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 celebritiesoff 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.
Rory McIlroy has decided not to commit to a golf equipment company for the 2017 golf season. The freedom to "have a little look around" is easy to do if you are one of the top golfers in the world but, how do you decide which golf clubs are right for you if you are an amateur player itching for a new adjustable driver, wedge or putter?
Testing golf clubs to find the one that suits you can be an ordeal; professionals live in an entirely different world as golf clubs are mixed, matched and custom-fitted for each players' swing from changing lofts on clubheads to switching out top-of-the-line shafts for their swing speeds.
No endorsements for the average player means we have to take a different route to get to the right clubs for our golf game!
How does the average consumer choose the best golf clubs for his or her amateur status? Here are a few tips compiled by Golf for Beginners to get you off to a good start so that you are game ready for the new year!
1. Demo Days: It is always a good idea to try golf clubs before you hone in on a brand you are comfortable with; demo days at your local driving range and/or course allow you to hit different clubs in a compatible setting. Pick up several different brands and experiment with loft, clubheads and more - a blade might feel better at point of impact than a hybrid.
1. Custom Club Fitting: No matter which golf club you decide upon, you need to be properly measured before leaving the store with that brand new Callaway driver or set of Ping irons.
One size does NOT fit all! Get measured for:
a. Lie
b. Length
c. Swing speed (flex of the shaft).
2. Grip it...then rip it! Grip size and comfort is as important as the golf club you are swinging so make sure it fits just right in your hands.
3. Golf Ball - just as important as the club. Do you need more distance? Do you need more feel and want a softer impact? Don't forget to get fitted to the correct golf ball for your swing speed.
4. Shoes are part of your equipment! Where you may think that all you need is the right golf club, whether or not you walk nine or eighteen holes, the shoes make all the difference so make comfort your top priority.
a. Size Does Matter! Footjoy states that "more than 70% of people are wearing the wrong size." Too narrow or too wide and your feet could be swimming or crumbled up for four hours (or more) of torture forcing you to concentrate on the wrong part of your game.
Your country has asked for your representation in golf at the 2016 Olympics, to possibly bring home the gold for the Motherland...what do you do?
Do you proudly accept the challenge and gallantly make your way to the first tee armed with bug spray or do you pull out just before the event?
Several top names on both sides of the pond have "bugged out" of the 2016 Summer Olympics from Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Jason Day to the latest Americans, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth . It has now been reported that the top four golfers in the world will not represent their section of the world for the sake of their country (here is that latest Official World Golf Ranking).
The athletes in question have made it evident that they will not be competing due to the Zika virus and, from the public to their brethren, they are being criticized for their decision.
Paul McGinley, Olympic golf captain for Team Ireland, had this to say about McIlroy's absence, "The shame for Rory is I really think he would have benefited from being around other athletes..."
"It's really good for the heart and the soul to be involved with so many other athletes where it's the most important thing in their game."
2016 Masters Champion Danny Willett took a poke at the pull-outs just before The Open by saying, "You've got more chance of getting malaria in South Africa than you have of getting Zika when you go to Rio, If there was an Olympic Games down in Johannesburg, would guys pull out because of malaria?"
What Rory McIlroy said in defense of his decision was nothing short of impudent, according to Brandel Chamblee. McIlroy went so far as to say he did not get into golf to grow the game. "I got into golf to win major championships. I get that I have a responsibility to the game. But at the same time I got into golf to win. I didn’t get into golf to get other people into the game." Rory will watch some athletes at the Summer Games, he stated, but will not tune into the sport that has made him millions as well as a role model.
What does the public think of their heroes? Some wonder why women competing in other outdoor sports like kayaking have not opted-out of the summer games. "Can't imagine saying no when you have been called to rep your country!"
Although Dustin Johnson feels "honored" to represent the USA, withdrawal takes on a personal note as DJ wants to have more children with fiancee Paulina and, according to the CDC, the Zika virus is sexually transmitted "causing a birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects."
Is it just worry over the Zika Virus or could there also be other more personal objections as to why Olympic gold doesn't hold as much weight for golfers as the trophies to be won during the rest of the season? Here are a few possibilities:
1. Zika Virus - fearing safety of their possible unborn children.
2. Already making millions of dollars and don't really need to compete with possible standing water on course and in sweltering heat of Rio to possibly win a medal.
3. DJ's recent win at the U.S. Open was accompanied by a large check and a beautiful trophy. The Fed Ex Cup and the Wanamaker are more in line with chosen profession and worth a tidy sum in future endorsements. Fed Ex Cup with payout is worth $10 million.
4. For Adam Scott, his overwhelming golf schedule played a part in his decision to opt out of the Summer Olympics. Three majors all lined up, a WGC event and a newborn made the decision easier for him.
Who has decided to step-up for pride of country, happily wearing their countries' colors?
Although the big news is who will not be in attendance, the opposite should be true - we should be focusing on the positive and cheer on our heroes.
The Olympic Men’s Golf Team USA roster is almost complete with players Rickie Fowler and Patrick Reed (so far although, after he heard that DJ was out, he had to think about his commitment) in the mix. Jhonattan Vegas is Venezuela's entrant into the field and Padraig Harrington is ready and raring to go. Guess we'll have to wait and see the final roster as players are dropping out like flies.
Have you ever yearned to travel to a unique golf destination and just love freezing cold weather? Here is your chance to add skis to the bottom of your golf cart! Grab your parka and partake in one of the most unusual three-day events you will ever attend.
Ice Golf in Siberia?!
From March 15 to March 20, 2016 in the heart of mysterious Siberia, the International Ice Golf Festival will be commemorating its twelfth anniversary and you are invited to train "on the surface of the deepest spot of Baikal" on the ice of the world's nethermost lake. The festival takes place along the bay of Maloye Morye and Olkhon Island.
Ever heard the expression "putting on glass"? Watch Rory McIlroy in this ESPN Sports Science Video and see what it's like as one of the world's top golfers glides his ball along a zero-friction surface - you will have your chance at this tournament, as well as an opportunity to feel what -25 degrees actually feels like on your skin - this is what is meant by an extreme golf experience!
This Tournament Gives New Meaning to Putting on Glass
At Lake Baikal, you will gain brand-new experiences as you take part in training sessions and an exciting golf tournament on an ice/snow golf course created by Mother Nature. One of the training sessions will actually take place on the surface of the deepest spot of Lake Baikal (1637 meters/5370 feet).
The grand finale of the festival is the Baikal Ice Golf Tournament with players contending for the Baikal Big Challenge Cup.
Contrary to what you may have heard, you will not only be speechless at the natural beauty of your surroundings but also pleasantly surprised to discover a developed city and tourist infrastructure in the heart of Siberia. One of the distinctive peculiarities of the festival is its rich cultural and ethnic program with shaman ceremonies and music master-classes.
The goal of Baikal Ice Golf 2016 is to provide golfers and travelers from around the world with an opportunity to broaden their golf experience, challenge themselves to play golf on the ice and snow surface of the fascinating Lake Baikal and to draw attention to unique recreational and sports opportunities available at places around the world that you may have never previously considered for holiday.
The doors of the festival are also open for golf beginners and for all those who dream of viewing far-away places like Siberia and legendary lake Baikal.
To learn more about the festival, or perhaps take part in a golf event that is more than just a little different, submit your application or contact the organizers: http:/ice.baikal-golf.ru/english.
Poor performances in previous golf events, nagging physical ailments and a fear that Augusta's bite will be ferocious are just a few of the elements in play before The Masters plays out next week. So, we ask our readers...what will it take to win The 2015 Masters Tournament...mental supremacy...physical toughness?
After a recent practice round, Tiger Woods is still undecided about whether or not he will attend The Masters; the internet is abuzz...should he? Nagging doubts, MC's and loss of touch are enough to make the back hurt even more!
While Tiger Woods is unsure of his game and physical condition, contenders like Jason Day are now using positive self-talk to gear up for the first major of the year.
Brimming with confidence, Day mentioned that his failures have made him stronger. Although there is, and will always be, pressure, the Aussie is learning how to handle it, focusing on diet, short game and an improved positive outlook.
Rory McIlroy, a 2015 Masters favorite, is looking forward to an elusive career grand-slam win next week, in spite of the albatross of a 2011 loss at the event...we'll not go into details here as golf fans must surely remember that horrifying collapse.
The good news for McIlroy is that, despite throwing a golf club into the water at Doral and negative self talk about his putting woes, he has mental pictures of fantastic finishes at the two final 2014 major events. Calling upon mental images of success will be needed next week although McIlroy will also need putting mastery in order to succeed - the physical act of rolling putts into the cup on Augusta greens is just as important.
"They're the toughest we face all year," McIlroy mentioned to Golf.com. "I don't know if it's intimidation; it's just you gotta think about them more. It does play on your mind more than other courses."
At the beginning of this golf blog we asked, "What will it take to win the Masters Tournament" and now we want to hear your answers.
Golf Digest places the green jacket on the golfer who can accurately bomb a great drive while finessing a putt into the cup. a man who remains in great physical shape while having a positive mental outlook....reads like a description of defending champion Bubba Watson?
Who is your pick to win The Masters and why? Voice your opinion on this Golf for Beginners blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners with hashtag #MastersWinner!
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
After trying some of the hottest drivers from the new Nike VR_S Covert to the latest Titleist 913D3 at the Westchester County Golf Show, it is apparent that these golf clubs were not necessarily created for golf beginners but for players who have had a bit of experience connecting with the ball (think Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy).
That being said, Golf for Beginners compiled a short list of drivers and golf clubs that are easier for beginners to feel confident about using on the golf course.
Although golf equipment guides throughout the internet rate the overall best golf drivers for 2013, which golf clubs should make its way into a beginners bag? Here are several choices newbies should consider before making this all-important purchase.
1. Although not a driver, the Callaway X Hot 3Deep Fairway Wood is a great alternative for golf beginners who are not quite ready for a driver but want the distance associated with it. Phil Mickelson wanted a club that was playable off the ground and easy to hit in lieu of a driver, hence the #3Deep was born. Watch for the Callaway X Hot 3Deep at The Masters inside Phil's bag.
2. The Ping G20 Driver is stable, has a low center of gravity and, as Golf Digest mentioned in a Hotlist review, "It exudes compassion...In a word, they’ve designed confidence." Confidence is just what a beginner needs!
The Ping G25 Driver, like it's G20 predecessor, is the new Ping entrant tested by Golf Magazine and is considered very forgiving and hits very straight.I tried it and liked the light weight. Some golfers (me included) noted that the head might be a little too large...and, with it's three-way adjustability feature, the G25 just might confuse beginners.
3. Cobra AMP Cell Drivers were rated easy-to-play on the golf course, super-accurate with impressive yardage. Some guys who tested it for Golf.com even thought that the color "encouraged proper alignment at address". Beginners... always remember to G.A.S.P. before hitting any shot...one of my beginner lessons.
This is, by no means, the definite beginners guide to the best golf drivers currently on the market, just suggestions meant to encourage newbies in a burgeoning market filled with golf clubs of all shapes, sizes and adjustments.
When searching for a driver, beginners should consider "game-improvement" drivers, the loft of the golf club giving thought to head size, grip, shaft length and flex. As a beginner, I would stay away from adjustable heads or any other adjustments (neutral, open face, etc), until you are more comfortable hitting the club and forge a better understanding of your game.
And yes, these clubs DO come in left-handed models!
Which golf drivers do you depend on? Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on our Facebook page.
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.”
Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook.
With The Masters on the radar of sports and fashion enthusiasts worldwide, I received a note filled with "fashion picks" from Function 18, a UK-based golf apparel website which promises the same cutting edge look and performance as the professionals on Tour. That being said, here are Function 18's selection of who will be the most chic Masters golf apparel trendsetters.
***************
With excitement now building for April’s Masters Tournament, we are
taking a look at some of the most stylish players taking part in this year’s
event with golf fashion experts “Function 18”.We’ve
weighed up their golf swings and statistics, but which of this year’s players will
win in the Masters Style stakes?
Ryo Ishikawa Watch out for Japan’s Ryo Ishikawaat this year’s event, known for his bold and stylish outfit
choices whilst gracing the greens. Although his style may not be everyone’s cup
of tea, it’s a breath of fresh air to see this young player experimenting with
colours and prints - we’re big fans of his signature red and white ensemble.
Bubba Watson
We are keen followers of Bubba Watson's exciting and aggressive style of play!
At this year's Masters, having signed a new clothing contract with Oakley, we
will see him with a variety of new looks to suit his playing style. Function 18 stocks a wide range of Oakley clothing, including a range of items Bubba himself has
been spotted in, including this great Oakley Fade Polo shirtfrom
only £32.99.
Jason Day
The stylish young Australian is definitely a key player to watch in this year’s
tournament; in fact, it will be pretty hard to miss Jason Day on the Augusta
fairways. Contracted to wear the bold and bright Adidas Fashion Performance collection, we’re
looking forward to seeing him wear some of the key pieces from the brand’s new
spring/summer collection.
Ian Poulter Ian Poulter’s attitude to fashion
is always fun and playful. He continues to wear his own IJP Design collection
which focuses heavily on the tartan trousers, but his recent Puma shoe and belt
deal has seen him showcase some of Puma’s bright, eye-catching products. Past
style choices have seen him team bright yellow puma golf shoes with green check
trousers; we certainly have to commend him on his confidence!Function 18 has a great range of Puma and
IJP Design
products are available if you want to
try and re-create Ian Poulter’s interesting look. And, be sure to check out his limited edition Masters Putter Cover.
Tiger Woods
Never one to disappoint in the Majors, Woods' look is always clean-cut, fresh
and modern. With young Rory McIlroy snapping at his heels, Tiger still remains a
great style ambassador for Nike and his signature plain polo shirts and
traditional neutral golf pants are an easy look for spectators to try
themselves. Look out for red on the last day!
Rory McIlroy
Originally not one to stand out for his golf fashion, it will be interesting
to see if McIlroy's new £120 million Nike sponsorship deal will give him a
boost in the golfing style stakes. The Nike clubs don’t seem to be helping his
game much but we have already seen him in some exciting brown/green colour
combinations and we can’t wait to see more. (editor's note...with Rory McIlroy's game being compared to Tiger's at every tournament, now we can compare clothing too!)
The team at Function 18 is looking forward to the Big Masters Event in April and will
be spotting the latest golf fashion trends to hit the greens in 2013. View all
the latest spring/summer golf clothing for 2013 now online at function18.com.
About Function 18
Function 18 is a specialist golf apparel website offering
affordable, niche garments that will set you apart from the rest, both on and
off the golf course.
Function 18 has over 10 years of experience buying
designer golf clothing for our UK wide network of golfers. We are able to bring
to you a collection of both golf and high street brands and promise you the
cutting edge look and performance that the fashion-conscious player demands.
This week both the WGC Cadillac Championships and The Puerto Rico Open are being hosted by the one and only resilient Donald Trump at two of his incredible golf courses: “The Blue Monster” at Doral and Trump International.
It is truly difficult, it seems, not to watch news of Donald Trump everywhere you look nowadays...
A Google Search finds him as popular a sight in the WWE
(where he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame) to his recurring (and
prolonged repetitive) show, The Apprentice.
This week, Trump does
double-duty at two golf extravaganzas and, with it, invites almost all
golfers with a tour card to “be his guest.” Okay, neither Doral nor Trump International are Disney-land but, to fans, they might as well be!
Two full field events with the top golfers in the world providing
ample opportunities for birdies and bogeys,but (in my opinion) with the WGC Cadillac
Championship getting the viewing edge as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy go head-to-head once again.
Also, with news of The Donald’s plans to “blow-up” The Blue Monster
in order to make it a “much more magnificent course” as Mr.Trump stated,
will fans want to get in one last look for comparison’s sake?
Tale of the Tape: Trump International vs Doral Golf Resort’s Blue Monster via Twitter:
Current Posts about this week’s events at both Trump International
Tweets and Doral Golf Resort’s Blue Monster show many more conversations
about WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral than Tweets about Puerto Rico
Open. Here is a sample:
Played the Blue Monster @doralresort ? Here’s a photo guide of what Tiger, Rory & co will be facing this week – on.fb.me/WWmJyK
— Your Golf Travel (@yourgolftravel) March 7, 2013
Is the art of Match Play lost on golfers in the U.S. or do we simply prefer every stroke to count?
In a recent GolfWeek article, Brits such as Ian Poulter prefer "the oldest form of golf" to stroke play because it boils down to "just me against the other guy rather than the rest of the field." Bubba Watson, on the other hand, believes that "it should be everybody gets up there and tries to shoot a score."
Even Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, after their first round departure from the WGC Accenture Match Play Championships, decided to "settle the score" in a match play format although the two games ended all square.
Amateurs should probably take a tip from Poulter, McIlroy and other golfers from across the pond and rotate a game of match play into their weekly foursomes. Where it is probable, at the end of a four-day professional tournament, that stroke play will ulitmately lead to the "best" player and score, the game is not necessarily all about score for amateurs. As Henrik Stenson said about match-play format, "It's very clear what you need to do...You just have to play better than your opponent."
Here are a few reasons to opt for a game of match-play golf instead of stroke play the next time you are out with your golf buddies:
1. There is a different psychological approach to Match-Play:
* Less stressful throughout the game (until the end if you're dormie, for example).
* Seeing your score on the card in stroke format may cause you to count strokes instead of focusing on your shot.
2. Easier to score without having a scorecard.
3. Head-to-head competition versus playing for par.
4. A playing opponent can legitimately concede your putt.
5. Focuses your attention to the adventure of a single hole when standing on the tee box. Each hole becomes its own mini-game.
6. You can make match play more fun by adding a wager per hole (skins game).
Try Match-Play the next time you go out with your friends and leave Old Man Par in the Clubhouse!
As a postscript, in my opinion it is a shame that as of this article, the Sybase Match Play Championship will no longer be an event on the LPGA Tour.
Even though the foremost astrologers utilize the aspects of the planets and stars at a given moment, the future still remains unpredictable. Utilizing the past as a barometer, Golf for Beginners makes several predictions on the future of the game and some of its players in 2013.
1. Tiger Woods will win two golf tournaments this year and one major event. Based upon his past performance in the majors, the current number-two money leader in the world will win the PGA Championship...it's about time to collect another Wanamaker Trophy, isn't it? On his golf blog Woods said, "Looking ahead to next year, I'm just trying to win those big four tournaments."
2.The Rory McIlroy-Tiger Woods competition will continue to heat up and fans will see several final round close calls this season. McIlroy will easily win the Masters after remembering what he said after squandering a four-stroke lead at Augusta in 2012. "I'll get over it," said Rory, "it was a character-building day, put it that way. I'll come out stronger for it," and so he has with his major victory in 2012 at the PGA Championship.
3. The 2016 Anchoring Ban (belly putter) will force advocates such as Webb Simpson to change their putters and revise their putting strokes. Watch for new and unpredictable grips for belly-putter golfers and for new equipment on the golf course. Will we see Keegan Bradley trying out a new claw grip this season?
4. The LPGA future will further take root in Asia. AmericanLPGA golfers will be asked to learn Korean and Mandarin to keep up with the further globalization of the Tour. Instead of "foreign" Tour players being penalized for not speaking English, ladies such as Cristie Kerr on the LPGA will brush up on Korean to follow the sponsors, "follow the money".
Could it be that, down the road, American LPGA golfers will be penalized for not speaking Korean?
5. Two female members will be allowed to join Muirfield's "Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers" (so one can play golf with the other without disturbing the men) with the Royal & Ancient Golf Club following suit after much ballyhoo.
Stay tuned for mystical Tarot predictions by Stacy Solomon throughout the 2013 golf season!
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.
