Thursday, June 11, 2009

Props to Phil, Ill be pulling for you.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- His voice was halting at times. The emotion raw.

The strain of the last three weeks was visible in Phil Mickelson's red-rimmed eyes as he met with the media Wednesday for the first time since his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. And in the words he chose so carefully.

"I've never been this emotional where if I'm driving alone or what have you I'll just start crying," Mickelson said. "It's kind of a weird thing.

"I'm looking forward to having a four or five hour mental break where I force myself to focus on something else."

Mickelson, who gets that break when he plays in the St. Jude Classic presented by FedEx and the U.S. Open, had released statements on his website updating his many fans on the diagnosis. The cancer was caught early he said. Doctors were hopeful. That was the good news.

And when the PGA TOUR Wives Association organized a "Pink Out" celebration at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial two weeks ago the couple, who married in 1996, was so moved by the outpouring of support that Amy responded herself.

This was different, though. Mickelson, who had been in relative seclusion since the announcement, stared into the glare of 12 TV cameras and took questions for a little over 15 minutes.

He opened with a statement, though, that was as heartfelt as heart-wrenching.

"I think she's the most charismatic person I've ever met," Mickelson said. "She touches people in a way that people don't get touched. It's just right to the heart. She has a way to have an impact on people, the way she looks you in the eye, the way she listens to what you have to say, and genuinely cares. ...

"I know how lucky I am to be able to be married to her because I see it every day. ... We've been together 16 years. ... She has made my life so fulfilling and enriching."

Every time Mickelson, who was wearing a white Callaway cap embroidered with a pink ribbon, spoke about the treatment, scheduled to begin on July 1, he used the words "we" or "our." Although no specifics have been released, it was clear Mickelson planned to be with his wife every step of the way.

"She's always been there for me," he said. "She's always been there for her friends and family. It's our turn to be there for her."

Yes, he's playing golf the next two weeks. And the family will take what Mickelson would only say is a vacation to a "tropical area" after the U.S. Open and before the treatment begins. Make no mistake, though, this situation is as serious as they come.

"We're scared, yeah. I think a lot of it is the unknown," Mickelson said. "You know, we've learned a lot in the last couple of weeks. We believe we have incredible doctors. We believe that we've caught this early. We won't know this until a week or two after surgery, until some more pathology tests have been done.

"I don't think it's going to affect how I play. I'm going to still play aggressively. But there's not really a carryover effect there. It's just that off the course I've never felt something like this.

"I think it's as hard or harder for somebody on the side. I would much rather be going through it and doing it myself than seeing somebody I care about so much go through it. I think that's difficult, yeah."

Amy isn't in Memphis this week. She's at home in San Diego with several friends while Mickelson's parents take the couple's three tow-headed kids on a camping trip. She won't be at Bethpage Black, either, but Mickelson is sure to have plenty of support from the New York fans.

He was there on Tuesday, grinding over his usual seven-hour practice round to prepare for the season's second major. One of Mickelson's four second-place finishes at the U.S. Open came on the Black Course in 2002 and he's eager for the challenge again.

"I'm not playing just to play," Mickelson said. "I think Bethpage is a golf course that suits my game, that I love playing on that course, I love playing in the New York area. I'm playing here because I believe I can win next week.

"Again, there's a lot of question marks that I'll have. But that's the goal."

Mickelson admittedly hasn't played a lot of golf over the last few weeks. Sometimes, though, when Amy was sleeping or occupied by friends or family, he'd head for the range or take the kids to the course for an hour or so.

"Ever since I was a little kid, the way I would deal with things would be go chip in my backyard before I could drive, or when I could drive, I would go to the course and hit a few balls," Mickelson said.

When he could keep from crying, that is.

So the game, Mickelson says, isn't that far off. His concentration may be a different story, though. And when his two-week foray back to the PGA TOUR is over? Well, don't expect to see Mickelson for a while.

"I don't know when I'll play again," he said. "I just don't know what our treatment schedule will be like after surgery. ... I don't think it's going to be for a while, but I don't know exactly what we're facing yet."

He just knows he'll be facing it with Amy.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The perfect swing. . .

NO JOKE, Im im awe everytime I see this video.


Golfed Today!!!

At Darkhorse GC near Aubrun. Beautiful course, one of Golf Digests top 100. 

Pretty stoked too because I had a free pass to play out there. Although as I pulled up and popped my trunk I realized that I forgot my shoes at home. Garbage. So instead of spending $60 on green fees and getting a free day like I thought, I got to buy new golf shoes. Oh well, it was about time. 

Played with my boss again and then 2 of his friends. Played pretty good on the front and completely lost it on the back 9. 

Its tough at this point in my game because its inconsistent. If I knew that every shot was going to slice right then I could account for it but it seems like when I compensate for that I hit it perfectly and then Im left of where I should be. 

Anyone have any tips for me?

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Natalie Gulbis says we should stretch before golf, which is good enough for me


Most golfers agree that it’s a good idea to stretch before playing golf, or warming up on the range, but few probably do it. And many of those who do stretch probably aren’t doing it properly.


Well, here’s a little incentive: Natalie Gulbis says you should, and the LPGA’s pin-up girl has endorsed the Golf Stretch Fitness Mat from G2 Fitness.
It’s the only stretch mat specifically designed for golfers. Available for both men and women, the mats depict every important golf stretch directly on its canvas so that you never forget another stretch while warming up. Physician-certified, portable and even eco-friendly, the G2 Fitness Golf Stretch Mats are available in several colors. They can be used at home, the gym, the driving range or even in-between holes, if you’re that dedicated.
“I believe in the G2 Fitness stretch mats because they promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Gulbis, winner of the 2007 Evian Masters. “Stretching is a key element in my golf game – it’s important for me to keep everything flexible and strong to play my best and prolong my career.”
You’re probably wondering how these mats are eco-friendly. Well, they are made from Thermoplastic Elastomer, and they are100 percent recyclable. According to the company, they offer superior grip in both wet and dry conditions, and they even maintain a moderate temperature to avoid chilly morning workouts.


Also, according to G2 Fitness, which also makes mats for Pilates and yoga, TPE is a durable alternative to rubber or PVC. It is completely non-toxic, odorless and harmless to both the environment and human body, unless you pull something, of course.
Cost for the mat is $50, and it comes with video instruction on the Web site, http://www.g2fit.com/.


No word if Gulbis is on the video. I guess you’ll have to purchase the product to find out.


Friday, May 29, 2009

Played 18 today!



Always a good day when you can spend a few hours on the course. 



Finally got to get out and play after a LONG HARD DAY of productive work! Twilight rate for 18 was $25 and that included a cart. Pretty good for how nice Turkey Creek is. Played with my boss and a couple of co-workers. Two were at my level and we had one newbie. Played a good round out there but have been noticing that I seem to waste about 1 shot per hole. I dont really know if thats going to change with experience or just my striking the ball better. I really do realize that I have ALOT to work on, but Im noticing that one shot per hole is just wasted. Get that under control and i guess Ill shave 18 strokes eh?

The question I want to pose to my low handicap readers is this: 
How long did it take you to feel comfortable over every shot? 

I realize nobody shoots a perfect round, everybody has shots that they wish they had back. BUT! There are some of you out there that don't even think about a mis-hit when you stand over the ball. 

Welcome. . . Thanks

Thanks for stopping by and taking time to read my blog.

I've been around golf for a bit now and am glad to have found a place to bring up topics for discussion and share articles and tips that I find intersting. 

I'm a young guy (23) and feel like I have a different perspective of the game than, say, my grandparents (who taught me how to golf when I was little) and look forward to sharing my thoughts and getting feedback on questions that come up every once in awhile. I live and play in Northern CA so alot of my experiences will be coming from the Sacramento area courses but tons of general info as well.

I'm always looking for a good blog to read as well so if youve got something interesting that you;d like to bring to the table, feel free. If you;d like to contribute to the blog, let me know. 

Thanks again for the support and I hope that you enjoy "simply put, golf"

5 Questions with Tattoo Golf

Hey blog fans, I came across this article from back in 2008 with Tattoo golf. A new clothing company based out of SoCal that brings an edgy, youthful look to their golf clothes. Definantly not your grandfathers shirts anymore. Ha!

5 Questions With Tattoo Golf!

By Apryl DeLancey
Published 02/22/2008
Sports
Rating: Unrated

5 Questions With Tattoo Golf!

Golf apparel does not have to be pretentious and stuffy - just ask the guys at Tattoo Golf! Appalled with the horrendous choices in golfing attire, founder Bill Anderson made a point to change that hideous fact forever. The company's roots began with Anderson selling the line from his Burbank home from a simple web page. Since then, they have been a fixture at events and on courses everywhere. Greg Shaw, who joined Tattoo Golf in May 2006 was gracious enough to answer 5 questions for me about my favorite golf apparel company, golf, and the state of its fashion:

1. How much resistance do you get from the bigger chain stores and the pretentious golfers? Has it been an uphill climb to get into the more conservative areas? For example, how much penetration do you have outside of Southern California?

The Tattoo Golf line is targeting a young-minded golfer who is dissatisfied with the golf clothing that's found out in the market today. They are looking for something fun, different, and a bit edgy to set themselves apart from the crowd. They probably don't buy much, if any, golf apparel in pro shops or golf stores because it's not their thing. One fact we're very proud of is that every retailer we've sold to has reordered! This tells me our product is selling but getting chain store buyers to understand this and carry our line is proving more difficult than we expected - but we're not giving up. I think when you deal with older buyers there's a perception that our line is strictly for the fringe element but it's not! You don't need tattoos to wear our line! We've obviously been concentrating our wholesale efforts to So. Cal. but we have a few accounts in other states and have a new Mid-West sales rep who is starting to do a great job for us.

2. Why do you think it is taking so long for golf to loosen up? What do you think it will take to make the sport more accessible? Is golf destined to forever be a "rich guy" or "country club" sport?

I actually think the sport is more accessible now than ever before which has brought a flood of new, younger golfers out onto courses throughout the U.S. Once the cost of clubs is out of the way, a round of golf at a muni course won't set you back all that much and outside of California, the prices really drop to play a round so our customer base is definitely growing.

3. Do you have any pros that you sponsor now? Have you tried? Is this also a challenge to be taken seriously by the golfing elite?

We don't have any touring pros wearing our gear now but we're working on it! We could outfit them with clothing but at this stage of our company’s life it wouldn't be possible to be a cash sponsor but one day..... As far as golfing's elite taking us seriously, we were approached by LPGA rookie Mollie Fankhauser who said she absolutely loves our line so we're working with her to get some hats & shirts out to her which hopefully she's wearing when she wins her first tournament.

4. Where does the company get inspiration for designs? Tattoo art? How many tattoos do you guys have?

While we are on the subject, why does everyone look at tattooed golfers like we are going to rob them on the driving range? Everybody loves skulls so the main design of the wicked looking skull with crossed clubs was a natural for us. We do look at tattoo art for inspiration and also follow current fashion trends to capitalize on the “what's hot” at the moment. Last year we started seeing argyle designs again so we jumped in with a Tattoo Golf version of the argyle pattern and it quickly became our best selling shirt. My partner Bill has the tattoos, I'm the virgin! As far as getting robbed on the driving range, I guess it's still surprising to see tattooed people playing golf or maybe they're wondering where they put their golf clubs on the chopper?

5. What do you believe has been the most defining moment in golf history in the last few decades? What do you think the next big thing will be?

I hate to say it but I think Tiger has changed the industry forever. He's increased viewership in PGA televised golf so much that tournament purses have exploded making every player in the top 150 a millionaire. He's brought an unimaginable number of new, young golfers to the game and he's also made the game so cool that everyone wants in on the action. I've always golfed but in the past decade I've know many friends who've picked it up because they feel like they're missing out on something! In high school it was considered nerdy to be on the golf team but those days are long gone. Tattoo Golf's the next big thing for sure!

Check out Tattoo Golf's web page here.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

To learn golf, start from the hole to the tee.

Playing golf is not just a recreational activity; it requires a lot of discipline and practice. While showing off, a drive would be the perfect opportunity. If you desire to shoot low scores you need to lean how to putt well. Here we will try and explain a few basics of putting in the game that will enable you to learn it properly.

Firstly try and master the posture. The ball must be nearer your front foot and the putter should be placed squarely with the target line. Hold your putter with a light grip while keeping your wrists unyielding. Your arms should adopt the stance of a pendulum, and now start taking a few swings. This will help you decide upon the speed you require. For the final try, swing your putter smoothly form the shoulder level.

The back swing should descend smoothly on the ball, hitting the target squarely. With practice, you will be able to hit at the speed desired while keeping your head completely motionless and your eyes on the ball. Next, make sure that your legs are not shaking or moving. Stand still with a little bend in your knees. Watch carefully as the putter swings and hits the back of the ball. If done expertly it almost feels like motioning the ball towards the hole with your rear hand. To achieve this, the follow-through must cover the same length as the back swing. Moreover, try and keep your head still even after the ball has been hit. Keep your ears ready to pick up the sound of the ball dropping into the hole smoothly. Soon you will be able to handle a consistently good stroke.

It is no wonder that putting is termed as a "feel" shot. Once has to go through this process very deliberately, keeping all the senses sharp and alert. You have to exert all your coordination skills along with using your judgment and precision.

As for the putter, it seems to be the most used of all golf clubs. The driver is used to achieve a spectacular effect, and you must have used it 13-14 times while playing a good game. Now count the number of times the putter has been used in the same game. I am sure that the number doubles! Playing golf as has been mentioned earlier is not just about pleasure; you must put in a lot of effort to play like a pro. And to achieve that, let your driver be unused for a while. Take up that putter and practice your shots again and again. Before you know it, you will become an ace golfer!

In short, you have choose you line- that is try and build a mental picture of the course that you want the ball to take. Take into account the furrowed surface of the green. It takes time to discover the correct path, and it will come with practice. Change your perspective to figure out the slope, and then fix your grip.

You will soon be a pro at this game!

Visit http://bananaputting.com to learn how to improve your golf game today with Banana Putting!