Ottawa Golf Blog

Tiger Shines, AK Fades

2009-07-09T11:27:00.004-04:00

As much as a lot of people were looking at the final round pairing of Anthony Kim and Tiger Woods as being a battle it ended up no contest as AK faded and Tiger just stayed patient and got better as the round progressed to win the 2009 AT&T National. I loved seeing the final pairing walking down the final hole you know that will happen many times more with the outcome maybe different but Tiger grabs the spotlight again and off to prepare for the Open Championship.

Love the 8 Iron by Tiger

Kaymer Wins In France

2009-07-06T21:47:00.001-04:00

The playoff was a bit sloppy but Martin Kaymer withstood a huge charge from Lee Westwood that got him into a playoff with Kaymer. Kaymer won the playoff after they tied at 13-under 271. Westwood shot a 65 in the final round, but double bogeyed the first playoff hole when his approach shot found the water. Germany's Kaymer, after a 68, barely cleared the water himself with his approach and made a winning par for his third win on the European Tour.

Take a Kid to the Course -Free Golf For Kids Next Week

2009-07-04T15:53:00.006-04:00

Starting July 6th and running til July 12th participating golf courses across Canada will be offering kids free golf. It's the 7th season that kids can golf free. The promotion is with participating courses developed by the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada and includes one FREE round of golf to kids under the age of 16 when accompanied by a paying adult.

The National Golf Course Owners Association Canada wants to encourage families and juniors to take up the game of golf, this cross-Canada campaign is designed to illustrate how easy it is to improve both your score and your relationship with your children by bringing them out to the golf course.

In addition to the free golf, many courses will offer additional programs such as junior clinics, free range balls, free junior club rentals and parent/child tournaments. Kids play for free and can then enter a national contest to win fabulous prizes!

One of the local courses that I golf at the most during my season has extend the program of KIDS PLAY FREE for the entire month of July. Also KIDS PLAY FREE every Saturday and Sunday after 4 pm all season. Nice going Manderley On The Green.

Sounds like a great idea I know I'll be taking my kids out.

The Pros Looking Human

2009-07-04T15:19:00.004-04:00

I finally sorted out my computer problems with a little help from the Internet, some tweaking of my system memory and a little luck. So I finally got around to editing a few more U.S. Open videos including the one below of Phil Mickelson being ever so human. It's shots like these that I like to see the pros hit on occasion because it kind of makes me feel good that a pro might hit a shot that I hit a least once a round. So thanks Phil!

John Daly Says He'll Be At Canadian Open

2009-07-04T08:51:00.009-04:00

For anyone tuning into today's coverage of the Open de France on the European Tour they'd be pleasantly surprised to have John Daly doing some commentary with Renton Laidlaw on today's third round. Daly chatted with Renton about various golfers swings, his injury to his rib (physio is going well should be back next week at the Scottish Open), the success of Loudmouth golf clothes, his weight loss -another 9 pounds (Daly was having a snack - cheeseburger during the commentary) and doing a shout out to his many Twitter fans. Loved his commentary and Daly definitely could have a job once he hangs up his clubs.

The thing that was great was he was going over his schedule and he mentioned next week's (Scottish Open) and the Open Championship at Turnberry. He mentioned he'll be in Canada after the Open. Great news! that they've extended him an invite. I'll be attending the Canadian Open this year so I'm excited to see Daly up close and personal. Will keep all you Daly fans updated.

Canadian Open Shaping Up NIce

2009-07-01T21:16:00.006-04:00

Happy again this year to be attending the Canadian Open being played at Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville July 20th-26th again for second straight year . Really pleased with the list of confirmed players the event organizers are putting together and have just recently released. Last year it was great to see Anthony Kim, Retief Goosen, Charley Hoffman up close at the tournament. Very cool that it was my first PGA Tour experience as well as a my first volunteering experience.

This year I'm not volunteering but will be taking in a few days, early in the week to get you the inside scoop from the Canadian Open. Here's a list of confirmed players (here's hoping not to many drop out the days) before the start of the tournament:

Sean O’Hair, Retief Goosen, Hunter Mahan, Nick Watney, Bubba Watson, Brian Gay, Ricky Barnes, Steve Marino, Charley Hoffman, Dustin Johnson, J.B. Holmes, Jeff Quinney, Kevin Na, Scott Verplank, Billy Mayfair, Jerry Kelly, Todd Hamilton, Corey Pavin, Lee Janzen, Shaun Micheel, Bob Tway, John Rollins, Steve Flesch, Mike Weir, Stephen Ames, Anthony Kim, Chez Reavie, Trevor Immelman, Camilo Villegas, Luke Donald, Fred Couples and Mark Calcavecchia.

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T20:13:00.007-04:00

I know my Canada Day was great hope yours was too. Spent time with the family at our local towns Canada Day festivities. Lots of games for the kids to do, a kid bike parade, good food, nice weather what more could you ask for. Hope you all had a good one whether it was with family or out on the links. Oh Canada!

Golf To Impress - Pretty Impressive

2009-06-28T00:54:00.011-04:00

Here's a shout out to our friend Chris over at TourSpecGolf.com for starting up GolfToImpress.com a site he just launched June 8th with a focus on golf news both from the Japanese and U.S. markets. He'll be also involved in equipment reviews, the inside scoop on new gear, equipment testing and more. Be sure to follow him on Twitter as you can expect some contests in the near future. A wealth of golf knowledge by Chris and his staff I know I'm impressed be sure to check out Golf To Impress today.

Puma Golf's 18-Hole Golf Checked Bermuda Shorts Review

2009-06-24T05:40:00.007-04:00

Puma Golf's 18-Hole Golf Checked Bermuda Shorts Review

Regardless of the weather here in Ottawa when I golf I like to wear shorts. So I was quite happy when Puma sent me some of their Check Bermuda Shorts to review. Here's the scoop on Puma Golf's 18-Hole Golf Checked Bermuda Shorts.

Features
These shorts I received form Puma were a Steel Gray but they also come in White/Angel Blue • White/Flame Orange. The fabric is a nice subtle plaid and goes with just about any style and color of polo including the white Invisibonding Polo I reviewed a few weeks ago and the soon to be review Flame Orange Pique polo.

The shorts have some nice little extras including a back right belt loop with the screened 18 Hole logo as well as the right side having an extra large wide belt loop for a glove if you wear one.
Here are some other features of the shorts:

Flat front with zip fly and 18 Hole button close
Front slash pockets
Back patch pockets
Embroidered PUMA on the lower left leg
10½" inseam

The shorts are extremely lightweight I don't no whether it's the 98% cotton/2% elastane fabric of the shorts or just the way Puma Golf makes their apparel but these are great for those hot and humid summer rounds. These shorts are not only for the golf course but are stylish enough to be worn just about anywhere.

Conclusion
I really like these shorts they are very stylish, go with most golf shirts I own as well as being very lightweight. About the only thing that I don't like about these shorts is after washing them they always seem to be rather wrinkly and they always need an iron. So if your not handy with a iron, buyer beware. Also they fit a bit big so you might have to go down a size for them to fit.

These retail for about $80 US and are available in even waist sizes: 30-40

Lucas Glover Wins 2009 U.S. Open -Bethpage Black - w/ Video

2009-06-23T04:50:00.003-04:00

It maybe wasn't the prettiest final rounds of a Major but Lucas Glover made the putts when he needed to and played some smart golf in closing with a final round 73 and a two stroke victory over Phil, Duval and Ricky Barnes. It made for some great TV as there was a motley bunch of diverse golfers in the hunt and at any given point golfers were in and out of contention.

A few guys came over and watched the final hours of the golf, it was easy for them to make up excuses. To get away from making wedding invitations, chores around the house and general work. Hell this was the U.S. Open and it was a Monday finish what more excuses do you need. Phil Mickelson, David Duval, Ricky Barnes made it exciting but Lucas Glover finished it off with the pressure of having never been in wining a Major before and looked steady right to the end. Glover now moves up the World Rankings from 71st to 18th. I had a feeling Glover might do well this week as he had good stats as far as Total Driving(#1) goes I felt the only thing that might hurt him was he has had no success be before at a U.S. Open. He proved to many he was worthy Monday, congrats.

Lucas Glover Wins 2009 US Open

Duval Impresses At U.S. Open

2009-06-23T04:40:00.004-04:00

On a crazy beautiful sunny Summer day when you should be out golfing, many golf fans were huddled around their TVs or laptop taking in the final day of the U.S. Open. Fans were hoping for some kind of crazy finish depending on who you were cheering for there were so many story lines none better than David Duval's. Former #1 golfer in the World down to #882 in the World and pretty much off the golf map for the last while. It was great to see him sink some clutch putts with the stroke ever so similar to when he was #1 and winning. A win eluded him but he can hold his head high as he is no longer #882 but #142 has a much better ring I'm certain.

David Duval's Final Round U.S. Open

Mickelson Falls Short Again At U.S. Open - Highlight Video

2009-06-23T04:20:00.004-04:00

What would we do if we didn't have Phil "The Thrill" Mickelson at the U.S. Open. He almost pulled off a beautiful comeback win but two bogeys down the stretch killed any of his chances and only netted him his 5th 2nd place finish at a U.S. Open. You know he wanted this one bad with all his family is going through right now but it wasn't meant to be even with all the N.Y. fans cheering him on at every hole. Enjoy the video of his final round at Bethpage Black we don't know when we'll see him next but we'll look forward to it.

Phil Mickelson Final Round 2009 US Open Bethpage Black

Canadians Come Up Short At 2009 U.S. Open - Videos

2009-06-23T03:55:00.003-04:00

As much as it was disappointing that a Canadian didn't win the U.S. Open when it was looking so good for Mike Weir after rounds of 64 and 70. It was still exciting to watch and was better then watching those crazy infomericals on diet pills or Viagra during some lengthy rain delays we actually got to watch some exciting golf Monday and Weir was still in it most of the day. A few too many wayward shots and not getting those clutch shots he was getting the first few days really cost him. Closing with back to back 74s Weir had to settle for a T10, Stephen Ames also finished at the same. Not to bad considering there were only 4 Canadians in the field.

Mike Weir's Opening Round 64

The most impressive was amateur Nick Taylor coming up with the highest finish by an amateur this year at a tie for 36th.This kids got game and we'll definitely will be keeping an eye out for him in the future.

Nick Taylor 2nd Round 65 US Open

US Open - USGA Ticket Policy Should Be Rethought

2009-06-19T03:30:00.004-04:00

Thursday's round at the 2009 U.S. Open lasted all but 3 1/2 hours when the rain made the course unbearable to play. The 3 1/2 hrs was long enough according to the USGA to enact its no-refund policy. For fans shelling out between $100-$150 for tickets I say that stinks and obviously from a lot that is being written locally from the course many fans are incensed with obvious good reason. No golfer completed more than 11 holes, hell people only got to see Tiger for 6 holes.

A golf fan on a popular golf forum suggested they do what MLB does when round 1 is over, everyone must go through a checkpoint, and if you have round one-only tickets, your day is done. Seems like a reasonable solution could it actually be done probably not considering patrons are strewn all over the course but at least the USGA has to look at something like this because there will be many bitter fans. IN these tough economic times you don't want to alienate hardworking fans.

I guess I'll just watch coverage from my laptop on one of my many comfy patio furniture sets because at least if there's no coverage tomorrow I won't be out a lot of $$$$ and won't be bitter at the USGA's thoughtless policy.

PUMA Golf: PUMA Brigade Storms Bethpage!

2009-06-19T03:04:00.002-04:00

PUMA Golf: PUMA Brigade Storms Bethpage!
PUMA Special Edition gear worn by the Puma Brigade following Ogilvy Wednesday at Bethpage Black. At least they had better weather!
Posted using ShareThis

Scotty Cameron U.S. Open Headcover

2009-06-18T04:14:00.007-04:00

When I first saw the soon to be released 2009 U.S. Open Headcover I immediately said hey! that's like my GolfWRX Flying Tiger 08 Camouflage headcover. A great headcover put out by GolfWRX and one that's been my gamer for awhile now, my little guy was born in 2008 so I like the significance of that plus it damn cool looking. You see the similarities. I'm sure it will be a great seller for SC.

Inspired by World War II fighter planes, the silver headcover has the snarling teeth of a Spitfire, Cameron's Red Circle T logo on one side and a classic pinup girl on the other.

The Floppy - Another Amazing Product

2009-06-18T04:03:00.001-04:00

I'm always a little intrigued when I find a product online that looks worthy of some further investigating and maybe something to review as well. Scouring online for the latest and greatest out there for golfers can be daunting sometimes because you have to sift through a lot of companies as well as websites that may or may not have an interesting product. I was pleasantly surprised to find a golf product at AmazingProducts.tv , which features those popular As Seen On TV products. At first glance `The Floppy``seems so simple but would benefit most of us hackers that might struggle with our short game and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

"The Floppy" is listed as one of the products you have to try at AmazingProducts.tv. Being featured in the New York Times definitely had this product legitimize for me. You have to figure a product might be worthy when it gets featured in the New York Times so here's what I found out at Amazing Products and probably why most golfers should have some of these in their bags.

Well this indoor practice ball will help you with your wedge game or at the very least get you a few swings in before you hit the course. A practice ball that feels just like the real thing and doesn't make huge holes in your gyprock. I know a few fellow golfers here in Canada would kill for these balls because of our short golf season. Can you imagine when you get the winter blahs right around January/February. Take out a "Floppy" and practice up on those wedges and short irons. Father' Day is right around the corner your Dad probably doesn't have one of these and you know he'd love the golf help AmazingProducts.tv might just have what your looking for. I know being a busy Dad, I'd love the extra practice time these "Floppy" balls could bring.

I definitely see a review down the line. I think I'll order mine soon, once I get my PayPal account built back up. Stay tuned.

U.S. Open And Twitter

2009-06-17T22:00:00.008-04:00

Nice to see Rory McIlroy jump on the Twitter band wagon just in enough time for the U.S. Open hopefully he gets as good with this great social media tool as Stewart Cink has, come on Rory give us some good Tweets no boring shit. Follow Rory @RoryMcIlroy

You can also catch up with 2 time Major winner Padraig Harrington. Check out his tweets at @PadraigHarrington

We can only hope these two guys keep us fans intrigued with some inside U.S. Open tidbits.

Also great to see TaylorMade Golf's Tour Van to jump on board the Twitter train for all those people who care what the pros are getting done to their equipment check out @taylormadegc now.

Their latest Tweet:
"John Mallinger put a new 7-wood in play this week and hit it 9 times in yesterday's practice round. Bethpage is playing lo-o-ong."

Canadians Teeing It Up At Bethpage Black This Week

2009-06-15T06:30:00.004-04:00

With the buzz around another Major just getting started I thought it would be to cool remind people the Canadians in the field for this weeks U.S. Open.

Mike Weir of Bright's Grove, Ont., and Stephen Ames of Calgary will play the first two rounds of the tournament with Stewart Cink. Hopefully Cink continues to Tweet lots this week. @StewartCink

B.C. amateur Nick Taylor is scheduled to play with Scott Gutschewski and Gary Woodland, while Andrew Parr of London, Ont., will tee up with U.S. amateur Cameron Tringate and pro Sean Farren.

LPGA's Nordqvist and PGA Tour's Gay - Some Awesome Golf

2009-06-14T23:23:00.018-04:00

Even thought a lot of attention was focused on the upcoming weeks U.S. Open through conventional media as well as the likes of Twitter, you may of missed two pretty fine displays of golf. If you hadn't tuned into any of the action at the 2009 McDonalds LPGA Championship as well as the PGA Tour's St. Jude Classic here's what you might of missed.

2009 McDonalds LPGA Championship:
Sweden's Anna Nordqvist did the unthinkable capturing her first LPGA win at a "Major" and by 4 shot no less. She's a "rookie" no less with limited status. Pretty cool for a rookie right. her putting was pretty amazing all week. I loved her second shot into #18 at Bulle Rock a beautiful hybrid to about 5 feet. A pretty menacing hole with water along the left side. Nice going Anna you made a lot of people proud including fellow Swede Annika Sorenstam who's tweet read: "Grattis Anna!! Unbelievable performance!! Very proud of you!!" I'm also sure a few of your sponsors are pretty excited including Puma Golf who's Tweet read: "FTW!!! Anna Nordqvist!! We love you! "

2009 St. Jude Classic
Brian Gay goes wire to wire on a course the likes of Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson couldn't figure out (missed cut) as well as Phil Mickelson who made the cut but faded on the weekend (Glad I didn't pick him in my Fantasy Leagues). This guy has won twice this year and is riding a hot putter that saw him finish with 100 putts over 4 days. Just goes to show you, you don't have to hit it far you just have to make some putts. The big thing as well for Gay is he gets to change his plans this week and head to the U.S. Open at Bethpage's infamous Black Course where he played before back in 2002.

Sligo Wear a Canadian based company and one of Brian's sponsors was again more than happy with a second victory from Brian his year. Their brand is receiving much deserved attention and now they get to show it off at the U.S. Open. Love the pants Brian!

Puma Golf Chrome Belt Wide Review

2009-06-10T05:52:00.013-04:00

Puma Golf Chrome Belt Wide Review

When I first received a white belt from Puma Golf I immediately thought about Herb Tarlek from WKRP in Cincinnati. Herb always had a white belt on as well as white shoes. Maybe Herb was on to something as belts are the golf accessory that's in high demand. Just look at any tour event and you'll see all shapes and sizes and colors.

So I've never owned a white belt but I can tell when I first opened the Puma Golf Wide Chrome Belt I immediately like the weight of the buckle, it's very solid and larger than most other belts I've owned. The buckle is pretty plain compared to some of Puma's other belts which have a bit more bling. So if your going to buy your first white belt I'd highly suggest this one. It's not to in your face but stylish none the less.

You have to make sure the loops on your pants or shorts are wide enough for this belt. It is a wider belts. After wearing this belt for the first part of the golf season here in Canada I really have nothing negative to say about it and it has now become my favorite or go to belt. My wife was starting to think I was going to start wearing it with jeans or something.

The Puma Golf Chrome Wide Belt is made of genuine leather belt in black and white with a brushed silver buckle carrying a breached Formstripe and a raised Cat-Logo.

Available in sizes small (28"-32"), medium (33"-37"), large (38"-41") and extra large (42"-45")
Retails for about $55.00 US.

Just remember what Martin Hackel from Golf Digest says in this month's issue, if your going to wear a white belt make sure your hat and shoes match. Good advice!

Golf Weekend with Charley Hoffman -Sign Me Up Now

2009-06-09T02:44:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of attending my first PGA Tour event last July at the Canadian Open at Glen Abbey outside of Toronto. It was great watching the pros up close especially because I was also working the event as a volunteer marshal on a very tricky par 3 down on one of the "Valley Holes". Seeing the pro-am I thought it must be awesome to play along side a pro golfer especially if it was a player who was cool and didn't mind hanging out for 18 holes with a amateur.

One of the players I got to autograph a Canadian Open hat was Charley Hoffman who seemed like a great guy who can hit it a mile and a guy who would be cool to “hit some balls” with.

So I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled on to a golf contest by VacationRentals.com. You guessed it, one of the grand prizes is a Golf Weekend with Charley Hoffman. So I of course signed up immediately because Canadians can enter the contest and because you get to golf with Charley in sunny Las Vegas. It`s Golf and gambling heaven.

I wonder what Charely Hoffman's home course is in Las Vegas. I bet you it's TPC Las Vegas. Can you imagine hitting balls with Charley and some friends at that course. When I think of Desert golf I think of TPC Las Vegas that would a great course to play on a vacation.

You get $3,000 US to put towards one of Las Vegas' many Vacation Rentals which of course VacationRentals.com will help you with because that`s what they do.

So enter the Golf Weekend Contest with Charley Hoffman as it ends August 4th, 2009. Here's whats included in the prize again:

A golf game with golf pro Charley Hoffman.
Charley will meet and shoot golf balls a couple of hours.
Could include up to 4 people .
Includes money towards airfare and rental.

Sumi-G High-End Golf Accessories

2009-06-08T22:33:00.007-04:00

Sumi-G now has their 2009 line of stylish high-end golf accessories online for everyone to check out. I was first introduced to Sumi-G following along online at this years PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando were they were introducing their first ever collections. So much buzz came out of the PGA Show and Sumi-G was forefront. There were some great videos from Tony over at Hooked On Golf Blog. Check them out!

Here's how their collections are broken down (very clever naming - Sumi-G!)

Tee Collection- These are your belts (Dormy and Stymie), hats, towel brush and headcovers.

Green Collection- These are your divot tools, scorecard wallet, and money clip.

Trunk Collection- These are your bags: the Holdall, the Shoe Bag and the Shag Bag.

Their Sumi-G Dormy belt is even features in this month's Golf Digest (p.56 check it out) with a great little blurb from Marty Hackel. Remember to check out the video above to see their collection especially the headcovers which are something I've never seen before and easy on your back. If your looking for a replacement headcover I can see why you might want to look into a Sumi-G headcover.

We hope to do a review of some of their products soon.

Pearl Jam "Got Some" from the forthcoming Backspacer Album

2009-06-05T17:56:00.003-04:00

Since the first time I saw Pearl Jam live back at the Robert Guertin Arena in 1993 I was hooked. Pearl Jam is set to release a new album Backspacer in a few months here's Pearl Jam with their brand new track "Got Some" from the Tonight Show.

Chipping Lessons Learned

2009-06-05T16:15:00.004-04:00

Well this past week I received my 2nd lesson in a 3 lesson installment to hopefully improve my short game. The 1.5 hr. lessons this past week focused on chipping where my technique needed a little help. I definitely learned a lot about ball position as well as proper grip and

Keys that I learned and am trying to focus on:

Locking my wrists in their address angles so they don't break down through impact.

Playing the ball back in my stance on most chips, with most of my weight on my left side helps me with a descending blow.

Keep the swing compact back and through. You don't have to bring it back much to get the ball to go a fair distance plus you get better control.

With anything difficult like golf it's great to get tips, moving tips, driving tips, dancing tips whatever. So stay tuned for chipping tips/drills that my instructor has passed on to us. Coming soon pitching the golf ball -lesson three.