3Putt

I don't think it should be based on handicap. If you're dominating the local amateur scene then try satellite pro events. If you're successful then keep climbing the ladder.

Badds had voiced concern with MacGregor back in 2007, apparently some endorsement payments due him were not made. Interesting that Badds would leave MacGregor after fellow Aussie Greg Norman has become the figure-head of MacGregor. As for Adams products, I love the hybirds I use but I've never tried their irons or driver. It's definitely a marketing move on their part to attract younger golfers to their brand. Prior to signing Rory and Badds, Adams most high profile players were on the Champions Tour.

The typical equipment contract covers 10 clubs with the player having the option to use his choice for putter, wedgies and driver. Just because the bag reads Callaway or Nike or Titleist doesn't mean the player uses 14 clubs and the ball from the same manufacturer. The Golf Channel has an interesting page on their website called 'what's in the bag' containing the equipment used by tournament winners. Here's Woody Austin's bag from his Shark Shootout win: Driver Cleveland Launcher Comp 8.5° 3 Wood Cleveland Launcher Steel Hybrid Adams IDEA PRO 18° Irons (3-9) Cleveland CG1 Wedge (PW) Cleveland 588 47° Wedge (SW) Cleveland 588 DSG 56° Wedge (LW) Cleveland 588 60° Putter Scotty Cameron by Titleist prototype Ball Titleist Pro V1 X Also, the top equipment companies offer 'tee up money' to players to use their driver or fairway metals. Our club pro quailified for the national club pro tournament, he's been a Titleist guy for years and our pro shop has all Titleist and Cobra (owned by the same parent company) equipment. When he arrived at the tournament Taylor Made was offering $2,000 to any club pro that used their driver for the tournament. Our pro found the Titleist rep and asked if they were paying a 'bonus' to use a Titleist driver. They weren't so he grabbed a Taylor Made driver and used it, and the $2,000 covered his travel expenses for the week. I've read and heard that the big equipment companies offer tour players not already under contract $10,000 per tournament in 'tee up money'. Why? So when the Darrell Survey rep on the first tee records the contents of the bag the manufacturer can claim "#1 Driver or #1 Hybrid or #1 Fairway metal or #1 Iron on the PGA Tour".

A Nike golf ball, really far and somewhat straight.

OCN is always running specials to 'stay and play' or play both courses. Check out their website: http://www.ocngolf.com/layout9.asp?id=322&page;=23478

The only Memphis course I've played is Memphis Country Club, a Donald Ross gem. I remember the caddies dressed in Augusta-type white jumpsuits and the smallish greens being very, very fast.

I'd skip Diamond Back for another round at OCN on Crooked Cat. The opening holes are ridiculously tight. Falcon's Fire is 15 minutes from Disney and a solid track. Southern Dunes is well worth the drive, approximately 30 minutes southwest from Disney. Celebration is always in good shape and more of a resort style course, not as penal for wayward shots as the others on your list. Northwest of Disney area, maybe 30 minutes away, is Palisades GC in Clermont FL that is always in great shape and unique for Florida with multiple elevation changes.

I've played Tiburon GC, it hosts the Greg Norman two man tournament which is played this week, it's a great facility with two courses. It will be pricey in January as will the other quality courses in the area.

http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/leaderboard/

I tried the optic orange fad (I said "fad") ball years ago when in high school. I remember seeing Stuart Cink use a black Nike ball in a PGA tour event last year or the year before and wondered if a new fad would start. Obviously it didn't, the only other colored golf balls I've seen are the pinks used by Paula Creamer, she's hot. Would I now use a ball that is not white? No.

I use the PW from my iron set, I think the loft is 48. Also use a 54 and a 58, those lofts work best for my game.

A lot of amatuer players routinely try to get in, and play, PGA tour events for the experience and to see how their game stacks up. Professinal golf might be in their plans in a couple years or so, but for the moment they're probably committed to their college team.

When I lived in a colder climate state, 50 degrees with little wind was the cutoff. If it was below 50 or if a consistent two club or more winds were in play, forget it, I found an indoor activity. Too cold means too many layers of clothing and it's not fun at all.

This summer during a Florida State Am qualifier: The Bad: Instead of hitting a full 7-iron (which was my first choice) on a par 3 I decided to smooth a 6-iron. I Promptly dumped it in the front bunker, shank-you'd the first sand shot, left the second sand shot in the bunker, knocked the 3rd sand shot on the green, two putts for a solid 6. The Good: The very next hole, a longish par 4 into the wind, I striped a 4-iron to 3 feet and made the putt for birdie. The Memory: I posted a 75 and missed qualifying by two shots and missed a playoff by 1.

Full swing: I learned the 'toe up, toe up' drill years ago and still use it when I get out of sync/sequence. Take the club back until the shaft is parallel to the ground, the toe of the club should be pointing straight up. Next, swing the club forward stopping when the shaft is again parallel with the ground and the toe should be pointing up. I use this drill when warming up, sometimes hitting balls, and on the course. It's a great way to reinforce the positions you need for the "slot'. Putting: Drop a few balls about 10 feet from a hole. When you strike each putt, don't lift your head but say out loud how the putt felt, either short, long or good. Don't look up until you think the ball has reached the hole. A great drill I learned 25+ years ago for developing feel. Chipping: Look at the triangle formed by your arms and shoulders. Don't break your triangle and hit down on the ball.