Monday, September 13, 2010

Will Tiger Woods sit out the Ryder Cup?

Tiger Woods Ryder CupAlthough Tiger Woods' "wildcard" spot on the Ryder Cup USA Team is assured, with his uncertain record, will Corey Pavin utilize him as a player or as the team cheerleader?

“I am going to treat every player the same. The objective is to try to win the Ryder Cup and if in my judgment I think Tiger is to play five matches, or should play four or three, then that is what I will do — that’s my call as captain” Pavin told BBC radio on Sunday.

Tiger Woods has not won a single event nor placed himself into contention this entire PGA Tour season. With his less-than-stellar performance yesterday at the BMW Championship, Tiger Woods has removed himself from obtaining the FedEx Cup and the Tour Championship.
Bad for Tiger Woods but very good for Bo Van Pelt...

Furthermore, Woods' Ryder Cup record is intermittent at best, winning less than half the number of points (11 out of a possible 25) during his entire professional career. Even so, wasn't it Phil Mickelson who lost it for Team USA back in 2008?

I personally believe Tiger Woods should have sat out the entire 2010 PGA Tour season but, since he is now representing Ryder Cup Team USA, we can only hope that he pulls his golf game together with the help of Sean Foley.

GO TEAM USA!

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Sunday, September 12, 2010

Eerie World Trade Center picture shows New York lit up at night

It was a foggy September 11, 2010 and the lights from where the World Trade Center stood created an eerie glow in New York City. Both urban and suburban New Yorker's could easily see this mark from where the twin towers fell nine years ago, as far away as Ossining! This picture was taken from Pier 17 at the Seaport.

Here is a picture to contemplate why we must never forget:

World Trade Center New York lights





 

Friday, September 10, 2010

Can TaylorMade Burner Irons 2.0 Really Add Distance and Improve Your Accuracy?

TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Irons
TaylorMade makes a bold statement: they contend that the new 2.0 Burner Irons will add distance and improve your accuracy and feel on the golf course...but can they?

The TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Irons were "engineered to combine legendary Burner distance plus more feel and playability." The design has been enhanced to be more durable and to resist glare with a "two-toned "Burner Black PVD finish" but that hardly improves a golfer's accuracy.  Let's read on...


Improved Weight Distribution to Optimize Ball Flight in Short-, Middle- and Long-Irons
Weight distribution varies in every Burner 2.0 clubhead to improve long-, middle- and short-iron ball flight. In the long-irons, weight has been shifted toward the back of the head, to promote easy launch, and toward the toe and heel, to promote greater stability and forgiveness. In the middle-irons, weight is distributed more evenly and slightly higher to promote workability while still providing forgiveness. In the short-irons, weight is positioned even higher, to promote a lower, more controllable ball flight, and centered, to promote increased clubhead control. Additionally, the CG in the short-irons is closer to the face, similar to a blade, to increase feel and to promote lower flight.

Yes, improving the ball flight will increase carry and ultimately distance.


Differing Face Thickness in Every Iron to Promote More Speed and Distance in the Long-irons, More Feel and Control in the Short-irons
Every individual Burner 2.0 iron boasts a different face thickness. The thinnest and fastest faces are in the long-irons, with the face in each successive iron growing thicker down through the middle- and short-irons. The thinner face, the higher the COR to promote more ball speed and distance; the thicker the face, the greater the feel.

A thicker face for the shorter irons to promote better feel and thinner face for longer irons to improve distance. The ability to add a few yards and touch from 100 yards and in seems to have been covered by the engineers but consistent solid contact with the golf ball is key...


Progressive Topline Thickness, Improved Multi-Functional Sole and TaylorMade's Renowned Inverted Cone Technology
Toplines in the Burner 2.0 irons are substantial and strong in the long-irons, and grow progressively thinner down through the middle- and short-irons. The multi-functional sole, introduced in the original Burner iron, has been improved by recessing the heel and toe and beveling the rear, all to reduce drag and make it easier to make clean, solid contact. On the rear side of the clubface, TaylorMade's patented Inverted Cone Technology has been reconfigured and sized and positioned strategically in each individual iron to promote faster ball speed on off-center hits for more consistent distance from shot to shot.


Longer, Easier to Hit Long-irons
Burner 2.0 long-irons combine an ultra-thin clubface for higher COR (1.8 mm in the 4-iron) with higher MOI. Relief at the rear of the sole allows the sole to play narrower. All of the above promotes more distance in the Burner 2.0 long-irons while making them significantly easier to hit and more playable.


Improved Vibration-Management System
"Golfers who play the current Burner iron will notice a difference in the sound and feel, which is significantly softer and more satisfying in the Burner 2.0," said Bazzel. "We put in a lot of effort to refine and improve the vibration-management system in the cavity in order to reach our target for sound and feel."


New Flight-Control Shaft Design and "Burner Black" Finish
Burner 2.0 irons are equipped with a new, flight-control shaft design in 85-gram steel or 65-gram graphite for longer, higher long-irons and quick-stopping short-irons that inspire confidence to attack the pin. The Women's Burner 2.0 is equipped with a graphite RE*AX® SuperFast 55-gram shaft.


Bret Wahl, senior director of research and development for irons, wedges and putters states,
"We've succeeded at creating a better-performing iron with the Burner 2.0, which is just as long, easier to play and more refined in its feel and sound. Every Burner 2.0 iron is better than its predecessor and, when compared against the longest, best-selling iron we've ever made, that says something truly significant." 

Where it is evident that TaylorMade has made substantial changes in their Burner Irons the proof still lies in the testing and I suggest that you take more than a few swings before you purchase, although many larger stores will allow you to "test drive" golf clubs for 30 days.

Burner 2.0 irons are offered in four shaft flexes – S, R, M, L. Ladies' flex shafts will be offered in the 5-iron through pitching wedge, attack wedge and sand wedge. The standard Burner 2.0 set includes eight irons offered at a street price of $699 with steel shafts in the irons and $899 with graphite shaft in the irons. Availability begins at retail on Friday, October 8.


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Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Golf Tips for making the most out of your Bethpage Black round

After playing Bethpage Black Golf Course yesterday, we have composed a few golf tips to get the most out of your first round.

Bethpage Black Golf course is a grueling test of a golfers' composure, stamina and ability to strategize.  When you come upon the WARNING sign at the first tee at Bethpage Black, do not shrug it off...believe it.


You must be in good physical condition to take on the Black Course. If your legs are no longer as sturdy as they used to be, choose the Red or Green Course.


Golf carts are not allowed on The Black Course so be prepared to walk your way though it's undulating dirt and sand strewn pathways. After taking pushcarts, we suggest that you carry your golf bag and be sure to make it as light as possible.


Ladies should be aware that the difference between playing the forward versus the white tees is only about 461 yards (forward tees=6,223 yards, white tees=6,684 yards). There was only one hole on which I felt I had an advantage but wound up with a bogey. We could not even see where the tournament tees were placed on some holes so guys (ahem) should not try to let their testoterone get the better of them.


A drive onto the fairways on any golf course is important but at Bethpage Black it is a necessity. Landing your golf ball in the fescue or in the second cut of rough could easily have you searching for a few minutes where you'll probably wind up losing balls and racking up strokes.


If your approach shot is beyond your comfort zone, lay-up and pitch it onto the green. Taking a bogey is a much better scenario than what can happen.


The rough is still heavy and the greens are very quick even though Bethpage Black is not US Open ready.


When in the rough (as will invariably happen), concentrate on one thing; that is, getting the golf ball back onto the fairway. Take your penalty stroke and move on.


Although the sand is very playable, practice long greenside bunker shots and deep bunker shots before you take on The Black Course. You will undoubtedly find yourself in these two positions more than once.


Bring water as there are no water jugs on Bethpage Black. There is a snack house open between the 5th and 6th holes but you can get very thirsty on the Back 9. Remember that your brain is 75% water and clear decisions will come from hydration and keeping healthy snacks on hand.


Don't forget to stop and look around as Bethpage Black is a beautiful and most memorable golf course! Take your camera too as it is a premier picture taking opportunity and a way to prove to your golfing buddies that you played, and survived, the Black Course!


 

Although my golf ball landed safely onto the 18th fairway at Bethpage Black, the approach to a raised green is difficult to complete in one shot (unless you're Phil Mickelson).


Friday, September 03, 2010

Patriot Golf Day Benefits American Heroes

For the fourth consecutive year, thousands of golf facilities nationwide will participate in Patriot Golf Day®, over Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 3-6), collecting donations and raising awareness for Folds of Honor Foundation.

Patriot Golf Day, jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, is the primary fundraiser for Folds of Honor which awards post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military servicemen and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation.


Through events across the country since 2007, PGA Professionals have helped raise more than $5.3 million, allowing Folds of Honor to award 1,163 post-secondary educational scholarships.

George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America, is the Honorary Chairman of this year’s Patriot Golf Day Weekend. President Bush joins PGA of America President Jim Remy, Patriot Golf Day founder and PGA Professional Major Dan Rooney, double amputee Staff Sgt. Heath Calhoun, and FOX & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade to “tee off” Patriot Golf Day Weekend, Friday (Sept. 3) in Waco, Texas. Calhoun’s three children - Mason, 7, Brystal, 5, and Bailee, 4, are Folds of Honor future-use scholarship recipients. Calhoun lost both of his legs above the knee from injuries sustained when his Humvee was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Mozul, Iraq, Nov. 7, 2003.

“Patriot Golf Day gives us a chance to recognize our American heroes, which is the least we can do as American citizens,” PGA of America President Jim Remy said. “It’s an honor to be able to kick off Patriot Golf Day weekend with a former President, as well as privilege to play with Major Dan Rooney and an American hero, Staff Sgt. Calhoun, who sacrificed so much so that we can have our freedom.”

During Labor Day weekend at participating public courses, golfers are asked to donate at least $1 for each round of golf. Participating private facilities will accept donations. Non-golfers can also participate by making a donation to the foundation at its website at FoldsofHonor.org.

As a proud supporter and Official Card of Patriot Golf Day, American Express will match donations made using an American Express® Card during Patriot Golf Day Weekend (Sept. 3-6) to support the Folds of Honor Foundation.

While registration is still in progress, there are currently more than 3,500 facilities registered to host Patriot Golf Day events nationwide. Seven PGA Sections have at least 50 percent of its facilities registered to host Patriot Golf Day events led by the Tennessee PGA Section with 100 percent (172 facilities). The Aloha PGA Section has 85.5 percent of its facilities registered, followed by Midwest (85.4 percent), Carolinas (68.4 percent), North Florida (57.4 percent), New Jersey (52.9 percent) and Nebraska (50 percent).

For the most updated list of registered facilities, visit PlayGolfAmerica.com or PatriotGolfDay.com.


More about Patriot Golf Day and the Folds of Honor

There are 172,000 dependents of fallen and wounded military service men and women from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts alone, and 85 percent of those dependents do not qualify for federal educational assistance. Patriot Golf Day allows the Folds of Honor to present an ongoing tribute to our brave service members by ensuring that the families of fallen and wounded warriors have hope for the right educational start to life and best future possible.

Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional, USGA member and F-16 military pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, founded the Folds of Honor Foundation following his second of three tours of duty in Iraq. After witnessing the tragic homecoming of a fallen American solider, Rooney was inspired to start Folds of Honor to provide support to military families in the aftermath of their tragedies.

The inaugural Patriot Golf Day was held Sept. 1, 2007, and resulted in donations of more than $1 million!

The second annual event was held over Labor Day weekend (Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2008) and raised more than $2 million, while the 2009 event raised more than $2.3 million.

So, if you're planning on playing golf this weekend, make sure you give to the families of the heroes who admirably served this great country! G-d Bless the USA!

Thursday, September 02, 2010

Would the Big Apple take a bite out of Tiger Woods?

Would Tiger Woods thrive in the Big Apple or will a possible rebound apartment in New York City send him packing to Jupiter Island, Florida?

As Chris Cross' song states ("Arthur" Soundtrack), "When you get caught betweeen the moon and New York City, the best that you can do is fall in love.."

With reports varying from Tiger Woods not moving into an apartment on Hudson Street in New York to internet articles pondering if it would be a good idea, I wondered the same.

Tiger Woods is no stranger to the Big Apple: he has a few memories (cough...Bethpage Black) which have sent him packing. But it is the latest issue of a $54 million mortgage taken out on his Florida bachelor pad may just have taken the bite out of his plans.

After reading ten reasons Tiger Woods should have an apartment in NYC and then the opposing side (both on Bleacher Report), I wondered if the greatest golfer in the world would be happy in the biggest city in the world or anywhere at this point in his life!

Elliott Pohnl's positive response to Woods' new digs leads to the conclusion that will spur Tiger on to more wins. From Tiger Woods "turning over a new leaf" to the ability to dodge the press, the benefits seem to neutralize the negatives.

On the flip side, having Rachel Uchitel close at hand isn't necessarily a good idea as New York City is ripe with young single women and plenty of cougars ready to pounce on newly single golf royalty. The need to fix his life before his golf swing also should have been damage control priority during the 2010 season, but better late than not at all.

On the flip side, I don't believe RM Herold should be offering up an opposing view as to why Tiger Woods' bachelor pad is a "bad idea."

First of all, advice should not be given by someone who is terrified of New Yorkers.

"Nothing but dirty looks and snide comments as I walked down the street with my 'Yankees Suck, Red Sox Rule' t-shirt on." You are lucky that you didn't get that tee-shirt ripped off of your back!

Seriously, New Yorkers have a lot of respect for the Red Sox team: it's the fans we have a problem with! Walk through the streets of Boston during post-season and you will see what I mean. I have never seen so many hate mongers hawking tee-shirts filled with venom as in Boston. Too bad...Beantown is really a lovely place to visit.

Back to the opposing view as to why Tiger Woods should stay away from the Big Apple.

He's a West Coast guy? Not really since Woods already owns digs in Jupiter Island and Windemere.

Traffic? Tourists? Privacy? Perhaps a problem for Tiger Woods as he doesn't like the spotlight but if DeNiro and a host of other celebs learn to live with and handle the pressures of New York living, I'm sure it will be a cinch for the top golfer in the world.

Of course, TMZ would have a field day with this, sending out paparazzi to lurk near the hottest clubs and in front of Woods' new digs for photo opps!

The bottom line is that there is too much time being spent conjecturing on Tiger Woods' private life, whether or not he will take a place in NYC, etc. The media should give Tiger Woods and his family time to pick up the pieces. Let's focus on the golf and hope that Woods makes a comeback for the sake of the game.