A Quick Round

About Town Talks to Ross Bridge Golf  Instructor Jason Buha.

Greatest golfer ever?

Tiger Woods.

Better than Nicklaus?

Well, you could say until Woods breaks his records, Jack’s better, but I’ve played with Tiger, and seen both play, and Tiger’s at a different level. I’m convinced when Tiger dies and they conduct the autopsy, they’re going to find out he’s a machine.

But, could it be said that Jack played with tougher competition?

No. I’ll compare today’s top-tier to anyday’s top-tier. Golf is much more popular today, and there are so many more people with exposure to better technology and coaching, resources, etc.

With today’s technology in golf equipment, how can you compare today’s golfer to someone in Bobby Jones’ era?

You can’t.

You’re from Michigan, how do Alabama’s courses compare?

North Michigan has a similar topography to Birmingham’s, but there’s a significant difference in soil. It’s mostly Bermuda grass down here. Whereas Michigan you’ll get rye, bent, fescue.

How do Alabama’s courses compare to other states?

You’d be hard-pressed to find another state with such amazing public courses as you find in Alabama. The Robert Trent Jones Trail is incredible.

Outside of Ross Bridge, what’s your favorite course in Birmingham?

Shoal Creek.

Why?

In my opinion, what makes a course special is how it utilizes the natural terrain. Both Ross Bridge and Shoal Creek do a great job of utilizing the terrain and both give you that old-school golf feel.

Ross Bridge has five sets of tees measuring around 8,200 yards, what’s your best score from the blacks at the back?

71.

Is there an advantage to walking a course as opposed to using a cart?

I think so.

Do you say that because you’ve been on the tour as a youth?

It gives you an opportunity to gather yourself. You can’t help but concentrate more.

Who has the toughest greens in town?

Hoover Country Club. They have some superb slopes.

Why does golf seem so much more addictive than other sports?

Because you never feel like you can master it. Look at Tiger Woods. I have no doubt he’d tell you he hasn’t even mastered it.

You do commentary on the Golf Channel. I love their quick pro tips.

They’re great, but everyone needs lessons. Tips are like band-aids. They eventually fall off. Even the pros get lessons.

But what if you know the basics – proper grip, keep your head down, etc.?

(Laugh) It’s not that simple. Knowing your mistakes is one thing, but to fix the mistake you need to understand the root of it. People need to get a fresh set of eyes on their swing. Plus, there are so many variables in golf – surface, wind, etc. Not to mention your body can feel different every day.

How do the commentators on TV know what club the pro is hitting?

I imagine most people do what I do. I know most of the players on the tour, and know their game and their range. But for confirmation, the caddy will usually give me a sign.

Jason Buha is Founder and Director of Instruction of the Buha Golf Academy located at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge. He is well-known throughout golf circles as a Nationwide Tour Champion and PGA TOUR player. Structured like many of the nation’s leading golf academies, the Buha Golf Academy offers personal one-on-one sessions; one- to three-day mini schools and retreats; junior camps and custom corporate clinics. Buha also currently serves as a part-time commentator for the Golf Channel as an on- course analyst for Nationwide Tour events. For more information visit www.buhagolf.com or for bookings call 205-949-3085.