Fear creeps into your heart . . . Oldfield is the head pro at the Merit Club in Libertyville, Ill., where Beck practices when he is home. Oldfield is currently working with Beck on repairs, putting the pieces back together. Both insist it's just a matter of time. But until then, there will be more pain.
Afflicted players are like lepers in the eyes of certain spooked peers.
Guys will look the other way on the range. And they will anxiously scan pairings sheets in hopes of avoiding those who have lost their way. I was a good 10-handicapper last year. Maybe a five. Corey Pavin, the 1995 U.S. Open champion, plummeted from 18th on the 1996 money list to 169th last year.