BogeyLounge: February 2005 Archives

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February 28, 2005

SOD: Carlsbad Confidential... A daring foray into the world of "insider blogs"

"We are employees of TaylorMade-adidas Golf company."

That's how the About page on CarlsbadConfidential.com begins, and thus a revealing and entertaining blog from an insider's perspective is born.

While there is an emerging trend by corporations to use "sanitized & sanctioned" blogs as consumer communications tools, Jason and KVK from Carlsbad Confidential are going "indie" on this one. Which for us means a true behind the scenes look at one of the world's biggest players in the golf equipment and apparel market.

"This blog is a place where we can put stuff that the lawyers won't let us put on the official sites (tm max aG). You know, the stuff we want to vent or rant about, or that isn't allowed to be out "officially."

I love the concept and hope the guys can balance sharing their experiences with us while not pissing off their bosses.

So far, the tone of this blog is one of employees who actually have a passion for their industry and their company, and if anything, this endeavor should be looked upon as a benefit for TMaG.

I know i'll feel a little better shelling out $500 for a driver if I know that the people on the inside really believe it is the best in the world.

Visit their site, enjoy the stories and hope that they keep it going a very long time... I know i'll be checking in daily... Nice work boys!

February 26, 2005

Faldo given cold shoulder over Ryder Cup job

Looks like Ian Woosnam will be leading the charge for Europe in next year's Ryder Cup.

After expressing a strong desire to lead the Euros, it now looks like the 11-time Ryder Cup competitor will be watching from the broadcast booth.

From Telegraph.com by Andrew Both: COMPLETE STORY

"The 2006 captain will be announced next Wednesday in Dubai, when Faldo will be on business in Puerto Rico, en route to the following week's Honda Classic in Florida, all of which suggests that Ian Woosnam will get the nod.

"It's quite amazing that they've never called me in to sit with the committee and asked about my plans," Faldo said here at the Accenture Matchplay Championship, where he is commentating for American television."

February 25, 2005

What's Good for the Goose... (i guess)

I'm trying to be fair to all the BogeyLounge visitors, be they of the male or female persuasion... So while I won't go as far as posting images of the nominees (like I did when it was female nominees), I will link you to ESPN Page 2's "Hottest Male Athlete of the Year"...

No golfer made the list... and that's the only comment I'll make.

Now that my wife has been appeased... let's get back to golf stuff (and hotties).

Tiger & Vijay out at La Costa...

It's all wide open at the Accenture Match Play Championship as the number one and two seeds fell in match play action at La Costa.

Both Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh didn't drop enough putts as they both dropped their second round matches and left the door wide open for the likes of Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia...

Read all about it at ESPN.com: "Tiger's three-peat bid is over"

ESPN.com: UPDATED MATCH PLAY BRACKET

February 22, 2005

The Performance Golf Tee? Huh?

First it was hot balls, next it was hot drivers, now it's "the performance golf tee"... . Just between us, unlike the Golf Blog Grouch, I'm goofy enough to try them (even at $5 per bag).

The Golf Blog Grouch muses on the insanity at: Hottest Golf Product? You Gotta Be Kidding Me

Also: Visit the official site for EVOLVE GOLF makers of the EPOCH-3 "The number one performance golf tee in the world"... I didn't even know that was an equipment category.

Natalie Gulbis gaining on Lokelani McMichael

I don't even know who Lokelani McMichael is, but she's ahead of Natalie Gulbis in this year's ESPN.com PAGE 2 "Hottest Female Athlete of the Year".

As of this morning, Natalie was trailing by 10 percentage points after approximately 12,000 votes had been cast in her semifinal match against Lokelani. Interestingly enough, over at the other semifinal match (Amanda Beard vs. Amy Taylor), over 231,000 votes had been cast. Is it safe to say that whoever wins that bracket spot will ultimately rule the 2005 finals... stay tuned.

Time still remains to vote, so hop on over to ESPN, check out the final four, and place a vote for Natalie... and remember, "A vote for Natalie Gulbis is a vote for hot golfers everywhere" (and we're all for hot golfers!)

From ESPN's PAGE 2
"Congratulations to our final four athletes -- Amanda Beard, Amy Taylor, Natalie Gulbis and Lokelani McMichael. They're all one step closer to the prestigious crown of Page 2's Hottest Female Athlete.

In Round 1, some races were close (maybe next year, Ms. Coughlin) and others were decided in the first few minutes (well done, Amy). Either way, it doesn't matter how you got here.

Voting begins today in the semifinals. So in case you didn't vote in that election they held last November -- now is the time to make up for it."

ESPN.com's "Opinions on a match play major"

ESPN.com Asks: "If match play is such a terrific format, why not incorporate it into one of the four majors? Golf World's Ron Sirak and ESPN.com's Bob Harig debate the issue in our version of match play."

Check out ESPN.com's "Alternate Shot" - Debate on Making one of the Majors Match Play

While both guys make good points for and against a Match Play Major, I think the arguments for match play are more persuasive. So what if the networks fear two no-names going head to head on the last day... A lot of us would think that is a great story. I still remember missing a wedding because I got so caught up watching Ben Curtis win the Open a few years back. (My wife hasn't let me forget that one yet :)

Fun Fact: Did you know that prior to 1958 The PGA Championship was match play format?

Brackets finalized for Accenture Match Play

The Accenture Match Play Championship will begin Wednesday, Feb. 23 at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., USA.

The four brackets at the Accenture Match Play Championship are named in honor of Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Sam Snead.

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE BRACKETS... let the office pools begin ;)

Update: Also check out ESPN's web-based bracket

Scott Wins Nissan Open in Playoff

Adam Scott made a 4-foot par putt on the 18th hole Monday morning to beat Chad Campbell in a sudden-death playoff at the Nissan Open, the first PGA Tour event in nine years to be cut to 36 holes. Scott earned $864,000 and moved up to No. 7 in the world ranking, his highest ever.

February 20, 2005

Scott and Campbell Atop Soggy Nissan Open ...

Due to horrible weather, they've only finished the second round, so on Monday they'll tee it up and see if they can wrap up the 80th Nissan Open at Riviera.

As it stands right now Adam Scott and Chad Campbell stand atop the leaderboard at -9 (133) after two rounds. The players will return at 7:30am to see if the weather will cooperate. Currently the forecast is calling for rain all day Monday, which would put the PGA in a difficult position. PGA TOUR events must be at least 54 holes to be considered official.

"We're going to make every effort to play," PGA TOUR tournament director Mark Russell said. "We're going to come back in the morning, try to finish the third round and see how it goes from there."

Read: Nissan Open update from PGATOUR.com

TV UPDATE: Right now ESPN2 is scheduled to carry Monday's action from 11:45am to 1:30pm. With tomorrow being a holiday (President's Day), it would make sense if ESPN2 could clear more airtime than just under two hours.

Sunday Diversion - BBC Sport's "Stroke it Lucky"

It's not Tiger Woods 2005, but check out BBC.com's "Stroke it Lucky", a simple web based golf game that is sure to keep you amused for at least a few minutes.

That's right, I'm bored, so what? It's cold outside, I'm not a NASCAR fan, and golf doesn't come on TV for a few more minutes.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

SOD: SortaGolf - "Let Freedom Swing"

So there's this guy (I think he lives in Texas), and he, like most of us, is a frustrated golfer. He's not blaming his equipment, or his course superintendant, or even his wife for not allowing him to play more (that's always my excuse). He's blaming the USGA for their "frustrating and burdensome" Rules of Golf.

Now the guy has a point. If you think about it, a lot of the rules are goofy. However, do you really think that double bogey should be the max allowed score? Or that you should "hit until your happy" on the tee box?

Visit SortaGolf and judge for yourself... There's even a SortaGolf quiz you can take to see if you're a SortaGolf Association candidate.

I for one, am cool with any set of rules (or adaptations) as long as everyone in my foursome follows what we agreed to on the first tee box. When I play in tournaments, I follow whatever rules they are playing by. I'm easy, as long as I get to play golf, I'm a happy camper regardless of the rules.

A bit from the SortaGolf Manifesto:

It’s not your fault. Golf is a difficult game, even for professionals. Made even more so for recreational golfers by the unforgiving, arbitrary and burdensome rules and mandates set by the USGA. A Golf Online survey reported that only 23% of golfers admit to strictly following USGA Rules of Golf. Why so few? Because adhering to USGA Rules of Golf produce a frustrating, unsatisfactory experience for the vast majority of golfers.

Are we supposed to just accept this as our golfing lot and toil in perpetual frustration? Absolutely not! We at the SortaGolf Association say, “Gimme mulligan or gimme death!”

V1 Golf : Set up your very own golf academy...

V1 Golf is a great application that allows for swing analysis on your home computer. There are various versions of the software at various price points. However, there is also a free home edition that allows you to do all the basic functions (good enough for most of us).

It's simple, just download the software and install on your desktop or laptop pc. Combine that with a digital video camera or even a simple webcam, you can capture your swing and break it down frame-by-frame.

Not a bad little utility and very cool toy. The software goes way beyond the above mentioned features, even including a mechanism for capturing your swing and sending it off to a golf pro online that will break down your flaws and send back a detailed report.

Trust me, it's worth the download, regardless of how deep you get into the feature set. Jump over and take a look, it's the closest thing to having your own golf academy at home.

From a USAToday article on Home Swing Analysis Software:
In recent years the introduction of powerful home computers have led to the development of software that enables a golfer to work on his swing anywhere he can set up a camera and connect to a computer. It has rendered obsolete videotaping lessons.

February 19, 2005

A Final Four appearance for Natalie Gulbis ... Go Vote!

Golfer's unite! One of our own (ok, I know that's a stretch) is up for ESPN.com PAGE 2's Hottest Female Athlete of the Year. Natalie Gulbis may not show up high on the LPGA leaderboards, but the golfin' cuttie has made the final four of this year's online voting contest.

So jump on over to ESPN.com and place a vote for the "game" we love!

SOD: WorldGolfRanking.com
Maybe this will help us understand

From #1 Vijay Singh to #1151 Henri Salonen, you can find them all at the World Golf Ranking website. There is even a "How the System Works" section... Guess what? I still don't get it.

Author's Note: I promise to find a better SOD tomorrow... Feel free to send me some suggestions.

Who will take on the men?

BBC Sport weighs up the repercussions for the game of golf if the R&A allows female competitors to qualify for the Open Championship.

READ: BBC Sports's -Who will take on the men? (By Caroline Short)

FYI... Below are last year's driving averages.

2004 LPGA Average Driving Distances (yards)
1. Sophie Gustafson 270.2
2. Wendy Doolan 269.2
3. Annika Sorenstam 268.2
4. Grace Park 267.9
5. Laura Davies 266.7

2004 PGA Average Driving Distances (yards)
1. Hank Kuehne 314.4
2. Scott Hend 312.6
3. John Daly 306.0
4. Mike Heinen 305.2
5. Chris Smith 304.0

February 18, 2005

SOD: Golf World's Week in Pictures

Check out Golf World's Week In Pictures for some real stunning shots from Pebble Beach (disregard the ones of George Lopez and Donald Trump).

Jump to: Golf World

February 17, 2005

2007 Headline? A Wie bit Historical, U.S. Teen Wins Open Championship

The R&A is considering removing the wording on the Open entry form that states eligibility is limited to 'any male professional or from a male amateur golfer whose playing handicap does not exceed scratch'.

Progress is a beautiful thing...

Read: Mirror.co.uk - BIRDIE TIME

A slice of Summer in February...

So it's thirty degrees outside, and there is no chance for golf in the near future. You can watch the Malaysian Open or the Nissan Open on tv, but that might depress you even more. What's a golfer to do?

Visit SI.com and take a look see at this year's 2005 Swimsuit Edition, and when your done looking at the new, re-live years 1996 to 2004. At least for a few minutes, you'll feel that summer is just around the corner.

Read: Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit 2005

Also: Don't miss the body painting section that features the models wearing nothing but "painted on" sports jerseys of their favorite sports teams.

UPDATE: While we are at it, let me also point you to Maxim Magazine's 2005 Swimsuit section... It's not golf, but you know...

Top Ten Swings of All-Time?

What do Bobby Jones and Adam Scott have in common? According to SI.com's Scott Wraight, both of them are among the top 10 all-time when it comes to pure swing. He admits it's very subjective and damn hard, and he's right.

We could spend a year debating, but for now, take a look at Mr. Wraight's thoughts.

Read: SI.com's "The Front Nine" Column - The best swings of all time on the PGA Tour

Cheers to GolfPunk Magazine... Loosen up and enjoy!

At first glance you'll think "FHM meets GolfDigest", but after further review, you'll think "Just what the doctor (or nurse) ordered".

GolfPunk offers up everything you would normally find in a golf mag (albeit with a younger voice and fresh material). However, what sets it apart (and gets your attention), are the very likeable monthly features like "Bunker Babes" and the "Golf Nurse".

Not typical, but worth a second look if you like some fun (& style)with your golf. Pick it up at your local newstand or subscribe (www.golfpunkmag.com), you won't be sorry.

Read a BBC.com Interview with: Tim Southwell
Founder and Editor of 'Golf Punk' magazine champions his favourite sport.

A review from Media Week -
When I first picked up Golf Punk, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Considering it was the brainchild of Tim Southwell, co-founder of Loaded, you could be forgiven for thinking it was yet another men’s title (apart from the name) – but how wrong you would be.

Golf Punk is a bi-monthly publication targeting golfers aged 15 to 34-years and who don’t have anything to read from the current crop of titles. The founders of the title are hoping to revolutionise the world of golf publishing because all the existing mags are heavily biased towards the older golfer. Golf is going through a transitional period and is certainly getting younger (probably a result of Tiger Woods’ success – and, yes, he’s featured in the first issue), which can only be a good thing. Read More...

New Callaway HX HOT promises even more distance...

I for one, can't wait for the snow to melt so that I can get out and try some of the latest equipment offerings, particularly balls... And these new Callaway bullets will be first on my to-do list.

Here is a piece from Callaway's site that offers some insight on the difference between clubhead speed and ball speed, and how they affect distance.

From Callaway.com- We asked Richard C. Helmstetter, Callaway Golf Vice Chairman, tech guru and the inventor of the original Big Bertha Driver, to explain the different between clubhead speed and ball speed, and why it should matter to you. LINK

TheGolfChannel.com sums up all the new ball offerings from the PGA Merchandise Show.

Note: A 3-piece Callaway ball for just $24.99? - maybe things are changing when it comes to retail pricing on golf equipment... rejoice.

February 16, 2005

2005 MASTERS TOURNAMENT INVITEES

Get ready, because it will be here before you know it.

Here is the updated list of the current 2005 Master's field as it currently stands. It's interesting to look at the bottom of the page and see the many different ways players are qualified.

PLANNING FOR THE MASTERS:
2005 Masters, April 4-10, 2005

From Masters.org- Early round coverage on USA Network will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 30 minutes longer each day than the previous 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. broadcast times. USA Network will replay early round telecasts from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Saturday's coverage on CBS will be 3:30 - 7:00 p.m., also 30 minutes longer at the day's conclusion. Sunday's time on CBS of 2:30 - 7:00 p.m. remains the same. All times are Eastern Daylight Savings Time.

A Guilt-Free Golf Hangout for Everyone...

Hello and welcome to our new place dedicated to all things golf… for all types of golfers.

Golf is a unique and intriguing phenomenon. Millions of people love the game for millions of different reasons. Some love the competition, some the relaxation, and others the beer cart girls. Some love to tinker with their equipment and others remain faithful to the sticks they've used for a decade (or two).

I for one drool at the thought of golf gear. Shoes, hats, clubs, balls, it doesn't matter, I love it all. So you can be sure that Bogey Lounge will have its share of gear news and reviews along with all the other things that we think may interest all of you.

Regardless of why we love the game, one fact remains the same for all golf lovers - We can't get enough of it! ... so for all of you who can't get enough, I welcome you to Bogey Lounge.

Come on in and indulge in all things golf... guilt free.

Filed under BOGEY RANTS | Authored by BogeyMan |

February 15, 2005

Tour Tempo... Can you have it?

Tour Tempo: Golf's Last Secret Finally Revealed

I purchased this book a few months ago and in a very short time made very big improvements. This book explains the importance of tempo in your swing (it's not how hard you swing, it's how you swing).

Big thumbs up on this one. I know it helped because even my smart ass buddies have said that my swing "all-of-a-sudden" looks great and they have no idea why.

Author John Novosel claims to have cracked the "genetic code" of the golf swing - and has devised a simple and effective system to teach it to golfers of all levels, from tour players to weekend warriors.

Check this book out and don't tell your playing partners about it.

(Bonus: Book comes with a cd with tempo beats on it that you can use to practice with... My tip to you is record the files to your phone or mp3 player and take it with you to the range. Once you get the beats ingrained, it will be second nature for you to swing with a consistent tempo.)

February 12, 2005

Footjoy... different strokes for different folks...

It's interesting to browse the various manufacturers' sites for different countries to see just how diverse the offerings are. A great example is FootJoy who has very different lines based on what continent they're selling in.

Probably based on the dreaded focus groups and sales data, however, it would be nice if they offered a place online where you could purchase from any of their lines (it's 2005, think global internet marketplace).

These retro looking FJ's were found on their UK site (stylishly different, I think). Retro bowling shoe look made popular in the US, yet not available stateside. I'll continue looking for them online.

Callaway X-Tour Irons... Winning Now, Coming Soon...

When Lefty changed equipment before last year's Ryder Cup everyone thought "bad move". But after some tweaks and upgrades, looks like Callaway and Mickelson are a match made in heavenwood.

Phil is back to hanging tough with the big boys (moving into the #4 spot after last week's win), and his gear company couldn't be happier. Will his convincing win at the FBR give credibility to Callaway's soon-to-be-released offering? Meanwhile, Callaway fans await the arrival of a legit tour caliber iron. Stay tuned...

From CallawayGolf.com - X-TOUR IRONS
It’s one of the most talked-about debuts on tour this season – an iron with forged precision and feel, Callaway Golf forgiveness and playability. The new X-Tour Irons are now in the bags of players like Phil Mickelson and Charles Howell III, and later this spring they’ll be available at a retail location near you.

Here are some photos of the X-Tours found on the internet:
BACK | SOLE | FACE | At ADDRESS

February 11, 2005

Promotional stunt may turn into latest trend?

Looks like Nike's promo stunt at the FBR Open may have ignited a return to a colorful trend... We at BogeyLounge are all for non-traditional approaches to the game, but this one may be over the top.

Read: USA Today - Rolling out new black ball lights up telephones at Nike

SOD: Golf Connoisseur Magazine ... Everything that's wrong about golf.

When someone wants to poke fun at golf, they point to the perception that it is a rich guy's game played by crusty old men. We know that's not the case (for the most part) and continue to work towards sheding a different light on the game.

Then, in the year 2005, just when we thought the tide was turning comes "Golf Connoisseur Magazine". Looks like the publishers are out to garner a readership that includes only the richest, most arrogant, and high brow men in the world in order to entice (what else), the high brow advertiser.

Why not "Football Connoisseur" or "NASCAR Connoisseur"? I'm sure there are just as many millionaires in the world that like other sports, why continue to sully the name of golf?

I like golf and I also like fine cars, wine, and plasma screens but I don't make a boat load of money, so I'm not the target reader. Guess what Golf Connoisseur? There are a lot more average guys and gals that love golf out there and their combined spending power is more powerful than any "it" list of subscribers you put together.

Just reading an excerpt from their website tells me eveything I need to know about the publishers:

From Golf Connoisseur Magazine - Chairmen's Note:
In our business travels over the last two decades-and while racking up more than two million frequent-flier miles between us - we have dreamed of creating an elite golf and men's lifestyle magazine that focuses on the finer things in life.

This magazine intends to discover many of the pleasures that drive successful men, their philosophies and their dreams. Our readers, like you, are intelligent, well traveled, love the game of golf, and have the passion, means, and motivation to seek out and enjoy the very best life has to offer.

Now I have nothing against these guys and hell, since I can never get enough golf info, I may even subscribe (if they'll have me).

The point is, magazines like this set the golf movement back a century. It's not an exclusive game that young people should be intimidated to take up. Let's find ways to grab new players not scare them away.

What we need for the sustained growth and acceptance of our game is more "GolfPunk" and less "Golf Connoisseur". Cheers.

February 9, 2005

SOD: ISEEKGOLF.com

Today's Site of the Day, IseekGolf.com claims to be "Australasia's Ultimate Website". After spending just a few mintues poking around, you'll think it just may be Golf's Ultimate Website.

Packed with useful features like "Golf Health Tips" and extended coverage (both previews and recaps) of every pro tour event from Fiji to Florida, IseekGolf should be at the top of every golfer's bookmark list.

Visit today, and find what you've been seeking.

February 8, 2005

Ladies Only... Big Break III takes off!

What is finer than a woman who can swing a driver? How about 10 of them all on one reality series?

TGC's Big Break III premiered tonight and it looks like a hit. These gals are tough, sweet, and all got game. Tune in with your girlfriends, wives, (or both) and maybe they'll get a woman's perspective on why golf is so great.

Tuesdays on The Golf Channel...

February 6, 2005

Loud and Proud!

GolfWorld's Ron Sirak writes that "The 16th at TPC Scottsdale has a rightful place in golf".

In our humble opinion... We Agree!

Read: GolfWorld's - Come on feel the NOISE!

Lefty in the win column...

It didn't take long for Phil Mickelson to get it going in '05 with a convincing win at the FBR Open. Phil finished the event at 17-under-par 267 for his 24th career victory on the PGA Tour.

Read: TheGolfChannel.com - FBR OPEN Recap

February 5, 2005

Golf Porn? ... Golf Digest "Hotlist" (Uncensored)

It says it right on the cover, "Uncensored". If there were such a thing as golf porn, this would be it.

Pick up a copy before it's too late, or check out Golf Digest online. Throughout the month they will be releasing more of this issue on their website.

Hey Tommy pass me a sleeve of Pro-V's...

Before winning Super Bowl MVP's, looks like Tom Brady spent a good amount of time around the game of golf. Free golf and a cart? What better way to spend time between Saturday games at U of Michigan?

From TravelGolf.com -
Behind center or behind the desk, Brady a class act

Another try for IZOD...

Under yet another licensee, Izod launches their Izod-G line. With an emphasis on the Euro-centric look spreading on the links lately, this line comes at a right time. Will the products meet expectations and regenerate interest in the brand or will most of the product end up at the discount clearance outlet stores that you visit on the way to the beach this summer?

Check it out by visiting their somewhat clunky all-flash site... My suggestion for IZOD-G is to put together a simple and intuitive site that shows off your new products and not some design studio's flash skills.