Graham DeLaet's 2014 Masters Scripting - Puma Canada Style Eh!

Graham DeLaet's first Masters will included some great Masters scripting apparel from Puma Golf. Saturday's black ensemble is solid as well and the Oh! Canada theme for Sunday. What's your take? Most golf fans will be curious to see how he does in his first Masters. I bet a couple of practice rounds with Mike Weir might do this lad some good.

Cape Fear National Golf Course Review

It’s was only fitting my second round in North Carolina was going to be at the wildly acclaimed Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest. Just outside of Wilmington, NC. I had only heard great things from fellow golf bloggers on this 6 year old Tim Cate track. 

• Top 10 Best New Courses 2010 - Golf Magazine
• Best New Courses of 2010 - Links Magazine
• Best New Courses List 2010 - Golfweek Magazine
• Best Residential List - 2011 & 2012 - Golfweek Magazine
• Best Courses You Can Play in NC -2011-2013 - Golfweek Magazine  

I was set up for a noon tee off time unfortunate my buddy and had some navigation problems and arrived a bit late. Fortunately the staff at Cape Fear was great and got us out a half an hour later.

Conditions were tough winds gust to 40+ km/h and a temperature hovering just above zero with the wind chill. Something like the golf up here in Canada in November.

Ever the hardy golfer we hit the range which is brilliantly tucked away by the 8^th hole. The perfect spot to get warmed up plus it’s nicely out of the way to contemplate the tough round ahead.

Right from the get go #1 is a tough driving hole for those that like to draw the ball. A dogleg right with a good 138 yd. carry over an unplayable wetland this 345 yd hole will test your driver from the get go.

The next two holes I found to be the toughest. Number 2 a 487yard par 5 played like 600 yards with the wind. Getting your tee shot in the fairway on this hole is paramount to a good score. Again Cate has designed this hole with a wetland area to distract you on your second shot. Be careful of the landing area, stray balls may find the water on the right side of the fairway.

Number 3 is a tough dogleg left with water down the left side. You can try to cut off as much water as you can with your drive but playing to right side may be more favorable. Two position bunkers on the right side Cate has placed just to keep you thinking even more on this par 4 (Handicap 3)

The greens were amazing at Cape Fear for the time of year. They had just been aerated recently and rolled extremely true. It was nice putting on bent grass greens as that is most common in Canada. Most greens varied in size which is nice for variety and many had various collection areas if your ball was short or long. So make sure your chipping and pitching is up to the challenge.

Number 4 was a challenging par 3 especially because we played into the wind. Anything short and right is gobble up by the bunkers. Anything that doesn’t hold this crowned green finds itself in a back collection area. Be happy with par on this hole in the wind.

Holes #5, #13, #16 are all three very similar designed holes from Cate. With strategically placed waste bunker areas down the right side players will be forced to play shots that require accuracy and procession or you will be penalized. Visually stunning with water on all three holes as well Cate lays the path to a good score with generous fairways but with so much trouble abound a golfer is challenged on these holes. (Some of my favorite par 4s on the course).

   Have to be able to play well out of the sand at Cape Fear National

Number 6 tee shot has many bunkers to deal plus another forced carry over wetlands to the green. Number 7 is a slight dogleg left with another carry with your tee shot over wetlands.

After the somewhat tame 6th and 7^th holes comes the long par 5 at number 8.  The number 1 handicap hole is just plain difficult with water down the right side and narrow fairways and perfectly placed bunkers to gobble up errand tee shots. A difficult hole for players of any abilities you must be precise with your shots. The wind reeked my playing partners and shots big time. Par will feel like a birdie here. 

  Forced carries over wetlands abound at Cape Fear National

Cape Fear National is the only course I’ve played that has par 3s on its 9^th and 18^th holes.

The 9^th is nice little par three, 156 yd. from the white tee the green is wider then it looks. The collection area front and right is better then the two bunkers on the right side. A great way to finish your first nine holes at Cape Fear National.

   Par 3s on #9 (shown here) and #18 make Cape Fear National unique

Hole 10 I found very similar to the starting hole except I managed on a par here on the 372 yd. par 4.

The par 5 11^th hole is best set up with a drive to left side of the fairway past the first bunker. Cate has designed this hole nicely with a narrow fairway leading into this 473 yd. hole. Water down the length of the right side you’ll be trying to hug the left side again of the fairway for a little wedge into this narrow green.

Number 12 has a nice wide open fairway for your tee shot. With a good drive you’ll only have a wedge into this protected green. Make sure you have enough club as bogeys can still pop up on this number 16 handicap hole.

Beautiful

The easiest par 3 on the course number 14 plays 149 yd. Long and anything near the right bunker can poise some troubles for a wayward iron.

The long and straight 25^th is one tough hole. A player must be in the fairway, so aim left of the bunker on the right side and you should be great for your second shot. Most will be laying up on this 499 yd. hole but be very careful of the narrow fairway. Aim for the wider fairway in front of the green and you just might be staring down a birdie with a wedge in your hand. Good luck!

What looks like a pretty tame hole the downhill par 4 17^th can be quite tough with water down the right side and trouble if your long on this hole.

I have to admit it was weird ending on a par 3 especially a pretty melodramatic one like #18. Again you have another forced carry this one on a par 3. Pretty large green most should be able to end with par and a big smile.

 

Cape Fear National is a course you must play. We had extremely difficult conditions (cold temperatures/high winds) and we still had a blast and would go back in a blink of an eye. The course had a nice mix of holes. I loved the use of waste bunkers, water and natural wetlands to sculpt a fair test of golf for any golfer. Cape Fear’s greens were nice and large (average 8500 square feet) but still fair with bent grass that rolled true. With five sets of tee blocks be sure and play the right set of tee blocks when you go. Greens fees are reasonable, cheaper if your a local resident please check out Cape Fear National's website for more details. Check out all my pictures on Instagram and Pinterest.

Powerbilt Air Force One DFX Driver - Deep Face Nitrogen Action

With one of the deepest faces in golf and nitrogen power to boot the Powerbilt Air Force One DFX Driver is one driver that screams to be hit. OttawaGolfBlog.com will be getting one of these to test out and early in the season what's more fun than testing out a brand new driver. The Powerbilt Air Force One DFX Driver has been getting lots of press from MyGolfSpy to Golf Digest. Stay tuned I'll post pics on Twitter once it arrive.

POWERBILT INTRODUCES AIR FORCE ONE DFX DRIVER

Deep Face Extreme

Palm Desert, CA - Coming March 15, PowerBilt will debut the latest rendition of its popular Air Force One driver, the Air Force One DFX.

DFX stands for Deep Face Extreme. Once the golfer stands over this driver, They will see the difference. The clubface is now 5 mm deeper than the previous version, which catches the ball at impact slightly longer and combines with the nitrogen inside the clubhead to create reduced spin and more distance.

"We reduced the nitrogen pressure to 80 pounds, for better impact feel," says Ross Kvinge, President of PowerBilt. "This new amount of nitrogen generates a tremendous trampoline effect for increased ball speed. In fact, now the trampoline effect is up to the USGA maximum limit. Shot dispersion is also the tightest ever in our drivers. And by adding 6 grams low and forward in the clubhead, we moved the CG lower and more forward than in any other Air Force One driver. We did this to appease our clubfitters who requested a better smash factor. I can confidently say that this is the most solid driver we have ever produced."

PowerBilt's patented Nitrogen N7 "Nitrogen Charged" technology makes its debut in the Air Force One DFX driver, as well; it's a newly patented method to reinforce the clubface without adding any weight. That means every golfer can benefit from maximum C.O.R., maximum C.T., maximum trampoline effect, and maximum smash factor for incredible distance.

The Air Force One DFX features a forged titanium body with titanium cup face technology, as well as aerodynamic clubhead shaping. It's available in both the high MOI and Tour Series, in lofts of 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 12.5°. Standard shaft length is 45 ½". The club is offered in several leading shaft models from the top OEM shaft brands, so that golfers will achieve the optimum launch angle and spin rate for their unique swing. MSRP starts at $299.99, and there is an upcharge for ultra premium shaft options.

Golf media have already taken notice of the Air Force One DFX driver. MyGolfSpy tested it, and reported: Surprise, surprise, surprise (I'm not actually surprised), here's the PowerBilt Air Force One rounds out our top 5. The numbers were excellent among our lower swing speed players, and we think we probably could have done better at the higher swing speeds too. You won't find many companies who offer a better selection of stock shafts, and you won't find many heads that perform better either. Joke all you want about the Nitrogen, this one is legit."

Golfers can pre-order the Air Force One DFX driver before March 15, by calling 888-488-4653 or visiting www.powerbilt.com.

About PowerBilt Golf

Since 1916 PowerBilt Golf has designed golf clubs the world's best have used to win such tournaments as The Masters, the U.S. open, and the PGA Championship. today, PowerBilt is pushing the limits on technology with REAL innovation. USGA Conforming, Air Force One woods feature Nitrogen Charged Club Heads, faces as thin as 2.6mm, the largest sweet spot in golf, and maximum COR regardless of swing speed. And all Air Force One woods feature customized speed-rated shafts from Fujikura. New Nitrogen Charged Air Force irons also feature the hottest and thinnest face in golf. PowerBilt also remains the No. 1 choice for junior golfers; and the PowerBilt Air Force One irons were named to the 2011 and 2013 Golf Digest Hot List. Plus One Sports, Inc., is the U.S. licensee of the PowerBilt brand. PowerBilt is a division of the Hillerich & Bradsby Co., a family owned-company which has been making golf clubs since 1916. Based in Louisville, Ky., Hillerich & Bradsby is also the maker of the world-famous Louisville Slugger bats and Bionic gloves.

Puma BIOFUSION Tour Shoes Testing: Behind the Scenes with Rickie Fowler

Number one on my must try list of shoes is the Puma BIOFUSION Tour Shoes. Check out this video: Go behind the scenes with Rickie Fowler and PUMA Golf's footwear designers and experience the testing for the all new BIOFUSION Tour.

North Shore Country Club - Mini Golf Course Review w/ Son

Some of my favorite time on the golf course is with my 6 year old son Gus. Gus has been asking to go  out golfing during our North Carolina vacation. How could I say no. So last week he and I managed 6 holes at North Shore Country Club, a beautiful 18 hole golf course tucked away quietly near the Intracoastal Waterway ans Sneads Ferry. I just happen to be close by staying at Topsail Island. So it was perfect for Gus and I to get out and whack the ball around.

Highlights
The 2nd hole, a beautiful par 5 with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway as well as a challenging green.

Bermuda Greens and Wildlife
The Bermuda greens were in great shape, the tee boxes good. The course still hadn't greened up any as this area is behind the Myrtle beach area about a month or so. Gus and I still had a blast especially when we saw an alligator on #4, a fun par 4 where birdies can be had with a good drive. We found the 6 holes we played full of variety and can't wait to get back and try all 18 holes. This course is fun for all ages and abilities so check it out next time your in the area.

What a Séamus Looks Like?

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Only fitting on a day like St. Patrick's Day I'd have a post like this paying homage to my new golf buddy, Séamus Maher. If your curious what a true Irishman looks like scroll a little further to see proof as I encountered a real life Séamus down in North Carolina (Carolina National Country Club) and actually got to golf with him and have a few Guinness with him. Talk about Luck of the Irish. 

If your interested in golf pools be sure and check out Séamus' various golf pools especially the upcoming Masters Pool. Cheers!

Oyster Bay Golf Links Golf Course Review

Must Play On The Grand Strand
Well I'm finally in sunny North Carolina away from the cold, chill and snow of the Ottawa area. Hanging out at the beach transitioned to my first round of the year and first round here in North Carolina on this my second annual March Break trip to Coastal Carolina. Tuesday round the boys and I were out to conquer Oyster Bay Golf Links part of the Legends Golf Courses. The weather was perfect and the boys were exciting for our first round of the year. Ted Ciesla from ColdFusionGolf was in the area and I invited him along for the round (his first as well with new clubs).

Oyster Bay Golf Links is set in a beautiful part of Coastal Carolina with great views. The drive up to the course we knew we were in for something special.

A variety of bunkers is not for the faint of heart. Bring your bunker game to Oyster Bay you'll need it.

The course was packed and our tee time of 12:36 was perfect for enjoying the sunshine. Unfortunately because of the plethora of business we were squeezed off the back nine and got to tee of on #10. I realize lots of courses do this when its busy but I still find it a drag especially playing a new course you don't get to tee of on the first.

Challenging Layout with a variety of holes
We decided to play from the white tees which plays to 5576 yards, pretty short for the whites but definitely a good decision considering the first couple of par 4s we played. Number 10 a difficult tee shot that you must be left of the bunkers and #11 where you need a good drive or you're looking at a double bogey or worse.

Oyster Bay was in pretty good condition considering the type of the weather the area has had so far this year. The tee boxes were pretty uneven and very patchy most times you could find a level area to tee your ball up. Fairways were also pretty good as well with some patchy areas on a few holes.

Beautiful vistas at Oyster Bay

The greens at Oyster Bay are pretty tough and I was still shaking my head after the round as to the consistency of the Bermuda grass (pretty different from bent grass that's more common up North). What makes the greens tough is the many undulations plus where the pin positions are for that day. A few positions where are bit crazy (to close to some drastic slopes isn't fair for the average golfer imho).

A unique feature of the golf course at Oyster Bay is the number if par 3s. Totally 5 on your scorecard #15 and #17 on the back 9 are fun short holes that can test your swing. Number 15 is open and the wind can play havoc with your tee ball even though it only plays about 135 from the whites. Number 17 defined by a copious amount of oyster shells is why the course is aptly named Oyster Bay. A tough island green to hold, your shot must land soft to stay on this long narrow green.

The staff at Oyster Bay were great from the lads getting our bags set up in our carts to the starter that gave us the run down on the course and sent us out on the 10th tee. The cart lady was awesome very accommodating with our beer selections and she made sure to stock up on the cold ones that we fancied that day.

We really enjoyed our first round in North Carolina. Oyster Bay is one challenging course even from the white tees. The fact that no hole is the same at Oyster Bay is great for any skill level of golfer. With a healthy dose of longish par 4s and short par 3s the course will challenge all golfers. Views were great with an abundance of wildlife from alligators and turtles to birds of prey. Although the course was a bit rough around the edges with spotty tee boxes and fairways Oyster Bay is a must play for any golfer playing the Grand Strand.

The Masters Facts & Figures

Okay I'm vacationing in North Carolina about to get out golfing soon with the boys.  The years first major is just around the Amen Corner and we're so close to Augusta we've got the urge just to drive down and see the famed course the pros will be playing this year during the 2014 Masters....www.function18.com gathered some interesting stats about the famous tournament. WARNING – This may encourage you to have a little wager!

The Sweetest Golf Winds They Blow in the South

When does a winter feel to long for a golfer? You’ve read more about golf than you’ve actually swung your golf clubs in the off-season. You’ve actually worn down some of the grooves on your wedges from the repeated off-season washing. You’ve actually won a bit of coin playing Fantasy Golf and you’re thinking about taking up gambling professionally and have purchased various online aids and reading material for help with the business behind the online casinos as well. You’ve filled your snow blower up so much the gas bill is starting to get close to being outrageous. Hell you’ve even thought about taking up cross country skiing. 

I know for most avid golfers this winter has just seemed so damn long. If you check any online golf forum there’s various threads with similar sentiment with titles like, “When will this Bloody Winter End?” and “Going crazy in the snow”

Oh yes March is here now and for those of us able, the sweetest golf winds they blow in the south. Yes the mass exodus that is Canadian golfers are headed south. Here's my golf course itinerary for the March Break. This year I’ve got Oyster Bay, Cape Fear National and Carolina National Golf Course. Any others will be added later this week. A great way to shake the winter blahs. Stay tuned for updates from my sunny deck on North Topsail Island North Carolina to fairways of the above golf courses. My winter oasis, thank God!