A worldview optimist trapped inside a curmudgeon’s cocoon, John Hawkins began his journalism career with the Baltimore News American in 1983. The Washington Times hired him as a general assignment/features writer four years later, and by 1992, Hawkins was writing columns and covering the biggest sporting events on earth for the newspaper. Nirvana? Not quite. Repulsed by the idea of covering spoiled, virulent jocks for a living, Hawkins landed with Golf World magazine, where he spent 14 years covering the PGA Tour. In 2007, the Hawk began a seven-year relationship with Golf Channel, where he co-starred on the “Grey Goose 19th Hole” and became a regular contributor to the network's website. Hawkins also has worked for ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest and Golf.com at various stages of his career. He and his family reside in southern Connecticut.
The former Sports Illustrated writer finished his chronicle on the Saudi-backed league June 5–one day before everything in golf changed, again. Then he went back for more.
There are too many blowouts in the Ryder Cup these days, which have left the media to focus on off-course dramas that distract from what should be riveting television.
The former bagman-turned-NBC golf reporter has seen Europe's recent dominance up close. He shares memories from inside the ropes and a plan for how the U.S. can bring home the Cup.