Hack to Hero: Join Me on My Journey
Can an 'average joe' change his diet, behaviors, health and golf game to qualify for the 2017 US Open? Introducing Hack to Hero.
For as long as there has been golf, there have been horrible, pitifully bad golfers with swings that looked more like a new born giraffe taking its first steps than a human being trying to swat a tiny white pill down a fairway. There’s also been the 1% of the 1% of golfers who make this painfully difficult game we all love look as easy and natural as inhaling and exhaling. With such a disparity, the question of whether or not the folks who make up the minuscule amount of touring professional golfers on the planet are flat-born with the ability to be great, or if their skills are learned, developed over what can be an excruciatingly long process, extensive hours on and off the course and more work than most of us can ever imagine, is one that comes up often. Is Rory McIlroy a result of passion, work ethic and sacrifice colliding or was he, at birth, a chosen being touched by the hands of a superior golfing deity, declared to be the next big thing?
Or is it a little of both?
I apologize in advance – this is a little long-winded. Stick with me, though.
As a golf junkie who has been blessed to write about the game I love, play much more of it than most my age and even caddie at two of the North East’s most prestigious private clubs, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and speak with hundreds of people about the game at length. One of the most common quandaries is aforementioned: Can anyone be a pro under the right circumstances or must you be born with it?
I’ve always believed that human beings can do anything they put their minds to – and that’s what I plan to do. My whole life, I’ve always been “pretty good” at every athletic endeavor I've undertook without really trying. For a long time, I was quite proud of that. It was nice being able to skip workouts and still get hits during the game. It was fun being one of the first picks in pick-up football despite never playing a down in junior leagues or high school.
Now, at 27, I’m realizing the folly of my ways. I can barely make it up the stairs without being tired some days. My ankles sound like a tiny tin drumroll as I walk up them. I’ll go to throw a snow ball at my car for ha-ha’s and the shoulder that used to routinely throw 100 baseballs a day in the upper 70’s and lower 80’s now feels like I tried to bench press a Honda Civic after just one toss. It’s disheartening.
Genetically, we aren’t that different, Jason Day and me -- comparing his DNA to mine wouldn’t look too terribly different under microscope – but Day at 27 is a major championship winner, a physical specimen who, when not plagued with bouts of vertigo (and hell, sometimes when he is) is one of the finest athletes in one of the toughest games on the planet. He constantly works to be the best and feeds his body right.
As for me, at 27, I’m a former high school athlete who treats every whiffle ball game, every round of golf, every pick up football game as if it were the World Series, the Masters on Sunday or the Super Bowl – and I usually end up paying the price for it the next morning. I rest on my laurels, eat SweetTarts and Doritos almost competitively and drink more Coca-Cola than your average monkey eats bananas.
That being said, over the last five years I’ve buried myself in the game of golf and have built a swing of which I am quite proud. It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as that of say, Louis Oosthuizen or as powerful, long and athletic as Dustin Johnson, but it has produced dozens of rounds in the mid-to-high 70’s in the last 24 months; feats that would’ve been deemed impossible by 23-year-old me who was content with a round of 89 and no hangover the following morning.
Since then I’ve caddied at Vineyard Golf Club and the Hartford Golf Club, played with Division 1 All-Americans, dozens of aspiring club pros, gotten impromptu lessons from a local legend, and bounced swing ideas off players whose talent I would literally commit murder to have. For lack of a better phrase, I have been truly blessed in my golf life.
Because of this, I've decided to see just how far I can go; to finally find an answer to the "born with it/work for it" debate.
Over the next 14-16 months, I will attempt to transition my mind, body and game from their current states (cluttered, over weight and inconsistent) to that of a championship golfer. I will be overhauling my diet, beginning a stringent exercise routine, adopting rigorous practice regiments, play in local and state tournaments in Massachusetts and Connecticut to collect valuable competitive rounds and basically do everything else your average touring pro might -- all while working a full-time job and keeping my new bride from leaving me.
All of this is in an effort to take my self from a 3.7 handicap to the 1.4 necessary to attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open in 2017 at Erin Hills.
Now, I'm not talking about going all Roy McAvoy on everybody -- just getting to the qualifying stages would be huge and, honestly, a position that most average golfers on the planet would be content to reach. I'm here to prove that it's possible for anyone.
Along the way, I'll be asking for help, taking questions and keeping you posted on my progress. Hopefully, whether you believe I will or I won't, you'll come along for the ride, learn some things on the way and perhaps realize that your potential is fully in your hands.
With the help of Adam Fonseca, I will be updating you here at Golf Unfiltered on a weekly basis, while those interested in the day-to-day grind can follow my diary at Hacktohero.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Twitter at @HacktoHero27 for even more updates along the way.
Video Review: Clicgear 3.5 Plus Push Cart
Clicgear 3.5 Plus push cart.
2013 brings the introduction of the new Model 3.5+. Still compact and durable, the Model 3.5+ incorporates 5 upgrades; 1).50% larger storage net 2). Larger cup holder 3). New bag strap system 4). Improved Umbrella Holder bracket and 5). Improved brake system. All Clicgear carts offer a 3 year warranty on the frame and a 1 year warranty on all parts. Clicgear also offers a wide assortment of push cart accessories. The one consistent with the Clicgear is the compact folded dimensions. Still measuring just 13”X15”X23”, the Clicgear Model 3.5+ is the original compact push cart. Additional standard features include: Oversized Console (Included scorecard holder, ball holder, pencil holder and tee holder) Independent Handle Adjustment (Allows cart to maintain full tired width when handle is adjusted down) Built-In Accessory Mounts (Holds Clicgear designed accessories) Adjustable Bag Saddle System (Accommodates all bag sizes) Built-In Umbrella Mount (Umbrella holder comes standard with all carts)
Play Famously with Mizuno in 2014
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play on a professional golf tour?
From the time I started covering professional golf in 2005, I can honestly say the most fun I've had was when I got a glimpse of "the good golf life." That includes playing golf in the ESPN Celebrity Golf Outing, playing a round with Graeme McDowell, trying the newest equipment months before anyone else or simply being invited to play at courses I had no business stepping foot on. Now, the good folks at Mizuno Golf want to give you a similar opportunity.
Mizuno is running their Play Famously campaign again in 2014, and it's something you should get involved with right away. Twelve weekend hackers will be chosen to rub elbows with some of the biggest names in the game, including Luke Donald, Charles Howell III and other staff pros.
I joke around a lot on this blog, but I think we all agree that golf can be so much more than just another game to play on the weekends. Golf provides solace to people who suffer through their lives every day due to challenges with their health, socioeconomic status, psychological issues or any number of other life setbacks. Mizuno wants to help players like you and me experience a side of golf we've only seen in our dreams.
The sequel to Mizuno’s “Play Famously” launched last week in support of their new JPX EZ – the ultimate game-improvement iron, offering the largest sweet spot in golf. It will also serve as an invitation for golfers to demo the irons and submit their stories about the transformative power of golf at work in their lives.
On February 21, Mizuno Golf will announce the first members of Team JPX with two more added every month up to July 21. All team members will receive their own custom set of Mizuno JPX– EZ irons, a custom Mizuno staff bag, Team JPX apparel, golf lessons from a professional instructor and the chance to compete in the JPX Invitational in September at the Country Club of the South in Atlanta.
For more information on Mizuno Golf's Play Famously campaign and how to enter, visit the contest website here.
Nike Golf Introduces New VRS Covert 2.0 Irons
PRESS RELEASE --
BEAVERTON, Ore. (January 28, 2014) – “If it’s good enough, then we must make it better.” - Cindy Davis, President of Nike Golf.
That approach is rooted in every product crafted at The Oven, Nike Golf’s research and design facility, and the new VRS Covert 2.0 irons, available January 31, 2014, are no exception. Golf club engineers and designers built upon the performance benefits of the first generation of Covert irons and improved specific design elements in the 2014 model to make it easier for golfers to hit the ball farther and higher with superior stability and feel.
“What’s impressive about the VRS Covert 2.0 set is that golfers can be aggressive and confident with these irons,” says Chris Savage, Nike Golf Irons Innovation Engineer. “This set utilizes our largest cavity and thinnest perimeter to deliver higher ball speed and greater distance. We have also refined our leading edge bevel to make it easier for these irons to go through the turf. Throughout development, these irons have proven to be the best distance irons we have created to date.”
The Nike Golf club team shifted the center of gravity behind the center of the face, which provides a more solid impact where golfers hit the ball most, resulting in more distance with great feel. Nike’s club engineers also lowered the center of gravity by modifying the mass in the back of the club head and shifting that weight lower and more towards the toe for a higher and more stable ball flight.
A larger cavity in the VRS Covert 2.0 irons moves more metal to the perimeter of the club head and allows for a larger face, which amplifies the 'trampoline effect’ and produces more ball speed at impact. Coupled with a larger cavity, Nike’s proprietary NexCOR variable face thickness technology allows for greater ball speed off the face, resulting in more distance.
A new leading-edge bevel provides more sole area to hit through the turf. The design delivers an additional, effective bounce to the golf club, which is a crucial benefit especially in soft conditions.
The VRS Covert 2.0 irons feature Dynalite 105 steel and Kuro Kage graphite shafts with Golf Pride 2G wrap grips.
Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Irons
Availability: January 31, 2014
Specifications: 4-AW, SW, Dynalite 105: S/R (RH/LH); Kuro Kage Graphite: S/R (RH/LH)
Street price: Steel: $700; Graphite: $800
Nike Golf Introduces New VRS Covert 2.0 Hybrids
PRESS RELEASE --
BEAVERTON, Ore. (January 23, 2014) – To kick-start the creation of Nike Golf’s new line of hybrids, Nike Golf engineers re-examined the range of metal woods that golfers have in their bags. From drivers to fairway woods, the club heads decrease in size – and they followed that same strategy with the new range of VRS Covert 2.0 hybrids, available at retail on January 31, 2014.
Tapping into what the engineers at The Oven call “Linear Transition Design”, the club team crafted the VRS Covert 2.0 hybrids with progressively smaller head sizes as loft increases, while increasing the face height on each model. The #2 and #3 hybrids, with larger heads, perform more like fairway woods to advance the ball, while the #4 and #5 hybrids are utilized for approach shots toward the green.
Both the VRS Covert 2.0 Tour and VRS Covert 2.0 hybrids feature a Fly-Brace reinforced High-Speed Cavity back design for longer and straighter shots. The cavity back design improves the moment of inertia and also helps to stiffen the back of the golf club and improve the energy transfer across the club face.
“With the new VRS Covert 2.0 hybrids, the longer the shot, the more forgiving the club,” says Tony Dabbs, Nike Golf Global Product Director, Golf Clubs. “When we looked at it, we realized it makes more sense, especially with a #2 and #3 hybrid, to produce ball flight that is more similar to a fairway wood. As the line progresses, the heads get smaller, and the #4 and #5 hybrids are designed to hit the green with a little higher trajectory and more shot-making precision.”
In addition to the VRS Covert 2.0, the VRS Covert 2.0 Tour hybrids feature Nike’s patented FlexLoft technology, a simple pull, turn, push-and-tighten adjustment system that allows golfers to choose their loft and face angle independently of each other, providing more range and versatility in the bag. NexCOR face technology, which incorporates variable face thickness for a faster, hotter face, results in more speed at impact.
The second generation of Mitsubishi Rayon’s Kuro Kage graphite shafts are the standard graphite shaft option for both models. In the VRS Covert 2.0 Tour, the Kuro Kage Silver 80 graphite shaft creates more stability and lower spin. The VRS Covert 2.0 utilizes the Kuro Kage Black HBP Graphite 70 shaft, featuring a higher balance point to allow for higher swing speeds without adding shaft length.
Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour Hybrids
Availability: January 31, 2014
Specifications: 3H: 17°-21° (RH/LH), 5H: 21°-25° (RH/LH)
Kuro Kage Silver 80 Shaft: R, S
Street Price: $229
Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Hybrids
Availability: January 31, 2014
Specifications: 2H: 17° (RH), 3H: 20° (RH/LH), 4H: 23° (RH/LH), 5H: 26° (RH)
Kuro Kage Black HBP 70 Shaft: A, R, S, X, W
Street Price: $179
Do Tiger's Peers Think He'll Win More Majors?
Sports Illustrated Golf Plus published their annual anonymous poll of PGA Tour players recently. As usual, a question about Tiger Woods was included in the poll, this time asking his peers how many more major championships he'll win.
Results from golf.com:
How many more majors will Tiger win?
ZERO: 6 percent ONE: 2 percent TWO: 28 percent THREE: 18 percent FOUR: 20 percent FIVE OR MORE: 26 percent
The response rate for "five or more" is pretty surprising to me, considering Tiger is 38 years old and hasn't won a major since 2008. I attribute this to respondents fixated on the potential that Tiger will break Jack Nicklaus' record as opposed to his actual ability to win five more majors.
Everyone likes a good story, right?
Watch Charl Schwartzel's Amazing Road Shot
Golf Central Daily posted this YouTube video of Charl Schwartzel hitting what has to be an early contender for Shot of the Year:
As amazing as that shot was (even though Charl missed that putt), hitting a ball off concrete isn't the hardest thing to do. Of course, fading the ball as much as Charl did isn't something Average Joe Golfer can do at his local municipal course, but Phil Mickelson explains the art of hitting off concrete.
PRESS RELEASE: Cleveland Golf 588 Custom Woods Series Announced
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – January 7, 2014 – Cleveland® Golf is pleased to introduce the new 588® woods: the 588® Custom™ Driver, 588® Fairway and 588® Hybrid. These tour-proven designs, which add distance and forgiveness to any player’s game, are now available for pre-booking and will be in-stores on February 7, 2014.
Based on exhaustive testing and tour validation, the Cleveland® 588® Custom™ Driver has a 460cc titanium head that offers the greatest combination of distance, forgiveness and accuracy in any driver Cleveland® Golf has ever made. An adjustable hosel offers 12 different settings to precisely tune loft, lie and face angle – loft and lie have a total range of 3°, while face angle has a total range of 4.5°. The back of the sole has an adjustable weight screw to optimize swingweight (standard weight is 3 grams). Advanced wall construction allows more weight to be positioned lower in the club head for a higher, more penetrating ball flight. Enhanced variable face thickness technology creates the hottest flight on center strikes and even faster ball speed on off-center hits for maximum forgiveness. A premium Matrix® OZIK 6Q3™ shaft promotes a mid-launch and provides an all-around combination of speed and stability with solid feel at impact. The Cleveland® 588® Custom™ Driver has a MAP of $349.99. Click here for more information.
The Cleveland® 588® Fairway combines power and forgiveness in a versatile design. A tour-proven profile offers optimal face, sole and crown dimensions to promote a clean, confidence-inspiring look from the turf or off the tee. Enhanced variable face thickness technology produces maximum distance on center strikes and greater forgiveness on off-center hits.Combined with a rear sole plug, advanced wall construction allows more weight to be positioned low in the club head for a higher launch. A premium Matrix® OZIK 6Q3™ shaft is designed for a mid-high launch, offering an all-around combination of speed and stability with solid feel at impact. Cleveland® 588® Fairways are available in lofts of 14.0°, 15.5°, 18.0° and 20.5° and carry a MAP of $199.99. Click here for more information.
The Cleveland® 588® Hybrid, our first hybrid engineered with both variable face thickness and Gliderail Technology, provides incredible playability as well as maximum distance andforgiveness. Its tour-proven, compact profile has minimal offset, giving golfers a confidence-inspiring look from any lie. Combined with a rear sole plug, advanced wall construction allows more weight to be positioned low in the club for a higher launch. A premium Matrix® OZIK Altus™ shaft is designed for a high launch and an all-around combination of speed and stability with a solid feel at impact. Cleveland® 588® Hybrids are available in lofts of 18.0°, 20.5°, 23.0° and 26.0° and have a MAP of $169.99. Click here for more information.
Visit the Cleveland Golf Media Center for hi-resolution studio and lifestyle photos of the new 588® woods.
2014 Eskimo Open at Cog Hill Results
Blizzard, shmizzard.
A handful of loyal golf fanatics competed in 2014 Eskimo Open from Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, IL on Sunday, despite freezing temperatures and over 12-inches of snow. While the event was limited to nine holes, there was still a competitive atmosphere in what has become a 50-year tradition at the former home of the Western Open and BMW Championship.
Here is a snapshot of the tournament results for both net and gross winners.
Ernie Els Signs with Adams Golf
Four-time major winner Ernie Els has signed a multi-year sponsorship contract with Adams Golf, according to a statement released from the company today.
Els, who has 70 tournament victories worldwide, was previously a staff player under the TaylorMade and Callaway brands. The Adams Golf name will appear on Els' golf bag, on his headwear and likely on his equipment.
"As a player, there are many factors in something as fundamentally important as your equipment. Everything about Adams impresses me, starting with the enthusiasm and energy from company leadership and R&D, along with their strong products,” Els explained in the statement. “I’m partnered with a company where innovation is at the heart of everything they do, where they’re always looking to push the envelope and pursue new ideas that ultimately help players of all skill levels play better."
From a marketing standpoint, this move makes a ton of sense. Adams Golf was recently acquired by TaylorMade Golf in 2012, instantly becoming a secondary equipment option under the company umbrella. Over the years Adams has shifted their focus to creating easy-to-hit clubs for players of any caliber. Ernie Els has long been nicknamed "The Big Easy", who will now play the easiest clubs to hit.
How convenient!
Golf Colleges: Building a Future Generation of Golf Leaders
Think of merging one's passion for golf with acquiring a degree from an accredited university, simultaneously. These days, it is possible for folks who are searching for careers in golf-related fields or who are only looking for PGA membership to combine the two.
Both accredited web-based universities and traditional brick and mortar colleges, in combination with the Professional Golf Association of America, are granting such learning opportunities. These higher-education courses even extend to folks numerous learning disciplines beyond golf in the general business fields of finance; retail store management, personnel management and asset management.
Golf-Specific Careers
Graduates from accredited PGA education programs do qualify for golf-specific careers. The following lineup outlines several of them.
International Coach Many PGA Professionals with a talent and pizzazz for teaching take on major responsibilities in developing novice players and carrying out mentoring programs around the globe.
Golf Retail Merchant Some folks apply their PGA credentials and golf knowledge to sell clubs and merchandise at golf ranges, providing players with professional assistance and added customer-care through sales.
Golf Club General Manager These professionals are armed with promotion, marketing and management skills; a growing number of PGA professionals are now responsible for supervising all of a golf association’s assets, over and beyond their regular pro-obligations.
Clubmaker or Repairer PGA Specialists continue to master the craft of creating and restoring golf clubs; so, when the head of a client's beloved seven iron takes flight, rest assured the PGA professional can repair it.
Golf Director PGA alumnae are perfectly positioned to satisfy managerial duties at sizable golf hotels and hubs. Golf directors captain all areas of a club's complete operation, including golf links repair and maintenance; clubhouse management; food-and-beverage operation; and other leisure events found at the center.
Golf Technician Since PGA pros own comprehensive educations in both gear and golf-innovation; many are hired as technicians by business giants such as Nike, TaylorMade and Callaway.
Club/Head Pro Folks can spot a PGA accredited graduate employed at the center of any golf club. Their duties and responsibilities differ based on the club's size, and their functions generally include offering lessons; fixing or fitting golf clubs, training youngster, running productive club stores, promoting the club for drawing in new membership and holding on to existing members and setting up competitions and Pro-Ams.
Training Specialist Some PGA Professionals embark on training, and they go on to become reputable coaches at the highest degree, collaborating with many of the world's best players.
U.S. Accredited PGA Education Programs
The folks at Degree Jungle have assembled a lineup of the top-eleven US-based universities and their relevant diplomas for individuals curious about finding out more in becoming a PGA professional during their undergraduate studies.
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Arts in Golf Management
Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Golf Management
Bachelor of Science in Marketing with PGA Golf Management
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in seven different golf disciplines
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a concentration in PGA Golf Management
Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a specialization in PGA Golf Management
Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management with an option in Golf Management
Bachelor of Science in Business with PGA Golf Management
Bachelor of Science degree in Business emphasis in three different golf disciplines
- Clemson University
Bachelor of Science Degree in PRTM with a concentration in PGA Golf Management and a minor in Business Administration
Michelle Wie Once Punched Gary Player
We all know golf legend Gary Player is a fitness freak, but we didn't know how far he would go to prove how fit he actually is.
According to an article written by LPGA player Michelle Wie for Golf Digest, "Mr. Fitness" himself once approached Wie and dared her to punch him in the gut.
The result was pretty ridiculous (h/t to Kyle Porter over at CBSSports.com):
"I was at another event with Gary Player. Out of the blue he says, 'Michelle, hit me in the stomach.' I didn't want to punch him, so I kind of poke him instead. He says, 'No, I want you to really hit me!' He widens his stance and clenches his stomach. Now I really hit him. I'm no fighter, but I hit him as hard as I could. It hurt my hand. It didn't faze him. He pointed to his stomach and said, "A thousand sit-ups a day" and kept walking."
I don't know about you, but Player gives off a 'weird old muscle guy' vibe because of stories like this. At least he didn't try to tell us he could throw a football over those mountains.
Shane Bacon: 10 Things to Change in Pro Golf
This week, Yahoo Sports golf blogger Shane Bacon published a list of ten things he'd like to see change in professional golf. Any -- if not all -- of his list items would be fantastic to see, but I thought I would throw my two cents in as well.
Using Bacon's list as a guide, here are ten things I'd also like to see change in pro golf.
Walking rules officials in each group -- I agree with Shane on this one. Having a rules official with every group in a tournament would not only eliminate controversial rulings on the course, but it would also add an element sorely missing from the game: consistency in rule enforcement.
FedExCup Match Play -- This is something I've been telling anyone who would listen for years, so I'm happy to see Shane agrees. The current FedExCup Playoffs structure is boring and flawed. When I think "playoffs", I think "brackets", and when I think "brackets" in golf, I think "match play".
I don't care if there are WGC events, the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup and whatever else. Bring match play to the FedEx.
Hold an LPGA event at Augusta National -- This idea might be crazy enough to work. Honestly, I don't think we'll ever see a female golf tournament at the home of the Masters, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't bug the piss out of Augusta National until it happens. I'll lead the charge.
Force big names to play in team events -- I'm not sure how I feel about this suggestion (mandate guys like Tiger, Phil, and other big-timers play in the Ryder Cup and President's Cup), because I really don't see this becoming an issue. Sponsors have a lot more to say than we may think when it comes to who plays where, so that's that.
Instead, I would like a rule where only the top 3-5 point leaders automatically get a spot on the team. Qualifiers -- not captains -- would then get to "draft" the rest of the players from the entire pool of competitors to fill up both teams.
Laser flagsticks? -- This idea is ridiculous... and I love it. As Bacon points out in his piece, if the US Open can have wicker baskets on poles, then other tournaments can have hologram flagsticks. Let's make it happen.
Alright, here are a few additions of my own:
Keep the PGA Championship in the United States -- There has been talk of future PGA Championships being held overseas, and it makes absolutely no sense to me. Globalizing the game can be done in numerous ways, but none of them should include shipping off a major championship to "force" the issue. PGA President Ted Bishop needs to make an announcement that his tournament is staying home, and that's it.
Match Play Championship for long drive athletes -- Why the hell not? These behemoths who pound 400+-yard drives are actually decent golfers in their own right, and who wouldn't love to see these guys tear apart a golf course head-to-head? If it makes golf traditionalists happier, hold the event in December instead of the Wendy's 3 Tour Challenge. That event sucks anyway.
Make Drug Testing as transparent as possible -- I don't care how this happens, but we need to make PGA Tour and Euro Tour drug testing loud, transparent and as public as possible right now. This is the only way to keep our sport from turning into a comical sideshow saturated with assumptions and accusations (see: Major League Baseball).
Allow cameras at every tournament -- I get it; pro golfers don't like swinging clubs amid a wave of shutter clicks and flash bulbs. But if these guys can do exactly that during a practice round with seemingly no issue, why can't we just allow it full-time? Marshals wouldn't have to throw people out, phones wouldn't get confiscated, and golf spectators would be treated the same way as those at other major sporting events.
Abolish the wraparound schedule idea -- This is a brand-new feature of the PGA Tour schedule this season, but that doesn't mean it makes any sense. Players shouldn't be asked to play golf year-round for FedExCup or world ranking points. They deserve an offseason, just like every other pro athlete.
Shackelford: Is ESPN Working its Way Out of Golf?
Noted golf enthusiast and Golf Digest blogger Geoff Shackelford mentioned an interesting tidbit today, wondering if ESPN is looking to leave the golf broadcast game.
As Shackelford writes, Awful Announcing sparked the rumor that a "trade" may be in the works between ESPN and NBC "involving Friday Ryder Cup and European Premier League highlights." That basically means NBC could acquire day one coverage of the biannual Ryder Cup matches from ESPN in exchange for improved rights to run Premier League highlights on Sportcenter.
Trust me, I didn't know ESPN didn't have those rights, either.
Shackelford then goes the extra mile to wonder if ESPN is trying to get out of golf coverage altogether, save for its exclusive agreement with Augusta National to cover The Masters. They are also signed with the R&A to cover the Open Championship until 2017.
If Shackleford's assumption is correct, it would mean a massive shift in television coverage and a risky move by ESPN, who could make a few enemies with heavy-hitters in the pro golf circuit (especially those green-jacketed folks in Georgia).
Ryan Ballengee's In-Depth Look into Shady Golf Pro
Ryan Ballengee, owner and operator at GolfNewsNet.com and friend to ChicagoDuffer.com, published a fantastic piece of investigative journalism looking into former golf pro Jeff Cochran; a man who claims he lost a Nevada-based sponsor after learning of his political views.
Cochran's story is a deep and twisted one, which Ballengee exposes in glaring detail, including a string of communication from who was believed to be PGA Tour pro Chris Riley (which ends up being fake). In fact, it would appear that most -- if not all -- of Cochran's story is completely false.
Here's a taste of Ballengee's post:
Dennis Silvers is a Las Vegas-based golf talk show host. I hear his “Dennis Silvers Golf Minute” every Wednesday morning as I wait on hold to make a radio appearance in New Mexico. I feel like I know the guy, even though I had never met him. He’s been involved in golf media for decades.
“I was completely duped by this guy (Cochran),” Silvers said Tuesday. “He is a 100 percent phony.”
If you have a few minutes and are interested in reading one of the best blog columns of the year, give this a look. You'll be glad that you did.
3 Up Golf Becomes First Golf Company to Accept Bitcoins
Hold on to your seats, kids; we've just entered a whole new world.
Upstart golf company 3 Up Golf has officially become the first golf company in the world to accept payments in the form of the virtual currency Bitcoins. The announcement was made on the company website earlier this week.
For those who don't know, Bitcoins are exactly like real dollars, just in virtual form. Developed in 2009, Bitcoins are a peer-to-peer electronic money network that uses cryptography to finalize transactions. In other words, the network has a fancy way to prevent scumbag internet users from using the same "money" over and over again. That would be a big problem, obviously.
3 Up Golf has been featured on this blog in the past for their amazing, high-quality golf balls that rival any high-end alternative on the market. Seriously; you need to try these golf balls as soon as possible, because you will likely never buy another "name brand" ball in your life. They're that good.
Why has 3 Up Golf decided to accept Bitcoins as payment?
Although owning a virtual currency may sound something out of science fiction to some of you, we know that it's technological pioneers that take chances and create exciting developments that shape our future. Here at 3 Up Golf we support innovative changes and always want to be part of the future.
Seems simple enough. One small business supporting the efforts of a growing network? It all makes sense.
2013 Golf Christmas List - What I Want to See Happen in 2014
It's that time of the year again, folks, so here's a rundown of what I would like to see happen in 2014 by way of ChicagoDuffer.com's Annual Golf Christmas List!
As a reminder, these are simply items or events I would like to own or see happen in the following year. Nothing is off-limits as long as it is related to golf in some way.
1) Tiger Woods to win a Major -- Next year will feature four "Tiger Friendly" venues for the Major championship roster, including Pinehurst No. 2 (US Open), Royal Liverpool Golf Club (British Open), Valhalla Golf Club (PGA Championship) and, of course, Augusta National (The Masters). Tiger has fared well on all of those courses in the past, so here's hoping he breaks his Major-skid in 2014.
2) Callaway Big Bertha Driver -- I've been saying this for the past month, but I've never been more excited for a golf club release than for the newest Big Bertha from Callaway. Not only would I like to review the club for this site soon, but this sucker will undoubtedly be my driver of choice for next golf season.
3) Watch the United States (Finally) Win the Ryder Cup -- I still have a horrible taste in my mouth after witnessing the Meltdown at Medinah in 2012, so nothing would make me happier than to see the US Team finally reclaim the Ryder Cup from the European Team in 2014. The matches will take place on foreign soil in Scotland, but hopefully US Captain Tom Watson will lead our guys to victory this time around.
4) Phil Mickelson Wins the Player of the Year Award -- I still can't believe Lefty has never won this year-end award in his career, but then again, he's had to compete with Tiger. Mickelson is slated to play a shortened season in 2014, but that doesn't mean he can't make a run at winning the POY for the first time. Heck, Steve Stricker did pretty well on a shorter season this year.
5) No anchored putters winning any Major in 2014 -- While the anchored putting stroke is still legal on the PGA Tour until 2016, wouldn't it be great if every major winner next year used a traditional putter? Supporters of the anchored ban will say "See? You don't need the belly-putter!" while those opposed will claim "See? The putter doesn't matter!". It would be a splendid argument to watch.
PING Acquires Apparel Company
PING®, a leading designer and manufacturer of golf equipment since 1959, today announced the acquisition of PING Collection Europe (PCE) from Peter McGuigan, its former licensee responsible for designing and distributing PING-branded apparel, including outerwear, throughout Europe and other selected countries.
The acquisition was announced by Andy Solheim, PING’s Vice President of Business Development. Terms of the agreement were not released.
“Bringing PING Collection Europe under the PING corporate umbrella gives us even more opportunity to grow our position as a leader in the soft-goods categories worldwide,” said Solheim, who is responsible for managing PING’s business unit that also includes golf bags, headwear and accessories. “The McGuigan family has been a great steward for the PING brand. We move forward in a position of strength due to their success in building the PING apparel line into a market leader known for providing performance-driven golf apparel throughout Europe.”
The new company, PING Collection Limited, will remain in its current location in Cheadle, England. All employee contracts will transfer to the new company, which will be headed by Mike Forsey, GMM – Director of Strategic Planning, PING Soft Goods. The product creation center will continue to develop PING-branded apparel, which is distinguished by its high-performance fabrics marketed under the trademarks Sensor Cool™, Sensor Warm™ and Sensor Dry™.
“Our long-term strategy is to expand on PING’s reputation as a global golf brand that offers authenticity in every key golf product category,” Solheim added. “PING has significant opportunity for growth on the soft-goods side of the business. With our own apparel group, we can now leverage our success and efficiencies in Europe while continuing to provide golfers with apparel that delivers the quality and innovation that PING was founded on more than 50 years ago.”
PGA Merchandise Show 2013: Putter Cross straightens you out on the greens
I had the chance to visit the 2013 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fl. last week as a correspondent for the Back9Network. While there, I ran into fellow Illinoisan Todd Hickman from Hickman Development and his outstanding putt training aid, the Putter Cross.
While simple in concept, the Putter Cross is an ingeniously convenient training device that attaches directly to your putter grip. The long surface of the device is meant to match the angle of your putter's face. While attached to your putter, simply place two fingers on the surface of the Putter Cross while holding the club as you normally would.
According to Hickman, "Practicing with the Putter Cross can result in a major improvement in square contact of the ball during the putting stroke. Making square contact with the ball during the putting stroke will allow you to hit more putts on line."
After rolling a few putts with the Putter Cross attachment, I definitely noticed the benefit of "feeling" the putter face angle with my fingers during the stroke. When I felt more pressure on one side of the Putter Cross than the other, my putt went off-line as the face angle was obviously unaligned as well. After a few more putts I was able to adjust my stroke and began sinking putts in a matter of minutes.
The Putter Cross can be purchased online at the company's website for $19.99.
