April 2008 Golfing Calendar

March 31, 2008 | Leave a Comment

April 2008
2nd - 5th WAGR: European Nations Cup (Individual), Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Cadiz.
3rd - 6th USPGA Nationwide Tour: Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship at Wente Vineyards, The Course at Wente Vineyards, Livermore, CA.
3rd - 6th Asian Tour: Philippine Open, Wack Wack GCC, Manila, Philippines.
3rd - 6th USPGA FedEx: Shell Houston Open , Redstone Golf Club (Tournament Course), Houston, TX, USA .
3rd - 6th LPGA Tour: Kraft Nabisco Championship, Mission HIlls Country Club, Dinah Shore Tournament Course, Rancho Mirage, C.A, USA.
3rd - 6th European Tour: Estoril Open de Portugal, Oitavos Dunes, Estoril, Portugal.
3rd - 6th European Challenge Tour: 103 Abierto VISA de la Republica, Hurlingham Club, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
4th - 6th USPGA Champions Tour: The Cap Cana Championship, Punta Espada Golf Club, Jack Nicklaus Course, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic.
4th - 6th WAGR: Administaff ASU Invitational , Champions Retreat GC, Augusta, GA .
4th - 6th Ladies European Tour: European Ladies Golf Cup, La Sella Golf Resort, Alicante, Spain.
6th - 7th WAGR: Morris Williams Intercollegiate, University of Texas GC, Austin, TX .
10th - 13th LPGA Tour: Corona Championship, Tres Marias Residential Country Club, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.
10th - 13th The Masters , Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA, USA .
10th - 13th European Challenge Tour: II Club Colombia Masters, Country Club de Bogota, Bogota, Colombia.
11th - 13th WAGR: ASU Thunderbird Invitational, Karsten Course, Tempe, AZ .
17th - 20th USPGA FedEx: Verizon Heritage , Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC , USA .
17th - 20th European/Asian Tour: Volvo China Open, Beijing CBD International GC.
17th - 20th USPGA Nationwide Tour: Athens Regional Foundation Classic, Jennings Mill Country Club, Athens, Ga..
17th - 20th LPGA Tour: Ginn Open, Ginn Reunion Resort, Orlando, F.L, USA.
18th - 20th WAGR: SEC Golf Championship , Seaside GC, Sea Island, GA .
18th - 20th USPGA Champions Tour: Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, TPC Tampa Bay, Lutz, FL.
18th - 21st WAGR: Australian Amateur, Royal Adelaide GC, Seaton, SA.
18th - 20th WAGR: Atlantic Coast Conference Championship, Old North State, New London, NC .
21st - 27th Canadian Tour: 2008 Corona Mazatlan Mexican PGA Championship, Mazatlan, Mexico.
24th - 27th USPGA Nationwide Tour: Henrico County Open, The Dominion Club, Glen Allen, VA.
24th - 27th USPGA FedEx: EDS Byron Nelson Championship , TPC Four Seasons Resort, Irving, TX, USA .
24th - 27th European Challenge Tour: AGF-Allianz Open Cotes d’Armor Bretagne, Golf Blue Green de Pleneuf Val Andre, France.
24th - 27th Asian Tour: BMW Asian Open, Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC, Shanghai, China.
24th - 27th LPGA Tour: South Florida TBA, South Florida.
25th - 27th WAGR: Big 12 Championship , Whispering Pines, Trinity, TX .
25th - 27th USPGA Champions Tour: Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, Savannah, GA.
28th - 30th WAGR: Pac-10 Golf Championship, Meadow Club, Rairfax, CA .
28th - 4th May Canadian Tour: 2008 Riviera Nayarit Classic, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.

Andalucian Open

March 28, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Rory Mcllroy There are three types of Golfer that interest me - the world’s best (Tiger Woods), Golf’s characters (John Daly and Ian Poulter) and young golfers with the potential to be the best. One such, young golfer, whose progress I’ve followed with interest is Rory Mcllroy.

After a promising debut Mcllroy went a bit quiet, but after six months into his professional career, the Ulsterman has once again confirmed his potential with a 68 in the first round of the Andalucian Open, held at Aloha GC, Marbella, Spain. His performance was overshadowed though by another young golfer, and former Walker Cup team- mate, hoping also to go Pro.

Yorkshire Golfer Danny Willett, playing on a Sponsor’s invite, hit an Eagle on his first hole and went on to card a 66 for his European Tour debut. At the end of the first day, the World’s No. 1, top amateur (who plays off a plus 5 handicap) would have shared the overnight lead with defending champion Lee Westwood, had he not bogeyed the final hole. God willing (Willett’s father is a clerygman) he will go on to win and turn Pro, on Sunday.

It was a good day too for Jose Maria Olazabal who was returning from seven months out with rheumatic pains. Concerned for his future at the end of last year, the double US Masters champion opened with a one-under 71, which he claimed was “better than I expected”.

Latest Golf World Rankings

March 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Australian Geoff Ogilvy has lifted himself seven places in the latest World Rankings and rejoins the world’s top 10 after his victory at the WGC-CA Championship in Miami yesterday..

Latest World Rankings:

1 Tiger Woods 21.87pts
2 Phil Mickelson 9.65
3 Ernie Els 6.57,
4 Steve Stricker 6.49
5 Jim Furyk 5.88
6 Adam Scott 5.82
7 KJ Choi 5.75
8 Vijay Singh 5.66
9 Justin Rose 5.65
10 Geoff Ogilvy 5.44
11 Rory Sabbatini 5.32
12 Padraig Harrington 5.04
13 Henrik Stenson 4.80
14 Sergio Garcia 4.29
15 Stewart Cink 4.26
16 Luke Donald 4.19
17 Angel Cabrera 4.09
18 Aaron Baddeley 3.72
19 Zach Johnson 3.69
20 Lee Westwood 3.59

Caddy for a Cure

March 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Caddy For A Cure, Inc. is a ’not for profit’ corporation with the mission of donating monies to worthy charities through the professional game of Golf. They achieve this by providing the ultimate in golf experiences – the opportunity to caddie for a Tour Professional during the practice round of an official Tour event.

Charity Buzz is currently running an online auction for Caddy for a Cure. Bidders have the opportunity to caddy for Justin Leonard, Boo Weekley, or Woody Austin at the upcoming Verizon Heritage on Tuesday, April 15th at the world-renowned Pete Dye designed Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, SC.

Caddy for a Cure CEO Russ Holden (Bernhard Langer’s longtime tour caddy) gives away all of the money raised to support a charity of the player’s choice. This truly is an opportunity of a lifetime for a golf fan with the starting bid for each of the three bags currently at $2,500 -and this includes a fabulous gift pack, including a trip to Arizona valued at well over $2,000! You can live the dream and start bidding here. A word to the wise - if you’re lucky enough to Caddy for Boo Weekley, you might be advised to keep the score and have a ‘Rules of Golf’ book to hand!

Geoff Ogilvy stops Tiger in his tracks

March 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Geoff Ogilvy weathers the storm Geoff Ogilvy ended Tiger Woods recent streak of seven successive tournament wins as he claimed victory at the WGC-CA Championship, held at Dural, Florida by one stroke. In a rain affected event that saw the remainder of the final rounds carried over to Monday, the Australian held his nerve to par his last nine holes and end a spell of nearly two years without a win. Ogilvy’s success was aided by a stoke of fortune at the 13th hole where his chip shot hit the flagpole and dropped into the hole, when it seemed to be running too far.

Ogilvy’s final-round one-under par 71, left him on 17-under par 271, one stroke ahead of Fiji’s Vijay Singh, South African Retief Goosen and American Jim Furyk. World number one Woods, who like the runner-up trio fired a final-round 68, settled for fifth on 273.

This was Woods first defeat in over six months and he was let down by some uncharacteristically, lack-lustre putting. Whilst Woods was struggling with his putter, Ian Poulter was struggling without his. In a moment of frustration Poulter damaged his putter, and as it was not deemed, normal course of play, was forced to complete the final four holes, putting with his wedge. The change of club however didn’t seem to affect Poulter’s performance on the green and the Englisham joked that he, “might have to putt with his wedge a bit mopre often”.

Woods fifth place finish pushed his carrer earnings to over $80m. There was very little time for interviews in Doral as several of the players headed straight off to Orlanda Florida, and the Tavistock Cup; a two day exhibition game. There are now just two more PGA events before the Masters Tournamnet and this years first major.

What Are the Best Core Exercises for Golf?

March 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Hard Core Today, we are going to answer these questions and provide some beneficial golf fitness exercises for the core. First and foremost we must understand what is the core. The core is simply a reference to an anatomical area of the body. Essentially, it is all the muscles, bones, and nerves from just above your knees to slightly below the chest. Not only does it include muscles on the front of your body such as the abdominals. It includes the muscles on the sides and back of your body. This would include muscles in the hips, glutes, obliques, and lower back.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what the core entails, let us answer the next question; why is the core important for the golf swing. The execution of the golf swing requires you to maintain a set spine angle and specific postural positions. For example, the ability to maintain a set spine angle in the swing requires postural stabilization strength. Postural stabilization strength is the ability to maintain a specific postural or body position during movement. The ability to complete this physical task effectively rests upon the muscular strength and endurance of your core. If your core musculature is lacking strength the ability to maintain a consistent spine angle will be compromised.

In addition, during the golf swing the core creates muscular force in a rotational pattern. This force is transferred into the golf club during execution of the swing. The power developed by your core, and the power created within the mechanics of your swing will determine your clubhead speed.

As you can see from the information above the core is directly connected the biomechanics of the golf swing as well as the creation of clubhead speed. That being said, it goes without saying certain levels of muscular strength, endurance, power, and coordination are required from this area of the body. The process by which we can develop these physical parameters within the core is through golf specific fitness exercises.

Golf specific fitness exercises will train the core section of the body to the positions, movements, and physical requirements of the golf swing. Stabilization and rotation are key components of such exercises. Basic exercises I often recommend to develop the core for golf are; Prone Holds, Bent Knee Back Holds, Seated Russian Twists, Jack Knife’s, and Alternating Arm and Leg Extensions. All of these exercises train the required components of the core for the golf swing.

Keep in mind the core is an anatomical area of the body where the majority of the movements within the golf swing occur. As a result this section of the body must be flexible, strong, and powerful in order to execute the golf swing correctly.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable PGA and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to Core Golf Fitness

What Tiger Woods drinks

March 14, 2008 | 1 Comment

Aspiring Golfer receives a lot of PR pulp, most of which is swiftly consigned to the recycle bin. However I received a note on behalf of Gatorade which caught my interest and I thought maybe worthy of a post. It’s obvious from search engine results that many golfers are genuinely interested in what Tiger Woods, eats and drinks, both on and off the course, to maintain and fuel his incredible success. Well now I can shed a bit of light on the matter.

Woods has been drinking Gatorade Tiger on-course since December’s Target World Challenge to Benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation and says he’s excited for everyone to try it, now its hitting the stores. Gatorade began working with Tiger Woods in fall 2007, when he met with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI).

Scientists conducted sweat analysis testing with Woods, which showcased his dedication to this collaboration and to improving every aspect of his training and competition. GSSI scientists measured Woods’ sweat rate, sweat electrolyte concentration, fluid and electrolyte balance and energy needs during a vigorous round of exercise. Based on the scientific results of the tests, GSSI developed a specialized hydration and nutrition strategy.

The result of this is a new line of Gatorade Thirst Quencher which is available in three flavors inspired and selected by Tiger. Gatorade Tiger is a carbohydrate drink to fuel muscles and deliver hydration that helps people stay on top of their game, both physically and mentally. The helpful people at Garotrade have even provided a video to showcase their development.

You can either believe the hype or dismiss it as opportunistic marketing (Reports are that Tiger could be earning up to $100 million over five years for this deal.), but my experience tells me that it will probably sell in bucket loads.

Is Tiger Woods feeling the Pressure?

March 14, 2008 | 1 Comment

Tiger Woods surveys greens for worms Could Tiger Wood’s aspirations of maintaining his current winning streak be scuppered, not by Mickelson or Els; but by a tiny bunch of microscopic worms? In the build up to the Bay Invitational, Woods has been moved to comment on the poor state of the greens. It seems the pesky worms, oblivious to Woods’ reputation and standing, are eating away at the roots of the grass which Woods believes will lead to some unpredictable putting.

Woods is now unbeaten for 7 months and clearly does not want this to end at the whim of a bunch of elongated, soft-bodied invertebrate animals, but admits, “it is what it is…you just have to deal with it”. Despite his protestations Woods remains favourite on a course where he has won on four consecutive occasions between 2000 and 2003.

Another player who probably couldn’t care less about the worms because right now they’re the least of his worries is John Daly. Daly is without a Tour card but was due to appear at the Arnold Palmer invitational event, via a Sponsor’s exemption. Unfortunately he couldn’t even manage this and was disqualified for not turning up at the scheduled pro-am, tee time on Wednesday.

It hasn’t been a good week for Daly who also learned that he had been dropped by his new swing coach, Butch Harmon, who said Daly was still more interested in drinking than improving his game. The famed instructor told the press that Daly “has to show me golf is the most important thing in his life. And the most important thing in his life is getting drunk.”….ouch!

Daly apologised to Arnold Palmer, saying that he loved him to death, but not is seems, enough to turn up on time.

Colin Montgomerie Coaches Stars of the Future

March 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment

For kids who enjoy playing golf, or kids who hate golf but have pushy parents, the HSBC Wee Wonders Championship 2008, is open for registration. Wee Wonders is the UK’s leading junior Golf Tournament for children aged between five and twelve.

It’s an interesting format, played over a par-3 course, where each child has 36 shots to progress around the fairways as far as possible, which is then marked by planting a flag. The furthest flag wins for each age group.

Colin Montgomerie is a keen supporter and sponsor of the event. Monty recently spent a day with champions of the future, offering advice and even joining them for a few rounds. Hear what he had to say in the following video.

Nick Dougherty leads Malaysian Open

March 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Englishman Nick Dougherty blitzed a career-best, 10-under-par 62, to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the $2 million Maybank Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur. Having earlier in the week described the course as a “thinking man’s”, challenge, Dougherty got his tactics exactly right as he blasted his way to a two stroke lead at the Kota Permai Golf & Country Club.

Dougherty sensationally birdied 10 of his 13 first holes and was in with a seriously realistic chance of a first round of 59 in European Tour history. Sadly he couldn’t maintain the momentum and finished his round by parring all of the final 5 holes.

Dougherty admitted that his thoughts had turned to an historic 59 saying, “it was there to be won, but it didn’t happen.” He leads by two shots from Simon Dyson and Australian Marcus Fraser, who carded matching 64s.

Update Second Day: Nick Dougherty carded a 70 to retain the lead, after a rain-interupted second round of the Malaysian Open, which saw play suspended for two hours. Dougherty was joined at the top of the leaderboard on -12 by home player Danny Chia who took advantage of a break in the weather earlier on to produce six birdies during his round of 65.

Second round leaders:
D Chia (Mas) -12 (18)
N Dougherty (Eng) -12 (18)
S Kjeldsen (Den) -11 (18)
J Randhawa (Ind) -11 (16)