Striking Writers May Give Up Golf Memberships But They Keep Their Humor

A week or so ago I put up what I thought was an off topic post that showcased a video made by a writer on strike. That video got a lot of attention (not from this site) and it turns out that writer Bob Kushell actually does play golf. He was kind enough to sit down for an online “interview” with me so I could find out more about his golf life. At least I assume he was sitting.

His video showed him driving his wife (played by Christina Applegate) batty by hanging around the house with all his newfound idle time. I figured he should leave her alone and go play some golf. He happens to be among the fortunate writers who have managed to hang onto their golf club memberships and he does play occasionally. But he has also been busy with creative projects like making (not writing) this hilarious follow-up video:

*Strong language advisory for my more delicate readers*

Bob Kushell is a comedy writer on the TV show Samantha Who? and has also written for Dream On, The Simpsons, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Grounded for Life and Malcolm in the Middle, among others. Here is our conversation about his golf background:

Golf Chick: So, you play golf?

Bob Kushell: Yeah. Been playing since I was a little kid, hitting balls in my grandfather’s backyard in Long Beach. He taught golf. And my father was scratch at one time. I got neither of their talents.

Golf Chick: Are you a member of any clubs?

Bob Kushell: Been a member of Braemar CC since 1997, the day Tiger won the Masters. When I was a kid, though, my parents belonged to El Cab, then moved to Calabasas CC

Golf Chick: Is the date of your membership at Braemar a coincidence or did you really get so inspired you went right down and signed up?

Bob Kushell: That’s exactly what happened. I was so awestruck and touched by his performance, that there was nothing to do but – literally – run out and join a club. It was like I was touched by something.

Golf Chick: How often do you play?

Bob Kushell: I used to play three times a week. Would go out before work, play a whole round in an hour and a half. I started hitting in the low 80s, and finally broke 80 – hit a 78. I really thought I was something. Then I had kids. And the whole thing went to shit. I play now, maybe… MAYBE… once every three months. It’s a total disaster. (But I wouldn’t give up the kids for anything.)

Golf Chick: Are you playing more now that you… um… have more free time? (It’d be a good way to leave your poor wife alone for a precious few hours)

Bob Kushell: It’s strange – but I thought I would be. But, no. I find myself making videos, doing creative things. But walking three hours a day in a circle is exhausting. It takes everything out of you. I never expected the fatigue that would come with it.

Bob Kushell: But, yes, it would be a good way to leave the wife – Karen, by the way – alone. Trust me, I’m out of the house enough.

Golf Chick: You picket every day?

Bob Kushell: Yep, I picket everyday at CBS Radford in Studio City.

Golf Chick: Is that a requirement?

Bob Kushell: Yes, it’s a requirement to picket. That doesn’t mean everyone does it. But most of my friends do.

Bob Kushell: They don’t throw you out of the guild or anything. They might call you up and politely tell you to show the HELL UP!

Golf Chick: Do a lot of your friends play golf? Striking writers in particular?

Bob Kushell: No, I don’t have many striking friends who’ve been hitting the links. Like I said – picketing itself is so fatiguing in the morning, that the last thing you feel like doing in the afternoon is being out on the course. Sadly, I even know a couple people who were avid, regular golfers who – because of the strike – had to give up their course memberships. The whole situation is very dire. But extremely worthy. God knows, the strike in no way feels like nor resembles a luxurious hiatus.

We had a little off-topic chatter that I’ve deleted. I’m really not so insensitive that I’d just jump to this next question:

Golf Chick: Do you maintain a handicap (in golf)?

Bob Kushell: To say I “maintain” a handicap is an overstatement. I stick my crappy scores into a machine and it spits back a number that is very well near my age.

Bob Kushell: 17.

Bob Kushell: Used to be an 11.

Bob Kushell: I was happier, then.

Golf Chick: How many kids? Are they old enough to play golf? Does/did Karen play golf?

Bob Kushell: I’ve got two kids, Sam and Julia. Sam is ten years old and enjoys hitting the ball around. I never want to force him to play, though. I figure the best way for a golfer to pick up the game is on their own, when they’re asking for it. My daughter couldn’t care less. And Karen likes to hit the ball every once in a while when we’re on vacation, but she doesn’t pursue it. She’s got a beautiful swing, though. It makes me jealous.

Bob Kushell: And a little horny.

Golf Chick: What kind of clubs do you use?

Bob Kushell: I’m currently playing with Callaway Big Bertha irons, Sonartec fairway woods, Titleist Driver and a Mickey Finn weighted putter. The tools of a master.

Golf Chick: What’s your favorite golf course?

Bob Kushell: I’ve got a soft spot for Pebble Beach. The first time I stepped up to the first tee, my hands were shaking. But I hit the ball straight and long. The only time I did that all day. There’s nothing like walking Pebble. Locally, I’d have to say the best course around is El Cab. I like it better than Riviera, Brentwood and all the rest.

Golf Chick: Ever get a hole-in-one?

Bob Kushell: I’ve never got a hole in one. But I have gotten a hole in 23. I’ve done that a few times. Is that good?

Golf Chick: 23? Wow, something few of us will accomplish in a lifetime. Impressive.

Golf Chick: If you could play with one pro, not counting Tiger, who would it be?

Bob Kushell: I’d play with Tiger’s evil twin Bizarro-Tiger. He’s angry and slams his club a lot. And he always loses.

Golf Chick: You just described a lot of golfers.

Golf Chick: What’s your best shot? What’s your best distance for a lay-up?

Bob Kushell: My best shots, by far, are my putts. I read greens better than anyone I know. Even ones I’ve never played. But I think I have a very good touch. Other than that, I’d say my short chip shots are the best part of my game. I’m very handy with a wedge.

Golf Chick: Sounds like you have a great short game. Hard to believe you carry a 17.

Bob Kushell: I have a terrible fairway shot. And, even though I’m long off the tee, I find it hard to control. I’m always behind trees. I’m really very poor.

Golf Chick: Do you watch professional golf much? Ever play Augusta?

Bob Kushell: Before kids, I’d watch every tournament. Now, it’s mostly just the majors. And, no, even though it’s my dream – I’ve never played Augusta. (Interestingly, while Augusta is my dream course to play, Augusta Gloop is my least favorite of all the Willy Wonka characters. Just an observation.)

Obviously Bob hasn’t lost his sense of humor to the strike. But many people are losing a lot more than golf memberships. I support the WGA strike and have signed this online petition. If you can spare a moment, please take a look and consider signing it yourself.

Big thanks to Bob!

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