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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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...

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.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .