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

Tiger Woods Making Major Comeback in #Golf...as an Announcer

Tim Finchem was only joking when talking to Tiger Woods about media reports of his demise. "I thought he was actually dying. Tiger, you're supposed to be dead."

Believable repartee after a woeful press conference recently held by Woods.

Still kicking, Tiger Woods will make an appearance for fans this weekend and will try to enjoy himself in the process.

A "Who's Who" of golf's top ranking players will converge in the Bahamas this weekend at the Hero World Challenge with Tiger Woods in attendance.

No, Woods will not be playing at this event; he will be announcing from the broadcast booth.

Although the press conference showed a sad, defeated Woods, the website of  the once-former-World's Number-One Golfer has "squelched" all rumors of retirement and mentions Tiger is working on a comeback to the game he misses.

"I'm hoping that I can get back out here and compete against these guys," said Tiger Woods. "I really do miss it."

At forty years old and with injuries and surgeries piling up, does Woods still have a tiger left in his tank and is that really his top priority or, as his XBox game reads at the end, is it truly "GAME OVER"...

A sidelined Tiger is not committing to play golf anytime in 2016 and, from his blog, he looks more eager to get back to scuba diving and playing soccer than having another go at the fairways and greens on which he took first place in seventy-nine PGA Tour events.

Without Tiger Woods on the greens but showing his face either in the broadcast booth or as a 2016 Ryder Cup Vice Captain, will golf lose it's viewership?

One opinion from a Marketwatch.com columnist is that, based on Nielsen ratings, Tiger Woods out of the scene brings viewership waaaay down and that, "when he’s not playing, TV viewers aren’t watching."

As Tiger Woods calls the action, a new generation of golfers will take to the Albany golf course, from the current World's Number One, Jordan Spieth, to Zach Johnson. Will you be watching for the golf or to see Tiger Woods calling the action?

Join the Conversation on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and comment below on our Golf for Beginners blog!


photos: sportsftw.com, youtube.com-PGA Tour

Which Golf Shot Gives Tiger Woods and Amateurs The Jitters

While scanning through posts on a Google Plus golf community, I came across an interesting question which I address here, on our Golf for Beginners blog.

Originally posed by Michael Breed, host of The Golf Fix on Golf Channel and posted by Adam Young from Turnberry Performance Academy, the multiple choice question was...

Which golf shot gives you the most pressure?

For most golf beginners, almost every shot comes with its hair-raising moments, from setting-up to standing over the ball and then taking the shot, but there is one time which most players agree gives them that extra shudder.

Choices for most anxious-laden shot included:

Opening Tee Shot
Shot Over Water
Pitch Over a Bunker

Can you guess which golf shot was selected?

Yes, it was the dreaded drive on the first tee. Why would this shot cause more stress than flying your shot over water? Perhaps it's the pressure while people are watching or not knowing that you have visualized the shot properly - and would you believe that even the former number one golfer in the world steps up to the tee with reservations?

Tiger Woods definitely has first-tee jitters, says former teaching pro Hank Haney. "He has no problems finishing, but he's had problems starting, Most players are the other way around."

If, as Hank Haney states, golfers have the most trouble finishing a hole, it would be safe to assume that putting offers almost as much anxiety as driving the ball.

In my opinion, putting or finishing out the hole, can lend itself to a yip or two with about three hundred thousand mentions of "The Yips" on Google. Putting to save par or when you have the opportunity to make birdie or even EAGLE, can bring out a cringe or two in almost any level of player.

What can be done to help you relax before your shot and relieve some of that "in-the-moment" angst?

Visualizing your shot and focusing on your game, hole-by-hole, instead of your score with your mental thoughts being "one shot at a time" can take the worry out of a round and help you perform with confidence.

Taking a deep breath before you're ready to "pull the trigger" definitely helps, writes Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club Director of Instruction Jerry Mowlds, and having confidence, knowing that you are going to make a great swing, is another way to help calm the nerves as you start your round.

Performance anxiety is a normal part of any sport; it's how you rise to the challenge which will determine how you finish. Believe in yourself and your score will take care of itself.

How do you deal with golf course jitters? Let us know on this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

photo: DailyMail.uk

Jordan Spieth Breaking Records Won't Topple Tiger Woods Legacy #golf

"Tiger Woods changed the Game, Spieth plays it."

Golf fans desperately searching for the next Tiger Woods, here he is - Jordan Spieth! Or is he...?

While one of the greatest golfers to have ever played the game is now ruminating that the 'sun is setting on his career', the other, Spieth, is eagerly contemplating his future.

At twenty-two years old, Spieth is not only a multi-millionaire, but he's also already a record breaker, earning more than Tiger Woods in one season. Jordan has now regained the title of number-one golfer in the world, he's won two majors in one season (The Masters and the U.S. Open) and almost clinched the remaining major tournaments. He is also the youngest golfer to win five events in one season.

But, is Jordan Spieth ever going to topple the legacy of the former World's Number One?

There are so many Tiger Woods devotees on social media that, after reading through some of the comments on the "Golf Nothing More" group to which I post, I have to say that it will take a major shift in mindset as much as very hard work from the young Spieth to change the hearts and minds of fans.

The question on the group page was, "Is Spieth a Better Golfer at Twenty-Two than Tiger Woods?"

Comments included:
David White, "Tiger never missed any cuts." which speaks to Woods' incredible golf ability at such a young age.
Steve Wesson, "Tiger changed the game - Spieth plays it. I love them both but I would take a young Woods over Spieth."

Tiger Woods did change golf and introduced the game to a whole new era of people that wouldn't know a hybrid from a wood. He got kids involved in the game just by being so far above the rest that people tuned in just to see him perform...and he was GOOD...the BEST that had played in a very long time.

I would have to agree that, at twenty-two, Tiger Woods still had the upper hand versus the young Spieth but, at the rate of growth of the current World's Number One Golfer, does Spieth have a chance to, one day, have his name on the lips of golf fans as the one who surpassed Tiger Woods' records?

Looking forward to a new year, the next question might be, "How is Jordan Spieth going to top his award-winning season in 2016?"

Spieth would have to win, at the very least, the other two majors that he closed in on this past year - The British Open and the PGA Championship - in order to have the elusive Grand Slam in his back pocket. He would have to win several larger tournaments that include a top-name field and do it easily, as Tiger Woods usually did in pressure-cooker situations.

We cannot predict the future nor can we write Tiger Woods out of the history books yet, but, as Jim Nantz mentioned during coverage of the Masters, "Win or lose, you just got a good look at a young man who’s going to be a big part of the future of this sport".

Isn't that Tiger Woods' trophy?

Join in the conversation on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and comment on this Golf for Beginners blog.


photo: TheBigLead.com, The Onion

Odds of Swan Songs Winning the PGA Championship? #golf

The stage is set for drama at The PGA Championship, Whistling Straits, the last official major golf tournament of the season. This major could be considered a swan song for several golfers and, quite possibly, the introduction of names that were barely on the lips of fans last year. With this golf blog, let us have a look at a few of the elder statesman of the game, defiantly grasping at glory to hold the Wanamaker Trophy before heading to greener pastures.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, fan favorite Steve Stricker was once ranked as the number two player in the World. Now nursing himself back to health after back surgery, Stricker's time on the PGA Tour is limited; he becomes a member of the Champions Tour in 2017. According to Golf.com,  Stricker's odds of winning are 150 to 1 - I hear a swan singing....

One more elder statesman on the PGA Tour who is running out of time and luck is David Toms, whose last winning season was four years ago but who has prior experience winning the 2001 PGA Championship. Paired with Vijay Singh in a stellar field that includes Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson and David Lingmerth, both Toms and Singh have similar odds of winning in the range of 300 to 1.

Hard-living, forty-nine-year-old John Daly, considered to be "every-man" and a crowd favorite, has an Open and a PGA Championship in the back pocket of his Loudmouth pants but, according to Examiner.com, his odds of winning are about 500 to 1. One good thing about watching Daly play is you never know what's going to happen next - #keepingitreal.

Okay, so he's not quite ready for the Champions Tour but, at thirty-nine years old, time is ticking away for the former number-one golfer in the world, Tiger Woods. Although Woods has ten years of play ahead of him on the PGA Tour, the question is, are they going to be winning years or more of the same middle-of-the-pack struggles? Although Tiger's odds are now about 30 to 1, he still cannot be counted out.

Bleacher Report stated about Woods, "The 14-time major champion hasn't finished in the top-10 of any tournament in which he's entered, and that run includes missed cuts at both the U.S. Open and Open Championship."

Any one of these great golfers can win at any time - don't hold their ages or medical issues against them but, with up-and-coming golfers like Jordan Spieth who has won two out of three majors during the 2015 season, it is unlikely that these seasoned players will make a move this week.

Which other golfers should probably hang up their spikes or move on in the fairway of life? Voice your opinion on our Golf for Beginners blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.


photo: fansided.com, jrn.com

Is #Golf Becoming an Impolite Game?

When I watched golf on television for the first time as a youngster, I happened upon two players whom I later found out to be Nicklaus and Palmer - later on I was to learn the significance of "Shell's Wonderful World of Golf".

I felt like I was a part of their game; the cameraderie, the etiquette displayed, all made me wonder if women also played this sport. If so, I was going to get in on the action one day.

But, being from The Bronx, I also didn't know of any golf courses in my immediate vicinity (now I know better - there are, of course), just the concrete jungle. I continued watching, studying the actions of the players, the handshaking, the comments which always complimented another member in the foursome and wondered if other sports had the same standards.

“The real test of good manners is to be able to put up with bad manners pleasantly.”  

― Kahlil Gibran

Politeness, etiquette, even dressing for the event were all "givens" about thirty years ago but it looks as if some folks believe that this part of the game serves less of a purpose if golf is to survive, and thrive, in our "modern" times. Are we taking one step forward to move two steps back?

What is golf etiquette anyway? Well, in my opinion, it's more than just having manners and it's more than just an unwritten set of rules - it's the way the game should be played. Arnold Palmer's tips in Golf Digest include keeping your temper under control and being a silent partner.

Here are basic fundamentals of golf etiquette published by PGA.com.

Let's also add to our list of etiquette "do's"; keeping pace with the group ahead of yours and not cursing out loud on the course.

We have all seen slow play on the PGA Tour - from Kevin Na to Ben Crane and fans have all witnessed foul language after an unpleasant shot...(think Tiger Woods during The Masters) and even spitting on the green (Tiger Woods in Dubai) but the problem with seeing this type of behavior from the pros means it has the ability to trickle right down into the local publinks and to impressionable children watching the sport with the family on a Sunday afternoon.

If the PGA Tour pros are going to be seen erring in etiquette, does that mean that it's okay for the average hacker to go ahead and do it? Should golfers have to pass an etiquette test or should we lessen the rules to get more people into the game?

As etiquette is an integral part of the game, and, just as in playing the game itself, you have to call infractions upon yourself. If you find yourself cursing, or if you're going to step on a fellow golfer's putting line, it is up to you to stop for a moment and think about common courtesy whether you play nine holes of golf or eighteen, or whether you play on a par-3 or an executive course.

Golf is a sport, a game and a heritage all wrapped up in one. Making changes now will certainly impact the future - looking back fifty years, I hope fans continue to see the humility and civility of the game.

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


photo: https://www.pinterest.com/Sandy_Kress/sandy-kress-golf-50s60s/, refe99.com

Strategy Tiger Woods Will Use on the Links at St. Andrews? #golf

It's no secret that Tiger Woods loves The Old Course at St. Andrews, a "creative" links golf experience.

What is a links golf course, Tiger's strategy for The Open and how come both amateurs and professional golfers heave a deep sigh when talking about tips for playing it?


In my opinion, a links course has several of the following features:
-Natural Landscape so all of the bumps and undulations are naturally "rough" with few trees.
-Lots of bunkers and many of them deep and, speaking of sand, the soil is also sandy.
-Fairways appear to "blend" or roll right onto the greens.
-Plenty of water surrounding the course but not much on-course.
-Speaking of water and watching tournaments like The Open each year, very soggy too -with rain and wind sweeping through, playing havoc with golfers' shots!

When Tiger Woods was asked about Jordan Spieth and his chances at The Open this week, Woods mentioned that the 21-year old's choice of getting acquainted with St. Andrews by using a simulator was a good idea and offered the tip that "It's about wind conditions."

Woods continued, "playing in the different winds and having to hit the different shots, shaping shots completely differently from one day to the next on the same hole, it does help seeing the golf course under different winds."

Rain is also a big concern as it makes the fairways and greens soggy - plugged shots, golf balls not getting enough roll - so consider the time of year and type of day when going out to play on a links course.

What about putting; is there any secret to rolling golf balls on the greens at St. Andrews, for example?

If there is a lot of rain, expect a slower roll on all of your putts, which means you have to get both your speed and line down properly if you want to score birdies. Poor Tiger Woods - he said he hates slow greens!

In recap, in order to score well on a links golf course you will need to avoid bunkers (or know how to play well out of them), use the wind to your advantage, "have the right angles" as Tiger Woods stated and get the speed of the greens. Whoever at The Open plays with a links strategy will hold the Claret Jug on Sunday.

Do you have golf tips for playing links courses? What's YOUR Strategy? Tell us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on this golf blog.



photos: allsquaregolf.com

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!

Is #Golf Becoming Too Tough for Tiger Woods?

In a recent CNN article, the caption below a photo of Tiger Woods at The Memorial Golf Tournament read, "Tiger Woods Hits New Low". Woods struggled with irons, driver and putter during round three of the Tournament, carded an 85 and called the sport "tough" and "lonely".

If golf was an easy game, Tiger, everyone would score in the 70's!

Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Arnold Palmer have all carded several rounds in the 80's and, although they were down, they were not counted out - neither should Tiger Woods be thought of as being at the end of his career.

Then you have the critics who feel the need to play devil's advocate for their readers and viewers, such as Brandel Chamblee, who believes that tweaking his swing and changing swing coaches too many times has turned Tiger Woods from greatness to mediocrity.

"He’s traded his genius for the ideas of others, said Chamblee. "He’s changed his body in the gym for bulk. Everything that we see here is the result of what he’s done over the last four, five, six, seven, eight years."

We all know that golf is not easy nor is it longer considered by many to be a "game". The mental and physical image set long ago by players who smoked cigars and let bellies bulge from loud, un-matching apparel has been swapped by many younger players for hours in the gym and a conversion of golf from game into sport.

For the pros (and for many confident amateurs), this sport comes down to how hard they want to push and how focused their confidence is on the shots they want to make so yes, it could be considered "tough".

When it comes to the "loneliness" factor, if you are playing for personal improvement, golf is a lonely sport.

If you are playing for fun and recreation (cigars, beer hanging out wtih your buddies) then golf most certainly isn't a lonely sport - so it depends on how you want to approach the game!

As for Tiger Woods, his opinion and persona still greatly matter to golf. What he says and how he reacts either motivates or dissuades fans and new players who want and need inspiration.


Do you think golf is tough and a solitary sport? Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on this golf blog.

photo: eurweb.com

Why the 17th Hole at TPC Sawgrass Has The Players Respect #golf #infographic

How many golf balls will find the water asked Golf Channel on Twitter, referring to the notorious 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. The PGA Tour website is giving fans the opportunity to watch every single shot made at 17 and offers statistics on everything from who made the first ace at 17 to highlights of a caddie competition where Tiger Woods' caddie Joe LaCava went head-to-head with other notable club carriers at the Caddie Challenge.

How many golf balls find the water on No. 17 today? #ThePLAYERS Tee Times & Scores: http://t.co/90O2MtmFGC pic.twitter.com/C2yga1XBDZ

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 7, 2015

The 17th at TPC Sawgrass is definitely one of the more magical holes played during the year and The Players Tournament is certainly one of the most exciting tournaments for both pro golfers and the fans who love the sport...but, why is it so intimidating and when was the last time you saw a golf hole receive as much attention?

NESN.com stated, "According to The Florida Times-Union, 17.6 percent of golfers have shot bogey or worse on the No. 17 in 33 Players Championships. That’s a staggering number for the best players in the world, just six of whom have aced the par-3."

YourGolfTravel.com listed TPC number-17 par 3 as the sixth greatest hole in golf behind the seventh at Pebble Beach and Augusta's 18th hole noting, "The original island green is actually more difficult to hit than it looks thanks to the wind that swirls in unpredictable directions around the massive amphitheatre of trees in which the hole resides."

For fans of the par-3, 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, enjoy this memorable moments video from digging the dirt to create the hole to golfers making history with their exciting iron play.





Are you keeping track of golf balls in the water at the 17th at TPC Sawgrass? Let us know the current count on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on this Golf for Beginners blog.

Space-Age Physical Therapy for Golfers #golf

Ah, the scourge of the average golfer - elbow, knee, mid and lower back pains that never seem to go away flaring up during rounds with your foursome. What can sports enthusiasts do to keep their golf game in play in the face of bodily pain?

Although many folks scoff at the thought that golf is a "physical" sport, consider Tiger Woods who has been in the news since 2009 with physical ailments from ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstructive surgery to back spasms which caused him to excuse himself mid-tournament.

After hobbling off the golf course at The Farmers Insurance Open, the former number-one player in the world was quoted as saying, "...my glutes shut off and then they don’t activate and, hence, it goes into my lower back."

Considering professional golfers like Woods keep their bodies in motion by exercising or by practicing their efficiently mastered swings on a regular basis, the average golfer has a better probability of confronting physical ailments than the pros, opening themselves up to greater susceptibility to injury.

Poor technique, lack of warm-up/conditioning or body strengthening all contribute to a weakened system. When impacted over the long term, stretching just isn't an option anymore.

Of course you can always give up the game but, if you're like most of us golf fanatics, that's not an option. So what can you do?

If you have gone beyond the threshold of light pain management and the Advil or Aleve just isn't working for you anymore - it might be time to consider physical therapy as an option.

Below we list a few of the latest advancements in physical and rehabilitative therapy which will make you believe...

"However far modern science and technics have fallen short of their inherent possibilities, they have taught mankind at least one lesson: Nothing is impossible." Lewis Mumford, Technics and Civilization, 1934.

Have you ever heard of CAREN?

One of the latest advancements in science, CAREN (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment) is a virtual reality system which treats and rehabilitates people with walking, back pain, posture, balance, spinal stability and motor control issues.

Described as feeling as if you are in a Star-Trek holodeck, CAREN boldly goes where no therapy has gone before.

This breakthrough in science comes complete with 360 degree cameras and a force plate which measures your movements as you immerse yourself in a virtual world of exercise and games designed to offer live feedback to help understand, and improve, your performance.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

An FDA approved treatment for neuromuscular disorders, this non-invasive treatment accelerates the healing process via high pressure sound waves.

Especially useful for chronic plantar fasciitis, more commonly known as that bane for golfers -heel pain, EPAT or ESWT treatment goes beyond exercise by stimulating the cells to produce cytokines and chemokines which helps the body to produce mast cells and collagen and repair tissue structure to the area. As yoga master Pam Werner aptly stated, "our feet are our body's foundation as well as the tools of our mobility."

Alter-G Antigravity Treadmill

Rehabilitation should not be a chore but instead, should be something looked forward to, in anticipation of getting back out onto the fairways with renewed passion! Adapted from NASA astronauts training in a reduced gravity environment, Alter-G is not your average gym treadmill!

Air pressure encloses the user in a "bubble" to simulate lower gravity allowing rehabilitating athletes to run for longer stretches without impacting the body which is especially important for knee, hip or joint sufferers. Among the beneficiaries of the Alter-G Antigravity Treadmill are members of the LA Lakers, Olympic athletes, long distance runners.


Scientific advancements like CAREN may not give you superpowers but should help you relieve your aches and pains so you can continue to enjoy the fairways of life.


What types of physical therapy treatment do you currently use to help keep you on the golf course? Do you have questions about physical therapy?


Ask the experts where we learned about these new technologies - New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. Reach them on their website: http://nydnrehab.com/.

NYDNRehab on Google Plus
NYDNRehab on Facebook

Dr. Lev Kalika revolutionized how back pain and other motor disorders are treated by introducing Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) at his New York City’s Bryant Park practice.


Let us know how you manage your pain on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on this Golf for Beginners blog.

Speaking Up on Social Media - Good or Bad for Golf?

Probably the most notable of Twitter golfers to rhapsody on the social media channel, Ian Poulter, recently stung back about his decision to stay out of this year's BMW PGA Championship based on a less-than-stellar track record at the event.

Stewart Cink, well-known for his use of Twitter, posts daily, most recently dishing about his bum rap at not playing in The Masters with a positive spin of vacationing in the Riviera Maya with his wife Lisa and returning home to watch the tournament on his brand, new 4K TV.

Do you think that player social media chat helps, or hurts golf? Do fans appreciate the openness and connectivity of their heroes, of reporters and golf's most outspoken characters or would they prefer a bit more ...detachment.

Fans must love the connectivity because guys like Cink pull in huge audiences. Cink currently has 1.12 million followers while Poulter has a whopping 1.87 million devotees but, is the intimacy good for the sport or is it better to just see the facade put on for the viewing audience?

Yes, pro golfers are active on Twitter and reporters and large business concerns are also quick to criticize, and make public, the sports' highs...and low. Golf Digest recently pointed out that ESPN Sports Business reporter Darren Rovell's comments about the state of the game might not be a "complete picture", noting that "the true picture is larger than 140 characters."

Before the influx of social connectivity, there was an air of mystique about the game, players, their lives, their thoughts of tournaments and of other tour players (unless a writer was told some juicy off-the-cuff tidbits). Fast forward to our technological society complete with smartphones dangling from almost everyone's pocket and the sky's the limit for many of these players as well as for their fans to see and to comment upon.

In the case of fallen number-one world golfer Tiger Woods. fans got to see Woods' personal debacle unfold ...the clean crispy hero turned into failure before our eyes, thanks, in part, to media and social media.

If not for his public outing, Tiger might have broken all records by now.

The media helped take the untouchable Tiger out of his winning rhythm...but, never fear! The PGA Tour announced on their website that Woods told Nicklaus he would be playing in the Memorial...websites add even more social fodder to the social world.

Tiger to Nicklaus: "See you in May. I'll be at the Memorial." http://t.co/QJr5EqWdw4 pic.twitter.com/Fm6ByJk3Mx
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 23, 2015

For Poulter, Dufner and others, the social connection gives them a chance to vent, helps their sponsors...and advertises to the public where to buy their books, clothing and more, further turning the machine.

Twitter seems to be the avenue of choice for celebrities, pro-sports stars including golfers, PGA Tour and LPGA to connect with audiences because of its quick and easy platform, which is why I have used this avenue in my examples.

Where does it all go from here? We as a people are moving forward and it looks as if social connectivity is here to stay, at least until the next big thing comes along. What is your opinion? Do you follow and interact with your favorite golfers on social media? Do you think we are living in an age of too much information?

Comment on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and at the bottom of this golf blog!


photo: golf.com

What Will It Take to Win The Masters? #golf

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!

photo: Masters.com, linkslifegolf.com

Ready or Not, Here Comes Tiger Woods...Again! #golf

Tiger Woods says he "feels great" and that he is excited to return to competitive golf but are fans expectations too high for the new and improved Eldrick Tont Woods?

With a new swing coach by his side and reports surfacing that he is getting stronger every day, the almost thirty-nine year old Tiger Woods is hitting balls, practicing and readying to take the spotlight once again.


Great for Tiger Woods but will he be able to perform to the level which fans expect at the Hero World Challenge?

Since 2008, the tally of injuries sustained for Woods are broken leg, torn ACL, back problems, not to mention the mental trauma which resulted in heartache and breakup...so the question remains, "Is Tiger Physically and Mentally Ready?"

From Facebook to Twitter to golf bloggers, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the former World Number One Golfer and are cheering him on from the comfort of their laptops.

On Tiger's Facebook Page:
Colin Rennick Way to go Tiger!!! Cant wait to see you back and kicking some butt!!  GO TW GO
Suzanne Acosta Congratulations Tiger. Looking forward to seeing you back in action next week.

Twitter folks are more cynical wondering whether the Thanksgiving incident of five years ago still has an impact on Woods' game, from Golf Channel to your basic, every day fan:

Golf Channel ‏@GolfChannel  Nov 26

Questions still remain for Tiger Woods five years after his Thanksgiving incident: http://bit.ly/1zskIII 

The Huge Heffer ‏@antibishonen  Nov 26

The biggest turkey I always mention in Thanksgiving is Tiger Woods.

'Ho, ho, ho....'

On Emily Kay's SB Nation post we find the inevitable questions, "Have expectations changed?" and "Will Tiger win at all in 2015?

ESPN states that recovery from his back issues has allowed Woods to ramp up his practice sessions on the range and that he is hopeful ...that his game is poised to reap the benefits.

Communication is the key to the development and resurgence of Tiger Woods, as former swing coach, Sean Foley, stated after being recently replaced, "We came to a point where we weren't communicating as well as we needed to anymore and we didn't want to jeopardize our friendship."

The Hero World Challenge is a non-elimination event of eighteen professional golfers which will take place at Isleworth Golf and CC (Tiger's stomping grounds) December 3-7, 2014. Check your local listings.

No matter what happens during the event to Tiger Woods, whether or not he succeeds or fails in his comeback attempt, Golf for Beginners wishes him all the success that he has worked for his entire life.

What do you think? Will Tiger Woods have a successful return? Voice your opinion on this blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Photo Credit: Flicker

Life Lessons Your Kids Can Learn Through #Golf - Guest Blog

We are aware that golf is good for the health and the heart. It helps one to stay fit, improve muscle tone and endurance, and lose weight and body fat, but what make this game even more great are the priceless life lessons it instills in every player, including your little ones.

“Golf is played on an uneven terrain designed to surprise. Good and bad bounces are built into the essence of the game. The reason golf is so much like life is that the game — like life — is all about how you react to those good and bad bounces”. - Thomas Friedman

Teaching kids to play golf can be beneficial in imparting values and helpful lessons about life. The sport instills the value of honesty and integrity at an early age. The game builds on the honor system because the player keeps track of his own strokes and most of the time, the rest of the foursome will keep track of their own progress considering honesty as the best policy.

Water, bunkers and dense vegetation can make for a difficult day of tournament play. These hazards are very much part of the game and cannot be altered in any way. These course conundrums can be a favorable circumstance for ingenious problem solving and personal growth for your kids.

Like any other sport, success in playing golf doesn’t happen overnight. Constant practice teaches your kids discipline and the value of determination. They may have more misses than hits, but with practice and persistence, all efforts will eventually pay off. These values will help kids face tough challenges in life.

Listen to this great Golf for Beginners interview with Hank Haney - Tiger Woods former instructor - as he offers golf tips for beginners to tournament players.

These are just few of the many virtues kids can develop through healthy sport. It would be wise for parents to invest in an activity that their kids would both enjoy and learn good habits.

What makes golf more amazing is that golf can be a wonderful and fun activity for the whole family – dads, moms, kids, gen-y'ers, even senior citizens find it a great way to stay active! It’s a game you can play from the moment you’re able to hold the club until the time your arms could no longer swing. Introducing golf to your kids might be introducing them to the sport of a lifetime.

Kids as young as three (but more likely five to seven years), can already begin formal instruction – even if it’s just hitting balls at a practice range.

You can provide them age-appropriate clubs. A lot of sporting good stores offer cost-effective clubs designed for kids of specific age, height and skill level. You may even get your little girls some special golf clubs with a great range of colors like purple and pink or your little boys some fun and fancy junior golf headcovers. These could be great gifts or rewards for that awesome and perfect first swing.

To inspire kids pursue and excel in this sport, you may also want to take them to events like the U.S. Kids Golf Tournament or Junior World Golf Championships. Tickets to these events may be bought online through the organizers’ website or event ticket brokers with a reliable event ticket broker merchant account.

Spending time for special rounds of golf with family is a great way to devote quality time with them and an avenue to grow, learn, and have fun time together. On top of that, it’s a very amusing and engaging way to stay healthy as a family.

Blair Thomas is a successful entrepreneur who co-founded eMerchantBroker.com, the top high risk credit card processing firm voted by top credit card processors. He has managed several successful agent offices and registered ISO's.  When he isn’t working hard in the payment’s industry you can find him hiking the hills of Los Angeles.  Check him out on Google Plus.

photo credit: http://www.pequesymas.com/

Why Tiger Woods withdrew from the Players Championship in 2011

With Tiger Woods' astonishing withdrawal from The 2011 Players Championship, could Woods' departure from golf be close at hand?

The Twitter world was all abuzz today after Tiger Woods hobbled off the exacting TPC Sawgrass golf course playing a six-over 42 through nine holes. On May 5th Tiger Woods' opted out of the Wells Fargo but, in a Terminator-esque video statement declared , "I'll be ready!" for the 2011 U.S. Open.

Should Woods have decided in advance to pull out of The Players Championship focusing his sights on the Open?

In 2010, Tiger withdrew from the Players Championship before the final nine holes on Sunday declaring a sore neck in spite of a respectable three-round tally of 70, 71, 71. Giving Woods the benefit of the doubt, even with a bum knee Woods managed to win against Rocco Mediate in the final round of the 2008 U.S. Open.

Is Woods deciding to take a hypochondriac approach to golf, bailing out of regular-season events in order to focus on the Majors? The desire to overtake Jack Nicklaus is strong and, with only about a month to the U.S. Open, nursing Tiger Woods' wounds should surely take presedence.

Tiger said he felt pain from the opening shot, “The knee acted up, and then the Achilles’ followed after that, and then the calf started cramping up,” adding "I'm having a hard time walking."

One unfortunate bi-product of his hasty exit from the Players is that it distracts from the Championship. More people will talk about Tiger Woods this weekend than about the great golf to be played.

Although Tiger Woods certainly was in no way ready to play golf at the Players Championship this week, could it be, as @sports_business‎ recently declared on Twitter, "Years from now, we will just look back at this and call it Elin's curse...right?"

Let the Twitter barrage begin!

Voice your opinion on Golf4Beginners on Twitter

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Posted via email from stacysolomon's posterous

Official 2014 Masters #Golf Merchandise GIVEAWAY!

The Masters Week is Here and Golf for Beginners wants you to win incredible Official 2014 Masters Golf Merchandise! 

Swag from The Masters? You bet! Just read below for your chance to enter and WIN!

So many golf fans believe that it isn't spring until The Masters and, although Tiger Woods is not in the mix this year, the combination of azaleas in bloom at Augusta, memories of past wins, the giving of the legendary Green Jacket and all the tradition that goes along with the most exciting first major of the year, makes this golf blogger want to give away Masters Merchandise. Most golf fans will not be attending but that doesn't mean you can't walk away without a souvenir!

Golf for Beginners knows both guys and ladies are going to watch The Masters this week so we have arranged this special giveaway to two lucky readers of our golf blog. 

One lucky male golf fan will win this Official 2014 Masters Caddy Slouch Hat.

One lucky female golf fan will win this sweet, Pink Ladies UNDATED Caddy Slouch hat with The Masters logo.

What do you have to do in order to try and win one of these Officially cool Masters Hats?

Here it comes... it's the Official Giveaway Rules!

This is a Twitter-based giveaway so...

Well, definitely Follow @Golf4Beginners on Twitter and send us a tweet with the hashtag #MastersLadyHat or #MastersMensHat telling us why you want to win it!

Entrants must follow Golf4Beginners on Twitter and updates must include their @username mention to @Golf4Beginners in addition to either #MastersLadyHat or #MastersMensHat to be considered an entry.

One Ladies and one Male Masters Hat will be given away by Golf for Beginners blog. 
Prizes contributed by MMOGolf.com (see below).

One winner of men's hat and one winner of ladies hat - winners will be selected by me, Stacy Solomon, so do try and make nice yet opinionated Masters mentions as I will be reading and responding to all tweets.

Only one entry per person please but feel free to Retweet this great giveaway and tell your friends.

Winners will be announced Monday after The Masters - no, Hootie and the Blowfish will not be playing at the announcement!


Not necessary but the right thing to do - You should also follow MMOGolf on Twitter,  the suppliers of great Masters Merchandise and the site responsible for this giveaway.

Like MMO Golf on Facebook too and check out their other extreme Masters Giveaways- like the FREE Adam Scott Autographed Garden Flag!

#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