Fred Couples earns first Champions victory
NAPLES, Fla. (AP) Fred Couples earned his first Champions Tour victory Sunday, overcoming a record-tying round by Tommy Armour III to win the ACE Group Classic.
Couples, who had a five-shot lead at one point, had to make a 5-foot birdie putt on No. 17 and a tap-in par on the final hole for his first victory since the 2003 Shell Houston Open.
Armour tied the tour record for lowest score in relation to par with an 11-under 61 but finished one back of Couples, who shot an 8-under 64 to finish at 17-under 199.
Scott Hoch, the 2008 champion, finished third at 9 under for the tournament.
Couples was in contention in his Champions Tour debut last month in Hawaii, but Tom Watson birdied the last two holes to beat him by a stroke.
Categories: golf putting Tags: Ace Group, Champion, Champions Tour, Classic Couples, Contention, Debut, First Victory, Foot Birdie Putt, Fred Couples, Hawaii, Holes, Naples Fla, Score, Shell Houston Open, Stroke, Tap, Tom Watson, Tommy Armour, Tommy Armour Iii, Tour Victory
Couples still leads after second round of ACE
NAPLES, Fla. (AP) Fred Couples returned to the course Sunday and finished up a 5-under 67, giving him a two-shot lead over Dan Forsman entering the final round of the ACE Group Classic.
Couples had five holes remaining in his second round Saturday when play was halted due to darkness. He paired a birdie with a bogey Sunday to remain at 9 under for the tournament.
Scott Hoch (68) and Ronnie Black (69) are three strokes off the pace, with Bernard Langer, Mike Goodes and Tommy Armour III at 5 under. Defending champion Loren Roberts was at 3 under, while Paul Azinger was 1 under in his Champions Tour debut.
The tournament has been trying to get back on schedule after Friday’s opening round was postponed due to high winds with most of the field still on the course.
Categories: golf putting Tags: Ace Group, Bernard Langer, Birdie, Bogey, Champions Tour, Classic Couples, Darkness, Defending Champion, Forsman, Fred Couples, Goodes, High Winds, Holes, Loren Roberts, Naples Fla, Paul Azinger, Scott Hoch, Strokes, Tommy Armour, Tommy Armour Iii
Johnson, Goydos tied for the lead
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) Dustin Johnson and Paul Goydos could not be any more different, which is why it was so odd to see them atop the leaderboard Saturday at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am with identical scores.
On their birth certificates, Goydos is 20 years older. On the tee, Johnson is 48 yards longer.
Johnson is tall and athletic. Goydos is … not.
They played with the gifts they have, and they used them brilliantly on a gorgeous afternoon that gives Pebble Beach such iconic status as America’s most famous seaside course.
Johnson overpowered Spyglass Hill for an 8-under 64 that included two eagles. Goydos poked his way along the splendid coastline of Pebble Beach and birdied two of the last three holes for an 8-under 64.
Nothing separated them on the scoreboard, which is all that matters. They were at 18-under 196, four shots clear of anyone else heading into the final round.
“His game is a little different from mine,” said Johnson, who will try to become only the fifth back-to-back winner of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, and the first in 20 years. “And he finds a way to get it done.”
Johnson began his round at Spyglass Hill with a 343-yard drive, leaving him a hybrid for his second shot on the 595-yard hole. It rolled past the pin, and he made a 20-foot eagle from the fringe.
Goydos ripped a 268-yard drive on the par-5 second hole at Pebble Beach, leaving him a 3-wood into the 513-yard hole that he hit to 8 feet for an eagle.
Two questions to each player spoke volumes about how different they play.
Goydos was asked if he will simply ignore how far Johnson hits the ball off the tee.
“No, I fully panic,” Goydos said. “You know, it is what it is. I don’t know if ‘ignore’ is the right word, but you appreciate. I’m going to appreciate his play, but you go out and play your game, too. I have do things differently than he does, and he’s got to do things differently than I do.”
Johnson was asked which course plays long for him. His answer came through a fixed smile.
“Not too many of ‘em,” he said.
Even so, the 25-year-old Johnson, emerging as one of the top young American stars, is not about to take Goydos lightly.
“It doesn’t matter how far you hit it or where you hit it,” Johnson said. “You’ve just got to find a way to get it in the hole. Whoever can get it in the hole tomorrow is going to come out with the victory.”
J.B. Holmes and Bryce Molder each had a 68 at Spyglass Hill, while Matt Jones had a 66 on the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula. They were tied for third at 14-under 200.
David Duval had a 67 and was tied for seventh. Phil Mickelson had a 69 at Pebble Beach and was eight shots out of the lead.
The biggest star Saturday was the weather, some of the most spectacular conditions this tournament has seen in years. Along the coast of Pebble Beach, huge swells crashed against the rocks and the sea wall.
“The ocean was angry today,” Goydos said. “What they’ve got here is God’s gift to golf.”
Goydos’ game isn’t always so pretty, although there is no disputing how he reached the top of the leaderboard. On the par-5 sixth hole, his second shot from the rough barely cleared the hill and nearly went into a bunker. With an awkward stance, he did well to get it on the green. And after a two-putt par, he said to his partners, “That never looked like it was going to be better than a 5.”
One hole later, with a stiff ocean breeze at his back and a downhill shot to a green 97 yards away, he hit sand wedge to 2 feet.
Over at Spyglass, traditionally the toughest course on the rotation, Johnson was whaling away. The defending champion had two eagles and played the par 5s in 6 under, and he had a chance at the course record of 62 until charging his birdie putt past the hole and missing the comeback putt for par.
“Length is not an issue,” Johnson said. “Doesn’t play very long for me. If I’m hitting it in the fairway, then it definitely plays right into my hands, because I can get to all the par 5s there.”
On this glorious day with a stiff breeze, Spyglass was the place to be. Pebble Beach and the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula, a par 70 and newcomer to the rotation, are exposed along the ocean. Except for five holes, Spyglass is sheltered by pines and cypress.
Johnson and Goydos couldn’t recall playing with each other before, and even if they did, it’s not like they would have been together given the difference in their tee shots.
Goydos paused when asked if he considered Johnson to be a better player.
“He’s won twice in two years. I’ve won twice in 18,” Goydos said. “‘Better’ is an interesting word. He’s definitely off to a much better start than I had. There’s a slight curve because I’ve been out so long. So if he’d won 10 times after 18 years, the answer is ‘yes.’ But right now? I don’t know.”
Then he paused once more before adding, “He’s definitely showing signs of it.”
Divots: Goydos and Hertz executive Bob Stuart had a one-shot lead in the pro-am competition. The top 25 teams advanced to the final round Sunday. … Johnson or Goydos only need to break par on Sunday to break the 72-hole scoring record of 268, first set by Mark O’Meara in 1997 and matched by Phil Mickelson in 2007. … Adam Scott made a hole-in-one at the par-3 seventh at Monterey Peninsula and shot 64.
Categories: golf putting Tags: Birth Certificates, Dustin Johnson, Eagles, Feet, Fringe, game, Gifts, Holes, Hybrid, Lead, Leaderboard, Paul Goydos, Pebble Beach, Plays, Scoreboard, Seaside Course, Second Hole, Splendid Coastline, Spyglass Hill, Yard Hole
Forsman, Couples lead Champions Tour event
NAPLES, Fla. (AP) Dan Forsman and Fred Couples were tied for the lead after the weather-delayed first round of the ACE Group Classic.
Forsman and Couples both finished rounds of 4-under 68 on Saturday.
Play was postponed on Friday due to high winds – gusts were measured at 40 mph and some holes were deemed unplayable. An approaching storm also played into tournament officials’ decision to finish the opening round Saturday.
Ronnie Black, Fulton Allem and Tommy Armour III were one stroke back.
Black was among nine players who finished Friday, while Armour III bogeyed his last two holes Saturday morning to finish at 3-under 69.
Players were scheduled to begin their second rounds off the first and 10th tees later Saturday.
Categories: golf putting Tags: Ace Group, Approaching Storm, Champions Tour, Fred Couples, Fulton Allem, Gusts, High Winds, Holes, Lead, Naples Fla, Saturday Morning, Second Rounds, Stroke, Tees, Tommy Armour, Tommy Armour Iii, Tournament Officials, Weather
The Study Of A Bad Golf Swing To Acquiring A Proper Golf Swing
The most important thing that a golfer should acquire is a proper golf swing that is near perfect. It should be the endless effort of both veterans of the game and the novice to get a better swing at the next eighteen holes. The number of books on golf and the instructional videos available could confuse a beginner and no matter how many times or how many books you read or the DVDs you watch, they will be of no avail if the basics of the game, that remain the same for every golfer, is not properly understood and assimilated thoroughly.
The Set-Up
One of the things that makes a golf swing go off tangent is not the swing in itself but the set-up of the golfer. When we say set-up, we could refer to the golfer’s club, his accessories and clothes etc. It is the opinion of some golfers that a good set-up can offset a bad swing, which, of course, is patently incorrect. It does not matter if you have designer clubs, accessories and swank clothes or just off-the-rack clubs. It is the proper golf swing that is ultimately going to win you the game.
Spending too much time on set-up than on a game is a common mistake beginners tend to commit. Some golfers think that if they know all the technical names and terms of the game, they can just go about hitting the ball however they want. It may work for a film star in a film but it will not work for the average golfer and his bad swing.
But it is essential for you to keep in mind that when we talk about set-up we should mean the game and not the clubs, the accessories and the clothes of the golfer. It should pertain to the set-up of the golfer’s position, stance, balance etc. prior to the proper golf swing.
Bad Posture Can Destroy The Proper Golf Swing
If you are the kind of golfer that is not paying attention to the posture you adopt during a swing, then you should seriously think of chucking the game and taking up another. Golf is just not the game for you. You should know a good posture from a bad one and avoid the bad one. The key factor of a proper golf swing is the proper alignment of your head and your neck. This is the factor that is going to dictate the development of the force that will drive the ball and its flight. If you hunch over the ball, you will either hit it to the side or it will far short of the green than it should. It does not matter how hard you hit it.
Next comes balance. Not that it is in anyway inferior to posture. A good balance is required to deliver the required thrust to your swing. If you are unbalanced, you cannot hit the ball with the force that it should be struck with. If you have not perfected your stance, you will feel uneasy during play and the uneasiness will be obvious in your shot. Keep your footing on solid ground and keep it firm but not tensed up and heavy. Proper balance and posture can be cultivated by constant practice. It should become so ingrained into yourself that you should be taking up the correct position the moment you step up to tee off.
Chicken Wings
When we say chicken wings we do not mean the kind that we eat and relish. This variety can best be left at home or reserved for a victory dinner. It is the act of letting your arm and your wrist go limp when putting a ball that is known as a chicken wing. It is a bad habit and should be overcome by strict discipline and practice. If this limp action is allowed then your arm will fly up and all the power developed will get dissipated.
Golfers who do not pay the necessary attention to their swing tend to commit this so called chicken wings. Chopping or slicing will be the result of losing power and executing a chicken wing.
Learn the good aspects of the game and practice them to perfection. Learn the bad things about golf and strive to avoid them.
Ian Bell
http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/the-study-of-a-bad-golf-swing-to-acquiring-a-proper-golf-swing-999720.html
Categories: golf putting Tags: Avail, Bad Golf, Bad Posture, Books, Clothes, dvds, Endless Effort, Game Accessories, Golfers, Good Posture, Holes, Instructional Videos, Mistake, Novice, Paying Attention, Posture, Proper Golf Swing, Rack Clubs, Technical Names
Mini Golf Mayhem
Tee off in the crazy world of Mini Golf Mayhem! Now you and up to 8 of your friends can play the kookiest, most fun-filled mini golf game created! Grab your club and putt your way through more than 50 unique holes spread over 5 zany courses! You’ll enjoy gorgeous 3D graphics and an ultra-realistic physics engine that guarantees this to be the most original mini golf game around!
Categories: golf putt games Tags: Crazy World, Fun Game, Gorgeous 3d Graphics, Holes, Mayhem, Mini Game, Mini Golf Game, Realistic Physics Engine, Yahoo, Zany
Nick Faldo: Turnberry’s Pot Bunkers
At the 138th Open Golf Championship, Sir Nick Faldo heads out on the Ailsa Course and takes a crack at the pot bunkers on Turnberry’s 5th and 6th holes.
Read more…
Categories: golf putting Tags: Crack, Golf Heads, Holes, Nick Faldo, Open Golf Championship, Pot Bunkers, Turnberry
Nutritional Supplements And More Energy For Golf
Golf is not just an old people’s game anymore. It is a sport requiring a good amount of energy to perform at an optimal level, old and young players alike. Healthy food and good nutritional supplements should be considered by golfers just as that are for other more vigorous sports like succor, football, tennis and so forth.
How often do you hear golfers complaining about how tired they are during and after a round of golf? Even though a golf cart is used to play 18 holes they often loose energy and concentration during the round. Golf was meant to be played by walking. If you are one of those players who ride a golf cart and are still exhausted toward the end of the game, you need to find a way to energize yourself.
Let’s review how you can improve your energy.
Here are 5 tips for building up your golf energy and enhancing your performance;
1. Eat healthy food: Without good gas in your car, the car does not run. You need to eat nutritional food everyday to live energetically.
2. Take nutritional supplements: Living in the modern world with over processed and preservative added food, our diet lacks many important vitamins and minerals. Therefore, taking nutritional supplements is necessary for our health.
3. Stretch before and during your golf game: Stretching your whole body using Yoga techniques and other exercises helps you with transferring energy at the right time without wasting it in the wrong movement when you swing your club.
4. Eat snacks during your golf round: Take some fruit and a nutritional bar on the course and eat every 4 – 5 holes to keep up your energy and refresh your mind.
5. Drink plenty of water: To prevent dehydration it is important to drink water before you feel thirsty. You need to drink water consistently during your round of golf.
When you build up your golf energy by eating good food, adding nutritional supplements, staying hydrated and flexible, you become a stronger golfer and enjoy your golf even more.
Miko Matics
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/nutritional-supplements-and-more-energy-for-golf-123682.html
Categories: golf review Tags: Concentration, Dehydration, Golf Cart, Golf Game, Golf Golf, Golfers, Good Food, Healthy Food, Holes, Loose Energy, Nutritional Food, Nutritional Supplements, Optimal Level, Right Time, Snacks, Succor, Vitamins And Minerals, Vitamins Minerals, Yoga Exercises, Yoga Techniques
4 Essential Things to Bring When Winning Holes in Grupo Mayan Golf Spots
Who can definitely resist playing in a Grupo Mayan golf club? It’s regarded as one of the best in the world. Let’s also not forget that in Mexico, you’re practically blessed with a very fine weather all year round. The grasses are green, and when you’re in a higher-altitude golf course, you can basically see the oceans and seas that surround the country.
However, you are not there to simply stroll in the Grupo Mayan playing field. You are there to swing your clubs and get those balls into their respective holes. Thus, you need some equipment. Surely, these courses will have their own rental facilities. If you have cash, you can go on a Mexican holiday without bringing any golfing gear—you’re just going to rent.
Yet if you want to take the game a little more seriously, you should use your own. After all, you really need to be ultra comfortable with the golf clubs, know how to achieve that perfect swing without losing your grip. So before you try to consider having that Grupo Mayan vacation, make sure that you can include in your Things to Bring list the following items:
Golf Clubs. There are a wide variety of golf clubs that you can use, and they can be made out of different materials, including wood and metal. Most of the golf clubs, too, are available per set. There could be 14 of them in full set or 7 in half set. But if you’re just starting out, you may want to tag along in the Grupo Mayan golf course few individual pieces. You can’t learn how to use all of them, anyway. You better start with 5 irons and a putter. You may want to ask for some advice as to what golf club will be ideal for your height or weight.
Gloves. You can not wear golf gloves when you’re playing in the Grupo Mayan golf course, but there’s always the huge possibility that you will lose your grip. Your hands will perspire and become sweaty. Your hands may also get hurt from constant holding and rubbing of the golf clubs. Thus, you need to have golf gloves. Usually, you only need one glove, and you are going to wear it in your weaker hand. But you can still wear both, if you want to ensure that you can have a very strong grip. Be sure that you can wear these gloves even when practicing your swing, so you can be comfortable with them.
Shoes. There are shoes that are specific for golf, and that’s what you should use—not a running shoes or sneakers. Golf shoes normally have spikes, which make sure that you don’t accidentally move when you’re making the hit. They are also water proof, so you can basically walk around the green even when there is water or it starts to rain.
Golf Bags. Of course, you can’t move around comfortably with golf bags. Pick those that can contain everything you need and you can wear without any problem over your shoulder.
irinaM
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/4-essential-things-to-bring-when-winning-holes-in-grupo-mayan-golf-spots-731421.html
Categories: golf putter Tags: Altitude, Balls, Different Materials, Essential Things, game, Golf Club, Golf Clubs, Golf Course, Golf Gloves, Golfing Gear, Grasses, Holes, irons, Mexican Holiday, Mexico, Oceans, Rent, Swing Clubs, Weather, Weight Gloves
What’s a good way to practice chipping/putting in my basement and have the best feel to actual golf?
I’m guessing I should get a synthetic mat or something?
Buy a putting mat. Try to avoid the kind that are straight, go uphill, then pop out the golf ball back at you. Get the kind with actual holes! Also, i would recommend buying a large net so you can hit real golf balls into it. Obviously, you can’t see where it will land, but you can practice hitting the ball cleanly while chipping, pitching, bump and run, etc. You can also practice full swing by videotaping yourself. Fake golf balls are too light and make the adjustment to the actual golf course too difficult.
Categories: golf putting Tags: Bump And Run, Full Swing, Golf Ball, Golf Balls, Golf Course, Holes, pop, Putting Mat, Real Golf