Sep 23, 2011

Junior Golfer Unite - Final Event of Season, Also Submit Team PUMA Videos Now

The CJGA is proud to have hosted some fantastic events in the province of Quebec and the Ottawa region this season. Below is information on their final event of the season in Quebec.

CJGA Junior Tour (ages 11-19)

Sunice Junior Classic

Sept 24-25, 2011


Golf Les Quatres Domaines, Mirabel, QC

Tee Times: - Sat 11:00am Sun 8:00am

Prizing as well as giveaways are provided by SUNICE.


If you wish to register for this event please reply to: john.lawrence@cjga.com or I can send you an application..


Finally, the CJGA is still accepting TEAM PUMA video applications. Simply submit your TEAM PUMA application and you could become part of the coolest team the CJGA has. Winners will be outfitted head to toe in the newest PUMA gear, and all you have to do is submit your video application. For more information, check out the PUMA site - http://www.cjga.com/sites/puma/puma_2011/index.php

Sep 22, 2011

Long Drives With Different Outcomes

What sparked my golf interest this past week wasn't the race for the FedEx Cup at the BMW Championship but some long ball action involving 16 year old Alexis Thompson over on the LPGA Tour and a fellow Canadian, Jamie Sadlowski a two-time Re/Max World Long Drive champion making his Nationwide Tour debut. One golfers outcome on Sunday was history making the others more of a learning experience.

What were you doing at age 16? This past Sunday, Lexi won the 2011 Navistar LPGA Classic by five strokes becoming the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history, by about two years. Lexi Thompson over the course of four days at the Navistar LPGA Classic in Alabama drove the ball around the golf course with grace, tempo, length (280 yd. drives) and a form that most golf mortals can only dream of. The sky is the limit for this young golfer but she's still not an LPGA member even with her win. The tour has a minimum-age requirement of 18 and Lexi is only 16. So what's going to happen. Speculation is circulating after yesterday Golf Channel announcement that Thompson withdrew from next week's second-stage qualifying tournament (she won the first stage tourney by 10 strokes). It looks like Thompson will forgo Q-School and plans to now petition the LPGA to waive its minimum-age requirement and grant her membership. That petition, according to speculation, is expected to specify membership in 2012, not immediate membership, which will make Mike Whan the LPGA commissioner one happy camper. He'll certainly give Lexi membership next year it's a no brainer. The petition is a mere formality. Whan has been resistant to giving Thompson a waiver while she's still 16 years old. The LPGA' definitely seems committed to their minimum age requirement 16 still to young but 17 they've made exceptions before(Aree Song and Morgan Pressel), it doesn't want to cross the 16-year-old barrier just yet. With only a hand full of tournaments left in the LPGA season one (CME Group Titleholders in Orlando Nov. 17-20) of which Lexi is already in because of her win. Thompson is going to be a member of the LPGA Tour in 2012, and the LPGA will be able to protect its minimum-age requirement. So in 2012 the LPGA will get their rising star

So support Lexi Thompson bid for membership through her sponsor Puma-Cobra Golf who has started a "Let Lexi Play" campaign, complete with its own Twitter hashtag #LetLexiPlay. The goal? Get Lexi Thompson her LPGA Tour card without making her go through Q-School. I know I've already used it on Twitter posting videos of Lexi's slow motion swing. So show her some support and we'll be seeing more of her long drives next season on the LPGA Tour.

Now the second long drives I was interested in checking out were that of fellow Canadian Jamie Sadlowski who was making his Nationwide Tour debut at the Boise Open. Jamie a two-time Re/Max World Long Drive champion obviously hits a long ball but how would he stack up to actual Pros during a tournament. Sadlowski's high-end clubhead spead is 148 mph, and his peak ball velocity is 215 mph. This is a guy who hits hybrids into drivable par 4s. Everyone loves to see the ball go far but how would the short game hold up. After rounds of 73 and 66 Jamie faded on the weekend with scores of 73 and 75 and he ended up finishing DFL with D.J. Brigman. Jamie led the field in driving average at 349.8 yards. Who was #2 well that was the eventually winner of the Boise Open Jason Kokrak who averaged a poultry 343.6 yards in driving distance.

I'm thinking Jason Kokrak and Lexi Thompson had some great short game to go along with those towering drives. Enough said!

Sep 15, 2011

Cobra Unleashes Long Tom Driver This Fall

My Puma-Cobra rep has been talking of something big from the company but I definitely didn't see this coming. This Fall they 'll be releasing a Long Tom Driver, a four foot long, ultra light driver that is the ultimate weapon for jaw-dropping distance. Plus COBRA will also release the Long Tom RAW, a limited edition, pre-release version of the Long Tom that is hot off the production floor with a RAW, unfinished cosmetic.

For a guy who stands 6'5" I'm pretty sure I can handle this club and it looks like I'll get a chance the first week in October down in Toronto. Will keep you updated. Here's the rest of the Press Release.























COBRA® REACHES EXTREME DISTANCE WITH THE LAUNCH OF LONG TOM AND LONG TOM RAW DRIVERS

The Long Tom Driver and Limited Edition RAW Driver Provide Maximum Distance

CARLSBAD, CA (September 14, 2011) – COBRA is going the distance and letting it fly this fall with the launch of the Long Tom Driver, a four foot long, ultra light driver that is the ultimate weapon for jaw-dropping distance. But that’s not all; COBRA will also release the Long Tom RAW, a limited edition, pre-release version of the Long Tom that is hot off the production floor with a RAW, unfinished cosmetic.

“We are breaking the mold with the Long Tom Driver,” said Bob Philion, President, COBRA PUMA GOLF. “We are so excited about it that we decided to rush 500 RAW versions right off the production floor and straight to consumers.”

The Long Tom and Long Tom RAW Drivers are machines built for distance with the highest length to weight ratio of any COBRA driver, Advanced Material PlacementTM, E9 Face TechnologyTM with dual roll and the new ultra light Grafalloy® Blackbird® shaft. Only 500 Long Tom RAW Drivers will be released globally, each individually marked with a production serial number. The unfinished cosmetic comes equipped with face and clubhead markings from testing, giving it a unique appearance.

“Our new Long Tom Drivers are all about letting it fly,” said Tom Preece, Vice President of Club Research and Development at COBRA PUMA GOLF. “The Long Tom features a new Ti 8-1-1 face that generates fast ball speeds. This new technology, combined with the long length and ultra light weight results in extreme distance.”

The Long Tom name comes from a cannon that was used during World War II and the Korean War. In the 1970’s COBRA released its first version of the Long Tom, directly inspired by this cannon. It was a 46” driver and one of the first of its kind. The inspiration from the Long Tom Cannon is seen in the new 48” Long Tom Driver not only in its extreme length, but also in its cosmetic. The all black, cannon cosmetic of the Long Tom Driver and the RAW, unfinished cosmetic of the Long Tom RAW are fierce finishes stemming from the look of the cannon.

Ultralight Shaft and Grip
The Long Tom and Long Tom RAW Drivers are equipped with the new, ultra light Blackbird shaft by Grafalloy. At four feet long and ultra light, the Long Tom Drivers have the highest length to weight ratio of any COBRA driver, resulting in ultimate distance. The shaft also features Speed Coat Technology which helps improve the aerodynamics of the club system for increased clubhead speed. The Long Tom RAW features an all
black, ultra light Lamkin® prototype grip, while the Long Tom Driver has the Winn® Ultra Light/Shorty grip. Both grips are shorter in length and designed to discourage golfers from choking down on the club.

Long Tom Driver Technology
Both the Long Tom and Long Tom RAW Drivers feature Advanced Material Placement with a high strength thin Titanium 8-1-1 alloy face. This repositions up to 20 grams of weight to move CG (centre of gravity) extremely low and deep, resulting in managed spin and launch control despite the extra long driver length. E9 Face Technology with dual roll gives the Long Tom Driver an elliptical face design with a 30% larger Sweet Zone that provides increased distance and accuracy to shots hit from the low heel to high toe. The new canted bulge and dual roll on the club face provide more distance to shots hit above and below the centerline.
E9 Face Technology with dual roll
• An elliptical face featuring a new canted bulge with dual roll design providing more distance to shots hit above and below the centerline.
Advanced Material Placement
• High strength thin Titanium 8-1-1 alloy face repositions up to 20 grams of weight to move CG extremely low and deep.
























The COBRA Long Tom RAW Driver weighs in at 275 grams (MSRP $549) and is available in a men’s right-handed 9.0° loft in a choice of X, S or R flexes. It will be available in select retailers starting October 14th 2011.

The COBRA Long Tom Driver weighs in at 269 grams (MSRP $389) and is available in lofts of 8.0°, 9.0° and 10.0° in men’s right-handed and 9.0° in men’s left-handed. The 8.0° is available in X and S flexes; the 9.0° in S and R flexes and the 10.0° in S, R and Lite flexes. It will be available in select retailers starting December 9th 2011.

For more information on the COBRA Long Tom Driver, additional COBRA products, visit us at www.cobragolf.ca. Stay up to date with the latest products, events and COBRA Tour athletes at Facebook.com/cobra and on our Twitter handle: @cobragolf





Sep 13, 2011

Pearl Jam Twenty Book Review

Pearl Jam is celebrating their 20 years of Rock and Roll together in grand style. A tour that started Sept. 3/4 at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Wisconsin is now racing across Canada from Montreal to Vancouver and then off to South America. A documentary movie about Pearl Jam just played TIFF this past weekend in TO and now a book has been released today. Pearl Jam has definitely covered all the bases for fans.

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of the Pearl Jam Twenty book and having had the chance to immerse myself into the pages of the book for the last week and all I can say is wow. Titled Pearl Jam Twenty this book is jam packed with pictures and interviews that chronicles the Seattle grunge legends past twenty years. The book is a must have for Pearl Jam fans. Reading and seeing the pictures has only heightened my enthusiasm for the upcoming Pearl Jam show here in Ottawa.





Some of the highlights of the book:

-I first started following Pearl Jam from the beginning so I really enjoyed reading and seeing pictures of how the band first formed. Taken right from interviews from band members (present/past), friends, and colleagues it's great to read how it all started- Ten.

-Eddie Vedder's take on his various scaffold/rafter diving incidents into the audience during those early years of Pearl Jam. "I'm in the band and I can do what I want." EV

-Hearing about Mike McCready life changing moment after seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan  at the Gorge in 1990.

- The tragedy (the death of nine fans during their appearance at the Roskilde festival,) and controversy (battles with Ticketmaster, and the firing of drummer Dave Abbruzzese) are interesting to hear about. Peoples reactions and the aftermath.

- Hearing about about all the different stories regarding all the tours and especially all the different jams along the way Neil Young in particular.


- Cool pictures of a receipt from Eddie Vedder's bank account ($10.99 in 1991) and a receipt for a corduroy jacket.

-Hearing how all the records (Ten, VS, Vitalogy, Mirror Ball, No Code, Yield, Riot Act, etc...  ) came to be. 

If your a PJ fan or just a fan of rock n' roll pick this book up its a great read from a great band. The stories through various interviews and the great pictures gives you a behind the scenes insight into the energy, enthusiasm, passion and power of a great influential rock and roll band.  They rose out of the grunge scene twenty years ago and are still going strong today mostly because they're true to their fans and their music.



Sep 10, 2011

Trusty Rusty Wedge Makes Comeback This December

Pictures have surfaced recently online of a new wedge with a definite retro appeal. Looks like the Trusty Rusty wedge is making a comeback. My source at Puma-Cobra has confirmed a December release for this wedge that first started out over 20 years ago. Do you still have one in your bag or maybe in your Sunday bag? You may want to clear out some room in your golf arsenal as this new wedge looks hot. Back is the tri-bounce sole (bounce specs will change with the setup of the club) and their popular head that is suppose to rust. It also looks like it will come in three finishes. Look for Ottawa Golf Blog to get one soon and a retro Trusty Rusty review to follow. Wedge junkie’s be warned.

What are your thoughts? The Hackers Paradise have already received one and MyGolfSpy.com are giving one away.




























Picture from The Hackers Paradise
Tri-Bounce, all black finish, True Temper Dark Steel shaft


MyGolfSpy.com is giving one away.




Sep 7, 2011

Watch For Quagmire Gear On New Series "Highways To Fairways"

I'm usually not one for the drama of reality television. I tend to radiate more towards shows like True Blood, Sons Of Anarchy, and Game of Thrones. After watching the trailer for Highways To Fairways. This may just be one reality show that might peak my interest. How does this sound, a 13-episode series that follows two “goofball duffers” traveling by RV to play North America’s most unique and unusual courses. Watching the video I got a bit of a Trailer Park Boys meets On The Road feel. Can't wait to check out the series premiere this Saturday.

Networks broadcasting Highways to Fairways and air times:

· TVtropolis: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.

· CHEX Peterborough: Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.

· CHEK Victoria: Saturdays, 7 p.m.

· Fox Sportsworld: Saturdays, 8 p.m.

· Channel 12 Durham: Sunday, 6:30 a.m.



Another cool thing about Highways To Fairways is that Toronto-based Quagmire Golf has become the official apparel supplier and a major sponsor of the new Highways to Fairways reality television program. These guys definitely look Not Fit For The Fairway. Check out the Quagmire Gear in this series trailer.



Press Release

Quagmire Golf Named Official Apparel Supplier, Major Sponsor for NewHighways to Fairways Reality Television Series Airing Across Canada



ColorFusion Color-Shifting Apparel Commercial to Make Worldwide Debut During First Episode



(TORONTO) – Quagmire – the Toronto-based apparel brand founded by two buddies with a passion for golf, surf, skate and street culture – has secured its latest marketing coup, inking a deal to become the official apparel supplier and a major sponsor of the new Highways to Fairways reality television program premiering Saturday, September 10, on cable networks across Canada.

The 13-episode series chronicles the adventures and exploits of Wayde Greer and Charlie Teljeur as they travel North America by RV, playing the continent’s most unique golf courses. Throughout their journey, the self-proclaimed “goofball duffers” rock a closet’s worth of sweet Quagmire clothing and lids while repeatedly unsheathing more club than necessary from golf bags emblazoned with the distinctive Quagmire logo.

“Not only are Wayde and Charlie two of the best dudes you’ll ever meet, their dream for Highways to Fairways is the perfect match for our ‘Not Fit for the Fairway’ motto,” says Quagmire Creative Director Geoff Tait. “Like tons of golfers across Canada, we’re totally psyched for the first episode this Saturday.”

A new commercial showcasing Quagmire’s groundbreaking ColorFusion color-shifting apparel technology also will make its world premiere during the series debut. Proclaimed one of 2011’s hottest trends, the unique tops shift colors when the temp hits 20° Celsius (that’s 68° Fahrenheit for Quagmire’s friends in the USA).

Networks broadcasting Highways to Fairways and air times:

· TVtropolis: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.

· CHEX Peterborough: Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.

· CHEK Victoria: Saturdays, 7 p.m.

· Fox Sportsworld: Saturdays, 8 p.m.

· Channel 12 Durham: Sunday, 6:30 a.m.


“This grand idea became a mammoth, life-changing journey that took us to courses at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and many other places,” says Greer, who doubles as the show’s executive producer. “We may not have broken any course records, but with the Geoff and Bobby’s help we at least looked great.”

Quagmire is worn by a bevy of star athletes and A-listers worldwide who embody the brand's motto. These include celebrity participants in the PGA Tour's Bob Hope Classic Pro-Am, as well as Tour stars Tag Ridings, Joe Affrunti, Aron Price, Brennan Webb, Rich Barcelo, Karen Stupples, Gerina Piller, Stephanie Louden and Diana D'Alessio. The company also serves as official apparel supplier to the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy and the International Junior Golf Tour.

Expanding their enterprise, Tait and Pasternak recently announced Arnie. Widely heralded as the most anticipated new golf-lifestyle apparel line of 2012, each piece in the collection is directly inspired by garments Arnold Palmer wore during the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

For more info, check out www.quagmiregolf.com or call 800.652.9839.

Behind Quagmire

Two buddies who met on a golf trip, Geoff Tait and Bobby Pasternak founded Quagmire in 2005. The brand – which includes men’s, women’s and kids golf and lifestyle clothing – is a member of Green Grass One and available at hundreds of pro shops and off-course retailers throughout North America.

In addition to being the official apparel supplier to the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy and the International Junior Golf Tour, Quagmire offers custom apparel, and has provided special-edition pieces to Coors and Coors Light USA, pokerstars.com and many other companies.

Quagmire's management partner is the 32-year-old Jaytex Group, the Canada licensee of famous brands Kenneth Cole Reaction, Tommy Bahama, Original Penguin, Gant, Union Bay and Ben Sherman.









Sep 4, 2011

Twitter Golf Pic Of The Day - Which one is the real Charley Hoffman...


You can always count on Bubba Watson for some funny stuff posted on Twitter. Here's what Bubba posted before his round today at the @DBChampionship

Which one is the real Charley Hoffman & the other a painting?? #bestphotoever




























Stylish Fabrics and Designs from Golf Cult

Golf Cult once again pushes the boundaries for golf apparel with some new styles and designs this season. They’re always ones for some unique ideas and this year doesn’t disappoint with the addition of a cool Crack 80 patch on two of their shirts. The patch thing can make some apparel look a bit awkward but Golf Cult pulls it off nicely. First though I have to Crack 90.


Golf Cult has also incorporated their Coat of Arms on a few shirts. The distressed look of the coat of arms is a great look especially on the back of a Golf Cult shirt . If your Latin is a little rusty under the coat of arms it reads “Alterum ictum facium” which means “Go take a mulligan”. We’ve all been there right!




Check out the video below of just some of what Golf Cult is offering this year. Remember Golf Cult uses a variety of fabrics, some great for the warmth of Summer like the Performance Dry Polos to their Cotton Polos ideal for our upcoming Fall golf season. Also stay tuned for some upcoming news, reviews and deals from Golf Cult.




Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Sep 2, 2011

Stacy Lewis Q&A

Although she didn't win Stacy Lewis sure made it close with a closing round 67 in blustery conditions for a share of second place at this years CN Canadian Women’s Open at Hillsdale Golf and Country Club in Mirabel, Que.

Press release:

Overcoming severe wind and rain from Hurricane Irene, Lewis began Sunday with three birdies on the first four holes. Staying dry and comfortable in Fila Golf's moisture-wicking Athena Polo, the 26-year-old Major Champion shot the day's lowest round, a five-under-par 67, for her eighth Top-10 finish in 2011.

"I thought if I can get to double digits under par and finish Top 10, it would be a pretty good week," said Lewis. "I really didn't picture this round coming."

In her second season as Fila Golf brand ambassador, Lewis relies on an array of premium, 100-percent cotton and eco-friendly recycled polyester pieces. Many boast wrinkle-resistant, moisture wicking, quick-drying and antimicrobial properties. The collection of performance-driven apparel enhances athleticism without hindering the body's natural motion.

"It's our goal to help elite athletes like Stacy play their best in any conditions," says Nancy Robitaille, Principal Designer of Fila Golf. "Despite rain and wind, Stacy remained comfortable and the result was a superb round and great finish." 



I had the chance to email Stacy a few questions regarding the upcoming Solheim Cup, her time in Montreal/Canada and scoliosis. Sorry for delay in posting.


Welcome to Canada Stacy ! Montreal is a great city with a definite European flair. Is this your first time here and if so what's been the one thing you've enjoyed the most about being in Montreal.


Yes, I’ve enjoyed the meeting so many great people.  I was unable to find time to visit downtown, but will have to do that next time.

You’re going to be part of the Solheim Cup, congrats. What format do you think will best showcase your golf skills and why?

Thank you.  I like alternate shot because it is a harder format and really challenges.  I was able to play this format in the Curtis Cup and enjoyed the team format.

I've done a few apparel reviews on my blog including FILA Golf what's one thing you look for in your apparel and why?

I look for functionality so that it allows me to play well without restricting me.  I also want something that is stylish and flattering on me.  I think Fila Golf fills both of these needs.

Both of my girls (10 and 8 years old) have been diagnosed with scoliosis. What words of encouragement would you give girls who are dealing with scoliosis at such a young age.


Your girls and others like them should focus on the fact that it is temporary.  It is a short term problem that can be taken care of at a young age so you don’t need to worry about it the rest of your life.  It does not have to define you and you can still realize your goals.