Ottawa Golf Blog

Zach Johnson Rides a Hot Putter and Short Game To Victory

2012-05-29T21:52:00.001-04:00

Clayton Presant Wins Flagstick Golf Magazine Amateur Shootout

2012-05-27T22:27:00.000-04:00

Lansdowne, Ontario, Canada May 27, 2012 – 19 year old Clayton Presant of Kingston rode a day one lead through the final day of the 4^th Flagstick Amateur Shootout at Smuggler’s Glen on Sunday to earn what he called the “biggest win of my career.”

Presant had shot four under par, 68 on day one to take a three stroke lead over a foursome of golfers heading into the final round of the 36-hole stroke play event.

He built on that lead in the closing round by posting an opening nine of 32 strokes. At that point he had surged to six strokes ahead of the second place player, Sean Lackey, the three-time defending City of Kingston Champion who now resides in Oakville.

As strong as that lead was almost everybody knew it might not be safe on the very tricky Smuggler’s Glen layout where the Canadian Shield often makes its rocky presence known. By the time the final groups made their way through the 15^th hole of the day, Lackey had reached two under par overall while Presant had given away two strokes to narrow the gap between them to just three.

“The nerves were acting up, a lot,” said Presant about his play on the closing holes which looked a little more ragged than it had been all weekend long. “I don’t know. I can’t explain it. I tried to stay the same but, it just gets to you.”

Presant says things changed a bit for him when he spotted the leader board behind the 15^th green and realized that his lead had diminished. “I saw that and figured I better pick up my game.”

Despite another bogey on the 17^th hole, Presant was able to keep things together and eventually sink the winning putt on the 18^th hole to the applause of the crowd who recognized his victory.

The new champion says he just tried to stay focused all weekend long. “I just wanted to play my game and that’s what I tried to do. I tried not to do anything ridiculous and just keep my ball in play.”

Asked what had helped him through the weekend Presant was quick to credit one club alone, “My putter was on fire this week; I pretty much made everything I looked at.”

With the win the champion also received a special prize, an exemption into The Great Waterway Classic, the Canadian Tour event that will play out at Smuggler’s Glen this September 3-9^th.

Unfortunately had to pass on the exemption to the second place finisher, Sean Lackey, as he recently signed a golf scholarship to attend Limestone College in South Carolina and felt it would be too difficult to get back for the tournament which takes places several weeks into his first semester.

David Dargie, Tournament Director for The Great Waterway Classic was on hand to congratulate Clayton, and subsequently Sean, on earning the exemption into their Canadian Tour event.

Flagstick Golf Magazine Publisher Jeff Bauder was pleased by the event that saw a solid field of 72 golfers enjoy competition and camaraderie over the course of the weekend. “We could not have asked for better weather and we look forward to doing it all again next year for the 5^th anniversary. We have another great champion and I think that just shows what a quality tournament this is becoming.”

Providing tremendous support for the tournament was Mike Doyon, Territory Manager for Eastern & Northern Ontario for Nike Golf Canada.

Additional sponsors included Smugglers Glen Golf Course, Glen House Resort, and Aquafina.

For more information Jeff Bauder, Tournament Director (Publisher, Flagstick Magazine) 1-613-302-2108, jbauder@flagstick.com

Photo Caption: Clayton Presant (centre) is presented the Flagstick Spring Amateur Shootout Trophy by Flagstick Golf Magazine Publisher Jeff Bauder (left) and Smuggler’s Glen Director of Golf, Doug Wark (right)

Full field scoring available at www.flagstickshootout.com

www.flagstickshootout.com www.flagstick.com www.smugglersglen.com

Butch Harmon About Golf DVD Review

2012-05-24T21:25:00.000-04:00

Review
I received the Butch Harmon About Golf DVD just about the time the season was opening up here in the Ottawa area. So it was definitely a welcome aid in getting the rust off my game. The two DVD set features 57 chapters containing more than 250 specific tips, totaling over four hours of instruction. For the first few weeks of perusing the DVD I concentrated on Section One which is title "Ball Striking and Basic Fundamentals" a great place to start at the beginning of your golf season. I found Butch's tips easy to understand and laid out in a manner that will be easy to retain when God forbid a shot goes awry. Grip, grip pressure, ball position, takeaway, back-swing, impact were all highlights for me in Section One.

Section 2 is great in that Butch goes over "Faults, Cures & Drills". Golfers of any skill level can take away some sound advice from Butch. A section I like to check out when things just don't seem right. You really can't go wrong with a guy who was voted #1 in Golf Digest's annual ranking of America's Best Teachers for the past 11 consecutive years.

Section 3 has "Specialty Shots" and these are quite helpful as all of as golfers are faced with these type of shots during a round. DVD one ends with "Short Game" and "Sand Play" sections that lately I've been re-watching as a high handicap golfer this is where your going to shave some strokes off your game. With Butch's help I hope to accomplish this by the time I hit Cape Breton Island for my week long golf vacation in July.

Butch Harmon About Golf Teaser

DVD two starts with "Putting" which for me is all about feel, Butch offers up some great fundamentals, drills and practice routine which could help most golfers.

Section 7 of DVD two has great footage from the golf professionals who have benefited from Harmon's instruction, such as Phil Mickelson, Nick Watney, Dustin Johnson and Tiger Woods. This section is just fun to watch anytime. Butch sure has had his hand in instructing many PGA TOUR and European TOUR. Watching the DVD is like having Butch as your own personal instructor!

Conclusion
Butch Harmon's About Golf DVD is quite the instructional golf DVD with over 4 hours of tips, drills, and fundamentals. It has something for everyone regardless of their skill level. It's great for brushing up on whatever aspect of your game you need instruction. Just find the section and Butch will put you on the right track. His simple yet effective tips will help any golfer plus his delivery, demeanor and candor is perfect for anyone learning the game. I also especially like the Section 10 of DVD two where Butch talks about kids and learning golf. I have three that I'm trying to introduce to the game, Butch's words definitely resonant with me, "...when juniors are playing their swings don't have to be perfect" something that might also hold true for adults as well.

Father's Day is just around the corner so if your looking at getting your golfing dad a gift. Butch's DVD will definitely improve his game, Butch Harmon's new comprehensive golf instructional two-DVD set titled "Butch Harmon About Golf presented by Titleist" DVD set is sponsored by Titleist, Winn Grips, Rolex, Golf Digest and JMA and is available for $79.95 on-line at www.butchharmondvd.com.

SeeMore Continues To Roll

2012-05-18T21:21:00.000-04:00

If you've followed my blog for awhile you know I'm a big lover of SeeMore putters and RST technology. I've done many SeeMore putter reviews over the years and they continue to be #1 for me as far as quality, performance, style and customer service.

Big news lately for SeeMore includes a stretch of five weeks where six different players using SeeMore putters on the PGA Tour have deposited nearly $2.2 million. The highlight were three 2nd place finishes, including the RBC Heritage, the Wells Fargo Championship, and the Players Championship. The run has been truly amazing with these 6 players making a combined 12 of 14 cuts at an 86% rate. In fact this averages out to these players using SeeMore on average earning $157,000 per start over this 5-week stretch.

Stay tuned for an upcoming putter review of the SeeMore M1 SS Platinum Finish Putter.

Here are a few highlights from Team SeeMore's latest releases:

The ability to know what you are doing for every putt is the secret to putting and a SeeMore putter gives you that secret. A SeeMore putter gives a consistent set-up every single putt. The ability to repeat the same starting point in putting is key. It is like shooting a free throw shot in basketball. Better fundamentals at set up and consistent form throughout will lead to a higher shooting percentage. SeeMore is the same way.

The reason why a TOUR player, mini-tour, college player or top amateur uses a SeeMore Putter is the results that he sees on a daily basis. The instant feedback is given as soon as the putt is hit. This is what our SPi Instructors teach on a daily basis to their students.

At The Players Championship two players in particular had great results with their SeeMore Putter. Zach Johnson (FGP black, milled face) (video) had rounds of 66 on Friday and 68 on Sunday. Playing in the 3^rd to final group on Sunday, he made over 100 feet of putts. He even made the longest putt of any player on #18 – 28 ft – to grab a share of the clubhouse lead.
Bob Estes (video) made over 150 feet of putts on Sunday using a M9 SS, shooting the low round of the tournament at (-7) 65. This was his best round in over 21 years played at this event.

Share with Fellow Instructors below...

Not only do these players use the benefits of the SeeMore system, but also our 140 worldwide SPi Instructors. Both TOUR players and SPi Instructors see how a consistent set-up and consistent ball position will lead to a more consistent stroke. This allows the golfer to identify their good putting stroke from a poor one, leading to more great putts.

SPi brings our passion and teaching platform to the teaching professionals in a way that is helping them grow their competence, confidence, and teaching breadth in all things putting. SPi trains and certifies golf instructors, and then helps them find students, juniors, and mini-tour players to bring into a putting training program. It creates a huge win-win, and is one of the freshest ideas in the golf industry. SPi already has nearly 20 teachers who have rapidly advanced through this training to where they are becoming regional leaders in putting instruction. If you are a golf instructor and would like to become a SPi Certified Instructor, please contact Ted Gallina at ted@seemore.com for more information. We will teach you to learn to enjoy putting instruction.

If you have any tips, news or videos that you would like to share to the rest of the SPi staff, please email me your information. More than happy to take a look and share.

AUR Golf In Style Giveaway

2012-05-15T21:15:00.000-04:00

AUR Announces Facebook "AUR Golf In Style" Giveaway

Enter by May 31st for a chance to win an AUR golf outfit and a round of golf

for four at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - AUR, a Fletcher Leisure Group product, is celebrating the launch of their AUR Golf Facebook page this year by partnering up with The Fairmont Chateau Whistler for the AUR Golf In Style Giveaway during the month of May.

There will be one grand prize winner who will win "His and Her" AUR Golf Outfits and a round of golf for four at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club. In order to enter, contestants must first become a fan of the AUR Golf Facebook page, and then select the "AUR Golf In Style" Giveaway tab to submit an entry. The contest closes at 11:59pm PST on May 31, 2012.

"The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has worked closely with the Fletcher Leisure group for a number of years and we feel that partnering with AUR golf for this contest will leverage both of our social networks and offer our fans a great prize promotion giveaway," says Jennifer Tice, Public Relations Manager for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

"We wanted to do something fun to announce that we are now on social media. This contest is a great way to educate people on who we are and what our brand stands for. Not only are we encouraging people to enter the contest and learn about us, but we are also inspiring them to go golfing!" says Christine Fletcher, Business Development Manager of Fletcher Leisure Group.

Executive Golf Season Opener A Success at Loch March

2012-05-15T21:01:00.001-04:00

Golf “Opener” a little late this year? Early but short spring grants mid-summer conditions for annual Executive Golf Opener at Loch March

May 12, 2011 – Ottawa, Ontario. The outdoor golf season is already well underway, even though Executive Golf, a local golf promotion company (executivegolf.ca) held its official opening tournament at Loch March today. With sunny skies and a temperature of 25 degrees, 150 players were treated to a picture perfect day at one of the region’s top courses.

“Scheduling big tournaments is always a little nerve-racking”, said EG vice president, Andy Rajhathy. “I guess the worst case scenario is cold, wet and windy – or maybe a tornado – but we really lucked out this time. All you can do is schedule it and hope Mother Nature is in a good mood on the day of your event.”

Ironically, the tournament is intended as the official launch to the outdoor season; however, Executive Golf – who also conducts The Slammer Tour match-play golf league – held its first official event of 2012 back on March 17^th at Prescott Golf Club.

The EG Opener presented players with their choice of social or competitive golf format, a buffet dinner and a plethora of skill-based and random prize draws for goodies courtesy of two-dozen sponsors.

“This tournament directly supports our mission to promote the game to golfers of all levels,” said Jamie Ryan, EG president. “We have beginners who just want to have fun, and real competitors who are out to win – and they’re all carefully intertwined at the event to keep things balanced.

In addition to the sponsor prizes, another big winner is the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Eastern Ontario, who received $1,135.00 from this event alone – in addition to the season running contribution so far of $831 via The Slammer Tour. Slammer Tour members donate 50 cents for each three-putt on tour and this, combined with all EG events, resulted in a $7,500 donation in 2011.

2012 EG Opener Prize Winners

Scramble Format Low Score: Eric Daigle Roger Hudson (Five-Under Par)
Longest Drive (Ladies): Cathy Lumsden
Longest Drive (Men): Vishal Patel
Closest-To-The-Pin (Ladies): Cheryl Hill
Closest-To-The-Pin (Men): Jason Snelgrove
$5,000 Hole-In-One: n/a
Closest-To-The-Bud Light Six-Packs: Laurie Howland, Ron Allenby and Terry Moore

Rickie Wins and Canadian Fans As Well

2012-05-07T20:59:00.002-04:00

Nice to see Cobra/Puma Golf not alienate Rickie Fowler's Canadian Fans after his victory at the Wells Fargo Championship yesterday. They're running a great contest the grand prize a framed PUMA Golf polo signed by Rickie Fowler and 1 AMP Driver.

Here's what clubs Rickie used for his first win:

Rickie used his COBRA Golf equipment to help secure his win. Rickie’s bag consists of:

AMP^TM Driver, 8.5 Neutral with a Mitsubishi White Board 73X shaft
AMP Pro Prototype Irons, 4-9 with Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100 shaft

His AMP Driver features E9 Face Technology^TM with dual roll, Adjustable Flight Technology^TM and Advanced Material Placement^TM. These powerful technologies provide a larger sweet zone on the face, optimized ball flight and a redistribution of weight for optimized launch conditions, combined they maximize distance and accuracy.

Here's what he wore:

Rickie wore his signature orange for the final round in a Golf Duo Swing Mesh Polo, 5 PKT Tech Pants, Super Cell Fusion Ice shoes and Monoline 210 Cap. His signature style is both edgy and functional. The Golf Duo Swing Graphic Polo features COOLMAX^® All Season to keep him comfortable when the temperature changes and has UPF 50+ for ultimate protection against UV Rays. His Super Cell Fusion Ice shoes feature PUMA’s newest S2Quill technology, giving Rickie ultimate traction and comfort through all 65 holes.

Rickie Wedges His Way To 1st Victory

2012-05-06T23:25:00.002-04:00

Love the talk between Rickie Fowler and his caddie Joe Skovron before he hits his gap wedge on the first Sudden Death hole of a playoff between himself, Rory and D.A. Points. Rickie sticks a wedge and makes the putt for his first victory on the PGA Tour. Congrats Rickie you are my homeboy.

FILA Golf Jacket Review - Performance Plus

2012-05-06T22:06:00.000-04:00

Tacoma Soft Shell Performance Jacket Review
I've had the pleasure of testing one of FILA Golf's new jacket for the last few months both on and off the golf course. The verdict: the Tacoma Soft Shell Performance Jacket is one special jacket. It not only has kept me dry and warm for some early season golf but I've also been wearing it at work. It really holds up to those long days of delivering mail at Canada Post.

Depending on where you live the Tacoma Jacket could be worn year round it's really that good at keeping you warm. Kudos to FILA golf for their three-layer performance soft shell bond with 100-percent polyester microfleece and padded quilted lining. As a taller guy I always find it hard to find a jacket that fits properly, either not long enough in the arms or to bulky in the body. The Tacoma with it's fitted style was perfect for my frame.

One part of most golf clothing I enjoy is the attention to detail and FILA Golf doesn't pull any punches with some great accents-- such as adjustable sleeve closures, laser cut welded right side chest pocket with zipper where you can store your valuables, and an interior security pocket with audio port access and draw string toggles for those of us with iPhones. Nice touches FILA!

The Tacoma Soft Shell Performance Jacket comes in a plethora of sizes (XS to 3XL) as well as some great colors (black, silver and crimson) including FILA Navy which I reviewed. At $130 the Tacoma is a reasonably priced golf jacket. It's design and fit and performance is second to none. If your looking at getting your Dad a Father' Day gift he won't forget, the Tacoma is the answer.

Cabot Links Teaser Video

2012-04-11T22:18:00.003-04:00

If you didn't see the 10 second Cabot Links teaser video(s) during the Masters click on the image below to see all of Cabot Links Masters Spot Videos. Can't wait to go in July.

ArnieWear Masters Polo, Asher Master Tee, LinksWear TRUE phx Masters LE

2012-04-02T19:58:00.000-04:00

Yes yes it's Masters week and the years first Major starts this Thursday. For those of us that can't make the big event we can sit at home and watch the various dramas unfold at Augusta and cheer on our favorite players with some Masters swag. This year I'll be donning my new Masters Polo from ArnieWear a limited edition inspired polo features a distinctive green and yellow color theme. How can you not love a shirt that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Arnold Palmer's second Masters crown. Love the contrast piping on back with Signature Arnold Palmer embroidery on the back representing a direct replica from his time.I can only hope it helps my game with some Arnie juju.

Asher Golf also has a cool Masters Tee definitely a must have for the driving range. It's available for a limited time or while supplies last so don't wait. I've ordered my XL.

TRUE linkswear is offering the TRUE phx White/Green Limited Edition shoe for $99.99. A definite homage to the years first Major. This is the first white phx that TRUE has offered with pebbled leather. Looks great with the green sole and laces Only 250 pairs have been made so be quick and order.

What will you be wearing for Masters Week?

Reach For Your Pakage

2012-03-30T15:39:00.000-04:00

My Pakage Underwear Review
It's amazing what kind of discussion can arise on Twitter when the timing, the individuals and moment is right. Awhile back a discussion rang out on Twitter about guys underwear. You know tightie whities, briefs, banana hammock etc. Everyone has their favorite but a few folks on Twitter chimed in on the comforts of myPakage Underwear. A few weeks later a pair of my Pakage Underwear from the Weekday Collection arrived on my doorstep.

Well here's the low down on these underwear:
myPakage Underwear come in a great looking package. You really want to open the package to get inside, full marks to the marketing team on that one.
Once you open the package the feel of these underwear stands out and you haven't even put them on yet. MyPakage use a special blend of Modal (93%) and Spandex (7%) and here's why:

Advantages:

the fabric is 50% more moisture absorbing than Cotton while still being incredibly breathable.

PKG underwear will never shrink and stay wrinkle-free.

resistance to pilling due to friction and its ability to remain incredibly soft

So I'm ready to put these on. Now I notice this pouch in the front. Well that would be myPakage's "Keyhole Comfort Technology", here's the scoop:

Our patented KeyHole Comfort Technology™ creates the best and most comfortable underwear experience for men. The 3-dimensional internal pouch provides both unparalleled support and comfort. By cradling the male package, our KeyHole Comfort Technology™ allows absolute freedom and eliminates the need for any shifting and adjusting.

So how do these stand up to my regular Hanes Boxer Briefs. I was a little worried that they would fit a little to tight but with the amazing comfort of the material plus myPakage's KeyHole Comfort Technology. I can honestly say these underwear are the most comfortable underwear I've ever worn. You kinda laugh when you see the pouch (KeyHole) but it really works giving you support and keeping you from that needless shifting and adjusting we as guys occasionally do.

At $24.99 for the Weekday Collection and $29.99 for the Weekend Collection myPakage comes in a plethora of colors for all tastes. I highly recommend trying a pair or surprise your husband with a pair you will surely enjoy the comfort of myPakage.

My life is pretty active between working as a mail carrier with Canada Post, to chasing my three young kids around to of course golf. Now in the morning when I reach for my underwear I reach for myPakage.

Masters Golf Pools For The Truely Fanatic Golfer

2012-03-28T15:40:00.000-04:00

If you're like most golf fanatics next week is a special week not only because most are getting out for there first rounds of the year but the season's first Major, the Masters begins April 5th. If you're into wagering on golf and think you have all the right picks then be sure and check out the various golf pools Séamus at Go For The Green Golf Pools has starting next week. So check your various Sportsbook reviews, golf bloggers and professionals fantasy golf prognosticators and make your picks for Séamus's golf pools now. I know I will. Here's the scoop on the pools, there's three starting next week:

Craig's Big 5 Pool
Grand Slam Pool
Masters Elimination Pool

1) Craig's Big 5 pool
This is our most popular pool with the largest payout we have all year. The winner typically collecting over $1000.

You select a team of 12 different golfers to compete at the 4 Majors and the Players Championship (5th Major). Total Player Earnings of contestant's selection's over the 5 events will determine winners. There are payouts for each event in addition to an overall ending payout.

The entry fee is $20 Canadian. For all the pool details including the player groupings go to:

http://www.goforthegreengolfpools.com/big5/index.htm

2) Grand Slam pool

Unlike Craig's Big 5 pool, in this pool you select players at each event however you only can use the same player in 2 of the 4 Major tournaments. Total Player Earnings of contestant's selection's over the 4 Majors will determine winners. There are payouts for each Major and an overall pool ending payout.

The entry fee is $40 Canadian payable in 2 installments of $20 on April 4th & June 1st. All the pool details are at:

http://www.goforthegreengolfpools.com/grandslam/index.htm

3) Masters Elimination pool

The top 60 ranked players in the field will be divided into 4 performance groups of 15 based on World Tour Rankings. You select 1 payer from each performance group. All 4 selections must make the cut otherwise you are eliminated. The total score of all four golfers will determine the outcome.

The entry fee is $20 Canadian. All the pool details are at:

http://www.goforthegreengolfpools.com/masters/index.htm

To participate in these pools, the first step is to register at:

http://www.goforthegreengolfpools.com/

Registration deadline is Sunday April 1st, at 6pm EST.Sign up right now before it's too late. Good Luck!

Cabot Links Awaits

2012-03-25T16:55:00.000-04:00

After reading an article earlier in the year about five newcomers golf courses to watch in 2012. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to golf one of those courses suggested by Evan Rothman freelancing for Golf Week. Well after talking to the folks at Golf Cape Breton just before the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo a few weeks ago. Looks like I’ll be taking a trip to try first hand not only the new Cabot Links, “Canada’s True Links Golf Course” but 5 other courses on Cape Breton Island.

Cabot Links majestic oceanfront setting and design elegance from Canadian course designer Rod Whitman will be at the top of most people's list this season, as the full 18 will open this Summer on June 29th. I look forward to facing the various challenges of this new Cape Breton Golf Course and a future Canadian Classic. Stay tuned for a full review and lots of awe inspiring photos . Make sure you check my Twitter feed for hourly and daily updates.

A Spot Of Green

2012-03-17T14:36:00.001-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone, many golfers in the Ottawa Area are even happier as many courses in the Ottawa area are opened today so it looks like Winter is over. Let the clubs swing freely and enjoy a Guinness today. What's one course in the Ottawa area that you haven't played yet that's #1 on your list. For me this is the year that I finally tee it up at Loch March golf and country club in Kanata. What course is on your to golf list?

If your looking for some green apparel Mike over at ChapeauNoirGolf.com reports some interesting Masters green apparel coming down the pipe including some commemorative green socks from Kentwool that are out now as well as a great looking Masters Polo from Arnie Wear.

Daily Deals On Ottawa Golf - GolfOn.ca To Launch April 1st

2012-03-12T19:27:00.000-04:00

Like most golfers out there I like to get a deal especially when it comes to green fees. For those golfers in the Ottawa area a great new daily deals golf only site will be launched April 1st. Sign up now at GolfOn.ca and you'll get deals on green fees, power carts, driving range passes and lots more.

Equmen Undershirt Delivers Results - Equmen Undershirt Review

2012-03-05T19:51:00.000-05:00

As most golfers out there can attest to, regardless of your abilities you always are trying to get better. One of the things I struggle with as a hacker is my posture. Having that straight back with your derriere out is what we strive for but being taller at 6'5" I tend to stand a little to upright. When I was contacted by Equmen about there golf undershirt I was definitely intrigued at the potential of improving my golf posture and of course my "game".

When the undershirt came in the mail I immediately had to try it on as I'd never tried on any compression type clothing. The Equmen undershirt was initially difficult to put on as it fits like a second skin but once on it felt quite comfortable and supportive.

The undershirt is made of a trio of fabrics (73% Polyester Cationi, 13% Nylon, 14% Spandex) and has reinforced areas throughout the upper and lower back and shoulders. There are no seams so even though it fits tight to the skin there are no pressure points or any areas that would leave you uncomfortable.

I first tested out the Equmen undershirt at work where I'm a mail carrier for Canada Post. I'm on my feet most of the day and I'm in and out of my vehicle lots. Back strain is one of the most common injuries for mail carriers and the Equmen undershirt gave great support to both my upper and lower back as well as giving me better posture.

Wearing my undershirt while golfing (only indoor so far in Canada) was a huge eye opening . It really gave me a great cue to keep my back straight. The undershirt lets you know what a straight back feels like. I found the undershirt completely comfortable under my various golf polos while playing golf indoors. The Equmen shirt being seamless is great, there's no rubbing or chaffing.

In closing I was very pleased with the results of wearing the Equmen Undershirt both at work where it felt great supporting my upper and lower back as well as golfing indoor giving me that great feel at what a straight back feels like. I definitely think the Equmen Undershirt will help me in the long run as far as my golf posture goes. At $89-99 the Equmen Undershirt is not cheap but for someone who wants to improve their posture and support their back during active sports like golf I highly recommend.

FILA Golf Offers 30% All Orders Til March 14th

2012-03-04T21:13:00.000-05:00

After doing a review last year of FILA Golf's apparel I instantly became a fan of their apparel. Great fabrics, colors and style. Right now FILA Golf just launched a limited-time promotion on their new ecommerce website ShopFilaGolf.com. The Promotion: a 30% discount off an entire online order using the code “RegCode30” - offer only valid through March 14.

In 2012 heritage sportswear brand Fila Golf will focus on a range of tops, bottoms and outerwear all inspired by the iconic looks of ‘50s prep school sport. Vintage design touches like mesh rolled shoulders for men and keyhole and sweetheart necklines for women all boast the brand’s signature athletic-enhancing designs. New outerwear introductions for men and women include wind/rain, fleece and soft-shell jackets, which round out the collection. View the whole collection at ShopFilaGolf.com. Receive free shipping on orders of $100+ and make sure you sign up to receive the Fila Golf newsletter to keep up to date for all things FILA Golf.

February Madness Match Play Pool

2012-02-17T21:18:00.000-05:00

The 2012 Accenture Match Play is coming up next week in Arizona and if you think you know how to predict the outcome of all those hard matches then head on over to Go For The Green Golf Pools they have a great pool running for the week. It only costs $20 and the more that participate the higher the first three cash prizes. You can even pay by PayPal. I participate in many of Seamus's golf pools and they are always run very professionally and of course lots of fun.

Here's the scoop:

Think you know a little about match play golf. Then fork out $20 for your chance to brag if your the winner.

The Tournament field consists of 64 players and is divided into 4 brackets based on World Tour Rankings. This is a contest of skill that requires each contestant to select the winners of all 64 matches in the Match Play Championship.

The Contest is Match Play, with points being awarded for each correct result as follows:

Round 1	1 point
Round 2	2 points
Round 3	3 points
Quarter Finals	4 points
Semi - Finals	5 points
Third Place	6 points
Final	7 points

The top 3 contestants, at the end of official play will be the Final Prize winners. If 3 or more tie for first the prize payout will be split amongst all who tie.
The Prize payouts, will be as follows:

* First Place 50%
* Second Place 30%
* Third Place 20%

Entry Fee:
The entry fee for this pool is $20 Canadian and payment must be sent before start of play to participate in this pool.
Preferred method of payment is by an Interac E-Mail Money Transfer from your online bank account. Please send to:
goforthegreengolfpools@gmail.com

Payment by cheque, money order & bank drafts are also accepted by mail and must be postmarked before start of play. Payment can be sent to the following address:

Séamus Maher
121 Main Street West
Grimsby, ON L3M 1R5
Payments can also be made by PayPal. Login into your PayPal account and send payment to:

goforthegreengolfpools@gmail.com

When sending PayPal funds remember to select Personal and not Purchase so as to avoid PayPal transaction fees.

Credit card payments are also accepted and these can be sent at:

http://www.goforthegreengolfpools.com/payment.htm

Buddha Plays 18 Book Review - Tips From The Master

2012-02-16T20:13:00.003-05:00

Edward Balian’s "Buddha Plays 18" is a fun read and great for filling the void of not being able to play golf in the Winter. Although it's a short read there is some substance to the book. I honestly didn't know what to expect as most in the genre of golf and mysticism tend to be a bit hokie but "Buddha Plays 18" touts itself to "Instantly improve your golf game using tips from the Great Master" and it doesn't with tips for all level of golfers.

The book centers on the author serving as a caddy for Buddha during a round of golf. Each chapter Buddha encounters various golfing situations(just like life). In each chapter he explains the Buddha way (Eightfold Path Principles) to each situation. These centre on the proper behaviors and attitudes while on the course.

A few tidbits from Buddha's thinking:

Rather than mentally labeling something as "trouble" or "bad" just think "opportunities" or "challenges"
So now “sand traps,” become “sand opportunities”.

Golf practice includes mental as well as physical activities. "No pain, no gain" applies to the mind as well as the body.

Suffering exists in golf - oh brother , no argument here!

Edward Balian’s "Buddha Plays 18", is an easy read and make sense when put into perspective. All level of golfers will pull something for their golf game with the tips from this book. If your interested in ordering the book you can right here. Make a comment on this post, as I'll be giving away my copy to a lucky winner. Good karma eh!

It's Go Time For Rickie Fowler and Cobra Golf

2012-02-07T22:05:00.001-05:00

Rickie Fowler talks about his first week with COBRA GOLF. Torrey Pines 2012.

Green Out Day At The Phoenix Open

2012-02-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

It's going to look a lot like March 17th, St. Patrick's Day at the TPC Scottsdale today as the tournament-host Thunderbirds have declared Saturday to be the first Green Out day at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. So far Bubba Watson has tweeted about his lime green socks from Kentwool and his Christmas inspired Travis Mathew belt.

Although only Bubba and maybe Herb Tarlek would wear that mistletoe belt I'd definitely don what Canadian Graham DeLaet will be wearing from Sligo Wear some great mint plaid pants with a mint green Martin polo shirt.

It will be interesting to see other green attire Golf fans and players will wear to get out Waste Management recycling message.

Stay Classy Poulter

2012-02-02T20:48:00.000-05:00

During the Winter up here in Ottawa there's not a lot of golf action, that's why as Canadians we go indoors to golf simulators like Golf-O-Max but that's only a tease. We also immerse ourselves in the latest PGA Tour or European Tour event on the Golf Channel as well as putting in our basements. We also gawk at various online golf forums where all the new golf paraphernalia is adorned by our golf heroes.

While perusing the pictures from GolfWRX.com this week of the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open, two observations are clear I should get out more, secondly Ian Poulter is still the most stylish Pro on Tour and the wearing of Puma belts and shoes has only enhanced his look. Practice day Wednesday at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Poulter looked great in some new 2012 IJP Design. Here's the press release this week from IJP Design we can only hope for more great combinations for this year.

Ian Poulter to start 2012 wearing the new Spring/Summer 2012 collection at the Waste Management Phoenix Open from Thursday 2nd February to Sunday 5th February 2012. Delighted after the birth of his fourth child, on Thursday 2nd February Ian Poulter will be teeing off in style as he starts his 2012 season on the PGA Tour. Ian will be wearing IJP Design, Ian’s own golf and lifestyle clothing brand, to encapsulate IJP Design’s motto –Look Good, Play Great.

Ian will step onto the course wearing the ‘Sport’ palette – He will wear the Poulter Tartans in Lava and the Classic Shirt in Ultramarine. The IJP Design Spring/Summer 2012 collection will launch on 1st March 2012 but IJP and Poulter fans can enjoy a sneak preview of the collection, which will appear in stores from now onwards, as worn by IJP himself.

The new IJP Design collection for S/S12 is the largest collection to date. With new items and innovative designs, the collection is effortlessly stylish, maintaining technical and functional excellence. IJP Design is a popular choice for some of the world’s top golfers currently climbing the world rankings, and, including Ian now has three star players wearing IJP Design to start 2012 in style. The UK’s Gary Boyd and USA’s Bud Cauley will be teeing off in IJP Design and similarly looking good and playing great.

TRUE linkswear Releases TRUE phx Limited Edition

2012-02-01T20:37:00.001-05:00

TRUE linkswear has released a 2012 Limited Edition TRUE for the Phoenix Open. I have to admit it's one of my favorite Limited Edtion models from TRUE.

The phx Open LE has a White upper with Orange Stitching and White laces which has been paired with an Orange outsole with a White topline and White "spikes".

Since only 250 of these unique creamsicle beauties have been made I may be tempted to add to my collection of golf shoes. This would be my first TRUE. What do you think?

The Party I'm Going To Miss The Most #PGAM12

2012-01-25T20:15:00.004-05:00

One of these years I'm going to make it to Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show. This year the Arnie Wear Launch Party will be the place to be this Friday at the show. This one hurts the most: