Sep 30, 2010

Ryder Cup Deals/Giveaways From Travis Mathew, Kikkor, Puma & Nike

When @bubbawatson scores points at the Ryder Cup, you save money on Travis Mathew Apparel. You can even put it towards a Limited Edition Bubba Watson Ryder Cup Supporter t-shirt. Although they are tad  pricey at  $29.50.


If your a Kikkor Golf Fan and looking for some deals.  Pick the winning team at the 2010 Ryder Cup and save 40% OFF your order at www.kikkor.com, plus if you pick the exact team totals, your order will be completely FREE!

All you have to do is indicate your predicted team totals in the 'Order Notes' section during checkout.


There`s also a couple of great giveaways right now on Twitter involving Nike Golf and Puma Golf.

@nikegolf will be giving away two more Custom Ryder Cup gloves today. They`ll be tweeting Ryder Cup trivia questions today for two lucky winners so good luck


used Twitter Wednesday to give away signed Rickie Fowler items. Look for more today. Also don`t forget today is the last day of my Rickie is My Homeboy t-shirt Giveaway.

Sep 29, 2010

Ryder Cup Fourball Pairings - Who do you got?

With all the practice sessions taking place over the last few days in Wales we can only speculate who the Ryder Cup Captains will choose for their Fourball matches on Friday. Here`s who I got who do like?

Fourball Match Predictions
Tiger-Stricker VS Kaymer-Westwood
Rickie-Phil VS McDowell-Rory
Furyk-Cink VS Poulter-Harrington
ZJ-Mahan VS Molinaris

Euro Team having some fun!

Sep 28, 2010

Choose Your Ryder Cup Side - USA VS. Europe

V-RAD Rivalry Putter Grip Review

No other sporting event is quite like the Ryder Cup with the history, the competition, the intrigue, and the rivalry all rolled into three days of nail biting golf. Now you can show your allegiance to Team USA or Team Europe with Golf Pride’s newly redesigned V-RAD Rivalry putter grip designed specifically for the 2010 Ryder Cup coming up next week in Wales.



I'm giving away the Team USA grip I received from Golf Pride in my 'Rickie Fowler Is My Homeboy' Giveaway. Be sure to enter. I’ve been testing out the Team Europe grip on various greens here in the Ottawa area. Here’s my review of the Team Europe V-RAD Rivalry putter grip.

Details
The Team Europe V-RAD grip features the colours of the European Flag. If you’ve seen the European flag, you know it’s pretty boring. It's nice to see Golf Pride incorporate the European flag tastefully on this grip. It looks great on my SeeMore Si1 - nice bright colors and design.

Although it is difficult to see in the photos, there are small raised stars all over the V-RAD Rivalry putter grip. This,along with the "advanced composite rubber", gives this grip a great texture and tackiness for enhanced feel on any length of putt. The grip is made in a semi-pistol shape and comes in regular size only (no oversize options at the moment).



Conclusion
The Ryder Cup inspired V-RAD grip was neither a downgrade or an upgrade from the Winn grip that was on my SeeMore Si1. That being said, I don’t plan on switching any time soon. I really like the design and tackiness of the grip and being able to show my allegiance to Team Europe. I’m surprised Golf Pride doesn’t offer a larger size V-RAD grip with all the customized options you can get with golf gear these days. At $7.99, the grip is very affordable so if you need a new putter grip or you’re just tired of your old one, check out the V-RAD Rivalry and at least guys will know what side you're on.

Sep 26, 2010

The 2010 Ryder Cup - European Team Video Preview

The 2010 Ryder Cup - European Team Preview
Make sure and enter my Ryder Cup Giveaway.

Corey Pavin Bans Twitter - Another Reason to Cheer For Europe

Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin has decided to ban Twitter for the Ryder Cup. No Twitter thoughts from Bubba Watson before he tees it up for the first time in Wales at the Ryder Cup. No insight from Stewart Cink on his favorite Welsh food. No behind the scenes from Ryder Cup rookie Rickie "Go Time" Fowler. Sorry no tweets for you. All these things would enhance a  "fans" experience of the Ryder Cup. Thanks Corey for the stupid ban. Good thing we still have Ian Poulter. Go Team Europe!





















2010 Ryder Cup Official Guide Giveaway

Here’s your chance to win an official 2010 Ryder Cup Guide.

Ryder Cup Contest
Step 1: Post in comments who will win the 2010 Ryder Cup with the winning score. Please add the player who will get the most points as a tie breaker.
Step 2: I will also be drawing one winner from all those Twitter followers who post the following as well:

Twitter the following: “ 2010 Ryder Cup Official Guide Giveaway from @Mitel and @OttawaGolfBlog #RyderCup #golf http://bit.ly/9r77Yg “


Here’s what’s in the Guide:
Official magazine of the PGA, interviews with Captains Corey Pavin and Colin Montgomerie, profiles of every player, interviews with Mahan, Masters Winner Mickelson, US Open Champion McDowell, all the stats and history you could want with interviews with all the greats from Ryder Cup pasts: Nicklaus, Palmer, Jacklin, Top US writers, Full Course Guide, 196 pages, fantastic Ryder Cup Photography, 2008 Victory at Valhalla relived.

2010 Ryder Cup Records - Team USA VS. Team Europe

For anyone involved in a Ryder Cup Pool or some friendly betting I thought I would compile a list of the players involved in this years 2010 Ryder Cup and their records. With so many Ryder Cup rookies (6-Europe 5-USA) this years matches should create some great scenarios for all matches.

Team Europe
Luke Donald
Years played: 2004 (winners), 06 (winners)
Overall record: Played 7, Won 5, Lost 1, Halved 1: Points 5½
Singles: Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, Halved 0
Foursomes: Played 4, Won 4, Lost 0, Halved 0
Fourballs: Played 1, Won 0, Lost 0, Halved 1

Padraig Harrington
Years played: 1999, 02 (winners), 04 (winners), 06 (winners), 08
Overall record: Played 21, Won 7, Lost 11, Halved 3: Points 8½
Singles: Played 5, Won 3, Lost 2, Halved 0
Foursomes: Played 9, Won 2, Lost 4, Halved 3
Fourballs: Played 7, Won 2, Lost 5, Halved 0

Miguel Angel Jimenez
Years played: 1999, 04 (winners), 08
Overall record: Played 12, Won 2, Lost 7, Halved 3: Points 3½
Singles: Played 3, Won 0, Lost 3, Halved 0
Foursomes: Played 5, Won 0, Lost 3, Halved 2
Fourballs: Played 4, Won 2, Lost 1, Halved 1

Graeme McDowell
Years played: 2008
Overall record: Played 4, Won 2, Lost 1, Halved 1: Points 2½
Singles: Played 1, Won 1, Lost 0, Halved 0
Foursomes: Played 1, Won 0, Lost 0, Halved 1
Fourballs: Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, Halved 0

Ian Poulter
Years played: 2004 (winners), 08
Overall record: Played 7, Won 5, Lost 2, Halved 0: Points 5
Singles: Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0, Halved 0
Foursomes: Played 2, Won 1, Lost 1, Halved 0
Fourballs: Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1, Halved 0

Lee Westwood
Years played: 1997 (winners), 99, 02 (winners), 04 (winners), 06 (winners), 08
Overall record: Played 29, Won 14, Lost 10, Halved 5: Points 16½
Singles: Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4, Halved 0
Foursomes: Played 11, Won 6, Lost 2, Halved 3
Fourballs: Played 12, Won 6, Lost 4, Halved 2

Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy, Edoardo Molinari, Francesco Molinari, Ross Fisher, and Peter Hanson all make their debuts this year.


Team USA

Phil Mickelson
Years Played: 1995-97-99-2002-04-06-08
Total Matches: 30
Career Ryder Cup Record (W-L-H): 10-14-6
Singles (W-L-H): 3-4-0
Foursomes (W-L-H): 2-4-4
Fourballs (W-L-H): 5-6-2
Total Points Won: 13
Total Points Won Point %: .43

Hunter Mahan
Years Played: 2008
Total Matches: 5
Career Ryder Cup Record (W-L-H): 2-0-3
Singles (W-L-H): 0-0-1
Foursomes (W-L-H): 1-0-1
Fourballs (W-L-H): 1-0-1
Total Points Won: 3.5
Total Points Won Point %: .70

Jim Furyk
Years Played: 1997-99-2002-04-06-08
Total Matches: 24
Career Ryder Cup Record (W-L-H): 8-13-3
Singles (W-L-H): 4-1-1
Foursomes (W-L-H): 3-5-1
Fourballs (W-L-H): 1-7-1
Total Points Won: 9.5
Total Points Won Point %: .40

Steve Stricker
Years Played: 2008
Total Matches: 3
Career Ryder Cup Record (W-L-H): 0-2-1
Singles (W-L-H): 0-1-0
Foursomes (W-L-H): 0-0-0
Fourballs (W-L-H): 0-1-0
Total Points Won: .5
Total Points Won Point %: .17

Stewart Cink
Years Played: 2002-04-06-08
Total Matches: 15
Career Ryder Cup Record (W-L-H): 4-7-4
Singles (W-L-H): 1-3-0
Foursomes (W-L-H): 2-4-1
Fourballs (W-L-H): 1-0-3
Total Points Won: 6
Total Points Won Point %: .40

Zach Johnson
Years Played: 2006
Total Matches: 4
Career Ryder Cup Record (W-L-H): 1-2-1
Singles (W-L-H): 0-1-0
Foursomes (W-L-H): 0-1-1
Fourballs (W-L-H): 1-0-0
Total Points Won: 2
Total Points Won %: .50

Tiger Woods
Years Played: 1997-99-2002-04-06
Total Matches: 24
Career Ryder Cup Record (W-L-H): 9-13-2
Singles (W-L-H): 3-1-1
Foursomes (W-L-H): 3-6-1
Fourballs (W-L-H): 3-6-0
Total Points Won: 10
Total Points Won Point %: .42

Dustin Johnson, Jeff Overton, Matt Kuchar, Rickie Fowler, and Bubba Watson all make their debuts this year.

Sep 21, 2010

Apparel Review: Sunice Pullover Provides Perfect Layer For Fall Golf

Sunice Olie Superlite Pullover Review

When September arrives in the Ottawa Valley, it not only signals back to school but it reminds us die-hard golfers that our short golf season will soon be coming to an end. It becomes more difficult to get 18 holes in after work, and we start adding layers to our golf attire to keep warm on those early morning or later twilight rounds.

Finding the right golf apparel to wear in the Fall can sometimes be a challenge. Over the last month, I’ve had the pleasure of evaluating one of Sunice’s lightweight layered pullovers called the Olie Superlite Pullover.



Details
The first thing you’ll notice about the Olie ¼ zip pullover is that it’s super lightweight due largely to the blend of polyester and spandex fabric If it got warmer during a round, It was lightweight enough to throw in my golf bag and not take up a lot of room.

The Olie is made to fit close to your body so it’s probably best to try on before buying depending on your body type. The Olie pullover I received was XL and fit perfectly considering I’m on the taller side. I could wear polo shirts underneath the Olie and still have plenty of room for movement so there was no restriction to my golf swing.

The contrast flat lock stitching details, reflective zipper tape and a framed chest pocket are all nice details of the pullover. The pocket, however, is really small and only there for looks.

The mix of stretchy fabrics (Spandex 16% and Polyester 84%) makes it incredibly comfortable and, like I said earlier, never impeded my golf swing. It was great on windy and cooler days, keeping me warm and dry during my round. The Olie, however, isn’t waterproof so if it does start to rain you’ll have to put on your rain gear.



The Olie comes in array of colours (Black/Shadow, Pure White/Royal, Midnight/Shadow and Charcoal/Lime). I got to review the Black/Shadow Olie which was a very versatile colour for both over polo shirts or under a rain jacket.

Conclusion
I really like the Olie pullover not only for its looks but for its versatility. It's very comfortable while golfing plus it looks great off the golf course as well. The SRP for the Olie Superlite Pullover is $100 which is comparable to other brands' pullovers. I think you'll agree that Sunice Golf definitely has a winner with the Olie Superlite Pullover.

Sep 20, 2010

Test Your Ryder Cup Skill - Join a Fun Ryder Cup Pool!

Both teams have been chosen for the 2010 Ryder Cup and they will soon be heading over to Wales to get ready for what always proves to be exciting golf. Guys like Rickie Fowler (link) who didn’t make into this week’s Tour Championship have been brushing up on their match play skills in anticipation of the drama at the Ryder Cup.

If you love the Ryder Cup and want to pit your Ryder Cup knowledge against a bunch of other Ryder Cup fanatics then sign up for the Ryder Cup Pool at GoForTheGreenGolfPools.com. I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in various pools run by Seamus this year; they are aways enjoyable and can sometimes make following golf just a little bit more exciting.

The Ryder Cup Pool costs only $10 CDN. You get to make 6 Player selections along with a Team selection. Here’s the scoop on points and payment. If you have any questions, please contact myself or Seamus.

Points are awarded as follows:
Player points are based on individual player performance in all events. In Singles they receive 2 pts for a win and 1 pt for a half. In both Foursomes and Fourball they receive 1 pt for a win and 0.5 pt for a half.

Team points are based on the Final Ryder Cup standings and you will receive the corresponding points of the team side selected. Example: Eur 16.5 pts vs USA 11.5 pts.
The top 3 contestants at the end of play, based on their aggregate points from their selections (player & team) relative to the other contestants will be the Final Prize winners.
The Prize payouts, will be as follows:


* First Place 50%
* Second Place 30%
* Third Place 20%

If 3 or more tie for first the prize payout will be split amongst all who tie.
An email will be sent to each participant requesting team and player selections to be submitted. Selections including changes will be accepted up until 6pm EST on the day preceding start of play.

No responsibility will be taken for pool registrations or contestant's selections which are lost, delayed, damaged, not received properly on the web site or misdirected in any other manner in the mail or any other electronic means including the Internet.

Entry fee:
The entry fee for this pool is $10 Canadian payable on or before September 30th.
Preferred method of payment is by an Interac E-Mail Money Transfer from your online bank account. Please send to:
goforthegreengolfpools@gmail.com


Payment by cheque, money order & bank drafts are also accepted by mail and must be postmarked before start of play. Payment can be sent to the following address:

goforthegreengolfpools@gmail.com

Payment by cheque, money order & bank drafts are also accepted by mail and must be postmarked before start of play. Payment can be sent to the following address: 


Séamus Maher

121 Main Street West
Grimsby, ON L3M 1R5

Credit card payments are also accepted and these can be sent via PayPal at:

http://www.goforthegreengolfpools.com/payment.htm

Sep 15, 2010

Kikkor Golf Goes Retro For 2011

I always enjoy a sneak peak at what a company has to offer in the new year. Hats off to Kikkor Golf who will be introducing another distinct golf shoe design. The aptly named Retro WP shoe will be part of their 2011 line. With four colors ranging from Black Fusion and Black Knight to White Malibu and White Polar, they’re definitely different from the skate inspired Eppik Blaze that I reviewed earlier this year.



The Black Fusion model stands out the most for me. I like the contrasting black and orange, and they’d look great with my "Rickie Is My Homeboy" shirts. Check out their website for more specs on this new model.

Also check out Kikkor Golf's Retro Breathe Limited Edition Husky. All proceeds from this sale will be donated to the University of Washington Golf Program.

Kikkor Golf Tips - The Change Up

Sep 12, 2010

Karma is Cool! Dustin Johnson Wins BMW Championship

Guys were scrambling for the victory at Cog Hill today and also for their FedEx Cup lives. With only 30 guys getting through to the Tour Championship in two weeks the pressure was on.

The greens were firm and bumpy and some guys like Paul Casey had to toe their putter to get up and down .



Ryder Cup pick Rickie Fowler took his orange shoes off to hit a shot on #18 but couldn’t only salvage a bogey and shot himself out of a chance to play the Tour Championship.



Ryan Moore got some bad breaks with a drive knocking off a spectator which led to a double bogey on the par 5 #11 he didn't get the victory but he'll be going to East Lake in two weeks.




Ian Poulter had some great shoes but a triple on #11 killed his chances to advance to the Tour Championship as well.



Guys like Kevin Na and KJ Choi made some good up and downs and some clutch putts down the stretch and got into the Tour Championship while big mouth Charlie Wi didn't.

In the end Dustin Johnson prevailed for a karma victory after near misses at the PGA Championship and US Open. What's not to like about a young guy that hits it a mile and is so fun to watch. Good luck at East Lake Dustin!

Sep 10, 2010

Is Golf Apparel Going Retro?

If you were watching any of the golf action outside Chicago at the BMW Championship, you may have thought you were back in the 1930’s. Ryan Moore was strolling the fairways and shooting up the leadboard in his retro look - a white shirt, khaki slacks, a black cardigan sweater and burgundy tie. Ryan has no problem pulling off the look as he has always done things a little different. Remember his look at the Masters? It made me think of a wee leprechaun.







"I love this look," said Moore, who finished at 6 under, a shot off the lead. "I love that golf used to have that look and I like to wear it when I can - when weather permits. It's not for attention or anything like that."

"Everybody in the crowd absolutely loves it," Moore said. "Everywhere I go, anywhere I've worn it, they love it. I went over to the British Open this year after wearing it at the Masters and during the practice rounds that's all the people would ask me, what my ties were going to be like that week."

Captain Corey Pavin and his wife Lisa (Team USA secret weapon) unveiled the fashions for the Ryder Cup this week. Even though photos (here's one of Lisa below) won’t be made available until September 19th, from all accounts, the look definitely has a retro flare.




























The Khaki Crusader and Marty Hackel were there and had some great insight as to the 2010 Ryder Cup apparel. 

Among the highlights from Marty Hackel:

  • golf shirts, sweaters, and accessories were developed with Peter Millar. Men's suits, sport coats, tuxedos, and trousers will be furnished by Hickey Freeman. The rainwear is being provided by Sun Mountain. Players will wear their own shoes in either black or white.
  • Given the locale and the time of year, the Sun Mountain rain gear is going to be quite prevalent. These outfits in particular will be a departure from the classic all-black waterproofs we've seen in Ryder Cups past.
  • A great deal of time was spent select the proper typeface for both this and the team bags. With a prominent "USA" logo and team members' names embroidered on the back, there will be no confusing players at Celtic Manor.
  • Every detail has been considered. Even the team logos on the sweaters are placed on felt patches in the spirit of the collegiate pennants.
  • Peter Millar founder Chris Knott and Lisa Pavin spent a great deal of time looking at iconic golfers and their wardrobes. The color palette they suggested is very traditional. Lisa said she wanted to honor the style of past greats such as Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.
  • The practice uniforms feature colorful sleeveless sweaters. The black outfit for Sunday is a show-stopper. The Saturday sweater selection is a marvelous cardigan in the Ben Hogan style (think Graeme McDowell on the weekend at Pebble Beach).
  • While the uniform fit for players in recent Ryder Cups have been inconsistent, this year's choices have a trimmer tour cut. Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson will shine!
  • Rather than a classic gray, a marvelous brown fabric has been selected as the color for the Opening Ceremony suits. The camel blazers that the players will wear getting off the plane will make them look like college professors.
  • The historical theme has been taken so far that the Pavins have selected old-school Belding team bags and headcovers.
  • The most conservative apparel item are the Imperial hats -- very tasteful, very classic.
  • With the exception of the sport coats worn on the plane, all of the apparel will be pressed and hanging in each player's hotel room awaiting their arrival. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rank the effort 10.5, and the results a 9.98. Nothing's perfect.





























I can’t wait to see Rickie Fowler in his Ryder Cup attire. Now we just have to get the Ryder Cup lads to play with some Sweet Wood golf clubs (see video below) and we’ll have a great ole time come October 1st!

Sep 7, 2010

Rickie Is My Homeboy T-Shirt Contest

Congrats to Rickie Fowler for being chosen as one of Corey Pavin’s Ryder Cup Captain picks. His aggressive style and youthful energy will be great for Team USA as they try to retain the Ryder Cup in Wales. For all the Rickie Fowler fans out there I’ve decided to run a contest for the next couple of weeks. Puma Golf has supplied me with some great shirts(4) now is your chance to own a “Rickie Is My Homeboy” t-shirt.



Step 1 - Comment in this post why you need a “Rickie Is My Homeboy” t-shirt

For Additional Entries:
* (1 Bonus Entry) – Twitter the following: “ Rickie Is My Homeboy t-shirt Giveaway from @PUMAGolf and @OttawaGolfBlog #RickieFowler #golf #RyderCup http://bit.ly/b407bV “


I’ll be giving away 4 t-shirts so get your entries in now. As an added bonus the best entry will also receive a Golf Pride V-RAD RIVALRY Ryder Cup grip. Choose your side!



Hurry though, the contest ends September 30th…so enter now. Best of luck!

Couldn't Have Drawn It Up Any Better - Charley Hoffman Wins In Boston

Loved seeing Charley Hoffman win the 2010 Deutsche Bank Championship. One of my favorite players to follow. He vaults to 2nd on the FedEx Cup list, 51nd in the World Golf Rankings and gets into all four Majors next year plus he won a heap of cash ($1,350,000). Masters for the first time will obviously be special for him as he stated in this article from Jason Sobel.

"I've said since I turned pro I would never step foot on that ground unless I won and earned my way there and finally I have," said Hoffman, whose previous title didn't get him into the event. "I can't wait, there's no question."

Remember seeing him at the Canadian Open a few years ago. He signed my volunteer marshal hat. Will have to dig the hat out he had a great signature. Will post picture. (See pictures from the Canadian Open at the bottom of my other blog Pro Golf Swing Videos).