Do you have to be great to get the Big Break? The big snub from the Big Wiesy, the 50-yard sand shot, Shaft Skinz review

Click here to listen.

For the average golfer who dreams of one day getting a big break and playing on tour, consider the "fantasy tour" instead unless you come equipped with a low handicap, solid-looking swing and a glowing camera presence.

The golfers from season-one of the Big Break (2003) were chosen by open audition with the main prerequisities being "scratch" handicap and demonstrative proficiency with various types of shots. Personality, of course, also had to be "engaging" to the viewer as Jay Kossoff, Senior Producer of the Golf Channel, once said, "positively or negatively".

Eleven seasons later, the Big Break: Prince Edward Island premieres with a similar premise but, according to the Golf Channel Big Break forum, BB Moose states that now you have to be "very good, be yourself and be able to execute at an audition". Add to the mix a great look and the group of possible auditioners just got smaller. How many golfers really have that "Survivor" look?

Out of the thousands that apply, only two handfuls get the go-ahead. BB Moose's advice to get a shot at the Big Break? "Apply and hope!"

From a former Marine who once played a match with Tiger Woods to competitive Irish dancer Brenda McLarnon who claims, "people will probably hate me, but that’s their problem," (shades of Danielle Aimee?) the entertainment value is going to have to match the $100,000 prize that is being dangled in front of the contestants. Get ready for the "wow" factor and "do not try this at home" stunts beginning tonight (April 20th, 9pm EST) on the Golf Channel.

We also discuss yet another faux pas by Michelle Wie, this time on the KLPGA Tour where she decided to practice instead of play in the pro-am, because she couldn't use her own caddy.

With Wiesy's downward spiral in her quality of play and the nonchalant way she's been treating her sponsors, e.g. KLPGA, Michelle may find herself auditioning for the next Big Break!

The fifty-yards between the sand and the green can be one of the most daunting shots in golf. We offer up our opinion on how to get the ball to the hole without using your wedge and review Shaft Skinz, a decorative and protective heat-shrink cover for your shafts.

Can Blair O'Neal help capture your interest on Big Break XI: Prince Edward Island?

Tweet this blog… Your followers will thank you!

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. Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!

Get to know us on You Tube and MySpace and TWEET US on Twitter!

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

This podcast is supported by OrlandoGolf.com, 866-443-8566.

Wie versus Sorenstam: which brand would you buy? Extreme golf experiences, Rich Beem's sand-trap easy out and old vs new golf balls

Click here to listen.

Branding a product is supposed to personify the qualities inherent in the celebrity whose name is on the package. Tiger Woods' name, for example, has been chosen not only because he is a champion but because he is credible, likeable and probably the most visible person on the planet. Woods basically embodies all of the most sincere qualities of golf while, at the same time, adding a youthful "hip-ness" to any product he endorses.

Annika Sorenstam, although presently retired from golf and expecting a child, has decided to remain in the public eye by 'capturing her essence' in products from wine to perfume, all prominently displaying the moniker "Annika". "The scent will particularly appeal to golf enthusiasts, career-minded professionals and active, fashion-forward women," mentioned a press release. "Like Annika, the fragrance will be casually elegant and unpretentious."

Sorenstam will be celebrated this week by the Golf Channel, which will include highlights of her illustrious career.

Michelle Wie is now interested in branding herself as opposed to her early career in which Sony, Nike and Omega took advantage of her celebrity in order to advertise their products. These contracts are ending soon and the way Wie's LPGA career has been wavering, those winnings may not be enough to sustain her!

If Michelle becomes her own brand, would you be comfortable buying a product endorsed by her even if she's never been a champion within her own sport?

Popularity seems to be winning out over achievement. Name and face recognition may be all that Michelle Wie needs to succeed. As long as magazines like "Time" consider her to be a person who "shapes the world" her "brand" will be triumphant.




Golf for Beginners also discusses extreme golf travel experiences throughout the world, ranging from a $1 million dollar golf hole off of a mountaintop in South Africa where the only way to get to the teebox is by helicopter to a crocodile-guarded water-hazard in which you can play it safe or take your chances. Which would you do?

We also include a sand trap visualization tip from Callaway Golf staff professional Rich Beem and a few thoughts on why picking up that golf ball you find in the woods may not be such a great idea!

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. Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!


Get to know us on You Tube and MySpace and TWEET US on Twitter!

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

This podcast is supported by MyrtleBeachGolf.com, 866-409-2177.

Photo Credit: The Scented Salamander, Theworsthorse.com


Credit: YourGolfTravel.com

Tiger Woods moving on up, Greg Norman selling out. Also, how to get out of hardpan sand and putting tips

Click here to listen.


The world's most affluent zip code has been getting a workout as of late. Tiger Woods is flattening existing edifices on his estate, replacing the original mansion and assorted other buildings, with updated but "quite modest" appointments.

Approved plans include a 10,000 square foot dream house, a guard house, small golf course, pool and other amenities necessary to the enjoyment of the world's richest PGA Tour golfer and family. Famous neighbor Celine Dion won't be angry with the constant commotion as she began building her new digs earlier this year.

Not to be outdone by Tiger Woods, Greg Norman is seeking $65 million for his home on Jupiter Island after a messy break-up to his estranged wife. Originally purchased for $5 million sixteen years ago, the Shark is looking to make a real estate killing. Always the saavy businessman, Norman realizes that the elite will pay BIG to live near the greatest golfer on the planet (Jupiter?).

The rich just keep getting richer. But just how much is too much?

The cold weather has not put a damper on our golf activity but we must remember the importance of playing smarter and considering every shot. For example, Barry found himself in a sand trap that had frozen over. Golf for Beginners discusses the correct way to exit this trap the very first time. We also talk about an easy way to visualize your putting line.

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 Arizona Golf Packages and Florida Golf Travel.

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