LPGA Tour bottling Evian as major magic potion?

Golf commissioner Mike Whan recently announced the Evian Masters as the official "fifth major" on the LPGA Tour but, before being awarded "Championship status", a few changes needed to be made.


Unaware that the Evian Masters was already considered a major event on the Ladies European Tour schedule with, perhaps, many more fans (and even Tour players, see below) equally unaware, @LETgolf tweeted, and posted a blog, to confirm status on their Tour first:


"The Evian Masters presented by Société Générale, which is already a major on the Ladies European Tour schedule, will become a major championship on the LPGA from 2013 and will be renamed: ‘The Evian’."


In order for the Evian Masters to be "worthy" of major status and of becoming the new "Dinah" on the LPGA Tour, this is what is said will happen:

1. Name Change to "The Evian Championship"
2. Golf course redesign including the "Fantastic Finish" where fans can watch the final four holes from an amphitheater setting
3. Date Change for flow and so it doesn't interfere with the Women's British Open
Hmmm, perhaps a new crystal Evian bottle as the trophy? Will the ladies be encouraged to learn french?

LET golfers, however, believe that this event already has the Kraft Nabisco "fun factor".

Laura Davies, back-to-back Evian Masters winner in 1995 and 1996, described the tournament as “one of the best events of the year on and off the course.”

Lee-Anne Pace, 2010 LET Henderson Money List leader said: “It seems like it is the ’fun’ unofficial major of the year. People are more relaxed and the atmosphere is great.”

Unofficial? Didn't the LET say the Evian Masters was an "official" major event on their schedule?


Mike Whan stated that the schedule inclusion will give the LPGA something that it has been missing for quite some time, "major media, major fan appeal, a major field..."

"The Evian will be a tournament, a location, and an atmosphere that young women will strive to be part of for the next few decades," Whan continued.

Major disagreement! So far, weekend play only will be viewable on network TV, as are the other majors currently on the schedule; the field is already superior and the championship purse already matches with the U.S. Women's Open winnings.


The idea of a fifth major has come under fire by some and has been welcomed by others. Twitter responses, always short and to the point are always the most telling. Here are a few comments based upon hearing the news of a fifth major.

European Tour golfer Francesco Molinari's thumbs moved quickly after hearing the LPGA's plans: "What's all the noise about ladies fifth major? We have five, too. Everybody knows the Italian Open is the fifth major."

@USPuttingTour tweeted, "Quick. What are the other 4?"

In stark contrast, @crossgolfusa tweeted, "Like it. Golf should rest on tradition but not be constrained by it."

Ideas for an Asian major event, perhaps the HSBC Women's Championship, are also under consideration as the LPGA Tour is now dominated with top-level golfers from Japan to China: Ai Miyazato won the 2011 Evian Masters and Yani Tseng currently holds the number one spot on the LPGA money list.

Six majors? It could happen but would it help or hurt the LPGA Tour?

Senior Travel Editor of Golf Digest and Golf World, Matt Ginella, reflects my personal sentiments in a recent tweet:

"For a tour without a lot of tournaments, they sure have a lot of majors."

Voice your opinion on Golf4Beginners on Twitter and on Facebook.


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Another divorce for Tiger Woods, a chapter in Stevie's book?

In what appeared to be more like a tabloid divorce than a dismissal in a working relationship, Tiger Woods fired long-time caddie and friend Steve Williams... the question is, why?

Shock and disappointment appeared to come from Williams at the "matter-of-fact" way in which the Woods handled the split but both knew the end was near.

Shock and a nine-iron came from Elin's ire when she got the news but she rebounded and so will Steve.

"It's time for a change," bemoaned Tiger Woods, with Steve rebutting, "after thirteen years of loyal service...through Tiger’s scandal, a new coach...a major swing change and Tiger battling through injuries...I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time."

Why is Woods getting rid of everyone who has ever stood beside him?

A temporary(?) switch with Woods' blessing to carry the bag for fellow Aussie Adam Scott at the U.S. Open was an indication of trouble in paradise for the long-term pair. Tiger Woods was injured and Stevie needed the work so it appeared to be in "good faith" but, behind the scenes, Williams had lost respect for the former number-one world golfer after word of Tiger's adulterous nature came to light. 

When Steve didn't let Tiger in on his decision to carry the bag for Adam Scott at the AT&T he was called "disloyal" by Woods...ouch! Caddie mistrust...

As celebrity break-ups go, a book is probably now in the works. Steve Williams has let slip that Tiger Woods would be mentioned, "You know, when I write my book, it'll be the time I decide what I write," Williams said. "It'll just be one of those interesting chapters in the book."

As an aside, I was asked yesterday on Twitter to what percent do I think Steve Williams helped Tiger Woods throughout his reign? I said 25 percent. What is your opinion?

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photo credit: GolfMagic.com

Gaining Confidence by playing the right Golf Courses for you

Whether you are a beginner golfer or a single-digit handicapper, playing the right golf courses for your game (and from the correct tee box) can truly inspire confidence. The reverse is also true; playing too difficult a golf course for your level of play can become a four-hour struggle, dampening your spirits and taking your game two steps in reverse. Of course, it isn't just the golf course that inspires confidence, the space between your ears determines the final outcome.

 

Although FindtheBest.com is still in beta, this resource offers comparisons on everything from flight schools to golf courses. The golf course portion of this work in progress ranks public and private courses, offers USGA course rating as well as weekend greens fees.

 

I received this note from Woody Robinson regarding FindtheBest.com and, since it so prominently added Golf for Beginners into the mix, I have posted it for your review. This is not a hype for the website; it's always interesting to find the latest sites and bring them to our readers. Judge for yourself.

 

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Every golfer has experienced a rough day at the course. Just last week I left a cat sized divot at the local par-3 only to see my golf ball roll off the tee box. “You should really widen your stance and stop breaking your wrists so much,” my smirking friend chimed in.

 

While the advice was probably true, my stubborn embarrassment refused to listen. Golf for Beginners website, on the other hand, offers an unbiased opinion without mortifying you on the course.
 

 

Finding that comfortable confidence in golf is something we all aim to achieve but rarely find. I’ve found the golf course affects my game more than anything else. Just as a good golf swing has countless makes and models, different golf courses offer a broad spectrum of diverse play. Being a novice golfer, nothing is better than a public par-3.

 

NICE! Woody's home course: Twin Lakes

 

Stacy’s personal accounts of courses played provides an incredibly useful reference. Similarly, the  golf course comparisons on FindtheBest.com can help you find a course which inspires confidence and/or challenges your game.

 

From playing a round out with old friends to training for a regional qualifier, check out the comparisons and you may just spend less time on your computer and more time on the links!

 

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