Mar 26, 2013

Golf Videos of the Week! Sergio in a Tree, Tiger Ready To Rumble

Sergio Garcia plays a miraculous recovery shot from a tree, one-handed no less.




Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 does not feature fighting, which is highlighted in this video but a plethora of present day and legendary golfers. The Xbox 360 version of this game is also the first in the series to feature full support for the Kinect. The release of the video is also well-timed considering who just won the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Tiger Woods picked up his 77th PGA Tour victory on Monday. Tiger Woods with the win means he is once again the top-ranked golfer in the world for the first time in 29 months. What do you think about Woods and Palmer fighting thugs in The Rumble?

Mar 22, 2013

SeeMore Z Series Putters Spotted at Tampa Bay Championship

Ted Gallina from SeeMore Putters posted some great pics of their new upcoming line, the zSeries Tour Limited Line from the Tampa Bay Championship. Here some info on their new line of putters set to be released soon. What are your thoughts?

***SeeMore Putter Company Introduces New zSeries Tour Limited now available.


The zSeries Tour Limited is a new exclusive series designed to offer the SeeMore loyalist and new fans alike a completely new look while still remaining true to the core benefits of RifleScope Technology. The zSeries comes in several exciting options in both a blade and mallet design. Each zSeries Tour Limited head is 100% milled in the USA from 303 stainless steel with milling patterns designed for the ultimate feel and roll. The zSeries Tour Limited heads offer the golfer a variety of sole weight options including 2 milled aluminum and 2 milled stainless custom heel and toe weights with each putter, which will allow the golfer to fine tune and customize swing weight, feel, and toe release patterns. Each owner of a zSeries Tour Limited putter will also be informed of new options to be created in the future for additional customization options.




Mar 21, 2013

Apparel Review: Antigua Leader Pullover

Antigua Apparel Impresses In Myrtle Beach
I got to initially test out my Antigua Leader Pullover here in Canada during my job as a Canada Post mail carrier but I was really ready to test it out on my golf trip to the Myrtle Beach area last week. This was my first time wearing Antigua apparel which coincidentally was worn by first time PGA Tour Winner Kevin Streelman last week as he won the PGA Tampa Bay Championship. As well on the LPGA Tour now World #1 Stacey Lewis wore Antigua Apparel in winning the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup.


"Kevin Streelman has worked very hard at perfecting his game and his hard work paid off with his first PGA TOUR at the Tampa Bay Championship," says Ron McPherson, President and CEO of Antigua. "We are very excited to have Kevin wear our new 2013 performance golf apparel on the PGA TOUR and this is a great honor, as well as showcase, for us.

"Stacy's victory at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup in Phoenix more than validates her number one ranking aspirations," says Ron McPherson, President and CEO of Antigua. "We are very proud to have Stacy Lewis wear our exciting 2013 apparel on the LPGA tour."


Antigua has been a leading apparel designer and marketer of not only men’s apparel but women’s and children’s as well for over 30 years. I was excited to test out the Leader pullover.

Once you put on the Antigua Leader pullover you realize this is one stylish, high-performance jacket. While it was perfect for my early morning rounds in Myrtle Beach or if the wind was howling later in the day. You'd probably need something warmer for those cooler Fall and early Spring rounds here in Canada. Like I said earlier I ended up wearing my Leader Pullover as a layer during my full-time job as a mail carrier with Canada Post so this pullover is extremely versatile both on and off the course.



Made of a 84% polyester and 16% spandex mix, and features a ¼ zip with self-fabric stand-up collar. The Leader is part of Antigua's Performance Golf Collection. The Leader Pullover is extremely light and never once impeded my golf swing. 

My Leader Pullover's main colour was smoke accented with a melon contrast inside the neck and zipper teeth. The Leader Pullover comes in a plethora of colours. Check out the other colours available in Antigua's online store here.

Conclusion
I was really impressed with Antigua's Leader Pullover. A great durable mixture of fabrics makes this an impressive addition to my golf apparel. With great moisture-wicking technology it performed great, both as a pullover and as a layer option. Priced at $59 MSRP, it's a steal compared to similar jackets. It's also available in a women’s line.





Mar 20, 2013

Tidewater Golf Club Review

Scenic, Challenging, Top Notch Customer Service
My first stop on my Myrtle Beach Golf Adventure was the Tidewater Golf Club which opened to public play in February of 1990. That very year it was named “Best New Public Course In America” by "Golf Digest". It has continued to earn honors ever since. So it was no wonder I was excited to make this my first round ever in the Myrtle beach/ Grand Strand area.

Tidewater Golf Course Review
From the minute I drove through the gate I could tell I was in for something special. After dropping off our clubs I checked in to the clubhouse and had a great chat with Chris Cooper the GM at Tidewater Golf Club. He talked about Tidewater not over-seeding this year as well as cutting down some pine trees and planting some oak trees around the course. After our chat I was ready to get out and hit my first tee shot of the year. Not so fast!

The lads were very friendly and helpful when we picked up our cart. They answered all our questions being our first time to Tidewater. From there my buddies and loosened up on the Tidewater range which was perfect to get a little rust off our Winter golf swings.



You read so much online about all the world-class courses in the Myrtle Beach area including Tidewater. I felt I had to harness my emotions going into the round. This is after all my first round in the Great Myrtle Beach Golf Mecca.

Right from the get go I realized my round at Tidewater would be a tough one. From the tips it plays 7,044 yards for me playing from whites a solid 6323 yards. Although the first is a straight away par 5 and #15 handicap hole. My one putt managed to solidify an opening par. Great way to start a round.

From there we were off as the course meanders through tall pines and oaks. When you get to hole #3 you kind of take a deep breath. Here's the first of Tidewater's Par 3s. A great hole with four deep bunkers that guards this green. If your a right handed golfer that draws the ball be careful on this hole you may easily roll off this two-tired green as the green slopes right to left towards the waterway.  A fun hole that will test all aspects of your game including chipping.



The par 4 dogleg #4 Hole at Tidewater might remind you your on the West Coast at Pebble Beach. It could be reminiscent for toughest. I'm usually not a fan of doglegs but this hole is just plain exciting with the waterway down the left side your going to want a good drive to be able to hit a shorter iron into this hole. Stay below the hole as deep trouble and high scores will await you if you go long here. Three and four two of my favorite holes at Tidewater.



The front nine ends with #8 and #9 a good combination of a birdie-able par 5 and some what tough par 3. The par 5 8th hole has many of Tidewater 90+ soft sand bunkers but if you stay out of them and with a good drive a good score can be found on this picturesque hole.



Hole #9 will take you back to the clubhouse and another of Tidewater's special par 3s, a strength at Tidewater. A manged a par on this hole but with marsh on the left side and a sloping green this hole can be quite tricky. In the wind even more so.

After the turn the 10th Hole is one of 12 holes at Tidewater with water in play. Get it over the water with a good drive to the middle of the fairway you'll only have a wedge into this green.



Hole #12 is another grand par 3 at Tidewater. All three in our group managed to put it in the water. Not a long hole at 145 yards but it really makes you think about iron selection. Don't think to long as its better to pick a yardage and go for it. Long here is again deadly like most holes at Tidewater so have fun on one of the most scenic holes at Tidewater



Your next hole at Tidewater is one of my favorites. A challenging narrow straightaway par 5 with amazing views. You'll definitely take lots of pictures so be sure and bring along your iPhone/camera. You even get a view of the ocean from the #13. The thirteenth green has a plethora of strategically-placed bunkers so if your like me and managed a par. Be happy as you've just parred a really tough par 5.


The back nine at Tidewater I seemed to score better on. I even had my first birdie of the year on the #8 handicap hole #14 where I drained a nice 20 foot putt. Tough hole with your second shot over water to a back to front sloping green. No easy task.



The 18th hole, handicapped 4, is a long par 4 which had me guessing after my second shot. My drive ended up on the right side of the fairway which made the hole that much longer. I didn't realize how much the marsh carried onto the fairway and landed my layup shot in the water. My 75 yard third shot ended up being my fourth. A tough finishing hole where I ended up with a 6.



Conclusion
Tidewater Golf Club was a great course to play for my first ever round in Myrtle Beach. It was scenic with great views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Marshlands. An extremely challenging test of golf for all levels of golfers (5 sets of tees). The greens were quite fast and firm so that added to the challenge. Customer service at Tidewater was great from the time I arrived til the time we left. Be sure and stop in at the Clubhouse and see Denise at the Restaurant her recommendation of the Tidewater Club was spot on for a after round meal.

Tidewater Club
6 oz. Rib Eye Steak
Chicken Breast
Bacon
Provolone Cheese
Lettuce, Tomato, Pickle and Bun
Can you say perfection!



An interesting rule at Tidewater is that the golf course has no out-of-bounds. So if your ball lands in the backyard of any of the many Tidewater Plantation homes you may drop back in play without penalty. This rule was great for my buddies as it kept them from being frustrated as they are beginner golfers. Plus it kept the pace of play perfect for the day.

Rates vary at Tidewater from close to $200 with cart during peak season and around $100 during low season. All carts are equipped with GPS. Also be sure and check out deals at  Myrtle Beach Golf Specials and Myrtle Beach Golf vacation packages.

Mar 18, 2013

Kikkor's Slyder Premium - Channel Your Inner Spicoli

You probably saw these featured in Golf Digest Magazine, now Kikkor's Slyder Premium are available! Four cool colors so you can channel your Jeff Spicoli on the golf course. Aloha, Mr. Hand.
Be sure and click on the side banner for discounts on your Kikkor shoes.

My Two Favorite Things - Guinness & Graeme McDowell

Graeme McDowell pours a good pint of Guinness at his new restaurant -- Nona Blue in Orlando, Fla. -- Defintely could throw back a few with G-Mac.



Mar 17, 2013

Top 3 Holes At Barefoot Resort & Golf - Love Course

I definitely count my self lucky for being able to play one of the courses at Barefoot Resort & Golf during my stay on the Grand Strand this past week. What a great place to experience golf in the Myrtle beach area. The Love Course was a special golf course to play. I can't wait to head back to the area to play the other courses at Barefoot. Here's my take on my favorite/top holes from my round there.

Holes #4 & #6 Barefoot Resort - Love Course
These two holes are just plain fun, scenic and full of history. I've never played a hole on a golf course where the backdrops are old plantation ruins but that's what you get when you play these holes. Bring your iPhone because if your like me you'll be taking lot of photos. Below are just a few samples. They are recreated ruins but it's still very cool. Hole #4 is an uphill par and at about 265 yd. from the white tees your definitely hitting driver on this hole for a possible eagle of birdie putt. Just a real fun, scenic hole.




Hole #6 is a beautiful par 4 at 340 yd. This hole plays tough especially with the wind. With trouble down both the left and right sides, beware bunkers can easily gobble up your ball. Your second shot with a good drive will leave you with a wedge in but remember bunkers surround the green as well. Two great holes that you'll remember big time!



Holes #13 Barefoot Resort - Love Course
There are many top holes on the Love Course but #13 sticks out for me because it's both scenic and challenging even though at 447 yd. it's a relatively short par 5. From the tee you have to decide to either take your drive down the right side where you might run out of fairway and wind up in water or down the left side which might make the hole a bit longer. This hole really makes you think off the tee. For most golfers you'll be laying up with your second shot just make sure you avoid the trouble on the right side being bunkers and water. The green is smallish and contour so a par is a good score for most on this hole.




Mar 14, 2013

Great Fun At Brick Landing Plantation Golf Course

What a beautiful day for golf yesterday as my son and I enjoyed 9 holes at the newly opened Brick Landing Plantation Golf Course. Although still a bit rough around the edges the course is only getting better having only been reopened for about 15 months. Lots of water and challenging greens will make for a fun round for all abilities.








Gus and I had a great time hitting putts and various shots around the front 9. Gus loved seeing the various turtles and even found a few acorns scattered along the course from some beautiful oak trees. With a few holes along the IntraCoastal Waterway and a few more weaving in and through a housing development there's always something new to look at. We were staying at the Winds Resort at Ocean Isle Beach so if your in the area Brick Landing is a nice place to stop for a quick 9.







Mar 12, 2013

Top 3 Holes At Tidewater Golf Club & Plantation

What a great way to start my Myrtle Beach golf adventure with a round yesterday at the Tidewater Golf Course & Plantation. My buddies and I thoroughly enjoyed our round with great weather, great customer service, food and of course the odd cold beer. Here's my top 3 holes from yesterday's round.

Tidewater #13 - Par 5 475 yd. White Tees
Just a great little par 5 along the Inter Coastal Waterway with great views all along the right side of the hole. While not a long par 5 with a straightaway fairway this hole is tough if your not in the right spot on the fairway for your 2nd or 3rd shot. When you get to the green be prepared for a tricky putt depending on what level of the green your on. I managed a nice right to left putt for par on this hole but a three putt would not be uncommon.



Tidewater #4 - Par 4 400 yd. White Tees
Another beautiful hole along the Inter Coastal Waterway. Very Pebble Beach like this hole can play very difficult if the wind is up. Long on this hole is deadly as this #1 handicap hole will yield a high number for a golfer of any level. Be sure to stay below the hole as you want an uphill putt on this tricky green.



Tidewater #12 - Par 3 145 yd. White Tees
The most scenic par 3 at Tidewater. This signature hole has a love/hate vibe. The amount of balls in the water will test your distance control so depending on the winds you might want to club up or down. With lots of bunkers front and right side getting on the green will be difficult on this short 145 yd. Good luck and let it fly.



Mar 7, 2013

T Shirt Printing Ottawa Golf Style

Top Notch T-Shirt Printing
I was approached not long ago by a t-shirt printing company out of the UK that wanted to send me a t-shirt with my logo on it. I jumped at the chance as it would be another great way to market my blog especially with my impending trip to the Myrtle Beach area for some golf and family fun. To my delight it arrived this week from the UK just in time as I'm leaving tomorrow the 8th. I used the logo from my poker chip markers and the shirt turned out great. The logo really came out great on the shirt. What do you think?

I was really happy with the shirt  TShirtPrinting.org had made for me. If your looking at getting something similar made they do all type of custom and personalized work. Be sure to check out their website and don't be shy at getting a quote.





Mar 4, 2013

Leprechaun Golfers Rejoice - AMP CELL Limited Edition – Green Driver

I guess it's only fitting Cobra Golf will be releasing a AMP CELL Limited Edition – Green Driver on March 15th. For the first Major of the year as well as for all the leprechaun golfers out there, including myself.




Cobra won't be the first as companies love to put out limited edition equipment before the Majors especially Spring's classic "The Masters". Cobra Golf has aptly named their AMP CELL Limited Edition Driver– Season Opener Green.


Cobra Golf does like their colors embracing a plethora of colors already with their Amp Cell driver which can be had in blue, orange, red and silver. The question is will any staff players like Rickie Fowler, Ian Poulter, Jesper Parnevik and Lexi Thompson put them to use. Cobra is offering 1,800 green Amp Cell drivers beginning on March 15. Each driver is stamped with "1 of 1800' on the sole.

The Amp Cell drivers feature what the company calls MyFly technology, that allows the golfer to adjust the loft from 8.5 degrees to 11.5 degrees. Its SmartPad technology allows the clubface to sit square regardless of loft adjustments. The limited-edition Amp Cell driver will retail for $399 and comes with a headcover and grip in Season Opener Green as well.