Volume Two Hundred Ninety Nine

Elin’s out with the old, Hank Haney is coming out with Tiger’s tales, and Paul Casey is just plain out.

Hittin' the LinksHello again Sand Trap faithfuls and welcome to yet another Hittin the Links! It’s been two months since my last installment. Call it a needed hiatus, call it a mini leave of absence, either way I recharged my batteries, spent some quality time with the family, and now I am ready to go with all that is interesting in the golf world!

In this first 2012 edition of HtL we begin with a look at a certified golf nut, find out what Tiger’s ex-wife is up to, and investigate what is sidelining Paul Casey and Lucas Glover. Also on tap, we check out what Tim Finchem thinks about the Tour, peruse the upcoming book by Hank Haney, and see who will be sharing some broadcast booth time. Read on!

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PING Introduces New i20 Lineup

PING rings in the new year by launching its latest product line, the i20 series.

Bag DropThough some players may be making resolutions to not buy new clubs this year, that looks to be much easier said than done, especially with the introduction of PING’s newest line, the i20. While we all know that there’s much more to a club than just a pretty exterior, the matte black finish of PING’s latest will surely compel more than a few to at least give them a swing.

I believe that if one were to ask around and get completely honest answers, appearance counts more than most like to let on; however when you combine a sharp, sleek exterior with aerodynamic refinements, strategic weighting, and supreme command and control, you’re more than likely going to have a winner on your hands. Let’s dig a little deeper and see what PING’s i20 line is all about.

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AimPoint Swinkey Review

Yes, it’s a stick that costs $99, but read on to find out why that’s more than the sum of its parts.

SwinkeyThe lyrics for the song used to help advertise the children’s toy the Slinky included the line that “for fun it’s the best of toys.”

If the Swinkey – dubbed “The Golfer’s Toolbox” – were the product being marketed by a song, the line would read “for golf it’s the best of tools” or something, and except for the fact that many would be unable to get the damn song out of their heads, it wouldn’t be far from the truth.

Training aids in golf are expensive. That’s because if you’re in the market for a golf training aid, you’re more than likely able to afford an expensive one. At $99, the Swinkey is an expensive training aid if you view it as “a stick.” But the Swinkey is more than a stick, and this review may convince you that $99 is a reasonable price.

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Atlantic City Country Club (Atlantic City, NJ) Review

Built in 1897, this seaside classic has a lofty reputation as New Jersey’s top public golf course.

ACCC Logo“Stay out of the bunkers” is the warning from the starter on the first tee, which also happens to be the putting green at Atlantic City Country Club.

By the end of the day, I’d have said, “stay out of the marsh,” as the holes that wound along the coast proved to be exceptionally difficult on a particularly windy October day. With gusts around 35 mph, and blowing directly toward the water in most cases (and this is the prevailing wind, according to a local expert), the teeth of the course are really exposed on the back nine.

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2011 Presidents Cup Singles Matches Live Chat

The U.S. goes into the singles matches with a commanding 13-9 lead. Will they hold on for the victory? Will it be a blowout?

Read our live chat that took place during the singles matches of the 2011 Presidents Cup from Royal Melbourne in Australia as the U.S. team wins 19-15.

PING Anser Irons Review

There has been a lot of hype about PING’s latest deviation into the realm of forged clubs, we’ll see if it’s warranted.

PING Anser HeroThe Anser carries the same name as one of the early iron models Karsten Solheim produced before he transitioned to the popular investment-casting process. The newest version pushes the forging process to create performance benefits not previously associated with a forged club.

I know PING irons. PING irons aren’t suppose to be forged. When I think of PING irons the following design features come to mind: investment cast, moderate offset, industrial grey Guyson finish, healthy topline, wider soles. The obvious exception is the “S” line but those heads are still cast. With the introduction of the Anser line, PING is moving into new territory.

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Recapping My Five Predictions from 2011

How did I do predicting the majors this year?

Trap Five LogoThis year at The Sand Trap, we’ve run five prediction columns. Back in January we made some general pre-season predictions, then we picked each of the four majors. Despite the fact that no one picked a single majors champion (I blame Tiger’s demise for this, five years ago these would have been no-brainers), we had a few near-misses and plenty of nuggets of insight. And if there’s anything we’ve learned this year, it’s that I am not a psychic, and that I suck big time at predicting the future.

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Titleist Announces 712 Series – Part Two: MB And CB Irons

Titleist improves on its established and proven players irons with their recently introduced 712 Series CB and MB irons.

Bag DropLast week we introduced the newest series of game improvements irons from Titleist, the 712 Series AP1 and AP2, but you didn’t think the lower handicappers would be left out, did you? With this new series also comes Titleist’s newest player’s irons, the 712 CB and MB, designed for the golfer that doesn’t need the assistance offered by larger cavity backs and prefers something both small in stature and big in workability.

Of course with the introduction of a new series of irons from Titleist comes their newest players irons, this year (as it was in 2009’s 710 Series) in the form of the MB and CB. By building on those previous models, Titleist was able to incorporate a number of small refinements that push these irons even further in terms of what the accomplished amateur as well as the touring professional desires in a traditional blade. With that in mind, let’s look a little deeper into Titleist’s latest MB and CB irons.

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Volume Two Hundred Ninety Eight

The Top 25 are set, the R&A makes a rule change, and Sergio makes it two for two

Hittin' the LinksHappy Monday faithful Duffers and welcome to another volume of Hittin’ the Links. Snow fell on in several areas of the U.S. this week officially ending the 2011 golf season for many of you out there. I have to say I am so happy I live in a warmer climate, I don’t think I could handle facing several months of no golf.

In this week’s HtL we begin with a look at the Nationwide’s Top 25, then turn our attention to one recipient in particular, and then find out what has Luke Donald miffed. Also, we find out why Charlie Sifford isn’t a fan of Augusta, check out a new rue change, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!

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