Despite some distractions, Trahan looking sharp

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PALM DESERT, Calif -- Sometimes all those golfers with the initials get confusing. There's J.J., as in Henry, and J.L., as in Lewis. So if you're not familiar with D.J., as in Trahan, that's permissible.

Putting has held D.J. Trahan up so far in 2008. (How/WireImage)

Inside the Numbers

D.J. Trahan in 2008

Category Total Rank Driving Distance 311.3 yds. 8 Driving Accuracy 50.00% 74 Greens in Regulation 72.22% 32 Putts per Round 31.50 114 Sand Saves 25.00% 113 Scoring Average 70.16 46 FedExCup Points 46 81 Money Leaders $9,805 81

You wonder on occasion if the public knows any pro other than Tiger or Phil.

But it's Donald Roland -- and how that came to be D.J. is another story -- Trahan, who's the man of the moment.

Two-fifths of the way through the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, your basic 90-hole march through sun, wind and sagebrush, he's tied for the lead with Robert Gamez at 13-under par 131.

And, understandably quite pleased with what has been happening.

The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, as we've been instructed, often is not a great deal of fun for many of the TOUR guys, being obligated to play with four different three-man amateur teams on four different courses, some so distant entrants should be given a road map along with a pairing sheet.

But Trahan, 27, a Clemson grad, goes about his business in the sort of upbeat manner invariably offered by those who find success. As he said after his nine-birdie, one-bogey, 8-under 64 Thursday at Silver Rock Resort, "I don't mind the format. I'm a pretty personable individual."

And to the appreciation of journalists, a pretty outspoken one, too.

If golf, as we're told, is the most social of games, inviting conversation, and occasional grumbling, Trahan is perfect in his profession.

He helps the ams, with tips. He helps the writers, with quotes.

"There are a lot of guys who like to keep to themselves on the golf course, and that's just the way they work," Trahan conceded. "I feel comfortable playing with amateurs and chatting and helping them out, maybe reading putts or whatever."

It was his own putts which were read brilliantly. Starting on the 10th hole, Trahan began birdie, birdie, birdie, birdie -- and missed a short one for a bird on No. 14.

"I would have really gotten off well had I made that one," Trahan said, "but I mean, four birdies to start the day? What more could you ask?"

To be in first place. Oh yes, after 36 holes that's where he is.

Where the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic is, is on its usual pathway between sports and entertainment.

The tournament is little about sport and, being that the Palm Springs area is the winter playground of the Hollywood set, a lot about show business.

George Lopez, the comedian, is in his second year as host, tournament executives feeling they needed a recognizable name to show up and entertain, as did Hope for more than four decades.

Lopez, who actually had a good day with his team of actors Samuel Jackson and Luke Wilson as they joined pro Chad Campbell, shot off his mouth at every occasion. Which was what the crowds wanted him to do.

"I know it doesn't matter," Lopez said alluding to the primary elections, "but president Mike Huckabee doesn't sound cool to me. You know what I mean? President Boo Weekley, that sounds better."

Just what the country needs, a chief excutive who wrestles alligators.

"The tournament's been this way for a long time," Trahan said when asked how he deals with the distractions. "You never can get comfortable on any one course, because every day you get switched to another course. You just have to accept that fact and try to get your work done and get as ready as possible."

Ah yes, the mental part, As 82-year-old Yogi Berra, a Bob Hope Chrysler Classic amateur contestant for many years, including this year, might have said, "Fifty-percent of golf is 90 percent mental." He actually said it about batting, but a bit of paraphrased plagiarism is allowed.

The celebs and, dare we use the word, stars, were at La Quinta. Trahan was at Silver Rock. He did win the Southern Farm Bureau Classic in 2006, but it was the John Dalys and Corey Pavins who got in the La Quinta group.

"I wouldn't mind playing with the celebrities, no," D.J. said, responding to a question.

"I mean obviously this tournament is actually more about them than it is about us. The fans love to come out and see the movie stars and TV stars and any other form of celebrity... It would certainly bring a little bit more attention to each PGA player that does play with them, but I'm all for it.

"I think it's fun."

Now there's a man who understands. And who also is playing very well.