Tiger Woods captures virgin FedEx Cup, Team USA clobbers ROW to retain Solheim Cup, sweep uphill chips and how to acheive a winning attitude

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Tiger Woods took home a bevy of accolades yesterday, the culmination of a yearlong effort to embrace the virgin FedEx Cup and confirm his status as Player of the Year.

In addition to a $1.25 million purse from his win at the Tour Championship, Tiger also hoisted a beautiful crystal trophy (which will have to be either repaired or replaced as a part of it was damaged at the ceremony). But, the moment which placed the gleam in Tiger's eyes and a wide, Cheshire-cat grin on his face was when he caressed the still "never-been-kissed" FedEx Cup. The virgin trophy is now in the hands of the golfer who deserves it the most. As Tiger Woods recounted, "I think once you experience it, you want to have it again. It's like winning a major championship. It feels so good, you want to get another one." Enough said!

We discuss the defense of next year's title in this week's show as well as the inability of PGA Tour golfers to keep up with Woods.

Did the knowledge that they were to receive a FedEx Cup bonus of $2 or $3 million dollars in spite of how they played on Sunday curb the charge of Stricker and Mickelson?

Introducing the subject of frustration, Sunday singles matches at the Solheim Cup proved that Team U.S.A. is once again the dominating partnership, even when on foreign soil. From Morgan Pressel's confident thrashing of Annika Sorenstam right down to the final putt of Nicole Castrale which clinched the Cup, the ladies showed spunk and determination. Although European Team Captain Helen Alfredsson tried to put a good spin on the whole affair, I think she felt that being part of a team was the most important part of the experience.

Alfredsson stated, "They're very tough on their own, and we do enjoy a lot of strength when we are a team because we like to be a team. They are a lot more individual, and I don't have the answer to them, but, in a way I'm happy that we are the strongest team because that makes us be very fun."

If fun were one of the prerequisites to winning the Cup, I'm sure Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer would have had a grand old time but I'm also positive the Americans celebrated with the Cup in hand as a group!

As for Team Europe, there isn't much fun and to be had as 100,000 fans come to watch you sweat.

Our golf tips this week feature lessons from both Chuck Evans and David Leadbetter. Evans helps us to develop a winning mindset during a tournament and Leadbetter's instruction on how to sweep uphill chips will save strokes for those of us who play on courses designed for billy goats.

Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

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Will Phil Mickelson's absence from the BMW Championship hand Tiger Woods the FedEx Cup, can the driving range hurt your game and redress at address

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This weekend the news on the PGA Tour wasn't necessarily that Tiger Woods won his fourth BMW Championship, his sixtieth event or even that he is close to overcoming Arnold Palmer's record but, rather, that he has all but locked up his bid for the FedEx Cup. For all of his grumbling in the past few weeks where Woods wanted to see the $10 million purse stacked up in cash at the first tee of the Tour Championship because as Tiger claimed, "I may not be around to collect it", there were no complaints yesterday as it was learned that only three golfers have a real shot at the deferred annuity next week.

The other two hopefuls will be wishing for a miracle this week at the elite thirty player field.

With Woods, Mickelson and Stricker as the only three players to have a real chance to win the FedEx Cup with a long shot stretching out to K.J. Choi and Rory Sabbatini, you have to wonder if the other twenty-five even want to show up knowing there is only about $1 million at stake during this final season tournament. With the outrageous purses growing exorbitantly each year, the only guys that seem to be interested in playing weekly are the golfers on the European Tour and those players with a fear of losing their card at the end of the season. Stricker hasn't seen a hefty payday in 146 tournaments (eleven years since he's won in the U.S.A.) so he's one of the few grinders looking forward to events with such payouts. Rory Sabbatini is just yearning to kick some Tiger butt, but is his trash talk the best part of his game?

On the other hand, not playing in the BMW Championship probably cost Phil Mickelson the FedEx Cup. If Mickelson wins the Tour Championship and Woods places second, Phil will lose the trophy, and the $10 million, by just twenty points! I wonder how that's going to sit with Lefty (and coach Butch Harmon), knowing that he won two of the four events and still came up short!

Perhaps Ernie Els said it best, "We love what the tour has done for us but we just need to get closer to the big decisions, because then we won't get into problems down the line."


Here is what the FedEx Cup boils down to this week:

If Woods wins the Tour Championship, he takes the Cup, the money and the glory of being the first to win this event.

If Mickelson wins this week, he has to hope that Woods doesn't finish in second place or Woods wins by twenty points.

If Stricker wins this week, he would take the FedEx Cup because he already won the Barclays, placing well enough in all four events to clinch the trophy.

K.J. Choi and Rory Sabbatini have an outside chance to win the FedEx Cup if Tiger Woods doesn't finish in the top-fifteen. What's the chance of that happening?


This week Golf for Beginners not only discusses backlash from top PGA Tour players about the FedEx Cup but also gives you some easy golf tips meant to help you both at the driving range and on the course. For example, what should you do if you are standing uncomfortably over the golf ball for what appears to be an inordinate amount of time? And, can any good come out of pounding golf balls at the driving range?

Send 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.

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Florida Golf Travel.

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

Mickelson surpasses Tiger Woods, Michelle Wie proves publicity trumps merit, easy slice fixes and other quick tips

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While watching the Deutsche Bank Championship final round, I had an unsettling feeling that Phil Mickelson was going allow his lead to slip away as soon as Tiger Woods began his ascent. Isn't that his modus operandi when placed in a pressure-cooker situation?

Tiger's pawprints were never felt as his putter let him down and Mickelson remained in control going head-to-head with "the great one" despite his double bogey "miscalculation" at the twelfth hole. With Phil now leading in the FedEx Cup standings, could he snatch the ten million dollar purse from Woods, considered to be the favorite for this cup? Maybe Woods could use a bit of help from Butch Harmon! Surely a secret or two about Phil could help Tigers' cause, or could it?

This week, Golf for Beginners cheered Mickelson to victory. We also discuss (click to listen) the interest the new 2008 HSBC Womens Champions event has in Michelle Wie, offering her an exemption in spite of the fact that all of the women golfers were offered a position based on their top-thirty status. I'll bet that ticks off more than a few of the qualifiers! Michelle has no victories but she does have what the tournament desperately needs; that is, a wealth of publicity. We therefore ask the question, "Does publicity trump merit?"

There are a few factors to consider while making your decision. For example, this event will be held in Singapore where the mention of MW's name is followed by swooning kids and more television cameras than those that cover stateside LPGA events. The event is new and the publicity could help several women's tours with the results trickling past the Duramed Futures Tour and Asian Tours even, one day, as deep as the amateur level.

The winner would also be crowned "Champion of Champions" as in the HSBC Men's event scheduled in November in which Phil Mickelson pledged to attend (more important than next week's BMW Championship?) Wouldn't it be interesting for MW to finally win this crown, putting all doubts of her ability to rest? As Barry likes to point out about Michelle Wie, "you'll see her name at the top of the leaderboard. All you have to do is flip it upside down!"

An invite to Leewood Country Club over the weekend prompted us to offer up a few golf tips from our round. We discuss the dreaded slice (who doesn't have trouble with this problem?) as well as sidehill lies and fixes for when you find the thick rough.


Send 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.

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Golf Canada's WestMyrtle Beach Golf and Florida Golf Travel.

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

Mickelson implodes despite Harmon's instruction, Leadbetter helps create wedge spin and dealing with overly chatty golfers

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Butch Harmon has really helped Phil Mickelson achieve a better golf game. Because of his tutelage, Mickelson has rallied to victory and earned several top ten's on the PGA Tour. Even Lefty's driving accuracy has improved. Well, up until the Scottish Open.

Was it the driver that let Phil down once again or was it the mental pressure of playing head-to-head against little known European Tour pro golfer Havret, the Frenchman who had nothing to lose and everything to gain?

This week we discuss Golf Digest Magazine's ranking of the top fifty instructors and give you a an easy golf tip on the driver from number-one teacher Butch Harmon. Harmon's golf tips have helped Mickelson and they can help you too!

Number-two ranked golf instructor, David Leadbetter, helps us with another important part of the golf game, namely wedge play. We found a simple tip from Leadbetter which can help you put spin on the ball when you need it.

Did you know, Mickelson's average clubhead speed for pitch shots is 87 miles per hour?

Finally we offer possible solutions to an overly chatty golfer who joins your group without ruining your own concentration!


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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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.

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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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.


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' 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.

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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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?


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.

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

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Sorenstam needs Wie for Ginn Tribute, Big Break's Cindy Miller gives slice advice and Q-Link review

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This week, Golf for Beginners discusses the Ginn Tribute hosted by Annika Sorenstam. Although Michelle Wie has accepted a sponsor's exemption at the end of May, we wonder if Annika Sorenstam's back injury" will prevent her from playing in her own event. Will Michelle Wie's wrist be mended one-hundred percent in time to compete? And, could Sorenstam be depending on Michelle Wie's fame to contribute heavily to the gate? This might be a good time for Annika to shift focus onto her many other projects, allowing the younger ladies to take the reign's over at the LPGA.

Lorena Ochoa and Julieta Granada tied for second place at the Corona Championship (held this past weekend) and continually gain ground in the rankings, honing their skills, waiting patiently for Michelle to emerge from her self-inflicted cocoon. Can Michelle Wie finally prove herself to the many people who believe her to be just a "flash in the pan"? The latest Rolex Rankings place Wie in the twentieth position but she's going to have quite a struggle as she pushes past these women who have been playing regularly on the LPGA Tour.

We also review the Q-Link bracelet. I have been wearing the Q-Link for over a month now, hoping that the claims of both heightened energy and increased focus would work for me. Lorena Ochoa and Charles Howell III are just two of the many tour players who are confident that this technology has assisted them in times of stress and distraction.

Ochoa stated, "Since I started using my Q-Link, I have won three times and I feel calmer in tough situations. It really makes a difference under pressure."

Are these just endorsements or does this bracelet really work? Listen to this week's broadcast and I'll give you my findings.

One of this week's golf tips comes from Cindy Miller. Miller was a contestant on both Big Break III:Ladies Only and again, albeit briefly, on the Reunion show. Her simple tip will help those of you who slice. Try this one at the practice range!

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.

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Pioneer Golf and Florida Golf Travel.

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