Ottawa Golf Blog: 2/1/08

Feb 29, 2008

Stracka.com For Social Golfers

http://www.Stracka.com certainly got my attention with it's website slogan of "for people who love golf". Heck why would I have a golf blog if I didn't love the game of golf. So intriguingly I dived into there website which touts itself as a "A Social Network for Golfers". The first thing I was really interested in was the online yardage books which get this are free. They are only yet for about 17 U.S based courses mainly in Texas and California but hopefully they will expand to other places (hint hint Canada!). They use Google Earth's technology to do the yardages, you have to have a look.

They also have green guides that go along with there yardage guides. Tell me this wouldn't help just about any golfer out there that's going to a new course and needs a little local knowledge of the greens because we all know that where you can lose alot of strokes especially when you don't know the course. Good job Stracka.com.

Upon further investigation they even have an online handicap system to keep track of your rounds, which I know any golf crazed person does, so if you don't have one maybe try out theirs.
They also have an online forum where you can find golfers in your area to golf with, so if your tired of always being a single check it out and you may find fellow golfers with the same interests.

They also have a great golf course directory for those that golf all over the place, it's definitely very extensive and quite easy to search in different areas and countries. Stracka.com is quite the golf site check it out today for a wealth of information.

Comfy Skate Shoes Online

I buy alot of my footwear online just because I can usually get it cheaper. I'll try it on here in a store and then hunt down the deals on eBay or other online retailers. I've got most of my golf shoes online for usually a 30% or more discount. There also a great online retailer if you like those comfy skate shoes you see the young skaters wearing or the older crowd like myself who just like the fit and style of skate shoes. At BuySkateShoes.com if you can't find the skate shoe your looking for you won't find it. They have a huge selection of skate shoes from Adio skate shoes to Vans skate shoes and more. Select the mens, ladies or kids brand your looking for from the brand selector and the size and your ready to go. They even have cool accessories for your skating needs including helmets, pads, ramps, rails and more.

Canadian Golf Tour Returns To Saskatchewan After 24 Year Absence

Tell me the folks in Saskatchewan are excited about the prospect of having the Canadian Professional Golf Tour returning to there province after an almost 24 year absence.

The event will be held at the Dakota Dunes Golf Links in Saskatoon from June 30 to July 6 with a purse of $150,000.

The Saskatchewan Open, which was first played in 1919, was a mainstay on the Canadian Tour schedule up until 1984.

Its winners marks some notable names in Canadian golf. Pat Fletcher captured the championship in 1947, 1948 and 1951. The legendary Stan Leonard won the title in 1950 and 1955 and Moe Norman tasted victory in 1960 and 1968.

In more recent times, Bob Panasiuk took home the trophy in 1974 while Jerry Anderson earned back-to-back titles in 1979 and 1980.

Good for the Canadian Tour and golf in Canada.

Feb 26, 2008

GolfFlyOver.com

Ever wanted to see a flyover of your home course well now you can at GolfFlyover.com with the help of Google Earth you can see what your home course fly over looks like. As long as you have Google Earth installed on your computer your good to go. Although it doesn't have capability for Canadian course I'm sure it will soon. So search there site for your U.S. based course or see there demo at work.

Fly over 5,295 golf courses in the United States and soon worldwide using Google Earth

A Golfer's Preference

I'm sure most of you when your golfing take off any rings or jewelry you have on that might interfere with your swing and playing the game. I always take my watch off but leave both rings on that's it for me although I wear a Trion-Z bracelet. Do you guys and ladies take your rings off as well. I was also thinking of the professionals do they discard there watches, jewelry etc before they play. I noticed last weekend at the Field's Open in Hawaii that most if not all of the ladies on the LPGA like Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer wear watches and rings, I'm not talking a gold anklet here but your nice watches and rings. I guess it's another personal preference for golfers.

Johnnie Walker Classic This Week's European Tour Event

The Johnnie Walker Classic is on tap for those European Tour players playing this week in India. The course is the DLF Golf and Country Club located in New Delhi, India. This is the 2nd European Tour event to take place in India this year.

Anton Haig became the youngest winner of this event last year as he took down Richard Sterne and Oliver Wilson in a playoff. Haig, who was 20 at the time, birdied the first extra hole for the win.

This event is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia.

Som ebig name players are in the field after playing at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, including Adam Scott, Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh and Soren Hansen.

Local favorites Jeev Milkha Singh and S.S.P. Chowrasia are also playing this week. Chowrasia, a former caddie, won the Indian Masters three weeks ago.

Tags: European Tour

Feb 25, 2008

Add Some Flash To Your Blog Or Website

As well as running this golf blog and a couple more websites I'm always on the lookout for innovative aspects to add to my sites especially flash components like customizable flash players that yo can embed as well as various flash navigation components. I came across a interesting flash component site called FlashLoaded the other day. It has alot of components that you can use for your website like a skinnable flash player as well as XML slideshows and guestbooks. They all are very professional looking especially the Flash website templates. I have used a few flash templates before and these seem to be real winners. there database of templates can be easily searched along with most of there components. Check them out if your thinking of adding flash components to your website.

Feb 23, 2008

Your Home Gym For Golf Doesn't Need To Break The Bank

When your looking at getting your home gym area started up you don't always need the bulky home gym equipment everyone rushes out to get after January 1st. If your specifically targeting a certain sport your training for like golf start with some easy and cheaper things to begin with, like a balance/fitness ball. The ball is designed to help any golfer improve core strength, flexibility, posture and balance. Another good thing to get are a few elasticize rubber cords these can greatly help with your golf-specific training and conditioning, they use resistance to work those muscle specific to golf. Get a few pair of dumbbells and you're set!

Feb 22, 2008

Metcalfe Golf Course....8 Weeks Until Our Opening Target

When I got this email from the Metcalfe Golf Course saying that there Opening Day Target of Thursday April 17th was less than 8 weeks away I almost dies as it's hard to believe it could be only 8 weeks away til golf. This area has a bit of snow and it feels likes it never going to melt. So getting an email like this is a ray of hope or is it wishful thinking. All I know is I'd love to be golfing on my 40th birthday on April 13th the Metcalfe Golf Course or any other golf course. :)

Man Room Coming Together Nicely

I'm trying to decorate my "man room" in my basement and I recently found some great discount furniture to really set it off nice with an old retro grandpa chair along with some great 70s coffee tables. I've got some great golf course photos framed on the walls that really look good with the new paint job I gave the room. I've also got a cool little golf ball display case that has some really unique golf balls that I've collected over the years. A few more accents and the room will be done by springtime.

Enter The "TOUR i SERIES WINS - YOU WIN" Callaway Contest

If your looking to get a couple of the new Callaway golf balls. Be sure to head over to MyCallaway.ca to enter into the :

"TOUR i SERIES WINS - YOU WIN" contest. Each week, if a Tour i Series Golf Ball is used by the winner of an event on the PGA Tour or the LPGA Tour, one lucky mycallaway winner will win a dozen Tour i Series Golf Balls.

To help sweeten the deal, the first 1,000 mycallaway members to enter the contest will receive a FREE 2-ball sleeve of the NEW Tour ix Golf Ball!!

2nd Day of Match Play Sees More Upsets

Well it was another day of match play in the desert and once again there were some more upsets including Phil Mickelson losing to Stuart Appleby 2 & 1 and Adam Scott losing to Woody Austin in 19 holes. After two days I only have Tiger left in my Fantasy Pool I should of taken my own advice about upsets and I might of done better. Check out the video below with some highlights from Day two of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

Feb 21, 2008

Branson Golf

Sometimes the most uncertain place may end up being a great place to take a little golf vacation. Take for instance the Thousand Hills Golf Resort in Branson, Missouri. Came across some info on this area and the golf opportunities it offers. Never real heard about the area being good for golf but with courses like the Thousand Hills Golf Course designed by Robert E. Cupp and others like Holiday Hills, John Daly's Murder Rock, and Branson Creek this area should be on any avid golfers list of places to play. Branson golf has definitely peeked my interest and it's not real far from where I live.

More American Golfers Hanging Up There Clubs

Hard to believe but more golfers in the States are quiting the sport according to the New York Times Why? money and time come on people snap out of it and get out there and play golf. Here's what the NY Times had to say:

More Americans are giving up playing golf because of time and financial constraints, the New York Times reported.
The number of golfers has dropped to about 26 million from 30 million in 2000, the newspaper said, citing the National Golf Foundation and Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. The number of people who play 25 times a year or more has slumped by about a third since 2005 to 4.6 million, it said.

About 3 million people quit playing annually, slightly more than the number who take the game up, Jim Kass, research director at the National Golf Foundation, is cited as saying. A two-year campaign to boost participation has had little impact, he said.

Decorating This St. Patrick's Day With LED Lights

Ok I know St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and being Irish I love to celebrate the day. Now would it be too crazy to decorate my house with St. Patricks Day Christmas lights or would that be too crazy. My kids made the suggestion the other day so I looked into it and i found some great lights that could be used in a variety of ways. They are even environmentally friendly and energy-efficient they're those new LED lights that everyone has now on there Christmas trees and on the outside of there houses. They now have them for St. Patrick's Day too with green LED rope lights, Emerald Green Raspberry LED Christmas Light and even Emerald Green Mini LED Christmas Light. Tell me those Emerald Green Raspberry lights wouldn't look great all long my side deck. My kids want to use some mini LED lights on there rooms too, girls will be girls.

Some Nice Putts Made In The First Round Of Match Play

A member on a golf forum was saying there were more than just Tiger's great putts yesterday in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship and he's most definitely right. Here's little taste of some of the other sweet putts from yesterday including ones from Luke Donald, Pat Perez, and Phil Mickelson.

Tiger Woods Birdie Barrage Sinks J.B. Holmes In The First Round Of Match Play

With J.B. Holmes 3 up on the 14th tee you knew Tiger would have to pull off something spectacular to come back in his match and of course he didn't disappoint with birdie putts on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes and a beautiful eagle on #17. Once the first fist pump came out it would spell the end of J.B. as Tiger awoke and went crazy with the putter. Enjoy the video of holes 14 through 17 if you missed it at the first day of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship.

Feb 20, 2008

5 Questions With David Feherty - Padraig Harrington

David Feherty is a funny guy and I've always enjoyed his take on the game of golf both in his written articles and in his TV work. If you missed him asking fellow Irishman Padarig Harrington 5 questions at the Northern Trust Open you won't be disappointed.

Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation Dreaming

This is about the time of year that I really wished I still lived in British Columbia where the Winter season was a bit more temperate than here in Eastern Ontario. Where I could golf year round and didn't mind playing in a bit of rain in the winter just because it was great to get out golfing. Not so much luck here as Golf simulators or the odd indoor facilities will be the only place to get your golf fix.

I will one winter take one of those Winter golf vacations probably to a place I can play a variety of courses. The first place on my list has to be Myrtle Beach. Guys that I know that have gone there always tell me "You'd love it there." They know I'm golf obsessed and would love a Myrtle Beach vacation. My Myrtle Beach golf experience would have to involved just a few of the top courses including Barefoot Love, Shaftesbury Glen and Man O' War. I'd also definitely play the International World Tour course just because I might not be able in my lifetime to play all those famous Championship course holes and I can at International. Most of my buddies have booked there tee times and Myrtle Beach golf packages through Ttimes Only and highly recommend it so I'd probably start there with the planning.

I might now only be able to dream of Myrtle Beach golf but it may happen if the Golf Gods align themselves someday. I can only wonder.

Feb 19, 2008

Swing Tips For That Sweet Golf Shot

Are you the type of golfer who likes tips to improve your golf club swing. Do you try to read any swing tips in all the popular golf magazines. Do you sign up for all those golf instruction newsletters. Well I do to but I find the best golf instruction websites involve videos just like the online golf lesson videos you get over at TwoMinuteGolfPro. They offer personalized golf instruction, swing techniques, and great golf tips for the beginner to the more experience golfer. I know I love those little quick and easy drills to fix those little swing flaws. What golfer doesn't like a easy tip they can use when there round of golf is going bad. I've never taken lessons and rely on site's like TwoMinuteGolfPro because I'm just a busy guy. Check out TwoMinuteGolfPro you'll find a video tip to help you with your swing.

Feb 18, 2008

Robert Allenby Uses His Putter For Birdie Just On The Fringe

I love the way the Pros make this shot look so easy. Note, Robert Allenby Third Round Northern Trust Open. He's having a not so great round with a few bogeys in his last couple of holes he hits his third shot a little long and it roles to the fringe of the green. It's a short par 4 so if you get a par it seems like you got a bogey. Instead of using a bladed wedge or a hybrid (I don't even know if he carries one) he pulls out his trusty Scotty Cameron putter and hits a little down on the ball, the result a nice birdie.

Swiss Luxury Watches Just Like Tiger Wood's

Well if your looking for Amazing Swiss luxury watches like the one Tiger Woods wears well look no further than 10hs10.com. It has all the retailers that sell these type of watches all in one nice easy to search directory. I didn't realize there was so many luxury watch companies before i wen on this site, they really do give you all the info you might need to make an informed choice on a high end watch for yourself or as a gift. If your looking for news on your new Tag Heuer watch check out 10hs10.com too. You can always sign up for there newsletter to keep up to date with specific luxury watches, like Tiger's brand or any important facts and news related to watchmakers and buyers. Sign up today to stay informed.

Phil Mickelson Downhill Lie Shot - Northern Trust Open Final Round

Check this video of Phil Mickelson out from the final round of the Northern Trust Open which he just happen to win. How to hit the ball from a uphill lie. Phil does a pretty good job of shifting his weight. You be the judge.

Help With My Golf Rack

It's a good thing I've got a good neighbor that lives across the street from me. Without them I' d never ge anywhere when it comes to small or large home projects that I venture into every now and then. Like the other day I was making a rack for some of my golf clubs in my work area and of course I didn't have the right tools to do the job. So I pick up the phone and of course he's got what I need. He's got all the Delta machinery, like all the cool shapers, planers, scroll saws and lathes. so nedlessto say he saved the day and I have a nice putter rack.

Nice Win By Mickelson At Riviera

Nice win on Sunday by Phil on a very difficult course where you had to really shape your shops an if you missed any yo had to miss it on the right side.Phil had a final-round 70 Sunday to capture the Northern Trust Open by two shots over Jeff Quinney, who never really put any pressure on Phil. Mickelson picks up 4,500 FedExCup points and moves into first place on the FedExCup points list with 8,069 points. J.B. Holmes, who was number one on the list coming into the week, fell back to second after a T7 finish this week. Phil has some great short game as he made some nice wedge shots and some sweet putts. Check out this Swing Vision of a wedge shot of his from the weekend.

Feb 17, 2008

Charlie Wi Sinks A Long Putt For Eagle Third Round Riviera

Who Is Charlie Wi? He's a guy that's bounced around the Nationwide Tour but has made his home on the PGA Tour the last 2 years. He sinks a long putt for eagle in the third round of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera. The one week I had him in my Fantasy league he didn't make the cut but he does have 2 top 25s and is looking for another one at Riviera this week.

Tournament Invitations Electronically

This just shows you the sign of the times as my oldest daughter had her birthday recently and we sent out birthday invitations electronically. We got everyone's email address and asked them to respond within an allotted time frame. Worked like a charm and because it was a small gathering it worked even better as we got responses right away. I'm thinking of doing something similar with a golf tournament that's coming up. By sending out emails to the potential participants early I can then gauge on how many we want to attend and compare to actual numbers, this would be done early. So because I don't have to spend money on postage, time and other miscellaneous things, I can concentrate on other aspects of the tournament as well. Sending off a customized email to each potential participant I believe will be a time saver and free up some time. We'll see.

Jeff Quinney Stays In Contention With An Ace

Who would of though Jeff Quinney would challenge Phil on Day 3 of the Northern Trust Open in Pacific Palisades, Calif. but he did with a nice round of 67, the ace helped for sure. Jeff Quinney used a 7 iron for a hole-in-one at No. 6 at Riviera Country Club. It bounced off a little ledge and came back sweetly into the hole. He has to work on his celebration routine a little better though with his caddy.

"You don't know whether to hug or high five," said a grinning Quinney, who did not actually see the ball trickle into the cup. "(It) probably just looks sloppy. Adrenaline goes through your system. It's an amazing feeling.

"It was almost like a touchdown end zone dance, but basically we need to get that organized with my caddy and plan a little bit better."

He'll be in the final group come Sunday with Mickelson just a stroke back looking for his first PGA Tour victory. If you missed his ace check it out below.

Feb 16, 2008

Myrtle Beach On Hold?

A bunch of guys are trying to put together a little golf getaway this spring down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for an extra long weekend. It will be cheaper as one of the guys has a line on one of these Condo Hotels set up right near about 4 or 5 great golf courses including King's North At Myrtle Beach National. Definitely a course I've dreamed of playing. The problem is we just had our third child and my wife will be off for 9 months with not a lot of income coming in. So I have to figure out put off the Myrtle Beach trip and play more golf at my home course. I think the writing might be in the green so to speak.

Grey Poupon Mustard Review

I finally received some Grey Poupon Mustards in the mail the other day and now here's my honest review of the product. It's been a bit crazy at my house lately but decided to bring out the Grey Poupon Mustards for everyone to try at the family birthday party for my oldest girl. I laid them out for display and people could try them with an array of crackers, cheese, kielbasa and various other things. I really enjoyed the Hearty Spicy Brown as it really brought out the flavor in the variety of meats that I put it onto too, it wasn't too spicy and would consider it only really mild. I plan to use it in a recipe for Caesar Pizza that calls for a mixture of Dijon Mustard, garlic, oil, egg yolk and lemon juice. The Harvest Coarse Ground definitely had more bite to it as people described it as having a bit of a bite more tangy, it went really well with a lighter cheese and cracker. Two very different mustards but both equally tasty.

The next day after my daughter's birthday party we used both mustards on some bacon wrapped pork tenderloin and this really set off the taste of the tenderloin enhancing the flavors that were there. I would definitely try it out again on tenderloin and just about anything.

Tags: Grey Poupon Mustard

Feb 15, 2008

Els Changes Mind And Enters Match Play

It's great that Ernie Els has changed his mind and entered the Accenture Match Play Championship to be played next week in Arizona. Good for the tournament and good for Ernie who's a great at Match Play maybe he can make up for the beginning of is season with a win.

Els, a three-time major champion and No. 4 in the world ranking, had said all along h would skip the first World Golf Championship of the season and make his U.S. debut at the Honda Classic.

But on Thursday he officially entered. So now Brett Wetterich with a shoulder injury is the only player to have withdrawn. The 64-man brackets will not be set until Monday afternoon, although Els likely would play Jonathan Byrd in the first round.

So now Anthony Kim, is SOL and will miss the tournament unless someone backs out. Tiger Woods, the No. 1 seed, would face FBR Open champion J.B. Holmes in the first round.

The Accenture Match Play Championship begins Wednesday at The Gallery just north of Tucson.

Feb 14, 2008

Golf Coupons To Save You Money

I'm like most people when shopping for things, I like to get a deal. Getting $10 or $2o or more off an item is something I enjoy especially when I'm shopping online which I do alot of. I especially like sites like 1-Coupons.com where you can search there site for online coupons and you don't have to go searching everywhere for them. I need some golf balls,I do a search on 1-Coupons.com and in an instant I have all the retailers that are offering golf ball coupons. Simple easy and effective for me a busy Dad and a busy golfer. I also love 1-Coupons.com because you can save at online travel sites like Orbitz, Hotwire, Expedia and Travelocity. Very helpful when I'm trying to compare pricing for any golf trips I take during the year. Because of my busy schedule and family life I do alot of shopping online whether it's for nice polo shirts for golf or a new wedge for my golf game 1-Coupons.com can help you with your search.

Feb 13, 2008

Fantasy Picks For Northern Trust Open

The PGA Tour comes to L.A. this week for the Northern Trust Open. Tiger isn't thee but who cares 17 of the Top 20 players in the rankings will tee it up beginning Thursday at the Riviera Country Club, so this is a pretty hot field and there's lots of great players to pick. Good putters will do well this week and guys that can keep the ball in play. so here are my picks:

Mike Weir-has won here twice before plus he's playing great lately.
Phil Mickelson- will be looking to make up for a terrible 3rd round last week and missed cut look for Phil to be focused.
Padraig Harrington- a nice top 15 finish last week this course suits his game if he can putt he could win.
Adam Scott- if he can continue his hot play after wining overseas he'll be in contention.
Rory Sabbatini- 3 top 10s in this event he always seems to be around he top of the leaderboard.
Robert Allenby- 3 top 10s he loves Riviera. He's due also
Aaron Baddeley- plays well on courses you have to putt well on plus he's got a good track record here.

Elegant Spanish Vacation Rental

It' very rare you see a vacation rental property and it takes your breathe away. Have a glance at the Palaceté de Cázulas in Spain and you'll be booking a group holiday in Spain in about two minutes. It's situated in the rolling hills of a beautiful valley in Spain and is only a half hour ride to the Mediterranean Coast. But the scenery is only half the draw as the property is made for special group events like weddings and other special occasions. The architecture is amazing and dates back to the 1400's. A private chapel for weddings and various gardens for pictures makes this the ultimate place to get married. Check out there website if your looking for a group vacation rental property with exquisite flare and elegance.

Padraig Harrington Looking Good So Far In America

Padraig harrington has a good week last week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a solid T14. He comes into this week's Northern Trust Open in L.A. this week .He should be a good bet this week to do well at Riviera where he had a 7th place finish. Get him in your Fantasy Pools. Check out this video of Padraig from the final round of the AT&T.

Mike Weir Masters Champion President's Cup Hero

On the weekend at Pebble Beach Mike Weir capped off a pretty good week with a T14. He's 21st in Fedex Cup points and he always looks forward to this week in L.A. He'll probably be on alot of people's Fantasy League his week. Check out this video of Mike Weir with his successes such as his Master's victory and the President's Cup.

Go Away Snow Hello Cancun

Ok we have had enough, it's snowing again and has been for the last few hours and is suppose to for the rest of the day. I won't be golfing til June if this holds up. I can only imagine the nice sunny weather my mother-in-law has gone back too (the sunny and warm Virgin Islands). People are coming back from trips south and are tanned and all hoping for warming weather well have you looked outside. You might want to book a little longer vacation to a sunny destination. I here Cancun, Costa Rica, Cuba and of course the Virgin Islands are nice. You might want to try one of those travel places that specializes in all-in-one packages like Book Cancun they seem to have the best prices and packages for Cancun Mexico. You can book your flight, any tours you might be interested in and any activities. Golf would be so cool right now, golf simulators in the winter go only so far. Maybe if we all think hard enough his snow will go away.

Feb 12, 2008

Jason Day Golf Swing At Pebble Beach 2008

Australian golf is obviously doing well in the professional ranks with the likes of Adam Scott back at No. 5 in the world after his recent win in Qatar, Aaron Baddeley at No. 17, Geoff Ogilvy is a little off lately but holding at No. 15. There are six Australians in the top 50 and almost double that in the top 100. Jason Day is coming off a T6 at Pebble Beach and at 20 is the youngest player on the PGA Tour. He's full of fire and confidence and that's what you need to succeed on the tour that and some game. Jason seems to have both. This video is from this past Sunday at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Enjoy.

Fly-Fishing And Golf - I'm In Heaven

When I lived in British Columbia I did alot of fly-fishing on my days off from tree planting. I don't get to do as much fly fishing as I usually do with a wife and three kids but my wife has mentioned a little vacation down in South Carolina that might involve some golf and fly-fishing for me. There's a Charleston Fishing Charters in South Carolina that looks pretty amazing they're the premier fly fishing leaders in light tackle and fly-fishing guide service in the Charleston area. You kind of need a charter when you’re in a spot fishing for the first time first of all they know where the fish are and how to catch them. It makes it more fun of a fishing adventure that is for certain. I've really only fly fished for trout but I could definitely handle fishing for some Red Drum, Seatrout, and Sheepshead or maybe some seasonal species like Tarpon, Mackerel, or even some species of sharks. I've heard all of these fish fight quite intensely. Can you imagine hooking into a shark on some light tackle that would be a long battle for sure. If your looking for an experience charter fishing experience Captain John Irwin is the Charleston Fishing Guide you want. This could be a dream come true fly-fishing and golfing.

Nicholas Thompson Using Tour Studio Select Newport 2

Nicholas Thompson has had back to back top 15 finishes with a T7 last week at Pebble Beach and a T12 at the Bob Hope he ranks 3rd in putts per round could this be the reason I would say so. Check out this video of him on the 7th hole At Pebble Beach this past Sunday. He's using a Tour Studio Select Newport 2.

Kelly Slater Pro Surfer Turned Amateur Golfer For The Weekend

Watching the AT&T this past weekend you got to see a few amateurs playing some seemed ok others a little awkward. I was really impressed with Kelly Slater the professional surfer who has a real night compact swing. He even looks like a golfer, if this guy decides to change professions with a little help he could be really good but what do I know. Check out this video from the final round this past Sunday at Pebble Beach he sticks it close and converts the putt for birdie. Guess he wasn't admiring the waves that day.

Feb 11, 2008

Ryder Cup Stars To Play In Indonesia

Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke will headline the Indonesia Open, this week at the Cengkareng Golf Club in Jakarta, Indonesia. Alot of big names on the European Tour are in the States playing this week so that leaves a few Ryder Cup points up for grabs.

Clarke will look to rebound after a missed cut in Dubai, then closed 79-82 last week in the Indian Masters to finish 63rd. Clarke will hope to turn things around as he makes his first start at this event.

"It was a long time ago that I was this enthusiastic," Clarke was quoted on the European Tour's website. "I've always been keen, but now I am working harder than I have ever worked and spending more time on my game than I have ever done."

Mikko Ilonen won last year by a single stroke over three players.

This event is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

The Golf Channel will broadcast action of all four days starting at 7:30 a.m. (et).

Subtitles For My Foreign Language Golf Videos

I record alot of golf footage from various events around the world with some in different languages. I think it would be great to have some sort of subtitle service or software that could encode English subtitles directly onto my videos if I so choose. I know this would be a huge undertaking to design a software but I at least when there's no English coverage of a golf event, English viewers of my videos would still be able to understand the commentary of the announcers. Maybe most people wouldn't care they just want to see the video footage, the action so to speak. What do you think?

OttawaGolfBlog.com Fantasy Golf Update

A tough week for most in the league as people were hoping for a big performance from Phil Mickelson but that was shot down with a horrible third round to not even make the cut. Those who had VJ were smart to sub him in as Ron's Hackers did as he had 150 points this week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and wins a sleeve of Maxfli Tour Fire balls. He had alot of success with VJ, Weir, Justin Leonard and Tome Pernice Jr. in the last 2 rounds. Congrats. The next week to win a sleeve is the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

TaylorMade Burner Driver Review Part 2

Well with all this snow falling here in Eastern Ontario it was obviously going to be hard to test the Burner Driver I received from TheWorldOfGolf.com that's were indoor driving ranges and golf simulators come into play for those of us obsessed with the game of golf. Luckily my brother-in-law knows the people down at Golf-O-Max well and fit us in this past Saturday on one of there lovely golf simulators. If we couldn't be outside then Golf-O-Max was the next best thing.

After getting warmed up a bit with my wedges I unleashed the Burner drive r. On the first few swings I kept it easy as I though the regular stock shaft might not be the shaft for me because I usually play a stiff shaft in my driver but I was pleasantly surprised. The SuperFast RE*AX 50g shaft by Fujikura really stood up nicely as I played with the height of the tee and let loose on the next few balls. The shaft seems really stable especially on my longest drive of over 300 yards. The shaft is really light which let's you free up your swing. Most of my drives were straight with a few that faded off to the right a little. The few bad drives I had were just bad swings. The feel off the clubface was really good and gave you great feedback as to how you hit the ball. I'm not one for taking a full back swing and most of the time I'm just taking a half, third quarters swing the Burner driver didn't disappoint. I had no hooking problems, which is my main trouble with my driver now so that was nice. It might not be for those looking to work the ball with there driver but if you want a long forgiving straight driver the Taylor Made Burner driver might be for you. I can't wait til the snow melts so I can take the Burner driver out to my local course for a true test.

Feb 9, 2008

Darren Clarke Steaming Mad?

This picture was posted on the Sun's UK website of Darren Clarke which clearly looks like golfer Darren Clarke with steam coming out of his ears, mad perhaps. If anyone knows about DC he likes to smoke the odd cigar or smoke, this is what was written about the picture by the Sun.

GRIM-faced golfer Darren Clarke is clearly fuming — as steam appears to come out of his ears after playing a duff shot in a top tournament.
In fact, the Ryder Cup hero, 39, had just been puffing away on a cigar during the Indian Masters in Delhi.
Well, it was either that or he was still feeling the effects of the curry from the night before!

Feb 8, 2008

Summer Camp For Kids Who Love Snow

When I was growing up I never had a chance to go to a summer camp partly because I either worked during the summer or I was hanging out at my parent's campsite. I know this summer my oldest child will again go to a camp and it might even be an overnighter. There are so many types of camps to choose from, from sports camps and drama camps to academic as well. I know one I would of loved is a camp that's held in Oregon at Mt. Hood. It's a the National Alpine Ski Camp and if your kids is into competition and racing then this might be the camp for you this summer. Can you imagine skiing in the summer. Well it can be done and with the utmost of professionalism as well. There camp has five to one athlete-to-coach ratio and this will ensure effective learning. If your kid is eager to make the Olympics some day this could the camp for you.

Dreaming Of Pebble Beach

Watching the @Live coverage today from Pebble Beach made me really want to play Pebble Beach someday especially #7 by the water what an awesome hole. Someday that hole can be a wedge other days it can be a 5 iron. Guys were sticking it pretty close today but the wind did starts to pick up as the day progressed. The views from that hole seem to be amazing mesmerizing you into hitting your shot short or into one of the bunkers that surround the hole. Regardless, I'd play it in a pinch.

Taylor Made Burner Driver Review Part 1

Feb 7, 2008

RC Cars Can Be A Great Hobbie For You And Your Son

I've only really been addicted to golf for about the last 7 years, unfortunately it is an addiction as my wife would agree. I'm sure when my girls and my son get older I'll take them out to the range and the golf course. It's great to have a variety of things to be exposed to I'm a firm believer, when I was younger I really though radio controlled cars and trucks were really cool and would be something I might take interest in well now that I have a son it might be time to take a closer look at the world of RC cars. I stumbled upon a great site for those interested in radio controlled cars and trucks the other day. It answered all my newbie questions like what's type of car would be best for me a nitro or an electric RC? It has extensive info on what is involved in RC cars and the upkeep of them. It's the source for RC Cars Tips and Tricks because the guy that runs it is a RC cars champion, his name is Igor Presnukhin and he's a pretty good source of info if your looking to get started in RC cars.

Fantasy Golf Picks For The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

This week's PGA Tour stop lands us on the Monterey Peninsula in sunny California with the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. It will be played over 3 courses: Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Poppy Hills. Spyglass is considered the toughest course, Pebble Beach the "classic" with the views and the character, and Poppy Hills the best chance for some birdies.

The courses are long by today's stnadards but the pros will have to be patient as it's a Pro-Am and there could be some long rounds. The weather looks good but you never know in California. A player will have to hit greens this week to win. Players will get to play 3 rounds and the cut then comes so some guy might win if he can free wheel it a bit. Here are picks for the week.

Phil Mickelson-defending Champion would love to win again after narrowly missing out last week.
Mike Weir- after a WD he had a so-so week at the FBR, his swing looks great and he'll do well on the tight layouts.
Daniel Chopra- after a win already this year and his success at Pebble(T11, T5, T16,T25) why not?
Kevin Sutherland- this guy has been pretty hot lately with a T13 and T4 in his last two stats. This California native was 2nd to Phil last year.
Vijay Singh- still a work in progress w. VJ but his track record here can't be overlooked.
Jim Furyk- good record at Pebble should be in the running.
Brandt Snedeker- just a hunch this course should set up well for him has only a T36 here, we'll see.

Tags: Fantasy Golf, PGA Tour, Pebble Beach, Fantasy Golf Picks

Feb 6, 2008

Score Some Points On Valentine's Day

It's coming up to Valentine's Day and this is the time of year that guys tend to do not so well with gifts for there loved ones because they either forget or they get a not so well thought out plan or there gift choice isn't so good. Well really guys don't send them a new golf driver and bag unless they golf right. Don't get them gift certificates if they don't shop at the store right. You really can't go wrong with sending flowers. To buy flowers online is so easy now and if you have a credit card it's a no brainer. Try 1800flowers.com and gets some bonus points with the girlfriend or wife. Order some flowers online today You owe it to her.

Even British Open Champs Need To Retool There Swings

Interesting article about Padraig Harrington on how he's retooling his swing even after winning a the Open Championship last year. He's known for tinkering with his mechanics but even though he's only played 3 times in the last ten weeks he's still sharp. Complancency will not ever enter Padraig routine that's for sure.

"You would think winning a major would mellow you," he said. "It's done the opposite to me. It's made me even more obsessive. There's a huge incentive to push on. I don't think I have that attitude of some guys who are trying to prove they deserved to win it. But I certainly have the attitude that I really want to win another.
"It would have been nice to chill out and take some of the glory of it all and be confident. But that's not the way my system works."

He's in the field for this week's AT&T Pebble Beach Championship.

Feb 5, 2008

Handicap Software For The Avid Golfer

If your like most golfers out there you like to keep a handicap to compare how your doing over time and to compare yourself to others. You also need a handicap if you going to compete in any golf club tournaments and USGA tournaments. If your looking for a new golf handicap software to keep track of your golf games you might want to check out NetHandicap.com. You can sign up today and test out there free trial software, give there online demo a try and you might be surprised by all the advantages of NetHandicap's software. There's no need to install software on your computer all you have to do is have an Internet connection and connect through your browser to gain access to your handicap. Try it out you might like all the features NetHandicap's software provides.

Feb 4, 2008

Indian Masters This Week On The European Tour

India will get its first European Tour event this weekend with the Indian Masters from the Delhi Golf Club in Delhi, India . The Indian Open will feature the country's strongest talent -- Jyoti Randhawa, Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal, Shiv Kapur -- as well as a stable of the usual European Tour stars led by world No. 4 Ernie Els who lost last weekend to Tiger in Dubai.

"It's fantastic for Indian Golf and will give it a huge boost," Singh was quoted on the European Tour's website. "All of the youngsters will have an opportunity to see the top players and how they conduct themselves on the golf course."

Delhi Golf Club was built on the site where tombs from the 17th-century Lodhi Dynasty were located. It is set up as a 7,014-yard par-71 layout.

The Golf Channel will have coverage off all four rounds beginning at 9:30 a.m. (et) each day. You will also be able to tune in online at http://www.myp2p.eu/.

Cobra Golf's New Irons- 2008 King Cobra Pro CB & Pro MB

I always like when golf club makers update there website with new clubs, as Cobra golf has done with there new offers for 2008. There new King Cobra Pro CB and MB being the most sexy looking of the bunch. The MB are made from Forged 1020 Carbon Steel as are the CB. The CBs are designed for advanced players seeking superior feel and control with some forgiveness. The MBs designed for advanced players seeking superior feel and workability. The CB is even on the Golf Digest Hotlist this year.

Protect Yourself Today

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Once you enroll you will receive credit bureau checks sent directly to you these fraud alerts are a important part to protect. Also now every time you apply for new credit or someone tries to do something with your credit you will receive a call from the bank to safeguard you against any frauds. You will also be taken off any junk mail lists, a huge way frauds are started all because your a LifeLock member and you know those pre-approved credit offer lists, LifeLock will get you off of them. It's all about prevention.I love the fact LifeLock stands by there product if your Identity is stolen while you are a member of LifeLock, they'll use up to s million dollars to restore your good name, I like that guarantee.

Tiger Woods Wins In Dubai

Tiger Woods had a final round 65 that allowed him to overtake Ernie Els and take home another victory in Dubai on Sunday. Woods beat Martin Kaymer by one stroke, while Ernie Els and Louis Oosthuizen finished tied for third. Check out this video of Tiger and highlights from holes #12-#14 and #17 and #18.

Ottawa Golf Blog Welcomes A New Member

I've been MIA lately as my wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy this past Thursday so now I'll be able to take all 3 of my kids for a perfect foursome. My son "Gus" weighted in at 10lbs. 14ozs. and 22 3/4 inches in length. He'll be out driving me by springtime I'm sure.