Arnold Palmer

Thank you to all who commented on who the fine looking man below was.  I unfortunately forgot to put him on my list of retired golfers.  One of my viewers reminded me of this so I decided to see if you guys actually knew what he looked like in his younger days.  Well done everyone was right it was the great Arnold Palmer.  Please stay tune for a player profile done on the one and only Arnold Palmer.  Don't forget to vote on your favourite retired golfer too.

Tigers at it again...

In what is considered one of the most exciting events after the Opens, Masters and Ryder Cup have been played comes the Chevron World Challenge.  The field has been set all that's left to do is speculate who will take over Jim Furyk's crown.  This tournament is an event that's help in the off-season hosted by Tiger Woods.  

In 2007 was the time we saw Woods play in his own event.  Tiger has committed to playing and will leading the charge.  This event will be played in December 2-5 at Sherwood Country Club. The following are the players who have qualified to play in the Chevron World Challenge.

• Tiger Woods
• Sean O'Hair
• Graeme McDowell
• Martin Kaymer
• Jim Furyk
• Steve Stricker
• Paul Casey
• Luke Donald
• Rory McIlroy
• Dustin Johnson
• Matt Kuchar
• Ian Poulter
• Hunter Mahan
• Zach Johnson
• Anthony Kim
• Bubba Watson

The foundation will announce the two exemptions in the near future.  This is because of the world ranking points.  These two exemptions must come from the top 50. This tournament is about bragging rights and charities.    This event features a $5 million dollar purse that is split up amongst the top 18.  The Chevron World Challenge has raised approximately $20 million to benefit education-focused non profit operations.  The Nonprofit partners include: Tiger Woods Foundation, DonorsChoose.org, Project Lead the Way, Teach for America, and Telacu.  for more information about the World Challenge please visit: http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r478/

Top 6 Golf Balls in Golf.....

Golf Digest did extensive research to find the best golf balls available worldwide over the price of $35.00  Below is a summary of their results and photos used for each type of golf ball.

Bridgestone B 330/S/ RX/RXS

This line has introduced two different golf balls which has to do with your swing speed.  Swing speeds of less than 105 mph: is recommended the low-spinning RX for the distance and the soft RXS for your greenside spin.

For swings of 112 mph or more the B330S complements your swing speed the best because it is softer.  The reason Bridgestone has become so popular is by offering the golfer the most elite choices plus a fitting program to your swing to better improve your game. 

 Callaway i (s) / i (z)

Callaway introduced this line of golf balls in hopes of creating a large disparity between the driver spin which is low and the wedge spin which is high.  Callaway states that the inner core which has a compression of 120 points softer than its outer core on the Callaway i (s) ball.  

The i (z) ball emphasizes the distance but with more greenside spin than last years Tour ix.  The Tour ix was designed to help the tour players offset the spin-reducing effect of the new groove rule.  Callaway feels the i (z) will help off the tee.

 

Taylormade Penta TP

 Taylormade has introduced a five-layer golf ball that is designed to enhance both spin an distance in five ways.  "A neodyminum-blend core improves resiliency, even at a low compression.  The layer just outside the core optimizes long-iron shots.  The next layer is a fast incomer designed for middle-iron speed and feel.  A firm third layer improves ball speed on tee sots and works with the cover for wedge-shot spin.  And the urethane cover is for feel on chips and putts."

After numerous tests it is evident that this Penta golf ball works for all shots.

Titleist PRO V1 /V1X

This is considered the number one ball in golf on the golf digest top 100 golf balls as well as other numerous lists.  The PGA tour competitors love this golf ball.  The reason its so popular is that both golf balls have a urethane cover but the PRO V1 has a single core which has been enhanced for durability.  

The Pro V1X has a soft center and dual core which is to improve ball speed.  This ball has proven its excellence time and time again.  The PRO V1's are generally compared to because, they deserve to be.
 

  Nike One Tour / Tour D

 Golf Digest describes this golf ball as : "the key element in the one family is a polymer layer surrounding the core.  Its stronger, tighter molecular structure is designed to improve velocity and mitigate excessive spin on the off-center hits."  

The technology behind this golf ball is extraordinary and the One Tour spins about 10 % more.






Srixon Z-Star / Z-Star X

Srixon makes the thinnest cover.  The core which as gotten progressively firmer towards the outside is designed to improve both spin and launch conditions for every club.  The Z-Star X is firmer for faster swing speeds.  

The coating that is on the cover increases friction on short game shots. With over 700 ball patents, Srixon is obviously doing something right.

For more information please visit : http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/golf-balls/2010-06/hotlist-golfballs-over35 

Name the golfer...

Below is a picture of a well known golfer in his younger day. 

Can you name him? 

If so comment in the "post a commnet" below who you think he is and an interesting fact about this player.

Young, Beautiful and U.S Open Champion

Paula Creamer and Minnie Mouse on her 24th Birthday

 Player Profile: Paula Creamer

Paula was born on August 5th, 1986.  Creamer was born in Mountain View, California where her parents family home overlooked the first tee of the Castlewood Country Club's Golf Course.  At the age of 13, she became the top-ranked golfer in her state.She is an American Professional Golfer who plays on the U.S -Based LPGA Tour.  As an amateur she won numerous junior golf titles, including 11 American Junior Golf Association tournaments. Paula joined the LPGA in 2005 and won her first tournament that year the Sybase Classic making her the LPGA's second-youngest event winner.  Creamer was also awarded LPGA Rookie of the Year in 2005.  After winning at Sybase Classic Paula became the youngest winner of a multiple-round tournament in LPGA History.  She is also the youngest player and quickest player to reach $1 Million in LPGA earnings.

In her 2008 season she won a record 4 wins bringing in $1.8 Million.  On July 11th,  2010 Paula returned from an injury to shoot a 3-under 4 day total score to win the U.S Women's Open.

Paula Creamer with the help of Sundogs has come out with a wonderful brand of sunglasses.  The LPGA tour has considered this glasses a "Style Watch."   Mike Boyles, Sundog Eyewear President of Sales and Marketing stated: 

"We are thrilled to have benefited from Paula's personal involvement in the development of the collection, representing the perfect blend of golf performance and off course fashion."

Coming Soon to a Bookstore near you...

His Father's Son : Earl and Tiger Woods 

 By: Tom Callahan

           In "His Father's Son" Tom gives his readers a full-blown biography of Earl Woods.  This biography touches on interviews with Earl, Tiger, friends and family members as well as coaches and veteran golf players.  Callahan provides an extraordinary look into the lives of Earl and Tiger and how the close relationship they had.  It is a remarkable story showing its readers the love between Earl and Tiger Woods.

Available November 2, 2010

Sam: The One and Only Sam Snead

By: Al Barkow

Its unfortunate but before this book was published few knew of the man Sammy Snead was his fears, his secrets and his dark side.  Sammy Snead is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time and there has yet to be a proper biography on him.  This book looks into the life of Sammy into one of the game's most mysterious figures.

Available November 16, 2010

Golf Style: Homes and Collections Inspired by the Course and Clubhouse

By: Vicky Moon

In this book of Golf Style Vicky focuses on every aspect of the lifestyle that the game has inspired.  Through golf courses including: Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia to Celtic Manor in Cardiff Wales, to Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.  The reader has the ability to go through famous courses and clubhouses that have played host to major tournaments over the years.  You will become aware of golf-themed art and antiques collections, learning about the delicious meals served at the Masters, recall favourite films in which golf is the real star and the exquisite trophy's inspired by the game.

Available December 7, 2010

Wonder Girl: The Magnificent Sporting Life of Babe Didrikson

By: Don Van Natta

This is the extraordinary story of a nearly forgotten American Superstar athlete.  Texas born, Babe Didrikson never tried a sport too tough for her.  Even with the attempts made to keep women from participating in sports Babe achieved All-American status in basketball and won gold medals in track and field at the 1932 Olympics.  After achieving all that most would consider that to be sufficient.  Not Babe she had to conquer golf.  Babe is one of the founders of the LPGA, and won more consecutive tournaments then any other golfer in the story. Babe soon became ill being diagnosed with cancer.  Would that hold Babe back?  Read the book to find out.

Available June 2, 2011

The future of golf....

Christmas presents and Birthday gifts are the best opportunity to get your child or grandchild involved in golf.  Below are pictures and information about each set in order to give you the opportunity to learn about the sets of clubs available out there.

This Ping set of clubs is popular because of its lightweight clubs.  This set includes seven sets of clubs which include: Driver, fairway wood, hybrid, 7 and 9 stainless steel irons, as well as a SW and a putter.  This bag is very accessible for all juniors as it has a stand and shoulder straps that are put on like a backpack.  This bag set is available in left and right handed clubs.  The picture to the right is for children aged 9-12.






This bag is perfect for any of you girls out there wanting to start the game.  This set is for girls aged 5 to 8.  This Callaway XJ Junior set contains some of the very same technological advancements that Callaway uses on their adult clubs.  The XJ series gives kids the players performance they want from a set of clubs as well as the forgiveness they need to improve.  This set includes: driver, fairway wood, 5 Hybrid, 9 iron and a 56 degree sand wedge as well as a Odyssey two-ball putter.

US Kids is another great set available.  US is the number one junior set of clubs worldwide.  These clubs are ultralight clubs that have lighter club heads with more flexibility allowing them to grow with the game of golf.  This set includes a three wood, cavity back 6 and 8 irons, pitching wedge and putter.  This bag is the highest quality of golf bags available.






Getting junior golfers involved in the game is extremely important for the future of golf.  Getting children started in the game early on is a benefit to not only them but you as well.  Any of these sets are great for beginners and are easily passed on to younger siblings.  These sets have everything a junior could ask for.  The stand bag is defiantly an asset to junior golfers and the backpack straps make it easier for your child to carry their own bag.

Player Profile: Young, Talented, and One to Watch For...

 

Player Profile : Rory Mcllroy

The above picture was taken after what Rory McIlroy considered the best week of his life: the Ryder Cup 2010.  What a successful week that was for Rory.  He proved he belonged along side some of the game's best golfers even though he is only 21 years old.

Rory turned pro on September 18th 2007.  This was no surprise for family members as he recorded a 40-yard drive at the age of two.  He has had a very successful amateur career conquering Ireland and Europe.  In 2007 he was just the second person to top the World Amateur Rankings.  The 2010 Ryder Cup was not Rory's first experience of Ryder Cup, he competed in the Junior Ryder Cup in 2004 and won.  From there he became a part of the golf scene after opening with a three-under 68 in 2007 at the Open Championship at Carmoustie Golf Club.  He finished 42nd overall and accepted the Silver Medal as leading amateur.  Rory's first professional event where he made the cut was at Quinn Direct British masters and he finished third.  Flash forward to 2009 where Rory was beaten in a play-off for the UBS Hong Kong Open title elevating him into the top 50 of the Official World of Golf Rankings.  This assured him a spot in the 2009 masters Tournament at Augusta.

Dubai Desert Classic was a classic golf finish, the type of finish us viewers love watching on a Sunday afternoon.  It came down to the last hole before Rory ultimately beat Justin Rose to win the title.  Rory made his mark in the USA in April of 2010 when he won the Wuail Hollow Championship on the PGA tour.  He shot a course record 62 on the final day beating Phil Michelson by four shots. When Rory won his first title over 20 months ago his first purchase was a Ferrari.  In the 2010 season he finished tied for third in both the Open Championship and the PGA Championship.  For more stats on his Victories as an Amateur and Professional visit:http://rorymcilroy.com/career-info.html

Some interesting facts about Rory are:

• His average score as a professional is a 70.94.
• Rory's average drives are 300 yards.
• He is sponsored by Titleist and uses all their clubs.
• He uses the Titleist Prov V1 X

http://rorymcilroy.com/home.html

Ladies picks by Ashley

So I felt that these posts were rather male dominated and I wanted to focus on my female audience for a change  So I researched four companies and their clothing and choose my favourite shirt and jacket from each company.  The four companies I choose included:

• Nike
• Callaway
• Adidas

• Nancy Lopez

 The Nike Tech Women's Golf Polo is the best between a classic design and high-tech construction.  This shirt is designed to protect you from the sun while putting your best swing forward.  Dri-FIT UV fabric is used to keep you dry and comfortable.  Some features of this golf polo include: rib collar, 5-button placket, vented hem, 100% polyester, machine washable.

Nancy Lopez Bliss Short Sleeve is a perfect addition to any collection.  This shirt can easily be used for 'business casual' or on the golf course.  It is considered to be very versatile and comfortable at the same time.  Features of the Bliss Short Sleeve shirt include: 92% polyester, Desert Dry moisture wicking system, self color, embroidered flame at the back of the neck.

Adidas Golf designed a beautiful variety of golf shirts.  I choose my favourite amongst their top sellers.  Their shirts offer: 95% polyester, Lycra CoolMax Extreme jersey, meshcollar, hem and side panels, contrast Adidas brandmark at back neck.

Callaway does not have a major golf clothing line for women.  I did however, find a beautiful golf shirt.  Callaway see's their clothes as "Marrying advanced technical feature and of-the-moment fashion trends, this line makes big waves on or off the green.  Flirty layering pieces and a mix-and-match sensibility aligh for a sophisticated look that lets you line up that put an kick upp your heels."  Features include:3/4 sleeve polo with printed placket and yoke, piping detail on sleeve, 92% polyester, Moisture Wicking UPF 15+, Anit-Microbial, Comfort performance.

For more clothing options please visit the websites below:

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/?l=shop,women_golf

http://www.nancylopezgolf.com/en/Index.aspx?Category=ltoUnUodhNrcXwYfrP3FGw1A2B3C4D5E1A2B3C4D5E

http://shop.adidasgolf.com/categories/Women%27s/products

http://shop.callawaygolf.com/womens-apparel/womens-apparel,default,sc.html

Is it a slice? Is it a hook? No its just a golf joke...

"When I'm on the golf course and it starts to rain or lightning, I hold up my one-iron, because I know even god can't hit a one-iron" - Lee Trevino.

"Golf is like chasing a quinine pill around a cow pasture" -Winston Churchill

"It took me seventeen years to get 3,000 hits in baseball.  I did it in one afternoon on the golf course" -Babe Ruth

Golf Swindler

While sitting at a table in the clubhouse after a game, Stewart remarked to a fellow club member, I'm not going to play golf with Jim Lawler anymore.  'He cheats."

"Why do you say that?" asked his friend.

"Well, he found his lost ball two feet from the green; replied Stewart indignanty.

"That's entirely possible,' commented his friend.

"Not when I had his golf ball in my pocket," retorted Stewart with finality.

Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods are playing the 16th hole, when Tiger's tee shot lands behind a huge, 100 foot fir tree.  Tiger looks at Arnie and says, "How would you play this one? Lay up and take the extra stroke?"

Arnold replies: "When I was your age, I'd just play right over this tree,"

Tiger not wanting to be shown up by ol' Arnold Palmer, proceeds to hit the ball high, but not high enough.  It bounces off the tree and lands out of bounds.  Tiger, really ticked at this point, asks Arnold how he EVER hot a ball over that tree.

Arnold replied: "Well, when I was your age, that tree was only three feet tall."

A Scratch Golfer

Two women were put together as partners in a club tournament and met on the putting green for the first time.

After introductions, the first golfer asked, "What's your handicap?"

"Oh, I'm a scratch golfer," the other replied.

"Really!?" exclaimed the first women, suitably impressed that she was paired up with her.

"Yes, I write down all my good scores and scratch out the bad ones!"

After a whirlwind romance a couple married and went on a honeymoon.  "Darling," he said. "I've got a confession to make.  I'm a golf addict and play every weekend in the summer.  You'll hard ever see me."

The wife took a deep breath and said. " I too have a confession to make.  I'm a hooker."

"That's no big deal," said the husband, "Just keep your head down and your left arm straight."

Golf Jokes are not completed without a few one liners about Tiger woods.

• Did you hear Tiger changed his name to Cheetah?
• The police asked Tiger's wife how many times she hit him.  "I cant remember," Ellin said, "Just put me down for a 5."
• Ping has a new set of irons called Elins.  They're clubs you can beat Tiger with.
• Tiger's other women aren't Mistresses.  They're provisional.

Team Europe continues the drought for Team American to win on foreign soil

The Ryder Cup has concluded for another year and it was another exciting event that those professional golfers put on for us fans and viewers.  Through torrential downpours, darkness creeping over the golf course to postponing of numerous matches to the next day, the greenskeeeping staff at the Celtic Manor 2010 Golf Club have done an extraordinary job keeping the golf course playable through horrible weather conditions. Another issue was Team America's rain suits.  Each player was decked out in their colours and once the rain started to come their rain jackets were more like towels.  They raced into the Pro Shop at Celtic Manor and bought all the remaining rain gear available.  Below is a picture of the greenskeeping staff clearing off the water off the greens.

Mondays Single Pairings that started at 4:05a.m. ET included:

Europe vs. America

Lee Westwood vs. Steve Stricker

Rory McIlroy vss. Stewart Cink

Luke Donald vs. Jim Furyk

Martin Kaymer vs. Dustin Johnson

Ian Poulter vs. Matt Juchar

Ross Fisher vs. Jeff Overton

Miguel Angel Jimenez vs. Bubba Watson

Francesco Molinario vs. Tiger Woods

Edardo Molinari vs. Ricke Fowler

Peter Hanson vs. Phil Michelson

Padraig Harringston vs. Zach Johnson

Graeme McDowell vs. Hunder Mahan

Team Europe as able to pull off the win but it came down to the final match of the day Graeme McDowell and Hunder Mahan.  Graeme won it on the 17th hole allowing team Europe to win by a small margin of 14 and 1/2 points to 13 1/2 points.  Team America did battle back harder than every after a disappointing Sunday finish.  I think its important at this time to point out how well Tiger Woods played this weekend including today on his singles match.  With all the controversy about being a captains picked he proved himself to not only his country but to the world that he was perfect for a captains pick.

Team Europe celebrating their win

 

 

 

Winning matches for Team America were:

Stricker, Johnson, Overton, Woods, Michelson, Z. Johnson

Winning matches for Team Europe were:

Donald, Poulter, Jimenez, McDowell

 

For more information please visit : http://www.rydercup.com/2010/usa/