Dropping a quick note. Just got back to Scottsdale after a week in San Diego with Wax, The Phantom, Horse and the rest of the boys. My brother the Hate headed out for a few days this past weekend and I finally saw my caddy the Great H for breakfast this morning. Your time, H.

After eight days in Diego, I'm home tonight and off to PA in the morning. Headed out to stay with Burrell through the weekend. The Phillies are playing the Red Sox and I haven't gotten to see the kid play there yet, so definitely looking forward to it.

He called me this morning and told me to get the elbow ready because I'm going to take batting practice. They're making me up a #1 Phillies jersey and hopefully I'll have someone out there to take some pics of the event.

To thank Burrell for the effort, I went to Google and found the worst picture of him I could find. Check it - to the right here. No idea what product he's pushing, but I figured any shot of him with a wooden spoon, apron and pan would serve its purpose here.

Back to Scottsdale around Monday the 22nd and then it's nothing but practice, practice and more practice before heading to The Memorial the following Monday. I know Owen is working with Fish next week in Memphis, but hopefully he can swing thru Scottsdale and check out my action before I bail for Ohio.

The wait is over. Back on the road two weeks from today. Can't wait to get out there and hopefully tear up The Memorial.

See you on the road and make sure to check out my blog today on GolfChannel.com. - PP

Double P swung the wrenches today for the first time since withdrawing from the Verizon Heritage almost seven weeks ago.

PP has been in San Diego all week visiting friends and family. This morning he took the trek up to Taylor Made to have his irons fine tuned and to work with Tour rep Scott Cuppett.

Perez hit a few dozen balls with his newly tweaked irons and took one swing with his Taylor Made R7 driver. At day's end, the elbow felt fine and PP even half joked that he was thinking about heading to Texas for the B of A Colonial this week.

In all reality, Double P feels he'll be good to go the week of May 29th and plans on heading to Dublin, Ohio to compete in this year's Memorial. From there, two weeks to prep for the US Open and most likely an eventual Monday qualifier.

Between then, a few more road trips during the off weeks to see some MLB buddies who are just getting their baseball seasons underway. Want to know where PP is headed next? Tune in this Wednesday as the PatPerezGolf.com Blog will be live on TheGolfChannel.com again.

Hey Everyone. A quick note from the road. Back in San Diego a few days just hanging with old friends, seeing some family and clearing my head. Haven't been back home in a non-golf week in a very long time. I was here for the Buick back in January, but that was a work trip. Nice to be back here with no real responsibiliy.

I have to get by Taylor Made this week - as well as the Scotty Cameron studio, but other than that there's not much golf-related stuff going on. Went to Samurai last night with the crew and harassed Charlie as always.

Going to a BBQ at a buddy's house tonight and headed to Del Mar with my dog Cosmo (a.k.a. - The C Man or C-Murder) so he can run around Dog Beach for a bit. I'm sure I'll be seeing my caddy and coach in the coming days as well.

My bud Ali is having a big weekend at his club 4th&B in downtown San Diego. On Friday night he has Tiesto and on Saturday is Paul Van Dyk. I'm more of a rock and roll guy, but I guess as far as DJs go these two are pretty popluar right now. I'll probably head down there Friday night to check things out. Big BBQ on Saturday, Mother's Day on Sunday (my mom lives in San Diego) and then a little more down time next week before going back home.

Can't wait to get back on the road - but definitely enjoying being back home in San Diego.

More this weekend. - Double P

Hey Everyone. Wanted to drop a quick note to bring you up to speed.

Due to doctor's orders, I am being forced to withdraw from the Byron Nelson Championship, the B of A Colonial and the FedEx Classic. If all goes well, I will hit the road again the week of May 29th for The Memorial.

The last thing I personally want is more down time, but as soon as we posted on the blog last week that I was planning on playing the Byron Nelson - the phone calls started coming in. My doctor. My long-time friends. My family. My agent. Tour buds Jason Gore and Brent Geiberger. Even some of you fans were writing in to MySpace and emailing the site.

Everyone made sure to drive the point home - that I NEED to rest the elbow at least another three weeks. I'm heeding the advice.

I spoke too soon after the Cortisone shot. I felt better the next day, but soon thereafter I realized that I am not ready to go. The pain temporarily went away, but it's back now.

Getting cabin fever here in Scottsdale, so heading home-home to San Diego next week. Want to get some down time with some old buds, hang in my old hometown and get to see mom for Mother's Day next Sunday.

I'm feeling like Milton in Office Space, when Bill Lumburgh stuck him down in Storage B to take care of the cockroach problem.

Seriously, a lot of alone time and down time the past three weeks away from the Tour. Amazing how you actually get used to being on the road 30+ weeks a year. I walked off the course on Thursday March 14th at the Verizon. Four weeks ago this coming Thursday and I'm off at least another three weeks.

When it's all said and done, seven weeks sitting at home and not competing. That's not my style. I need to get back out there as soon as possible, so hopefully the rest, rehab, relaxtion and some time in San Diego to get my mind off things will be just what the doctor ordered.

More next week from SD. -- Double P

PatPerezGolf.com sends it's heartfelt condolences to Tiger Woods and family as they deal with the passing of father, husband, mentor and friend, Mr. Earl Woods.

Double P grew up playing the Junior World circuit in Southern California - with Perez and Woods competing as far back as 1984. PP's father Tony is a long-time starter at the Buick Invitational - at the esteemed Torrey Pines course in San Diego. The Woods and Perez families share the bond - introducing two future Tour players to the game and getting them competitive at such a young age.

Our hearts are definitely heavy with the passing of Mr. Woods and we truly wish Tiger and his family all the best as they work to get through this very trying time.

Rest in peace, Earl.

Hey Everyone, Double P checking in. I just got back home after a few days down south. I headed out to John Daly's 40th birthday bash in Dardanelle, AR, and then swung through Birmingham, AL, to see a specialist and get a second opinion on my injured elbow.

I left for Dardanelle last Thursday and had a great time celebrating with JD and the crew. When I say crew, I literally mean the entire city of Dardanelle. The guy is an absolute hero there. Everyone loves him and whoever he brings into the fold. I guess a lot of those folks saw me on the Daly Planet because they all knew who I was. I was more recognized in Dardanelle than I am at the average Tour event. It was crazy insane.

Daly's spot there, the Lion's Den, is walking distance from his house and right on the course. His brother Jamie owns another local spot - Daly's Downtown. Great BBQ.

Saturday we all watched the NFL Draft on the bus. Pretty safe to say we were all shocked Reggie Bush went No. 2. I was also surprised Matt Leinart dropped. Arizona will be a good fit for him. The new stadium is almost good to go and with Edgerrin James in the backfield, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin at receiver, Leinart fell into a pretty good situation with the Cardinals.

I drove over to Birmingham on Monday to get my long-awaited second opinion on the elbow. Thankfully, things are finally looking up and I am planning on heading to Dallas next week for the Byron Nelson Classic. I love playing in that tournament and hope to pick up where I left off after the PLAYERS. I still can't believe how long it's been since I've played. It feels like forever.

The verdict on the elbow is that I have somewhat of a pinched nerve near or around the tendon. I needed a Cortisone shot to numb the pain and a day later I am actually feeling a million times better. The MRI was negative and no surgery is required. I am going to rest and rehab the remainder of this week and I'll head to Dallas on Sunday, most likely. My good bud Tommy Armour III throws a pretty fun bash the week of the Byron Nelson and since he's never missed my Phoenix Open party, I definitely have to get out to his gig this week.

Like last week, both www.PatPerezGolf.com and my MySpace.com profile page have been receiving a lot of questions about my elbow, my game, my bikes and whatever else I've been up to these past few off weeks.

A few folks asked when I first started seeing my scores drop - 100, 90, 80, par, etc. I really had to rack the brain here. I was competing in San Diego Junior Golf tournaments as far back as 7 or 8 years old and was winning a lot of those tourneys. I won the 1993 Junior World Golf Championship and for the past two years have co-sponsored the "Pat Perez Tournament of Champions" for the SDJGA.

Regarding exactly when I broke those 'monumental' numbers, I can't really remember. I haven't shot 100 in probably 25 years or so and believe I was breaking par for the first time somewhere between 9 or 10. I'd have to ask my dad about some of that stuff. He keeps all the old newspaper and magazine clippings from back in the day.

Someone else asked if I go out at night during tournament days and if so, have I overdone it and paid the price the next day.

Not in a long while. Maybe a few times earlier in my career. I'm sure some Tour guys can tell you about some rowdy nights we all had on the Buy.com Tour (Nationwide).

These days it's all business Wednesday night through Sunday afternoon. Especially now. I spent my entire off season in 2005 at Athlete's Performance here in Scottsdale working out nonstop. I was eating right, getting enough sleep and dedicated my entire off season to getting stronger, building up my stamina and working on my game. To play a tournament round having 'overdone' it the night before and shoot poorly? It's not an option right now.

I want my first win. Until then, there's really nothing to be celebrating.

I'll have a good time with friends and go out during an off week. During a tournament week it's golf, working out, stretching, dinner and to bed early. If a bunch of us do rally and go out, it's on Monday or Tuesday. That's really it.

The final question this week is about my clubs. Someone asked how often I get them tweaked or worked on during the season.

I'm a big fan of, "If it ain't broke - don't fix it." I try not to mess with my equipment unless necessary. I'll probably have my clubs checked every three or four month regarding the lie and the loft, new grips, etc. That's it. I may go back and forth between a few different putters, but regarding tweaking the equipment - I avoid it as much as possible and try not to overthink things.

Off to Dallas in a few days and gearing up for the Byron Nelson. Looks like the "Spikes Up" column will finally get back to some actual 'life on the road' and golf stuff.

Hopefully.

"I need to be myself. I can't be no one else. I'm feeling supersonic."


Double P

I'm writing this blog whilst flying home from New Orleans and the Zurich Classic. We suffered bad thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday, which closed down the course and range for quite a while. Practice time was scarce.

It was another week without PP - and even I'm starting to miss the kid. I know Fish and the boys want him back out here as well.

On Tuesday afternoon Fish's caddy Dennis, who lives in Slidell, LA - just outside of New Orleans - took Fish and I on a tour of the area. Wow. The carnage is absolutely amazing and I can't even begin to imagine what these poor people are going through. All the CNN watching I did last August... it in no way prepared me for what I just saw. In some places, it seemed like Katrina just took place last week.

All of the locals were very grateful to the players for participating in this event. The Zurich Classic is just one more event they hope can help get New Orleans back on its feet.

Even with all the disaster, Burbon Street is coming back and Fishy and I definitely made the most of being there.

As for this week's golf tip, I'd like to talk about chipping and the importance of choosing the correct club when doing so.

There are two basic trajectories of a chip shot:

> The first is to hit a high shot which lands softly and stops on the green quickly. That is either accomplished by hitting a lob or sand iron. Even though this shot might *look* the best, it is a very difficult shot to hit consistently and should only be used if you have a little bit of green to play with.

> The second option is to hit a lower shot which will roll out to the pin. To accomplish this:

- Using a 7 or 8 iron, play the ball in the middle of your stance.
- Grip down the shaft, which will shorten the club and allow you to stand more on top of the ball, like a putt.
- Just use your putting motion (and can even try your putting grip as well.)

At the beginning, the shot will feel and look like a putt that has a little bit of loft on the ball. Remember that the ball will roll, so try to land it about a quarter of the way between you and the hole. I think you will find this option a lot more consistent than choosing the more lofted version.

If you have any questions about this week's tip, just drop me an email.

Go low. Coach MO.

I spoke with PP this morning and spirits were up as he was just leaving Dr. Andrew's office in Birmingham, AL regarding his 'second opinion' on the elbow.

The doc said PP has an inflamed nerve in his elbow, near the tendon. The MRI came back negative and the elbow will not require surgery. In the interim, he's been given a Cortisone shot to help with the pain and inflammation.

As of today, Double P plans on heading to Dallas next week for the Byron Nelson Championship. He should probably take another week or so to rest, but he does not want to miss this particular tournament. He received a hand-signed letter from Mr. Nelson - his invite to this year's event - and he really wants to be there. Byron Nelson is a big influence on Pat and he considers this tournament a very important one. He'll do what he can to play through the pain and hopefully get back to form this coming week.

Check in tomorrow for more on the elbow as well as John Daly's 40th b'day bash in Little Rock last weekend. - C.B.