Man Falls Through Golf Shop Ceiling

Earlier today I wrote a piece for the Back9Network detailing the following video of a man falling through a golf shop ceiling:

I couldn't help but ponder the following questions:

1) Why is Ron climbing around inside the ceiling? My initial thought was that he was a burglar trying to break in, but then I noticed he’s wearing the same “uniform” as his coworker, “Billy.”

2) Is this something that happens every day in this shop? Notice the casual conversation that starts between the two men. It’s as if they just witnessed a light bulb burning out instead of a man almost killing himself.

3) What’s the standard operating procedure for emergencies at this workplace? Apparently “Step 1” is to immediately start taking pictures with your smartphone. Don’t worry about calling the paramedics, they probably heard the crash anyway. These things tend to take care of themselves.

4) WHY ARE YOU NOT HELPING THE MAN ON THE GROUND?

5) Who’s the third guy that walks into the frame LONG AFTER Ron takes his spill? Is he a customer? Another employee? Also, see question No. 4.

Rules of Golf: Which Rule Would I Change?

What better way to spend a Friday morning than by bickering about the Rules of Golf? Many of us will agree that the Rules of Golf are overly punitive. Stroke and distance? Get outta here. Two-shot penalties? Go kick a brick.

Out of all the incredibly stupid golf rules, however, it is perhaps one unwritten rule that disturbs me the most: sand-filled divots in the fairway NOT being considered ground under repair.

For reference, the current operational definition of "ground under repair" is as follows (Rule 25-1):

25-1. Abnormal Ground Conditions

a. Interference

Interference by an abnormal ground condition occurs when a ball lies in or touches the condition or when the condition interferes with the player’s stanceor the area of his intended swing. If the player’s ball lies on the putting green, interference also occurs if an abnormal ground condition on the putting green intervenes on his line of putt. Otherwise, intervention on the line of play is not, of itself, interference under this Rule.

There are a number of other clarifying points under Rule 25-1, but specifically addressing sand-filled divots is nowhere to be found. I find this to be absolutely infuriating.

What is an "abnormal ground condition"? Here's that definition:

An “abnormal ground condition” is any casual water, ground under repair or hole, cast or runway on the course made by a burrowing animal, a reptile or a bird.

So if a burrowing groundhog, or gopher, or some kind of hideous and horrifying bird-gopher-groundhog hybrid makes a tunnel on the course, as rare as that might be, we can declare it ground under repair. But if I hit a good drive right down the pipe and my ball rolls into a sand-filled divot, I'm basically told to go fuck myself.

I had this conversation with a friend of mine (who is a golf pro), and he couldn't agree more. People are basically penalized for hitting a good shot. The only possible rationale behind this annoying rule omission is that the USGA feels a sand-filled divot is the same thing as a fairway bunker... albeit tiny and in the middle of the damn fairway.

Instead, allow players a free drop with no penalty. It's that simple.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject. What other Rules of Golf drive you up a wall?

Rory McIlroy asked Caroline’s Parents for Permission before Proposal

Rory McIlroy proposed to his girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki on New Year’s Eve, but not before asking her parents for permission first. According to Matt Cronin of Tennis.com, Wozniacki told reporters that her new fiancé stuck to tradition before popping the question.

“My parents knew. He had asked my parents for permission, like traditional, which was great,” she said in Sydney. “I was very happy. They were very happy for me, and his parents as well and everyone around us.”

Isn’t that great? Everybody was happy. Let’s have a group hug.

Eluding to the notion that a change of this magnitude in their personal lives may negatively impact their respective performance in their sport, Wozniacki suggested quite the opposite.

“So it's a special moment, a special time in our lives. You know, it's amazing to have everything set in the personal life and we can really focus on our games and the year ahead of us in the sport, which we're both looking very much forward to.”

Why I'm Thankful for the Game of Golf

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I'd like to address a personal subject to say thanks to all of my readers and to highlight why the game of golf is so important to me. First and foremost, I'd like to say thank you to anyone who has ever read a word I have written either on this blog, SB Nation, Yahoo or my second home, the Back9Network. I try not to take myself too seriously when writing about the game I love, and most of the time I manage to make a few of you laugh. I've also managed to piss off a number of folks along the way -- which is the risk bloggers run every time they hit the "post" button.

Either way, I truly, truly appreciate all of you and am thankful for your support. I know this is cliche, but without the support of my readers, this blog would not exist.

I'd like to take a quick second of your time to say something about the Back9Network, if I may. While I've only met a small number of the folks at that network once before -- entirely due to the distance between Chicago and Hartford -- I can honestly say I've never met a group of folks who are more fun, more dedicated and more in love with the game of golf in my life. We may choose to cover golf in a manner that can be considered crude, snarky or downright abrasive at times... but is there really anything wrong with that? Honestly?

How do you talk golf with your friends over a beer? I rest my case.

Secondly, I want to explain why I'm thankful for golf in general. I've written about this subject on an older blog of mine in the past, but I have an anxiety disorder. I won't bore you with too much detail, as its not an extreme disorder or anything, but it can be quite debilitating multiple times in the year.

Golf has not only helped me cope with my anxiety, but it has literally given me a way to continue living. At the lowest times in my life I have turned to golf as both a distraction and an escape. Some of you may relate and say that golf is therapeutic. Just know that I know exactly what you are talking about. For that, I am thankful.

In closing, I'd like to say 'Thank You' one final time to anyone reading this post. Please feel free to drop me a line either in the comments section, on Twitter, or by email (chicagoduffer@gmail.com). I always try to reply to anything I receive.

Take care of yourselves and have a safe holiday season.

-Adam

Gimmies: When Should You Hand Them Out?

For many weekend golf warriors, gimmies are as much a part of the game as golf balls and cart paths. Unless otherwise stated before the round, everyone in your foursome knows that gimmies will be handed out that day like presents on Christmas morning. But is there a tried and true "method" or "rule of thumb" to follow when awarding your playing partner a gimmie? Should gimmies be granted at all?

Our friends over at YourGolfTravel.com wrote an interesting piece on this subject recently. As one would suspect, not all golfers understand -- let alone agree -- on what constitutes a gimmie and what does not. Is any putt inside three feet considered "gimmie-worthy"? Two feet? One foot, you stingy bastards?

In my foursome, the "inside the leather" rule applies more often than not; that is, a putt of any length that is no longer than the length of the grip on the player's putter (I've also seen a version of this rule that takes the entire length of the putter into account, which is overly generous in my opinion). This becomes more difficult when someone is using a long- or belly-putter, but for the most part we stay consistent with the enforcement of this rule. Most of the time.

I've also played in groups where no gimmies are given, especially when playing for money or drinks after the round. Not only are these rounds much more stressful, but I'd even say much less enjoyable. Nothing drives me more insane than missing a two-foot tap-in because of a sudden rush of nerves during a $5 Nassau.

I can hear some of you now. "That's the whole point of not granting gimmies! You might miss that two-footer! Nothing is a sure thing."

Whatever. Go play on Tour, hot shot.

Over the years I have come to the realization that I will never play competitive golf, at least to the degree or frequency that would make me care about holing out each putt. Sure, I might play in a club championship or local amateur event, but 98 percent of my golf rounds are going to include me, my friends, and a tanker full of booze. It will also include plenty of gimmies.

Call me crazy, but I prefer to have fun on the golf course.

Denver Broncos Coach Hospitalized After Playing Golf

John Fox, head coach of the NFL's Denver Broncos, has been hospitalized with what was originally thought to be heart attack symptoms after playing a round of golf, according to reports. As the Golf Channel reports, Fox was playing golf in his hometown of Charlotte, NC before his round was cut short. Fox began feeling dizzy and lightheaded and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.

The Broncos released a statement earlier on Saturday following the incident.

"Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox was taken to a Charlotte-area hospital after feeling light-headed while playing golf on Saturday," the Broncos' statement said. "He is being held at the hospital for testing and further observation. Our medical staff is currently in contact with Coach Fox, his family and the doctors who are treating him.

"Additional information will be provided as it becomes available."

Would You Use Non Conforming Golf Equipment to Lower Your Scores?

Let's face it; most of us will never play golf well enough to win a tournament, or play on an amateur golf tour, let alone the PGA TOUR. Speaking for myself, playing golf has become less frequent over the years as other responsibilities have taken "golf-time" out of my week. When I do have the opportunity to go out and play a round of golf, I want to score well and have fun while doing it. So basically, I want to score better than I do now despite being able to practice less. Makes a lot of sense, right? Not so much.

Many golf equipment manufacturers have pinpointed people like me to market their latest 'quick fix' products and are making a financial killing in the process. And why shouldn't they? After all, nobody really cares howyou got to break 100, 90, or 80 this past weekend. What's the harm in using a product that provides... a bit of a lift to your game?

Products like the Polara golf ball, for example, advertise that not only will they help keep your ball in the fairway, but you will enjoy the game of golf more in the end because of lower golf scores. Fun is a good thing last time anyone checked, and the folks at companies like Polara know how to market toward that cause.

But then that pesky little thing called a conscience sneaks up in the back of the player's mind. How in the world will you know if your golf game is improving if the equipment you use is literally designed to keep the ball in play? Golf is a game for gentlemen and ladies; who are we to sully tradition by using doo-hickeys and widgets that disallow our golf balls to find the bottom of a lake instead of the bottom of the cup? Golf's forefathers are spinning in their graves!

Yet... hold on just a second. What is really at stake here? Do I not have the right to the pursuit of golf happiness? Am I not inclined to spend my hard-earned money in healthy ways to make myself happy while playing a game I enjoy?

It is a question less of etiquette and more of personal preference. Nobody is going to jail because they used a 500cc driver, but they also aren't really improving their game by doing so, either.

What say you, fellow golf enthusiasts?

(The above piece originally appeared on the now defunct Waggleroom blog, written by this author.)

Top Five Golf Bloggers You Should Be Reading

When it comes to covering the great game of golf, most of us have our favorite journalists to whom we turn for our news. They are reliable, they know the game well and they become the narrator for moments we will remember for the rest of our lives. They become the bridge between the fan and the story, ushering us all to a deeper understanding of the game we love. With time comes change, of course, and the duty of covering golf is no different. Weekly columns found in copies of Golf Digest or Golf Magazine, while still prevalent, now play second-fiddle to up-to-the-minute updates from the best golf bloggers on the planet.

Here is a short list of five golf bloggers (in no particular order) who you should be reading, because frankly, nobody does it better.

Shane Bacon -- Yahoo Sports

Once the owner/operator of the Dogs that Chase Cars blog, Bacon has been seen on a number of news outlets over a career that includes CBS Sports and now Yahoo's Devil Ball Golf blog. A strong player in his own right (he boasts a plus-handicap), Bacon offers a keen insight into the game while sprinkling in the right touch of humor.

Kyle Porter -- CBS Sports

While not new to the golf-blogging biz, Porter has made a name for himself as the primary golf blogger for CBS Sports. His talent for capturing the essence of how many fans feel while hearing a newsworthy item is something I admire and try to emulate. He is also a great follow on Twitter for his quick wit and interaction with his readers.

Ryan Ballengee -- Golf News Net

Formerly of Waggle Room and the Back9Network, Ballengee has built a powerhouse golf blog entitled Golf News Net. He specializes in providing a unique, fresh look into the biggest golf news stories while also opening the golf fan's eyes to items you won't find anywhere else. Ballengee's ability to look at items with a critical, inquisitive eye makes him a must-follow.

Stephanie Wei -- Wei Under Par

Not only does Wei offer a hub of invaluable golf coverage on her blog, Wei Under Par, but she may also be one of the most interactive golf bloggers around by hosting Goolge Hangouts and through her Twitter feed. Wei can also be read on a number of major outlets like Sports Illustrated and most recently the Wall Street Journal.

Adam Staelin -- Three Guys Golf Blog

In addition to providing great commentary on the most newsworthy items on the day, Staelin's Three Guys Golf Blog also features a fantastic golf equipment review hub. You can even find golf lessons, interviews and much more. Follow him on Twitter, too.

Top Ten Golf Pet Peeves

We all experience them at one point or another: golf pet peeves. Those little annoyances on the golf course that bother us to no end, yet we choose to deal with because we love this game so damn much. And because we are all horribly addicted to golf. Many of these irksome elements are uncontrollable by anyone. Most actually have a rational place on a golf course. Regardless, they still tick us off no matter how many times we encounter them.

Here is a list of the top ten golf pet peeves that you may run into during your next golf round. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, I'll bet you can relate to a few.

10) "Cartpath Only" Days -- Your hometown has just been through a week of rain storms prior to your golf round at a classy course. Fairways are more sponge than grass and bunkers have turned into mini-ponds. Prior to teeing off, the pro shop clerk tells you to "Keep your cart on the path, sir". Now you have to spend the rest of the day trudging through hundreds of yards of soaking wet grass to your golf ball (which always lands on the side of the hole opposite the cart path). If you wanted to walk this much in the first place you would have saved the $16 cart fee. Better yet, just let me dip my feet in the toilet and go on with my day.

9) The Golf Ball Retriever Guy -- Commonly found near most lakes at municipal courses, this is a golfer who spends upwards of 15 minutes fishing for golf balls. What makes this guy even worse is that he continues to search the lake long after finding his Dunlop Trusty Flight Two-Piece. Whenever he pulls his ball retriever out of his bag I feel like jamming a golf tee in my eye. Or his eye, for that matter.

8) Golf Holes Next to the Driving Range -- So you just hooked your drive into the left rough on a hole that runs parallel to driving range. You might as well kiss your Pro-V away, folks, because you will be spending the rest of the afternoon searching for it among a sea of scuffed Top-Flite range balls. You know that feeling you get when you think you finally found your golf ball? Get ready to feel it 100 times over the next five minutes.

7) Irons-Only Driving Ranges -- Speaking of driving ranges, did you folks know there are some courses who are prejudice against drivers? Irons-only driving ranges are the ultimate test in self-control and temptation. Here's an idea: instead of installing a 200-yard crappy range on the property, invest in a better course drainage system so I don't have to keep my cart on the path (see No. 10 above).

6) "Can You See the Hole?" -- I know this is a common golf etiquette question players should ask one another before pulling the flagstick, but it still bothers me to no end. Not only are you questioning your opponent's eyesight, but you are bringing attention to the fact that he is a looooonnnnggggg way from the hole. This is even worse when you are on the receiving end of the question.

5) Ball Markers on Golf Gloves -- Some players might not even know what I am referring to, but it's that little button-looking thing on your golf glove. Seriously, take a look for it the next time you play. That is a ball marker that you are guaranteed to lose seven seconds after placing it on the green. Have fun!

4) Fivesomes -- Holy lord. There are fewer things in life that drive me crazy more than seeing five golfers in the group in front of me. This is absolutely the fault of the pro shop or first tee starter, but some of the blame has to be placed on the five jerkholes playing Wolf in front of you. Keep groups to four players at most, or get some more friends.

3) PGA Tour Style, Hacker Game -- I'll admit; I am as guilty of this as the next guy. You get all dolled up in your best golf attire to play a round with your buds only to shoot 120. "Hey, at least you look the part" really means "Hey douchebag, I bet you wish your golf game was as classy as those pants." Try not to be that guy.

2) "What's the course record?" -- Have you ever heard a guy (usually the same dude from No. 3 above) ask this question in the pro shop before teeing off? I have, and let me tell you: there is an extremely small number of things that can come out of your mouth that make you look like more of a jerk. What's the course record, Shooter? Oh, it's sixty- PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE.

1) Practice Greens that are Slower than the Actual Greens -- This is actually something that happens and it isn't (always) an excuse poor putters use. It is also the number one pet peeve of mine because I see it far too often. I once spoke to the greens superintendent at my local course to confirm that, yes, the practice greens are often mowed hours later than the other greens on the course. No wonder my 10-footer just turned into a 25-footer in the blink of an eye.

What are some additional golf pet peeves that you experience on the golf course? Feel free to add them to the comments section below.

Grand Theft Auto V Includes Golf Mini Game

The newest installment of the video game mega-hit series Grand Theft Auto released this week to high critical acclaim and fan excitement. I admit I was one of the thousands of fans to wait in line for the midnight release at my neighborhood store. Grand Theft Auto V boasts the largest video game map in history, which means there is plenty of room for a giant golf course in the fictional city of Los Santos. Even better? You get to play the course in a unique golf mini-game.

Pretty cool stuff if you ask me. I especially like the fact that you can get into a literal fist fight before even stepping on the first tee box. Game tip: if you do decide to go all medieval on someone, you'll be kicked off the course pronto.

For more coverage of Grand Theft Auto V be sure to check out my friends at the Back9Network by clicking this link: http://back9network.com/article/grand-theft-auto-golf-takes-off-on-social-media/

Hole-In-One Made With Baseball Bat; Real or Fake?

I've never had a hole-in-one in my 20 years of playing golf. I've come pretty damn close a handful of times, but that only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Someone please tell me this YouTube video -- which depicts a guy making an ace after hitting a golf ball with a baseball bat -- is fake. Because if this is real, I'm quitting the game.

Golf just isn't fair, I tells ya.

Golf pain-free with Golf Pain Away

Playing golf can be a painful experience for many people, and I'm not just talking about an ugly scorecard. Sore muscles and joints can keep you off the course and on the couch. While there are many pain relief medications available, I have found very few to actually be effective. Luckily, Golf Pain Away is one of those products that relieves pain fast and keeps it away. According to the company website, Golf Pain Away is effective in relieving pain associated with lower back pain, minor muscle injuries, tendinitis  neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain and other afflictions. Applied as either a topical cream ointment or as a roll on liquid, Golf Pain Away is highly effective in relieving pain at its source within minutes of application.

I often struggle with arthritic pain in my left knee as a result of an ACL reconstruction four years ago. Due to all the turning, weight-shifting and walking done during a typical round of golf, my knee is left fatigued and sore after every round. I have used many different pain relief methods to combat this discomfort, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and countless other creams.

Golf Pain Away's anti-inflammatory formula is comprised of four natural ingredients, including olive oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and vanilla. You can learn more about Golf Pain Away's benefits and uses by visiting the company website.

What The Masters means to me

I've debated with myself for many years on why I believe The Masters is the greatest sports event every year. Part of me wants to dismiss the idea as being a biased preference from a golf fan. Still, another part of me wonders if there is something deeper going on in my mind whenever I think of Augusta National Golf Club, the tournament itself, and growing up. My first introduction to the game of golf came at the hands of Steve Fox, a cousin by marriage. I still remember the day he surprised me with my first set of golf clubs -- I think they may have been knock-off PING imitations or something similar -- prior to playing a round at a nearby municipal course. My father had actually taken me golfing for the first time only a few months prior to Willow Run, a small nine-hole course near New Lenox; however it wasn't until receiving those golf clubs from Uncle Steve that I truly became excited about the game.

In the years following those first couple of rounds (I was terrible, just like every beginner), I slowly became a fan of watching golf on television with my dad. I remember him talking to me about "some new kid named Tiger" who was "supposed to be the next big thing". As baseball fans first and foremost, my father and I discovered Tiger Woods very much in the same way: watching a skinny kid playing golf with a bunch of old men on television and beating the hell out of them all.

As time went on, I slowly began to understand the PGA Tour, the rules of golf and what a "major" actually was. It was around this time when I first heard about The Masters, which I remember thinking was a silly name for a golf tournament. When I watched the tournament for the first time in 1997, I remember laughing about the ridiculous white jumpsuits the caddies had to wear. Don't even get me started on my early thoughts about the ugly Green Jacket. Yeesh.

But then something amazing happened. This kid named Tiger not only won the tournament, but he dominated the golf course. This was a huge deal for me because the only golfer I really knew just won what seemed to be a pretty important golf tournament. My dad was excited, so therefore I was excited. I still remember watching Tiger hug his father, Earl, and my dad patting me on the back as it happened.

Our "guy" won. Someone we were both fans of actually pulled it off. We were able to celebrate that feeling together. The only other time my father and I both cried watching a sporting event was when the Chicago Bulls' John Paxon hit a three-pointer against Phoenix a few years prior.

I was immediately hooked. I began to inhale everything I could find about The Masters, whether it be the history of Augusta, past champions, the names of the golf holes (which blew my mind when I learned they had names!) and any of the three hundred other intricacies I stumbled upon. There was never enough information. Even to this day I search for new things to read about The Masters. I hope I never run out.

The idea of a golf tournament slowly transformed into the Legend of The Masters in my mind. Everything that happened on my television during Masters week was fantastical. I was watching a fairy tale, an alternate reality, where colors seemed brighter, grass seemed greener and yellows seemed... well, yellow-er.

Azaleas are still my favorite flowers. I think you get the gist.

Since 1997, our "guy" Tiger won three more times. I became a better golfer during that span and a better student of the game, as well. High school and college came and went, as did my own career as a caddy, then as a cart barn boy, then as a pro shop attendant. My love of the World Series, the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals all fell to second place behind The Masters.

I'm a little older now. I have a household of my own. I have a different job, different responsibilities, different worries and different goals. My dad and I still keep in touch as often as we can, but we haven't seen anything close to that Sunday in April more than 15 years ago.

For me, The Masters signifies a time in my childhood that I will never forget. The love I felt while watching a sporting event with my dad sprung a love of a game that will never leave. It can't leave; it's a part of me now.

My only hope is that one day, a few Aprils from now, I'll be able to watch The Masters through the eyes of my child as he or she takes in the yellows, greens, and Azalea purples for the first time.

And who knows? Maybe we'll have our own "guy" to cheer for, too.

Slammin' Sam Beer is the smoothest in golf

For those who don't know, trying new beers is one of my favorite things to do. Golf-themed beers make this hobby even more enjoyable, and I haven't found a selection more tasty than Slammin' Sam Beer. Slammin' Sam is a craft-brewed light lager that features the traditional golden color you'll see with most other lagers. Brewed by the Slammin' Sam Beer company and inspired by golfing great Sam Snead, this beer has a light, refreshing taste that is crisp at first but becomes incredibly smooth. The aftertaste offers a pleasant mild flavor that reminded me of honey, however only in taste and not in sweetness (if that makes sense). Make no mistake about it; this beverage is beer through and through and reminded me of Miller Lite or Old Style... just tastier.

To be fair, while I greatly enjoyed the taste of Slammin' Sam, I worry about how this great beer will hold up against other lagers commonly found on the golf course. Beer drinkers tend to stick to their favorites, so this will be a challenge for the Slammin' Sam Beer Company's debut offering.

You can learn more about Sammin' Slam at many resort courses around the nation or by visiting the company's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/SlamminSamBeerCompany. They can also be found on Twitter http://twitter.com/SlamminSam.

Slammin' Sam Beer Co. Pinehurst, N.C. 4.8% ABV

Clear Men Scalp Therapy & The ESPY's: A Winning Combination

Yesterday, I had the esteemed opportunity to play in the 12th ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic at Pacific Palms near Los Angeles, CA. Not only was I able to meet some of the most notable names in professional sports and Hollywood, I also had a front-row seat to see how the Jimmy V Foundation reaches out to so many people. And who made it all possible? The fine folks over at Clear Men Scalp Therapy. Here's the thing, folks: men don't typically think too much about their hair unless they have a reason to. If that "reason" is because you've got little white flakes on your shoulders, then you become self-conscious and less confident... two things men simply don't like to be. Trust me, I've been there. Dandruff and dry scalp sucks.

That's where Clear Men Scalp Therapy comes in. Formulated with some of the top hair care technology you can buy like their patented Bio-Nutrium 10 (a blend of 10 nutrients and botanical actives like ginseng, tea tree, and multiple vitamins), Clear not only helps you manage your dandruff or dry scalp symptoms effectively, but your hair will also be left looking and feeling great. Trust me guys, you'll feel a difference the moment you start using this shampoo blend. You'll also love the way the shampoo feels, so embrace the lather!

This stuff is dermatologist-tested and preferred as well, guys. Stop taking the "band-aid" approach to solving your dandruff issues and commit to using a product that will not only help eliminate your symptoms, but will also help keep flakes away long after they are gone. If you've ever battled dandruff or dry scalp - like I have - then you know that the condition can come back with a vengeance. Clear Men Scalp Therapy puts an end to that nonsense.

So how does this tie into a celebrity golf tournament? Simple: Men want to feel important, they want to feel confident, and they want to have experiences they never felt possible. That is exactly what Clear Men Scalp Therapy provided to me. What more could I possibly want than to experience a high-profile golf tournament surrounded by some of the biggest names in the world while knowing my hair wasn't going to be sprinkled with flakes?

Therein lies the key: life becomes much more enjoyable when you have confidence from the beginning of your day until you fall asleep at night. When you know you look good and you have that confidence, all elements of your life will also improve, even your golf game. Plus, we all know confidence is invaluable when it comes to playing your best golf, right?

While the ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic will be a memory I will never forget, I now know what it feels like to be among the "A-Listers" and enjoying life like I've always wanted. Clear Men Scalp Therapy helped me get there, and they can do the same for you.

Be sure to check out the Clear Men Scalp Therapy Facebook page for more information and chances to win some cool swag.

LINKSOUL by John Ashworth Golf Line

There's not much I like more than a new comfortable golf shirt. I'm not much of a guy for wild designs on my clothing, either, so you won't see me walking around in Rickie Fowler-orange from head to toe. Solid colors, maybe a pair of print shorts, and comfortable walking shoes make for a pleasant round of golf for your's truly. Luckily, LINKSOUL by John Ashworth satisfies my need for both comfort and simple style.

Most golfers will recognize the name "Ashworth" as they have been providing high-quality clothing and golf products for decades. LINKSOUL is the newest brainchild from the founders of Ashworth and looks to take style toward a unique spin on traditional golf with innovative clothing technology. Their styles are relaxed and sophisticated, range from shirts to pants, and almost all articles can be worn beyond the golf course.

“LINKSOUL is an evolution of true design sensibilities, not only as it relates to product, but also promoting the art and soul of the game. This is about clothing that we and our close-knit group of friends enjoy wearing, and also appeals to a much broader, like-minded audience. We want to help promote the game in a more eclectic, artful and unexpected way. Golf is about recreation and camaraderie, and these clothes embody that spirit and philosophy.” - John Ashworth

The other day I tried out a sporty polo - referred to as the LS101 - with a charcoal print and a traditional look. I especially liked the collar buttons on this particular style as it provided the shirt a unique look without being too overbearing or loud in terms of color or design. Coupled with the soft dark color, the shirt's appearance was both comfortable and sophisticated without the need of neon colors or intricate patterns.

The feel of the shirt was by far the most impressive feature. While the design is 100% cotton, the shirt itself is completely wrinkle-free and "unshrinkable" due to the flexibility of the shirt's fabric and overall durability. The shirt itself was light-weight, but not flimsy. Even in the most humid temperatures I have experience in awhile in Chicago, the shirt kept me cool and dry throughout the round. At the end of the day the shirt still appeared new and relatively "unworn" as opposed to sloppy or like I just played 36 holes in the Amazon.

If you are looking to try a new golf clothing line from a familiar name in fashion and quality, I highly recommend trying out the new LINKSOUL selection from John Ashworth.

Fellow Golf Bloggers: Try Out Signs On The Cheap!

While I typically use this blog to mention a few products or services related to golf that I have grown to enjoy over the years, I very rarely focus a post on blogging in general. But when I met the folks over at SignsOnTheCheap.com, I decided to break that trend. If you're a golf blogger (or fashion blogger, food blogger, sports blogger... whatever) like me and you are looking for an easy way to promote your site without breaking the bank - because, let's face it; all bloggers are broke - then drop what you are doing and check out SignsOnTheCheap.com right now.

Do it. Click the link. I'll wait.

Ok, you're back. What'd you think? Pretty affordable stuff, right? Bloggers, website owners, small business operators... it doesn't matter what your passion is; YOU NEED TO ADVERTISE TO BE SUCCESSFUL. Signs On The Cheap can help you get started today.

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Slammin' Sam Beer Company Launches; To Debut At Greenbrier

If you're like me, you've never seen the sweet-swinging Sam Snead play a round of tournament golf in your life. You've certainly heard and read the stories of his fabled career, but you never got a true taste of what it was like to watch one of the game's all-time greats. Beginning this week, you can at least get a taste of a new beer named after the legend.

Slammin’ Sam Beer Company announces the introduction of Slammin’ Sam™, a craft-brewed premium American lager inspired by the late Sam Snead, one of golf’s greatest gentlemen and champions.

Debuting this week at The Greenbrier Resort in conjunction with the centennial of Snead’s birth, Slammin’ Sam features a refreshing taste with an exceptionally balanced finish that makes it the Smoothest Beer in Golf. It showcases a proprietary recipe developed by Ray Klimovitz, recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Life Service Award from the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.

“Mr. Snead is an international sports icon, and our first priority was to create an amazing beer that honors his legacy,” says Casey Bierer, Founder and CEO of Slammin’ Sam Beer Company and a former producer-reporter with Golf Channel. “Through the assistance of a beer industry legend and remarkable craft brewery, we’re proud to present a thirst-quenching premium lager that golfers and all active lifestyle consumers will truly enjoy.”

Made in Wisconsin by Stevens Point Brewery – a World Beer Cup multiple Gold Medal award winner – Slammin’ Sam is available in cans, bottles and kegs. Launching soon at other renowned resorts throughout North America, as well as golf courses, restaurants, bars and everywhere beer is sold, the line’s packaging and marketing depict famous images of Snead from the 1950’s and ‘60’s.

“It makes sense for Slammin’ Sam beer to be introduced here,” said Jeff Kmiec, President and Managing Director of The Greenbrier Resort. “Sam Snead called The Greenbrier his professional home for more than 60 years and I think he’d be happy to know guests will savor a beer that bears his nickname.”

Possessor of a prodigious, self-taught swing, Snead captured seven major championships and an all-time record 82 PGA Tour titles during a professional career spanning from 1934 to 1987. A player on seven and captain of three U.S. Ryder Cup teams, his countless honors include winning PGA Player of the Year (1949) and the Vardon Trophy (1938, ’49, ’50 and ‘55). Snead, who passed away in 2002 at age 89, is also a member of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame and World Golf Hall of Fame.

“Dad considered The Greenbrier his home away from home,” says Snead’s son, Jack. “He’d be real proud of Slammin’ Sam Beer, I can tell you that.”

For more information: www.Facebook.com/SlamminSamBeer or @SlamminSamBeer on Twitter.

Social Networking Site For Golfers Launches July 4, 2012

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zitPrjKb_xY] (The following is a press release for DriveStr8, the only social networking site geared for golfers)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Are You Ready for the Latest in Social Networking for Golfers? Now You Can “DriveStr8” with DriveStr8.com – A New Social Network Site for Golfers!   CHICAGO – July 02, 2012 – On July 04, 2012, DriveStr8 will officially launch its site, DriveStr8.com for golf enthusiasts. DriveStr8 is the latest social networking site created specifically for golfers at all levels. This site allows users to connect with other golfers, coordinate tee times and plan events across the country.   What makes DriveStr8 different from all other golf sites? Check out the site’s following interactive features: ●      Tee Up: Coordinate tee times with friends or tap in with other golfers who are looking for an additional player or join a league ●      ScoreFore Progress Tracker: Record your golf score, analyze your stats, keep track of your handicap, and improve your overall game ●      Convenient Mobile Apps: Users can record their scores right from the golf course using iPhone and Android platforms ●      Perfect Your Swing: Upload a video of your swing or put and have an instructor provide feedback to help improve your technique ●      Find an Instructor: Locate a local instructor to schedule a lesson

●      Gear Up: Tell others what your favorite gear is, from clothing to clubs to tees ●      How’s the Weather: Get the latest weather updates for your favorite courses and destinations ●      What’s the Score (forum): Connect with others to discuss the latest in golf headlines, the best gear and gadgets as well as course reviews and travel

Q&A About Your Golf Game with Peter Jacobson

Got a golf question? Want to ask a pro about your swing? Curious about the competition at this year's U.S. Open? Get ready to tweet your questions to Peter Jacobsen (@JakeTrout). Leading up the U.S. Open (June 11-17) in San Francisco, golf fans can tweet questions to Peter Jacobsen (@JakeTrout) using the #LexusGolf hashtag.

On Thursday, June 14, Peter will be on-site at the Lexus Performance Drive Pavilion and will respond to fans, some will even receive video tweets. Anyone can submit a question, just be sure to use the #LexusGolf hashtag.