Therapy may improve game

special to viewBrant "OSO" Arrington of Henderson will participate in Golden Tee LIVE?s world championships, set for Sept. 12-13 at the Las Vegas Hilton. The event features Team USA going up against the World Team. Golden Tee is a video golf game. Advertisement

Thanks to all of you who wished me well and provided alternative ideas to get me through this golf hiatus. Yes, the therapy is coming along fine from my injuries in June. It's ironic now that I look back at the events, and quite flattering when I look at the places I ended up receiving treatment. Obviously, professional caretakers know an athlete when they see one. The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute of Las Vegas is handling my primary care. Could have been The Clumsy Peoples Care Center. Dr. Randa Bascharon, whom I think is not a golfer, is my doctor. Most of her patients that I see there are young buff types recovering from some sort of leg injury. She is very forward and to the point, "How are you? Where does it hurt? Don't wear that sling anymore. Here's what to do. Goodbye. See you in three weeks." I like her, mainly because there is no long wait for your appointment time.

INJURIES COULD LEAD TO GAME IMPROVEMENT

What is more ironic is that my physical therapy is handled by Stryker Physiotherapy Associates. You might know them better as the creators of Strengthen Your Game Golf. They are the group that set up a Physio Trailer at each PGA Tournament site to assist the PGA pros with their physical ailments.

SYG-Golf was developed by Bob Donatelli and a host of other physical therapists to serve the PGA Tour players throughout the country. The goal of SYG-Golf is to help you improve your game by increasing your driving distance and club head speed, allowing you to strengthen your game and play forever.

A SYG-Golf-certified therapist will team you up with a local golf professional who will evaluate your swing, fit your clubs and make suggestions to improve your game. Your SYG-Golf therapist will provide a physical assessment of key muscle groups and develop a performance enhancement program customized to the golfer's individual needs.

I started thinking that something good might come out of this mess. Break a few bones, go into therapy, come out with improved golf skills. Not a bad idea, I thought. If golf notables Jim Furyk, Paul Azinger, Fred Funk, Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer and Christie Kerr take away improved games from the program, so could I.

I'll have to wait and see.

AN UNUSUAL WAY TO PASS RECOVERY TIME -- SEWING

One of the more bizarre suggestions that was sent to me to while away the time was by Shelley Lipsky of Las Vegas. Shelley underwent a knee replacement in February and back surgery in June. She suggested that I might take up sewing until I'm ready to play again, as it helped her pass the time. Get real, Shelley. Me embroider? Get well quickly, Shelley.

GOLDEN TEE TO HOST VIDEO GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

The most useful one was sent via e-mail from a public relations firm. It seems that Golden Tee is holding its world championships at the Las Vegas Hilton on Sept. 12 and 13. Golden Tee is an arcade golf game found in almost every video poker bar in the Las Vegas Valley. The game's popularity ranks it among the most played video games ever in the world. In fact, there are more than 100,000 games in bars and pubs in a dozen different countries. In this year's event, Team USA will challenge the World Team as it competes for global supremacy. Each team consists of 12 players, with the World Team featuring players from Australia. Canada, South Africa and England. Team USA is favored, led by the play of Brant "OSO" Arrington of Henderson.

Following the team competition is an individual championship featuring the team members and eight additional players who qualified in regional playoffs. First place comes with a $20,000 cash prize, and the prize funds reach down to the top 300 competitors, who walk away with $25. My personal favorite Team USA member is American Andy "Ship it" Haas of Stow, Ohio. Andy, 26, has recorded a remarkable 4,931 career holes-in-one during his Golden Tee play. Even more remarkable is the number of beers consumed during his career.

So, you may not see me around the driving range in the next two weeks, but you'll probably see me at the Hilton cheering on Team USA and Andy and Brant to keep the Cup on our shores.

I may even try to set a brew drinking record. Come join me.

John Asay is a longtime golfer and local freelance writer. Contact him at jasay@reviewjournal.com.