Golfers Golf

Golfers May Sink More Putts by Visualizing Hole as Bigger Says Purdue Scientist

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:40:00 EST

Golfers looking to improve their putting may find an advantage in visualizing the hole as bigger, according to a new study from Purdue University.

In this golf study, 36 participants putted to two different-sized holes while a projector displayed a ring of smaller and larger circles around each hole to create an optical illusion. The smaller circles around the hole made it look bigger. Before putting, the person's perception of each hole was measured by having them draw the estimated size of the hole. Their perception was correlated with their scores. The participants who saw the smaller hole (which was 5.08 centimeters in diameter) as bigger putted about 10% more successfully.

Jessica K. Witt, an assistant professor of psychological science who studies perception in sports (pictured above), says, "People in our study made more successful putts in a smaller hole when a visual illusion helped them perceive it as large. We know that how people perceive the environment affects their ability to act in it, such as scoring as basket or hitting a baseball, and now we know that seeing a target as larger leads to improved performance."

Witt's previous work has shown that perception and performance also work together in softball, tennis and football. For example, softball players who hit the ball better saw it as bigger, and people successfully kicking a football through the goal posts saw the target as larger.

Photo: Purdue University photo/Andrew Hancock

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Golfers Golf Joins Pinterest

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST

Golfers Golf has joined Pinterest. Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that lets users create pinboards for different subjects, such as your favorite golf courses or products. You can find us on Pinterest here.

You can also find us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Image: Pinterest

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Obama: Women Should be Admitted to Augusta National

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST

President Obama thinks women should be admitted to Augusta National golf club, the home of the Masters, and a mens-only club. Obama thinks the private club should allow women to be members. Jay Carney said the President's personal opinion is, "Yes, his personal opinion is women should be admitted." Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Ends 30-Month Winless Drought at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods has ended his 30-month winless drought. It was his first win in 924 days. Woods stepped out of his loser dome with a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Woods won the event by five strokes. This is the seventh time in his career he has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Take a look:

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Odyssey Debuts New Metal-X Putters

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:54:00 EST

Callaway Golf Company has announced that its new Odyssey Metal-X line of insert putters will be available on April 13. Callaway says the putters feature a lightweight aluminum face in front of a urethane backer layer. Callaway also says the face pattern of the putter features oval depressions that create a mechanical lock with the ball's dimples at impact. The putters will range in price from $149 to $189.

Austie Rollinson, Principal Designer for Odyssey Putters, says, "The texture on the face does two things-it reduces surface contact and increases edge contact between the face and the ball. Reducing the surface contact during impact helps us create a solid, yet soft, sound at impact. That sound equates to feel, so it's a great feeling insert. I came up with the oval design on the aluminum insert to also create a lot of edges, which increases the friction between the face and the ball and helps create a very smooth and consistent roll."

Take a look:

Photo: Callaway

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Rory McIlroy Song

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

Here is a fun Rory McIlroy song out just in time for St. Patrick's Day. The song praises the fact that McIlroy is the world's #1 golfer. On another note, McIlroy, is also having dinner at the White House. Here's the song:

(via Eye on Golf)

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Callaway Introduces HEX Black Tour Golf Ball

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST

The Callaway Golf Company has introduced its HEX Black Tour golf ball. Callaway says the ball yields distance-enhancing low spin off the tee. The balls features a dual core construction, dual mantle, DuraSpin cover and HEX Aerodynamics. The new balls will be available March 2nd for $45.99 per dozen.

Callaway says the dual core construction maximizes the compression difference between the inner and outer core layers. The soft inner core helps reduce spin off the tee for more distance, while the high compression outer core creates higher spin closer to the green. Callaway also says its Hex Aerodynamics means 100 percent surface area coverage on a golf ball, compared to the 88% coverage of traditional round dimples on a regular golf ball.

Callaway Golf staff professional Phil Mickelson says, "I've had more fun working on my game with the new HEX Black Tour ball than I have in years because I've been able to hit shots around the green that I haven't been able to hit since the '90s with wound balls. The amazing thing to me is the spin separation; how this ball spins so much from 40 yards in, and yet spins so little off the driver and goes so far. I've never seen a ball with that combination of short-range control and distance."

Photo: Callaway

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Golfers Golf is Now on Google+

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST

Golfers Golf now has a Google+ page on Google+. Google+ is a new social network from Google. You can follow us on Google+ by clicking on the Google+ button below and adding us to one of your circles.

Golfers Golf is also on Facebook and Twitter.

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Movie Trailer for Golf in the Kingdom

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST

Golf in the Kingdom is a film based on Michael Murphy's 1972 novel. The novel has sold millions of copies in many languages. The film stars David O'Hara, Malcolm McDowell and Frances Fisher.

En route to India in 1956 in search of enlightenment, a young American philosophy student - Michael Murphy - takes a Scottish detour to the "Links of Burningbush." Seeking to enjoy one last round before giving up his beloved game, he is unexpectedly paired with the mysterious and mischievous golf pro - Shivas Irons. A wild adventure on and off the links ensues, where Murphy's perception of golf and life are indelibly changed. Out of this transformation the two forge a deep and unbreakable bond of camaraderie.

Take a look:

Photo: Golf in the Kingdom, LLC

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Sharks Have Infested Lake at Australian Golf Course

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST

Several Bull sharks have infested a lake at the Carbrook Golf Club in Brisbane, Australia. The sharks found their way into the lake several years ago when a river overflowed. The sharks became stranded in the lake. They have survived and breeded. A sign posted outside the lake warns people not to swim in the lake. Don't bother trying to retrieve any lost balls either. Take a look:

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Video: President Obama and Former President Bill Clinton Go Golfing

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:00:00 EST

President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton took up a round golf today at the Andrews Air Force Base golf course. The course in located just outside of Washington. Obama and Clinton golfed for four hours. Clinton wore a red shirt and opted not to wear a sun visor. Obama wore a blue shirt with a cap. They looked pretty relaxed on the course. Here is some raw footage of the golf outing. Take a look:

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Dustin Johnson and Ernie Banks Golf From Wrigley Field Stands

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST

BMW Championship defending champion Dustin Johnson and "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks teed off from a platform built in the stands at Wrigley Field to mark the start of the 2011 BMW Championship. BMW pledged to donate a $100,000 college scholarship to the Evans Scholars Foundation, a national charity, if either one was successful.

Johnson and Banks made alternating attempts at the 139-yard hole. Johnson came closest to the pin at 25 feet 2 inches and earned a $10,000 donation to the Evans Scholars Foundation in his name.

The 2011 BMW Championship will be played from Thursday, September 15 through Sunday, September 18. The top 70 players on the PGA TOUR will compete. All proceeds from the BMW Championship will benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Photos: PRNewsFoto/BMW Championship, Timothy Hiatt

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Trailer for Seven Days in Utopia Starring Robert Duvall, Lucas Black and Melissa Leo

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST

Here is the trailer for Seven Days in Utopia starring Robert Duvall, Lucas Black, Melissa Leo, Deborah Ann Woll and Brian Geraghty. Pro golfer Luke Chisholm (Lucas Black) cracks under the pressure of the tour, and his career is pretty much over. Then one day he accidentally meets up with a former golf legend (Duvall) in the tiny town of Utopia. There, Chisolm reinvents his game and his life. The film is based on the bestselling novel Golf's Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia by David L. Cook. Directed by Matthew Dean Russell, the film hits theaters September 2nd.

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Tiger Woods Fails to Make Cut at PGA Championship

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods was probably not going to win the PGA Championship after his terrible opening that put him seven strokes back from the leader. However, it was a surprise that he followed up with another bad. Tiger Woods failed to make the cut. Tiger had lots of bogeys and double bogeys during his two days of play. He hit the ball in the water and found himself in several sand traps. Tiger Woods has not won a tournament since 2009 and his unspectacular play is making a comeback seem less likely than ever. Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Gives Terrible Performance at PGA Championship

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods got off to a terrible start at the PGA Championship. He shot 7-over 77 for his worst score ever at PGA. Woods started with birdies in his first five holes, but things quickly went downhill. Woods had three double bogeys and five bogeys. He hit two balls in the water. Woods is seven strokes back from Steve Stricker, who is the leader after shooting a 63, which ties the major championship record. You can see the Leaderboard here. Take a look:

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Jimmy Kimmel: Tiger Woods' New Caddy

Sun, 7 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods jokes will never end. This skit with a bikini-clad woman as Tiger's new caddy aired on Jimmy Kimmel. Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Seven Strokes Back at Bridgestone Invitational

Fri, 5 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST

There is a four-way tie at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational but Tiger Woods is not one of the four leaders. Tiger Woods is seven strokes back from Ryan Moore, Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley after shooting a second-round 71. You can see the leaderboard here.

Tiger says he is hitting the ball well, but blamed his putting for keeping him behind. Tiger says, "I didn't putt as well as I did yesterday and consequently I just never got the round going." Despite the poor putting, Tiger says he is close to putting it together. Take a look:

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Follow Golfers Golf on Facebook and Twitter

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST

You can get the latest golfing news by following Golfers Golf on Facebook and Twitter. Our Facebook page is located here and our Twitter page is @golf.

Writers Write, Inc., the publisher of golfersgolf.com, also runs blogs covering books, games, movies, music, science, sports and more. You can find our Facebook and Twitter accounts at wwfeeds.com.

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Rory McIlroy Coasts to U.S. Open Win

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST

Rory McIlroy made it look easy. He won the U.S. Open by eight strokes to win his first major title. He also broke the tournament scoring record by four strokes. Take a look:

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Prarie Dog Lives on Bobby Jones Golf Course

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST

A prarie dog has made itself at home at the Bobby Jones Golf Course in Sarasota, Florida. The prarie dog is like Caddyshake in real life. It seems to like to stand up and watch the golfers. Take a look:

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George Strait and Tom Cusick to Transform Tapatio Springs Golf Resort

Fri, 20 May 2011 18:44:00 EST

Country music superstar George Strait, right, and his longtime friend and business partner Tom Cusick plan to transform the Tapatio Springs Golf Resort, located in the Texas Hill Country 20 miles northwest of San Antonio, near Boerne into a showcase resort. The partners are taking over control of the resort from Textron Financial Corp., which has owned the property since it was foreclosed on June 1, 2010.

Tapatio Springs was founded in 1981 and today has 27 holes of golf, a resort hotel, over 20,000 square feet of convention and meeting facilities, tennis, swimming and a fitness club.

George Strait says, "I have lived near Boerne, and over the years Tom and I watched what was happening at Tapatio Springs and we always believed it could be a real jewel. When the opportunity came up, we decided to go for it and make this dream come true."

Photo: PRNewsFoto/Tom Cusick

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Tiger Woods Withdraws From Players Championship

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods withdrew from the The Players Championship on Thursday after nine holes. Tiger limped off the course with leg injuries. Tiger shot a 6-over-par 42 on the front nine. Take a look:

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Charles Barkley Breaks His Club

Fri, 6 May 2011 14:00:00 EST

Charles Barkley broke his golf club with a terrible swing. He autographed the broken driver head for charity. Take a look:

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Michael Jordan Looking Forward to MJCI 2012

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST

Michael Jordan appears ahead of the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) in the photograph above. The annual golf tournament at Shadow Creek brings together the greatest names from the worlds of sports and entertainment for four days of competitive golf and special events. The contest ran from March 31 to April 3.

Jordan said he is already looking forward to next year. He said, "I'm very proud that the 10th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational was a success. We had four great days of golf at Shadow Creek, which is one of my favorite golf courses, and the hospitality at ARIA was terrific. Most importantly, we raised over $500,000 for charity. I'm already looking forward to next year's event!"

Photo: Photo/Las Vegas News Bureau, Darrin Bush

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South Africa to Stage Richest Golf Tournament in 2012

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST

Reuters reports that South Africa will host the richest professional golf tournament next year. The World Golf Championship in South Africa, called the Tournament of Hope, will be a $10 million event. The tournament will run from 2012 to 2016.

The complete details can be found here on the Sunshine Tour website. The exact dates and venue are still to confirmed. The site says the event "will feature the top 70 players on the Official World Golf Ranking, will be closely linked to building awareness of poverty and the HIV/Aids pandemic in Africa and will be known as the Tournament of Hope."

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Charl Schwartzel Wins Masters

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST

Charl Schwartzel, 26, won the 2011 Masters. Schwartzel birdied his last four holes and finished two shots ahead of Adam Scott and Jason Day. Tiger Woods played much better than he has in the past year and finished four shots behind Schwartzel and tied with Oglivy and Donald. You can see the leaderboard here. Take a look:

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Masters Promo: Golf With Lightsabers

Thu, 7 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST

Here is a clever BBC promo for the Masters that shows lightsabers instead of golf clubs. Take a look:

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Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods Talk Masters

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST

Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Martin Kaymer said at a press conference that they are looking forward to the opening round of the Masters on Thursday. Tiger Woods said he the "rush" is going out there on the golf course. Kaymer admitted that he has struggled at Augusta. Golf magazine thinks Mickelson is the favorite to win. Take a look:

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Corey Pavin Picks Tiger Woods for Ryder Cup

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods made the Ryder cub squad for the sixth time this year. However, it was the first time in Tiger's career that he needed to be picked by a captain. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin selected Tiger Woods with one of his four captain's picks on Tuesday. Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler were also picked. Take a look:

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Jack Nicklaus Sinks 100 Foot Putt

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST

Jack Nicklaus, 70, sank a very long 100 foot putt at a charity golfing event in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Jack Nicklaus said sinking the putt was "pure frickin' luck." Take a look:

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Woman Wins $10,000 for Sinking 50-Foot Putt

Wed, 4 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

A 77-year-old woman named Norma Clark landed a 50-foot putt at a Utah golf course and took home $10,000. She says she will use the money to fix up her house and add new windows. Take a look:

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Paul Goydos Shoots 59 at John Deere Classic

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST

Paul Goydos (PGA Tour profile) shot a 59 at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois on Thursday. He is only the fourth player to shoot a 59 at a PGA Tour event Thursday. ESPN notes that Steve Stricker shot a 60. This made for the two lowest scores ever in a single round at a PGA event. Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Happy With U.S. Open Performance So Far

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST

The Telegraph reports that Tiger Woods has been happy with his U.S. Open performance so far. He says he hasn't played good enough for anyone to cheer for awhile.

"It has been awhile," Woods said. "I hadn't played good enough for anyone to cheer for anything, so it was nice to actually put it together on the back nine and put myself right back in the championship.

"Everyone was just so excited and fired up that it was just a great atmosphere to play in front of."

You can see Tiger's PGA Tour stats here.

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LPGA Golfer Erica Blasberg Dies

Tue, 11 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

The body of 25-year-old LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg was found in her home in Las Vegas. Erica's bags were packed for a tournament. Police have not released any information about how she died. Take a look:

Yahoo Sports has a good article here called "Remembering Erica Blasberg."

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Lorena Ochoa Retiring From LPGA Tour

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST

The World No. 1 LPGA player Lorena Ochoa, 28, has posted a message on her website that says she is retiring from the LPGA tour and golf. Lorena Ochoa will discuss her plans Friday during a press conference. It is a surprising move from the young golfer described as irreplaceable. Take a look:

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Arnold Palmer Sinks Long Putt

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST

This old pro still has a lot of game left in him. Arnold Palmer sank a long putt at the Par 3 challenge at the Masters. Take a look:

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Some Fans Like Tiger Woods New Nike Commercial

Thu, 8 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST

Some golf fans actually like Tiger Woods' strange new commercial from Nike that has Tiger Woods dead father, Earl Woods, speaking to him from the grave. Clearly, Nike wants us all to move past Tiger's string of affairs with numerous women, including porn stars, and start thinking about "What have we learned?" What we learned is that Tiger abused drugs, humiliated his family and engaged in numerous affairs. What we have learned is that Nike expects us to all forget it. Tiger's wife has not forgiven Tiger since she wasn't even at the Masters. Some fans are ready to move on but Nike is really trying to force the issue with this new commercial. Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Talks to Reporters

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

A watery eyed Tiger Woods finally takes some questions from reporters. He admits doing bad things and says he is worried about the reception he will get as the Masters. Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Issues Public Statement

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods made a fairly robotic apology. He apologized for his behavior and for hurting his family. He would not say when he plans to return to golf. Tiger Woods did not take questions at the press conference. His apology wasn't very good but it wasn't as bad as apologies by some politicians. Take a look:

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Rocco Mediate Talks Tiger Woods Scandal

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST

Rocco Anthony Mediate talked about what it will be likely when Tiger Woods returns. Mediate says there will be a lot more people around when Tiger Woods does back but he thinks these people will eventually go away. Mediate also says that whatever is wrong with Tiger, he'll fix. Mediate also explains that Tiger Woods raises everyone's game when he is playing and that you always want your best player. Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Taking Indefinite Hiatus From Golf

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods has posted a message on his website about his recent affairs. Tiger Woods says he is taking an indefinite break from professional golf. He also apologizes for his infidelity.

I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.

I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.

Over the past couple of weeks we have learned that Tiger Woods was repeatedly unfaithful to his wife and had affairs with at least a dozen women including porn stars. It isn't a surprise that he is taking a break. It won't be good for professional golf to lose its star but it is likely better for the sport in the long run if he takes a break and repairs his image, his personal life and his health before returning. Some of Tiger Woods sponsors are already using Tiger's exit as a chance to drop him.

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Hugo Chavez Declares War on Golf

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

CNN's Rafael Romo reports that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has declared war on the game of golf. Hugo Chavez thinks golfers are lazy. Chavez is seizing golf courses in Venezuela in order to turn them into public housing projects. Venezuela still has 23 golf courses but they are risk of being taken over by Chavez. Take a look:

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Nullarbor Links is the World's Longest Golf Course

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

Nullarbor Links is the world's longest golf course. The 18-hole par 72 golf course will span 1,365 kilometers with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway, from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia. Each hole includes a green and tee and a somewhat rugged outback-style natural terrain fairway. Hazards include You can find more information and photos of the course on the official website.

(via On Deadline)

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Annika Sorenstam Says She's Happily Retired

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

Annika Sorenstam says she is happily retired. She still serves as an advisor to the LPGA tour but she won't be coming out of retirement. She says the LPGA is in survival mode because of the economy. She also helped get golf in the Olympics in 2016. Take a look:

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Golf Back as Olympic Sport in 2016 Olympics

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Golf will be returning as an Olympic sport for ths first time since 1904 at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Golfers are excited about the chance at a gold medal. It is also exciting for fans. It should be interesting to see golfering competing for such a huge non-monetary prize. Too bad we have to wait until 2016.

Tiger Woods said, "I think it's great for golf. It's a perfect fit for the Olympics and I think we are all looking forward to golf getting into the Olympics."

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Golfer Makes $1 Million Hole-in-One

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST

Jason Hargett, a Utah restaurant manager, made a hole-in-one that earned him $1 million at the Mark Eaton charity golf tournament in Utah. Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Wins Buick Open For Third Time

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods won the Buick Open for the third time in his career. Tiger finished three strokes ahead of Roland Thatcher, Greg Chalmers and John Senden. You can see a tournament overview here on PGATour.com. This is Tiger's 69th PGA Tour title of his career. It is his fourth win this year in eleven starts.

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Tiger Woods Misses the Cut at British Open

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods shot a shot a 4-over 74 and missed the cut at the British Open on Friday. It is only the second time in his career he has missed the cut.You can see the leaderboard here. Tiger said he "just didn't play certain holes well." Take a look:

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Tiger Woods Returns to British Open

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

Top-ranked Tiger Woods is hoping to win the The Golf Champion Trophy (aka the Claret Jug) at the British Open this year. Tiger Woods missed last year's British Open at Turnberry. Defending champion Padraig Harrington says he is hopeful rather than expectant. CBS has a list of the tournament field here.

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Lucas Glover Wins U.S. Open

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Lucas Glover is the winner of the U.S. Open. The U.S. Open was already unusual this year as play extended into Monday because of rain delays. Lucas Glover built a small lead Monday as others around him struggled.

With his challengers faltering ahead of him, he suddenly had a two-stroke advantage. After a par on the 17th, which had bedeviled Phil Mickelson and David Duval moments earlier, he walked to the par-four 18th leading by two. Eliminating any possibility of a Jean Van de Velde moment, he played safely, hitting a six-iron off the tee, then two-putting for par and a two-stroke win.

It was Lucas Glover's first major championship win. The final leaderboard can be found here. You can read more about Glover's win here, here and here. Lucas Glover's official profile can be found here.

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Phil Mickelson Returning to PGA Tour

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

The AP reports that Phil Mickelson is returning to the PGA Tour after stepping out to be with his wife, Amy Mickelson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. He will also be back in time for the U.S. Open. The Mickelson's say recent tests have given hope that Amy Mickelson will be able to fight the breast cancer. Hopefully, she will be able to make a full recover.

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Phil Mickelson Suspends PGA Tour Play

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:00:00 EST

The AP reports that three-time major champion Phil Mickelson has temporarily left the PGA Tour after learning his wife has Amy Mickelson has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is one of the most visible wives on the PGA Tour. It is not known how long Phil Mickelson will be out.

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Designing the Perfect Golf Ball

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST

The key to designing the perfect golf ball is all in the dimples. Today's golf balls have between 250 and 400 dimples. Reuters reports that a Japanese rubber company has found a way to create the perfect golf ball with the optimal dimple pattern using complex computer software. The company doesn't yet have the solution but they believe they will eventually find it.

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Travel + Leisure Golf Folds

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST

Media Life reports that Travel + Leisure Golf magazine will be folding. They say the ad pages for the publication plunged 14% in 2008 and 54% in the fourth quarter of last year.

"While the award-winning editorial product has enjoyed a loyal and passionate following, the current advertising climate has severely impacted the magazine's bottom line to where the short-term and mid-term prospects for the magazine are not viable," president and CEO Ed Kelly said in a statement.

The combination of the Internet and a recession is making print magazine closures a common thing but it's still sad when a good magazine is lost. The publication's website can be found here.

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Tiger Woods Makes Hit Return

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods will make his return to golf in next week's Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson, Arizona. Tiger has been out for several months following reconstructive surgery to repair cartilage damageon his left knee. Tiger has been practicing since December. See also ESPN, New York Times and MSNBC.

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Modern Clubs May Harm Golfer's Hearing

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST

The BBC reports that ear specialists are warning golfers that modern golf clubs with thin-faced titanium drivers can hurt a player's hearing. They recommend ear plugs.

Players who use a new generation of thin-faced titanium drivers to propel the ball further should consider wearing ear plugs, experts advise.

Ear specialists suspect the "sonic boom" the metal club head makes when it strikes the ball damaged the hearing of a 55-year-old golfer they treated.

The article talks about the case of a 55-year-old golfers who suffered some hearing loss because of the loud noises made when he hit the ball with his King Cobra LD titanium club. Some doctors tested several thin-faced titanium clubs and found they were all worse then regular clubs. One club - the Ping G10 - creates a sound recorded at over 130 decibels when the club strikes the ball.

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Journalists Scrutinize Obama's Golf Game

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST

CNN's Jeanne Moos takes a look at President-elect Barack Obama's golf game. There is a lot of pressure on the presidents when they are playing golf because they are scrutinized so closely by the press. But if they can't handle a little pressure on their golf game then they probably aren't ready to be the President. Obama's golfing and Hawaii trip has been a boon to the Hawaii tourism industry.

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Donald Trump Sues Town For Blocking Golf Course Improvements

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The L.A. Times reports that Donald Trump is suing the town of Rancho Palos Verdes, California for not allowing him to make improvements on his golf course.

In a lawsuit filed this week, Trump accused the city of fraud and civil rights violations, contending that the city was refusing to allow improvements needed to maintain the "Trump image," including a clubhouse terrace and a row of ficus trees he was forced to cut down earlier.

"I've been looking forward for a long time to do this," Trump said of the lawsuit Friday in a phone interview from New York. "The town does everything possible to stymie everything I do."

But city leaders and some residents said the lawsuit was just another attempt by the real estate mogul to bully the community and avoid playing by the rules. They call it the culmination of his history of run-ins with officials from the upscale, picturesque city of nearly 46,000 set amid the coves and beaches of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The city's mayor, Larry Clark, dismissed the charges and said the lawsuit may cause residents' already simmering ill will toward the developer to explode.

Trump believes the town should be grateful to him for building the golf course instead of trying to block his additions. The L.A. Times did find one person who agreed with Trump. The town resident said about Trump's golf course, "It is a world-class addition to our community." The website for the golf course can be found here. Other articles about the dispute between Trump and the town can be found here, here and here.

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GM Won't Renew Tiger Woods Contract

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST

GM announced last week that it will not be renewing a sponsorship contract with golf star Tiger Woods. It is yet more fall out from the worsening economic situation. Woods says he wants to spend more time with his family but it has to hurt to lose a lucrative contract. GM probably didn't really want to see Tiger go. He's likely to wind up endorsing another big company instead of GM down the road.

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Justin Timberlake Cuts Deal With Callaway Golf

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:40:00 EST

Reuters reports that pop star Justin Timberlake has landed an endorsement deal with Callaway Golf. Timberlake will be playing with Callaway Golf equipment as part of the deal.

Timberlake, who Callaway says sports a six handicap, is an avid golfer, according to the company, having just announced the opening of his own eco-friendly golf course in Memphis.

"There's nothing like hitting the ball perfectly" said Timberlake in a statement. "I'm hooked on that feeling."

Reuters also mentioned a Timberlake golf course and there's more details on the eco-friendly Memphis golf course here and here. In the announcement, Callaway Golf lists ten things you might not know about Justin Timberlake.

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Race to Dubai Launches

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST

The $20 million "Race to Dubai" golf season hs launched. The race starts at a waterlogged course at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China. CNN's Justin Armsden reports in the video below that the players are mindful of the global economic woes. Times Online says Race to Dubai has drawn a lot of players to the European Tour.

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Golf Course Designed by Jack Nicklaus in Neiman's Christmas Book

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST

One of the items in this year's 2008 Christmas Book from Neiman Marcus is a golf course custom designed by Jack Nicklaus. The entry says Jack Nicklaus will study topography, aerial photos, and landscape maps for the site, then send his team to survey the property. It says Nicklaus will create a formal design plan and color renderings for up to three holes and a practice area. Your construction crew will do the building with supervision from Jack's world-class design team. When your course is ready Jack Nicklaus will even stop by to play the first round with you, personally. He'll sign his club and ball for your collection and throw in a custom set of Nicklaus clubs, including a personalized bag.

It sounds amazing and traffic but the price tag is out of this world too at a cool $1 million. The $1 million does not include construction and site preparation costs.

You can see more of the goodies in this year's Neiman Marcus book here on ShoppingBlog.com.

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Golf Highlights 10-6-08

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 21:00:00 EST

Recent Golf highlights from Around the Web.

Five-time major winner Seve Ballesteros was admitted to a hospital in Madrid after fainting on Monday.

Paula Creamer won the elite Samsung World Championship and jumped to No. 3 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

Bae Sang-Moon won the Korean Open.

Michael Phelps may meet his idol basketball champion Michael Jordan over golf.

Rookie Dustin Johnson won the Turning Stone Resort Championship golf tournament.

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Speed Golf Combines Running and Golf

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST

Speed golf is a new twist on golfing that combines running and golf. A standard 18-hole golf course is used. In the video below, the AP says the goal is still to shoot the lowest score but you also want to do it in the shortest amount of time. Speed golf is clearly much better exercise and much faster than regular golf. It would be easier if you didn't have to carry your bag of clubs around. It sounds like a golfing marathon or golf fitness as the Golf Nut calls it. You can read some rules here on speedgolfinternational.com. You can read a Wikipedia entry here.

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Tiger Woods Walks on Water

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST

A glitch was found in the Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 game by a user named Levinator25 but Electronic Arts trumped the glitch complaints by releasing this clever video.

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Tiger Woods Family to Grow

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST

Tiger Woods and his wife Ellen are expecting a second child. The AP says he is expected to return to golf sometime next year. In the meantime he will undergoe physical therapy to recover from knee surgery and spend time with his family.

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Tiger Woods Dubai Golf Community Ready in 2009

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST

That's Tiger Woods in the photograph discussing plans for his Dubai golf community called Tiger Woods Dubai with project director Abdulla Al Gurg. The site will include a 7,800 yard, par 72 championship-quality golf course called Al Ruwaya. The course - designed by Tiger himself - is said to include dramatic elevations, stunning water features and a challenging overall design. Dubai is already the stage for planned marvels such as a skyscraper with revolving floors and the world's tallest building.

Abdulla Al Gurg, Project Director, The Tiger Woods Dubai, says, "The Tiger Woods Dubai has become one of the most highly anticipated developments in the region. The project will stand testimony to our hard work and superior quality standards. Tiger Woods' name brings enormous value to the project and we are proud to share with him some of the key developments that have taken place since he reviewed the project during his last visit."

The press statement says Tiger himself has overseen all facets of the golf course.

Tiger Woods has overseen all facets of the golf course's design and development, contributing enormously to its distinct features. Through a choice of six tees and the careful use of topography, length, width, wind direction, hazard placement and contouring, Woods has created a unique series of holes that will test the mental toughness of a professional as much as their physical stamina, while rewarding only calculated risk taking.

Tiger Woods said: "I am proud of my partnership with Tatweer, which has excelled in developing The Tiger Woods Dubai project and bringing it to this advanced stage. With its remarkable commitment, Tatweer has demonstrated its capability to implement the project according to the scheduled timeframe.

"The master plan reflects the phenomenal dimension this project has taken since it was first conceived, and will serve to enhance its overall stature as one of the world's most ambitious developments. The design of Al Ruwaya will reflect what I truly love about golf and I hope, will prove to be a challenging and strategic course for players of all levels."

The press release also includes details about the places, mansions and luxury hotels that will be part of Tiger Woods Dubai.

Luxury residences at The Tiger Woods Dubai will include 22 palaces, 75 mansions, and 100 signature villas. All residences will be situated on large land areas: palaces (100,000 sq. ft), mansions (50,000 sq. ft), large villas (30,000 sq. ft) and will include cutting-edge home technology and exquisite landscaped gardens. While master guidelines have been carefully chosen to ensure that the entire community enjoys amenities of the highest standards of quality and consistency.

The 360,000 sq. feet luxury boutique hotel will include 90 suites and 14 bungalows in sizes varying from 1,600-9,500 sq. feet. The hotel will target top-tier clientele and boasts a 10,000 sq. feet swimming pool, as well as one of Dubai's most exquisite spas. The interiors of the hotel will be designed by renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab and reflect his personalized style that is defined by a fusion of simplicity, luxury and modernism.

In addition The Tiger Woods Dubai will also feature a Guy Savoy restaurant and an upscale retail area for residents, members, and guests.

It's sounds fabulous and it is sure to become a luxury destination. You can see a map of the Al-Ruwaya (which means "serenity") here on the official website.

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Harrington Wins Second Straight Major

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:00:00 EST

Padraig Harrington of Ireland won his second straight major with a win at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield. Sergio Garcia once again failed to win his first major. EPSN calls Harrington one of the most resilient players in the game.

And yet if we have learned anything about Harrington, 36, it is that he is one of the most resilient players in the game today. He is not as gifted, nor does he possess the same skills as a Tiger Woods or a Phil Mickelson or even a Sergio Garcia, who was the tough-luck loser again on Sunday.

But the man has moxie. And that is why his victory comes as no surprise at all. The man loves it when his back his up against the wall. He shot a 4-under-par 66 to rally from three strokes back with nine holes to play, shooting another 32 on the back nine -- just like at Royal Birkdale -- to win by two strokes over Garcia and Ben Curtis.

"I just finished doing cartwheels," said Harrington's longtime coach, Bob Torrance, 76, when reached after midnight at his Scotland home. "The back nine was unbelievable. He holed some fantastic putts. And you have to do those things to win majors. He has gone well beyond and he is one of the top players in the world. He's just a great, unbelievable pressure player. Under the crush, he is just extremely good."

And that is exactly what Harrington relishes. He has now won three of the last six major championships -- not even Woods can say that, although he's missed the last two due to injury. Harrington undoubtedly took much from his Open victory last year in a playoff over Garcia at Carnoustie, and last month's four-shot win over Ian Poulter at Royal Birkdale.

Some other article on Harrington's win here, here, here and here. The Guardian's sports blog asks, "Is Padraig Harrington now the best of the rest?" Player profiles for Harrington can be found on PGATour.com and Yahoo Sports.

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High Gas Prices Driving People to Golf Carts?

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal has an article that says you know gas prices are high when Texans start driving golf carts. The vehicles the WJS is talking about do look like golf carts but they are actually small electric powered vehicles. A company named ZAP makes electric vehicles but there are many others that have been around for a while but were primarily used by businesses. Many streets do not allow these slow, small golf-cart-sized vehicles.

"It makes so much sense for getting around. We go everywhere in it," says Mrs. Peters, 41.

It's a sure sign electric cars have a future when they're catching on in Texas. Others here, too, are abandoning the family car and driving to the office in what appear to be fancy little golf carts. Small battery-powered vehicles have been on the market for years but have mainly been used by workers driving around factories and university campuses.

The small cars are powered by batteries charged by plugging them into regular 110-volt house current. Though they do look like golf carts, they have heftier frames and more powerful engines. Now, with high gasoline prices driving booming sales, many are going to ordinary folks like the Peterses, who have fallen in love with gasoline-free transportation.

Here's a video from the WSJ that shows people driving around in the vehicles that resemble golf carts.

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Conde Nast Ceasing Publication of Golf for Women

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

Conde Nast Publications is ceasing publication of Golf for Women magazine with the July/August issue. Charles H. Townsend, President & CEO of Conde Nast Publications says the magazine no longer supports Conde Nast's "long term business objectives." Conde Nast purchased Golf for Women from the Meredith Corporation in 2006. The popular magazine had a rate base of 600,000.

"We came to this decision because we feel the magazine will not support our long term business objectives," Mr. Townsend said. "I would like to thank Susan Reed and Chris McLoughlin and the entire staff for their efforts throughout the years. Golf For Women attracted a loyal readership and we were proud to publish it."

It is unclear what is going to happen to the Golf for Women website. Some more articles and blog posts on the magazine's closing can be found on World for Golf, CyberGolf.com and Golf Girl's Diary.

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Will Ferrell Accepts Tiger Wood's ESPY Award

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

Here's the video of Will Ferrell accepted Tiger Wood's Best Male Athelete trophy at the 2008 ESPYs. Speaking as Tiger, Ferrell said, "What can I say? I'm the best. In your face." (via Mahalo)

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Annika Sorenstam To Retire

Wed, 14 May 2008 21:00:00 EST

37-year-old female golf sensation Annika Sorenstam plans to retire after the end of this season according to the Associated Press (see video below). Here are a few of her numerous accomplishments:

She has won a total of 72 tournaments.
She is the only woman to shoot a 59.
She was named player-of-the-year eight times.
She completed a grand slam.

She also competed on the PGA Tour against men in 2003 - the first woman to do so in over fifty years. Sorenstam wants to focus on starting a family and on her business once she retires from golf. When asked how she wants to be remembered Sorenstam said: "As somebody that enjoyed the competition and the challenge. I wasn't afraid to push myself. That, is important to me."

You can see her LGPA stats page here. Her official website can be found here - it includes golf tips and Annika's blog.

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Golfer Hits Two Holes-in-One

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST

The AP reports that Iowa golfer Ted Kemp hit two holes-in-one in the same round of golf.

Luck doesn't even to begin to describe golfer Ted Kemp's round on Monday. Kemp, a 12-handicapper, knocked in holes-in-one on back-to-back par 3s at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course.

Kemp used a pitching wedge to sink his tee shot on the 3rd hole from 130 yards out. Then, after remarking to his group that it would be something if he repeated his feat, he did just that.

Kemp grabbed an 8-iron and nailed a hole-in-one from 182 yards out on the 8th hole.

The AP also cited a 2000 study by Golf Digestthat put the odds of hitting two holes-in-one in the same round at 67 million to one. Japan's Yusaku Miyazato also managed the same astonishing feat in 2006 during the the second round of the Reno-Tahoe Open.

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Tiger Has Knee Surgery: Out Until U.S. Open?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST

Golf Digest and other golf news outlets have been reporting that Tiger Woods opted to have arthroscopic knee surgery on his left knee. It has been troubling him since it buckled during the 2007 PGA Championship says Golf Digest.

When his left knee buckled at last year's PGA Championship, Tiger Woods wouldn't admit he hurt himself. It was a little embarrassing considering the limp developed after his fist-pump celebration of a birdie on the eighth hole at Southern Hills. It would have been out of character for Woods, an athlete who trains as if he were in Delta Force, a man who has parachuted out of planes and loves running around Isleworth in Orlando with a weight vest in sweat-dripping heat, to admit to a weakness. "As far as hurting myself, no. All good," Woods said that day in Tulsa after winning his 13th major championship.

Woods seemed invincible at the time, at the height of his power both mentally and physically -- but when the story broke the Tuesday after the Masters that Tiger had had his third knee surgery since 1994, it came as a shock in several ways. Although it is true Woods limped at times in tournaments during last year's PGA Tour Playoffs and took a long time getting out of the bunker on the fourth hole during the final round at Augusta National two weeks ago, few suspected anything significant. The circle of people who knew Woods had elected to get his knee "cleaned up" was so small, several of Woods' closest advisors didn't know.

Tiger Woods also reported the news on his website. Tiger will be out for four to six weeks and is expected to return in time for the U.S. Open. Golf Digest also cites experts who say this won't be Tiger's last knee operation - it's something that has always caused trouble for him. More Tiger knee coverage: All the Field, Geoff Shackelford, ESPN, L.A. Times and About.com Sports Medicine.

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Trevor Immelman on David Letterman

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST

Trevor Immelman on David Letterman reports the Top 10 Ways His Life Has Changed Since Winning the Masters. More details on his big Master's victory here.

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Masters Victory For Trevor Immelman

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST

South African Trevor Immelman won the Masters beating Tiger Woods by three strokes. It was the second second place finish in a row for Tiger Woods. Golf.com called it a hairbrush victory. It may have been close but the green jacket is still Trevors.

Not anymore. In swirling winds that wreaked havoc on most of the field, Immelman held his nerve and survived a late double bogey to shoot a final-round 75 and win the 2008 Masters by three shots over Tiger Woods, who also finished second in 2007.

"Here I am, after missing the cut last week, the Masters champion," Immelman said. "It's the craziest thing I've ever heard of."

Stewart Cink, paired with Woods in the third-to-last group of the day, shot a 72 to finish in a tie for third with Brandt Snedeker, who played with Immelman and missed several short putts on the way to a 77.

"The way it was playing, pars on all those back-nine holes were just such a good score," Immelman said. "How many two-shot swings did we have today? You could have a two-shot swing every hole. I just tried to hang in there."

BBC notes that Trevor's previous best place finish at the Masters was 5th. Congrats to Immelman!

Photo source: Wikipedia

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Ogilvy Holds Lead Over Tiger Woods As Rain Ends Play

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:40:00 EST

NBC Sports reports that Tiger Woods continued to struggle as Geoff Ogilvy maintained his lead on the third-round at the WGA-CA Championship. Adam Scott had a very good day before the rain moved in.

Geoff Ogilvy was at 14-under par through 11 holes and kept his one-shot lead, only now it was Adam Scott on his heels, not the world's No. 1 player who has won every tournament he has played since September.

Woods was at 11 under, even for the day, the only player among the top 18 who was not under par for the round.

Scott was practically flawless, making up five shots in five holes against Woods, taking the outright lead with a 25-foot birdie putt that swirled around the cup before falling, looking confident with every hole he played. Ogilvy still hasn't made a bogey this week, and two late birdies allowed him to regain the lead.

And then it rained.

Adam Scott was playing well and was unhappy about the rain. Scott said, "If it was our day, it was cut off way too short." You can see a list of the Saturday night leaders here.

The following announcement has been made about the suspension of Saturday's round.

Play was suspended at 1:15 p.m. due to a dangerous situation. The 61 players (out of 79) who did not finish their round will be back in position at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. The final round is expected to begin between 11:35 a.m.-1:45 p.m. with threesomes off of split tees.

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Golfer Kills Protected Hawk

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST

Aiming your golf ball at people or animals is unacceptable behavior as the Supernanny likes to say. Pro-Golfer Tripp Isenhour is in trouble for his bad behvaior. He killed a protected hawk with a golf ball while filming an instructional video.

Tripp Isenhour has never gotten this much attention for a single golf shot. Really, he's never gotten this much attention, period. Isenhour said it was a "one-in-a-million" golf shot that killed a protected hawk and that he was only trying to scare the bird he now faces misdemeanor criminal charges for killing.

"It was unfortunate, but there'll be plenty of time for me to tell my story," Isenhour said on the Golf Channel's PODS Championship post-round show Friday, his first interview since news broke that he killed the protected bird Dec. 12.

"It's one of regret and remorse that it happened, because I'm certainly sorry to hurt a migratory bird, or any bird for that matter."

Tripp Isenhour says he didn't mean to hit the hawk with the golf ball. He claims he was just trying to scare the bird away.

"I want to let everyone know there was neither any malice nor deliberate intent whatsoever to hit or harm the hawk. I was trying to simply scare it into flying away."

The Chicago Tribune's golf blog Bunker Mentality quotes a witness who disagrees. Investigators also blame Isenhour according to the AP story.

Investigators said Isenhour killed the hawk because he was upset it was making noise as he tried to film an instructional video. He allegedly first drove in a golf cart toward the bird, then 300 yards away, to hit balls at it. When the hawk later landed within 75 yards, Isenhour's shots got closer until he eventually hit and killed it. The bird fell to the ground bleeding from both nostrils, witnesses told the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Isenhour has been charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense. The maximum penalty for such an offense is 14 months in jail and $1,500 in fines.

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Steve Lowery Beats Singh for Pebble Beach Win

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST

Steve Lowery won at Pebble Beach as Vijay Singh - who had a four shot lead at one point - collapsed in the final holes. Lowery won it in a sudden-death playoff. It was 47-year-old Steve Lowery's first win in eight years and his third career win.

He was in a playoff against Vijay Singh, one of golf's toughest customers.

And he never felt more at ease.

Lowery took advantage of a stunning collapse by Singh, who made three straight bogeys on the back nine, then put him away on the first extra hole with a 7-foot birdie putt to win the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

"I couldn't have given it any more in 18 holes," said Lowery, who closed with a 4-under 68 and earned $1.08 million. "I just told my caddie, 'I've got nothing to lose.' Just go out and play aggressive."

Here's a recap from CBS Sports.

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Woods Now 2 for 2 With Dubai Win

Sun, 3 Feb 2008 15:00:00 EST

CNN reports that Tiger Woods birdied five of his final seven holes at the Dubai Desert Classic. This comeback win follows his easier Buick Invitational victory.

Needing a birdie on the par-five 18th to force a playoff, overnight leader Els hit his tee shot into the water and made bogey.

"To go 2-for-2, it's a pretty good start, isn't it?" said Woods who won by one shot from rising star Martin Kaymer of Germany.

Woods had already finished when Kaymer, who won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship two weeks ago, closed with a birdie-birdie-eagle for a 66.

Els's 71 gave the South African a 12-under total of 276 for a share of third place with Louis Oosthuizen, who finished with a 65.

This is the third time Woods has started a season with two straight victories, and it was another sign that the world's No. 1 player could be headed for a big year.

The Gulf Times has a photo of Tiger Woods next to the big trophy he won in Dubai.

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Urban Golf is Catching On

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST

Have you heard of Urban Golf? It sounds like a fun concept for those who can't make it to the golf course or are tired of that scene or can't afford it. You can play it just about anywhere but do be considerate of others. You can see a website with rules here (via BuzzFeed). There's also an Urban Golf Association.

Philadelphia Weekly reports that the game is really catching on London, Seattle and San Francisco. They talk about people playing urban golf with an Almost Golf ball or a "leather orb."

Urban golf is just like its grass-cut cousin, but designed for fans of the gentlemen's game with no access to snooty clubs or expensive gear. Urban golfers just grab a thrift-store 5-iron, beers and some desolate cityscapes (Philly has a surplus of all three), and presto-the entire city is your fairway. No fees, no dress codes, no bans on Jews or blacks or Mexicans or women, no dressing like a total dick-just good, clean dirty urban fun. Anything can serve as a hole: trash cans, lamp posts, even storm drains (for that satisfying "sunk putt" feeling). Some golfers use a plastic Almost Golf ball that travels about a third the distance of a regular ball and won't break windows. Others prefer a leather orb filled with goose feathers, which won't roll into street gutters and just sits up to be hit. Now a common sight in London, Seattle and San Francisco, urban golf has yet to catch on in Philadelphia despite our 900 acres of vacant, blighted land.

In this video below golfers play an organized game of urban golf at USC. They write, "We actually were able to play through the USC campus without killing anyone. This ball was amazing. It is super light, but has CO2 pressure inside so it goes a nice 50 yards with a 9 iron, you can work it just like a golf ball, but it won't break windows or dent cars or kill anyone. That rules."

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Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:00:00 EST

DCO and Associates and the Jenesse Center have announced the first annual Halle Berry Celebrity Golf Classic, scheduled for April 28, 2008. The event supports the Jenesse Center's efforts in continuing to expose the issues around domestic violence and invites men and women to join together in combating this societal problem.

"April 28, 2008 will be a day of great fun as we raise much needed funds to help families victimized by domestic violence. Working together we can stop the violence. I am looking forward to golfing with you. Let's have a great time," said Halle Berry.

Attendance is $1,000 per player. More details on the event can be found here.

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Yahoo Says Aussie Golfer Anna Rawson is a Hot Search

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:00:00 EST

According to an entry on Yahoo Buzz there are lots of searches for Australian golfer Anna Rawson. It is mostly men doing the searching. They are looking for Anna Rawson photos.

She's the next big thing. The person you'll be searching on for the next decade. You'll probably grow tired of her, but you'll still search on her name as if possessed. Behold the future! Behold Anna Rawson!

The model-turned-golfer is blowing up in Buzz, currently resting among our top 100 overall searches. That's huge, folks... Orson Welles huge. One look at Rawson's pictures and it's easy to understand the infatuation. Objectively speaking, she's quite fetching and must inspire a drooling gallery wherever she plays.

Naturally, folks are most interested in seeing photos of the gorgeous golfer. Searches on "anna rawson pictures" and "anna rawson photos" are both way above par. Also spiking are queries for "anna rawson lpga" and "anna rawson model." Men dominate the lookups, accounting for 88% of all searches on the lovely linkswoman.

She's already won more than her share of adoring fans. Can Rawson become a true champion by winning tournaments like a certain Tiger? If she does, the buzz (and endorsement) possibilities are endless.

Anna's website says she is currently a member of the Ladies European Tour. She's been playing golf since age 13.

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No Billion Dollar Golf Course for Donald Trump?

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 22:00:00 EST

The BBC reports that Donald Trump's ambitious plans to build a billion dollar golfing complex in Aberdeenshire have failed.

The US billionaire wanted to build a golf complex and housing development at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire.

Senior councillor Martin Ford, who used his casting vote to turn down the plan, told BBC Scotland he was "quite certain" the right decision was made.

Mr Trump has the right to appeal against the decision.

He could also bring new plans forward.

The controversial project had been given outline planning approval, but fell when it came before Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure committee.

The BBC says Trump has a right to appeal but Senior councillor Martin Ford told the BBC, "There's no possibility that I can see that we can go back to re-discuss an application which has been dealt with. As far as I understand it, it's dead." Poor Mr. Trump. At least he has monopoly and a magazine while it lasts.

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Fore Inventors Only Finalists

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST

Fore Inventors Only was a reality show on the Golf Channel that looked at new golf inventions. These were the golf inventions that made it to the finals and the percentages they received from voters.

Club Caddy - David Jones (30%)

Hill Shot Golf Trainer - Larry Koch and daughter Brandi (24%)

ClubGlider Travel Bag - Gary Sherrell (17%)

The Z Factor Perfect Putting Machine - Dean Thompson (15%)

ProPlay GPS - Marcus Bohn and Tim Kipley (13%)

An entry on Brent Kelley's Golf Blog says it was the ClubGlider travel bag that was actually the favorite of the judges on the show. You can read more about it on the product website.

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Who are Hollywood's Top Golfers

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST

Golf Digest has posted a list of the 100 Top Hollywood Golfers. It's full of actors who love to golf. Some like Jack Nicholson and Bill Murray are often spotted golfing. Ohter celebs on the list may be photographed less often on the golf course. Maybe they hide from the golf course paparazzi.

Actor Jack Wagner, with a plus-0.3 Handicap Index (he not only matches but occasionally scores better than par), sits atop the 2007 ranking. A member at Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles, he frequently hits the driving range with 2005 No. 1 Dennis Quaid, who comes in at No. 9 on this year's list.

Rounding out the Top 10 are: No. 2 Lucas Black, No. 3 Billy Crudup, No. 4 Craig T. Nelson, No. 5 Chris O'Donnell, No. 6 Joel Gretsch, No. 7 Scott Wolf, No. 8 Dougray Scott and No. 10 Flex Alexander.

Jack Nicholson, who is on the cover of the December issue and is tied for 47th on the list, tells Golf Digest, "Just when you start getting better, you realize how much work it would take to be really good. You can't do the game justice without putting in the time."

Other celebrities on the list include: Samuel L. Jackson (11), Bill Murray (T-13), Kevin Costner (39), Luke Wilson (T-40), Will Smith (T-60), George Clooney (T-68), Catherine Zeta-Jones (88), Tom Cruise (95) and Will Ferrell (100).

The highest ranked woman on the list is former Charlie's Angel and current "Las Vegas" regular Cheryl Ladd (T-68). The youngest ranked celebrity is "The Sixth Sense" and "Pay It Forward" star Haley Joel Osment (30) at 19 years, while acting legend and long-time golfer Clint Eastwood (57) makes the list at age 77.

Tin Cup star Kevin Costner is on the list at #39.

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Jim Thorpe Wins Charles Schwab Championship

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:00:00 EST

CBS Sports reports that Jim Thorpe won the Charles Schwab Championship for the second straight year thanks to four straight birdies at the finish.

Thorpe successfully defended his title in the Charles Schwab Championship, birdieing the final four holes Sunday to win the Champion Tour's season-ending event for the third time in five years.

Thorpe, who edged Tom Jenkins by $4,079 for the 30th and last spot in the field, shot a 6-under 66 to finish at 20-under 268, three strokes ahead of Denis Watson and Fred Funk. It was Thorpe's 13th tour victory and first since the 2006 event.

"Coming in this week I knew my game was showing sparks," Thorpe said. "Normally at the end of the year my game starts to peak a little bit. I really didn't putt well until the last five or six holes this week but this is probably my best ball-striking week ever. I hit my irons unbelievably good."

Roberts, meanwhile, held on to win the season-long Charles Schwab Cup competition for a $1 million annuity, shooting a 66 to tie for 13th at 11 under.

Roberts, who lost the points title to Jay Haas in 2006 after missing a short putt on the final hole of the season-ending tournament, was in jeopardy of losing to Haas again after three sub-par rounds, but did just enough Sunday to win.

Thorpe's winning share was $442,000. Fred Funk and Denis Watson tied for second. The final standings can be found here.

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Mike Weir Wins Fry's Electronics Open

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 16:40:00 EST

Canadian Mike Weir held on to beat Australia's Mark Hensby by one-stroke to claim the Fry's Electronics Open victory. The Fry's Electronics Open is part of the PGA Tour for the first time this year. Yahoo Sports says Weir earned $900,000.

"Definitely been tough not winning," said Weir, who earned $900,000 to jump from 84th to 33rd on the money list at $1,986,053. "You know, that's what we're all out here to do, and 3 1/2 years has been quite a long time."

Weir secured his long-awaited victory with a 6-foot par putt after hitting his approach on the par-4 18th into a greenside bunker.

"It was gusting across there," he said. "It's pretty open on that green, and my pant legs were whipping pretty good there when I hit that putt. I just told myself to keep my head nice and steady and just try to hit it nice and solid."

Fans serenaded a grinning Weir with a rendition of "O Canada" after he spoke to reporters.

The 2003 Masters champion took the lead with a birdie on the par-4 15th, rolling a chip shot to a foot, then held off Hensby over the final three holes.

"I think the turning point probably in the tourney was 15," Hensby said.

The full leaderboard can be found here. Billy Mayfair finished third and Sean O'Hair and Carl Pettersson were tied for fourth.

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Golfweek Names Best New Golf Courses

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:00:00 EST

Golfweek Magazine has relealsed its annual list of the best new courses for 2007. Bandon Trails won for the second straight year. That's the #3 at Bandon Trails pictured on the right - it's a 554 yard par five.

"Golfweek's list of the best new courses is a fascinating cross-section of what it takes today to have an impact in a tough market," said Golfweek's Best Courses program director and architecture editor, Bradley S. Klein. "Tradition seems to be a major element, with many of our top new designs, including No. 1 Bandon Trails, No. 2 Chambers Bay, and No. 3 Sebonack, emphasizing walkability, caddies, and links-style golf."

The No. 1 spot on the list was awarded for the second year in a row to Bandon Trails, a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design that opened in 2005 in Bandon, Ore. Coming in a close second is Chambers Bay Golf Club, designed by Bruce Charlton & Robert Trent Jones Jr. The Rees Jones-designed Daniel Island - Ralston Creek in Charleston, S.C., rounds out the Top 50.

The list is derived from the efforts of Golfweek's course raters. This nationwide team of more than 450 evaluators regularly surveys over 1,800 golf courses and renders their judgment on the basis of 10 standards of evaluation.

You can see the top twenty courses below. The reason there are 2005 and 2006 courses on the list is because Golfweek defines new courses as those having opened in the past three calendar years.

Bandon Trails, Bandon, OR, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, 2005
Chambers Bay GC, University Place, WA, Bruce Charlton, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., 2007
Sebonak GC, Southampton, NY, Tom Doak, Jack Nicklaus, 2006
Ballyneal, Holyoke, CO, Tom Doak, 2006
Bright's Creek GC, Mill Spring, NC, Tom Fazio, 2006
Bayonne GC, Bayonne, NJ, Eric Bergstol, 2006
Concession GC, Sarasota, FL, Jack Nicklaus, 2006
Colorado GC, Parker, CO, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, 2007
Pronghorn - Fazio Course, Bend, OR, Tom Fazio, 2006
Boston GG, Hingham, MA, Gil Hanse, 2005
Fallen Oak, Saucier, MS, Tom Fazio, 2006
The Territory, Duncan, OK, Randy Heckenkemper, 2005
Whisper Rock - Upper Course, Scottsdale, AZ, Tom Fazio, 2005
Olde Stone, Bowling Green, KY, Arthur Hills, 2006
We-Ko-Pa GC - Saguaro, Fountain Hills, AZ, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, 2006
Forest Creek GC - North Course, Southern Pines, NC, Tom Fazio, 2005
Three Creek Ranch, Jackson, WY, Rees Jones, 2005
Creek Club, Oconee, GA, Jim Engh, 2007
Liberty National, Jersey City, NJ, Bob Cupp, Tom Kite, 2006
Lakota Canyon, New Castle, CO, Jim Engh, 2005

You can see the complete list here on GolfWeek.com

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The Early Rules of Golf

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:40:00 EST

Every wonder about the history of the rules of golf. One website called Historical Rules of Golf should answer all your questions. You can pull up the rules for different time periods and see how the rules have changed along the way. The website says the earliest record golf rules were ompiled by the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, later the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, drafted on March 7, 1744. You can see the rules here. They are pretty similar to today's rules. It included rules for avoiding water and "water filth."

5. If your Ball comes among watter, or any wattery filth, you are at liberty to take out your Ball & bringing it behind the hazard and Teeing it, you may play it with any Club and allow your Adversary a Stroke for so getting out your Ball.

Lose your ball and lose a stoke.

8. If you should lose your Ball, by it's being taken up, or any other way, you are to go back to the Spot, where you struck last, & drop another Ball, And allow your adversary a Stroke for the misfortune.

If your ball hits a horse and stops that's where you play it. If a Ball be stopp'd by any Person, Horse, Dog or anything else, The Ball so stop'd must be play'd where it lyes. (Via golf.about.com)

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Tiger Woods Swing in Slow Motion

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 18:00:00 EST

This video shows Tiger Woods' swing in slow motion.

Direct video link

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