2008 Fall Series Fearless Predictions

The FedExCup Playoffs are over, but there is still PGA Tour golf to be played.

Thrash TalkThe 2008 FedExCup Playoffs wrapped up this past weekend. Camilo Villegas won his second consecutive event, and Vijay Singh walked away a millionaire 10 times over. Congratulations are in order for both, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s FedExCup. Unfortunately for golf fans, it’s another three months before the calendar shows 2009.

While the most exciting golf in the states is over, the PGA Tour will continue the next six weeks with the Fall Series. Some golfers will be playing to keep their PGA Tour cards for next season, while others will play to simply keep their golf games in shape over the next month and a half.

Last year, the Fall Series was a platform for many of the game’s best golfers to return to glory in a way. Notable winners included Mike Weir, Justin Leonard, and Chad Campbell. All three used the victories to propel them to good seasons in 2008. Which notables will put themselves in those shoes this time around, and which notables may struggle the next six weeks? You are going to have to keep reading to find out.

Continue reading “2008 Fall Series Fearless Predictions”

Golf Talk [Episode 102]

The FedExCup is over, and we had only two winners in four events. What a fall, eh?

Golf Talk PodcastCamilo Villegas doesn’t waste time in getting his second PGA Tour victory, earning the Tour Championship title over Sergio Garcia, Anthony Kim, and Phil Mickelson. Also, Lorena Ochoa, Phil joining the European Tour, Lee Westwood losing, and a whole lot more in this episode of Golf Talk.

You can subscribe to the RSS feed for our podcasts here or download Episode 102 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.

Continue reading “Golf Talk [Episode 102]”

Mizuno Introduces MP-52, MP-62, MX-100, and MX-200 Irons

Mizuno Golf offers up some new irons as an early holiday present for you.

Bag DropFall is here and that means one thing: equipment companies are coming out with their new offerings in time for some early holiday shopping.

This week’s offering comes to us courtesy of Mizuno, which comes out with four new iron sets across a pretty broad spectrum to fit all types of golfers. If you ever have hit a Mizuno iron flush, you know that great feeling you get from their irons and three of the offerings come in their Grain Flow forging.

Read on to find out about the latest the folks at Mizuno have to offer.

Continue reading “Mizuno Introduces MP-52, MP-62, MX-100, and MX-200 Irons”

Volume One Hundred Sixty Two

Camilo gets the win, but Vijay gets the big check

Hittin' the LinksHello again and welcome back to another edition of Hittin’ the Links. Well the FedExCup and all the unbelievable excitment that goes with it is over. I know that will leave a giant void in most golf fans lives but we will just have to trudge on, and HTL is here to help.

In this volume, we take a look at Vijay and his newly acquired cup, see how Camilo Villegas is doing after his second consecutive win, and find out what happened to Anthony Kim. Also, we investigate John Daly’s missing phone fiasco, see if the recent Ryder Cup captains made the grade, and do a complete check on the rest of the tour events from around the world. Read on.

Continue reading “Volume One Hundred Sixty Two”

Xavier Augustyniak Swing Analysis

In this Swing Check: The importance of posture and balance in the swing, and dispelling the myth of keeping the head down and the left arm straight.

Swing CheckIn this Swing Check we look at the swing of Xavier Augustyniak (known on the forum as The Rambler).

Xavier carried an 11.3 index at the time these video clips were taken. He describes his mis-hits as going far to the right and his contact being both off the heel and the toe. He says his swing thoughts are to keep his head and body down and his left arm straight.

As we examine his swing we’ll look at how other things are the causes of lifting out of the shot and why the bending of the target side arm shouldn’t be a concern. By the end of the article you should never have to think about keeping your head down or left arm straight again, and you should have an understanding of what leads to those occurrences (and how to correct for them).

Continue reading “Xavier Augustyniak Swing Analysis”

2008 Tour Championship Thoughts

In case you are wondering, there is golf after the Ryder Cup.

Thrash TalkThe 2008 Ryder Cup has come and gone, and it was nice to see a competitive event this time around. The United States seemed almost destined to win this year, and after playing great all weekend, they brought the Cup back to America. Both teams and captains deserve a lot of credit for making this year’s Ryder Cup one of the most entertaining in recent history.

There have been a million articles about the Ryder Cup, and rightfully so. That being said, it’s time to get back to reality, and that is the Tour Championship. It has been one of the best events in golf since its inception, and this year’s playing should be no different. It’s the last event in the FedExCup Playoffs, the field is strong, and the course is always challenging. Here are a few things worth mentioning before kicking things off at East Lake.

Continue reading “2008 Tour Championship Thoughts”

Golf Talk [Episode 101]

The U.S. is victorious at the Ryder Cup!

Golf Talk PodcastThis week, it’s (almost) all about the Ryder Cup and the U.S.’s stunning 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 victory over the Europeans. We’ll break down the entire week, the players, the course, and the captains. Plus, Michelle Wie’s qualifying quest and a whole lot more in this episode of Golf Talk.

You can subscribe to the RSS feed for our podcasts here or download Episode 101 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.

Continue reading “Golf Talk [Episode 101]”

Bunker’s Dozen: September 2008

This month’s list features a heavy dose of Ryder Cup and FedExCup.

Thrash TalkThe 2008 Ryder Cup is in the books, and the United States was victorious for the first time since 1999. The competition was close all weekend, and things could have gone either way. In the end, however, the Americans prevailed over the highly-favored Europeans.

Speaking of cups, the 2008 FedExCup Playoffs are nearly in the books as well. The Tour Championship begins this week, and while Vijay Singh has things wrapped up so long as he can complete all four rounds, there will be a lot of movement within the rest of the field. Singh won the first two playoff events, and Camilo Villegas picked up his first career PGA Tour victory at the third.

Can the United States Ryder Cup team hold off Vijay Singh and Camilo Villegas in this month’s rankings? Keep reading to find out. If you have anything to add, please comment below or discuss them in the forum.

Continue reading “Bunker’s Dozen: September 2008”

Equipment Odds and Ends

A few random thoughts on golf equipment – from rust on wedges to hybrids to golf balls and the practice range.

Bag DropAlan’s taking a week off from Bag Drop, so I’m filling in with some odds and ends – random little thoughts about golf equipment. I’ll write what comes to mind, and share some opinions with you.

This week, I’ve got some thoughts to share with you on topics ranging from rust to playing the same ball, from the driving range to the video camera, and range balls and clean grooves. Join me, see what you think, and post your own equipment tips in the comments at the end.

Continue reading “Equipment Odds and Ends”