As the LPGA opened its season with the SBS Open in Hawaii this week, the rookie class of 2009 figures to be one of the best ever in women's golf.
Americans Stacy Lewis, Michelle Wie, and Vicky Hurst join South Korea's, Jiyai Shin, at the SBS as headliners in a 21-member first year class.
The question is, can a petite young woman from Texas upstage Michelle Wie?
"I think early in the year, Michelle is going to get all the attention," Stacy Lewis said. "If she plays well and has a reason for people to continue to follow her, all rookies will be in her shadow the whole year. When it comes to the end, the story will be, Michelle Wie finishes whatever place in the rookie race, but not who won it".
Stacy Lewis is the consummate underdog. The Wie-Lewis rivalry began to take shape at Q-school but neither is favored for rookie of the Year. Lewis who turns 24 today on February 16th, knows that there will be more attention on her this year thanks to Wie. They've played against each other only a handful of times, but their stories, style of play and personalities are so diverse that it makes for an intriguing setup.
"We don't have alot in common", said Lewis. "We came to the LPGA in two totally different ways and we are two totally different people."
Lewis who was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11, wore a back brace for eight years. In her freshman year of college, she had back surgery and came back to the game with the gift of a second chance. She has used the opportunity to transform herself into one of the world's best amateur players.
This could be a big year for Stacy Lewis. A year full of challenges and big rewards. But it will be nothing compared to what this young lady has already accomplished. Go Stacy!!!!!
Contact us for quality, golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/.
Monday, February 16, 2009
WHAT'S UP WITH PHIL?
Good question!!!
Two pedestrian tournaments, six lackluster rounds and one question, what's up with Phil Mickelson?
Good question. He just didn't have an answer to match the quality. Instead, Phil tried to sprinkle optimism into the picture after a dismal Buick Invitational, where he tied for 42nd. Coming on the heels of his first missed cut in a season opener, it was a stunning failure at Torrey Pines, where Phil has a strong record. The 2 0ver 290 represented his worst 72-hole score as a pro at Torrey Pines. Never has Phil played four rounds at Torrey without shooting in the 60's at least once in a round.
"The next three events, Pebble Beach, Riviera and the WGC-Accenture Match Play, offer places where I have won, so I'll see if I can't get something going and play well" Michelson said.
Phil's final words on the subject, "my short game is coming around".
Let's hope so!!!!!
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/.
Two pedestrian tournaments, six lackluster rounds and one question, what's up with Phil Mickelson?
Good question. He just didn't have an answer to match the quality. Instead, Phil tried to sprinkle optimism into the picture after a dismal Buick Invitational, where he tied for 42nd. Coming on the heels of his first missed cut in a season opener, it was a stunning failure at Torrey Pines, where Phil has a strong record. The 2 0ver 290 represented his worst 72-hole score as a pro at Torrey Pines. Never has Phil played four rounds at Torrey without shooting in the 60's at least once in a round.
"The next three events, Pebble Beach, Riviera and the WGC-Accenture Match Play, offer places where I have won, so I'll see if I can't get something going and play well" Michelson said.
Phil's final words on the subject, "my short game is coming around".
Let's hope so!!!!!
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/.
HIGH LOFTED WEDGES, the USGA's LATEST TARGET
Jim Vernon, elected to his second and last one-year term as President of the U.S. Golf Association, pronounced 2009 as "the year of communication".
As of January 1, 2010, all major professional tours, as well as invitational events like the Masters, have agreed to require players to use new groove configurations that reduce groove area. This requirement will reduce spin on certain shots, particularly shots from the rough.
By 2010, all touring pros and amateurs who compete in tour events, will be required to play with conforming sets of wedges and irons. Elite amateur tournaments will start invoking this rule, classified as a condition of competition, in 2014.
For golfers who think their favorite wedges are under attack, additional wedge restrictions were bubbling under the surface at the USGA meeting. Last November, Dick Rugge, senior USGA technical director, sent letters to all club manufactures advising them of the study of the high-lofted wedges and their effect on the game. "We are just getting started; we are going forward with lab testing and player testing. We are conducting tests with the V grooves. This is one of several conforming configurations under the new groove rule," Rugge said.
Is the 60-degree wedge, widely used at all levels of golf, in danger? Probably not. "As a broad topic, we are looking at wedges above 60-degrees, " Rugge said.
Ramifications of the groove rule continues to loom. Manufacturers have agreed to end the production of the old grooves, shaped like a U, at the end of 2009. Although clubheads with these old grooves can be assembled until the end of 2010, you may want to think about this information in purchasing a new wedge for your game.
Keep posted for the latest information affecting our game.
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/.
As of January 1, 2010, all major professional tours, as well as invitational events like the Masters, have agreed to require players to use new groove configurations that reduce groove area. This requirement will reduce spin on certain shots, particularly shots from the rough.
By 2010, all touring pros and amateurs who compete in tour events, will be required to play with conforming sets of wedges and irons. Elite amateur tournaments will start invoking this rule, classified as a condition of competition, in 2014.
For golfers who think their favorite wedges are under attack, additional wedge restrictions were bubbling under the surface at the USGA meeting. Last November, Dick Rugge, senior USGA technical director, sent letters to all club manufactures advising them of the study of the high-lofted wedges and their effect on the game. "We are just getting started; we are going forward with lab testing and player testing. We are conducting tests with the V grooves. This is one of several conforming configurations under the new groove rule," Rugge said.
Is the 60-degree wedge, widely used at all levels of golf, in danger? Probably not. "As a broad topic, we are looking at wedges above 60-degrees, " Rugge said.
Ramifications of the groove rule continues to loom. Manufacturers have agreed to end the production of the old grooves, shaped like a U, at the end of 2009. Although clubheads with these old grooves can be assembled until the end of 2010, you may want to think about this information in purchasing a new wedge for your game.
Keep posted for the latest information affecting our game.
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/.
FINAL THOUGHTS about "PUTTING"
Leading putter coaches will tell us to match the correct putter for the stroke that "you bring to the door". Just concentrating on where you are aiming can lead you down the wrong path.
The best players are skilled at making compensations for their putting. Many players do not look directly at the hole when they putt. The best will find a spot or mark on the green and then aim for that location after "reading" the green to determine how the putt will fall.
Some final suggestions, the type of hosel will determine the position of the shaft in relation to the ball. Many players will use either the straight or offset on their putters of choice. If you are considering using an insert in a putter, be sure that you match your insert with your tendency to be long or short of the hole. Many inserts are much "livelier" and that can cause the ball to run farther.
The big thing to remember is that there is no correct way in putting. It takes a ton of practice to develop this skill and that is up to each of us to devote the energy and time if we are striving for the best results. Happy Putting!!!!!!!!!
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/
The best players are skilled at making compensations for their putting. Many players do not look directly at the hole when they putt. The best will find a spot or mark on the green and then aim for that location after "reading" the green to determine how the putt will fall.
Some final suggestions, the type of hosel will determine the position of the shaft in relation to the ball. Many players will use either the straight or offset on their putters of choice. If you are considering using an insert in a putter, be sure that you match your insert with your tendency to be long or short of the hole. Many inserts are much "livelier" and that can cause the ball to run farther.
The big thing to remember is that there is no correct way in putting. It takes a ton of practice to develop this skill and that is up to each of us to devote the energy and time if we are striving for the best results. Happy Putting!!!!!!!!!
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/
Monday, February 9, 2009
MORE INFORMATION FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUTTER FOR YOU!!
There are so many styles of putters available now, but the most important factor is finding a putter that must be comfortable for you and your golf game.
Hitting putts solidly is the key to putting and maintaining distance control. Make sure when you are putting that you hit the ball solidly in the center of the putter head. The worst putters are those who hit the ball all over the face of the putter.
The size of the grip for a putter is, again, a very personal choice. A larger grip "feels" different and because of this it will have an effect on the balance and "swing" of the putter. Try experimenting with different sizes until you find one that is the most comfortable. You might consider starting with a smaller grip size and then work your way up to a larger grip, thus finding the right size and feel for your putter stroke!
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/.
Hitting putts solidly is the key to putting and maintaining distance control. Make sure when you are putting that you hit the ball solidly in the center of the putter head. The worst putters are those who hit the ball all over the face of the putter.
The size of the grip for a putter is, again, a very personal choice. A larger grip "feels" different and because of this it will have an effect on the balance and "swing" of the putter. Try experimenting with different sizes until you find one that is the most comfortable. You might consider starting with a smaller grip size and then work your way up to a larger grip, thus finding the right size and feel for your putter stroke!
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/.
THERE IS A PUTTER FOR EVERYONE
To find the "right" putter for your golf game, there are several considerations.
Most golf fitters will tell you to "find a putter that fits".
Great advice, but what are the criteria that helps one to make that decision.
There are three things that are important in finding the right putter; you need to consider the style of the putter head, the length and the "lie" of the putter.
Regarding style, you should look for a putter head that appeals to you! If the putter head does not 'fit' your eye or makes you uncomfortable visually, then keep looking. There are so many styles available from small, simple blades to very large complicated mallets. Visually, find a putter that fits your eye and makes you comfortable.
Length is so important. Club fitters will tell you that most golfers are using putters that are too long. Make sure that you can swing properly through the putting stroke and if you find that you are shortening the putter to complete the stroke then, most likely, it is too long. Probably the length that is most common is between 33 to 34 inches. We, amateurs, tend to use putters that are too long.
The weight of the putter is equally as important. In recent years, the putter heads have become heavier and that works well with the shorter putter lengths. Having a heavier putter head will help stabilize the "take back" and allow the swing to roll the ball properly without jumping or bouncing.
Finally, visually find a putter that looks right. Sometimes, you will find that amateurs will tilt or lift the back of the putter so that the head does not lie flat on the ground. Most often people will simply not like the way the putter head sits on the ground, so one is constantly adjusting the head. If that is happening to you, keep looking for one that "looks right to you".
Contact us for quality American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/
Most golf fitters will tell you to "find a putter that fits".
Great advice, but what are the criteria that helps one to make that decision.
There are three things that are important in finding the right putter; you need to consider the style of the putter head, the length and the "lie" of the putter.
Regarding style, you should look for a putter head that appeals to you! If the putter head does not 'fit' your eye or makes you uncomfortable visually, then keep looking. There are so many styles available from small, simple blades to very large complicated mallets. Visually, find a putter that fits your eye and makes you comfortable.
Length is so important. Club fitters will tell you that most golfers are using putters that are too long. Make sure that you can swing properly through the putting stroke and if you find that you are shortening the putter to complete the stroke then, most likely, it is too long. Probably the length that is most common is between 33 to 34 inches. We, amateurs, tend to use putters that are too long.
The weight of the putter is equally as important. In recent years, the putter heads have become heavier and that works well with the shorter putter lengths. Having a heavier putter head will help stabilize the "take back" and allow the swing to roll the ball properly without jumping or bouncing.
Finally, visually find a putter that looks right. Sometimes, you will find that amateurs will tilt or lift the back of the putter so that the head does not lie flat on the ground. Most often people will simply not like the way the putter head sits on the ground, so one is constantly adjusting the head. If that is happening to you, keep looking for one that "looks right to you".
Contact us for quality American made golf bags & putters at
http://www.golfbags4u.com/
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
"THE YIPS" An Illness Affecting All Golfers
This is one illness that we, golfers, do not want to "catch" or deal with in our golf game.
The "yips" are a movement disorder. It makes putting extremely difficult and affects golfers in different ways. Some golfers cannot draw the putter back and others sway, or jerk, or lurch while drawing the putter back before hitting the golf ball.
The term "yips" is credited to Tommy Armour a former U.S. Open, British Open and PGA champion. Armour retired early from the game rather than wrestle with the "yips".
Unbelievably, Mayo Clinic has conducted two studies on golfers suffering from the "yips" but remain divided on the underlying causes. Golfers who experience the yips often experience mental and emotional trauma.
The "yips" can also affect the driver, fairway woods and our iron shots. Sometimes we stand over the ball and it becomes impossible to hit without hanging onto the club with a death grip. It is not fun and takes away from our fun and enjoyment.
Well, whatever, the causes think positive knowing you will have a great game today and, best of all, make it fun!!!
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags at http://www.golfbags4u.com/
The "yips" are a movement disorder. It makes putting extremely difficult and affects golfers in different ways. Some golfers cannot draw the putter back and others sway, or jerk, or lurch while drawing the putter back before hitting the golf ball.
The term "yips" is credited to Tommy Armour a former U.S. Open, British Open and PGA champion. Armour retired early from the game rather than wrestle with the "yips".
Unbelievably, Mayo Clinic has conducted two studies on golfers suffering from the "yips" but remain divided on the underlying causes. Golfers who experience the yips often experience mental and emotional trauma.
The "yips" can also affect the driver, fairway woods and our iron shots. Sometimes we stand over the ball and it becomes impossible to hit without hanging onto the club with a death grip. It is not fun and takes away from our fun and enjoyment.
Well, whatever, the causes think positive knowing you will have a great game today and, best of all, make it fun!!!
Contact us for quality, American made golf bags at http://www.golfbags4u.com/
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