How to Choke like Anthony Kim. Tiger Woods, Natalie Gulbis in the news and you can lose but you're not a loser

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Since Anthony Kim is now being heralded as one of the rising young stars of the PGA Tour (and this weekend with a third place finish at the Korea Open), it seems befitting that we spend some time examining the reasons behind his choked down golf grip. The obvious intent is to improve upon basic contact but it's also a way to establish better control over all of your shots.

Kim's grip even caught the eye of announcer Johnny Miller who made this assessment. "If you grip down, you don't get the club stuck behind you. Your body can move much faster." Miller went on to say, "It's probably something that could help Tiger, who tends to have that problem. But if you don't have that kind of arm and body speed, you're not going to hit it so far gripping down like that."

Whereas some golfers prefer to use this grip at all times and sacrifice a bit of distance, Butch Harmon, for example, mentions that it would behoove most amateurs to follow suit with all golf shots from 130 yards and in!

Even though you might feel your shots are going to be shorter, crisp contact between the golf club and the ball will often nullify the effects of a shorter shot. Just remember to never change the tempo of your swing but, instead, follow this "choke-chart" to determine how to best utilize this golf tip, taking it to the range before using it on the golf course!

This week, Golf for Beginners podcast discusses the benefit of the choke shot and how you can get the most out of it. We also talk about my participation in the Paper Cup, an EWGA annual best-ball team match play event. While Paula Creamer was busy making waves at the Samsung Tournament, I was struggling with my partner to strategize, losing our match with four holes to play! Not very good golf for either of us!

Although the event coordinator purchased "winner" and "loser" shirts, I questioned the idea between being a "loser" and losing a match. Naturally, I refused to wear the shirt.

Finally, we dig deep into the internet and find some interesting news on both Tiger Woods and Natalie Gulbis.


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


Photo Credit: © Streeter Lecka/Getty Images .

Miller sends Tiger Woods a "Dear John" letter. Aging Mickelson falls prey to Villegas, Kim. Nicklaus hits it big with Performance 18

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Golf Analyst Johnny Miller maintains that Tiger Woods was not missed at either the Tour Championship or the Ryder Cup. He has even gone so far as to blame Woods for Team USA's problematic history. I can understand Miller's Ryder Cup theory as Tiger Woods has rarely been known to be a team player but, taking his idea a step further, would the PGA Tour be better off with, or without Woods?

It's true that some of Miller's off-the-cuff commentary can be a bit absurd (Mediate "looks like the guy who cleans Tiger’s swimming pool, for example") but after watching up-and-coming flamboyant and charismatic young guns Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas excite the crowd time and time again, some of Miller's musings are believable.

I disagree, however, that age played a factor with Mickelson, ever the punching bag, who was beaten over the head for being thirty-eight years old. Age is not the reason why Phil could not make putts, and I'm sure that V.J. Singh would concur with that fact.

Johnny Miller, whose ramblings are worthy of note (that's why he's a commentator), should aspire to change the FedEx Cup points distribution system. Under the close circumstances in which both Singh and Villegas came to their eventual respective positions, perhaps a play-off would have been in order to create that end-of-season fervor that the PGA Tour, and the fans, are desperately looking for?

In addition to our commentary about the Tour Championship and both Mickelson and Garcia's inability to win in the face of challenge, we also offer our experiences while wearing Jack Nicklaus Performance 18 apparel at Turning Stone Resort. Performance 18 offers Coolplus® technology, UV protection, is fashionable and lightweight and had me feeling so stylish and comfortable that I felt as if I was on the LPGA Tour!

A golf tip on how to hit a 460cc driver is also featured. With clubheads as large as garbage cans, it shouldn't be that difficult, should it?


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This podcast is supported by Premier Golf, 888-439-1831.

Photo Credit: © Outside the Beltway.

Turning Stone invites you to be their next champion. Steve Flesch tells us how to count your way to perfect rhythm

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The drive up to Turning Stone Resort and Casino in upstate New York was definitely part of the adventure during our only weekend away this summer. There were farms and cows everywhere and both Barry and I felt the history of the area as we passed through the bucolic countryside.

Who would have ever imagined such beauty existed outside of the confines of the City? But, once I heard that Turning Stone Resort is one of the top-five tourist destinations in the entire State, I could understand why!

The Oneida Indian Nation opened Turning Stone in 1993 and has been awarded numerous accolades including a AAA Four Diamond rating as well as a Condé Nast Johansens 2007 Award For Excellence in the “Most Excellent Resort” category. One of only four resorts in America have been nominated for that award!

The golf courses are challenging and immaculately maintained. Although we wouldn't suggest Kaluhyat as the first course you play during your stay because of its level of difficulty, there are several options available like the par-three, Rick Smith designed Sandstone Hollow which will fine-tune your game for Shenendoah and Atunyote.

During our stay we met Steve Flesch, last year's winner of the upcoming Turning Stone Resort Championship. Although he was prepared to stand at the dreaded par-three eleventh hole at Atunyote and hit our shot for us, it rained and we were given a clinic instead (I wonder if I could have gotten my shot closer to the hole?). I even whacked a few golf balls for Flesch and he gave me his honest opinion on my golf swing, which you can hear on our broadcast!



Turning Stone Resort and Casino should be savored like a fine wine. The restaurants range from quick eats to fine dining and each dish is carefully and lovingly prepared. Although I didn't visit Skana Spa on this visit, I can still smell the Lavender (you'll know what I mean after one treatment). We also made our small donation to the Casino...you can't win them all!

The area is rich in history and, if we had more time there I would have loved to explore or even signed us up for a romantic balloon ride!

Turning Stone Resort offers the "Be Our Next Champion" package as well as an inexpensive stayover to watch the Turning Stone Resort Championship, October 2-5. With one of the biggest purses after Fed Ex Cup mayhem, this will surely be a tournament to watch!

Reach Turning Stone Resort and Casino on the web or call: 800.771.7711.


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Jim Furyk may not sweat the Ryder Cup thanks to his new fashion line

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I met up with Jim Furyk at a photo shoot for the launch of the golf clothing collection from New York clothier Hawke and Co., and received an education on the differences between cotton and moisture-wicking polyester. I also learned how this upscale company's products distinguish themselves from typical "off the rack" golf apparel right down to the subleties of the hawk symbolically stitched into every shirt and the recurrent colors of brown and orange which help golfers distinguish this clothing from the average lineup.

Furyk, who recently signed a long term sponsorship deal with the contemporary outerwear and sportswear maker, gave me his preferences on the performance-oriented collection.

Heat exhaustion before Hawke and Co.?

We also had a chance to talk about the upcoming Ryder Cup as well as whom Furyk would choose as his compadres if he was captain instead of Azinger. Tiger Woods came up in conversation as Azinger mentioned early on that Team USA were considered "underdogs" without the world's number-one in the mix. Considering the Americans have lost the past three Ryder Cup competitions, Tiger Woods' absence just might spur on a sense of unity among the beleaguered Americans.

Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia's names were also tossed around because of their stellar performance at the 2004 Ryder Cup where between the two of them, they scored an amazing 8.5 points!

Furyk's practice schedule was also discussed, where he's tuning up and golf tips were offered up for all of the amateurs out there.

For golf tips from one of the best golf instructors in the world, check out our recent interview with Tiger Woods coach, Hank Haney!


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This podcast is supported by St. Andrews Golf Tours, 800-348-4902.

Photo Credit: © BBC Sport.

Harrington calls out Tiger Woods: I deserve to win! Also, align yourself like the pros and how to be a Patriot on Labor Day

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With a rousing finish at the 90th PGA Championship, Padraig Harrington confirmed that he can mix it up with the best golfers in the world, not solely on the European Tour. One may claim that a single major might have been a fluke but two in a row and three wins in the last six events prove that Harrington is really on to something! Perhaps Ben Hogan's "secret" has something to do with it, mentioned Harrington's instructor, Bob Torrance.

Poor Sergio floundered once again. At the 2007 British Open, both Harrington and Garcia choked their way through the final holes with the Irishman taking control at the 17th to win. Similar circumstances occured this week as Garcia's ball found the water leaving the door open for Harrington to finish the job. The PGA Championship was obtained much the same way as in his 2008 British Open rally against Norman. The intense stare, taking advantage when he saw Sergio floundering were intentional, with Harrington telling himself that he deserved to win.

Padraig Harrington knows that he can defeat Sergio Garcia when the pressure is on but how will he do against Tiger Woods when the world's number-one returns injury free?

Ed Sherman of the Chicago Tribune believes that Harrington's performance this year is deserving of the "Player of the Year" award. Randall Mell of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Harrington, 36, has stepped forcefully into the vacuum created when Tiger Woods was sidelined for the season...and has done so with fierce closing skills under intense final-round major championship pressure."

This week Golf for Beginners discusses what seems to make Harrington unbeatable when the pressure is on. A golf tip from Jim Flick on proper alignment is also featured.

Information on Ireland's golf courses and Patriot Golf Day are also covered on this week's broadcast.

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Photo Credit: © STLToday.com.

No stopping Asian invasion on LPGA Tour believe Inkster, Ochoa. Also, look down go down and turn bad shots into new opportunities

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Golfers Lorena Ochoa and Juli Inkster are struggling to keep up with the influx of hard-hitting Asian women entering the LPGA Tour. Players from Japan, Taiwan and South Korea flooded the top of the Ricoh Women's British Open leaderboard this weekend with only one American, Cristie Kerr, noticeable in a high-ranking position.

There were always foreigners ensconced in the LPGA Tour. Many of the ladies play amateur golf here while attending school. So what's all the fuss about Asians sharing the spotlight?

Well, for one thing, a bogey-free round with six birdies is a tough act to follow. Even number-one seed, Lorena Ochoa, is starting to worry. "Now we can see that the Asian Tour is becoming very strong," Ochoa mentioned. "The top players are coming to the States and they can also win in the States. Before it was a different story."

Mexico's Ochoa was the "Lady of the Lake" at the Kraft Nabisco, Taiwan's Yani Tseng grabbed the LPGA Championship, Korea's Inbee Park took the U.S. Women's Open and now Ji-Yai Shin, also from Korea, easily won the British Open. Where are all of the American hopefuls?

Juli Inkster is double the age of some of the latest LPGA entrants and is feeling the heat. Although she led the Open in the first round, the American slid behind ninth place finishers, Creamer and Gulbis, on Sunday. "They're all coming," Inkster noticed. "And it's not stopping either."

With Annika Sorenstam stepping down, could Inkster be far behind? Furthermore, is this "new era" helping or hurting the LPGA Tour's television presence? With venues in jeopardy for the 2009 season, perhaps the LPGA should be looking towards Suzuki, Toyota or Honda for an influx of much needed revenue.

Dave Hollander believes that the advent of the 'Wilhelmina 7' will add much needed "exposure" to the floundering Tour. Adding an Asian golfer to the lineup could successfully incorporate these women into the fold while introducing them as a viable asset to the Tour.

Ji-Yai Shin, ranked number one on the KLPGA, originally planned her future in Japan but just received an invite to join the LPGA Tour. "I want to play here, because very big tournaments...and great players,'' she said. "Yeah, I want to play here."

In addition to a discussion on the influx of Asian golfers on the LPGA Tour, Golf for Beginners talks about our weekend round at Casperkill. A positive attitude and the ability to turn bad shots into golden opportunities were our targets as we navigated the course. Find out what we had to pull out of our bags to accomplish our goals!

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Photo Credit: © North Point Photo, Campeonato, Jamd, Scoregolf.

Can Michelle Wie save the LPGA? Also, one way to conquer a troublesome course and can Stacy bring team spirit to stroke play?

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Michelle Wie didn't make the cut and received no exemptions for the Ricoh Women's British Open this week so what does she do? She shrugs it off and goes Tour-hopping, increasing the box-office revenue at the Reno-Tahoe Open instead!

With a star-studded list of PGA Tour professionals attending the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, tournament directors at the B-List event realized that offering a precious exemption to a relative unknown was tantamount to television suicide, so why not offer the golden ticket to the princess of DQ's and MC's?

Add to that the last minute entry of David Duval and you have a recipe for the highest ratings ever on a Sunday. Could you imagine a final round pairing of Duval and Wie? That's like Frankenstein going head-to-head with Godzilla in a celebrity death match!

With the LPGA struggling to keep several of its its events alive for 2009, it would be a wise idea for Carolyn Bivens to consider giving Michelle Wie a full-blown exemption for the new season. The Ginn Company, primarily a real-estate business, pulls the strings to the tune of $25 million over four yearly events on the circuit. A restructuring due to a downturn in the economy means that the Ginn Tribute will be out of the loop next year. The Safeway, the Fields Open and the SemGroup Championship have also backed out their support of the Tour.

A lack of television exposure doesn't help either, making the climate ripe for Michelle Wie to earn her weight in gold!

This week Golf for Beginners addresses television dynamo Michelle Wie, and whether or not it was a good idea for her to jump ship, leaving the LPGA for greener pastures.

Last week we discussed the three steps to go from beginner to winner. Taking Barry's advice, I wound up winning a team best-ball event, posting a terrific score at Branton Woods in the process. Find out how I did it!

Finally, I offer Barry an easy way to defeat Hudson Hills golf course, where blow-up holes abound.

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This podcast is supported by Grand Bahama Vacations 1-800-422-7466

How Harrington used course management to top Norman at the British Open, Michelle Wie DQ, take the first step to winning and choosing a first driver

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Padraig Harrington came out the victor this week at the British Open, the third major winner of the year with an injury to do so, hiding under the radar of many who thought he could not win back-to-back major tournaments. Harrington concentrated his efforts on course management and the short game to overtake an unlikely favorite of the over-fifty set, namely Greg Norman, whose "foot-on-the-pedal" mentality cost him yet another win.

It's a shame, though, that in 2007, Harrington thought so little of the Claret Jug he fought so hard to win he used it instead as a fill for swill! We hope that Harrington didn't do this again this year!

This week Golf for Beginners internet broadcast discusses the mental clarity and forethought it takes to make it to the final round and persevere under treacherous conditions. Chris Wood found little pressure in his "surreal" situation and easily made his way to the 18th hole with a forward focus. Others like Phil Mickelson, always the optimist, may have stated that he hit the ball well but it was evident he was clearly disappointed as he had spent the prior week at the Scottish Open finding similar results. Perhaps the pressure of having to take Tiger Woods' place on the leaderboard made him falter?

*****

Choosing your first driver without ever having hit one can be harrowing. We tell you what to look for in a driver and how to make the process easier!

*****


I had my first competitive round with the ladies of the EWGA at Doral Arrowwood this past week and my play was far from pretty! Find out how I intend to take the three steps from playing to competing and finally to winning!

*****


Finally, how many DQ's, withdrawals and mistakes will be had before Michelle Wie reads the Rules of Golf?

Wie stepped outside of the scoring area after round two and a volunteer had to call her back into the tent for the infraction of one of the basic rules of golf...that is, she didn't sign her scorecard! Michelle knew that she forgot but felt that this was yet another time she could get off the hook with a shrug and a "sorry" claiming, "I thought it would be okay. It was an honest mistake."

Her third round, which placed her squarely in contention for a Sunday showdown did not count. Perhaps Wie should have listened to our previous podcast where we discuss some of the most basic and overlooked regulations of the sport.

Wie was disqualified. Unfortunately, it cost the LPGA a Sunday of high ratings and Michelle Wie her possible first win on the Tour.

Michelle choked back tears looking for pity and said, "I don't know what happened to me."

Should this rule have been overturned just this once for the benefit of the sport?

Of course, once one of the Rules of Golf is slackened, it is only a matter of time before others follow suit. In our opinion, the Rules should be followed to the letter until a rule is changed for everyone. It isn't the first time something like this has occured and it surely won't be the last time.

It is unfortunate incident for Wie but I'll bet she will never make this mistake again. Penalties will surely occur from a lack of concentration...


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Photo Credit: © SI.com/AP, InGolfWeTrust.com.

Can Els, Mickelson ignore Tiger Woods' absence at the British Open? Are LaFresh travel packs golf friendly and an important tip about golf lessons

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There are golf fans and then there are those who come out of the woodwork just to see Tiger Woods blast the ball. These "Tiger enthusiasts" would not think of missing an event with Woods in the field but what happens now that the world's number-one player is out for the season?

In relation to the British Open, sports agent Andrew “Chubby” Chandler claims that there will be, "zero economic impact" and that "he would have been the biggest show in town, but he would not have been the only show. Besides, most of the people there watching will be rooting for a British winner."

Ernie Els, who kissed the coveted Claret Jug in 2002, believes that the Open is bigger than any one golfer, including Tiger Woods. "Although we will miss him, the game of golf is there and the Open Championship will be played whether Tiger is there or not, and I think that's what we've got to realize."

Mickelson has smartly decided to focus his efforts not on the field but on Royal Birkdale. Learning how to take spin off, hit shots lower and play better in the wind has made Phil feel as if he is a solid contender at this year's Open Championship.

And what about cocky Anthony Kim, the strutting response to the next Tiger Woods?

Kim acknowledged, "I know if I give it everything I've got, I'll have a pretty good chance to contend."

Besides discussion of our picks and pans for this year's Open Championship, Barry and I discuss LaFresh travel golf packs wondering whether all golfers will find them useful on the course.

We also talk about Barry's introduction to GolfTEC and what he learned from his experience.

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Photo Credit: Tribune India, ClackamasReview.com

Anthony Kim shoving disabled Tiger Woods out of the picture? Fiz your clubs clean and greenside bunker basics

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"Fearless", "cocky" and "arrogant" were descriptive terms used by fellow golfer Fred Funk after Anthony Kim's decisive victory at the AT&T National hosted by Tiger Woods. Without Woods in the hunt the field is wide open with devotees waiting anxiously for a confident PGA Tour golfer to step up and take the reins.



In sashayed 23-year-old Anthony Kim who, with a bogey-free Sunday (the only final round like it since Chopra took the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship), stepped up to meet the demands of fans who were growing restless without a hero in their midst.

Anthony is no different than many golf afficionados who, for the past ten years, have been watching and learning from the number one golfer in the world, idolizing Woods as Tiger had done to Jack Nicklaus when he was just a kid.

It was only after meeting Woods face-to-face that Kim realized that he needed to step-up his game. And with a "thumbs-up" from Tiger after his victory with a profound, "the sky's the limit" pat on the back from PGA 'royalty (or as Kim calls Tiger, "the Michael Jordan of golf"), Kim knew what he had to do.

After Anthony realized that his "preparation and work ethic couldn't have gotten any worse", Kim decided to "kick it up a notch" and we are all watching the result of his diligence. After two wins and eleven top-twenty-five finishes this season, could we be looking at a man to threaten the solid base of Tiger Woods' throne? Can Kim maintain the effort necessary to keep himself at the top of the leaderboard?

His stats are adequate, but are his efforts enough to push him into the top spot for the FedEx Cup and shuffle the PGA Tour standings?


Golf for Beginners also tried the latest cleaning tool for both your golf balls and clubs. FizGOLF introduces Fiz which easily attaches to your bag and effectively scrubs both golf balls and clubs squeaky clean using a bubbly solution in a CO2 cartridge and its attached scrub brush. Fiz eliminates the need for too many items hanging on your bag and makes those grooves spotless!

I also talk about the sweet smell of victory out of the sand as Barry, always a competent instructor, changed my way of thinking in a greenside bunker.


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Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.worldgolf.com/stacy_solomon 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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Photo Credit: Golfdigest.com

Inkster, Creamer insist practice makes perfect, Lorena Ochoa just wants to have fun. Buried lies and easy to avoid DQ Rules

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Although an announcer during the U.S. Women's Open mentioned Young Kim's swing thought of "fairways and greens", it's much easier to think it than it is to bring it to fruition. The simple practice of envisioning what you want to achieve is sometimes the key to a positive round.

Basically, if you think happy thoughts, chances are you won't throw your seven-iron in anger!

On the flip side, the average weekend duffer tends to clutter his mind with either what he has learned or needs to practice instead of a simple meditation geared to a positive outlook. The result tends to aggravate instead of calm.



With the golf season being in "full swing", Golf for Beginners looks at the thought processes of LPGA golfers during a major tournament. Don Huebscher asked several of the brightest stars on tour their thoughts in the heat of the moment and what helpful hints they can offer to weekend warriors after an encounter during the pro-ams.

Is regular practice more important to a solid round than a good mental game?

We also discuss gnarly grass which thoroughly surrounded my golf ball this week and how I managed to get out of it. With superintendents allowing longer rough on the Publinks, it's really important to learn how to get out quickly, take your "medicine" and get your ball back in play.

Finally, we mention a couple of simple DQ rules you might take for granted.


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

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.worldgolf.com/stacy_solomon 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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Photo Credit: AP Photo by Lynne Sladky

No "gimmees" for Michelle Wie at 2008 U.S. Women's Open and how to tee it up for an iron

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Michelle Wie has spent countless hours preparing for the 2008 U.S. Women's Open with coach David Leadbetter in the hopes of reversing the downward spiral which has been her albatross since last year. Although Wie recently commented that she felt herself "re-emerging as a new player, a new person," she also reluctantly mentioned what has gone before, asserting, "I'm not ever going to think about before I broke my wrist. That was then and this is now."

Perhaps Wie has been going through a metamorphosis of sorts since her dismissal from the columns of many a golf writer who believed her to be washed up by her eighteenth birthday.

Her recent victory of sorts, a sixth place finish at the Ladies German Open as well as a genuine qualification into a major event instead the ritual "gimmees" offered to her by sponsors, has put Wie back on track. Now that appearance offers are no longer easily forthcoming (2008 Sony Open, 2008 Ginn Tribute hosted by Annika Sorenstam), Michelle seems to be developing a sense of humble graciousness, coming to the realization that it takes talent, not youth or the appearance of ability, in order to gain recognition in her chosen field.

"It's been a long time since I had to qualify for something, and it made me want it even more," a seemingly more grown-up Wie stated. "I think going through that qualifying humbled me a lot as a player, as a person. Sometimes, you have to go back to your roots to become a better player and a better person."



This week's Golf for Beginners podcast discusses Michelle Wie's potential to pick up where she left off, before the wrist injury. Can she let go of her past and focus on the future? We'll know more after the 2008 U.S. Women's Open!

We also offer golf tips on hitting an iron flush off the tee.

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Vharness Golf.

Photo Credit: Houston's Clear Thinkers

U.S. Open Pressure-Tiger Woods persevered, Phil Mickelson collapsed and Rocco Mediate had fun with it. Adidas, "golf equipment for your eyes" and Stac

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Poor Tiger Woods! Yes, he has won his fourth U.S. Open but was it at the expense of his knee? Is winning a trophy more important that your health? The answer? Season-ending knee surgery!

Tiger's message to his adoring fans let on that his injury is more aggravated than he made it look this week.




"I think I need to shut it down for a little bit. I pushed it pretty hard this week and I just want to enjoy it. And we're going to reevaluate after this event and see what happens," claimed a tightlipped Woods who may have been grimacing from the inside but, with his elevated mental focus, it was anyone's guess as to what was really going on after twisting his knee on several occasions this past week.

That focus and determination to not allow any distractions was best related by Tiger's dad, Earl, during a Nike commercial that aired for Father's Day weekend in which dad related to both his son and the audience, "I promise you that you will never meet another person as mentally tough as you your entire life. And he hasn't, and he never will."

This week's Golf for Beginners podcast wonders how Tiger Woods can remain so steadfast in his determination to win a golf tournament while Phil Mickelson, who mentally and physically prepared for this event, fell apart. Other players such as Rocco Mediate and Lee Westwood didn't feel the pressure as much believing that they were "long shots" in the event.

This week's show also reviews the latest advances in golf-specific eyewear from Adidas. The new Adivista sunglasses for men and Adilibria Shield for women should be viewed as necessary golf equipment rather than just fashion-forward apparel, although the fact that Natalie Gulbis had input into the design of the women's glasses truly make them hotter than the average eyewear!




Both Adivista and Adilibria Shield are super-comfortable to wear and protect your eyes from the sun's damaging rays with UV protection, offering scratch and fog-resistant polycarbonate lenses. Listen to this week's show to hear why we recommend these new Adidas sunglasses and why you should try them too!

Finally, while testing my new Adilibria Shield sunglasses in the sand trap (where it did a fabulous job of protecting my eyes against particles of sand), alas, it couldn't help me to get out of the sand. I wonder if Adidas can help find a cure for my sand trap woes?


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


Photo Credits: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times, VisionMonday.com

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American Express/Play Golf America, Women's Golf Week, The Art of the Lay Up

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Whereas the internet may be all abuzz about Phil Mickelson's lucky break at the Colonial, this week's Golf for Beginners show focuses in on the amateur ladies of the sport.

Play Golf America, in conjunction with American Express, has had over 68,000 women attend its prior yearly outings, bringing together the art of the sport with all of the "extras" that may enhance the ladies experience. This June, participating golf facilities will try once again to peak interest in both golf and the encounters surrounding it.

My husband, Barry, believes that, aside from the golf instruction, men wouldn't be that interested in the many other activities planned for the month of June, such as the networking receptions, golf rules and etiquette seminars, club fitting and equipment demonstrations, golf apparel fashion shows and luncheons. (Okay, the fashion show might be a bit much for a guy to stomach!)

He believes that these additions lessen the competitive nature of the sport. Instead, teach them how to compete and then win! I think there's more to golf than that cut and dried notion. Allowing women to experience all the facets of golf may just increase the number of women who take up the sport and stick with it.

The faces behind this year's initiative are Nancy Lopez and Suzy Whaley. Lopez has among her accomplishments 48 LPGA wins (3 of them majors), Whaley was the first woman golfer in 58 years to qualify for a PGA Tour event (the 2003 Greater Hartford Open) paving the way for Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie's venture into men's professional events.

We also discuss the new American Express website dedicated to golf which offers a smattering of everything from video golf instruction to the ability to purchase tickets to 2009 events such as the U.S. Open at Bethpage.

Our golf tip focuses on the Art of the Layup and how placing your ego on hold is only the first step to accurately hitting greens in regulation.

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.

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

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

Spider-man Camilo Villegas putting strategy, using your brain to defeat the brawn and two bits for better putting

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"Spider-Man", "Trendsetter" and even "Rock-Star" are some the monikers which come to mind when branding 26-year-old Camilo Villegas. Magazines are targeting him, with People voting Villegas one of its hottest bachelors and Golf Digest naming him one of the most ripped golfers on tour.

His flexible signature maneuver on the green is memorable. And ladies are attracted to his retro look from international clothier J. Lindeberg, who has been hailed as the most influential fashion designer in Sweden, claiming to have "reinvented the wheel" when creating golf fashion.

Villegas seems a bit overwhelmed by the attention thrust upon him and prefers to talk about golf, not girls.

"If people like the way you play, the way you dress, the way you look, that’s all good. But the bottom line is my goal is to play good golf," Camilo stated in a Golfweek interview.

Take a tip from Natalie Gulbis, Camilo, and expand your horizons. Calendars and reality shows make plenty of money too and can turn Camilo Villegas the golfer into Camilo Villegas "business entrepreneur".

Camilo's ability to stay focused on his golf game is one reason why we have chosen a putting tip from the up-and-coming Columbian player. Another reason for our selection is that Villegas' positive putting stats on the PGA Tour don't lie.

Golf for Beginners also takes a look at the mental game, honing in on how to outthink and outplay the competition. This week's putting drill uses quarters as an incentive to make your view of the golf hole bigger and easier to hit. Click for more golf drills...


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.

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Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!
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"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Florida Golf and Travel, 800-514-5131.

Photo Credit:Radio Santa Fe.

Ochoa on siesta, Sorenstam triumphs. Tiger Woods healing, Mickelson gets his chance. Leadbetter's drill gives you a leg up for power, Haney's two club

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It may be quite presumptive of me to claim that Phil Mickelson's chances have vastly improved (as has the rest of the field at the upcoming Wachovia Championship) now that Tiger Woods has withdrawn due to arthroscopic knee surgery.

Woods is the defending champion and for him to be rehabilitating puts the players on the PGA Tour at ease. But seeing Phil's face smattered across the television screen as the big draw makes you really wonder if the Golf Channel and CBS Sports are going enough to create excitement. Perhaps the secret ingredient might be more face-time for Adam Scott, sudden-death victor at the Byron Nelson Classic!

There is no doubt, however, that because Lorena Ochoa took a siesta the roadblock was cleared to escalate Annika Sorenstam to victory at the Stanford International. Still, Annika required a sudden-death playoff with Paula Creamer in order to cinch the deal claiming, "It could have gone really any way. I'm just fortunate that this time it was my turn."

Our Golf for Beginners podcast this week contains a great number of easy golf tips and drills. One exercise comes from David Leadbetter who suggests a way to gain power in your golf swing through weight shift. Try this technique on the range and you will surely feel a difference on the golf course!

Another drill from Hank Haney offers the benefits of weighted clubs to help warm up, gain feel and build clubhead speed before a round.


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.

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Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!
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"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Arizona Golf Packages.


Photo Credit:Sportsnetwork.com, ESPN.com, Robin Sellick

Two golf swings, putting practice and when Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson don't show up...do the fans?

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Yesterday the Pope pre-empted golf, proving that religion trumps sport, at least on network television. Whether or not you were interested in Sunday Sermon, broadcasters forced you to watch Pope Benedict XVI at Yankee Stadium, forcing the PGA Tour to stream live coverage on the internet.

For those without an internet connection, flipping the remote yesterday provided little in the way of diversity.

If Tiger Woods was heavily in the mix, would CBS-TV interpose both Pope Benedict and golf? Or, would Tiger be relegated to a spot in the sports section of Monday's newspaper?

I wonder who would have received the higher share?

We also discuss the two swings each golfer must bring to the course and how to integrate these two different movements into your weekly practice session. The pursuit of putting nirvana is also one of our topics. Incorporating these drills into your training plan should help lower your scores so you can confidently "putt for dough"!

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.

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Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!
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"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by MyrtleBeachGolf.

Photo Credit:Flickr.com

Mickelson, Els flop at Masters despite Callaway I-Mix help, Tiger Woods putter lets him down, high or low it's all in your setup and how to read a lie

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The hype surrounding the possibility of two drivers in his bag didn't help Phil Mickelson's bid to win a third Masters Tournament. Both Els and Mickelson fumbled around to get "the perfect fit" this week, combining Callaway I-Mix heads and shafts depending on their particular "game plan". Mickelson claimed that the course length urged him to carry two drivers but my belief is that Callaway needed Phil to promote these clubs which seem to work more for a professional than the average "Joe".



It didn't work. Mickelson should have toyed with an extra wedge in his golf bag as he intended to on Tuesday and Els should have probably flown out to Las Vegas to visit with his newest instructor, Butch Harmon, directly after being cut on Friday.

Complaining of bad posture, a collapse at the top of his swing and too much hip and shoulder turn, Els should have realized before the Masters that it's not a change in golf equipment that was needed but rather a parting of the ways between he and David Leadbetter.

Moral of the story for all golfers; it's not the arrow, it's the Indian...

I guess the next question should be, "When will Callaway Golf debut a putter with adjustable head and shaft technology for conditions like "blade-drag" or help with overspin? Tiger Woods may be just the buyer for it!

As for this week's Golf for Beginners podcast, we discuss Mickelson's use of the Callaway I-Mix technology. Our show also contains a few easy tips from Phil Mickelson, one of which deals with how to hit your golf ball in different types of lie. Our other "Lefty" golf tip describes what setup to the ball determines its trajectory.

Finally, a hearty congratulations to the UNBEATABLE Lorena Ochoa who is now officially "one-up" on Tiger Woods this season!


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.

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Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!
Check us out on MySpace!

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

This podcast is supported by Arizona Golf Packages.


Photo Credit:Skysports.com, Golf.com

Tiger Woods on the prowl for fifth Masters win, Lorena Ochoa unbeatable, a paint brush is golf's most unlikely training aid and GFB takes the gloves o

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Lorena Ochoa's impressive victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship have golf bloggers scurrying to find comparisons between her elevated game and that of the incomparable Tiger Woods. After all, both Woods and Ochoa won their respective last major event of 2007 and both are rolling through a green light towards achieving the exalted Grand Slam.

Even Lorena feels that 2008 might be the one where she tops Tiger, jokingly(?) stating just before her 26th birthday, "Maybe next year (2008) I improve (on) his year, but this year has been pretty similar, and I enjoy the that they talk about it. He won seven times - a major, too. Me, too. So we're the same."

Tiger Woods seeks his fifth Masters win and has racked up a total of thirteen major trophies since he turned professional over eleven years ago with a greeting of "hello world" to clicking cameras.

Tiger, in fact, has already achieved a Grand Slam, but has not yet won all four majors in a single year.

Statistics show Woods on a win streak from September 2007 all the way through his fifth place "blip" in March of this year, garnering up an amazing six wins and about four million dollars in official prize money through that period alone!

Ochoa is not far off of the mark finishing 2007 with a $1 million win at the ADT Championship. For 2008, she has already won three events out of four entered, same as Tiger, and has taken the first major of the year.

But, even so, Lorena Ochoa is going to have to work five times as hard as Tiger Woods for golf fans to believe that the two are on parallel ground, although Ochoa is the "best of the best" on the LPGA Tour for now. Remember the chatter about Annika Sorenstam when she was in her heyday?

Sorenstam seems to be resigned to passing the torch and is becoming more of a fossil of a bygone day. Annika has reconciled and is relieved with her second-place Rolex ranking. As Annika has mentioned, "I'm not the best player out here, but I've achieved a lot." There is no denying that!

But, could you imagine for one minute what Tiger Woods would do if their positions were reversed? Would he be tolerant of his slip in status or be more fired up than ever to regain the top spot?

This week on Golf for Beginners, we offer some interesting facts about the Masters Tournament. Did you know, for example, that Tiger Woods is the youngest golfer to ever win at Augusta? Can you name the oldest winner?



We also offer an easy golf tip from Jim McLean, perfect for driving range practice (I used it myself this weekend!) I am in agreement that this paintbrush technique might just be the least expensive and unlikely training aid!

Barry and I also talk about the best time to remove your golf glove to enhance feel around the golf course.


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.

Subscribe to our newsletter!
Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!
Check us out on MySpace!

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

This podcast is supported by Myrtle Beach Golf and Florida Golf Travel.

Photo Credit:Tabascohoy.com, GolfMagazine.com