Phil Mickelson - The Road to Oldest Major Winner at the 2021 PGA Championship

There was a time in the annals golf history when every fan and media outlet jokingly referred to Phil Mickelson as one of the only top tour players to never have won a major. Lefty has now come full circle and added a title that is one for the record books that may stand for quite some time - the "OLDEST golfer to have won a major" with his victory at the 2021 PGA Championship in my home state of South Carolina.

Mickelson's first major championship win at The Masters 2004 came during his thirteenth year on the PGA Tour and, although he won PGA tournaments like the 1996 Byron Nelson Golf Classic, his eyes were on the elite of championships which has confounded him. Phil's last major win came at the Muirfield 2013 Open and time seems to have stopped since then while Lefty battled with physical maladies. 

The one major tournament which has eluded Mickelson's grasp to date is the U.S. Open. With 29 appearances, the heartbreak is painful for Phil who considered not playing in the 2021 U.S. Open but finally giving it one more college try by recently accepting a special exemption to the event.

“Winning the U.S. Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream, and I’ve come close so many times,” Mickelson said. “You can’t win if you don’t play. I’m honored and appreciative of the USGA for the opportunity and look forward to playing in my hometown on a golf course I grew up on.”

Perhaps Mickelson has found his groove with a combination of diet and exercise changes designed to enhance his mental and physical prowess.

This week, it appears that the former "fun" Phil Mickelson who took wild and crazy chances had been replaced by a safe and strategy-oriented golfer...and the results proved themselves as Lefty wound up lifting the Wanamaker trophy.

As the next chapter of Mickelson's career gains momentum from a rockstar win at the 2021 PGA Championship, Golf for Beginners looks forward to reporting a win for Mickelson at his hometown golf course at the U.S. Open.

Photo: Wikipedia

Three Ways To Recover After Playing Too Much Golf

Your focus is gone, your strength has waned and your muscles have left you sore to the core. What can the average golfer do to recover after playing too much golf?

Some golfers say, no matter how much golf they play it is never enough! Recently, the Myrtle Beach Patriots attempted to play one-hundred holes of golf to benefit disabled veteran and their families - a noble cause.

After a long, and tiring, golf season, Phil Mickelson mentioned after the Ryder Cup, that he believed he "made a bit of a mistake" by playing too many events in a row. As amateur golfers, we may not play in tournament after tournament, but the same might be said if we decide on another nine holes after a grueling eighteen comes to a close.

Golf for Beginners tends to agree with Mickelson...twenty-four golf starts in a row for a PGA Tour pro are way too many rounds...especially for a more seasoned player who is no longer in his twenties and who quietly suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis. In this article, we give you three ways to stay in good health and bounce back when your body says no.

1. Hydration and Food: Sounds simple enough but most golfers don't drink enough water and don't grab snacks that will energize them during a round. Try a drink that has low sugar content and electrolytes like Vitamin Water Zero. I also keep healthy snacks in my golf bag - a snack at around the tenth hole is a fruit and nut bar or a 10th Tee Golf Nutrition bar.

2. Get Loose: Make sure you stretch your muscles before you hit your first shot of the day and keep loose throughout the day. If you are playing golf several days in a row, follow the same routine and don't overwork yourself on the driving range. Practice correctly with most of your shots being chips, pitches, and putts.

3. Rest: No matter how many holes of golf you will be playing, take time to rest both body and mind in between shots and rounds - you need both to function well for your best chances of success.

Feel free to comment at the bottom of our Golf for Beginners blog.

How Team USA can Take Back the Ryder Cup in 2020

Although Team USA golf fans grasped onto some small level of hope during the Ryder Cup singles matches, Europe held off their opponents and reclaimed the chalice.

You win some, you lose some...but a thrashing should never have taken place.

"Our studs," said an anonymous someone in the U.S. team room, "didn’t play like studs this week."

The final Ryder Cup count was Team Europe with 17.5 points and Team USA at 10.5 points. Tiger Woods failed to thrill (but brought a large audience by just being on the team) and Mickelson, who is on-again, off-again about this being his final Ryder Cup appearance, was benched on Saturday and had a lackluster overall performance.

It is understandable why these two great golfers continually play in the Ryder Cup although it doesn't help Team USA secure a win. Mickelson, for example, according to RyderCup.com, "has the most losses than any player in U.S. history, though Tiger Woods is now only one behind after three straight defeats in France."

So, how can Team USA take back the Ryder Cup in 2020?

The first fix is fairly obvious; don't choose Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson as captains pick for Team USA. Of course, if the captain agrees, this means a large loss of overall viewership, from the USA to across the pond (although I believe that the two, working together, would make interesting Team Captain/Assistant Captain). If either of the golfers makes it onto the team due to their own merits, this option will not work.

The second fix involves rescheduling the FedEx Cup finale... the Tour Championship, as it is possible for those players to be very tired going into the following week and performing at their peak. Perhaps the Ryder Cup needs to be moved ahead on the schedule one extra week to allow the players flight time and a short rest period before this stressful event?

According to several online blogs, Tiger Woods, looked "tired" and "listless" during all of his Ryder Cup matches and that is being blamed on his tight Tour Championship schedule which bled into the following week's matches.

Finally, how do you think Jim Furyk did as the Team USA Ryder Cup captain?

In my opinion, he did not utilize Patrick Reed to his best advantage - Reed sat on the sidelines during foursomes matches...and this is where he shines, and where he has been unbeaten.

"For somebody as successful in the Ryder Cup as I am, I don’t think it’s smart to sit me twice," Reed said when interviewed by the New York Times.

What do you think can be done so Team USA has a chance at the 2020 Ryder Cup? Comments are welcome in this golf blog and tag us with your ideas on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

3 Reasons Tiger Woods is on 2018 Ryder Cup Team USA

The final PGA Tour golfers are being selected for the 2018 Ryder Cup team;  Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Bryson DeChambeau have already made the cut. Do you agree with Jim Furyk's choices?

On this year's Ryder Cup Team U.S.A. are a few standouts who need no explanation as to why they were selected: Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson (both with three 2018 PGA Tour wins), Brooks Koepka (2 major wins), and young guns like Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth have proven themselves to be ready for the challenge.

LISTEN: Jim Furyk Interview about getting ready for Ryder Cup

So, why have Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods been added to the Ryder Cup roster?

Mickelson has had a pretty good year with a win at the WGC Mexico Championship and several top-10's; I think fans just require more from him in spite of his bouts with RA.

So honored to be a part of Team USA!
PHEELING PATRIOTIC
PHEELING PHIERCE! 🇺🇸🕺#RyderCup @RyderCupUSA pic.twitter.com/6NGa6ESXxU

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 4, 2018

Tiger Woods has also made a comeback that is worthy of a Ryder Cup pick. Again, golf aficionados remember the Woods of old and, should instead not make comparisons but review his current season before issuing negative comments.

1. Although Woods has no wins under his belt in 2018, he has several top-10's including placing second at the PGA Championship; this is still an accomplishment for any PGA Tour golfer but, because it is Tiger Woods we are discussing, our expectations are higher. In spite of many back surgeries, Woods is still in the 2018 tournament mix.

2. According to Jim Furyk, Tiger is a solid vice-captain who helps his teammates, which not only helps as far as strategy and boosts morale for the team.

3. The obvious reason, not stated by Furyk, is that both Woods and Mickelson will bring millions of viewers to the Ryder Cup. Woods has a huge impact on TV ratings. According to thebiglead.com, because Woods was playing:

"Quicken Loans National’s final round ratings was a 92 percent increase over last year and a 28 percent increase over 2016. Not only that, but the third round also saw a huge increase and was up 143 percent."

The 2018 Ryder Cup will surely prove to be an exciting team experience! The TV Schedule for the US is:

Do you agree with the 2018 Ryder Cup picks? Voice your opinion on Golf for Beginners blog and tag us on Twitter with your answer @Golf4Beginners.

Celebrity #Golf Match - Pair the Pros to their Mates!

You watch McIlroy and Mickelson drive and chip; you cheer as birdies are made and boo as a three-footer for par is rimmed around the hole...

Now, Golf for Beginners wants to see how well you know your favorite golf celebrities off the course. Sharing knowledge of current events will certainly liven up any lull in conversation while walking with your mates on the fairways and at the 19th hole.

Match these golfers with his or her mate!

We have selected several professional golfers for this game; how well do you know the spouses, fiancees and/or significant others of the below celebrity golfers?

Note: You can click on the links to see the spouses immediately or take the challenge and wait until the end of the blog to see the answers:

PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS:

1. Phil Mickelson: This pairing should be easy! Married for over twenty years, the happy couple have been spotted on and off the course establishing  initiatives like Birdies for Brave.

2. Rory McIlroy - : This top professional European and PGA Tour golfer recently announced nuptials, hoping for a 2017 fairy tale wedding in a castle in Ireland.

3. Stewart Cink – Draws inspiration from his wife who is bravely fighting a breast cancer battle. We support her fight and wish her a speedy recovery.

4. Dustin Johnson - For "All the Single Ladies" here is DJ's lady, summing up her life with the 2016 U.S. Open winner in this Instagram video.

  5. Sergio Garcia - You have to love social media - Twitter is how Garcia announced his recent engagement. Maybe Sergio's battle with a Major will be over with a new an improved, calm and carefree attitude.

WIVES and/or SIGNIFICANT OTHERS - NOT in correct order.

a.   Angelina Akinsb.   Paulina Gretzkyc.   Lisad.  Erica Stolle.  Amy

Think you know them all? Answers below...as in golf, no cheating!


On a score of 1 to 5, how well did you do? Let us know below in the comments section of this Golf for Beginners blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

photos: Wikipedia

Answers: 

Tiger Woods Sorry - Playing It Safe After #Golf Tournament Withdrawal

The original title to this golf blog was intended to be something like "Two Huge Draws to Boost Napa Safeway Golf Tournament...Tiger Woods and...?" Unfortunately, days after Tiger Woods had committed to playing golf at the Safeway Tournament in Napa this week, he withdrew.

According to Woods,

"After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA TOUR or compete in Turkey. My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be."

A practice session proved to Tiger that he was not yet ready for the big league but why wait until only three days before the tournament? Woods said he "wasn't ready to compete against the best golfers in the world." He also apologized and said that his game was close but obviously not good enough.

Ticket sales were said to have been boosted by a minimum of thirty to forty percent and visibility on TV, radio and social networks would have been increased by more than any event in recent memory, not to mention advertisers who booked time (probably attached to a healthy sum) based upon Woods' okay.

Wonder what all of those folks are thinking who specifically bought tickets to see the return of the former number-one golfer in the world play alongside of Phil Mickelson? I guess they will have to watch the golf game for the pure enjoyment of the sport.

According to Golf Digest, The PGA Tour was so excited at the prospect of a Woods-Mickelson pairing that it released the information as soon as confirmed; usually, this information is not available until the Tuesday before the Tournament! The Safeway Open website was said to have a banner which read, "See Tiger, Daily Tickets Only $30. 'Now the banner says, See Phil, Daily Tickets only $30." There were reports of fans requesting refunds.

Think about it... what could be more exciting than a return to the greens by one of the greatest golfers of all time, being paired with a current top-ranked player whose back-and-forth duels have been likened to some of the best sports moments in history?

Mentioned on ESPN.com, "in 1,139 rounds in his PGA Tour career as a pro, Woods has been paired with Mickelson just thirty-two times -- or less than three percent of their rounds."

I am sure that many golf fans can remember a few of the more exciting Mickelson-Woods moments; my favorite is the 2005 "Duel at Doral" where Phil played his best but where Tiger Woods rallied at sunset to regain the world number one ranking. Sorry folks, not this time.

Mickelson is raring to go with Woods; Phil and Tiger spent quite a bit of time together during the Ryder Cup and mentioned in an interview last month, "that would be really fun. I would love it."

I guess Tiger Woods fans will have to wait until his foundation's "Hero World Challenge" to get a peek at the game gone south of our former hero.

What do the fans think of Tiger's comeback flip-flop right before the Safeway Tournament?

Tweet using our handle @Golf4Beginners and feel free to post below in the comments section of this golf blog.

photo: SafewayOpen.com.

What Can Golfers Learn from Stenson and Mickelson at The Open?

The third major of 2016, The Open, is in the record books with an inspiring win from Henrik Stenson.

Phil Mickelson, pushing with every fiber of his being to have his first win in three years, could not close the deal but certainly helped to make this tournament compelling for fans around the globe.

There are lessons to be learned from every thing we do in life - some times we are watching and other times we are in the mix. Through four days at The Open we have not only seen incredible golf but, if we look even further, we can take away ideas which can help us during our own round of golf.

Here are several lessons which we can all learn from watching the Masters play golf at The Open:

1. The importance of not giving up and believing that you can win. Henrik Stenson said, in his Sunday post-round interview, "I've been so focused this week and on this day in particular. "I felt it was my time. I believed it was my time."

2. You may not win but you can still play "pretty good golf". Phil Mickelson shot a 6-under 65 in his best final round performance ever in a major championship but it still wasn't enough to take the Claret Jug away from Henrik Stenson. You can play a great round (or several as is in this case) and still get beaten...remember, it's not if you win or lose but how you play the game.

3. Age doesn't matter if you're a regular on the golf course. The top two contenders on Sunday were both over forty and left the rest of the field in the dust. The number one and two golfers in the world, Jason Day and Dustin Johnson, could not touch the games of Stenson and Mickelson this week, hovering at +1 and -2 respectively. View The Open Final Round Leaderboard.

4. Be gracious in defeat. Consider the good shots you hit during your round and make sure to congratulate and shake hands with your mates, no matter what the outcome! Golf is a game of etiquette; let's not lose that spirit.

What did you learn from watching The Open? Comments welcome below in our Golf for Beginners blog and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.


photo: solonews.net

Check Out Our Latest Article: 2016 Olympics in Golf - For Whom Does Patriotism Trump Zika?

One of These Golfers Will Win The Masters #golf

Which one of these golfers will win The Masters? Here is the leaderboard of 2016 Masters invitees as shown on the Masters.com website:

The list of players who have been selected above have qualified by March 21, 2016 (the field stands at 90), and can serve as a starting point for this golf blog's discussion as to favorites to win The Masters. For example, Tiger Woods is listed to play but, for the second year in a row, CBS Sports reports that Tiger Woods may not play in The Masters. Pairings and tee times will be available after the par-3 event on Wednesday.

Who is YOUR Favorite to win The 2016 Masters?

This is an invitation-only tournament so the golfers that have been selected are the cream of the crop and/or have won an event offering an exemption into this first of four major events of the year.

From the above list, here are the five players I suspect will be in contention on Sunday at The Masters:

Jordan Spieth - The top-ranked golfer in the world, already a Masters Champion in a wire-to-wire win and mentioned that this is his favorite tournament in the world. Also, Jordan set a Masters record last year for most birdies in a tournament (26).

Phil Mickelson - My favorite golfer... at 70 wins to date, made the cut in The Masters twenty-one times and has three green jackets in his closet. "The results will come if I continue to play the way I'm playing," Lefty recently stated.

Adam Scott - Not much for Match Play this year calling his recent halve "pathetic" but red-hot on the PGA Tour right now and, since golfers play in the moment, this is why I picked Scott as a possibility to win. Also, with Steve Williams confirmed as his Masters caddy, Scott has increased his winning potential, in my opinion.

Zach Johnson -Has a Claret Jug and a Green Jacket as his prized possessions. Very steady player.

Jason Day - Able to scramble and win against Graeme McDowell even after hurting his back during match play.

Okay, so I am not positively sure that any of my picks will win The Masters but, based on this season's performance as well as previous accomplishments, these players have a good shot at 2016 Masters glory.

Who are your picks? Let us know on this golf blog or on Twitter @Golf4beginners.

Unique Facts About U.S. Open #Golf and Chambers Bay

Are you getting your favorite chair plumped and ready for the 115th U.S. Open? Have you been reading through tons of statistics, trying to figure out the winner for your Fantasy Golf entries?

You are not alone. Many fans believe the U.S. Open to be the most exciting major of the year.

Remember when Tiger Woods hobbled down the fairways in 2008 to beat Rocco Mediate in a playoff, or the heartbreak we all felt as we watched Phil Mickelson double bogey the 18th hole at Winged Foot? Well folks, that's U.S. Open golf and there will be, no doubt, many stories to come out of this year's second major of the year.

With these memories in mind, here are several very interesting and unique facts about the U.S. Open and the golf course on which the winner will be decided.

Did you know...

1. The first U.S. Open golf tournament was held in 1895 had only eleven entrants! The winner received $150 and a gold medal. Source: CNN.com Martin Kaymer, the 2014 U.S. Open winner, received $1.62 million!

2. There were 8,300 entries this year with the requirements that players are professional or have a handicap index of 1.4 or better. Source: Newsday,com

3. The 2015 U.S. Open muni golf course, Chambers Bay, was built on the site of a former sand and gravel quarry.

4. Is it true that Chambers Bay has only one tree on the entire golf course? That is correct. It is a Douglas Fir on the 15th hole which Robert Trent Jones said gave the course "character".

5. The U.S. Open of 1912 was the first and the only Open course which had a par-6 hole - Country Club of Buffalo.

6. The 2014 U.S. Open had on hand 100,000 ¼ lb. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and 365,000 12 oz. Beers ready for the fans consumption.

What unique or fun facts can you share about the 2015 U.S. Open golf tournament or about Chambers Bay? Share with us on Golf for Beginners blog or on Twitter @Golf4Beginners!

Can Phil Mickelson Mentor a Young Ryder Cup Team to Victory? #golf

After Phil Mickelson's recent withdrawal from the BMW Championship, golf fans may be wondering whether or not Lefty still has the stuff of Champions needed to help lead Team USA on to victory against Europe.

Although Mickelson removed himself from the final FedEx Cup events and the remainder of the PGA Tour season (knowing he could not contend), he showed mental weakness as well. Was it a lack of passion, his age, physical issues, or a combination of maladies that forced Mickelson to withdraw? Will he be able to stand strong and carry his team in the face of adversity?

Because of his poor showing in the first two days of the BMW, The World Golf Hall of Famer chose not to buckle down, disappointing fans who came to see him play, a worldwide television audience and the tournament itself which relies on big names like Phil to help sell tickets.

At forty-four years of age and with twenty-plus years on tour, the jury is still out on Phil.

"My primary goal is to rest and prepare for the Ryder Cup," Mickelson said in a statement released after his W/D from the BMW Championship. "Without a chance to contend at the Tour Championship, the most important thing for me now is to prepare for the Ryder Cup."

Team USA Captain Tom Watson wanted to add value to his team picks by adding “players who can putt and close and have heart.” Phil can still crush his drives but short game and passion is what Watson said is needed to carry Team USA to victory.

"You Gotta Believe", the slogan  of New York Mets baseball relief pitcher Tug McGraw in 1973, has been adapted as the term "Redemption" by Team USA with Mickelson leading the charge.

As for Watson's other requirement, the short game, Mickelson has that going for him too, so says his long term instructor and golf guru, Dave Pelz, "He's one of brightest players I have ever known and probably the best I've ever worked with and he certainly has the best short game I've ever seen."

With the use of learning aids such as the Putting Tutor developed by Pelz for use on indoor putting greens along with games designed specifically for the short game, Dave and Phil work together using both scientific and golf evaluation to try to "measure where he's losing most of his strokes and where he could improve."

"The games were developed to help my students," Dave Pelz said, so even if you're not a top tour pro like Mickelson, you can still take advantage of the same expert guidance right inside your home.

Does Team USA believe in Phil and does Lefty think that he should have been a Ryder Cup pick?

"I don't know if I played well enough this year to deserve a spot," Mickelson said. "You want players that are hot, that are playing well. And I need to step up and start doing that."

Keegan Bradley, who also withdrew from the BMW Championship on Saturday due to doubt over the legality over a drop, was in 28th place with a chance at winning the Tour Championship and made a great pairing with Mickelson at the 2012 Ryder Cup but would the same pairing be a good fit this year?

After their win at the 2012 Ryder Cup, Keegan Bradley said, "...being able to walk down the fairway with Phil and do this is a dream come true. It's another moment in my life that I can't believe I'm a part of. It could be the best day of my life."

"I just love playing with Keegan." Mickelson said. "He's just played so good all day and it's just kept me up the whole time. It's been awesome."

Watching Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson play golf during the PGA Championship, fans could also feel the camaraderie between these two players, so it seems likely that Mickelson is a good candidate for team cheerleader.

Will Team USA gain redemption with Mickelson at the helm? Should be an interesting Ryder Cup for both captains and mates!

Voice your Ryder Cup Opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners. In the market for backyard putting green kits? Ask SYNLawn for their opinion on Twitter @SYNLawn_golf.


Photo credit: SYNLawngolf.com, TaipeiTimes.com, Crunchtimenews.com



Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

#Golf Beating Down Top Players as Masters Limps Closer

Although this probably will not be considered a second-string Masters Tournament, with top golfers dropping like flies due to injuries, the first major of the season at Augusta National might surely be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Between Tiger Woods' back injury forcing surgery this past week, Hunter Mahan with injured hip, Phil Mickelson pulling his oblique muscle just under two weeks ago and Jason Day not having played a full round of golf since the WGC, The Masters Tournament is beginning to look like a prizefighter who is down but not yet counted out…ambulatory at best?

Mickelson says he is ready for his return to the Shell Houston Open this week (looking good so far) but he also suffers from psoriatric arthritis, a debilitating illness which could act up offering fans only an early glimpse at Lefty. Not sure that Phil will win this year’s opening major but would love to see it happen.

Jason Day, just one day ago brushed off the fact that he is indeed among the walking wounded, declaring to all that his thumb injury is healed.

The pros want to play golf at The Masters but are they physically able to compete...and win?

Fans, however, will not be keeping count of the injuries list but will most certainly be watching the sport at its finest and gazing at Augusta revealing it’s majesty of azaleas and spring in bloom.

So it’s now up to Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jimmy Walker to carry the ball – strength of mind is what is needed at Augusta, not power, as these three are soon to find out.

*This Just In - DUSTIN JOHNSON W/D from Shell Houston Open after carding an 80! No reason was given but the chances are slim that he will recover from this "ailment" before The Masters...enough said.

McIlroy has Las Vegas on his side, with Adam Scott and DJ close behind now that Woods has officially pulled out of The Masters but is that enough?:  Tough talk from Rory, "someone's got to step up, so I'm trying to be that person", will not get the job done and the internet is buzzing with a possible consecutive Masters win by Scott but only Nicklaus, Woods and Faldo have ever completed this feat.

What about JimmyWalker? Well, Butch Harmon says he's "ready for The Masters," and is holding aside a $1200 bottle of his finest champagne for the after-party but past meltdowns make this writer wonder about anything more than a top-ten finish for this dramatic player.

Could The Masters win go to 2013 PGA Championship Jason Dufner?

“I’ve had a pretty good run the last two years in majors,” Dufner said. “I haven’t missed a cut. Had some good finishes. Had probably three or four legitimate chances to win the events going into Sunday. So I’m excited about what’s around the corner for me at the Masters.”

Do you agree that the Masters Tournament belongs to one of the above golfers? Voice your opinion on our Golf for Beginners blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

photo credits: foxsports.com, pga

Is the Tiger Woods, Mickelson Battle for TV #Golf Supremacy Finally Over?

With Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson debuting their PGA Tour golf games at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, fans are anxiously awaiting the Battle of the Tried-and-True Superheroes ...or are they?

Online conversations are conflicting about where the most TV action will come from this week- Golf Channel's Facebook page has a proud Tiger Woods accepting his 2013 Player of the Year Award along with Jordan Spieth (Rookie of the Year) with Woods contemplating a new entrant onto the battlefield, "It's going to be fun for a number of years battling it out," Woods was quoted as saying at the ceremony.

With Spieth and Woods teeing off with Jimmy Walker on Thursday, this pairing could most certainly turn into a future Sunday moment...although both Woods and Spieth have their work cut out for them with a pair of even scores on day one.

Expert picks mainly have Tiger Woods as the golfer providing the most action and as the winner this weekend but Woods and Mickelson, "the two biggest stars of their generation" as Fox News aptly states, may not be the only attractions worthy of prime TV time....could Stewart Cink be the man to watch?

Two long hitters, Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson, will certainly give viewers the action they seek as they tee-off along side of Aussie Jason Day. You can always expect a few fireworks from both left-handed golfers - Mickelson nearly chipped in from the parking lot to make birdie at eighteen while Watson had some chip action of his own on hole number two at Torrey Pines' North Course.


You never know when a new battle will brew or the excitement will kick up a notch - Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both great golfers but new rivalries can happen in a heartbeat to create an infusion of excitement into the sport.

Without picking Woods and Mickelson, which golfer do you think will provide the most drama at Torrey Pines this year?

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and Like on Facebook.

How to Survive and Conquer Golf in the Rain

A seemingly beautiful golf event turns from sunshine to soaking rain in a matter of minutes...but, is your round ruined? 

Most players do not have the luxury of rescheduling eighteen holes to another day, so you carry on, pulling out of your bag your waterproof gloves and one of your stylish waterproof golf jackets from Galvin Green.


Can playing in the rain also be a fun experience? Of course it can, with a few golf tips under your belt! 

Here are a few tips from some of the best known "mudders" and instructors:

1. Five-time Briitish Open winner Tom Watson knows about playing in adverse conditions. His top weatherproof swing tip? Aside from always carrying a lightweight rainsuit, Watson says, "from a wet turn, swing your irons on a shallower (flatter) plane so you pick the ball off the grass without taking a divot. If you hit even slightly behind the ball, the club will dig too much into the wet ground. When the conditions are wet, a thin shot is better than a fat shot. Plus, a thin shot will probably still stop on the green if it's wet."

2. Don't overswing like Phil Mickelson says Doug Wade, head golf professional at Miami Valley Golf Club. Thinking back to a classic pull from Mickelson at Quail Hollow which resulted in a loss, Wade says to stay in control, shorten your golf swing and swing easy.

3. The Shark, aka Greg Norman, says to "keep yourself and your equipment as dry as possible." 

"If there's one part of your body to keep dry it's your hands. Once you lose your grip, you lose everything, so keep your hands in your pockets except to play. Also, be sure to keep the top of your golf bag covered so that rain doesn't drip down the shafts and get your grips wet."

I will add to this tip that you should make sure you keep a hat in your golf bag and, as Tiger Woods sometimes does, turn the flap upward to allow water to pour away from your face.


4. Golf Channel Swing Instruction says you will need more carry from the tee. I would add that you should consider taking an extra golf club during most of your distance shots as the ball will not travel as far nor will it roll on soft, wet ground.

Be sure to check out the range of Nike golf clothing from Function18 before hitting the links!

Voice your opinion on this golf blog, on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and LIKE on Facebook.

photo credits: function18.com, windsorgolf.co.th, shark.com


Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Tips to Boost Your Golf Game Through Massage

Do you ache after a round of golf, popping an Advil or Aleve and wonder how your back or shoulders could hurt so much after engaging in such a low-impact sport? Perhaps you need to consider a short massage and stretch BEFORE you get out on the golf course!

According to GolfDigest.com, PGA Tour players such as Luke Donald and Rickie Fowler consider pre-game massage a "necessity" in order "utilize the body's full range of motion." 

Stress can also derail players as muscles will tighten at the mere thought of hitting a poor shot.

Golf for Beginners has put together a few golf tips in order to loosen up those muscles and de-stress before, and during, a round:

• Pre-Game Stretch: Even if you arrive late to the golf course and only have only five minutes to spare, your body will thank you if you take the time to loosen your muscles...warm-up!

• Golf Ball Roll: My friend and fellow blogger, Patricia Hannigan aka The Golf Girl, offered a simple yet effective suggestion for easing hand muscles by rolling a golf ball over the palms of your hands. Not only will applying gentle pressure to the palm of your hand relieve tightness but Hannigan suggests that it may also alleivate sinus problems (one of my recurring ailments).

• Golf club hand massage: Michelle Merhib, licensed massage therapist and founder of Elements Therapeutic Massage, mentioned in her blog that golf clubs can be used for more than just for hitting the ball. Try using the rubber end of a golf club for a quick hand massage. Apply pressure to the base of the thumb and your palm; make circles with your hand in that area and move the rubber end around to hit all the pressure points.

• Massage your Mind! Golf State of Mind guru, David MacKenzie, described a few ways in which Phil Mickelson stayed mentally fit during The Open. 

1. Play without fear...confidence is key!
2. Stay in the Present.
3. Don't dwell on past shots...relax and enjoy!

• Don't forget to cool-down after a round of golf with a stretch and a rub to limit cramping. Reader's Digest even suggests that aside from speeding up muscle recover, a quick massage after a workout "may help encourage waste removal".

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photo credits: GolfTekkers.com,  The Golf Girl

Tiger Woods To Win The Masters? You Can Bet On It!

There is no doubt that the latest US Masters odds has Tiger Woods as the heavy favorite to win but golf blogger skeptics don't necessarily agree.

Although an oddsmaker takes into consideration as many statistics as possible to create a point spread with an equal number of people poised to bet on either side of the line, there are still variables to take into consideration when it comes to betting on any contestant. 

In the case of Tiger Woods, for example, he comes in ready and eager to win The Masters with three victories under his belt so far this year. 

Woods is also very comfortable playing at Augusta, having won four green jackets at the same venue over the course of his career. 

Woods has won several tournaments over-and-over again because he was comfortable on that particular golf course.

Tiger Woods, Winner at The 2013 Masters?

His 2013 statistics are impeccable: Woods is the FedEx Cup points lead, number-one in the World Golf Rankings and the overall event money winner. In my opinion, where Tiger Woods stats should be weighed and measured is in his putting prowess; Woods is number-one in strokes gained putting and, as most people know, solid putting is the key to winning in golf. Drive for show? Woods ranks 145th in driving accuracy but is it more important to drive for show or putt for dough?

On the flip side, Woods has not won a major in nearly five years with his last Masters win in 2005. Younger players are no longer daunted by his prowess on the fairways. He has showed chinks in his armor and is getting older to boot. Tiger's outbursts of anger don't help his game and, in my opinion, he could use an adjustment to his old laser focus.

Woods is not the only golfer to participate in the first major golf event of the year but, judging by the hype throughout the internet, you would think The Masters is a one-man show!

What are McIlroy and Mickelson's Masters chances?

Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson are tied for second place by most oddsmakers, in the case of Paddy Power, outright odds for both stand at 11/1. 

Although Rory was a betting favorite in the 2013 Shell Houston Open, he cited a lack of events played as his reason for his inconsistency. "I need competitive golf and I need committing to targets." 

That being said, McIlroy has stumbled in his opening round at the Texas Valero Open, the primer to The Masters. If Rory does win this week,  the odds are still against him. 

Only two players have won the week before the Masters and then gone on to win at Augusta: Sandy Lyle in the Greater Greensboro Open in 1988 and Phil Mickelson in the BellSouth Classic in 2006.

Mickelson Odds are good but he's uncomfortable

Is Phil Mickelson popularity still carrying him? With a single win under his belt and only one top-ten finish, Mickelson's 2013 record doesn't offer promise to any fan willing to take a gamble on Lefty. 

He's still a fan favorite, a three-time winner at Augusta and, with a new golf driver and his new claw grip on his putter, Mickelson is seeing a resurgence in his short game... but Phil is concerned about the week off prior to the Masters. "I'm not used to taking a week off before a major," Mickelson commented. "It's not my preference."

What about the rest of the Masters field?

With an abundance of exceptional talent entered into this year's Masters Tournament, a bettor would be hard-pressed to easily determine the winner at Augusta. 

While power rankings suggest that the victor might come from the top three picks of Rory, Tiger or Phil, there are a number of "dark horses"  to consider; golfers who have made rumblings during the events they played in to be recognizable and favored. 

Last year's winner, Bubba Watson, is mostly visible due to his hovercraft golf cart, Keegan Bradley has a hot  belly putter and Justin Rose would certainly be solid choices for those fans who didn't want to go with the status quo. 

Stewart Cink, who currently ranks at 125/1, shared the lead at the Shell Houston Open and previous Masters winners, Vijay Singh (175/1) and Mike Weir (500/1) are also interesting selections for those who are considering picking their winner from long shots who have Masters wins under their belts.



Who is your pick to win The Masters? 
Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on our Facebook page.



photo credits: golfweekrankings.com, sbnation.com, golf for beginners

Is Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy's Pressure Relief Valve? #golf

With a Monday weather-related finale at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Tiger Woods has once again become the number-one golfer in the world. Fans are joyful but players...not so much unless, of course, you're Rory McIlroy.


NBC Final Round notes from Bay Hill included a compelling quote from the cantankerous Johnny Miller about a possible improvement in Rory McIlroy's game after Woods' victory, "Maybe that will actually help Rory McIlroy by taking the heat off him being number one and set him free again."

So, although Tiger Woods may now be scaring the field once again, he might actually be putting McIlroy's mind at ease, allowing young Rory to sharpen his game and his new Nike VR golf clubs, from VR-S Covert driver to VR Pro Blade Irons.


McIlroy skipped Bay Hill this week, choosing a casual round at a local muni to butting heads with Woods. Perhaps Rory prefers building his confidence instead by playing the "lesser of two evils", Phil Mickelson, at the Shell Houston Open this week?


Although a fifth Masters is not assured for Tiger, Joe LaCava, Woods' caddie, says there is definitely "more confidence" in his short game and putting. Graeme McDowell seems to have put the entire Woods-McIlroy battle in perspective. “Rory’s been No 1 for a while and having this kind of challenge will definitely gear him up. When you’ve achieved many of your goals, your motivations disappear and this will help him refocus.”

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Photo credit: i.i.com.com