“The Tragic Loss of the Fred Couple: Remembering Thais Cook” 

Last week at Riviera Country Club, Fred Couples had a lot more on his mind than just his putting struggles. He received the devastating news on Tuesday that his estranged wife Thais Baker had lost her battle with breast cancer.

It hit him hard. Fred considered withdrawing from the Northern Trust Open but ultimately decided to play. He battled against eventual champion Phil Mickelson but a bogey on the final hole dashed his chances.

Speaking to The Associated Press in the parking lot at Riviera, Fred struggled to find words. “There’s not much I can say he admitted. I’m not really welcome up there. So I decided to play.

Thais passed away at the home they once shared in Santa Barbara leaving behind two children from her previous marriage, 18-year-old Gigi and 16-year-old Oliver.

This loss adds to a series of personal tragedies for Fred. His first wife Deborah tragically took her own life in 2001. Then his mother Violet lost her battle with cancer in 1994 followed by his father Tom who succumbed to leukemia in 1997.

Fred and Thais married in 1998, shortly after meeting at the Nissan Open at Riviera. Their relationship faced challenges from the start when Thais was diagnosed with breast cancer not long after they began dating. Fred stood by her side through grueling treatments in Switzerland and Chicago. Though the cancer initially went into remission, it returned in 2005, around the time Fred moved out of their shared home.

Despite attempts to reconcile in 2007, their relationship faltered, and Fred eventually relocated to La Quinta. Reflecting on their tumultuous journey in a 2008 Golf Digest profile, Fred admitted to his mistakes but emphasized his love for Thais and her children.

Now, with Thais gone, Fred is determined to maintain a connection with her kids. “It’s going to be a struggle for the kids,” he acknowledged. “I still text Oliver, which is fun. He jumps right on.”

In the midst of grief and loss, Fred Couples finds solace in the bonds he shares, holding onto hope for the future despite the pain of the past.

Match Play Matchups

The brackets for this week WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship were locked in on Sunday setting up some exciting matchups for tomorrow opening round. Tiger Woods is set to go head-to-head with Australian Brendan Jones while Phil Mickelson will face off against 2007 U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera. Another interesting clash will see Pat Perez taking on three-time major winner Padraig Harrington. Adding to the intrigue former Match Play champions Kevin Sutherland and Geoff Ogilvy will battle it out. Additionally Anthony Kim will be up against Wen-Tang Lin who marks the first Match Play competitor from Chinese Taipei and Boo Weekley will take on Englishman Justin Rose who’s awaiting the arrival of his first child with his wife.

For those hoping for a showdown between Woods and Mickelson, they’ll have to wait until the semifinals provided both make it that far. Woods Vijay Singh Sergio Garcia and Harrington have secured the top seeds in their respective brackets.

New Match Play Course

The Match Play has kept its roots in Marana, Arizona, just outside Tucson, but it’s got a new home now, not far from the old venue, The Gallery at Dove Mountain.

Now it The Ritz-Carlton Golf Course at Dove Mountain a blend of two nines from different courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. It’s a beast of a course at 7,849 yards making it the longest stop on the PGA Tour this season.

Bill Huffman who’s been covering golf in Phoenix for ages shared his thoughts on Dove Mountain recently. He said on Azgolf.org “Despite being up in the hills (so maybe not quite a full club less) the sheer length is going to give a reality check to many players in this top-notch 64-player field. Maybe Jack’s way of saying ‘Take that! to all the fancy equipment who knows?

But it’s not just the length that’s going to test players. The greens are like a roller coaster ride. Huffman joked, “Thankfully, Jack didn’t add loops and twists; otherwise, it’d be Six Flags Over Tucson out there.”

NR&C Meeting

Tomorrow, Jon Maddern, the City of San Diego’s Golf Director, will introduce the city’s golf activities field-tested strategy to the Normal Assets and Culture Board of trustees of the City Chamber. You can go to the social affair at City Entryway beginning at 2:00 p.m. accepting at least for now that you’re charmed.

The number of rounds played in the Torrey Pines complex decreased from 155,552 in the fiscal year 2007 to 118,403 in 2008, according to the report Maddern filed with the city. Maddern largely blames this drop on both courses being closed in June of last year in order to prepare for the U.S. Open.

The report also notes a slight decrease in rounds played at all three of San Diego’s municipal courses—Torrey Pines, Balboa, and Mission Bay—from July 2008 to January 2009 compared to the same period the previous year, down by 2.4 percent. Maddern predicts a potential further 5 percent decrease in golf rounds for 2010 based on current conservative projections.

Interestingly, the report highlights that 64 percent (76,050) of rounds played at Torrey Pines in 2008 were by residents, which falls below the 70 percent target set by Mayor Jerry Sanders’ plan in 2006. However, Maddern explains that this ratio is influenced by residents booking tee times and bringing out-of-town guests along. He anticipates an increase in resident rounds as visitor demand decreases due to economic factors.

Rather than numerous different areas of regional government, the golf undertaking reserve is in great monetary shape. For fiscal years 2010 through 2014, net operating income is anticipated to range between $3.2 million and $4.1 million, according to the report.

Chip-ins

Chris Smeal, a dedicated instructor hailing from sunny San Diego, has recently earned a prestigious spot among the Top 50 Master Kids Teachers recognized by U.S. Kids Golf. You can find him imparting his wealth of knowledge at Stadium Golf and leading the charge at the Future Champions Golf Academy.

Exciting news for young golf enthusiasts Westcoast Connection known for crafting unforgettable travel experiences for teens is gearing up for a thrilling 19-day California Fantasy Golf Camp this summer. Designed for kids who’ve wrapped up grades 7-10, this adventure-packed journey will take participants through the stunning landscapes of San Diego, Los Angeles Santa Barbara and the Ynez Valley. With stops at renowned courses like Sandpiper La Purisima and Los Verdes budding golfers are in for an unforgettable ride.

But wait, there’s more Alongside perfecting their swing campers will also get to enjoy visits to amusement parks, cultural hotspots and exciting sporting events ensuring a well-rounded summer experience.

vMake sure to shut out June 28 from San Diego on your schedules, as the visit closes on July 16 in the fiery city of Los Angeles. This staggering visit, which guarantees long lasting recollections, costs $6,499 per individual. Visit westcoastconnection.com or call them at (800) 767-0227 for more information about this amazing opportunity. Try not to pass on this once in a blue moon chance!

Summary:

The article recounts the tragic loss of Thais Baker, the estranged wife of professional golfer Fred Couples, who passed away after battling breast cancer. Fred Couples received the devastating news during the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club. Despite his grief, Couples decided to continue playing but faced challenges on the course. Thais leaves behind two children from her previous marriage. The loss of Thais adds to a series of personal tragedies for Fred, including the deaths of his first wife, mother, and father. Despite their challenges, Fred stood by Thais during her cancer treatments but their relationship eventually faltered. Now, Fred remains determined to maintain a connection with Thais’s children amid his grief.

Facts:

Thais Baker, the estranged wife of golfer Fred Couples, passed away after battling breast cancer.

Fred Couples received the news of Thais’s passing during the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club.

Thais leaves behind two children from her previous marriage, Gigi and Oliver.

Fred Couples has faced several personal tragedies, including the deaths of his first wife, mother, and father.

Fred and Thais married in 1998, shortly after meeting at the Nissan Open at Riviera, but their relationship faced challenges due to Thais’s illness.

Despite attempts to reconcile, Fred eventually moved out of their shared home in 2005.

Fred remains determined to maintain a connection with Thais’s children amid his grief.

FAQ:

How did Fred Couples learn about Thais Baker’s passing?

Fred Couples received the devastating news during the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club.

What illness did Thais Baker battle?

Thais Baker battled breast cancer.

How many children did Thais Baker leave behind?

Thais Baker left behind two children from her previous marriage, Gigi and Oliver.

What other personal tragedies has Fred Couples faced?

Fred Couples has faced the deaths of his first wife, mother, and father.

When did Fred and Thais marry?

Fred and Thais married in 1998, shortly after meeting at the Nissan Open at Riviera.

Did Fred Couples and Thais Baker reconcile after their initial separation?

Despite attempts to reconcile, their relationship eventually faltered, and Fred moved out of their shared home in 2005.

Explore authentic Greek cuisine and culture at its finest on washingtongreek.co.uk.