Ottawa Golf Blog

Here's a shout out to our friend Chris over at TourSpecGolf.com for starting up GolfToImpress.com a site he just launched June 8th with a focus on golf news both from the Japanese and U.S. markets. He'll be also involved in equipment reviews, the inside scoop on new gear, equipment testing and more. Be sure to follow him on Twitter as you can expect some contests in the near future. A wealth of golf knowledge by Chris and his staff I know I'm impressed be sure to check out Golf To Impress today.

Puma Golf's 18-Hole Golf Checked Bermuda Shorts Review

Regardless of the weather here in Ottawa when I golf I like to wear shorts. So I was quite happy when Puma sent me some of their Check Bermuda Shorts to review. Here's the scoop on Puma Golf's 18-Hole Golf Checked Bermuda Shorts.



Features
These shorts I received form Puma were a Steel Gray but they also come in White/Angel Blue • White/Flame Orange. The fabric is a nice subtle plaid and goes with just about any style and color of polo shirts including the white Invisibonding Polo I reviewed a few weeks ago and the soon to be review Flame Orange Pique polo.



The shorts have some nice little extras including a back right belt loop with the screened 18 Hole logo as well as the right side having an extra large wide belt loop for a glove if you wear one.
Here are some other features of the shorts:

• Flat front with zip fly and 18 Hole button close
• Front slash pockets
• Back patch pockets
• Embroidered PUMA on the lower left leg
• 10½" inseam

The shorts are extremely lightweight I don't no whether it's the 98% cotton/2% elastane fabric of the shorts or just the way Puma Golf makes their apparel but these are great for those hot and humid summer rounds. These shorts are not only for the golf course but are stylish enough to be worn just about anywhere.

Conclusion
I really like these shorts they are very stylish, go with most golf shirts I own as well as being very lightweight. About the only thing that I don't like about these shorts is after washing them they always seem to be rather wrinkly and they always need an iron. Whether it's the combination of fabric or what this is the only negative I could find. So if your not handy with a iron, buyer beware. Also they fit a bit big so you might have to go down a size for them to fit.



These retail for about $80 US and are available in even waist sizes: 30-40

It maybe wasn't the prettiest final rounds of a Major but Lucas Glover made the putts when he needed to and played some smart golf in closing with a final round 73 and a two stroke victory over Phil, Duval and Ricky Barnes. It made for some great TV as there was a motley bunch of diverse golfers in the hunt and at any given point golfers were in and out of contention.

A few guys came over and watched the final hours of the golf, it was easy for them to make up excuses. To get away from making wedding invitations, chores around the house and general work. Hell this was the U.S. Open and it was a Monday finish what more excuses do you need. Phil Mickelson, David Duval, Ricky Barnes made it exciting but Lucas Glover finished it off with the pressure of having never been in wining a Major before and looked steady right to the end. Glover now moves up the World Rankings from 71st to 18th. I had a feeling Glover might do well this week as he had good stats as far as Total Driving(#1) goes I felt the only thing that might hurt him was he has had no success be before at a U.S. Open. He proved to many he was worthy Monday, congrats.

Lucas Glover Wins 2009 US Open

On a crazy beautiful sunny Summer day when you should be out golfing, many golf fans were huddled around their TVs or laptop taking in the final day of the U.S. Open. Fans were hoping for some kind of crazy finish depending on who you were cheering for there were so many story lines none better than David Duval's. Former #1 golfer in the World down to #882 in the World and pretty much off the golf map for the last while. It was great to see him sink some clutch putts with the stroke ever so similar to when he was #1 and winning. A win eluded him but he can hold his head high as he is no longer #882 but #142 has a much better ring I'm certain.

David Duval's Final Round U.S. Open

What would we do if we didn't have Phil "The Thrill" Mickelson at the U.S. Open. He almost pulled off a beautiful comeback win but two bogeys down the stretch killed any of his chances and only netted him his 5th 2nd place finish at a U.S. Open. You know he wanted this one bad with all his family is going through right now but it wasn't meant to be even with all the N.Y. fans cheering him on at every hole. Enjoy the video of his final round at Bethpage Black we don't know when we'll see him next but we'll look forward to it.

Phil Mickelson Final Round 2009 US Open Bethpage Black

As much as it was disappointing that a Canadian didn't win the U.S. Open when it was looking so good for Mike Weir after rounds of 64 and 70. It was still exciting to watch and was better then watching those crazy infomericals on diet pills or Viagra during some lengthy rain delays we actually got to watch some exciting golf Monday and Weir was still in it most of the day. A few too many wayward shots and not getting those clutch shots he was getting the first few days really cost him. Closing with back to back 74s Weir had to settle for a T10, Stephen Ames also finished at the same. Not to bad considering there were only 4 Canadians in the field.

Mike Weir's Opening Round 64


The most impressive was amateur Nick Taylor coming up with the highest finish by an amateur this year at a tie for 36th.This kids got game and we'll definitely will be keeping an eye out for him in the future.

Nick Taylor 2nd Round 65 US Open

Thursday's round at the 2009 U.S. Open lasted all but 3 1/2 hours when the rain made the course unbearable to play. The 3 1/2 hrs was long enough according to the USGA to enact its no-refund policy. For fans shelling out between $100-$150 for tickets I say that stinks and obviously from a lot that is being written locally from the course many fans are incensed with obvious good reason. No golfer completed more than 11 holes, hell people only got to see Tiger for 6 holes.

A golf fan on a popular golf forum suggested they do what MLB does when round 1 is over, everyone must go through a checkpoint, and if you have round one-only tickets, your day is done. Seems like a reasonable solution could it actually be done probably not considering patrons are strewn all over the course but at least the USGA has to look at something like this because there will be many bitter fans. IN these tough economic times you don't want to alienate hardworking fans.

I guess I'll just watch coverage from my laptop on one of my many comfy patio furniture sets because at least if there's no coverage tomorrow I won't be out a lot of $$$$ and won't be bitter at the USGA's thoughtless policy.

PUMA Golf: PUMA Brigade Storms Bethpage!
PUMA Special Edition gear worn by the Puma Brigade following Ogilvy Wednesday at Bethpage Black. At least they had better weather!
Posted using ShareThis

When I first saw the soon to be released 2009 U.S. Open Headcover I immediately said hey! that's like my GolfWRX Flying Tiger 08 Camouflage headcover. A great headcover put out by GolfWRX and one that's been my gamer for awhile now, my little guy was born in 2008 so I like the significance of that plus it damn cool looking. You see the similarities. I'm sure it will be a great seller for SC.

Inspired by World War II fighter planes, the silver headcover has the snarling teeth of a Spitfire, Cameron's Red Circle T logo on one side and a classic pinup girl on the other.

I'm always a little intrigued when I find a product online that looks worthy of some further investigating and maybe something to review as well. Scouring online for the latest and greatest out there for golfers can be daunting sometimes because you have to sift through a lot of companies as well as websites that may or may not have an interesting product. I was pleasantly surprised to find a golf product at AmazingProducts.tv , which features those popular As Seen On TV products. At first glance `The Floppy``seems so simple but would benefit most of us hackers that might struggle with our short game and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

"The Floppy" is listed as one of the products you have to try at AmazingProducts.tv. Being featured in the New York Times definitely had this product legitimize for me. You have to figure a product might be worthy when it gets featured in the New York Times so here's what I found out at Amazing Products and probably why most golfers should have some of these in their bags.


Well this indoor practice ball will help you with your wedge game or at the very least get you a few swings in before you hit the course. A practice ball that feels just like the real thing and doesn't make huge holes in your gyprock. I know a few fellow golfers here in Canada would kill for these balls because of our short golf season. Can you imagine when you get the winter blahs right around January/February. Take out a "Floppy" and practice up on those wedges and short irons. Father' Day is right around the corner your Dad probably doesn't have one of these and you know he'd love the golf help AmazingProducts.tv might just have what your looking for. I know being a busy Dad, I'd love the extra practice time these "Floppy" balls could bring.

I definitely see a review down the line. I think I'll order mine soon, once I get my PayPal account built back up. Stay tuned.

Nice to see Rory McIlroy jump on the Twitter band wagon just in enough time for the U.S. Open hopefully he gets as good with this great social media tool as Stewart Cink has, come on Rory give us some good Tweets no boring shit. Follow Rory @RoryMcIlroy

You can also catch up with 2 time Major winner Padraig Harrington. Check out his tweets at @PadraigHarrington

We can only hope these two guys keep us fans intrigued with some inside U.S. Open tidbits.

Also great to see TaylorMade Golf's Tour Van to jump on board the Twitter train for all those people who care what the pros are getting done to their equipment check out @taylormadegc now.

Their latest Tweet:
"John Mallinger put a new 7-wood in play this week and hit it 9 times in yesterday's practice round. Bethpage is playing lo-o-ong."

With the buzz around another Major just getting started I thought it would be to cool remind people the Canadians in the field for this weeks U.S. Open.

Mike Weir of Bright's Grove, Ont., and Stephen Ames of Calgary will play the first two rounds of the tournament with Stewart Cink. Hopefully Cink continues to Tweet lots this week. @StewartCink

B.C. amateur Nick Taylor is scheduled to play with Scott Gutschewski and Gary Woodland, while Andrew Parr of London, Ont., will tee up with U.S. amateur Cameron Tringate and pro Sean Farren.

Even thought a lot of attention was focused on the upcoming weeks U.S. Open through conventional media as well as the likes of Twitter, you may of missed two pretty fine displays of golf. If you hadn't tuned into any of the action at the 2009 McDonalds LPGA Championship as well as the PGA Tour's St. Jude Classic here's what you might of missed.

2009 McDonalds LPGA Championship:
Sweden's Anna Nordqvist did the unthinkable capturing her first LPGA win at a "Major" and by 4 shot no less. She's a "rookie" no less with limited status. Pretty cool for a rookie right. her putting was pretty amazing all week. I loved her second shot into #18 at Bulle Rock a beautiful hybrid to about 5 feet. A pretty menacing hole with water along the left side. Nice going Anna you made a lot of people proud including fellow Swede Annika Sorenstam who's tweet read: "Grattis Anna!! Unbelievable performance!! Very proud of you!!" I'm also sure a few of your sponsors are pretty excited including Puma Golf who's Tweet read: "FTW!!! Anna Nordqvist!! We love you! "



2009 St. Jude Classic
Brian Gay goes wire to wire on a course the likes of Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson couldn't figure out (missed cut) as well as Phil Mickelson who made the cut but faded on the weekend (Glad I didn't pick him in my Fantasy Leagues). This guy has won twice this year and is riding a hot putter that saw him finish with 100 putts over 4 days. Just goes to show you, you don't have to hit it far you just have to make some putts. The big thing as well for Gay is he gets to change his plans this week and head to the U.S. Open at Bethpage's infamous Black Course where he played before back in 2002.



Sligo Wear a Canadian based company and one of Brian's sponsors was again more than happy with a second victory from Brian his year. Their brand is receiving much deserved attention and now they get to show it off at the U.S. Open. Love the pants Brian!

Puma Golf Chrome Belt Wide Review

When I first received a white belt from Puma Golf I immediately thought about Herb Tarlek from WKRP in Cincinnati. Herb always had a white belt on as well as white shoes. Maybe Herb was on to something as belts are the golf accessory that's in high demand. Just look at any tour event and you'll see all shapes and sizes and colors.



So I've never owned a white belt but I can tell when I first opened the Puma Golf Wide Chrome Belt I immediately like the weight of the buckle, it's very solid and larger than most other belts I've owned. The buckle is pretty plain compared to some of Puma's other belts which have a bit more bling. So if your going to buy your first white belt I'd highly suggest this one. It's not to in your face but stylish none the less.



You have to make sure the loops on your pants or shorts are wide enough for this belt. It is a wider belts. After wearing this belt for the first part of the golf season here in Canada I really have nothing negative to say about it and it has now become my favorite or go to belt. My wife was starting to think I was going to start wearing it with jeans or something.


The Puma Golf Chrome Wide Belt is made of genuine leather belt in black and white with a brushed silver buckle carrying a breached Formstripe and a raised Cat-Logo.

Available in sizes small (28"-32"), medium (33"-37"), large (38"-41") and extra large (42"-45")
Retails for about $55.00 US.



Just remember what Martin Hackel from Golf Digest says in this month's issue, if your going to wear a white belt make sure your hat and shoes match. Good advice!

I had the pleasure of attending my first PGA Tour event last July at the Canadian Open at Glen Abbey outside of Toronto. It was great watching the pros up close especially because I was also working the event as a volunteer marshal on a very tricky par 3 down on one of the "Valley Holes". Seeing the pro-am I thought it must be awesome to play along side a pro golfer especially if it was a player who was cool and didn't mind hanging out for 18 holes with a amateur.

One of the players I got to autograph a Canadian Open hat was Charley Hoffman who seemed like a great guy who can hit it a mile and a guy who would be cool to “hit some balls” with.

So I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled on to a golf contest by VacationRentals.com. You guessed it, one of the grand prizes is a Golf Weekend with Charley Hoffman. So I of course signed up immediately because Canadians can enter the contest and because you get to golf with Charley in sunny Las Vegas. It`s Golf and gambling heaven.

I wonder what Charely Hoffman's home course is in Las Vegas. I bet you it's TPC Las Vegas. Can you imagine hitting balls with Charley and some friends at that course. When I think of Desert golf I think of TPC Las Vegas that would a great course to play on a vacation.

You get $3,000 US to put towards one of Las Vegas' many Vacation Rentals which of course VacationRentals.com will help you with because that`s what they do.

So enter the Golf Weekend Contest with Charley Hoffman as it ends August 4th, 2009. Here's whats included in the prize again:

• A golf game with golf pro Charley Hoffman.
  
• Charley will meet and shoot golf balls a couple of hours.
• Could include up to 4 people .
• Includes money towards airfare and rental.
  

Sumi-G now has their 2009 line of stylish high-end golf accessories online for everyone to check out. I was first introduced to Sumi-G following along online at this years PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando were they were introducing their first ever collections. So much buzz came out of the PGA Show and Sumi-G was forefront. There were some great videos from Tony over at Hooked On Golf Blog. Check them out!

Here's how their collections are broken down (very clever naming - Sumi-G!)

Tee Collection- These are your belts (Dormy and Stymie), hats, towel brush and headcovers.

Green Collection- These are your divot tools, scorecard wallet, and money clip.

Trunk Collection- These are your bags: the Holdall, the Shoe Bag and the Shag Bag.

Their Sumi-G Dormy belt is even features in this month's Golf Digest (p.56 check it out) with a great little blurb from Marty Hackel. Remember to check out the video above to see their collection especially the headcovers which are something I've never seen before and easy on your back. If your looking for a replacement headcover I can see why you might want to look into a Sumi-G headcover.

We hope to do a review of some of their products soon.

Since the first time I saw Pearl Jam live back at the Robert Guertin Arena in 1993 I was hooked. Pearl Jam is set to release a new album Backspacer in a few months here's Pearl Jam with their brand new track "Got Some" from the Tonight Show.

Well this past week I received my 2nd lesson in a 3 lesson installment to hopefully improve my short game. The 1.5 hr. lessons this past week focused on chipping where my technique needed a little help. I definitely learned a lot about ball position as well as proper grip and

Keys that I learned and am trying to focus on:

Locking my wrists in their address angles so they don't break down through impact.

Playing the ball back in my stance on most chips, with most of my weight on my left side helps me with a descending blow.

Keep the swing compact back and through. You don't have to bring it back much to get the ball to go a fair distance plus you get better control.

With anything difficult like golf it's great to get tips, moving tips, driving tips, dancing tips whatever. So stay tuned for chipping tips/drills that my instructor has passed on to us. Coming soon pitching the golf ball -lesson three.

There was some talk on the GolfWRX forum about Charley Hoffman's green glove. It seems most people just weren't liking it but I've been a big fan of Charley's for awhile I think when people got wind of just why Charley has this color of glove maybe people will clue in a bit more and support a good cause. Kudos to Hoffman!

The green glove is a combined effort between both Charley and Waste Management to raise awareness about their commitment to Keep America Beautiful (www.KAB.org), an organization that promotes environmental preservation and protection.

On Charley's website you can even get a "THINK GREEN" For Charity T-shirt Package where all proceeds from all sales will go to benefit Keep America Beautiful, Inc. Check it out.

Titleist Pro V1 Pro V1x Golf Ball Reviews
The pros play them as well as most good players out there on your local golf course (I know because I find them on occasion) so what about a hacker like me could I benefit from these new 2009 Pro V1s.

Having a quick look at Titleist's website I found that 44 pros use the Pro V1x ball and 16 use the Pro V1 so can a 20 handicap golfer from outside Ottawa get the same benefits a pro can get with a Pro V1/ Pro V1x. These are my findings on playing the new 2009 Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. Enjoy.

So what has changed?
Titleist 's biggest change to the 2009 ball is the increased durability through a new urethane elastomer. Also according to Titleist here are some more differences than your old Pro V1 :
Pro V1 -Has more distance and more spin for better control and improved scoring perfomrance
Pro V1x - Has longer distance and similar scoring performance.


Three-piece Pro V1


Four-piece Pro V1x

The new versions feature a larger core and a thinner ionomer mantle compared with the 2007 models. The purpose is to increase ball speed. The 392 dimples on the Pro V1 help promote distance. The dual core in the Pro V1x is designed to reduce driver spin for golfers with high swing speeds.

Feel
The feel of these balls is very nice on a well struck iron shot you can feel the ball compress nicely and I found both balls track real well even in windier conditions.

Distance
As far as getting more distance with these balls to be honest I didn't get any huge leap in distance with these balls although I did find the Pro V1 was a little longer for me off the driver than the Pro V1x probably due to the fact the Pro V1x is geared to faster swing speeds.

Short Game
Chipping and pitching the Pro V1 / Pro V1x was great they definitely have that drop and stop thing going on. Even on a couple of bunker shots I had them stop so nicely I thought I was actually decent out of the sand (Not always the case). Now as far as spinning any of these Pro V1s back I'll leave that to the professionals but on most chips and pitches the action, a little right to left was quite welcomed and pretty consistent.

Putting
Although my putting has been a work in process most of the spring the Pro V1/ Pro V1x were great to putt with, a well struck ball always giving good feedback and held the line perfectly.


Conclusion
For a 20 handicap golfer like me playing the Pro V1 was fun added a lot to my short game but getting the full benefits from these balls is better left for a lower handicap player especially the Pro V1x which is geared for the faster swingers. The price of the Pro V1s are in the over $40 category so if you lose a few balls a round I'd go with one of Titleist's less expensive offerings as you won't feel bad losing a few balls and your wallet will still have a few bills for another round.