Sunday, April 30, 2006

Interview with a PGA professional (part 1), U.S. Open qualifying, golf tips for the tee box and a different way to hit the fairway

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Our golf podcast moves along at a brisk pace this week and is chock full of instruction mostly provided to you by PGA Professional Martin Nolletti. I had the opportunity to sit down with my coach from Fairview Golf Center and his simple tips are perfect for both the beginner as well as the advanced player. Listen to part one this week.

Golf cart oddities and an unbelievable "save" on the fairway are brought to you in our own inimitable way.

Over 8,000 entries were accepted by the USGA for the 2006 U.S. Open but if you were interested in playing it's too late as the deadline has now passed.

Here are a couple of "fun facts" about this year's qualifying (as compiled by Mike Overhiser, USGA):

Three guys named "Tiger" entered (we all know ONE of them). There are twelve "Wood" and nine "Woods".

At the time the US Open is played this June the youngest qualifier will be only thirteen (move over Dakoda Dowd). Can you guess the age of the oldest qualifier?

As always thanks for your comments and questions. We appreciate them! Continue to send all golf chat to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

You can also subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or subscribe through iTunes.

Come have fun with us as we romp through the world of golf!

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Podcast: Golf tips, Sting headlines Tiger Woods' Jam, Korea woos Wie and Nicklaus goes fishing

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Barry and I will, unfortunately, not get to hear the legendary Sting perform at this year's TigerJam IX. I'm really disappointed because not only will the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas ROCK on April 29th but it is for a really good cause. Every year since Tiger Woods created TigerJam, he has drawn the hottest talent from around the globe so expect to be treated to a star-studded list of celebrities from film, television and sports.

Tiger Woods donates the proceeds from his event to the Tiger Woods Learning Center as well as local Las Vegas charities. Both former President Bill Clinton and Maria Shriver recently christened the education facility and it promises to help kids in reading, math, science and technology.

Michelle Wie will not be in Las Vegas celebrating with Woods but will be flying halfway across the globe to participate in the Korean Pro Golf Association’s SK Telecom Open. Being a professional golfer now makes the 16-year-old Hawaiian eligible for appearance fees. Guess how much Wie is raking in on this trip?

This will be the "Big Wiesy's" eighth attempt to make the cut in a men's golf tournament. Perhaps the eighth time is a charm?

Jack Nicklaus may not be playing in as many golf tournaments as he is now "semi-retired" (although watch for him at the TELUS Skins game this summer) but perhaps this was just a guise for Nicklaus to pursue fly-fishing. The "Golden Bear" has been an enthusiast for most of his life and he has now agreed to be the national spokesperson for the Federation of Fly Fishers. As Jack stated, "I am an avid outdoorsman and few activities or sports provide me with as much joy as fishing". Uh, Jack, what about golf?

Our golf tips segment focuses on a letter from one of our listeners.

We read all comments and questions sent to us, so keep them coming! Send all golf chat to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

You can also subscribe to our weekly through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or subscribe through iTunes.

Until next week's podcast, play good golf!

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Hogan Edge and Adams Idea hybrid clubs a big hit, golf tips and is LPGA winner Lorena Ochoa following in Phil Mickelson's footsteps?

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Both Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie certainly are impressive LPGA golfers but watch out for the hottest female golfer on tour, now the number-one golfer on the ADT Money list dethroning Juli Inkster, namely Lorena Ochoa! Not only did the 24-year old fresh-faced Mexican superstar take second place in an exciting playoff at the Kraft Nabisco Championship, she has now won this week at the Takefuji Classic! I'm betting that she wins at least one major tournament this season.

Besides Ochoa's great victory she takes home a check for $165,000 as well as now being eligible for a $1 million at the season-ending ADT Championship.

But does she remind you of 2006 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson? I think so because she seems to come so close to victory then chokes near the end...ah, but not this week! Perhaps those days are over for both of them!

Barry and I also discuss the hottest hybrid clubs on tour! Why are we both so fond of our new Adams Idea a2 OS and Hogan Edge CFT sticks? Listen and find out!

And, we always stock our full of golf tips, so check in and see what we have for you this week!

Keep your comments and questions coming. We appreciate them! Continue to send all golf chat to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

You can also subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or subscribe through iTunes.

Congratulations also go out to Aaron Baddeley, "Bads", for his impressive win at the Verizon Heritage. His exciting victory over Jim Furyk gives the Australian's an edge at this tournament. Aussie Peter Lonard grabbed last year's trophy at the beautiful Harbor Town Golf Course.

Will "Bads" now receive an invite to the U.S. Open at Winged Foot? It doesn't matter because I think Baddeley will have no problem qualifying if he has to!

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Tiger Woods not the only "cat" on the golf course, play extreme golf, putting tips and what's YOUR handicap?

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ipods

From bobcats to alligators, animals on the golf course can wreak havoc with a golfer's game. But what happens when they attack? Two men recently found out and Barry and I report about it in our own inimitable way.

We also talk about the other ways in which people enjoy golf, from an extreme viewpoint, that is!

Our "golf tips" section focuses on both putting and building confidence.

It's also time to sign up for your handicap if you have not already done so.

Thanks for all of your comments. We appreciate them! Continue to send all golf chat to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

You can also subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or subscribe through iTunes.

Last but not least, a hearty congratulations to 2006 Masters winner Phil Mickelson from Stacy, your number-one lefty fan! You've got great game!

And WKW, praise me instead...I was the only one to pick Phil Mickelson this week, by way of podcast and blog!

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Never tee up the same again, "bulls" or "bears" on the golf course and our Masters picks!

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After our windy and rainy stay in Myrtle Beach it sure is great to have warmth and fair weather in the air. In honor of spring Barry and I discuss solid practice routines on the driving range. The Barry and Stacy "mini tour" gets started with a win by Stacy (who played a round of "happy golf" this weekend).

We also talk about our favorite picks for the Masters. Being a true lefty, you can probably guess my choice to win this year at Augusta. A hint? He's the guy who tore up the course at the BellSouth Classic this weekend!

Our product review takes the normal wooden tee and revamps it.

Thanks for all of your comments. We appreciate it! Continue to send all golf talk to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

You can also subscribe to our weekly podcast through iTunes by clicking here or download our weekly feed at: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners.

Have a great season and play good golf!