At the start of 2005, nearly every major driver manufacturer – with a couple notable exceptions – had a new driver made of titanium and carbon composite either in their lineup or on the way. What a difference a year makes. When the calendar flips to 2006 and golf’s heavy hitters congregate at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, only a few drivers utilizing composite materials will likely be on display. Is composite on its way out (for a second time)? Or are the companies that are sticking with composites on the right track?
The Composite Conundrum
Lightweight carbon composite is a club designer’s dream. But it hasn’t been so dreamy in the marketplace. Where does this material go from here?
So, I’ve put a lid on my golf season. I just got back from Houston and playing some golf with my dad and brother. We had a good time with great weather, but I think, unfortunately, that will be all the golf had for me in 2005. I had fun and this year has really got me energized to find a place to play in 2006. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest, I’d rank my enjoyment, quality of play, and improvement as a 7. Not a great year, but certainly not a bad year either. How has everyone’s year been? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
With a final-round 65 and a small collapse by Justin Rose, who bogeyed two of his last three holes after getting to -23, Lucas Glover birdies the final two holes to win the Funai Classic and his first PGA Tour event. Last year’s winner, Ryan Palmer, finishes T3 one back of Vijay Singh’s buddy Tom Pernice, Jr., parring his last five holes.
This interview column is dedicated to the people who grind it out daily but not necessarily out of a sand trap. Whether it is a course superintendent of a local country club or the head of a major corporation I hope to be able to delve into the lives of those who make a difference but are rarely in the public eye.
The LPGA is taking a breather this week and so is Natalie Gulbis. In Las Vegas Natalie has a chance to visit Butch Harmon for a lesson, return phone calls and focus on her next business venture. Her 2006 swimsuit calendar has just been released and her reality show on the Golf Channel will be resuming in November. You can even play golf with “Cyber-Natalie” as part of Tiger Woods’ PGA Tour 2005!
Putting instructors have long talked about the advantages of maintaining a smooth, pendulum stroke and in allowing the larger muscles of the shoulders and back to swing the putter instead of any wristy motions involving the smaller muscles in the fingers, forearms, and wrists.
Your first shot on any par four or par five sets up the rest of the hole: are you pitching back into the fairway or attacking the flag? Do you have a wedge or a 6-iron in your hands?
While nothing like the fraternity of former presidents, the PGA Tour is an exclusive club. Countless talented players ply their trade on lesser tours the world over wishing one day to make a permanent home in golf’s version of the West Wing: PGA Tour exempt status. From time to time one of them scratches their way in and get a shot at recognition and a big payday. Todd Hamilton’s 2004 British Open shows what the lesser-known player can do. Brandt Jobe is one, like Hamilton, who took the long way to play the PGA Tour.
Michael Bamberger, the Sports Illustrated reporter who questioned Michelle Wie’s “bad drop” on the 7th hole in the third round of the Samsung World Championship, was interviewed by his own magazine. I encourage you to