Quagmire Golf, Masters Pools, Montecristo Cup and Miura Cavity Back Irons

April 1st will see the release of Quagmire Golf's 2010 Apparel Line. There online store will go live at that time as well. We look forward to seeing good things from this Canadian company this year.

Japanese golf-club manufacturer Miura is releasing their CB-501 forged cavity-back irons, a beautiful looking iron to say the least. The official introduction of the CB-501 irons is exciting news for golfers, as Miura Golf-which has never had a fixed time frame for new-product introductions-only debuts new models when the quality of new technological advances demands it. Read the rest of the press release here.

Remember we are just 2 weeks away from the Masters and registration deadline for the Go For The Green Golf Pools is  ... April 4th at 6pm EST. Lots of pools for you to choose from.

Craig's Big 5 pool

Payouts last year were $1,000, $420 & $275 for overall winners and $100 paid out to 5 event winners.

Pick a team of players 12 players to perform at all 4 Majors + Players. Total Earnings over the 5 events will determine winners.

The entry fee for this pool is $20 Canadian.  All the pool details are at:

http://goforthegreengolfpools.com/big5/index.htm

Grand Slam pool

Payouts last year were $360, $200 & $100 for the overall winners and $40 for each event winner.

You select players (10 players) for each tournament and you only can use the same player in 2 of the 4 Major tournaments.Total Player Earnings of contestant's selection's over the 4 Majors will determine winners.

The entry fee for this pool is $40 Canadian ($10 per event) payable in 2 installments of $20 on April 1st & June 1st. All the pool details are at:

http://www.goforthegreengolfpools.com/grandslam/index.htm

Masters Elimination pool

Payouts last year were $165, $95 & $60.

The top 60 ranked players from the tournament field will be divided into 4 performance groups of 15 based on World Tour Rankings. You select 4 players (1 from each performance group) and all 4 players must make the cut to avoid elimination. Low score wins.

The entry fee for this pool is $10 Canadian. All the pool details are at:

http://www.goforthegreengolfpools.com/masters/index.htm

If your into Tournament play and like to travel check out the Montecristo Cup which is set to take place in April this year in Cuba.

The Montecristo Cup Golf Tournament is played at the luxurious beachfront Varadero Golf Club Cuba. This first-class golf course benefits from spectacular sea views and clear blue skies, serves as an idyllic backdrop to a great day of golf, cigars and fun. The 18-hole international tournament is sponsored by Montecristo, one of the most famous Cuban brands in the world. Both amateur and professional golfers can test their skill at this unique event, and public spectators are also welcome.

The First Montecristo Cup Tournament was played on 2nd May 2009 by International and Cuban players with former World no. 1 Golfer Ernie Els as guest of honour and prize-giver.

Be sure to sign up for your chance to play in this weeks 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Tigers Woods PGA Tour Online. Join your fellow golfers this week to challenge Bay Hill, one of Florida's most prestigious golf courses, in a four-day, multi-round tournament. The Arnold Palmer Invitational takes place from Thursday March 25th until Sunday March 28th.

Golfing Caddy - Initial Thoughts

If your like me you've lost your water container out on the course a few times. Sometimes you get it back other times not so lucky. For me I like having it easily available in one of my two side pockets on my bag or the front pocket but unfortunately the last few seasons I've gone through a hell of a lot of water bottles. Not to bad if they're the throw away type of bottle (recycle of course) but when they're the nice BPA reusable water bottles it's a little annoying when your replacing them all the time.

My prayers may have been answer with The Golfing Caddy a multi-compartment beverage holder that can clip to my golf bag and hopefully end the loss of water containers. You can see by the photos below it easily clipped to my Ogio golf bag. The clip seems real sturdy and I can't see it coming off. There's also another clip for your keys on the Golfing Caddy. 

The Caddy easily held a standard bottle of water as well as a larger container of water as seen by the pictures. A  24 oz. container is the max. (There's a water bottle cooler sleeve included).

Two other pockets are located on the Caddy as well one a pleated front pocket with can hold your personal items (driver’s license and money) or game essentials (ball markers, extra tees, etc.) Easily held together with a Velcro closure. The other pocket is an elastic back pouch which could hold a cell phone, glasses, golf balls, gloves etc.

Also on the Caddy there's a removable Microfiber towel. I hope to get this tested out and reviewed out on the course real soon as more and more courses open up in the area. Stay tuned for a full review.

Executive Golf Announces Courses/Dates for Ottawa-Gatineau’s Largest Golf Tournament

Hey there's hope for me now at the Ottawa Sun Scramble according to the tournament director Karl Parks.

“With the new Open C division”, says Parks, “the Sun Scramble now accommodates every type of golfer, as long as they can break 100”

Eight events at seven courses brought to you by Executive Golf. Ottawa-Gatineau’s Largest Golf Tournament the Ottawa Sun Scramble City Championship week. Here's todays press release.

March 22, 2010 – Ottawa, Ontario. The decision has been made: a new Open ‘C’ division has been added to the week-long schedule for Ottawa Sun Scramble City Championship Week. Now with eight divisions (Open, Open B, Open C, Ladies Open, Ladies B, Senior, Junior and the Media Challenge), tournament director Karl Parks expects 650 competitors for this year’s tournament.

Kyle Koski & Allen McGee are expected to return to shoot for their 6th straight title in the Open division. Also of note, Lise Jubinville & Brenda Pilon claimed their 3rd straight title in 2009 with an impressive 15-under par in the Ladies Open – but they only won by a hair as Julie Cashaback & Luci Leblanc finished just one stroke back at 14-under. According to Karl Parks, “we’ve seen the level of competition rise steadily, each year, and this is what keeps prompting us to add new divisions.”

The tournament was first launched in 2005 with an Open and Senior event at Eagle Creek Golf Club.

“With the new Open C division”, says Parks, “the Sun Scramble now accommodates every type of golfer, as long as they can break 100”.

The tournament is conducted by local golf promotion company, Executive Golf (executivegolf.ca), and is a scramble format where both players take a shot and the best one is used. “This is a highly-competitive event,” said Jamie Ryan, president of Executive Golf, “and not like your standard corporate or charity scramble where the emphasis is on fun. The best players in each division should in fact win their respective titles and we were thrilled to see Kyle and Allen complete their Drive for Five in 2009. These two golfers know each other’s game so well and ham and egg it like no other team.”

According to Parks, there are other teams who, after having competed together for a few years now, are more aware of the value of strategy in a competitive scramble, so Koski & McGee’s sixth victory is far from assured. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see new champions this year,” he said.

The tournament is a two-round event for each division (excluding the Media Challenge) with a cut after round one. Teams that make the cut play for their respective city title on either Championship Saturday at Club de Golf Outaouais (Open B, Open C and Ladies B), or Championship Sunday at Eagle Creek Golf Club (Open, Ladies Open, Senior and Junior). Executive Golf provides over $30,000 in EG Memberships, along with more than $15,000 in sponsor prizing for the top finishers and contest winners.

The famous “Coors Light Million Dollar Ace”, a contest where eight shooters have a chance to win a million dollars, takes place during Kick-Off Day at Falcon Ridge Golf Course on August 5th, 2010. This pre-tournament event includes a skills clinic, a Slammer Tour match-play event, the Sun Scramble Media Challenge, other contests and refreshments. Kick-Off Day is open to the public and free to attend.

Key dates and courses: 2010 Championships 

Pre-tournament events

• Thursday, August 5th – Kick-Off Day and Media Challenge at Falcon Ridge
• Saturday, August 7th – Qualifier at Eagle Creek

Round one events (all divisions)

• Monday, August 16th – Ladies Open and Ladies B at Cedarhill
• Tuesday, August 17th – Open C at Hammond
• Wednesday, August 18th – Open B at Le Sorcier
• Thursday, August 19th – Junior Open at Falcon Ridge
• Friday, August 20th – Senior Open and The Open at Talon (GreyHawk)

Round two events (for those who make the cut)

• Saturday, August 21st – Championship Saturday at Outaouais (Open B, Open C & Ladies B)
• Sunday, August 22nd – Championship Sunday at Eagle Creek (The Open, Ladies Open, Senior & Junior)

For a complete schedule of events, qualifying information and other details, please visit the tournament website at ottawasunscramble.com.

-30-

Contact Information

Karl Parks, Tournament Director

karl@executivegolf.ca

613-830-2407

Jamie Ryan, President, Executive Golf

Jamie@executivegolf.ca

613-799-GOLF

ottawasunscramble.com

Online Masters Raffle - To Benefit Cristie Kerr`s Charity 'Birdies for Breast Cancer'

Ok tell me this doesn`t sound good winning a trip to the see the Masters live on the Saturday and Sunday of the Masters and the money from the online raffle goes to Cristie Kerr`s charity 'Birdies for Breast Cancer'.

The winner of this exclusive golf lover’s package will receive:

• Tickets to the 2010 Masters at Augusta National on April 10th and 11th
• Receive first-class air,
• Accommodations
• Ground transportation! 

Tickets are only $2 and a minimum of 5 tickets must be purchased. Gets your now I know I will right around my birthday. A nice present!

SeeMore Gunmetal Putter - The DB4 CS Gunmetal

This time of the year is sort of a love/hate thing with all the new releases from Putter Companies, Club Manufacturers and Apparel Companies I just want all the new golf stuff. Of course the wife won't let me as well the kids need new bikes/Spring shoes/etc etc you know where I'm going with this.

Anyways SeeMore Putter Company has put out another beautiful putter the DB4 CS Gunmetal. Something about a gunmetal finish club the dark finish just looks amazing as well as framing the ball so nicely. SeeMore really knows what works. Be sure to check out SeeMore`s online catalog where you can compare all the putters together and get the specs you need to make an informed decision. Here`s the press release.

SeeMore introduces DB4 CS Gunmetal with RST2 Technology

The SeeMore Putter Company follows up on the growing success of its flagship putter line by launching the new DB4 CS Gunmetal, which features RST2 technology. The DB4 is the most exciting new product launch from SeeMore in many years, as it offers a very simple, effective, and innovative twist on a classic design. RST2 alignment technology expands the proprietary alignment benefits of SeeMore’s patented RifleScope Technology (RST) to a classic blade design with offset hosel for the first time.


“The new DB4, like all of the SeeMore putters before it, is one that solves one of the most fundamental problems in putting, that of consistently accurate alignment at address. It offers the confidence to make a fundamentally solid and repeatable putting stroke each and every time, said Jim Grundberg, SeeMore’s Managing Partner. “The RST2 patented alignment feature is extremely exciting in that it has been developed with the input of the world’s best tour players over the past 2 years and simply makes a great putter design better by improving a player’s ability to set up square to the intended target line.”

The RST2 alignment system is housed on the top of the hosel vs. the original RST system that is found on the top heel section of the putter. The 2 white lines on top of the hosel are milled perfectly parallel to the face of the putter, creating a perfect "gun sight" effect where the golfer is assured of being square to the intended target line when the white lines are visible and the signature red dot is hidden. The RST2 system also assures that the loft of the putter head will be optimal for perfect roll on every putt. The golfer also can be confident that by lining up the 2 white lines, and making sure the red is not visible, that his eyes and shoulders and hips will all be square to the intended target line. This means that the golfer will enjoy a much greater probability of making a consistently perfect stroke with each and every putt, leading to more made putts and lower scores due to improved putting. The RST2 brings most of the key benefits of SeeMore's patented and proven RST (RifleScope) technology to the large golfing population that loves the classic looks of this type of putter.


The DB4 is 100% milled in the USA, and is available carbon steel with a proprietary multi-layer black satin finish for striking and lasting beauty, for $295. It is available immediately.

March Madness - Golf Season Opens In The Ottawa Area

How fitting with March Madness upon on us; that with warmer temperatures and melting snow area golf courses have started to open all to the roar of the golf obsessed here in Eastern Ontario. Even today with the mercury dipping low enough to snow some lads from the Ottawa Golf forum were still out playing the Morrisburg Golf Club see the story over at Flagstick.com with pics to prove it.

Although I have yet to tee it up yet the itch is getting stronger (I still have to get the lies/lofts adjusted on my irons) be sure to check out Ottawa Golf's golf course Spring Openings before you head out. So lets hope the weather keeps improving and the course keep opening.

Happy St. Patrick's Day And Golf Related Shenanigans

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone I know I'll be celebrating my Irish Heritage at some point today after a quick nap after working the night shift. Although we're still not golfing here in the Ottawa area it won't be long now til we're seeing green grass flying as we take divots from the earth with our Winter induced swings. Here's some things related to golf and St. Patrick's Day you might just want to check out.

Padraig Harrington teeing up at the first tee on Thursday after taking in the St. Patrick's Day party that President Obama is putting on. Tell me there won't be a few pints drank the night before hopefully he makes his tee time. Should I or shouldn't i pick him in my Fantasy Golf League.

I really doubt Canadian based golf Apparel company Sligo Wear has anything to do with Ireland except coincident or not it's name is a County in Ireland and "Sligo" comes from the Irish: Sligeach meaning "shelly place". They certainly also have some great golf attire for St. Patrick's Day.

Brandon Tucker reminds us to start planning our Ireland golf vacation. I can't believe the last time I was in Ireland traveling late in the 90's I didn't even golf. I wonder will the wife go for a Ireland golf vacation.

What would St. Patrick's Day be without a golf contest put on by the 14 Stix. Check out the details below.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY SWEEPSTAKES With RJB Collector and Bettinardi LTD - WIN GREAT PRIZES!

Ernie Wins, Arnie Puts Ben In His Place, And The Masters In 3-D

Nice win by Ernie Els on Sunday again I didn't pick him in any of my Fantasy Golf Leagues (I'm not bitter). His putting held up and he maneouver around Doral beautifully with rounds of 68, 66, 70, and 66. The folks at Callaway must of been smiling as they had the winner plus 3 others in the top 14.

Big Easy takes down star-studded field to win WGC-CA Championship
- Four Callaway Staffers Finish in Top-14 -

CONCORD, ON, March 15, 2010 – Callaway Staff Professional Ernie Els played what has to be the round of the year thus far on the PGA Tour, firing a 6-under-par 66 on Sunday at the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at Doral to win by four shots over a stacked field. For the week, the South African shot 68-66-70-66 to finish the tournament at 18-under-par.

Els put the new FT Tour Driver (8.5 degrees) from Callaway in the bag this week because he favored its penetrating ball flight in the South Florida wind. Based on the result, it’s likely to stay there for quite some time.

“First of all, my equipment is good,” Els said. Speaking specifically of his driver, he added, “It was great in the wind, wasn't ballooning, and I was hitting it quite long. The golf ball I'm using, the Callaway Tour i(s), it's a softer ball and my short game really came back.”

Els’ Odyssey White Ice #5 Putter, new to his bag this season, was also a major part of his success. He tied for fifth in putts per round, averaging just 26.8, and was sixth in putts per GIR, averaging 1.64. In addition to the FT Tour Driver, the Odyssey White Ice #5 Putter and the new Tour i(s) Golf Ball, Els used the X Prototype Irons, X-Forged Wedges, a Tour 15-degree X Fairway Wood and an X 5-wood. He was second best in the field, hitting nearly 70 percent of greens in regulation with his Callaway irons.

Els fell in love with the Tour i(s) Golf Ball when he put it in play at the end of last season and says it has been a key component for his improved short game in 2010. On Sunday, he birdied three of the first four holes and got to 4-under-par through eight holes. Two more birdies on the way in secured his 17th career PGA Tour win, and his first since the 2008 Honda Classic.

When the lights are brightest and the conditions toughest, it seems as though Callaway Staff Professionals raise their games. Including Els, four Callaway Staffers finished inside the top-14 this week. Alvaro Quiros and Graeme McDowell were part of a tie for sixth place at 10-under-par.

Quiros, who registered his first Top-10 finish in a PGA Tour sanctioned event, led the field in driving distance, averaging an absurd 317 yards off the tee with his FT-5 Driver from Callaway and the new Tour i(z) Golf Ball. McDowell carded a final-round 66 to move 10 places up the leaderboard on the final day.

Fellow Callaway Staff Pro Phil Mickelson tied for 14th at 8-under-par. Using two Callaway drivers, both featuring Fusion Technology, he averaged more than 301 yards off the tee this week. On Sunday, he averaged 317 yards off the tee.

A great read from Ryan Ballangee at Waggle Room about Arnold Palmer putting Ben Roethlisberger in his place for acting like a dick. A great read.

Apparently you'll be able to watch the upcoming Masters in 3-D, looks like U.S.A. only through Comcast so I guess I won't be missing anything here in Canada.

SeeMore Introduces New SiSeries Putters

SeeMore Putter Company has a new line coming out in April 2010. The new SiSeries Putters will retail for $165 and come in  3 distinct models, with several shaft options, to appeal to everyone. This series of putters combines SeeMore's RifleScope Technology (RST) along with an insert.

Ottawa Golf Blog reviewed SeeMore's FGP Stainless Series Putter last year and really liked it. Here's the rest of the press release along with some pics. Some more pics of SeeMore's line of putters can be seen at The Hackers Paradise who are down at Doral taking in the CA Championship this week.

Si1 is a mini mallet design with center straight shaft design
Si2 is a classic heel/toe blade with a near center straight shaft design
Si2w offers the same head design with an offset “whistle” shaft option
Si3 is a classic mallet with a near center shaft design
Si3w offers the same head design with an offset “whistle” shaft option

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) The SeeMore Putter Company, whose putters’ performance has become legendary with the world’s best players, introduces its new SiSeries for 2010. The new putter series combines the proprietary and proven alignment benefits of SeeMore RifleScope Technology (RST) in a new line of putters featuring injection molded TPU face inserts (thermoplastic polyurethane) for a softer feel and the lower rebound characteristics preferred by many players who choose soft insert putters.

“The SiSeries is something that the avid fans of SeeMore’s RST technology have been asking for over the past few years,” said Jim Grundberg, SeeMore Managing Partner.  “These are classic designs that expand the scope of possibilities for golfers wishing to benefit from SeeMore’s patented alignment system. The face insert offers a new option in terms of feel and roll, while first and foremost still allowing the golfer to improve his or her set up and alignment and address and make a consistently better stroke and make more putts.”

The SiSeries putters will sell for $165 and will be available in stores April 2010.  The series includes 3 distinct models, with several shaft options, to appeal to a variety of player preferences.

Si1 is a mini mallet design with center straight shaft design
Si2 is a classic heel/toe blade with a near center straight shaft design
    Si2w offers the same head design with an offset “whistle” shaft option
Si3 is a classic mallet with a near center shaft design
    Si3w offers the same head design with an offset “whistle” shaft option

 RST Technology
SeeMore’s patented RST, known by a visible gun sight on the top line, allows the golfer to set up the putter perfectly each and every time in relation to the intended target line. This is accomplished by lining up the black bottom portion of the shaft between two white lines and covering a signature red dot on the heel of the top line.  The process is like locking radar onto a target.  The two parallel white sight lines frame the shaft and serve as an indicator that the golfer is in perfect position to make a consistent and reliable stroke.

Golf’s Next Frontier
The SiSeries putters feature a cast 303 stainless steel body with a dark nickel plated finish and milled face.  The thermoplastic insert offers a consistent and precise soft feel and controlled roll, and also allows the putter to have a higher Moment of Inertia and expanded sweet spot with more weight
positioned away from the face and around the perimeter of the putter. Headweight is 330 grams on the Si1 and 340 grams on the Si2 and Si3.  Standard loft is 3 degrees.  Standard lie angle is 70 degrees.  Standard grip is a Winn red and black AVS midsize putter grip.  “SeeMore owns the most important precision game improvement technology in putting. We will optimize the power of our patents and brand name with this exciting new line of SiSeries putters,” says Jim Grundberg, Managing Partner for SeeMore.  “The next frontier of game improvement in golf is taking place on the greens, and SeeMore alignment technology is leading the way.

SeeMore Statistics
In 2009, five players using SeeMore putters on a regular basis on the PGA Tour finished in the top 80 positions on the money list.  All told 10 players in the final 125 on the money list used SeeMore’s patented and proven RifleScope alignment technology at key times during the season, including 3 victories and eleven top 10 finishes. SeeMore also had 2 of the top 20 on the final 2009 LPGA Tour Money list use its putters prominently, including a Victory at the J Golf Phoenix LPGA International.

SeeMore originally became recognized when Payne Stewart won the 1999 U.S. Open playing a SeeMore putter. Stewart one-putted the last three holes to win the championship by one stroke. He sunk what’s considered to be the longest putt in Open history on the 18th hole to win the tournament.  Stewart also won the putting title for fewest putts per round over the entire 1999 season.  The brand was re-launched in 2007, and immediately regained worldwide prominence as Zach Johnson used a SeeMore FGP to win the 2007 Masters. Johnson also set the all-time putting record on the Nationwide Tour for the entire season in 2003 (1.699 putts/GIR).

The major story in 2009 on tour for SeeMore was the continued excellence of Johnson finishing 4th on the PGA Tour Money List with earnings of $4.7 million, a new career high.  He established himself as one of the greatest players in the world with 3 victories over a 12-month stretch, including the 2008 and 2009 Valero Texas Opens and the 2009 Sony Hawaiian Open, to add to his 2007 Masters victory and 6 overall tour titles.  He also recorded the lowest round of the year on the PGA Tour in 2009, a 60 in the 3d round at the Texas Open, which makes him the only player in the history of the PGA tour to have 2 career rounds of 60 or better, his first 60 coming in the 3d round of the 2007 Tour Championship at East Lake.  Johnson’s pair of 60’s is the last 2 rounds of 60 or better on the entire PGA tour.

SeeMore’s newly redesigned website at www.seemore.com and new www.seemoreputtersblog.com has many new features including videos about the proprietary SeeMore putting system and its proven and patented RST alignment system as well as news about SeeMore’s remarkable legacy and Tour success. SeeMore putters are custom made in Franklin, TN.

March Madness Basketball Challenge - Win FREE Cigars From CigarsDirect For Your Next Round

CigarsDirect 2010 Basketball Challenge - Win FREE Cigars!
Our friends at Cigars Direct are putting on a great March Madness Challenge where you can win some awesome cigars if your good at picking the right teams to go through to the Final 4. Top 12 win prizes so your odds are pretty good if your College Basketball bracket knowledge is good. Brackets will be out this Sunday (March 14th).So get your picks in and you'll have some nice cigars for your next round of golf. I know I'll be signing up today.


Here's some more info from Cigars Direct:

Cigars Direct.com is looking for College Basketball fans and Cigar Aficionados alike. Welcome to our third annual March Madness Basketball Tournament. Sign-up by March 17th to be eligible to win 1 of  12 great prizes. Your entry is completely FREE and you are absolutely under no obligation to buy. 

It's very simple the top 12 contestants with the highest total points will win! Don't worry if you're not one of the top 12 winners because with Cigars Direct everyone wins.  We will be giving away more cigars this year than we ever have...I'm telling you don't miss out on this bracket challenge it will definitely be the talk of the web, I guarantee it!

Max brackets per user: 1

Prizes:

Place	Product	Retail Cost
1st	2009 Opus X Fuente Charity Box - 22 Count	$1,194.95
2nd	Opus X Fuente Fuente Box of 32	$926.40
3rd	Anejo No. 77 "The Shark" Box of 20	$584.95
4th	Padron 1926 Serie No. 35 Maduro Box of 24	$274.95
5th	2009 Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario Box	$224.95
6th	Ashton Aged Maduro No.30 Box of 25	$209.95
7th	La Flor Dominicana Ligero Salomones Bx of 10	$182.95
8th	Hemingway Short Story Box of 25	$149.95
9th	Partagas Sabrosos Box of 20	$103.95
10th	La Flor Dominicana Mysterio Box of 5	$79.95
11th	Opus X 1992 Rare Estate Reserve Robusto Tin	$79.95
12th	Ashton Variety Sampler	$49.95

* In addition For the entire month of March and the first week of April we are giving all participants 15% OFF anything in the Store. Just use this Promo Code when checking out: baller
Sign Up Today!

PUMA Acquires Equipment Brand Cobra Golf

There has speculation about this for awhile now but now it's fact. A great move for Puma Golf. IMHO

It will be interesting to see what happens to Cobra Golf guys like Camilo Villegas and Ian Poulter and also Titleist guys like Fowler who wear Puma gear.

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany, March 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Sportlifestyle company PUMA announces today that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the golf equipment brand Cobra Golf from Acushnet Company, the golf business of Fortune Brands, Inc. The acquisition includes the Cobra brand as well as related inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contracts and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
"Through the acquisition of Cobra Golf, we reinforce PUMA's commitment to our sports performance business by strengthening our growing and successful Golf category," said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and Chief Executive of PUMA. "Cobra Golf has a history of innovative performance products fused with an edge and is therefore a perfect fit for PUMA, reinforcing our overall mission of becoming the most desirable Sportlifestyle company. With Cobra Golf, PUMA will capitalize on the many opportunities in the Golf category and upside potential ahead of us."
Based in Carlsbad, California, Cobra Golf was founded in 1973 and produced one of the first utility clubs, the Baffler, long before use of such clubs became popular, manifesting Cobra Golf's hybrid leadership. This leadership and innovation continues today with recent releases such as the new ZL and S2 Drivers, as well as the Baffler Rail Hybrid. In 1996, Cobra Golf was acquired by American Brands Inc. (later renamed Fortune Brands) and has since then been managed together under the Acushnet Company umbrella with its other golf brands.
With this acquisition the combination of Cobra and PUMA Golf provides a competitive full range offering to become a better resource to its account base, being now in the position to provide Golf equipment next to footwear, apparel and accessories.
Pending regulatory approval, the effective date of the acquisition of Cobra Golf is expected to be in the second quarter of 2010. Financial terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.
Further information will be provided with the release of the first quarter results 2010.
PUMA
PUMA is one of the world's leading sport lifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA and Tretorn. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com

Pick Villegas At Doral? Yeah or Neah! And Was It The Red Bull?

I think I was the only one on the planet last week who didn't pick Camilo Villegas in their Fantasy Golf Leagues and of course he went out and won by 5 strokes. I figured he'd be tired from traveling down to his native Columbia to open up a Nationwide Tour event there as well as playing the previous 3 weeks. I thought mental fatigue would be his downfall. Boy was I wrong. He was strong through all 4 rounds for his 3 PGA Tour win. Now the big question is do I pick him this week, can he win back to back. Probably with his Red Bull he can!

Golf Hats O' Plenty For 2010 Season

This time of the year is always great with golf companies releasing their new apparel, latest clubs and accessories. For me the hat, le chapeau or lid is one piece of attire most golfers overlook. Some companies are really making in roads as far as style, fashion and color go . For some hats have taken on a new look just look at Camilo Villegas who at various times sports a military style hat, otherwise know as a painter hat or Castro hat as mentioned in an article by Woody Hochswender in the December issue of Golf Magazine. Woody felt the miltary style hat with its smaller brim and a fuller, less fitted crown was more forgiving on larger heads. I beg to differ in my experience so far with this style of hat

. Last year I got a nice Puma Clairmont Military Cap to review. I had to give it to my wife to wear because it just didn't fit my large melon. On her it looked awesome very stylish and fit her great. She was the definite envy of the other "Moms" but it didn't work for me.

So this year I haven't given up on the military style hat I'm just broadening my outlook for the ultimate golf hat.
Here are some styles that defintely stood out for me. So what do you wear?

 Sligo Wear has some nice releases with one of my favorites the Driver Cap.

Puma Golf again has a strong Spring collection with great stlyes and colors.

Scratch Golf the make of Custom wedges has some stylin' hats to offer this season as well with a pinstrip model as well as a military style hat that Scratch sponsored golfer Ryan Moore wears.

 

I'll also be on the lookout for Golf Cult's offerings this year as well as Quagmire Golf. 

Canadian Only Golf Contests, New Sligo Threads, No Puma Love And Other Tidbits

It seems lately there are way to many golf contests to keep up with, I especially like the ones that are only open to Canadians. Flagstick Golf Magazine was nice enough to post about a few that are going on now. The FootJoy Canada ICON Shoes Contest looks awesome for those looking to win some new golf shoes. Although I've never owned any FootJoys I've meet many who swear by them.

Flagstick also made us award of the new Titleist Canada NXT “Dozen a Day” Sweepstakes. Who can't use golf balls especially a hacker like myself. Can never have too many this contest is great as you can enter every day til it's over. Good luck and thanks Flagstick.

The Hackers Paradise known for having some of the best contests out there are just in the midst of finishing up one contest for some greats shafts by Miyazaki. If your a good scavenger hunter and lucky you just might win. Make sure you check out their new contest coming early next week regarding some sweet Kia Mia Putters.

Canadian company Sligo Wear has release their new 2010 line on their website. This year my goal is to try some of their apparel. A huge release again for them this season.  Really love the look of the the Scriver, O'Brien and Robinson polo shirts as well as the vibe belts. The Sky plaid w/ slate shorts/trousers and the Slate stripe w/ McKenna  shorts as well are very cool. Be sure to check them out a style for just about everyone.

Cheers to the folks over at My Golf Spy for opening up another golf forum where we the golf obsessed can go and chat, vent, review and otherwise lose ourselves for a few hours.

Apparently the folks over at Putt Fashion feels Puma Golf isn't a Golf brand I beg to differ hence my comments on his post. What do you think? Let us know.

Phoenix Open Thoughts

I'm still reveling in the after glow of Team Canada's win against the U.S.A. on Sunday so here's my thoughts on the Waste Management Phoenix Open although a little late. Was really disappointed that Brandt Snedeker didn't win after shooting rounds of 66,67,66. Playing at 7 over par for Sunday isn't going to cut it unless everyone else is shooting that score. Was very surprising considering his finishes as of late (T10, T2, T20, T21).

Having Hunter Mahan go low on the weekend with rounds of 65s was also a bit of surprise as his season hadn't been great up until Sunday (T27, cut, T64, T33) but he obviously wants to represent the USA again for the Ryder Cup so he was able to get things done.



Once again was real impressed with Rickie Folwer and not only for his stylin' Puma apparel (see below post) but his finishing round 68. Should he of gone for it on the par 5 15th probably yes considering he didn't birdie it and lost by one stroke to Mahan. But he felt that was the right move and went for it.

 “I felt that instead of bringing trouble into play…I took the safe route,”

You have to like his play so far this season. It will be interesting to see how he does this week at the Honda Classic.

I know a lot of guys here in the Ottawa area that are club hos (changing golf clubs left right and center) but it looks like there are some on the PGA Tour as well. Ryan Moore had a whole new bag last week according to Ari Techner the President/CEO of Scratch Golf.

Driver - 8.5* Adams Speedline 9032LS w Graphite Design Quattro Tech 65 X
3 Wood - 14.5* Adams Speedline Ti w Aldila RIP 70 X
Hybrid - 17* Adams A7 Peanut w Aldila RIP X
20* Scratch Tour Custom Satin EZ-1 DS grind w TT Dynamic Gold Lite Sensicore X100
25* Scratch Tour Custom Satin EZ-1 DS grind w TT Dynamic Gold Lite Sensicore X100
5-PW Scratch Retail Satin 2010 SB-1 DS grind w TT Dynamic Gold Lite Sensicore X100
54* Scratch Tour Custom Antique DOG grind w TT Dynamic Gold Lite Sensicore X100
60* Scratch Tour Custom Antique SPN grind w TT Dynamic Gold Lite Sensicore X100
Ping Ti/Tungsten Anser that he has had for years
Callaway HX Tour i(s)

After rounds of 66 in the first and second rounds he was well on his for another victory but a 74 Saturday put a dent into that big time. Nice to see him finish with a 68 and T14 in the tournament on Sunday though.

Anthony Kim's season hasn't been great with finishes of  T52, T33. Nice to see him not mail it on on Sunday after a third round of 76. He finished a respectable T24 after a fourth round 67.