Golf Tips Magazine

And it's perfectly legal!

noreply@blogger.com (chschroed) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:52:00 +0000

James Lepp, founder and President of Kikkor Golf sent us his unique "Saucer Pass" tip today. It's the perfect golf/hockey hybrid shot that he claims will cure your chipping yips.

Check out the company's website if you want to see some more out of the box thinking. The Rickie Fowler generation has arrived.

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:49:00 +0000

Paint the Bunker

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:38:00 +0000

What's one of favorite recent tips? Here's one right here.

Way To Go Bubba!

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:06:00 +0000

Congrats to Bubba Watson on his emotional victory at last week's Transitions Championship. Starting the day six shots back, Watson rallied to tie Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank. Watson won on the second playoff hole.

We featured Watson on the cover of our Golf Tips Annual late last year. Inside he wrote about how he generates his incredible length. (Watson currently leads the Tour in Driving Distance, averaging 305.9 yards per drive.) See his story here.

Jeff Ritter's Take on Tiger

noreply@blogger.com (chschroed) — Fri, 14 May 2010 18:50:00 +0000

Senior GT Instruction Editor Jeff Ritter weighs in on what ails Tiger.

Erica Blasberg, 1984-2010

noreply@blogger.com (chschroed) — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:01:00 +0000

We've just learned that LPGA Tour player Erica Blasberg passed away yesterday at her home in Henderson, NV. No details have been released.

Golf Tips readers will remember the 25 year-old from our 2009 Tips from the Tour issue.

Although I only met Erica once, she made a big impression on me. She was kind, enthusiastic and energetic. She brought us great ideas, but more than anything, her personality really shined through. She was quick to laugh and incredibly patient with all the laborious technical requirements that take place on a typical photo shoot. (If I recall she hadn't slept much the night before, having flown back from a tournament in Mexico.) Never once did she complain about the long day. She was a true professional.

It was easy to see why she'd won so much respect and adoration from fans. She won over one more that day.

We will sorely miss her.

Charlie Schroeder, Senior Editor

Straight Down the Middle

noreply@blogger.com (chschroed) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:24:00 +0000

It's self-promotion Thursday here at GT.

This week, we're proud to announce the release of Josh Karp's latest book, "Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance, and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing." Karp is Golf Tips' newest contributor, and the funnyman behind our "Please Explain" column. (We've given him the unenviable task of digging up obscure information about rules, statistics and popular golf swing theories, and somehow Karp manages to make them read like a Woody Allen sketch.)

In "Straight Down the Middle," the native Chicagoan travels the country seeking advice from non-traditional instructors (a guy who has a range set up in his basement, a yogi, a martial arts sensei...the list goes on) with the hope of lowering his handicap and quieting his demons. Does he manage to pull off his 2 for 1 special? Who cares? It's a rollicking road trip and Karp is just the kind of driver you want behind the wheel, although you may get into a few minor fender benders along the way.

Wear your seat belt and enjoy the trip.

Fix Your Slice

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Bubba Watson and His Wooden Stick

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Over the past few days we've gotten a real kick out of Bubba Watson's short, silly videos he's been posting to Twitter. If you haven't seen them, you're missing a very savvy lesson in branding.

You can also learn a thing or two.

Study the President's Cup Players

noreply@blogger.com (sdahlby) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:55:00 +0000

[Editor's note: We've asked some of GT's instruction editors to share their thoughts with our audience. Steve Dahlby of Golf Club Scottsdale and Forest Highlands in Flagstaff, Arizona, was the first to take us up on the offer. Here's his first entry. Enjoy]

If you get the chance to watch some of the action at the President's Cup this week, take note of the variety of swings the players have. You will see many different techniques based on that players search for the best way for him to play his best golf. Some swings will be based on balance and timing while others will be based more on getting the club into certain positions. The thing these players have found is the best technique for them as individuals.

I truly believe there is no one way to swing the club but in studying all theories, a player can find his or her best technique.

One thing to take note of though, is that all the players, regardless of their styles, will have very consistent preshot routines to allow them the best chance to hit great shots. If a player changes his routine during a round, I believe they will struggle.

Enjoy the tournament and see if you can pick up something that can help you with your game. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at sdahlby@tgcscottsdale.com, http://www.swingmentors.com/ or the video tips section at Golf Tips Magazine.

Groovy Concerns...2

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Look...

I think it's safe to say the only ones who want to see any changes made to the shape and size of grooves on our irons (wedges in particular) are the folks at the USGA. Nonetheless, both equipment companies and most professional tours continue to both adopt and uphold the standards and rules that the USGA puts out, in return for the organization to act as both a governing body and an advocate for fair and equitable play, growth and so on as it pertains to game of golf.

Whatever. We get that.

We also get the actual groove changes, which for the pros take effect in 2010. Now, what may have been misleading and or under-reported up to know is the actual effect the new groove rule may end up having on the game of golf for everyone. You see, personally I find the USGA to be a pretty smart bunch (I don't always agree, though) and I sense they're using the groove changes as a means to create a rippling effect that will affect every club in the bag--including the golf ball.

Here's my logic--and yes--it's a simple one. If grooves become less sharp and wide, the ball will spin less around the green and out of the rough. This means some players may be forced to used softer-covered golf balls. Softer golf balls generally mean more spin, even with the driver, which then means the golf ball will both travel less and be more susceptible to wind and unwanted sidespin. This will in effect shorten drives, make hitting straight shots more difficult and so on.

All as a direct result of the new groove rules as they relate to our wedges.

Some have argued, "Nahh, the best players in the world will adjust and the rest of us won't even notice the difference." (As if there's only two types of players, THEM and US.) Others have conducted tests that analyze spin rates, launch angles etc., with hopes at proving or disproving the effects the new groove rules will have on both Tour players and well, everyone else. Really though, there's two sides to all of it, both saying different things. If you don't believe me, read the USGA's analysis (HERE) of the groove debate then head over to Titleist.com (HERE) and see what they say. They no-likey.

At this point, I'm willing to listen to both arguments, however I know tests can be swung any which way the wind blows. The real proof will come next year, as we watch players who have made careers out of their finesse around the greens either struggle or not, as well as watch big hitters and see how effectively they can hold the green after taking big swings from the rough. If I had to lean one way, I'd say Titleist is right about the groove changes aren't equitable across the board. Some players will be penalized way more than others. It's hard to deny that. And isn't the USGA all about helping make the game fair for everyone? Isn't that what handicaps are for?

In other words, time will tell the truth. Then again, it's possible tournament officials, who never want to see players shooting high numbers at their event (unless it's the US Open), will adjust the rough, green firmness, etc., so even with dulled grooves, players can hit the same types of shots they hit before the groove changes.

My point is, Tour players aside, I sense we all WILL notice a difference, no matter what the USGA says. Low handicappers especially. If anything, the new groove rules will make it tougher to take your game from low-handicapper to scratch (the toughest climb in all of golf, in my opinion).

And that's a darn shame.

Calling All Muni Sticks

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:37:00 +0000

Hey Muni champ, think you have what it takes to compete against a Tour pro? A new reality show wants to pit you against a European Tour player in an oncourse showdown. Interested? Check out the press release below.

Golf television pilot being made for national syndication is looking for small town muni courses along with its best player for 18-hole challenge match. Player MUST have personality for TV with INTERESTING background. If interested, please submit a 2-minute video of golf course and personality to: lvgolfguru@earthlink.net

Golf course must be regulation 18-holes
Player must have a minimum handicap of 3 or less.

Please No.

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Is this really happening? Look, I'm all for creative uses of advertising. It keeps us in business, but slapping an rotating LCD screen on your golf bag is just too much. And not classy. And way too distracting. The company is called Pro Bag Ads, and well, you can look them up.

Put it this way. Judge Smails would NEVER approve.

Tiger Says Olympics Should Be Hosted on Public Golf Course

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Tiger Says Olympics Should Be Hosted on Public Golf Course

Shared via AddThis

Groovy Concerns

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:42:00 +0000

Still confused about the rules as far as grooves for 2010? Put simply, the PGA Tour (and other top-ranked professional tours) has to adopt the new groove rule, which means no more sharp edged grooves, not to mention grooves that are smaller in volume. In 2014, amateur competition (such as USGA events) will require the new groove standard.

As for regular handicapping rounds, you're free to use the current groove standard until 2024.

Now, we're befuddled by the weird dates and such just as you are, but that's it in a nutshell.

Make sense?

Why He's My New Favorite Player

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Not because he's a fellow Northwesterner. Not because I think he looks cool with a beard and dresses like a skater. I'm a Ryan Moore fan because of his willingness to forgo a lucrative endorsement deal in return for his personal freedom. He plays golf without the restraints that sometimes come with being rep'd by a major corporation.

Now, this doesn't mean I disparage those who do have sponsor labels on their left chest, hat, bag or so on. More power to them. If it were me, I'd probably sell out to Pepto Bismol and wear that putty-pink color every day, if the price was right. ($50 a day sounds like enough.) Actually, that's not a bad idea...Are you listening, Sergio?

But once in a while it's refreshing to see a player, who for whatever reason, dismisses the idea of endorsing someone else and instead hones in what matters most--his golf game. Crazy? A little. It's not exactly free money, since players often have to not only play certain golf clubs they are also required to partake in certain events, promo/advertisements etc., for their respective endorsement companies. Sometimes, the big chunk of money players make from sponsorship outweighs what's made on the golf course, and if they do become successful and win on tour, there are often sponsor rewards for that too. But that's not usually the case. Most guys have sponsors to offset the costs of living on the road.

Seeing Ryan Moore win a couple weeks ago reminded me of a time when golf was just golf. When golfers wore regular shirts, pants and so forth without the need to bankroll their time-shared corporate jets, twin sports cars (his and hers, of course) and McMansions in Florida and Arizona. You never saw Bobby Jones wearing a hat with a logo, did you? How about Palmer, Nicklaus? Sure, maybe later in their careers, but early on, endorsements were fulfilled off the course, not on it.

Guess it's just the way things are, with the advent of television came more endorsements which thankfully, hasn't spread to other professional sports jerseys (with exception to soccer) yet. God forbid the day comes when my favorite baseball team has a fat nasty logo on the front.

But anyway, I'm losing my chain of thought. Back to Ryan Moore. Golf.com estimated the lack of sponsorships/endorsements that Moore passed up was around $300,000. Whoa. That's a nice wad of cash.

Imagine how many skateboards Ryan Moore could buy with that.

Golf Channel....oy vey

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:23:00 +0000

I was fortunate to work from home yesterday and couldn't help but watch some of Golf Channel's coverage of the PGA Championship. Or should I say, unfortunate?

Frank Nobilo is somewhat interesting and Kelly Tilghman is predictable but easy to listen to, but who in their right mind thinks Alex Miceli has the chops to comment on what it takes to win a major is beyond me.

No offense to Alex. I don't know him personally. He may be a great guy, decent writer and so forth. Then again, he does have a really annoying show on the Golf Channel that he shares with Andrew Magee, who at the very least has the experience on Tour and who can speak from having been there. Hmm, now that's a whole different topic. Magee deserves his own show.

Maybe it's just me, but I think Miceli, or any other keyboard stomper for the matter, has no business explaining to the golfing public what it takes to hunker down and win a major. Seriously. If anyone should comment on that, it should be someone who has won a major, played in a major or at the very least, a swing coach who has helped a player prepare or win a major.

Hey beat writers, including you Alex:

Do us a favor and report and don't offer advice. Ask some other players what they think it takes to win. Don't make your own assumptions. Puh-lease. It's driving us crazy. We have enough armchair quarterbacks already come Monday morning.

Golf in Olympics in 2016?

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:26:00 +0000

It's looking more and more likely that golfers will be vying for gold medals in a few years.

Weird? Yeah, a little. But it could be fascinating to watch...

Click HERE for the scoop.

Square Your Core

noreply@blogger.com (chschroed) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Watch this video from Dr. David Wright and you'll square your core in three minutes. Great for golfers and anyone with back pain:

What Do Phil Mickelson and Waffle House have in common?

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:40:00 +0000

If all goes as planned, a lot. Phil is looking into buying a rather large Waffle House franchise for upwards of $20 million bucks.

I know, I know. Phil and waffles sounds like a deadly combination. I just can see it now... Phil wearing a Waffle house logo across his hat and pants the color of syrup. Nice...

Get the scoop right HERE.

An English Victory Coming Soon?

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:37:00 +0000

It's hard to believe it's been 17 years since an Englishman won the British Open. Not since Nick Faldo in 1992 has there been a native to take home the Claret Jug.

Hmmph...

Is Paul Casey poised to break the 17-year winless streak? For some perspective, read this article from PGA.com.

Get it HERE.

British Open Schwag

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Not everybody is going to make it to Turnberry for this year's British Open (Phil Mickelson included), but that doesn't mean you can't score some great golf gear representing golf's oldest and most historic golf event.

Check out the cool stuff HERE.

Kenny Perry Controversy

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:43:00 +0000

Maybe it's not really a controversy, considering it happened months ago when Kenny Perry won the FBR Open in Phoenix. What's done is done, right?

Nevertheless, the debate carries in several golf talk forums, thanks to YouTube clips like this one.

Now, I see nothing wrong here. As long as the ball doesn't move when placing the club behind the ball to hit the shot--isn't that OK as far as the rules are concerned? Or, is all that patting down a sign of improving his lie? Can you see more ball after he pats the grass down than before he did it? Hmmm...

What do you think?

Golfsmith Buys MacGregor

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan Noll) — Thu, 21 May 2009 21:45:00 +0000

Looks like Golfsmith can add MacGregor to it's growing list of in-house brands.

Get the story HERE.

"Not Your Father's Golf Tournament...

noreply@blogger.com (Editor) — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:57:00 +0000

...or your mother's either."

That's the Puma Open's tag line, and judging by some of the videos that document last year's party, er, golf tournament, it's a fitting slogan. Hey would you expect anything less from one of golf's hippest apparel lines?

Last year, the 9-hole non-traditional scramble golf tournament visited 6 cities, this year they've bumped it up to 15. (It kicked off last weekend in Scottsdale. Click here for a full list of cities and dates.)

Highlights include trying to play one hole as fast as possible (finally somebody understands golf!) and a hole in which the only club you can use is a 7-iron (on second thought...). Post-round fun includes gaming tables and by the looks of things, drinking.

Cleverly crafted goatees highly recommended. Expect irreverence and a hell of a good time.

See Erica Blasberg in the July/August issue of Golf Tips. On newsstands June 30th.