Archive for November, 2010

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Up For Grabs This Week Will Be The Race To Dubai And The World’s Number One Ranking

Thursday, November 25th, 2010

The world’s top ranking is becoming a pretty common storyline heading into golf tournaments these days, and it’s something you should get used to. There are three golfers that everyone will be paying attention to — Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer (pictured), and Graeme McDowell — and there are two key competitions taking place at the European Tour’s final stop this week. Up for grabs this week will be the Race to Dubai and the World’s Number One ranking.

For these three, it’s been quite the breakout year, and they’re the main reason European golf has been shoved into the face of anyone that follows the sport. One look at the six trophies displayed on the first tee at this week’s Dubai World Championships and it’s clear which continent is playing the best golf.

The Ryder Cup, the U.S. Open Trophy, the Claret Jug (British Open), Wannamaker Trophy (PGA Championship), the Dubai World Championship spectre and the Race to Dubai Trophy signified the dominance by Europe in 2010 and that trio was instrumental in all but one.

So I guess it’s fitting that the final tournament of the year, which will determine the best player in Europe, will likely also crown the year’s best player and world’s top player. Kaymer and McDowell sit one and two respectively in the Race to Dubai with no one else close enough to catch them. The U.S. Open Champion has to finish no less than third in order to overcome the €290,910 difference between him and the PGA Champion. If either of them wins this week, which will, in turn, give them the Race title, they would have a strong case for the best player in 2010.

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Callaway X-24 Hot Irons , Mizuno JPX E600 Forged Irons , Mizuno MP Craft 425 Driver

“I’ve been asked to nominate The European Tour Weekly Golfer of the Year and I was thinking about it going around, and it’s very difficult to separate them,” Westwood said about Kaymer and McDowell. “They both have won a Major. Martin has won four titles to Graeme’s three. Martin’s leading the money list, but Graeme probably had a little bit better Ryder Cup and holed the winning putt.

“So, you know, without going into it even more than that, how do you separate them? I guess it’s all on this week.”

While Westwood won’t have a chance to defend his Race to Dubai crown, there will be plenty of motivation this week. He won this tournament a year ago, shooting 23 under in what he called a nearly flawless performance. On top of his title defense, Westwood’s No.1 World Ranking will be challenged again. This will be his fourth week on top and once again his spot isn’t safe. Martin Kaymer can jump him if the German finishes first or second with Westwood finishing third or worse.

There will be a lot to keep an eye on as the players take the course Thursday and pairings will add to the drama. Players are teeing off in pairs based on the Race to Dubai rankings. That means Kaymer and McDowell will be the last group off with Westwood and Francesco Molinari right in front of them. They will all be faced with the 7,675 yard, par 72 Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

As if Kaymer or McDowell need extra incentive, they would walk away with €1,902,418 for the Race to Dubai bonus pool and €910,348 for the first prize if they won this tournament. This might be the finale to 2010, but expect this to be the beginning of a European rivalry.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: , ,
Posted in golf news | 1 Comment »

A Championship Golf Course Built In North Korea Near The Infamous Demilitarized Zone

Thursday, November 25th, 2010

It was one of the symbols of a supposed new era of co-operation between the two Koreas when it opened two years ago.

A championship golf course with a reported $74m price tag, built in North Korea near the infamous Demilitarized Zone, in the picturesque setting of the Mount Kumgang range.

It proved a big draw for South Korean visitors and has even hosted a professional

tournament.

But it now lies empty and unplayed with the other facilities on the resort mothballed.

The story of the golf course serves to highlight the continued tension between the two Koreas, which was brought into sharp focus Tuesday when the North fired shells into the South’s border island of Yeonpyeoung.

Two South Korean marines and two civilians were killed in the attack, which also wounded 15 marines and three civilians.

In March, a South Korean warship was sunk — apparently by a North Korean torpedo, though this was vigorously denied — with the loss of 46 sailors.

But it was the death of a South Korean tourist at Mount Kumgang in 2008 which first dealt a blow to hopes that the development of western-style facilities at the resort would boost the unification program.

On Friday July 11, 53-year-old Park Wang-ja, one of about 200,000 South Koreans who annually spent holidays in the area, was shot dead by a North Korean soldier.

The exact circumstances of her death remain disputed, but according to the Seoul-based Yonhap news agency, the soldier opened fire after she crossed into a military area near a beach.

The South Korean authorities wanted to send a team to investigate her death, but when this was refused, they suspended all trips indefinitely.

“We did not have any clear facts in this case,” Lee Jong-joo, the official spokeswoman of the South Korean Unification Ministry, told CNN.

“The most important thing is that the North Korean authorities can guarantee the safety of our tourists,” she added.

With the trips halted because of the security concerns, the North reacted by taking over the real estate assets on the resort — “a breach of international law,” said Jong-joo — then earlier this year expelled the South-Korea-hired employees at Mount Kumgang.

But earlier this year, tours for non-South Korean nationals and local guests resumed to Mount Kumgang.

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Taylormade Burner 2.0 Irons , TaylorMade 09 Burner Irons , TaylorMade Tour Preferred Irons

Simon Cockerell, the general manager of Koryo Tours, who run specialized trips to North Korea, was the first foreigner to arrive on the resort with a small party in July.

When he had visited previously it had been to a busy commercial enterprise — with modern shopping areas and hotels — not to mention a top-class golf course.

Development at the resort was first started in 1998 by the Asian corporation Hyundai Asan and was seen as a sign of “Sunshine” diplomacy between Seoul and Pyongyang.

Hyundai, in turn, gave another South Korean company, Emerson Pacific, the rights to develop the golf course and spa complex.

Cockerell confirmed to CNN that everything remained closed.

“The golf course is not operational, but is being maintained,” he said.

The course itself is a stunning 6,900-meter layout with sea and mountain views and has a series of signature holes, most notably a 929m par 7, one of the longest in the world.

The terrain is perfect for a golf course, “the most beautiful mountain range in a country renowned for its mountain ranges,” added Cockerell.

It officially opened for tourists in May 2008 and initially all was well as visitor numbers increased.

South Koreans, especially, were able to take advantage of the relatively cheap green fees when coming on the organized trips.

The course had also been the venue for a Korean Professional Golf Tour (KPGT) event, the Kumgang Ananti NH Open in October 2007.

The tournament, which boasted a prize pool of 300,000,000 Korean won ($254,000), was unusual in one respect because it took place without any spectators due to restrictions imposed by the North Korean authorities.

“Just players, caddies and officials,” recalls Grant Sung, marketing manager of the KPGT.

But with negotiations between North and South deadlocked over the issue of security, “we have had several rounds of talks already,” Jong-joo told CNN, there is little immediate hope of a resolution to the diplomatic stalemate, particularly in the light of this week’s attacks.

It leaves Emerson Pacific, whose shares are listed on Asian stock markets, with a problem.

“It’s a very delicate issue to comment on at this time,” a spokesman for the company told CNN.

“When we reopen The Ananti, Kumgang Mountain, I hope to talk with you about our resort and business in North Korea,” he added.

In perhaps a sign of a thaw in relations, nearly 1,000 families separated by Korean War nearly 60 years ago were re-united at Mount Kumgang at the start of this month in a three-day trip.

It was the first time in over a year that a unification event, which has brought together thousands of families since 1998, has taken place.

But the stalemate continues over the wider Mount Kumgang project.

“There is a long way to go before we can reach an agreement,” said Jong-joo, who said the North Koreans were unwilling to discuss security issues despite repeated requests.

The continuing impasse leaves a course in Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, as the only option for visitors to the country who want to play 18 holes in an unusual setting.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

Tiger Woods Lost More Than Consciousness After Hitting That Fire Hydrant And Tree

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

Tiger Woods lost more than consciousness after hitting that fire hydrant and tree in his neighbor’s yard a year ago.

The scandal the accident exposed, the tales of marital infidelity it shook loose, led to one staggering loss after another. The accident led to losses of treasures both tangible and intangible.

It will be remembered as the year the greatest winner of this generation was humbled by all he lost.

Woods lost his No. 1 world ranking and a 14-year streak of winning at least one PGA Tour title.

He lost his swing and his clutch putting stroke.

He lost millions of dollars in endorsements.

He lost the favor of much of sports fandom. His Sports Q Score as measured by the research firm Marketing Evaluations showed his fall from the top of its list of most “likable” athletes for the first time in a decade. Woods plummeted to 25th in the rankings.

Woods also lost his wife and his marriage in a divorce.

“I feel for him, I really do,” three-time PGA Tour winner Chris DiMarco said. “What he did, I’m disappointed. From a moral aspect, I feel disappointed. But for him to have to go through it like he’s going through it in the public eye, it’s tough. I don’t think anyone deserves that. He’s a great asset to the PGA Tour. He kept this train rolling for years and years. He’s made a lot of us a lot of money. There’s no doubt that when he’s at his best, he drives everything, ticket sales, TV network ratings, everything.”

Woods’ losses didn’t just change his life, they changed golf.

At his best, Woods left little room for the opposition to thrive.

His giant shadow darkened the careers of so many of his foes, stunting growth and choking possibilities.

Woods didn’t just beat his would-be rivals. He beat them down. He won majors by 15, 12 and eight shots. Where might Sergio Garcia be today if Woods wasn’t there blocking so many pathways to major championships? How many more majors might Ernie Els have won?

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Mizuno JPX E500 Driver , Mizuno MX-560 Driver , Mizuno JPX Fairway Wood

Nobody since Jack Nicklaus possessed a game as intimidating as Woods.

That’s changed, dramatically.

While Woods appears to have lost the confidence that made him so formidable, his competition’s gaining it.

We’ve heard it in the boldest terms the last few months.

“I would love to face Tiger,” Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy said in the weeks leading up to the Ryder Cup. “Unless his game rapidly improves, I think anyone in the European team would fancy his chances against him.”

While expecting Woods will come back and win more majors, PGA Tour veteran Scott Verplank followed up last week on the bravado he’s sensing from fellow tour pros.

“All I know is that the world’s a lot different than it used to be,” Verplank said. “As talented as Tiger is, I would suspect he’s going to find his golf game. But I think his shield of invincibility has been dissolved. I think it’s been dissolved some on the golf course, too. I don’t think guys are really all that worried about him.”

DiMarco, Els and others say they fully expect Woods will regain his winning form, but he’ll have to beat an emboldened opposition to do so.

When Woods veered into his neighbor’s yard a year ago, he was No. 1 in the world with a ranking of 15.937 average points. Phil Mickelson was a distant second, almost seven points behind. The point differential between Woods and Mickelson back then was the same as between Mickelson and the 70th ranked player in the world.

What Woods lost, others are lining up to gain. The territory Woods once occupied is now open to the challenge of new dominions.

England’s Lee Westwood took over at No. 1 in the world rankings last month with Woods’ latest streak at the top ending after a record 281 consecutive weeks.

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell (U.S. Open), South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen (British Open) and Germany’s Martin Kaymer (PGA Championship) won the last three majors of the year.

Without Woods carrying the banner for the PGA Tour, the European Tour is thriving on the verge of what could be its new golden era.

Westwood, McDowell, Oosthuizen and Kaymer all helped the European Tour raise its stature.

At the start of the 2008 season, just two Europeans ranked among the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Ireland’s Padraig Harrington and England’s Justin Rose. Today, six of the top 10 hail from Europe.

A new youth movement in Europe, Asia and the United States is poised to make its mark without Woods there to squash it.

Kaymer just won his major at 25, Oosthuizen at 27. American Dustin Johnson looks like he could join them before turning 26 next year. The popularity of 21-year-olds McIlroy and American Rickie Fowler is growing swiftly. Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa (19) and Italy’s Matteo Manassero (17) may find more room to be major factors with Woods failing to challenge.

Matt Kuchar enjoyed a career year and is a candidate to win PGA Tour Player of the Year despite winning just once this season.

Jim Furyk won three times this year and claimed the FedEx Cup and will be the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year if Kuchar isn’t.

There was so much more to be won this last year without Woods appearing to win everything, but it’s a year that will be remembered for what was lost. More than anything, it’s a year defined by what Woods lost.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

The Crash Came In The Wake Of A National Enquirer Story About Tiger Cheating On Elin

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

In the early morning hours after last Thanksgiving, a barefoot Tiger Woods left his home, quickly pulled his Cadillac Escalade out of his Windermere, Fla., driveway and made an awkward, unnatural 210-degree turn into a tree and a fire hydrant.

By the time the cops came, his wife, Elin, had smashed his back windows out with a golf club and mentioned Tiger may be on Ambien. Then his world exploded.

The crash came in the wake of a National Enquirer story about Tiger cheating on Elin. It caused a tidal wave of mistresses to step forward in a nearly unprecedented tabloid fury. There were wild tales from VIP hostesses and porn stars. There were cringe-inducing admissions about a college-aged neighbor and the waitress at the local Perkins where Tiger and Elin used to go and read the newspaper.

Just like that, the carefully crafted, clean-cut image of Tiger Woods – world’s best golfer and million-dollar pitchman – came apart.

And it turns out that wasn’t even the worst of it.

It’s a year later and, quite incredibly, the Woods saga continues – the latest misstep was a series of widely panned media appearances that many considered scripted and lacking sincerity. Tiger hasn’t won a golf tournament since the wreck and continues to employ a management team that has proven incapable of rehabbing his image.

One Thanksgiving later and he’s still treading water – albeit now a divorced father of two and, quite possibly, actually a happier, healthier and better-adjusted person. Yet that isn’t what everyone will be joking about this weekend.

The image of Elin supposedly chasing him with a golf club remains.

Let’s start with this caveat: it shouldn’t matter what Tiger Woods does with his private life. Other than the car wreck – for which he received a fine – it’s not a public matter. OK, no problem. Leave him alone. We all agree.

Only this is 2010 America and Woods made hundreds of millions selling the public on his perfect persona. Maybe people shouldn’t care but they instinctively do and there is an entire machine that will crank on to feed that appetite. A completely innocent 4-year-old Suri Cruise shouldn’t stare back at us from the 7-Eleven magazine rack either, but there she is.

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Taylormade R7 CGB MAX Irons , Callaway X-22 Irons , Mizuno JPX AD Irons

You can wish reality away or deal with it. Tiger clearly wants to win this battle. It’s just the plan of attack he and his team have taken to show they are naïve to think this was still 2008 and everyone would love Tiger because he’s Tiger. That works during actual tournament play, but only because golf galleries cheer everyone. It’s the nature of the fans.

Even then, for every roar of approval I heard when following Tiger this year, there were just as many snide remarks and dirty jokes that followed. He’s still more punch line than sporting hero.

There are two proven ways for Woods to get his public life back on track:

1. Appear honest, open and willing to discuss his shortcomings, admit his mistakes and be at the mercy of what are normally forgiving people. In short, look human. Give fans something. Sincerity works. The reaction from his repeated attempts says that hasn’t come through.

2. Win. Remind the public why they liked him in the first place.

Considering the amount of money he can (and does) spend on image consultants it’s unbelievable he’s failed at the first task. Considering that a year ago he was thought of as, if not the greatest golfer of all time, then at least in the top three, it’s just as unbelievable he can’t do the second either.

Tiger needs a new management team. And a new (or old) swing.

As crazed as the Woods scandal was, celebrities routinely overcome similar or even bigger indiscretions. San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker is in the middle of a tabloid scandal for cheating on his wife, actress Eva Longoria. Monday he scored 24 points and dished 10 assists as the Spurs won their 11th consecutive game. The crowd passionately cheered for him. Scandal? What scandal?

Kobe Bryant was accused of sexual assault, never missed a game and returned to iconic NBA status. Ray Lewis was accused of being involved in a street fight that led to the death of two people. He’s back to beloved NFL star and corporate pitchman. Michael Vick was imprisoned for his part in a brutal, interstate dog-fighting operation. He’s now the talk of football.

In Hollywood, Charlie Sheen is a weekly news-making mess. The ratings for “Two and a Half Men” remain strong (a mystery in itself, but that’s a different column). Hugh Grant once cheated on Elizabeth Hurley by picking up a Los Angeles street prostitute. He offered a mea culpa on the “Tonight Show” and went back to starring in romantic comedies.

Then there’s the roller coaster that is Bill Clinton.

Yet Tiger flounders on.

Woods has come across as insincere to much (not all, but enough) of the public. They routinely reject even the suggestion that he’s handled his marital failures in a manner more honest and direct and profound than so many others.

Let’s recap here: Tiger voluntarily left the PGA Tour. He twice entered intense rehab facilities which, judging on the testimonies of past patients, feature powerful and painful treatment. He appeared, at least to me, to desperately want to restore his family. He never just shrugged it off. He beats himself up in public – albeit in an uncomfortable monotone.

Yet even the suggestion that Tiger is trying to be a better person over the past year leads to a flood of emails claiming I’m naïve and it was all done only in an effort to save his endorsement potential.

This is the hole Tiger Woods hasn’t been able to dig himself out from. By not addressing the situation in a way and at a level the public wants, he’s been unable to move on. It appears the burden of that has, in turn, hindered his once indomitable golf game.

One year ago we discovered a new side of Tiger Woods. We’re still waiting to see the new, new side. Then much of the public can get back to dealing with him in the old way.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: , ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

A Student Gave A Golf Cart Ride To Freshman Running Back Dillon Baxter

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

A student at USC who also works for a sports agency was warned by school officials to stay away from Trojan football players, lest he get them in trouble with the NCAA.Then a week later he gave a golf cart ride to freshman running back Dillon Baxter.

The ride got Baxter suspended.

The golf cart ride could be considered an “improper benefit” and so the team reported a secondary violation to the NCAA and suspended Baxter for Saturday’s game against Oregon State. (The Trojans lost 36-7.)

The incident highlights the difficulty that schools have when it comes to keeping prospective agents away from students-athletes while they’re still in school.

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Nike CCI Forged Irons , Ping G15 Irons , Mizuno MP-57 Irons

The student in question is not an agent, but he is a registered as a “contract advisor” with the NFL Player’s Association. That allows him to befriend his classmates, and discuss their football futures, without actually becoming their “representative.” Provided no money or gifts change hands, it’s legit.

However, when does a gesture among friend become a gift? And would the people even be friends, if one of them wasn’t a football player? How many 22-year-old undergrads own a golf cart that they uses to ferry friends around campus?

The student is not hiding the fact that he wants to be an agent and even brags about befriending players on his company’s website. Yet, all the onus is on the 18-year-old freshman to know that golf card rides are against the rules.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: , ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

Sean Foley Is Ready To Step Into The Spotlight

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Sean Foley is ready to step into the spotlight.

The man overseeing the latest set of changes to Tiger Woods’s golf swing remains something of an unknown outside of the golf industry — even in Canada, where he was born, raised and first started teaching the game.

But that has slowly started to change since striking up a working relationship with Woods in August.

“There’s recognition in airports and restaurants, and that never happened before,” Foley said in a recent interview. “People say ‘that’s got to be so annoying.’ But I created it, I said yes (when asked to work with Woods) and I could have said no. You have to embrace it and take it on.

“This is when your principals and character (are important). Who you tell people you are and what you believe about yourself, this is when it’s tested.”

In fact, Foley is hoping to take his profile to another level. The 36-year-old from Burlington, Ont., has signed on with sports agency The Wasserman Group — looking for agent Chris Armstrong to “drum up business” — and released his first instructional DVD, entitled “The Next Generation.”

Foley has previously relied solely on the quality of his work to speak for itself.

“I’ve never really built my brand,” he said. “I still don’t have a website.”

The desire to start brand building comes at an interesting time for Foley — and not just because he’s now working with Woods. Some have recently criticized his teaching methods, accusing him of borrowing heavily from the “Stack and Tilt” swing developed by Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett.

Foley has been around the PGA Tour since getting hired by Calgary’s Stephen Ames four years ago. He also works with Sean O’Hair, Hunter Mahan and Justin Rose, among others, but only recently started hearing negative things about his style.

“It never happened until I started working with Tiger,” he said.

Foley is the first to acknowledge that he’s studied up on what others are teaching, both about golf and life. He’s well-versed on a variety of subjects — referencing everyone from Gandhi to Bob Marley to Deepak Chopra to Phil Jackson during a 30-minute interview — and aims to pass on whatever he can to his pupils.

He readily acknowledges that the foundation for his knowledge on the golf swing comes from others.

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Nike Victory Red Tour Driver , Nike CCI Forged Irons , Nike SasQuatch Fairway Wood

“My job is to help people so why would I not tap into every educational source?” said Foley. “I’m not going to pretend that I’m going to figure it all out on my own. Looking at (David) Leadbetter’s stuff and Butch (Harmon’s) stuff and Chuck Cook, Mac O’Grady, Mark Evershed and Stack and Tilt and all that. It’s my job to know that.

“If you’ve done this for 16 years and you’re smart and you’re passionate about helping people, you will all find the same points.”

Foley still manages to stand out. He’s supremely confident in his ability and has no qualms about doing things his own way.

It’s something Armstrong plans to use to his advantage as he seeks out ways to start growing Foley’s brand.

“We strongly believe that with Sean’s contemporary and innovative approach to golf instruction, his candid and dynamic personality, and commitment to using his success as a platform to affect change in the lives of those who are less fortunate, his brand has great appeal to both the corporate and non-profit sectors,” Armstrong wrote in an email. “I have no doubt that he will have opportunities both inside and outside of the sport of golf — endorsements, corporate outings, public speaking engagements, and literary works to suggest a few.”

The release of his DVD on Monday was the first step. Produced by brother Kevin Foley and Toronto-based Project 10 Productions, “The Next Generation” offers 90 minutes of insight and tips to improve the golf swing.

The advice isn’t much different than what he gives to his top clients on a regular basis.

“I was teaching a 15 handicap the other day and I was working on the same thing that I’m trying to get Sean O’Hair to do,” said Foley. “Now, when they both do it well, it looks completely different. But it helps them equally.”

The arc of Foley’s career has been pretty dramatic. Prior to starting his work with Ames in 2006, he served as the director of player development for the ClubLink Academy out of Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ont.

Now just four years later, he’s got one of the highest-profile jobs in the sport.

While Foley always envisioned himself in his current position, he acknowledges that some fortunate timing also played a role in his success. Reflecting on that helps keep him grounded.

“There’s many people who have done the same thing and just didn’t get the opportunity,” he said. “That kind of takes the arrogance out of it, where you feel like you’re just amazing, because you realize that if Stephen Ames doesn’t come down (and hire him), who knows?

“I might be back at Glen Abbey right now.”

Ultimately, he doesn’t think he’s changed very much since his days as a junior instructor in Canada. The only thing that’s different is the way others view him — and that’s never much mattered to Foley.

“If someone tells me how great I am and how amazing I am, it doesn’t make me feel any better than I do already,” he said. “If someone tells me that I’m a marketing machine and I’ve stolen all my information from other people, then that doesn’t bother me either.

“Because I’m not amazing and I’m not great and I’m not shit — I’m in the middle somewhere.”

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: , ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

Charles Returns To New Zealand For Its Golf Centenary

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

New Zealand golfing great Sir Bob Charles returns to where it all started as New Zealand Golf celebrates its centenary this weekend.

Charles is a special guest at the celebrations which begin with a Centenary Golf Day at Royal Wellington Golf Club on Friday.

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Taylormade Burner 2.0 Irons , TaylorMade 09 Burner Irons , Taylormade R7 CGB MAX Irons

He will hit the commemorative first tee shot at the club where he first sprung into national prominence 56 years in winning the New Zealand Open as a fresh-faced 18-year-old.

It sparked a remarkable career for golf’s most famous left-hander, highlighted with Charles’ victory at the British Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes in 1963.

He also won New Zealand Open four times among his 68 professional victories in a stellar career spanning into seven decades and culminating in his induction to world golf’s Hall of Fame in 2008.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: , ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

Miguel Tabuena Pulled It Off In Stirring Fashion At The Asian Games

Sunday, November 21st, 2010

It’s not often a 16-year-old golfer emerges to contend for the gold medal at the Asian Games and comes away with the silver after four days of intense pressure on a course that even seasoned players find tough to crack.

But Filipino wunderkind Miguel Tabuena pulled it off in stirring fashion at the Dragon Boat Lake golf course in Guangzhou the other day. Tabuena showed the way in the first two rounds, carding a pair of 68s, then faltered on the third day with a 74 but shot an even 72 on the final stretch to stave off Chinese-Taipei’s Hung Chien-yao by a stroke for the silver at the 16th Asian Games. Korea’s Kim Meen Whee took the gold with a nine-shot margin despite trailing Tabuena after two rounds.

Both Kim and Hung are 18. Only three players were younger than Tabuena in the cast of 77 amateur players from 20 countries – Macau’s Ao Ka Wai, 13, and Yan Sihuang, 15, and Saudi Arabia’s Attieh Khalid Walid, 15. The oldest player was Nepal’s Tashi Ghale, 53.

The night before the last day of competitions, Tabuena received an e-mail from his personal coach Rick Gibson, a former Asian tour pro. Gibson, writing from his home country Canada, offered sage advice – ”create opportunities, stay in the moment, just go out and play!”

Tabuena’s father Luigi, a Christian minister, said throughout the day, his son kept recalling Gibson’s message. “Miguel knew he was not just playing for himself,” said the proud father. “He was playing for his country. Miguel dedicated this wonderful achievement to Jesus Christ who is his Lord, then to the Philippines and his family.”

Tabuena’s parents Luigi and Lorna and sister Danielle were in Guangzhou to provide moral support for the youngest Filipino golfer in coach Tommy Manotoc’s four-man squad.

Even before leaving for Guangzhou, Tabuena was confident of going for the gold despite the odds. Since golf was introduced at the Asian Games in 1982, the Philippines has collected just one gold medal (Ramon Brobio, 1986), three silvers and seven bronzes.

Calling himself a “stopper,” Tabuena said his goal was to play steady round after round, playing to his average and letting the others take risks and make the mistakes. “I won’t go high and I won’t go low,” he said. “I have a strong mental game. Coach Tommy always reminds me never to panic on a bad shot and just stay in the game.”

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Mizuno JPX E600 Forged Irons , Nike SasQuatch Fairway Wood , Mizuno JPX E600 Forged Irons

When the going got tough on the final day, Tabuena’s father said the “stopper” came through. Tabuena finished with a 72, parring the last hole which Hung bogeyed.

Tabuena yielded the driver’s seat on the third round. “Miguel couldn’t make the putts and shot two over while Lee made every putt,” groaned his father. “Lee even made an eagle. Miguel really turned out to be the team’s stopper. He found himself not in the position of a fourth man. All I wanted was for him to get the experience. He got more than I expected. What a guy!”

Tabuena was only four years old when he played his first full round at the Alabang Country Club and joined his first tournament at five, finishing third in a juniors competition at the Aguinaldo course. A high school sophomore taking up home studies under the supervision of the Masters Academy, Tabuena wound up fifth of some 300 participants in the under-18 bracket at the World Juniors in San Diego last year. It was the best Filipino finish in the tournament, which Carito Villaroman topped twice, in some 15 years.

Tabuena said he’s looking forward to playing on a golf scholarship in the US West Coast. He’s received feelers from several prestigious US schools. Tabuena intimated that he’s partial to the West Coast, particularly to a school like the University of Washington because his sister Michelle lives in Seattle.

Tabuena said he plans to make his pro debut before turning 20. “My ultimate golf dream is to win all the majors – the US Open, the British Open, the PGA Open and the Masters – or at least one,” he said.

Tabuena joins an elite roster of Filipino amateur parbusters who’ve reaped individual honors in the Asian Games – Brobio who claimed a gold in 1986 and a bronze in 1990, Jamine Jose who earned a bronze in 1990, Gerald Rosales who took a silver in 1998 and Michael Bibat who brought in a bronze in 2006.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

John Mallinger Won The Pebble Beach Invitational On Sunday

Sunday, November 21st, 2010

John Mallinger won the Pebble Beach Invitational on Sunday, birdieing four of the last six holes for a 4-under 68 and a two-stroke victory over Jason Gore.

Mallinger, who lost his fully exempt PGA Tour status after finishing 133rd on the money list, made a 25-foot birdie putt on No. 18 to finish at 15-under 273 in the event featuring 76 male and female players. He earned $60,000 in the $300,000 tournament sponsored by Callaway Golf.

Mallinger, who also led after the second and third rounds, had eight birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey in the final round played in intermittent rain.

“I putted well today and putted well all week,” said Mallinger, who has eight top-three finishes but is winless since joining the PGA Tour in 2006. “I love Pebble Beach. It’s tough to beat Pebble Beach.”

Gore, who will join Mallinger in the PGA Tour’s final qualifying tournament, closed with a bogey-free 65.

“I tried, but I just got outplayed,” said Gore, who also birdied the final round. “But I played well and I’ll take the momentum to Q-School.”

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Taylormade Burner 2.0 Irons , Callaway X-22 Irons , Callaway X-24 Hot Irons

Pat Perez (65) and Champions Tour player Russ Cochran (71) tied for third at 11 under. Cochran, who began the final round trailing by one stroke, held a one-stroke lead after birdieing the 11m but bogeyed the 13th and Mallinger soon began his final birdie spree.

Annika Sorenstam, completing her first 72-hole tournament since her LPGA Tour retirement in 2008, shot a 73 to finish at 3 under.

“It’s funny, you don’t play for two years and then you go inside the ropes and the mindset comes back,” Sorenstam said. “It’s there, which is too cool. But you can’t make the same shots anymore.”

Morgan Pressel shot a 72 to finish at 7 under, the best among the 13 LPGA Tour entrants.

Tommy Armour III, the 2008 and 2009 winner, withdrew before the final round because of personal reasons.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

The City Of Austin Plans To Rip Out The Chain Baskets And Shut Down

Friday, November 19th, 2010

Time is limited for those who want to play a round of disc golf at one Austin’s oldest disc golf courses.

The City of Austin plans to rip out the chain baskets and shut down the Pease Park disc golf course at the end of the day on Dec. 31.

“This is one of those difficult decisions,” said Austin Parks and Recreation’s Park development coordinator Marty Stump.

Disc golfers mourned the loss of the course, saying they’ve had some great times there.

“It’s one of the most challenging courses around. It’s got some of the most picturesque holes you’re going to see. It’s just a place I’ve got a lot of memories,” said golfer Dustin Beck.

“It’s the first course I ever played,” said Cody Thomas.

Thomas, with his dog in tow, has been playing the course located along Shoal Creek in Central Austin more than usual lately, trying to take full advantage before it shuts down.

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Nike SasQuatch Fairway Wood , Ping G15 Irons , Mizuno JPX E500 Forged Irons

“I come out here pretty much every chance I get to get it in before they take out the baskets,” Thomas said.

The City said it’s closing the course because the park simply can’t handle the number of golfers who use it, and the floodwaters of Shoal Creek constantly beat up the course even worse.

“We’re asking the disc golf community to work with us as we develop new facilities on other park land,” Stumps said.

One of those new courses will be located in East Austin at the Roy Guerrero Colorado River Park .

City officials said they are still developing the new course, and it won’t be open for at least another six months.

In the meantime, golfers will continue playing at Pease Park as long as they can.

“I understand the erosion and all that kind of stuff but it’s been an icon in this place for 30 years. It’s sad to see it close, for sure,” said Beck. “I’m glad I got to play before it closed down.”

The City will hold a public meeting, during which staff will show off a conceptual design and get feedback from the disc golf community on the new course in East Austin.

That meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Ruiz Library located at 1600 Grove Blvd .

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

South Korea Made A Clean Sweep Of All Four Asian Games Gold Medals

Friday, November 19th, 2010

It was a disappointing day for the Indian golfers, even as South Korea again seemed on course to making a clean sweep of all four Asian Games gold medals at the Dragon Lake Golf Club here.

On Friday, the third day of golf competitions, none of the four Indians, including medal prospect Rashid Khan could break par. Rashid dropped to fourth, and so did the Indian team.

Rashid had a 74 and he struggled through the day. He was two-over for the front nine and seemed to have covered a little ground on the back nine before a closing bogey spoilt the day.

Hi,everyone!There are some new golf clubs in our store,for example: Taylormade Burner 2.0 Irons , Taylormade R7 CGB MAX Irons , Callaway X-24 Hot Irons

The day, however, belonged to a Thai teenager, 18-year-old Attachai Jaichalad, who despite a bogey-bogey finish smashed the course record with a seven-under 65. That brought him into medal contention in third place with one more round to go.

South Korean youngster, Kim Meen Whee, one behind the leader overnight added a fine five-under 67 including an eagle on the 11th to open up a wide gap of six shots over overnight leader Miguel Luis Tabuena of the Philippines, who slipped with a 74.

In the team competition, South Korea was in the lead while Philippines hung on to the second place. Thailand moved into a tie for second place with the Philippines. India was lying fourth after a disappointing total of six-over 222.

In the women’s section, South Koreans occupied all three top positions India’s Shreya Ghei was 21st while Vani Kapoor and Gurbani Singh were tied 22nd. In the team event India was ninth out of ten teams.

Post by: discount golf clubs

Tags: ,
Posted in golf news | No Comments »

Forgiveness Abouds in TaylorMade R9 Irons Review

Friday, November 19th, 2010

An oversized head with high forgiveness levels from a classic shape. The long irons use the same theory as a thin-faced driver for added distance. Short irons offer more feel. The TaylorMade R9 irons should suit golfers who want forgiveness in their long irons, are looking for more control in their short irons and like forgiving irons, but with a classic shape. You can find discount golf clubs online to get the R9 irons at the best price.

more details…

Posted in golf news | No Comments »

Play Better with Callaway X-22 Tour Irons Review

Friday, November 19th, 2010

Performance irons designed for accomplished golfers seeking premium feel and stability. To improve on the highly successful X-20 Tour Irons, Callaway Golf engineers added new features that allow the Callaway X-22 Tour Irons to play even better and feel even softer. Are they expensive? You may need to find wholesale golf clubs online.

more details…

Posted in golf news | No Comments »

Mizuno MX-200 VS MX-300 Irons

Friday, November 19th, 2010

The new Mizuno MX-200 ironswith Y-tune technology are a quantum leap in game improvement design. Y-tune technology extends and expands the sweet area of the clubface out toward the toe to deliver amazing forgiveness on mis-hits. With the re-engineered external power bar and inner Y-shape cavity pad, the MX 200s are tuned for unbelievable forgiveness, great trajectory and amazing, forged feel. Further enhancing the forgiveness is a larger clubhead and the super deep milled pocket that creates a lower, deeper center of gravity.

more details…

Posted in golf news | No Comments »

My Feeling Of The TaylorMade R9 460 Driver

Friday, November 19th, 2010

I have bought the TaylorMade R9 460 Driver last week,as they said the R9 Driver hit the market with a bang and since then has been put into golf bags across every major tour and golfers all around the world.So what about the clubs ? I will share with every one . I want to say hands down the best driver on the market. I have it set up a upright, this is mainly since my bad shot is usually a fade or a block out to the right. When I first tried this out I had it on the neutral postion.

more details…

Posted in golf news | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »