TRUE linkswear Signs Ryan Moore To Shoe Deal

Thanks to Mike over at Chapeau Noir Golf and Stephanie Wei at Wei Under Par for keeping us informed of another endorsement deal signed sign by one of our favorites Ryan Moore. Ryan has gone from having no sponsors to signing with Scratch Golf earlier in the year (he's using their irons and wedges) to now signing  a three-year contract with TRUE linkswear a Dallas-based apparel and footwear company.

As usual Ryan does things his own way he'll not only be wearing some golf shoes from TRUE linkswear but   he'll also be an investor in the company.  Moore will be wearing these shoes this week at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial so we look forward to seeing how he'll look. For now here's some pics off their Facebook site. Make sure to follow them on Twitter as well. @TRUElinkswear

The first thing I noticed is they have no spikes and they're definitely a different design from your more conventional golf shoes.  I really like the color as well as the subtle logo on the outer sole. Right now you can't get these shoes yet but it looks like TRUE golf shoes will be available in the Fall through truelinkswear.com and TRUEs will also be sold in a small number of golf club shops in top U.S. markets, with potential retail availability as well.

“I’m wearing TRUE linkswear golf shoes because they’re the lightest, most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I’m a feel player and every part of the way I experience the game of golf, from the teebox through the green depends on having a solid connection with the ground. These shoes provide that connection in a way I’ve never felt before. I was so excited to learn about this golf shoe concept, and when I finally got to wear the shoes for the first time, I knew I wanted to wear them on Tour.

I can’t wait to share that feeling with you.”
- Ryan Moore

Here's a few snippets from the press release. Ryan obviously loves them and has apparently had lots of input in the design.

Ryan Moore is wearing a prototype on Tour while the retail shoes are currently in production.  “The last two years, I have been looking for footwear that I think gives me an advantage.  These shoes are the lightest, most comfortable shoes I’ve worn on the golf course and they really improve my sense of balance and connection with the course.  I knew the first time I played in them that I wanted to wear them as soon as possible,”said Moore.

 Moore and his family will also be deeply involved in the company, supporting product design and development, as well as ongoing marketing and production.  “We have focused, for the last two years, on aligning Ryan’s values and desire to only play equipment he believes will help his game, with business opportunities that allow him to retain that alignment for many years,” said Jeremy Moore, Ryan’s manager.

 “We said early in our development that Ryan Moore was the only PGA Tour player who we thought exemplified our corporate values and product position, and we were thrilled he wanted to join the team,” said Rob Rigg, President of TRUE linkswear.  “Ryan’s feedback and endorsement gives us Tour player validation as we bring our highly innovative and unique product to market later this year.”

Jason Day Wins 2010 Byron Nelson Championship

It wasn't his best round of 4 at the HP Byron Nelson Championship but Jason Day managed to get up and down for bogey after putting it in the water on #18 and salvaged a two stroke victory over Brian Gay, Blake Adams, and Jeff Overton.

Slow Motion Swing Video -Driver Swing Jason Day Final Round Byron Nelson Championship

Kikkor Golf Shoe Review

Eppik Blaze Golf Shoe Review




When I spoke to James Lepp just a few months ago he was pumped that his line of alternative golf footwear was finally being launched. With the world of professional golf becoming less of a focus for him he decided to apply his business savvy and knowledge and create some golf shoes that would appeal to those looking for something different. James felt the only options that you had for golf shoes are ones your Dad would wear, he wanted to design something different. Almost two years later a little blood, sweet and various prototypes. His line of alternative golf footwear was released in April of 2010. James sent me over a pair of Eppik Blaze shoes to try out. So here's my review.

Kikkor Eppik Blaze Main Features
- Sure Foot Stability System
- Premium action leather
- KIKKOR Komfort Foam Technology
- 1 Year Limited Waterproof Warranty
- CHAMP Q-LOK Scorpion spikes

Concept & Comfort & Performance
These may look like just skate shoes but they are more than a skate shoe with spikes. The first thing you'll notice when you put your feet in some Kikkors is the amount of foam use in the shoes. This is all used to enhance the comfort of your feet while playing golf. The KIKKOR Komfort Foam Technology is centered around the tongue of the shoe and the opening of the shoe. When you slid your foot in it's like your feet are enveloped by clouds they're that comfy.


The Champ Q-Lok Scorpion spikes provided on all Kikkor shoes does the job well. I have no problem gripping the ground during my swing or walking the course. Make sure you clean off your spikes after each round as these spikes really hold on to grass so make sure you clean them off well especially in wetter conditions.


Over the last few weeks these Kikks are well travelled hitting golf courses from in and around the Sudbury area as well as from around the Ottawa Valley. From both wet and dry conditions to sometimes a little in between.


Look - The Eppik Blaze has a great color combo of grey, black and a hint of yellow for a flashier look. Might not be for everyone but I really like the combo. They go really well with darker colors. The leather used in the shoes seems to be top quality *FYI* For those wanting less flash the Eppik comes in black and white. Never had any problems with my feet getting wet *FYI* 1 Year Limited Waterproof Warranty on the Eppik Blaze.



Feel - James was nice enough to inform me that Kikkors fit about a half size tighter than other golf shoes. He asked me what type of shoe I normally wear and deduced a size 12 would be the way to go. If your wondering about what size to wear check out Kikkor handy sizing chart. My Eppik Blaze fit great out of the box with no break in period.  These bad boys even though they're size 12 are very light pretty sure it has alot to do with the KIKKOR Komfort Foam Technology.

Overall
There are so many different kinds of shoes out there and if you're someone who likes something different on your feet when you golf then a pair of Kikkors might be a good choice for you. Great stability when golfing, extra comfortable foam that cushion your foot plus some great colors for anyone's style. You really don't have to wear your Dad's style of shoes with Kikkors on the market. Kikkors range from about $79 to $89 USD which is very reasonable for a golf shoe of this quality. Any of the Kikkor golf shoes can be bought at Kikkor.com plus a few online retailers like the 13th Green and Tattoo Golf. Make sure you keep current with all things Kikkor at their Twitter feed as well as their Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

LPGA More "Social Media Friendly" Not So Much For This Blogger

LPGA Rejects Blogger For Media Credentials
I was encouraged to hear this week that the LPGA would be making its way back to the Montreal area with the CN Canadian Women’s Open being held at the Hillsdale Golf & Country Club just North of Montreal.

Pretty happy to be able to see the best players on the LPGA Tour very close to home and a chance to hang out with friends in Montreal as well. I've never been to a LPGA Tour event and unfortunately missed them when the tour was here in 2008 for the CN Canadian Women's Open.

Although I've attended/volunteered at the Men's Canadian Open the last two years and will attend again this year the LPGA has been elusive. I will put it on my calendar for 2011.

Today on Twitter the following tweet got my interest from @thegolfblog

I though the LPGA was trying to embrace different forms of media including bloggers. How could a blogger from the area get rejected for press credentials with no explanation. Just because he wants to cover the Sybase Match Play Championship event going on in his hometown. Boggles my mind why Sean from The Deep Rough would get rejected. Maybe the LPGA needs to get their head out of their ass. This is the second time for this blogger being rejected. Come on coverage from a guy like this is what the  LPGA needs the way of social media is upon us if you don't embrace it you'll be missing out on engaging both new and old fans of the sport. Rejecting @thedeeprough is just plain stupid.

I wonder what will happen when I apply for my my media credentials next year for the 2011 CN Canadian Women's Open outside of Montreal. I will keep you updated.

Awaiting My Miura Wedge - K-Grind Now Offered By Miura

I'm anxiously awaiting a new Miura wedge. Right now I only have one wedge in my bag ( 56 degree) plus a pitching wedge. I have never had the pleasure of gaming a Miura wedge but have only heard good thing about the company. Handcrafted irons by Katsuhiro Miura, who is often referred to in the Japanese media as having the Hands of God you have to figure these guys make some pretty sweet golf clubs.

Now I get a press release of Miura releasing a K- Grind Wedge to the masses. Another sweet looking wedge with a crazy fluted grind. Here's the scoop.

Miura Golf Announces Its New K Grind Wedges


VANCOUVER, British Columbia-Japanese golf-club manufacturer Miura Golf-which has been making the world's highest-quality forged irons for 44 years-announces the K Grind wedge.


"We are very excited about the release of the K Grind wedge", says Bill Holowaty, the VP of North American Operations for Miura Golf. "The unique sole design (each wedge grinded by hand) delivers uncompromised performance to your short game."


The international golfing press has always used the words "from the hands of god" to describe Katsuhiro Miura's forged irons. Could it be that the inspiration for his newest wedge came from his own hands? The sole of the new K Grind wedge is "fluted" which bears a striking resemblance to finger-tip impressions, or even human knuckles. These three channels reduce the resistance against the wedge in sand, thick rough, and even the fairway. The sole of the wedge moves with the grass instead of against it. The channels move around the sand instead of colliding with it. It allows the wedge to accelerate thru the ball with less effort in every condition to improve the odds of hitting a good shot.


Characteristics of the K Grind Wedge: Miura Golf Announces Its New K Grind Wedges


* Better results out of wet sand.
* Reduces the odds of "catching it heavy" on long bunker shots.
* Better acceleration on ½ and ¼ swings around the green.
* Digs it out of deep rough.
* Works great in normal conditions.


In addition to the K Grind wedges, Miura Golf's product line also includes the CB-501 Cavity Back Model, Tournament Blade; MC-102 (Mid-Size Cavity Model); CB-202 (Cavity Back Model): CB-301 (Cavity Back Model); Wedges (Wedge Series and Black Wedge Series, each available in six lofts); Series 1957 Small Blade Irons; Y and C Grind Wedges; Blade and Classic putters (two models); Precious Edition Driver, Fairway Wood and Utility Wood.


Miura Golf's corporate office is located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Miura Golf clubs are sold at the finest custom-fitting shops in North America. The Miura brand is marketed exclusively by Miura Golf Inc., in the United States and North America. More information on Miura products can be found at www.miuragolf.com.

Adam Scott Figures Out Putter Wins 2010 Valero Texas Open

It's amazing what a 25 minute putting lesson from Dave Stockton will do for your putting. Adam Scott seemed to figured out his flatstick with some help from Stockton en route to a one stroke victory over Fredrik Jacobson at the 2010 Valero Texas Open. Check out Adam's new putting stroke below he's obviously improved something putting has definitely been his nemesis.





WITB Adam Scott 2010 Valero Texas Open
DRIVER: Titleist 909 D3 (10.5°) with a UST Mamiya Proforce V2 86 shaft
FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 909 F2 (13.5°) with a UST Mamiya Proforce V2 96 shaft
HYBRID: Titleist 909 H (21°) with UST Proforce V2 104 shaft
IRONS: Titleist 710MB (3-9) with FST KBS Tour shafts
WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled C-C (48°, 54°, 60°) with FST KBS Tour shafts
PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport GSS prototype
BALL: Titleist Pro V1

Tim Clark Kicks It Old School - WITB 2010 Players Champion

You have to be glad for a guy like Tim Clark finally winning his first PGA Tour event after 206 PGA Tour starts. Perseverance from a guy who's play around the world on pretty much every tour and if you met him in a pub you probably wouldn't think he was a professional golfer. He doesn't fit the typical mold and that's OK for a guy who games a 10 year old 5 wood and a long putter that's almost as old.  Congrats Tim your 66-67 over the weekend was impressive considering most guys faltered. Your the 2010 Players Champion.

WITB Tim Clark
Ball: Srixon Z-Star
Irons: Srixon I-404 w/ Rifle 6.0 (4-9)
Wedges: PW: CG14 48, SW: 54, LW: 60 w/ Dynamic Gold S400
Driver: TM R9 SuperTri 9.5 w/ Motore F1 1.0 shaft
3wood: TM Burner 14.5 w/ Grafalloy Prolite (x) shaft
5wood: Callaway Steelhead Plus w/ RCH 36 shaft
Hybrid: TM Rescue FW Dual 19.0 w/ UST Irod (x)
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Two-Ball Long
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Golf Book Review

Well I've had this book for awhile now so here's my take on The Golf Book from Chicken Soup for the Soul and Golf Digest. While I've never read any of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books when they offered to send me a Soup book related to golf of course I jumped at the chance. My reading habits have changed drastically since my days tree planting in BC where Kerouac was king now golf rules the Ottawa Golf Blog house much to the chagrin of my family.

First off I like the way the book is arranged with each short story placed in one of 10 sections. The sections are also aptly named like Subtle Breaks, Apexes, Working The Ball, Gamesmanship, Fathers, Recovery Shots, Swing Thoughts, The Lifelong Game, Grinders and Raconteurs. The stories range from just a page to a maximum 5 pages. So I like the fact you can just pick up the book and flip to a section and read. You don't have to read this book from the start.

Do these short golf stories inspire, amuse and surprise? Most do some fall short and that's usually the norm when it comes to short story collections whether it's golf related or whatever. Here are a few of my favorites.

Tour Pros Worry About The Chunk Too -Subtle Breaks
A great collections of thoughts from Tour Caddie Mark Long including a Tommy Bolt story where he hits the wrong ball and some great stories about the 17th at the Players Championship. Nice to know Pros worry about bad shots as well as us hackers.

You're Away -Apexes
A heartfelt story from Ron Fitzsimmons about connecting with his Dad after many years and being able to say, "You're Away" to your Dad. Something I hope to hear from my three kids at some point.

Chalas's Chance Encounter - Working The Ball
An impromptu lesson from Byron Nelson leads a man to follow his dream later in life to become a teaching pro. Great read.


Living With The Yips - Gamesmanship
Most golfers at one time or another have had the yips. I know a few guys that change putters more than their underwear. This story will make anyone laugh especially those that have had the yips or dare I say the "Shanks".


Golf Widow - Gamesmanship
For anyone that's married this story tells it all, from a ladies perspective.


Never Let a Big Gun Bring You Down - Gamesmanship
Pros are pros and amateurs well we're wannabe pros. Aspiring to golf like a pro and hitting a shot like one but not getting the response one would want from a real pro. A great story about not letting anyone even a pro get you down.


Pings Left in a Will - Fathers
Some old Pings that didn't get really appreciated til after a Grandfather's death.


My Little Girl Golfer - Fathers
A father gains a golf partner for life after he adopts a little girl. A great read for anyone who enjoys golf and has children.


A Walk In The Woods - Recovery Shots
Enjoy your walk in the woods you just might find some solace in the rough I know Neil Rosen did.


No Carts - Recover Shots
Golf without a cart saved James Swigert life it just might help out someone you know who's going through a rough patch like James did and he overcame it by taking up the Game of Golf.


Trusting Instincts- Swing Thoughts
Gary Player's story about his father and how Gary used his Dad's ideas on trusting rats in the South African golf mines to hi sown ideals on the golf course, business and beyond.


Nine Holes in Eighteen Years - The Lifelong Game
A great story about a set of  18 year old Ping Eye 2's that will give and give to many golfers for years to come.



Chip and Putt -Grinders
A short story from a kid that had a all but to short life but really knew how to chip and putt and listen to his Dad. 



Tomcat the Caddy - Raconteurs
Arnold Palmer talks of a caddy with a comeback for ever shot. Funny stuff.


Conclusion
A found the Chicken Soup For The Soul: The Golf Book a really fun book yes ever short story wasn't perfect but there were some definite gems. A great book for a Dad with three kids and not a lot of free time and an obsession for golf.


The book sells for about $14.95 new and can be bought online at Amazon.com.