Fred Couples is turning into golf's version of David Letterman. He really doesn't care what anyone thinks anymore — and it's hilarious to watch.
Now that he's 50 and twice divorced (both splits were anything but pretty), Couples is apparently through with doing what anyone else wants him to do. So the University of Houston's tie to the Shell Houston Open shows up for the first round of the tournament in what appears to be a sneakers and no socks golf outfit. Yes, in his fifth decade, Couples has apparently decided he doesn't even need golf shoes. If this was Couples' gift to Houston, the crowd that was there certainly appreciated it.
Couples foot attire drew points from the gallery and a few head shakes from his fellow pros. Making it all the funnier is the fact that many golf writers show up at the PGA Tour events they cover wearing golf shoes (as if they're going to be suddenly asked to hit a wedge shot for Phil Mickelson). And most decent high school golfers — let alone the world's best players — won't even go to the range without wearing the proper shoes.
Who can't love Freddy being Freddy though?
"I'm comfortable man," Couples told CultureMap. "I play well when I'm comfortable."
It's hard to argue. Couples posted a 71 in the much-tougher afternoon conditions. Maybe, he'll take a page from former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (who plays charity golf tournaments barefoot) next.
The fashion police in the commissioner's office would certainly appreciate it.
Legendary rockers Styx and Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon, will team up to co-headline the “Brotherhood of Rock” tour in 2025, which will include a stop at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands on Friday, June 6.
The large, 40-city tour will take place over three months, starting in Greenville, South Carolina on May 28, and wrapping up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 24.
In addition to Houston, the tour will go to Austin on June 4 and Dallas on August 1. It will include special guest Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles, at all dates.
Fans can expect some of the greatest rock anthems of all time, including “Renegade,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Come Sail Away,” “Can't Fight This Feeling,” and “Hotel California.”
Styx and Cronin (as part of REO Speedwagon) first toured together in 2000 and in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, coming together to form the Rock to the Rescue 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. This will mark their sixth time joining forces on the road.
2022 was the 50th anniversary of Styx's self-titled debut album, but they have yet to slow down. The band released their 17th album, Crash of the Crown, in 2021. Of course, not everyone is a fan, as this classic clip from The Simpsons illustrates.
REO Speedwagon's recording days appear to be done, with their last album coming out in 2009, but the main group of five has been together since 1989. On this tour, Cronin will be joined by REO's lead guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt.
General tickets for the tour will go on sale starting on Friday, December 13 at 10 am at LiveNation.com.
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning on December 9 at 10 am through the Citi Entertainment program.
Styx and Kevin Cronin will be offering VIP packages via their own exclusive pre-sales beginning on Tuesday, December 10 at 10 am, as well as at LiveNation.com.
