LEFTOVERS Golfer ‘Grateful’ his game’s very much alive
• The long, strange trip of Bryan Saltus finally hit pay dirt Sunday when the 36-year-old professional golfer and self-professed “Dead Head” from Costa Mesa, Calif., won on the Asian Tour.
Saltus shot 66-67-71-67 to win the Cambodian Open by three shots for his first Asian Tour victory.
A self-taught player who attended Orange Coast College before turning professional in 1996, Saltus played on U.S.-based mini-tours before joining the Asian Tour full time in 2004.
He also has found time to attend 153 Grateful Dead concerts, so it’s no surprise that his thoughts were with Jerry Garcia and Co. after his first significant pro victory.
“This is awesome,” Saltus said. “I would like to dedicate this win to the Grateful Dead as they have inspired me all the way.”
• As inflation and greed continue to drive up prices for tickets at sporting events, the Pittsburgh Pirates are standing pat, keeping ticket prices the same for next season.
They have not raised ticket prices since 2001, and their ticket prices average $17.07, among the lowest in baseball. Apparently, 15 consecutive losing seasons are enough to make even baseball executives feel guilty.
“We will at some point need to raise ticket prices to stay competitive, but the focus this season has been and will be on changing the culture of this organization to one in which our fans will again be proud,” team spokesman Brian Warecki said.
• Central Florida running back Kevin Smith has moved into second place on the NCAA single-season rushing list with 2,448 yards and needs 180 more to break the all-time record held by Barry Sanders. Smith has a theory on how he’s been able to run for so many yards.
“Coach gives me the ball a lot,” he said.
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