Noshember: Seeking PGA Players Who Dare to Go Natural

Noshember is a yearly event that I don't claim to understand... at all.

For those unaware, it's a kind of celebration of unkempt manly-ness that revolves around a month long boycott of the common razor.

The goal... for those who decide to participate... is facial hair. And in this case more clearly means better.

The main focus is a kind of "creative beard challenge" that has contestants

Golf and Goblins Postponed by October Nor'easter

The view from my window late afternoon on Saturday the 29th.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. Here in Connecticut, the end of October is generally splendid, featuring brisk air, ample sunshine, clear blue skies and the "perfect sweater weather" that makes golf... and other outdoor activities... a pleasure.

This year however something freaky happened: a snowstorm of historic proportions

Kardashians on Kourse to Enter the Golf Accessories Market

What the Kardashian Kollection Golf Towel might look like

The Kardashians have been called celebutantes, fame whores and TV's face of evil... and granted, those labels don't conjure up a particularly appealing image.

At the same time, the flashy family is frequently described as brilliant and talented... and few would deny the raven-haired clan's ability to collectively generate buzz and make

Ryo Romance has golf journos "exceeding social norms"

Ryo At the Canon Open, Oct 2011  • • •  Photo by Sankei via Getty Images

At barely twenty, Ryo Ishikawa has already had more experience
with the press than most players ever will, and he's
often been praised for the grace with which he handles the throngs of reporters who track his every move.

Recently however things have been
getting a bit out of hand. To the extent that the youthful

A Demure Naked Lady Once Rewarded Golden Age Golfers

Bartlett Hills C.C. - June 15, 1929

It was the early summer of 1929 and America was in the last frothy throes of a decade-long period of economic prosperity.  Bobby Jones would soon soon win his third U.S. Open in a dramatic 36-hole playoff at Winged Foot, meanwhile Tilly himself was putting the finishing touches on Ridgewood Golf Course, and few months later... on the eve of the Wall Street

Sergio Garcia Reclaims Golf's Most Whimsical Trophy

THAT WAS THEN      Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images Europe

It's been a while since Sergio Garcia last hoisted a trophy.

Back in the fall of 2008 when he won the HSBC Champions and ascended to the rank of World Number Two, Sergio seemed poised to fulfill long standing predictions of golf greatness as the planet's top player.  

In reality it was the beginning of a three-year title drought,

Play Your Way to an Awesome Indoor Putting Green

Here's a unique contest... and it that might even help you keep your putting up to par during the upcoming winter respite.  

It takes place at SteveLaporte.com.  What you'll notice first when you get to the site is green... a lot of green... and quite a selection of greens too, as in putting greens.  A variety of expertly engineered, high quality mats... like the one that was famously featured

Golf Apparel & Accessories: The Asia/America Disparity - Part 2

A couple of weeks ago a lively Linkedin discussion broke out concerning global preferences in golf attire.  The topic was launched by Dennis Allen of Back Nine, the new multi-media golf lifestyle and entertainment network.

He posted this: "Golf fashion - is it boring in the USA or is it just me?" 

The thing is, Dennis has a unique perspective.  He's
an American who majored in Japanese and

Golf Apparel & Accessories: The Asia/America Disparity - Part 1

I've often marveled at the sheer variety of golf apparel and accessories available in Japan... not to mention the unabashed whimsicality of many their designs.   You may have seen my musings on the subject right here a time or two. Or ten.  



Well, once again I'm pondering the puzzle of Japan's disproportionate, golf-product plenty.  This time due to a online encounter with

Of Golf Girls, Golf Refugees And The Perfect Golf Course

"Expectations have gotten totally out of control"



I've been a fan of Golf Refugees... and their elegant black balls... for years.

I first discovered the indie eco-golf brand several years ago and was immediately impressed by their passion for golf and their unwavering efforts to fostering a more sustainable game.

Cheeky British humor and killer design are the hallmarks of their awesomely

Golf Ball Painting: An Artistic Autumnal Activity

Here in New England the month of October is know for crisp, clear days and dramatic displays of fall foliage... and the many hues of Autumn make the final weeks of our waining golf season uniquely wonderful.  However there is a bit of downside to the seasonal display... particularly for golfers who have difficulty keeping their balls on fairways.  Such players quickly learn that those gorgeous

A Chance To Play Winged Foot While Lending a Helping Hand

Winged Foot, The Putting Green at Dusk                                            Photo: Golf Girl Media























"Winged Foot is, in sum, a temple to the spirit of golf." -- Joseph C. Dey 
 


Winged Foot is magic. You feel it the moment you pass through its stately stone gate.  Even if you've never played golf... and know nothing of it's history... you sense the magic of the

Map Your Golf Travels: An Artful Display of Places You Play

Everyone has a dream... or two. Actually if you're a golfer you probably have several.  They're the courses you long to play... and I'm guessing you have them on a list somewhere.  I know I do.  I keep mine in a golf journal I've created. It takes up two pages.

There is however a more dynamic, inspiring... artful... way to keep track of the US courses you've played and/or those you dream of

Sergio Garcia In An Awesome Omega Olympics Ad

Sergio Garcia in a gorgeous setting... what more could one ask for on dismal Monday?

Thanks to my German friends at Hook & Slice, I discovered this breathtaking video earlier today. It's from watch maker ...and global golf sponsor... Omega and it promotes the 2016 Olympics.  As most know by now the games will be held in Rio in 2016 and will include golf for the first in over a century.   

In

Is Bubba Watson Justin Bieber's New Swagger Coach?

Newsflash: The "coolest job in the world" is officially available.

You see, word is out that tween-dream singing sensation Justin Bieber, has lost his "Swagger Coach".  One can only assume a replacement is being sought and it appears big-hitting PGA golfer Bubba Watson might be on the singer's short list.

What's a "swagger coach"? you may be asking as I did this earlier this morning.

Well,

TeeTime - Plucky Texas Terrier Gets Free Golf for Life

Photo: John Dewey

Grapevine is a Texas town with a charming historical district, eclectic art galleries and... not surprisingly... numerous wineries.  It's also home to Grapevine Golf Course.

A recently
renovated Byron Nelson and Joe Finger design, Grapevine is one of the most popular courses in an area known for great golf.

Well, a number of years ago a small, scrappy Jack Russel terrier

Meet MiniKawa: Ryo Ishikawa's Cute New Club Cover

Photo: Yoshihiro Iwamoto

If you happen to be in Nagoya Japan this week for the Coca Cola Tokai Classic, you may notice a cute little guy in blue tagging along behind superstar golfer Ryo Ishikawa.

Well that would be MiniKawa, latest addition to the Bashful Prince's club cover collection.   With spiky black hair, a visor and cool looking Swans he's clearly another Ryo wannabe... and on the

Sophie Sandolo Posts Best Golf Job Ever on Facebook

"Looking for a Caddy for the Ladies French Open at Paris International from Thursday thru Sunday... Anyone available? Thanks :)"













When Sophie Sandolo... the gorgeous global golf star known for both her achievements on the Ladies European Tour (including 18 top 10 finishes) and her elegantly erotic calendars... was in suddenly in need of a caddy in Paris for the upcoming Lacoste

On The Road to More Pars - A Golf Growing Crusade

If Christina Ricci has her way, The Road to More Pars will soon become increasingly well traveled.  You see, Christina is passionate about golf... and ultra-committed to seeing the game grow.  ~ To that end, the intrepid marketing executive from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a virtual media empire focused on bringing more players to the game... and making the game more enjoyable,

The Awesome "Getting to Know Alexis Thompson" Infographic

{See Full Size Image}
Although she's already quite familiar to fans of women's golf, Alexis Thompson hasn't yet become a household name, despite the fact that she's made golf history... a couple of times already.

At age 16, the newly crowned Navistar LPGA Classic Champion is seen by many in golf media as the great American hope for women's golf.... and some are even suggesting she may

Presidents Cup - Top 10 Spots Set, Ryo Fans Rejoice

The automatics are in, with ten of the 12 spots on both the international and US teams set... and here they are.  It's now up to the captains to make their two picks.  In fact, US captain Fred Couples has already confirmed that one of his two will be Tiger Woods, leaving room for just one more US player... and it seems that pick is still very much up in the air.  "We still have another week, but

Ryo Ishikawa: Of Milestone Birthdays and Growing Pains

お誕生日おめでとうございます 石川 遼
Ryo Ishikawa, the Japanese teen we've been watching for almost five years is turning twenty.

When he first caught our attention almost five years ago. It was the summer of 2007 and "The Bashful Prince" was a newly minted fifteen-year-old pop culture icon,  having recently become the youngest winner ever of a men's tournament on the Japan Tour.

With a whimsical nickname and

Consistent and Creative: Yani Tseng's Winning Style

Photo by Darren Carroll/Getty Images North America
Yesterday's playoff victory at Pinnacle Rock was just one more sign: Yani Tseng's LPGA dominance is incontrovertible, unambiguous and actual.

Ten career victories, five majors by age 22, money milestones, POY honors and quantifiable uber-consistency... these are some of the highly visible results of Yani's stellar game.

But lets get really

Arab Golf Championships Take Mideastern Golfers to Morocco

During the upcoming week male and female golfers from fifteen countries will take to the fairways at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, in Rabat, capitol of the Kingdom of Morocco.

The 31st Arab Golf Championships begins on September 14th and golfers from Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Libya, Palestine, Bahrain, Syria... and Morroco... will compete at

Bunker Basics - The Golf Girl Sand Save Money Shot

Before I started playing golf my exposure to different types of courses was limited to the occasional televised snippet I'd catch by chance. Green and flowery or wet and wind-swept, as a disinterested non-golfer, the nuances were basically lost on me... a golf course was simply a golf course.

They all had bunkers though, and from Augusta National's pristine pools of pure white quartz to the deep

An Unwelcome Interloper Leaves Golf Courses Waterlogged

Tunxis Plantation Golf Course in Farmington, CT  - - -  Photo: courant.com
The past couple of days have been picture perfect here in Connecticut;  temps in the high 70s... bright sunshine... low humidity.  Ideal weather for golf.  Except that many courses have been closed due to flooded fairways and waterlogged greens, remnants of the weekend visit of an unwelcome interloper by the name

The Liberty Cup - Cristie Kerr's Two-Day Charity Golf Event

Windows were rattled, branches were broken and a number of streets were flooded but Metro NY managed to avoid the worst of hurricane Irene.

Most New York City subways, buses and commuter trains will be back to normal tomorrow morning after a complete shut-down in anticipation of what could have been a far more destructive weather event. 

Better yet, the next several days are expected to be dry

Artful Facebook Nudity Leads to Golf Team Suspension

Is artful nudity a breach of golf etiquette? Photo via SFGate
Competetive golf is a demanding, highly diciplined pursuit, so it's only natural that players might want to let loose a bit when they're not on the course.  
Off-course activities can sometimes go awry however, and the inventive young men of the Bethany College golf team appear to have earned themselves a suspension for their

Revisitation: A Changing World & The Golf Courses of Libya

+19178470296 / florio@floriophoto.com     © Jason Florio
Six Months ago, the world was watching Libya as protests began to spread across the country from the eastern city of Benghazi.  At that time many felt the North African nation would quickly be liberated... that it would just be a matter of weeks... or even days... till Muammar Qaddafi, the county's impetuous leader, resigned or fled. 

Awesome Infographics - PGA Championship Visual Overview

Infographic by BlueClaw for Direct Golf UK
Before the final major of the PGA Tour's 2011 season is relegated to the golf history books, you'll want to have a look at the attached infographic, created for specialist golf retailer, Direct Golf UK by the creative folks at Blueclaw Media. 


If you read this blog you know about my obsession with infographics... and golf infographics in

Garrulous Golf Instruction, Sexy Shakira Style

Some simply know her as a beautiful and talented singer but Shakira also has an affinity for golf, one that's  been quite well documented... in fact, it's been featured in the pages of this blog in the past. 


A couple of years ago the gorgeous Colombian spoke to celeb golfer George Lopez about her love for the game. He was clearly impresses. Shakira also counts professional golfers among her

Another First for Icelandic Golfer Olafur Loftsson

Ólafur Björn Loftsson Courtesy:  Charlotte Sports Information
A few months ago Ólafur Björn Loftsson, hit his first hole-in-one, in round 1 of the A-10 Championship.  His ace helped the Charlotte 49ers make history, winning a League-Record Sixth A-10 Men's Golf Title.

Then... just yesterday... the young man from Gardabaer, Iceland captured another history-making win at the Cardinal

NYC Area Golf Experiences - Putnam National Golf Course

Stacy Solomon, Mike Wolfe & I - Photo: Golf4Beginners
This past Thursday,  the New York metropolitan area enjoyed what will probably be its most beautiful summer day of 2011.  In a season that frequently featured oppressive heat and high humidity, the clearblue skies and bright sunshine were pleasantly tempered by cool breezes and the occasional cottony cumulus.

It was a perfect day for the

Je Cherche le Foulard Golf - Seeking Golf Scarf

If I could create a silk scarf, with a golf theme... it would look a lot like this. Hot pink and turquoise...lots of flowers and whimsically rendered little golf things.  Oh, and in theory it's also available in a navy/pearl gray combination.  In case the pink/turquoise makes you want to thow up or something.  is too girly for you.

The thing is, these scarfs were once available at the French

Ryo Ishikawa - Grace, Game & A Growing US Fanbase

Ryo Ishikawa - Bridgestone Invitational / Photo: AP
I was on my way out of Akron when I received the photo at left in a message from my Japanese friend, Noriko.  With it she wrote:

"Ryo has played greatly ! Hope he plays well at the final round. I believe you like his cute smile below ..."

Heading north on OH-8 N towards Twinsburg, the midwestern landscape simmered in the steamy late

Maki Uchida - Golf Photography That Transcends Golf

Photos: Maki Uchida / Uchida Times

The allure of golf is hard to explain, even for those with a passion for the game. 

Whether one plays obsessively several times a week, or simply makes a point to watch The Masters each year, it's often hard to answer the inevitable, "what do you like about golf " question.

If you're reading this blog, you know the question I'm talking about. It's the one

The Inspiring Story Behind Scott Stallings' Rookie Win

Way back in March, when this was happening...  I wrote this:



c/o BNET/Chief Executive Golfer
March 17, 2011 - A couple of days ago I finally got a chance to check out  Chief Executive Golfer,  a blog written by PGA Tour rookie, Scott Stallings, for BNET, the CBS interactive business network.

The PGA Reshuffle: What Happens When You're Not Making Money was what caught my eye.  It was Scott's

Ai Miyazato Has The World's Sexiest Golf Swing

I want what she's having.



Ai Miyazato brings an extraordinary grace to the golf swing... even in the pouring rain. Hers is one of those swings that many attempt to copy... for obvious reasons.

Beating the Heat With Night Golf at Highland Greens

.


Night golf at Highland Greens




















For the past week, it's been a sauna around here.

The National Weather Service issued heat warnings,  then Excessive Heat Warnings. Cooling centers have been set up in most cities and towns.

ER Physicians... who've been seeing twice their usual number of patients due to heat-related ills... are suggesting that everyone "try to avoid exercise

"An Excuse for Eccentricity" - Golf Inspires Prada

Creators of golf apparel often cite the fashion runways as inspiration for their designs, but the reverse was true last month in Milan at Prada's 2012 Menswear show in Milan... and the ironic thing is: Miuccia Prada hates golf.

Then again, the Italian designer has been quite open about being inspired by things she's not fond of and in this case she did admit that the wacky world surrounding golf

Identical Swingers: Curious Tales of Twin Golfers

A couple of years ago I wrote a fun little post about twin golfers.

Being a twin myself... and a mediocre but enthusiastic recreational golfer... it was a topic that intrigued me, and I was delighted to find several sets of female twins playing professionally in different parts of the world.

Seoul Sisters Aree and Naree Song, mediagenic Brits, Samatha and Johanna Head, and

Tee It Forward and Weigh in for a Chance to Win

Check your ego at the tips & play like a Tour Player
If you haven't tried it yet, this would be the ideal weekend to tee it forward.

TEE IT FORWARD... for those who don't know... is a new national initiative from the PGA of America and United States Golf Association that's encouraging golfers to consider switching it up a bit... and playing from the same relative distance as a touring

Golf Pigeon: An Awesome All You Can Eat Golf Buffet

Illustration via golfpigeon.com
It's amazing how much golf there is on the Internet these days.

News coverage, at the professional level, is non-stop... and thanks to niche golf bloggers with eclectic passions, it goes way beyond the top-tier tours.

Any kind of golf product or service you can imagine... and a few you probably never imagined...  can also be found; presented and reviewed on

Derek Jeter: Memorable Golf Shots & Augusta Dreams

The weekend's biggest sports story didn't revolve around golf.  That's not to says there isn't a connection, however.

When Derek Jeter  hit the 3,000 mark on Saturday at Yankee Stadium,  he broke baseball records and secured himself a spot in the baseball hall of fame. 

Golfers and golf fans may wish to know a bit more about the mega-star's golf preferences, and while those preferences have

Ryo Ishikawa Serves Snow Cones and Lifts Spirits

What could be better on a hot, humid day than a good old fashioned snow cone?

A snow cone prepared by Ryo Ishikawa perhaps.

Earlier this week in Japan's Miyage Prefecture... where many have been living in shelters since the disastrous earthquake and tsunami... the "Bashful Prince" and other JGTO players, served shaved ice topped with flavored syrup after entertaining the area's children with a

Golf Clubs, Designer Bags & An Odd Upscale Robbery

The brazen burglar didn't have much of a pre-shot routine. 

From what I could see, he walked right into his set-up and took his swing. Of course his alignment was off and a couple more swings were necessary before he ultimately reached his target.


The incident took place in West Hollywood,  just minutes from Wilshire Country Club, and it was  captured on video.  This however, was not the kind

Bubba Watson in France & an Era of Big Personalities

June 30, 2011 - Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images Europe



















The biggest story in golf this weekend will probably end up being the one about Bubba Watson's behavior in France.

The fractious Floridian has assumed the mantel of golf's newest newsmaker... following in the footsteps of Tiger’s Knee and Lucas Glover’s Beard... because of a "rant" he launched upon missing the cut

Tiger's Beard, Ryo's "Makiroi" & Golf Guy Grooming

Tiger Woods, photo:Getty Images / / / / / / / / / Ryo Ishikawa, Photo: スポニチ

The Tiger Woods facial hair story is a couple of days old now, and while it's never officially trended on Twitter,  it has generated... and continues to generate... a steady stream of commentary/discussion.

Tiger Woods' Beard even has its own facebook page... and has been described by sports writers in a variety of

The Ike Championship: Sudden Death at Somerset Hills

via MGAgolfer
A classic playoff battle on an enchanting golden age golf course. It doesn't get much better than that, and so went the MGA's 56th Ike Championship.

The event took place over two days at Somerset Hills Country Club in the pastoral countryside of Northern New Jersey. The course, built on the site of a former racetrack by A.W.Tillinghast in 1917, features a layout that contrasts

Lacoste Golf: Yani Tseng, Cristie Kerr & The Crocodile

 Lacoste Golf has a Facebook Page
The best women golfers in the world wear Lacoste.

W#1 Yani Tseng, just won a record breaking fourth major yesterday in a Short Sleeve 5 Button Stretch Pique Polo. It was a bright Begonia Pink and,  of course, emblazoned with a tiny green crocodile.

The familiar reptile was also present on Cristie Kerr's polo... a black version of the same classically designed

#Winning Golf Tweet of the Week - June 26, 2011

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Ryo Ishikawa Poised to Pounce at the Mizuno Open

撮影：岩井康博  / Photo: Yasuhiro Iwa
Upon his return to Japan last week... after a T30 finish at the US Open...  Ryo Ishikawa spoke with characteristic humility, admitting, "I came to painfully realize just how big of a gap there is between me and the rest of the world"

The Japanese golf star... like golfers, golf journalist and golf fans everywhere... was reacting to Rory McIlroy's huge win

Simply the Best - Rory McIlroy Gets a Donkey Tee

Less than a week ago Rory McIlroy was just another young gun.  An ultra-talented players who might someday win a major... or two.  But that all changed when he won the 2011 US Open... breaking several records and impressing even those who hadn't quite warmed up to him.

And now there's a Donkey Tee in his honor.

Women's Day at the Travelers Championship

Connecticut weather can be capricious.

Today for example, the heavy clouds bought several down-pours, punctuated by periods where the sky seemed to be clearing...only to go dark again and produce yet another deluge.

In the end play was suspended before noon, allowing only six players to complete their rounds.

Meanwhile,  the third annual Travelers Championship Women's Day was sold out, and

2011 Wegmans LPGA Championship - Cristie Kerr's Pragmatic Optimism

Getty Images via LPGA.com
Pragmatic Optimism.

I know, it sounds like an oxymoron. However, I'd guess it's actually a good way to approach competitive golf. Right? I mean, of course you don't want to let negative thoughts to compromise your confidence, but neither do you want to let overconfidence prevent you from "playing smart".

Cristie Kerr was a picture of that perfect balance yesterday

Travelers Championship = An Awesome Week in CT

The umbrella green at dusk via @TravelersChamp
The 111th US Open is now part of golf history, memorable for the myriad records broken by Rory McIlroy... and for the young Ulsterman's uplifting story. Rory's rapid redemption... after his final round letdown at the Masters... gave hope to golfers everywhere.

Those who participated in the event... particularly those who worked for months (and

Rory McIlroy: The Huge Win & Inevitable Girlfriend Tweets

.bbpBox82623063283347456 {background:url(http://a0.twimg.com/images/themes/theme1/bg.png) #C0DEED;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:

Rory Mcilroy - Holywood Legend With Major Dreams

Angus Murray via GOLF.com





















He hails from Holywood.

Holywood, Northern Ireland, where Rory McIlroy's "legend" status is already sealed... and this weekend it looks like one of his Major dreams may well come true.

2011 US Open - Ryo Ishikawa, Bubblegum Flatbiller

June 14, 2011 - Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America2011-06-14 16:00:00

High Heel Golf Blogger Inspires Rickie Fowler's Ace

::
Jennifer Harris w/Rickie Fowler via HighHeelGolfer.com
You've probably seen the video of Rickie Fowler's utterly implausible Red Bull ace... the one he hit blind off an elevated tee at Washington D.C.'s Historic Georgetown Waterfront.   If you haven't, you'll want to have a look.  It's quite impressive. To say the least.

The miraculous hole-in-one was hit as part of  "Red Bull Capital Drive

Breakthrough Weekend for Not-So-Young Guns

Robert Rock, photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images || Harrison Frazar, photo:AP
Robert Rock's first career win was nine years coming, while Harrison Frazar clinched his maiden professional victory after 355 starts.

At 34 and 39 respectively, this weekend's winners... on the European Tour and the US PGA Tour respectively... clearly aren't what we've come to know as "Young Guns".

The word "

Cristie Kerr Donates & Defends at State Farm Classic

Dr. Tom Robbins, SCI director, Cristie Kerr Sara Howe, breast cancer survivor
Cristie Kerr climbed the leader board at Panther Creek Country Club today with a 67 that put her into a tie for ninth as she enters the weekend looking to defend her title at the LPGA State Farm Classic ...and to secure a win after two runner-up finishes.

In addition to her work on the golf course, the 14 time LPGA

Ishikawa Incident Illustrates Cultural Dichotomy

Photo: AFP/File, Yoshikazu Tsuno
Ryo Ishikawa, one of our favorite golfers, recently had an issue with his driving. It didn't happen on the golf course, and it has nothing to do with distance, in fact, at the 2011 Masters the Japanese superstar was ranked fifth in driving distance.

What happened to Ryo, was the kind of thing that happens to many 19-year-olds: He got into trouble for an

Spanish Golf Blogger Finds ProAm Partner in Bathtub

Ladies Tenerife Match Play - June 10-12
On a sunny Spanish island several hundred miles off the coast of North Africa the stage is set for Tenerife Ladies Matchplay.

A new format for the Ladies European Tour, the event will be played at the Golf Las Américas course in Tenerife and it'll allow players get some matchplay practice in before the upcoming Solheim Cup. The competition will take

Golf Girl Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Makeover

Original album cover illustration by Anne-Marie Anderson
I'd been playing golf for almost a year... and writing about the game here at Golf Girl's Diary for several months... when a fellow golf blogger told me about Golf Girl: the song.

Actually, he sent me a link that led to a grainy YouTube video featuring a live recording of what turned out to be an enchantingly whimsical song by a band

Ryo Ishikawa Works to Resolve Short Game Struggles

 Photo: YURIKO NAKAO Credit: REUTERS
Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan earlier today, Ryo Ishikawa responded sagely to questions about his recent on-course struggles.

The Japanese superstar... who is not yet twenty... has missed the cut in his last two tournaments and carded an uncharacteristic 12-over 83 in the first round of the Japan Golf Tour Championship. His fans

Of Rock Canyons & Velvet Fairways - Mesquite Golf

The Covered Wagon at Conestoga Golf Club - Photo: Golf Girl Media


















In a lot of ways, Mesquite is quintessentially American.

The town is located about an hour north of Las Vegas, across an expanse of largely uninhabited desert, that makes it seem far more isolated than it actually is.  A jagged silhouette of sandstone peaks is constantly on the horizon, and approaching Mesquite

Golf Travel - A Memorable Week in Mesquite

Mesquite Golf Collage - Golf Girl Media




















After an awesome week of golf in the sublime paysage of the Virgin River Valley, I have quite a bit to write about.

For the moment I'm catching up with a mountain of email and re-acclimating myself to the the lush, leafy Connecticut landscape. However, during coming week I'll be posting numerous stories on my amazing adventure:  the

Ryo Ishikawa's Rickie Fowler Look Makes Headlines

Takahashi Tomohiko [Photo]
As you've probably heard, Ryo Ishikawa played his way into the OWGR top 50 last weekend, and in so doing secured a spot at Congressional for the 2011 US Open.

This week the stylish Japanese teenager is playing in the Diamond Cup... an annual tournament on the JGT... where he took an early lead and created quite a bit of buzz among followers of fairway fashion. 

You

Golf Logos & The Golden Bear's Manly Man Makeover

I love logos!  At their best they're a melding of memorable art and effective communication; the graphic symbol of an identity... corporate or personal.

Golf is big on logos.  Now more than ever, as players, tournaments, country clubs and manufacturers seek to distinguish themselves in a highly competitive marketplace.  A memorable logo... one that truly evokes the values of a particular brand..

Ruling Goes Awry When Golf Cart Malfunctions

"Am I on Candid Camera?"
Warning: The video you're about to see contains scenes that may be disturbing to young or sensitive viewers.

Others however, may not be able to contain their laughter, at least once they hear that "no one was hurt during this ruling other than the golf cart".

The incident took place at a recent LET event, and it all started when Anja Monke's ball landed on the cart

Golf Writer Celebrates Despite Triple Crown Letdown

Many in the thoroughbred racing world were none too pleased with the outcome of Saturday's race.

It was the Preakness, where the collective hopes of horse racing fans have often been dashed, and Derby winner Animal Kingdom lost by just a half-length, effectively ending all hopes of a 2011 Triple Crown winner.  There hasn't been one of those in over three decades, so when a nervous, overheated

In Chilly NH, The 2011 Handa Cup Goes to Team USA

Though, there was little sun at Wentworth-by-the-Sea. , the team USA managed to shine at the Handa Cup this past weekend, winning seven of the twelve matches and capturing the trophy.

Hannaford and Kraft Foods, were the presenting sponsors and presented a check to The First Tee of New Hampshire and The First Tee of Maine in the amount of $75,000. Additionally, a check for $25,000 was donated

Global Golf - India's Extraordinary Urban Golfers

The disparity between rich and poor bridged for a time by a shared passion for golf.
ESPN E:60 from Evolve IMG Films Ltd. on Vimeo.

Fighting Thin: Overcoming Your Fear of the Ground

Developing a comfort level for taking divots
I had big plans this week, that didn't quite happen.

My intention was to head down to Jersey early in the week to watch Sybase practice rounds at Hamilton Farm Golf Course, then turn around and spend the weekend up at Wentworth by the Sea cheering on team USA at The Handa Cup.

In the end an onerous non-golf writing project presented itself that was

Golfer's Lament: When Iceland Lives Up to Its Name

One of my golf goals, as I've said before, is to play a round under the midnight sun... in Iceland.

The numerous courses and uniquely dramatic landscape are said to offer an exotic and varied experience for golfers of all levels... and a 10:00 PM tee time would only add to the awesomeness.

Okay, I realize a country called Iceland might sound a bit frosty for some, but the island nation in the

Ryo Ishikawa Works Towards US Open This Weekend

ゴルフ・笑顔の石川 ~ The Ishikawa Golf Smile
Ryo Ishikawa, may have certainly has the number one most charming smile in golf, but he currently sits at 53 in the World Golf Rankings... which means he'll need a top finish this weekend to be exempt for the US Open at Congressional in June. 

He's playing in the Totoumi Hamamatsu Open this week at Grandee Hamanako Golf Club in Shizuoka, and will go into

La France Élue! France Will Host the 2018 Ryder Cup

Back in November I wrote about The World Amateur Team Championship where French amateur champion Alexander Levy's 50 foot birdie putt on the 17th hole at Buenos Aires Golf Club helped Team France earn their first Eisenhower Trophy in spectacular fashion.

Mr. Levy, his talented teammate Romain Wattel and 2009 World Amateur Champion Victor Dubuisson... along with awesome Alexandre Kalek, a

The 2018 Ryder Cup: Countdown to the Decision

In a matter of hours, at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, the 2018 Ryder Cup venue will be revealed.  Wentworth is where the idea behind the popular biennial golf competition between the US and Europe was born.  Tomorrow at 7:00am ET to be exact (11:55 BST/12:55 CET), the announcement will be made and streamed live on europeantour.com and rydercup.com

Golfers... and golf

So, What's Your Price... for a Golf Date?

Everyone has a price.

At least that's premise... and the playful predictable tag line... for a new dating site that's kind of like an auction... of sorts.

You may well have heard of it, because though it only officially launched on May 1st,  it's generated a prodigious amount of press.  You see, What'sYOURprice.com, is an online dating website and marketplace where users can buy... or sell...

Finnish Golfer Wins 2011 North Korean Open

The 2011 DPRK Amateur Golf Open is in the books… and by all accounts it was a stellar success.

The awesome event took place on the 29th April 2011 and was covered by journalists from the Associated Press and by Japanese and Korean media.  And how’s this for global golf: there were 17 competitors, from 8 different countries.  The nationalities included UK, South Africa, Finland, France,

DWTS Update - Aussie Golfers Vote for Jan Stephenson

In a Twitter dispatch from down under, I learned that golfer Jan Stephenson had fared quite well in her Dancing With the Stars debut, receiving "scores of 6 ,7 & 4 for a total of 17". 

For the uninitiated... myself included... this may not mean much, but suffice to say that it's taken Jan to round 2, which will air in Australia next Sunday.
  
Here in the US we have our own dancing stars, and

THE PLAYERS - Tim Clark's Tribute to Seve Ballesteros

Spanish Flag at TPC Sawgrass via @Joel_Schuchmann 


It hardly seems like a year ago that Tim Clark turned the tables.

On May 9, 2010... exactly one year ago... Mr. Clark won THE PLAYERS Championship and silenced the snarky scribes, who would never again be able to refer to him as a bridesmaid extraordinaire.  In addition, at 5' 7" he proved... once and for all... that tall is indeed,

The Unique Genius of Seve Ballesteros 1957-2011

There's so much one can say about Seve Ballesteros.

His singular place in golf history had been established long before his death today, based on a winning combination of quantifiable factors... like five major championships and a 20-12-5 Ryder Cup record... and more abstract elements;  imagination, astounding artistry, swashbuckling fearlessness, and a rare generosity.

Death is a fact of life

The Iceland Open Experience: An Awesome Adventure

Here in CT, we're just coming out of a long, cold winter, so it may seem counterintuitive to be talking about golf in iceland. Or any other place with ice in its name.

However, this is all about planing ahead which is often a good idea when it comes to a golf trip, and the Iceland Open Experience is more than just a golf trip.  In fact, it's a full-on sporting adventure that happens over four

Sweet Young Things and a Sexy Campaign to Sell Golf

It was Australian golfer Jan Stephenson who first popularized the idea that LPGA stars should openly embrace a "sex-sells" approach to marketing their game.

A couple of decades later, even though she won many international titles and attained the rank of number one in the world, she is still best known for bringing glamour... and a bathtub full of golf balls... to the ladies game.

Now, the

International Showdown by the Sea - The Handa Cup

It's an international match play tournament:  the US vs the rest of the world.

Team rosters... listed below... have been announced by captains Kathy Whitworth (USA) and Pia Nilsson (World). Among the players, you'll notice, are a number of veritable golf legends... which shouldn't come as too much of a surprise; this is the Handa Cup we're talking about... an LPGA Legends Tour event.

The

A Somewhat Sexier Look at the World Golf Rankings

Last week I lamented the dourness of the OWGR's website and their "just the facts ma'am" style of presenting data.

The subject of who actually is the #1golf in the world is generating quite a lively debate at the moment. One that would/could only be enhanced by some sexy visuals.  So with some help from my friends at IBM and their awesome Many Eyes project I've made a modest start at sexing up

New York City Golfers Start Season at Chelsea Piers

An awesome golf event for the entire family!
Those in and around New York City are waking up this morning to a picture perfect Spring day. After a winter that broke snow fall records and seemed to go on forever, the urge to get out and enjoy is inevitably going to be rather strong overwhelming. Happily for golfers... and aspiring golfers... the stellar Spring weather coincides with the 8th

A Professional Golfer Will Dance With the Stars

A while back Natalie Gulbis revealed that she'd love to be on  Dancing With the Stars.  
Well that hasn't happened yet, but Jan Stephenson, another "bubbly" blonde golfer, will be joining the line-up for Series 11 of Australia's DWTS.  
Jan Stephenson won three majors and 16 events in her extraordinary LPGA career but is often referenced as "the golfer who posed naked in a bath tub of golf balls

US Golfers Ready to Celebrate the Royal Wedding

You are invited... to a viewing of the Marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, KG with Miss Catherine Middleton at the Lebanon Golf and Country Club on Friday, 29th April at 11:00 a.m.

The Finest Hat contest: Three hats will be chosen as the "Finest" and the wearers will receive a piece of the official Royal Wedding China.

A breakfast will be served that will be a sampling of

Davis Love III - Inspiration, Confidence & New Media

Dove broke barriers in the marketing of its skin care products several years ago with the Campaign for Real Beauty.  Aimed at women and girls, it featured "real-looking" models and was seen by many as a timely critique of the unrealistic standards set by the beauty industry. 

Earlier this year Dove... a Unilever brand...  launched the first advertising campaign for its male grooming brand, 

OWGR Needs to Serve Up Some Sexy Infographics

For the time being, the era of an ultra-dominant W#1 golfer is over.

This reality has opened the door for some bombastic opinionating thoughtful discussion on the system by which golf's top player is determined.

As Lee Westwood recaptured the top spot... then quickly grew weary of of the public polemic surrounding it... myriad opinion posts and countless Twitter debates have

My Favorite Global Golf Ball Marker

Don't get me wrong... I like an over-the-top ball marker as much as anyone.

For example, I love TRI Markers. The fine gold and platinum circles encrusted with precious stones are available in an number of different color combinations and can be had for $1,500 and up... way up actually: $10,000 for the diamond-on-platinum.  A statement-making accessory if ever there was one. --->

I also like the

Perseverance Pays Off for Nicolas Colsaerts

When I think of Belgium I think of beer.. or Brel... but I don't generally think of professional golfers.

In fact the last time a Belgian won on the European Tour was almost three decades ago when Phillipe Toussaint edged out Bob Shearer in a sudden death playoff at the Benson & Hedges Festival of Golf in 1974.

However, for the past ten years there's been a young man striving to put the Kingdom

Earth Day ShoutOut: For Businesses With Balls

As I mentioned yesterday, we're taking Earth Day right through the weekend with shoutouts for environmentally conscious golfers, golf companies and golf courses.

Ecobioball - A single use golf ball that's perfect for use where balls are just hit for swing practice, like from cruise liners.  This 100% biodegradable golf ball can take the full swing of a professional, yet biodegrades

Earth Day ShoutOut: The Awesome Golf Refugees

Happy Earth Day!

Golf... as I wrote earlier in the week... is a lot greener than most casual observers realize.  Organizations and initiatives to reduce golf’s environmental impact are multiplying... and they're creating a golf culture focused on protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of the game.

In fact, it's now difficult to imagine golf development of any sort

Miracle Birdies - Jim Furyk's Awesome New Initiative

No sport gives more to charity than the golf does.

It's a game that's giving back on all levels too, from the professional tours and individual touring pros to local tournaments and the avid... or occasional... golfers who play in them.

Just about every golf manufacturer I know... and I know a lot of them... is supporting one or more causes as well, and doing so with exceptional commitment

China Panda-monium: Sergio Garcia, Cute & Cuddly

I'm a huge fan of Sergio Garcia ... and a huge fan of baby Panda bears.  So when sexy Señor Garcia met cute and cuddly, Ya Yun yesterday... at the Chendu Panda Base Breeding center in Chengdu, China...  it was definitely a photo-op that piqued my interest.

Sergio is in China's Sichuan Province for the Volvo China Open which takes place this week at Luxehills International Country Club.

Earth Week & Golf That's Good for the Environment

Yesterday marked the start of Earth Week, a time for putting environmental issues into the spotlight and focusing on our collective concern for the planet.  In principal at least.

There's a fairly widespread perception among non-golfers, that golfers, golf course developers and golf course owners consistently disregard environmental concerns for over-irrigation, abundant use of synthetic

Matteo Manassero: A Second Win & Still Seventeen

I heard more than one golf fan lamenting the absence of Matteo Manassero at the Masters last week.

After all, a year ago he'd been the youngest ever to make the cut in Augusta.  He followed that up with a win at the Castello Masters in October and became the youngest ever to win on the European Tour.
 
Those accomplishments weren't enough to get him into this year's Masters however.  Though

Suddenly Sexy Schwartzel... Struggles With Jet Lag

Until recently, Charl Schwartzel was way under the radar.

Despite his seven European Tour wins and a multitude of Top 10/Top 20 finishes, his (rather unusual) name was known only to avid golf fans with a global bent

That all changed on Sunday, when the South African donned a green jacket, posed for endless photos and trended on Twitter.  His Masters win was unexpected and impressive, coming as

The Green Velvet Majesty of Augusta National

John Updike dreamed about golf and wrote of his dreams in prose so lovely and lyrical it inevitably makes me smile... or cry.   Really beautiful things do that to me.

Since I started writing this blog I've read volumes on the singular beauty of Augusta National so I probably should have anticipated an emotional response, but my golf roots aren't deep... my family doesn't play

Once Upon a Time at the Masters

Image: Via HistoricGolfPhotos.com






















No matter how wondrous a particular event or experience may be, it seems we're compelled... as 21st century humans... to move on quickly.  These days...with the availability of instant information on almost everything... our attention spans are shorter than ever.

The Masters, despite its otherworldly awesomeness, is not immune to this

The Otherworldly Awesomeness of The Masters

I left Augusta this morning.  En route back home after four days at the Masters, I'm feeling somewhat melancholy. Post-Masters blues? I think that's what I've got.
 
I'm currently in Charlotte, NC waiting for a flight that will take me back to the chilly, gray skies and brown lawns of Connecticut.

I've written about golf for several years now and have attempted... more than once...

The Springtime of a Dashing Young Spaniard

Golf meant nothing to me growing up.  Which may seem strange when you consider that my first twenty years were spent in Greenwich, CT, where cloistered country clubs... and the golf courses within them... are almost as ubiquitous as the fine restaurants and expensive emporiums that line the town's main shopping street.

However, Greenwich is a coastal community too, and I spent my summers

The 12th Hole at Augusta - An Impressive Display

They call it Golden Bell.  The narrow green...  protected by Rae's Creek in front and a cloud of bright pink azaleas behind... is incredibly beautiful.  Ben Hogan Bridge leads to the cloistered corner and adds a mystical element.

It's no surprise that many artists have been inspired by the 12th hole.  However the artist who created the above representation did so in a rather unique way...

Great US Golf Destinations Attract Some Wild Vistors

I hardly blame the family of felines.

After all the Scottsdale golf course where they were spotted relaxing recently has been called one of the most picturesque courses in the world.

The mother mountain lion and her two cubs were spotted on the fourth hole of Desert Mountain Club's Cochise Course... as the lounged on the fairway of the 546-yard, par-5 hole.

Linda Borman, a resident of Desert

Navarino Dunes Revealed - Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12

Not surprisingly, the recent release of EA Sports' spectacular new Tiger Woods game was all about Augusta National.  After all, even the most casual golf fan is intrigued by the Masters and by the cloistered, velvety-green sanctuary of a course that hosts it each year.

But the latest edition of the Tiger Woods franchise features a number of other new courses as well. These will

Nude Golf has a New Venue: Karlskoga Golfklubb

Newsflash: Karlskoga Golfklubb, in central Sweden, is relaxing their dress code... significantly.

Effective immediately as soon as it warms up a bit, "country club conservative" will be replaced by "clothing optional" on the fairways of this established course. You see, the golf club has recently partnered with a local "naturalist club" and Karlskoga General Manger, Sven Nödtorftig, embraced

GolfGirl Infographics - 2011 Masters, Early Picks

Infographics are awesome.  Marketers love them - that's a given - but so do regular folks, and these days they're everywhere; offering a whimsical visual representation of virtually anything,  from the cause of jet lag... to the cost of a latte... to the demographics of the internet.

At their simplest infographics are merely charts or graphs,  but they can also be compelling works

A Chat With the Enlightened Golfer - Blog Talk Radio

A bit later today... 12noon ET to be exact... I'll be joining Golf Goddess Margarit Brigham of Enlightened Golfer to talk about... golf.

We'll discuss the state of the recreational game... on course and online... and we'll touch upon some of awesome organizations that are working to make golf more accessible. Particularly for women. We'll talk about how golf media has grown exponentially, and

German Golf, Ryder Cup 2018 & Sandra Gal's Win

I had to smile when I heard about Sandra Gal's win at the Kia Classic yesterday.

The first thing I thought of were the headlines it would produce. Any time a golfer has a last name that's also a word, things can get ...well... weird. Who'll ever forget the Jim Nantz reciting Bette Midler in honor of Justin Rose debacle, right? Needless to say, I was expecting the worst. -->



However,  thus far

Playa del Carmen: Superlative Golf & a Very Sexy Hotel

A couple of decades ago Playa del Carmen was the small, sleepy fishing village tourists passed through on their way to Cozumel.  Now it's the center of the Mexican Rivera, and has itself become a mecca for travelers seeking a south-of-the-boarder holiday on the Caribbean Sea. Playa offers Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches and golf.  Lots of golf.

There's the Norman designed El Camaleón Golf

Golf Club Cutie and a Weekend Facelift

Two human years, it's been theorized, is like 10 in blog years, which means Golf Girl's Diary is approaching 45... and I realized a few days ago that the time had come for a facelift.

I didn't want to do anything radical, just a quick fix to reverse the signs of aging... without down time or risk of complications, if you know what I mean...and if you've ever inadvertently messed up the coding

Tiger on Today's Young Guns: "I'd Go Watch Ryo"

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It was boorish question,  but Tiger Woods didn't hesitate to answer it.

Asked who he'd most like to follow among the next generation if he were a fan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the answer came quickly:  "For me personally, I would go watch Ryo"

Tiger then attempted to explain the unique appeal of the Japanese superstar, mentioning basic characteristics like his gentle demeanour and

Funny Golf Tweets - A Repetitive Scavenger Hunt

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Raph's Rousing Win & Tiger's Take on the French Bid

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My first official round of golf took place in France, on a municipal course just outside of Paris, and my biggest cheerleader in learning the game has been a Frenchman.  That same Frenchman is also my favorite and at times most annoying playing partner. The French Open, back in 2007, was my first time at a professional golf tournament.



Without a doubt, France has a major place

JLPGA - Raising Funds & Facing Event Cancellations

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The LPGA took giving to a whole new level at the inaugural Founder's Cup this past weekend, with the entire $1 million purse going to charity.  Half the amount went to Girls Golf and the other half to player designated charities with quite a few players choosing Japan Relief charities for their shares. 



Meanwhile half a world away a group of JLPA players... their country

Portrait of a Golf Girl by Mike Belindo

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Remember last week I told you about the social media golfers in Spain who've launched Twittour, a Twitter-based golf tour?  Well the Twittour website was designed by one of those golfers, David Amezqueta, and a couple of days ago he sent me the above rendering of... @GolfGirl. She's a whimsical Marge Simpson look-alike who clearly loves the color pink.

David is from Pamplona and has his own

Cristie Kerr Honored at "Celebrity Fight Night"

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It was quite a weekend for Cristie Kerr.

Her fourth place finish today at the inaugural RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup means that her designated charities will share in the $1 million all-charity purse.  Not surprisingly, Birdies for Breast Cancer the charity she founded five years ago and has worked for tirelessly, will get one half of her $40 thousand winnings.  The other

Japanese Fans Take Comfort in Ryo's Message Home

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Several days ago Ryo Ishikawa posted a message on his blog for the people of Japan.  One of my Japanese friends, Noriko Imano, told me about it and supplied her translation.

Even though I'm in the US, I can feel that people in Japan keep calm and cooperate closely. 
I'm very proud of this as a Japanese, from the bottom of my heart. 
At the same time, I've been thinking what I

Golf Season Starts at The Connecticut Golf Show

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With temperatures rising into the fifties and the last traces of snow quickly (finally) melting away,  courses here in CT... and throughout the tri-state area... are preparing to welcome the season's first golfers.

Meanwhile, area golfers can get back into the swing of things at the new Connecticut Golf Show, which starts tomorrow and runs throughout the weekend at the Connecticut Convention

Men's Golf Fashion - The Fuller Cleveland?

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Last year at this time it seemed the latest revival of the Full Cleveland had finally played itself out.

After two seasons of near ubiquity, many assumed it was headed back into hibernation for a decade or so, as it's done a number of times in the past.

Apparently however, that assumption was misguided as recent tournaments have yielded several sightings of the sartorial

Birdy & Grace Seek the 2011 Golf Woman of the Year

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Spring is just around the bend, and the search is on.

Birdy & Grace, has launched its second annual search for the Golf Woman of the Year, so if you know a woman with a passion for golf, family, fitness and community... or if you are that woman... listen up! ~ Because that's the type of woman they're looking for.

An “everyday woman", who inspires or helps others through the way she lives her

Ryo Ishikawa Shows Amazing Strength at Doral

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Here at Golf Girl's Diary our Ryo Ishikawa obsession is well known.

Normally our stories are light-hearted; we write about Ryo's whimsical outfits or his delightfully quirky commercials. He even made a certain Sexiest Men in Golf list recently.

The combination of his stellar on-course accomplishments and his superlative star quality make Ryo Ishikawa a uniquely entertaining

GolfOMeter - Golf Gadget of the Month?

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It's an odd little instrument... and I'm not really sure what it does... so it may not be worthy of the prestigious Golf Gadget of the Month designation.

From what I can see, though, this rare vintage "New Haven Golf Meter" measures yards and miles. I don't not know how it works.... or... if it works, but it looks like a pretty awesome collector's item to me.

If anyone reading has used a

石川 遼 - Ryo Ishikawa: The Field's Youngest Gun

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Early one morning a couple of weeks ago,  a lone golfer was observed on the range at Dove Mountain, hitting balls in the chill desert air.  It was Ryo Ishikawa.  GolfWeek writer Jim McCabe described the scene, including the gaggle of photographers sprawled on the frosty grass nearby, dutifully doing their job.

Ryo is back on the scene this week for the star-studded  WGC Cadillac

Twittour 2011: Golfers in Spain Launch a Twitter Tour

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Todos Juntos.  It means All Together and it's the tag line for Spain's bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup ... but it could also be the tag line for Spain's Twittour 2011.

Twittour was dreamed up by a group of Spanish golfers on Twitter who call themselves #jugones which means... gamers?  Close enough.  Anyway, these golfistas twiteros from all over Spain got to know each other over time via the

Life Unscripted - The Real Rookies of the PGA Tour

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One of the more talked tweeted about off-the-course golf stories of the past week was the strategically placed rumor? report that a group of PGA Tour wives were pitching a reality show.  The topic was timely and the packaging was perfect. It came just as our voyeuristic hunger for the unscripted adventures of attractive people reached new heights. Thank you Charlie Sheen.

Various elements of

The Discrepant Lives of PGA Tour Wives

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In the past PGA Tour wives tended to live their lives out of the public eye and under-the-radar.

When they did appear... a few times each year... it would be in feature stories or sidebars, where they'd be shown collectively raising funds for children's charities or visiting flood-ravaged neighborhoods. They were always giving back and they were always in a group.

Only when the Ryder Cup came

2011 Travelers Championship and Early Commitments

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The Travelers Championship was recently honored as the "Most Fan Friendly Event on the PGA Tour".  Fans love the relaxed vibe and the beautiful course (with it's remarkable finishing holes).  A special Women's Day and active Kids Zone also make it an awesome for families.

The tournament is Connecticut's biggest sporting event, and though it takes place the week after the US Open there's

Golfzon Goes Global With Quest to Popularize Golf

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Young Chan Kim is clearly a patient man.

He started his company in 2000 with a long term vision that included the popularization of golf and the fostering of a inclusive culture built around the game.

More than a decade later Golfzon has become the biggest player in the international golf simulator market while remaining focused on its core mission, which is to make it possible for everyone

Is W#1 Martin Kaymer a Teutonic Robot?

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I only ask because he's frequently been described as Teutonic.  And his on course demeanor is... well, admittedly, robotic does comes to mind.  Some refer to him as The Germanator, which he scoffs at, but I'm guessing he doesn't really mind. 

As he gets ready to face Luke Donald later today for the Accenture Match Play tournament title Martin Kaymer is also being called World No.

Jim Thorpe on Doing Time & Getting Back to Golf

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As winter begins to recede and brighter days become more frequent, it's heartening to see Jim Thorpe, smiling, on the cover of the latest issue of GolfWeek magazine.

After almost a year in prison, he spoke with Golf Week's Jeff Rude about what life was like "on the inside"... and how it feels to be out. It's a video interview, Thorpe's first since being released from a Federal Prison Camp in

WGC - A Compelling Match and Ryo's Whimsical Ways

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I didn't get to see it...  and the outcome wasn't what I was hoping for...  but by all accounts, the Charl Schwartzel/Ryo Ishikawa match was a compelling one.  And though he did not prevail, the Bashful Prince gave us more than a glimpse of the prowess he's known for and provided spectators with ample excitement before Schwartzel claimed the win.  Here's the recap from pgatour.com:

The

A Changing World & the Golf Courses of Libya

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True: I write about golf.  But I've got to admit I'm finding it increasingly difficult to ignore the momentous events taking place in North Africa and the Middle East. Popular uprisings that started in Tunisia, and spread quickly to Egypt, are now inspiring the populations of neighboring lands to reject leaders who had once seemed invulnerable.  An historic

Putting Better Than Ever. Vijay Singh's Inspiring Week

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"I'm feeling good, and I think I've still got it." ~ Vijay Singh
Is there anyone who wouldn't like to see Vijay Singh contending on Sunday's regularly again?   His presence... in any round, of any tournament... adds a dimension that's quite unique.  If you've seen him play live, you probably know what I mean.  A tangible intensity surrounds him... spectators feel it as he

Automotive Marketing and the Female Golfer

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I've recently encountered some interesting facts (trends? tendancies?) concerning the way car companies market... or don't... to women, and in particular to women golfers.  I'll be writing about the topic here a bit later. 

In the meantime however,  I felt compelled to post this photo now due to  it's extreme awesomeness.



















Women on Motorcycle with Side Car - © Simon Marcus/

Golf Distraction - When a Birdie Ruins Your Birdie

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So I've grinding away on a non-golf writing assignment today... deadline looming large...  and just got an email from a friend I sometimes play golf with. 

In desperate need of a momentary distraction, I opened it and found the awesome video clip below.  It's part of the trailer from the 3D animated film Alpha and Omega about two endearing young wolves who fall in love. 

The clip features

Ryo Ishikawa: Back on US Soil... With a New Look?

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A subdued pastel shirt, and trousers resembling... like... Dockers?

It's not what we're accustomed to seeing on Ryo Ishikawa... and it begs the question: has "Hanikami Ōji" abandoned the vividly chromatic color pallet he's famous for? 

It hardly seems possible but that's the look he was sporting on Monday at Riviera Country Club when he made his first US appearance of the 2011

The Love Love Golf Summit - What's Not to Love?

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The Love Love Golf Summit takes place in Japan... land of the rising sun really cute golf clothes... and as summits go, it's quite unlike anything we have here in the US.

What we're talking about here is a show/fair/convention that celebrates women's golf fashion at its stylish, multichromatic best.  It's part of the Japan Golf Fair, Asia's largest golf industry event.  As you may

*:--☆--: ♥ ♥ Happy Valentine's Day ♥ ♥ :--☆:*

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Promising Woods-Garcia Pairing Ends in Mutual Meltdown

 Going into the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, anything seemed possible.

Golf fans pondered potential outcomes and social networks buzzed with hopeful speculation... on one pairing in particular.  

Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia have a shared history. Theirs is a rivalry that began at the PGA Championship in 1999 and, though it never quite played the way golf fans would have

The Top 10 Sexiest Men in Golf... As Per Me

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Sexiness is subjective... no doubt about it... and that's what inspired me to create this post.

You see, earlier this week I happened upon a Top 10 Sexiest list by funny and talented Jen McAutry, posting at ChicagoNow's Staying on Course blog. and while her selection included some of the most... universally lusted after admired players,  I quickly realized that they weren't... for the most

Water Rides, Turtle Rehab & Golf - Rory McIlroy in Dubai

Back in February of 2009, Rory McIlroy had his first European Tour win at the tender age of 19.  He was instantly ordained The New Sensation, impressing everyone with his gutsy game and candid, casual style.  The win came at the Dubai Desert Classic and earned him a multitude of fans, in middle east and around the world.

Two years later the affable player from Northern Ireland has firmly

Angry Birds: At The Super Bowl & On Your Golf Clubs

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A perfect social media storm... and the winning birdie.  That's what  Etsy commerçant, Kimberly Glendora is dealing with right now, metaphorically speaking.

With "a big imagination and lots of yarn" Kimberly creates wonderfully, whimsical knitted items: dolls, decor, hats and scarves... and the most awesome golf club covers.  She does vintage pom pom and tassel covers made to order in the

Rugged Ryo Returns - 米国に石川遼を返します

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Did you ever think you'd see Ryo Ishikawa in a lumberjack shirt?

Neither did I, but that's just what he was wearing yesterday, layered under a black puffer vest.  The scene was  Narita Airport  and Ryo was enroute to the USA... where he'll be playing in a number of events leading up to The Masters.

The PGA Tour season actually started a few weeks ago, but as far as I'm concerned, it doesn't

Pick Your 2011 Top 30 - LPGA Prognostication Derby

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The season starts in a couple of weeks... February 17th to be exact, in Chonburi, Thailand at the Honda LPGA Thailand... so now's the time to prognosticate.

The challenge is overseen by Mostly Harmless and Hound Dog LPGA, two of the best blogs on the planet when it comes to the women's professional golf.

You simply pick a pre-season top 30, and rank them by your take on each

Egyptian Spring - Democracy, History, Freedom & Golf

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Back in the waning years of the 20th century... long before I ever played golf...  I spent three months in Cairo, living in a suite at what was then called The Nile Hilton.

I had just gotten married and my new husband was in charge of "developing and emerging markets" at an international cosmetics company,  so I tend to remember Egypt as a kind of prolonged honeymoon.  The exoticism of the

Ice Tee in the Poconos & Polar Bear Golf in Connecticut

My trip to Orlando yesterday was little more than a turn-around,  giving me barely a glimpse of bright skies, green grass and palm trees as I rushed to the Convention center... and back. Here in CT, the ground has been snow-covered since Christmas... and the skies have been mostly gray, so the landscape looked almost foreign to me.

The PGA Merchandise Show was as bustling as ever and it's always

The Little Linksters and Their Amazing Swings

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Huge... overwhelming.... a sensory overload.  ~ Those are the descriptives you hear when someone talks about the PGA merchandise show. And that's exactly what you feel when you attend the event for the first time... and every time.

There's always an amazing array of product... and an eclectic group of people presenting, buying and writing about it all.  Innovative... and sometimes,

Golf Bags and The Most Powerful Luxury Brands

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When the average golfer sets out to purchase a new golf bag,  he's generally concentrating on practical concerns: size and weight... portability, durability and configuration of pockets.  These are are the factors that tend to drive purchasing decisions.

However there's a select group of golfers who place a premium on more ethereal qualities... qualities like exclusivity, refinement and je ne

Veronica Felibert - The Next Venezuelan Golf Star?

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Yesterday, Jhonattan Vegas, became the first Venezuelan to win on the PGA Tour, and the first rookie to win The Bob Hope Classic in its 52 year history.  His thrilling playoff victory in Palm Springs was an awesome outcome on a number of levels.

It's no secret that the iconic desert tournament has suffered from "perception problems" in recent years.  Many regard the once vibrant event as a

Killer Kaymer Defends at Abu Dhabi Championship

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In the Arabian desert, the past week in was uncharacteristically cloudy and cool.

Certain golf scribes... having flown in from wintery locals to cover the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship... lamented the gray skies and drizzle, while golfers like @WestwoodLee, expressed their surprise on Twitter.  "Rain rain rain rain rain! Not often you say that in Abu Dhabi" tweeted W#1 yesterday.  Locals however

Gone Madigan: "Women Are More Efficient Golfers Than Men"

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Kathleen Madigan has been called the funniest woman in America... by guys like Lewis Black and Jay Leno, no less... and she's the only comedian ever to go unchallenged on NBC’S Last Comic Standing.

The accessible, unpretentious, quintessentially American comedienne, is a golfer too, probably the only one who's ever publicly acknowledged their desire to marry a golf club. Her Prince Charming is

Only Two Things - Nudity & Nude Golf International

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Tonight on "Only Two Things" we're going to lay things bare... so to speak... on the topic of nudity.

Several days ago I came upon an announcement for a very unique golf tournament, Nude Golf International.  It's an annual event that takes place in New Zealand and yes, as the name implies, the dress code is quite... um, relaxed. ~ With the majority of players opting to play entirely in the

Khalid Yousuf: The UAE's Young Gun at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Golf's young guns were big news in 2010.

Hardly a week passed without some reference to the talented young guys in their teens and twenties making their mark on professional golf.

Rory, Rickie and Ryo quickly became the poster boys for golf's 2010 youthquake.  Each came from a different continent... but each had the killer combination of charisma and cool that defines the genre.   ~ Matteo

Retief Goosen Wins Middle East Curtain-Raiser

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It's one of the most popular and prestigious Pro-Ams in golf... and the field this year certainly reflected that.

41 European Tour Champions, 11 Ryder Cup players, three Major Champions and the reigning World No.1 played in surprisingly undesert-like conditions today, at Yas Links Golf Club in the Emirates Airline Invitational, hosted by Abdullah Al Naboudah.

Yas Island Links Golf Course

Global Golf: First Ever North Korean Amateur Open

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Golf's global expansion is one of the sport's hottest topics these days, and just about anyone involved with the game... in almost any capacity... is keenly aware of it.

Olympic reinstatement, after an absence of over 100 years, is expected to prompt governments around the world to invest in golf infrastructure and player development, and all major golf manufacturers and golf course

Only Two Things - Are LPGA Ladies Too Altruistic ?

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It's called the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup and it's a new event where LPGA players will be giving back in a big way: they'll playing for a trophy... and no money.

All proceeds from the event which will take place from March 18 - 20 at the Wildfire Golf Club at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, will go to the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program.

The tour will provide free rooms

HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship - Lessons with Rory

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Rory Mcilroy is known for his classic swing, jovial style and meteoric rise into golf's upper echelons.

The 21-year-old Ulsterman, whose impish looks belie a steely will, has already chalked up a victory on both the European and the PGA Tour, and was recently part of Europe's winning team at the 2010 Ryder Cup.

As we've been reminded so often of late, golf is a global game, and the talented

Meanwhile, Sergio Garcia Plays Poker in Paradise

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While the 2011 PGA Tour season began Thursday with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions on the paradisical Plantation Course at Kapalua, another kind of Paradise was in the cards for Sergio Garcia.

The field in Hawaii was limited to 2010 PGA Tour winners, so Señor Garcia didn't qualify, however the spirited Spaniard did qualify for a different sort of tournament... a poker tournament.

The

Young Guns & Global Competion at The Royal Trophy

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The Royal Trophy is currently underway at Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand.  With some of golf's most promising young stars in the mix, crowds have reportedly been large and enthusiastic, with local girls cheering both teams on, and... according to Roger Crutchley's report in the Bangkok Post... numerous female fans from Japan dressed to the nine.

The Royal Trophy is an annual

Musings of a Golf Newbie - Golf & Love: A Lot Alike

.By Jordan FarrThe other day I went out with friends; two couples, and a golf buddy of mine.We discussed lots of things, but there were a couple of topics I found particularly interesting, one was "love and marriage", and the other about "love and golf"!It occurred to me that... in certain ways... the two seemed a lot alike. The relationship one has with a spouse... or a significant other... and

Only Two Things - Golf Tennis Man Woman

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A couple of weeks ago, Iain Carter of BBC Sports, wrote a thoughtful piece concerning the relative popularity... and more significantly, the disparity in earnings... that exists between men's /women's tennis and men's/women's golf.

Lamenting the fact that in golf, the women's game "continues to live in the shadow" of the men's, with the the top-20 finishers in the men's season ending Dubai

2011 - Rickie Fowler Style Statement Transcends Golf

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 ... and orange you glad it does?

After all, there's not a color out there as bold, bright and happy as orange.

Mr. Fowler's known this for years... or at least since his days at OSU... and now it seems we'll all be able to enjoy the jaunty hue... on and off the golf course.

You see, this spring "the fashion universe loves orange".  And not just any orange either, what's in style for Spring/

Best Wishes for 2011 - A Few Random Resolutions

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Happy New Year! We're looking forward to some awesome adventures and exciting developments in 2011, and we promise to share them with you.

It's going to be a fun, fruitful, high-energy year, however... January 1, doesn't count.  It's officially the day you sleep in with a hangover... then (slowly) gear up for the next 364.  That's what I'm doing now.  So far I've managed to jot down a few