Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Round 3

Mickelson extends his lead to seven, firing a second consecutive 67 and setting a new three-round record at 196. Oh, and Bill Murray made the cut.

phil_mickelson_in_black.jpgDue to the prominence of mid-handicap celebrities, the third round at the Crosby Clambake is often referred to as “hit and giggle day,” and today’s round certainly lived up to its billing.

The weekend rounds of the AT&T are aired on CBS nearly every CBS actor was featured in Saturday’s telecast. Viewers saw Kevin James promote his movie Hitch, then flub a flop shot. They saw Ray Romano lament the ending of his television series before blading a bunker shot. And of course they saw George Lopez ham it up with a dog on a leash.

And in what has become a Pebble Beach Pro-Am third-round staple, Bill Murray stopped joking long enough with the crowd to hit some pretty spectacular shots, going -2 for three consecutive holes before falling apart towards the end of the round.

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Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Round 2

Phil Mickelson shows determination and heart during and up and down day two.

Phil MickelsonIf Phil Mickelson could set a course record at Spyglass Hill on day one of the Clambake, why not set another record on day two? After setting a 36-hole scoring record at Poppy Hills with a 62, Phil scrambled his way to a 5-under 67 at Poppy Hills. His current total of -15 breaks the previous 36-hole tournament record by two.

If Phil’s highlight reel from today did not include flawless execution, it did include great recoveries. He holed a 30-foot putt for par on the tenth and hit a 7-iron through the trees to the green on the par-5 12th, finishing the hole with a two-putt birdie. His birdie was impressive after hitting a tree off the tee. Phil did what it took to get the job done and sits four strokes ahead of his nearest competitor, Mike Weir.

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Demo Days: Wilson 2005

Although not often considered among the top golf brands, Wilson Staff has some very good products for 2005.

Wilson Px3Ahh demo days, they’re almost like a rite of spring. Along with warmer temperatures and snow melting, golf companies emerge like bears out of hibernation, eager to let consumers try out their products. Today I tried products from Wilson Staff a company eager to break out of the “weekend warrior” mold and into the ranks of mid to low-handicappers. Wilson has some interesting new products: a combo set of forged irons, composite metal woods, new golf balls, and putters to round out a complete golf bag. Along with new products, Wilson has also bolstered their tour presence by endorsing Padraig Harrington and Jesper Parnevik. So just how much has Wilson improved?

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Clambake Round 1: New Week, Same Leader

David Duval shoots +13 and Phil Mickelson shoots -10. Just another day on the PGA Tour, eh?

Phil MickelsonWhat will Phil do next?

How about tying or setting a second course record within a week. His 60 tied the course record last Friday at the FBR Open, and now he’s beat the previous course record at Spyglass Hill by 2 with a blazing 62. Some 62s had been shot in the past, but only under lift/clean/place provisions. Phil’s 62 beats the old course, a 64 by David Berganio in 2001, by two.

The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, or “The Crosby Clambake” for all you ol’-timers, is contested on three courses: Pebble Beach, which hosts two rounds for those who make the cut, Poppy Hills, and Spyglass Hill. Historically, Spyglass Hill plays the hardest, making Phil’s feat – and his resulting leap to the top of the leaderboard – all the more astounding.

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Nike Dri-Fit Socks

Eighteen holes of golf equates to about 4½ miles, make sure your feet are comfortable.

nike_dri_fit_socks.jpgMost golfers don’t give their feet much thought. While many golfers buy expensive shoes, they often just throw on an old pair of socks and neglect the impact socks can have on comfort.

I’ve tried several different types of socks, and I always felt like I’ve had to sacrifice either cushioning or comfort with any brand I’ve tried. Some have been great at cushioning my feet, but they were too hot to get through a full round in leather golf shoes. Thinner socks kept my feet dry, but weren’t as comfortable over the long haul. On a recommendation from a friend, I tried out Nike’s Dri-FIT socks and I realized I can have the best of both worlds.

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David Gunas Jr.’s Barefoot Challenge

Big Break II contestant David Gunas Jr. has organized a putting challenge to benefit Brilliant Minds.

David GunasThroughout the Big Break II, David Gunas Jr. was known for two things: his bare feet and clutch putting. Gunas has now combined those two trademarks into the Barefoot Putting Challenge. This is a nationwide putting contest with the proceeds benefiting Brilliant Minds, an organization dedicated to treating and helping children with autism and other developmental disorders.

According to the website, the format of the tournament is an 18-hole putting contest with putts ranging from 5 to 25 feet away. There is a men’s and women’s division along with a junior’s division. Several regional tournaments will be held across the country from April to June. The regional winners will then fly to Angel Park Golf Club in Las Vegas to compete for the grand prize: a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. Barefoot Putting Challenge is a fun competition for a very admirable cause, those who watched Gunas on the Big Break II would expect nothing less from him.

Norman Bites Finchem, PGA Tour over Technology and Overseas Play

Greg Norman, successful businessman and moderately good golfer, feels the PGA Tour and Tim Finchem should limit ball technology and help competing worldwide tours.

Greg NormanAustralian born-and-bred Greg Norman has never been one to keep quiet when he believes in something. It’s one of the things we admire about the ol’ two-time (cough, ahem) major winner. Recent topics have caused the Shark to go into a small feeding frenzy. His victim? Tim Finchem, the PGA Tour, and “technology.”

First, Greg Norman tackles the issue of a “tour ball,” an idea that’s been batted around for the past decade or so. Greg, who recently hit a ball 356 yards, asks that restrictions be placed on pros but not amateurs. “Put the restrictions on us. We are the best players… Don’t let us take advantage of technology like we have.” This is the same Norman, recall, that recently switched to the MacTec NVG driver, saying during an interview during the PGA Merchandise Show that he chose MacGregor because “they have great R&D and that results in amazing technologies, like the MacTec NVG.”

Bit your own tail a bit there, didn’t ya Greg?

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AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Preview

The Clambake starts Thursday, and a field packed with notable pros and hilarious celebrities guarantees great entertainment.

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-AmIt’s February, and that means once again the PGA Tour will make a stop in Monterrey, California for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. First held in 1937 by Bing Crosby and dubbed the “Clambake,” the event has become infamous for its huge draw of top pros and A-list celebrities. The field of amateur-pro teams will compete on three different courses for the first three days: Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, and Poppy Hills. After Saturday’s round, the low 60 pros and low 25 amateur/pro teams will compete for the title at Pebble Beach. Vijay Singh, last years champion, will be defending his title. However, the field is loaded with other big names such as FBR Open winner Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Mike Weir, Jim Furyk, and Fred Couples.

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Smooth Out Saves from Deep Rough

A ball buried in thick Bermuda is a very difficult shot, here’s how to make it easier.

deep_rough.jpgA ball sitting way down in deep rough may be one of the most disheartening sights in all of golf. This is a tricky shot because it is one of the few times in golf where power is really required. The most important thing to do is play smart. If the green is 200 yards away and you’re not confident hitting your 4-iron, it’s time to lay up. Also, remember that the ball will come out hot due to the low trajectory and lack of spin, so plan for some extra roll.

Now, set up with the ball slightly back in your stance. Take a ¾ back swing, and shift your weight hard to your left leg. A strong weight shift helps gain club head speed, ensures your hands will be ahead of the ball on impact, and helps achieve a low, boring trajectory. Thick rough will grab at the clubs hozel and try to close the face. So, to prevent a snap hook, be sure to hold onto the finish, no wrist movement through impact (like a chip). This will keep the clubface open as long as possible. With these steps in mind, getting out of thick rough will be a walk in the park!

Photo Credit: © Sign On San Diego.