There’s a confession that needs to be made. It’s embarrassing, somewhat humiliating (OK, forget the somewhat), thoroughly against any code of coolness. It’s the kind of thing that a guy who wants to be thought of as … well, a GUY just doesn’t admit.

Ever. Not under oath. Not under torture. Not under Carmen Electra’s spell.

Still, it must be said.

I love Justin Timberlake! There, happy? I just love the NYSNC, boy band, Mickey Mouse Club man with the high-pitched singing voice and twirling dance moves.

Not in a squealing junior high girl with 155 Justin posters plastered on her bedroom walls way. Certainly not in a Brokeback Mountain sense. But I love Justin Timberlake. I became smitten at age 32, only about two decades and a few years later than his average devotee. Still from his snazzy shiny shoes, right up to that scruff on his chin that can finally pass for beginner beard, I love him. As a golfing gentleman.

How could anyone who attended the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in Palm Springs not? For there Timberlake was, playing to the crowds, especially the kids, signing autographs after every round, smiling free, just straight bombing it off the tees.

That’s right, the boy band man has more than a little John Daly in him. Justin Timberlake launches the ball 280 yards, more than occasionally leaving sports he-men Roger Clemens, Marshall Faulk, Mark Mulder and Sterling Sharp in his dust. Of course, also more than occasionally, those monster drives would land up in someone’s backyard or patio.

Which would only prompt Timberlake to come over and introduce himself to the stunned owners and hit his next shot.

The old saying is that golfing reveals character. The new variation is that you can learn more about someone in one round of golf than six months of business meetings. I don’t know that I believe any of that mumbo jumbo. But golfing certainly does reveal someone’s true manners.

Timberlake has them, way more than some of the “cooler” celebrities in the field (for more on this stay tuned here).

For a Question & Answer feature with Timberlake, look to TravelGolf.com in the next few weeks. And anyone who says Timberlake isn’t a true six handicap wasn’t actually at the Bob Hope.

I know Bad Golfers. Justin Timberlake isn’t one of them. In fact, Jason Gore wishes he hit the ball like Justin Timberlake at the Bob Hope.

That’s right, I’ll stand by my man. Just dare step here with that trashtalking, smack.

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