BogeyLounge: March 2005 Archives

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March 31, 2005

Tiger Woods secretly tests new Nike One Platinum ball

Another ball change for Tiger? see below...

Last week, Sports Illustrated reported that Woods since January has been playing a prototype Nike ball called the One Platinum. He has been using it to crack 300-yard drives -- with a three-wood. He has been rolling in clutch 28-footers at Doral with it. And he has been using it to win a couple of tournaments while playing No. 1 tag with Vijay Singh.

But here's the kicker.

Woods has been hiding the ball from the Darrell Survey -- which monitors equipment use on the PGA Tour -- by playing a ball stamped with the name of his previous ball, One Gold.

Such is the cloak-and-dagger world of golf equipment manufacturing.

"As is usually the case, he'll put a prototype in play before he signs off on anything," said Nike communications director Dean Stoyer. "He's got to see how it works in competition before we introduce a new ball that's tied to him." - [Detroit Free Press]

See the complete story:
Tiger Woods test new Nike One Platinum [Detroit Free Press]

TAG Heuer's Tiger Woods edition golf watch...

“Together with TAG Heuer designers, we have developed the one watch that I can wear on my wrist without adversely affecting my golf swing.” - Tiger Woods

"This is an extraordinary achievement," says Tiger, who extensively tested the TAG Heuer Professional Golf Watch prototypes and then wore the pre-series in the 2004 Boston PGA Tournament. “Now, for the first time, golfers can wear a watch in total comfort, and make a contribution to a great charity that helps youth at the same time. “Golf experts have always said that you should take your watch off before you step up to the tee, and TAG Heuer has proven them wrong. It's a great watch and a true pleasure to wear."

“Calling upon Tiger to collaborate on the design of the world's first-ever professional golf watch was an obvious choice,” comments Daniel Lalonde, TAG Heuer NA President and CEO. “Not only is he a world-class champion golfer, but since 2003, Tiger has played a key role in the design and development of a number of TAG Heuer timepieces, including the sold-out, Link Limited Edition Tiger Woods watch.”

The TAG Heuer Professional Golf Watch is based on a unique design that provides maximum comfort to the wearer. The clasp and folding buckle of a conventional watch are often awkward and can hurt the wrist while intensively playing golf. Also, the standard placement of the crown at 3 o'clock can interfere with the golfer’s motion and comfort when the wrist is bent. To overcome these obstacles, TAG Heuer developed a revolutionary patented system that integrates the clasp into the watch head, and also moved the crown across the dial from the 3 o’clock to the 9 o'clock position.

"Golfers have very specific reasons for not wearing a watch during play -- the added weight on the wrist, the strap being too loose or too tight, not to mention the intense demands the game puts upon the wrist,” continues Tiger. “Working systematically through these and other obstacles with TAG Heuer's amazing team of watchmakers, engineers and designers, we were able to address all of these concerns and overcome them."

Another challenge TAG Heuer addressed is that a regular watch often slides on the wrist, snagging on the golfer's glove and creating discomfort. If the watch is tight enough so that it won’t slide, it, too, becomes uncomfortable, since the wrist's diameter changes during the course of a game -- even during the course of a single swing. To combat these problems, TAG Heuer developed an exclusive, ultra-flexible silicon strap with amazing elasticity that eliminates any sliding. The strap also dampens any shock to the wrist and adapts its length to any change in wrist diameter.

Since regular watches are often too heavy and impede the golfer’s swing and putting precision, the TAG Heuer Professional Golf Watch is made of ultra-light titanium, stainless steel and silicon. The super-slim watch weighs only 55 grams, making it an astonishing 60% lighter than other TAG Heuer steel watches. This extraordinary slimness also makes the TAG Heuer Professional Golf watch one of the most elegant and dressy luxury square-shaped watches on the market. Concludes Tiger, "It’s so incredibly light, you literally forget it’s on your wrist -- until you need it."

More information: WatchNetwork.com

Man spends 50,000 pounds to master golf in vain!

O.K., so this is what my future holds...

Neil McLellan, a retired merchant banker, wanted to learn golf so badly that he spent 50,000 pounds on 3,000 golf clubs to improve his game, but in vain.

According to The Sun, he bought the best in irons, woods, bags, motorised trolleys and balls, but they failed to make a difference to his game.

So much so that he tossed them into his garden shed in disgust and after his death the stash filled two mammoth sheds in his house in Dunblane, Perthshire.

It had virtually every club and bag produced by the world's top manufacturers and took shocked auctioneers a full day to shift and another two days to catalogue. [World News - London]

UPDATE [6:52pm] - Check it out, the entire lot went for $56,000US during an auction today...

March 30, 2005

Legally Blind Golfer Gets Hole-In-One

No kidding... check it out here [Yahoo-AP].

The funny thing is, he didn't believe his buddies because they've actually pulled his leg with that one before. With friends like that... I guess he gets the last laugh.

Wow, I've got perfect vision, and I'm lucky not to whiff on a tee-shot :)

Innovation allows disabled golfers to play standing...

When I received an email about this innovation that will allow wheelchair bound golfers a chance to play standing, I couldn't help but think about how easy it is to take things for granted.

This golf wheel chair is the brain child of Anthony Netto a South African born golf professional and trainer. Anthony suffered a neck fracture after a car accident, in 1995.

This led to him being wheelchair bound for months. After numerous operations and a lot of time in hospital the 37-year old was able to resume work as a teaching pro in 1997. However, in October 2000, he suffered a further setback when multiple sclerosis struck him down. Since that time he has been confined to a wheelchair.

Thus came the inspiration for this wheelchair for disabled golfers.

For those who can read German, here is another link with more info and photos.

Golf's latest trend... the shift in fashion

There was a time when you would look at Jesper Parnevik and say, "WTF is he wearing?" Lately, his attire is tame compared to what's been popping up on courses all over the PGA Tour.

I'd like to try some of these trendy duds myself, but given that my body type is less "Badds" and more "SignBoy", I think I'd end up looking more like a beach ball and less like a hip golfer.

"Golf has been dominated by talk of the Big Four and tournaments interrupted by weather. But another trend that can no longer be ignored is the latest shift in fashion.

Sansabelt pants were all the rage in the '70s.

The '80s were about colors and plaids that never seemed to work together and gave golf a bad reputation for having badly dressed men chasing a little white ball. Portraits of winners at The Players Championship hang from a wall at Sawgrass, and there was one stretch in the '80s that three out of four champions wore red pants.

Later down the row, it becomes obvious that golf went conservative in the '90s with solid pants and solid shirts.

And then Parnevik showed up." [ESPN.com]

March 29, 2005

The Tavistock Cup: My country club is better than yours...

For those of you who didn't get enough golf this past weekened (and yesterday), fear not, for there is more golf coverage coming your way today.

The Tavistock Cup, reduced to a one-day event because of the TPC's weather related delays, tees off today on The Golf Channel (Noon-5pm ET).

What is the Tavistock Cup?, you ask. Basically, let's just say its the Country Club Championship for the big boys. Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Annika Sorenstam will tee it up today for pride and a modest purse (although, one can imagine a good number of substantial side bets going on in an event like this.)

Cody from the Sand Trap has a nice preview posted: Tavistock Cup Preview

Also, more info is available at www.Tavistockcup.com

March 28, 2005

Fear the Turtle: Funk a winner at TPC

Former University of Maryland golf coach ('82-'88) Fred Funk won the biggest tournament of his life today by outlasting a charging field and cataclysmic wind conditions to win The 2005 Players Championship and the $1.4 million that comes with it.

"I can't believe it," Funk said, choking back tears. "I didn't fathom this happening."

He closed with a 1-under 71, then had to wait until Luke Donald missed a 20-foot birdie putt from just off the green before celebrating the seventh -- and by far the biggest -- victory of his career.

Funk, 48, became the oldest winner of The Players Championship with a final round that aged him even more, with conditions that were tougher than most majors because of 35 mph wind.

Read: Feelin' Funky [ESPN]

Editor's note - I went with the "Fear the Turtle" U of Maryland reference because I can only imagine all of the headlines that will incorporate the word "Funk" tonight and tomorrow... just for kicks, do me a favor and cut and paste any you see in the comments section below, I'd love to see just how many variations the media will come up with.

Our fate hangs on the shoulders of Charles Howell III?

In today's Daily Telegraph (UK), writer Mark Reason takes a look at the fate of American golf due to the dearth of young talent.

"The second-placed Johnson is one of only three Americans who fall into the category of being both under 30 and in the world's top 90. It is almost unthinkable that the United States should have so few decent twenty-somethings, but it is a measure of a decline that has been reflected in consecutive losses in both the Walker and Ryder Cups.

By 2006 that number could conceivably be down to one because by next February both Johnson and Tiger Woods will have turned 30. That will leave only Charles Howell III, who will be 26 on the Monday after the US Open, to represent the nation's youth." [Daily Telegraph]

Now I like CH3, but is this really the best we can do? Maybe we should embargo the services of Butch Harmon or maybe ban college admission to foreign golfers... Just kidding of course (I wouldn't want to be labeled a xenophobe ;) Are you listening Paul Casey?

All kidding aside, the impact Tiger has had on the game will certainly fuel a new crop of young players, but the PGA could assist with better programs and more affordable golfing options for kids.

It's unfortunate that most U.S. professionals grew up hanging out with their dads at the country club from an early age. The game needs more future Lee Trevinos and less Davis Loves (no offense Davis, you still the man).

Read: Westwood reigns over America's talent drought [Daily Telegraph]

Maxfli BLACKMAX: Everything you've ever wanted to know...

Maxfli recently launched an updated site which covers (in depth) everything you would ever want to know about the new BlackMAX golf ball.

Now I've only had the opportunity to play one round with the ball, but it has already captured my attention in a big way. Great off the driver, true off the irons, and super responsive around the greens. A consistent ball all the way around.

Check out the new Maxfli site which includes charts, graphs, video, and testimonials (if nothing else, it's an example of excellent web marketing). MAXFLI.com

For early reviews click here:
GolfMagic.com | The Sand Trap | Carlsbad Confidential

March 27, 2005

Call me Craz-E, but this is one review I can't argue with...

MediaGuru over at Hooked on Golf has posted a nice review on Ping's very sweet "Craz-E" Putter. This is Ping's answer to the two-ball putter craze and guess what? They got it right.

The putter feels nice in hand and as MediaGuru states in his review:
"It is just a static piece of metal and plastic but when I put it in motion it feels very smooth and wants to travel square to the target line. The weighting is balanced perfectly and helps you produce a pendulum like stroke."

I couldn't have put it better myself... If I decide to take a dive into the world of "alignment assistance putters" this is the one i'll choose... SEE THE FULL REVIEW AT "HOOKED ON GOLF"

On a sadder note, MediaGuru's personal best streak of playing the same ball ended at 92 holes without reloading. The ball was a prototype Maxfli BlackMAX which says a lot for the durability of this ball (one of the reasons I think it will be the hit of the summer.)

Anyway, congrats to MG on his record streak, maybe the boys over at Carlsbad Confidential can get the man a "certificate of achievement" or something (at least another sleeve of balls for the good publicity).

Oh so close: Monty cards career best 60!

Colin Montgomerie's career-best round of 60 at the Indonesian Open proved to be in vain as Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant won the title by five shots.

Montgomerie came within inches of a 59 but his 60 gave him an 18-under-par total of 262 including nine birdies in a row to share fourth place.

Montgomerie needed to win the tournament to return to the world's top 50 and automatically clinch a place at Augusta, but now he must rely on being invited.

See the story: Monty records career-best round [BBC Sport]

March 26, 2005

Links from the past: Wired Magazine [May 2000]

From time to time, I'll post a link to an old golf related story that I think you'll find interesting today...

Today's comes from a May 2000 issue of Wired Magazine and covers how new (now old) technology comes into play in golf. The basis of the story revolved around Callaway's launch of their first ever golf ball (remember the "We brought in Boeing engineers to help design our new Rule35 golf ball" talk?)

Here are a few more interesting tidbits from the 2000 article:

Roughing It Taylor Made's Rescue club may look like a gene-splicing experiment gone terribly wrong, but its performance benefits are unbeatable. By combining fairway wood distance with long-iron control, it serves as the trouble club nonpareil: The tungsten sole plate under its titanium body makes it play as well from the rough and from fairway bunkers as from perfect lies. Rescue club with Bubble graphite shafts: $320 each, in 15-, 18-, 21-, and 24-degree lofts.

Precious Metal OK, so it's not solid platinum. It's carbon steel and nickel, with a thin platinum plating. But the oh-so-elegant Titleist Scotty Cameron Pro Platinum putter delivers on the promise of its name in balance, feel, and aesthetics. In the right hands, each clack is like a kiss from a movie star. Scotty Cameron Pro Platinum putter: $250.

Evolution Rarely if ever does duffer-targeted technology translate into a club that feels and plays (asSportsCenter's Stuart Scott would say) like straight butta. But Tommy Armour's new 845 evo v-31 irons pull it off with two clever innovations. The weight distribution changes from club to club, making the 9-iron, for example, look strikingly different from the 3-iron. And the flex points of the new Tri-Gold shafts differ through the set to optimize distance and trajectory. 845 evo v-31 irons: $832 per set.

See the entire story: WIRED Golf [WIRED Magazine - May 2000]

HONMA Golf: $36,000 for a set of irons?

I was flipping through the latest copy of T&L Golf this morning and found this article on the HONMA Golf Company. You may not have heard of these guys and that's because you're probably not their target customer.

These are high-end (very high-end) clubs, made with precision (and sometimes Gold) and marketed to Asia's most prominent citizens. I know, it's like something out of a Richie Rich cartoon.

On this side of the ocean, pitcher Roger Clemens and singer Marc Anthony play HONMA with glowing reviews. And recently, even Donald Trump got in on the act (somehow gold clubs seem to fit the Trumpster perfectly).

Needless to say, BogeyMan will never play HONMA clubs, and even if I had the means, I wouldn't like my clubs "all blinged up". Not to mention that I get stressed when my stainless clubs get nicked up, could you imagine playing a shot with your 24k gold clubs out of dessert wasteland.

For now, I'll stick with my Mizuno's.

For laughs, check out the story and the company's U.S. site:
Good As Gold? [T&L Golf]
HONMA Golf Direct
HONMA's Japanese Site (in English)

We have a winner(s): BogeyLounge Caption Contest

Sorry, but I almost forgot (actually, I did forget until I went back and reviewed some comments last night) about our first ever caption contest (photo to the right)...

We had a hard time selecting between two entries so we'll pick both as winners:

"Callaway Jock Strap? I knew that I shouldn't have let those guys from Callaway product development talk me into this!" [GolfGrouch]

"Still upset with Phil over his Ryder Cup performance, the ranger let's him have it." [Judy R.]

Kudos to GolfGrouch for many great entries... Grouch and Judy should email me with their choice of balls and an address to mail your winnings. Congrats!

You can check out all the entries HERE... Thanks to all who entered...

Stay tuned for another caption contest very soon...

Play to resume Saturday morning with a clean slate...

The second round of THE PLAYERS Championship was re-started Saturday morning so all players can compete under lift, clean and place rules. Tee times reverted back to Friday's original tee times with a 7 a.m. ET start.

30 players had teed off Friday before inclement weather halted the competition after just 44 minutes. None of Friday's play will count. New hole placements on the first three holes on each side are being made before the second round begins.

Read More:
Heavy Rain Delays the Players Championship [Yahoo-AP]
LIFT, CLEAN, WORRY [Miami Herald]

March 24, 2005

Wie Just One Back at Nabisco

Rosie Jones carded a 3-under-par 69 on Thursday to join Karen Stupples and Mi Hyun Kim in the lead after the first round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Annika Sorenstam, who is seeking her fifth consecutive victory on the LPGA Tour, posted a 2-under-par 70 to share fourth place with Carin Koch, Juli Inkster and amateurs Michelle Wie and Morgan Pressel.

Ai Miyazato (who shot a 3-over par 75) is playing her first tournament in the United States this week, but the 19-year-old sensation probably feels like she's back in Japan given the large Japanese media crowd documenting her every move. She played in a threesome with Michelle Wie and Natalie Gulbis today.

With dad ill at home, Harrington unsure about Masters

World number six Padraig Harrington has said he may not play in the US Masters in two weeks' time.

The Irishman said he is only competing in the Players' Championship, which starts in Florida on Thursday, because his father wants to watch him on TV.

Harrington's father Paddy, 72, is in hospital having treatment for cancer. - BBC Sport

The Players Championship: Round One Leaders

Here's a quick recap of Today's First Round action:

Steve Jones' 64 gave him the lead after day-one of THE PLAYERS Championship. Fred Funk and Zach Johnson are one stroke behind.

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
1 Jones, Steve -8
2 Funk, Fred -7
2 Johnson, Zach -7
2 Westwood, Lee -7
5 Donald, Luke -6
5 Garcia, Sergio -6
5 Lewis, J.L. -6
FULL LEADERBOARD

ESPN - Jones 8-under after first round

Help me read greens... Please

While my game is coming along nicely (i have finally started breaking 90 consistently) after three years of strife and struggle, I can't seem to really grasp the art of reading greens.

IMHO, I'm a pretty darn good putter (meaning my pace and following a line are fine)... I just have a really hard time with reading the line of a putt.

So my question is... Is there anything I can do (training tips, gadgets, books) to make me "get it" when it comes to reading greens?

Any info would be great (no need to register in order to comment below).

Thanks,
BogeyMan

Fab Four Era? Singh, Woods, Els, Mickelson

They've jockeyed on the money list and world rankings, creating rivalries and causing flashbacks to golf's Sans-A-Belt days of the 1970s, if not the game's storied battles of the '50s and '60s.

Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson — the Big Four, in order, according to this week's Official World Golf Ranking — meet for the second time this season in The Players Championship, the so-called fifth major that offers the PGA Tour's highest purse ($8 million) and largest winner's check ($1.44 million). - USA Today

Golf's new golden era? If the start to the '05 campaign is any indication, me thinks it possible...

Read more: Singh, Woods, Els, Mickelson create Fab Four era - USA Today

Masters Quest: Monty has steady start in Jakarta

Colin Montgomerie's late bid to qualify for the Masters got off to a steady start with a three-under-par 67 in the opening round of the Indonesian Open.

Second place may be good enough for Montgomerie, but a spot at Augusta would then hinge on results from The Players Championship in Sawgrass.

Read more: Monty has steady start in Jakarta - BBC Sport
Full Leaderboard - Europeantour.com

March 23, 2005

Things have chaged...

Larry at No Damn Three Putts posted this gem earlier... While my wife could relate, she didn't find it funny... go figure...

Check out: Oh How We've Changed - No Damn Three Putts

The Players Championship 2005: Link Roundup

TV Schedule
Thursday, 3/24 12-6pm ET ESPN
Friday, 3/25 12-6pm ET ESPN
Saturday, 3/26 2-6pm ET NBC
Sunday, 3/27 1:30-6:30pm ET NBC

Links
LEADERBOARD
TPC At-A-Glance
Thursday's Pairings
The Golf Channel's TPC Coverage

Latest Stories
SI.com - Ready to Rumble - "Big Four" tee it up at PLAYERS Championship

The Sand Trap's TPC Preview

MSNBC - How the TPC Sawgrass course helped boost golf

Goose flying under the radar at Players Championship

According to Golf Digest the hottest golfer to look out for this weekend is always-under-the-radar Retief Goosen, who has thre top-10s in his last three starts.

Also covered is the fact that Vijay's late round miscues may mean a return to some of his old haunts. Sure would explain missing a 2 1/2 foot putt.

See a complete Players Championship preview: GolfDigest.com

Tiger's driver checked for COR limit because of inquiry...

After finishing his pro-am round at the Bay Hill Invitational, Woods was headed for the parking lot when PGA Tour rules officials Mark Russell and Slugger White stopped him. Turns out a fellow player wanted Woods' driver tested to make sure it conformed to the rules.

"They said, 'We've had an inquiry,"' Woods said. "I said, 'No big deal."Woods gave the club to caddie Steve Williams, who took it to the tournament office to be tested. The limit for coefficient of restitution - otherwise known as springlike effect for those without a degree in physics - is 0.83. The results don't show a number, only whether the driver passed or failed.

"It wasn't even close," Woods said. "I'm well below the speed limit. The hotter it gets, the more I cut it. I can't control the ball if it's coming off the face that fast."

The PGA better be careful or congress will want to do a hearing regarding "hot" drivers...

See the complete story: On the PGA, you can tell, but don't ask - Fox Sports

Park Fit for Defense of Opening Major

South Korea's Grace Park declared herself fit to defend the Kraft Nabisco Championship, although she said her back was very sore after completing Wednesday's 18-hole Pro-am.

The 26-year-old pulled out of the final round of last week's LPGA tournament in Phoenix with a back muscle injury and had not hit a shot since Saturday.

"I started out okay but after about five holes I was hitting it 20-yards shorter than normal and then it was about 30-yards by the time I finished," Park said.

"On the back nine I was needing about two clubs more for every shot so my game's certainly not in perfect shape.

"My back is very sore and now I'm going to go and get some more treatment and, hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow," she added.

"I'm wearing a back brace to try and ease some of the pain and, whatever happens this week I'm going to take a five week break and try to get really well and fit."

The Kraft Nabisco Championship, the opening major of the women's season, begins Thursday.

Park won the title last year by one stroke from compatriot Aree Song. - Reuters

7-year-old competes in New Zealand National Amateur Championship?

Competitive golfers are getting younger every year, but this is stretching the point. During the recent New Zealand women's national amateur championship, a 7-year-old was in a field that also included players 10, 11, 13 and 14.

The youngest, Lydia Ko, was seen skipping down the fairways as she finished just over par off her 14 handicap.

Lydia Ko, according to the website which contains the handicaps of every club member in New Zealand, played her first round of golf on December 23 - less than three months ago.

See the complete story: Relentless dedication should never be child's play - nzherald.co.nz

Let the big DOG HORSE eat...

While I try to keep attention away from my golf bag, some of you like to show your true colors with wild and crazy headcovers. Nothing is wilder or crazier than JP Lann Golf's wild animal collection of realistic animal headcovers, which includes everything from an American Eagle to a Zebra.

My favorite is this Horse Head because after you use it to protect your 450cc driver, you can put it in your enemy's bed to scare and intimidate him or her :)

JP Lann recently introduced their Canine Collection line of jumbo animal head covers.

The set includes beagle, black lab, bulldog, golden retriever and huskie head covers designed to offer the highest level of protection for drivers. Each head cover ($25) features a long spandex neck to protect the shaft and can accommodate drivers up to 450cc.

For more information or to purchase a head cover, go to www.jplann.com.

Anger Management: Perez should contain himself

While contending for his first victory a week ago Sunday in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he finished one shot out of the playoff, Pat Perez missed a putt at No. 12 and showed the ball his middle finger.

Fortunately, NBC didn't show the putt live and, fearful Perez might explode again, the network chose not to show any of his subsequent shots live.

Who does Perez hurt more than anyone? Himself.

Why would you compromise your career and the state of your game at that level with childish behavior? Why would a sponsor want to associate their brand with an athlete that can't contain himself?

Even as a hack, I know that blowing up only makes things worse... Get some help Pat, you're too good to not be at the top. And you'll never get to the top without keeping it together.

"I'm not anything like this off the course," Perez told The Golf Channel. "I don't expect people to accept this kind of behavior by me. It's very unprofessional. And I apologize for the people I offended."

Then do something about it...

Read more about Pat's behavior:
PEREZ NOT READY FOR LIVE TV - NY Post
Passionate Perez Trying To Change Bad-Boy Image - Tampa Tribune

March 22, 2005

TPC at Sawgrass: an aquired taste...

Golf World's Ron Whitten writes that at first the pros didn't like the TPC at Sawgrass Stadium Course, but after many changes it's a hit—if not what Pete Dye had in mind.

"When I first saw the course 18 years ago, it was so intimidating," says Steve Elkington, who has won there twice. "It was a new style of golf, a new concept. So it took some time for guys to learn to like it. It's a great venue, because it's the most precise golf we have to play all year. You have to hit fairways and greens there. There's none of this hit-four-out-of-14-fairways-and-still- shoot-68 on that golf course."

Love it or hate it, this weekend at the TPC Sawgrass is sure to make for a great golf weekend.

Hi-Tec CDT Golf Shoes: Golf's alternative to steroids?

(Original review done March 22) As if it's not bad enough that we carry a diagram of weight distribution configurations for our drivers, now it looks like some of us will have to do the same for our golf shoe cleat configurations.

The new Hi-Tec CDT golf shoes are said to employee proprietary cleat technology that makes the Hi-Tec CDT the "world's first game improvement golf shoe".

Endorsed by Irishman Padraig Harrington, who says the shoe has increased his ball speed from 166mph to 173mph (for a whopping 17.5 yards of distance increase), the shoe is the result of "two years of intensive research to perfect the shoe's biomechanics".

Are we buying any of this? You're probably not, but BogeyMan is a fool... so my review of the Hi-Tec CDT appears below (with follow-up updates to follow)...

For more info check out Hi-Tec online for yourself.

My initial thoughts on the Hi-Tec CDT Golf Shoes:

I finally had a chance to try these shoes last week and I have to say that I was impressed with the overall comfort and performance.

STYLING: There is no doubt that these are good looking traditional shoes and the quality and durability is easy to see. I look forward to seeing how they perform in wet conditions, but based on the construction I assume they will stay dry.

COMFORT: The Hi-Tecs come with two sets of insoles (regular and wide fit). I have always stayed away from the traditional golf shoes because of the narrow fit. My wide foot calls for a wide front (usually found in non-traditional golf shoes - i.e. Cyclonic, ECCO, etc...), but these traditional looking shoes fit nicely even with the regular fit insole.

If there was any discomfort, it was with the fact that the spikes on these shoes dig so deep that I found my feet catching ground when I was just walking up the fairway.

PERFORMANCE: While I didn't see (or expect) the marked improvement in distance that the shoes claim, I honestly did feel more balanced over the ball. I also felt that some thought did go into the shoe's design when it came to the golf swing and the body's weight shift from takeaway to follow through.

OVERALL: Probably not worth the price tag ($129), but still a very nice shoe. Comfort, quality, and performance are all above average.

UPDATED JUNE 17, 2005 - I was wrong. This shoe is very much worth the $129 price. Once I started wearing these regularly (and breaking them in), I couldn't switch back to some of my other shoes. They may not be the best looking in my collection, but they have now become the most comfortable golf shoes I own.

They stay dry in all conditions, and provide better support than I have ever gotten from a cleated shoe.

Try them, and you won't be sorry.

Big Break III: Valeria goes home... Four remain

It came down to putting tonight on the Big Break III, and a 3-putt by Valeria was enough to send her packing, leaving four contestants in the quest for one exemption spot at select LPGA tour events.

I still think Pam will win it all, even though veteran Cindy Miller is showing how important experience is.

Stay tuned...

See the show recap: TheGolfChannel.com

Talk about pressure: Monty needs win to get into Masters

Colin Montgomerie goes into the Indonesian Open in Jakarta this week with his eye firmly on first place.

A win would virtually make certain of a move into the top 50 and with that comes a place in the Masters in April.

Second place may be good enough, but a spot at Augusta would then hinge on results from The Players Championship in Sawgrass.

"A win anywhere in the world is good but winning the first ever Tour event in Jakarta would be great," he said.

"I feel, if I can get into the field, I have as good a chance as I have had in the last 20 years of winning the Masters," he added. - BBCsport.com

Big Break III: Who will be next?

BogeyMan looks forward to Tuesday night because that's BBIII night... However, I was saddened to hear that one of my favorites will be eliminated tonight...

So as to not ruin it for everyone else, I'll keep it to myself... but, if you want to know who is going home tonight, click here.

Or just check back for a recap at 10pm...

Sony PSP: Tiger Woods Golf to go...

The PSP revolution is expected to begin this Thursday as gamers will be lined up in hopes of getting their hands on the new portable gaming device from Sony.

Why is this news for the lounge? Well, besides the fact that the PSP looks to be the latest "it" gadget (rivaling iPod in popularity and third party options), it will also allow us Tiger Woods Golf fans to get our fix on the road.

Not to mention the fact that the PSP will serve as a gaming device, music device, video device, and down the road probably (with add-ons) a gps device, among other things... making it the perfect companion for a golf road trip...

Stay tuned... the revolution begins Thursday.

Everything you need to know about the PSP:

Gamespot.com - PSP LAUNCH CENTER

Gamespot.com - Preview the PSP version of Tiger Woods Golf

Engadget.com - See a roundup of reviews on the new PSP gaming device

Ai Miyazato: Japan's Tiger Woods is a 5 foot 2 teenager...

Here's another story about 19-year old Japanese golf sensation Ai Miyazato as she prepares to make her debut on the LPGA tour.

Women's golf is more popular on television than men's golf in Japan, according to LPGA Commissioner Ty Votaw.

"Ai Miyazato is responsible for that," he said. "She's certainly captured the imagination of Japan with her golf, much like Tiger Woods did in men's golf and Annika Sorenstam on our tour."

You can almost hear the drool coming from Ty Votaw... There's no doubt about how big this could be for the LPGA if Ai's Japanese following takes to the LPGA.

With the rise of teens Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer and now the arrival of what looks to be a true Asian superstar, the LPGA may be poised for a historic run.

Read the complete story: A Star in the Remaking - LATimes.com

Callaway Announces Long-Awaited Entry into Forged Market

On Monday, Carlsbad-based golf equipment maker Callaway Golf Co. (NYSE: ELY) said it will begin shipping a new line of forged iron clubs on April 15. It's Callaway's first foray into the forged iron market, according to company officials.

The clubs, called Callaway Golf X-Tour, are forged in two pieces and made of carbon steel. A standard set has a suggested retail price of $1,280.

Callaway's stock price improved by a penny Monday to $13.27

Read the Callaway Press Release - Business Wire

See our previous post which includes photos of the new X-Tour irons: Callaway X-Tour Irons... Winning Now, Coming Soon...

March 21, 2005

Grace Park withdraws with bad back... could miss first major

Grace Park, who was tied for ninth after three rounds of the Safeway International, withdrew from Sunday's final round because of a bad back.

"She is day to day, but she expects to play next week," Tim McNulty, Park's agent, said.

Park is the defending champion of the Kraft Nabisco Championship, the year's first major, which begins Thursday in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Read more at: Ailing back forces Park out - Arizona Republic

March 20, 2005

Vijay drops tournament, regains #1...

Kenny Perry lost a three-shot lead in three holes, but emerged the winner in the Bay Hill Invitational when Singh hit 7-iron off the rocks and into the water on the 18th hole to make double bogey, the second straight week he has blown a chance to win. (AP)

He may have regained the number one spot, but I doubt Vijay is very happy with himself right now.

See the recap: Singh blows chance to win, settles for consolation - ESPN.com

Sorenstam downs Ochoa in play-off

I'm watching the (recorded) Ochoa meltdown on The Golf Channel right now... Yes Annika came from behind with some nice late round play, but the door was left wide open by the young Ochoa.

See the recap: Sorenstam downs Ochoa in play-off - BBCSport.com

Cable-cam to be used at island green 17th...

You know those cameras they use on Monday Night Footbal to get an angle from above the huddle, or follow a running back as he sees and runs through a breakdown in the defensive line? Well, someone at NBC Sports thinks it would be a good idea to use said technology at a golf tournament... A little much I think... What's next? Visor Cam?

See the story: Camera will be positioned at island-green 17th - ESPN.com

March 19, 2005

Today... we ride! or walk, either way I'm happy...

It's been a long winter... so long that I was inspired to begin this blog about golf, just to keep me involved in the game.

Today, however, it begins. The start of my 2005 season will kick-off with a round at my favorite public course in the Maryland area, Greystone Golf Course. Greystone is a tremendous track designed by Joe Lee. Originally meant to be a high-end country club, Greystone was turned over to the Baltimore County revenue authority before it was completed and the rest is public golf history.

Now that the season is upon us, I look forward to having more material for the Lounge. Everything from in-depth recaps of my rounds (i'm totally kidding), to reviews on new clubs, balls, shoes, bags, courses etc... (not kidding).

FYI... I don't have an official handicap (yet), but I play to about a 15 for wagering purposes. I ended last season with a few mid 80's rounds (which is awesome for me), and a few weeks ago when I played in Florida, I shot an 87 which may be a good omen for the upcoming summer.

Anyway, that's more than everything you need to know about BogeyMan's game... below is a list of my ever-changing equipment list (which will be journaled on the site) as I search for that perfect combination of gear that will take my game to the next level (more posts on my equipment decisions will come later as I challenge the notions of what irons should be used by what level of player).

Today's Setup:
TaylorMade Quad r7 driver 10.5 (R flex MAS Shaft)
Callaway Hawkeye VFT 3-Wood (F flex shaft)
Mizuno Fli-Hi CLK 17* Utility club
Mizuno mp-32 Irons 3-PW
Mizuno MP-T Black Nickel 56* wedge
Cleveland 900 Series 60* wedge
Odyssey Tri-Hot #3 putter

Ball: Maxfli BlackMAX
Bag: Mizuno Aerolite Bag
Shoes: Hi-Tec CDT

Wish me luck... hope you also get a chance to get out today.

UPDATE Saturday Night: Thanks for the comments... I had a great time shooting an 89 (good for me). I shot a 47-42 with 8 pars and 1 bird... Unfortunately I couldn't stay away from the ridiculous blow up holes with a 10 and a 7.

I'm loving my new mp-32 irons (look for a complete review coming soon), I also got a chance to play the new Maxfli BlackMAX ball (pretty cool also... review to come).

March 18, 2005

XM Growth Continues with PGA Partnership

"XM Radio makes it possible for fans to follow the tournaments and get the latest golf news virtually anywhere from coast to coast, whether they are on the road, at the office, or even in the gallery at a tour event," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.

Golf on radio? Without pictures? Actually, there have been times when I've been in a situation where golf on the radio would have been awesome. Driving back from the beach on a Sunday afternoon?

Now you'll be able to hear live coverage of a PGA Tour event thanks to XM's recent deal with the PGA, bringing golf to the ever-expanding world of satellite radio.

Besides tournament coverage, XM could provide golf related talk shows and other golf specific content.

The only way for this technology to keep growing, is to offer content the consumer can't get anywhere else... this certainly falls under that category.

Here's more info: XM on Course with PGA Partnership - Reuters

Thanks to golf blog pioneer :) GolfBlogger for the heads-up...

Rain Suspends Play at Bay Hill

Play was suspended around 10:30 a.m. ET Thursday and one plan had the players returning to Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge at 4:00 p.m. Unfortunately that plan was scrapped when the weather did not cooperate and now the first round will resume at 7:15 a.m. Friday morning. The second round is scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m.

Read more from TheGolfChannel.com - Rain Suspends Play at Bay Hill

TV Coverage: Friday 3pm-6pm USA Network

March 17, 2005

Palmer won't compete in Par 3 Tournament

No practice rounds, no Par 3 tourney, not even an "official" starter... Arnold Palmer won't be playing any golf at Augusta this April.

"I'm not going to play in anything at Augusta this year," Palmer said Wednesday. "I'm going to say hello to my friends and do a couple functions that I would like to do, and then come back home."

Instead, he'll attend the Champions Dinner on Tuesday night and chairman Hootie Johnson's buffet on Wednesday, and spend time in between chatting with his legion of friends and fans.

I'm sure it will be real tough for him, but kudos to Arnie for knowing when to say when... The streak stops at 50 Masters appearances. Thank you, Mr. Palmer, for all the great memories...

Read the story: Palmer won't compete in Par 3 Tournament - ESPN.com

March 16, 2005

Ai Miyazato : The next big "little" thing

Sure there is a slew of young up-and-comers in the world of women's golf, but one seems ready "bring it on" and she's got an entire country behind her.

Waiting in the wings is 19-year-old Ai Miyazato, who is wildly popular in Japan. The 5-foot-2 pixie won her first title on the Japan LPGA as an amateur, then turned pro last year and won five more.

Last month, she finished 1 shot behind Karrie Webb in the ANZ Ladies Masters. She has received a sponsor exemption for next week's Kraft Nabisco.

"I think I'm pretty lucky to get one off her now because in a few years we'll be seeing her in the winner's circle more and more," Webb said after her victory.

Unlike the tall and powerful Hawaiian-born Wie, Miyazato is only 5-foot-2. She has become Japan's most popular player, and her TV ratings eclipsed those of Tiger Woods when the two played last year in Japan in separate tournaments during the same week.

Miyazato led Japan to victory at last month's inaugural Women's World Cup in South Africa. She won five times last season on the Japanese Tour, and is considering a switch to the LPGA Tour as early as 2006.

Here she comes...

Ernie Slips Back to America

The Golf Channel's George White writes that "Ernie is coming to join the party in America" ... Have the big three (Tiger, Phil & Vijay) been paying attention to Ernie's feats thus far? Or will he come crash an already rowdy party... time will tell.

"He played Seminole Monday and in the Bay Hill Pro-Am Tuesday – this after hopping his jet after the win in Qatar Sunday. He streaked first to his London home for a few hours sleep Sunday night, then awakened and caught the jet again for a quick hop over to the United States. He catches planes like most people catch taxis. Crossing an ocean or two is no more complicated than crossing the highway." - TheGolfChannel.com

Read the complete story: Ernie Slips Back to America - TheGolfChannel.com

IMG not trying to 'circumvent regulations'

Any attempt by the PGA Tour to eliminate Monday outings in which players receive a fee "seems like a restriction of players earning income" and would likely be opposed by top tour members, Mark Steinberg, managing director of golf in the United States for International Management Group, said Tuesday in an exclusive interview with Golf World.

Steinberg's remarks were the first by IMG since its proposed player price list for Monday outings was revealed by Golf World last week. - Golf World

Looks like IMG has more explaining to do. Some of the players listed on the "price list" aren't even IMG clients, and some IMG clients (like Ernie Els) didn't even know they were included in the menu.

Read the complete Ron Sirak story at:
IMG not trying to 'circumvent regulations'

No more McGregor Girls?

Aaron Baddeley, a hip-hop Aussie who has crafted a carefree bachelor image in a series of commercials for his equipment supplier, finds himself playing the most consistent golf of his PGA Tour career in 2005. Baddeley is 36th on the season money list ($423,302) and has placed 11th or better in his last three events. Baddeley, who will turn 24 on Thursday, credits the turnaround to stability found in his relationship with fiancée Richelle Robbins.

The couple will be married April 15, which means the guy whose nickname is "Badds" has made his last racy commercial with the MacGregor girls.

"I think so," Baddeley said. "For me, it's such a blessing ... it just blows you away. I didn't know you could care for someone or love someone like I love her."

Making wedding plans, said Baddeley, has been "a great diversion off golf" that has help him remain fresh mentally on the course. - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Baddeley also hinted marriage could mean the end of the MacGregor Girls -- the threesome in the back of the ragtop convertible in his equipment ads, tossing their arms in the air and shouting ``Badds!''

March 15, 2005

Big Break III: And then there were FIVE...

On this evening's Big Break III, Jan was eliminated, leaving six contestants in the quest for one exemption spot at select LPGA tour events.

I still think Pam will pull through in the end, but I would love to see Valeria win it all...

Looks like the claws will come out next week, so stay tuned...

See the show recap: TheGolfChannel.com
See the Photo Gallery: HERE

March 13, 2005

Amateur tournaments you can play...

Golf course Über-reviewer and blogger extraordinaire Jay at "A Walk in the Park" gives us a number of options for some very cool amateur tournaments...

One is the "Golf Styles Solstice Survival" series, which is one I will be sure to check out since it's close to me.

Thanks to Jay for the heads-up, now go check it out:
GREAT AMATEUR TOURNAMENTS AND NEW FRIENDS

Tiger Awakened

ESPN.com's Skip Bayless reports that Phil Mickelson is exactly what Tiger Woods needed to get him going...

As a final-twosome foe, Mickelson brings out the Tiger in Woods. Mickelson serves as his psychological steroids. And as a Ryder Cup partner, Mickelson brings out the scowling, club-throwing, bogey-making worst in Tiger. Mickelson is his Kryptonite. - ESPN.com

Read te story: TIGER AWAKENED - ESPN.com

Els wins again...

World number three Ernie Els completed a magnificent recovery to capture the Qatar Masters, his second successive title on the European Tour.

Els, who was in a share of 81st place after a first-round 73, was still five shots off the lead into the final day.

But a stunning 65 containing eight birdies set a 12-under clubhouse total that could not be matched.

Overnight leader Henrik Stenson birdied three of the last four holes, but his 71 left him a single shot adrift.

March 12, 2005

Booster Shots

We've all needed a quick pick-me-up on the way to an early morning tee-time... Sometimes, coffee just won't cut it, so we turn to Maxim Magazine (maximonline.com) for a quick review of the perk pops found at your local convenience store.

Now I know these can't be good for your putting, but it beats being half asleep for the first 5 holes.

Read on: Booster Shots - MaximOnline.com

Hot putter puts Janzen in hunt

Seeking his first tournament title since 1998, Lee Janzen figures a new putting stroke gives him a shot.

The two-time U.S. Open champion shot an eight-under-par 64 yesterday and trailed leader Brett Wetterich by one shot after two rounds at the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Wetterich shot his second successive 66 for a 12-under total of 132.

Janzen has spent plenty of time on a leaderboard but endured a long putting slump.

"It got to the point where it ruined the rest of my game," he said. "I had no confidence in my putting.

Ballesteros to miss Augusta again

(BBC SPORT REPORTS) - Former Masters champion Seve Ballesteros will not compete at Augusta this year because of a knee injury.

The Spaniard had hoped to return to the Masters and the Open, the two majors he is eligible for as a previous champion, after being injured for both in 2004.

After recovering from severe arthritis in his back, Ballesteros began training but hurt his knee cartilage.

"Having reached the point where I felt satisfied with my progress, the injury made me give up the Masters," he said.

Ballesteros, who will be 48 during Masters week, won two Green Jackets at Augusta in 1980 and 1983, but missed the cut on 18-over at his last appearance there in 2003 after a second-round 85.

He added that he still hoped to compete this year in the Open at St Andrews, where he won one of his three Claret Jugs in 1984.

March 10, 2005

The (art)Work of Bob Bettinardi

To the cognoscenti, the Bettinardi name is synonymous with performance, prestige and price. Since partnering with Ben Hogan in 2003, a retail Bettinardi putter can be had for anywhere from $190 (for the Hawk series) to roughly $500 (for a stainless-steel model)—high end, to be sure, but in the ballpark with top offerings from other major companies.

But a visit to the Internet reveals a different story, one of a feverish collector's market where rare Bettinardi Tour prototypes can run upward of $10,000.

Then there are the models available exclusively in Japan, the only region excluded from his contract with Hogan. There, Bettinardi putters rank in the top three on the Japanese Tour Darrell Survey, and this is where some of his most creative pieces can be found today. (TLgolf.com)

The latest issue of Travel & Leisure Golf has a feature on putter craftsman extraordinaire Bob Bettinardi. His putters look almost too good to putt with and their quality feel is just extraordinary.

All this from a guy who owned a machine shop, making parts for defense and medical contracts. Now in just a short period of time, he's up there with the likes of Cameron, Vokey, and Grace.

Read the complete T&L Golf story: Precision Play (by Thomas Dunne)

Visit: bettinardi.com

Unplayable lie... body found on course identified

Human remains found buried under the fairway of a Georgia golf course were identified Wednesday as those of a woman missing since July 2003, authorities said.

Sad story, but if your going to dump a body on a golf course, please do it in the rough... Thanks to Golf Blogger for tipping us on this one...

Read more: Autopsy identifies Ga. golf course remains - SeattlePI.com (AP)

The best golf holes in the world

In this week's FRONT NINE column on SI.com, author Scott Wraight gives us what he thinks are Golf's Best Nine Holes...

I have not had the pleasure of playing any of the courses on the list (my game's not worthy - yet), therefore I have no comment... But I wanted you guys to check it out and offer comments if you've had the pleasure...

Among courses that have hosted at least one PGA Tour event, the list was compiled using these factors (in no particular order): memorable moments/shots, difficulty, aesthetically pleasing, psychological strength and uniqueness of the hole.

Check it out: SI.com - The Best Golf Holes in the World (Scott Wraight)

March 9, 2005

Hybrids in the year 2005: Help Is On the Way

The name says it all: A "hybrid"is a mix of two breeds. A relatively new club on the market, it's part fairway wood, part long iron. The clubheads, which come in different shapes depending on the brand, generally resemble shrunken fairway woods, or fat irons. (Golf For Women)

All I know is that I purchased a Mizuno Fli-Hi CLK 17* a few months ago and in the few rounds I was able to squeeze in between bad weather, I am convinced this club will change my game.

Off the tee on a long par-3, off the deck 210 yards out, or under a tree and needing to hit a low knockdown runner 170 yards, this club can do it all. I know it's a good sign that when I daydream of good weather and getting out there to play, my thoughts are of hitting the hybrid...

Here is a good piece from Golf for Women on hybrid technology and how it's playing a starring role in the bags of pros everywhere.

Check it out: Help Is On the Way (Golf for Women)

Natalie Gulbis: Calendar queen or golf ball-striking machine?

The bad news is that she hasn't won an LPGA event (yet), the good news is that there will be a 2006 calendar and a reality tv series...

That's some of what Bruce Burton writes in the Roseville Press-Tribune as he covers LPGA up-and-comer (and hottie) Natalie Gulbis, as she prepares to kick-off the 2005 LPGA Season.

She may be interested in photo shoots and improving her Q-rating but not at the expense of her golf. She's got game, and it looks like she's got heart... only time will tell if she can be a champion.

From the Roseville Press-Tribune:

She's a walking, talking, loose golf swinging, blonde hair gleaming, red-blooded American male baiting, Ben Roethlisberger dating sports diva.

But on a rainy day in Las Vegas, Natalie Gulbis is just another golfer trying to keep her assets dry.

Read the complete story:
Birdies Before Beauty (Roseville Press-Tribune)

Masters field continues to take shape...

I know I posted this about a month ago, but I'm starting to get excited about the MAJORS ...

There are still a lot of players vying for a spot including some formidable talent from across the pond (see BBCSport.com's "Donald, Howell eye Masters debuts") in the likes of Colin Montgomerie and Paul McGinley.

Here is the updated (as of Feb23) players list for the 2005 Masters Tournament... It will be here before you know it.

Faldo backs Donald to win major

Luke Donald is the best hope of breaking Europe's poor run at the majors, insists Nick Faldo.

The last European to win a major was Paul Lawrie in 1999 but Faldo believes that Donald gives hope for the future.

"Of all the British talent out there right now, I feel Luke Donald is mentally the most complete," Faldo told Golf World magazine.

Editor's Note:
Currently Luke is #18 in the World Golf Rankings and plays the world's best brand of irons (o.k., so now you know BogeyMan's irons of choice)...

Read the rest of the story from BBCSport.com - Faldo backs Donald to win major

The many flavors of Callaway Golf balls...

Visit Callaway Golf and check out a complete profile of all of their balls. The site includes a breakdown of information on every ball in the Callaway line.

Check it out: Callaway's Golf Ball Family

March 8, 2005

Nicklaus decries trend toward pure power

USA Today's Tom Spousta writes today that Jack Nicklaus (a bomber in is own era) is concerned by display of power shown over teh weekend...

From USA Today-

Jack Nicklaus seldom watches golf on television but sat riveted Sunday as the last few holes played out in Tiger Woods' victory over Phil Mickelson. The Golden Bear also was disturbed by the way players overpowered Doral Resort's Blue Monster, a course he considered one of the PGA Tour's most challenging in his prime.

"It's absurd," Nicklaus said. "It doesn't make any difference where you hit it anymore. You just hit it as far as you can. They're hitting it so close to the green, they can't put enough rough out there to make any difference."

Read the complete story -
Nicklaus decries trend toward pure power

Big Break III ... Four Down - Five to Go

On this evening's Big Break III, Sarah was eliminated, leaving six contestants in the quest for one exemption spot at select LPGA tour events.

Right now, my money is on Pam, but my favorite is Val...

Sarah's act was getting old with the rest of the girls. We can all learn from her example, don't screw yourself mentally... Stay strong and stay tuned...

See the show recap: at TheGolfChannel.com

Curb Your Slice - A round with Larry David

After lots of begging and stalking, Golf Magazine's David Weiss got a chance to play a round with Seinfeld co-creator Larry David.

It's good to see he's just as funny in real life, and it's even nicer to see celebrities obsess over their golf game as much as some of us...

Read on: Curb Your Slice (Golf Magazine)

SOD: BBC Sport Academy - "Why does my ball do that?"

Whether you have kids that are just getting into golf, or if like me, you like simplified golf instruction... then today's Bogey Lounge SOD (site of the day) is worth a visit.

BBC.com's Sport Academy - "Where the stars show you how", uses simplified instruction, graphic examples, and European golf stars to explain and illustrate some of the nuances of golf.

There are sections on equipment, rules, etiquette, playing tips and more. I particularly liked the "Why does my ball do that?" section, that gives possible solutions for some of golf's most common swing problems.

Check it out...

A can of worms? or a Golden Opportunity?

One of the reasons last week's Ford Championship had such a strong field was because Ford paid a number of top pros an appearance fee for playing in pre-tournament pro-am events...

(see story from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel):
Ford opens can of worms with `outing'

Now, in a letter obtained by Golf World, it looks like management firm IMG is offering similar "player packages" to other tours for the purpose of "enhancing the field" at their tournaments.

The tour, which learned of the letter from Golf World, said it "has a long history of rejecting the concept of paying players to appear in a particular tour event" and cited the following tour regulation:

"Neither players, nor other individuals acting on such players' behalf, shall solicit or accept any compensation, gratuity or other things of value offered for the purpose of guaranteeing their appearances at any PGA TOUR co-sponsored, approved or coordinated tournament."

The tour said it would "take very seriously any proposals" violating the regulation. "We will review this recent solicitation and take whatever steps we deem necessary," said tour spokesman Bob Combs.

Read: Quite an appearance (from Golf World)

I see this as a chance for golf to catch up to some of the other big sports in terms of consistent star power. I don't believe less events will do that (as Tiger has suggested), but I do think this might. After all, if sponsors want to spend more money to make sure their initial sponsor investment is protected, why should anyone care.

The elite players in the world deserve to make as much cake as their counterparts in other sports. And don't even talk about a bad precedent, as last week's evidence from Dubai showed, a big appearance check for Ernie Els did nothing to hurt his motivation to play top notch golf.

I have always liked the fact that golfers were different in that they played for their paychecks, but if it means more weekends like last week in Doral, I'm fine with the world's best cashing a check even before a ball is struck.

Our First Ever Bogey Lounge Caption Contest!

Bogey Lounge presents: Our first ever "Bogey Lounge Caption Contest"

O.K. I'll start this post by saying: "I think I'll regret this"... However it's too good (or bad) to pass up.

Here's how the contest will work... look at the (AP) photo on the right and using this comment link, give me your best shot at a funny caption...

Let's try to keep it "somewhat" ~~PG Rated~~ (ok... R Rated) but still have fun with it (I retain the right to wipe out any captions I find to be "way over the top").

The winner picked by me (at the end of the week) will win a sleeve of the "new improved" Titleist ProV1's... however, If we get more than 100 captions submitted, I'll make it a whole dozen of new ProV1's (your choice of ProV1 regular or ProV1x).

Have fun...
BogeyMan

Updated: BY THE WAY... Enter as many submissions as you like... Thanks!

Bridgestone Sports sues Acushnet (Titleist & Co.) over patent infringement

Golf goods maker Bridgestone Sports Co., a unit of Japan's largest tire maker Bridgestone Corp., said Tuesday it has sued U.S. golf ball manufacturer Acushnet Co. over alleged infringement of 10 patents.

Bridgestone Sports (which includes the Precept brand) and its wholly owned subsidiary Bridgestone Golf Inc., based in Covington, Georgia, filed the lawsuit Monday with the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Delaware, the company said in a press release.

The complaint claims Acushnet, based in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, infringed on 10 patents of Bridgestone's patent portfolio covering multi-piece solid core golf ball technology used in six types of the U.S. manufacturer's Titleist brand of golf balls.

Bridgestone Sports is also seeking an injunction against Acushnet over patent violations, the company said. - Kyodo News

Corporate Press Release from Bridgestone:

BRIDGESTONE SPORTS INITIATES PATENT INFRINGEMENT ACTION AGAINST THE ACUSHNET COMPANY
Titleist's Leading Golf Balls Allegedly Infringe Upon Several Bridgestone-owned U.S. Patents

Covington, GA, - On March 7, 2005, Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Bridgestone Golf, Inc., filed a patent infringement lawsuit against the Acushnet Company in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Bridgestone Sports is currently the leading golf ball manufacturer in Japan with a 40% share of that market, and Acushnet remains the leader in the U.S. golf ball market.

In the complaint, Bridgestone Sports charges Acushnet with willful infringement of ten United States patents from Bridgestone Sports' extensive patent portfolio covering multi-piece solid core golf ball technology. Among the Acushnet balls charged with infringement are: Titleist® Pro V1™, the Titleist® Pro V1x™, the Titleist® NXT™, Titleist® NXT Tour, the Titleist® DT SoLo, and the Pinnacle® Exception™ golf balls.

Bridgestone Sports is seeking an injunction against Acushnet from infringing upon the company's patents and for unspecified compensation for damages that have occurred as a result of past infringement. In addition, Bridgestone Sports seeks a declaratory judgment of non-infringement with respect to four United States patents owned by Acushnet.

"During the course of several months of negotiations with Acushnet, we attempted to settle this dispute; however, when negotiations failed, Acushnet left us with no other course of action, but to file suit," said Mr. Kawano, President, Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. "We remain hopeful that this matter can be settled, but in the meantime, we must protect our intellectual property rights. We will do so passionately and we are committed to see this matter to the end, in order to properly remedy the infringement."

Bridgestone Sports, together with its U.S. subsidiary, Bridgestone Golf, Inc., located in Covington, Georgia, develops, manufactures and sells premium golf products, including Bridgestone Golf™, Precept® and TourStage® golf balls. Bridgestone is represented on a world stage by a number of internationally famed golfers including, Stuart Appleby, Shigeki Maruyama and Nick Price. Bridgestone Golf, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., whose headquarters are in Tokyo. For more information visit http://www.bridgestonegolf.com.

Corporate Press Release from Acushnet:

ACUSHNET COMPANY RESPONDS TO PATENT INFRINGEMENT ALLEGATIONS BY BRIDGESTONE SPORTS

Fairhaven, MA (March 7, 2005) - Acushnet Company, manufacturer of Titleist® and Pinnacle® brand golf balls, strongly denies allegations by Bridgestone Sports included in a press release and filed in a complaint today.

The Acushnet Company is disappointed that Bridgestone Sports and its subsidiary Bridgestone Golf have chosen to attempt to compete via press release and litigation. As the worldwide market leader in golf ball sales and in patenting new golf ball technology, Acushnet takes intellectual property matters very seriously. As such, Acushnet respects the valid intellectual property of all its competitors and expects the same in return.

"We have been discussing patent issues with Bridgestone for well over a year," said Joseph Nauman, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Acushnet Company. "We had hoped to amicably resolve these issues and had recently provided Bridgestone with further information in support of our position. However, rather than address that information in private dialogue, Bridgestone has chosen to make this matter public and to litigate."

"We believe Bridgestone infringes the Acushnet patents cited in its complaint and strongly deny that Acushnet infringes any valid Bridgestone patent. Acushnet will vigorously defend itself in this action and will fully pursue the protection of its intellectual property."

Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra comprise the major golf brands of the Acushnet Company, an operating company of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE - FO). Titleist, Cobra, FootJoy and Pinnacle are trademarks owned by Acushnet Company. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Stay tuned...

Nike vs. Callaway - Round 1 goes to the Swoosh

Tiger Woods, Nike's posterboy for all things golf, used his "inferior" equipment on Sunday to best Callaway poster boy Phil Mickelson. Before the tournament, Tiger switched from his trusty Titleist 3-wood to a new Nike model (T60), leaving his Scotty Cameron putter as the only "non Swooshed" equipment in his bag,

Ironically, the 3-wood was instrumental in beating a player who a couple of years ago commented on Tiger's misfortune of having to play with "inferior" equipment (because of his deal with Nike).

Tiger thinks his 3-wood shot on the 12th hole on Sunday carried 280 yards, and a tour official said that Shotlink measured the carry on the shot to be around 300 yards.

Trailing by two strokes going into the final round, Woods birdied three of the Par 5s and eagled the fourth, accounting for the three shots that his competitor gave up with two birdies and two pars on those same holes. Woods hit the Ignite T60 3-wood off the tee on No. 10 leaving him with a three-iron, a chip and a putt for birdie. Woods then made a statement on No. 12 hitting his Nike Ignite driver off the tee followed by a 300-yard second shot with the new 3-wood that rolled up to the green.

Read More: from IseekGolf.com -
Tiger's Ignite T60 plays deciding factor in Ford win

March 7, 2005

Jack devasted by the death of his grandson...

Jack Nicklaus planned on preparing for the Masters over the next few weeks, however, golf is the last thing on his mind after his family suffered the tragic loss of 17-month old Jake (Jack's grandson).

"As you can imagine, the last few days have been an overwhelmingly difficult and trying time for my entire family," Nicklaus said in his statement. "The loss of our precious, 17-month-old grandson Jake was devastating, and it is a loss that is impossible to put into words."

Nicklaus remains interested in playing in this year's British Open (in his final year of eligibility), where his son Steve (Jake's dad) will caddy for him.

As we've said before, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack and his family".

Read More: ESPN.com - Nicklaus has 'zero plans' for golf

Tiger Woods gives caddie Ford GT prize

Looks like caddie Steve Williams (noted race car enthusiast), will be sporting around New Zealand in a new Ford GT, courtesy of his boss.

My boss once gave me a $50 gift card to Starbucks (so that it would speed the process up when I went to get him coffee.)

From the St. Pete Times: The Ford GT sports car Woods won for his victory is worth $140,000, but you won't see him driving it. Because Woods has an endorsement deal with Buick, he made a point all week to be careful about saying anything about Ford products. He did acknowledge afterward, however, that his caddie, Steve Williams , would be getting the keys to the car.

Tiger Woods gives caddie Ford GT prize (from AUTOBLOG)

March 6, 2005

NUMBER ONE ... Again!

Tiger Woods outlasted Phil Mickelson to win the 2005 Ford Championship at Doral, and take back the #1 spot in the World Golf Rankings...

Although it's early in the 2005 season, this "Super Sunday Showdown" was worthy of a halftime show even bigger than Janet Jackson... While there was no halftime entertainment, fireworks were present as Tiger slapped a 3-wood 295 yards to the back of the green on the par-5 12th (he would go on to eagle the hole).

SOD: Future Perfect (Golf in the Year 2000)

Our latest site of the day (SOD) is "Future Perfect" - This site is the companion blog for an odd little Victorian literary gem called Golf In The Year 2000, or What We Are Coming To. Which is available to read for free right here.

According to author Steve Smith this blog is dedicated to: "Tracking news about the site and the book and offering commentary on speculative fiction, Victorian-era literature, futurism and ... maybe ... golf."

Below is a description of the book (written in 1892?) that predicts the world of 2000.

I haven't had much time to really look into this, but I eat stuff like this up, so hopefully I don't find out this "book" was written a few years ago in an attempt to drum up some internet traffic... so far it checks out and looks enjoyable and interesting... stay tuned...

Golf in the Year 2000

Written by a mysterious 19th-century Scottish golfer named J. (or Jay) McCullough, who here used the pseudonym "J.A.C.K.," it also predicted the advent of golf carts, golf professionals and international golf competitions.

The book chronicles the tale of one Alexander J. Gibson who falls into a deep sleep in 1892. He awakens 108 years later into a world, where, among other wonders, women dress like men and hold top positions in society. They also do all the work while the men play golf full time!

Gibson finds that his beloved game of golf has changed radically, too. He has to adjust to the existence of driverless golf carts, golf clubs that automatically register one's score and jackets that yell "Fore!" whenever the wearer begins to swing.

He also watches (via a television-like device that works through an elaborate array of mirrors) a golf competition between Britain and the United States, much like the Ryder Cup which began in 1927.

He finds there's one thing about golf that hasn't changed: making excuses for poor play. "The same old excuses, I thought. Among all those inventions, surely they might have got something new in that line."

Gibson's adventures in the year 2000 include riding in an underground tubular railway, which everyone calls the "tub." He also reads about a new London-to-New York speed record of two hours and 32 minutes, registered by an underwater bullet-type train.

Visit the blog: FUTURE PERFECT
Read the online book: Golf in the Year 2000

One doesn't link to the other, so it's a little confusing.

(A suggestion for Mr. Smith... find a way for the online book to have some linkage to the blog and vice versa)... otherwise, a nice start to what is sure to be an interesting blog.

Good Luck!

Awaiting the arrival of the Titleist 905

So far I'm really enjoying my r7 Quad... not a ton of distance (less than my 983k), but I'm consistently hitting a lot more fairways and my scores have been coming down.

Why then, am I awaiting a new driver from Titleist?... because I'm one of those golfers who always wants to tinker (unfortunately at the expense of my scores). I keep telling myself that once I find the perfect piece of equipment I'll quit the tinkering and become loyal to one model.

That probably will never happen, although I did keep my word when it came to my putter, an Odyssey Tri-Hot #3, that I've been using for 2 years now with no desire to change.

Anyway... I'm envisioning a new 905 Driver with an Aldila NV or NVS shaft taking me to new lengths and better scores. (hopefully!?!)

No changeable weights, no composite crown, just classic Titleist lines in what looks to be a nice upgrade to the 983...

Jump to the extended entry for some photos (you may have already seen), I found on GolfDoggy.com of the new 905...

Super Showdown: Woods v. Mickelson

The season has just begun and already golf lovers get to experience a "Super Bowl" type showdown... Tiger vs. Phil, and don't count out up-and-comer Zach Johnson who is 6 strokes off the lead...

Erik from the TheSandTrap.com has a nice pre-game summary... Check it Out...

Callaway Golf HX Hot Drive Sweepstakes - Win a Mustang

Callaway golf is giving away a new Callaway Golf Custom Ford Mustang in honor of their newly launched HX Hot ball... I tried the new HX Hot last week and found it to be little too hard for my taste...

It certainly launched hot off the clubface with a high trajectory for some serious distance, but around the greens I found it hard to handle...

This Ford Mustang, done up in HX Hot colors (inside and out), can be yours if your lucky... By the way, if you pull up to a course in this thing you better be a damn good golfer and you better not pull a Titleist staff bag out of your trunk... :)

There are also a few other prizes, like free Callaway balls for a year... (for some of us who lose a ton of balls, it may be cheaper for Callaway to give us a car instead of supplying balls for a year)...

CHECK IT OUT: HX HOT SWEEPSTAKES

UPDATED:
Jump below to the extended entry for some more pictures of the car at the PGA Merchandise Show (photos from GolfDoggy.com)

March 5, 2005

LPGA's Hot Property - Jennifer Rosales

In the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated, rising LPGA star Jennifer Rosales sat down with Bill Kwon for a Q&A... Here is a sampling of the exchange.

She's got style, she's got flair, and she's got game... More players like Jennifer and the LPGA will certainly see a rise in interest among men and women alike.

From SI.com

SI: Describe yourself.

JR: I've always wanted to be different. Ask my mom. I've always wanted to stand out. I do a lot of crazy things. I love extreme sports. I love to snowboard. I surf, but not on the waves here in Hawaii. I skydive and bungee jump and do all kinds of other things that my mom thinks are crazy. I like to express myself. When I play well, I show it. When I play poorly, I show it. I am a very emotional player, and I'm not ashamed of it.

Sunday Showdown... Phil vs. Tiger at Doral

Phil Mickelson continued to bully the Blue Monster with a 6-under 66. Tiger Woods put on a dynamic charge Saturday in the Ford Championship, driving the green on the 347-yard 16th and making good on a birthday pledge to his father with a 9-under 63 that left him only two shots behind.

Blue Monster being tamed... Phil at -14 after 2 rounds

I just returned from a week-long business trip to the Miami area where you couldn't drive down the street or listen to the radio without seeing or hearing mention of the Ford Championship and the "Blue Monster" eating up the participants...

Billboards like "PHIL vs. THE MONSTER" foreshadowed high scores and difficult conditions... after two days, it looks like the "Blue Monster" is treating Phil and company quite tamely...

READ MORE: ESPN.com (AP) -
Mickelson leads by 2; Tiger, Vijay 5 back

Grandson of golfer Jack Nicklaus dies

I know this happened a few days ago, but I thought it would be appropriate to post it in case any of you hadn't heard.

Our prayers are with Jack and his family.

The 17-month-old grandson of Jack Nicklaus died Tuesday after falling into a hot tub where he had been playing earlier, officials said.

Jake Walter Nicklaus was pronounced dead at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center at about 6:30 p.m. local time, said Palm Beach County sheriff's spokesman Paul Miller.

READ THE COMPLETE STORY: From CBS.Sportsline.com - Grandson of golfer Jack Nicklaus dies after falling in hot tub

March 4, 2005

Phil, Tiger Quickly Out of the Gates

Day one is over at Doral and Phil continues his early season excellence...

Phil Mickelson, who has won two of his last three starts on the PGA Tour, fired an 8-under-par 64 on Thursday to share the lead after the first round of the Ford Championship at Doral. Jose Maria Olazabal, Brian Davis and Marco Dawson joined Mickelson atop the leaderboard at the Blue Course at Doral Golf Resort and Spa.

March 3, 2005

Build Your Own 8' x 8' Indoor Putting Green (Cheaply!)

The gang over at The Sand Trap has posted an outstanding guide to building your very own putting green.

That's right, putting practice 24/7 every day of the year.

You can Never, Ever, Ever... get enough putting practice. I, however, don't have space for something like this, so I spend the winter practicing on a rug (and thus spend the first month of the golf season putting straight as an arrow, but blowing it by the hole).

If you've got some space around the house, I highly recommend taking this journey... Now if I could just talk my wife into letting me replace the guest room furniture with one of these.

Check it out at: TheSandTrap.com

Tiger wants fewer events on Tour...

Tiger Woods says the PGA Tour should consider cutting back its tournament schedule to get the game's best players at the same events more often.

"It would be more exciting for the fans, sponsors and TV and everybody if we did play more often together." Tiger Woods

A revamped PGA Tour schedule is under review, with commissioner Tim Finchem studying five models.

READ MORE: From BBC Sport - Woods wants fewer events on Tour

March 2, 2005

Aldila Reports Strong Fourth Quarter & Fiscal Year Results

My favorite shaft maker continues to grow and the popularity of hybrid clubs can only help their business... Some interesting facts about Carbon Fiber Technology and Aldila's overall business are included in this earnings report press release...

"The Aldila NV and NVS continue to gain momentum as leading shafts on the PGA, Nationwide and European Tours. In 2004, players using the NV Series of shafts won 10 PGA Tour events, 6 events on the Nationwide Tour and multiple times in Europe. Players using Aldila NV Series shafted drivers won nearly $12,000,000 on the PGA Tour in 2004. We will continue to be aggressive with our tour support in 2005."

READ THE COMPLETE RELEASE:

Sponsoring golf event isn't easy like NASCAR ...

Jeff Shain of the Miami Herald writes today that "Sponsoring golf isn't easy like NASCAR", citing the fact that NASCAR knows ahead of time that all of its' superstars will appear at every event. Golf, as we know, is different.

Players can pick and choose what events they play in (as long as they're eligible), and they can do it last minute.

Now while it hurts golf sponsorships, and thus overall growth of the game, it does promote something that is great about golf as well.

Golfers are different from your typical pro athletes in that they are guaranteed nothing unless they play well. They show up and play for their paycheck... They pay their own way, and operate like independent contractors.

Why is this good? Because they show up where they want to and play because they want to, and you never get athletes who are in a position they resent. (i.e. Randy Moss, Ron Artest, etc...)

Their great attitude at events isn't because they have the world's greatest jobs (even though that helps), their attitude (and image) is good because they are somewhere they want to be... and IMHO that means a lot more than a few more car sponsors.

From the Miami Herald:
"In NASCAR, the field is set," Collins said. "But PGA players today, the most notable ones really have some tremendous choices to make as to where they play. It's difficult to get a strong field year after year after year." READ MORE

Woosnam to captain Ryder Cup team ... Faldo in '08

Welshman Ian Woosnam has been picked to lead the European team in their defence of the Ryder Cup in 2006.

In an unusual step, Nick Faldo has already been named in the role for 2008, when the event is in the USA.

The 14-strong committee met on Tuesday and asked Woosnam to lead the side at the K Club in Ireland in 2006.

READ MORE FROM:
BBC Sports - Woosnam to captain Ryder Cup team
The Golf Channel - Europe Names Next Two Ryder Cup Captains

March 1, 2005

Ubisoft to challenge EA with Vijay Singh Golf Game...

EA Sports' Tiger Woods franchise will soon have competition from French game maker Ubisoft who signed Vijay Singh to an endorsement deal.

EA's TW series took video golf to a new level, so it will take a lot of innovation for the number 1 player in the world to unseat the number 2 player in the world when it comes to the console world of golf. (#1 unseating #2... Did that make any sense?)

Rumor has it that the Vijay game will feature a 5-hour driving range mode for those who want to practice more than play ;) ...

"French publisher hits into EA as it nabs license deal with Tiger-rival Vijay Singh; acquires code from Microsoft's sports properties to fuel upcoming game."