Ottawa Golf Blog

Was I The Only Who Wanted Luke Donald To Win?

2010-02-08T06:42:00.000-05:00

Come on I'm sure I wasn't the only one who wanted Luke Donald to break out with his first win in almost 4 years on Sunday at the Northern Trust Open. Instead we got boring Steve Stricker winning again. This guy just goes out hits fairways and has a great short game and wins gain. Now all the talk is about Stricker being #2 when I would of rather had the talk being about Donald's win.

I followed him around last year at the Canadian Open. It's hard to believe this guy hasn't on more. Maybe this is the year.

Jiménez Drops Putt And Playoff Win VS. Westwood

2010-02-08T03:54:00.000-05:00

Spain's Miguel Angel Jiménez managed to sink a par that Lee Westwood couldn't giving the Spaniard his first European Tour win since the 2008 BMW PGA Championship. It was a an exciting playoff that could have had more players if a few could have tamed the winds and made a few more putts but to have two Ryder Cup players in a playoff was awesome. A nice win by a man who is nicknamed the "Mechanic" and seems so cool on and off the course. He definitely doesn't need a testosterone booster this guy is all man even though he's got some shaggy long locks done up in a pony tale. I'm sure the 46 year old enjoyed some good wine and a few cigars after his victory.

"Like a good wine, with age I get better and better," said Jiménez, "I feel comfortable on the golf course – that is key. I am not 25 or 30, I have just turned 46 but I'm still healthy and still strong. Not like I was when I was 25, but still strong and I can still play the ball. And if I feel happy and can focus, then you can win."

GolfWorks Online Catalog -Grips Galore

2010-02-08T03:45:00.000-05:00

If you every buy golf components be sure to check out new Golf Works online catalog. I buy a lot of my grips from these guys and I really like that they've now got their whole catalog online. The grips that are peaking my interest this year are Lamkin's Performance Plus 3Gen and Golf Pride's Tour Wrap 2G. Right around this time of the year I make sure my grips are good and replace any old and worn out grips. Sometimes I also just change grips because I'm bored.

Won't Get Fooled Again - Super Bowl Highlights

2010-02-07T20:18:00.000-05:00

I don't follow the NFL like I use to but when it comes to the Super Bowl I have to make sure I tune in on Super Bowl Sunday. I usually cheer for the underdog, so Go Saints Go. One great thing about the Super Bowl is the commercials between the actual plays of the game. You have to make sure you get the American feed because like I say if the game sucks at least the commercials are funny especially the Bud Light ones. Not a great bear but some real funny commercials. Your not going to get some crazy what are blackheads commercials your going to get great beer ads and some other classic commercials.

The other great thing about the Super Bowl is the half time show with the Who putting on a great performance of their hits. I haven't seen them in years, back in the 80s saw then in Toronto. Great stuff by the Who and can't wait for the HBO min-series The Pacific. Back to the game.

Gene Nead Putters Coming To Retail Very Soon

2010-02-05T23:28:00.001-05:00

Up until a few months ago I had no idea who Gene Nead was and no clue he made custom putters. With help from golf forums like PutterTalk.com and PrimeTimeGolf.com I know drool over his putter creations. MyGolfSpy.com has a great interview of Gene if you want to know more about the man behind these amazing designs. Apparently Gene Nead Putters will be coming to retail stores and pro shops near you soon. Gene posted a bunch of pictures on Prime Time Golf so check them out and be sure to check out NeadCustomPutters.com. These are a rough prototype of what Gene is working on for his retail models. Nice start for sure.

Westwood In The Hunt At Dubai Desert Classic

2010-02-05T22:30:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago he was cursing his irons but the last two weeks he seems to have got his clubs tweak to what he likes. after a second day 65 Lee Westwood in the hunt at the 2010 Dubai Desert Classic. Wicked shot form the rough be sure to check out the video below.

"We have had the hardest conditions over the first couple of days in the morning and then the afternoon but you try and make the best of whatever is thrown at you," said Westwood, who opened with a 72 on the first day. "And if you come out on the right end of that obviously it .gives you a massive confidence boost"

John Daly Hasn't Quit He'll Be At Pebble Beach Next Week

2010-02-05T22:12:00.002-05:00

Stop the presses John Daly isn't done with golf, he hasn't quit the game like he said after missing the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. Apparently done meant just two weeks because it turns out he meant for two weeks as Daly is on the official field list for next week’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, according to the PGA Tour and as reported on the Golf Channel. Check below for a phone interview where John clears up the quitting golf thing. So he's not going to doing ads for diets that work or some other infomercial. He'll be out golfing in sunny California next week with his loyal fans following him in tow. God i hope he makes the cut.

Is $725 Too Much For A Putter?

2010-02-04T22:31:00.004-05:00

Usually in the off season here in Canada I like to tinker with my clubs, sometimes picking up a new driver, maybe a hybrid or even a extra wedge. The winter is long so buying and selling golf clubs passes the time between the end of the season and when the dreaded snow melts and we can get back out there on the course.

I presently have no putter in the bag and I've been doing a lot of testing of various putters which is always fun. For me putting is all about feel and how the the putter looks when you address the ball. I've mainly been a mallet guy but who knows what I'll be gaming come Spring time.

I get copious amounts of golf emails everyday but lately the ones dealing with putters seem to catch my eye more. Take for instance the email from Bettinardi Ltd introducing the BB ZERO Bettinardi's latest head design. Released last week at the PGA Show in Orlando.These lads go for $725 each and are already sold out. Now I might pay $725 for some hair vitamins that guarantee a full Afro on my Mark Messier like head but paying $725 for a putter seems like a huge investment especially if you don't get to roll the damn thing first. Just my opinion.

RJB2215 Blue Oxide BB-0

RJB2111 Chocolate Patina BB-0

Ever Had A 93-footer On Ice

2010-02-04T22:02:00.000-05:00

I always love the proverbial golf contest especially when it's geared towards Canadians. Hence the Odyssey White Ice Challenge definitely peaked my interest. Enter every day here. Here's the details.

Picture this; you are standing in the centre of an arena surrounded by thousands of people and being watched on TV by even more. Your only task is to ignore all the distractions going on around you, take that NEW Odyssey White Ice Putter in your hands, line up your putt and take dead aim for a chance to WIN $100,000. Think you have what it takes to swallow the pressure and hit that putt to be $100,000 richer? Did we mention that the putt is a 93-footer on the ice surface during the semi-final match at the 2010 Tim Hortons Brier, still interested?

McIlroy Leads Dubai Desert Classic Along With A Host Of Others

2010-02-04T20:57:00.000-05:00

Dubai Desert Classic highlights. Another strong field in Dubai with last years winner Rory McIlroy tied for the lead at -4 with a few other notables like Charl Schwartzel and Jeev Mika Singh. Coverage was pretty good today with lots of coverage of Rory, Paul Casey, Alvaro Quiros and if you don't follow the European Tour you might of been surprised to see Veteran Tom Watson out there playing and getting around in a round of 73. This guy certainly doesn't need any anti wrinkle creams Watson doesn't look place out there even though he's 60 and plays most of his golf on the Champions Tour. Check out the shot from Watson in this compilation of highlights from Day 1 of the Dubai Desert Classic.

Tiger Woods Returns To Golf At Accenture Match Play Championship?

2010-02-03T14:11:00.001-05:00

To early? Tiger Woods will reportedly make his return to golf in two weeks at the Accenture Match Play Championship This comes from an Australian newspaper that reports that TW could be out of sex rehab and back on the links in two weeks.

The Herald Sun of Melbourne says Woods is "poised to make a shock return to competitive golf" ar the Accenture Match Play Championship, which begins Feb. 17 in Arizona. No one has confirmed this.

"We have no comment," said PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw.

I find this a little hard to believe and figure TW will be out of action a little longer. Probably just a way to generate some more readers for this paper.

Travis Matthew Signing Some Big Names

2010-02-03T13:33:00.001-05:00

Before this season to be honest with you I had really not heard that much up here North of the border when it came to the golf apparel designs of Travis Matthew but lately they've been making a huge splash in signing Geoff Ogilvy, Bubba Watson and now Aaron Baddeley.

I love getting the latest and greatest Golf PR news sent to my email so today after taking a break from doing some glass tile and I was reading the latest on the Baddeley signing by Travis Matthew. Previously Aaron had been with Original Penguin which I loved so it sparked my interest even more that he'd signed with Travis Mathew. These guys are making waves in the golf apparel business.

“We are proud that all of these players have decided to wear our brand without contracts in place because they like it so much,” Chris Rosaasen, Travis Mathew CEO, said. “I think that says a lot about TM.”

PGA Merchandise Show 2010 (Orlando) Travis Mathew Booth

Impressed With Rickie Fowler And The Other Young Guns

2010-02-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

Sure I'll admit it, this past weeks Fantasy Picks were OK but would of been even better if they had included some great young talent like Rickie Fowler, Michael Sim, Marc Leishman, or even Alex Prugh. These guys didn't look out of place all finishing in the top 10 this week. Rickie at 21 seems to have the demeanor of a tour vet and you can tell he's just looking it out there as he talks in the video about playing with Phil Mickelson. These guys are going to get serious consideration this week. Man Rickie can pull off the orange Puma golf clothes, very nice.

Asher Golf Gloves A Unique Fit

2010-01-31T14:14:00.001-05:00

If you haven't heard of the Asher Golf Company James Roundy and Samson Lloyd are working on it. They've developed some golf gloves with a very unique style. With names like the Birdy, Camo, Death Grip and Eye Candy. These gloves are like no other glove I've seen before. At the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show this week how could you not notice the Asher gloves. With all the coverage that's been going on at the show these gloves definitely stand out from other peoples products. Asher was officially launching them at the show and I think their exposure will only heighten.

Karlsson Wins 2010 Qatar Masters Video Highlights

2010-01-31T12:22:00.000-05:00

Nice to see Robert Karlsson get back into the winners circle after a 2009 season marred by an eye injury that had him doubting whether he'd return to his once stellar form. Well he's back with a come from behind victory and 3 strokes over Alvaro Quiros. If you missed his sizzling final round 65 here's some highlights.

Happy Birthday Gus!

2010-01-31T11:55:00.004-05:00

Today is my sons birthday. He's two and for those that have a two year old you know when I say, life with a two year old can be very crazy. One minute he does something real cute and you want to eat him up the next well lets just say you have feelings of throwing him out the door. Of course I never would do something crazy like that because that's whats parenting is all about the highs and the lows. Good thing I have some prior experience with my two daughters before Gus came along.

My son really loves tractors pretty much any kind of tractor heck anything with wheels he loves pretty much. You'd think me loving golf and all I'd be getting him kids clubs of all sorts. Well he does have some plastic ones which he loves but he is only 2 right. No I'm one of those weird fathers when out shopping the other day I don't pick him up the proverbial toy I pick him up some cool clothes. A shirt with a digger on the front and some pants with a truck on them.

When your the Dad of a two year old you really only have to worry about there well being and love them to death. No worries about what there car insurance will be in 14 years or girls calling at all hours of the night or any of those things that are distracting in the teen age years. That's why I just enjoy the present. I can't wait to get home and see my little guy and give him a big hug. :)

Is Daly Calling It Quits?

2010-01-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

Is John Daly going to call it quits? After a second round 71 and failing to make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. Daly has an impromptu interview with the Golf Channel. "I'm done, I can't compete. I can't play like I use too. I can't keep taking spots from guys out here playing this bad. It's not worth it. "I'm tired of embarrassing myself in front of (my fans). I can't do it anymore."

From his tweets on Twitter @PGA_JohnDaly maybe Daly just needs a break it look like his financial situation is really putting his game off with his mind focusing on those troubles.

From Twitter:

...never said retirement in anything or twitter-i want to correct that! simply sayin I need my time & working through these bad times thank you.

...to be on the tour. My game has never been the same since my rib injury during the Honda Classic in 2007. God Bless! JD

I don't like to continue to embarass myself-- maybe my mind may change down the road but right now i don't have the money

....the few sponsors that I have are great but it's not getting me thru these times--i want to thank my fans throughout all these years &

To ALL my Fans---my financial situation is putting me where I cannot focus on my game, I'm putting too much pressure on myself,

Daly just needs some time no worries he'll be back he won't be doing commercials for side effects of hydroxycut yet.

Rickie Fowler's New Puma Golf Shoes

2010-01-29T11:27:00.002-05:00

A thing of beauty the Puma Cell Fusion Shoes
Will hopefully get to review these once the snow melts.

PUMA Golf - Watch more Sports Videos at Vodpod.

Another Great Field At Qatar Masters

2010-01-27T22:40:00.000-05:00

This weeks European Tour is in Qatar for the Commercialbank Qatar Masters. Can Martin Kaymer win back to back? Can Ian Poulter get a victory this week or maybe European Number One Lee Westwood can straighten out his iron problem for a win. With five of the world’s top ten and nine of the top 19 teeing off in Doha this week again will be great to watch.

Farmers Insurance Invitational Fantasy Golf Picks

2010-01-27T22:31:00.000-05:00

This week we have the Farmers Insurance Invitational from lovely La Jolla, California. Home of Torrey Pines North and South Course. I've been getting familiar this week with Torrey Pines as it's now available to play online as part of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour Online Beta. This course will play a lot tougher than the game. Having a great short game and being able to get up and down for par with be key. So good scramblers need only apply. Also if your from the area you get bonus points as well. So here's my picks.

Phil Mickelson - Opens up his season look for him to carry on his winning ways from the end of last year.

Charles Howell III - Has been playing well as of late. Has cashed a pay cheque the last 7 years.

Ryan Moore- Good scrambler has been on fire since he signed with Scratch. Doesn't have a great record here but who cares. His scoring average is great.

Luke Donald - His kind of course just check his record here enough said.

Robert Allenby - Tough to see him lose at the Sony but he'll win eventually could be this week.

Bubba Watson- Didn't win last week but is killing the ball and has cashed cheques ever time he's played here. Maybe a winners cheque is in order.

Charley Hoffman- California kid that loves playing the West Coast. Big hitter will benefit here at Torrey.

Oh ya by the way this is the former San Diego Open/ Buick Invitational for those that don't know or who have had a cholesterol treatment lately or some other treatment that has rendered them silly.

Who I'll be Following At The PGA Merchandise Show

2010-01-26T22:56:00.000-05:00

Well once again I couldn't get the time off work to attend the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show. So here's who I'll be following to get the latest coverage on the more than 1000 exhibitors and nearly 50,000 that will converge on Orlando January 27-30 for the Annual PGA Merchandise Show. I'm a wee bit envious.

Scott MacLeod from Flagstick.com a good Canadian guy is in Orlando so be sure to check out his blog and his Twitter feed @flagstick

The guys over at TheHackersParadise.com even have a special section dedicated to the Show on their forum heck a guy won a contest on their site to hang out with them for the Show. Tell me that's not cool. Twitter Feed @hackersparadise

Check out SandBox8.com for a guy that does some great reviews. Be sure to follow along on Twitter @golfviews and on his site.

Follow Tony from Hooked On Golf Blogwho's also National Sales Manager for Sumi-G for some great insight.@TheGolfSpace

Who's booths I'm interested in seeing of course Quagmire Golf who are going to debut their new line at the Show. Sligo Wear who are showcasing new gear at Show and of course Puma Golf.

Martin Kaymer Wins 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

2010-01-25T22:09:00.000-05:00

Great battle between Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer on the final day of the 2010 Abu Dhabi Championship with Kaymer coming out on top with a birdie on the final hole. Kaymer shoots up to #6 in the world with this victory.

McIlroy, Poulter, Kaymer Who will win Abu Dhabi?

2010-01-23T22:20:00.001-05:00

So who will win tomorrow's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship? Lots of big names at or near the top. Rory McIlory, Ian Poulter or maybe Martin Kaymer.

A European Tour Daly?

2010-01-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

I tend to watch a lot of European Tour golf firstly its great golf with more and more players getting into the top of the World Rankings. Another reason is because I can usually always watch it online and another reason is I love the announcers and their comments they're always very witty and full of knowledge.

I was thinking the other day what player if any would be comparable to John Daly on the PGA Tour. You know a guy that doesn't like flying prefers his motorhome for getting around. Has won a few Majors and has had a few to many divorces. A couple of brushes with the law as well. Oh ya I forgot to mention the extreme weight loss and bright golf attire as well. If there is any I'm not sure I know of any. Any ideas out there folks?
I guess with so much media following Daly lately and his new show to come in March I just was thinking if there might be someone on the big tour in Europe.

Sergio Garcia And Rory McIlroy Interview

2010-01-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

A great little interview from the first round of the 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. I love when the interviewer ask Rory what areas Sergio could improve, as if he's going to answer. He goes on to say he's always admired Sergio and remembers looking up to him especially when he won the Irish Open back in 99. It's hard to believe Rory is 20 and Sergio is now 30 years old. Oh how times have changed. Now it's Sergio who's the older guy that needs the under eye cream.

So who will come out on top this weekend. Sergio is one shot back at -11 and Rory is at -9. Could be anyone tournament.