Granted, it's a little early in the morning, but you're up for a little quiz, aren't you? Like most sports, golf has its share of interesting nicknames. Today I am going to test your knowledge. I will give you a dozen golfers along with their nicknames. All you have to do is match the golfer with the proper moniker and you will win the prize.
Since I'm on a limited budget, the prize - if you can get all of them right - will be a free "attaboy" from me the next time you see me. I am going to give you the answers at the end of the column, so no peeking. The "attaboy" will be from the heart and it will mean more if you earn it.
Here are the 12 golfers:
1. Tom Watson; 2. Craig Stadler; 3. Tim Herron; 4. Craig Perry; 5. Craig Smith; 6. Ernie Els; 7. Al Geiberger; 8. Fred Couples; 9. Miller Barber; 10. Loren Roberts; 11. Hal Sutton; 12. Mike Reid.
Here are the nicknames: A. Mr. 59; B. The Big East; C. Boss of the Moss; D. Mr. X; E. Radar; F. Halimoney; G. Lumpy; H. The Walrus; I. The Giant; J. Huckelberry Dillinger; K. Boom Boom; L. Popeye
Nicknames are always interesting and sometimes funny. A nickname usually is hung on someone because of the way they look or act. Many of these nicknames are justified, while others don't seem to fit. My brother goes by the nickname of Tiny and he, well, isn't.
In case you are having trouble with a couple of these, it would be my pleasure to give you additional help. You can read the following and the "attaboy" will still be in order. Besides, some of these need a little explaining.
Popeye - This golfer gets the name for his massive forearms. He must eat his spinach, and personally I hope his better half is NOT named Olive Oyl.
The Big Easy - This tall former U.S. Open champion has a smooth rhythmic swing. Without much effort the ball sails majestically through the air when he makes contact. His driving length combined with his smooth swing and a seldom-gets-ruffled demeanor make this nickname appropriate.
Radar - Drives that seek the middle of the fairway time and time again as well as a certain resemblance to Gary Burghoff make this name fit the golfer that goes by it.
Mr. 59 - The first golfer to attain this magic score, he will always be known for the record-setting round.
The Walrus - So many nicknames come from one's physical shape, and this is one of them. His droopy mustache along with a shuffle that elicits a smile just by watching him perform, makes this golfer a fan favorite.
Boss of the Moss - The ability to make putts from anywhere on the green gives this golfer his handle. This would be a good nickname for me, if only I could make a putt occasionally.
Lumpy - Sometimes a golfer does not give that "I just came from the gym" appearance. Such is the case with this golfer who is well-liked by his fellow competitors. Why do I have the feeling some of you are thinking I fit in better here than the previous nickname?
Boom Boom - This golfer has the greatest swing I have ever seen. It is so effortless you think he is hitting a delicate chip shot even though he just swung the driver. See where those shots end up, and you will understand why the use of boom.
Mr. X - This golfer did not join the ranks of marital bliss until his late 30s. Prior to that he kept some late hours and no one seemed to know where he went or what he was up to. A fellow pro described him as the "Mysterious Mr. X" and the name stuck.
Huckleberry Dillinger - This freckle-faced young man from Missouri came on tour looking a bit like the Mark Twain character. When you went head-to-head against him Sunday, he became more like the famed criminal. Looks only tell part of the story with this great golfer.
The Giant - At 6-8'' in height, this golfer is the tallest player on the PGA Tour. Unfortunately that is his only claim to fame thus far.
Halimoney - This one seems pretty obvious. I had to include it because it comes from the fact that he is supporting three ex-wives. Perhaps he should have consulted with Mr. X.
So there you go. I'm betting many of you have nicknames of your own. Got a funny story that goes with it, let me know. Here are the answers to our little quiz:
1-J, 2-H, 3-G, 4-L, 5-I, 6-B, 7-A, 8-K, 9-D, 10-C, 11-F, 12-E.
Just in case I don't see you soon (and assuming you didn't peek) here you go:
ATTABOY!
Al Stephenson is The A-T's golf columnist.
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