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Thought this is a good time to discuss some RULES for Golf........

2009-09-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

As a tournament player, I thought I would list some Rules of the game that many players may not know, but could be advantageous to their game.

The Rules listed below are from the United States Golf Association 2008-2009 manual.

Rule 2 Match Play
A match consists of one side (player) playing against another over a stipulated round of golf.
In match play, the game is played by holes. Whichever competitor has won the most holes over the stipulated 18 holes of golf is declared the winner.

Rule 3 Stroke Play
A stroke play competition consists of competitors completing each hole of a stipulated round or rounds of golf and, for each round of golf, returning a score card on which there is a gross score for each hole. Each player is playing against every other player in the field.
The competitor (player) who plays the stipulated round or rounds with the fewest strokes is declared the "winner". (lowest score)

Rule 7-1 Practice prior to a round
Under this rule, practicing on the competition course before a match play round is permitted.
That means that you may play a few holes, roll a few balls on the green and putt to the day's location, all on the tournament ready course prior to a match play round. Now that is only for match play; if the round is stroke play then the above is prohibited. Also, if two or more stroke play rounds are to be played over consecutive days, you may not practice between rounds on any competition course left to be played.

Rule 7-2 There are three times when a player may practice during a round.
1.) Between the play of two holes, a player may practice putt or chip on or near the putting green of the last hole played.
2.) A player may putt on any practice putting green.
3.) A player may practice on the teeing ground of the next hole to be played.
The above can be advantageous if there is a delay on the next teeing ground as you may work on your putting and chipping while you wait for the green or fairway to clear.

Rule 6-4 Your 'caddie' may practice
Your caddie may practice on or test the putting surface of the course before the competition tees off. You, as competitor, are responsible for the actions of a caddie during the stipulated round of golf. Also, you can have more than one caddie during the round provided that you have only one caddie at a time.

Rule 10 The order of play
If your opponent plays out of turn in match play, there is no penalty. However, you have the option to immediately require your opponent to cancel the stroke and re-play that shot in the correct order. It's only an option..
In stroke play, there is no penalty for playing out of turn.

Hope the above rules may prove useful to your game.

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The Solheim Cup - 2009

2009-07-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

I have long been a fan of the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup.
August 17 to August 23, 2009, this event will be played at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois. This will be the 10th event since its inception in 1990. The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten Solheim, founder of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, the parent of PING golf equipment. In 1990, the Solheim Family in conjunction with the US and European Ladies Golf Teams developed the concept, thus the "Solheim Cup" became a reality. This event is the most prestigious event for professional women's golf.

The American team is from the Ladies Professional Golf Association, the LPGA, and the European team is from the LET, the Ladies European Team. There have been 10 events played since its inception in 1990, every two years either in Europe or in the United States. We have won 7 of the 10 events. This year, Beth Daniels will be the American Captain and Alison Nicholas is the European Captain. They simultaneously will announce their teams after the conclusion of the Ricoh Women's British Open being played at Lytham St. Anne's in Lancashire, England.

For the Americans, the top 10 automatically qualify and the Captain has two additional 'picks'. The top ten Americans are Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Angela Stanford, Nicole Castrale, Brittany Lang, Morgan Pressel, Kristy McPherson (from Big Break), Christina Kim, Brittany Lincicome and Natalie Gulbis.
Juli Inkster, an all time favorite who has played in every 'cup' since inception is in 14th position. Maybe a Captain's pick?

For the European Team, the top seven earning 'Solheim points' are Gwladys Nocera, Tania Elosegui, Diana Luna, Laura Davies, Sophie Gustafson, Suzann Pettersen and Martina Eberi.
From the Rolex Rankings, the top seven are Suzann Petterson, Helen Alfredsson, Anna Nordqvist, Sophie Gustafson, Maria Hjorth, Karen Stupples and Catriona Matthew.
The top 5 on European points list and the top 4 on the Rolex Rankings qualify along with 3 Captain's picks.

It should be a terrific event!!! I'll be watching, how about you?

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LPGA Commissioner, Carolyn Bivens..the story continues!!

2009-07-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

With the controversy growing over the status of the LPGA Tour, several top ranked women pros signed and sent a letter to the Tour requesting that Commissioner Bivens be replaced. Having approximately two years left on her original four year contract, Biven's is currently owed about $1M for the two years remaining on her contract.

This information, reported in our blog yesterday, continues on the day that is the biggest event for the season in women's golf, the U.S. Women's Open being played Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Apparently an interim Commissioner will be functioning fairly quickly and a Special Investigative Committee will be formed to find "candidates" who can grow the Tour.
The Tour has lost seven tournaments since 2007. With the current financial woes, all segments of the golf industry have been affected from the sale of equipment, fewer rounds being played to the decline of tickets and sales at scheduled golf events.

The Tour needs a new direction and new leadership. How about Nancy Lopez?

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Top Players of the LPGA asking Commissioner Bivens to Resign!!

2009-07-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

After a meeting of more than a dozen top players last week, including Lorena Ochoa, Paula Creamer, Christie Kerr, Mogan Pressel and Natalie Gulbis, a letter was sent to the LPGA Tour Board urging that Commissioner, Carolyn Bivens resign. Bivens took over the Commissioner position from Ty Votaw in 2005 and has two years remaining on her contract.

The letter stated that the LPGA Tour woes cannot be blamed on a poor economy and asked the Board to find a new leader to rebuild relationships with longtime sponsors.

The meeting with the top LPGA players took place two days after the Tour lost another tournament. The Kapalua LPGA Classic asked for a year off to find a title sponsor. The LPGA stated that it would use all legal actions to hold Kapalua to the reminder of its contract, another four years.

The Tour has two stops left this year at Rochester, N.Y. and Toledo, Ohio, and the renewal of these two events is uncertain at this time. The Tour has already lost another popular event, the Corning Classic, and equally questionable is the Michelob Ultra Championship in Virginia.

All total, the Tour has lost seven tournaments since 2007, including all three events staged in Hawaii. The Seoul Broadcasting Systems was offended when Bivens announced during the SBS Open in Hawaii that it had a new television contract with another Korean network. That announcement ended the SBS sponsorship and it went ahead and signed a 10-year contract with the PGA Tour to sponsor the season's opening tournament at Kapalua.

The U.S. Women's Open, which is not run by the LPGA Tour, is being played this week outside Philadelphia. After that, the LPGA Tour will not have another tournament in the United States until the last week in August.

When tournaments that have been very loyal to the LPGA start withdrawing then something is not right. We'll see where this one goes!!

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109th U.S. Open at BethPage Black

2009-06-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's over after 5 long days......with an unlikely finish on Monday, June 22nd, 2009.

Early on in the coverage of this event, on the Golf Channel, a "prognosticator" of sorts was featured holding up handwritten placards of his predictions as to "who would win the Open".

First, he talked about players who were long shots, having never won a major or really anything much to speak about. Then he talked about ages of the competing players, mentioning those over 40ish as unlikely contestants.

His final comments were that the most likely winner would be in his 30's with, at least, a win during his PGA playing events. The two most likely choices were Ogilvy and Woods.

Interestingly enough, our final winner was Lucas Glover. Yes, in his 30's with his last win coming some 5 years ago at what was then called the Funai Classic at Disney in Orlando, FL.

The most interesting thing for me that came from this event, was the three who tied for 2nd place. Without question, the player who really was the emotional favorite and who has endeared himself to New York fans is Phil Mickelson. WE all were hoping for Phil to win this one, but unfortunately, he added another 2nd place making this his 5th one at the U.S. Open.

More interesting though was David Duval who came to the event as the 828 ranked player and finished with a tie for 2nd place. Over the past ten years, we have witnessed his struggle to return as a major player on the PGA and, perhaps, this event will give him the confidence that he has been struggling to recapture. Hopefully, he will continue in an upward spiral!

And for Ricky Barnes, also tied for the 2nd place honors, who came into this event listed as the 519 player and leaves as the 153 ranked player, is a marvelous feat. Sure he would have loved to win, but though he struggled this still propelled him into a new level of competition and future events that he can participate in including the British Open.

So for the fans and pros alike, it was one Open that will be talked about for not only the winners but the "weather" and the condition of the slower greens that affected the players to putt!!

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Bethpage Black - Open to the Public

2009-06-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

The United States Golf Association wants to take the U.S. Open to more public-access courses, such as Bethpage, to help boost golf and golf participation from the public.

The feeling at Bethpage is like no other; Pebble Beach plays the Open but that is a resort course whereas Bethpage and Torrey Pines are Municipal Golf Courses.

If you are a New Yorker then you can play for $50.00 and for those out-of-state, the cost is $100. Fees are much higher at Torrey Pines. The clubhouse opens at 4:30 a.m. and a Bethpage supervisor starts to distribute the all-important wristbands. These will permit the first six vehicles in line to advance to the main lot. From there, those golfers lock in their tee times at the cashier's window. Golfers could play the Black Course once in the weeks leading up the Open and, of course, a positive identification information is required.

At 7:45 a.m. the activity behind the first tee starts to build, as the starter "takes a scissor to the blue wristband" and announces that the first tee time is about to begin. It's quite a moment!!

Well this is U.S. Open Week and the fans are out in force despite the poor weather conditions on Thursday, the opening day. USGA Commissioner stated that "if play is necessary on Monday, because of the poor weather conditions, then anyone holding a Thursday Ticket will be allowed to see the finish if needed as Monday play.

We'll see..........

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The Color is PINK...........for Amy

2009-06-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

At the Crowne Plaza Invitational played in Texas, everyone on Saturday was touting a fantastic shade of pink........all in honor and support for Amy Mickelson, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

The PGA Tour Wives Association organized this show of support with help from the tour, the staff of the Colonial Tournament and the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' foundation. Players, caddies, tournament officials, TV announcers and the fans all sported this unique shade of "pink" in support. For some professionals, like Ian Poulter, wearing 'pink' is a regular choice. Poulter, obviously, enjoys wearing his flashy,stylish and colorful outfits. However, for others, it truly was a stretch. Tour professional, Steve Marino, said "I'm not really a pink-shirt type of guy". But yes, his shirt was definitely pink and, just maybe, that might be a color he might consider wearing again after shoting a 62 in the third round on Saturday. David Feherty, the well known and "colorful" announcer for CBS wearing a pink hat, pink shirt and even a "touch" of pink in his goatee showed his support for Amy Mickelson and the efforts made by many organizations to promote awareness and raise funds to find a cure.

One such organization, LIFE, founded by LPGA Professional, Val Skinner, recently hosted her 10th annual charity golf event in New Jersey. Over the past ten years, Skinner, in conjunction with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, has raised more than $5.8 million to fight this disease. Through awareness and on-campus visits to American colleges and universities, Skinner has dedicated her efforts to raise awareness and provide information to young women regarding breast cancer.

We all, professionals and fans alike, wish our best for Amy!!!!!

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An Unlikely Winner at the Irish Open

2009-06-02T17:16:00.001-07:00

It isn't often that an amateur wins an "Open" but Shane Lowry thrilled his countrymen to be the third amateur to win a European Tour Event at the "Irish Open".

The initial goal was to make the cut after receiving an invitation to play his home open. He felt right at home in the inclement weather of heavy rains and strong winds, to post a 10-under 62 on Friday. This round would equal the lowest round shot by an amateur on the European Tour.

"I'm feeling shock more than anything," he said. "I got an invite here, it's my first tournament and I would have been happy to make the cut. But then I shot the 62, and after that I thought,
"This is my week; I can win."

After 72 holes, Lowry and England's Robert Rock, each posted a score of 17 under for a total of 271. It would take three playoff holes to determine the winner. On the third playoff hole, Robert Rock pitched a shot over the green and made a 6 while Lowry won with a tap-in par.

Consolation prize for Robert Rock was about $676,000.00 while Lowry received no monetary reward. With all this great admiration and media frenzy, Lowry is expected to take the leap to professional status. Quite the story!!

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Putting Tips!!

2009-06-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

We golfers often play on courses where the speed of the greens is extremely fast.
We get over the putt, barely touch the ball, and it rolls 20 feet past the hole.

Here's one suggestion:

Hit the ball on the toe or heel of the putter. Try this, as it actually "kills" the putt by taking away the mass from the ball. When you hit the ball in the center of the putter, you get a very solid hit as all of the "mass" of the putter is centered directly behind the golf ball. If you try moving the center of the putter away from the ball, then less force is applied which reduces the distance that the ball will travel.

Try this one...

When you read your putt and you think that the putt breaks "left to right:, then hit the ball on the heel of the putter. Should the putt breaks "right to left", then hit the putt on the toe of the putter. In doing this, the ball will be hit 'softer', so play twice as much break than you think when you read the putt.

Try it.......let me know.

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Phil to the "rescue"

2009-05-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

We as fans do not always hear about the "good" deeds that the professional golfers do for those in our community.

Here's one that can make us proud of those "guys" we support in the golf world.

Holly Dobler, the youngest of six children of Conrad Dobler, who played for ten years as an offensive lineman in the NFL, graduated from Miami University with honors on May 9, 2009.
Conrad Dobler is disabled as a a result of various injuries and surgeries due the years he played football, obviously resulting in hard financial times for his family.

Phil Michelson, after watching an HBO "Real Sports" segment chronicling the Dobler's financial struggles and the lack of pension benefits for former NFL players, agreed to pay for Holli's college education. Phil Michelson meet the Dobler family for the first time at the 2007 Memorial Tournament.

Holli has made the most of this generous gift; she double-majored in Spanish and English and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. Holli plans to be a teacher!

Thanks Phil......

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On Tour - Hybrids are a Must!!

2009-03-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Both Cobra, in 1975 with the Baffler, and Taylor Made, in 1993 with the Rescue Club, contributed to the popularity and importance of making hybrid clubs a must in every golfbag.

At the PGA Tour's Transitions Championship, 97 players out of 144 carried a hybrid in their bag.
Adams and Taylor Made are in competition to see which company prevails in this race. Adams had won the hybrid count in every 2009 event until the Transitions Championship, when the two companies tied with 29 hybrids each.

Taylor Made will be releasing a shiny new Rescue TP Hybrid. This club has a more compact head and it comes with Aldilas Voodoo VS8 graphite shaft with S-core technology, although there will be two other shaft options available. Lofts for this club are 17, 19 and 22 degrees and cost is anticipated to be about $240.00, available after May l, 2009.

Adams released the Idea Pro Gold Hybrid in 2008 with lofts of 16, 18, 20, 23 and 26 degrees.
This hybrid, used by many professional golfers, has had a growing popularity with low-handicap amateurs as well. Early models were built with a draw bias but more recent models, such as the Pro Gold, are made with a neutral bias to increase shotmaking opportunities. The cost for this hybrid is $220.00 and is available now.

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Pebble Beach's "Poppy Hills" is SAFE for now!!!

2009-03-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Poppy Hills Golf Course, one of the courses of the AT&T's National Pro-Am, is safe for now and staying in the rotation despite some annual discussion about the course.

Because of various complaints about Poppy Hills, Tour officials visited Bayonet Golf Course which is about a half an hour north of Pebble Beach. Bayonet, a former military golf course, has been a past "Q" School site and is a terrific course. However, Poppy Hills has a terrific ambiance of trees and a forest setting right on the Monterey Peninsula. In addition, it is a safer bet that the weather will be more equitable than at Bayonet.

As always, there is currently some discussion about reducing the size of the field, but taking numbers out certainly affects the bottom line of profitable charitable donations.

So for now, Poppy Hills is safe in the rotation for the AT&T's National Pro-Am!!

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Nice Finish for Phil at the "Blue Monster"

2009-03-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

The WGC-CA Championship boasting many International Players, held last weekend in Doral, Florida, proved to be an important and exciting event for winner, Phil Michelson.

Saturday afternoon, after signing for his 4th consective sub-70 score, to be at 19 under, Phil spent the late afternoon in bed. Suffering with a viral infection resulting in dehydration and no appetite, Phil was not feeling well but wanting to continue on Sunday, no matter what. Relief came when caddie, Jim Mackay, arranged a visit to a local Urgent Care Facility for some IV's to replace lost fluids and thankfully, extra rest due to daylight savings time and late tee times.

Sunday proved to be an awesome day for golf, with Phil's combination of power, a 3-wood into the wind from 255 yards to set up a birdie at the par-5, 8th hole, and his awesome short game at the 3rd hole for a 20 foot par save. All in all, a great day for Phil and golf!! With this win, Phil surpasses Sergio Garcia for the number 2 spot in world ranking, right behind the "Tiger".

What's next, all eyes are on Augusta..........

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Financial Woes Affects the Golf Tour

2009-03-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Throughout the last few months, more and more companies, people and events have been affected by the economic woes facing our country.

The title sponsor of the the PGA event at Riviera, came under a hailstorm after the event's sponsor, Northern Trust Corp., entertained its clients at cocktail parties, dinners and concerts. Coverage by the media at these events sent "waves" heard in Washington.

Northern Trust received nearly $1.6 billion in funds from TARP, it says at the urging of the Federal Government, and says that it is paying back some $20 million quarterly. Furthermore, Northern Trust states that it used "normal operating funds" to entertain their clients at this event. If responsible public companies are openly critiziced then few companies will continue to do so. The end result is that we will all lose. Any company involved with the Tour is doing so to improve their bottom line and create goodwill with the community they serve. Sponsoring events can help to improve the visibility of brands, help to build relationships with customers, and generate huge sums for charities serving those communities.

A company involved with the Tour isn't doing it to waste money! If we lose sponsors then we all will lose!!!

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Camilo Villegas - a Fan Favorite

2009-03-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

Colombian born, Camilo Villegas, is a fan favorite especially when the PGA tour plays at Doral.
This weekend will see a huge increase in the number of Spanish-speaking stations carrying the tournament in the Miami area. It is estimated that there will be 290 stations running in Spanish compared to 200 in English.

There was a huge increase in Villegas when in 2005, he shot 71-71 playing on a sponsor's exemptionat the WGC-CA Championship. Equally appealing to the Spanish-speaking audience is Sergio Garcia and now, Andres Romero from Argentina, has also added great interest in the global world of golf.

Wonder if any of these guys can upstage 'the Tiger return'?

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FINAL THOUGHTS about "PUTTING"

2009-02-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!!!!!

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WHAT'S UP WITH PHIL?

2009-02-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!

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LPGA - the ROOKIE CLASS of 2009

2009-02-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!

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HIGH LOFTED WEDGES, the USGA's LATEST TARGET

2009-02-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

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.

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MORE INFORMATION FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUTTER FOR YOU!!

2009-02-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

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!

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THERE IS A PUTTER FOR EVERYONE

2009-02-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

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".

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"THE YIPS" An Illness Affecting All Golfers

2009-02-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

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!!!

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