Friday, February 13, 2015

AT&T Calls Up Larry the Cable Guy for Laughs on Pebble Beach @ATTProAm #ATTProAm #ATTBlogger

What golf course is on the bucket list of celebrities and amateurs alike...a course which evokes images of untamed beauty; the stuff of legends, drama, thrills and wonder? If you said Pebble Beach Links, then you hit the golf ball on the sweet spot!

Celebrities are more than willing to discuss their game, the course and more leading up to this week's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament.

NCIS:Los Angeles actor and golfer Chris O'Donnell recently told ET Online that there is "nothing I want more than to win this tournament someday."

For stars like Larry the Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry), Chris O'Donnell and Bill Murray to pro golfers like David Duval joining in the fun with corporate amateurs like Jesse Singh (@JesseSingh), the excitement has just begun.


Event chatter, sunrise photos and golf course selfies are popping up all over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram like highly lofted lob wedge shots from the players and AT&T Fan’s Eye View Foursome members @KTHorsford, @Black Girls Golf, @TimLangGolf (taking this photo of @TheDanPlan) ...and why not? These are three of the most beautiful courses in the world and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many - expect the cameras to be clicking all weekend long!




Larry the Cable Guy says, "Hopefully I'll surprise Y'all and play good," and he's right on target.

Pebble Beach is not a golf course for beginners and a caddie is highly advisable as distances are confounding, the wind toys with your ball and the greens...well, the greens are undulating and deceptive and, although they will probably only run at only a "10" on the stimpmeter, they can run as high as "12" for the U.S. Open!

Having played Pebble Beach in November in the Legends Invitational, I would like to share a few tips that I took home with me - to make the Pebble Beach experience and score as rewarding as possible.

- Listen to your caddie - nothing is as frustrating as thinking you know your club distances or the yardages as stated on the markers. Distances are not always what they appear to be and bunkers or water may interfere with your shot. It is the caddie's job to inform and enhance your golf experience.

- Play it safe - although it is fun to go for the green, look for other avenues that might yield better returns. For example, on Hole #1, don't cut the dogleg on the right; Pebble Beach website says "it doesn't pay" - it plays longer than you think.

- Visit the Pebble Beach website and read the hole-by-hole course tour before you play! These tips are invaluable and will start you thinking about strategy instead of leaving your game and score up to chance.

- If possible, enjoy the majesty of Pebble Beach the day before you play the course. A friend of mine told me, if possible, I should walk the course in advance to get the nerves and breathtaking views out of the way so that I can concentrate on the game - it worked!

Pebble Beach


Get Ready for Hole #1: Spend time on the Pebble Beach driving range and on your short game before heading to the links and be prepared for a crowd to gather around you as you tee off. They will applaud if you crush it down the middle but the silence will be deadening if you top the ball. You will feel as if you are on Tour, which can make even the best amateurs a little weak-kneed!

Get ready for the 18th Hole! The iconic 18th hole is probably the one that fills most players with fear, anticipation, joy and amazement. It is easy to get swept up in the scenery or your score from previous holes and not concentrate on this 543-yard, par-5 finishing hole and, you want to finish strong, don't you?

Chris Dunbar, Head Pro at Pebble Beach, tells us to be very aware of swirling winds on 18. Aiming your shot to the right of the trees still leaves a right-to-left shot to about 100-yards. As for the green? Your putt will want to pull towards the ocean - "a one-putt could easily turn into a three-putt."


The goal is to have fun when you play golf and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is the Candyland of Events so it should be interesting to see who else shows up on Twitter with the Foursome!

I will be engaging with the Foursome all weekend on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and sharing some of their greatest moments from celebrity sightings to what's new at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy (Sam Lab...Robots...?)

Follow along using hashtags #ATTProAm, #ATTBlogger, attpbgolf.com and, of course, visit @ATTProAm for videos, live interviews and more!


This post is in partnership with AT&T. All opinions are my own.

photo credit: ATTPBGolf.com, @BlackGirlsGolf, @TimLangGolf

Thursday, February 05, 2015

AT&T Technology Scores a Hole in One at Pebble Beach #golf #ATTProAm

When you hear the name Pebble Beach, what comes to mind? Being one of the fortunate few who have played this renowned golf course, I would immediately say the magnificence of the place, from crashing surf to finely manicured fairways and greens makes memories that will last a lifetime.

For professional golfers like Phil Mickelson who has won the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am a staggering four times, "it’s a special place for me, an emotional place… my grandfather having caddied here… the overall importance of the tournament to the game and how much I love the place." Only Mark O'Meara has more wins at this tournament (five wins).

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am

What makes Pebble Beach so magical?

Some might say the magic lies entirely in the golf course, others might refer to the history and how famous crooner Bing Crosby gave fans a peek into the mystique back in 1947.

Improved visibility and worldwide knowledge of the tournament can be traced to when AT&T became the title sponsor in 1986 and brought the Pro-Am to the masses via television - a very powerful and recognizable brand began broadcasting to hundreds of millions of households worldwide and allowed everyday folks the ability to watch celebrities and amateurs play golf on a storied course.

Today, technological advances through social sharing will bring even more visibility to the AT&T National Pro-Am. A group of golfers, known as the Foursome, will be converging upon Pebble Beach to bring a fan's perspective to the tournament. As an #ATTBlogger, I will be covering the event as well, adding my unique perspective through @Golf4Beginners on Twitter!

The foursome will get to go where very few have gone before - walk the course, go behind-the-scenes at the tournament, basically show fans what it is like to walk the hallowed fairways of Pebble Beach, utilizing the AT&T Network and HTC devices to document their journey and share via their social properties.

Who are the Four? Getting to know the foursome:

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am Foursome


Their names may sound familiar if you have a Twitter or Facebook account.

Tim Lang is a former Marine who discovered golf after having his leg amputated from an explosion (we thank you for your service). His passion for the sport has led to speaking engagements, motivation of other disabled veterans and, most importantly, the self-confidence that he lacked after his service. @TimLangGolf

Tiffany Fitzgerald is a pioneer for black women who play golf, starting the organization Black Girls Golf as a way to help black women feel more like insiders in corporate America, gain confidence in themselves and fall in love with the sport of Golf. Keep up to date with Tiffany's experience on Twitter @BlackGirlsGolf and on her Facebook page.

Dan McLaughlin can be said to be the average golfer...but not really. Not many golfers work as hard as Dan on their games - he has spent 10,000 hours on learning the sport, documenting his journey every step of the way. "The Dan Plan" proves that hard work and persistence makes you a better player and that it's the journey, not the end result that pays dividends. Go inside the ropes with Dan @TheDanPlan on Twitter and on his Facebook page.

Katie Horsford is definitely not your average 17-year-old but, at one time, was just like any kid who was trying to find her way in the world. After taking up golf and realizing she was good at the game...very, very good at the game, she became an inspiration for other teens and offers guidance through The First Tee Program. Katie will be providing her commentary from the unique perspective of a teenager using her Twitter account @KTHorsford and on Instagram.


AT&T will be providing updates on @ATTProAm and via the #ATTProAm hashtag and the Foursome will carry the ball on social media. I will be following along and engaging with members of the Foursome throughout the week on Golf4Beginners and via Stacy Solomon-Golf4Beginners on Google Plus so join in the conversation at #ATTProAm, ask questions and enjoy the Pebble Beach experience!

The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am will be played February 9-15, 2015 on Pebble Beach as well as two additional courses to round out the on-course excitement; Spyglass Hill rated one of the top twenty publinks in the country via Golf Digest and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course.

To get an inside look at their journeys, make sure to follow the hashtag, #ATTProAm and via their Twitter handles:

@TimLangGolf
@BlackGirlsGolf
@TheDanPlan
@KTHorsford


This post is in partnership with AT&T. All opinions are my own.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Five Great Cigars to Enjoy on the #Golf Course

An enjoyable walk on a manicured golf course combined with the foursome of your choice and a good cigar - for many on a Sunday afternoon, this is truly an occasion to be savored.

As Raul Julia once said, "A cigar is as good as memories that you have when you smoked it."

It is no secret that golfers on Tour enjoy a good smoke - Jim Thorpe favors Partagas, Darren Clarke enjoys his Cohibas and former Champions Tour golfer, Walt Morgan, has this to say about his relaxing pleasure,

"Golf and cigars just seem to have always gone together," says Morgan, the winner of three professional events. "That's the way I learned to play—swing with one in my mouth because I didn't like putting it down. I don't know how I would play if I didn't have one because I haven't tried it..."

So, what makes for a perfect smoke at the course? 

This Golf for Beginners blogger recently asked Famous Smoke Shop for their opinion; would golfers on the course prefer a plump or slim cigar, large or small - do they want something mild or medium-bodied... a more complex flavor perhaps?

More often than not, a round of golf can take more than four hours to complete so it is best to consider a larger cigar like a Churchill which is said to burn cooler and longer and runs about seven inches in length. The size of a Churchill requires patience, just like your golf game, so take your time and enjoy. As for the flavor and complexity of the smoke, that is where the conversation gets personal.


Here are five great cigars to appreciate on the golf course:

Oliva Serie V CigarsOliva Serie V Cigars
Full bodied, smooth and perfect for contemplating your next shot, these Nicaraguan Oliva Serie V Cigars have rich coffee and dark chocolate flavors with a spicy undertone. The smoke is as beautiful as the wrapper which surrounds it! 



Liga Undercrown Corona Doble Cigars
As complex as the double-breaking 30-foot putt on the green, this blend of tobaccos from Drew Estate is hand-rolled and infused with notes that are earthy, creamy and completed with a sweet tobacco finish. Your taste buds will cry for more.



Acid Kuba Kuba Cigars
Yes, the lady golf writer smokes Kuba Kubas! Fragrant bouquet with savory taste that lingers on the lips without being overpowering, these are truly unique and memorable cigars. Perfect for the 19th hole or sitting around a fire pit with friends and a fine scotch. 


Acid Kuba Kuba Cigars


Rocky Patel THE EDGE Cigars
Why are the Edge considered among the hottest cigars in the country? Bold, spicy flavors offer a hearty experience. Like taking that 200-yard carry over the water to cut the corner, this cigar is more for the experienced palate.


Perdomo Double Aged Cigars
This vintage, handmade cigar should be enjoyed on a venerable golf course like St. Andrews. Nicaraguan fillers aged for twelve years - Perdomo Double Aged Vintage tasting notes read, "A smooth smoke with a creamy complexity, slight hints of caramel and cedar with a rich buttery finish." Limited release for golfers with a good grip on their game.

butane cigar lighterCigar aficionados should also bring the essentials to the course - don't forget a butane lighter, cutter, mini humidor for your golf bag (you will definitely want to offer stogies to your mates) and why not consider a utility gadget like a cigar holder - a nice, safe place to stow your Kuba while you make that miracle putt?


Find great cigar deals online at Famous Smoke Shop and read their blogs for tips on top dessert cigars, understanding complexity, how to choose the best gifts for the cigar smoker in your life and more!


Do you have a favorite Cigar that you smoke during your round or at the 19th hole? Tell us on this Golf for Beginners blog or on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.