tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233488582024-03-21T16:45:11.413-07:00Eye On GolfEye On Golf is a biased examination of the golf world published solely for the author’s pleasure. Thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the author only. Questions and comments can be directed to Eye On Golf.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-538126897771819342012-08-31T04:42:00.000-07:002012-08-31T04:42:06.193-07:00<strong><em>Butch Harmon About Golf</em></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhxFKlZIorPMwOuT83WZ25Eqt8ytD6tCbQjaNZ7p5u-xfaqsCEbzoB2ePYqOMDWnJ4Wpkm5YnGL42K2SrlcaF1LY-o1ugYh0CRQiHPeFANmUfXDGnWeVF2tnQi2O1jLgGRdpwCg/s1600/Harmon+DVD+Cover.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhxFKlZIorPMwOuT83WZ25Eqt8ytD6tCbQjaNZ7p5u-xfaqsCEbzoB2ePYqOMDWnJ4Wpkm5YnGL42K2SrlcaF1LY-o1ugYh0CRQiHPeFANmUfXDGnWeVF2tnQi2O1jLgGRdpwCg/s1600/Harmon+DVD+Cover.bmp" /></a>In a golf world that is awash in golf instruction, Butch Harmon had added a DVD instructional video to the sea. Harmon's contribution is a two DVD volume that encompasses all aspects of the game and covers a little over four hours of instruction. He leaves virtually no part of the game untouched.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
DVD One begins with the fundamentals that are the core of the game for every golfer – Set Up (Alignment), Grip, Stance, Ball Position and Posture. This approach, learning the fundamentals before every learning how to swing the golf club, should be noted by every golfer and instructor. Harmon does a very detailed job explaining all of the fundamentals with some valuable tips on grip pressure (a nemesis for a ll golfers) and stance. I particularly like his teaching on ball position in which he emphasizes a constant ball position for all clubs. The only disappointment here is that Harmon does not discuss the importance of a preshot routine, the sum of all the fundamentals done repeatedly that gets you comfortable over the ball every time.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Next Harmon begins his discussion of the golf swing. He separates the takeaway and backswing with a discussion on both. He makes one statement that is crucial to the proper swinging of the golf club, “The weight should move in the direction that the club is traveling.” A mastery of this principle will make for a consistent and effective golf swing. Harmon finishes this section with the follow through and a few thoughts about a “Pretty Swing vs. an Efficient Swing.”</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Harmon's second section is entitled “Faults, Cures & Drills.” Its purpose is to help the golfer get rid of bad habits as quickly as possible. He covers such topics as the topped shot, slice, and shank. This section is filled with drills to help cure the bad habits.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Sections three focuses on Specialty Shots such as intentionally hitting a draw, a fade, a low shot or a high shot. Harmon walks us through the specifics of hitting each type of shot. Bear in mind, hitting these shots will take some practice and perseverance.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Sections four and five deal with the short game - the basic wedge shot, pitching, chipping and bunker play. Harmon emphasizes the importance of the short game stating that the short game encompasses 65% of the golf game. (The introduction to this section gives a great view of the Las Vegas strip.) This is valuable instruction, however, I feel that it is geared to players who have had a little experience in the game.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Harmon begins DVD #2 with a section on putting. He covers all the basics of putting. The best aspect of this section is the putting drills that Harmon gives us. He even gives a couple of drills and tips for those who have the yips.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Section 7, entitled From Good to Great, contains testimonies and discussions from nine different tour pros – Couples, Els, Mickelson, Woods, etc. It's a good mix of testimony, discussion and instruction. Pay particular attention to the “towel” drill in this section.</div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Harmon finishes the instruction with sections on Selecting Correct Clubs, Fitness in Golf and Kids/Women/ Seniors.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
Overall impression: excellent instruction on all of the basics. You will find this DVD to be most helpful if you have had some experience in the game. It is probably not for beginners.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-71751471142683088522011-05-18T03:41:00.005-07:002011-05-18T18:41:20.767-07:00THE BEST PUTTING INSTRUCTION BOOK EVER!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDd8eAFRkmVi_36bfOn1dQ-qhs9NAKoUhFQqY8hbOhXfEWfaKfLgokH7KH7_LftmtnO4dS9gsrj0JtF1Xb1BXZnuRZML99jcjr0h4_yPQFs94ihIEBbPMG6JOHgSvGyWlDzact-Q/s1600/Best+Putting+Book.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 248px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608007335541852386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDd8eAFRkmVi_36bfOn1dQ-qhs9NAKoUhFQqY8hbOhXfEWfaKfLgokH7KH7_LftmtnO4dS9gsrj0JtF1Xb1BXZnuRZML99jcjr0h4_yPQFs94ihIEBbPMG6JOHgSvGyWlDzact-Q/s320/Best+Putting+Book.JPG" /></a>Without a doubt <em>Golf Magazine</em> has a definitive propensity for instructional books. They consistently publish classy looking and user friendly instruction books that are geared to all levels of players. The latest and perhaps best ever is <em>THE BEST PUTTING INSTRUCTION BOOK EVER!.</em> As in previous volumes much of the material was previously published in Golf Magazine itself, but that does not deter from the quality or timeliness of the information. It is epitome of “everything you wanted to know about putting in one place, but didn’t know who to ask or where to find it.” And the subtitle – The 10 Brightest Minds in Putting Show You the Easy Way to Make the Hole Look Bigger and Sink More Putts – reaffirms that statement.<br /><br />The ten brightest minds include Stand Utley, Mike Adams, David Edel, Dr. David F. Wright, Mark Sweeney, Marius Filmalter, Scott Munroe, Dr. Craig Farnsworth, Maggie Will and Mike Shannon. Some of these may sound familiar and some obscure, but each has a unique approach to working with the flatstick. Each author pens a separate chapter primarily focusing on his or her area of expertise. The entire arena of putting is covered. Chapters include a full range of instruction from choosing the correct putter to building the perfect stance to reading the green to developing the stroke that fits you best to proper practice techniques. The final two chapters – How to Practice for Improvement (Farnsworth) and How to Fix Your Worst Flaws (Filmalter) – are properly placed in the book although these are the chapters to which most will gravitate first.<br /><br />An added bonus with this volume are the “Watch & Learn” icons that direct you to a website where you can view a free video from a particular instructor – a can't miss feature.<br /><br /><em>THE BEST PUTTING INSTRUCTION BOOK EVER!</em> is a visual masterpiece with a countless number of charts, diagrams and full color pictures. This is not a coffee-table book. It is a must-have in every serious golfer’s library and needs to be read and referred to constantly.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-51286306196616685122011-03-21T18:48:00.004-07:002011-03-21T18:58:03.949-07:00Why the LPGA is so great<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3t8YBZrkm8n21bxS2tG4X_3fOJNWZDsnzlJPnE1J8wy6zR598LhsqcIxGVFWjZsqVlsaSH1AtZJJn4asKdSw_44vwetcLRQDdu3BLfD-p8dbGkZXQ60pB50Nvw-yxFwi2xJuGQ/s1600/LPGA+Founder+03202011+155.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 339px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586715499752029394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3t8YBZrkm8n21bxS2tG4X_3fOJNWZDsnzlJPnE1J8wy6zR598LhsqcIxGVFWjZsqVlsaSH1AtZJJn4asKdSw_44vwetcLRQDdu3BLfD-p8dbGkZXQ60pB50Nvw-yxFwi2xJuGQ/s320/LPGA+Founder+03202011+155.JPG" /></a>We always try to impress upon our readers the fact that watching the LPGA is much more beneficial especially from a fan standpoint, i.e., the fans are much more appreciated. So here's a most applicable example from Sunday's play.<br /><br />On the tee of the 14th hole, a 168-yard par 3, Morgan Pressel and her fellow competitor Kyeong Bae had about a ten minute wait. Pressel's caddy was hungry and asked if they was anything in the bag to eat. Pressel looked but could only discover a small health bar of some kind Hardly enough to sustain her man on her bag.<br /><br />Right then three young girls ages 11, 11 and 6, came to the edge of the ropes and caught Pressel's eye. She immediately struck up a conversation with the girls asking if they had anything to eat for her caddy. The answer, of course, was shyly spoken, “No.”<br /><br />Realizing they were a bit shy Pressel continued, “Are you all golfers.”?<br /><br />With a couple of positive head shakes and a softly spoken, “Yes,” Pressel got the message.<br /><br />The girls' Mom then appeared. “Tell her your name.”<br /><br />“Morgan,” was the gentle and fateful reply. Pressel smiled and and asked the names of the other girls.<br /><br />“Lauren,” was the reply from one.<br /><br />“That's one of my best friend's names,” returned Pressel.<br /><br />“I know. It's on your sleeve,” observed Miss Lauren quickly noticing the Ralph Lauren name.<br /><br />“Very observant,” smiled Pressel.<br /><br />Pressel then dug through the bag and found three gloves. Meticulously she placed each glove on her hand and wrote. The young ladies, we expect, had no idea what was to transpire.<br /><br />It was Pressel's time to play. She switched to her game face and rifled an iron to fifteen feet. Bae hit her shot onto the green at which point Pressel handed each girl a glove personally autographed. To the young lady named Morgan she wrote, “Morgan, nice name.”<br /><br />Walking down the fifteenth fairway all three girls were wearing their gloves.<br /><br />There are many special moments in the life of a golf tournament that most often are not reported. This one marks why the LPGA is so great.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-37747635687964686972011-03-20T06:34:00.003-07:002011-03-20T07:08:17.929-07:00Ladies Links Fore Golf Magazine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlmIpF3rT5hkytZC_o3lOzX4Fbthc8gAVF2Mk3HESbFpdvoiQGq9SYE0eU5cObIr5amuCQncfKBQTB21JN6BiOZSESimnShCniFZSzv0n3DOwpVYXAik0mrxDIuc5I9mQyVzn6Q/s1600/LL4G+Magazine+003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586155690844797138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlmIpF3rT5hkytZC_o3lOzX4Fbthc8gAVF2Mk3HESbFpdvoiQGq9SYE0eU5cObIr5amuCQncfKBQTB21JN6BiOZSESimnShCniFZSzv0n3DOwpVYXAik0mrxDIuc5I9mQyVzn6Q/s320/LL4G+Magazine+003.JPG" /></a>One of the spillover benefits of any professional golf tournament is the sideshow attractions. In a way it may sometimes have the feel of a circus – not in a calamity sense but more like a curiosity seeker. For a passionate golfer or a golf nut this is always an area for fun and exploration. The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup has provided us with a small city block for discovery.<br /><br />Within this sphere of exploration we have discovered a most classy magazine dedicated to and focused on the women golfers of the world - Ladies Links Fore Golf Magazine. The magazine is the brainchild of several LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals who sought to fill a void that was created when Golf for Women passed on to the great 18 holes in the sky. Its singular purpose is to provide a written and virtual meeting place for all women golfers.<br /><br />Each issue contains articles and interviews on all aspects of the game – personalities, instruction, fashion & gear, and fitness & health. It is fashionable and elegant, filling a valuable niche in the world of women's golf.<br /><br />Affectionately billed as LL4G, it is the Official Online Amateur Golf Community of the LPGA and the website is worth a visit to get a feel for the quality of this magazine – <a href="http://www.ll4g.com/">http://www.ll4g.com/</a>.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-58793721391585515142011-03-19T08:14:00.003-07:002011-03-19T08:19:21.185-07:00Walking with the legends<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1XxRsio5_CqaPX6tyGOE3L-_MYQcYeFd_hz2lI_6eJ6twIlAeYqqeyIWJ_oTiBl9Ah8tZhCRwfAn7FuBbZLfjk5NN5tVEhAOtQM9BMXLM9PA6Y8LpUPHzaf2iqzcGUCqdb02Yg/s1600/LPGA+Founders+3182011+062+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 368px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585810059316597586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1XxRsio5_CqaPX6tyGOE3L-_MYQcYeFd_hz2lI_6eJ6twIlAeYqqeyIWJ_oTiBl9Ah8tZhCRwfAn7FuBbZLfjk5NN5tVEhAOtQM9BMXLM9PA6Y8LpUPHzaf2iqzcGUCqdb02Yg/s320/LPGA+Founders+3182011+062+-+Copy.JPG" /></a>One would hope that the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup would spur a renewed interest in the history and tradition of the game and not just the LPGA Tour but also the PGA Tour and the game in general. That, of course, has yet to been seen. There is no golf soothsayer to give us a vision of the future. But what we must do is remember the past with a view towards guiding us into the future.<br /><br />So with yesterday's exhibition match featuring Betsy King, Patty Sheehan and Nancy Lopez and a legendary spectator named Pat Bradley, the past became the present once again reminding us why we love the <a href="http://www.lpga.com/">LPGA</a>.<br /><br />So here's just a few highlights noted from walking with the legends.<br /><br />When the ladies arrived on the 15th tee box, one of the original thirteen founders showed up to observe the action. When Sheehan spotted Shirley Spork she immediately brought her to the tee and introduced her to the lucky crowd. The ovation and appreciation was three times the size of the gallery.<br /><br />Then on the 16th tee Founder Marilynn Smith appeared. Sheehan didn't pass on this opportunity either. She took hold of Smith's arm and guided her to the tee and introduced her to the crowd also.<br /><br />We're not sure many people noticed this moment, but as Brittany Lincicome was playing #11 the Legends were playing the parallel 16th. Obviously hearing the commotion, Lincicome came to the top of the rise separating the two holes, observed the scene and smiled graciously. On a mystical note, Lincicome was rewarded for honoring the “golf gods” with a fine score of 67 (-5) for the day.<br /><br />Sheehan also showed us that these gals can still play with a birdie on #16 with a 30-foot putt. The putt followed a wedge from a distance of 106 yards in a fairway bunker with the ball sitting about one foot from the lip.<br /><br />Sheehan and King are both still using putters from their days of great play on the LPGA Tour. King's Bullseye and Sheehan's 8802 both have birthdays dating back to the early 1970's.<br /><br />Yes, this exhibition was designed quite efficiently. It was a perfect fit for the theme of the event. And even though it may have been an admiration society, it was a mutual admiration society.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-19139230878212487632011-03-19T05:16:00.003-07:002011-03-19T07:57:09.291-07:00A congrats to Mr. Whan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWMsXSK_rRNk3gDpqGkr0rUOv5Pk0QUmhvGCe-bvEsiCXZn586gkd1v6jauuMfGbXWk01ky1VverTiCYHGbsqcTO8NtGwE7Hzpui3_h5fN9hE6ad-tGyVcPExddQ1El8sR4CSjg/s1600/LPGA+Founders+3182011+032.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585764658604991362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWMsXSK_rRNk3gDpqGkr0rUOv5Pk0QUmhvGCe-bvEsiCXZn586gkd1v6jauuMfGbXWk01ky1VverTiCYHGbsqcTO8NtGwE7Hzpui3_h5fN9hE6ad-tGyVcPExddQ1El8sR4CSjg/s320/LPGA+Founders+3182011+032.JPG" /></a>In the symphony that is a professional golf tournament there must be a particular theme. You know, a certain ambiance or reason-for-being. Well, it appears that Michael Whan, LPGA Commissioner for just over a year now, has struck the perfect note with the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. The event was conceived for two primary reasons: one, to get an LPGA event back to the Phoenix area after missing 2010; and two, to create an event that actually honors the Founders and history of the <a href="http://www.lpga.com/">LPGA</a>.<br /><br />Well, Mr. Whan, congrats. While you may be just putting the first notes on this piece of music, we can already hear the drums and violins blending to a crescendo.<br /><br />Let's put aside the fact that there is no real “purse” for the event although the LPGA is cooking the books a bit by counting money that would have been won on the official money list. The real story of this tournament is history. Every player that participates, every volunteer that lends his or her time, every fan that comes to watch and every scribe that punches a keyboard should reflect first on the history of the LPGA and what it means to the game.<br /><br />With the Founders Cup we are presented with the thirteen founders of the LPGA. There is a “Walk of Fame” - individual pictures of each of the founders - directly in the path of every player and spectator. Then there is the presence of three founders still with us today – Shirley Spork, Marilyn Smith and Louise Suggs – ever present and mingling with the fans.<br /><br />And then there was an exhibition match with Betsy King, Patty Sheehan and Nancy Lopez. Pat Bradley who was also scheduled to play but withdrew with an injury walked the 18 holes with her contemporaries. The group played a full round constantly interacting with the crowds which were plentiful. If these names sound familiar to you, they should. They are the second generation of LPGA greats who continued what the founders started.<br /><br />And then there is the tournament itself – the present and the future of the game. Those of us the love the LPGA can only hope that the tournament itself produces founders of a different sort leaning toward a bright and shining future.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-33543558123846415932011-03-17T10:06:00.000-07:002011-03-17T10:07:20.711-07:00Field set for RR Donnelley LPGA Founders CupThe field has been set for the inaugural edition of the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. There's 134 players who will be playing for the charity of their choice. The field was brought to completion on Tuesday with an 18-hole qualifying round. Added to the competition were Haru Nomura and Amelia Lewis who captured the final spot with a par on the fourth playoff hole.<br />So here we are, the first RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. And here's a few fun facts about the field.<br /><br />Four of the top ten players in the Rolex World Rankings will be present: Yani Seng (#1), Jiyai Shin (#2), Christie Kerr (#5), and Karrie Webb (#10). The lone American in the top ten not competing is Michelle Wie (curious). Outside the top ten but most interesting to watch is Paula Creamer – elegant and gritty. And don't pass up the chance to see the great veterans Julie Inkster and Laura Davies – a bit of LPGA walking history.<br /><br />Just so you don't get the plays confused, there is one Han and one Hanna, one Hill and one Hull, but there are two Hurst's. And then there are two Kang's but only one Lang and one Yang. There's two more Oh's, two Park's but only Pak and two Shin's.<br /><br />But it gets more complicated when you consider the seven Kim's and five Lee's. And if you attend you'll see three Song's.<br /><br />And be sure to buy and program and pay attention to the walking scoreboards.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-16465819613702391222011-03-16T03:57:00.003-07:002011-03-16T12:08:50.775-07:00RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup gets new trophy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjak3dIK2vf1IYznubABl-f8WJnVIQ1A-3TjINAWsG5xNGNt463I6SmhIWBsr1CYQyjtp1wHoapDBcUmk8DLgBdBicRIlwkDtWrwc2Cp3Yov_qKkvy541LFSX2rnWRdQk1IbTElDA/s1600/image006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584630773435026754" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 304px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjak3dIK2vf1IYznubABl-f8WJnVIQ1A-3TjINAWsG5xNGNt463I6SmhIWBsr1CYQyjtp1wHoapDBcUmk8DLgBdBicRIlwkDtWrwc2Cp3Yov_qKkvy541LFSX2rnWRdQk1IbTElDA/s320/image006.jpg" border="0" /></a>It is fitting, of course, for an inaugural event to get a brand new trophy. Every golf tournament needs to have a trophy go to the winner – even if there is no check to go along with it. So the <a href="http://www.lpga.com/">LPGA</a> can feel good in the fact that the winner of this year's inaugural RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup will receive a new and perpetual trophy. The new trophy was announced and unveiled yesterday.<br /><br />Since it is the “Founders Cup,” the trophy has been modeled after the LPGA logo. To this we say – brilliant. Nothing could be more appropriate. LPGA – LPGA Founders Cup – LPGA logo – Get it?<br /><br />The perpetual trophy, created by renowned artist and sculptor Malcolm DeMille, is an impressive three-dimensional replica of the LPGA logo, symbolizing the association rich in history. The RR Donnelley Founders Cup Trophy, cast in bronze and polished with highlights to emphasize the logo, stands nearly 20 inches tall.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-5801724276013743982011-03-15T05:44:00.001-07:002011-03-15T12:19:25.841-07:00LPGA returns to PhoenixThe LPGA returns to Phoenix this week after a one year hiatus. The event is the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup to be played at the Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Phoenix, Arizona.<br /><br />The tournament is a touch quirky in that there is no real “purse” for which the players will be competing. Rather, well, let me give you the words of the LPGA for an accurate explanation taken straight from this link <a href="http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=27726&mid=1">http://www.lpga.com/content_1.aspx?pid=27726&mid=1</a>.<br /><br /><em>The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup is a one-of-a-kind event that will honor the past, celebrate and showcase the present and provide for the future of the game. Come Sunday, $500,000 will be donated to the LPGA Foundation and its LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program, and another $500,000 to player-designated charities. The $500,000 allotted for player-designated charities is a pool which will be distributed to the top-10 finishers with the following breakdown: 1st: $200,000; 2nd: $100,000; 3rd: $55,000; 4th: 40,000; 5th: $30,000; 6th: $25,000; 7th: $20,000; 8th: $15,000, 9th: $10,000; 10th: $5,000.<br /><br />While LPGA players will forgo tournament earnings in favor of charity, results at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup will impact the 2011 LPGA Official Money List. Players also will earn points towards Rolex Player of the Year, Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year, Rolex Rankings and U.S. Solheim Cup team. Scores posted also will count towards the prestigious Vare Trophy.</em><br /><br />Now we really have little interest in all the money stuff, although we're sure that's not the case with the competitors. Nevertheless, the concept of having a Founders Cup is a marketing stroke of genius. And that's why the LPGA hired Michael Whan a little more than a year ago – for his marketing background.<br /><br />He's taking a giant step in the right direction here.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-64880461893018716122010-10-30T07:18:00.002-07:002010-10-30T07:32:46.043-07:00Golf's 'Other' Rules<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWXNXBOutR4Xe3GYm5l4VxGZLh91kbL2NqaFn8X8Qbl_jpCRosb6_CjNnXg12RAKYMRDkqWngMW-uxMLUAo80R25TSD3mzYTIziS6QYx7vynAe3FT13XtcqqsCdBMlUyzXEYyIQ/s1600/090321-230105-089001%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533846641336148946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 98px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWXNXBOutR4Xe3GYm5l4VxGZLh91kbL2NqaFn8X8Qbl_jpCRosb6_CjNnXg12RAKYMRDkqWngMW-uxMLUAo80R25TSD3mzYTIziS6QYx7vynAe3FT13XtcqqsCdBMlUyzXEYyIQ/s320/090321-230105-089001%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a>Recently a very useless piece of golf literary paraphernalia has been brought to my attention. It is a survey piece on GolfDigest.com that delves into <a href="http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2010-10/rules-survey">Golf's 'Other' Rules</a>. These are not the sacrosanct rules of the game so meticulously elaborated by the USGA and the R&A. Rather these are the nuances of etiquette that we encounter everyday at every golf courses.<br /><br />For instance, does your favorite course allow denim? How about collarless shirts? What about the combination of both. Survey says ...<br />COURSES THAT ALLOW DENIM (BLUEJEANS)<br />PRIVATE: 37%<br />PUBLIC: 68%<br /><br />THOUGHT: Frankly, if you want to wear bluejeans and a tee shirt and play golf, find an empty framer's field and have a go.<br /><br />And here's another etiquette gem in our modern golf world: cell phone usage. Survey says ...<br />COURSES THAT ALLOW CELL-PHONE USAGE<br />PRIVATE: 83%<br />PUBLIC: 98%<br />18% of all courses that allow cell phones forbid their use on the golf course.<br /><br />THOUGHT: If you really need to use your cell-phone, stay off the golf course.<br /><br />And last, but not least in the survey ...<br />COURSES WHERE GOLF CARTS ARE MANDATORY<br />PRIVATE: 13%<br />PUBLIC: 11%<br /><br />THOUGHT: If a golf course informs you that carts are mandatory, you know that course does not have the game of golf at heart (nevermind your own heart-health). You'll know it's all profit motive. Find another track for your ball.<br /><br />There's more in the survey, so have a read. It's fun but it will also stir your interest.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-13420434453535293672010-10-09T04:28:00.003-07:002010-10-09T04:48:14.263-07:00Mr Hogan, The Man I Knew<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KmSQNoXEVQ2fk_EFqWnVcNs6Gw7ZVOTDDL_J0CGLbjT4rPh_SsE1SGf49eJlI_MoVBK8rRaISa5yyjhE9tSE2aPTgCyFO3NPFQeIoQ5B-gwt1-A1YgKgvx6slpgfSOo9nrxQAg/s1600/Mr.+Hogan+010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526009868690634018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KmSQNoXEVQ2fk_EFqWnVcNs6Gw7ZVOTDDL_J0CGLbjT4rPh_SsE1SGf49eJlI_MoVBK8rRaISa5yyjhE9tSE2aPTgCyFO3NPFQeIoQ5B-gwt1-A1YgKgvx6slpgfSOo9nrxQAg/s320/Mr.+Hogan+010.JPG" border="0" /></a>(Reviewed by Dave & Ellie Marrandette) <div><br />There have been a countless number of books and articles written about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hogan">Ben Hogan</a>, several of which are sitting on our shelves. Most deal with the technicalities of his golf swing (with a few asserting to have discovered his “secret”), or they are biographical in nature claiming to let us know Ben Hogan the man. But, regardless of the biographical slant, all but a couple are able to capture the real Ben Hogan. Some relate the famous Hogan stories with which all avid golf fans are familiar, but no book on Hogan reveals the caring, human side of the man the way that <a href="http://www.lpga.com/player_results.aspx?id=562">Kris Tschetter</a> does.</div><div><br />What makes this book so appealing and captivating is its warmhearted look at Hogan through a most unexpected friendship. In a perfect blending of graciousness, insight, and sports history, Tschetter has humanized the golf legend through her first work of non-fiction, <em>Mr. Hogan, The Man I Knew</em>. Tschetter has played on the LPGA Tour since 1988 and she joined with author Steve Eubanks for this book.</div><div><br />With an unpretentious eye she has given us a unique and inside perspective into the soul of a larger than life golf icon. Through her eyes we find that Ben Hogan was not the cold and uncaring persona that the sports world proclaimed him to be, but a caring individual who respected the regimented and disciplined actions of a young girl striving for perfection and reached out to help. As seemingly different as two souls could be, they became kindred spirits in their quest for precision in the game of golf. How she met Mr. Hogan, how he helped her game and how she respectfully sets the record straight on a few so-called “facts” of the game is the charm of this book. While it is in part biographical, it is a heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest golfers who ever graced the fairways.</div><div><br />Tschetter also did some digging through her pictorial archives to provide us with a few personal and priceless photos. Most interesting is a four page photo spread of Hogan's swing which Tschetter believes is the last time his swing was filmed.</div><div><br />Mr Hogan is a gentle and brisk read uncomplicated by golf lingo and technicalities. It is a relationship story that would almost seem like great fiction if you didn't know it was true. Gentlemen golfers, give this to your wife. Lady golfers, make sure your husband reads this to see that golf is more than swinging a club at a ball.</div><div><br /><em>Mr. Hogan, The Man I Knew</em> is one of my top five golf books of the year – an absolute must for all golfers to read.</div><div><br />(<em>Mr. Hogan, The Man I Knew</em> is due to be released by Gotham Books on October 14, 2010.)</div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-74301926860347930392010-10-05T04:53:00.002-07:002010-10-05T05:00:53.506-07:00A few notes from the Ryder Cup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-tU4d9IHs2qfQlQUkdoBnJgRIALj84EyQbiEJy6MbwziVe9LdCUGiZYouatoGbTnhM88T4xeC7eCt6xYV-w_6R66NLGeUovl6wmqjZmsdTLslzNoogo7jr7ekF2oD_sR7UPsWw/s1600/Ryder+Cup+Cart.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524529928358772642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-tU4d9IHs2qfQlQUkdoBnJgRIALj84EyQbiEJy6MbwziVe9LdCUGiZYouatoGbTnhM88T4xeC7eCt6xYV-w_6R66NLGeUovl6wmqjZmsdTLslzNoogo7jr7ekF2oD_sR7UPsWw/s320/Ryder+Cup+Cart.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here are a few immediate thoughts from the <a href="http://rydercup.com/">Ryder Cup </a>with more to come later.<br /><br />With the two weather delays and the change in format it was difficult to determine who was doing what to whom especially during session three with two foursome matches and four four-ball matches. Then to complicate the matter a couple of groups played through slower groups. And I fear NBC didn’t have a total grasp of the situation either.<br /><br />Speaking of <a href="http://www.nbc.com/">NBC</a>, they truly lived up to their moniker – Nothing But Commercials. Using Arizona time as a reference (the same as Pacific Time now), from 6:00 AM to 7:00AM Sunday morning, NBC put in eleven commercial breaks. That’s eleven as in 1 -1. It really got old hearing the announcers say, “While we were away…”<br /><br />The time difference, at least from the location of our easy chair, made the event less than enjoyable. Now I realize that there’s nothing that can be done about that, but it still had an effect on our enjoyment.<br /><br />Best Answer to a Question: Graeme McDowell when asked to compare the pressure of contending in a <a href="http://www.usga.org/">U.S. Open</a> versus playing in the Ryder Cup. In summary he said in the U.S. Open you’re all alone out there but in the Ryder Cup you’ve got your teammates and thousands of fans routing for you.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-52317988752152890402010-10-03T05:44:00.001-07:002010-10-03T05:46:40.030-07:00More rain in WalesPlay is just resuming at the <a href="http://rydercup.com/">Ryder Cup</a>. There was more rain in Wales. I'm shocked.<br /><br />With this additional delay it is impossible for the event to finish and Sunday afternoon. The time there should be about 1:30 PM. There are still six matches yet to complete play – two foursomes and four four-ball. That should suck most of the daylight out of the day with perhaps just a couple hours remaining to start the singles. Perhaps it would be best to play all of the singles matches tomorrow. At least that move would put a little drama back into the event. With all of the delays, jagged starts and stops of the matches, a confused television schedule this event needs some kind of drama. The most it has had is the USA rain-suit controversy.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-39181482370303019582010-10-02T05:57:00.002-07:002010-10-02T06:00:15.665-07:00Saturday at the Ryder Cup equals lots of golf<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLA2RzWSppFT_HIXM0H2fOrrFltAM4UAH6emsKmlP7_LZojdLAFX2h4UI06QEKGBmd9dCps5n7646jFdjpqtLgbgoy3qJyEpPwyWOfuDwm446SnwAU8FlOXJtpMARyWsE0rc10cA/s1600/Ryder+Cup+Cart.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523432520102008050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLA2RzWSppFT_HIXM0H2fOrrFltAM4UAH6emsKmlP7_LZojdLAFX2h4UI06QEKGBmd9dCps5n7646jFdjpqtLgbgoy3qJyEpPwyWOfuDwm446SnwAU8FlOXJtpMARyWsE0rc10cA/s320/Ryder+Cup+Cart.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Okay, so, like, whatever. Corey and Colin have figured out a new and revised schedule for the waterlogged <a href="http://www.rydercup.com/">Ryder Cup</a>. (You must admit that it takes so powerful foresight to schedule a major golf event in an area of the world that experiences on the average 152+” of rain at this time of year.)</div><div><br />When the four four-ball matches finish this morning (or whatever time of day it is wherever you are), then and only then will play commence involving six foursomes matches. This will involve all twelve players. The next session, which they are calling session three, which will commence when all the matches of session two are finished, will then contain two foursome and four four-ball matches again using all twelve players of each side. The final session will feature the twelve singles matches hopefully finishing sometime on Sunday.</div><div><br />The good news is that it get late early in Wales this time of year (my apologies to Yogi), so playing time is limited. My inside sources have informed me that the PGA's of USA and Europe tried to convince a young Welshman named Joshua to affect the sun for twenty-four hours but he declined claiming that the previous occurrence was a one-time thing.</div><div><br />The experts seems to think that this revised schedule gives an edge to the Europeans because they have twelve men on their squad but the U.S. has just twelve on their squad.</div><div><br />We'll see.</div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-65273461495526513752010-10-01T04:23:00.001-07:002010-10-01T04:27:38.821-07:00Up early for a weather delay at Ryder Cup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUOTkpzvPLJi9gvglcjXUvTgpErYdb8tOOj7DuYaQcqXs5nSFrWKy_32pfatYbWs-C0jnx0UhCoMc4ztMAzx4RFlB-nQ8xVm-tiRus2qjdH1jNAfJNG81R1BWPhWLqb83T-PVCg/s1600/Ryder+Cup+Cart.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523037699417486898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUOTkpzvPLJi9gvglcjXUvTgpErYdb8tOOj7DuYaQcqXs5nSFrWKy_32pfatYbWs-C0jnx0UhCoMc4ztMAzx4RFlB-nQ8xVm-tiRus2qjdH1jNAfJNG81R1BWPhWLqb83T-PVCg/s320/Ryder+Cup+Cart.JPG" border="0" /></a>A collection early morning thoughts as we wait for the rain to stop in Wales... <div><br />So I'm having a little identification issue with this <a href="http://www.rydercup.com/">Ryder Cup </a>thing being held in Wales. You see, I rose early in the morning to catch a little of the action live. (Well, that's not the only reason I rose early, but further explanation involves too much detail.) I would really prefer to watch the action as it unfolds in real time as opposed to being at the mercy of NBC and their selective editing and broadcasting of Nothing But Commercials. You see, the live action issue is really not a time problem but really a space problem. There happens to be eight hours of space between Arizona and Wales. Apparently it's time-space problem.</div><div><br />Back to the live action ... Was it live action we got? No sir, Shankopotamus. It's raining in Wales, raining Welsh Corgies and Pole Cats. It's raining so hard that the course is flooded and play has been suspended until the course is playable. Now there's a wager I suspect that the British bookies had not figured on – How many weather delays? The computer live feed showed puddles and a duck – after the obligatory commercial.</div><div><br />Puddles and a duck – that just doesn't compute here in the Arizona desert. That's here in the Arizona desert where the temperature is still over 100 degrees in the daytime. And rain- yeah, sure. Fat chance and slim chance on that. But at least the golf courses are open.</div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-38103316040202637262010-09-30T04:33:00.002-07:002010-09-30T04:36:54.617-07:00Euro side to win Ryder Cup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qy4BMspmrUno2vZIMDuDLYwJSxDKx2j-mHrfsnh2XNwDAQW1-A7oDt2M_FbhnmhBvP8-IyfILQq8oJ9Tty-boOXfh9Vbq1dr1p7nnr0DaiQxEDUj7CETZ3yKm7tM3Eg35G4w8A/s1600/Ball+near+hole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522668831517858002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 91px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qy4BMspmrUno2vZIMDuDLYwJSxDKx2j-mHrfsnh2XNwDAQW1-A7oDt2M_FbhnmhBvP8-IyfILQq8oJ9Tty-boOXfh9Vbq1dr1p7nnr0DaiQxEDUj7CETZ3yKm7tM3Eg35G4w8A/s320/Ball+near+hole.jpg" border="0" /></a>It is no secret that the European Team is the heavy favorite to win the 2010 version of the Ryder Cup. If I had a Euro in my pocket, I would surely make the wager. The question is why are the Euros almost guaranteed a victory? <div><br />The answer comes down to a combination of two elements: team composition and course set-up. The U.S. Team is laden with bombers who occasionally visit areas of the golf course generally not intended for normal play. If this were a heavyweight boxing match, it wouldn't last much longer than a Liston-Clay fight. But it's not. <em>SIDEBAR: Golf has no time limit. If you don't believe me just wait until you see the pace of play. END SIDEBAR.</em> On the other hand the players on the European team tend to keep the ball in play.</div><div><br />Hence Captain Montgomerie's decision on course set up – somewhat generous landing areas right about the distance where his team's drives will finish and thick, salad-bar rough waiting if you miss the fairway. Montgomerie has simply taken away the length factor of the U.S. Team and reduced the entire match to approach shots and putting.</div><div><br />Should be a less than dramatic win for the European side.</div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-36039902968333773072010-08-16T04:33:00.004-07:002010-08-16T04:43:36.510-07:00PGA of America blows the call<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_VBh3oCmUo0XBQtLmRElNiSYA35Nf9q7-Ti1q8O9wN4tuHnEyFvgwnFpXK4rBh_G6QfJAuJ7FSDe_5QaXrnIyH9nrEnSND3sbef-LTtQzAcUI-EGmfwZ0qVpLxSbNNsAmL9pjQ/s1600/DSCF5452.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505970455552009106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_VBh3oCmUo0XBQtLmRElNiSYA35Nf9q7-Ti1q8O9wN4tuHnEyFvgwnFpXK4rBh_G6QfJAuJ7FSDe_5QaXrnIyH9nrEnSND3sbef-LTtQzAcUI-EGmfwZ0qVpLxSbNNsAmL9pjQ/s320/DSCF5452.JPG" border="0" /></a>What a shame! The final major the year which had excitement equal to a seventh game of the World Series went down in flames with one bad call.<br /><br />Now golf is an objective sport. There is very little subjectively to the rules of the game – at least that's what the rule makers would like to have us think. And they almost pull it off except for that little, 1200+ page volume they publish every time – <a href="http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-01/">The Decisions on the Rules of Golf</a>. That volume puts every rule into subjectivity.<br /><br />But when the <a href="http://www.pga.com/">PGA of America </a>rules officials decided to assess Dustin Johnson with a two stroke penalty at the end of play yesterday and eliminate him from a playoff, they stuck by the objectivity of the rule. This particular rule being “the player is not allowed to ground his club in a hazard.” At this point they blew it – plain and simple.<br /><br />No, they didn't blow the rule, they blew the call. Even Johnson said he knows the rule. But in their own defense the PGA will tell us they published a local rules sheet for the tournament stating that some of the 1,000,000+ bunkers at Whistling Straits may be outside the spectator ropes but they are still to be considered bunkers. Not a problem – if you can identify the area as a bunker. And herein lies the problem. It exists on two levels.<br /><br />First, why in the world would the PGA allow spectator to tramp and tromp through bunkers that could be potentially in play. And I'm sorry, the argument about getting the spectators closer to the action is a cop out. Yes, and we heard that some of these bunkers were “cosmetic.” Please! If it's a “cosmetic” bunker, then don't treat it like a normal bunker. And as a corollary to this, if you can't identify a sandy patch as a bunker because it has been trampled by the hordes, then how on earth would you expect a player to identify it especially if he is on the last hole of a major championship needing a par to win?<br /><br />Second, with a major championship on the line, why in the name of Old Tom Morris was there no PGA Rules Official right there with Johnson? And the argument here that the rules officials are not supposed to get involved falls flat. If a rules official had gotten involved, this whole major embarrassment would never have occurred. Having a rules official right on the spot to clarify any confusion would have a most satisfying gesture.<br /><br />Even the experienced CBS sports crew had no idea.<br /><br />The sad part of the whole incident is that the PGA could have taken charge of the situation and ruled no penalty simply because Johnson hardly knew he was in a bunker with all of the people standing around him and the fact that the bunker had been virtaully destroyed during the past seven days. The PGA could have done what was right. They chose not to.<br /><br />Honestly this situation is akin to the building of a mosque near the sight of Ground Zero. Someone may have the right to build such a structure, but it is not the proper thing to do. The PGA had the right to assess the penalty on Johnson, but it was not the proper thing to do.<br /><br />It's a sad day for the PGA of America.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-79508474861372617502010-08-03T04:30:00.002-07:002010-08-03T04:38:34.865-07:00aboutGolf PGA Tour Simulator<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegstq62OktuHVU-nU5G0j-tWkEJNLKWkXuNJF5j1q-sBYLLPNqtckIY3PMjVWgOg73vWF5V04IyLoO8yu4-GtEtBzxVgLq_m-hMty8UjZyt8fB7zsBOCGy81G0W2ejKEMxMuGAA/s1600/Compact+Sim.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501145431551968194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegstq62OktuHVU-nU5G0j-tWkEJNLKWkXuNJF5j1q-sBYLLPNqtckIY3PMjVWgOg73vWF5V04IyLoO8yu4-GtEtBzxVgLq_m-hMty8UjZyt8fB7zsBOCGy81G0W2ejKEMxMuGAA/s320/Compact+Sim.jpg" border="0" /></a>Okay, now this is fun and I've always wanted one of these. It sort of falls under the category of big boys and their toys. And while this item tends to be on the periphery of the world of golf, we feel it is our duty to pass the information along. And I'm sure someone else wants one of these also.<br /><br />So, let's examine (with a few pertinent observations) the newest aboutGolf PGA TOUR Compact SimSurround – the 15-foot version.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aboutgolf.com/">aboutGolf</a> is the world leader in indoor golf simulator technology and has pioneered the three-screen simulator which allows the player a greater potential for a real world experience. Meaning that very little additional atmosphere is required to give you the total realization. For instance, if you choose to play St. Andrews, all you need is an oversized, high speed fan blowing right into your face (add an artificial downpour if you so desire). Or, if you play a course in the desert, add a couple of high intensity heat lamps for special effects.<br /><br />The newest model is the 15-foot wide version that is tagged as ideal for residences and indoor golf centers. The total dimensions of this newest golf toy are 15 feet wide by 20 feet long by 10 feet, 6 inches high. Now I don't care if the local indoor golf center has one of these, but if I lived in northern Minnesota in the winter I would surely want one in my basement. I would emerge from the depths of frozen hell in the late springtime with my game ready for the dollar nassau.<br /><br />It comes complete with PGA TOUR Software for range and course play, <a href="http://simulators.aboutgolf.com/courses/">29 standard courses</a>, 3Trak ball-tracking technology and club data, as well as screen, enclosure, computer and turf. That's right, 29 courses at your finger tips and all real (or at least fictitiously conventional) – except one. Remember the Fantasy Holes by artist Loyal H. (Bud) Chapman? Well, with the aboutGolf simulator you can actually play this course. Imagine playing the 291-yard par-4 at St Ludiwg's Golf Club in the shadow of Neuschwanstein Castle? Now that would be fun.<br /><br />Holy golf ball, Batman, there's a real and a fantasy golf resort right is your basement.<br /><br />If there is one ultimate golf toy to possess, this is it!Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-73207660716990839432010-07-07T04:29:00.002-07:002010-07-07T04:33:02.896-07:00Tom Watson: Lessons of a Lifetime<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVJc0riTV-OmIbQmZVxtik91IxubN07gpuMv-N8o-1pt8kFewKek2iLiBz6-yr2oM0gpGURq0DHTzcbtBAl_HalzBHVn_r_cVi6UGoSCtSzTcQCx9eOjftEsgqeo-JwI_LUCBDA/s1600/dvd_case_landing%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491125526825496882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVJc0riTV-OmIbQmZVxtik91IxubN07gpuMv-N8o-1pt8kFewKek2iLiBz6-yr2oM0gpGURq0DHTzcbtBAl_HalzBHVn_r_cVi6UGoSCtSzTcQCx9eOjftEsgqeo-JwI_LUCBDA/s320/dvd_case_landing%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a>There seems no better occasion than this period between the <a href="http://www.usga.org/">U.S. Open </a>(Father's Day) and the British Open to discuss <em>Tom Watson: Lessons of a Lifetime</em>. There is nostalgia at both ends. Watson just completed what may be his final appearance in the U.S. Open appropriately at Pebble Beach, site of his momentous 1982 U.S. Open victory. He also just happened to have his son “on the bag” during the tournament. Now he is about to return to the British Open, this year being played at St. Andrews. You will, of course, remember the heart break from last year, losing in a playoff last year at age 59.<br /><br />In between all of this Watson has produced <em>Lessons of a Lifetime</em>. There are few who have learned how to play the game like Watson. He always seemed to have just the right shot at the right time. Exhibit A, of course, is the chip-in on the 17th at Pebble Beach in the last round of the 1982 U.S. Open. There is no better player to listen to and learn from concerning how to play the game.<br /><br />Make no mistake. This is an instructional two-disc set. It runs almost three hours and is neatly divided into two distinct parts. In Disc One Watson focuses on the fundamentals of the game (grip, setup, aim, etc.) and then gets into the golf swing. Disc Two holds the Watson specialty – the short game. In his prime there was no one better. Watson gives us the basics of the short game and also some of the intricacies around the green. This instruction is worth the price.<br />Fittingly, Watson ends Disc Two with a tribute to his longtime friend and caddie Bruce Edwards. Anyone with a sense of history for the game is aware of the story. Have a hankie ready for this part.<br /><br />For any golfer, regardless of skill or involvement in the game, <em>Lessons of a Lifetime</em> is a must have. How could anyone pass up a learning experience from one of the greats of the game.<br /><br />This DVD set is available at <a href="http://www.tomwatson.com/">http://www.tomwatson.com/</a>, Watson's new website. This is a place you will also want to linger for a while.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-57053126512450482252010-06-26T06:44:00.002-07:002010-06-26T06:48:41.775-07:00Homer Kelley's Golfing Machine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmqrR6PMsdPvv3zDo55WTVKvn3PJ6C7juhpb400TsN5IJ8dJocj_OxBQepEwowFm12glr1ni-3wi0X9aSp7oL5DFjGWlcLJk6N5M1vVGdvsPK6RKOA8bMFNmfdY8Giig1ACtG5A/s1600/Homer+Kelley+Publish.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487078269672716290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmqrR6PMsdPvv3zDo55WTVKvn3PJ6C7juhpb400TsN5IJ8dJocj_OxBQepEwowFm12glr1ni-3wi0X9aSp7oL5DFjGWlcLJk6N5M1vVGdvsPK6RKOA8bMFNmfdY8Giig1ACtG5A/s320/Homer+Kelley+Publish.JPG" border="0" /></a>If you are a die-hard golfer, chances are you are obsessed with swing mechanics, always trying to find that one swing key to gain distance and narrow the shot pattern. So if you are in this category, it is likely that you have encountered Homer Kelley's monumental work <em><a href="http://www.thegolfingmachine.com/">The Golfing Machine</a></em>. Kelley's ground breaking and eccentric study of the golf swing became cult-like in the world of golf instruction.<br /><br />But what would drive a man to spend virtually his entire life in the pursuit of solving the conundrum of the golf swing? The answer lies in the explanation of how a man could play golf for the first time and score 116 and then six months later with no play or practice in between shoot a 77. Kelley's lifelong passion became the 39 stroke difference between those two scores.<br /><br />Scott Gummer has taken a sensitive and judicious examination of the man and his work in an effort to help us appreciate the genius behind the most comprehensive study of the golf swing. <em>The Golfing Machine</em> is slightly more technical than the NASA Flight Manual but in Kelley's mind all the technicalities were necessary to completely dissect the golf swing. Yet, Gummer does not attempt to explain <em>The Golfing Machine</em> to us but rather reveal the man. He accomplishes this unmistakably. You will come away with a much more acute understanding of how one man, a non-golfer, could accomplish such a task.<br /><br />Gummer also gives us insight into the book itself which took on a life of its own. Kelley labored for over twenty years before he published the book. When he did, the seeds of The Golfing Machine grew slowly. But Kelley persisted and finally found a teaching disciple in Ben Doyle and eventually playing disciple in Bobby Clampett. Gummer relates this life to us throughout the second part of the book.<br /><br />If you are a golf swing aficionado, and especially if you are fascinated by <em>The Golfing Machine</em>, <em>Homer Kelley's Golfing Machine</em> is an absolute must read. It gives us greater awareness into the mystery we know as the golf swing.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-16507689402970251822010-06-10T04:18:00.003-07:002010-06-10T04:23:13.467-07:00How much are you willing to pay for a round of golf?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzStHHGEnjmHZDZCwIlwc-gCdIiMLNsnB1YXflBPas61fZY60_6QG5V5JEvrf-zTdzziAlS7rzqCr-QESql3HfdjOhSAnrlAOMNVbulIJTyaFQZDUvn5CWMOzRU6zzoP5y7wP8Dw/s1600/Money.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481103372084425986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzStHHGEnjmHZDZCwIlwc-gCdIiMLNsnB1YXflBPas61fZY60_6QG5V5JEvrf-zTdzziAlS7rzqCr-QESql3HfdjOhSAnrlAOMNVbulIJTyaFQZDUvn5CWMOzRU6zzoP5y7wP8Dw/s320/Money.jpg" border="0" /></a>So the question for today, my dear golfing friends, is what is public golf access? To put it another way, how much are you willing to pay for a round of golf?<br />What prompted this reflection is the upcoming U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Pebble Beach, as you know, is open to the public – if you have enough money? The current price is $495 for a round of golf.<br /><br />For most this is a bit exorbitant, a touch on the high side of the green fee scale. Others will go great extremes to come up with the prescribed fare. For a few classic stories on what it might take for most of us to unfold $495, we recommend <a href="http://www.thegolfchannel.com/tour-insider/public-access-pebble-beach-golf-links-37299/">Randall Mell’s fun story </a>at TheGolfChannel.com.<br /><br />To put all of this is perspective, allow me to relay this short story. We spent the summers of 2005 and 2006 in Buffalo, Wyoming. Now Buffalo has a wonderful, scenic 18-hole golf course. It sits right at the base of the Big Horn Mountains and is appropriately designated as the <a href="http://www.buffalowygolf.com/">Buffalo Golf Club</a>. The course is regularly listed in the top five in the state. At the time we were there, the cost of a membership was $450 for a couple to play unlimited golf. (The cost is now $500 per year.) This included only the greens fee. Carts, if you so desired, we an additional charge. Yes, there were a couple of steep climbs from green to tee, but if you sucked in your gut, walking was no problem. My common statement to folks was that you could play a whole season in Buffalo, WY for about the same cost as one round of golf at Pebble Beach.<br /><br />You make the call.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-71325757826872163282010-06-02T05:24:00.003-07:002010-06-02T05:27:00.067-07:00Straight Down the Middle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM36kNFI0518Yf-_KCquUr0F5zjSZRVf9z9MKO-uVSXoh_zKxObG-ikWXh-7EnUkfoi6zjKJxFCUMbrov2lvqSEoJmhqz6qknGEgk7uZ0o7DbI0RVurquYFLE5bCLDJjE5K_qEFQ/s1600/Straight+Down.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478151313087371330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 226px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM36kNFI0518Yf-_KCquUr0F5zjSZRVf9z9MKO-uVSXoh_zKxObG-ikWXh-7EnUkfoi6zjKJxFCUMbrov2lvqSEoJmhqz6qknGEgk7uZ0o7DbI0RVurquYFLE5bCLDJjE5K_qEFQ/s320/Straight+Down.JPG" border="0" /></a>Ever since Chevy Chase exhorted us to “be the ball,” golfers have been seeking the elusive “zone,” a place in the time-space continuum where physical ability has been layed aside and the mind conquers. Or perhaps the quest began when a shepherd first struck a rock with a crooked stick. Or perhaps this does not matter.<br /><br />What does matter is that someone has actually documented that chase, lived (in a keep-your-sanity sort of way) to tell about it, and actually come out on the other side as a golfer more focused on the spirit of the game. Josh Karp's most recent volume <em>Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance, and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing</em> takes us on that journey.<br /><br />Let’s face it, every golfer is trying in some way, shape or form to lower his or her score. Golfers will try just about anything. They’ll listen to any piece of swing advice from virtually anyone, always searching for the magic that will drop the score even one or two strokes per round. But very seldom do they pay attention to the mental game.<br /><br />So, is it possible to transform one’s game and lower one’s handicap from the inside-out – increased attention to the mental game – as opposed to the outside-in – give a try to the latest and greatest swing tip?<br /><br />Karp sums up the thesis of his quest in Chapter 2 when he states, “…that the actual ‘playing’ of a round of golf occurs in roughly 180 seconds… What’s happening the rest of the time, where our mind resides during that time, is something we pay almost no attention to, yet which profoundly impacts our performance.” From this realization the pursuit is on.<br /><br />He goes from guru, to sensei, to golfing Buddha in an endeavor to find peace of mind in the mind boggling game of golf. As we travel with Karp we discover what seems like an endless number of golf instructors totally focused on the playing the game with just the mind and damn the swing.<br />Not only does Karp tell us his story – the toils and the triumphs – but he also passes along some useful (at least to him) instruction and drills such as the Jug McSpaden drill (pgs. 61-62). He also presents us with an apt description of the relationship between golf and spirituality, the struggle to make the ball do what you want it to do through only the force of our will.<br /><br />How did all the senseis, gurus, Zen masters and whatevers help? Well, for one brief two month period beginning on August 8, 2008, Karp found himself in the zone … or whatever Zen golfers choose to call it. Golfing nirvana set in. But just as quickly and suddenly as it arrived, it was taken away by the ever vengeful golf gods.<br /><br />And how does it all end for Karp? Let’s just say he is at peace with his golf game.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-30379979510778521782010-05-06T04:56:00.002-07:002010-05-06T05:00:03.746-07:00To Win and Die in Dixie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTFv1MX1bGJ0uqStL8DstpNx08FaCxXL4LGCWz4qtbZmAKNtBPb8RTncGn2S1mqwiCk82qX9ZOHliYTTij3nuWgthQOIXFrdSg70RqAZMDS2ymZ1TofS_RKjDgG4CNo3fnUq1yg/s1600/To+Win+and+Die+in+Dixie+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468125026864880434" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTFv1MX1bGJ0uqStL8DstpNx08FaCxXL4LGCWz4qtbZmAKNtBPb8RTncGn2S1mqwiCk82qX9ZOHliYTTij3nuWgthQOIXFrdSg70RqAZMDS2ymZ1TofS_RKjDgG4CNo3fnUq1yg/s320/To+Win+and+Die+in+Dixie+005.JPG" border="0" /></a>One of the marvelous aspects of golf is the rich history that it contains. And the most fascinating element of that history is the characters that the game has embraced. Tournaments come and go year by year, but it is the great characters that make the game come alive.<br /><br />It is easy to recognize the more famous characters – Vardon, Jones, Hogan, Palmer, Nicklaus and a host of others. But is it a real discovery when a virtually unknown personality from the past is spiritually resurrected and brought to our attention. Such is the accomplishment of Steve Eubanks in bringing to us the story of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Douglas_Edgar">J. Douglas Edgar</a> in his latest book <em>To Win and Die in Dixie: The Birth of the Modern Golf Swing the the Mysterious Death of Its Creator</em>.<br /><br />I must admit, even though I consider myself an enthusiastic student of golf history, I had never heard of J. Douglas Edgar. Yet when I had completed the book, I wondered how I had ever overlooked him. It is perhaps that his life was tragically cut short and that he never reached his full playing and teaching potential.<br /><br />It is this story that Eubanks has uncovered for us. It is a biography of Edgar revealed through the investigation of his death by a determined <em>Atlanta Constitution</em> reporter Comer Howell. It is a story that contains all the elements of a great fictional murder mystery with one exception – it is not fiction; it is real life.<br /><br />Eubanks has certainly done his research on the charismatic life and mysterious death of Edgar. The book is filled with detailed narrative. He has seemingly omitted no detail. But this great detail leads us to some fascinating stories. We learn a bit about Margaret Mitchell and how she drew her fiction from real life stories. We are also treated to a fun story concerning Alexa Sterling (pg. 98) revealing how greatly the times have changed in just over 100 years.<br /><br />But as involved as we might get in the life and death of J. Douglas Edgar, we cannot forget his contribution to golf – the fundamentals of the modern golf swing. Chapter 7 gives us a good description of what is known as the Edgar Movement.<br /><br />For students of the golf swing and golf history <em>To Win and Die in Dixie</em> is a must read; to those who enjoy a real life, enticing murder-mystery, it is a must read; and to those who would like to pick up some historical trivia, it is a must read.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-55981693775958227912010-04-26T05:03:00.003-07:002010-04-26T05:12:11.696-07:00Nancy Scranton captures inaugural Women's Senior National Invitational<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH_2a5MCBEGSK5bX14R-kIkNpzZaNElMnxLh9-ZQjkCFloNjeOWqN_228buyovPY2-e10Mi0p8YquL_kvsx3mBkAHE4Qe8ISQCmzgGxEMKZLSUWK5tcnZ7YK6VBgrWVEbdcGFrg/s1600/Legends+Tour+2010+012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464416374395281362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH_2a5MCBEGSK5bX14R-kIkNpzZaNElMnxLh9-ZQjkCFloNjeOWqN_228buyovPY2-e10Mi0p8YquL_kvsx3mBkAHE4Qe8ISQCmzgGxEMKZLSUWK5tcnZ7YK6VBgrWVEbdcGFrg/s320/Legends+Tour+2010+012.JPG" border="0" /></a>Florida resident Nancy Scranton, just one day short of her birthday, gave herself a special present by winning the inaugural Women's Senior National Invitational. This was Scranton's first individual title on the <a href="http://www.thelegendstour.com/">Legends Tour</a>, the official senior tour of the LPGA. Scranton captured first place with a 4-under 69 over the Catalina Course of the Tucson Omni National Resort. Her 69 was good enough for a three strroke victory over four other players - Rosie Jones, Kris Tschetter, Patty Sheehan, and Sherri Turner.<br /><div><br />Scranton's round featured six birdies highlighted by four in a row from holes 9-12, all a result of great shotmaking and a fine tuned putting stroke. Her putting method is a bit unorthodox. She does not look at the ball while making her stroke, but rather fstares down the hole. This technique helps the player focus less on the mechanics of the stroke and more on the feel. It worked to perfection yesterday.</div>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23348858.post-14964953671306612962010-04-22T05:04:00.003-07:002010-04-22T05:10:51.832-07:00LPGA skips Phoenix in 2010, but ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGO8BUOzJlTLr8Nkpf385oW2sfmR9GjhTZSzbKrTVFSt2KhSYEe9savqIXCgFW2XdjKjLmWUgtaCN54cIFF5D8xvl1R4dB2ugVohBBHDqbTNAkml-InoZhyFOc-pclueFfWo4tQ/s1600/LPGA+Fitness.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462932488236778258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGO8BUOzJlTLr8Nkpf385oW2sfmR9GjhTZSzbKrTVFSt2KhSYEe9savqIXCgFW2XdjKjLmWUgtaCN54cIFF5D8xvl1R4dB2ugVohBBHDqbTNAkml-InoZhyFOc-pclueFfWo4tQ/s320/LPGA+Fitness.JPG" border="0" /></a>Do you know the way from San Jose? Or, do you know what this is? Sure you do. This is a picture of how close the LPGA came to Phoenix (and Casa Grande) this year. FYI this photo was taken on Monday, April 5 at 7:05 AM, the day after the <em>Dinah Shore</em> Kraft-Nabisco was completed.<br /><br />As every golf fan in the greater Phoenix area should know, the LPGA was unable to secure a tournament in the Phoenix area for the first time since Patty Berg laced up her spikes. Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but it sure seems like the LPGA has been visiting the Valley of the Sun forever. Now there is nothing except the back end of this fitness truck which went traveling by us halfway between Phoenix and Tucson.<br /><br />Nevertheless, take heart. A bit of the LPGA is coming to Tucson this weekend. It's the LPGA Legends Tour and the competitors are true legends of the game. Actually it's a bit of a golfing deja vu. If you click on this link - <a href="http://www.thelegendstour.com/">http://www.thelegendstour.com/</a><a href="http://www.thelegendstour.com/"> - </a>you'll get complete information on the event.<br /><br />Here's just a teaser. Among the competitors will be three LPGA Hall of Famers and a combined 27 LPGA major championships.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285173870610790133noreply@blogger.com0