Volume Two Hundred Eighty

We have yet another new world #1

Hittin' the LinksHello golf fans and welcome to the Memorial Day edition of Hittin’ the Links. Playoffs were the name of the game this weekend with the PGA Tour, the Champions Tour, and the European Tour events all going into extra innings. Nothing wrong with that, though – I always like a good sudden-death playoff.

In this edition of HtL we begin with a look into Tiger’s uncertain future, then investigate Rory Sabbatini’s possible suspension, and see whats going on at IMG. Also on tap, we check out some girl power, take a peek at the upcoming NCAA Golf Championships, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!

Golf’s Gut-Wrenching Moments

What are your cringe-worthy moments?

Trap Five LogoThanks to John Feinstein, everyone knows Mark Twain’s famous quote. You know, the one where he famously called golf a “good walk spoiled.” Sometimes golf is beautiful game between you, nature, and your sandbagging buddies who constantly assure you that inside the leather is inside the leather, even if their belly-putter has a grip that puts Adam Scott’s broomstick to shame.

But sometimes golf really sucks. Everybody has those kind of days once in a while. You go to the range beforehand and you’re hitting frozen ropes straight out to center field, but the minute you step onto the tee it’s like the driver is a foreign object, and the fairway become a mythical place that should never be disturbed. More than maybe any other game, golf can bring any even the more experience players to their knees, at any time.

In this edition of Trap Five, we take a look into those moments on the course when it feels like the golf gods smack you right in the face.

Ten Questions for 2011 #6: Who Will be the Next Breakout Golfer?

Which golfers will have a breakout year in 2011?

Thrash TalkThe PGA Tour is built around guys like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, but they were young up-and-comers at one time as well. Golf fans are constantly looking for the next breakout star, and luckily for most, the last year or two has provided us with quite a few. Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Rickie Fowler are just a few of the young guns who have stepped up in recent years and made an impact on the big stage. McIlroy and Johnson are both ranked in the top 15 in the world, while Fowler has already climbed into the top 30.

Between the Nationwide Tour and Q-School graduates, there are plenty of fresh faces joining the PGA Tour in 2011. I’ve followed a lot of the guys through the college ranks, while some will be returning to the bright lights after a year or two away. Who will follow in the footsteps of Fowler and be the next breakout golfer on the PGA Tour? I’ve picked out two guys who have what it takes to make a serious impact in 2011 and beyond. Enjoy!

Walking My Way to Better Health

Ditching the cart has been just the kick I needed, and the pounds keep falling off.

Thrash TalkI started off the year with a few golf resolutions, and like most people, I only had mild expectations of sticking to them. The one goal that really had the least to do with golf and the most to do with life was a commitment to walking the golf course as part of my overall plan to get into better shape.

Five months into 2011, and I can definitely declare that my resolution to ditch golf carts and become a walking golfer has been a successful mission, and the health benefits are stacking up in my support.

Sun Mountain Introduces New Speed Cart SV1

Sun Mountain takes their Speed Cart line to the next level with the new Speed Cart SV1, which features a number of performance and ergonomic improvements.

Bag DropThere’s been a lot of talk in the last few months about how fitness can improve your game, and one way everyone can get in better shape is ditching the battery powered golf cart in favor of walking. What a better way to get into that habit than with a new push cart.

It just so happens that Sun Mountain just announced a great option if you are in fact in the market for a new push cart. So lets dive right in and take a look at their latest, the Speed Cart SV1.

Volume Two Hundred Seventy Nine

Bubba knows boy bands?

Hittin' the LinksHello out there golf fans, and welcome to yet another volume of Hittin’ the Links. There was a lot going on in the golf world this week. I have to say though my favorite moment was when David Toms returned to his winning ways at the Colonial. It’s nice to see him finally get back on track.

In this edition of HtL we begin with a look at Tigers new place in the World Rankings, then check out the Titleist sale, and investigate the Horned Frog at the Colonial. Also on tap, we see who qualified for the U.S. Open this week, find out what Bubba has in store for music fans, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!

Nine Holes with Severiano Ballesteros

We take a look back at one of the true legends of golf.

ProfilesAs I’m sure everyone in the golfing community has heard, Severiano Ballesteros passed early on the morning of May 7th. Seve was a larger than life figure in the world of European golf and golf around the world, and he is one of the few superstar athletes to have gained universal acclaim. Seve is widely considered to be the best European golfer of all time, and his death before his time comes to great dismay for golf fans across the globe. Ballesteros will be remembered as being one of the most exciting and creative golfers of all time, and one of the legends of the sport.

When is it Time to Make an Equipment Change?

Stay with what’s in the bag now, or shell out the money for that shiny new set? Maybe I can help you make that decision.

Bag DropThis past week, while trolling the forums, I happened to notice this thread about new equipment versus using what you’ve got, and thought I could offer some assistance to those pondering the decision of whether or not to spend your hard-earned money on new clubs.

If you’re dead set on always having the latest and greatest, this week’s column might not be for you, as you’ve already justified your frequent purchases. I can’t really blame you, if I had the means, there’s a chance I might fall into that habit too. If you’re perfectly happy with the state of your bag at the moment, bookmark this page, as it may be useful to you in the future. Finally, if you fall into the group of those on the fence about whether to stick with what you’ve got a little longer or buy something new, by all means, read on!

Volume Two Hundred Seventy Eight

Choi wins and Poulter shows off his sprinting ability.

Hittin' the LinksHello out there golf fans and welcome to another edition of Hittin’ the Links. The weather might have been the winner this weekend at The Players. That was one first class rain storm on Saturday. Congratulations has to go out to K.J. Choi. He has been right there several times this year, its good to see him finally break through.

In this newest edition of HTL we begin with an accusation against Tim Finchem, then test our Players trivia, and find out how one of the older guys passed the time during the rain delay. Also, we investigate the bouncing driver accident, find out why Ian Poulter did the 300 yard dash, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!