Jordan Spieth BobbleHead Giveaway from AT&T Pro-Am and #Golf for Beginners #ATTPROAM #ATTBlogger

What makes Pebble Beach such a magical course for golf fans? Is it our fascination with the splendor of the golf course, with the history and excitement of the upcoming AT&T Pro-Am, or do recollections of emotional responses from players and celebrities have us enamored with the West Coast gem?

February 8-14, 2016 are the official dates of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (so you don't miss it!) and with it comes all of the revelry fans have come to expect from this engaging "event", from the celebrity hi-jinks of Bill Murray and Larry the Cable Guy to the calm coolness of the current number-one golfer in the world, Jordan Spieth.

Last year, Brandt Snedeker broke the tournament scoring record by three shots (72-hole total of 22-under 265) and this year he is back to defend, and maybe even eclipse, his record but not without a fight from proven winner Phil Mickelson (who has four AT&T Pro-Am wins in his bag) and young guns like Jordan Spieth, Danny Lee and J.B. Holmes. Watch the action this week and take in the scenery - this is one of the best tournaments of the year!

The Jordan Spieth Bobblehead Doll Giveaway!

First, you've got to see this hilarious Jordan Spieth Bobblehead video conceived by AT&T - yes, it's okay to laugh out loud...I did.

After he starred in this video, Jordan Spieth bobblehead paid me a visit and actually helped me polish off this blog so thanks Jordan, although, as you can see by the above video, he kept taking my mind off the post! 

We also got to hang out for a while at my house where Jordan helped me with my guitar chords. Great song choice, don't you agree? 

Our time together ended with a quick round of golf with the foursome below. Yes, it was a day to remember!

Jordan Spieth bobblehead told me he is waiting to make memories happen for the winner and go to his forever home. 

Here's how this exclusive, Spieth bobblehead can be yours:

Jordan Spieth Bobblehead TWITTER Giveaway:

• Follow @Golf4Beginners and @ATTProAm on Twitter
• Tweet, in a few words, why Jordan Spieth is one of your favorite golfers with the hashtag #SpiethBobbleHead
• Giveaway ends on Sunday February 14, 2016.
• I will choose one response at random from all received on Monday, February 15, 2016.

It's THAT Simple!

The first 8,000 fans at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 13 will receive their very own Jordan Spieth bobblehead doll - this is the ONLY way to score a Spieth bobblehead, unless, of course, you enter, and win, our giveaway. According to an article on Golf.com, these Jordan Spieth bobblehead dolls are becoming a hot commodity so be sure to Enter The Jordan Spieth Bobblehead Giveaway.

A few interesting notes about AT&T; this is their 31st year as the title sponsor of the event (AT&T is the second-longest continuous title sponsor on the PGA Tour) and it is the second year in which AT&T is sponsoring Jordan Spieth, from golf bag to caddie towel TO...BOBBLEHEAD!

Learn more about AT&T's affiliation with Jordan Spieth (and other cool sponsorships like Infiniti Red Bull Racing for example), visit ATT.com/Sponsorship. Read about local charities supported and how AT&T is connecting customers and fans to their passions for golf and technology: visit ATTPBGolf.com.

Check out AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Broadcast Schedule:
PGA TOUR LIVE11:00a-6:00p  
GOLF6:30-9:30p  GOLF9:30p-12:30a  GOLF3:00-6:00p  
PGA TOUR RADIO12:00-6:00p
Saturday and Sunday: GOLF -- 1-2:30 p.m., CBS -- 3-6 p.m. ET

This post is in partnership with AT&T. All opinions are my own.

Are You Planning to Watch the #ATTPROAM? Let Us Know Who Your Favorite Golfer is this week on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and @ATTProAm

Is Your Brain Always on Sports? #Golf and the Fan

If you're the one who friends and family consider to be "the sports nut", the guy or gal who lives, eats and breathes golf, football, baseball, tennis or hockey, then your loved ones might benefit from the book "This Is Your Brain On Sports", so they can try to understand what makes you tick.

The Science of Underdogs, the fan mentality and more is evaluated in the book "This Is Your Brain on Sports" by John Wertheim and Sam Sommers.

Sports psychology is the basic understanding of why we do what we do on and off the field, the golf course, how we react as fans, how thoughts translate into real life and how we can use what we learn to understand and improve our lives.

No doubt you have heard the phrase "Golf is ninety percent mental", and, even though we only think about that phrase in relation to playing the game, the psychology and attitudes of fans and pros play heavily into our psyche.

Here are several points which I took away from "This Is Your Brain on Sports - The Science of Underdogs, The Value of Rivalry and What We Can Learn from the T-Shirt Cannon."

Think about these ideas the next time you are in these situations as a player, as a fan or as someone who lives with this type of "fan"-atic.

1. Let's start with the sub-title of the book - T-Shirt Cannon and what we can learn from it.
Why does shooting a T-Shirt out of a cannon (or pitching a golf ball to the crowd for the sake of our blog) keep fans coming back to a stadium, arena or course, even if the team (or golf pro) is losing?

The book claims that it is because the T-Shirts are free "...and free is catnip to humans, an enticement so strong it sometimes causes us to behave ridiculously...". I cannot personally relate to this theory as I do not go to a golf course to catch tossed golf balls from Jordan Spieth although one of my favorite memories is carrying the Sunday standard for Annika Sorenstam and her pitching me her golf ball after making a birdie.

2. Effort Justification is defined by Psychology Dictionary as, "The phenomenon where people evaluate a task more favorably when it involves something difficult or unpleasant."

The book tells us, "When we pay for access to a gym, for example, we often come to value a group more than when the access comes for free."

3. We're All "Comeback Kids" - After a tragedy or a physical ailment which may keep someone from playing a sport, isn't it amazing how we read about how the athlete made an unprecedented return? We, as humans, are quite resilient.

4. Rooting for the Underdog or remaining loyal to consistently losing teams - oh, how many times I have cheered on Phil Mickelson in spite of knowing that he was nowhere near a win but, when he finally DID win, the experience was further overwhemed by joy and exuberance, almost like I had won!

5. Praise is important but it's the right kind of praise that truly makes the athlete. Praise for effort, not necessarily for the win. ParentingScience.com further emphasizes to, "Encourage kids to focus on mastering skills—not on comparing themselves to others." One of the things I enjoy most about watching golf is at the very end of their round, golfers almost always praise their playing partners.

This book is not for everyone - but it is an important work if you want to delve deeper into the psyche of human nature and enjoy reading about a broad sports culture through a fan's point-of-view. The press release best related what "This Is Your Brain on Sports" is trying to convey  - it "celebrates the quirkiness of sport while revealing something deeper about who we are, what we care about and the forces that shape our behavior.

Have You Read -This Is Your Brain On Sports-? Share your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and in the comments section of this Golf for Beginners blog.

How the PGA Merchandise Show Proved That #Golf is Alive and Well #PGAShow

From the hottest clubs to the latest in wearable golf technology and apparel, if you are in the golf business, you needed to attend this year's PGA Merchandise Show.

Over one thousand interactive exhibits, golf pros, instructors and course owners/management converged this week in Orlando, stuffing into The Orange County Convention Center including yours truly and, if this show ever proved one thing, it was that the sport is alive and growing, no matter what the naysayers assert!

According to Sports Business Journal (which I read in the Media Center), this centennial season brought out more than 42,000 industry attendees from 25+ countries and one thousand golf companies and brands ...there was nearly ten miles of show aisles! Boy were my feet tired after navigating through my first day at the Show!

Although I cannot be at the PGA Show the entire week, I understand that the stage was filled with well-known representatives of the sport; there was a meet-and-greet with Bubba Watson, a golf clinic with LPGA star Lexi Thompson and demonstration by the one and only Annika Sorenstam. I was fortunate to learn tips from masters of golf instruction, Hank Haney and David Leadbetter.

I'm sure I cannot do justice to the PGA Show with these photos but, if I only show our readers one thing, I hope it is to show the immense popularity of golf, a few of the hottest items that are in your local stores and a few that are sold online and making a dent in the internet.

Here is the interactive display booth for Mobitee with PIQ, the latest in golf wearable technology.

Fitness and Nutrient Products Like RedJoe are Proving that there is a market for hydration during a round of golf. Doesn't hurt to have Leadbetter using it either! 

From large brands with huge displays like Callaway and Titleist to smaller booths representing health and fitness, the PGA Show is "the place to discover the latest golf technology, equipment, apparel, and new products."

Voice your opinions on the latest golf products and technology on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and below in our golf blog comments section.

Why Zach Johnson Is One Tour Player You Can Emulate #golf

Everybody wants to know what Jordan Spieth is doing, but Zach Johnson is the golfer you should really be paying attention to if you’re a 12+ handicap player. He has all of the preferred swing positions that will help you eliminate that weak slice, gain distance and hit the golf ball with authority. 

What are those swing postures? Johnson's exceptionally strong grip is something that’s easy to copy and adding it will immediately help with that open club face that plagues almost all higher handicap players. 

Next, Zack sets up with his shoulders square to his target. Most higher handicap players have their shoulders open or aimed left of target at address, which makes it more likely you’ll swing over the top and slice the ball. 

Lastly, ZJ's left arm (forward arm for lefties like me) is flatter at the top of the golf swing than most tour players. For you, the flatter left arm makes it easier to swing the club more from the inside instead of swinging over the top. 

If you can get your club face more square by adopting a more closed face (strong grip), square up the shoulder at address and swing the path of your club more from the inside on the downswing, you’ll hit the ball farther and straighter and that weak slice will be a thing of the past.  

These changes will also free you up to turn your hips more through impact. Most players stop their hips through impact to give their hands time to try to flip the club square at the last second. That’s big power leak. When you don’t have to worry about your club face being open at impact, you can turn your hips more freely through impact which is a big source of power and consistency. 

The golf instruction video and information in this blog comes to you from Craig Jones of FaceFirstGolf.com, who has recently released a new online training program ... a bootcamp...for 12+ handicap players. Not only has Craig taught 10,000+ lessons and owned five golf learning facilities over the past twelve years, he was once a 15+ handicap player himself and worked his way down to a ONE handicap (super impressive).  Craig breaks down the more difficult concepts into simpler terms AND respects the rules and etiquette that make golf such a great sport. 


photo: Wikipedia

Jordan Spieth Takes Over as the Choice of a New #Golf Generation

Move over Tiger Woods...a replacement is in the wings!

Jordan Spieth and some of the young guns in golf are now being referred to as "Tiger Babies", a term being bandied about by writers and magazines with respect to former number one golfer in the world, Tiger Woods.

We watch as Tiger Woods' children are growing up right before our eyes, swinging clubs like their "old man" and, before we know it, Woods is forty-years-old...old enough to father at least one of the new trailblazers in the sport. Many of these top players have mentioned Woods as the reason that they are in the game and owe him a debt of gratitude and thanks for fattening their wallets.

As Ron Sirak stated, "All looked to Woods as an example, and the result has been a drastically deepened talent pool in golf."

With reference to Jordan Spieth, he shows an ever-growing ability to "become" the next great player...a modest, respectful and very talented golfer whom fans will follow and to whom children might refer to one day as the one who has done so much to improve the millennial base.

"We’re very excited about where we’re at and the start to our career as a team, and what Tiger has done...it’s nice to be in that company." - Jordan Spieth, after winning the 2016 season-opening Hyundai TOC.

Proper etiquette and a youthful appearance at their respective ages, however, are not enough to measure the two golfers and Spieth is loath to be compared to the former world number one golfer.

“I think that’s something that people are looking for but is not there with anybody right now because it’s something I don’t think that can be compared until at least midway through their career," claimed Jordan Spieth on the eve of the 2015 The Open Championship.

Jordan went on to say,“This is an early timetable. When people ask me about those kind of parallels I try and shake it off because it’s not the same. I’m extremely happy with where I’ve been and how we’ve been able to compete and win early and win a couple majors at my age, but at the same time, I certainly have an appreciation for how Tiger could continue and continue and continue to keep winning majors at just an unbelievable percentage of the amount that he played in because it’s not easy. It’s very challenging."

Statistics for each golfer, Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth, at the same times in their golf careers, also show a comparison in their level of ability.

According to CBSSports.com, although Spieth and Woods are the only two golfers since WWII to win seven PGA Tour events before turning twenty-three years of age, Tiger began to roar soon after, winning twenty-nine times and amassing six major titles.

Only time will tell whether Spieth can hold on and make history but Jack Nicklaus commented that it's a good thing that Tiger Woods is no longer in the mix.

"It's a blessing for them to have had Tiger not being at the top because they've had an opportunity to not have to put up with being afraid of somebody dominating the game," Jack Nicklaus said. "They can go play. As a result of that they've been able to go out and win and prove to themselves they are there and can be there."


Do you think Spieth is the Choice of a New Golf Generation? Let us know in the comments section of our golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

photo: Clubhousenews.com, World Golf

How to Tell If You Need New #Golf Irons in 2016

Gazing down at the grips which you recently changed on your Ping Eye 2's, that less-than-shiny finish of the once shimmering stainless steel and the tiny dings and faded club face, you realize that your almost thirty years old golf irons could use a break. Still, they served you well and you are loath to switch out your clubs and, perhaps, alter your game.

On the flip side, the hottest golf irons for 2016 are said to be better than ever before, sporting extraordinary distance, control and feel. Are you open to the possibility of improving your game with, say, the latest game improvement irons...Ping GMax, I-irons, Karstens...or Cleveland CG Black CB's?

2016 PING i IRONs: Using 431 stainless steel for the first time in a PING iron, engineers relied on the material’s high strength-to-weight ratio and softer feel to create a head design that delivers workability and trajectory control with the right amount of forgiveness. Lengths and lofts are optimized to increase distance with proper gapping, resulting in a clean, players-style iron with a high MOI.

SIGNS YOU NEED NEW GOLF IRONS

- Age of the Irons - According to SFGolf.com, "Experts suggest that if your clubs are more than three years old and you are an avid golfer who gets out there often, then there’s a good chance it’s time for new clubs" Bent and damaged golf irons are also a sign that it's time to say goodbye to your old friends - wear and tear certainly takes its toll.

- You Are Getting Older... and less flexible. That goes back to the above statement of wear and tear but not just on the club. Chances are your body isn't in the shape it was in five years ago and you could probably use a more flexible shaft and larger club head. Rockbottom Golf suggests the importance of "matching your shaft to your swing style so you get the most distance from your swing."

- Technology is Progressing, Why Shouldn't You? Do you still carry (and occasionally use) a 3-iron? Hybrids or fairway woods can replace those long irons and with better results. Need to make a choice as to which club better suits your game? Links Magazine says, "If you sweep shots cleanly off the turf, fairway woods are for you. If you have a steeper swing (you tend to take divots), you'll be better off with hybrids."

A sign you may need new golf irons - worn out golf grooves!

If you decide to take the next step and consider a new golf iron purchase, remember that research and measurement is key. Whether you are a high or low handicapper, search the internet with those keywords, not focusing on the brand but on the type of player you are or have become.

For example, type in "game improvement irons" if you need help in that area or golf irons for beginners ...and make sure you take those clubs into a booth along with assistance from a custom-fit professional. Finding local demo days is also a great idea as manufacturer reps bring a whole slew of clubs for you to try!

Have you just purchased new irons or are you considering new clubs? Tell us your story in the comments section of our golf blog below and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.


photos: Ping, GolfDashBlog.com