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GOLF COLUMN

Success Won't Alter Bryant's Image

By MICK ELLIOTT

Published: Jul 10, 2007

You have to like a guy who happily answers to "Dr. Dirt."

It was a term of endearment hung on Brad Bryant years ago by Gary McCord, who observed his typically rumpled friend looked much like a character in an old gasoline commercial.

And during his 20-plus years on the PGA Tour, Bryant was always quick to admit, "I don't quite fit the image of most PGA Tour players."

His lone PGA Tour win came in his 18th season and 475th start - the rain-shortened 1995 Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic.

Even when he won twice last year on the Champions Tour, there was little to suggest that Bryant's limited notoriety would be altered. Bryant makes his home in Lakeland and lists his chief hobby as bass fishing. What's not to like? It's a good and simple life, enjoyed by a good and simple man.

Then on Sunday, Bryant went and won the U.S. Senior Open. He was handed a big USGA trophy with his name added to a list that includes Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Billy Casper and Lee Trevino.

"Let's face it, guys, I'm not in their league," Bryant said, looking at the trophy. "I wasn't, and as far as golf goes I never will be. Those are the greats of the greats of all of the game. I'm a journeyman that happened to have a really great week here. And what a privilege it is to be a U.S. Senior Open champion.

"I can't tell you what it means to me. To have my name on the trophy is something more special than I can tell any of you at the moment. As time goes by I think it will become even more special."

On the immediate horizon was the celebration, and Bryant held true to his roots.

"We have [about] 20 guys from our church. On Monday nights we get together at Beef O'Brady's and eat chicken wings, and if you don't eat chicken wings, you don't get to come. That's the way it is," Bryant said.

"I'm sure the people at home in Lakeland are going to be - they'll be ecstatic for me. It will be quite a celebration. I'm really looking forward to it and I think that's when it will soak in that I finally won a major."

AUSTIN TO SKIP BRITISH: With a victory and a runner-up finish this year, Tampa native Woody Austin qualifies for a spot in this month's British Open. However, it is unlikely he'll make the trip to Carnoustie.

"I don't know how to play that type of golf," Austin said. "And I would probably go over there and shoot two high numbers and make a fool of myself."

Now living in Derby, Kan., with wife Shannon and their two sons, Austin's only appearance in the British was in 1996. He missed the cut.

FREE DROPS: The PGA Tour, which has not always made the best decisions with tournament sites and scheduling dates, got it right last week with Tiger Woods hosting the AT&T National outside Washington, D.C. Attendance for the weekend surpassed 139,000 and was distinctive by its youth, energy and knowledge. "It was young, it was vivacious, it was special," Woods said. "To see that many kids out, that was just like how it was back when I first turned pro." …

In what has become a rare example of good judgment, injured Michelle Wie declined a sponsor's exemption into the HSBC Women's World Match Play Championship as she continues rehabbing her sore wrist. Wie did not qualify for the 64-player tournament that begins July 19 but was offered the one sponsor's exemption. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome will be the tournament's defending champ when play begins next week at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle, N.Y. …

A rumor that spread like wildfire at Congressional has Steve Williams, who has caddied for Woods since 1999, splitting with his boss at the end of this year. Williams immediately called it rubbish. "A friend texted me about that from Europe," Williams said. "I have no idea where that came from." The BBC's Web site first reported on a rumor that Williams was considering moving on. …

The 58th Florida State Four-Ball Championship will be played Saturday-Sunday at Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta. After eight qualifiers, the field features 52 teams. … The Greater Tampa Junior Golf Association is open for membership for the 2007-08 season. Visit gtjga.com for more information. … PODS Championship officials on Monday announced the tournament raised more than $1.2 million for area charities.