All I Want for Christmas

Have a peek at my annual correspondence with Father Christmas.

Thrash TalkDear Santa,

As you know, I’ve been a reasonably good boy this year. We’ve been engaged in this same routine for 23 years now, so I think you are also aware what an avid fan of the game of golf I am. I want you to know, also, that I’m not holding it against you that I didn’t find that $2,300 replica of Tiger’s putter under my tree last year. The same goes for the trip to Sawgrass which has been a fixture on my list for the last several years. Surely these are difficult gifts to obtain, even for you, Mr. Claus.

I’m aware, as Burton Hillis said, “the best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family.” I’m really trying to be content with the simple pleasures and joys of the season (eggnog, cookies, tinsel, throwing wads of wrapping paper at the cat), but there are still a few outstanding items on my list I’m hoping to find beneath my tree in a few weeks.

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TaylorMade Rolls Out Rossa TP by Kia Ma Putters

TaylorMade rolls out their premium putter line.

Bag DropJust in time for the holiday season, the folks at TaylorMade Golf are rolling out some fine putters that fall into the premium category (more $$$), the Rossa TP by Kia Ma putters. Prior to this, you had to be on the TaylorMade Tour Staff like Justin Rose, Andres Romero, and Mike Weir who all use Kia Ma putters. No more as now the rest of us can get one of these beauties.

Join me as we take a look at some pretty sweet looking putters.

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Volume One Hundred Seventy Two

Pavin’s the man in 2010, Stevie doesn’t think much of Phil, and Annika has her final farewell (we think)

Hittin' the LinksThe snow is falling and that does not lend itself to thoughts of golf, but still Hittin’ the Links stays vigilant scouring the net for golf stories happening in places more weather friendly. The sun is shining somewhere.

In this frigid edition of HTL, we look at Annika’s most recent farewell, check into Corey Pavin’s appointment as Ryder Cup captain, and see what Steve Williams thinks about Phil. Also for your viewing pleasure we investigate the latest Daly faux pas, check out the top 100 players to watch, and do a complete wrap-up of this weeks tournament winners. Read on!

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Mizuno MP-52 Irons Review

Mizuno’s “player” line just got a little more inclusive.

Playability in an MPWhen the MP-52 debuted this fall with its sibling the MP-62, there were two surprises. First, the company’s “Cut Muscle” design of the last several years is missing, replaced with a very different “Dual Muscle” technology. Second, with the MP-52, Mizuno set out to make a more forgiving MP iron. The MP line has always been the domain of low and lower-mid handicappers. They have a reputation as being workable while providing a lot of feedback. Keeping up to those standards with a forgiving club is a bit of a tall order.

Consider that mid- and low-handicappers can be pretty finicky about their clubs. Many won’t play muscle backs because they think (probably accurately) that they need more forgiveness. Others won’t consider anything that isn’t basically blade-like, because they refuse to sacrifice feel and workability (nothing wrong with that stance either). Forgiveness and workability are to a large extent at opposite ends of the same spectrum. Creating playable irons that meet the needs and preferences of better golfers is a gutsy undertaking for a company with a solid reputation among lower handicappers.

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Golf Talk: 909 Fairway, 909 Hybrid, Spin Milled Wedges Episode

It’s all about versatility as we learn about the 909F and 909H family, and Bob Vokey spins some tales of spin milled wedges.

Golf Talk PodcastThis week, a special edition of the Golf Talk Podcast as we talk with Steve Pelisek, General Manager, Titleist Golf Clubs, Stephanie Bezilla, Titleist Metalwoods Development Manager, and Bob Vokey (who needs no title) about the new 909 Fairway Metals, Hybrids, and the Spin Milled Wedges. Check out this exciting episode of Golf Talk.

You can subscribe to the RSS feed for our podcasts here or download the 909 Fairway/Hybrid and Spin Milled Wedges episode as an MP4 file. For those who want to subscribe to us in iTunes, click here.

For this week’s Show Notes – links to articles we discuss in the show and additional information – just read on.

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Volume One Hundred Seventy One

Unlike the weather, Q-School is heating up!

Hittin' the LinksDuring a time when many people’s thoughts are turning to sports like hockey and basketball, Hittin’ the Links is still on the job churning out links for the die hard golf fan.

In this cold weather edition of HTL we take a look at Harrison Frazar’s 59 at Q-school, investigate the rumors of an Azinger repeat in 2010, and find out what’s wrong with The Skins Game. Also, we catch some waves with Adam Scott, see why Mark Brooks doesn’t like new ball technology, and do a full wrap-up of how Q-school is going. Read on!

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Five Things You Might Not Know about Q-School

There’s a lot of Pepto-Bismol being sold in La Quinta and Daytona Beach this week.

Trap Five LogoThere’s a lot of Pepto-Bismol being sold in La Quinta this week. At PGA West, 161 of the best golfers not to have their PGA Tour card for 2009 are playing for their futures. The field is an odd mix of the familiar and unfamiliar.

Bob May once nearly took down Tiger Woods in the 2000 PGA Championship at Valhalla, but now he’s just hoping to regain his card at Q-School. Frank Lickliter II won the 2007 edition of Q-School, but he’s back, too. Notah Begay III, Carlos Franco, Glen Day, Robert Garrigus, and Harrison Frazar are teeing it up with Major Manning, Alex Aragon, Vance Veazey, and the Golf Channel “Big Break” alumni James Nitties and Tommy “Two-Gloves” Gainey, all vying for the coveted PGA Tour card that will give them a shot at very comfortable living for life.

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Three Questions for 2009

With Tiger and without him, 2008 was an excellent year in golf. We can only hope that 2009 is better.

Thrash TalkAdmittedly, the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Hawaii is still over a month away. Premier players are probably testing equipment for the upcoming year, honing their swings, and generally relaxing. The steady flow of information from the golf media has turned into a veritable trickle in these off months. Following the Thanksgiving fattening, the madness of Black Friday (perhaps somewhat subdued this year), and in the grips of the Christmas spirit, which becomes incarnate at this time each year, I’ll do my best to speculate regarding some possibilities for the 2009 season.

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Random Notes and Giving Thanks

Tiger drives a Buick no more.

Bag DropIt’s a slow week on the equipment front although I have a few releases to share with you before the end of the year. With that, I’ve found a couple of entertaining nuggets from the golf equipment and business world to hold you over on this shortened holiday week.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’ve listed a few golf-related items as well that I’m thankful for. Notably missing from that list is $100 plus greens fees, being forced to take a golf cart, and square-shaped drivers. So push away from the table for a few minutes and join me for this week’s edition of the Bag Drop

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