Guide for Beginning Golfers » Tiger Woods

The United States Players Throw One Two Punch at the PGA Field, as Keegan Bradley Beats Jason Dufner in a Play Off!

Mike — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:30:32 +0000

Keegan Bradley, a rookie American golfer wins the 2011, 93rd playing of the PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club in a three hole play off with Jason Dufner after tying for 72 holes. Jason Dufner was five shots up on Bradley after Bradley tripled the 15th hole par 3. He bladed a short chip shot through the green and into the water and carded a six, but amazingly he regained his composure as Dufner, whose play was consistent through all four rounds, bogied three of the last four holes. While Dufner’s golf game was deteriorating, Bradley made back to back birdies, one an incredible 35 foot putt on the 207 yard par 3 17th to reach -8, which was enough to tie Dufner and the play off ensued. They were escorted by golf cart back to the 16th tee and Keegan used the momentum from his stellar finish in regulation to play the three holes in one under and beat Jason Dufner to take home the Wanamaker Trophy.

It was good to see the Americans finally halt the slide in the majors, having come up short in their last six attempts. There was a lot of red, white and blue on the leader board as the U.S. placed in 11 out of the top 20 spots, with Phil Mickelson rounding out the top 20. Two other U.S. Players, David Toms and Scott Verplank finished tied for 4th with Verplank having a credible shot at the trophy until his ball found water on one of the closing par three holes. The last American victor in a major was Phil Mickelson, who won the 2010 Masters and who finished even, T19 in this years PGA at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, GA. Tiger Woods was also conspicuously absent on Sunday after missing the cut as he ended at +1o, and out of the top 100 for the first time in a major. The upheaval in his personal life is taking more of a toll on his game than I think even Tiger may have imagined. Playing with what appeared to be a wrist injury, Rory McIlroy also finished well back in the pack at a tie for 64th place, not where one would expect this years U.S. Open Champion.

It is good to see new names in the hunt each week, but at the same time a bit disappointing to not see the former two top golfers in the world, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods out of contention week after week, when they were the best of the best just a very short time ago. Tiger has to clear his head and rid himself of his demons before he can hope to regain his form and return as the top golfer once again. Phil is now in his forties but plenty of time left to be competitive if Tom Watson is any indication, after his near miss at the British Open at 59 just a couple of years ago. Hang in there Phil and Tiger, you will both be back if you want it bad enough.

Congratulations to Keegan Bradley who let his golf clubs do the talking as he takes home his first major trophy, The Wanamaker, in his second win of the year as a rookie on tour – Great Job! Happy Golfing to All!

Grand Golf at Grand Cypress Resort – May 2011

Mike — Wed, 04 May 2011 21:43:26 +0000

It’s been about four years since we visited Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida. It is a 45 hole golf complex designed by none other than the golden bear himself, Jack Nicklaus. Three of the nine hole layouts are the North, South and East, the latter being the location that Tiger Woods was filming a commercial for Nike, the last time we were at the resort. There is also an 18 hole layout appropriately titled The New Course, as it incorporates some of the same design characteristics as The Old Course at St. Andrews, so I guess you could say it is The New Old Course!. We are looking forward for a quick golf getaway weekend and this is a top notch to play, as it is listed in the top 500 resorts in the world. The Disney World resort is only a few short miles away and we fully intend to check it out and make the most of our time while in sunny Florida.

The photo provides an aerial view of the club house and the adjacent golf holes complementing the view. In a few short days we will be teeing off and enjoying 18, 27 or even 36 holes a day depending on weather and how well we are playing. We haven’t been to Disney World since October of 2008 and as noted previously we will visit at least one or two of the magical parks where Mickey and Minnie reside. I am presently stowing the golf clubs for the trip and I’ll be reporting all about all the good times and great golf experiences upon our return. Happy Golfing to All!

The Masterful Masters of Charl Schwartzel – April 2011

Mike — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:48:24 +0000

The 86′ Masters will always be remembered for the iconic performance of golf’s greatest champion, Jack Nicklaus. Though this years Masters leader board had none of the glitz and glamor and big name players of Masters past, barring Tiger Woods, it held its own for capturing the golf audience none the less. With all the young guns stacked at the top of the leader board, it made for some engaging golf on the back nine on Sunday. Woods and Angel Cabrera were the only players over 30 in the hunt, and it was atypical for so many inexperienced young players to be so fearless and in contention on Masters Sunday. The only exception was Rory McIlroy, who was perhaps the most talented young player in the mix, but the pressure took its toll as he surrendered shot after shot back to Augusta on the final holes, reminiscent of his collapse at the British Open in 2010. Jason Day, a good friend of McIlroy tenured some grit at the stretch as he hung in there and kept himself in contention by birdieing some critical holes on the back nine when he needed to. Adam Scott, Woods, Oglivy, Cabrera, Luke Donald and even K.J.Choi were grouped around – 10 for a good portion of the back nine until Charl, Day and Scott made their moves, as Rory was faltering to let yet another major slip away.

The day belonged to Charl Schwartzel, who was a virtual unknown before this years Masters. If his four birdie finish is any indication of his ability and endurance under the extreme pressure conditions in golf, then we have not heard the last of this young golfer, who is sure to have a promising career in the future. His intimidating play on the final four holes would have made any past champion marvel at his performance, even Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, two of the best under the toughest of tournament conditions and most especially the Masters. Most players vying for the green jacket on Sunday would be ecstatic to par out on the final four holes, but not Charl, who with nerves of steel, birdied hole after hole for a two stroke victory and his first major victory, The Masters. His ability to wield his golf clubs on Masters Sunday was second to none and Charl Schwartzel is to be congratulated for his tenacity at Augusta National, the pinnacle of the worlds’ most magnificent golf venues. Happy Golfing to all!

The Greatest Master’s of Them All – Augusta National GC – April 1986

Mike — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:16:15 +0000

On a picture perfect Sunday in April of 1986, the golf world would witness an awe inspiring chapter in Master’s history on golf’s most revered stage, Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The star of that show was none other than Jack Nicklaus, who had been playing mediocre golf up until the Master’s, if measured by his normal standards. But mediocre as it was, he remained on the leader board for the first three rounds despite what his critics may have thought as they virtually wrote him off for any chance at a win in Augusta. There were mutterings that Jack should think about retiring, he is too old to win, he’s washed up, but that is exactly what sparked a fire and fueled his game enough for him to draw on his uncanny ability to play his best under pressure.

Having been and remaining a huge Jack Nicklaus fan, I had been watching the hi-lights for the first three days to see how he was fairing against an iconic field of players. The leader board was a virtual who’s who of golf’s greatest players of that time or any era for that matter. The field included Greg Norman , who was leading Jack by four strokes on Sunday, Nick Price, Bernard Langer, Seve Ballesteros, Tom Kite and none other than Tom Watson, Jack’s fiercest rival in the majors. Jack Nicklaus was 46 years of age and many had written him off but I had a gut feeling that he was not yet finished. From the Carolina Cherry or the ninth hole on, my eyes were fixated to the television screen and I was glued to my seat as I was privileged to see the Golden Bear wield his magic wand and view golf history in the making. The Bear played well enough on the first eight holes to remain close to the lead but he would have to make something happen soon if he were to have any chance for a win. When he birdied nine, ten and eleven, he made enough noise to send shivers up the spine of his competitors who proceeded to falter under Jack’s heroics hole after hole down the stretch. The Golden Bear, and he was affectionately and aptly named, stumbled at the Golden Bell12th with a bogie, only to par Azalea and Chinese Fir, 13 and 14, to set up his historic run on the last four holes. Having bombed his drive off the tee at the par five 15th or Firethorn, he left himself about 200 yards to the pin. He consulted with son Jackie 11, who was on his bag and asked what he thought about an eagle here? I’m sure Jackie concurred that would further ensure his dad’s possibility for a 6th green jacket and 18th major. He skillfully laced a four iron to 12 feet and converted the putt for EAGLE!, two out of the lead. The next hole, Rosebud or par three 16th put the icing on the proverbial cake as he hit his shot, the ball tracked off the slope toward the pin and he almost holed out as the ball nudged the hole as it rolled past by about three feet. He easily made the putt, putting him eight under and ONE back - Jack was on the move! He reached the 17th hole, which was to be the defining hole of the tournament. Jack hit driver and a wedge to set himself up for a birdie opportunity. When he drained an incredibly difficult putt from about 12 feet and raised his putter toward the sky in an iconic pose, I knew my idol had secured his 6th Green jacket. Jack made a difficult two putt for par on 18 look easy while Greg Norman and the rest of the field faltered including Seve Ballesteros, whose ball found water on 15 and Tom Kite who narrowly missed a birdie chance on 18 which left him one shot short of a playoff. Jack Nicklaus’s win at the 1986 Master’s Championship, was his 18th major victory, a feat no one has come close to except Tiger Woods. Tiger’s attempt to match Jack’s record was derailed in November of 2009 when his personal life became fodder for the news and TV media. He is not yet done but no matter what the record books show, Jack Nicklaus is the number one golfer of all time, at least in my book!

It is approaching the 25th anniversary of the Golden Bear’s awe inspiring Master’s Victory and I offer my hand in applause to the greatest golfer who ever played the game! Congratulations to Jack Nicklaus.

Golfer Scores Eagle with New Book – “Golf Fore Ever” Is Available for Purchase

Mike — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 00:36:51 +0000

I am happy and proud to announce to all new or beginning golfers and all my golf and blog fans that I have recently completed my book, titled “Golf Fore Ever” and it is now ready for purchase. There is an introductory video for view at the following sites:

You tube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=DjYA6k0Gyy4

* Dailymotion: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/26201040

* Blip: http://blip.tv/file/4368830

* Metacafe: http://www.metacafe.com/w/5480962

This book provides invaluable information and guides the new golfer through every step of getting started and learning to play golf ,”The Right Way”. What I mean by the right way is, so many golfers venture onto the golf course without a clue as to the rules of golf or golf etiquette, an important and integral part of this incredible sport! Pick up a copy of “Golf Fore Ever” and all your questions will be answered. I have included step by step instruction for the new or beginning golfer and the book will provide all you need to know about how to start playing Golf;

- From purchasing your golf clubs and necessaryancillary equipment, to options for learning how to play,

- To how to hold the golf club and address the ball,

- To scheduling your first ever tee time,

- To playing your first golf round ever and what to expect,

- To Learning Proper Golf Etiquette, an inportant and integral part of golf,

and so much more like excellent travel and golf resort destinations and informing the new golfer about the collateral benefits of golf. It also includes a Glossary of Golf Terms and Definitions, a must for the new golfer. This book has it all! Get your copy of Golf Fore Ever today and start to play “The Right Way” Happy Golfing To All!

Note: In order to purchase “Golf Fore Ever” click on one of the attached video locations and at the end of the video there will be a list of five sites where purchase is available.

United States Team Wails in Wales as Europe is Victorious in Ryder Cup-October 1-4, 2010

Mike — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:29:24 +0000

The United States Team may have come up short by a half point in this years Ryder Cup but in my opinion they were the better team and easily could have and should have won. Considering our players were on foreign soil and Celtic manor was under the weather and water most of the weekend, the US team played admirably under the circumstances. Anyone who followed the Ryder Cup, felt and heard the cheers of the crowd as the European team played tough in each of the matches against the American golfers. The inclement weather, familiarity with the golf course with the hometown crowd cheering them on was just enough of an advantage to tilt the tide in Europes favor.

The USA Team fell behind early and left themselves with a 9 1/2 to 6 1/2 point disadvantage going into the singles matches on Monday due to the rain and weather delay. The Americans were counted out after they lost 5 1/2 out of 6 points on Sunday but the embattled Americans refused to give in and almost could taste victory as it came down to the final pairing in the singles of Hunter Mahan and Graeme McDowell, this years U.S. Open Champion and Monty’s (Colin Montgomerie) anchorman, for the European team. Rickie Fowlers four consecutive closing birdies to win his match by a half point over Edoardo Molinari and Zach Johnson’s win to tie the matches at 13 1/2 points each fueled the fire of a possible US win at Celtic Manor. Corey Pavin, the US Captain, was crossing his fingers, legs and any other body part that would bend to aid the US win in that match, but Hunter fell short and the Cup went to Europe. This was the first time the American team made the last match count since the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island.

A fan favorite, Phil Mickelson, continued to struggle in this years matches and he has now surpassed Raymond Floyd for the most setbacks, seventeen, in the history of the US team in Ryder Cup competition. He is one player who epitomizes the American spirit of competitive play but he has not had much success in his eight Ryder Cup appearances. The victory in his singles match over Peter Hanson 4 & 2 did, however, allow the American team a glimmer of hope for victory. Alas, it was not meant to be, so we will have to wait for another two years to bring the Cup back to where it really belongs – the Good old US of A. Congratulations to the US team and Corey Pavin who made their country proud by by never waivering in their quest for victory. No one hits golf balls like our players – I feel a win at the Presidents Cup brewing! Happy Golfing to all!

Louis Oosthu – Who? – izen Wins British Open at St. Andrews, Scotland

Mike — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:00:23 +0000

I can’t even say his name let alone acknowledge his victory at the British Open but Oostuizen’s performance and final total score of -16 speaks for itself. The next player, Lee Westwood, finished seven shots back at -9 which is an indication of how well Oosthuizen really played for this prestigious tournament at the world’s oldest and most revered golf venue, St. Andrews. I have to admit this years Open was a bit boring for golf fans in the United States as the top American player, Sean O’Hair finished at -6, ten strokes back and tied for seventh place. None of our players even sniffed at a chance for the top three spots, which is unusual for the U.S. team.

Tiger Woods, who has not yet returned to true form, struggled with the putter and had to settle for a tie for 23rd with a -3 finish total on Sunday. John Daly, who was on the leader board on Thursday with a first round sixty six, Stewart Cink, last years winner in the Open over Tom Watson, and Phil Mickelson, a fan favorite, all shot plus one and tied for 48th place, which is not so impressive for these U.S. players. I had high hopes for Phil Mickelson coming into this championship but he his play has been less than stellar since his Masters victory in April of this year.

The British Open has been the second major golf tournament in a row where the European and other top world players have stymied the United States from the leaderboard. In the U.S. Open in June, the top three places went to McDowell, the barely known Frenchman, Havret and Ernie Els from South Africa. The outcome and lackluster performance by the American players in these last two major venues does not bode well for the U.S. in the coming Ryder Cup championship in September of 2010. Corey Pavin, the captain for the U.S. has his work cut out for him if the Amercian team is to be competitive enough to win this years Ryder Cup. I wish them the best of luck as they may surely need some this year. Our players had better get to the golf range and start hitting golf balls to prepare for the challenge they face ahead.

Congratulations to Louis Oosthuizen on a stellar performance in this years British Open. If he keeps playing in this form we may be hearing from him again soon. Happy Golfing to All!

The U.S. Open at Pebble Beach – “A Battle for Survival” – June 2010

Mike — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:52:55 +0000

The world’s top golfers gathered for the 110th playing of the prestigious American PGA Tour event, the U. S. Open. Pebble Beach is one of the top golf venues in the country located in Monterey County, California maybe second only to Pine Valley Golf Course in New Jersey. Pebble Beach was long renowned as the #1 or #2 golf course in the country and the world for an extended period of time and will always be a favorite of tour pros and amateurs alike. This years set up at Pebble Beach was one of the toughest tests of golf skills for the PGA Tour Pros in recent history.
I was hoping for a Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson battle for the championship on Sunday, but three foreign born players, Graeme McDowell, Gregory Havret and Ernie Els held off their charge and finished one, two and three respectively leaving the world’s two top players tied for fourth and no trophy for the United States in 2010. Dustin Johnson, an excellent American golfer, who was playing lights out through Saturday could not handle the heat on Sunday as he collapsed under the pressure shooting an 82 and finishing tied for 8th. Dustin held the lead over eventual winner, Graeme McDowell, by two shots at the start of the final round and seemed to have tamed the beast but he gave back shot after shot in the final round as Pebble Beach showed her fangs and bit back. During the final round it appeared as if the players were all going backward and the title would go to the golfer who could best hold on for dear life. The final scores tell the tale of how difficult Pebble Beach was playing, as even par won the event, when these players can shoot between 12 and 20 under par under normal golf tournament conditions.

Tom Watson, a fan favorite, showed his tenacity as he hung on for a tied for 29th place finish. Tom could have finished tied for 27th had he made a short putt on the 18th hole but he let it slip off to the side as he was not the only player at Pebble Beach to miss on the short grass. There were three putts from inside two feet at this years Open. Tom Watson can still hit golf balls with the best of them as he bested the likes of VJ Singh and Stewart Cink, who just edged him out at last years British Open. Can this be Tom Watson’s last U.S. Open? In my opinion, I would have to say he is not yet done and we’ll see him back next year. Congratulations to Graeme McDowell on his victory as he held on for one stroke lead over Gregory Havret, the frenchman, who finished plus one and solo second place. Next up – The British Open! Happy Golfing to All!

Jack Nicklaus is Still # 1 in Golf History for Milestone 70th Birthday Year!

Mike — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:59:30 +0000

Since Tiger Woods joined the PGA Tour in 1997, his ultimate and maybe only real goal was to tie and then beat the record of the greatest golfer who ever lived, Jack Nicklaus. He may still accomplish this feat but he has a longer and more difficult road ahead as he has allowed himself to succumb to the many temptations and pleasures of super stardom. His extracurricular activities have sidetracked him from his once illustrious goal of becoming the best golfer in the world. I can understand to some extent what he might be going through but that is no excuse for his actions. He is not the only superstar golfer or superstar in any sport for that matter, who has ever found himself in this situation, but how a person handles the temptations is the mark of a true superstar. When any person has been gifted enough to be elevated to such a high position and constantly under the public eye and scrutiny, they also take on the responsibility to become a proper role model to the to their many fans, both young and old alike. You cannot always have what you want because it is there for the taking even though you may feel entitled. A single man may have gotten away with these actions, even though a bit over the top even for the single crowd, but a married man with a beautiful wife and two wonderful children, who allows himself to succumb to this type of lifestyle may in fact have an illness or addiction of some kind.

I’m sure Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and many of the other tour professionals have found themselves in a position where they could have easily given in to similar opportunities for sexual misconduct or other indiscretions of the flesh. I think that most males, contrary to popular belief will remain loyal to their spouses, even under the most tempting of circumstances. This action or rather non-action is what separates true greatness from the pretender. This is a valid point of contention for whether Tiger Woods can ever be the golfer he was lauded to be just a few years ago. Tiger Woods was the golf hero to a new generation and was also admired by golfers and fans from any era as his skill at golf was perhaps second to none. In reflecting about the real history of this great sport, golf was created as a gentleman’s game. Tiger’s dalliances and many indiscretions have now ostracized him from this category. It is a true shame as I was one of his admirers and fans but Jack Nicklaus has now taken that place for good in the number ONE position in golf history, at least in my book.

Whether Tiger Woods beats Jack Nicklaus’s record or not he will no longer be remembered as the greatest golfer who ever lived but only as the golfer who was able to win the most majors or tournaments, if he can still achieve this goal. I can still see Jack hitting golf balls on the course as if it were yesterday and I remember the Masters of 1986 very well where he was victorious at age 46 . Phil Mickelson has a better chance than many to take over the number one spot in the modern day era of golf but he must make his move now if he will ever come close to the best of the best. Jack Nicklaus will also be the first one to readily admit that although there have been many great golfers, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods and the like, but the only golfer who ever can come close or even exceed his status in golf history is Bobby Jones. In his seven years as a golf professional he won 13 majors, which may very well stand forever, or at least as long as Joe Dimaggio’s 56 game hitting streak. Try beating that one Tiger. Happy Golfing to All!

Will Tiger Woods Ever Truly Return to the Golf Form That Made Him the Best Player in the World?

Mike — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:50:55 +0000

In my opinion Tiger Woods has a very long hard road back. He may never reach the pinnacle of success that he could have achieved had it not been for the revelation of his mere mortal existence. Prior to the incident last November and the exposure of his sex addictions, his many dalliances while married, and his self imposed isolation from the PGA Tour, he had been placed on a pedestal by his peers, fans and the golfing public. His immeasurable feats while on the golf course and his ability to intimidate his opponents in competition made him appear superhuman to most.

Since his arrival on the golf scene in 1997, and his dramatic win at The Masters, where he beat all comers by 12 shots, he has exuded superior golfing skills to the other players on tour. Over the last few years Tiger has seemed out of sorts at times and faltered during competition where that would have never occurred prior to that time. It became blatantly and painfully obvious during the PGA Championship last season when he lost to Y.E. Yang on the back nine on Sunday after being in the lead after 54 holes. It has now become clear what caused the lack of concentration and his unprecedented collapse at the PGA. His distraction and pre-occupation with his personal life has exposed his shortcomings and frailty to his peers and he has let the door open for another great player to potentially fill that void. Great people and players rise to the occasion when the opportunity arises and he provided that possibility to happen.

Despite his shortcomings it will be no easy task to dethrone Tiger Woods as the # 1 golfer as he is still a great player no matter what turmoil has befallen him in his personal life. Besides his divorce proceedings which are underway and his neck injury which caused him to withdraw from The Players Championship, he has just split with his long time golf coach, Hank Haney. The split was initiated by Haney and understandably so. Tiger will have an uphill battle to regain the justification of his place in golf immortality but also to reacquire the respect of his peers, his at one time many fans and his sponsors. His ability to hit golf balls is perhaps matched by no other, but it takes more than skill to make a man the gentleman he is supposed to be in order to participate and compete in this centuries old game of golf! Happy Golfing to All!