Golf Die Hard
In a move that certainly shocked many, the LPGA informed its players next year on tour a new policy will be in place. All players must pass an oral evaluation of english skills. It wasn't clear whether once a player passed, they would be exempt from further tests, which would make sense.
More importantly, it sent a message to international players that the LPGA was serious about trying to grow its brand and players. Since many of the players couldn't/wouldn't speak english, the efforts to continue to grow sponsorship, fan base, etc. was proving to be difficult when the media wasn't able to communicate with some of the rising stars of the tour.
The timing is interesting since some of the players will have a few months to get working on learning a new language. That's not easy! If you've every tried learning a new language, just like anything, it takes time and repetition to learn. Good luck to those girls this new rule effects. Here's a link to view an article on the new policy.
More importantly, it sent a message to international players that the LPGA was serious about trying to grow its brand and players. Since many of the players couldn't/wouldn't speak english, the efforts to continue to grow sponsorship, fan base, etc. was proving to be difficult when the media wasn't able to communicate with some of the rising stars of the tour.
The timing is interesting since some of the players will have a few months to get working on learning a new language. That's not easy! If you've every tried learning a new language, just like anything, it takes time and repetition to learn. Good luck to those girls this new rule effects. Here's a link to view an article on the new policy.
The fantasy golf season is winding down with only 5 weeks to play. But, it's playoff time, right? At least according to Tim Finchem. As the next couple of weeks come to pass the number of players in the field will diminish. If you are behind at this point, you better make a run now when there are lots of players to choose from. As we get to the last two weeks, options and opportunities to make a move to the top of your league will be few.
This week, I like Anthony Kim. He's been picked by a lot of people this week and I can see how hungry the guy is to make his mark on the golf world. Isn't that what you want to see in any athlete?
Until next week - Stay out of the rough!
This week, I like Anthony Kim. He's been picked by a lot of people this week and I can see how hungry the guy is to make his mark on the golf world. Isn't that what you want to see in any athlete?
Until next week - Stay out of the rough!
Playing on amateur tours can be a lot of fun and gives us weekend hackers a little taste of competition. This year on the Golf Galaxy Amateur Tour in Chicago, some of the players were complaining that ringers were playing on the tour. The problem I had with suggesting there were ringers on the tour is that a ringer, in my mind, is a professional player playing with amateurs. Now, sometimes a ringer is associated with a collegiate player or a semi-pro.
The so-called "ringers" were single digit handicaps. Pro's there were not! They are very good amateur players. If you don't know about the Golf Galaxy tour, this year 1st place could pay out upwards of over $300 per player. Not bad, right? It's enough coin to get the attention of better amateur golfers. The bottom line was that some of the complainers wanted to win 1st place with a mid to upper 70's score in a best ball format.
The word "ringer" has been abused when referencing good players. Please look at the big picture.
The so-called "ringers" were single digit handicaps. Pro's there were not! They are very good amateur players. If you don't know about the Golf Galaxy tour, this year 1st place could pay out upwards of over $300 per player. Not bad, right? It's enough coin to get the attention of better amateur golfers. The bottom line was that some of the complainers wanted to win 1st place with a mid to upper 70's score in a best ball format.
The word "ringer" has been abused when referencing good players. Please look at the big picture.
If you find yourself near Philadelphia, PA., head over the bridge to New Jersey and visit Pennsauken Country Club. It's a short drive but well worth the trip. It's a fun golf course that's nicely manicured and many holes that will test your grit.
More than the course, the people there are the best, bar none. They are friendly and go above and beyond the call to make sure your visit is enjoyable. Go visit the bar and restaurant. The bar prices are very reasonable, especially for a good Yuengling. Get a finely crafted beer from the oldest brewery in the U.S. Also, make sure you get the tuna melt, unbelievably delicious. Sitting at the bar, don't be surprised to have a local talk you up for awhile about anything sports related.
Visit this gem of a place for it's people and golf course. Trust me, you won't regret it.
More than the course, the people there are the best, bar none. They are friendly and go above and beyond the call to make sure your visit is enjoyable. Go visit the bar and restaurant. The bar prices are very reasonable, especially for a good Yuengling. Get a finely crafted beer from the oldest brewery in the U.S. Also, make sure you get the tuna melt, unbelievably delicious. Sitting at the bar, don't be surprised to have a local talk you up for awhile about anything sports related.
Visit this gem of a place for it's people and golf course. Trust me, you won't regret it.
The last major without El Tigre. It's a golden opportunity for all. The names being thrown out there this year are Vijay Singh, Kenny Perry, Geoff Ogilvy, Sergio Garcia and Retief Goosen. What? No, Phil?
The players not getting any love from the media are Adam Scott, Ernie Els, Bubba Watson, Chez Reavie and Vaughn Taylor. Writing off Ernie is a mistake. The guy's got a lot left in the tank. Scott hasn't played his best lately and the experts could be right about him.
The pick is Phil Mickelson. I consider him an underdog in this tournament which is a little crazy. He hasn't had the best year, but when the chips are down, he usually plays well. He'll have a re-newed vigor this week and take home the trophy again.
Go get em Sir Lips A Lot!
The players not getting any love from the media are Adam Scott, Ernie Els, Bubba Watson, Chez Reavie and Vaughn Taylor. Writing off Ernie is a mistake. The guy's got a lot left in the tank. Scott hasn't played his best lately and the experts could be right about him.
The pick is Phil Mickelson. I consider him an underdog in this tournament which is a little crazy. He hasn't had the best year, but when the chips are down, he usually plays well. He'll have a re-newed vigor this week and take home the trophy again.
Go get em Sir Lips A Lot!
There are two common questions I've heard people ask when it comes to golf. The first is why do people yell "fore" when a ball could possibly strike another person or golfer? Golfers used to yell "forewarn" back in the day. Like most words, we like to shorten them and thus "fore" caught on and is now the warning yelled all over courses everyday.
The second is where did the word "golf" come from? An old wives tale goes that those gents that started the game centuries ago were looking to get away from their wives and it stood for, "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden." Actually, I've read that it derives from medieval Dutch and old Scots languages. The medieval Dutch word "kolf" was to mean "club." Apparently the Scots took it and made it "gouf." Shortly thereafter, "golf" was the standard and the name we use today.
The second is where did the word "golf" come from? An old wives tale goes that those gents that started the game centuries ago were looking to get away from their wives and it stood for, "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden." Actually, I've read that it derives from medieval Dutch and old Scots languages. The medieval Dutch word "kolf" was to mean "club." Apparently the Scots took it and made it "gouf." Shortly thereafter, "golf" was the standard and the name we use today.
Visit about.com for more details.
I'm not going to discuss last week. Why look backward when we should be looking forward? This week should be fun. There are a lot of choices for the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. Looks like the top choices I've been hearing are Furyk, Anthony Kim, Padraig, Stewey, Allenby, Appleby and Kenny Perry.
My ears haven't been ringing this week. There is something about Kenny Perry that makes him my choice this week. Maybe it's his 3 wins this year? He's just been such a solid player that my expectation is he'll have another strong week this week.
Enjoy the tournament!
My ears haven't been ringing this week. There is something about Kenny Perry that makes him my choice this week. Maybe it's his 3 wins this year? He's just been such a solid player that my expectation is he'll have another strong week this week.
Enjoy the tournament!
We are very proud to announce our first golf outing has been scheduled for September 14, 2008. Our host course will be The Traditions at Chevy Chase in Wheeling, Illinois near Chicago.
The golf outing is intended to help players manage the course and with the help of a mentor playing partner, reach a dream round of breaking 100, 90 or 80. If you are interested in participating, visit the Golf Die Hard home page for all the details.
Helping Golfers Reach New Lows!
The golf outing is intended to help players manage the course and with the help of a mentor playing partner, reach a dream round of breaking 100, 90 or 80. If you are interested in participating, visit the Golf Die Hard home page for all the details.
Helping Golfers Reach New Lows!