Tees2Greens

2010 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Picks

Lefty Links Blog — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:40:11 GMT

Yes, this is the week we get to see Bill Murray hamming it up with the pros – the Tour’s next stop is the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. As long as Michael Bolton and Kenny G don’t sing or play the sax, I’ll be happy. As you probably know, it’s a three-course event, with all [...]...(read more)

PRGR 2010 TR Forged Wedge Review!

Golf to Impress — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:35:15 GMT

I was lucky enough to receive 4 brand new 2010 TR Wedges from PRGR for a review and some testing. The TR Wedge is a 2010 USGA conforming premium JIS S20C Forged wedge made by Endo for PRGR. PRGR or Pro Gear as it is known in Japan is the golf wing of Yokohama Rubber [...]...(read more)

ONOFF XD Red Driver 2010 – Image(s) of the Day!

Golf to Impress — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:59:28 GMT

(ONOFF Red XD. Driver)...(read more)

A Wild New PING Dynamically Variable MOI Driver

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Golf-Patents blog has revealed some pretty radical golf club designs in the past, but rarely do they originate from Karsten Manufacturing (aka PING). Therefore, when an unusual PING patent application is published it deserves a close look. This week PING had two related patent applications publish related to variable MOI driver designs, one of which is US Pub. No. 20100029402 titled “Golf Clubs With Variable Moment of Inertia And Methods Of Manufacture Thereof.” The application explains: [0002...(read more)

Nike Machspeed Forged Iron – GTI Initial Review

Golf to Impress — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:01:32 GMT

I was lucky enough to have Nike Japan send me a demo for their new Japan Only Machspeed Forged Iron. I'll be honest that I have had a mixed opinion when it came to Nike designs in recent years and when I saw the Machspeed line back in October I felt the irons might be [...]...(read more)

Wrapping Up the Week Dedicated to Golf Course Patents – A Compact Design

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

What better way to get hit by a golf ball than playing on a compact golf course. Every golfer has played on one of those courses that squeezed 18 holes in the space that should house 14 holes. The type that has a net around at least one tee box; probably the result of a line drive to the forehead (and a lawsuit). Can you appreciate a course that takes it a step further and fits 18 holes in the space of 7 holes? Well, check out the disaster waiting to happen in disclosed in USPN 4,157,831 titled ...(read more)

Taylormade Updates – R9 TP Forged, Five TP Ball, Monza Spider Max Putter

Golf to Impress — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:54:44 GMT

I spoke to TM the other day and arranged for them to send me the new R9 TP Forged for review along with the current R9, Burner Forged and Burner TP iron so it'll be good to get some comparison pictures of all the new releases. The standard R9 Forged is slated for May so [...]...(read more)

What is Spirit?

Cathy Erickson — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:29:00 GMT

I have been thinking a lot about spirit lately...it's popped up in my world recently and now it's been bouncing around in my head. What I have been realizing is the word spirit has a lot of different meanings when you start to think about it. I looked up spirit in the dictionary and found over 15 definitions! WOW!

Spirit first popped into my brain as I was thinking about the upcoming winter Olympics. As a curler, I'm very excited about following the men's and women's curling teams compete for gold in Vancouver. These athletes are folks who embody the phrase Olympic Spirit. These men and women (many who are from Minnesota!) took their passion for the sport and sacrificed time from their jobs and families to represent the United States on a global level. What an honor! I know curling means little or nothing to most people in the US, but for those of us who have it in our blood, there is an enthusiasm percolating as we get closer to competition time. I hope everyone can capture a little Olympic spirit as the countdown to Vancouver draws near.

I ran into spirit again as I have been reading about the uproar regarding the Ping Eye 2 wedge debate and Phil Mickelson. I'll admit I haven't really followed this story that much, but what I think is going on is that due to a loophole that resulted from a lawsuit many years ago, the Ping Eye 2 irons are still "legal" on tour even though they do not conform to the new groove standards set for 2010.

Just like the Tiger "controversy", it seems like everyone and their brother has an opinion on whether bringing back some old school Pings is right or not. I have read from more than one person that even though it is perfectly legal to use these clubs, Phil (or anyone else for that matter) using Ping wedges is going against "the spirit of the rule"...and that is tantamount to cheating.

I've had to ponder this accusation for awhile, but what it comes down to to me is that no player has any real advantage against another because every player can get their hands on some Ping Eye 2's if they really wanted to (call me if you need some!!). Had it been that there were only 2 sets left in the world and Phil had one of them, well, I might reconsider my support if he chose to use them, but since that's not the case, I don't think anyone has the right to call him a cheater. As for going against the "spirit of the rule", I'm torn...it's clear these clubs don't conform, so it does seem that if the loophole is used the intent is to not follow the original rule. So while I don't think Phil is a cheater, I do wonder about his motivation to use clubs that wouldn't normally pass the muster.

Just yesterday I read a short article about a former hockey player who lives in Minnesota. He was on the Olympic hockey team that was coined "the miracle on ice" in Lake Placid against the Russians. The part of the article that caught my attention was when he explained why he gave up hockey not long after the Olympics. Back then, playing professional hockey was not nearly as lucrative as it is now. He had a passion and spirit for the game, but it was pretty clear it might not be able pay the bills, especially if he got hurt. He wondered what path he might have taken if the salaries were like they are now back then.

Sometimes I find myself thinking that all of the money that is thrown at the stars on the golf course (and in all sports) has in some ways suffocated the spirit that lies at the root of doing something we love.

Have the scales tipped so much that Tour Players can't see how much, we, the fans, would love just to share in the spirit of the game with them? Is golf really a job to them and not a joy?

Has technology become so important that we've lost what "feel" and instinct is? Have we become slaves to grooves, shafts, GPS's, Pro-V's, and titanium? When I think of spirit in golf my brain immediately goes to Seve - the instinct, the creativeness, the feel that he had didn't come from technology, but from passion. I wish we had more Seve's.

Golf seems to be in a funk right now and I think we need some spirit to bust out and remind us why we love this game. Let's forget about grooves and loopholes, cheating and money, and focus on the feeling that comes with hitting the perfect shot...or the sound of a golf ball finding its way to the bottom of the cup...or getting to spend the day with great friends...or enjoying the challenge that is always waiting for us on the first tee.

One of the things I love most about golf is that every time we play we have the opportunity to quench and revitalize our spirit. And since I won't be finding a club in my hands for a few months still, I hope those that are able will take my spirit with them the next time they find themselves on the golf course. Go find your spirit!

Pre-Round Stretch Routine with a Club for Golfers

Mindi Boysen, TPI CGFI — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:45:00 GMT

Shoulder Flexibility Series
Goal: Increase range-of-motion around shoulders to aid in shoulder turn; loosen muscles for more rhythmic, fluid swing.
Explanation: Stand feet hip distance apart with ends of club in both hands resting in front of you on thighs. Inhale, extending both arms straight overhead. Bend both elbows bringing club directly behind head in line with ears. Lower elbows as much as possible and try to straighten arms still holding club behind low back against buttocks. Reverse, bending arms at elbows bringing club back overhead and return to front. Do not force stretch. Repeat 5x.

Shoulder with Rotation
Goal: Promotes range of motion through shoulders and thoracic spine
Explanation: Stand tall holding club behind you with palms facing backward if possible. Bend from the hips to a flat back with club aiming straight in the air. Rotate so club moves from parallel to perpendicular to the ground. Try to see the end of the club aiming down toward your same foot. Breathe and feel the stretch through the shoulders, ribcage, and hamstrings. Repeat 3-5x each side.

Lateral Flexibility
Goal: Help to stretch rib cage, promoting better range of motion.
Explanation: Stand tall holding club overhead with hands wide on grip and close to clubhead. Slowly bend from side to side with intention of lengthening spine and adding space between each vertebrae.

Lateral Flexibility with Rotation
Goal: Help to stretch rib cage, promoting better range of motion & movement memory.
Explanation: Stand tall holding club overhead with hands wide on grip and close to clubhead. Slowly bend from to the side with intention of lengthening spine and adding space between each vertebrae. Then, without moving hips or center of gravity, rotate ribcage so club turns 90 degrees and parallel with the ground. Repeat 3x each side.

Merry-Go-Round
Goal: Prepare body for round; decrease risk of injury by loosening up muscles in low back and hips.
Explanation: Stand with feet hip distance apart holding ends of club in both hands with arms straight in front of chest. Inhale to prepare. Exhale rotating club and upper body to the right as far as possible. Lift up on left toe to allow further rotation. Goal is to rotate club 180 degrees. Inhale return back to start position. Repeat other side. Complete 10 repetitions each side. Focus on tall spine lifting away from hips.

Ferris Wheel (Golf Swing)
Goal: Promote muscle memory; increase blood flow and circulation to spinal rotation.
Explanation: Stand in address position with same hip tilt and spine angle. Hold onto ends of club allowing arms to fall in place in alignment with feet. Inhale prepare. Exhale rotate upper body as if in backswing trying to turn shoulders, arms, and club. Pause. Inhale repeat to start. Repeat backswing 10x. Then proceed to follow through on opposite side. Focus on controlled movements.

Quadricep Stretch
Goal: Prevent injury and promote range of motion by warming up before round.
Explanation: Stand and kick right leg back bending at the knee and grasp ankle with right hand. Gently pull foot back while pushing hip forward to feel stretch in muscle between knee and hip joints in front of leg. Hold 10-15 seconds. Repeat with left leg. Club may be used as prop for balance.

Hamstring Stretch
Goal: Lengthen spine; stretch shoulders, hamstrings, and calves.
Explanation: Use club for support. Press heel forward with a straight leg as you push your hips back. Feel the stretch on the back of the leg from the ankle to buttucks. Keep your back straight as you bend forward from your hips only, staying tall through your spine, neck and head. Hold for 10 seconds and switch legs.

Hip/Glute Stretch
Goal: Open and increase range of motion in low back, hips, and groin allowing for maximal power in swing and less risk of injury.
Explanation: Using your club for support and balance, cross right ankle over left knee pointing right knee out to side. Lower body down into squat position to activate the stretch. Keep weight in heels and push buttocks behind you keeping spine long. Hold 10 seconds and switch sides..

Shoulder Push-Pull
Goal: Open your chest for better rotation and help prevent shoulder pain from fast action during swing.
Explanation: Hold the hozzle end of a golf club behind your neck with your right hand. Align the club down the back vertically and hold the grip end near your glutes, palm facing out. Pull the grip down to stretch triceps, and push elbows out to stretch chest and front of shoulders. Then pull the hozzle up. Hold for 10-30 seconds each way then switch sides.

Trunk Flexion with Step Over
Goal: Stretch low back and gluteals while activating core & hipflexors for power in swing
Explanation: Hold the hozzle end of a golf club parallel with the ground in front of you. Pull abdominals in and round back reaching club to ground. Try to lift knee and step over club. Tap foot on ground then bring foot back over club to start position. Practice! This is an advanced movement and requires balance and core activation. Repeat each foot 3-5 times.

The above exercises were compiled by Mindi Boysen, TPI Level III certified golf fitness coach and owner of “Fit For Golf! Fit For Life!”. Her book, Synergistic Golf, contains additional exercises and outlines each day of the year with golf performance & life enhancing tips while the 3 DVD series demonstrates flexibility, strength, and stability exercises used in the golf swing. Mindi is available for private or group golf fitness training as well as seminars and nutritional consultations. Contact her at (480)203-6228 or mindi@fitforgolfusa.com or visit her site at www.fitforgolfusa.com

Don’t Cry For John Daly Just Yet

Sam 'Bogey' Johnson — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:27:00 GMT

1991 was the beginning of the rollercoaster ride. John Daly, the chain-smoking, hard drinking kid from Arkansas had just escaped from the obscurity of being the ninth alternate to win the PGA Championship at Crooked Stick. Life was good and the rollercoaster was just starting up the first hill.

He was Cinderella in spikes, an overnight success with a bowl haircut. The crowds loved him because they shared the same mantra: hit it harder. Sponsors also loved him and lined up at his door begging him to take their millions and millions of dollars. Still climbing that first hill he took the money and never looked back, or forward for that matter.

Soon after his rollercoaster topped that first hill came the wives, the booze and the gambling, and for a while it appeared that he might be that ever-popular one trick pony, but youth was on his side. He seemed strong enough and talented enough to survive more bad decisions than Robert Downey, Jr., and he was, for a while.

Then, with every reason to fail, somehow, some way John Daly won the 1995 British Open; and the rollercoaster approached the second hill. We never doubted you big John, here’s another million, a new wife, and a free room at any hotel in Las Vegas where they never say no.

From that point on there have been a few more wins and several more hills on his rollercoaster ride, each one smaller that the preceding one, but that’s the way rollercoasters work. The crowds still came, some for the thrill of seeing someone like John hit the ball nine miles, but others came to see the car wreck called John Daly. His weight flucuated wildly as did his drinking, gambling and marital life. One ex-wife even went to jail, if I recall correctly.

John’s last win was 2004 Buick Open six years ago. Since then he’s lost his card, his money and the youth that he rode so hard. In 2009, John spent much of his time in Europe where he played in 10 events and actually finished tied for second at the BMW Italian Open. In the words of Toby Keith, “I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good one time as I ever was,” or something like that.

In the middle of all this, he’s gone under the knife for lap-band surgery and dropped a hundred pounds, which is a lot easier than going on a diet and going to the gym, but I digress.

In 2010 John Daly is living on sponsor money (yes there are still a few hanging around) and sponsor exemptions. He hasn’t made a cut this year, and frankly he might have a hard time beating your club champion, but he still draws a crowd because he’s famous.

After a particularly poor outing last week John announced, "I'm done.” Egged on by a Golf Channel producer asking with what, John responded “With golf. I just can't do it anymore," Daly went on. "I'm tired of embarrassing myself."

However, by late Friday Daly was twittering, "I never said retirement.” By Saturday afternoon, his agent confirmed that Daly isn't retiring. Very Favre-ish.

One of the saddest sights in sports is an athlete who doesn’t know when to retire. Even sadder is when an athlete like John Daly knows when to retire but can’t because he believed that the money was never going to end and now he owes everyone in town.

Sadly John Daly’s rollercoaster ride is almost over. The hills ahead are not big enough to raise your hands for, it’s simply time to hold on to the bar so you don’t fall out. But don’t feel sorry for John Daly, he had his time in the sun, and even though you and I may think he blew it, the truth is we don’t know if he did or not.

I saw a story some years ago about a Brinks armored car driver who absconded with something like 5 million dollars. They found him eleven months later totally broke. When asked what he did with the money he smiled the biggest smile I had ever seen and said, “I spent it.”

I always wondered if he played golf?

Scottish Golf: Hidden Gems Part I

Matthew Adams — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:32:00 GMT

St Andrews, the city, and the Old Course are so much more than merely a golfing destination. For a golfer, St Andrews is quite simply a mecca. It is a pilgrimage that anyone who truly purports to love the game must make at least once in a lifetime. The aura of what has gone before you embraces you as soon as you enter the ancient city. From the massive cathedral ruins to the rubble of the St Andrews castle, each element of the city seems to be a building block of anticipation to your first steps on to the historic course. It is almost overwhelming and well worth it for a first-time pilgrim to walk the course the evening before a round, if only to confirm that your feet really do touch the earth.

However, with a reputation as strong (and well deserved) as that of St Andrews, it is easy to overlook the stunning array of great golf options available in the rest of the country. The following journal chronicles my recent travels on one such route that concentrated on the Scottish Highlands, concluding south of Glasgow.

Royal Dornoch Golf Club

Our first day featured a round of golf at the famed Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Royal Dornoch’s significance in to the history of golf course design and architecture places it in rare company on the world golf stage.

Royal Dornoch is the golf course where Donald Ross grew up, learned and fell in love with the game. It is amazing to see so many design elements at Royal Dornoch that are trademarks of Ross-designed courses today. Notably, green complexes that are built up with steep runoffs and green “cupping,” reminiscent of Ross’ Pinehurst # 2, in particular.

Perhaps equally as enjoyable as was this text book tour of the educational development of golf’s early design genius was stumbling upon the humble little home in the village of Dornoch where Ross was born and raised. The house features a small, ivy shrouded plate engraved simply, “Birthplace of Donald Ross 1872-1948 Golf Architect .” I was surprised that a place of such significance to a person of my sentimentality was treated with such humility and simplicity (I had not yet been in Scotland long enough to realize that the Scots approach everything with prudence and humility).

We stayed at a small hotel called The Eagle, and as it was, I laid my head down on a pillow that was less than one-hundred yards from Donald Ross’ house. For some reason, I thought that this was really cool. The hotel was an old-world classic in which, I am certain, provided me with an experience that was nearly identical to that of a traveler in the time of Donald Ross. Aside from the television set, everything else was elegantly simple; just enough. It was classic Dornoch. Simple and subtle with its nuances quietly waiting for discovery, rather than proclaiming their existence.

Sometime, to really know a person, you have to know from where they came. In my view, to know Dornoch, is to know Donald Ross.

Brora Golf Club

Our next day began at Brora Golf Club. I have heard golf courses described at “pastures,” but in the case of Brora, such an otherwise disparaging moniker is precisely accurate.

Brora is quite literally a step back in time, a delightful strole through the game as it was. To walk the fairways of Brora is an exercise in constant observation as the golf course has stubbornly refused to resign from its former primary use as a farm pasture. To this day, bovine of various sorts meander from heather to heather and sheep scurry across your path as they munch and trim the fairways as they have done since the earliest herdsman knocked a rock from rabbit hole to rabbit hole.

While not (intended) to be a part of the normal route of play, one can also observe the very origin of the bunker as the animals still burrow large sandy holes in the dunes on the far side of the predominant wind to provide some shelter from the storm. All the while, the various natives leave their calling cards to remind you that this land belonged to them well before we attempted to perform a sport that at times our efforts could best be described as approximating the slip that we were careful to sidestep.

The James Braid designed course was a thoroughly enjoyable test with the par 3’s (one in each direction on the compass), and the electric-fence surrounded greens standing out for distinction.

The blind approach shot on No. 11 at Tain Golf Course.

Our afternoon round was played at Tain Golf Course. This Old Tom Morris designed course has been carefully protected by its management and members, acting as curators for this classic. Much of the course (aside from modern concessions of adding length, by moving tees back), is defined by wildly rolling mounds, subtly difficult greens and distinctive character hole by hole.

Standing out was the ingenious par 4, 11th Hole, which features a green completely protected by two mountainous mounds that causes the green to be hidden behind them. One was forced to trust the red and white guide-post as your only indication that a golf course existed behind them. Impressed as I am with Old Tom Morris’ designs, this uniquely devious hole made me wonder if Old Tom was sometimes grumpy as he went about his work.

At times, Tain made me feel that I was golfing on Cape Cod (MA), as the unique seaside scrubs and pines seemed to lift us out of northern Scotland, if briefly.

Overall, I found Tain to be a delightful golfing experience that possessed a character all its own.

We stayed at the Heathmount Hotel in Inverness, a charming hotel that easily combined ultra-modern amenities with old-world charm. After dinner, we watched the live, final round coverage of the PGA TOUR’s Deutsche Bank Championship from Boston. I will admit that due to the day’s busy agenda and a prudent sampling of single malt, I could not stay awake to see the final putts holed. Perhaps I will tomorrow, as we play Nairn and Old Moray.

9 Steps to Perfect Putting // Lesson 2

Golf International — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:05:00 GMT

Identifying your optimum posture and eye-line position is vital in the process of building the perfect posture and preparing to make a solid on-target stroke. Here, Paul demonstrates how to use the GEL Putting Mirror to check this element of your set-up position....(read more)

Tom Watson Says Tiger Needs to Show Humility on Return

Golf International — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:58:00 GMT

Tom Watson says Tiger Woods needs to “show some humility to the public” when he returns to golf after sorting out his personal life.

Watson also said Wednesday that Woods should clean up his on-course behavior in order to be considered among the true greats of the game.

TOM WATSON. Picture © Getty Images

Woods is on an indefinite break since his car crash Nov. 27 that fueled sordid tales of extramarital affairs.

“I’ll let the cat out of the bag,” Watson said ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic. “Tiger has to take ownership of what he has done. He must get his personal life in order. I think that’s what he’s trying to do. And when he comes back, he has to show some humility to the public.

“I would come out and I would do an interview with somebody and say, ‘You know what? I screwed up. And I admit it. I am going to try to change. I am trying to change. I want my wife and family back.”’

The 60-year-old Watson, one of golf’s elder statesmen, also criticized Woods — a 14-time major winner—for bad language and other on-course behavior.

“I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack (Nicklaus), Arnold (Palmer), Byron Nelson, the Hogans, in the sense that there was language and club throwing on the golf course,” Watson said. “You can grant that of a young person that has not been out here for a while. But I think he needs to clean up his act and show the respect for the game that other people before him have shown.”

Despite beginning his year with victories in Hawaii in the Champions Skins and the senior’s Mitsubishi Electric Championship, Watson played down his chances of winning the Desert Classic on the European Tour.

After playing in the pro-am, Watson said he was impressed with the condition of the Emirates course but had trouble keeping his drives on the narrow fairways.

“The rough is very tough,” he said. “It is very tough to get the ball on the green from the rough. You have probably only got a one-in-seven or one-in-eight chance to get the green if you drive into the rough.”

The field also includes England’s Lee Westwood and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, who will be among the favorites for Sunday’s $416,600 prize.

Phil Mickelson to Stop Using Controversial Ping Wedge

Golf International — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:57:00 GMT

Phil Mickelson won’t be using the Ping Eye2 wedge that led a fellow player to accuse him of “cheating,” even though he hopes others will use the controversial club to keep attention on what he calls a ridiculous rule.

PING EYE 2 WEDGE. Picture © Getty Images

“I won’t be playing that wedge. My point has been made,” Mickelson said on Wednesday on the eve of his two-time title defense at Riviera. “But if these governing bodies cannot get together to fix this loophole, if players stop using this wedge—which would stop the pressure of the issue—then I will relook at it and put the wedge back in play.”

The Ping wedge has grooves that no longer conform under a new U.S. Golf Association regulation, adopted by the U.S. PGA Tour. However, any Ping wedge made before April 1, 1990, is approved for play under a legal settlement from two decades ago.

Mickelson is among five players who have used the Ping wedge in competition this year.

Several players believe using the club goes against the spirit of the new grooves regulation, although Scott McCarron fueled the debate when he said of Mickelson and others, “It’s cheating.”

Mickelson hinted at legal action after saying he was “publicly slandered.” He said McCarron offered him a sincere apology late Tuesday, which he accepted.

“We all make mistakes, and we all say things we wish we could take back,” Mickelson said. “I’ve done it a bunch in my career. And the fact that it’s also not easy to come up and face that person, look them in the eye and apologize … I appreciate him being a big enough man to do that.”

Instead, Mickelson vented his anger at the USGA and its lack of transparency in developing the new rules for grooves. He has complained that he’s submitted wedges that fit the guidelines, only for the USGA to reject the club for violating the intent of the new rule.

“I’m very upset with the way the rule came about, the way one man essentially can approve or not approve a golf club based on his own personal decision, regardless of what the rule says,” Mickelson said. “This has got to change.”

The next step remains murky.

Tour commissioner Tim Finchem met with players on Tuesday and conceded that tour officials did not realize a Ping wedge from 20 years ago would become such a big issue.

Finchem said the Ping Eye2 wedge produces spin at about 60 percent of the rate from last year’s wedges, but about 10 percent more than wedges approved for competition this year.

“The assumption was made last year that very few, if any, players would use that club because they’re 20 years old,” Finchem said. “I think we underestimated that a little bit.”

He said the tour could either do nothing and monitor how many players used wedges, an option that seemed unlikely because Finchem said it still raised issues over fairness in competition. Some players are going to eBay to find the clubs, as Ping stopped making them and now only can confirm through serial numbers when the wedges were made.

The other option is to work out an agreement with Ping chairman and CEO John Solheim. He said Solheim was to meet with the USGA over the next few weeks, and “I can only hope progress is made in that regard.”

Ping plays the biggest role in any solution because of its lawsuits against the USGA and U.S. PGA Tour over square grooves.

Finchem said the third option involved a complicated process in which the tour’s independent committee on equipment tries to establish a local rule. He called that a “cumbersome process.”

Any solution could be weeks, if not months, away.

In the meantime, Mickelson said he would not use the wedge at the Northern Trust Open, even though he’s hopeful others will.

“If there’s no pressure among these organizations to make changes, I will immediately put the club back in play,” Mickelson said.

Cory Pavin Chooses Four Ryder Cup Assistants

Golf International — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

U.S. captain Corey Pavin appointed Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Jeff Sluman and Paul Goydos on Wednesday as his assistants for this year’s Ryder Cup against Europe.

COREY PAVIN. Picture © Getty Images

Lehman, the 2006 skipper at the K Club and British Open champion in 1996, played on three Ryder Cup teams with an overall win-loss-half record of 5-3-2.

Love, winner of the 1997 PGA Championship, has appeared in the biennial match on six occasions, compiling a 9-12-5 record.

Sluman, the 1988 PGA champion, and PGA Tour journeyman Goydos have never competed in a Ryder Cup but they are both veterans on the U.S. circuit who are highly respected by their peers.

“I have hand-picked my four assistants because of their intelligence, experience and their ability to express their own opinions to me without hesitation,” Pavin told a news conference at Riviera Country Club.

“Each of my assistants have unique perspectives to bring to the table which I believe will bring a great balance of leadership to Team USA.

“Tom and Davis have been long-time friends of mine,” added Pavin, who was an assistant to Lehman at the 2006 Ryder Cup.

“Tom and I joined for his first Ryder Cup match and Davis and I were on the U.S. team in 1993 that brought home the Cup from The Belfry—the last time the USA won on foreign soil.

“Jeff is a major champion, a seasoned veteran who has been a success on both the regular and the Champions Tour. Paul is well-liked, a fine player and a good judge of talent and well respected over the 18 years he has been on Tour.

“I will lean on them for advice, and I am delighted that they have accepted to be a part of our team this year.”

The 2010 Ryder Cup will take place at Celtic Manor resort in Wales from Oct. 1-3 when the U.S. will defend the trophy they won by 16-1/2 points to 11-1/2 at Valhalla Golf Club in 2008.

Phil Mickelson Eyes Riviera Treble

Golf International — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:51:00 GMT

World number two Phil Mickelson will aim to become the first player to win the Northern Trust Open three years in a row when he tees off in Thursday’s opening round at Riviera Country Club.

PHIL MICKELSON. Picture © Getty Images

The American left-hander has always enjoyed playing on the classic par-71 layout but he will need to bury memories of his faltering finish at last week’s San Diego Open where he made his first competitive appearance of the year.

Mickelson had been in a good position to challenge for the title at Torrey Pines after starting Sunday’s final round just four strokes off the pace but his bid stalled with three bogeys in the first three holes.

“I had a good warm-up session and I felt like it was going to be a good day,” Mickelson told reporters after closing with a one-over-par 73. “I got off to a terrible start and then throughout the round didn’t get much out of it.

“But the good thing is that I’ve got a direction of what I’m working on. I hit some good shots coming down the stretch … and my game is feeling not as rusty as it looks. I’ve had some success at LA so I’m excited (about this week).

“The golf course is one of the best we have on Tour,” Mickelson said of Riviera. “It is such a visually stimulating course and a very challenging shot-making course.”

The three-times major winner faces a typically strong field in the fifth event of the 2010 PGA Tour where four of the world’s top 10 are set to compete.

Apart from Mickelson, third-ranked Steve Stricker, fellow American Jim Furyk (fifth) and Irishman Padraig Harrington (eighth) are taking part.

Stricker finished second to Mickelson by one shot at Riviera last year and, like his compatriot, he has always enjoyed the Los Angeles event.

“It’s always nice to come back here,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “It’s a place where I had some success last year and I’m looking forward to getting it going again this year.

“I haven’t played the last couple of weeks and being home in Madison (Wisconsin), you don’t get a lot done there this time of year.

“Hopefully I can continue my play like I did the first couple of weeks of the season,” he added, referring to his top-10 finishes in his first two PGA Tour starts.

Other leading players in this week’s field include world number 15 Robert Allenby of Australia, British Open champion Stewart Cink of the United States and three-time major winner Ernie Els of South Africa.

Also competing are Canadian left-hander Mike Weir, champion here in 2003 and 2004, South Africa’s Rory Sabbatini, a winner in 2006, and Japanese teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa.

Scott McCarron Apologizes Over Groove "Cheating"

Golf International — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Scott McCarron has apologized to Phil Mickelson for using the word “cheating” when he disagreed with Mickelson and others who use the Ping Eye2 wedges that are only allowed because of a legal loophole.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem met with players at the Northern Trust Open late Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles and, according to one player, said the tour was working with Ping to figure out a solution.

The player spoke on condition of anonymity because Finchem asked that he be the first to speak publicly to the media Wednesday morning.

The tour likely would not be able to invoke a local rule banning the wedge at Riviera this week.

McCarron caused a furor last week at Torrey Pines when he told The San Francisco Chronicle about Mickelson using Ping wedges with square grooves, “It’s cheating, and I’m appalled Phil has put it in play.”

Mickelson said he had been “publicly slandered” and hinted at legal action.

McCarron told The Golf Channel as other reporters looked on Tuesday evening: “I’m certainly sorry for it. I’d like to apologize to Phil Mickelson for what I said. We both realize we’re on the same page on this issue.”

Whether that was enough to satisfy Mickelson remained to be seen.

McCarron also apologized in the meeting, according to the player.

The United States Golf Association changed its rules to outlaw square grooves with a certain depth and volume, now requiring grooves that are more shallow with rounded edges, which some refer to as V-shaped grooves. The idea is to reduce spin and make hitting into the fairway more important.

However, the Ping Eye2 wedges made before April 1, 1990, are approved for play, even though the grooves don’t conform. That’s because Ping’s legal settlement with the USGA (in 1990) and PGA Tour (in 1993) take precedence over any rule changes.

The player at the meeting said Finchem apologized to players for the PGA Tour not realizing some competitors—Mickelson, John Daly and Hunter Mahan, among others—would use clubs that were at least 20 years old.

Among the considerations were to find a solution with Ping and John Solheim, the chairman and CEO of the equipment company; or to look into the possibility of creating its own set of rules, the player said.

Solheim had said in a statement Monday that the tour could not establish a local rule that was different from the USGA. Solheim also said he was willing to discuss a “workable solution.”

Earlier Tuesday, three-time major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland said he was contemplating using the Ping wedges at Riviera.

“I’m kind of waiting to see what the tour’s direction is,” Harrington said. “What I’m doing is I’m preparing myself for all eventualities. It would be naive not to. I did some good testing yesterday. Unfortunately, the testing showed up exactly what you would expect, and there’s a significant difference. I think that significant difference depends on the players.”

Steve Stricker said he was surprised how divisive the Ping wedges have become.

“The rule isn’t very good,” he said. “We have conforming grooves, but yet we can play a set of grooves that were legal back in 1990. I think the rule just needs to be altered. Hopefully, we get it straightened out and we all get on an even playing surface.”

Image(s) of the Day – New Fourteen MT-28 V5 Wedge!

Golf to Impress — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:08:57 GMT

(Fourteen MT-28 V5 Forged Wedge)...(read more)

Day 4 of the Week Dedicated to Golf Course Patents – Finally a Web Pattern Layout

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

What happens when a statistics professor designs a golf course? The possibilities are endless. Actually, I don’t know if the inventor of the course of today is a statistics professor, but it wouldn’t surprise me. So, what could possibly follow a linear golf course layout , a circular layout , and a shared fairway layout (with movable trees)? A web pattern layout, of course. Today’s course is found in USPN 6,036,606 titled “Golf Course with Multi-Sequential Arrangement of Golf Links,” which explains...(read more)

The Easiest Driver to Hit is the Longest Driver

Golf to Impress — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:29:07 GMT

As you can imagine I still get so many emails asking, what's the longest driver you sell, or what's the hottest driver on the market you have. Many average golfers and slower swingers and even faster swingers are always looking for what is dubbed "the longest driver". If there was such a thing as the [...]...(read more)

Day 3 of the Week Dedicated to Golf Course Patents

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

So far this week we have examined a linear golf course layout and a circular layout , therefore it must now be time to look at a design incorporated shared fairways. Today’s design is found in USPN 6,053,819 titled “Golf Course, Golf Park and Associated Method of Playing a Golf Game,” which describes the invention as: A golf park including a golf course having a single fairway with multiple greens. At least two greens are provided, at opposite ends of the fairway. One or more additional greens may...(read more)

Day 2 of the Week Dedicated to Golf Course Patents

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Yesterday we explored a wonderfully linear golf course layout . Today, let’s take a look at a radically different design. The new design is disclosed in USPN 5,395,115 titled “Golfing Facility,” which describes the invention as: A golfing facility comprises a rotatable central tee-off area and a plurality of sectors disposed around the tee-off area. Each sector contains a selection of targets to enable a player to simulate playing a hole of golf (with the exception of the final put). Various training...(read more)

2010 Northern Trust Open Picks

Lefty Links Blog — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:53:41 GMT

Next up, the Northern Trust Open at Riviera CC, in Pacific Palisades, CA. I love this course. I’ve been lucky enough to play it, and it’s a wonderful, old-style test. It’s a very strong field—a tough week to pick just 10. Interested in past leaderboards and some number crunching to help you make up your own [...]...(read more)

Gold’s Factory M-Grind Custom Wedges: Image of the Day!

Golf to Impress — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:48:19 GMT

( Hiro's Custom GF Wedges M-Grind )...(read more)

Taylormade R9 Forged Irons Coming Soon!

Golf to Impress — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:40:50 GMT

R9 Forged Irons Taylormade Japan has some new releases prepared for announcement at the 2010 Tokyo Golf Show Including one we have all been waiting for the R9 Forged Irons. There are two new R9 labelled irons coming to the Japan market both are forged. Most people were expecting only one forged model but Taylormade Japan [...]...(read more)