If you've ever attended a golf tournament, you know that there are two ways you can follow the action: hoofing it or parking it (or getting drunk in one of the food tents and watching it on TV, but that doesn't really count, does it?). Me, I'm more of a hoofer. I like to think that while I walk the course I not only appreciate the course design and see a variety of different players and shots, but get a workout in the process. Parking it in a grandstand? Please. I'd rather sit on a bed of nails. Ouch.
Yet at the last two tournaments I attended I've parked it. Last February at the Nissan Open (what's now called the Northern Trust Open), I sat in the bleachers behind No. 14 at Riviera, a downhill, 176-yard Par 3 into an easterly wind. I watched a couple dozen marquee players come through: Harrington, Garcia, Furyk, Els, Mickelson and the eventual winner, Charles Howell III. Some were playing well, others, not so much.
Here's what I observed:
1. Even though the pin was cut just on the other side of a cavernous bunker, nobody purposefully (as far as I could tell) played it safe. Every player-all 24 of them- took dead aim at the flag. The Lesson: Tour players, unlike most amateurs, know their distances and control their ball spin. Not that all of them pulled this off, of course, but it's a little peek into what makes a Pro a Pro. Know your distances, know your limitations.
2. As I recall there was only one birdie in the first five or so groups, and it was a chip in. Nonetheless there were plenty of good opportunities. A 10-footer here, a 12-footer there, still nobody rolled one in. All that changed when the leaders came through. Els, Furyk and Howell all birdied. The Lesson: Players are in contention because they carry hot putters. The algorithm is simple: good putting=lower scores.
3. Trust a good caddie. Some lesser-known players had Riviera caddies on their bags. Although the Pacific Ocean is (a few miles) behind the green, caddies were trying to convince their players to factor the ocean into their read. From where I was sitting the break looked pretty subtle, but I knew that most greens slope from back to front. Most newbies thought so too. In fact some players were so adamant about it that they were getting into arguments with their caddies. Sure enough, the ones who were convinced their putts broke toward the front of the green were shocked to see that, indeed, all putts break toward the ocean. The lesson: trust a caddie who loops in professional tournaments! And a bit more realistically, all putts break toward the agua.
Later this week I'll talk about another tournament where I was stuck in the bleachers and a few of the lessons I learned there. Stay tuned.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
My Playing Peeves
I'll be straightforward with you. As a magazine editor, let alone one that specializes in instruction and equipment, I can safely say that it's likely I play more golf than most people. I slip out of the office every so often and tee it up, either with colleagues, instructors or folks from the equipment realm. There are some of you out there who seem to play a lot more often that people like I do and still manage to make a good enough living to be members at private clubs or can afford the high prices for green fees (Where do you work and where do I apply?), but generally I play more than the occasional weekend warrior. That said, I have little to gripe about in that department.
(ENTER SNOOTYNESS HERE): However, since I play so much, I've managed to acquire a few pet peeves that generally turn my otherwise pleasant round of golf into one that's riddled with annoyances. Not that I get that upset (I never take my golf blessings for granted), but there are times I wish these kinds of irritations were avoided. I'll try and leave out the obvious ones (such as SLOW PLAY, which happens to be the granddaddy of all golf course aggravations) and stick with some that are lesser talked about, but equaling annoying.
So, without further ado, in no particular order, here's my Top 10 Things I Hope The Players in My Foursome Never Do:
10. Playing from the wrong tee box: My theory on this is, don't play the back tees unless you average somewhere around par from the one-forward box. Or, stick to courses that play somewhere between 6500-6800 yards. You'll have more fun, I'll have more fun and we'll all shoot lower scores. Also, if you are playing the forward tees, make an effort to hit first when applicable. We'd rather wait for you to walk back to us than have all of us huddle over your tee shot after we hit ours.
9. Fear of better players: Unless you're playing for moolah, feeling intimidated by better players is nonsense. So long as you adhere to #10 and keep pace, better players generally don't care what you shoot. One of the reasons better players are better players is because they pay attention to their own game, not every else's. Keep pace, and odds are the better players in your group will hardly notice you just double bogeyed the last three holes.
8. Green etiquette: Replacing divots, honors on the tee box, that's all well said. But lack of green etiquette can get old fast. First, don't stand behind the hole while someone is putting, the first person to hole out is always the first to replace the pin, and lastly, please don't mark that one-footer to save bogey. Pick it up. And please, don't mark your ball with anything plastic. Plastic is for bottles only, and for buying drinks for the winner at the 19th hole.
7. Lost ball disorder: if loosing golf balls is a problem, please stop buying balls that cost $50 a dozen. Buy some cheaper ones that ease the pain of loosing a couple balls a round. Stop whining about it. "I hear there's a sale on X-Outs in the golf shop." That's one of my favorite lines and I'm not afraid to use it.
6. Beverage cart from the fairway: I don't care how thirsty you are, I can't stand when people flag down the beverage cart while playing a hole. Also, the beverage cart gal should know better (even though I know she doesn't care. Time is money to her). Seriously folks, there are two times to re-stock: after you finish a hole and before you start the next one. Nothing is worse than waiting in the group behind because you're jonesin' for another Coors Light.
5. Betting on a curve: I don't care what your handicap is, playing Nassau's, skins, whatever should always be played straight up. If the variance in skill is too much to be competitive, then don't bet. Nothing is more unjust and frankly, more unholy, than making a miracle birdie from a fairway bunker, only to tie the hole with a 17-handicapper who took three shots to get to the green and 2-putted for a net birdie...That's not golf, that's highway robbery. Bet against players at your skill level, or toughen up and learn to compete with better players.
4. "Golfers, traps, pin...what'd you shoot?" First of all, I know golfer is technically a word, but for my sake it's not. You aren't a baseballer. Or a basketballer or footballer. You are a player. Same holds true for golf. You play it, not golf it. (hush, hush you bowlers.) It's a bunker not a "trap" and its a flagstick not a "pin." Finally, you don't shoot anything on a golf course (unless you're lucky enough to play some of the dangerous courses we have to choose from here in LA). You score. So, the correct question is, "what was your score? Not, "What'd you shoot?" Come on folks...make Peter Oosterhuis proud.
3. Cell phones talking: I know, this counts as an obvious one, but I had to include it. Worse case scenario, put it on silent and use a text message. We don't care that you're having fried chicken for dinner tonight.
2.Brake pedal vigilantes: You know who you are. Listen, you don't need to lock in the parking brake every time you stop, and you definitely don't need to come to such an abrupt stop every time you reach the ball/teebox. I've almost broke my nose on the windshield enough times already. Conversely, please wait until I sit down before you pop the parking brake that you felt was so important to lock in. I really don't the wind knocked out of me. Thanks.
1. Club droppers: It's happened to everyone. (Even me.) But when you do drop something and turn the cart around to find what you lost, wait until the right time to interrupt the group behind you. Don't do it while we're putting or teeing off. You've already made us carry your club, so please move your cart and we'll give you your club back. Also, if you're the lucky one who found a club, do the right thing and pick it up. Don't just leave it on the last tee box. That'll only slow down the group in front of you even more. Also, don't ask "What brand is it?" or some other obnoxious question to the person who's looking for his/her club. Just hand it over and be on your way.
-Got any pet peeves of your own? I want to hear about it!
Monday, November 26, 2007
So You're Tellin Me...?
Hi. Welcome to my new pseudo-column that I'm going to tentatively call, "So You're Telling Me?" Now, what's the gist? Well, instead of me explaining my column, let's just start with the first dig and you'll see what it means.
Lately, it seems some of my colleagues from other golf-related (I say "related", since many of them are barely golf magazines anymore) magazines have duly noted that the average driving distances among PGA Tour professionals hasn't increased as of late. They cite PGA Tour stats, which seem to indicate that not only has the player's driving distance hit a wall this year, it's bounced back a few yards. (The first time since 1993. Hey, go look it up if you want the numbers.) Previous years also have indicated wimpy increases in distance at best, proving that the guys on Tour have maxed out as far as distance is concerned. Ugh, wait. So, you're telling these guys aren't continuing to hit the ball too far? Come on now.
The only thing going in reverse is the way the PGA Tour calculates driving distance. Of course these guys are hitting it farther than ever, and until the Tour begins publishing the latest Shotlink numbers (which accounts for every shot hit on the course by a given player), the truth will never be told in writing. Then again, do we really need stats to tell us what's going on? Do we really need lab results to show that Barry Bonds was or is still on the juice? Do we need another story about Kobe Bryant wanting out of Los Angeles? So you're telling me we need more proof? Come on now.
Angel Cabrera won the US Open bashing driver to almost embarrassing distances. Tiger, who we all know can be as long as he wants, can hit a 3-wood past just about anyone. In case you haven't looked it up already, the PGA Tour still calculates driving distance the old-fashioned way. They pick two holes, in generally opposite directions. It doesn't matter what club the player uses (the Tour picks driver holes, but that doesn't guarantee drivers are always what are hit) nor if the ball hits the fairway. Come on now. Two holes? Most guys probably hit at least 10 drivers per round. Why just two holes?
Maybe there's more too it. Maybe the Tour doesn't want to show the truth on paper, fearing backlash and the criticism that has once come from those who feel the game is being ruined by big hitters who have made many courses obsolete. Me, I don't agree with them either. So what if guys hit the ball further. Let them continue to crush it, as long as they play by the rules. (You don't see anyone complaining that the basketball rim is too high and it should be lowered to 9 ft so shorter guys have a chance, do you?) All I ask is that the Tour stops hiding behind old-school stats, and let folks see just how far these guys are killing it. That's all.
If you still don't believe me, just look at your own driver. if you bought it after 2002, it's longer than your previous driver, right? I'd bet my house on it (even though I rent). Today's equipment has helped you, and it's helped the best players even more. Why? They hit the sweetspot an awful lot, and when you have the right ingredients in a ball, shaft and clubhead, amazing things can happen.
Come on PGA Tour. Stop hiding those Shotlink numbers and tell us what's really going on. And to my colleagues, stop falling for it. These guys are hitting it further than ever.
Next Installment of SYTM: Accuracy Matters...NOT!
Lately, it seems some of my colleagues from other golf-related (I say "related", since many of them are barely golf magazines anymore) magazines have duly noted that the average driving distances among PGA Tour professionals hasn't increased as of late. They cite PGA Tour stats, which seem to indicate that not only has the player's driving distance hit a wall this year, it's bounced back a few yards. (The first time since 1993. Hey, go look it up if you want the numbers.) Previous years also have indicated wimpy increases in distance at best, proving that the guys on Tour have maxed out as far as distance is concerned. Ugh, wait. So, you're telling these guys aren't continuing to hit the ball too far? Come on now.
The only thing going in reverse is the way the PGA Tour calculates driving distance. Of course these guys are hitting it farther than ever, and until the Tour begins publishing the latest Shotlink numbers (which accounts for every shot hit on the course by a given player), the truth will never be told in writing. Then again, do we really need stats to tell us what's going on? Do we really need lab results to show that Barry Bonds was or is still on the juice? Do we need another story about Kobe Bryant wanting out of Los Angeles? So you're telling me we need more proof? Come on now.
Angel Cabrera won the US Open bashing driver to almost embarrassing distances. Tiger, who we all know can be as long as he wants, can hit a 3-wood past just about anyone. In case you haven't looked it up already, the PGA Tour still calculates driving distance the old-fashioned way. They pick two holes, in generally opposite directions. It doesn't matter what club the player uses (the Tour picks driver holes, but that doesn't guarantee drivers are always what are hit) nor if the ball hits the fairway. Come on now. Two holes? Most guys probably hit at least 10 drivers per round. Why just two holes?
Maybe there's more too it. Maybe the Tour doesn't want to show the truth on paper, fearing backlash and the criticism that has once come from those who feel the game is being ruined by big hitters who have made many courses obsolete. Me, I don't agree with them either. So what if guys hit the ball further. Let them continue to crush it, as long as they play by the rules. (You don't see anyone complaining that the basketball rim is too high and it should be lowered to 9 ft so shorter guys have a chance, do you?) All I ask is that the Tour stops hiding behind old-school stats, and let folks see just how far these guys are killing it. That's all.
If you still don't believe me, just look at your own driver. if you bought it after 2002, it's longer than your previous driver, right? I'd bet my house on it (even though I rent). Today's equipment has helped you, and it's helped the best players even more. Why? They hit the sweetspot an awful lot, and when you have the right ingredients in a ball, shaft and clubhead, amazing things can happen.
Come on PGA Tour. Stop hiding those Shotlink numbers and tell us what's really going on. And to my colleagues, stop falling for it. These guys are hitting it further than ever.
Next Installment of SYTM: Accuracy Matters...NOT!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
What Off-Season?
For those of you naysayers who think the snow, rain and cold weather means it's time to hang up the sticks until next Spring, I'm hear to tell you to get your head out of the sand and look to some of the country's hottest (pun intended) golf spots this fall and winter season.
We editors just got back from a week of work in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona.
Unfortunately, our last trip marked the first time we travelled sans golf bags, and boy did we regret it. Our trip took us to the beautiful town of Carefree and Cave Creek, both located a chip shot north of the golf-rich Scottsdale. We conducted photoshoots at places such as Eagle Mountain (pictured), We-Ko-Pa, Grayhawk and TPC of Scottsdale, each of which look so well-manicured that you'd bet a Tour event is just around the corner. (There happens to be one at the TPC in a few months.)
So, if you want a ringing endorsement, go visit any or all of the courses mentioned above. And don't be shy to book a golf lesson with the instructors at those fine facilities. You'll be seeing them in our magazine in '08.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Michelle Whoop-ie!
Yes, I know.
Many of my peers have already lamented on Team Wie and the gang's insistence on making MW play in this week's Samsung World Championship via a sponsor exemption handed to her several months ago (before the evidential downward spiral). All this in lieu of Annika Sorenstam bowing out as a courtesy to the higher-ranked Sarah Lee (I'll bet she's got some great recipes), who's getting the chance to play. Classy...
Yeah, yeah yeah. Nice work Annika, but this blog is all about the ridiculousness that is Wie. I sat in a press conference a couple weeks ago and heard Tiger comment on, (I'm paraphrasing) why Michelle Wie flat out stinks.
He said she doesn't know how to win. She has no clue what it's like to face competitors who at times, are just as good as you are---are then know how to beat them. I couldn't agree more with Sir Woods. Wie has no clue what it means to win and beat opponents who are playing at not his or her highest level, but THE highest level---unless you count the millions of dollars she's already made. I guess that's winning in some messed up way.
So Michelle, if you're listening here's my advice: quit. Stop pretending you're a professional. Cuz you're not. Go to school, enjoy it, then consider going pro. We're tired of this.
And to B.J. Wie: knock it off. You're not helping anything, and the micro-management of your daughters aspirations have darn near killed her shot at ever competing at the highest level of WOMEN's golf. You're greedy, and everyone can see right through you.
Michele Wie is blessed with incredible talent, and cursed with horrendous career advice. She'd be better off trying to qualify to play for Stanford and working her way through the college ranks to learn what it takes to win. Maybe that's what she needs to get her head in the game.
Otherwise, I'm too annoyed to even finish my blog and support my cause. Maybe you bloggers out there can do it for me. I'm going to go back to watching the Whatchamacallit Open on The Golf Channel. Sorry, I mean, Golf Channel (sans the).
Many of my peers have already lamented on Team Wie and the gang's insistence on making MW play in this week's Samsung World Championship via a sponsor exemption handed to her several months ago (before the evidential downward spiral). All this in lieu of Annika Sorenstam bowing out as a courtesy to the higher-ranked Sarah Lee (I'll bet she's got some great recipes), who's getting the chance to play. Classy...
Yeah, yeah yeah. Nice work Annika, but this blog is all about the ridiculousness that is Wie. I sat in a press conference a couple weeks ago and heard Tiger comment on, (I'm paraphrasing) why Michelle Wie flat out stinks.
He said she doesn't know how to win. She has no clue what it's like to face competitors who at times, are just as good as you are---are then know how to beat them. I couldn't agree more with Sir Woods. Wie has no clue what it means to win and beat opponents who are playing at not his or her highest level, but THE highest level---unless you count the millions of dollars she's already made. I guess that's winning in some messed up way.
So Michelle, if you're listening here's my advice: quit. Stop pretending you're a professional. Cuz you're not. Go to school, enjoy it, then consider going pro. We're tired of this.
And to B.J. Wie: knock it off. You're not helping anything, and the micro-management of your daughters aspirations have darn near killed her shot at ever competing at the highest level of WOMEN's golf. You're greedy, and everyone can see right through you.
Michele Wie is blessed with incredible talent, and cursed with horrendous career advice. She'd be better off trying to qualify to play for Stanford and working her way through the college ranks to learn what it takes to win. Maybe that's what she needs to get her head in the game.
Otherwise, I'm too annoyed to even finish my blog and support my cause. Maybe you bloggers out there can do it for me. I'm going to go back to watching the Whatchamacallit Open on The Golf Channel. Sorry, I mean, Golf Channel (sans the).
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Who Knew?
By Charlie Schroeder
That sigh of relief you heard last Sunday came from Justin Leonard when he beat Jesper Parnevik on the second playoff hole of the Valero Texas Open. Leonard's victory, his first since 2005, catapulted him up 53 spots on the Money List from 94th to 41st. While recent lackluster play isn't what we've come to expect from the 1997 British Open Champion, it's hard to feel too bad for him. After all he sits in a very comfortable 8th place on the all-time Money Leaders list.
How much has Leonard won? After his recent victory his total comes to about $22 million. The victory also catapulted him (by $600,000) past Mark Calcavecchia to take the 8th place spot.
Wait a minute you say. Calc is in 9th place all-time? Yup, I had the same reaction.
I'm not even going to tell you who's in first place all-time. He has $76 million, while Vijay comes in second with $54 million and Phil, poor guy, has only $45 million settling for a distant third.
But what's really shocking, however, is how many major-less players are in the top fifteen. In fact Kenny Perry (10th place), Stewart Cink (11th), Scott Verplank (12th), Stuart Appleby (13th) and Fred Funk (14th) all have close to $21 million each and none of them have won a major.
It's a sign of the Tiger Times. Purses have grown considerably since he started dominating the tour and all players have been rewarded. Consider this year's money list. Major-less Harrison Frazer is currently holding down the #125 spot with a healthy $688,000. Good cash, yes, but unless Frazer and others below him can't crack the Top 125 in the next four tournaments they'll have to head back to Q-school.
Don't feel too bad for Frazer if he doesn't earn his exemption this year. He ranks 94th on the all-time money list with $7.9 million, 53 spots ahead of 19-time major winner Jack Nicklaus who comes in with $5.7 million.
That sigh of relief you heard last Sunday came from Justin Leonard when he beat Jesper Parnevik on the second playoff hole of the Valero Texas Open. Leonard's victory, his first since 2005, catapulted him up 53 spots on the Money List from 94th to 41st. While recent lackluster play isn't what we've come to expect from the 1997 British Open Champion, it's hard to feel too bad for him. After all he sits in a very comfortable 8th place on the all-time Money Leaders list.
How much has Leonard won? After his recent victory his total comes to about $22 million. The victory also catapulted him (by $600,000) past Mark Calcavecchia to take the 8th place spot.
Wait a minute you say. Calc is in 9th place all-time? Yup, I had the same reaction.
I'm not even going to tell you who's in first place all-time. He has $76 million, while Vijay comes in second with $54 million and Phil, poor guy, has only $45 million settling for a distant third.
But what's really shocking, however, is how many major-less players are in the top fifteen. In fact Kenny Perry (10th place), Stewart Cink (11th), Scott Verplank (12th), Stuart Appleby (13th) and Fred Funk (14th) all have close to $21 million each and none of them have won a major.
It's a sign of the Tiger Times. Purses have grown considerably since he started dominating the tour and all players have been rewarded. Consider this year's money list. Major-less Harrison Frazer is currently holding down the #125 spot with a healthy $688,000. Good cash, yes, but unless Frazer and others below him can't crack the Top 125 in the next four tournaments they'll have to head back to Q-school.
Don't feel too bad for Frazer if he doesn't earn his exemption this year. He ranks 94th on the all-time money list with $7.9 million, 53 spots ahead of 19-time major winner Jack Nicklaus who comes in with $5.7 million.
Friday, September 21, 2007
PGA Bore
It's lunch on a Friday, so my colleagues and I sat down in the conference room to watch some midday PGA Tour coverage on the Golf Channel. The event is the Turningstone Resort Championship, the first in the post Fed Ex Cup era.
Oh boy....I think I'd rather watch paint dry.
Not only does the Fall Finish lack real star power, it looks like the golf courses are ridiculously easy. Now, a conspirator I am not, but when courses are this benign, it's likely the PGA Tour is expecting uber-low scoring in hopes of sparking interest in these events (hey, some guy shooting a 59 is exactly what the Fall Finish needs.) Either way, it's still dull. And don't even get me started in the Golf Channel's coverage of the event...watching 15-year veterans milk out a few extra thousand dollars so they can play next year is a tough sell (yawn.)
Now, I don't want to be a groaner without providing some new ideas. So here we go.
1. Double Cuts: Cut the field after Friday, then again after Saturday. This will reward the players who are playing better with more money, and really make the guys who are teetering on the bubble start to sweat.
2. Free admission: Seriously, let the fans in for free. All the money is made on booze anyway.
3. Celebrity Pro-Ams: Why only in the early season? Let's see Ray Romano make a fool out of himself one more time a year.
4. LPGA and PGA: Invite not one, but 20 of the LPGA's best to play. Let em play the forward tees and see what happens.
5. The Caddie Cam. Rig some of the caddies on tour with cameras and mics. Hey, I'd watch it.
How about you? Any ideas? Log on and comment!
Oh boy....I think I'd rather watch paint dry.
Not only does the Fall Finish lack real star power, it looks like the golf courses are ridiculously easy. Now, a conspirator I am not, but when courses are this benign, it's likely the PGA Tour is expecting uber-low scoring in hopes of sparking interest in these events (hey, some guy shooting a 59 is exactly what the Fall Finish needs.) Either way, it's still dull. And don't even get me started in the Golf Channel's coverage of the event...watching 15-year veterans milk out a few extra thousand dollars so they can play next year is a tough sell (yawn.)
Now, I don't want to be a groaner without providing some new ideas. So here we go.
1. Double Cuts: Cut the field after Friday, then again after Saturday. This will reward the players who are playing better with more money, and really make the guys who are teetering on the bubble start to sweat.
2. Free admission: Seriously, let the fans in for free. All the money is made on booze anyway.
3. Celebrity Pro-Ams: Why only in the early season? Let's see Ray Romano make a fool out of himself one more time a year.
4. LPGA and PGA: Invite not one, but 20 of the LPGA's best to play. Let em play the forward tees and see what happens.
5. The Caddie Cam. Rig some of the caddies on tour with cameras and mics. Hey, I'd watch it.
How about you? Any ideas? Log on and comment!
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Secret of his (Recent) Success?
By Charlie Schroeder
Roger Federer's recent victory at the U.S. Open started a pointless debate among sports journalists: "Who's better: Federer or Tiger?"
Although each owns nearly the same amount of major victories, or "slams," (Tiger has 13, Federer 12) Federer has yet to complete the career grand slam, having been shut out at Roland Garros. Tiger's not only won all four majors, he's won them all at least twice. (U.S. Opens are the toughest for him; he's won twice and finished second twice.)
While Federer is exciting to watch (he's as precise and powerful a player to ever swing a racquet, and has rekindled my interest in the game), it's important to keep in mind that tennis is head-to-head competition. The shots he plays have immediate impact on his opponent. Outside of the 285 yard 5-wood that Tiger hit onto the 9th green (interrupting Zach Johnson and Sergio Garcia's battle for second place) during yesterday's final round of the Tour Championship, his interaction with other players is limited to shaking hands, saying "nice shot" and shooting the breeze (if they're friends). Certainly Tiger's mind-blowing play must get in his playing partners' heads, and the throngs of fans following him are a great distraction not only to players in his group but within a couple holes, but when all's said and done, it's Tiger against the course (and, for that matter, Tiger against himself). If you think he's won a lot of tournaments in stroke play, imagine how many he'd win if every tournament were match play, where a more traditional head-to-head format applies.
Tennis has typically had dominant players like Sampras, Lendl, Borg and Navratilova (and that's just in the last thirty years) whereas golf has, traditionally, not. (And as result been the most difficult individual sport to dominate.) In the last thirty years only Woods and Sorenstam have dominated the game for a significant period of time. (Norman too, but he never capitalized in majors the way the other two have.)
A friend of my father's mentioned the other day that we were lucky, really lucky, to witness the game's greatest golfer play the game. (My father's generation is doubly lucky having witnessed both Tiger and Jack in their primes.) After his domination of the FedEx Cup where Tiger won two out of three tournaments and averaged 66.81 strokes per round (no, that's not a typo), it's clear, like this time last year, that he's in the middle of something really, really special.
One last thing: in today's USA Today, Tiger's caddie Steve Williams is quoted as saying that Tiger hasn't hit a post-round practice ball since the British Open. Nothing to tweak, so no reason to work on it, says Williams. Its clear Tiger's swing has come around, but something tells me there's another explanation for his stellar play. A month before the British, his daughter was born. Could fatherhood be the secret to his success?
Roger Federer's recent victory at the U.S. Open started a pointless debate among sports journalists: "Who's better: Federer or Tiger?"
Although each owns nearly the same amount of major victories, or "slams," (Tiger has 13, Federer 12) Federer has yet to complete the career grand slam, having been shut out at Roland Garros. Tiger's not only won all four majors, he's won them all at least twice. (U.S. Opens are the toughest for him; he's won twice and finished second twice.)
While Federer is exciting to watch (he's as precise and powerful a player to ever swing a racquet, and has rekindled my interest in the game), it's important to keep in mind that tennis is head-to-head competition. The shots he plays have immediate impact on his opponent. Outside of the 285 yard 5-wood that Tiger hit onto the 9th green (interrupting Zach Johnson and Sergio Garcia's battle for second place) during yesterday's final round of the Tour Championship, his interaction with other players is limited to shaking hands, saying "nice shot" and shooting the breeze (if they're friends). Certainly Tiger's mind-blowing play must get in his playing partners' heads, and the throngs of fans following him are a great distraction not only to players in his group but within a couple holes, but when all's said and done, it's Tiger against the course (and, for that matter, Tiger against himself). If you think he's won a lot of tournaments in stroke play, imagine how many he'd win if every tournament were match play, where a more traditional head-to-head format applies.
Tennis has typically had dominant players like Sampras, Lendl, Borg and Navratilova (and that's just in the last thirty years) whereas golf has, traditionally, not. (And as result been the most difficult individual sport to dominate.) In the last thirty years only Woods and Sorenstam have dominated the game for a significant period of time. (Norman too, but he never capitalized in majors the way the other two have.)
A friend of my father's mentioned the other day that we were lucky, really lucky, to witness the game's greatest golfer play the game. (My father's generation is doubly lucky having witnessed both Tiger and Jack in their primes.) After his domination of the FedEx Cup where Tiger won two out of three tournaments and averaged 66.81 strokes per round (no, that's not a typo), it's clear, like this time last year, that he's in the middle of something really, really special.
One last thing: in today's USA Today, Tiger's caddie Steve Williams is quoted as saying that Tiger hasn't hit a post-round practice ball since the British Open. Nothing to tweak, so no reason to work on it, says Williams. Its clear Tiger's swing has come around, but something tells me there's another explanation for his stellar play. A month before the British, his daughter was born. Could fatherhood be the secret to his success?
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Another Monkey Gone
By Charlie Schroeder
Like the back nine on Sunday at Augusta, the final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship is quickly becoming golf's must-see TV.
For the past few years Tiger and Vijay were the players in this drama, but those showdowns couldn't compare to yesterday afternoon's dart throwing clinic put on by Tiger and Phil. If, on Thanksgiving it's the turkey that gets cold while Uncle Mort watches the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, then on Labor Day it's the coleslaw that loses out to the awesome play at the Deutsche Bank.
Of course today the Tour is claiming yesterday's nail biter of a finish was a boon for the FedEx Playoffs. Huh, that's strange, because I didn't once think about whether Phil was going to lead the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the day. (Phil probably didn't either. In his post-round interview he admitted he was torn as to whether he should play in Chicago this week at the BMW claiming that Tour commissioner Tim Finchem hasn't held up his end of the deal on a couple of important issues.)
What excited me (and probably everybody else) was watching Phil match Tiger shot for shot down the stretch and finally pull off a victory. It's another monkey off his back and now that his wrist is finally healed, Mickelson is back in top shape. Just in time for football season.
Like the back nine on Sunday at Augusta, the final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship is quickly becoming golf's must-see TV.
For the past few years Tiger and Vijay were the players in this drama, but those showdowns couldn't compare to yesterday afternoon's dart throwing clinic put on by Tiger and Phil. If, on Thanksgiving it's the turkey that gets cold while Uncle Mort watches the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, then on Labor Day it's the coleslaw that loses out to the awesome play at the Deutsche Bank.
Of course today the Tour is claiming yesterday's nail biter of a finish was a boon for the FedEx Playoffs. Huh, that's strange, because I didn't once think about whether Phil was going to lead the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the day. (Phil probably didn't either. In his post-round interview he admitted he was torn as to whether he should play in Chicago this week at the BMW claiming that Tour commissioner Tim Finchem hasn't held up his end of the deal on a couple of important issues.)
What excited me (and probably everybody else) was watching Phil match Tiger shot for shot down the stretch and finally pull off a victory. It's another monkey off his back and now that his wrist is finally healed, Mickelson is back in top shape. Just in time for football season.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Negative Space
By Charlie Schroeder
A couple months ago a friend pointed out the subliminal arrow in FedEx's logo. If you don't know what I'm talking about check out the "negative space" between the "E" and the "x." Trust me, after seeing this you'll never be able to see the "FedEx" name again, just an arrow pointing to the right.
That's kind of what it's like with the FedEx Cup, the PGA Tour's NASCAR-like end of the year playoff system. Once you see some of its negative space it's hard to focus on anything else.
For one thing the winner gets a $10 million annuity. Not a $10 million dollar direct deposit (checks are so 1995), but $10 million that'll mature in 2027. Just in time to buy that new jetpack!
Secondly, it's not quite the same thing if Tiger's not there. Last week's no show at the Barclays was a strong opening statement by the World's #1. Personally I think Tiger should take a four-week holiday and spend some time with his wife and daughter, just to get under Tim Finchem's skin. Or just show up for the Tour Championship, blow out the field and win enough money for his daughter's college education (because that's what it'll cost twenty years from now). Sadly that's not going to happen as Woods is playing this week. Ernie Els on the other hand, who's already admitted he knows nothing about playoffs, will be in London getting his kids ready for school. Seems Ernie doesn't have much interest in winning funny money either.
And really why should he? For that matter why should Tiger or Phil? (Come to think of it Lefty is sticking around more than usual. Surprising considering he loves the pigskin. I guess he TiVos the preseason games. We'll see if he sticks around come opening weekend.)
Even though I'm a golf nut I liked it more when the season ended earlier. Most casual golf fans tune out after the PGA Championship, some who don't get jazzed for that so-called "fourth major" zone out after the Open Championship. With the fun-to-watch Presidents Cup on the horizon, I wonder if the FedEx Cup is just a big distraction for the Tour?
The irony with the FedEx Cup is that the players it's most important to are the guys viewers like to watch the least. The journeymen who grind it out each week, praying they don't have to go back to Q School, the Doug LaBelles and George McNeills who are dangerously close to not getting into the BMW Championship (and, as result, staying stuck around the all-important 125 money list ranking). These guys don't have huge endorsement contracts and a $10 million direct deposit would really make a difference.
Oh, and one more thing. If the PGA Tour really wants to add some excitement the season should end after the playoffs. Don't forget there are still seven tournaments on tap after the "playoffs" end. If the McNeills and LaBelles had to fight for their lives during the playoffs some Cinderella stories could be written.
A couple months ago a friend pointed out the subliminal arrow in FedEx's logo. If you don't know what I'm talking about check out the "negative space" between the "E" and the "x." Trust me, after seeing this you'll never be able to see the "FedEx" name again, just an arrow pointing to the right.
That's kind of what it's like with the FedEx Cup, the PGA Tour's NASCAR-like end of the year playoff system. Once you see some of its negative space it's hard to focus on anything else.
For one thing the winner gets a $10 million annuity. Not a $10 million dollar direct deposit (checks are so 1995), but $10 million that'll mature in 2027. Just in time to buy that new jetpack!
Secondly, it's not quite the same thing if Tiger's not there. Last week's no show at the Barclays was a strong opening statement by the World's #1. Personally I think Tiger should take a four-week holiday and spend some time with his wife and daughter, just to get under Tim Finchem's skin. Or just show up for the Tour Championship, blow out the field and win enough money for his daughter's college education (because that's what it'll cost twenty years from now). Sadly that's not going to happen as Woods is playing this week. Ernie Els on the other hand, who's already admitted he knows nothing about playoffs, will be in London getting his kids ready for school. Seems Ernie doesn't have much interest in winning funny money either.
And really why should he? For that matter why should Tiger or Phil? (Come to think of it Lefty is sticking around more than usual. Surprising considering he loves the pigskin. I guess he TiVos the preseason games. We'll see if he sticks around come opening weekend.)
Even though I'm a golf nut I liked it more when the season ended earlier. Most casual golf fans tune out after the PGA Championship, some who don't get jazzed for that so-called "fourth major" zone out after the Open Championship. With the fun-to-watch Presidents Cup on the horizon, I wonder if the FedEx Cup is just a big distraction for the Tour?
The irony with the FedEx Cup is that the players it's most important to are the guys viewers like to watch the least. The journeymen who grind it out each week, praying they don't have to go back to Q School, the Doug LaBelles and George McNeills who are dangerously close to not getting into the BMW Championship (and, as result, staying stuck around the all-important 125 money list ranking). These guys don't have huge endorsement contracts and a $10 million direct deposit would really make a difference.
Oh, and one more thing. If the PGA Tour really wants to add some excitement the season should end after the playoffs. Don't forget there are still seven tournaments on tap after the "playoffs" end. If the McNeills and LaBelles had to fight for their lives during the playoffs some Cinderella stories could be written.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Is Boo Weekley for real?
Here's the deal.
I have sources. Sources who say the man behind the poe-dunk veil is actually more clever and more intelligent than his I-don't-really-know-much-about-the-Ryder-Cup persona may project.
But frankly, does it matter?
Not if you're asking me, it doesn't. I happen to like Boo's schtick, whether it's real or not. His irreverence is refreshing to me. So what if he's not that familiar with the Ryder Cup (which ironically, he just might wind up playing in.) Before I write my ticket to golf journalist oblivion and say one negative thing about it, I'll say that I tend to feel similar sentiments towards the RC matches myself. I mean, sure, they're fun to watch, and occasionally serve as a stage for some excellent golf. But so does literally every Tour event for that matter. And if if you're busy working on your game, why would you be concerned with it?
And, not to harp on the Ryder Cup, but really. The US against the UK/Europe? A "blood match" against some of our closest allies on the War on Terror? Come on. It's golf. A lot of the competitors live and/or earn a living in the US anyway.
I'm with you, Boo. I don't see what all the fuss is about. I think it'd be more fun if the Ryder Cup was, well, more fun. That's how it used to be, before it became a big marketing blitz fueled by overzealous golf writers. If anything, the upcoming Presidents Cup is a more worldly and interesting approach to competition. Throw Europe in there and we can kill two birds with one stone.
Finally, I'm not sure if you heard, but Boo approached Paul Lawrie during the Scottish Open and while referring to the Open Championship he asked, "How'd you get in? You qualify?"
A faux pas? Yes. Funny? Also yes. Boo received his fair share of embarrassment for not identifying the '99 winner, but then again, how many of you out there can pick Paul Lawrie from a lineup?
The FedEx Cup is coming up, which Boo also stated he doesn't "get." Now, how could you not root for someone like that? He's got the game to actually win the thing.
I have sources. Sources who say the man behind the poe-dunk veil is actually more clever and more intelligent than his I-don't-really-know-much-about-the-Ryder-Cup persona may project.
But frankly, does it matter?
Not if you're asking me, it doesn't. I happen to like Boo's schtick, whether it's real or not. His irreverence is refreshing to me. So what if he's not that familiar with the Ryder Cup (which ironically, he just might wind up playing in.) Before I write my ticket to golf journalist oblivion and say one negative thing about it, I'll say that I tend to feel similar sentiments towards the RC matches myself. I mean, sure, they're fun to watch, and occasionally serve as a stage for some excellent golf. But so does literally every Tour event for that matter. And if if you're busy working on your game, why would you be concerned with it?
And, not to harp on the Ryder Cup, but really. The US against the UK/Europe? A "blood match" against some of our closest allies on the War on Terror? Come on. It's golf. A lot of the competitors live and/or earn a living in the US anyway.
I'm with you, Boo. I don't see what all the fuss is about. I think it'd be more fun if the Ryder Cup was, well, more fun. That's how it used to be, before it became a big marketing blitz fueled by overzealous golf writers. If anything, the upcoming Presidents Cup is a more worldly and interesting approach to competition. Throw Europe in there and we can kill two birds with one stone.
Finally, I'm not sure if you heard, but Boo approached Paul Lawrie during the Scottish Open and while referring to the Open Championship he asked, "How'd you get in? You qualify?"
A faux pas? Yes. Funny? Also yes. Boo received his fair share of embarrassment for not identifying the '99 winner, but then again, how many of you out there can pick Paul Lawrie from a lineup?
The FedEx Cup is coming up, which Boo also stated he doesn't "get." Now, how could you not root for someone like that? He's got the game to actually win the thing.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Hot and Heavy in Tulsa
Lately, I've been wondering why the PGA insisted on hosting its Championship in the middle of August in Tulsa, Oklahoma. No discredit to the Southern Hills, it's a worthy venue. But in August?
Monday in Tulsa has already seen upwards of 18 people treated for heat exhaustion. And those are just the spectators during practice rounds! Just wait until Sunday rolls around. Temps are expected to top out at over 100 degrees. I don't even want to know what the humidity will be.
In case you weren't aware, Golf Tips HQ is a chipshot from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. I can see it right now, actually. So, I can personally attest that the weather is always perfect here, especially in August.
Why wouldn't the PGA and other late summer events take advantage of the best summertime weather in the country? I'm talking about taking advantage of cooler, more comfortable temps and optimized course conditions out west? What about Pebble Beach? It's perfect there this time of year. Same goes up the entire coastline...Bandon Dunes would be amazing too.
My point is, it'd be nice to get more late summer events along the west coast. We get a bad rep, considering the West Coast Swing is in the winter. And while it's rain and not snow to contend with, it's still not as nice in the winter as it is in the summer out here.
For those who don't believe us, wait'll you see the US Open at Torrey Pines next year. And to the PGA Tour, come see what I mean.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Slow Motion Analysis
By Charlie Schroeder
One of the ways our website has improved recently is through the addition of a number of excellent video swing tips. We're now using an HD camera that delivers crystal clear widescreen images to your desktop. I guess you could say Golf Tips has officially gone Hollywood.
One thing we don't have yet is one of those super slow motion cameras the networks put into use during tournaments. While watching the Bridgestone on Saturday I found myself pausing, rewinding and then rewatching a number of shots captured with it. One, a wedge shot by Tiger, is worth mentioning.
His shot perfectly demonstrated how compressing the ball is a vital component to producing proper spin and ball flight. In fact, when shown in slow motion it took a couple seconds post-contact for a divot to even appear! Woods hit the ball first and then made a divot. It's a good mantra when practicing iron shots on the driving range: "ball first, then divot, ball first, then divot."
When Tiger's club finally dug into the ground, a massive beaver pelt was produced, thus emphasizing how significantly he hit down on the ball.
It's a simple "back-to-basics" concept, but one that I routinely see amateurs struggle with.
Hey, want to see what our HD video looks like? Check it out here.
One of the ways our website has improved recently is through the addition of a number of excellent video swing tips. We're now using an HD camera that delivers crystal clear widescreen images to your desktop. I guess you could say Golf Tips has officially gone Hollywood.
One thing we don't have yet is one of those super slow motion cameras the networks put into use during tournaments. While watching the Bridgestone on Saturday I found myself pausing, rewinding and then rewatching a number of shots captured with it. One, a wedge shot by Tiger, is worth mentioning.
His shot perfectly demonstrated how compressing the ball is a vital component to producing proper spin and ball flight. In fact, when shown in slow motion it took a couple seconds post-contact for a divot to even appear! Woods hit the ball first and then made a divot. It's a good mantra when practicing iron shots on the driving range: "ball first, then divot, ball first, then divot."
When Tiger's club finally dug into the ground, a massive beaver pelt was produced, thus emphasizing how significantly he hit down on the ball.
It's a simple "back-to-basics" concept, but one that I routinely see amateurs struggle with.
Hey, want to see what our HD video looks like? Check it out here.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
It's a flag, not a rag
Hey,
I understand she was probably pretty excited to shake that monkey off her back and put an end to the constant comparison to the non-winning Anna Kournikova (although, most women would love just to be compared to her), Natalie Gulbis probably should have been a little more aware come time to pose for a photo with the trophy.
Google her name and you'll see photos of her sitting on a stool, drapped in the American flag. And while the flag is not only touching the ground (even though it's French ground), she's also sitting on it. Hmmm. Now, is this a display of blissful patriotism or is she trying to make a political statement?
We're kidding, Natalie. Even though we recommend you don't perch yourself on Old Glory anytime soon, America appreciates your willingness to show your patriotism overseas and it's very much appreciated. Congratulations on win #1.
I understand she was probably pretty excited to shake that monkey off her back and put an end to the constant comparison to the non-winning Anna Kournikova (although, most women would love just to be compared to her), Natalie Gulbis probably should have been a little more aware come time to pose for a photo with the trophy.
Google her name and you'll see photos of her sitting on a stool, drapped in the American flag. And while the flag is not only touching the ground (even though it's French ground), she's also sitting on it. Hmmm. Now, is this a display of blissful patriotism or is she trying to make a political statement?
We're kidding, Natalie. Even though we recommend you don't perch yourself on Old Glory anytime soon, America appreciates your willingness to show your patriotism overseas and it's very much appreciated. Congratulations on win #1.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Spin This...
I'm a glutton for distance. And frankly, I've never hit he ball TOO FAR in my life. Nope. Never. Not once. Now maybe I've hit through a few fairways that have landed in some lakes, bunkers or even OB, I've never blamed those poor shots on actually hitting the ball too far. Instead, I just blame myself for hitting the wrong club. And I'm a fairly long hitter. Even still, I'll never admit that the ball goes too far. Not until I can drive every par-4 and reach every par-5 in two. Maybe then I'll loosen up.
Also, I've hooked, sliced and just about everything in-between the ball, but those are bad shots not because I hit them too far, rather because I was poorly aimed or my clubface was shut or open. Those arent bad shots because of my macho distance. More distance in my mind, is always an advantage when compared to hitting it short. Never up, never in...
On the other hand, I have had times where I've spun the ball too much with an iron or wedge. Where my carry was robbed because the ball ballooned, hitting that atmospheric wall that sent my ball short into a greenside bunker. I've had pitches, chips, lobs--all that have come up short, thanks to having too much spin. I've had it happen in the rough too. Even there, I've had balls check up, while others didn't. In a sense, spin sometimes has had a negative effect on my ability to score, making me inconsistent. And while spin is obviously helpful for the bomb and pitch style of play we see on Tour, when Tiger is at his best with his wedge, it's not becuase he spins it a lot, its because he actually takes spin off it.
With that said, do you think it's possible for the USGA to put new restrictions on today's U-grooves? Can they really verify that added spin is helpful, or that the reason players on Tour are getting up and down is due to more spin from the rough? Maybe they're just getting better! Maybe it's the ball? Maybe their putting is better? What about the clubface finish? Weighting? Loft? Bounce? Maybe it's everything.
What do you think, folks?
PS: After writing that blog entry, I immediately retract saying I've never hit the ball too far. There was one time. To that foursome I hit into about 3 years ago at Tokatee GC in Hood River, Ore., I'm really sorry. I had no idea I could hit it that far. You really didn't need to hit my ball back at me.
Also, I've hooked, sliced and just about everything in-between the ball, but those are bad shots not because I hit them too far, rather because I was poorly aimed or my clubface was shut or open. Those arent bad shots because of my macho distance. More distance in my mind, is always an advantage when compared to hitting it short. Never up, never in...
On the other hand, I have had times where I've spun the ball too much with an iron or wedge. Where my carry was robbed because the ball ballooned, hitting that atmospheric wall that sent my ball short into a greenside bunker. I've had pitches, chips, lobs--all that have come up short, thanks to having too much spin. I've had it happen in the rough too. Even there, I've had balls check up, while others didn't. In a sense, spin sometimes has had a negative effect on my ability to score, making me inconsistent. And while spin is obviously helpful for the bomb and pitch style of play we see on Tour, when Tiger is at his best with his wedge, it's not becuase he spins it a lot, its because he actually takes spin off it.
With that said, do you think it's possible for the USGA to put new restrictions on today's U-grooves? Can they really verify that added spin is helpful, or that the reason players on Tour are getting up and down is due to more spin from the rough? Maybe they're just getting better! Maybe it's the ball? Maybe their putting is better? What about the clubface finish? Weighting? Loft? Bounce? Maybe it's everything.
What do you think, folks?
PS: After writing that blog entry, I immediately retract saying I've never hit the ball too far. There was one time. To that foursome I hit into about 3 years ago at Tokatee GC in Hood River, Ore., I'm really sorry. I had no idea I could hit it that far. You really didn't need to hit my ball back at me.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Pressure Cooker
By Charlie Schroeder
I found it very easy to be an armchair quarterback during yesterday's final round of the Open Championship. I also found it very easy for me to tear the stuffing out of my couch watching Romero try to hit a two-iron from the long grass, and Harrington hit it in the drink twice on 18. (It was just as nerve-wracking to see Garcia's putter go ice cold after having such a stellar week.)
I've never been in a situation with that much at stake so it's impossible to comprehend what goes on inside a golfer's mind and body, so this morning I consulted one the many golf psychology books I have for some words of wisdom. I paged through "Golf, the Ultimate Mind Game" by Rick Sessinghaus, and found this:
"...[some golfers] get a lead and begin to play not to lose it. The tension in their body increases. This tension stops the club from fully releasing and causes a block...playing to win is the attitude of staying present and treating each shot the same...playing not to lose is the intention of don't hit a bad shot! This affects confidence and our ability to close out rounds."
I remember hearing another great psychologist, Dr. David Wright say a few years ago: "when you have your opponent down, you have to step on his neck." Doc wasn't trying to be mean-spirited; he was trying to convey what athletes must do to win. Yesterday we saw a lot of golfers trying not to lose The Open and it wasn't until Harrington got to the playoff that we saw someone who finally wanted to win.
I found it very easy to be an armchair quarterback during yesterday's final round of the Open Championship. I also found it very easy for me to tear the stuffing out of my couch watching Romero try to hit a two-iron from the long grass, and Harrington hit it in the drink twice on 18. (It was just as nerve-wracking to see Garcia's putter go ice cold after having such a stellar week.)
I've never been in a situation with that much at stake so it's impossible to comprehend what goes on inside a golfer's mind and body, so this morning I consulted one the many golf psychology books I have for some words of wisdom. I paged through "Golf, the Ultimate Mind Game" by Rick Sessinghaus, and found this:
"...[some golfers] get a lead and begin to play not to lose it. The tension in their body increases. This tension stops the club from fully releasing and causes a block...playing to win is the attitude of staying present and treating each shot the same...playing not to lose is the intention of don't hit a bad shot! This affects confidence and our ability to close out rounds."
I remember hearing another great psychologist, Dr. David Wright say a few years ago: "when you have your opponent down, you have to step on his neck." Doc wasn't trying to be mean-spirited; he was trying to convey what athletes must do to win. Yesterday we saw a lot of golfers trying not to lose The Open and it wasn't until Harrington got to the playoff that we saw someone who finally wanted to win.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Monster Moves
By Ryan Noll
What's the secret to more power? If you read the CRUSH IT article, you'll see that having a hefty, muscular build like Jason Zuback (pictured) isn't the true source of power for these long hitters. Most agree that technique is more important than muscle, and the key is to learn how to swing faster, not necessarily harder. Proper tempo, leverage and timing--that's the way to find your monster move.
Check it out here.
What's the secret to more power? If you read the CRUSH IT article, you'll see that having a hefty, muscular build like Jason Zuback (pictured) isn't the true source of power for these long hitters. Most agree that technique is more important than muscle, and the key is to learn how to swing faster, not necessarily harder. Proper tempo, leverage and timing--that's the way to find your monster move.
Check it out here.
Monday, July 16, 2007
What's It Take To Win?
By Ryan Noll
I've never played in a British Open (and well, I probably never will), but I can say that from watching a few telecasts including 99's "Collapse at Carnoustie", it takes a couple things to go your way to win:
1. Putting: This shouldn't be a surprise, since putting well is a must for winning any tournament out there.
2. Outstanding fairway wood/iron play: Look for players known for their skills with fairway woods and long irons to be atop the leaderboard this week. Even good drives at Carnoustie can wind up in the rough.
My pick? Colin Montgomerie. Just a hunch...
I've never played in a British Open (and well, I probably never will), but I can say that from watching a few telecasts including 99's "Collapse at Carnoustie", it takes a couple things to go your way to win:
1. Putting: This shouldn't be a surprise, since putting well is a must for winning any tournament out there.
2. Outstanding fairway wood/iron play: Look for players known for their skills with fairway woods and long irons to be atop the leaderboard this week. Even good drives at Carnoustie can wind up in the rough.
My pick? Colin Montgomerie. Just a hunch...
Friday, July 13, 2007
Non-Traditional Shapes
By Charlie Schroeder
Sorry everybody, for how late this post is. I've been meaning to write about KJ Choi's equipment for the past five days.
Clearly the South Korean isn't afraid to think outside the box when it comes to his equipment. Not only does he play Nike's square Sumo2 driver but he has also been using the oversized Super Stroke putting grip that he learned about while watching a Golf Channel infomercial.
The Super Stroke promises quiet wrists and relaxed hands and that's just what Choi must have had last week. He averaged a staggering 1.65 putts per GIR, a feat that, as you know, can only lead to low scores.
Our question for you is do you integrate non-traditional elements into your arsenal? If so, we'd love to hear about it. Send us an email at editors@golftipsmag.com.
Sorry everybody, for how late this post is. I've been meaning to write about KJ Choi's equipment for the past five days.
Clearly the South Korean isn't afraid to think outside the box when it comes to his equipment. Not only does he play Nike's square Sumo2 driver but he has also been using the oversized Super Stroke putting grip that he learned about while watching a Golf Channel infomercial.
The Super Stroke promises quiet wrists and relaxed hands and that's just what Choi must have had last week. He averaged a staggering 1.65 putts per GIR, a feat that, as you know, can only lead to low scores.
Our question for you is do you integrate non-traditional elements into your arsenal? If so, we'd love to hear about it. Send us an email at editors@golftipsmag.com.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
A Mixed Bag
By Ryan Noll
A friend of mine just asked if it was a good idea to mix brands when it comes to a set of clubs. Should your driver and fairway woods be the same brand and model? Should all your irons match? What about hybrids? Wedges? The putter?
On the PGA Tour, it's not uncommon to see players locked into 12 or 13-club contracts, requiring them to use all but one or two clubs in their bag from a sponsoring clubmaker. And, since folks like you and I aren't on the PGA Tour, we actually have more opportunities than the pros do come time to divvy up our sets across various brands. But, as my golf buddy asked, is it a good idea to do mix and match?
The answer is yes. Sometimes certain companies lend very specialized versions of their products, often making clubs that can be custom-fit to your exact needs and specifications. But, if you're not aware of your current club specs and the specs of the clubs you're thinking about buying and you don't go through the lengths of getting them all fitted, your set of golf clubs will turn out like Swiss cheese---you'll have a set that looks great but with one bite you'll see there are holes all over the place. (Read Charlie's entry below for his take on the need for clubfitting if you need extra convincing.)
Several equipment companies' manufacture equipment to their own specifications, not to some industry standard. What may be labeled "Standard" with one company may be 2-degrees stronger-lofted with another, or what's upright 2-degrees with one company may be considered "Standard" with another. Therefore, always check the specs of your current set and what club(s) you're hoping to buy, and make sure the length, lie, loft and weight are an appropriate fit. (The variances generally aren't much, but they can make a significant difference.) This is especially crucial when mixing wedges and irons, as many go to great lengths in getting their irons custom-fitted but often neglect the wedges. Come on folks, get with it!
Also, come time to buy a hybrid, look first and what you hope to replace. Odds are it's a long iron, so check with a clubfitter to determine what hybrid length and loft will fit well into your set. The industry standard--well, there really isn't one so either trial and error or a launch monitor will help you decide if a 19-, 21-, or 23-degree hybrid (and so on) will work best for you (hey, maybe you need several!)
Do the same with your fairway woods and fill in the holes with the right shaft, clubhead and loft, and remember that having the right specs means a lot more for your ability to hit great shots than just having a set of clubs that sports a single manufacturer's logo.
Got any more questions for us? Email editors@golftipsmag.com
A friend of mine just asked if it was a good idea to mix brands when it comes to a set of clubs. Should your driver and fairway woods be the same brand and model? Should all your irons match? What about hybrids? Wedges? The putter?
On the PGA Tour, it's not uncommon to see players locked into 12 or 13-club contracts, requiring them to use all but one or two clubs in their bag from a sponsoring clubmaker. And, since folks like you and I aren't on the PGA Tour, we actually have more opportunities than the pros do come time to divvy up our sets across various brands. But, as my golf buddy asked, is it a good idea to do mix and match?
The answer is yes. Sometimes certain companies lend very specialized versions of their products, often making clubs that can be custom-fit to your exact needs and specifications. But, if you're not aware of your current club specs and the specs of the clubs you're thinking about buying and you don't go through the lengths of getting them all fitted, your set of golf clubs will turn out like Swiss cheese---you'll have a set that looks great but with one bite you'll see there are holes all over the place. (Read Charlie's entry below for his take on the need for clubfitting if you need extra convincing.)
Several equipment companies' manufacture equipment to their own specifications, not to some industry standard. What may be labeled "Standard" with one company may be 2-degrees stronger-lofted with another, or what's upright 2-degrees with one company may be considered "Standard" with another. Therefore, always check the specs of your current set and what club(s) you're hoping to buy, and make sure the length, lie, loft and weight are an appropriate fit. (The variances generally aren't much, but they can make a significant difference.) This is especially crucial when mixing wedges and irons, as many go to great lengths in getting their irons custom-fitted but often neglect the wedges. Come on folks, get with it!
Also, come time to buy a hybrid, look first and what you hope to replace. Odds are it's a long iron, so check with a clubfitter to determine what hybrid length and loft will fit well into your set. The industry standard--well, there really isn't one so either trial and error or a launch monitor will help you decide if a 19-, 21-, or 23-degree hybrid (and so on) will work best for you (hey, maybe you need several!)
Do the same with your fairway woods and fill in the holes with the right shaft, clubhead and loft, and remember that having the right specs means a lot more for your ability to hit great shots than just having a set of clubs that sports a single manufacturer's logo.
Got any more questions for us? Email editors@golftipsmag.com
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Bad Lies
By Charlie Schroeder
During my round yesterday at the newly refurbished "Ike" Course at Industry Hills Golf Club near LA, I put a new hybrid into play. Although it's not the manufacturer's newest model, Hot Stix (the high-tech club fitting studio) recommended I add it to my bag during my visit to their new Denver, CO facility. With a special hybrid shaft fitted in it I crushed it off the tee on the Ike's signature hole, number 17.
However, my ball flight bugged me. It hooked too much. In the past I would have taken it, but after my visit to Hot Stix, I know I'm capable of reducing spin (and gaining distance in the process).
How do I know this?
It's simple really. Standard clubs (bought "off the rack"), like my irons or that hybrid are too upright for me, meaning that when I address the ball the toe comes off the ground. There are a couple reasons for this including my height and how low I hold my hands at address. When I swing, the heel naturally returns to the ground first, causing the toe to "cross the line" and turn over. Thus, putting hook spin on the ball.
Hot Stix solved this problem by flattening my irons' lie angle by three degrees (about as extreme as you can get), but I've yet to flatten my new hybrid. According to the manufacturer's representative, my hybrid can be bent two degrees, which should straighten out my shots and add yards.
My tip for you, go to a clubfitter. At worst it'll improve your game, at best it could change your life.
During my round yesterday at the newly refurbished "Ike" Course at Industry Hills Golf Club near LA, I put a new hybrid into play. Although it's not the manufacturer's newest model, Hot Stix (the high-tech club fitting studio) recommended I add it to my bag during my visit to their new Denver, CO facility. With a special hybrid shaft fitted in it I crushed it off the tee on the Ike's signature hole, number 17.
However, my ball flight bugged me. It hooked too much. In the past I would have taken it, but after my visit to Hot Stix, I know I'm capable of reducing spin (and gaining distance in the process).
How do I know this?
It's simple really. Standard clubs (bought "off the rack"), like my irons or that hybrid are too upright for me, meaning that when I address the ball the toe comes off the ground. There are a couple reasons for this including my height and how low I hold my hands at address. When I swing, the heel naturally returns to the ground first, causing the toe to "cross the line" and turn over. Thus, putting hook spin on the ball.
Hot Stix solved this problem by flattening my irons' lie angle by three degrees (about as extreme as you can get), but I've yet to flatten my new hybrid. According to the manufacturer's representative, my hybrid can be bent two degrees, which should straighten out my shots and add yards.
My tip for you, go to a clubfitter. At worst it'll improve your game, at best it could change your life.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Yep, We're Lucky.
By Ryan Noll
As Senior Editor here at Golf Tips, I've got a great job. I spend my day talking golf, writing about golf and studying golf, with the intent of not only helping our readers improve at this game, but also in helping myself become better. (Hey, I'd be deceiving you if I didn't tell you I was in it for my good too.) In fact, the same holds true for my fellow editors, as we all are dedicated to helping you improve just as much as we enjoy improving ourselves. And so far, things seem to have gone our way.
We take pride in knowing the fact that our top three editors each play to a single-digit handicap, which for you means we can better work with our instructors to help make the game easier to understand. In addition, two of us (myself included) have worked as golf instructors, one of us as a PGA teaching professional. Not bad for a bunch of pencil pushers, eh? And judging by the improvements a few staffers have seen in the last few months, we can prove that if you apply the instruction we and our contributing instructors present, it definitely works.
Also, being on staff at Golf Tips affords us the great opportunity to be immersed in cutting-edge, world-class golf instruction every day. Whether it's a short tip, full-length feature, video tip or a mixture of each, we live and breathe this stuff. That said, we've also come to realize that not every tip is right for every kind of player. You can spend all day reading every story in Golf Tips and on this Website, and unless you know what you're looking for, the odds of you improving are less than the odds of you becoming more confused about the golf swing.
Instead, heed the following advice. Just as there are more ways than one way to slice a golf ball, there's also more than one way to fix the banana ball. No matter what your problem, you'll likely to encounter a bunch of tips that may sometimes contradict one another. That doesn't mean one is right or wrong; instead it proves that golf is an individual's game, and no two swings are ever exactly the same. Some swings respond to certain types of swing advice, while others don't. The key is in finding a particular teaching style and philosophy that resonates most with your learning and playing style. Once you do that, you'll find it easier to start implementing those tips into your golf game.
Start by perusing the articles on our Website written by different instructors, each of whom have their own take on how to improve. Skim each section then check out our Lesson Finder for tips on every facet of the game. When you find a tip that makes sense to you, take it with you to the practice range and give it a try. Success depends on your level of commitment, so don't expect overnight cures or magic swing fixes! This is a tough game, but lucky for you, we've got some of the brightest and most dedicated instructors in the business to help you get your game on track. And of the editors, we're right along with you in our pursuit to improve, so don't hesitate to ask us a question about what kind of stories you'd like us to cover, or if you have questions on a particular feature. Drop us an e-mail at editors@golftipsmag.com and who knows...maybe your plea will help us decide what kinds of stories to put together in next year's issues of GT.
Most of all, have fun on our Website! Check us out often. Oh and by the way, what you see now is just the beginning. We'll be rolling out all kinds of great stuff on our new Website this summer, including the opportunity to send messages directly to our instructors that will be answered in our upcoming Golf Tips Readers Forum. This will be your chance to post topics for discussion and share a dialogue with top instructors and equipment gurus from across the country!
It's just the beginning folks. Stay tuned for more!
Sincerely,
Ryan Noll
Senior Editor
As Senior Editor here at Golf Tips, I've got a great job. I spend my day talking golf, writing about golf and studying golf, with the intent of not only helping our readers improve at this game, but also in helping myself become better. (Hey, I'd be deceiving you if I didn't tell you I was in it for my good too.) In fact, the same holds true for my fellow editors, as we all are dedicated to helping you improve just as much as we enjoy improving ourselves. And so far, things seem to have gone our way.
We take pride in knowing the fact that our top three editors each play to a single-digit handicap, which for you means we can better work with our instructors to help make the game easier to understand. In addition, two of us (myself included) have worked as golf instructors, one of us as a PGA teaching professional. Not bad for a bunch of pencil pushers, eh? And judging by the improvements a few staffers have seen in the last few months, we can prove that if you apply the instruction we and our contributing instructors present, it definitely works.
Also, being on staff at Golf Tips affords us the great opportunity to be immersed in cutting-edge, world-class golf instruction every day. Whether it's a short tip, full-length feature, video tip or a mixture of each, we live and breathe this stuff. That said, we've also come to realize that not every tip is right for every kind of player. You can spend all day reading every story in Golf Tips and on this Website, and unless you know what you're looking for, the odds of you improving are less than the odds of you becoming more confused about the golf swing.
Instead, heed the following advice. Just as there are more ways than one way to slice a golf ball, there's also more than one way to fix the banana ball. No matter what your problem, you'll likely to encounter a bunch of tips that may sometimes contradict one another. That doesn't mean one is right or wrong; instead it proves that golf is an individual's game, and no two swings are ever exactly the same. Some swings respond to certain types of swing advice, while others don't. The key is in finding a particular teaching style and philosophy that resonates most with your learning and playing style. Once you do that, you'll find it easier to start implementing those tips into your golf game.
Start by perusing the articles on our Website written by different instructors, each of whom have their own take on how to improve. Skim each section then check out our Lesson Finder for tips on every facet of the game. When you find a tip that makes sense to you, take it with you to the practice range and give it a try. Success depends on your level of commitment, so don't expect overnight cures or magic swing fixes! This is a tough game, but lucky for you, we've got some of the brightest and most dedicated instructors in the business to help you get your game on track. And of the editors, we're right along with you in our pursuit to improve, so don't hesitate to ask us a question about what kind of stories you'd like us to cover, or if you have questions on a particular feature. Drop us an e-mail at editors@golftipsmag.com and who knows...maybe your plea will help us decide what kinds of stories to put together in next year's issues of GT.
Most of all, have fun on our Website! Check us out often. Oh and by the way, what you see now is just the beginning. We'll be rolling out all kinds of great stuff on our new Website this summer, including the opportunity to send messages directly to our instructors that will be answered in our upcoming Golf Tips Readers Forum. This will be your chance to post topics for discussion and share a dialogue with top instructors and equipment gurus from across the country!
It's just the beginning folks. Stay tuned for more!
Sincerely,
Ryan Noll
Senior Editor
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