PING i20 Hybrid Review

Continuing on the success of the i15 line PING introduces the i20 hybrid line.

PING i20 hybridBuilding on the extremely popular i15 line of hybrids PING introduces the innovative i20 hybrid line. I was very lucky to get the opportunity to test the i20 hybrid and there are definitely some key changes that PING has made that improve both the performance and look of these new hybrids. PING has a very loyal following amongst serious golfers because of the custom fitting options they offer, as well as the consistent performance their clubs produce. Through the years I have used numerous PING club offerings and after using this hybrid I am left feeling they continue to churn out very reliable and high performing clubs.

Along with the i20 PING also released G20 hybrids targeted to higher handicap players looking for more forgiveness and they also released an Anser line of hybrids. PING states that these multiple hybrid models are for golfers of all abilities with loft options that give you the opportunity to add the combination of hybrids that helps you to play your best.

Five FedExCup Golfers to Watch

Five guys who could sneak away with the FedExCup.

Trap Five LogoNow in the sixth year of it’s FedFexCup playoff system, the PGA Tour has finally finished its tweaking, and they may have struck gold. Though it’s still a little odd that Bill Haas won last year (and is fourth in total FedExCup points accumulations since its inception), the system has generally done a good job at not only awarding the player who played the best when it mattered, but showcasing great golfing talent and awesome golf courses.

The Barclays journeys to Bethpage Black in 2012, and joins TPC Boston, Cog Hill, and East Lake to form a pretty solid four-week stretch of championship golf. Several of golf’s biggest stars have rounded into shape, including two-time FedExCup champ Tiger Woods and 2012 PGA champ Rory McIlroy.

But though most of the sport’s biggest stars have spent time in the winner’s circle this year, no one has dominated in the way we were accustomed to seeing in the mid-2000s, and the list of players still with a chance is large. Aside from the more obvious big names, here are five I in particular that I think could contend.

Volume Three Hundred Twenty Five

It’s Playoff time!

Hittin' the LinksThe field is set, the courses are ready, the FedEx Cup Playoffs are here! Hello again Sand Trappers and welcome the an even dozen Hittin’ the Links. Congratulations to Sergio Garcia for climbing back into the winners circle on Monday. It might have taken an extra day, but I am sure Sergio thought it was worth the wait. And with Fellow countryman and Ryder Cup Captain, Jose Maria Olazabal, getting ready to make his captain’s picks this win couldn’t have come at a better time!

In this edition of HtL we begin with a look at an upcoming match play event, then find out what are the worst Major Championship venues, and check in on some Ryder Cup news. Also, We investigate a double hole-in-one effort, find out why Rory needs a better alarm clock, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!

Thoughts on the 2012 Majors

This seasons majors produced some fantastic drama, each one with its unique story, I put down some random thoughts from each one.

Thrash TalkThe 2012 major season is now over. I am always a little sad when it is done because it means that summer only has a few more weeks before fall and then it seems that winter comes sooner than I feel it should. I live in California, so we don’t really have a winter per se, but golf in the summer months is way better than in the winter months. I digress; I do look forward to the Ryder Cup, so there is still some excitement left for me.

This year’s majors really delivered some first-rate drama. Bubba in a playoff, Webb Simpson from behind, Ernie returning to the winner’s circle in the majors, and concluded by a runaway victory for Rory. The season had some great story lines.

Nike VR_S Forged Irons Review

Are the new VR_S forged irons the fastest irons yet?

Nike VR_S Forged Irons HeroIf one pays enough attention to the golf world, and more specifically the equipment industry of the golf world, it is easy to see that there are numerous trends. For example, one such trend is an increase in the use of belly and long putters. Keegan Bradley was the first player to ever win a major using one and now three of the last five had one in the bag for their major victory (Bradley, Simpson, Els). Another trend is the increased focus on speed that companies now have. We have seen companies creating lighter drivers for a good while now and the idea behind it is that the faster the club can be swung the further the ball will go.

Until now, this concept has not really been applied to irons. This is exactly what Nike has done with the new VR_S Forged irons.

Volume Three Hundred Twenty Four

Rory comes roaring back!

Hittin' the LinksHello golf fans and welcome to Hittin’ the Links! So how about Rory McIlroy putting on a clinic at the PGA Championship this weekend. A record breaking 8 shot win ought to go a long way to quiet his recent critics. And he did it all while still dating Caroline Wozniacki, guess she’s not bad luck after all.

In this PGA Championship edition of HtL we begin with a look into Haney’s next subject, see how Mickelson views himself as a baseball owner, and check out the big money to be had at the PGA Championship. Also, we peruse some twitterific pictures, investigate a disqualification, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!

2012 PGA Championship Final Round Chat

Join us Sunday when coverage starts for a live chat during the final round coverage of the 2012 PGA Championship!

Staff Predictions for 2012 PGA Championship at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island

Glory’s Last Shot heads to South Carolina, lets see what the staff expects for this years event.

Thrash TalkThe 2012 seasons last major the PGA Championship heads to Kiawah Island with lots of intriguing story lines. Last years winner Keegan Bradley wins last week at the Bridgestone, and of course who can forget Tiger who is always a favorite in any major. The weather at Kiawah Island will likely be a big factor, and it will be interesting to see how the players handle it. Let’s see what the staff expects for this years event.

A Vacation on Kiawah Island

I hadn’t ever thought of vacationing at Kiawah Island, but now I can’t wait to go back!

2012 PGA Championship LogoMany people aren’t aware of the fact that Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup mere months after it opened. Check out Google Earth and go back to aerial photos from 1989 and you won’t even see the beginnings of a golf course. Yet less than two years later the site hosted the “War by the Shore” that really set the modern-day Ryder Cup as the most hotly contested, emotional, nationalistic event in golf.

Since 1991, the Ocean Course has played host to several local PGA events, a senior PGA Championship or two, and this week, will host the strongest field in golf in “Glory’s Last Shot” – the 2012 PGA Championship will play over the 18 seaside holes off the south-eastern coast of South Carolina, 45 minutes from Charleston.

I was able to spend a few days with my family vacationing on this exclusive, semi-private island. We played some golf, we lounged in the pools, and we boogie-boarded in the ocean.