Golf Times

What Do Phil Mickelson And Colin Montgomerie Have In Common. It's Not What You Think

2006-06-20T23:06:00.000-04:00

If your thinking what they have in common is that they both blew the last hole to lose the US Open well your right. They did both blow it but that's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about the fact they both have man boobs. These too guys need what Kramer on the TV show Sienfeld called a Mansiere, as in a brassiere for a man.

Have you seen them walking down the fairway, it's embarrasing, with their boobs bouncing unrestrained under their shirts like two muskrats wrestling. Have they no shame.

They should at least tape them or something. The sad thing is Phil's boobs are bigger than his wife's - ouch.

Don't get me wrong, I like a nice set as much as the next guy, I just like to see them on the LPGA not the PGA.

Golf Times

By God, He Almost Did It!

2006-06-19T20:31:00.000-04:00

I was truly surprised. There Monty was on Sunday, in the middle of the 72nd fairway, after a perfect drive, with a real chance to win. All he had to do was hit the green on his approach, par the hole, and if Phil parred the last hole after bogeying the 71st he would be in a playoff. Or maybe win it if Phil did anything stupid (but the chances of the new Phil doing anything stupid would be small, right?) .

That's when Monty resorted to his old self when it comes to majors. He self destructed. His approach went into the cabbage to the right then he hit out too strong and 3 putted for a double eventually allowing Ogilvy to win when Phil did do something stupid.

All he had to do for God's sake was hit the middle of the green. He's a seasoned professional with many a pressured packed shot in the past he could draw on for inspiration but noooo, not Monty, it looked like he purposely tried to lose it on the last hole. Like it dawned on him that he might actually win the thing and got too affraid.

A psychiatrist would have a field day trying to figure why he does himself in like this in the majors. He's Superman during the Ryder Cup and wimpy Clark Kent otherwise.

Even though he has that smug British way about him that smacks of elitism, I, for some strange reason, found myself pulling for him to win. I don't know if it was because I feel sorry for him since he got divorced and he seemed to take it rather hard or if I just like pulling for the guy who wants something so badly and might never get a better chance to obtain it.

In any case, he blew it. Good news for him is that he only has a few weeks until the British Open to try one more time to conquer his demons.

Pip pip, cheerio, stiff upper lip and all that good rot.

Golf Times

Can Monty Keep His Game Together And Win His First Major?

2006-06-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

NO!

Laws Of Golf - Part I

2006-06-07T11:25:00.000-04:00

Listed here are the indisputable Laws Of Golf, some are obvious but all are absolutely true:

Hazards attract; fairways repel
Aim for the bunker, you'll never hit it
If it ain't broke, try changing your grip
Golfers who claim they don't cheat, also lie
It rains only when you forget your umbrella
Two putts on a slick green are only the begining
Golf should be given up at least twice per month
If both balls are in the bunker, yours is in the footprint
It's surprisingly easy to hole a 50' putt when you lie 9
There is more to life than to break par, but not much more
Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot

Golf Times

What Do The Amish And The Memorial Have In Common?

2006-06-02T09:38:00.000-04:00

The rakes! Jack Nicklaus wanted to put some teeth into his course that has had double digit below par winners for the past several years so he decided to make the sand traps harder.

Ohio has a large Amish community and it turns out they make these wooden rakes with widely spaced tynes that were perfect for making furrows in the sand. Jack bought 150 for his course but when he tested them he found that you could still spin the ball out of the traps so he had every other tyne removed. That did the trick.

So far most players have been doing a fair amount of whining about them (except the ones who played well) which tells me Jack made the right move.

This is not something new, back in the 30's, Oakmont used to have deep furrows in their sand traps until the USGA outlawed them.

I hope this idea cathes on. The pros have gotten so good out of the perfectly uniform and coifed sand that they hope their errand shots go into the traps instead of the thick rough. The traps are bearly penal anymore.

Here's to Jack and his attempt to make the pros think a little before they fire away.

Next he should replace the golf carts on his course with the horse and buggy.

Golf Times

Lumpy Ends His Slump-y At The Colonial

2006-05-21T19:52:00.000-04:00

The wait was long and sometimes lumpy, I mean bumpy but Tim Herron finally got his first win on the PGA Tour since 1994.

He almost choked on the lump in his throat on the 72nd hole when he blocked his drive well right into the deep and tangly rough then hacked out short of the green. He chipped up and was left with a 9 footer to tie with Richard Johnson.

He made the putt then won it with a birdie on the second hole of sudden death.

He got plaid jacket (extra large) and a fat check for 1.08 million.

That will put a lump in his wallet.

Golf Times

Jim Furyk Is Having Himself A Merry Little Golf Season

2006-05-19T11:49:00.000-04:00

He's gotta be quite pleased with himself this year. Let's recount his accomplishments for this year.

He's crashed the Big Five party by bumping Ernie Els down to sixth, has a win and a pasal of top 10 finishes, has slipped in behind Phil Mickelson at second on the money list, only $300K shy and is now only 2 shots out of the lead (after Thur's round) at the Colonial.

Seems like he has recovered fully from the injured wrist that hampered much of his play last year.

I like Jim, wierd swing and all. I'm pulling for him to overtake Phil on the money list and maybe even in the world rankings.

Golf Times

Where Oh Where Is Phil

2006-05-11T15:25:00.000-04:00

Phil Mickelson is begging off the Byron Nelson this week. He says it's for "personal rerasons".

Let the speculation begin.

Here's my theory:

His daughter is having a birthday party this weekend and the clown couldn't make it.

Phil volunteered, no make up required.

Golf Times

Michelle Wie Finally Gets It Done In Korea

2006-05-09T22:03:00.000-04:00

Wie did it. Not since the Babe accomplished the feat in 1945 has a women made the cut in a men's professional golf tournament.

Wie shot a 3-under 69 in the second round Friday to make the cut by five strokes and improve on her opening 70. She started the final round at 3 under, six strokes off the pace. The Sat round was washed out making it a 54 hole event. She shot a two over 74 on Sun to end at 3 under, good enough for a T-35.

"I was really, really happy I've passed the first stage," Wie said. "Now I want to make the next step."

That next step of course will be to make the cut on the PGA Tour here in the states. I think it's just a matter of time.

Golf Times

Trevor Immelman Loses The Tournament But Wins In The Game Of Life

2006-05-07T18:12:00.000-04:00

Immelman three jacked the 72nd hole to fall into a tie with Jim Furyk then lost it on the first extra hole with a bogey. As tough as that must have been, to lose a tournament that he was so close to winnig, he can take solace in the fact that he gets to go home to one beautiful girl.

I don't know if it was his wife or girlfriend but man is she nice. CBS kept showing her standing there anxiously waiting next to the 18th green. She had her hair pulled back, with no make-up and she still looked stunning, a real natural beauty.

So, I can't be feeling to bad for Trevor, the victories will come eventually and he has a great way to console himself while he waits.

Golf Times

Tiger's Mentor, Role Model, Best Friend And Dad Dies At 74

2006-05-04T11:05:00.000-04:00

I'm sure to some degree Tiger was prepared for this day, as much as you can be, due to his father's failing health for much of the last 20 years. That still doesn't ease the pain of losing someone as close to you as his dad was to him.

The Golf Channel had this to say:

Woods, 74, had his first heart attack in 1986 and since then has had several more heart attacks, multiple bypass surgeries, prostate cancer and diabetes.

Tiger made the announcement on his website, saying, "I’m very saddened to share the news of my father’s passing at home early this morning.

"My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply. I’m overwhelmed when I think of all of the great things he accomplished in his life. He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, and I’m honored to continue his legacy of sharing and caring.

"Thank you to all who are sending condolences to my family and our Foundation. We are truly blessed to have so many who care during this difficult time."

You can read the rest of the article here.

It will be interesting to see how Tiger reactes to this life changing event in his life. The first chance we'll get to see will be at the US Open.

Golf Times

Golf Joke Of The Week

2006-04-28T14:45:00.000-04:00

Fred and Harry emerged from the clubhouse to tee off at the first, but Roger looked distracted.

"Anything the matter, mate ?'" Harry asked.

"Oh, it's just that I can't stand the club pro," Fred replied. "A few minutes ago, he was trying to correct my stance."

"He's only trying to help your game," Harry soothed.

"Yeah, but I was using the urinal at the time."

Ba dum dumm!

Golf Times

If This Story Doesn't Put A Tear In Your Eye...

2006-04-27T22:01:00.000-04:00

Dakoda Dowd is a 13 year who is very much in the mold of Michelle Wie. She is considered one of if not the top golfer in her age group in the nation. But that is not what this story is about.

Her mom, Kelly Jo Dowd, is fighting cancer and is only expected to live a few more months. One of her dreams was to see her daughter play on the LPGA. The LPGA was kind enough to grant her an exemption and let her play this week.

Here is an excerpt of the story from Fox Sports:

"Fantabulous," Kelly Jo Dowd said. "I have to make up my own vocabulary to describe it."

With one swing of the driver at 9:32 a.m. Thursday, and the 73 shots that followed over the next five hours, Dakoda made Kelly Jo's dream came true. The teen made her LPGA debut at the Ginn Clubs & Resorts Open, which extended the terminally ill mother a chance to see her daughter compete against the game's best.

Dakoda finished the day with a 2-over 74, nine shots behind Cristie Kerr. Yet for the first time in Dakoda's golf life, winning wasn't the goal, nor the plan.

"I didn't have any expectations for this tournament, except to go out there and have a great time and look over and see my mom," said Dakoda, a winner of more than 100 tournaments and ranked among the nation's best 13-year-old players. "It did feel good shooting 74. I'm just really happy to be here."

So is her mom, on a number of different levels.

Kelly Jo Dowd is fighting cancer for the second time in four years. She was given a clean bill of health after doctors believed she beat breast cancer, but she learned last year that she has terminal bone and liver cancer — and, conceivably, only months to live.

She wept and smiled when the starter announced Dakoda on the tee box as "a remarkable young lady." And the tears stopped when Dakoda hit a perfect drive down the left-center of the fairway to open her round - setting up her only birdie of the day, one that followed an approach to 2 feet on the 528-yard par-5.

"She's playing with a heart full of love for her mom," said Mike Dowd, Dakoda's father. "The kid's got this in her, but I think this is more about God doing something for our lives right now. We walk out of our house this morning and see a rainbow. Then a birdie on the first hole. Come on. There's something else going on here."

When Ginn officials learned of Kelly Jo's wish to see her daughter play on the LPGA Tour, they offered a sponsor's exemption into the field. Dakoda was paired with Kate Golden and Tracy Hanson — both at least 21 years older than the phenom — and held her own, even outdriving both pros on a couple occasions.

Golden told Kelly Jo before the round not to worry, that "we'll take good care of your girl." And Hanson was particularly touched by Dakoda's story, since cancer claimed her mother nearly eight years ago.

"God knocked me on the head and said, 'Now, wait a minute. You have a purpose and a reason for being in that group,"' said Hanson, who shot 69. "I lost my mom to cancer, so it's very near and dear to my heart, their story. And it was a little emotional there on the first tee."

Dakoda arrived at the driving range 90 minutes before her starting time, looking relaxed. She chewed on her right thumbnail for a few minutes before teeing off, then hugged her mother and exhaled in relief when that first ball hit the fairway.

You can read the rest of the story here.

Oh, and pass the tissues.

Golf Times

Here's How To Get A Better Body And Better Game - Simple

2006-04-25T15:17:00.000-04:00

This tip is from Mike Pedersen , the golf fitness guru. Go here to check out his great fitness system, Perform Better Golf . Anyway, back to a better body and better game.

Here are the 2 simple and effective tips.

1. Drink a full 10 ounce glass of water before every
meal. This will give you a feeling of being fuller
and you won't eat as much during that meal.

2. Do a 10 minute casual walk after every meal...or
at least after dinner. If you can't imagine walking
after a meal...you ate too much.

That's it! No magic. No big book to read. No new
meal plan to go on.

I told you it was simple.

Golf Times

Some Pros Should Get A Primer On How Capitalism Works

2006-04-24T12:19:00.000-04:00

According to The Golf Channel, Michelle Wie has received a sponsor's exemption to play in the 84 Lumber Classic, giving the 16-year-old from Hawaii three starts on the PGA Tour this year.

This apparently has rubbed some pros the wrong way. Olin Brown had this to say, "I guess if it attracts attention to the tournament, it's good for the tournament" Still, Browne said her sixth exemption to a PGA Tour event created some resentment, especially from the first alternate, who might need that tournament to help keep his card.

"This is the big leagues, man. I think tournaments should invite players who qualified to play," said Browne, who needed sponsor's exemptions last year until breaking through with a victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship. "I don't see any high school kids playing major league baseball."

Looks like Olin needs a reality check: We live in a capitalist society, that basically means, for good or bad, that money rules. The players benefit handsomely from this system because TV stations pay big money to the PGA to air their product so they can then turn around and sell advertising space, ie - commercials, to companies wanting to get their message out to the public about their product.

Not all tournaments are created equal. For instance, The John Deer Classic struggles to get TV ratings because they don't draw a strong field. They still are contractually commited to give out the purse to the players regardless of the ratings (granted the purse is smaller than other tournaments and that contributes to the weaker field but there are other factors as well like where the tournament falls in the schedule that also contributes to the weaker field).

So, in an effort to attract some buzz and get people to watch they give their exemptions to players who can create that buzz, like Michelle Wie.

That's how the world works Olin, the rules are set up by the PGA to help maintain some order but there has to be room for the sponsors to make some money which in turn helps the players by allowing them to play for bigger and bigger purses.

If those players on the bubble like the first alternate doesn't like it he can always get out of the business and become a teaching pro or head pro at his local course.

Stop whining!

I have a friend who gave up a job making over a hundred grand a year to try to make it as a pro. He didn't make it and now is struggling to get back to where he was before and I don't hear him complaining. He just sucked it up and went on with his life.

Who do these pros think they are, crying that they should be given a spot just because they decided to try to get in on all the millions be doled out on the PGA Tour.

Those exemptions are there for a very good reason, the PGA understands the importance of them. It's a shame they don't pass that understanding on to their well compensated contractors, that would be the PGA playing members.

Hope that helps you Olin.

In the meantime, you go girl!

Golf Times

Betting Type? Try Bingle-Bangle-Bungle

2006-04-22T14:39:00.000-04:00

This is a fun betting game that can cost you some money if your not careful.

Here's how it's played:

Three points are awarded for each hole: one for hitting the green first (not awarded on a par-3 hole), one for being closest to the hole after everyone is on the green and one for holing out first.

At the end of the round, the highest score wins. Usually, a cash value is assigned for each point.

One obvious tip, make sure you're playing with people of equal ability, or if you're smart, inferior ability. But here's another tip, if a player shooting before you reaches the green first you might want to think about coming up short so you have a chance of chipping close and getting the closet to the pin point.

That is if you have a decent short game, if not then just play, have fun and let the chips fall where they may.

Golf Times

Tiger To Take Time Out

2006-04-20T21:56:00.000-04:00

Tiger Woods, in New Zealand for the wedding of his caddie Steve Williams has said that he will take time off from the PGA to be with his ailing father.

"It's kind of up in the air with the situation back home, so I don't know what's going to happen, I'm taking time off. I'm here for this event (a charity race) and for Steve, and to enjoy time off and be with my father, so I won't play for a while," Woods said.

He the added "My father is hanging in there, the guy is an absolute fighter and walking miracle."

He did say he will definetely be back for the U.S. Open at Winged Foot, New York, from June 15 to 18.

Let's hope his father is there and healthy to cheer him on.

Golf Times

Sometimes It's Good To Be Badds

2006-04-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

Aaron Baddeley hung on to win the Verizon Heritage by one shot over Jim Furyk.

The difference was his decision to go for the green at the par 5, 15th. A bold move for a guy still trying to win his first PGA tournament. With the tournament hanging in the balance, he was faced with a dilema. In the fairway on the 15th, he was 220 yds from the green but his direct line of flight was blocked by a stand of trees. He had three options: hook the ball around the trees, go over them, or lay up.

He made the kind of decision you have to make if you want to break through and win, he took a 6 iron (from 220 mind you) and went over the trees. LAnded the ball on the back of the green and two putted for birdie.

With that confidence booster I think we'll be seeing a lot more of the Badd Man.

Golf Times

84 Lumber Classic Gets 86ed

2006-04-15T23:40:00.000-04:00

All the talk Joe Hardy did about making his tournament one of the best on the PGA is now kaput. Apparently his 84 Lumber stores are not doing as well and he has pulled his sponsorship.

I have to give him credit, he had a goal of building a great golf course and having the PGA play one of it's premiere events there and he was right on the verge of achieving it when he had to let it go.

He started out getting his event played in Sept for a few years until he was rewarded with a prime June spot the week after the US Open starting in the 2007 season.

A week after the anouncement that they were closing a slew of stores they dropped the hammer on the golf tournament.

This must be a real blow to Joe Hady's ego. Lucky for him he still has his millions to console himself with.

Golf Times

What Dictates Your Golfing Ability?

2006-04-14T14:44:00.000-04:00

Let Mike Pedersen tell you himself. He's the golf fitness guru who has the Perform Better Golf website. He'll also tell you how to hit longer drives to boot. Here's how:

Every golfer is looking for the magic bullet for longer drives.

I can't tell you enough, how important it is to get your
body moving better in your golf swing. The ONLY way to do this
is to work on your body "off the course".

Hitting more balls won't do it! Buying every training aid
gimmick won't either. It's very simple. "Your body dictates
your golfing ability!"

To keep this email short, I've got a simple exercise you can
do right in your living room that will add a ton of yards to
your drive.

I call it the Lunge With A Twist:

Instructions:
* Stand holding medicind ball or single dumbbell in front of you.
* Take an elongated step forward.
* As you lower onto that front leg rotate to the same side as the
forward leg.
* Slowly return to starting position and repeat.
* Do ALL 10 repetitions on that leg, then switch legs.
* Do 2-3 sets of 10 repetitions each leg.
Benefit to Golf Swing:
* Improve overall strength of entire body.
* Working in combination the legs and upper body rotation similar to
the golf swing.
*Greatly improve both stability and power through the core for
straighter, longer shots.

This is just one simple golf exercise of many you can do to
literally transform your golf swing and game.

He's got a great program that really can make a difference in your game and your general fitness.

Golf Times

Els Claims Mickelson, Not Woods, Has More Masters Wins In Him

2006-04-13T16:05:00.000-04:00

Ernis Els is giving the edge, for the time being, to Phil as the man to beat at Augusta. Wow, who would have thought a few years ago that anybody outside Phil's family would ever say that let alone one of the world's best.

Here's the article from The Golf Channel on what Ernie had to say aboutit:

Ernie Els sees a shift at the Masters.

He suspects that Phil Mickelson -- with two Masters titles in three years -- may have eclipsed Tiger Woods as the golfer to beat at Augusta National.

"I think Phil has got the game there now," Els said Wednesday.

Els was the only one of golf's "Big Five" -- Mickelson, Woods, Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen -- competing at the Verizon Heritage, which starts Thursday.

Els has witnessed Mickelson's Masters rise. Mickelson's breakthrough major came two years ago at Augusta National when his 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole sealed a one-stroke victory over Els.

Then last week, Els was paired with Mickelson for the first 36 holes as he steadily played himself into contention. Els was impressed with Mickelson's control off the tee, the trajectory of his irons and his continued wizardry around the greens.

Plus, Mickelson is no longer burdened with the question of when he'll win Augusta.

"He just goes out and goes about his business," Els said. "So I think Phil, almost more than Tiger, has got more Masters in him, maybe."

Mickelson will have to double his Masters' output to catch up with Woods' four green jackets. And both have work to do to tie Jack Nicklaus' record six Masters titles.

Chris DiMarco doesn't see a shift at the top at Augusta. He lost in a playoff to Woods there last year and says the course features are ready made for Tiger.

"Phil is a great player. I have a lot of respect for his game, it's awesome," DiMarco said. "But that course sets up great for Tiger. If (Woods) putted at all like he normally putts ... it would've been closer."

The article continues on about Ernie but the interesting part is about the respect he shows Mickelson and also how DiMarco weighs in on Tiger's side. Nobody else seems to be in the running.

Put on your best asbestos outfit, this long awiated and anticipated rivalry is starting to heat up.

Golf Times

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Rule The Golf Landscape

2006-04-11T22:08:00.000-04:00

When it comes to golf course meccas, the golf courses in and around Myrtle Beach have to be the best in the country. It boasts just about every kind of golf under the sun save mountainess terrain.

If you like a lot of sand, try Arnold Palmer's King's North. How about a links style course, there's plenty to choose from but why don't you try Heathland or Moorland of the Legends Group. Do you like a more wooded track then stay where you are and play the Parkland course. Want to play Bermuda greens then play Jack Nicklaus' Long Bay.

The choices seem endless. If you decide you want to try all that Myrtle Beach has to offer there's a site Called Mrytle Beach Golf that gives a great overview including golf packages and driving directions etc. Check them out.

Once you go to this mecca you'll get religion.

Golf Times

I Always Thought "Shit!" Was A Golf Term, Turns Out I'm Wrong

2006-04-11T11:12:00.000-04:00

Here is the origin of one of the most often used words in the english language. Maybe only exceeded by the word "F$%K!".

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large shipments of manure were common.

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen.

Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!

Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening.

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High In Transit" on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term "S.H.I.T " , (Ship High In Transport) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.

You probably did not know the true history of this word.

Neither did I.

Golf Times

Top Ten Reasons Why Golf Is Better Than Sex

2006-04-10T14:37:00.000-04:00

Now that the Masters champion has been crowned, green jacket slipped on and all the hoopla is over, it's time to get back to some good old fashioned, golf related non-sense.

Following is Davis Letterman's Top 10 List explaining why golf is better than sex:

#10 - A below par performance is considered damn good.

#9 - You can stop in the middle and have a cheeseburger and a couple of beers.

#8 - It's much easier to find the sweet spot.

#7 - Foursomes are encouraged.

#6 - You can still make money doing it as a senior.

#5 - Three times a day is possible

#4 - Your partner doesn't hire a lawyer if you do it with someone else.

#3 - If you live in Florida, you can do it almost every day.

#2 - You don't have to cuddle with your partner when you're finished.

And the #1 reason why Golf is better than Sex...If your equipment gets old, you can replace it.

And all this time I thought I liked golf simply because it was fun, now I have all these other good reasons.

Golf Times

2 Drivers, 2 Masters Wins, Mickelson 2 Good For Rest Of Field

2006-04-09T20:10:00.000-04:00

Also, lets add to that two majors in a row dating back to his win at the PGA Championship the end of last August.

Phil was steady as he methodically worked his way around the course and won the 2006 Masters Tournament by 2 strokes. This is a new Phil we're looking at here. He's more confident, he's making smarter decisions on the course and he's following through down the streatch.

Finally it looks like we have a legitimate rival to Tiger Woods. Let the good times roll.

Golf Times

Like A Dead Body In The Hudson River, The Big Names Are Floating To The Top At The Masters Tournament

2006-04-09T13:08:00.000-04:00

Mickelson, Couples, Clarke, Singh, Woods, Goosen, they're all there at the top. Jostling for position as they enter the final 18 at Augusta National. Mickelson did the best this morning, moving himself alone into first place while Campbell stumbled to a 75.

A few upstarts have also climbed into position to make an upset, the above mentioned Cambell, Tim Clark, who started yesterday's round like a jack rabbit in heat only to get cold at the end like my wife after a huge fight. Stephen Ames, who last week wasn't even sure if he was going to show up this week because his family is on vacation (yeah, like he was going to give this chance up) is right there.

Ernis Els is lurking at 4 back and will need a great round to win but don't count him out.

Personaly, I'm pulling for Freddy Couples to put on the Masters Green Jacket. He would break Jack's record of being the oldest Masters winner by a few months.

Love to watch history being made at the Masters.

Golf Times

An Unknown, Tim Clark, Threatens To Steal Masters Trophy

2006-04-08T21:25:00.000-04:00

The Masters Trophy is in jeopardy of being snatched right out from under the noses of some of the golfing elite by a relative unknown.

Who the heck is Tim Clark? I don't know much about him but I do know this, the guy can golf. He was throwing darts into the greens today before the horn sounded suspending play due to darkness. Rain had delayed play for 4 hours.

He left a short putt for birdie for tomorrow. If he makes it he'll be tied for first with Chad Campbell.

I hope he puts a real scare into the other "elite" golfers.

Golf Times

Ben Crenshaw Looks Too Thin But Is Sitting Fat Dumb And Happy At 1 Under

2006-04-08T00:40:00.000-04:00

Now here's a guy I never would have picked to be 1 under. I would have picked Ray Floyd before him.

It's the putter. That's always been his strength and it's what's keeping him near the top. I think they said he had 24 putts in the first round. That's unbelievable.

The rain tomorrow will do him in though. It lengthens the already long course, not to his ad vantage and makes putting easier which takes away his one advantage.

Look for him to drop back today.

Golf Times

Gary Player Plays Well At Masters Tournament

2006-04-06T23:29:00.000-04:00

Gary Player at the age of 70 was even after six holes. At the same time David Duval was 5 over. Player is a real competitor and he really showed something today. The course is playing as tough as it ever has and here's Gary at 70 no less holding his own at Augusta National.

Yes he did end the round at 7 over but that was still better than 12 other players.

I know it's close to impossible but I'd love to see him make the cut.

Talking about being competitive, Gary has played in 49 tournaments and Arnold Palmer has played in 50, the most by any player. Well, Gary has said that he plans on playing in 51.

Golf Times

Masters Tournament Golf Prayer: Dear God Let Me get Through These Next Three Holes, Amen (Corner)

2006-04-05T22:59:00.000-04:00

Yes it's Amen Corner. Made famous by a sports writer after Palmer won the 1958 tournament. Amen Corner are holes 11, 12 & 13.

All are brutal and if the wind is blowing, especially hole 11 with the added length this year, well you can almost forget playing those holes under or even at par.

Augusta National has a Masters website and one of the new features is a webcam where you can see all the action at Amen Corner during most of the rounds.

You can read more about it here.

The player who navigates these treachorous holes the best is the one who eventually slips into the green jacket.

Golf Times

At Least One Player Likes The Changes At Augusta National

2006-04-04T08:17:00.000-04:00

Nicklaus and Palmer said they don't like the changes at Augusta but that's okay because according to the official website of The Masters Tournament, Charles Howell III likes them. Phew! Thank God for that, now that we know Charles likes the changes, lets all rejoice.

Apparently, the folks at Augusta don't care that two of the greats from the game have criticized the changes, they're forging ahead anyway. Why not, they have Charles Howell III on their side.

Below is an article by Art Stricklin on Howell and what he had to say about the course and the Tournament:

Of all the tournaments Charles Howell III has played in his young career, none means more to him than this week at the Masters.

The Augusta native is playing in his fifth Tournament, but said anytime he can tee it up at home; playing at Augusta National has special meaning.

"This golf course doesn't have the (same) feel to me as a U.S. Open or a British Open or a PGA," he said. "They are major championships, they are very important and they are played on great golf courses, but it's not the Masters."

Howell grew up next door at Augusta Country Club where his dad is a member and has played an estimated 150 rounds at Augusta National, more than any other PGA Tour professional under the age of 30. He first played Augusta National at age 10 and shot a 79 from the member's tees.

While he now lives in Orlando, Howell still spends ample time in his hometown and has given his hearty endorsement to the recent course changes.

"I think the changes are fantastic," said the Augusta native. "To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if in the years to come there are more changes to it. As much as people talk about how long the golf course is now, there are still longer ones out there.

"They could set this golf course up so hard that it would make you just cry, but on Saturday and Sunday, they allow for birdies and eagles and the occasional double-bogey for those trying to make those runs."

Howell has seen the gradual evolutional of the course over the years and said the Masters Tournament committee is simply reacting to changes in technology.

"If you're going to win the Masters, it's going to be a hard task," he said.

" It's a major. It's the Masters and that's the way Bobby Jones would have wanted it."

Toward that end, Howell also hopes the chance to one day, some day, win a Masters will come before his career ends.

"I want to win this thing more than anybody," he said. "That's part of the challenge."

His best finish, at Augusta has been a tie for 13th in 2004. When he missed the 36-hole cut last year, Howell chose to revamp his game, now working with Brian Mogg.

When Howell left Oklahoma State University in 2000 and turned professional, many people predicted he would already have won a Masters by now. Named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 2001, he has won one event, the 2002 Michelob Championship, and hasn't reached the lofty goals he set for himself.

"At the end of the day, it's about winning tournaments, and then taking it a step further," he said. "It's about winning majors."

"People talk about the majors Jack (Nicklaus) won and they don't talk about how many regular Tour events he won, and that's what it's going to be like with Tiger and Phil."

He admitted getting too technical with his game. "I could make Nick Faldo seem like a feel player," he joked. He has worked on spending more time on the course and learning how to get the ball in the hole in the least number of strokes.

"I don't go out there and work on five different things on the range. Everybody knows that the top five players in the world have the five best short games and that's what I'm working on," Howell said. "I'd give myself a B for my career so far."

To achieve his goals, he will rely on his local knowledge gleaned from his large number of rounds, his many friends who are members and the caddie's eager to share their knowledge.

"There are just some holes out here where the ball does things it just can't (seem to) do," he said. "The local caddies always seem to know everything. They always show me a putt or new shot, with the way the ball rolls with the grain or the slope.

"It will blow your mind what the ball will do. Until you play here, you just can't appreciate the difficulty."In 14 official rounds at the Masters, Howell's stroke average is 73.0. He best non-competitive round is 67. That's further proof, he said, of the mental difficulty Augusta National holds on him.

"On the first tee on Thursday, I was more nervous than I've ever been on the golf course," he admitted. "Parts of my body shook I didn't know would shake. You can say it's the best week of the year."

Howell has had plenty of those great weeks, but for 2006, he is looking for something more. He'd like a high finish, a late Sunday run, and the wish to join Larry Mize as the only Augusta natives to win the Tournament.

"It would mean more to me than anyone out here," he said.

Let's see how the changes affect his game.

Golf Times

Phil Mickelson Winning The Bell South By 13 Can Only Mean One Thing At The Master's Tournament...

2006-04-03T22:37:00.000-04:00

It can only mean that he will miss the cut. One thing about Mickelson that can be considered his biggest fault is his consistency. He can be incredibly hot for a while then go inexplicably cold. He was way over the top hot this week so I can only come to the conclusion that he won't be able to keep that momentum this weekend.

He probably will be 3 or 4 over on Thur then 1 or two over Fri and miss the cut.

Better luck next year Phil.

Golf Times

Masters Golf Tournament May Not Be In Ames' Future

2006-04-01T13:52:00.000-05:00

The Masters Tournament for a lot of pros is their favorite major. Some players build their whole schedule around trying to get an invite.

So it's always surprising to hear when a golfer gets the coveted invitation and decides not to atte nd.

Ames is weighing his options right now. IC Wales has a good article on Ames and his quandry:

Stephen Ames shocked the golfing world last night within an hour of capturing the sport's richest event.

The 41-year-old said he might turn down the invitation to next week's Masters that was part of his reward for winning the Players Championship in Florida.

'I would rather go on vacation, to be truthful,' commented Ames.

With his two sons on spring holiday from their school in Canada and his wife Jodi still recovering from the surgery last July that removed three-quarters of one lung after the discovery of cancer, Ames had planned to take them back to his home in Trinidad for the next two weeks.

'My priorities have always been my family first and if it comes down to that it's probably going to be a two-week vacation,' he added.

'The Masters was not on my schedule, now it is obviously, so I have got to sit down and talk to them about it.'

He's unbelieveable, a chance of a lifetime and he doesn't care, wow.

Golf Times

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Reaching Saturation

2006-03-31T23:10:00.000-05:00

It seemed every year Myrtle Beach would claim more and more new courses opening. I first noticed when they were claiming sixty courses then a couple years later it went up to eighty. Finally, they boasted over 100 courses.

Now some of the courses are being closed and the land used for housing.

Tim Mcdonald of TravelGolf.com had the following to say about it:

Angels Trace Golf Links in Brunswick County, N.C., in the norternmost reaches of the Grand Strand, is closing its North course for renovation April 17, but club officials said they can't say how long it will be closed.

Director of Golf Bill Long said he didn't believe the course would be closed for good, though a source told TravelGolf.com the North course would close permanently to be redeveloped.

"We're going to re-do all the greens and all the sand traps," Long said. "It's an on-going process. As far as the final outcome, nobody really knows what that's going to be."

A number of Grand Strand courses have sold out to devlopment the last few years, as profits in the golf industry have dropped and the value of area real estate have soared.

North Carolina developer Mark Saunders bought the course earlier this year, to go with his earlier purchases of the Ocean Ridge Plantation and the Ocean Isle Beach Golf Course.

Saunders bought the Ocean Isle Beach Course last summer and quickly closed it with plans to build a housing development. He also owns other housing developments in North Carolina.

Ocean Ridge Plantation, home to three highly-regarded courses, flirted with foreclosure in 2004. The Gore family, long-time owners of the courses and undeveloped land at the site, broke up their holdings and sold the three courses. At roughly the same time, Saunders bought the undeveloped portion of the land from Sunset Beach, N.C. city councilman Ed Gore.

The owners of the golf courses defaulted on a loan, according to the Myrtle Beach Sun newspaper. Saunders reportedly purchased the loan from RBC Centura and initiated foreclosure proceedings.

The courses were due to be auctioned in Brunswick County, with Saunders expected to be the only bidder, but the auction never took place, director of golf Tom Plankers told TravelGolf.com.

"All I can say is that Mark has 100 percent control of Ocean Ridge Plantation now," Plankers said. "He has the courses, the real estate and everything. The auction didn't take place."

Saunders did not return phone calls from TravelGolf.com.

Angels Trace has two 18-hole courses designed by Clyde Johnston.

You better get to Myrtle Beach and play your favorite courses, you never know if they'll be there the next time.

Golf Times

Against All Odds

2006-03-30T15:59:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for inspiration, look no further than Calvin Peete's story.

When he was knee high to a grasshopper he fell from a tree and broke his elbow. As a result he was never able to straighten his arm. As an additional set back, he didn't have the money for lessons so he had to teach himself how to play. I think we all know the perils of being left to ourselves to figure out something as complex as a golf swing, let alone do it well enough to play on a professional level.

If all that wasn't enough, he didn't decide to start playing until he was 23. That's not a mistake, I said twenty three.

Despite these handicaps, Peete went on to win 12 tournaments on the PGA Tour.

Nicely done Calvin, nicely done.

Golf Times

Take The TaylorMade R5 For A Test Drive

2006-03-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

Below, The Golf Blog has a good review of the TaylorMade R5:

As previewed here, The Golf Blog is to begin reviewing clubs on occasion starting now with TaylorMade's R5 dual driver. I had a chance to use the driver through four rounds last week in Myrtle Beach, which I think provided me with enough experience to share my thoughts. First a little background: I am a single-digit-handicap golfer who hits the ball fairly straight and not all that long. When I am swinging well, I tend to hit a power fade off the tee; when I am not swinging well, that power fade can become a weak slice. I have long wondered whether the right drive might help keep my slice in check and also add a few extra yards. I think the R5 might be that driver.

I was skeptical about the R5 at first: it has a big head (though perhaps not unusually big for the latest breed of drivers), and I struggled when trying out a big-headed driver a few seasons ago. Also, on my first few swings with the R5, I was surprised to discover I was often pulling the ball left. However, after I got used to the look and the feel of the R5, I started hitting the ball pretty straight and pretty far on a consistent basis. And, excitingly, even when I felt I made a swing that should result in a weak slice, the R5 helped keep the ball very much in play.

Because I was playing unfamiliar courses, I cannot say with certainty whether the R5 added distance. I do not think the club added a lot of length, but I was pleased that the club seemed to deliver a lot of very good misses when I did not make my best swing: even when I felt I hit the ball a bit off the toe or the heel, my drives flew pretty straight and pretty far. (Indeed, when I felt I really smoked a drive, I was disappointed to discover that the ball did not go much farther than my good misses.) I was using the "Type N" version of the driver, which has a square face, with a 9.5 degree loft. I tended to hit the ball a bit higher with the R5, which also pleased me because my launch angle has always been too low with other drivers.

Interestingly, the TaylorMade's R5 dual driver website suggests that the "Type D" version of the club would be even more forgiving for players who struggle with a slice because it has a closed clubface. But, as suggested above, I found even the "Type N" version helpful in this way. The website about the R5 has a lot of additional information about the club, although the site does not directly compare the R5 to its big brother, the R7 quad driver. (The R7 has the adjustable weight system, while the R5's weights are preset and fixed.)

I could go on, but let me sum up with a simple thought: I want to keep the R5 in my bag.

Sounds like a winner if you can't afford the R7.

Golf Times

I Tacked This Note On My Caddie's Locker

2006-03-28T16:23:00.000-05:00

"Real golfers, no matter what the provocation,
never strike a caddie with the driver.
The sand wedge is far more effective."

He's been much nicer to me ever since.

Golf Times

Sergio Garcia's Sunday Round Faded Faster Than A Cut Six Iron

2006-03-27T21:18:00.000-05:00

Another significant tournament has come and gone with Sergio, in position to win, going home empty handed. When it comes down to crunch time he continuely comes up small.

There's no reason to think the same thing isn't going to happen at the Master's. I guess eventually he'll break through like Mickelson did but it could be a long time coming.

Maybe he needs a few sessions with the same short game guru, Dave Pelz, that Phil used.

At least he finished ahead of Tiger Woods, he's got that going for him.

Golf Times

Ladies And Gentleman; Davis Love III Has Left The House

2006-03-25T09:12:00.000-05:00

In what may be the worst performance by a front runner in recent memory, Love turned in a stinkeroo score of 83 to miss the cut by a goodly amount. His last hole was really pathetic, carding a nine which tied for the worst score ever shot on that hole.

He's got a lot to think about, and a lot of practice to do.

Golf Times

Why Does 3.5 + 3 = -396,000?

2006-03-20T12:41:00.000-05:00

Because that was the difference between 1st and 2nd at the Bay Hill this weekend. The 3.5 represents the putt, in feet, Greg Owen had to make for par and keep his 2 shot lead going into 18. Lastly, 3 represents the number of hacks it took him to put the ball in the hole on 17.

He added a bogey on 18 to seal his fate. That's one of those nightmarish scenarios that will haunt Greg for a long time to come.

Golf Times

Wanna Make A Small Fortune In Golf? Start With A Big Fortune Then Get A Job In Golf

2006-03-19T14:56:00.000-05:00

There over 1000 jobs avaiable in golf right now but they're mostly just above minimum wage. Tom Govern at Point 1 Golf has an interesting article.

Here it is:

Help wanted: The pay is low, you work weekends and it’s likely you will be laid off when the weather gets cold. But you get free golf!

For the first time, the PGA of America has 1000 jobs posted at the PGA of America’s job clearinghouse, Careernet, according to an article at PGA.com. So your odds of getting a job in the golf industry are pretty good. Of those 1000 job postings, we, the non-PGA Professionals, can only see 395 of them.

With an added push over the last month called “Jobs in Golf Month Celebration” there are more jobs posted than ever before. One of two things is happening. More employers are simply using the service or there are more jobs available than ever before. Likely the first is happening because of the second. It is getting harder and harder to find qualified people to work for a little more than minimum wage and many of those minimum wage paying jobs are seasonal in the northern climates.

You have to really love the game of golf to get into the golf business right now. If you are a college graduate who played golf in school, but aren’t good enough to play for a living, getting into the typical golf job (Assistant Professional, Pro Shop Manager, etc.) is a common career path. Some stick it out and continue on to better jobs but I would be interested in seeing the figures for how many Assistant Pro’s leave the business long before they get to a level that pays decently. I made a decent living in the golf business for most of the 15 years I was in it. And like any career, you get out of it what you put in. It is unfortunate that one must start out so low on the pay scale to get into the business.

Expect to see the number of jobs available to increase in the years to come. And expect to see fewer and fewer young people in those positions. You will see more and more part-time and retired people taking your green fees and parking the carts. This is a reasonable short term solution. But I think it will undoubtedly lead to the elimination of the Club Pro as we have always known him.

If you ever wanted to be in the golf business, this might be your opportunity. Oh, and like I said at the top, in most cases you play free golf! Unfortunately you will be working during most of the daylight hours.

I guess it beats slinging hamburgers at Mcdonalds but that's about it.

Golf Times

Pack The Spaceship Honey, We're Moving To Jupiter

2006-03-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Oh, Jupiter, Florida. Put the spaceship back in the garage. Seems all the stars are moving to Jupiter, Florida. First Greg Norman, then Nick Price and Calcavecchia and Floyd.

Now Woods. Plunked down 40 mil for 10 acres and probibly will tear the house down. This on top of the other houses he owns in California, Sweden and I think Thailand.

Here's the article from PGA.com

JUPITER, Fla. -- Tiger Woods is buying a 10-acre oceanfront compound on Jupiter Island for approximately $40 million, according to published reports. That would be a record-high price for a property on the island, which Forbes calls the "most expensive ZIP code" in America.
"It's a really high price and everyone's blown away," Chappy Adams, president of Illustrated Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, which is not involved in the transaction, told The Palm Beach Post.

The property extends from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic, as do many of the compounds in the exclusive enclave just north of Palm Beach, and includes a main house, two guest houses and a beach house. Real estate agents indicated to the newspaper that Woods is considering tearing down the 13-year-old main house.

"The main house is in very good condition, but I'd think that someone who paid that much would want to put their own stamp on it," Jupiter area real estate agent Dolly Peters told the newspaper. "I'd be surprised if he didn't tear it down."

Tire Kingdom founder Chuck Curcio sold the estate in 2003 for $16.7 million to Stephen Garofalo, founder of Metromedia Fiber Networks, Peters said. Garofalo paid $12.5 million for the 16,000-square-foot main house alone, and also bought land to the south, tore down the house on it and built a new guest house, she said.

Garofalo had listed only the guest house for sale at a price of $18 million, the newspaper said, but Woods convinced him to sell the entire compound. Multiple Listing Service records show the property went under contract in mid-December.

Woods has been looking for a waterfront home for a year, and he and his wife Elin were especially interested in the southern Martin County–northern Palm Beach County area because Jesper Parnevik and his family live in the Indian Hills area of nearby Jupiter. Elin Woods was the Parneviks' nanny when she met Woods in 2003.

Woods will become the third high-profile golfer to settle on Jupiter Island, as both Nick Price and Greg Norman own compounds there. It was at Norman's house that then-President Clinton famously injured his ankle in a fall.

Several other pro golfers also own home in the Jupiter-West Palm Beach area, including Dana Quigley, Mark Calcavecchia, Bruce Fleisher, Ray Floyd, Hank Kuehne, Ken Green and Fredrik Jacobson.

Bet you I can find 10 acres alot cheaper on Jupiter the planet but the commuting costs would be a killer.

Golf Times

This Is What My Wise Ass Caddie Said To Me

2006-03-17T22:09:00.000-05:00

I asked my caddie, "Do you think I can reach the green with a 5 iron?"

To which he replied "Eventually."

Golf Times

I Need Schooln' and I Ain't Fooln'

2006-03-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting article from Best Golf Schools:

If you want to learn how to play golf the right way, the way the pros do then you need to start thinking along the lines of golf school. Practicing is not gong to make you a great golfer all it is gong to do is ingrain all of the bad habits that you have already picked up. Going to golf school on the other hand is gong to teach you everything that you need to know in order to master the game of golf. Golf is a game of skill and a game of patience and if you want to be able to beat everyone who steps out onto those links then you need to go to golf school and learn from the best.

Why golf school you ask? Why not one on one time with a pro? Well, first of all because not every one of us can afford to purchase this pro time. It can get awfully costly to buy one on one lessons all of the time.

Golf school is an affordable way to learn the same things that you would the other way. At golf school you will learn all kinds of tips and tricks to help your golf game. You will learn about the clubs about your swing and much, much more. And most importantly you will learn the right way. At golf school you will still have a professional there to show you just what you are doing wrong and to help you learn how to correct it.

At golf school you will be in a class, a small class containing only a few other students. There will still be plenty of time for you to get the attention that you need to improve your golf game. And let me tell you, golf school is loads of fun. You will get to learn and you will get to play, it is a blast.

In most cases you will attend the golf school in the morning and then be given some time out on the links later in the day. This gives you some time to absorb what you have learned and then put it into practice. This is the most effective way to learn and that is what golf school is all about: teaching you the right way to play golf once and for all. So if you feel your golf fame could use a little pick me up then check out golf school, you will be glad that you did.

Golf Times

Looking For More Backspin? Don't Bother Cleaning Your Grooves

2006-03-15T20:58:00.000-05:00

Turns out grooves aren't all that unless you're in the rough.

Grouchy Golf Blog has a good article on the topic:

According to equipment guru Frank Thomas, "...the grooves on a driver do nothing with regard to ball spin." In fact, some studies have shown that grooves on a driver can actually decrease spin. Pat Ryan Golf wrote about the findings of Art Chou of Chou Golf Design Labs and Deshou Liang of Drexel University (my alma mater).

They discovered that a smooth faced club at low loft angles (less than 20 degrees) produces more backspin than a rough surface. So grooves on drivers don't add spin. But how about other clubs? Surely, grooves make a difference, right? Yes, just not in the way that most people think.According to Paul Smith:

The backspin is created by the balls compression on the clubface. This occurs between the time of impact and the moment of separation from the clubface. The clubs swing path and type of head rotation sees the ball mashed into the clubface. The loft presented to the ball distorts it in shape and gives us the launch angle and all of its backspin.

The ball does not actually ever ride up the clubface, instead it gets imbedded in the face where the groove lines reside. High-speed photography has proved this. The more loft the greater the backspin.

Therefore, the grooves have zero influence on the launch angle or backspin on the ball. Well known club designer Ralph Maltby built a set of irons with no face groves at all and played with them extensively to prove this point to disbelievers.

Also, in the mid 1980's the USGA undertook extensive groove type testing and concluded that in dry conditions it was loft, not grooves that put backspin on the ball.So what good are grooves then? Rather like car tires which work perfectly in the dry, we need them to work in the wet as well.

Clubfaces without grooves work fine in dry conditions but with water and grass in the way, the grooves allow some of the trapped materials to be moved from the collision zone. Without groves you may get a high flyer with less spin and in this instance the ball does in fact run up the face - it actually skids up the face on the lubricating water and/or grass.

Sounds pretty groovy if you ask me.

Golf Times

Not The Boss Of The Moss? Got The Answer Right Here.

2006-03-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

Here's a scenario for you. Par 5, you hammer a drive that splits the fairway pretty as you please. You drill a 3 wood that lifts majestically into the air and flutters down onto the green 20 feet below the cup. You're staring eagle straight in the face.

Now comes the sad part. You blow your putt 5 feet past then miss it wide coming back. Now you're left with a 3 footer up hill. You step up, aim, pull the club back, push it forward, opening the blade as you do so and miss to the right for a 4 putt bogey. Ouch!

It happens to too many of us. If it happens to you then you need a quick lesson. Here's a drill from Golf Drill Guru:

The Problem: The players putting stroke is inconsistent.

The Result: Missed putts, and higher scores.

The Drill: Among many of the professionals who have used this drill, Tiger Woods is probably the most well known. And for this time only, since Tiger does it, you should to!

This drill involves two tees, your putter and a ball. It’s very simple.

Stick the tee’s into the putting green so that they make a gate just wide enough for your putter to slide through. Place your ball in the center of the gates, pick your target, preferably something no longer than about 15 feet away, as long putts tend to encourage a more inconsistent stroke. Now, get set up and work on making your putter slide through the gate without hitting the tees.

Be aware that the placement of the ball between the tees is a very important factor in the contact on the putter face. Be sure to place the ball where it will have the best chance to hit the sweet spot, and slide through the gate. Give it a try, and increase the consistency and reliability of your putting stroke!

And stop the 4 putts.

Golf Times

Taylor Made 320 Tour, Not Bad for the Money

2006-03-13T21:07:00.000-05:00

I've had my problems with drivers as has most of you I'm sure. Just when I was ready to give up the ghost and go exclusively with my Taylor Made 200 Steel 2-Wood or my Titleist PT13 (has feel but no forgiveness), I took a chance with one of these.

I figured, go for it big boy, $79 brand new with the headcover, not big amount of moolah for a club nut like me. I was really surprised! This club is long, forgiving and unlike most humungous titanium drivers it actually has feel.

Maybe its the .335 tip shaft that allows you to actually feel the clubhead throughout the backswing. The face on this club is also square, not closed like on the other versions which makes for a much more 'honest' club.

I have owned the R510 and R540 and in my opinion this club is far superior in every respect to both of those. At 360cc, it is plenty big and it offers the maximum allowable COR, so you sacrifice nothing in terms of performance.

This club is the best kept secret out there. Just goes to show you that driver technology has already gone about as far as it can go. The big manufacturers would have you paying hundreds for their latest marketing gimmick.

No thanks, I think I'll be sticking with this one for quite a while.

Well, that is until they come out with a club that will actually swing it for you.

Golf Times

Let's face it, they're queer and they're here. Is the Hybrid an Idea Whose Time has Come?

2006-03-10T11:14:00.000-05:00

More and more players are using the hybrid and the poor 2 & 3 irons are taking the brunt of it.

Everybody has a hybrid.

Or at least it seems that way.

Todd Hamilton made his famous British Open-clinching shot using a hybrid. Nick Price, Jim Furyk, Brad Faxon and Johnny Bench have all had at least one in the bag recently -- and those are just a few of the players swinging sticks from up-and-coming clubmaker Sonartec, not to mention the power-wattage that companies such as TaylorMade, Callaway and Nike employ.

And when Champions Tour stars flash those funny-looking but deadly accurate tools with impunity, even the most die-hard golfing Luddite — you know, the guy you see out there on Saturday morning wielding the musclebacks of yore, often with ugly results — starts to believe that these newfangled sticks are the real deal.But what exactly is a hybrid?

Ask five different technicians and five different instructors and you might get 10 different answers. Sure, they’ll throw around jargon like “bulge and roll” and “center of gravity,” but it seems that every swingin’ stick wants to be a hybrid these days.Game-improvement irons. Utility clubs. Wood-irons. Iron-woods. Whatever you want to call them — we prefer hybrids, ’cause that’s really what they are — these half-bred beauties are finally in the mainstream after years in the shadowy tributaries of technology. Virtually every major manufacturer includes them in their arsenal, and for several emerging companies (think Nickent, Sonartec, La Jolla and Bobby Jones for starters), hybrids are the bedrock of their business.

And while the industry buzzword casts a wide net, the result is easy to pinpoint: hybrids are helping golfers, from major champions to rising stars to club champions to once-a-weekers to seniors whose distance tops out around 175 yards.

“Hybrids are more versatile; you can hit them out of the rough, you can hit different trajectories with them. I play with TaylorMade Rescues myself, but they’re all good — Sonartec, Titleist, Callaway, Hogan — and everybody has one,” says Mike Mazzaferri, director of golf at Hidden Valley Country Club in Reno, Nev., and 2004 Golf Professional of the Year for the Northern California PGA...

You can read the rest of the article at Fairways & Greens.

I like my long irons but I think it's a matter of time before I succomb to the lore of the Hybrid.

Golf Times

If You're Looking For An Inspirational Golf Story Then Go No Further

2006-03-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

Here's a great article by Matt Adams of The Golf Channel on three golfers and their road to the PGA:

Forging a plan to get from where we are to where we want to go can feel like a journey of a million miles. Sometimes it helps to see the path forged by others to help us see the possibilities on our own horizons. Take for example, the varied journeys of Vijay Singh, Charlie Sifford, and Esteban Toledo to reach golfing success.

Vijay Singh knew from a very early age that he wanted to be a professional golfer. But growing up in Fiji with five siblings and his parents in a cramped little house, the world of professional golf must have seemed like a very unlikely prospect. Unlikely, that is, if you were not Vijay Singh.

As a boy, Singh loved the game so much that he would sometimes make his way through various drainage pipes that ran beneath the runways of the Nadi Airport to reach the golf course. The pipes were completely dark, and the lanky Singh had to crouch down simply to fit. The putrid water drained sewage to the ocean, and it would normally run higher than his ankles. Singh was so committed to his plan that he would drop out of school by the time he was sixteen in order to pursue his dream.

Vijay Singh was blessed with a gift and a conviction—and these would be the ticket to his dreams. His gift was his ability to play “with peace.” Part of this gift was just his natural disposition. He had the ability to stand over a putt that might mean the difference between playing on the weekend or going home, and he would not be overcome with crushing anxiety. Vijay has long been a student of Eastern philosophy, and he has mastered the ability to control his breathing, and, as a result, his temperament in high-stress situations. Singh was also convinced from very early in his life that nothing can beat unrelenting hard work and practice. He has worn this philosophy like a shield for his entire professional career. Singh has said that the reason he has become successful is that he has always had a disposition to do “whatever it takes.”

Like Singh, Charlie Sifford had to wade through plenty of filth to play golf, but the indignity he endured poured from the hearts and minds of ignorant people. Today Charlie Sifford, now in his eighties, seems relaxed and unassuming, yet his pleasant demeanor belies the trials he had to endure to realize his dream of playing professional golf against the best in the world.

You can read the rest of it here

Makes you want to quit your job and try to make it as a professional golfer.

Golf Times

Move Over Sergio, Here Comes Villegas

2006-03-05T16:15:00.000-05:00

There's another Spanish speaking phenom on the rise and he goes by the name of Villegas, Camilo Villegas. I'm secure enough in my manhood to say that this guy is hot and I don't mean just his golf. He's young, good looking and has a game good enough to play with the big boys.

I don't know how he's able to maintain his play on the course with all the playing I'm sure he does at night.

I know my Spanish friends over at Galaxia Golf are loving this. The tour now has a little Latin Salsa to go with the American hamburger.

Golf Times

Where Did The Term "Caddie" Come From Anyway

2006-03-02T20:34:00.000-05:00

I've always been facinated by the origin of words and when they're related to golf it's even better. Here's the story behind the word caddie.

Back in the 16th century, Mary, Queen of Scotts ruled supreme. As such, she used to employ young nubile soldiers (cadets) as porters. God knows what else she employed them for, I could make some guesses but that's for another blog.

Anywho, she must have been pretty cool because she liked to golf. Of course, while she was golfing she wasn't about to carry her own clubs so she used the young cadets to carry them for her. These cadets became known as her "caddies" and the word has stuck ever since.

I can't imagine she got too many rounds in because she was unfortunately beheaded in 1587 at age 45 and spent the previous 18 years of her life in prison.

Whoever said it's good to be King/Queen didn't know Queen Mary.

Golf Times

Hey If You Can't Score Like a Pro at Least Now You Can Workout Like One

2006-03-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

According to Mike Pedersen over at Perform Better Golf (when you get there click on his blog link at the bottom right), us mere mortals can workout just like our multi- million dollar friends on the PGA Tour and we don't have to invest in a whole gym set-up to do it.

Who knew that with a few items you can easily buy you can look buff just like Tiger does.

I'm sure it will help your game and your health.

Now if the workouts can get me the same kind of women Tiger has that would really be doing something (thank God my wife never reads my blog!) .

When you go over to Mike's site at Perform Better Golf, don't forget to check out his Ultimate Golf Fitness Program, it's a great looking product.

Golf Times

The Odds are Definitely Against It

2006-02-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

Ben Hogan was not a mathematician so you'll have to forgive him but he once said, "I see no reason why a golf course cannot be played in 18 birdies, just because no one has ever done that doesn't mean it can't be done."

Here's what a golfer would be up against statistically.

Let's take a scratch golfer and assume he/she, on average, will birdie three times during a normal round. Applying some high order math we figure that out to be an average of one birdie every six holes, so the odds against a birdie on any given hole are 6 to 1.

Following that logic the chances of getting a birdie on two consecutive holes are 36 to 1 (6x6=36). That's not too wild to imagine.

Now here is where it starts to get scary.

For each consecutive birdie you figure the chances by multiplying by six, so three consecutive birdies would be 36x6 or 216 to 1. Keep doing that through nine holes and the chances for nine consecutive birdies becomes a staggering 10,077,696 to 1.

And now for the grand finale. For eighteen holes the chances of getting 18 consecutive birdies becomes an unimaginable 100 trillion to one.

To say that is unlikely would be a slight understatement, don't you think?

Ben Hogan was right in that statistically, it can be done, but realistically there's not a chance in H-E-Double Toothpicks someone will ever achieve it.

Sorry Tiger.

Golf Times

Where's the Love?

2006-02-27T09:51:00.000-05:00

Davis Love III to be exact. Love was in the finals of the Accenture Match Play Championship against Jeff Ogilvy and lost 2 down. He had control of the match early during the first 18 then fell back to 3 down. He fought his way back to 1 down then kind of just melted away, missing short putts and coming up short on a couple others.

For a guy who's had so much Ryder and President's Cup experience I expected a little more out of him. If he wants to make this year's Ryder Cup he needs to get on his horse, it's still early but there are a lot of other players out there with the desire to make the team.

I hear he's playing pain free now which is nice so maybe this is the start of some better play.

Come on Davis, give us some Love.

Golf Times

Azinger & Faldo Are Doing a Good Job

2006-02-26T17:25:00.000-05:00

I like the duo of Azinger andFaldo in the announcer's booth. Azinger has just enough irreverence and Faldo has that dry British wit. It's a shame ABC has decided not to renew their contract with the PGA after this year.

I'm sure this dynamic duo will find some other gig if they want it.

Maybe they can do Monday Night Football?

Golf Times

Lehman is Really Stickn' it to Me Now!

2006-02-25T15:24:00.000-05:00

If you read my last post you know how I feel about him and his saying that he will be a player-captain if he makes the Ryder Cup team. Well guess what, he just beat Chad Campbell to make it to the semi's. It's like he read my post and is personally stickn' it to me. I guess I pissed him off as much as he's pissed me off.

Maybe I should change my strategy. You go Tom, good for you, rah, rah, sis boom bah!

There that ought to do it!

PS - Did you see Love hole that shot out from the fairway to win? As Johnny Miller would say "That's good stuff!"

Golf Times

Tom Lehman is Starting to Piss Me Off

2006-02-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

Yeah Tom Lehman. Why would a goof like Tom Lehmen piss me off you say? Easy, I heard him say that if he played well enough to make it on the Ryder Cup team he would play and be a player-captain. Come on, are you kidding me. Being a captain for an event like the Ryder Cup is a full time job. You need to know what is going on at all times and who is playing well with who etc. It's hard to get a grasp of all that when you're busy playing.

Bernard Langer was smart enough to say last Ryder Cup that if he played well enough to be on the team that he would decline. Now there is someone who knows what it takes to be a captain.

The committee that picks the captains made the mistake in picking Tom in the first place. He's too young to be captain in my opinion. They should have gone with one of the older candidates. For one, it's an honor and that honor should go to the people that put in a full career around the game and that this would be like icing on the cake. I know the argument is that Tom knows these guys better because he's played with them for years but that can be a double edged sword. Some of his contemporaries may not like him or respect him.

The other reason is the one he's proving by saying he may play. He's still thinking like a player and not a captain. The US is in trouble this year when it comes to the Ryder Cup.

Meanwhile, Tom is actually playing well at the start of this year. Right now he's into the third round of the Match play tourney. Each time he hits a good shot he just pisses me off more and more.

Golf Times

How Could He Let This Happen?

2006-02-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

How in the world could Ernie Els let Bernard Langer beat him in the match play tourny going on at La Costa. I mean come on, Bernard Langer! The guy should be on the Senior Tour for Pete's sake. I understand that he keeps himself in shape and has obviously been practicing and all that crap but still. Is Ernie just not trying or is he hurt or something?

Next you'll be telling me John Daly made it through to the next round. Oh , wait a second, he did make it through to the next round. What's this world coming to?

Golf Times

Lets See Tiger Beat This Match Play Record

2006-02-22T10:10:00.000-05:00

In the quarter- finals, semi-finals and finals of the five US Amateur championships won by Bobby Jones, he stood a total of 136 holes up on his 15 opponenets. In other words, he won those 15 36-hole matches by an average of 9 and 8.

Golf Times

What Happened to Couples?

2006-02-21T09:41:00.000-05:00

He was right there, in the last round, on Sunday, coming down the stretch with a share of the lead then he self destructed. Good old Fred, a two-time champion of this event, bogeyed three of the last four holes to shoot 71 and ended the day alone in fourth place at 10-under-par 274.

The whole debacle was typified on the par 3, 16th. "That was just a really bad shot," said Couples of his tee shot on 16. "I did not want to hit it left, and hit it the other way and got a lucky bounce into the bunker." But he couldn't get up and down and fell further back. The final insult came on the 18th when he 3 putted from the fringe.

I'm like most people, I like Fred and anytime I see him in contention I'm pulling for him. I'd like to see him keep it together for a full 4 rounds one time and recapture some of that old Freddy magic.

Golf Times

Want to Hear About the New TaylorMade Fairway Woods?

2006-02-20T22:42:00.000-05:00

Well why are you reading this blog then. You should shoot on over to Sirshanksalot. He recently tried them out and gives his two cents.

Golf Times

At Least I Can Say I'm Better Than Harry Vardon In One Respect

2006-02-17T12:41:00.000-05:00

Legendary professional Harry Vardon, some say the greatest Open Champion of all-time, had only one hole-in-one during his long career.

As luck would have it, and I do mean luck, I managed to get two hole-in-ones in my anything but legendary "career" in golf.

I think I would be willing to trade that extra hole-in-one for the kind of life Harry Vardon had.

Golf Times

Words of Wisdom from the Merry Mex

2006-02-16T15:56:00.000-05:00

Lee Trevino, the Merry Mex. He has got to be the most colorful character golf has ever known outside of Walter Hagen.

I got to see him play in 2000 and followed him for a bunch of holes. The whole time I don't think he stopped talking for more than a couple minutes. The only time you could be sure he would be silent is when someone was putting.

After one hole he was walking from the green to the next tee and I was the only one walking near him. I say "near" because we weren't actually walking together, I was more like following him. Anyway, he was still talking about god knows what. I think he was just talking to hear himself talk. He was aware I was there but I don't think he was actually talking to me. At one tee he was watching Arnold Palmer playing in front of him and he said, again to no one in particuler, "Look at Arnolds caddie, look at how weighed down he looks carrying Arnold's bag. I bet he has 10 lbs of lead tape in his bag!" Then he left out his trade mark laugh.

That day he was playing with Ioki and Ioki was putting and came up about 4 feet short. Trevino then putted and blew the ball about 5 feet past. Trevino started laughing and kept saying to Ioki that there was no way he was going to be short after watching Ioki come up short. Ioki just smiled, I don't think he understands English and just went along.

That was Trevino, nothing seemed to bother him, he always looked like he was really enjoying life. Here are some words of wisdom from the Merry Mex:

1. "You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives. Both of them are so rich that neither of their husbands work.”

2. “Columbus went around the world in 1492. That isn’t a lot of strokes when you consider the course.”

3. “I’m not saying my golf game went bad, but if I grew tomatoes, they’d come up sliced.”

4. “If you’re caught on a golf course during a storm and are afraid of lightning, hold up a 1-iron. Not even God can hit a 1-iron.”

5. Talking about the 240 yd par three 17th at Merion C.C. "That's the shortest par 4 in US Open history."

6. "You want to know what pressure is, betting $5 on a round of golf when you only have $2 in your pocket."

Golf Times

I Think Erik and I Can Agree on a Few Things

2006-02-15T14:36:00.000-05:00

Erik commented on my last post and there are some points we can agree on. Here's his comment:

"No, we don't agree, because there are simply too many other variables to consider. Tempo, how much wrist hinge and "lag" a swing employs, etc. The list is huge and you can't lump it in with "all other things being equal" because that's 100 other things... it's a cop-out. The original post was silly in how simple it was, and misleading at best.

Though a taller golfer needs less angular velocity to reach clubhead velocity of 120 MPH, the weight of his arms more than counters this. "All things being equal," the taller golfer has to do more "work" to reach 120 MPH. I'm using the classic definition of work: energy expended. Not whether it feels like it's harder to do or not.

Furthermore, CoR and shaft flex do matter because a swing that's still accelerating when it reaches 120 MPH versus a swing that's slightly decelerating at impact will behave differently with the same CoR and shaft flex.

Again, the initial post and even this one are far too simple. It's misleading. There are a lot more things to golf than the speed of a clubhead at impact, regardless of how tall the people that swung them are.

It was a "dumb" post because it "dumbed" the golf swing down to a level beyond silly. "

I whole heartedly agree that without everything being equal a whole slew of variables come into play. No doubt about it.

I can also say that the question was unrealistic because they weren't taking into consideration all of those variables.

I can also agree that there is a slight difference between the clubhead accelerating to 120 when it impacts the ball as opposed to decelerating because the ball stays on the clubface for a short amount of time allowing the clubhead to continue to act on the ball for a brief amount of time. If the clubhead is accelerating it will send the ball a little farther than if it was declerating.

I also agree that there are alot more things involved than just clubhead speed at impact. For instance if you have a cheap set of clubs that aren't fitted for you, you would have a hard time out driving someone with a good, fitted set no matter how tall you are.

I even accept your explanation that it dumbed down the golf swing. Yes it did remove all the variables you had mentioned and therefore could be considered a dumbed down version of a very complex swing.

There is one thing we still disagree on. If you took a tall golfer and a short one, had a professional fit them both with the same quality clubs, I still contend the shorter guy will have to swing faster to get to 120 mph. Because of that he would most likely have to expend more jules (the unit used for measurement of energy). I say "most likely" because I really don't know for sure not ever having done an experiment. I'm surprised you seem so sure that because a tall golfer's arms weigh more than a short golfer that he will expend more jules of energy to reach 120 mph. How do you know this?

Lastly, I made the post more for entertainment than to be scrutinized and taken so seriously although for me this conversation has been fun.

Golf Times

Reply to Erik's (of The Sand Trap fame) Comment to my Last Post

2006-02-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

Erik over at The Sand Trap made a comment to my last post. Instead of just replying with another comment I decided to post my reply here. Oh and at his golf forum he also started a thread using the same comment but there he said my post was dumb. Erik, if I didn't know you better I would take that as an insult but since we're brothers in golf I prefer to believe you were just joking.

Here's my reply:

First let me say that I didn't ask that question and Chris Murphy,P.E. answered it but I do agree with his answer. Also, I think the question itself was hardly worth asking because as I alluded to in my post , 120 mph is 120mph no matter how you got there, whether you use acceleration or velocity (is that what you meant by being dumb, Erik?). That is assuming everything else is equal as the person who asked the question stated.

Now, on to your response. Let me respond to the first part (reprinted below):

[I]"Not only can people accelerate at different rates and arrive at the ball at the same speed (120 MPH), but it doesn't matter much how tall someone is in regards to acceleration."[/I]

I agree with both parts of this sentence if you assume if everything is equal. It doesn't matter at what rate you accelerate if you arrive at the ball at 120 mph it's 120 mph.

Second part of your response:

"[I]Besides, F = mv^2 is the better formula here, and that still ignores things like shaft flex, CoR, where you hit the ball on the clubface, etc. etc. etc. etc[/I]."

CoR and shaft flex shouldn't enter into this discussion because the person who asked the question says that everything else besides the person's height was equal so we have to assume these variables were the same.

Next part:

"[I]Finally, a taller person likely has longer arms, too, and since arms weigh more than a club's shaft, the taller person has to accelerate more weight to the same speed. Thus they actually likely do more work than the shorter golfer.[/I]"

I agree that a taller person has longer arms and that they weigh more but I would disagree that he has to work harder to accelerate to 120 mph. You pretty much make my point in your next paragraph:

"[I]The real advantage taller golfers have is that their swing radius is longer. If they can pivot angularly at the same rate as a shorter person, the clubhead (at the outer end of the radius) moves faster. [/I]"

A taller golfer naturally creates a longer swing arc and therefore will create a greater centrifugal force than a shorter person which means he would not have to work as hard to get the clubhead to 120 mph than a guy who has a shorter swing arc. Don't foget that everything else is equal according to the original question.

You then made an additional statement in yor forum response that you didn't make in your comment to my post:

"[I]I should have said the shorter person actually has to accelerate more quickly... since he has less distance through which to achieve the speed. Though that's only if players swing at the same tempo...[/I]"

This statement further validates my statement that the shorter guy has to work harder to accelerate his club to achieve the same impact speed as the taller golfer.

Did this make any sense or are we still standing on the opposite sides of the fence and can we all be friends?

Golf Times

Warning: Don't Read This If You Hate Physics!

2006-02-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

Below is a question and answer about hitting the the golf ball but I warn you it involves some talk about physics. If your stomach starts to wrench at the thought of reading anything related to such a vile subject then please skip this post.

On the other hand it can be explained simply by saying "What weighs more - a pound of feathers or a pound of rocks?" Of course they both weigh the same if they are both a pound.

Don't let me confuse you any further. Just read the gosh darn thing.

Q - If a 6'2" golfer swung at 120 mph, would his ball fly farther than a 5'6" golfer swinging at the same speed? All other things being equal, is this correct?
---------------------------------------
A - No, the mass and acceleration in "mass times acceleration" is the mass and acceleration of the club. All things being equal, a 120 mph club swung by anybody is a 120 mph club to the ball regardless of the person hitting it. The velocity of the ball is related to how well the momentum of the club is transferred to the ball. However, in order to accelerate the club, a 6'2" person will use less muscle to get the club up to speed compared to the 5'6" person. That is the mechanical advantage of the moment arm that you mention. Hope this helped.
Chris Murphy, P.E.
Air Force Research Lab

Moral of the story is that like everything else in life, us smaller people have to work harder to produce the same results as our height advantaged bretheren.

Golf Times

Those Lucky SOBs at Pebble Beach!

2006-02-13T16:13:00.000-05:00

While the pro's and celebs yucked it up at Pebble this weekend you know what I was doing, wrestling with the ready for the scrap heap, rusted, crumbling to the touch and porous conduit that masquerades as the plumbing under my kitchen sink.

I started out trying to replace the original offending piece. In order to do that I had to take some other pieces off. It was at this time that the trap piece took the opportunity to crack completely in half. The original leaking piece was the one going into the floor and was soldered to the copper pipe leading underneath the floor. I was affraid of lighting my house on fire by trying to loosen the weld with the torch so I tried to hacksaw the piece off - bad idea. It was still welded in there but now I had no pipe to work with. I eventually got it out by torching it from the inside of the pipe and prying it out. After replacing that piece and the trap piece I put everything back together and it worked without leaking...for a little while until a 90 degree piece decided to crack and leak - I kid you not.

After replacing that piece the joint where the 90 degree piece goes into another 90 (please don't ask why I have two 90's, I just do) leaked. I finally had to put plumber's putty in the joint to stop the leaking... for now.

All the while they were in the sunshine, the pros and the celebs, millionaires all, who can afford to have a plumber do all the crap I had to do. Oh and did I tell you I live in the NE US where we had a foot of snow this weekend.

See why I say those guys are lucky SOB's.

Golf Times

Attention Class, Face Forward!

2006-02-11T17:34:00.000-05:00

Face Forward Technology wedges that is. This company has a radical new design that is turning heads. The Sand Trap has a good review that explains the whole thing.

The last time I got a wedge they were called wedgies and it involved my underwear not a golf club.

Golf Times

Some Golf Thoughts That Make You Say "Oh Yeah, That's True"

2006-02-09T16:35:00.000-05:00

I dare you to read some of these thoughts and not identify with them. I even double dog dare you.

Here they are:

1. If you really want to get better at golf, go back and take it up at a much earlier age.

2. When you look up, causing an awful shot, you will always look down again at exactly the moment when you ought to start watching the ball if you ever want to see it again.

3. The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideas about the golf swing.

4. A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponent's luck.

See what I mean.

Golf Times

I Say We Put Them In A Vat Of Jello

2006-02-08T22:33:00.000-05:00

Morgan Pressel thinks Michelle Wie should qualify for the Women's US Open this year. She said "I don't think she needs an exemption. I've been through qualifying. Everybody who doesn't make it on the money list, other amateurs, other professionals that aren't members of the tour, they all have to go through qualifying, too. "I don't see why she shouldn't, or why she should be afraid, or expect an exemption."

Apparently she's just spoiling for a fight.

I haven't heard Michelle's reply but before this gets out of hand I have a suggestion:

Lets put them in a vat of jello and let them wrestle it out until they get all slimed and worn out.

May the best girl win. No, make that, may the most wet and wild girl win.

Golf Times

Instead of JB Holmes it Should Be LJ (Long John) Holmes

2006-02-06T19:04:00.000-05:00

Can that guy hit a ball or what. I'm telling you right now I give him permission to procreate with my wife so that I can have a son who can hit like that. I'm sure my wife would welcome the change, especially if he has a Big Bertha driver.

But getting back to golf, I think he had three drives of 350 or more. He won Q-School with six rounds in the sixties. He's the fastest person to a million dollars in winnings. He's, he's a friggin' phenom is what he is.

So why haven't I heard too much about him until now. Remember how much we heard about Howell and Badely and Scott and how these guys were the next great thing and were going to give Tiger a run for his money blah, blah, blah.

Lets hope this guy is like Coca- Cola, the real thing. I want to see Tiger sweat a little trying to keep up with someone. That would be a nice change.

Golf Times

Want to Play Free Golf?

2006-02-05T23:24:00.000-05:00

I can't say too much right now but soon I'll be able to tell you more about a new book that shows you how to play free golf, oh and make money too. Sounds cool doesn't it?

I'll let you know more when I'm allowed to. Right now it's all hush hush.

Golf Times

To Everything Turn, Turn Turn

2006-02-04T22:50:00.000-05:00

According to Sean Cochran at WorldGolf.com the key to more distance on your drive is a good shoulder turn. Check out the article, it's a good one.

Golf Times

Need Some Feedback on the new Dual Hinged Medicus

2006-02-03T11:47:00.000-05:00

One of my readers wants to hear from someone who has tried the new dual hinged Medicus. Is it any good? Is it worth the money?

Let us know.

Golf Times

Just Thought of Something

2006-02-02T14:37:00.000-05:00

The idea of marriage has its pros and cons. With John Daly that's definetly the case. Now that his wife is going off to jail for five months... he's the pro and she's the con.

Get it, pro... con he he. Alright, alright so it wasn't that funny. I told you I just thought of it.

Golf Times

Up on a Roof

2006-02-01T08:48:00.000-05:00

Here's a little interesting ditty for you, at least I thought it was. In 1926 , the first outdoor min-golf courses were built on the rooftops in New York City.

Two thoughts about that:

1. When did they start calling it putt-putt. That sounds so wimpy.

2. The roofs of those buildings in NYC must have been really windy, I bet the hole that had the windmill was the number 1 handicap.

Golf Times

The Greatest Moral of Any Story Ever Told

2006-01-31T11:46:00.000-05:00

In 1923, Who Was:

1. President of the largest steel company?

2. President of the largest gas company?

3. President of the New York Stock Exchange?

4. Greatest wheat speculator?

5. President of the Bank of International Settlement?

6. Great Bear of Wall Street?

These men were considered some of the worlds most successful of their day. Now, 80 years later, the history book asks us if we know what ultimately became of them.

The Answers:

1. The president of the largest steel company, Charles Schwab, died a pauper.

2. The president of the largest gas company, Edward Hopson, went insane.

3. The president of the NYSE, Richard Whitney, was released from prison to die at home.

4. The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cooger, died abroad, penniless.

5. The president of the Bank of International Settlement, shot himself.

6. The Great Bear of Wall Street, Cosabee Livermore, also committed suicide.

However, in that same year, 1923, the PGA Champion and winner of a major golf tournament , the US Open, was Gene Sarazen. What became of him? He played golf until he was 92, died in 1999 at the age of 95. He was financially secure at the time of his death.

The Moral: Screw work. Play golf.

Amen!

Golf Times

Did You See the Look on Olazabal's Face?

2006-01-30T18:25:00.000-05:00

Man that was priceless. It was at this weekend's Buick Invitational. Olazabal has finished his round at 10 under and is over at the driving range anticipating a playoff with Nathan Green and whoever else can join them at -10. He knows Tiger is on the 18th and needs to birdie to get into the playoff. Tiger sinks a 10 footer to birdie and the crowd roars. The cameras quick cut to Olazabal and you should have seen his face. It was was like he was saying "You gotta be kidding me, now he's in the playoff - I'm screwed!" It was so obvious, he was beaten before he even started. I'm surprised he didn't just go immediately to his curtisy car and head home. Sure enough Nathan bogeys the first playoff hole and Olazabal bogeys the next one while Woods parred both. He didn't even have to birdie to win.

I thought these guys were over this intimidation thing with Tiger? I guess not.

Golf Times

A Day In the Life...

2006-01-28T11:12:00.000-05:00

...of John Daly at the Daley Planet. Typical day, his wife gets arrested and starts a 5 month jail term. Read more about it at Mulligan Stew.

I haven't seen the show yet but I'm definetly putting it on my check it out list.

Golf Times

Stop Pulling It! You'll Go Blind!

2006-01-27T13:52:00.000-05:00

If you have a case of the pulls then I've got the cure. Well, not me but The Golf Drill Guru . All you need is a 7 iron and a chair and you'll be hitting them straight in no time.

By the way, the only way you can go blind pulling it is if you hit a tree and it bounced back into your eye. What did you think I meant?

Golf Times

Did You See Nicolette's Bob Hopes

2006-01-26T10:15:00.000-05:00

Know what I mean. Nicolette was at the Hope last weekend tagging along with her on again off again beau, what's his name, I forgot it at the moment. Anyway, she was braless and they looked fantstico or as Sienfeld said on his show "Butress Butress Gali". There is one picture that the Golf Blogger found of her over at the The Golf Channel site. Click on the Photo link. Last time I checked it was photo 186 of 200.

Unfortunately you have to go thru all photos in sequence and it's not a close up shot. Ultimately it's up to you to decide if it's worth it.

Golf Times

I Can't Wait to Try This

2006-01-25T16:32:00.000-05:00

Mediaguru has a great post over at his blog at Hooked On Golf. He describes what he saw at a golf lesson about using proper posture to to make a good swing. I tried using the method shadow swinging and I have to say it felt great. Can't wait to get out there and try it for real.

Only problem is I've had this feeling about a bazillion times before so I would say I'm catiously optimistic. We'll see.

Golf Times

USGA has Changed the Rules for Seniors

2006-01-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

USGA New Rules of Play for Next Year

Finally, we have the proper "Senior's Golf Rules"

Rule #1 - A ball sliced or hooked into the rough shall be lifted and placed on the fairway at a point equal to the distance it carried or rolled into the rough with no penalty. Senior players should not be penalized for uncontrollable mechanical phenomena.

Rule #2 - A ball hitting a tree shall be deemed not to have hit the tree. This is simply bad luck and luck has no place in a scientific game. The player must estimate the distance the ball would have traveled had it not hit the tree and can play the ball from there.

Rule #3 - There shall be no such thing as a lost ball. The missing ball is on or near the course and will eventually be found and pocketed by someone else, making it a stolen ball. The player is not to compound the felony by charging him or herself with a penalty stroke.

Rule #4 - If a putt passes over a hole without dropping in, it's deemed to have dropped. The law of gravity supersedes the law of golf.

Rule #5 - Putts that stop close enough to the cup that they can be blown in may be blown in. This does not apply to balls more than three inches from the hole. No one wants to make a travesty of the game.

Rule #6 - There is no penalty for so called "out of bounds." If penny-pinching golf club owners bought sufficient land, this would not occur The golfer deserves an apology, not a penalty.

Rule #7 - There is no penalty for ball in a water hazard as golf balls should float. That they do not is a technical problem that manufacturers have yet to overcome. Golfers should not be punished for manufacturer's shortcomings.

Rule #8 - Advertisements proclaim that golf scores can be improved by purchasing new clubs, balls, shoes, etc. Since this is financially impossible for the average senior golfer, a stroke per hole may be subtracted for using old equipment.

FORE!

Golf Times

Where Did the Term "Handicap" Come From Anyway

2006-01-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

Well, I'll tell you. The whole idea of a golf handicap dates to the 17th century when those crafty Scots borrowed the idea from horse racing. In the days of yore jockeys were handed their winnings in a cap and in time , hand-in-cap morphed into handicap.

So you see race fans, having an accurate handicap makes for a better "horse race". Then again, who ever wants the race to be fair, you want to crush the other guy when ever possible.

Golf Times

The Job At Trump National That Bill Ranson Turned Down Is Finally Open

2006-01-22T19:15:00.000-05:00

If your an Apprentice fan then you know who Bill Ranson is. If not keep reading anyway. Bill is the first winner of the Apprentice TV Show. He was given an option of taking a job at the golf course or one in Chicago. He took Chicago. I think he chose poorly.

Anyway, Trump just opened the daily fee course to little fanfair which is quite amazing. It cost 300 smackers to play but hey that includes the cart. You can read about the whole sorted story over at Daily Breeze

$300 is roughly $18 a hole or for me $3 a shot.

Golf Times

Golf Course Too Tough For You? Boo Hooo

2006-01-19T16:05:00.000-05:00

I've been hearing alot of complaining about how tough golf courses are getting. There's an article by Chris Baldwin over at Travel Golf that laments the fact that courses are getting to hard. Well I've got some advice - don't play them. There are plenty of other courses that are less difficult they can play. Also, Chris scoffs at playing the up tees but I disagree. If the designer has done his job then the course should be more playable from the closer tees. If not, then again, go somewhere else.

The people who should be worried about this trend are the owners. If people don't play their course because it's too hard then they'll lose money and I'm sure that will be the quickest driver in getting courses back under control.

But I still hear more people talk with excitement about the "brutal" course they just played then talk with excitement about the "easy" course they just played.

Sorry Chris,I think the "brutal" trend will continue.

Golf Times

Uh Ohhh. A New Precedent Has Been Set

2006-01-17T12:48:00.000-05:00

According to a Sunday Jan 15 post over at Golf Blogger, an Iowa man was struck and injured seriously during a city sponsored tournament by a golf ball while standing in the 18th fairway. The ball was hit from the first tee (sounds like my ball flight M.O.).

No big story right, happens all the time you say. Stop wasting my time with your drivel you say. Well, banana slice breath, let me tell you what happened next. The guy sued the city. The city rightly argued that there is an inherent risk to golf, all normal so far but guess what, the court thought differently. They ruled that "the city could have taken steps to protect golfers from errant shots, like planting trees or shrubs to shield the fairway on 18 from sliced shots on the 1st tee..." Has the court ever heard of Links style golf for goodness sake!

Yikes, that's trouble. Now that the lawyers have smelled blood, no course will be safe to be injured on (huh?). As Golf Blogger said, now you'll have to go to the first tee with your pro shop issued hard hat and goggles.

Maybe I should look into buying stock in the National Hard Hat and Goggle Manufacturing Co.

Golf Times

Interested In Buying Clubs? Look At These Pro Stats

2006-01-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

Lets take a look at what the pros are playing. The following is courtesy of the Darrell Survey. All stat represent the total number of times players started a round with a particular club or ball in their bag:

Driver - TaylorMade 2,205

Irons - Titleist 1,140

Fairway woods - TaylorMade 5,078

Wedge - Titleist 2,713

Putter - 2,158

Ball - Titleist 3,941

Golf Times

Michelle Looking Good on Fri - And She Played Well Too!

2006-01-14T18:10:00.000-05:00

I liked that black lycra shirt she was wearing, very sporty. But I digress. She fired a 68 on Fri in the wind and rain. Only 11 other golfers, male golfers don't foget, faired better.

I'm looking forward to seeing her make the cut and playing on the weekend. It's just a matter of time. For all you golf purists out there who don't think women shouldn't play with the men, well get used to it, I think they're here to stay.

Golf Times

That Lucky SOB

2006-01-12T17:06:00.000-05:00

Lucas Glover has got to be the luckiest goof on the face of the planet. He won a Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG by dunking his ball (in a hole not in water) on the 203 yd 5th hole at the season starting Mercedes Championchip. What makes him so lucky is the way he got it. The ball landed just about hole high and kicked almost ninety degress left following a howling wind then took one or two big bounces and hit the stick about two feet off the ground and dropped straight in. If that didn'rt hit the stick it might have been off the green.

I bet before the round started Mercedes exec's were sitting there smugly thinking their car was safe with the screaming wind and the length of the hole. Well guess again! That's the one good outcome about this whole thing - watching Mecedes cough up the keys to the car.

How many hole in one s do you have? I have two. Not bragging or anything, it's just that I have two and you don't. He he.

Golf Times

When it Comes to Paying for Golf, Are You a Cheap Bastard?

2006-01-11T10:33:00.000-05:00

If the answer is yes then I have a site for you. It's called Cheap Bastard of course. El Cheapo has some good advice on how to get good deals on golf related goodies. Go over Travel Golf and see what he's all about.

In an effort to be more PC, I think he ought to change his name to "Inexpensive Illegitimate Son" Ahhh, that's much better.

Golf Times

Wilson is Becoming More Than a Bloody Handprint on a Volleyball

2006-01-10T09:35:00.000-05:00

When I was young, make that younger, Wilson used to be THE company. Well, them and Spalding. But for golf clubs it was Wilson. Then they kind of went the way McArthur wanted to go as an old soldier - they just faded away. The only recognition they got in recent years was in the movie castaway, when Tom Hanks used a Wilson volleyball as his love interest.

But, it's a new day, Wilson is starting to awaken from it's years long slumber. They're shaking out the cobwebs and starting to come to life. They revived their Staff line and are doing the things necessary to compete with the brash upstarts.

I could go on or you could just slide on over to Golfers World and read a good article on what Wilson has been up to.

PS - I hear Dick's is having a sale on bloody handprinted volleyballs.

Golf Times

Here's Another Blog to Flog

2006-01-09T18:59:00.000-05:00

I posted a golf joke on my blog on Dec 22nd if you want to check it out and Rich at Eat Golf posted a comment saying he thought it was funny and that I should tell Jam-Boy. I didn't know what the hell he was talking about until I found Jam-Boy's blog. Great blog. Boy the internet is running rampant with great golf blogs these days.

Golf Times

Great Golf Blog to Check Out

2006-01-09T18:43:00.000-05:00

You can never have enough blogs about golf, or anything else related to golf for that matter. Well I found a good one at Golf Blogger. Check it out. Good source for stories, reviews etc and it has a forum.

Who needs Golf Digest!

Golf Times

Here's a Conversation I Had With My Brother

2006-01-08T15:41:00.000-05:00

My brother and I often critique each others swing . This is a conversation I had with my brother the other day:

Me (after coming up short on a par 3) - Hey Mark, did you see anything about my swing that time?

My Brother - Yeah, there's one thing I did notice about your swing.

Me - What's that?

My Brother - It stinks!

Golf Times

Looks Like ABC is Finally Wising Up

2006-01-05T11:31:00.000-05:00

I can't understand how these networks negotiate these huge contracts with sports when they know they will most likely lose money. If I did that in my job I'd be out on my rear. Actually, I don't have a job where I have that kind of responsibility but you get the point.

Well ABC has come to their senses. They say they have been losing money for the last 5 years on golf - yikes! They decided to walk away from negotiations even with the new, revamped and much ballyhooed golf scheduled coming out in 2007.

Maybe this will send a signal to the pros that they should support their tour a little more - hear that Tiger and Phil? You can read more about it at USA Today

Golf Times

Here's How to Score a Golf Trifecta

2006-01-04T17:06:00.000-05:00

Have you ever won a trifecta. In horse racing it's when you pick the the win, place and show horses all on the same ticket.

In golf it's something different. W.C. Fields may have completed the first golf trifecta. Legend has it that after missing a shot he threw his ball into a lake. Still angry, he then slung his clubs, bag and all, into the water. Still not satisfied he then chucked his caddie in.

Now that's a trifecta!

Golf Times

Be Wary of the Clever Golf Widow

2006-01-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

There are golf widows who lament their plight and vow revenge by doing something that would strike fear into most mortal mens wallet - shopping. Then there are those much more devious, underhanded, lechorous and dare I say clever widows who decide to teach a much harder lesson to their blissfully unaware spouses.

They decide to take up golf themselves so they can spend "quality" time with their partners on the golf course. How fun it will be they say all the while they're secretly planning the total destruction of the one part of your life you hold dear and sacred, spending time with your friends doing a sport you love.

Yes folks they're out there and you better be on your toes. That women sharing your bed could be one of them. Read this chilling story over at Think Golf and tell me it doesn't send shivers down your spine.

Be afraid, be very afraid.

Golf Times

I'm Buying Stock In Callaway and Titleist. Here's Why...

2006-01-02T21:47:00.000-05:00

If you're a stock market dabbler then you need to read this article over at Bogey Lounge and take advantage. The big golf manufacturers are only going to get bigger with Asia opening up to golf in a big way.

Hey if the big guys are going to cash in on asia why can't us little guys do the same.

Golf Times

Happy Golfing New Year!

2005-12-31T16:12:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone and here's to breaking par in 2006!

Golf Times