Tavistock Cup Preview

How often do you get to or want to watch Tiger and Mark O’Meara play golf in shorts?

Tavistock CupThe third annual Tavistock Cup kicked teed off this morning at Isleworth Country Club. How often do you get to see twenty of the world’s top golfers have a fun casual competition, in shorts no less? With a small purse of 1.7 million, bragging rights are the real prize to be had in this friendly competition.

“The Tavistock Cup is a healthy and spirited sports competition and a unique opportunity to give back to the community,” said Tom Morgan, president and CEO of Hughes Supply.

Volume Fifty-Two

Put these links on your favorites list and if you use them, you’ll be taking all your friends money around the loop. If not, you’ll at least look good trying.

Hittin' the LinksSpring is in the air here in Cleveland, OH… kind of. With an occasional dusting of snow here and there, I remain undaunted. The month of March and the blooming of my wife’s tulips point to a soon-to-be spring. Unfortunately for me, the misfortune of living in a climate where the ideal golfing weather takes a five month hiatus, I have grown rather rusty. Therefore, I have done a little research in hopes to get my body, mind and spirit back on the right track.

Put these links on your favorites list and if you use them, you’ll be taking money from all your friends around the loop. If not, you’ll at least look good trying.

The 2006 Players Championship Preview

As we wait to see which shotmaker will triumph at the TPC at Sawgrass a “Dye-abolical” 17th hole will strike fear into TOUR pros again this year.

Players Championship LogoYesterday, Erik touched on The Players Championship in an article that asks whether this illustrious tournament should be considered golf’s fifth major (it shouldn’t). Regardless of your own opinion, you’re still in for a real treat because the tournament draws many big names who consider this a big tournament.

It all started back in 1974 when Jack Nicklaus won the event, known then as the Tournament Players Championship. He won again in 1976 and 1978. While there has never been a repeat winner of The Players Championship, Jack is one of only four players with multiple wins on the Stadium Course. The course doesn’t have a preferred style of player but it is called by many the “second shot course.”

Volume Fifty-One

The game of golf is synonymous with history, legends, and lore. It’s one of the reasons why I love the game so much. Here are some great sites that will help you remember the history and memories of our beloved game.

Hittin' the LinksIt was between passing out and downing my last gulp of green ale this past weekend when I thought about all the memories I’ve had on the golf course. The game of golf is synonymous with history, legends, and lore. It’s one of the reasons why I love the game so much.

So I’ve been feeling nostalgic and reminiscent as of late. Maybe it’s because the Bay Hill Invitational took place this past weekend and the tournament conjures up such great imagery of past champions. Or, maybe it’s because at the tournaments helm is one of golf’s most endearing icons. Possibly, it’s because the feeling of spring is finally here, which conjures up thoughts of great rounds that have long since passed. Then again, someone could have slipped something into my Smithwicks and I’m having some trippy flashbacks. Whatever the reason, here are some great sites that will help you remember the history and memories of our beloved game.

Pampling and Inkster Grind Out Victories

Greg Owen blows up by three-putting from 3’4″ and hands Rod Pampling his second PGA Tour trophy.

Australian Rod Pampling proved to be just lucky enough this St. Patrick’s Day weekend to overcome a two-shot deficit with two holes to play. He started the day with a substantial four-shot lead, but quickly saw that lead collapse after carding a double-bogey six on the par-four 13th hole after shoving his drive out-of-bounds. He thought that he had handed the tournament to Greg Owen on a silver platter, the two-shot lead seemed too great to overcome in just two holes. However, Owen would take three putts to get down from 40 inches on the 17th green and would drop another stroke after a putt that looked center-cut agonizingly lipped out on the 72nd hole. “I can’t believe it missed,” he said afterward. “I cannot believe it missed.”

Pampling used to be known as that guy who held the first-round lead of the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie only to blow up Friday and miss the cut. Now he’s known as only the second non-American player to ever win the Bay Hill Invitational.

Trion:Z Ionic/Magnetic Bracelet Review

Magnets have long been associated with the ability to enhance the body’s natural healing ability. After trying on the Trion:Z Ionic/Magnetic bracelet I’m still skeptical but keeping an open mind.

Trion:Z Ionic/Magnetic BraceletI thought I could use an “edge” when playing golf to maximize my performance on the course. I was running out of steam and a bit achy at the end of a round of golf. I figured that exercise alone just wasn’t enhancing my performance in spite of the fact that all the tour pros insist that using weight training equipment and stretching would help me achieve that par score that is so evasive to me.

I started to look into magnetic bracelets. Hey, don’t laugh! Magnetic jewelry has been used since ancient times to ease pain and improve circulation. I even saw celebrities like Johnny Bench and Ben Roethlisberger sporting them on their wrists endorsing their healing properties.

Ernie Els Training System Review

Great things really do come in small packages (and carry the name of the PGA Tour’s ‘Big Easy’)!

Ernie Els Training SystemMy main goal for 2006 is to lower my handicap and I’ve made improving my short game my a priority. I’ve committed myself to spend more time at the putting greens both at my house and my home course. I’ve learned from Dave, who tells us week after week in the Numbers Game that the key to lower scores is hitting greens in regulation and putting. It’s great to drive the ball well but you’ve still got to get the ball in the hole.

Enter the Ernie Els Training System. The Ernie Els Training System has a simplistic approach that almost makes you doubt its worth. After all, it’s a late-night The Golf Channel infomercial product, isn’t it? Perhaps, but after one practice session with this product I loved it. It hasn’t left my bag since.

Bay Hill Invitational Preview

The 2007 event will be called the Arnold Palmer Invitational but could easily be called the Tiger Woods Invitational as he goes for his fifth win here.

Bay Hill InvitationalFor over two decades the Bay Hill Club & Lodge and Bay Hill Invitational have been under the control of Arnold Palmer and his family so it’s only fitting that the event be named the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2007. I’m happy for Mr. Palmer and he is thrilled as well.

It’s been a matter of great pride for me when my name has been placed on an entity of one sort or another over the years,” Palmer said Tuesday. “But I can’t think of anything that brings me more pleasure and satisfaction than having it on the tournament that has meant so much to me for so long.

Volume Fifty

Everyone knows about the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, and even the European and Champions Tours. But what about the Asian Tour, the Hooters Tour, or the A. G. Spanos Tour? No?

Hittin' the LinksGreetings to all! I hope you had a great weekend of fun and excitement. I feel like I’ve been reborn, personally. I was able to get out and play nine holes for the first time since November. So, you’ll have to excuse my unbridled (and renewed) enthusiasm for golf.

This week’s Hittin’ The Links is dedicated to the pro golf tours. Many avid golf enthusiasts are aware of the major tours such as the PGA Tour, European Tour, Champions Tour etc, etc. However, I’ve decided to peruse the information superhighway and see what else is out there for an aspiring golf professional. If my tone seems somewhat overtly boisterous, I beg your pardon, but I’ve recently purchased a 12 pack of Samuel Adams White Ale. It’s superb to say the least.