COURSE REVIEW

KZZP's Edwards
willing to brave odds of golf

Gayle McCarthy Features Editor
Cactus Golf Daily

October 28, 1998
Ask a man to golf, and usually you get a positive response. Ask a man to golf with President Clinton, and the reply these days might be a bit more reserved.

Not for Carey Edwards, radio personality for hit-music KZZP 104.7 FM, broadcast in Phoenix, Arizona. When he's not playing the hits, you can find him on the golf course working on his 20 handicap or shooting three-point shots at the local park. He's willing to brave the odds for a good game of golf, no matter what the odds.

"Let's put it this way," Edwards explained. " I wouldn't wear a blue Gap dress, and I would only accept a cigar from him if one of his Secret Servant agents handed it to me."

Edwards' passion for golf began back in high school when a bunch of friends turned him on to the game. "It all started as a bunch of us hanging out on the course, playing recreationally. Since then, I have kept on playing." He played throughout his college years at Northern Arizona University, but admits his game has taken on a more serious tone within the past 5 years.

"My desire to improve my game has grown," he admits. "I am watching more golf on TV and taking lessons more regularly. At this point, my skill level is between novice and above average."

This change of mind- and skill- was sparked by a trip to the West Coast. Edwards was the lucky recipient of a 5-day pass to the John Jacobs Golf School located in Palm Springs, California.

"It was one of those fluke things," he admits. "One of my friends had a pass to go to the school, and it turned out he couldn't use it. I was the lucky recipient."

An image appeared in my mind of sipping exotic, fruity drinks garnished with paper umbrellas by the green, watching avid golfers sweat in the unruly heat while I myself was comfortable and cool in the shade.

Edwards clued me back to reality. "The school was intense. People came here from all over the world, many foreigners paying at least $8,000 for 5 sessions to improve their game. So this was no relaxing resort spa or anything. These people were serious about golfing."

Extensive practice sessions lasted, on average, 5 hours a day. "We literally hit ball after ball after ball in the hot sun, and it was in December." The intense practice led Edwards to drop at least 5 pounds, a noticeable difference for man who stands at 6 feet, 4 and a half inches. Even with the weight loss, sore arm muscles and general malaise, he doesn't regret the experience. "It was the best thing I've done for my game." He acknowledges that the most needed improvement for his game is club management and developing a consistent swing, particularly within 100-150 yards of the hole. He's not bad off of the tee box, however, where his swing is more consistent.

At his height, he prefers to use extra-long Ping Zing 2's and believes in being honest on the course. That's why he still prefers golfing with his buddies rather than golfing alone.

"My friends force my to stay honest…they won't let me cheat! We count every stroke." In addition, playing with his buddies helps him get hints on improving his form.

His worst game that he can remember was on the famous Tamarron course in Durango, Colorado. His score? 112.

"My game was unbelievably bad! The course was all uphill. The greens were built into the side of a mountain. There were no even spots of fairway on the course." Even though it was a tough game, the scenery was beautiful. "I'd go back again, though, and give it another shot."

His all-time favorite course, however, is Pumpkin Ridge in Portland, Oregon. "The scenery is unbelievable…gorgeous landscape. On one tee box, you can see all three major mountain peaks- Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, and the other one!- in the northwest."

Edwards' status as an on-air talent has landed him some job perks. "I have played golf with many famous football players, so many I can't remember their names," he admits. "I have also played with Kevin Costner. He plays golf very well."

But, given the chance to play 9 holes with some golf pros, the 18-year veteran radio personality would love to play alongside Tiger Woods or Mark O' Meara. "I would just pick their brains about the game."