Happy Fourth of July to all our readers.
What better way to celebrate our country’s 238th birthday than a picnic, some fireworks and a quick peek at the Wild Bill column.
There’s a lot going on that should keep the avid sports fan busy. Read on.
The Greenbrier Classic continues through Sunday at the posh White Sulphur Springs, WV resort. It looks to be another shootout in the making on The Old White TPC. First round scores solidly parked themselves in the red numbers with the Springhouse Trophy clearly up for grabs. It’s the opportunity for golf fans to see the likes of Sir Nick Faldo, Tom Watson and Masters champ Bubba Watson among the star-studded field.
Tuesday’s First Tee Youth Day entertained the crowd with a luncheon, clinic and the $10,000 First Tee Scramble (See this week’s sports section for a complete recap). Wednesday’s Pro-Am saw Frank Beamer, Buzz Williams, comedian/actor George Lopez and the Duck Dynasty stars, to mention just a few, hit the links.
A big moment Wednesday afternoon was the meeting on the first tee of yours truly and PGA Pro John Daly, with both of us entertaining the fashion conscious with our Loudmouth signature pants. Daly wore “Lucky” green while I was sporting “Paint Balls” and a Loudmouth logo shirt. Interestingly, several gallery members came prepared in their best Loudmouth, including one gal in a “Captain Thunderbolt” skirt. Great look! Little doubt that Loudmouth is “the most fun you can have with your pants on.”
Speaking of The Greenbrier Classic, congratulations go out to Roanoke native and 1995 Northside High School graduate Brian Agee for making the field after grabbing one of the final four spots in a Monday qualifier. Agee, currently a teaching pro at The Piedmont Club in Haymarket, Va., shot a 5-under-par 66 to join the pros in Thursday’s first round.
Closer to home, it’s time for the drivers to restart their engines in Callaway as the Franklin County Speedway returns to racing Friday night. After a brief management shuffle that left FCS dark for a couple weeks, the green flag will drop at 7:00 p.m. on the 4th, followed by a mud bog splashdown Saturday evening. Call the track at 540-238-9955 for more information.
This weekend the Commonwealth Games All-Stars from across Virginia will meet at Kiwanis Field in Salem. Games between the four regional teams compete Friday through Sunday to determine this year’s bronze, silver and gold medal winners.
The Salem Fed Sox return to Lewis Gale Field Monday night July 7th for a 4-game set through Thursday with Frederick. If racing is still in your blood, check out the racing pigs next door at the Salem Fair after the game.
Being the holiday edition, we move to the popular mailbag. You think we only get the best of sports questions here? Check out a couple of the worst in the ‘general information’ category that we’ve received in 2014.
Dear Wild Bill: I drive a car with 125,000 miles that leaks oil badly. If I have to add a quart every thousand miles, do I still need to have the oil changed every 5,000 ? (Walter/Roanoke)
Walter, this takes, “You can trust your car to the man that wears The Star” to the outer limits.
Dear Wild Bill cat fancier: I loved your product review on the gadget that toilet trains cats. The other night at the grocery store I noticed a new cat food that claimed to be a “Rise and Shine Breakfast food for cats.” Do cats know the difference between breakfast and lunch ? (Myrtle/ Vinton)
Of course they do, Myrtle. You ever seen a cat order pancakes past noon ?
Until next week, send your inquiries to [email protected]
Let’s face it. No need to go out on the 4th. There’s enough fireworks in this column to keep you entertained.