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Golf News November 12th, 2008

One win puts Love at 20 and into Hall of Fame light

So much for that notion the Fall Series on the PGA Tour is meaningless.

On the surface, Davis Love III winning at Disney might have looked that way.

He scrambled for pars on the last two holes to hold off a rookie (Tommy Gainey) who was 228th on the money list, wears two gloves and looks like he’s trying to kill a snake every time he swings. When it was over, Love posed with a bronze trophy of Mickey Mouse playing golf (just think of the white elephant gift nobody will take off your hands).

But that one victory was enough to change the perception of Love.

Timing is everything.

He won the final event of a season in which Love struggled to return from a devastating ankle injury last October that kept him out of golf for four months, out of the Masters and off another Ryder Cup team. And his victory came one day before the induction ceremony for the World Golf Hall of Fame.

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Golf Swing

PGA chips in more cash

The PGA Tour released its schedule for the 2009 regular season yesterday, with 25 tournaments featuring purses of at least $6 million US and a newly configured “Texas swing” of three events in the spring.

Still to be determined are details on a revamped FedEx Cup, and whether to take a week off before the Tour Championship.

Once that it is decided, the Tour said it would release the rest of its Fall Series schedule.

By announcing the majority of the schedule, the Tour put to rest speculation that some tournaments might be in jeopardy because of the economy. The title sponsors are under contract at least through 2010, and most of them have slight increases in prize money built into their agreements.

Among those that kept prize money the same were the FBR Open and Travelers Championship, both at $6 million.

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Video Golf Lessons

Garcia Wins The Vardon Trophy

With the PGA Tour season officially over, it’s now official: Sergio Garcia has won the Vardon Trophy, the first European-born winner since 1937 to have the lowest adjusted scoring average.

Garcia played 72 rounds with an adjusted average of 69.12, overtaking Phil Mickelson (69.17) at the Tour Championship. Anthony Kim finished third at 69.28.

The last European-born winner was Harry “Lighthorse” Cooper in 1937, the first year of the award when it was based on points. Tiger Woods was not eligible because it requires 60 rounds, and Woods only played 25 before he was injured.

Padraig Harrington wrapped up the points-based PGA player of the year award after winning the PGA Championship, which came with a 50-point bonus for winning two majors in one year. Harrington, who also won the British Open, finished with 116 points to finish ahead of Woods, who had 78 points in six events.

An architect among 6 inducted to golf Hall of Fame

Pete Dye, who designed more than 120 courses with risk-and-reward options that brought pleasure to some and frustration to most, was among six people inducted Monday night into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The 2008 class featured an amateur, an architect and an author, along with three major champions.

Craig Wood was the only player elected through the PGA Tour ballot. Wood, the first player to win the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year and the first to lose all four majors in extra holes, received the minimum 65 percent of the vote.

Three-time major champion Denny Shute and Bob Charles, the first left-hander to win a major, got in through the Veteran’s category.

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Break 80 Golf

Golf News Part 2 | November 10th, 2008

Golf Swing

This golfing gear keeps you out of the rough

It’s always golf season somewhere, so these goodies will always have a place in your bag:

1: This “Spectator” argyle vest is a golf fashion classic. $138 at www.peppermintpalm.com.

2: Golf belt by Ame & Lulu has space to carry three tees. $30 at www.ameandlulu.com.

3: Adidas women’s Torsion Euro II golf shoes have a two-year waterproof warranty. $110 at www.golfshoesplus.com.

4: Kali hybrid head cover and bamboo pink absorbent towel. $14.99 each at Golf Galaxy stores or www.golfgalaxy.com.

5: If you can’t wait for the 19th hole, take along the Lolita Purse Party, a four-ounce flask and a one-ounce martini glass. $29.95 at www.jurgeninc.com.

Crystal Announces Its First-Ever Asia Golf Itinerary

Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is expanding its “Experiences of Discovery” Golf theme cruises into Asia, giving golf enthusiasts the rare opportunity to play at four world-renowned courses in Thailand and Vietnam. Guests will be able to sharpen their skills on board and ashore with instruction from a guest celebrity golfer and PGA golf pro. Crystal Symphony’s 11-day itinerary from Hong Kong to Singapore offers a roster of onboard lectures, clinics, contests and events, including the chance to win a free Crystal cruise.

Every detail of the Crystal Golf Program is arranged in six-star fashion, from onboard practice with TaylorMade equipment — the No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour — to cocktails, caddy and cart service on the greens. Complimentary cleaning and storage of golf clubs and golf shoes will be offered after each round.

Courses include:
* Vietnam Golf & Country Club, Ho Chi Minh City — The country’s first
36-hole golf club, widely regarded as the premier club in Vietnam;
* Burapha Golf, Bangkok — A 36-hole championship course set amid lakes,
hills and tropical vegetation;
* Laem Chabang International Country Club, Bangkok — Three distinct
nines: The Lakes, Mountain and Valley courses, each offering its
one-of-kind challenges, and
* Montgomerie, Da Nang, Vietnam — Asia’s first “Montgomerie”
branded golf set against the Marble Mountains and China Beach
coast.

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Couple takes shot at golf apparel, lessons

Tyler and Kelly Kangas invested about $200,000 to open Alternate Golf Shot at 4680 Cooper Road.

Co-owner Kelly Kangas says the 3,500-square-foot business will sell golf apparel for men, women and children. The apparel as well as golf shoes run from $40 to $350.

The store also sells name-brand equipment for all ages, including golf clubs, bags, travel bags, balls, gloves, caps and more. Those items can sell for $10 to $1,200.

The store includes a golf simulator that allows a person to play a virtual 18-hole round of golf on courses from around the world, including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.

The golf simulator also can be used for game improvement, club fittings and video lessons.

Tyler Kangas, a professional golfer for 20 years, teaches 45-minute golf lessons that run $30-$55 for adults and $15-$35 for children.

Contact: 513-979-4395 or go to www.alternategolfshot.com

Online Golf Lessons

PGA and LPGA Professionals to offer help during PGA Free Lesson Month

People across the United States have an opportunity to improve their golf game throughout the month of May by participating in Play Golf America’s PGA Free Lesson Month.

As a part of the 11th annual event, thousands of PGA and LPGA Professionals at golf facilities across the nation will offer free, 10-minute golf lessons to new and existing golfers of all ages and skill levels. Launched in 1998 by The PGA of America and Golf Digest, PGA Free Lesson Month has provided more than 820,000 personal sessions for player development throughout the past 10 years.

Play Golf America’s PGA Free Lesson Month is designed to bring new people to the sport and help existing golfers improve their game with free instruction. Consumers can find updated lists of participating PGA and LPGA Professionals nearby by entering their zip code at PlayGolfAmerica.com.

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Adult Golf Lessons

Golf News November 10th, 2008

Golf Course

Garcia targets majors after Sheshan triumph

SPAIN’S Sergio Garcia won the US$5 million HSBC Champions in Shanghai yesterday to become world No. 2 and immediately targeted a victory at one of golf’s major tournaments next year.

Garcia beat Oliver Wilson with a birdie on the second hole of a playoff. The Spanish star made a 7-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th ?? the only hole used for the playoff at Sheshan Golf Club ?? after the Englishman missed a 10-footer.

The 28-year-old Spaniard overhauled American Phil Mickelson to claim the title of the best active player in the world.

“It’s awesome, it’s great, it’s something extra for the year,” he said of claiming the second ranking behind the injured world No. 1 Tiger Woods.

“I think next goal is trying to win a major,” he added. “Well, been trying for quite a while, but winning a major would be the next goal.

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Free Golf Lessons

Top 25 Nationwide Tour Players Earn PGA TOUR Cards for 2009 Season

Twenty-five Nationwide Tour
players were awarded 2009 PGA TOUR cards last night following the
Nationwide Tour Championship at TPC Craig Ranch.

Transitions Optical, Inc., the PGA TOUR’s newest official marketing
partner, hosted a celebratory toast and post-card ceremony party to honor
the players for their achievement.

“This class adds to the Nationwide Tour’s strong tradition of
transitioning players to the PGA TOUR and having a significant impact once
they get there,” said Bill Calfee, Nationwide Tour President. “With
Nationwide Tour alumni amassing 237 wins on the PGA TOUR, we look forward
to seeing one in the winner’s circle at the Transitions Championship next
spring,” he added.

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Junior Golf Tour Attracting National and International Players to North Carolina Junior Golf Tournaments. Tarheel Jr. Golf Tour Looks Like a National Junior Golf Tour.

The Tarheel Golf Foundation’s new Tarheel Junior Tour promises to be one of the most competitive in the country. With a membership list that includes multiple winners of American Junior Golf Association, AJGA, Allstars Junior Tour, Future Collegian World Tour, FCWT, National Junior Golf Club, NJGC, TGTJT, Future Masters, Callaway Junior World Championship and US Kids Golf tournaments. The tour has recieved membership requests from junior golfers from multiple states and inquiries from other countries. “We have a very stong list of members and exceptional golf courses convenently located to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Events scheduled for golf courses in Pinehurst and at several leading unversity golf courses have been drawing inquiries from international players,” stated TGF Tournament Operations Director. “Our intent and focus is to create a high value junior tour for North Carolina’s junior golfers. The fact that the tour may at times look like a national junior golf tour, or even an international junior golf tour, verifies our belief that some of the best junior golfers in the world are North Carolina boys and girls. The potential for global fields at some events enriches the experience for our local players.”

Golf Drills

Golf News November 8th, 2008
Golf Course

Stenson Takes 1-Stroke Lead At HSBC Champions

Henrik Stenson shot a 7-under 65 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the HSBC Champions.

The Swede dropped a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th, putting him a shot ahead of four of the game’s top players: Sergio Garcia, Anthony Kim, defending champion Phil Mickelson and Australia’s Adam Scott.

Garcia nearly tied for the lead, but the Spaniard missed a four-foot eagle putt on the 18th. “Unfortunately, my putting stroke didn’t feel as good as it’s been feeling lately,” Garcia said. “Maybe it’s the jet-lag or something.”

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Learn To Golf Now!

Golfer John Daly Drunk, Detained in N.C.

Professional golfer John Daly was placed into police custody early Sunday morning after passing out at a Hooters restaurant and refusing to be taken to the hospital, police said.

When police arrived at the restaurant, emergency medical personnel were treating Daly, who had apparently lost consciousness earlier. According to EMS, Daly refused to go to the hospital.

Police said Daly appeared extremely intoxicated and was uncooperative, repeatedly refusing to be escorted to the hospital. Hooters personnel eventual asked Daly to leave the restaurant.

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Marino joins Verplank in Disney lead

Steve Marino posted a six-under 66 on Saturday to join overnight leader Scott Verplank atop the leaderboard after the third round of the Children’s Miracle Network Classic.
Verplank, who bogeyed the 18th hole for the second consecutive day, shot a three-under 69 to match Marino at 19-under 197. The pair is two shots ahead of Davis Love III (64) and Scott Sterling (66).

The Magnolia Course hosts the final two rounds after players competed with amateurs the first two days. Action was split between the Palm Course and the Magnolia Course.

This is the final PGA Tour event of the season, and players are fighting to get into the top 125 on the money list to keep their PGA Tour cards for next season.

Golf Tips and Lessons November 15th, 2008

Gate Drill can help your putting | Golf Tips

Golf Drills

Here is an oldie but goodie drill for putting that is making a big comeback, thanks to a company called Momentus. They make many well-made teaching aids for golfers of all abilities and ages.

This one is called the gate drill. If you don’t want to pay the $50 fee for the device itself, you can make your own for with some supplies you most likely already have.

Pictured on the left is a simple practice putting station with two golf tees and a string representing your line to the hole. On the right is the Momentus teaching aid that does the same thing.

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Gimmies take away satisfaction of making putt for birdie

Lessons in Golf

You’re playing with your regular foursome and hit a great iron shot up onto the green with your ball landing only two feet from the hole.

What do most weekend players do next? They walk up and knock the ball away, giving themselves the putt either before or after their partner said, “that’s good.”

Not only did you break a rule, but you’ll never know if you actually would have made the putt.

You’ll forever lose the satisfaction of making a real birdie since you didn’t actually putt the ball in the hole.

Golfers do this everywhere, on every course, and they’re breaking the rules every time they do it.

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Golf tips from a pro

Golf Lessons

There is not much movement needed to make short putts, but we often leave the green with a sour taste because we miss one too many of them. The problem is we get so caught up in mechanics, that we forget how simple they really are.

The best way to start to make more short putts is to practice them and learn to free your mind. I’m going to give you a few drills and games that you can do to improve your putting.

* Place six tees surrounding the hole, about 2 feet from the hole. Play a putt from each spot until you can make them all in a row a couple of times. Then try to make them with your eyes closed. Listen, too. Hearing the ball going in the hole will help to build your confidence.

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Golf tips: getting the kids started

It is definitely a great idea to get your kid or kids started out in this great game early and correctly.

It teaches them so many wonderful things like self control, honor, respect, teamwork, problem solving and the list goes on, and on.

Your child does not have to be the next great thing in the game, just get them started and just watch what happens.

You do not have to go to the golf course to work on this game with kids. Keep it fun, I would suggest getting them to enjoy putting first. Any decent simulated putting green will be fine.

Once they learn some basic rules and etiquette start taking them to your nearest driving range or par-three golf course to learn the full swing and how to play the game. If you are not sure of the basics yourself, get the “summary of the rules of golf” for juniors from the USGA or PGA. Your local pro can help you. Good luck and keep it simple.

Golf Course

The golf swing can seem complex and difficult to master. If you are learning the game for the first time then it is important to get started on the right foot otherwise you could spend a lot of time and money doing things that are just not effective and will not help you play better golf. Here are some simple golf swing tips that you can follow to help you on the road to shooting lower golf scores quickly.

Tip 1: Use the right grip

The grip is the first fundamental of golf swing mechanics you need to master. There are many types of grips you can use and the most popular one is the interlocking grip which works well for people with smaller hands. The other grip types include the ten finger grip and the baseball grip which is used by many beginner golfers.

Grip pressure is important and it is ideal to use a very light grip pressure in most situations unless you are in deep rough in which case you may need to use a slightly stronger grip. Gripping the golf club too tightly can result in a poor release which will send the ball off target in most target with a loss of distance as well. The interlocking grip is used by most good players and involves simply locking the small finger of the right hand with the index finger of the left hand and this applies to right handed players.

Tip 2: Setup the right way

The setup to the golf ball is important. A good setup will make it more likely that you will execute a good golf swing which will send the ball far and straight. Make sure your feet are aligned directly at the target so check for this by using a golf club on the ground that points to your target on the driving range or have a fellow golfer check your alignment for you.

Your stance should get wider with each club until roughly shoulder length for the driver. If you are really tall then your stance may exceed shoulder length slightly as you will need the wider stance for more stability. The ball position should start at the center of your stance with the wedge and gradually move up to line up with the right foot for the driver.

Golf Lesson

Tip 3: Use a proper backswing

Do not rush your backswing and at the same time do not go too slowly either. Move at a pace that fits your personality. If you are generally a fast talker and walker then you will probably have a backswing that is relatively quick. It is best to start the backswing in one piece and keep the left arm as straight as you can for the entire backswing. At the top of the swing you should feel some tension in your right hamstrings and keep both feet planted on the ground.

Tip 4: The right downswing and follow through

Start the downswing by pulling the club with your left hand and do not get your right hand involved too much otherwise you will end up casting the club and releasing it too early which will result in loss of power and accuracy. Keep your head down and let the momentum of a complete follow through bring your head up instead of trying to peek to see where the ball went. Try some of these golf swing tips to help you reduce your handicap and shoot lower scores.

If you are tired of shooting high golf scores and want a way to reduce your handicap fast then you need to try the “How To Break 80″ system to improve every area of your game so you can shoot low scores fast.

Golf Pro Shop

When it comes to learning about golfing equipment for beginners, it is a subject sometimes greatly overlooked, and even more experienced golfers have been known to purchase the wrong equipment.

There are of course those lengthy books on how to swing, practicing tips, and how to train to be a good golfer, and you will find some of the best known sports stars endorsing some great products, making them even more desirable.

Golf equipment sales are big business all around the world even during a recession and an unbelievable amount of money is spent by manufactures to try and persuade you to buy their products, but advertising and endorsements aside, what does a new golfer actually require?

They get your favorite sports stars to endorse their products making them look like an even more lucrative bargain. However, every one is not a Tiger Woods and will not require the kind of equipment he uses from day one of learning to golf.

If you are new to golfing, using a Tiger Woods golf club will only make it harder on you because it was made for a professional, not someone who is just learning and only needs basic golf equipment or golf balls for example.

The first thing on your shopping list will of course be a good set of golf clubs and a bag. The trick here is to understand that professionally endorsed products are not all the same and you need to find a set of clubs that feels good for you. It will probably take at least 6 months for you to find your style any way so save yourself some money here.

Steel shafted clubs are far more durable than either graphite or carbon fiber, and they are stronger too, but they are also heavier to use and carry around. They also have better accuracy and control as compared to graphite shafted clubs.

They produce far less twist, but don’t have the effective range that graphite shafted clubs do. You will have to use more power and a quicker swing to make the golf ball go the distance you need it to.

Graphite shafted clubs are easier to swing as they vibrate less with the impact to the ball. Graphite shafted clubs are better suited for women and senior golfers who have problems generating enough swing speed to manage a steel shafted golf club properly.

Choosing a correct shaft flex or level of stiffness for the club is important too. Golfing pros use a high level of stiffness for they can generate high swing speeds at the club head, and are therefore able to generate more power from a stiff flex.

Now that you are able to see beyond the advertising and endorsements and understand that it is about personal styles, you are in a far better position to make a sensible purchasing decision when you buy your next set of golf clubs or any other golf equipment for that matter.

When it comes to learning about golfing equipment for beginners, it is a subject sometimes greatly overlooked, and even more experienced golfers have been known to purchase the wrong equipment.

There are of course those lengthy books on how to swing, practicing tips, and how to train to be a good golfer, and you will find some of the best known sports stars endorsing some great products, making them even more desirable.

Big, brand name sports equipment manufacturers spend a lot of money on advertising in order to persuade the unknowing customer that they have the best clubs and balls and equipment for you.

However, not every golfer is Tiger Woods, so not everyone will need the same equipment that he uses, especially if the golfer is just beginning to learn about golf.

If you are new to golfing, using a Tiger Woods golf club will only make it harder on you because it was made for a professional, not someone who is just learning and only needs basic golf equipment or golf balls for example.

By far and away your most expensive purchase is going to be your set of golf clubs, so some time spent researching what’s best for you will pay dividends for both your game and your pocket. Just because a particular brand is endorsed by a pro does not mean that you will play golf better.

Steel shafted clubs are far more durable than either graphite or carbon fiber, and they are stronger too, but they are also heavier to use and carry around. They also have better accuracy and control as compared to graphite shafted clubs.

They produce far less twist, but don’t have the effective range that graphite shafted clubs do. You will have to use more power and a quicker swing to make the golf ball go the distance you need it to.

Graphite shafted clubs are easier to swing as they vibrate less with the impact to the ball. Graphite shafted clubs are better suited for women and senior golfers who have problems generating enough swing speed to manage a steel shafted golf club properly.

Picking the right shaft flex or level of stiffness for the club is also important to a beginner golfer. Professional golfers usually use a high level of stiffness so that high swing speeds can be generated. This means more power from a stiff flex.

Now that you are able to see beyond the advertising and endorsements and understand that it is about personal styles, you are in a far better position to make a sensible purchasing decision when you buy your next set of golf clubs or any other golf equipment for that matter.

In general, most people often relate golf club with something high class and class discrimination. This occurs since people usually think that golf club doesn’t have any function except for playing a luxury game of golf and only the elites who can pay money for a green fee.

Don’t be amazed if the golf club becomes more flexible now by golf catching on in amusement parks and high school all over the world. Thus,Hence, it is very reasonable that everybody should carry one in their car.

Commonly, a spontaneous game of golf is not meant at an escaping on the thruway while you’re driving home. So you may be wondering at what the potential golf club’s utilities could be outside of the golf course.

Some of these uses are apparent and others not so apparent. Yet, when you put your mind to it you’re certain to recognize a heap of uses for the golf club without paying for a green fee.

You can use a golf club as a functions outside of the golf course.

This concept also applies to getting into your car after you have locked your keys in there but that requires you to use the golf club as a sort of cane. People may question the logic of such an act. However, when they see the quick and swift way in which you retrieve your keys from a locked vehicle they are certain to appreciate the idea.

Gardening and Other Jobs around the House

A golf club would also make a low cost weed wicker for your lawn and the process of removing weeds with your golf club can also act as your exercise for the day. It all rolls as one into one nice little package if you really let your mind go.

You can utilize it to remove that horrible hornet’s nest from under your roof although you may want to wear long sleeves for that. It can also be handy at removing icicles from your roof as well but this calls for a higher level of safety preparation that you may not be inclined to participate in. If that is the case then you may want to pass on the icicle removal.

You can see now that a golf club might be used to different purpose aside from golf course. However, you must always bear in mind that anyone can use this club as a crime device. That’s why, as with any vigilante act, please take caution before trying to get in touch with the [spin]law.

Golf used to be a “gentleman’s game,” basically a game only for those who could afford to buy the right equipment and clothes required of strict club codes. But, as courses open up to the public and the price of equipment becomes attainable, golf is quickly gaining mass appeal.

That said, golf is a game of skill and, unfortunately, the cost of private golf lessons still remains somewhat prohibitively expensive for many new golfers. To learn about some ways to save money on golf lessons as well as get the most for your money before you start, keep reading.

1. Work within Your Budget

Don’t rush into twice-weekly, full-round private lessons. Instead, take a look at your golf budget and see what you can afford.

If you have a low budget, you need not feel any compulsion to make an entire golf vacation out of your pursuit. Rather, perhaps you could get yourself into a group class or share a lesson with a friend. You will not receive one-on-one attention in a group class, but you get the advantage of working with other golfers, hearing their questions and concerns and watching how your coach teaches them.

Another option is to just book one or two private lessons to address any specific questions or problems you think you may have. If you’re comfortable with putting, maybe just book one or two sessions to work on your drives or fairway shots.

2. Try Home Study

If you don’t have the funds for private or group lessons, try learning at home with instructional books, DVD’s, magazines and even online tutorials that can help you with everything from your form during a swing to lining up a great putt.

DVD’s are a great way to watch a pro in action and see the full movement of an almost-perfect swing. You can often borrow these from the library or purchase them at a discount online.

3. Practice

If you decide to commit to an extensive private lesson plan, stick to it and practice outside of your lessons. You’ll not only see improvement faster, but also ingrain the lessons into your memory if you practice your new techniques right away.

4. Get Quotes

Shop around for a good price on golf lessons. Try calling different courses, schools and pros to check rates, and don’t be shy about asking for discounts.

Always ask for first-time customer discounts, pay-in-cash rates or volume rates, where if you buy a certain number of lessons and pre-pay, the price of each individual lesson is discounted.