~golf with me~

Golf With Me

2008-11-10T11:42:00.000-08:00

Golf With Me blog by me, the administrator and the blogger of this blog is really thankful for the support that the readers had given me. I may not be the best golf blogger in the whole world, or may not even be in Malaysia. But I believe I'm one of the earliest to get the involvement of golf in blogs. I've resources to write but I've no time to update 4 blogs at a time. I might need a writer who might write for me and I'm hoping that this blog can help a lot of people with my experience. I love golf all my life and I'm still an undergraduate. My target was, not to work but pursue on full time golf. If golf still comes good for me to be successful, it then shall be my path and destiny. If not, I'll still go for my Finance Career. hehe..please don't be afraid to put any comments and love and even request in this blogs. Thank you!

Retief Goosen - Iskandar Johor Open Winner!

2008-11-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

It is Retief Goosen reign again in the tough field of Royal Johor Country Club. His victory marks the end of his 29-month drought that probably helped bring back his confidence in his game.

I went and watch him played starting from hole 12th in the final day. And I realise lots of important elements that I'll discussed in the later game. This is the second time i see him played and probably he showed to me why he is the world class players. First of all, Retief is very cool and easy type of players like our Big Easy, Ernie Els. He played his shots without rushing and taking each and every shot slow and steadily. His swing is smooth, so smooth that you hardly see any disturbances. In the sense, seeing how he swing makes you feel, ' YEAH THAT'S THE WAY TO SING' rather than 'WHY HIS SWING IS SO DISTURBING'. His tempo and rhymtn in his game is very great that you feel that whatever he do is good. Probably that's what you will see in a PGA Tour event too. And Retief Goosen is powerful, delivering all his shots in full that shows how his accuracy is obtained. That's the beauty of it.

Perhaps this is one good advise for people like me, who didn't play for a long time. From what my father said too, players will get better and will have their slump time too. While you are having your bad times, doesn't means everything goes wrong. BUT it is normal for humans to start changing things in and out, to fine tune our game. However, that may not be the case, as the more we try to change, the worse it may get. So sometimes, after a long break or a bad season for your game, we have to play some easy course or some easy events, to boost back our confident in this game.

I was back in Orna Golf and Country Club after nearly 2 years I did not step into that turf. I played the first line and resulting in a very bad shot. I hit far but wild shots. Hitting back pitch, in fact, topping the ball at my best margin when I was in my prime. I hit bad putts, although I make the green in regulations. Things ain't just working.
But on the second line, it was different. We played the easier golf course, and my confident slowly grew back. I start from parring the first hole, continued with the second. On the third hole par 5 (which is hole 21st in Orna), I played a birdie, after hitting a great drive, great second shot with my 3 irons to reach the apron. I went on parring the next two holes without much problems. After that, I still hit a good drive but land on water. Look at this bounce back stats, I drop a shot and still hit a good approach leaving a 15 footer for par. I miss just by a little to the hole. I felt I was strong to be able to recover from such obstacles. It is great to get a bogey. the next hole was good but I make a bad chip. Still the game hasn't gone over. On the last second hole, it is a very very long par 5. I hit a good drive, but I'm still left with a 276 metres to the green, with bunkers 40 metres in front of the green. THe confident level pulled me to hit the second shot with my DRIVER on the fairway. I hit a GREAT shot, one of the best in fact (in my golf ever), and give myself another 2nd shot on the apron. I tried so many times, to play that hole in two and couldn't even get that close to what I just did. I hit a good chip, but miss that 4 footer for birdie. Still it ain't that bad though. I went on hitting a very very very good 278 metres drive on the last hole, not the best pin placement and misses another 18 footer birdie chance. I shot a remarkable 37, not a very distinct score, but it is great. After being absent for so long. This is the reason why we need to boost that confident

Just like Goosen, he is having such pressures in his game in the PGA Tour and all. So winning in Asian Tour will probably enhance his skills and he may be winning in a few tournaments back in the States again. WHY NOT!! So work on your mentality, work on your confident

Iskandar Johor Open 2008

2008-10-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

As a Johorean myself who had represented my state for quite a numbers of tournament, I'm nothing but proud of Iskandar Johor Open. Also, of Malaysian Players who is playing great in the field. The venue of Iskandar Johor Open is set in Royal Johor Country Club, which I once mentioned it is one of my local favorites golf course. Till now it is still because of the nature of the golf course. It is natural that if you are a true golfer you will enjoy it, otherwise, this golf course can force you to give up your golf. This is how great the venue is.

Apart from there, this year Iskandar Johor Open had attracted Retief Goosen, Niclas Fasth, Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant. It is a great field to watch as I'm ready to go back to my home-ground golf course probably this Sunday to experience myself the players. Apart from that, let's talk about local players.

We have quite a number of players who is doing great in the field. Apart from the popular Ben Leong and Airil Rizman, I'm really proud seeing the score boards having number of players who once I played circuit with, who once represent my state with me with and some whom I know they are great back in their Amateur time.

Let's put it this way, starting from Ben Leong, he is probably one of the player that me and some of my golf buddies anticipated who will give a chance to Malaysia to play well in a tour. And so far, it is so good for him and truly, Ben Leong might be the one who will be making Malaysia proud.

Airil Rizman, Shaaban Hussin, Sivachandran, Lim Eng Seng, Shaifubari Muda and M Shukree Othman was the local great players when I'm playing my junior circuit. I have seen them, never played with them but usually will still sit at the 18th hole watching how they play golf. Airil is probably the leading Malaysian Amateur for quite a long time and perhaps he is still one of the best. So is others, which I believe they played in RJCC escpecially for Johor Amateur Open, so this course should be nothing but familiar for them. All the best guys!

Next probably the same junior circuit and older than me will be Khor Kheng Hwai and Hanafiah Jamil, Paul Lim and Nicholas Pua. In this category, I've played with Paul and Nicholas, Khor Kheng Hwai is my great-golf-friend buddy, Victor Gan's friend and Hanafiah known him last time. Khor Kheng Hwai had been very good in golf ever since in Junior Circuit, he is one of the contenders last time with Ben Leong and had make a lot of impressions throughout the whole junior circuit season. A lot of people might not know him, because he is much elder than us, I mean in the sense, during his time of Junior Circuit, there are not much tournament, but still he already make his name known himself. Hanafiah is one of the youngest hard-hitting golfer, those that we used to call the ONE TO BEAT. Paul Lim is probably my mentor, coach, and the one that inspire Johor Team a lot. He is the one that helps us throughout our whole training as one of the most diligent youngest trainer in our team.

Next will be the Johoreans that played with me either in MSSM (National-Level Golf Championship) or SUKMA (Malaysian's Games) that is Haziq Hamizan and Abel Tam. Haziq teamed up with me once only in SUKMA games whereby we went to Seremban and if I'm not wrong he pursued his collegiate golf in Australia. A great round on the first round shows that he is getting better and that's good. haha...Abel Tam is one of the juniors that I took care of back in our Johorean's golf times. Haven't seen him for quite some time. Played two MSSM with him and we always like to joke and play with him. Haha..like your cute little brother. But now I think he is more mature and it is really great as one of the Johor most potential player. Very good exposure especially at such young age to play in professional tour tournament. Just hope that he is keeping it up and doing the great thing. All the best Abel.

Next will be the one that I'm seeing that might make a lot of breakthrough in our country, that is Gavin Kyle Green. Probably one of the players that I really see the prodigy potential and a very big heart, both the parents and he himself. He won the under-14 US Teen in July so I bet you all might know who is this guy already. So watch out for him.

Last time my coach used to bring me once to play with Rashid Ismail, and he is one great players too. I wish that he could still remember me and all the best in his game.

Anyway, for all the players that I did not mentioned or sort, I did not forget you all or something, as this blog is just to introduce about some players. all the best guys..I will be back in your scene too, 3 years from now.

the Legend of Bagger Vance

2008-10-30T03:06:00.000-07:00

The question for today and the post will be, how many movies have you watch after you started playing golf. Hmm..too broad. How many golf movies have you watch ever since you started playing golf.

I've watched plenty whether it is comedy, real life, or just stories that can actually inspire you. You know when you watch TV series like Grey's Anatomy, House or Prison Break, it somewhere somehow inspire you to be a better person or to be a greater professional depending on what you do.

I have watched Tiger Woods story (i forget the actual name already), comedies like Caddy Shack and a couple which I also forgot already, Happy Gilmore, The US Open something the movie about Bobby Jones want..haha..I'm really getting old forgetting those movies. I'll update with you all soon. But there is one that I never forget, maybe you can say because of the actors, but NO, it's because of the content of the movie.

The movie name is The Legend of Bagger Vance. It is not about the player, but about the caddie name Bagger Vance (Will Smith) and caddying for a golf prodigy(Captain Rannulph) during that time but due to war, went missing and never play golf again. Role is played by Matt Damon (one of my favorites too). So the movie set in where Damon wanted to get back to his game to play for his homeground, after a kid reflect that their small town did have a great player. So Will Smith, as the caddy did help him out, which he came like from Heaven or sort, and there are very interesting phrase in the movies that inspire us to be a better golfer. Sort of like CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM by a caddie to players like us. Because if you are in the golf course, if your caddy commented that way on you, I think he better off run away from you, if not, it might be a murder case already..hehe.

So this movie tells us about a lot of things in golf. The nature of golf, the swing, the feelings of golf and most important thing, THE MENTAL when you are playing golf. There are couple of funny words if you actually go and watch it, look out for the scenes that Bagger Vance said.

1) When Rannulph was practising his golf shots(after a long break and finding his swing) in the middle of the night, Bagger Vance walk up straight to him from far. And Rannulph goes, " Hey man, why are you walking there, be careful I might hit you!
Bagger Vance replied, 'I'm alright, but you can't hit me cause I'm walking straight to you'. ( this shows that Damon shots is bad that he can't hit it straight)

2) Bagger Vance in that scene also advised Damon that you got your swing already, everybody got their own AUTHENTIC SWING, is just how you want to find it. Do listen carefully to what Bagger Vance said throughout the whole movie, and you will find a better way to play your game of golf. Trust me!

Head Movement

2008-10-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a big problems for most golfers whether they realised or not. Thus, this makes them unintentionally or intentionally have make a few mistakes in golf which cause a big difference in their game.

One of the biggest problems in golf may occur is the head movement before, during and after our swing. The critical period will be upon contacting the golf balls. So I'll break this my content into three categories. Before, During and After

BEFORE- So the thing goes like this. Before part is mostly focused during your upper swing. The reason behind the problems is a lot of people tend to be rigid afraid that may make mistake in their swing, simply by, NOT MOVING THEIR HEADS IN THEIR BACKSWING. This may not be critical as they are still players who can play with it, BUT, you have to treat a golf swing like a living thing. You need to be alive swinging a great swing, so the point is, when you move up your swing, your head will definitely moves along. Try to move the head along with swing probably around less than 2.5inches of your original address. This will make you feel more comfortable swinging(of course prone to more mistakes, but it's just the same if you do not move it). Try to move your head effortlessly and not too much, feel like you are moving with the wave. This will probably help two points in your game,
1) the ease in your swing
2) the better distance

DURING- In the during part of your game, which sounds a little funny but it's easier for me to explain. What my terms means is contacting point time or the middle part of your swing. A lot of things can happen, even the slightest thing. The important thing about contacting point is that, when upon contact, your head should lie the same as how you address it. That is objectively speaking, but it should be around that alignment. Thus, any movement, back or front, too right or too left means deadly. Thus, you have to be sure, that upon hitting the ball you head should lie nicely approximate +/- less than 5% of default address. So be very sure about it. And very important point is this, a lot of people may have not move their head and stay according to line, but ball didn't went right. This is because..very important. PLEASE JOLT DOWN IN YOUR GOLF PRACTISE BOOK. That even when you did not move your head, YOUR BODY MAY LIFT UP OR YOUR COORDINATION MAY HAVE MISALIGNED YOUR HEAD. So becareful at this point.

AFTER- The AFTER part is after you have contact your ball. This part may seem irrelevant, but it is more important than the backswing especially for people at the handicap below 14. This is because of the maturity in your swing and game. The contacting point may vary among several people. Usually people will move their heads with their follow through around 1.5 secs later. Which will produce a very significant great results already. However, they are a few players in the tour like David Duval and Annika Sorenstam, they have their swings being able to move their heads alongside with their follow through. This is not an impossible feat but it is a wonderful and great thing if you can do it. The results produce more consistent, more clean and more greater executed shots. But it's not that easy. Back to the normal 1.5 secs or lower head turner, a very important key point for players is that, if you move slow and just remain your head there, chances is you might get a hook shot. Also hitting the ball at the back of it instead of front of it. Moving too fast, will cause you to topped the ball or hitting too front causing a slice. Thus, if you can make it according to your clubhead speed, to move your swing and head correctly, a good timing will produce a better results of the game. This may seem very small, but this is perhaps one of the most made mistakes in amateur. So brush up your games..and if you have any enquiries just let me know.

Golf Swing Review

2008-10-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

I'll add another column in my golf blog. And this is nonetheless that is the golf swing review. I'll always love to see swing sequence here and there and analyse them. Of course, in the movie called The Legend of Bagger Vance once quoted by the Caddie named Bagger Vance (Will Smith), he said, "Everyone had his own authentic swing, it's just how we going to find it".

It is very true, that all of us have the greatest swing in the history of golf, just that do we make it popular in the whole world. And in fact, just like sitting for final examination, you are given 100% marks, it's just that how you seized it and maintain that 100% compare to just getting less than that. It's the simple truth that all of us are constantly being distracted.

A very good example and will definitely be in my collection will be Jim Furyk Golf Sequence. Jim may have the swing that a lot of people might giggle or think, 'How he swing that'. But behind the analysis of his swing, do you all know something? He had the greatest club squaring upon contact of the balls. And some of his arm sequence are nothing but the best..so what do you say? Do you want to swing like Tiger with lots of problems (after trying hard to imitate his swing) or following your own swing but coordinating it with much ease. The right swing and rhymtn is what we aim to achieve, so why do we need to study other people swings.

The main purpose is to analyse and study what is the right fundamentals and the best thing to do. So let's enjoy it then..

Knowledge in Golf

2008-10-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

In everything we do, we need knowledge. Even when we play golf, if you do not have knowledge, do you know how to whack a 30 yards further from how you usually teed off? Will you know how to chip near the pin? Or do you know how to play a better game?

Is it all based on instincts? NO..seriously NO! I mean a N and a O = NO.

Game of golf as mentioned is used to compensate and minimize our losses. Some people may fared well after getting a professional and learn fast. However, even with or without your coach, you still need to do a lot of homework. Because, golf is never like studying. You study in the middle of the nite, burning up midnight oil hoping for a better game tomorrow?? That can never happen.

Golf involve plenty of patience and perseverance. You need knowledge and a lot of extra knowledge. And a very important key reminder is that, ALWAYS GIVE CHANCE TO EVERYONE TO GIVE YOU THE KNOWLEDGE YOU WANT. In other words, doesn't mean all branded stuffs are good, some cheaper brands serve the same purpose. Or Specifically, doesn't mean you are taught by David Leadbetter or Butch Harmon, you will be the world greatest player (take Tiger changing his coach to Hank Haney, I'm not saying Hank is not good, he is very great, but changing from world number one coach to Hank, what he did that??). Just like getting tips from Golf Channel, some tips can be pretty accurate and correct and it may apply to you. Doesn't mean all the tips that is given can correctly fit everyone, but somehow it may serve as a precaution or reminder. Thus, what's the next best thing to gain this knowledge??

READDDDDDDDDD!!!!!
That's what always happen to a lot of people who did not gain enough knowledge. You have to read a lot to know a lot. Example, reading from magazines giving you all tips and tricks. However, those may not be sustainable sometimes for future reference. So I suggest, getting books. I've tonnes of books and magazines. If to take it professionally, when I was young I take golf like my profession. I read everyday, while going for tuition, while relaxing, come back home. I've read from successful people's books like Tiger to normal players who share their tips. There are a lot of knowledge being put in. And that's good. When you know more, you get to explore and understand more of the complexity of the game of golf. I've read popular books like How I Train a Tiger, How Do I Play Golf (recommended) all by Tiger. And I've read a book talking about the legends of golf from Sam Snead to Bobby Jones, Harry Vardon. Understanding them like a Historian makes you different and better of course. As a favourite Historian George Santayana quoted, ' Those who don't remember their history, will repeat the same mistakes again'. So do grab some of the books either is E-books or physical books. It serve a good purpose. You can ask which book are good when you want to purchase them. I'll let you know. I have links at the side bar of HOT PRODUCTS..where you can buy those books too..hehe

Golf Technology

2008-10-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

In anything that we do nowadays, technology had worked their way up to make things beyond imagination. You seen car being improved from normal to hybrid and many more. Golf is just about the same.

But what I can ask now is, how many of you all know about golf technology? Let's see..probably 30% of my readers. Anyway, I need contribution or comments about technology that you all guys know. We can have a forum some time later..but I need people to contribute ideas for me. Let's improve tech golf into more comprehensive and detail part of the story..

Legend..

2008-10-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

To be a legend in golf..the very most important thing is your TRUE SELF.. It's hard to judge and to see how one can be a legend..but there is always the believe that a legend lives in within us. And in Golf..we got great players from Bobby, Sam, Jack, Arnold, Gary to Seve, Nick, Nick again and to the era of Tiger, Ernie, David, Davis, Sergio and many more.

What is so unique about them that makes them so special in the PGA Tour. Is it they are born to be special? Or WHAT? The truth is, everybody is special in God's Eyes, they may be faster learner and slow learner, but always it's how we captivate the opportunity and make it our own. I have experienced what I have to experienced, but I did not captivate it well. I did not do that well..and all I hope is the chance to stand on the field back. To be back where I were..how is that seriously possible, I don't know. Just hope to make the living with it..

Anyway..catch up with more of my blog updates..hehe..

Golf Online Shopping

2008-08-30T03:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone enjoy buying things especially golfers with golf products right. I always spend a long time with my buddies, Jeff and my dad, shopping on golf products. Because, guys don't really enjoy shopping other stuff other than what they have interest in it. So for golfers, and for all girls and ladies out there if your bf or hubby is a golfer, throw them in golf shops or exhibition, they can stuck there for hours. Believe me in golf there are so many things to see and always, just like any other things, you always wanted it cheap and you wish that you can own a golf shop, to be able to used all those things. But that seem ridiculously hard for us as sometimes, exhibition only promote cheap stuff and not totally all stuff (you sometimes got frustrated with all those cheap products that the offer, come on give me Nike or Callaway or something).

And another thing about golfer, especially back when I was playing my school (collegiate) half-touring golf events, I always wish to buy something for myself or at least get some products conveniently. However, those local pro-shops offered products is sometimes just as disappointing as well and in normal business, they are expensive. And back then, online shopping seem not that popular in my country and recently, with the rapid growth of Information Technology. Golf products can be sold even through online.

However, there is still some problems, that people are scare to swap their credit cards and delivering their PayPal to such products. But I was wrong just like anybody else, I have buy so many products whether is golf or not on this with some of the webpage, and their services was great. And to further improvise their services, they have McAfee Software to take care of their websites alongside with BBB Online for online shoppers. Ain't a bad thing right?

AND wait..the best part is, through online shopping , you usually get the LATEST PROMOTIONS, LATEST UPDATES AND THE CHEAPEST PRICE..because in local pro-shops or golf shops ( they have to pay their taxes to the governments and rental), thus they have to increment the price. It's not their fault, it's normal business practise. And thus, I not change, but try out online shopping for golf products. And I'm just as satisfy as ever, so do try it out just like me in one of the place that I always go for shopping that is InTheHoleGolf.com. hehe..enjoy!!!

p/s: Even looking at those products is enjoying enough, as it is quick, self explanatory and you can even compare prices and products..hehe..

Golf Nature

2008-08-30T03:15:00.000-07:00

As a golfer, just like any normal human beings, just that they play a game with sticks and balls. Alright that sounds so obscene!! Bad language, anyway, in game of golf, we played a normal round of 18 holes course, enjoying the scenery, the sandy beaches of bunkers, the ocean of ponds, the evergreen grasses of fairways and trees and at the end, we just enjoy them as a nature.
Golf in me, in what I believe is about the nature, whether is mother nature (environment) or the nature of human being (our internal thinking/mental). And you all definitely have to agree with me that when you play a round of golf, you always lose to nature. Right?

You lose to environment of the slopes, the types of grass, the contour of the fairway, the types of sand use in the bunkers, the types of soil that is used, the types of trees that is grown. No one in golf can actually get used to it, as I once commented, it is all about compensation. I'm a finance student, so I know even more detail about compensation to get the best return. haha..also nature in our mind. That whenever you are thinking something based on instincts, you still lose out, why?? Because your mental don't agree with you 100%. And it's nature in us that we will have doubts towards what we believe in. And for this case, I can explain to you that I'm a part-time semi-pro magician, I know what people believe and don't believe. And how illusion may work in most of us. I myself got trick by magician before I start tricking people. hehe..Anyway, what I can tell you all is, enjoy the game of golf, whether is it worth taking the risk or not, or whether you will always lose in it or not. Just as conclusion, enjoy it wholeheartedly and be humble with it, because in game of golf, it's all putting your personality. And always think back, if you had a bad game or a good game. Think about your flaw especially when you throw your club, and stuck it in the ground. (and the silly thing is, when you throw it, you still have to pick it up yourself--> laughing stock right), reflecting on those silly things will make you stronger that being able to have more self-controlled is being able to overcome you bad habits. Trust me! I don't throw golf clubs, I throw and kick them 25 feet up the sky and flew 40 metres from me. And that's the most silliest thing I ever did, and thinking back, I'm nothing but embarassed!

Hand Grip

2008-08-30T02:45:00.000-07:00

This post is not about using which type of grip for your golf swing or your putting grip. This grip is about sports equipment that is equivalent helpful for our game of golf. Perhaps most of you all have seen this and have use this golf.

As the picture above shows, it is just a simple item that probably you saw it not only in gym, perhaps in a lot of homes. A very portable tool to used. The reason why I post this up is because I have this tool back in 1998, when I started golf not long. But I didn't use it, it was my brother's self-exercising tool. It was up to recently when I found it nearby my bed frame, which is ten years since then, and I started gripping and thought it will be an exercise tool for me back in college. I brought this things back to my apartment and started exercising daily for doing 30 - 60 grips on both hands for 3 times a day (usually do it while relaxing from studies, or after school, or just merely studying and gripping it). I didn't know the results not until I recently went back to range to hit some balls, and I started to feel that my grip ain't that tense as like last time. I get to feel more in control of my clubs and of course, usually after a long break you wouldn't expect too much power when delivering a shot. I was truly wrong, I get to whack a ball far and yet it seems effortless. And as I'm a lefthanded, I have the problem of hooking, and I had great superhooks that I never tried before. WOW..remarkably, I took up my driver and give it a blow. Seriously, you just have to swing it like normal, and your arms will do all the workings. But there is warning signs, for guys and girls, using this tool you would make your arms bigger. It's not a bad thing for guys, for me especially, but girls might not prefer it. And you have to coordinate more of your power with your swing. It is not a superior tool but it is a complement tool for your games. So do try it and give it a try. go to any nearby local shops should probably get you with pretty cheap price.

Request

2008-08-30T02:43:00.001-07:00

I've set up this blog for a purpose of sharing the golf and opinions from various people. However, recently due to pack in study schedule, I couldn't update just as much. But I'm back again and this time I will be happy if anyone could suggest more topics for me to elaborate more in this blogs. Especially comments and topics you wish that I can elaborate more for you all. I'm not out of topic, just that sometimes when things got caught up, you might be lost of ideas.hehe..

Tiger is Out because of Injury..

2008-08-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

As to everyone's knowledge, Tiger Woods, the current World Number One golfer will probably be out of this season. This is because of having his knee injury up to 4 times in half of the season cause the upbeating best player in the world having to rest and recover his surgery recently. After missing his major for the first time, and this time missing twice the major..the World Number One said he will be starting his game back probably early next year..just wait for his latest news..hehe..all the best to the world number one..

Golf Swing..

2008-04-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

In a game of golf, a swing is definitely very important. And of course I have once blogged bout this where I talk about each authentic swing that one might have. On the other hand, talking about this swing stuff, have you ever wonder why people say Tiger's swing is so nice? Of course this is normal, because all his fundamentals and body coordination is at one piece just like Tag Heuer watch. But do you know that in previous times, people mentioned about how pretty Niklaus and Player's swings are. I guess most of you all do not know this as when you pick up golf, is already in Tiger's era. Me too in Tiger Era but I like history a lot, so much just like liking golf history. Not to mention that those swings are not as nice as Tiger, but the word 'nice' in their context is the swing plane, the fundamentals and how complete they look in their swing. Authentically, perfectly and superbly just their swing. If you ever get to watch back all those past majors or History's swing, be sure to catch see how smooth they swing. The smoothness is that point that determine how nice their swing.
But not how your swing looks like Tiger or Adam Scott, is how your swing fit your body and how you swing it. That's the biggest difference and that difference is significance for your game.

Trevor Immelman - AUGUSTA 2008 WINNER!!

2008-04-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

The every exciting competition in this season's first major tournament in Augusta last Sunday, saw the grueling and splendid performance of lots of stars. And stars definitely included Tiger Woods on the prowl for victory, but it doesn't come his way this week. And Tiger finished with a 5-under, 3 behind the champion of this year Augusta Winner. I won't disclose his name first..but just for you all to guess this young South African, Nike Sponsored stars. I have always like his mediocre short powered punch swing. And last few years when I'm still actively playing golf, I have always thought that this guy will stand a chance to excel better. Though he fumbled his career a little here and there, in European Tour, the name of TREVOR IMMELMAN had actually emerge in a couple of championship. And this time, Trevor Immelman once again proved that he is not gone, he is just waiting for the right chance, and seizing this GREEN JACKET proves everything he had work for, everything he had wanted for and everything his fans is waiting for. And with all due respect, I'll LIKE TO CONGRATULATE TREVOR FOR HIS WINNINGS. And he had a really very cute daughter..hihihihi..Hope he got a Cosy Green Jacket right on top of his body now..hihihi..

golf blog

2008-04-10T03:55:00.000-07:00

A day to come back to blog, a day for an underdog who truly misses his way in golf to blog..and a day for history to turn back time. hehe..Sorry a thousand times that I have been truly busy with all the works here that I have now. It's not that I have no time to maintain this blog but I'm at the same time busy doing assignments and updating only one blog that is ~my life~. However, it is definitely fun to be busy in such stage that you will know what Uni life is all about. I truly got no time for golf definitely, but I did brought my golf set up here. hehe..To play some driving range which I recently found nearby my campus. But of course what I mean by nearby is 10 minutes drive. If you were to walk, probably I'll lose my belly in a month just to walk there and hit a bucket or two. How's everybody..nobody is reading my blog already I guess. hehe..Anyway, you all are free to ask or message me whenever you all wanted to. I'll be able to reply or write a post according through your request. Cause sometimes, I'll probably need some great ideas too to blog. Anyway, Augusta is coming on the way..let's wait for the excitement. How I wish I can watch live telecast here..hihihi

OMG!!!

2007-09-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hehe..in fact if I lost the crowd of my blog readers, there is no surprise. Seriously, I nearly forget about this blog of mine. So sorry guys. And today I kinda think of it and in fact yes, there is the reader who post up to me saying..please update.

Hmm..I don't know how long will I take before I update my this blog again, because I'm now in my most hectic week ever. But I'll get back to you all ASAP. sigh..really sorry guys..

in fact I didn't update since Garcia lost his bout up until Tiger have won the PGA Championship. Congrats, Tiger. Anyway let me post up today entry with something about mental golf again.

And this is seriously very applicable to me right now because it's been like 2 months since I last went to the driving range as there is no range of golf courses around Cyberjaya. Even if there is any, I don't have any car to drive around to have a couple swing. That ain't important..today's entry will be all about players who still play golf, but really rare probably due to studies, laziness or whatsoever. And how mental affect the game.

Okay..Many of us sure have a period or time when you feel like just give up the game of golf and pursue on other sports or just sick of playing badly. If you ever think about it, all I can say is you are not a good golfer enough. And seriously, you are not a GREAT SPORTSMAN as well. I, however, hmmm..can't be consider as someone who give up golf. I still have the passion in golf, the enjoyment of playing and winning if possible and of course the challenges in golf that taught me so much things. I still enjoy reflecting on how last time I used to play golf. I'm still keen on playing golf but then when go back to my hometown, I rather stay at home and relax. Not a good sign but definitely, I'll touch back all my stuff when I'm working next time. Study in University now, hmmm..really don't give those ample time to think about golf. hihi..

Alright, let's put it this way. You have been absent in golf for months and feeling wanto get back to the game. You feel like brushing up your game by going to driving range first. You think overnight to plan how you want to be a golf enthusiast again. But when it comes to the time like 4pm for you to go to the range, you are too tired to do it. What I can say is, flap your butt, get your set and HALLELUJAH..driving range, here we go. The first step of trying to go to the range is important, as it builds something in your brain that I want to pursue something. And in range, don't force yourself. Try to get back our swing and swing comfortably. A lot of players who return to the game will find it even more discouraging are mostly because of their high-expectation to play well. That shouldn't be the case, as we should know that humans ain't perfect and definitely, we have very very rough edges around here and there. So just be patience and you don't have to whack 200 balls just because you think it can helps you get back to your performance..NO!!! Hit sufficient balls like 100 probably, just to get your routine started. If you feel like you want to achieve more, then go ahead with 50 balls stacking up. Don't just go there and hit a ball blindly. I once read from Tiger's book of How I Play Golf..that Tiger mentioned that 'one of his most effective training may only require him to hit 20 golf balls'. What he is stressing on is about the QUALITY..not the quantity. So for people like me who nearly lost touch in golf, we should learn to train more quality short than hitting so much that turns out no results. Be patience in golf, and let the time do the job..

Back to Work..

2007-07-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

For the last whole week, I was truly busy with examinations and assignment. Finally I get to sit down on my chair, facing the computer to continue my golf blog. So the same word over and over again, my more sincere apologies to all.

So, today my topic will be more about mental golf again. Today's mental golf will be about being able to bounce back. Probably relating to Garcia's British Open serious loss, but truly applicable to all whenever you all play golf.

Bouncing back is the ability to recover, to come back, to save or secure shots to reduce the stroke after you probably make a mistake blowing a hole or two. In PGA Tour, it is quite obvious that Tiger Woods truly have the best bouncing back status among all. Bouncing back can be the status on a particular day or even more specific one will be particular holes. Sometimes, have you met with some players, that didn't really play well at the front, but suddenly keep recovering and bouncing back as he/she gets along. If any of you who is reading this also can do those stuff, I can just salute you all and say that you all have a very cool and systematic pace in your mental game. This is purely because usually, after some blunder in a hole, players tend to get panic and instead, making more and more mistakes. But sometimes, we should learn to overcome this prob slowly. Though it is not really easy, but this ability can help you in your game. In what WAY?? What I think that it helps the most, is when you are playing with somebody you think is much better player with you. But with a cool, slow and steady mental, you can settle your mind neutrally and just wait for the other player to make mistake.

Therefore, try to learn to bounce back instead of thinking what is going to happen in the coming few holes. Don't think about any mistakes and stuff that you make in your swing when mistakes happen, just go for it. Each and every shot, just go for it. Probably the best advise is, don't over anticipate your problems. Just remain cool and try to recover it back.

OH MY GOD!!!

2007-07-23T02:07:00.000-07:00

I guess you all know what my entry today will be about already. Seriously and totally, about Garcia lost in British Open. How can that be HAPPENING???

Seriously, I felt sad for him. There are so many factors that cause his game to falter even at the beginning of it. I don't think Garcia can get over this trauma that soon. Even the world's best player probably need a day or two to get over such sad ending. Anyway, just let me brief for some who don't know about his game on Sunday. But before that, we have to CONGRATULATE mr. PADRAIG HARRINGTON for the win. In fact, last Sunday, my mum was complaining that she seldom see Paddy won't this few times. Probably he just wanted a major for this year. Great Job, Padraig!!!

So all about Garcia now. Probably my comments ain't that professional enough. But in my third person view, I'll just comment it. I think Garcia, as a touring pro definitely know it best. In my opinion, Garcia maybe felt the pressure of being one of the youngest major winner and having to win the FIRST MAJOR under his belt. We can never know, because in the game of golf, even great professional like Garcia probably face it on the last day of the Game. Besides, probably a lot of the other guys, who is supporting him gave him too many word of advise. This seriously in someway somehow can give more pressure to a player. During his game, probably something don't 'click' as how he wanted it to be. And Garcia's bouncing back status which I think is quite high, couldn't go up to expectation. This triggers his mental and emotion into a critical period as like an egg at the tip of a horn. That's the problem and there are many more factors too.

That was the ending for a great player who fought hard but did not get it. But then, of course he will get one major in his career. So, let's just wish him all the very best in his upcoming few more tournaments.

British Open at Carnoustie..

2007-07-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Oh..I'm truly sorry for not updating this blog. Not that I don't want, but due to the problems that you all know already. Anyway..let's not talk about that stupid services topic and move on to the latest stories. the Headlines for today..

Garcia is on his form with yellow-clad sweater with a turtleneck red shirt, matching his cap and his golf club's grip. In fact, the truly model for TaylorMade..was in his very fine and cool form. His game was so far in A- category, but that is good enough for him and if he still maintain that A- game, tomorrow we'll see a Spaniard in the footstep Seve Ballestros to win his first ever major. Let's wish Garcia all the best for his game tomorrow. Though I can't watch it live as I will be back to my campus, but I'll keep myself updated through the Internet.

But that's not all about this post. I actually wanted to comment about Sunday's Final Round for British Open. Let tomorrow be a sunny day in Carnoustie, and let's there be no delay. And I truly hope that we can see the best battle. In fact, I was discussing with my dad that who we actually wish to be the British Open champion. No heartfeelings, we want either Garcia and surprisingly, KJ Choi to win. There can only be one winner, and our percentages goes to KJ, though after the third round he faltered terribly. The reason is, if KJ was to be the British Open Champion, he will be the FIRST ASIAN TO WIN A MAJOR IN THE GAME OF GOLF..that actually will boost other Asian PGA Tour golf player to play even better. But he is 6 strokes back, and everything will be down to Stricker and Garcia battle. And of course, Garcia is one of my idol, so let's hope the latest British Open Champion be Garcia..hehe..will keep you all updated..

Apology

2007-07-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I'm terribly sorry for not informing earlier about my truly late post. And definitely I got a reason. The reason is I just moved to Cyberjaya to study for my major in my U, so at my new place there, for the time being there is no access to Internet. And my Streamyx or broadband application is still in the process, so sorry for not being able to update the latest info and everything to you guys. Please do still support me and I'll sure to blog ASAP. Sorry once again..

Mental Golf

2007-06-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, sorry for these very late entry. I was very busy for the past few days, fixing myself in my new campus and still wasn't really make myself adapt to here yet. But I can't lag you all too long, therefore I decided to spare some time to blog something for you all.

As I promise earlier, I'll touch everything like introduction and sort before going to the more detail part. Therefore, as for today's entry will be about MENTAL GOLF. As you all know, golf ain't just about swinging the golf club and whacking that golf ball. It involves body coordination to hit a shot, and definitely mental to articulate your game ; explicitly, implicitly or tacitly. But how does mental golf influence our game and what's the percentage of it towards a game??

What I can say is, the Game of Golf won't be that interesting if our mental is not part of the game. Because if it is just about hitting the golf ball into the hole, then it is truly a lame idiotic game. Our mental is one of the major factor that might cause a player, not performing well or up to their expectations. And as you play more, you will know how important it is. In fact, Mental Golf is part of a growing process in your brain for golf. You experienced and learn more through practise, involving yourself in tournaments and any exposures that involves not just one party. As for me, I had been through quite a lot of experience regarding mental golf especially in the part of improving myself.

An easy way to enlighten you all about mental golf is probably, is your handicap. As you all know, handicap 24 are classified as beginner, 18-24 are novice,12-18 are intermediate, 0-12 advance and etc. And during this part of evolving yourself in either of the category means different understanding in your mentality towards golf. This is simply undeniable. You all probably will understand why because you all will know that people who handicap are lesser will definitely have better advantage in golf. This may not be the fact but it has positive percentage that the thoughts are true.

As for me, I started my handicap of 24, jumping to 21 and then to 19. During this part, I summarize in a shorter form that my game were very blunt. And probably you will blow your hole randomly at any hole or holes in 18 holes. If the blunder starts early, sometimes there are still room of improving your game. But if you blunder were in the middle, then you will definitely struggle with your head running around here and there. Picking up pieces and can't regain your contention back. As for my advise for novice players, stay calm in your game. You will definitely make mistakes, and pretty a lot of them, just slow down your pace when this things happen. And if you are playing in your homeground, don't take bad memories as a phobia thing for you. Keep in mind that everytime you play a game, everything is different than the others and don't bring back bad memories.

My handicap then decrease from 19 to 14 and I was then a intermediate player. This category might be the most major part of your game. You learn and understand a lot more in this process. Probably during novice period, you are still new to the game. But this category is the part where you learn the most and even more than when you are an advance player. Why is it so? Simply, you know much detail of the game and definitely you know what you are doing in the golf course than beginners. But what is the common mistake in Mental Golf in this category?? In my opinion, players between handicap of 12-18 will face big problem in the last three holes. Last three holes in their mental are the most critical one. WHY?? Intermediate players are able to cover early and middle mistakes easily. BUT during the back part of the game, they are relatively unstable (whether they are playing well or not at the front part of the game). This is because usually intermediate players will usually reflect how well they play throughout in the course earlier on. Or how bad they play. And with that mentality, (if they are playing good) they will try to maintain their forms and that's when trouble come. If they aren't playing well, they will be thinking why they play so bad, and instead this influence them to be afraid of making those mistakes. Last three holes are critical in the sense of playing a good game or covering a bad game. That's the reason I can think of. And to cope with this matter, I simply recommend to intermediate players, not to think about any part of your game and just play the whole game. Even you are playing badly or vice versa, you shouldn't even spare time for thinking those stuff. Though you have plenty of time to think for a shot in golf, but sometimes is better not to do too much critical thinking and focus on automatic response in your game.

And for advanced players, mental golf are more polish at this stage. But they will still face problems but are lesser. And for advance players, blunders only happen when you put your expectation over your head. That's the only prob. You can't always think of the expectation you want to achieve but instead you must think of the other factors. Golf ain't perfect just like life, we just try to compensate and try to make it better than pushing ourself to the limit that we know sometimes is hard to achieve. Golfers at this stage should learn more about calming your brain time to time, and enjoy the game more than keeping the score low. Because players at this stage won't have much problems keeping the score low, but it is just mental that pulls them down. So relax and enjoy are the advise for advance players. Other factors will be discuss in detail in later post for mental golf. Sorry for the late post again..sorry.

My in-Favs Golf Courses..

2007-06-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have played quite a number of golf courses and there are some that I truly felt miserable entering it. Not to say miserable, a better word is it didn't attract me to play in that course again. For some of them, I still enjoyed playing there but with the hope that they might improve in some way.

One of the golf courses that I probably are afraid of playing there will be Jasin Golf Club in Jasin, Melaka. This golf course ain't that bad in terms of the turf, which is cow-grass. But..BUT..that golf course is way too dangerous. Dangerous for golfers and PUBLIC! You all might wonder why PUBLIC are involved? My introduction will be, this is the FIRST golf course, where I tee off in front of a primary school. Come on, a primary school behind a golf course. It is so near, that whenever you tee off, there is young children shouting here and there. The worse part is, below the tee box, is a road. And it is the only road where you can access to the school. So you will have plenty of cars parking in front of the first tee box. Isn't that dangerous? What if you topped your ball? The distance between your ball (the place where you tee) and the car is the distance that a golf ball can KILL somebody. I played there once and have this so-called bad experience there. This is just danger to the public. As for golfers, I really can't imagine when it is at its peak time. You know WHY? I'll give you a scenario. Imagine yourself, playing in a golf course which have a shape of a circle. Where each circumference of the circle, is the place you tee-off. And the fairway is in the middle of the circle. Understand? You are like in NO-MANS LAND when you are in the centre. When people shout 'FORE', you don't even know from where the golf ball fly from. Probably I'm exaggerating a little bit, but due to safety, exaggerating may seem important. The golf course, if I'm not mistaken was closed already. Because of what reason, I don't know. But there is one thing for sure, the maintanence of the golf course, is much better than other public golf courses so far as I see (of course not better than Royal Johor but it is better than average golf club).

what i think about Jasin golf club..is something like this..

The other golf course which I played several time before it was close down will be Golden Valley GCC in Melaka too (nearby Jasin). The golf course was once known as the Malaysia's Best golf course. But due to poor maintanence, I mean truly poor maintanence, it is shut down, but NOT FOR GOOD. The golf course was designed by Japanese and it has a lot of Japanese elements in the architecture of the ClubHouse itself. This very golf course are long and even long hitters may consider it long. It has really challenging and interesting holes which you really need to use quite a lot of your brain instead of just brawl, to hit long and strategic shot. G. Valley, was a really great course. Unfortunately, due to poor maintanence by the Management and Golf Maintanence personel, the golf course degraded in a fast motion. The turf which is origally bermuda grass was slowly turn into half-bermuda half-cow grass and slowly turn to SWARM grass. It is really sad to see that whenver you play there. But what they do was just putting sand on top of the grass only. And when you play there, you can't play well because you were even afraid to hit down the grass. WHY?? Because it is so full of sand causing handpain when you play and damaging your golf club. The green's grass itself was uneven, which seems like there were herds cows went there and eat the grass DAILY. I truly like the golf course very much but what to do, sometimes people just do not know how to cherish golf course.

I think that's about it about the golf course which saddened me in my past experience. In terms of golf courses, you can consider myself as quite friendly where I'm not picky about golf courses. But sometimes, people didn't work as much as they should in order to make their golf course ' One-in-a-Million'. It's easy for me to say, and I know its hard to maintain the golf course. BUT I truly believe, if one are loyal to your members, your members won't run away just like that. Golfers are supportive when they come to improving their home-club. It's just the reality.

p/s : if anyone want me to review some of the golf courses, I may do so- of course subject I played there before. Just name it probably I can share a little. Thanks for the comment.

My Favs Golf Courses...

2007-06-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

Alright! Really thanks a lot to one of the commenter in my CBox.. because it is really hard to get certain target audience who can cooperate with bloggers. I hope I can consider myself lucky and I certainly know the commenter is someone in my hometown.

My post today is about my favourite Golf Course that I prefer to play golf and the one that I dislike. I really like this question a lot and I'll give my reasons according to my experiences. But to choose only one probably is kinda hard for me, so I'll say a few of the golf courses that I like. The golf course that I probably prefer the most will be The Legends Golf & Country Club at Kebun Sedenak in Kulai, Johor. The reason may seem irrelevant for you all but as I say, it is based on my past experiences.
REASONS :

This is the first golf course, that make me play my score record of 74 for the first time. I won my second consecutive U-15 State Level Champions safely after winning the tournment held at The Legends GCC.
The golf course there is really nice, designed by 'The Legend' Jack Niklaus and what I can say is, the distances there are quite short and it is really easy for me to conquer the whole course with my above average distance.
They use bermuda grass for fairways, very well maintain ground with picturesque scenery.
Alright, let's talk the professional golf course analytic way. This course is really interesting because the contour of the golf course are laid mostly just like you are in hilltop. Where you have to tee off in a higher area for some holes. And whenever you step on the tee box, you got a very clear overview picture of how a hole is to be played. The golf course may seem quite easy for some players but from what I analyse with only a few encounter at that course is that, the traps that they set are very strategic. The bunkers, water, rough and green are precisely and strategically place where average players really need to find ways to escape them. What do I mean by average players are players who play on the right tee box according to their handicap. Example White Tees for people of handicap 18-24 and Blue Tees from people below handicap 18.

The next golf course that I like is Royal Johor Golf & Country Club at Johor Bahru. This golf course is one of the oldest in Johor and trust me, they really have the aroma of truly old golf course. I have spend most of my time (2001-2004) down there due to training and tournaments, and I never get bored of it. Though is a public golf course, I can say is it is really different from other public golf courses (public golf courses in Malaysia are usually lack of maintanence).
REASONs:

This is one of the toughest golf course that I played in my golfing time. In terms of the design and contour, this golf course is very very hilly and have lots of variation in the design of the landscape. Furtheremore, the grass type are cow-grass where hitting a solid accurate shot is very important. Because in cow-grass, if you hit on the back, it means you hit on the back..there is no way the grass can help you to bump the ball a few metres in front.
The green are relatively fast and consistent in every hole. But the best part is each and every hole has their own charateristics. Though I'm quite familiar with the golf course, it seems unavoidable for me to continuously making mistake just on the green. The green's contour are mostly influenced by the surroundings. I know you all might not understand what I'm trying to say. The meaning influenced by the surroundings is that, the green are so mature that, the contour are following the factor of growth of the green instead of just the soil. Still Blur!! This is the simpler form for you all to understand. Some of the greens in Royal Johor are influenced by the location of water (one of the major factor of growth). There are greens in there which when you see are uphill, but when you tap the ball, it roll so fast like downhill. The reason, there is a pond behind the green, though is uphill, the roots and grass are facing to the water and therefore cause the green to act DIRECT OPPOSITE OF WHAT WE SEE! Believe me, only experienced player know how to play this course.
The environment of the golf course I can say is pretty nice as it is in the middle of the jungle (last time it was a jungle). And you can definitely see really old mature trees that grow more than a century there.
The rules and regulations there are tight, but it is a good way to preserve what ancient golf truly is about. And of course, the Sultan of Johore's family always play there, so it is truly a ROYAL Johor.

I played in many courses, these are the two that I think are the favourite. I played in Thailand, Singapore and locally, and I still think that Malaysia's courses are nicer. I've never played Saujana and I really hope I can get to there one day. BUT..

Last but not least, the other golf course that I, not to say like the most, but give me the best experience is probably The Mines Golf & Country Club. For Malaysian golfers, and in fact golfers around the world might know that The Mines are the host for 1999 World Cup Golf Championship, where Tiger Woods and his partner, Mark O'Meara help USA secure the World Cup Champion. I was there to witness the game 3rd round game with my Dad before I myself went up to Kota Permai GCC (one of M'sia best golf course) to play golf. The question is DID I PLAYED THERE BEFORE???

THE ANSWER IS YES.. I can really consider myself lucky as my Dad's last time Boss treat us to a game there. Well truly very LUCKY I can say. Even the locker room was so COOL, BIG SPACIOUS LOCKER ROOM with Tiger's picture hanging all around the place. There is jacuzzi and spa at there somemore. Alright! Back to the topic.

The Mines GCC may not be the most challenging or toughest golf course to play, but it is one of the MOST WELL-MAINTAINed golf course in Malaysia. The grass are truly evergreen, and the surroundings are very picturesque. The best part is, the GREEN are very soft. So soft just like you are walking on SPONGE. The green are very mature where spinning my ball for me (during that time I still can really spin my ball well) may seem likely. And when you play there, even you know KL City is so damn hot, at there, it is always cooling. Really a MAGNIFICENT experience there. And to boast a little, the place are only for DATO's or DATUKs. The entrance fee..don't ask (RM 600++ in 1999, now I'm not sure).

These are the golf courses that I probably enjoyed the most, so far. In Malaysia, I really hope I can play in more championship course like Saujana. But so far in my so-call career, I played a lot of Championship Course in Malaysia, example my homeclub Orna GCC, Kota Permai GCC, Tanjung Puteri GCC and Royal Johor GCC. Hopefully can add more of the names in my golfing list.

I'll probably share more about golf courses in later post, but these are my favs I can say. And in the next post, I'll talk about the course that, not certainly I dislike, but their weaknesses.