Stylin' In Scottsdale- Rickie Fowler's Puma Threads

Since Rickie Fowler signed with Puma Golf there's been some very notable combinations of his Puma Attire, like the ever popular smurf look. My first intro to Puma clothes was both exciting, new and revealing. This week for Rickie his Puma attire looks great for those that like style, color and a nice combination of technology .

This week Fowler is playing at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and opening with a 65 bods well for playing this weekend (maybe he should of been one of my fantasy picks). It also looks like he got a replacement for his driver than he ran over as well. His numbers from round one don't lie.

Here's what Fowler will be wearing this week. What do you think?

The Cell Fusion shoes look amazing (white,black and blue my favorite) and it looks like Puma has improved on their Smart Quill technology from last year. Saturday's look definitely reminds me of the Poulter Tartan from Ian Poulter and Sunday is of course all Rickie with the flashy Oklahoma State-orange. So would you wear any of these combinations?

Congrats Poulter On Your Match Play Win and 1st PGA Tour Win

Nice 4 and 2 victory over Paul Casey. The Pink Poulter strikes in the desert.

Golf Pools, New Putters From TaylorMade And Other Tidbits

 though I didn't win his February Madness Pool for this weeks Accenture Match Play. Seamus runs some great golf pools. Be sure to check out his Masters Pool coming up in April.
I'm presently putter less so it's always good to receive news of some upcoming putter releases.These are from TaylorMade Golf (March 25, 2010 release date) Rossa TP by Kia Ma Daytona, Rossa TP by Kia Ma Monaco Rossa TP by Kia Ma Fontana Tour  and the Rossa Monza Spider Vicino.

New J.Lindeberg 2010 line at Trendygolf.com be sure to check it out. Talking to Martini Media this week about their ad network. Should be interesting. Will be getting my irons lies/lofts checked this week for the season. Also looking into grabbing a few new grips maybe Lamkins new ones, the Performance Plus W/ 3 GEN. Watching all this Match Play I'm thinking I need some wrinkle cream way to much TV/computer watching. If your looking at buying some cigars be sure to check out CigarsDirect.com. Thumbs up from Ottawa Golf Blog.

Poulter Vs. Casey - Tale Of The Tape and My Prediction

So we have Ian Poulter Vs. Paul Casey in the Match Play final. My prediction is a close match but with Poulter having the better short game and pulling away to win 5 and 4.

Crazy Action, Weather, Shots At Accenture Match Play

oulter vs. Garcia, Casey vs. Villegas in the semifinals at Dove Mountain. Does sit get any better than match play. Some quick observations from watching the semi finals of the match play outside of Tuscon. Reminds me of golfing in the Fall here in Ottawa.

• Casey's 100 yd. 5 iron God I've been there.
• 9 iron worm burner by Camilo did he mean to do it (me think not)
• Sergio's shank to the middle of the pond on the par 3 (Cold hands eh! Sergio)

I love the coverage on CBS. With the commentary from Nick Faldo, David Fehery, Peter Kostis, Jim Nantz and Gary McCord and it keeps it interesting. Although it must be weirs for Kostis, Casey is his student. Not like the crazy Golf Channel with all the infomercials, ads for prenatal vitamins, Viagra, and general crap. I won't talk about the on air personalities.

The Final 8 At Accenture Match Play

 Down to eight guys in the desert so here's how I see things shaping up.

Jaidee vs Poulter = Two tough opponents this one will go down to the wire with Poulter coming out on top.
Goosen vs Villegas = Villegas will prevail in extra holes Goosen doesn't change expression the whole match and heart beat doesn't go above 75.
Garcia vs Wilson = I had a feeling about Ollie Wilson and I should of went with it, Wilson defeats Garcia 2 and 1.
Cink vs Casey =Everyone in the US will be tuned to this one with the last American standing will Cink defeat the mighty Casey I say yes but in extra holes.

Ottawa Golf Season Around The Corner - Golf Courses Begin Hiring

A good sign of the golf season starting soon is when you see Ottawa area golf courses post hiring notices in local newspapers. eQuinelle Ottawa's newest championship golfing experience in partnership with TMSI Sports Management is recruiting for full-time and part-time staff for the 2010 season. Positions are available in the following areas: pro-shop, back shop and course maintenance. Forward resumes by e-mail to Katherine Vollett at kvollett@tmsiottawa.com

Tiger Wood's Speech -What did you think?

Just finished watching the speech by Tiger Woods and all I can say is way to scripted and robotic. He made lots of apologies but with not a lot of emotion. I would of been a mess. He did however show lots of emotion right at the end of his speech and he hugged his Mom and Notah Begay and others. It was great to see him finally and talk about what has been going on but less script would of been nice what do you expect for speech I guess. Yes there was sincerity but looking like a soap opera actor in front of a podium wasn't all that great. More emotion would of been good.

Good to hear he's heading back to therapy. No real indication on when he'll return. Will probably be awhile from all indications from his speech.

"I do plan to return to golf one day," he said. "I just don't know when that day will be."

A nice change from the normal golf Channel coverage during the day of Cialis, Viagra and herbal colon cleansing ads. So what did you think of Tiger Woods speech. Good, Bad, Ugly?

Tiger Woods Press Conference Live Feed -Tune In Here 11AM EST

Watch live streaming video from aplive at livestream.com

Another Tough Day For Some At Accenture Match Play

And then there were 16. It's hard to believe but the likes of Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Geoff Ogilvy won't be around for the sweet 16 when it comes to today's matches in Arizona. Westwood was beaten 2 and 1 by Nick Watney. Rory was defeated by friend and fellow European Tour player Oliver Wilson in 20 holes. Ogilvy was a surprise to having dominated this event in recent years but Camilo Villegas looked strong in taking out Ogilvy 2 and 1. Jum Furyk another #1 seed lost to Charl Schwartzel 3 and 2 not a huge surprise as I had Schwartzel pegged to defeat Furyk.

So who do I have left in my Match play pool. Looks like Poulter, Cink and Casey with more emphasis on Poulter and Cink.

Most interesting matches today.
Luke Donald VS. Oliver Wilson - should be a battle of two bull dog players do I hear extra holes.

Cink VS. Schwartzel -Another battle I could see going extra holes. Schwartzel is playing great golf lately.

J Singh VS Poulter -J Singh is hot with the putter this week so is Poulter could be a death match here. Poulter will prevail though.

Match Play After First Day -Some Surprises

So after the first of the Accenture Match Play in Arizona I managed  a record of 19 out of 32 matches picked correctly. Not terrible but not great. I still have my final four in tack with McIlroy, Poulter, Ogilvy and Cink making it through to second round. Some big surprises obviously Stricker getting beat out in 19 holes by Ross MacGowan and Harrington losing to J Singh. I really thought Alvaro Quiros was going to take out Weir but I shouldn't of bet against my fellow Canadian. He'll have a hard time against Casey today. SOme other great matches today will be the South African match between Goosen and Els, look for Els to win there. ALso Ogilvy VS. Villegas will be a good one but Ogilvy will win probably in extra holes. Also look for Charl Schwartzel to upset Furyk as well Luke Donald upsetting Allenby. Should an awesome day. Now back to some auto insurance quotes before the Accenture Match Play. Trying to get cheaper insurance. It's going to be crazy when my 3 kids start to drive.

My Picks For 2010 Accenture Match Play -McIlroy, Poulter, Ogilvy, and Cink

It's always fun to print out a bracket and fill it out to see how you'll actually do in this week's Accenture Match Play. There's always the upset or the player that might just get real streaky. Here's the one I filled out for the Go For The Green Golf Pool
Look out for McIlroy, Poulter, Ogilvy, and Cink to be in the final four with Glover, Moore and Casey to have good runs.

Rory McIlroy Talks Some Golf Before Match Play

All eyes will be on Rory McIlroy this week at the Accenture Match Play in Arizona. First off this kid has all the talent in the world and this format seems to fit his style of play. He's also from Ireland He sat down yesterday for a little video conference/interview and here's some of the transcript:

STEVE TODD: Welcome back to Tucson. You made a strong debut here last year, your first event in the U.S. as a professional. I was just wondering if you could reflect back on that and also perhaps give us an update on the back injury.RORY McILROY: Yeah, it was great, this was my first tournament in the States as a pro last year. And I played pretty well. I got through three rounds and got bitten by the eventual winner, Geoff. It was great. I felt as if I played well last year. It's a course that -- it's a good match play course, you have to really think about your second shots into these slopey greens, and you have to really think about where you're putting the ball.
I played a practice round today and the course is playing really well again. The greens are a little firmer than what they were last year, which is going to make it a little tricky. But I think it's a really good course that everyone enjoys. This format is -- it's a bit different than what we usually play. It's nice to away from stroke play for a little bit.
STEVE TODD: You came here last year having won in Dubai. I think you've made it five consecutive top 10 finishes at the moment coming into this event. You're obviously in top form again.
RORY McILROY: Yeah, I keep myself in good positions to win golf tournaments. And that's one of my goals this year, is to try to turn those good finishes into wins. But I've played great the last few months and just got to try to keep it going.
STEVE TODD: Any thoughts on your opening round draw.
RORY McILROY: Yeah, it will be tough for everybody. You're playing against the best players in the world here, so every match is going to be tough. Kevin Na is a great competitor, and I'm sure I'll have my hands full.
Q. Two questions, I guess, No. 1 is what do you remember looking back at last year, what sticks out a year later?
RORY McILROY: I don't know, I mean I remember -- I think I was 2-down with five to play against Hunter Mahan, and I came back and won that, which was great for me.
I played great in the third round against Tim Clark to win, I think I won four and three.
And then I played great against Geoff in the quarter final, I think it was 5-under through 17 and got beaten.
This tournament you have to really -- if you want to progress a lot into the weekend, the latter stages, you've got to play really well.
None of these guys are going to give you holes. You have to go out and win them yourself. You have to make a lot of birdies, really, if you want to progress.
Q. How has your life changed? For people like us that only see you once a year, from the last year to now, how are things different?
RORY McILROY: I don't know, I've gotten two new dogs (laughter.) I don't know, I mean I'm still -- I'd like to think that I haven't changed at all, but I've taken up my PGA TOUR membership, which has been a big change. Apart from that it's just been great to be playing golf and to be playing good golf at the minute. And I just want to try to keep it going. I'll probably not think about it too much, because if I sit back and think, that's probably when I'll start to not play my best.
Q. I'm sure it wasn't deliberate that you didn't answer the bit about how's the back?
RORY McILROY: It's fine, you know. I rested last week. I hit balls on Friday. I hit balls for about an hour and a half and it was fine. In the actual action of hitting the golf swing it's fine. But a couple of hours after I hit the balls on Friday I felt it a little bit.
And then today, you know, I played 18 holes and I hit great golf shots. So in the motion of swinging a golf club it's fine. But it's like picking the ball out of the hole and teeing the ball up and stuff, I just have to think about what way I have to do it. But it's not painful. It's just -- it's like a niggle. It's hard to describe. You can feel it's there, but it doesn't affect me in any way during my golf swing.
Q. A few people have said to me during the last week, what's a 20 year old doing suffering back pains? But I would imagine it's probably not that unusual for a professional golfer of any age, is it?
RORY McILROY: No, I mean this is fine compared to what it used -- I remember the summer before the Walker Cup it was really bad. So, you know, it comes and goes. If I play a lot of golf it's going to -- if I play a couple of weeks in a row it's fine. Play three weeks and it will start to -- I can feel it a little bit. And the fourth week it starts to hurt.
I'm doing everything I can and it's not -- if I feel it once or twice a year it's not that big a deal.
Q. How is it being managed, what do you have to do for it?
RORY McILROY: I suppose just manage my schedule. For it? I had a rub before I went down to play today. I'm going to see my physio, Cornell, at half five again. And just ice it at nighttime and stuff and make sure I don't do anything too strenuous, just sort of look after it a little bit. I suppose manage my schedule so I'm not playing three or four weeks in a row, even though at the end of the year I'll have to with hopefully the FedExCup and Ryder Cup and everything. So just trying to manage my schedule so I'm not playing too much golf and not putting too much stress on it.
Q. Last year Geoff was very complimentary about you after your match. I'm wondering in the reverse, what was it about him that most impressed you?
RORY McILROY: Well, in match play he's probably one of the toughest competitors you can play because, I mean, his emotions don't change, you know, in the course of a round. He'll make a bogey and, you know, he'll be completely the same.
So you don't really know if he's annoyed or not. And you don't know when -- you sort of have the momentum or anything. So he's a very tough player to play against. And his short game is one of the best I've ever seen. Some of his little touches around the greens and, you know, that day when he beat me last year, anytime he got on the green I may as well have given it to him. He holed every putt he looked at. He's a great player. You don't become a major champion if you're not. I think the most important thing is he's a really good guy and I get on with him really well.
Q. Without getting too technical, what exactly is your back pain analyzed as or diagnosed as?
RORY McILROY: It's -- I could go into a lot of detail. It's just -- it's like -- it's a stress change in the L4 and L5 facet joints. So basically, you know, the impact on the golf swing, the joints just sort of do that together (indicating.) As I said, a repetitive sort of movement of that (indicating), it's going to hurt after a couple of weeks. But if I just manage it it's fine. And just make sure that the muscles around that area are strong enough that it stabilizes those joints and sort of stops them from -- at the moment, they hit each other, so I'm trying to make it strong enough so in that movement they'll stop there and again go back.
Q. No thought of changing the hip movement, which is thought to be responsible for it?
RORY McILROY: I can't. I've done this since I was two years old. I can't really -- I can't stop doing that movement. But I only do it with my driver and my longer clubs. It doesn't happen with -- say from 5-iron onwards. With the longer clubs is when it will happen.
Q. How patient are you waiting for the next win? Are you pretty good at that?
RORY McILROY: I suppose I've waited a year. Yeah, I mean, it will -- I know that if I keep giving myself chances it will happen, you know? It would be great to win in the first half of the year and then try to get a couple more after that. But we'll see -- I'd love to be able to say I want to win before The Masters or, you know, whatever. But you never know when it's going to be your turn so you've just got to try to keep playing well and keep giving yourself chances.
Q. How desperate are you for the major season to start coming around again?
RORY McILROY: Really, I think everyone looks forward to it. I've only got four events from now until The Masters. So it will be fast approaching. And it's fantastic. It's really -- The Masters is the -- it starts the whole major campaign. I think everyone looks forward to it and everyone tries to build their game up to peak for the first major of the year. But as I said, I feel as if I'm a lot better player this time than I was this time last year. So, you know, hopefully with the good performances I put in in the majors last year will stand me in good stead this year, and hopefully even do better.
Q. Can you tell the greens were modified since you were here last year?
RORY McILROY: Not really. I heard that they have been, but they still seem pretty -- I think the speed's a little -- I think they're a little faster this year than what they were last year -- faster this year, yeah. And -- but I couldn't really tell. I think the only one that I sort of noticed was the fourth. Apart from that -- yeah, 4, it used to be front right of the green, if you hit it in the middle of the green it would feed down into that little collection area. Where if you hit it there it will stay up. They've sort of flattened it out for three feet there before it rolls away. But I couldn't really notice a difference, which is probably a good thing.
Q. Do the speeds conform now to the other courses you play?
RORY McILROY: Yeah, the greens are fast this week, and they're firm, as well, which will make it -- will make it really tricky, because some of the pin positions you could put on the greens will be nasty. But you definitely wouldn't want to short side yourself this week.
Q. I know last year you talked a little about the fainting spells and carrying Gatorade around. Is that still a factor with you at all?
RORY McILROY: No, that's fine, it's my back this year. No, it's fine, it's such a nice climate here, as well, it's not too hot so you don't sweat too much.
Q. Are you getting a base over here, have you looked into that at all?
RORY McILROY: No, basically I'm going home after this week, I think. And then I'll be home for a week and then I've got a couple of weeks in Florida. And then I'm two weeks at home and then Houston, Masters. Another two weeks back home, and then Quail Hollow, TPC. I'm sort of doing it in little two week hits and then having a couple of weeks off and then coming back again. Definitely not looking for a base this year, but maybe in the future.
Q. And I think you were talking last week about possibly getting a mental coach, as well?
RORY McILROY: Yeah, I've talked to Chubby about it and to JP and stuff, and it couldn't -- it couldn't hurt. Especially it's not -- most guys go to see mental coaches when they're playing poorly, but I want to be able to turn these top fives and top threes into wins. And I think that getting someone on the mental side of things might be able to help me to get to that stage.
Q. Are you pooh-poohed it a bit in the past?
RORY McILROY: A little bit, yeah. You know, I've read books and everything, and you read them and say, well, I sort of knew that. But I suppose it's the repetition and, you know, people -- until it's embedded in your subconscious, I suppose. So it can't hurt. It's something that will -- that I'm thinking -- well, I'm definitely going to do.
Q. Who will it be?
RORY McILROY: I've got a couple of people in mind.
STEVE TODD: Best of luck this week, then.

It was interesting hearing that he's probably going to hire a mental coach. Aren't they for the older washed up players. I guess not when you have the talent/cash every little advantage helps. All for a guy who's only 20. I'm sure glad he didn't announce any new ad sponsors like tazorac or hair gel or something that twenty year old use. Good luck this week Rory.

Scratch Golf Adds 2 LPGA Golfers To Their Tour Staff

Ari Ari Techner the President/CEO of Scratch Golf has posted on various golf fourms about two new LPGA Tour Staff signings. Here's the scoop from Scratch Golf:

Scratch Golf is proud to announce 2 huge additions to our Tour Staff!

Top LPGA players Cristie Kerr and Paige Mackenzie are now officially Scratch Golf Staff Touring Professionals!

Cristie has been playing our wedges for a little over a year because she believes that they help her play her best. She had her best year on Tour ever last year playing our wedges after really struggling with her short game the previous couple years. She is now an official Scratch Staff player! We will have our logo on the ball pocket of her bag and she will be playing our wedges and is working with an EZ-1/AR-1 combo set to play this year.

Paige Mackenzie is brand new to the Scratch family. She is going to be carrying one of our Scratch Staff bags similar to the one that Ryan Moore is carrying on the PGA Tour. She is playing our wedges and a special custom set of AR-1 irons with lofts on the bottom instead of numbers. She is also planning to come to our shop to work with Jeff on a custom putter to use in 2010. She will also be wearing a Scratch Golf hat.

Scratch Golf continues to not pay Tour Players up front to play our clubs. Both Cristie and Paige have an incentive program where they can win extra money by winning Tour events.

Please help us root on Cristie and Paige to a fantastic 2010!

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We have also added Nationwide Tour player Andres Gonzalez and Teaching Professional Troy Denton to our Tour Staff. Andres will be carrying a Scratch Staff bag and playing our wedges and SB-1 irons and a Jeff McCoy putter on the Nationwide Tour this year. Troy is Ryan Moore's personal teacher and he will also be carrying our wedges and SB-1 irons and Jeff McCoy putter in a Scratch Staff Bag. Troy also plays in select Nationwide and Mini Tour events and has qualified for USGA Championships in the past. Both Andres and Troy are former college teammates of Ryan's.

Raise Your Hand If You Were Cheering For David Duval On Sunday

As much as I liked seeing Dustin Johnson smash the ball around the Pebble Beach and win the tournament. Weren't you hoping there was at least going to be a playoff between David Duval and Johnson. Tell me that would of made a great story. Still a 2nd place by Duval is great considering he hasn't done much since last years US Open. I think that anyone who follows golf had their fingers and toes crossed because seeing Duval win again and return to just a fraction of the glory he once had would be great for golf especially in this year. We can only wait til this scenario happens again hopefully it's soon.

Fred Couples Battles Tommy Armour III For First Win On Champions Tour

I had the pleasure of watching Fred Couples at the 2009 Canadian Open in the practice area and on the course before he had to withdraw with a bad back. What a swing and a huge presence on the course as well. So it was great to see him on the Champions Tour this past weekend win in only his 2nd event. The back was obviously feeling good as he fired a 7 under 64 and held off a charging Tommy Armour III who shot a 61.Is it me or has the Champions Tour in it's first events been pretty entertaining. Lots of new/old faces. Some needing a bit of wrinkle serum for the years out in the sun but wow it's great to see some of these guys out there playing some great golf. I'm sure this won't be the last time we see Tommy Armour III battling Fred Couples.

Slammer Tour Indoor Rankings

It's nice to know even though we can't golf outside here in the Ottawa area yet. We can still keep our swings grooved and our competitive juices flowing by joining an indoor league like the Slammer Tour during the Winter. Make sure you check out the upcoming events on the Slammer Tour. Here's the top 10 so far for this Winter season. See the rest of the rankings here.

Combat Hockey Slammer Tour Indoor Rankings

1	Jerry Stewart
2	Marco San Pedro
3	Gabriel Louli
4	Lisa Muise
5	Jamie Ryan
6	Jeff Walsh
7	Stan Horton
8	Zachary Baldelli
9	Michael Muise
10	Randy Seymour

Dustin Johnson Repeats At Pebble Beach

I love watching Dustin Johnson play but Sunday was a bit of a nail biter as he couldn't make the putts he was making early in the week and settled for a 2 over 74. He manged to hang on and his birdie on #18 was sweet and sealed the victory and now gets lots of momentum going into this weeks Accenture Match Play in Arizona.

I thought I was going to need a migraine treatment with the excitement of the Olympics and cheering on our Canadian athletes and switching it over to the golf which looked like it might lead to a playoff (which would of been crazy w/ David Duval). As well you had to feel for Paul Goydos and his exploits on #14 which led to a 9 and pretty much any chances of him winning. Tell me that hole won't be fun come US Open time. All in all a great sports weekend.
 

Golf Fashion, Good and Bad And Other Tidbits

A few observations from around the world of golf:

If your wondering about a company that's going to make a large splash this year look no further than Travis Mathhew. Head on over to 14Stix.com's blog and see what Travis Matthew has to offer this year. I really love the colors and the style. Sign me up for a 'Staple' shirt some 'Short Penne' shorts a grey leather belt, black and white outlined buckle and last but not least one of those grey heather 'Jonesin Cap'. Love the VW too.

I normally love the Puma look but yesterday at the AT&T Pebble Beach Tournament Rickie Fowler's wardrobe looked more like a smurf as many bloggers noted including the blogs from 14Stix.com and A Good Walk Spoiled. He definitely stood out on the course. Hopefully his game stands out and he makes the cut this week. This kid looks way to young to be out there I have to get his face cream.

 Also be sure to check out The Golf Potato for some great insight into the game. I love his Front/Back Nine series. Be sure to check it out.

Spring Golf=Kikkor Golf Shoes

See my full review of some Kikkor Eppik Blaze golf shoes.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of talking to James Lepp, a good Canadian kid from Abbotsford , B.C. You may remember James, not to long ago he became the first Canadian golfer to win the NCAA Division 1 Individual Golf Championship (2005). He still gets out to play on occasion on the Canadian Tour but after having a chat with him, his passion is his company Kikkor Golf.

Right now James who is the Founder and President of Kikkor Golf is in the midst of gearing up for the launch of his golf shoe line that boasts, "Are you still wearing your Dad's shoes". The Kikkor shoe line looks like something you'd see more at the skateboard park then on the links. His shoes are different and that's ok, an alternative to those lame ass plain white golf shoes you see so often out on the course. Now you have a choice, get your Kikks!

He's had some great feedback so far from various individuals in the Golfing World and it looks like the shoes will be making there way to pro shops and retail stores in the Spring (James says probably April). Where comfort is key in a golf shoe the Kikkor shoe pulls no punches. "Kikkors are young, fresh, comfortable, and just as important, they perform well too".

Look for a review by Ottawa Golf Blog in the Spring. Now check out some pictures below of the full line of Kikkor golf shoes.

First Driving Range Opens In Ottawa In February and Other Tidbits...

Well its hard to believe but it looks like you'll be able to hit golf balls outside here in Ottawa come this Saturday. I guess with our Winter and lack of snow up until now Kevin Haime is going to open his range this Saturday. Check out the Tweet @KevinHaime

Kevin Haime Golf Centre opening next Saturday!!! 21 new personal 3000 watt infrared heaters. Hit outside in Feb.! Golf season just got long!

SeeMore Introduces new mSeries Putters – m6, m7, and m8
The SeeMore Putter Company introduces three new putter designs to the mSeries family for 2010. The new putters combine the proprietary and proven alignment benefits of SeeMore’s RifleScope Technology (RST), with the finest materials in putters that are 100% handcrafted and precision milled from pure investment grade 303 stainless steel.

New addition to my Link Love check out The Uglies Golf Tribune, a thorough treatment of the subject of golf

Also check out 14Stix.com for their latest deal. Always a good one.

Check out these Branson vacation packages for a place you might not think of to golf.

Was I The Only Who Wanted Luke Donald To Win?

Come on I'm sure I wasn't the only one who wanted Luke Donald to break out with his first win in almost 4 years on Sunday at the Northern Trust Open. Instead we got boring Steve Stricker winning again. This guy just goes out hits fairways and has a great short game and wins gain. Now all the talk is about Stricker being #2 when I would of rather had the talk being about Donald's win.

I followed him around last year at the Canadian Open. It's hard to believe this guy hasn't on more. Maybe this is the year.

Jiménez Drops Putt And Playoff Win VS. Westwood

Spain's Miguel Angel Jiménez managed to sink a par that Lee Westwood couldn't giving the Spaniard his first European Tour win since the  2008 BMW PGA Championship. It was a an exciting playoff that could have had more players if a few could have tamed the winds and made a few more putts but to have two Ryder Cup players in a playoff was awesome. A nice win by a man who is nicknamed the "Mechanic" and seems so cool on and off the course. He definitely doesn't need a testosterone booster this guy is all man even though he's got some shaggy long locks done up in a pony tale. I'm sure the 46 year old enjoyed some good wine and a few cigars after his victory.

"Like a good wine, with age I get better and better," said Jiménez, "I feel comfortable on the golf course – that is key. I am not 25 or 30, I have just turned 46 but I'm still healthy and still strong. Not like I was when I was 25, but still strong and I can still play the ball. And if I feel happy and can focus, then you can win."

GolfWorks Online Catalog -Grips Galore

If you every buy golf components be sure to check out new Golf Works online catalog. I buy a lot of my grips from these guys and I really like that they've now got their whole catalog online. The grips that are peaking my interest this year are Lamkin's Performance Plus 3Gen and Golf Pride's Tour Wrap 2G. Right around this time of the year I make sure my grips are good and replace any old and worn out grips. Sometimes I also just change grips because I'm bored.

Won't Get Fooled Again - Super Bowl Highlights

I don't follow the NFL like I use to but when it comes to the Super Bowl I have to make sure I tune in on Super Bowl Sunday. I usually cheer for the underdog, so Go Saints Go. One great thing about the Super Bowl is the commercials between the actual plays of the game. You have to make sure you get the American feed because like I say if the game sucks at least the commercials are funny especially the Bud Light ones. Not a great bear but some real funny commercials. Your not going to get some crazy what are blackheads commercials your going to get great beer ads and some other classic commercials.

The other great thing about the Super Bowl is the half time show with the Who putting on a great performance of their hits. I haven't seen them in years, back in the 80s saw then in Toronto. Great stuff by the Who and can't wait for the HBO min-series The Pacific. Back to the game.

Gene Nead Putters Coming To Retail Very Soon

Up until a few months ago I had no idea who Gene Nead was and no clue he made custom putters. With help from golf forums like PutterTalk.com and PrimeTimeGolf.com I know drool over his putter creations. MyGolfSpy.com has a great interview of Gene if you want to know more about the man behind these amazing designs.  Apparently Gene Nead Putters will be coming to retail stores and pro shops near you soon. Gene posted a bunch of pictures on Prime Time Golf so check them out and be sure to check out NeadCustomPutters.com. These are a rough prototype of what Gene is working on for his retail models. Nice start for sure.

John Daly Hasn't Quit He'll Be At Pebble Beach Next Week

Stop the presses John Daly isn't done with golf, he hasn't quit the game like he said after missing the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. Apparently done meant just two weeks because it turns out he meant for two weeks as Daly is on the official field list for next week’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, according to the PGA Tour and as reported on the Golf Channel. Check below for a phone interview where John clears up the quitting golf thing. So he's not going to doing ads for diets that work or some other infomercial. He'll be out golfing in sunny California next week with his loyal fans following him in tow. God i hope he makes the cut.

Is $725 Too Much For A Putter?

Usually in the off season here in Canada I like to tinker with my clubs, sometimes picking up a new driver, maybe a hybrid or even a extra wedge. The winter is long so buying and selling golf clubs passes the time between the end of the season and when the dreaded snow melts and we can get back out there on the course.

I presently have no putter in the bag and I've been doing a lot of testing of various putters which is always fun. For me putting is all about feel and how the the putter looks when you address the ball. I've mainly been a mallet guy but who knows what I'll be gaming come Spring time.

I get copious amounts of golf emails everyday but lately the ones dealing with putters seem to catch my eye more. Take for instance the email from Bettinardi Ltd introducing the BB ZERO Bettinardi's latest head design. Released last week at the PGA Show in Orlando.These lads go for $725 each and are already sold out. Now I might pay $725 for some hair vitamins that guarantee a full Afro on my Mark Messier like head but paying $725 for a putter seems like a huge investment especially if you don't get to roll the damn thing first. Just my opinion.

RJB2215 Blue Oxide BB-0

RJB2111 Chocolate Patina BB-0

McIlroy Leads Dubai Desert Classic Along With A Host Of Others

Dubai Desert Classic highlights. Another strong field in Dubai with last years winner Rory McIlroy tied for the lead at -4 with a few other notables like Charl Schwartzel and Jeev Mika Singh. Coverage was pretty good today with lots of coverage of Rory, Paul Casey, Alvaro Quiros and if you don't follow the European Tour you might of been surprised to see Veteran Tom Watson out there playing and getting around in a round of 73. This guy certainly doesn't need any anti wrinkle creams Watson doesn't look place out there even though he's 60 and plays most of his golf on the Champions Tour. Check out the shot from Watson in this compilation of highlights from Day 1 of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Tiger Woods Returns To Golf At Accenture Match Play Championship?

To early? Tiger Woods will reportedly make his return to golf in two weeks at the Accenture Match Play Championship This comes from an Australian newspaper that reports that TW could be out of sex rehab and back on the links in two weeks.

The Herald Sun of Melbourne says Woods is "poised to make a shock return to competitive golf" ar the Accenture Match Play Championship, which begins Feb. 17 in Arizona. No one has confirmed this.

"We have no comment," said PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw.

I find this a little hard to believe and figure TW will be out of action a little longer. Probably just a way to generate some more readers for this paper.

Travis Matthew Signing Some Big Names

Before this season to be honest with you I had really not heard that much up here North of the border when it came to the golf polo shirts designs of Travis Matthew but lately they've been making a huge splash in signing Geoff Ogilvy, Bubba Watson and now Aaron Baddeley.

I love getting the latest and greatest Golf PR news sent to my email so today after taking a break from doing some glass tile and I was reading the latest on the Baddeley signing by Travis Matthew. Previously Aaron had been with Original Penguin which I loved so it sparked my interest even more that he'd signed with Travis Mathew. These guys are making waves in the golf apparel business.

“We are proud that all of these players have decided to wear our brand without contracts in place because they like it so much,” Chris Rosaasen, Travis Mathew CEO, said. “I think that says a lot about TM.”

PGA Merchandise Show 2010 (Orlando) Travis Mathew Booth

Impressed With Rickie Fowler And The Other Young Guns

Sure I'll admit it, this past weeks Fantasy Picks were OK but would of been even better if they had included some great young talent like Rickie Fowler, Michael Sim, Marc Leishman, or even Alex Prugh. These guys didn't look out of place all finishing in the top 10 this week. Rickie at 21 seems to have the demeanor of a tour vet and you can tell he's just looking it out there as he talks in the video about playing with Phil Mickelson. These guys are going to get serious consideration this week. Man Rickie can pull off the orange Puma golf clothes, very nice.