Tiger Woods cancels Barclays claiming fatigue, Michelle Wie wilts, easy tips from Sorenstam and Adam Scott

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Tiger Woods claims that he is physically and mentally drained after winning both the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship. The world's number one golfer announced on his website that his body is "spent" and needs time to recuperate.

With good intentions, Woods stated recently that his plan was to show for all four FedEx Cup playoff events but, with little notice, withdrew just prior to the first playoff. I personally don't think it's fair to either the PGA Tour, the sponsors of the event who announced (with regularity) that Tiger is coming to Westchester CC and certainly not to the New York area fans who probably got their tickets weeks ago in anticipation of seeing TW at the Barclays. But it appears that Tiger beats to his own drum now and seeks out tournaments which benefits his sponsors and charities.

Is this fair or should Woods be held to a more strict schedule for this FedEx Cup that he originally touted as such a great idea? He was "given" his own tournament in Washington D.C. this year by Tim Finchem (the Congressional) which seems to have taken the place of the now defunct International; should it now be payback time for Woods?

Not a chance, but Tiger is scheduled to play in the second leg of the FedEx Cup at the Deutsche Bank Championship which also happens to support the Tiger Woods Learning Center. Both the third and fourth playoffs are currently not listed on his schedule.

Another golfer who appears to have "wilted" under tournament pressure is Michelle Wie.

Unfortunately, Wie is fast becoming just another name in a large crowd of golfers catalogued under the "missed cut" section of the leaderboard, this week at the Canadian Women's Open. At least her caddies seem to be improving their status over time as former bag carrier Greg Johnson now loops for Ginn Open champ Brittany Lincicome and David Clark left before this event to carry the bag for PGA Tour's Greg Owen. Of course, with a current standing of 156th, did Clark really make that good of a decision or did he do it just to get away from Team Wie?

For example, does Bo Wie really need to place practice balls on the tee for Michelle? Can't seventeen-year-old Wiesy just bend down and place them there herself?

This week on Golf for Beginners, in addition to the latest about Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie, we also include easy golf tips from Annika Sorenstam and Adam Scott. A flagstick ruling also comes into question.

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Michelle Wie plunges below top fifty(?), Tiger Woods helps Annika Sorenstam at British Open and putting tips from Leadbetter, Toski and Reinmuth

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Never trash talk against Tiger Woods! And don't ever believe that Woods forgets what he hears, as Rory Sabbatini found out the hard way during yesterday's final round at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. As Tiger stated he "let his clubs do the talking" and easily defeated the rest of the field as Sabbatini ate his words that Woods was "as beatable as ever".

Annika Sorenstam did not let her tiger out of the tank at the Ricoh Women's British Open even with the assistance of Woods' yardage book in her back pocket. Instead, Lorena Ochoa made easy work of the rest of the ladies in the field, going wire-to-wire and proving she is the best female golfer in the world.

Michelle Wie wasn't even a consideration during the event as she missed the cut. David Leadbetter believed that it was too soon for Wie to compete and felt that she may be compensating, "pushing the envelope a bit", instead of what he considers to be a four-step plan to a full recovery. Michelle Wie optimistically spoke of her terrific driving ability, noting that her putter and approach shots were off the mark. But, as we all know, you drive for show and putt for dough.

So where does Wie stand now? Has she fallen below the top-fifty on the Rolex Rankings? And, why are bloggers everywhere still buzzing about the mystique of Michelle instead of the achievements of Lorena Ochoa?

This week, we discuss strategies for long putting as offered up by David Leadbetter. In keeping with the British Open theme, we also discuss a video golf putting tip from Dean Reinmuth viewed on WorldGolf.com Tee Vision.

Finally we look at where the swing actually begins and how to make solid contact as viewed by Bob Toski.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

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This podcast is supported by St. Andrews Golf Tours and Florida Golf Travel.

This podcast is supported by New Roc Harley Davidson, your worldwide parts and accessories distributor. Great rides start here!

Check out this cool video on Barry's new 2007 Harley Davidson Road King!

Wie flops again: new excuses needed for British Open, links golf tips and correct grip pressure

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A lower back injury two months ago forced Natalie Gulbis to reassess her golf swing. She had to take a month off and change her posture to compensate for the strain. Michelle Wie's wrist accident has forced her into a rehabilitative state which has, unfortunately, cost her more than a few cuts at inopportune times. This trauma has also changed the public's perception of the girl once considered to be the LPGA's answer to Tiger Woods.

Natalie Gulbis stepped up and was ressurrected at the Evian Masters this weekend, becoming a first-time Rolex winner. Michelle Wie is still struggling to compete aptly although finally making a cut after a year's worth of trials and tribulations. Two injuries with two separate and distinct outcomes. One golfer became a winner due to her injury, the other becomes more frustrated over time.

This week Golf for Beginners discusses Michelle Wie's uneasy level of comfort. How can she play well for two days with an injured wrist and then falter during the final two days? We don't believe her problems are totally related to her injury anymore but rather becoming a psychological issue, the battle to win rather than just compete.

Next stop for the LPGA (and Michelle Wie) is St. Andrews G.C. for the Ricoh Women's British Open. The Old Course is considered by some to be the "home of golf" and a links-style course, completely different than the parklike grounds of the Evian Masters Golf Club in France. This challenge will certainly prove the mettle of all the women on tour.

As Tiger Woods has stated before, "To win at St. Andrews is the ultimate."

We also give you a golf tip on how to keep your grip comfortable on the club during a trying round of golf. Grip is probably the one aspect of "G.A.S.P" that can save, or ruin, a round of golf!

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Think like a professional golfer, 14 putters in your bag and tips for escaping the rough

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The rough can be very rough! That's not just a play on words either! Just ask professional golfers at a tournament like the U.S. Open and they will probably just shake their heads while remembering a shot that buried deep into the thick stuff and the feeble attempts made at dislodging that ball in a single stroke.

This week Golf for Beginners gives tips for saving strokes from the rough with the help of a 2003 Golf Magazine and golf instructor Mike Lopuszynski.

We also discuss using different golf clubs in lieu of your putter. Remember, you have fourteen clubs in your bag, each with varying amounts of loft. We'll help you decide which iron (or wood) is better for situations you may encounter. Try being creative!

Finally, do you think like a professional golfer or are you stuck with an amateur outlook? Dr. Richard Coop's advice will have you thinking about your target and not sweating over that little white ball in front of you.


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Woods and Mickelson's coaches give golf tips on the fat shot, Leadbetter on putting and Bobby Jones wisdom

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Butch Harmon and Hank Haney's heavyweight contenders for the first ever FedEx Cup failed to produce results at this year's U.S. Open and hoist the coveted trophy. Woods came so close yet could not seize any opportunities and Mickelson was eaten up and spit out alive, never even witnessing the fast, tricky greens of weekend competition.

Some Phil fans might be disappointed over Lefty's whining commentary after 2nd round action but, in retrospect, there were plenty of golfers at Oakmont this weekend who were tossing their sticks around in disgust. Abyssmal etiquette abounded!

As for Tiger Woods, the U.S. Open seemed almost like a repeat of this year's Masters tournament, with Woods playing golf in the final group and taking it on the chin from relative unknown Zach Johnson.

The only player under par in the final round, Angel Cabrera, showed mettle and fortitude and should be heartily congratulated for standing up to Goliath!

This week Golf for Beginners compares the teaching methods of both Harmon and Haney in relation to hitting the ball fat and discuss a great practice drill we found in Golf Digest Magazine.

The best putting drill I recently rediscovered came from our visit to Turning Stone Resort and Spa. We compare it to a golf tip from David Leadbetter in another segment of our broadcast.

Finally, we take a quote from the great Bobby Jones who won four U.S. Open Championships. Who can teach us the true spirit of golf better than this worthwhile competitor?
Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

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U.S. Open pressure, Butch Harmon's nerve-busters, Ogilvy's concerns and is this Mickelson's year?

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U.S. Open week is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year for both professional golfers and fans alike. Where the Masters is like a "spring fever" wake-up call to all golfers, this second major of the season has the PGA Tour pros in fine form, ready to take on all competitors as well as a golf course which proves to be a real "tester".

Geoff Ogilvy related a bit of his concern for both the greens and longer holes at Oakmont in a recent pre-tournament interview. Last year's winner talked in particular about both the six hundred yard par-fives as well as the long par-three eighth hole. The interview sparked interest in a discussion on how the amateur should tackle the longer par-three's through practical course management. It's not all about bombing the long drive, you know!

The pressure will be on all of the great players this week so we also relate a few golf tips from Butch Harmon on "how not to choke". We found these nerve-busting thoughts in the pages of a Golf Digest Magazine. Hopefully Harmon has been offering up drills to Phil Mickelson on this subject so we don't see a repeat at this year's U.S. Open. Let's also hope that Phil doesn't use his sore wrist as an excuse if he doesn't make the grade. That just wouldn't be right!

Finally, Barry and I give you our U.S. Open picks. Naturally, being a huge Lefty fan, I'm rooting for Mickelson once again. Listen in to hear Barry's selection and how we came upon our decisions.


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Tiger Woods' golf tips for side-hill lies, stay one-up by beating the heat and a few thoughts from Sam Snead

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This past week, Barry and I were guests at the Canyon Club, a private golf club located in Armonk, New York. The course was both well manicured and picturesque. My main problems stemmed from the side-hill lies. Barry took issue with the undulations on the green. Tiger Woods, being one of the most creative golfers on the PGA Tour, helps us alleviate problems with the ball being both above, and below your feet on this week's Golf for Beginners broadcast.

Although we utilized a cart during our round (you had to be a billy goat if you wanted to walk the golf course) it was still a hot and sunny day. No relief was in sight even though the breeze was comforting while driving. We give you a few tips to make the summer heat more bearable.

Finally, we offer up a few thought-provoking quotes from the great Sam Snead.

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Palmer tells us why Tiger Woods beats Mickelson, a golf tip for kids and more!

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Arnold Palmer believes that Tiger Woods is "every bit as aggressive as Phil (Mickelson)" in the June issue of Golf Digest Magazine. There is one difference, however, which gives Tiger the edge. Find out on this week's episode of Golf for Beginners.

In the same interview, Palmer gives us a simple putting tip which Barry questions in certain circumstances. When should you give yourself the option of playing it safe and when should you make sure you drain the golf ball in one shot?

We also discuss the proper form for hitting out from under a tree, commonly known as the "low shot". Practice this shot and you'll get out of trouble and back into the fairway in fewer strokes.

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

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Tiger Woods' escape from deep rough, Zagat Golf Course Guide and Stan Utley's chipping drill

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Tiger Woods may not have had a stellar performance at the Players Championship (his putting let him down once again), but at least he came away with a smile on his face on Sunday after redeeming himself with a five-under-par 67.

Although Tiger might have difficulty putting, rest assured that Woods is one of the best putters around. He is also terrific out of deep rough. We give you a Tiger tip to assist you when the rough is as deep as it was at Winged Foot during the 2006 U.S. Open.

Also on Golf for Beginners, Barry and I look at the new Zagat guide:America's Top Golf Courses. With input from over 6,000 golfers (most were men) and a rating system similar to their popular nightlife and restaurant guides, this Zagat Guide is an interesting addition to their lineup.

Stan Utley is a professional advisor to Golf Digest. In this month's magazine he gives us a very easy-to-learn chipping drill. We pass it along to you.

Finally, congratulations to Phil Mickelson! Lefty is now second only to Tiger Woods in FedEx Cup points. The race for PGA Tour dominance is on!

With Butch Harmon on his team, is Mickelson now feeling confident enough to take on Tiger Woods head-to-head?


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PGA Tour discovers Turning Stone, a great New York weekend getaway plus putting drills and driving range tips

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"Turning Stone leaves no stone unturned!"

That's Barry's quote, plain and simple, after we accompanied a group of golf travel writers to Turning Stone Lodge. Our mission? To let our listeners in on the buzz accompanying this multidimensional casino/resort. The PGA Tour has chosen Atunyote golf course at Turning Stone for the start of its 2007 fall series.

From beginning to end our weekend at the Lodge at Turning Stone offered us the opportunity to relax, unwind and forget about our day-to-day routine.

We boarded the Turning Stone motorcoach in Manhattan. This coach is hired for corporate conferences and "team building". Our "team" got to know one another here and we were offered massages, food, gaming table and all of the amenities necessary to comfortably carry about twenty people the four hour drive to Verona, New York.

Once there we received our itinerary which included a tour of the premises and several opportunities to sample the gastronomic wonders created by Chef Daniel Graban. Our supper at Wildflowers and lunch at Rodizio were memorable events. Wildflowers offered creative cuisine, right down to the "donut soup" at the end of our meal. Rodizio is a Brazilian steakhouse where roasted meats are served tableside. This restaurant is a meat-lovers paradise!

I decided to try my first ever spa treatment at the highly touted Skana Spa. "Lavender Dreams" will not disappoint spa afficionados although there are a wealth of treatments available. You will want to relax here all day (especially if the weather doesn't agree with your golf plans), either lazing by one of the several fireplaces sipping herbal tea or taking a dip in the mineral pool.

But for golf lovers, it's all about the courses, right? Although Atunyote was off-limits, being groomed for its debut on the PGA Tour, Barry played Shenendoah GC, one of three eighteen hole courses operated by the Oneida Nation and rated by Golf Magazine as one of the "Top 100 Courses You Can Play". I decided to take a lesson with PGA Professional Steve Campanaro. His putting drills and golf tips for the driving range were easy to understand so we discuss them in this week's Golf for Beginners podcast.

The golf dome is great for short game practice. Turning Stone is now building a tennis dome connected to the golf dome by a clubhouse for times of inclement weather.

Although there is also a main casino hotel, in my opinion the place to stay is at the Lodge. Be sure to inquire about a fireplace and plasma screen television in your suite as these items add to the ambience of your stay. The robes and slippers in the room as well as the spa bathroom are also a nice, upscale touch.

The main resort is elegant and has a more cosmopolitan feel, making you wonder if you are staying at Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun rather than the adirondack feel of the Lodge. The smell of cigarette smoke emanating from the Casino into the main lobby made me feel as if my healthy spa experience had come to a shrieking halt.

Video slots instead of the "one-armed bandits" and a special card that must be constantly refilled when the money runs out are both positive and negative experiences. We're not big gamblers anyway but I found that I didn't invest as much as I normally do when I travel to Atlantic City.

This is a BYOB establishment but we were told that there are shops that will deliver liquor to your room.

Turning Stone is a luxurious, upscale and restorative resort for a long weekend jaunt. There is plenty to do if you're seeking action and adventure but also gets the "thumbs up" when you're looking to unwind and alleviate stress from the week.


Check out other great New York Hotels.

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Podcast: Mickelson hires Butch Harmon, 4-in-One Golf Club System review and tempo/balance

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Butch Harmon, a top golf teaching professional and Phil Mickelson's new swing coach, helps us (and our listeners) with the short game this week. Although it is reported that Mickelson hired Harmon to help him with his erratic driver after an unimpressive Masters, I'm betting that Lefty will also receive help with his wedges.

We have discussed pre-season exercise routines to get you stretched and ready for the spring season. We have talked about the mental game and how slowing down your breathing and allowing your heart to guide your head can lower your scores. This week, in honor of our first twilight golf game together, we relate the importance of tempo and balance.

The 4-in-One Golf Club System is reviewed this week, an interesting choice for golfers who travel but don't seem to find the time to practice their short game. Now there is no excuse!

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Golf Podcast: Davis Love III needs more Suunto G6 practice, country club golf versus publinks and you've got to have heart!

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Davis Love III is winless so far this year, but still has two top ten's to his credit. Still, could the former five-time winner of the Verizon Heritage use a bit more time on the driving range with his Suunto G6 "Wristop Launch Monitor"?

Love, a spokesman for the Suunto G6, claims this training aid, "quantifies the feeling of a good swing."

Our review of the Suunto G6 confirms Davis' statement although being "tech saavy" helps as it is confusing in both it's initial setup and while reading the manual. Suunto G6 functionality improves as it's used: press it's buttons and learn as you go. We found this golf swing training aid to be a perfect fit for use on the driving range, teaching consistent rhythm and tempo from takeaway through impact so that you can improve your consistency with every session. The "test" feature really interested Barry and he's waiting impatiently to get out and play golf so that he can put the "Game" function to more practical use, downloading the information from the "watch" to the available computer software.

We also talk about the function of the heart in relation to the mental game after reading an article in Golf Digest Magazine. Heart versus head? For the tinman in the Wizard of Oz it was an easy decision!

A listener's email about joining a country club prompts us to discuss the benefits, and deterrents, of joining the "elite" on manicured greens and sumptuous fairways. Could this "Life of Reilly" be calling you too?

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

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Former Masters Champion Tiger Woods gives driving lessons, stay warm with Ultimittens and imagine your way to a better game

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Tiger Woods anticipated winning this year's Masters Tournament but didn't bring along his "A-Game", nor did he look relaxed and confident, thus leaving the door open for young Zach Johnson. In this week's episode we talk about Tiger's astonishing ability to drive the ball, his terrific swing as shown in this month's Golf Digest Magazine and his uncanny determination to always be in the hunt on Sunday.

At the same time Barry and I received the Clicgear push cart, we also got Ultimittens, a great gift for the cold weather golfer. Innovative and inexpensive, these Ultimittens provide much needed hand protection for golfers crazy enough to brave the elements year-round.

Finally, in honor of Bobby Jones and the Masters Tournament, we discuss the mental game and how to imagine yourself making more birdies!

Too bad for Phil Mickelson at the Masters but what was even more unfortunate was the way Phil was "shanghaied" after his round to answer a question about if his game this week was affected by his collapse at Winged Foot! It took all of his strength but Mickelson remained calm and composed, answering with aplomb. Good for you Phil!


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Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

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Will Mickelson assist Woods with Masters jacket? Clicgear push cart review and great golf tips are also featured

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Face it, we all want to see a Tiger Woods - Phil Mickelson duel at this year's Masters Tournament. Even Arnold Palmer declared, "It helps the game to have that kind of rivalry. The more we can talk about Phil and his golf and the challenge to Tiger the better."

Barry and I give you our predictions and discuss how the amateur golfer can learn from the "masters" at this year's major.

We also review the exceptional Clicgear three-wheel push cart, winner of Best New Product at the 2007 PGA Merchandise Show.

Ultra-compact with great features, the Clicgear Push Cart has easily replaced our Bag Boy EZ Fold 12 in the trunk of our car.

Finally, we assist a golfer whose angle of attack is too steep. Help flatten your swing with this week's golf tip!

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

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Podcast: Is Groundhog Day un-American, a golf tip from Caddyshack and improve ball striking for a couple of pennies

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Barry's constant lecturing during driving range practice prompts this week's discussion on solid ball contact. He's right because hearing the "click" each time you strike the ball is the surest way of achieving proper distance control.

With the help of Golf Magazine we relate a great golf tip that should have you hitting your irons center-cut so when spring arrives, you're ball flight will be consistent and true.

Also, while cleaning out our golf bags, Barry and I chat about one way of acquiring proper aim while putting.

Our wedding anniversary falls yearly on Groundhog Day (it's our fifteenth). Kind of funny that the decision-maker as to whether spring is near is a relative of the rodent family. This year Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring...only four more weeks of winter. Nope, he didn't see his shadow.



Being a native of the Bronx, how would I ever know the difference between the two critters? I looked it up and found that not only are groundhogs larger than gophers but also hibernate and are good swimmers.

But is Groundhog Day un-American? Did this country really come up with such a foolish tradition? Find out this week on Golf for Beginners and get a great golf tip from the movie Caddyshack.

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

You can also download our previous Golf for Beginners episodes by clicking here.

"Off to Osaka" and "Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

Podcast: Tiger Woods takes the wheel at the Buick, Mickelson's legacy in jeopardy, G-Clip 4-in-1 mini review, golf tip from "The Greatest Game Ever Pl

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There's much to offer our listeners in this week's episode of Golf for Beginners, from discussion involving the ever-astonishing Tiger Woods right down to knee-surgery, which is becoming more routine.

Barry can now say that he has something in common with Tiger Woods, namely a repaired left knee. We explain how arthroscopic surgery (Barry had a partial "Meniscectomy"), although becoming more mainstream, is not as easy to recover from as doctors may claim.

We also review the G-Clip 4-in-1 mini golf tool, an innovative product from Fine Tune golf. It's versatility on the course should make golfers more excited about fixing ball marks on the green as well as being "at the ready" to dispense a tee if ever a playing partner should be searching for one.

One of our quick golf tips comes from Fine Tune Golf packed away with their compact golf tool. "How to repair a pitch mark on the green" is rarely done correctly so we offer up this suggestion hoping that our listeners will repair not only the one they created but another one as well.

Some movies are loaded with great golf tips as in the case of "The Greatest Game Ever Played". After watching this film the other night, Barry and I relate a putting tip that would not only help us but also Tiger Woods after missing some short putts at this week's Buick Invitational.

Aside from the miscue on some of his short putts, Tiger walked away with his seventh straight win, the second longest win streak (Byron Nelson comes in first with 11) in PGA Tour history, number 55 on the win-meter and his fifth Buick Invitational trophy. Not bad for being "a little rusty".

The Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson rivalry created by the media is our focus on this week's "How we see it". We respond to an article written by Cameron Morfit which wonders if Phil Mickelson must beat Tiger Woods head-to-head in order to secure his place in history.

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

You can also download our previous Golf for Beginners episodes by clicking here.

Golf for Beginners Podcast: Woods put a Tiger in his bag and so can you. Also, how to keep fit during golf's off-season

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What sets professional golfers like Tiger Woods apart from amateurs like us? Okay, so our swing speed hasn't been measured at 125 m.p.h. but it's not all in the physical aspects of our golf game. Amateurs sometimes fall into a comfort zone, expecting no more than what they know they can achieve as opposed to setting goals which can improve skills and change habits ingrained through improper practice.

Where the mental game is extremely important to a golfer's success, don't forget the physical aspect of the game either! It's easy to sit around and watch the New York Jets struggle for Super Bowl supremacy but it takes effort to get off your duff and exercise!

Improve your chipping with Umbrella Plus or start hitting your impact bag!

Barry and I discuss the importance of keeping limber during golf's off-season and how remaining physically charged can ready you for your first swing in the spring.

What better time to discuss setting both physical and mental goals to achieve a more consistent score than on New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year to all of our readers and listeners!

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

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You can also download our previous Golf for Beginners episodes by clicking here.