Gambling is Golf’s Kissing Cousin

Our beloved game cries out for a wager (or five) to make things interesting … and a tad more competitive.

Thrash TalkFor a while, I assumed it was just my delinquent friends who needed to place a bet on just about every aspect of a round of golf. Front nine, back nine, overall, sandies, birdies, bobs, skins. As a purist, I couldn’t be bothered, I was there to play my game, post my lowest score. Sometimes it was just easier to agree to the game than argue, and at the 19th hole wait for someone to hand me a few bucks or tell me what I owe.

Over time, I’ve learned there’s so much more to a golf wager than the $2 – or $2000 – on the line.

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Mizuno Releases MP-Titanium Fairway Woods and MP 630/630 Fast Track Drivers

Mizuno extends their MP lineup to include new fairway woods and drivers, both of which are designed to accommodate the same type of player suited for their popular MP line of irons.

Bag DropFrom time to time, various news here at the Bag Drop gets lost in the shuffle, and though we may not cover it right around the launch date, it just wouldn’t be right to go on and not cover it. This is especially products from a fan favorites such as Mizuno. That is why this week, we’re going to take a look at the new MP Titanium fairway woods and MP 630 and 630 Fast Track drivers from the guys that have produced some of the most popular irons on the market.

Even though they shipped back in February, they certainly deserve coverage here. Mizuno’s drivers and fairway woods haven’t quite reached the levels of adoration that their irons have achieved, but that just because they’re not as popular doesn’t mean they should be casually overlooked. The engineers at Mizuno spends just as much time with their wood lineup as they do with their irons, and that alone warrants at least a demo. So without further delay, let’s see what these new fairway woods and drivers have to offer.

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Volume Two Hundred Thirty Four

Haney quits team Tiger and Jerry Rice thankfully quits professional golf

Hittin' the LinksGreetings golf fans and welcome to Hittin’ the Links. It was a sad week in the golf world with the passing of LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg. Hopefully everyone can take a moment of silence and reflect on the tragedy of someone taken too soon.

In this somber HTL we begin with a look at David Howell, then do some investigating into the Haney-Woods split, and find out what made Jerry Rice see the light. Also, we see who will be at the Memorial, delve into the world of lost golf balls, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!

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The Woods-Haney Divorce: Why Hank Had to Walk Away

The latest departure from Team Woods — aka Team Enablement — should be far from the last.

Thrash TalkSo much has been made of Hank Haney’s split from Tiger Woods this week, it brought more attention to the role of golf coach than we’ve seen in many years.

It comes at a turbulent time, with Woods reeling, with the media calling for Haney’s dismissal, and with Tiger suffering through the pain in the neck heard ’round the world.

I’ll always believe that Haney finally had enough of the luke-warm support he was getting out of his primetime pupil. However, the fallout raises an interesting point about golf coaches.

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TaylorMade Releases New Burner SuperLaunch Irons and Rossa Monza Spider Vicino Putters

TaylorMade has got some new Burner irons for players with slower swing speeds, as well as a new Spider on it’s hands. Don’t worry, it doesn’t bite!

Bag DropThis week at the Bag Drop, we’ve got the lowdown on some new irons and a new putter from TaylorMade, both of which have basis in some previous models.

We’ll be taking a look at the new Burner SuperLaunch irons, which take dead aim at the higher handicapper and give them everything they need in a SGI iron. Once we’re done there, we’ll shift gears and see the latest creation from master putter craftsman Kia Ma, which is called the Rossa Monza Spider Vicino. Bet you can’t say that five times fast! Can someone call the guys in marketing and tell them they’re getting a little carried away with the names? Of course, I’m just kidding, but don’t my bad jokes stop you from following along as we see what the latest from TaylorMade has to offer.

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Volume Two Hundred Thirty Three

Clark finally wins, Tiger withdraws, and Daly is headed to the Nationwide Tour

Hittin' the LinksHello again golf fans and welcome to another edition of Hittin’ the Links. The Players Championship certainly didn’t disappoint this weekend. The TPC Sawgrass is one of the very best tournament courses to watch on television. While it isn’t a major, The Players is just a little more than a regular Tour stop.

In this latest edition of HTL, we begin by taking a look at Tiger’s future, then turn our attention to John Daly’s tournament schedule, and see what kept Lee Westwood out of the winners circle. Also, we investigate an unruly fan, find out who talked trash to Tiger, and do a wrap-up of Tim Clark’s win in Florida. Read on!

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Let’s Not Send Tiger Off Into the Sunset Just Yet

Red-hot youngsters and a surging Phil Mickelson set the stage to usher Woods out of the spotlight. Get real. Tiger’s one good week from reminding us of his greatness.

Thrash TalkThe winds of change are blowing but one man can restore order to the PGA Tour by himself.

There has been no shortage of “changing of the guard” and “youth movement” talk this week, thanks to two stunning performances on Sunday. Ryo Ishikawa made headlines with his closing round of 58 in Japan, followed by Rory McIlroy holding off a star-studded field with a 62 at Quail Hollow. Separately, they’re two impressive showings. Put them together and you’ve got yourself a “trend!” And we in the media love nothing more than a trend. If you really want to take it to the next level, add the fact Phil Mickelson can take over the top spot in the world rankings and it all adds up to a PGA in flux.

Can we all take a deep breath please?

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Adams Unveils New Idea Black CB2 Irons and Super Hybrids

Adams Golf establishes an entire new line of premium products under the Idea Black brand name.

Bag DropNew equipment just continues to roll out at a steady pace as temperatures continue to rise across the country. If your bag isn’t set for the rest of the season, you might want to make it a priority to do so. Because of course, once it’s set, we’re not lured in by other new shiny toys, right?

Perhaps you’ll consider a set of irons from “that hybrid company” – Adams Golf. The number one hybrid maker is at it again, this time with a new brand name they’re calling Idea Black. Now don’t get confused, this is different than the Idea Pro Black hybrids we saw last October. This week we take a look at the soon-to-be-released Idea Black CB2 and Idea Black Super Hybrid from Adams Golf. So kick back, relax, and follow along as we see what these new sticks are all about.

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Volume Two Hundred Thirty Two

Ochoa’s Retired, Green returns, and McIlroy makes the best out of making the cut!

Hittin' the LinksGreetings Sand Trappers, and welcome again to Hittin’ the Links. It was a pretty big couple of weeks in golf headlines with Lorena Ochoa’s retirement and Tiger’s 79. The poor LPGA, when it rains it pours.

In this newest volume of HTL we begin by looking at Lorena Ochoa’s retirement, then investigate what’s wrong with Steve Stricker, and welcome back Ken Green. Also, we look into what makes Watson and Couples great, peruse golf in Cuba, and do a wrap-up of the week’s events. Read on!

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