Top 10 Things to Do When There is No Golf on TV

For the past 36 weeks, there has been a PGA Tour tournament for the viewing pleasure of myself and other golf fanatics.  That streak ends this week.

I'm not saying that I watched every week, but when something is on TV for 36 weeks in a row, it's easy to expect it to be there for 37.

So here are my top 10 things to do when there is no golf on TV.  Hopefully they will help fill the void you are feeling now that there is no golf to watch:

10. Buy a New Golf Shirt: Any day that you buy a golf shirt is a good day.

9. Watch Instructional Videos: Some of you may have watched golf in an attempt to mimic a professional's swing.  So this is your substitute until your favorite professional returns.

8. Go For a Walk: Mark Twain called golf "a good walk spoiled."  This is your opportunity to have a pleasant walk.  Maybe the next time you play golf, you will have some good memories from this walk and not give up walking altogether.

7. Watch Old Golf Events: In a feat of brilliance, I actually saved Tiger Woods's last 55 holes of the U.S. Open on tape. Then we all learned the true extent of his knee injury.  If you weren't so wise, there are frequently old events to watch on the Golf Channel.  I recommend this for those of you in denial that there is no golf to watch.

6. Break Out That Putt-O-Matic: Your TV can't bring golf into your home, but you can. It's always fun to putt indoors and have your ball come back to you. Take precautions to avoid damaging your home with those mishit long putts, especially if you have a significant other.  Otherwise, your Putt-O-Matic will have a new home: the trash can.

5. Play Your Favorite Tiger Woods video game:  Or for those of you who are also broke college students, play whatever Tiger Woods video game you happen to have.  The Wii game is especially fun, but a classic favorite of mine is the 2005 game. I am happy to report that my low round is a 44, and I always play from the back tees.

4.  Read "How I Play Golf" By Tiger Woods - At the moment, the only clear downside to being Tiger Woods is that you have problems with your left knee.  But how many of us would undergo a few surgeries if we had an opportunity to make a billion dollars?  So read the book, and see what good comes of listening to the billion dollar man.

3.  Read "How I Play Golf" By Tiger Woods - No this isn't a typo, you should read it again!  Even if you've given up on your ability to improve your golf game, Tiger gives you some insight into his diet and his exercise routine.  Plus, there is a great deal of information to digest.  Remembering all of Tiger's tips in one read is no small feat.

2.  Practice: Television coverage of a golf event is typically between three to four hours.  This is ample time for you to practice your golf game.  Who knows, if you do this enough, people might be watching YOU play golf on TV.

1.  Play Golf: For most of us, playing on the PGA Tour is only a dream.  If you've been dreaming after watching golf, just wait until you play more and notice your game improves. 

...And if none of these appeal to you, have no fear.  Ryder Cup matches begin on Sept. 19.