Slap Shots, Lay Ups, Five Irons

Hard to believe, but we are turning a new leaf. Barring any potential consequences from protesters and rioters, normalcy could be coming very soon. Or at least, a different form of it. That's why we're seeing multiple sports mark their return, and it doesn't involve baseball.

A while back, the NHL set up a 24 team playoff format. But they are still taking the quarantine matter very seriously. The work to test everyone out every day and plan out the games is a work in progress. There is still the matter of getting the arenas open, not allowing fans in, and a few other things. The playoffs should last a good while and if I had to guess, end in August.

The NBA is still in the process of getting stuff ready, but should have games going this summer. Its plan is to start games at the end of July. They do lose some games (assuming) because of a new season starting at the beginning of December. All but Portland was ready to resume the season via voting. There are 22 teams involved in the restart and they are given eight regular season games. Potential playoff implications could occur. It's all going to be in Orlando, Florida. These guys are ready to finish what they started. Even if it means losing a little bit for next year, anything to end the season and crown a champion.

Golf is slowly coming back. At least some tours are marking their return this month. Obviously, there will be a lot of testing. No fans, of course. But it continues to fill the void that people have wanted for the last three months. All three sports, really. Even if its for a small amount of time, these players are anticipating the time to compete in these tournaments and bring viewers a few hours of entertainment. Anything to turn their mind off of reality.

It's unfortunate the greedy players of the MLB are holding back baseball's season. But no worry. The summer is going to melt away the worry of it with the return of basketball and hockey. And golf is just the tip of the iceberg. It's only a matter of making sure no huge spikes. Otherwise, game on.

Sign says No Fighting Fans

I'd argue golf is a mental sport. You're in that zone and nothing is better than striking the ball and putting it in the cup. With tons of fans, you want to be like Happy Gilmore and want to strike other people, but like him, you can't. Hecklers can do whatever they want for the most part.

I'd see Patrick Reed's caddie getting suspended a little bit for this. And I'm talking more than just this match. Things got horrible when he beat up a fan and he is banned for tomorrow's President's Cup round. Kessler Karain has to show some restraint. Even he can't mess with fans. You could ask for removal of a fan. Davis Love did that in 2004 when one kept heckling "No Love" and the guy was gone.

Even more so than basketball and hockey, golfers are more vulnerable to visceral takedowns and all that. It's not ridiculous like in Happy where the heckler hits him with the car and blows up a TV tower, but it's up close and center. The toll it takes is enormous because one little thing can turn a day upside down. But you also have the ones that will cheer on when you go to the tee and when you have the round of your life, the support for you grows.

Terrible to hear what happened, but caddies have to be careful, too. Don't let the hecklers or fans bother them that much. Remove them quickly if they become a headache. Hopefully, it sets a reminder to some people not to do this.