Mickelson answers putting question, Tiger Woods tenaciously scrambles. Also, Laura Davies doubts Michelle Wie's mental state. And, Odyssey XG Two-Ball

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It's easy to see why professional golfers become distracted when Tiger Woods is somewhere in the pack. If he's only a few strokes back, chances are his resolve will carry him to victory. That is precisely what happened this weekend at the Dubai Desert Classic.

On the flip side, no one seems to be afraid of Phil Mickelson.

J.B. Holmes' memories of a 2006 victory at the FBR Open was all he needed to maintain his purpose for this year's event. And, the claim to fame that he beat Mickelson was also a good incentive.

Phil's putter let him down once again claiming that a misread putt and a few that "slid by the edge" contributed to a playoff. Although Butch Harmon has been working with Mickelson on his 150-yard approach shots, Lefty found that his golf ball wasn't as close to the hole as was Na's. That must have also frustrated him.

This week on our Golf for Beginners podcast we discuss Mickelson's views from the putter. Is it better to keep your eyes over, or behind, the ball?

We also talk about how the amateur golfer can use Tiger Woods' scrambling ability and tenacity to improve your own game.

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Michelle Wie takes center stage once again as she receives an exemption to the Fields Open. Has her physical injury healed? Has her mental game improved? All questions will be answered in two weeks.

Is Michelle Wie ready for 2008?

Laura Davies believes that psychological damage that Michelle Wie endured from playing golf in men's tournaments will take a year to heal. She also thinks that her own game is ready for the next level, affirming that this is her year to dominate the LPGA Tour..and that includes toppling Lorena Ochoa! At least Davies understands what it takes to win, but, at forty-four years old and with a plethora of new stars on the horizon as well as Annika Sorenstam back in form, the LET star is going to have her hands full.


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The Odyssey two-ball putter has become a mainstay on the PGA Tour. From professional golfers to amateurs, all gain assistance from the golfball-sized white discs on top of the clubface which help align a ball to its target.

Where the design was initially unusual, the technology which offered exceptional resiliency and performance became the mainstay of Odyssey's line-up of putters. And, with the introduction of the elasticore multi layer insert technology, the advancements are noticeable.

With the introduction of the Divine Line of putters designed specifically for women, I wondered if I would notice a difference between the new White Hot XG and the Divine, or if one should rely on a putter's performance predominantly based upon the length of its shaft?

This question, and more, are answered in our golf podcast.


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Photo Credit: © Art By Grant.Photo Credit: © Cartoon Stock.Photo Credit: © ESPN.

Soccer star Upson looks to Tiger for mental toughness, learn Leadbetter's strategic tee placement, Tiger Woods putting drill and more!

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Records are set "in the books" with the express consequence of beating them. This weekend, Tiger Woods implanted his name firmly among the greatest golfers of all time, tying Arnold Palmer in number of career victories achieved.

Next golf legend to overcome? Ben Hogan, whose record is at 64 wins. That too will be achieved as Tiger Woods is most certainly focused decisively on his hero, Jack Nicklaus, who stands at 73 victories.

Nicklaus was five years older than Woods when he won his 62nd tournament, finishing his winning streak at 46 years of age. Woods should be on his way to his 100th victory by that time. But is Tiger thinking about his place in "the record books" and the eventual toppling of Sam Snead's 82 professional wins?

"My career is not done yet," Woods said. "Hopefully, my good years are still ahead of me."

With Hank Haney's swing change assistance taking effect, Tiger's short-term goal is to achieve the elusive single-season Grand Slam. And, if Woods wins another seven events this year, his name will probably be just under Snead's name next year!

In honor of his exciting victory at the Buick Invitational, this week's Golf for Beginners offers an easy putting drill used by Tiger Woods. We also discuss how an English soccer star uses Tiger's "brain-training" techniques to improve his own focus on the field.

A "tee-tip" from David Leadbetter is also featured on our popular golf podcast as well as a drill designed to help you to get to know your clubface.

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!

"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!.

A new ruling ousts John Daly from PGA Tour event; who's next? Also, how to overcome windy conditions and driving range tips

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John Daly was recently one of the casualties who fell prey to a new PGA Tour edict which punishes golfers on the cut line if there are too many lurking there. His comment about his fate at the Sony Open? "It's a stupid rule."

Whereas this new regulation is probably an effort to speed up play, keeping the event within television programming limits, I wonder if it will detract from the excitement of the game? Consider the following conjecture.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are both getting off to a rough start at the Buick Invitational this week and both are walking a thin line. They wind up tied with a pile-up of players and get cut because there were too many golfers already on the brink. Both are sent packing with their meager winnings and FedEx points.

Are you still going to watch the Buick Invitational without the two big names playing the weekend?

Is it fair that golfers who get cut still collect their pay and receive their points but don't participate? Or is the PGA Tour just spoonfeeding this new rule planning to cut those benefits as well in the future?

Right now it appears that the fans are the only ones who will suffer the consequences of this ruling.

Also in this week's Golf for Beginners podcast, we discuss the complexities of playing golf in the wind along with the assistance of PGA Professional Instructor Ben Alexander. Tips on target practice are also featured.


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!

"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!.