As most of you know I comment weekly on the LPGA Tour. Early in the season I blasted the LPGA because I felt that the action on that tour was stilted. I have to retract my earlier statements and add that the LPGA Tour is both alive and well! With the addition of a new "crew" of young talent and a new slogan "These Girls Rock" the LPGA is being watched by more viewers than ever before!
The PGA Tour was never in danger of losing viewership. The guys have the wherewithall to hit the ball a great distance longer than their female counterparts. Longer shots usually equal more excitement. I heard yesterday that Stuart Appleby can hit the ball over 400 yards on occasion! That's immense! Annika, on the other hand, can hit a drive about 280 regularly. The women also play golf from the men's tee whereas the men are all the way backat the tournament tees. Talk about a disparity.
But I must admit that my level of excitement was equally shared between both the President's Cup played out this weekend and the Solheim Cup which was completed several weeks ago.
I will try to examine what I find so irresistable about both tournaments.
Both are team sports. Golf is usually played as a single. You can go out and play by yourself on a golf course or hook up with a few golfers who need a fourth but it's still you against yourself. Not with these two events. It's almost like college golf which pits team against team.
Not only is are two teams facing off but its the rest of the world challenging the United States. Why is it always that way? Most of the guys on ROW play golf alongside the Americans weekly. Most have received their college education as well as their golf training in the States. So why do we have to watch these two teams square off? What are they trying to prove? Is it just for the sport or is it because the media understand that people already enjoy watching sports like football, where two teams challenge each other for a prize of some kind?
Well, it works! I can't keep my eyes off of it! I cheer until my throat gets raw whenever the Americans are up against any other team. It could also be world events that causes me to cheer so loudly for the home team. I mean, everyone in the world seems to have a beef with the USA but at the same time when they need us they're our buddies.
Okay, back to why I love this kind of competition. I think I root for the Americans because I happen to know who they are, steir stories and their faces. I don't really know all of the ROW team although I ry watch European golf whenever I can. But, in the case of Trevor Immelman versus Stewart Cink I had no favorites but still chanted "USA" "USA" whenever I saw a red hat.
In regard to the Solheim Cup I was also pleased with the look of the team as a whole. The outfits were very smart and the talent on Team USA decorated themselves with glittery American flags and red, white and blud nailpolish. Because THEY really got into it, so did I!
The European Solheim Cup team, on the other hand, wre all dressed in black, from head to toe. It almost looked as if I was witnessing a funeral. When I was little, older ladies who came from Italy used to wear alot of black. They didn't speak much English and nodded alot. It looked okay on them I guess because they were elderly but it made the younger European golfers seem a bit frightening.
Lastly, I think I enjoyed the Solheim Cup just a wee bit more than I did the President's Cup. Although I was happy that both USA teams won, I felt more in tune with the women. Okay, being a woman helps. I can more easily identify with a woman's golf swing than with her male counterpart. And I also enjoy trying to pick out which swing more closely resembles mine.
In conclusion I'm happy that these team sports exist. Team spirit allows the masses to cheer for their heroes and gives us yet another outlet which is considered to be a sport for individuals. I just wish that when I was younger I had the opportunity to learn about golf. Parents should understand the balance of sports and knowledge and try to give their kids a balance of the two. It would have been great to represent my school in team unison and feel the cameradierie which was evident in both these competitions.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Friday, September 02, 2005
My First 39!
It was a day just like any other. I insisted Barry and I leave the business early as it was the start of the Labor Day weekend and I really felt we needed a break.
We got to Saxon Woods early. We had a 4:00pm tee-off but I really needed to putt and chip a little before going out since I don't get the opportunity to play or practice much anymore.
I spent about 15 minutes taking long, lazy swings with my sand wedge first, then taking out my 7-iron. I wanted to make sure that I was also mentally prepared. Sometimes when I rush out and don't have the chance to settle down it reflects poorly in my golf score and I just can't get my round going until the 6th or 7th hole.
I went through nine holes with no expectations, lazily smiling and enjoying the time we had together.
I finished with a birdie on the 9th hole after just missing a short birdie attempt on the 8th. But I kew I was doing well but had no idea just how good I was actually golfing!
When we were done with the 9 holes Barry stated that I had 6 pars and the one birdie on the ninth for a total score of 39! WOW, I never scored in the 30's before!
I was so excited that since that day I've been telling everyone about my score and the easy way it was attained!
My next goal is to score par, but I would really like to do it for all 18 holes. That IS the game, isn't it?
We got to Saxon Woods early. We had a 4:00pm tee-off but I really needed to putt and chip a little before going out since I don't get the opportunity to play or practice much anymore.
I spent about 15 minutes taking long, lazy swings with my sand wedge first, then taking out my 7-iron. I wanted to make sure that I was also mentally prepared. Sometimes when I rush out and don't have the chance to settle down it reflects poorly in my golf score and I just can't get my round going until the 6th or 7th hole.
I went through nine holes with no expectations, lazily smiling and enjoying the time we had together.
I finished with a birdie on the 9th hole after just missing a short birdie attempt on the 8th. But I kew I was doing well but had no idea just how good I was actually golfing!
When we were done with the 9 holes Barry stated that I had 6 pars and the one birdie on the ninth for a total score of 39! WOW, I never scored in the 30's before!
I was so excited that since that day I've been telling everyone about my score and the easy way it was attained!
My next goal is to score par, but I would really like to do it for all 18 holes. That IS the game, isn't it?
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Danielle Amiee Wins Big Break III
But what about golf beginner Pam Crikelair?
For all of the people who watched the Big Break III on Tuesday nights, most were disappointed when Danielle Amiee won last night. Personally, I think the best person at the time won, and although I didn't like her attitude and how she tried to psyche out 2nd placer Pam Crikelair, she did finally win.
But what about Pam, the Westchester County native who is also a golf beginner? According to Pam, she never even OWNED a set of golf clubs as recently as three years ago! AND, she made it into the finals of a very grueling competition. As Pam stated, "This is what I wanted to do before the show and it's still what I want to do now".
So, how can a beginner at golf make it to the level of competition that a girl that Danielle Amiee, Futures Tour player, did? Is it in her genes or was it alot of practice...Crikelair responded, "The experience was like nothing I could have prepared for. Just the anxiety and stress and emotions of it. We didn't realize how intense and how difficult it would be in that sense. But, sometimes stress is alot of fun."
Constantly being badgered by the outspoken Aimee didn't help Pam's spirit at all, but she perservered and came out in the number two spot regardless.
So, whenever you golf beginners think that you can't do something, be reminded of Pam Crikelair who, against all odds, almost won the Big Break III competition with all heart and a very solid mental attitude.
Read more about Danielle Amiee and Pam Crikelair and Amiee's challenge to win at the Michelob Ultra Open, her first LPGA event!
For all of the people who watched the Big Break III on Tuesday nights, most were disappointed when Danielle Amiee won last night. Personally, I think the best person at the time won, and although I didn't like her attitude and how she tried to psyche out 2nd placer Pam Crikelair, she did finally win.
But what about Pam, the Westchester County native who is also a golf beginner? According to Pam, she never even OWNED a set of golf clubs as recently as three years ago! AND, she made it into the finals of a very grueling competition. As Pam stated, "This is what I wanted to do before the show and it's still what I want to do now".
So, how can a beginner at golf make it to the level of competition that a girl that Danielle Amiee, Futures Tour player, did? Is it in her genes or was it alot of practice...Crikelair responded, "The experience was like nothing I could have prepared for. Just the anxiety and stress and emotions of it. We didn't realize how intense and how difficult it would be in that sense. But, sometimes stress is alot of fun."
Constantly being badgered by the outspoken Aimee didn't help Pam's spirit at all, but she perservered and came out in the number two spot regardless.
So, whenever you golf beginners think that you can't do something, be reminded of Pam Crikelair who, against all odds, almost won the Big Break III competition with all heart and a very solid mental attitude.
Read more about Danielle Amiee and Pam Crikelair and Amiee's challenge to win at the Michelob Ultra Open, her first LPGA event!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Mickelson at Pebble Beach:Wins Back-to-Back on the PGA Tour
Not even Mike Weir could stop the charge that came from Phil Mickelson at the 2005 Pebble Beach Pro Am this past weekend.
Canadian Weir came close with the best round of the day, a 5-under 67. Even when Phil dropped his lead down to 4 strokes after bogeying on the ninth and tenth holes, he rebounded with a birdie on the 11th. This was the shot he needed to regain confidence in his game and finally win for the second time this year.
Mickelson is no stranger to dramatic finishes.
He rarely plays it safe, although when he does, he winds up easily demolishing the competition. For the first 3 rounds, Phil pushed through all of the competitors in the field, at one time having a 7 shot lead.
This is Mickelson's 25th win on the PGA Tour.
Now at over $2 million in earnings, he sits atop the money list, with Singh and Tiger trailing in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Mickelson is now also the world's 4th ranked player, overtaking Retief Goosen with last week's win at the FBR Open.
Phil will now rest for one week. He will not play at the Nissan Open, where Mike Weir will defend his title. Tiger will be among the PGA Tour players in the field, so look for an action-packed tournament.
Canadian Weir came close with the best round of the day, a 5-under 67. Even when Phil dropped his lead down to 4 strokes after bogeying on the ninth and tenth holes, he rebounded with a birdie on the 11th. This was the shot he needed to regain confidence in his game and finally win for the second time this year.
Mickelson is no stranger to dramatic finishes.
He rarely plays it safe, although when he does, he winds up easily demolishing the competition. For the first 3 rounds, Phil pushed through all of the competitors in the field, at one time having a 7 shot lead.
This is Mickelson's 25th win on the PGA Tour.
Now at over $2 million in earnings, he sits atop the money list, with Singh and Tiger trailing in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Mickelson is now also the world's 4th ranked player, overtaking Retief Goosen with last week's win at the FBR Open.
Phil will now rest for one week. He will not play at the Nissan Open, where Mike Weir will defend his title. Tiger will be among the PGA Tour players in the field, so look for an action-packed tournament.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Playing Golf with Friends
Yesterday I went out with a friend of mine, a senior men's player, who originally insisted (last season) that I should play from the white tees. I took his advice and haven't looked back since. However good his intentions were, and however well they worked for me, I cannot say that you should do the same.
I find that playing with friends (including my golf buddy) although they may have good intentions, always try to give you advice during a round of golf. During one hole, he stood behind me, waiting for me to hit my shot (driver off the tee) only to tell me that I looked a little off balance and "...here's how to fix it".
Although might have seen a problem in that shot, I chose not to listen and to proceed with my round. That's my advice to you...
Make sure to block out all golf talk, from well-meaning friends to those who try to "trash talk"..you know what I mean. There's always someone in the crowd who wants to tell you how great their round is or how you shouldn't hit left because of that bunker straight ahead...etc.
DON'T LISTEN! Try to block all extraneous noise out and concentrate on how nice the day is or on a special song you've been carrying on in your head.
I find that playing with friends (including my golf buddy) although they may have good intentions, always try to give you advice during a round of golf. During one hole, he stood behind me, waiting for me to hit my shot (driver off the tee) only to tell me that I looked a little off balance and "...here's how to fix it".
Although might have seen a problem in that shot, I chose not to listen and to proceed with my round. That's my advice to you...
Make sure to block out all golf talk, from well-meaning friends to those who try to "trash talk"..you know what I mean. There's always someone in the crowd who wants to tell you how great their round is or how you shouldn't hit left because of that bunker straight ahead...etc.
DON'T LISTEN! Try to block all extraneous noise out and concentrate on how nice the day is or on a special song you've been carrying on in your head.
Monday, March 21, 2005
How Phil Mickelson Won at the 2005 FBR Open
Editorial by Stacy Solomon
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to Phil Mickelson
on his win at the 2005 FBR Open!
Next, the question arises, "Just how did Phil do it?"
He is usually an aggressive player, "going for the green" whenever he thinks he can make it, regardless of the consequences. This makes him an exciting player to watch, but also makes him prone to failure and losses, with large leads slipping away by the end of the tournament.
Hitting the fairway was essential at the Phoenix CC, and proved to be an easy task for Mickelson early on in the tournament.
But, on Sunday, with the pressure running high, Phil missed many fairways...but EXCITED his fans with brilliant recovery shots (the one through the trees, for example should be a top ten pick for 2005!).
Through all of the drama, Mickelson never gave up his lead...the mark of a true champion.
The local crowd, Phil's fan base, cheered him on as if he were a rock star, especially at the 16th par 3, the "amphitheater setting". Hit the green on this hole, the crowd cheers wildly...miss and you get booed off the stage! Mickelson did not disappoint and went on to birdie the 18th and claim an exciting 5 shot victory.
I am probably one of Mickelson's most vocal, adoring fans (a lefty rooting for Lefty) and have watched him faithfully for years. With the recent switch to Callaway and a terrific coach by his side, Phil is now concentrating on his mental game. When he gets into trouble, instead of going for the green, he now finds a way to get out of trouble FIRST, then gets SAFELY onto the green.
The beginner golfer can learn quite a bit from Mickelson's change of mental attitude. It is important to realize when it is safe to go for the green or when to lay up on a par 4 (eg) then chip for birdie and maybe save par...that IS the game, you know! This "safe" thinking will save many strokes on the course for the beginner golfer (and for golfers of all levels...look what it did for Mickelson!).
And, getting back to Mickelson's change of equipment...is it necessary? Did it improve his game? Sure, his income has gone up dramatically from the switch. Callaway is a solid brand name, with Mickelson's clubs fine tuned just for him. Phil says that the golf clubs have helped his game, but a great golfer like Phil could probably use MY left-handed golf clubs and hit 300 yard drives, pitch to perfection and hole most putts!
For the average golfer, it is important to have golf clubs measured for you by a qualified clubmaker. "Try before you buy" will also give you the best feel for the golf club and determine which club feels the best in your fingertips, the proper weight, grip, etc.
However, as Phil and the world can see, more than a change in his equipment or mental attitude on the course, the best medicine for Mickelson's game is returning at the end of a tournament to his lovely wife, Amy and his beautiful children.
It is also nice to see that Phil cares so deeply about our troops and their families...Thanks Phil...make alot of birdies and eagles this year!
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to Phil Mickelson
on his win at the 2005 FBR Open!
Next, the question arises, "Just how did Phil do it?"
He is usually an aggressive player, "going for the green" whenever he thinks he can make it, regardless of the consequences. This makes him an exciting player to watch, but also makes him prone to failure and losses, with large leads slipping away by the end of the tournament.
Hitting the fairway was essential at the Phoenix CC, and proved to be an easy task for Mickelson early on in the tournament.
But, on Sunday, with the pressure running high, Phil missed many fairways...but EXCITED his fans with brilliant recovery shots (the one through the trees, for example should be a top ten pick for 2005!).
Through all of the drama, Mickelson never gave up his lead...the mark of a true champion.
The local crowd, Phil's fan base, cheered him on as if he were a rock star, especially at the 16th par 3, the "amphitheater setting". Hit the green on this hole, the crowd cheers wildly...miss and you get booed off the stage! Mickelson did not disappoint and went on to birdie the 18th and claim an exciting 5 shot victory.
I am probably one of Mickelson's most vocal, adoring fans (a lefty rooting for Lefty) and have watched him faithfully for years. With the recent switch to Callaway and a terrific coach by his side, Phil is now concentrating on his mental game. When he gets into trouble, instead of going for the green, he now finds a way to get out of trouble FIRST, then gets SAFELY onto the green.
The beginner golfer can learn quite a bit from Mickelson's change of mental attitude. It is important to realize when it is safe to go for the green or when to lay up on a par 4 (eg) then chip for birdie and maybe save par...that IS the game, you know! This "safe" thinking will save many strokes on the course for the beginner golfer (and for golfers of all levels...look what it did for Mickelson!).
And, getting back to Mickelson's change of equipment...is it necessary? Did it improve his game? Sure, his income has gone up dramatically from the switch. Callaway is a solid brand name, with Mickelson's clubs fine tuned just for him. Phil says that the golf clubs have helped his game, but a great golfer like Phil could probably use MY left-handed golf clubs and hit 300 yard drives, pitch to perfection and hole most putts!
For the average golfer, it is important to have golf clubs measured for you by a qualified clubmaker. "Try before you buy" will also give you the best feel for the golf club and determine which club feels the best in your fingertips, the proper weight, grip, etc.
However, as Phil and the world can see, more than a change in his equipment or mental attitude on the course, the best medicine for Mickelson's game is returning at the end of a tournament to his lovely wife, Amy and his beautiful children.
It is also nice to see that Phil cares so deeply about our troops and their families...Thanks Phil...make alot of birdies and eagles this year!
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