Where Have We Been?

Loyal GT readers may have noticed a drop-off in blog postings of late. No, we're not on the golf course every day (okay, one day last week, but it was business, we swear).

We've been hard at work on two issues: our Annual Equipment Buyer's Guide (look for it on newsstands late January or early February) and our February/March issue. Writing about all that golf equipment has left us without much free time to update the blog, but you're better off for it, as two great new issues await you in the new year.

A couple new sections to look for in our first regular issue include a "We Tried It" section where we test out the new products (in Feb/Mar tell you what we think of Mizuno MX 200 irons, the Bridgestone e7+ ball, Cleveland XLi irons and Cobra L5V driver). We also tried out some new offerings from Tour Edge last week (the Exotics XCG V and XLD V drivers, Dave Glod putters, XCG V 3-wood and the non-Exotic line TCG sand wedge). That last wedge may be next year's best bargain, ringing up for a measly $40. Honestly I couldn't tell much of a difference between it and wedges that sell for three times that amount.

Keep your eyes on this blog for the latest in equipment, instruction and travel.

Faldo Legacy Course at Roco Ki Golf Club Opens Today

In today's gloomy economic climate it's hard to believe new golf courses are opening up, but that's just what happened today in the Dominican Republic when the tape was cut on Nick Faldo's latest design, the Legacy Course at Roco Ki. By the looks of things it promises to be pretty darn spectacular. A combination of Hawaii, Ireland and, well, other ridiculously picturesque Caribbean courses.

No Fossils to be found at Westin Le Paradis Resort

Word from the Westin Le Paradis Beach & Golf Resort in St. Lucia that it plans to be the Caribbean's first fossil free resort.

In addition to using the sun to heat the resort's agua, the resort will utilize a computerized irrigation system to water its signature Greg Norman golf course.

The 18-hole layout is perched 600 feet above sea level and promises to boast jaw-dropping views of the tranquil waters below.

Click here for a link to a (rather long) video about the course and resort's construction and intentions.

Bayonet and Black Horse to Reopen December 22nd

Two of Northern California's toughest public golf courses will reopen just in time for the holidays after a $13 million renovation. Bates Golf Design (Circling Raven) was tapped for the makeover.

Hole routings were altered and new tees, bunkers and green complexes were added.

Here's the view from Bayonet's 17th tee box:



And from Black Horse's 15th tee:


The two courses boast some pretty great views of Monterey Bay. For more information click here.

Swing like Tommy "Two Gloves"

Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey shot a nifty 8-under 64 yesterday to capture second place in the PGA Tour's season-ending Children's Miracle Network Classic. Watch it? I didn't think so.

Gainey's homegrown, unorthodox swing (not to mention grip, set up and choice of two, count 'em two gloves) should not be emulated. But there is one part of his swing that every golfer should seek to imitate: his confidence.

Notice how in this swing he leaves nothing in the bag? It ain't pretty, but it's the hallmark of someone who's really feelin' it.

A Day With Natalie Gulbis Winner Announced

In response to the "Who's Behind Your Success?" contest where the winner gets to spend with Natalie Gulbis, it's nice to know that there are worthy winners of contests theses days.

The winner and lucky guy who gets to spend all day with Natalie tells a story of how despite serious physical setbacks, his affection and support from his mother helped persuade him to do great things and like any great champion will tell you, how he continues to never, never give up.

His name is Taylor Anderson. To see and hear his very inspiring story, CLICK HERE.

And to you Taylor: You're a stud in our book. Congrats and enjoy your special day.

Pre-Owned Clubs BLOWOUT!

In an era where it seems a new driver hits the shelves virtually every season, it's good to know it's never too late to get your hands around some less recent drivers, irons, wedges and so forth. Sure, there are auction sites online that proliferate with used clubs, but do you really know what you're going to get? Probably not. That's why equipment companies are trending towards offering used options, backed with the guarantee that you're getting authentic products, free and clear of any hidden cracks, dents or defects.

Among the latest site is TaylorMade's (Click HERE). Just today, we saw some screaming deals, including a Burner driver for $149, a rac Chrome wedge for $49 and a set of rac HT irons for $229.

Schweet.

In addition to TM, don't miss Callaway's pre-owned site as well. (Click HERE). We like this trend, and can't wait to see more equipment companies follow suit. After all, there are a lot of great products out there, even if they're a couple years old.

Become a Birdie Machine (Part 2)-Nick Watney

Here's Nick Watney, the 2007 Zurich Classic winner and current leader of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. This photo was taken on TPC Summerlin's 12th hole, a 442-yard Par 4 that the pros reach with a driver and wedge. (That's so wrong!)

Notice how Watney's hit down on the ball (see spray of dirt for evidence) and kept his head down through the shot while his hips rotate?

You often hear amateurs telling their buddies to "keep your head down" on driving ranges all across the country. Sure, you want to keep it down for most of the swing, but definitely not the entire swing. See photo below for further proof.

Become a Birdie Machine-Like Zach Johnson

Check out these snapshots taken by yours truly at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open (12th hole, yesterday during the Pro-Am). Here's last week's Valero Texas Open champ Zach Johnson consulting his caddy, Damon Green for yardage.

1. Know your yardages.




Once Johnson selected his club (it looked to be some kind of wedge) he thought of which type of shot he wanted to play. The pin was cut in the center of the green, far from the pond that borders the green's right side. With nothing guarding the green, Johnson could hit a low shot with tremendous spin.

2. Know how to hit a variety of wedge shots.

Check out Johnson's finish. There's NO RELEASE! Don't try this shot if you don't SEVERELY ROTATE YOUR LOWER BODY. Otherwise, you're guaranteed to block the heck out of it.

3. Practice five-footers because if you knock your wedges stiff, you'll want to drain your putts.

By the way, last week Johnson made 23 birdies en route to shooting 19 under. Today at the Timberlake he's birdied nine of his first 14 holes.

FREE GOLF!

Okay, now that we have your attention...

Yesterday we received word that the 5-star, cliff-top Fairmont St. Andrews resort is celebrating the opening of its new Kittocks Course by offering FREE tee times on October 21st.

That's right, FREE GOLF AT ST. ANDREWS!

Interested? Dial 01334 837023.

For reservations call (800) 257-7544 or click here.