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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Five Innovations that Shaped the Modern Game

Does the laser rangefinder make the list? How about that dastardly solid-piece ball that pros are still willing to use? What about computers, which aid tremendously in designing courses from anywhere?

Trap Five LogoGolf is a sport which, due to the presence of specialized equipment, has been greatly affected by advances in technology over the course of its history. The following five innovations, in one way or another, have left a lasting impact on the game as we know it today.

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New Adidas ClimaCool with CoolMax and Tour360 Sport Shoes

Adidas releases new shoes and clothes to help make the warmer months more comfortable and enjoyable.

Bag DropSince it’s getting hotter every day as we approach summer, it’s getting more important to be as cool and comfortable on the course as possible. I could even see an argument for lightweight, comfortable clothes improving your game. As silly as it sounds, we’re all very well familiar with how much of a psychological game golf is. You’re probably also familiar that the hotter your body temperature gets, the more that frustration and stress levels increase, which usually results in bad shots, and even more stress and frustration. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m in no way claiming that sporting some of Adidas‘ new Tour360 4.0 Sports and a ClimaCool shirt will turn you into a scratch golfer, I’m just saying being comfortable can go a long way in keeping your mind right.

Adidas has done quite well since jumping into the golf industry, with their acquisition of TaylorMade as well as their lines of golf shoes and performance apparel. Among their most successful products has been their Tour360 golf shoes and their apparel made with ClimaCool material.

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Ochoa Hands Off to LPGA’s Real Personalities

The world’s top female golfer steps aside, and the world shrugs. Now it’s time for budding stars like Michelle Wie and Christina Kim to spur the tour’s rebirth

Thrash TalkSome are saying Lorena Ochoa’s retirement is the latest blow to the LPGA. They must have forgotten the women’s tour took a major leap into irrelevance and tiptoed toward extinction while the phenom from Mexico sat atop their rankings.

How can it get any worse with her stepping away? It can’t. If anything, it should open the door for more of the LPGA’s personalities to take the spotlight. Names like Christina Kim and Michelle Wie, who can make more headlines without hoisting a trophy than Ochoa ever could while assembling what would be a Hall of Fame career had she stuck around for 10 years.

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