Tag: Golf Channel

  • First Look: Walker Trolleys

    First Look: Walker Trolleys

    Walker Trolleys Cape Model Available to Pushcart Aficionados this Spring

    These days, walking nine or 18 holes may be the safest way to enjoy a round of golf. It’s a good thing we can still burn some calories in the process. Walker Trolleys recently introduced its new Cape Model pushcart available for pre-order with delivery targeted for spring.

    The engineering behind Walker Trolleys’ pushcarts is sophisticated, belying its outwardly streamlined, minimalist appearance. However, the mission is simple: make walking golf cool, again.

    “The game is so pure when you’re walking, you take the time to really see the golf course from tee to green and appreciate the architecture and strategy behind it,” says Walker Trolleys founder and CEO Brad Payne. “And then there’s the health and wellness aspect. Walking with a push cart can burn up to 1,000 calories over 18 holes and lead to better scores versus carrying.”

    Payne, formerly with Apple, debuted Walker Trolleys at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, back in January. Through social media and word-of-mouth, he, his wife Julie and principal designer Bryce Gibson generated enough buzz to catch Golf Channel’s attention.

    The Walker Trolley was featured on the channel’s popular “Morning Drive” as one of the PGA Show’s best products of opening day. Media and PGA Professionals in attendance were duly impressed with the push cart’s high-end look and feel.

    This is not your typical push cart. They use premium materials – including aluminum, waxed canvas and handcrafted leather – to create a unique and elegant appearance that wouldn’t be out of place on the great links courses of Scotland during the time of Old and Young Tom Morris. 

    A convenient one-fold handle makes collapsing and unfolding the trolley easier than any other push cart on the market. The patent pending central hub enables the handle and legs to bend on two separate axes, allowing for a compact fold.

    The storage unit, made of water-resistant waxed canvas, provides an endless number of ways for golfers to customize their trolley, and the company is working with a well-known soft goods company to realize these designs.

    Payne says a non-folding line of Walker Trolleys made with the same materials will be offered directly to courses, clubs and resorts as a rental option. The push carts nest for easy and quick storage in units and premium soft good options can be customized with logos and other branding elements.

    Walker Trolleys Cape model will be available this spring, and a limited number of push carts will be available for preorder for $399 at www.walkertrolleys.com.

  • Phillis Meti Hits World Record 413 Yard Drive with Exotic EXS Driver

    Phillis Meti Hits World Record 413 Yard Drive with Exotic EXS Driver

    In case you missed it, World Long Drive held their first event of the season the other day. The Ak-Chin Smash in the Sun was held near Phoenix, Arizona and televised on the Golf Channel.

    In the women’s final, the three-time and defending WLD World Champion Phillis Meti broke her own world record of 406 yards by hitting a drive 408 yards, then followed it up with a ridiculous 413-yard blast using her Tour Edge Exotics EXS driver. Meti has won two of the last three world titles with an Exotics driver in play.

    If you’ve ever used a launch monitor to track your drives, you’ll no doubt be impressed with the 127 MPH club head speed and 182 MPH ball speed she recorded on the record setting drive.

    “It hasn’t really even sunk in,” said Meti. “I didn’t even think that was possible. That’s probably the fastest I’ve ever swung it to be honest. Hopefully, I can stay on this path and keep riding the roller coaster for the rest of the season.”

    Meti’s Driver – Exotics EXS

    “The EXS driver is a $299 driver that has now won numerous awards and that has been put into play on the PGA Tours, but this takes the cake,” said Tour Edge President David Glod. “For Phillis to hit 408 and 413 and produce those kinds of ball speed numbers means that she is an extremely great long driver and that the EXS driver is the perfect fit and the perfect driver for her quest to become the world’s greatest.”

    The new Exotics EXS driver represents one of the best values in golf by combining many of the same technologies you’ll find in drivers that cost $500 or more, yet they sell for only $299. Not only that, but all Exotics clubs are hand built in the United States in Batavia, Illinois and every Tour Edge club comes with a Lifetime Warranty and a 30-day play guarantee.

    For more information on Phillis Meti and World Long Drive:

    https://www.worldlongdrive.com

    For more information about Tour Edge and Exotics golf clubs, visit:

    https://www.touredge.com/index.asp

    I Wanna Do That!

    Interested in getting into the sport of long drive? You don’t have to turn pro and compete with the big boys and girls on the WLD – Start at the grassroots level by joining ALD – Amateur Long Drive!

    The Amateur Long Drive Championship Series has local tours starting up all around the country and regional events all leading to the ALD World Championships in Myrtle Beach.

    What separates ALD from the rest? ALD has 14 divisions to compete in! There are Boys & Girls Youth (13 & under), Junior (13 – 17) and Men’s and Women’s Open (17+), Senior (45-60), Super Senior (60+), Veteran and Adaptive divisions.

    Long drive is fun, fast paced and growing quick all around the country! For more information, rules and to sign up for an ALD event near you, visit www.amateurlongdrive.com

  • Farewell to the King

    arnie-swilcan-farewellLast night as I was watching the PGA Tour Champions playoff in Canada between Colin Montgomery and Scott McCarron, the broadcast cut to the Golf Channel studios where Rich Lerner delivered the news. Arnold Palmer had passed away at the age of 87. The announcement made an already somber day downright miserable, as I was already reeling from the news of Miami Marlins star pitcher Jose Fernandez having been killed in a tragic boating accident earlier in the day.

    Whenever you hear about someone’s death you tend to reflect on their life through personal memories. In my case, I was lucky to have run into Mr. Palmer at his Florida home at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando. To say I ran into him is not technically accurate. In fact, he almost ran into me – Literally! I was coming out of the lodge and walking towards the Golf Channel hospitality tent on the 9th hole during the Bay Hill Invitational a few years ago when Mr. Palmer came around the corner in his golf cart and almost ran me down as I stepped out from behind a trailer.

    “Good thing the brakes still work!” – He said with his trademark smile as I stood there petrified. After gathering myself and apologizing, I added that I couldn’t think of anyone else I would rather be run over by. We shared a quick laugh and went our separate ways, and I realized I had become one of the many thousands of people that have been (almost) impacted by Mr. Palmer. (pun intended) At least I could now joke with my friends that I was almost run over by The King.

    Like the countless people that watched him growing up, followed his life after competitive golf and been around him over the years, I will always remember Arnold Palmer very fondly. He leaves us with great memories and will always bring a smile to our faces. Farewell to the King, may he rest in peace.

  • James Lepp – Big Break Greenbrier Finalist

    James Lepp Big Break James Lepp hails from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada – a suburb of Vancouver. Success in golf is nothing new to James. A four time All-American at the University of Washington, he won the 2005 NCAA Individual Championship, the first Canadian male to win a national championship. In total James won seven times in college and twice on the Canadian Tour, but in 2010 he burned out and decided he needed a break from competitive golf. He turned his focus to bringing the golf world some youthful and stylish footwear options, and Kikkor Golf was born. Having met James Lepp a few years ago at the PGA Show in Orlando, it was a treat to follow his progress on the Golf Channel reality show The Big Break and we are proud to be ambassadors for the Kikkor brand. We sat down with James to talk a little bit about his experience.

    ITG: How long have you been playing golf, and how did you get your start?
    James: I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old, so 25 years! Yikes! I started by joining my dad on the course in the evenings.

    ITG: When did you know you wanted to be a professional golfer?
    James: Since I was 4 really. I always loved it growing up.

    ITG: Did your time on the Big Break differ from your expectations of the event? What did you expect and what surprised you about your time at the Greenbrier?
    James: I’m used to preparing for anything so nothing jumped out at me really. Perhaps what surprised me the most was how I remained nervous throughout each episode. I thought I would get into a rhythm, but every shot on every day was gut wrenching.

    ITG: What can you tell people about the Big Break experience that we may not know from watching it on TV?
    James: The Big Break is a massive production. There are over 100 Golf Channel staff at the site. They don’t mess around.

    James Lepp

    ITG: How has being on the Big Break changed your career?
    James: It’s still pretty fresh so I’m not sure how it’s changed yet. We’ll see next year I suppose.

    ITG: How did your shoe company, Kikkor Golf get started?
    James: I started Kikkor because there was an unmet need in the market. Golf shoes sucked a few years ago. There needed to be something that was cool and comfortable.

    ITG: Can you tell us something funny and/or interesting about James Lepp that most people don’t know?
    James: I got my head caught on a chain link fence while playing roller hockey a couple years ago. It ripped part of my scalp off, but I played the rest of the game with a t-shirt wrapped around my head.

    ITG: What advice can you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps and become a professional golfer or businessman?
    James: Don’t do it because you’re expected to do it. Do it because you want it.

    ITG: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your career?
    James: My DNA really. I’ve always learned and done things in my own little way. Not to say that others haven’t influenced me, but the way I think is pretty unique.

    ITG: If you could play golf with anyone – past or present – who would be in your foursome? What course would you play?
    James: Augusta National. Play with Jack, Tiger, and Rory.

    ITG: If you could change any rule in golf, what rule would you change and why?
    James: Not being allowed to type down spike marks is pretty stupid. Did you know that metal spikes cause the least amount of ‘bumps’ on a putting green? It’s just the few nasty ones they create that causes all the trouble. If we could tap those down we’d have better greens overall. Plus you’d have a natural aerating system.

    James LeppITG: What’s the strength of your game? And where do you feel you need to improve?
    James: Strength is in my course management and being able to think my way around a course. The area that needs improvement is probably my driving.

    ITG: What’s on your iPod right now?
    James: I listen to sports talk radio (TEAM 1040). I don’t have time to even know what kind of music I like. Lame, I know.

    ITG: If golf didn’t exist, what would you be doing right now?
    James: Inventing golf! Ha. I’d probably be a soccer player.

    ITG: In ten years, James Lepp will be

    James: 39 and a multiple winner on the PGA Tour.

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  • Golf Channel Reveals Contestants For Big Break Ireland

    The Cast of Big Break IrelandBelow is a press release issued by the Golf Channel. Looks like another good Big Break is on the way! Fans of the show should check out our interviews with past Big Break champions David Byrne and Carling Coffing! Who’s going to be the winner in Ireland?

    ORLANDO, Fla. – This fall, 12 professionals will journey to the Emerald Isle with hopes of putting their careers on the fast track when Golf Channel’s “Big Break” series returns for its 16th season.

    “Big Break Ireland,” premiering Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. ET, will feature an international cast of six men and six women competing against each other in an attempt to make their dreams of playing alongside the world’s top golfers a reality. Filmed at the K Club in Kildare, Ireland, the ultimate winner will be awarded two exemptions from the four exemptions up for grabs – which represent events on the LPGA, European Tour and Ladies European Tour – among other prizes.

    One of the tournament exemptions will be the European Tour’s Irish Open in 2012. This year’s Irish Open, will include Waterville, Ireland, native and “Big Break Ireland” contestant Mark Murphy, who is competing this week on a sponsor’s exemption.

    The competitors on Big Break Ireland are: Mallory Blackwelder (24, Versailles, Ky.) – The daughter of 13-year LPGA veteran Myra Blackwelder and professional caddie Worth Blackwelder. After traveling worldwide with the Ladies European Tour in 2010, Mallory is competing full-time on the Futures Tour in 2011. Annie Brophy (24, Spokane, Wash.) – A rookie on the LPGA Futures Tour and Notre Dame alum, Brophy is looking to capture the Luck of the Irish. Joe Campbell (23, Cheltenham, England / Charlotte, N.C.) – The youngest competitor on the series, Campbell also is the longest hitter off the tee. He works at Carolina Golf Club, saving up money for the mini-tourevents in 2011. Kelly Jacques (25, Thornton, Colo.) – Jacques made her return to competitive golf in 2011 after taking time away from the game following graduation at the University of Oklahoma. Currently competing on a limited schedule on the Futures Tour, Jacques has a new, fresh outlook on the game. Bennett Maki (26, Orlando, Fla.) – Unlike a lot of his playing competitors, Maki is starting his professional career. A model and actor, Maki has appeared on numerous commercials that have aired on Golf Channel, which has served as a supplemental source of income to achieving his dream of competing on the PGA Tour. Matt Melrose (27, Mulanje Malawi / Scottsdale, Ariz.) – A veteran of several mini tours and the Gateway Tour, Melrose is competing without ever having watched a previous series. Mark Murphy (34, Waterville, Ireland / New Orleans, La.) – An Ireland native, Murphy grew up 4 hours south of the K Club in Waterville. Currently residing in New Orleans, La., Murphy’s dream of playing on the PGA Tour is still alive, although the results as a professional golfer have not come tofruition like he hoped. Nina Rodriguez (27, San Jose, Calif.) – Currently competing on the LPGA Futures Tour, Rodriguez is a late bloomer to the game, deciding to focus solely on golf at age 19. Nicole Smith (24, Riverside, Calif.) – Currently living out of her car, Smith is competing full-time on the Futures Tour. The alumfrom the University of Tennessee is looking to follow in the footsteps of “Big Break Sandals” competitor Ryann O’Toole, her close friend and travel companion. Julien Trudeau (30, Montreal, Quebec / Phoenix) – The lone Canadian, Trudeau is looking to continue the recent success Canadians have had on Big Break. A veteran of several mini tours in the U.S. and Canada, Trudeau was ready to walk away from the game when a friend suggested he audition and give professional golf one more try. Andy Walker (36, Phoenix) – A veteran of several professional golf tours, Walker has yet to have that breakthrough year. In addition to competing on the professional circuits, he also is a professional golf instructor, assistant golf coach at South Mountain Community College. Whitney Wright (26, Greenville, S.C.) – Girlfriend of “Big Break Indian Wells” competitor Robbie Biershenk, Wright is competing on the Futures Tour and supplements her income by competing in charitable competitions on the golf course. Tom Abbott and Stephanie Sparks return as co-hosts for the series.

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  • David Byrne – Our Interview With the Big Break Indian Wells Champion

    David Byrne - Big Break Indian Wells ChampionDavid Byrne is part of the new generation of Big Break contestants that grew up watching the popular golf reality show on the Golf Channel. Since the very first season of Big Break in 2003, David has watched the show with great interest, and aspired to become a contestant one day. Following an audition for which he drove 20+ hours to attend, he was finally selected as a contestant for Big Break Indian Wells. What happened next was a dream come true as he fought long odds and ten other determined players to win it all, taking home $70,000 in the process, and gaining an exemption into the 2012 Zurich Classic of New Orleans on the PGA Tour.

    Growing up in Canada in the town of Essex, Ontario, David had a solid amateur career. He is a three-time Ontario Match Play Champion and also was the top-ranked amateur in Ontario in 2007. He earned a scholarship to the University of Detroit-Mercy, where he was 2010 Horizon League Player of the Year. He turned pro just prior to filming the Big Break and moved to Orlando soon after filming to work on his game. He now spends his days playing and practicing at Grand Cypress Resort. David and I played several times over the winter, usually with our good friend and Big Break Sandals Resorts champion Carling Coffing. I think his competitive nature, mental fortitude and solid all around game will translate to a bright pro career. We sat down with David just prior to the Big Break Indian Wells finale to ask him about golf and life.

    ITG: Did your time on the Big Break differ from your expectations of the event?
    David: Yes, absolutely it did. I expected to go there and meet these cut throat individuals. But I met my 10 newest best friends. They were just such an amazing group of individuals. I also never understood the time in between shots and how difficult being a participant really is. Also the job the golf channel does on thinking of every possible situation and scenario. My expectations were blown out of the water.

    ITG: What did you expect and what surprised you about your time in Indian Wells?
    David: I expected to go on the show, go through the experience and get on with my life and never hear from people again.. I have stayed in contact with pretty much everyone from the show. I was just so surprised about how long everything took, and how the lighting needed to be just right ( I had a rough time on promo days) and how great we were treated. Win, lose or draw it was a dream opportunity. I mean, lets get serious being a part of your favourite TV show that is also on the golf channel
 being a golfer! Just about everything surprised me to be honest.

    David Byrne - Big Break Indian Wells ChampionITG: How long have you been playing golf, and how did you get your start?
    David: I have been playing golf since I was about 8. My mom got me involved but my Uncle Matt (who can still probably beat me) got me involved in the Jr. Adult program out at what is still my home course Sutton Creek. I tried to emulate him and he is so well liked and well spoken I always looked up to him on the golf course. After that, my mom did everything and took me to all my tournaments and made a ton of sacrifices. She did A LOT of work. I didn’t take golf all that seriously until I stopped growing and people could finally catch me on the ice. My dog is named after a hockey player
not a golfer (Pavel Bure)

    ITG: ‹When did you know you wanted to be a professional golfer?
    David: It is always a dream when you continue to improve but oddly enough the moment was when I got DQ’ed at the Glencoe Invitational after I was leading by four. 16 of us got DQ for hitting from the wrong tees ( yup we were 16.. still a sore spot). I won the Ontario Match Play for the 3rd year in a row and the Ontario Champion of Champions earlier in the year and this was one of the best fields in Canada. So to knew I could win. (or lead – should have won) It made me think I can take this to the next level.

    ITG: What can you tell people about the Big Break experience that we may not know from watching it on TV?
    David: The amount of time in between shots. The first day I was last to hit and it was about 3.5 to 4 hours from the range to hit my wedge shot. We are also mic’d up from about 5:00am to 10:00pm until our interviews at night are done. It is a really long day and very mentally taxing.

    ITG: How has being on the Big Break changed your career?
    David: It has just been humourous. People come up to me and say ‘Wow, David Byrne – Big Break?’ and want my autograph. Of course I ask them if they are sure. Because after all I am just a guy from Essex, Ontario who is a fan of the show myself. I can’t say it has changed my career more so than jump started it. I went from being a known amateur in Ontario to a known golfer from his favourite TV show.

    ITG: How many professional events do you plan to play this year, and do you also plan to try PGA Tour Qualifying School?
    David: I want to play in as much as possible. Obviously with that being said, I need the finances to do so. I would like to do PGA Tour Q school if I can get the finances. I also want to do European tour Q school. I grew up watch the Euro tour on the golf channel weekend mornings. I think it would be amazing to travel the world and play golf. It’s funny, I won $70,000, but after taxes, student loans and maybe a car that is better than 4 wheels and a speed bump to get the air conditioner to kick in, I won’t really see too much of that money. I NEED HELP!!

    David Byrne - Big Break Indian Wells ChampionITG: How difficult is it financially, physically and mentally to play professional golf?
    David:     After going through the Big Break and I stand on the 1st tee I look at mini tour guys and even though there are plenty that are better than me, I see how nervous they are and I think to myself “these poor guys, they don’t know what pressure really is.” Being on the Big Break taught me a lot about myself mentally. Being patient and always fighting. The financial burden is something I have always dealt with and when I play for money my mental ability to just get it done and focus is one of the best I think. Never coming from an abundance of money, I realize the true value of a dollar and I think that is what will help me succeed. As for physical – I’m 5’6” ( I can get to about 5’8” if the person I am talking to doesn’t know me) haha… I need to put on weight. I am about 130 lbs and hit it about 280 or 290 off the tee. Just imagine what I can do with 30 extra LBS!!

    ITG: How much time do you spend practicing/working out in a typical week?
    David:     I like to think I am a very hard worker. Always have been and always will. I can’t say I have a strict routine. I played with Chad Campbell once and asked him what advice he would have for a guy who is trying to make it and his answer was “Practice 14 hours a day, practice 2 hours a day, don’t hit balls, hit lots of balls. There is no formula for success. Everyone is different.” I do as much as the body can handle. I feel some time off is underrated. I like to do a good job of balancing both golf and rest. Especially since the heat can knock it out of ya.

    ITG: What do you like to do when you aren’t playing golf?
    David: I like to watch golf on tv! Haha. I am also a reality tv junkie (whoops..) Yes, I watch Teen Mom, 16 and pregnant, Love in the Wild, Bachelor, Bachelorette, The Challenge, Buried Life, World of Jenks, Survivor, Big Brother, Biggest loser, Expedition Impossible even Temptation Island when I was about 13, Keeping up with the Kardashians..
 oh and some Big Break show
 thank God for DVR!

    ITG: Can you tell us something funny and/or interesting about you that most people don’t know?
    David: Trying to answer this I turned to my girlfriend and she laughed. This is what she thinks.. I mark my golf balls Using “GEM” not gem
 it stand for Grandma, Erin (girlfriend) and Mom. I also make the best scorecards. Seriously. No you don’t understand. They are the best!! haha I color code them. Red – birdie and circle, green for par. Black –bogey and square. Orange – Eagle and triangle. Blue – double and double square
 I used to be a scorekeeper for hockey.. and my games heets were a template for Ontario.. I take pride in my penmanship.

    ITG: Do you have a website or fan page people can go to follow you?
    David: I have a facebook Page. David Byrne Golf and David_Byrne87 on twitter. I have thought about starting up my blog again. I try to respond to everyone. Love to hear people’s comments.

    ITG: ‹What advice can you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps and become a professional golfer?
    David:     Just keep on working hard and sometimes you do get a “break.” I have heard a few good things throughout this journey. Good things happen to good people, and as Russell Normandin from BBIW put it. Tough times don’t last but tough people do. All of us on the show seemed to really embrace that line.

    ITG: ‹Who or what has been the biggest influence in your golf career?
    David: I would say that my mom has had the biggest impact just because she did so much for me growing up and giving me the opportunity to play golf. I feel that my venture into pro golf and my success on the show (and hopefully after the show) is a direct result of my first golf coach Luke LaFave. He keeps me pretty calm and knows my golf swing and I will NOT trust anyone else to look at it. Until he gets tired of working with me I truly believe in what we are doing and my success in golf from here on out will all be because of him and what we have been working on. I have an amazing support system and so many people who have helped me and believe in me. Someone told me yesterday that me winning the Big Break is the biggest thing to happen to Essex, Ontario in a while!

    Cast of Big Break Indian WellsITG: ‹If you could play golf with anyone – past or present – who would be in your foursome? What course would you play?
    David: I will truly show my long-windedness in this answer… I love this question! My foursome would be Graeme McDowell, Tiger Woods and Donald Trump
 I also would be interested in playing with Nelson Mandela and Gandhi. The reality of it is I have my 4 some at home in Essex. I can honestly say I have never played around of golf and not been in tears because of laughter. My foursome of James Patterson, Rob Mackay and Jeremy Romiens (Link) is a great time. All golfers need to play with these clowns! Hahah. They keep me very, very grounded.. If I hit a wedge to 10 feet.. I will hear that the shot was “Nationwide quality, not PGA.. Step it up kid” hahaha. As for the golf course, I am a big fan of Lake Joseph Golf Club in Northern Ontario (where I won 3 Ontario Match Play Championships). Obviously Augusta and St. Andrews would be bucket list. Being on Big Break was a bucket list thing,  so was winning it. So if G Mac, Donald Trump or Tiger Woods reads this, I wouldn’t mind crossing off one more thing! hahah

    ITG: If you could change any rule in golf, what rule would you change and why?
    David:     There are so many stupid rules in golf. I would say the ball ending up in a divot in the fairway or when the wind blows your ball and you get a stroke penalty (Webb Simpson at some Zurich Classic thing… maybe I will ask him about it in person! Haha)

    ITG: What’s the strength of your game? And where do you feel you need to improve?
    David:     I feel the strength of my game is the ability to get the ball in the hole. I am scrappy. It doesn’t look pretty that often, but I get it done. I always said I am a decent putter inside 10 feet. I need to improve the most is those little wedge spinners and chipping. I used to be great at both but I have worked on my swing so much since the culmination of the final show, my practice needs to get back to focusing on that.

    ITG: What’s on your iPod right now?
    David:     I have about 3,000 songs downloaded. BUT – I am from Essex and Detroit. The 3-1-3. I love my Eminem. I also am a big fan of The Script (An Irish band – hoping Rory, G Mac and Darren listen to them too, maybe it will send me good vibes) Oh I also listen to Katy Perry, lots of Pop. While I do like Bieber, I do not have Bieber Fever! haha

    ITG: When I become a PGA Tour star, I’m going to ______
    David:     Take care of everyone who helped me and do lots of mission trips to places like South Africa and other 3rd world countries. I went to South Africa not long ago and I love the people (especially my south African family – Attie, Walda, Tanya, Promise and Vusi) and I can’t see how there is any other feeling better than giving back to those in need and impacting people’s lives, kind of like the golf channel did to me…

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  • Tour Striker – Review

    Tour StrikerHere at intothegrain.com, we get plenty of training aids and swing gadgets to try out. Some of them work great, and others… not so much. When I first saw the ads for the Tour Striker I thought it would be just like many golf training aids that claim to fix your swing, so I paid it no real attention. Then, at the PGA Merchandise Show and Demo Day at Orange County National in Orlando I got to actually try it, and my impressions changed. A friend of mine happened to be a rep for Tour Striker and I was able to bring home a few units to test out for this review.

    There are several models of the Tour Striker available. The regular Tour Striker is targeted for mid-to-high handicap golfers and slower swing speeds (under 90 mph with driver), while the Tour Striker Pro is generally geared for players with higher swing speeds and a handicap of 10 or less. There is a Tour Striker for women and younger players also, with a graphite shaft that is slightly shorter (35 inches vs. 36 inches) which is more appropriate for women and juniors. The last model, and the one I was most interested in is the Tour Striker Pro X. This model is basically the same as the Tour Striker Pro, but the sweet spot is only the size of a quarter. This one is designed for low handicap golfers who want a real challenge. More specifically, there are 6 models available: The Tour Striker 8 iron, the Pro 7 iron, Pro X 7 iron, Pro 5 iron, 56 degree wedge and Tour Striker Ladies/Junior. The Tour Striker sells for $119.99 for graphite and $99.99 for a steel shaft.

    Tour StrikerSo what’s the big deal with the Tour Striker? If you’ve seen their commercials on the Golf Channel, you know that the concept behind this training club is to promote forward shaft lean at impact, which produces a descending hit, a boring trajectory and the solid strike that is desired by touring pros and top amateurs. If you watch good players and pros, they all swing with the hands leading the club. To help train the golfer in producing this impact position, the Tour Striker was designed with the leading edge of the club raised up a half inch or more from the bottom of the club. From this design came a club in which the only way to get the ball airborne is to use a descending hit with the hands ahead of the club, so that the leading edge is lowered to get under the ball. If the required swing is not made properly, you’ll hit the ball with the bottom of the leading edge, producing a rolling dribbler that resembles a topped shot.

    .

    Now that you know what the concept is behind the tour Striker, does the thing work? Yes! I went to the range to give it a try in the hopes of not making a fool out of myself in front of the other golfers. I brought the Pro 5 iron and the Pro X 7 iron to try out. After a warm up with my own clubs I started with the Pro 5 iron. Setting the Tour Striker down behind the ball is strange, because it’s not like any other club I’ve hit before. It’s also intimidating with the raised leading edge. Initially hitting shots with the Pro 5 iron wasn’t too hard, but I had to make sure I made a good swing to make solid contact. I’m a plus handicap player, so leading with the hands is a natural move that I make already. This made hitting the Pro 5 iron relatively easy. However, you still have to be on your toes when hitting the Tour Striker. Making a swing that would produce a thin shot with a normal club instead results in a low worm burning roller that is sure to turn heads. You must hit down on the ball to get a good result.

    Tour Striker Pro X 7 ironAfter having success with the Pro 5 iron, I moved on to the Pro X 7 iron (shown at left) with a good deal of confidence. Setting the 7X down behind the ball, I noticed that the quarter-sized sweet spot seems much smaller when you set it down behind the ball. Clearly this model was designed for players who make consistent contact. Confident but apprehensive, I made a few swings. Of the first four balls I hit, 1 of them got airborne. The Tour Striker Pro X 7 iron is no joke. You have to make a good swing with a descending blow and manage to hit a tiny sweet spot to get the ball in the air. I found shots hit just a bit on the heel curved way left. Solid shots flew high and straight, like a normal 7 iron would. I found the best way to use this club was by hitting a few balls with the Tour Striker, then switching to my normal 7 iron for a few, then back and forth. Once you get in a groove with the Tour Striker, it’s a pretty good feeling.

    The Tour Striker is cast from 431 steel and should last a long time. They are available in steel and graphite shafts. The stock steel shaft was more than adequate for my use, but if you are serious about using the club extensively in your practice, I would suggest having the club re-shafted with the same shaft and stiffness as your irons and bent to your specs for lie angle also. In summary, of all the swing aids and training devices I’ve ever tested, this may be the best. The Tour Striker is simple to use, easy to carry with you, doesn’t need batteries or a computer to work and provides instant feedback on good and bad swings alike. Perhaps the best selling point for this training aid is the fact that everywhere I play people are always reaching into my bag to try it out. I play golf with players ranging from high-handicap amateurs to touring pros, and they all enjoy testing themselves with the Tour Striker.

    I recommend the Tour Striker to all levels of golfers, but those who will benefit the most from it are mid to high handicap players. This level of golfer have not yet learned to hit the ball with a descending blow and lead with the hands, and the Tour Striker is ideal at showing you how to produce this impact position in real time. There is a model available for all abilities too. Beginning golfers can start with the Tour Striker 8 iron, and work up to the Pro X 7 iron for the maximum challenge. Through their affiliate program, readers interested in purchasing a Tour Striker can use the following link to the Tour Striker Store, or simply click on the banner below.

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  • Interview With The Golf Channel’s Win McMurry

    Win McMurryIf you watch the Golf Channel, you are no doubt familiar with the beautiful and talented Win McMurry. She appears on several shows and throughout the day during tournament coverage. And if you don’t watch the Golf Channel – What’s wrong with you!?

    Win McMurry joined the Golf Channel in early 2010. She anchors studio updates during the Golf Channel’s tournament coverage, hosts Top Shelf Wednesdays & PGA Tour Primetime, reports for Golf Central, serves as a contributor on the Grey Goose 19th Hole and more. Her presence in studio has added a youthful energy to the usual cast of characters, and anyone that has seen her on the air knows that her smile can stop traffic.

    Before joining the Golf Channel, McMurry worked for PGA TOUR Entertainment. She was the producer and host of PGA Tour Today, Monday Backspin and Morning Movers on PGATour.com, as well as being a feature reporter & interviewer during “LIVE@” remotes for the PGA Tour. She also worked for CBS Sports in New York City, which took her all across North America as a production assistant for the network’s coverage of the PGA Tour. When not on the road with CBS Sports, McMurry worked for two years in Manhattan as a field producer at WCBS-TV, covering various news and sporting events for Channel 2 News.

    Win McMurry attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a second major in communication studies. She also holds a post-graduate certificate in Business from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC, and still cheers her beloved UNC Tarheels!

    Win is currently a brand ambassador for Birdy & Grace, a woman’s clothing company that is known for its classic, feminine designs. Win was on hand at the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando helping Birdy & Grace launch their second annual “Golf Woman of the Year” contest in which they are looking for a woman who best represents a passion for golf, family,community and healthy living. The contest runs through June 1, 2011 and the winner will be announced on July 1, 2011. For more information about the contest or to enter or nominate someone, visit their website at www.birdyandgrace.com and on Facebook.

    We caught up to Win McMurry at the PGA Show and she was gracious enough to give us a few minutes of her time for this interview, which wasn’t easy will all the people walking by asking for pictures with her! So, without further ado, lets get right to the interview!

    How did you get started in golf? Has your career always been around the game?

    I was first exposed to golf through my dad who is an avid golfer, but like most kids, I was interested in many sports growing up. It wasn’t until high school that I actually began devoting time to the game. I played on my high school golf team in Wilmington, NC and loved being a part of the team, although I was nowhere near the most talented player on the team. After I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in journalism and communication studies, I moved to New York City. There I worked in research for CBS Sports and as a field producer for WCBS-TV. Working for CBS I helped cover many different sports, but ultimately began traveling with their golf crew, and from there the rest is history! I spent much of 2007 traveling from tournament to tournament with CBS. I was looking to transition from the production side to reporting on-camera and I found an opportunity for that at the PGA TOUR. I signed-on to work for them starting in 2008 and reported for pgatour.com for two years. In 2010 I moved to the Golf Channel where I am so happy to be today!

    Who was your favorite golfer growing up?

    I’d have to say it was Davis Love III because he was a Carolina boy! But Fred Couples is right up there as well. He’s just so cool. I still love watching him play!

    Have you always wanted to be a journalist or did you have other plans?

    When I was really young I wanted to go to Julliard and become a professional ballerina. As I got older, that dream changed. In school English was my best (and favorite) subject and my mother is an author, so writing is in my blood. I knew going into UNC that I would major in journalism, but I wasn’t sure what area I wanted to pursue under that umbrella. I tried my hand in public relations, but after two internships in PR, I knew that wasn’t for me. I took a sports reporting class my senior year and knew that was the direction I wanted to go.

    So, how’s your golf game these days, and do you get to play much?

    I play as often as I can. Some weeks more than others, but usually I get out on the golf course twice a week. My game is coming along, but I don’t plan on trying to tee it up on the LPGA Tour anytime soon
or ever for that matter!

    Time for the inside scoop! Who’s the biggest joker/prankster at the Golf Channel?

    Hands down it’s Charlie Rymer. He’s the same around the office/newsroom as he is in the studio. He’s lost twenty pounds over the last few months so most of the jokes revolve around food and Nutrisystem these days!

    What is your current role at the Golf Channel? (What shows are you on, travel, etc) Currently I anchor Golf Central Updates which air throughout live golf coverage Thursdays through Sundays. I also host PGA Tour Primetime which airs on Thursday and Friday nights. I am a contributor on the Grey Goose 19th Hole on Wednesday nights live from 7:30-8 ET. And I also host Top Shelf Wednesdays, which are short interview segments that I conduct throughout the night on Wednesday. I have also reported for Golf Central and for Golf in America. New in 2011 I am also the fashion reporter for golfchannel.com. People only see you and other personalities on the air, but how much work goes into the job behind the scenes? For example, how much research might go into a 30 minute show? It depends on the show! But for a Grey Goose 19th Hole it is a day-long process to prepare for the live half-hour. I am usually in the office at 10:30 a.m. reading through the show rundown and researching any topic I may need to look into. In the early afternoon we have a production meeting where we talk through the show. We work throughout the day writing our scripts. Make-up takes about an hour as well, so it’s definitely a process! What’s the hardest thing about being a TV personality? Luckily I love my job! At first it’s a little challenging getting used to having a producer in your ear counting down and cueing you with certain information while speaking and maintain your train of thought simultaneously. But after a while that becomes normal. I think in general it’d be learning to have thick skin to go along with a good sense of humor. Sometimes you’ll come across an article about you or an uncomplimentary post on the internet and you just have to brush it off and in some cases make light of it! How many weeks per year do you travel, and do you like going on the road? With Golf Channel most of my work is done in the studio. But I anticipate traveling this year to maybe five events or so. I’d love to start traveling more! Do you have any companies/charities/causes you want to promote while you have a chance? I recently became a brand ambassador for Birdy & Grace, a womens' golf clothing line that I absolutely love. They have very wearable pieces that can transition from the golf course to the Golf Channel studio, so it is a wonderful fit. I also am a supporter of the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and I have worked with the Alzheimer’s Association and Autism Speaks. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years I see myself still reporting on golf or on a news and lifestyle show and hopefully with a family of my own. I’m focusing this year on preparing to hold an anchor role on Golf Central. If you could retire tomorrow, where would you go, and what would you do? I’d love to take a trip like the author Elizabeth Gilbert did for her book Eat, Pray, Love. I would love to go back to Italy, maybe in place of India go to South Africa, and I’d love to see Bali & Thailand and that area of the world as well! Of course I’d like to play golf at every destination! Who’s the person to contact at the Golf Channel to get them to wise up and give you your own show? Haha! Thanks for requesting one! I’d love to host my own show one day. Any ideas what the show should be about? We are sure that whatever the show is about, she'll do a great job and people will love to watch. I personally would love to see her co-host a Big Break series or an in-depth interview show like the one Peter Kessler used to host called Golf Talk Live. I think her charm and easy-going personality would allow her guests to really open up, which is part of what makes for a great interview. You can follow Win's updates on Twitter, and of course on the air almost every day at The Golf Channel!

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  • Interview With Elena Robles – Big Break Dominican Republic Contestant

    Elena RoblesElena “Lani” Robles has been a contestant on the Golf Channel’s Big Break series twice, with her first appearance being earlier this year on Big Break Sandals Resorts with fellow contestants Carling Coffing and Seema Sadekar. Elena was the first golfer eliminated, but this is no way indicative of her skill as a golfer. Sometimes the bounces just don’t go your way, especially on a show like the Big Break where your survival may depend on a single swing. She handled the defeat with grace and a positive outlook and the producers of the next Big Break in the Dominican Republic must have taken notice, because she was selected to be a part of the show again, who’s final episode aired tonight (11/30/2010) on the Golf Channel at 9 pm.

    Elena was gracious enough to spend a few minutes with me to answer some questions about life as a professional golfer and keep us all up to date on her off course ventures. Enjoy!

    ITG: Did your week at LPGA Q-School differ from your expectations of the event?

    Elena: Well, this was my first try at LPGA q school and it was a very good learning experience.  I knew I wasn’t quite ready for the LPGA yet, but I discussed it with my coaches and family and we thought that it would be a good experience for me to go out and play to get a good feel of what I need to do for next year.  I learned so much about myself and what I do under the gun.  This is thus far my biggest event and I am very excited to play in future events and work on what I learned at q school.

    ITG: How long have you been playing golf, and how did you get your start?

    Elena: I have been playing golf since I was a freshman in high school.  I started kind of late, I just went to a driving range with my dad and a local pro came up to my dad and told him he should get me some lessons and that I had a natural talent.  Its been history since.  I was a competitive figure skater before I started to golf.

    ITG: When did you know you wanted to be a professional golfer?

    Elena: I have always thought about it since I started playing but it wasn’t until I took a year off from the sport after graduating college that I realized my dream of playing on the LPGA tour.

    Elena RoblesITG: You have appeared on the Golf Channel’s Big Break series twice now. What can you tell people about the experience that we may not know from watching it on TV?

    Elena: All I can say is whoa pressure. I have NEVER experienced anything like BB pressure, ever.  I used to watch the show and make fun of the people that couldn’t get a short chip shot in the circle but then when I played in my first challenge on BBS I realized how dumb I was for thinking like that.  It was the craziest nerves I have ever felt, but good nerves and I loved every second.

    ITG: Has being on the Big Break (Twice!) changed your career? If so, in what way?

    Elena: Being in Big Break Sandals was awesome but being gone on the first show, I didn’t get to experience the whole thing like the other girls.  Now that I have been blessed with this second opportunity on BBDR,  I am very excited to have a new and unknown journey ahead of me filled with new and amazing opportunities.  I am very grateful for the wonderful opportunities that I have been given to me thus far, and I wouldn’t have gotten them without being on the shows.  I am so thankful for the golf channel and the fact that they choose me to come back and I am very excited for what the future holds.

    ITG: Are you involved in any charities or business ventures off the course?

    Elena: Right now I am in the process of starting my own foundation that will link to my website and allow my fans to match or beat my donation for every birdie I make in 2011 to an organization of my choosing(I will announce later ;)).  I am looking for some financial sponsors to make this dream of mine come true so please contact me thru my website with any inquires (www.elenarobles.com).

    I recently became part of an amazing company called Play Golf Designs run by two of my friends and fellow professional golfers Nisha and Seema Sedakar (Big Break Sandals).  This company aims at improving women’s golf positively and represents the game of golf with poise, style and personality.  Play Golf Designs is comprised of a player organization with the most beautiful and talented female professionals in the world, we do events across the country, growing the notoriety of women’s golf and I am so excited and honored to work with them and be a part of their company!

    ITG: How difficult is it financially, physically and mentally to play professional golf?

    Elena: I think the only thing holding me back right now is the financial aspect of the game.  I work 3 jobs on top of working out and maintaining my game in order to pay for my own events.  I am only able to play like 5-8 events a year because I pay for everything on my own, so it makes it extremely tough to be successful.  I am determined to make my dreams come true and I will do anything I have to, to play golf.  I am looking for financial sponsors to help me gain the luxury of competing on a weekly basis.  I have done a great job of competing against girls that play full time but I feel the only thing lacking in my successes is the fact that I don’t get the competitive experience and rhythm by being able to play every week and travel to play on the different mini tours. As far as the mental aspect the situation I just mention leads to issues sometimes.  I deal with not thinking about if this event is going to be my last event because the money isn’t there.  I am working very hard on my mental game and I am confident that things will all fall into place.

    I would like to add that I am working on this with my good friend and sports psychologist James Boykin, the owner and founder of Mental Apex (www.mentalapex.com).  I have transformed my mental game thru the power of staying in the process and moment.

    Elena RoblesITG: How much time do you spend practicing and working out in a typical week?

    Elena: I work out almost everyday, taking days off if I am sore and or playing in an event then I just doing strength conditioning.  I practice 5-6 days a week.  I think that it is very important to take days off and enjoy life.  I usually take Sundays off and go to church and the Farmers Market.  I also try to play 2-3 times a week depending on what the week looks like.

    ITG: What do you like to do when you aren’t playing golf?

    Elena: I love working out and YOGA.  I also, love spending time with my puppy Bella and my friends and family.  I love music so concerts are one of my favorite things to do, especially if it is an incubus concert, my favorite band!!  I also love baseball games and the beach.

    ITG: Can you tell us something funny and/or interesting about you that most people don’t know?

    Elena: My nickname is Lani, my dad has called me that since I was a baby.  Also, I had braces and the headgear the wrapped around my neck and was all metal, haha!!!

    ITG: Do you have a website or fan page people can go to follow you?

    Elena: www.elenarobles.com and Elena “Lani” Robles Fan page on Facebook! I don’t add anyone I don’t know personally to my personal Facebook account, but you can “like” my fan page, thank you! =)

    ITG: What advice can you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps and become a professional golfer?

    Elena: MY biggest advice to young golfers is to follow your dreams and never let anyone tell you; you can’t do it.  You can do anything you set your mind to, if you work hard and BELIEVE in yourself.   Self belief and confidence is the key to success. I am a great example of overcoming obstacles and coming out on top.

    ITG: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your golf career?

    Elena: I have a mentor that I owe most of my golfing success too.  This person has helped me when I dint know if I was even going to play golf again. Through their inspiration and words of encouragement I have gotten to where I am today.  I also grew up watching Annika Sorenstam play golf and she is my idol without a doubt.

    Elena RoblesITG: If you could play golf with anyone – past or present – who would be in your foursome? What course would you play?

    Elena: My foursome would include: Annika, Fred Couples, Justin Timberlake and myself and we would be playing at Agusta National.

    ITG: If you could change any rule in golf, what rule would you change and why?

    Elena: I would change the rangefinder rule, I think that it speeds up play and would help tournament speed of play.

    ITG: What’s the toughest part about life on tour?

    Elena: I think the toughest part about playing golf on the road is living out of your suitcase all the time and being away from home so much.  I miss my puppy and my bed.

    ITG: What’s the strength of your game? And where do you feel you need to improve?

    Elena: I am happy with my game as a whole right now, but If I had to choose one strength it would be my consistency off the tee.  I rarely miss a fairway I don’t hit it super far but I am consistent.  I think that I need to improve on my completive rhythm and I can only do that by playing in more events.  I am an all around solid player just need the opportunity to play full time on the mini tours and to go out and play without any financial weight on my shoulders and dominate.

    ITG: LPGA Tour players earn far less than PGA Tour players, do you think there should be more equality in prize money between men and women?

    Elena: I do, but we as female golfers have to bring it.  Women’s golf needs to be rebranded and marketed.  We need to boost up the femininity and sex appeal of the LPGA and with that we will gain more sponsors which will in turn create bigger purses and more money up for grabs.  People watch the PGA tour and they have more money and sponsors because they market the PGA tour correctly focusing on all the young up and coming golfers like Rory McElroy, Ricki Fowler and Jamie Lovemark.  The youthfulness and stellar play are bringing in the money on the PGA tour and the LPGA has the stellar play now we just need to change our overall appearance and branding and turn it into something eye catching and representing of who we are as young, talent professional women golfers.

    ITG: What’s on your iPod right now?

    Elena: INCUBUS is ALWAYS playing but also Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, Lady A, and some Ferry Corsten.

    ITG: When I become a star on the LPGA Tour, I’m going to
.

    Elena: Win majors, donate to my favorite charities and help rebrand the LPGA.

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  • Interview With Seema Sadekar – Big Break Sandals Resorts Contestant

    Seema Sadekar on Big Break Sandals ResortsBorn in Toronto Canada, Seema Sadekar was an All-American junior and collegiate player from University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). Along with her appearance on the Golf Channel’s hit series The Big Break at Sandals Resort in The Bahamas, Seema will expand her competitive play in Europe and Asia for the 2011 year as well as compete on both the CN Canadian and Duramed Futures Tours. Sadekar is heavily involved with her older sister’s golf events company, and also is co-founder of a golf marketing and apparel company.

    Seema is well liked, and as evidenced on the Big Break, she was gracious and supportive, even while trying to beat her friends and fellow competitors’ brains out. In fact, Big Break Sandals Resorts Champion Carling Coffing credited Seema for helping her on the show with her support and words of encouragement. Seema was gracious enough to get with me to answer the same questions I asked Carling and several of the other contestants, which will be posted in the near future. Be sure to check out Seema’s Big Break diaries during her time on the show.

    ITG: How long have you been playing golf, and how did you get your start?
    SEEMA:     I started playing at the age of 11. My father would always go golfing on the weekends and my sister (Nisha Sadekar) and I would always want to spend time with him, so he would take us to the course. Nisha picked up the game fast and became a prominent player as a junior and throughout her professional career. As a younger sister I look up to her and till today love following in her footsteps.

    ITG: When did you know you wanted to be a professional golfer?
    SEEMA: When I was 19 years old, I played in my first LPGA event at the CN Canadian Women’s Open. I was the youngest Canadian in the field and I remember having a huge following with so many people cheering for me. The fans made me feel so good, my father was on the bag and my game was in great shape. I enjoyed every moment of it and will work hard every day to make my dream to compete on the LPGA come true.

    ITG: You appeared on the Golf Channel’s Big Break series. What can you tell people about the experience that we may not know from watching it on TV?
    SEEMA: What can I say, I have never experienced the pressure I felt on the Big Break.  My poor little heart was beating uncontrollably when I hit most of my shots. However, I enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to show the golf world who I am J

    ITG: Has being on the Big Break changed your career? If so, in what way?
    SEEMA:     I think it has, I learned a lot about myself on the show and also watching myself on the show. I think it has made me a stronger person and player. I also feel like I have a lot more support and fans around the world that are now following and cheering for me to do well. Also, my golf businesses Play Golf Designs and Minx Golf have been more of a success!

    ITG: Are you involved in any charities or business ventures off the course?
    SEEMA: I am proud to say that I am the new official spokeswomen for the Las Vegas Humane Society! I love all animals, I have three of my own and they are my best friends. My sister Nisha Sadekar and I also run Play Golf Designs (www.playgolfdesigns.com) which is Las Vegas based, we have 24 of the most fashionable, talented and charismatic women professional golfers, We do lots of charity and corporate outings all over the United States. We also started a company called Minx Golf (www.minxgolf.com) where we design lots of sparkly fun golf accessories and Indian inspired jewelry.

    Seema Sadekar on Big Break Sandals ResortsITG: How difficult is it financially, physically and mentally to play professional golf?
    SEEMA:     Golf has made that transition from a game to a sport. Making sure you are physically fit is key to being successful on the golf course. Women are getting stronger and  because of this courses are getting longer. Staying and being mentally strong is also a key component for playing solid golf. Believing in yourself and trusting everything you do on and off the golf course will reflect in your performance. Golf becomes difficult when you hit the financial aspect. Unless you are fortunate to have a sponsor that believes in you and helps you move your career to the next level it can be tough. I know many talented and inspiring golfers who work many jobs so that they are able to make their dreams come true. I am one of them. In my case, I am lucky to have an amazing sister who believes and helps me get through the year. Having my sponsor, working and building my companies gets me through the year and lets me stay focused on what I need to do.

    ITG: How much time do you spend practicing and working out in a typical week?
    SEEMA:     I spend about 4-5 hours on the course ( I live in Las Vegas, any longer and I think I would die of heat stroke) and about 2 hours in the gym 5 days a week.

    ITG: What do you like to do when you aren’t playing golf?
    SEEMA: Nothing! Sometimes I just enjoy laying down in peace and quiet with my pets beside me. If it is my day off after a long tournament week, I like to get my nails done, go shopping and finally get dressed up in pretty and sparkly dresses and have fancy dinners in my amazing city Las Vegas with my sister!

    ITG: Can you tell us something funny and/or interesting about you that most people don’t know?
    SEEMA:     O-Gosh! How embarrassing, Ok
 Sometimes I talk to myself in the mirror. I pretend I am on Oprah and I just won the US Open and I talk about how amazing I am for just winning the US Open!

    ITG: Do you have a website or fan page people can go to follow you? SEEMA: You can follow me on twitter and stay updated on where I am and what I am doing.Twitter.com/seemasadekar and SadekarSisters.com and Seemagolf.com ITG: What advice can you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps and become a professional golfer? SEEMA: Smile and love what you do. Never let anyone bring you down, if you trust and believe you will achieve. ITG: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your golf career? SEEMA: There are so many people who have influenced me throughout my career. My parents have given me all the tools and support to get me where I am today. My sister has been my rock and my best friend throughout my ups and downs. My swing coach Vic Wilk truly believes in me and spends hours on the course putting up with me. Tiger Woods has motivated me, He has so much energy and drive to be and remain the best player in the world. I feel he has changed the game and has taken to the next level. Michael Jackson is the man! I love his sense of fashion, ever since I was little I would wear sparkly dresses because I adored his style and till today I still do 🙂 Seema Sadekar on Big Break Sandals ResortsITG: If you could play golf with anyone - past or present - who would be in your foursome? What course would you play? SEEMA: TIGER WOODS- He is the best player that has ever played the sport (after me of course!) MICHAEL JACKSON- I would love to see what he would wear to the course, I would definitely try my hardest to out bling him! He also has such good rhythm, would be interesting to see his golf swing! I LOVE MJ! MARIAH CAREY- I just love her too! She is 100 percent Diva. I one day want to be the Mariah Carey of golf! I think she would be a good time on the course and she would love my sparkly diamond studded golf bag! I would probably have us all play at my golf course Dragon Ridge Country Club in Las Vegas, I always start off strong on the opening 5 holes so I feel like Tiger would be immediately intimidated by me! Hahaha Also, because they all spoil me rotten at my course so I know they would take good care of us! ITG: If you could change any rule in golf, what rule would you change and why? SEEMA: If you are in a divot in the middle of the fairway you can lift clean and place it one club length no closer to the hole. Can’t tell you how many times my ball rolls into divots that look like I am half way to China. NOT COOL! ITG: What's the toughest part about life on tour? SEEMA: I would have to say sometimes it gets lonely. Lots of traveling and alone time. Sometimes I wish I had an arm candy of a caddy to consistently travel with me. One day 🙂 ITG: What's the strength of your game? And where do you feel you need to improve? SEEMA: I am pretty straight and solid off the tee. My putting needs a little work. I just got my new pink and purple putter from Scotty Cameron and I am positive it will help me drop those birdie putts! ITG: LPGA Tour players earn far less than PGA Tour players, do you think there should be more equality in prize money between men and women? SEEMA: I do! Tiger Woods needs to host an LPGA event and help us 🙂 ITG: What's on your iPod right now? SEEMA: Michael Jackson! ITG: When I become a star on the LPGA Tour, I'm going to
. SEEMA: Build my own golf academy in India. I want to help all the children get involved in the most amazing sport that gives us unbelievable opportunities.

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  • Interview With Carling Coffing – Big Break Sandals Resorts Champion

    Carling CoffingThe finale of the Golf Channel’s hit reality show The Big Break is over, and Carling Coffing is the winner. Carling dueled it out with fellow finalist and LPGA Futures Tour player Lili Alvarez over 18 holes, and it came down to a clutch 25 foot birdie putt on 17 to take a one up lead with one to play. With a solid two putt on the final hole, the match was wrapped up and she was declared the champ.

    Born in Middletown Ohio, Carling has had Type I diabetes since the age of 5. Taking your blood sugar and endless insulin shots every day is tough, but her life was made much easier in 2008 when she discovered her Medtronic insulin pump, which she affectionately calls “Hanc the panc”. The two are (literally) connected at the hip. While having diabetes presents a challenge, she doesn’t use it as a crutch and doesn’t make excuses. While competing full time on the LPGA’s developmental tour, she is way ahead of many professional golfers when it comes to understanding her place in the game. She is currently finishing out her season on the LPGA Futures Tour and getting ready for LPGA Qualifying School this December at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, FL. The two exemptions, cash and endorsements she won on the Big Break will be a big help in her road to the LPGA Tour!

    Having witnessed her short game abilities first hand back in February, I knew she would have a chance on the show. She is living proof of something Harvey Penick once said: A good putter is a match for anyone. So, with the Big Break Sandals Resorts all wrapped up we got together and I was able to ask her some questions about her experience as a professional golfer.

    ITG: Did your week at LPGA Q-School differ from your expectations of the event? Carling: Before college I used to get nervous before every tournament that I played. The "shaky hands' Syndrome was always running wild through my veins! But there comes a time in every player's career where that goes away. You find out how to focus those nervous into positive energy, and you learn to play your best under pressure. UNTIL YOU GO TO Q-SCHOOL. I had prepared myself physically, but never expected HOW nervous I would actually be. I remember showing up thinking that all the other players looked six feet tall with a 25 foot flop shot. Those nerves can play tricky, tricky mind games. ITG: How long have you been playing golf, and how did you get your start? Carling: I had been watching golf on TV with my dad since I was six years old. He would tell me "those people have the best job in the whole world!". Early on, I made it clear that I WAS going to be a pro golfer. Unfortunately, it is an expensive game to play--and we could never afford it. When I went into junior high, my dad's Data Warehousing Company (Open Systems Services) had it's best year ever, and we celebrated with a membership to a 9-hole executive golf course. I played every single day with my parents and two older brothers. We always played matches, talked smack, challenged each other, and shook each others hand at the end of every match. ITG: You appeared on the Golf Channel's Big Break series. What can you tell people about the experience that we may not know from watching it on TV? Carling: Ooooo looking for insider details?? I have plenty!

    • It took two weeks to film the whole series, and I started my day every morning at 4:30am. Unlike some my competitors, I chose to get up a half hour early to slip in a workout DVD before we got started (get the blood movin!).
    • We filmed an episode every single day (with two days set aside for commercials/photo shoots).
    • Before challenges we would have 30min-1hour to warm up and practice. Then you would interview, go over the rules, meet with the Golf Channel Lawyer, and sign a contract before every single challenge (no suing because you didn't understand the rules!).
    • If you won the immunity challenge, you could NOT practice while the others were competing because it would give you an unfair advantage. In fact, we did EVERYTHING together! If we were at the range and someone needed to use the bathroom, then we ALL went to the bathroom. It was like kindergarten class where everyone holds hands everywhere you go.
    • Nothing was scripted. The Golf Channel did not tell us to say anything. They might have edited it the way they wanted, but all those funny/crazy lines were all us!
    • I had my issues with a few girls on the show, but I made some friends for a lifetime. Seema Sadekar and Chris Brady helped me after my diabetic roller coaster, and Lili Alvarez gave me some pep talks that I'll never forget. What great girls!
    ITG: Has being on the Big Break changed your career? If so, in what way? Carling: Being on the Big Break has given me so many opportunities that I never thought I would have! Golf is such an unbelievably tough game, and I feel blessed that so many people reached out to support my career. Getting help through sponsors has given me the ability to play more tournaments, and take my game to a whole new level. Plus, making it as far as I did on the show gave me the confidence to believe in myself. Once you know you can do it...you can accomplish anything. ITG: Are you involved in any charities or business ventures off the course? Carling: I am donating a percentage of my earnings this year to the JDRF (The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). I am also working with Medtronic (my insulin pump company). They are sponsoring me this season, matching my JDRF donation, and giving me the opportunity to give speeches motivating other diabetics to reach for the stars. Carling CoffingITG: How difficult is it financially, physically and mentally to play professional golf? Carling: As a new professional golfer, the financial part can almost be the toughest part. Tournaments are $500 a piece, plus travel expenses, equipment, coaching, etc. Medtronic and Sassy Caddy have helped me, but I would never be able to do it without the help of my parents. My dad caddies for me and also keeps up with his full time job just to barely keep us alive. I always order off the Kid's menu at The Outback Steakhouse and always joke that the "normal" size chicken is for the LPGA girls! Traveling eight months out of the year is physically demanding. I just went to ten tournaments in 11 weeks and feel like I'm ready to retire! I make sure to hit the gym 5 times per week to keep my stamina up on and off the course. I'm not the only one either, the new fad on tour is to workout like we're in the NFL, and a lot of women are really stepping it up! Mentally...well...We're all nuts! I try to stay mentally balanced on tour. It's important not to get too high or too low. It's easy to get down on yourself after a few bad rounds, but you have to look at the big picture. Golf is a marathon, not a sprint. Okay...so I've thrown a few clubs in my day...My travel mate Carmen and I have a rule after bad rounds, "It's okay to cry, but have to common decency to wait until you're in the car!" But my Dad always says that you just have to focus on improving every single day, and don't worry... you'll get there. ITG: How much time do you spend practicing and working out in a typical week? Carling: We may have the best job in the whole world, but we put in our eight hours of work just like everyone else. During tournament weeks, I usually practice 5-8 hours a day (mix of playing/range/short game). Monday is ALWAYS an off day (but is also the travel day so you usually spend 3-10 hours driving while attempting to not get a speeding ticket!). I'll work out 4-5 times per week. I did the p90x during the off season, but stick to cardio/abs during tournament weeks. ITG: What do you like to do when you aren't playing golf? Carling: I love sports! My favorite thing to do is to catch a Cincinnati Reds/Bengals game while I'm in town. I used to work for OSU Football at Coachtressel.com, and can't wait for the season to start! I also like to play racquetball with dad, shop with my mom, sew my own cute golf outfits, and practice my birdie dances with my dogs at home 😉 oh man..I just read that over..please don't make fun of me! ITG: Can you tell us something funny and/or interesting about you that most people don't know? Carling: I used to be soooo shy! Until I was about 12 years old, I hid from everyone and never spoke unless spoken to. I'm not kidding when I say that my older brothers used to call me "sally stupid stare!" Lucky for me, my dad is a professional speaker and taught me a lot of great tricks to improve my communications skills. Now I'm striving to be a sports broadcaster one day, and you can't get to me be quiet! ITG: Do you have a website or fan page people can go to follow you? Carling: www.carlingcoffinggolf.com, Carling Coffing on Facebook, The OFFICIAL CARLING COFFING FAN PAGE on Facebook, @CarlingCoffing on Twitter ITG: What advice can you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps and become a professional golfer? Carling: You have to truly love the game. It may be frustrating at times, but you have to LOVE how difficult it is. Go out there improve your game every single day (because if you aren't, your competition will be!). Don't ever settle on anything. If you think you're the best putter in the world, continue to make it better (you can!). Keep a positive attitude on the golf course and remember that if you're always getting better, then you're THAT much closer to reaching your dreams! ITG: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your golf career? Carling: My parents. They never missed a practice growing up. My dad worked 15 hour days to support my dream. He was an All-American wrestler and taught me to push myself harder than I ever thought I could. My mom can't break a 100, but she has seen my golf swing so many times that she KNOWS when the swing plane is off. We laugh because sometimes it feels like it's us three against the world. Plus, they believe in me...which is the biggest influence anyone can ever give you. Carling CoffingITG: If you could play golf with anyone - past or present - who would be in your foursome? What course would you play? Carling: 1. Walter Hagen--Known for hitting the worst golf shots of all time, but recovering like a legend. Love the way he drove his Limo right up to the first tee. This man KNEW about entertaining golf. 2. Bubba Watson--I want a long drive contest! You have to respect a man that never took a real lesson, but can still hit the ball to the moon! 3. Lee Trevino---Bring on the smack! It's a good thing he can back it up with his unbelievable golf, because I'm not letting him get away with anything! I'd take these guys to the Ohio State Scarlet Golf Course. It's an great track! Plus I've played it so many times maybe I'll have a little bit of an advantage over them. Side bet, anyone? ITG: If you could change any rule in golf, what rule would you change and why? Carling: I can't think of any particular rule that I would change, but I really wish there were more professional matchplay tournaments. I was trained "wrestler style!" and I love and good head-to-head match. I played in the Western Amateur one year and beat a girl 10 and 8 that morning, and won against another girl in 27 holes that afternoon. You never know what you're going to get! ITG: What's the strength of your game? And where do you feel you need to improve? Carling: The strength of my game is chipping. I used to practice flop shots for HOURS. Hey...it's an entertainment business...and there's nothing like a hot flop shot to please the audience. I need to improve my ball-striking. I have a tendency to miss fairways right now, and penalty strokes truly kill any golf round. So I can get up and down for par any day of the week, but I need to keep the ball in play if I want to start firing those 65s. ITG: LPGA Tour players earn far less than PGA Tour players, do you think there should be more equality in prize money between men and women? Carling: The men do make a lot more money than the women golfers, and I'm hoping to change that one day. I want to bring the fun and excitement back into this game, and really show the world what we are made of! Sorenstam has already made huge strides by shooting a 59, Michelle Wie has shown how good our young women players have gotten, and I want to to take the next step by getting the fans excited! Bring on the birdie dances! Bring on the cheers! The LPGA is on the rise right now, and once we start getting bigger crowds and more exposure then the money will starting rolling in. ITG: What's on your iPod right now? Carling: Pop music! What else could those booty shakin' birdie dance moves come from? ITG: When I become a star on the LPGA Tour, I'm going to
. Carling: Start my own charity to find a cure for Diabetes, Start commentating LPGA/PGA tournaments, Stop ordering off the Kid's Menu, Buy my parents a house and Fix the dents in my car (just ignore those for now!) I would like to thank Carling for taking the time to answer my questions, and I look forward to hitting the links with her again for some putting tips! Stay tuned to intothegrain.com, because we'll be interviewing other Big Break stars in the very near future!

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  • Arizona Women’s Open Is Back This Fall

    Wigwam Resorts Red CourseAfter an eight-year absence, the Arizona Women’s Open will be up and running again this October. Sponsors are being rounded up and an attractive purse (details to come) is being put together for professional women golfers in a 54-hole event at Wigwam Resorts Red Course in Litchfield Park, just outside Phoenix. The three-day tournament will be held Tuesday, October 19th to Thursday, the 21st . The event will also be open to amateur players looking to test their games against top professionals.

    The event is being organized by the Cactus Tour, which has several years of experience conducting mini tour events in the Phoenix area for women pros on the LPGA, the Duramed Futures Tour, the Ladies European Tour and other pros gearing up for their upcoming seasons.

    One of the driving forces behind the Arizona Women’s Open is Mike Brown from Tucson. Mike is The Open’s V.P. of Tournament Development and an avid supporter of women’s golf around the country. “Arizona is home to some of the best women pros on the tours and there is no reason that our state should be without an Open of its own,” Brown said from his Tucson home. “The Arizona Women Open will be held during a ‘down’ period for the tours and many players will be in the state preparing for the LPGA and LET Q School finals in December and the Duramed Futures Tour Q School in November.” The event will be limited to 102 players. Several women pros that have appeared on the current and former “Big Break” series on Golf Channel will be competing in the tournament. Players interested in registering for the Arizona Women’s Open should go to its website: http://arizonawomensopen.net They can also find information at the Cactus Tour’s website: http://thecactustour.com For information about the course where the event will be played, here is a link to Wigwam Resorts golf site: http://www.wigwamresort.com/golf.html The Arizona Women’s Open will give professional women golfers another money-making opportunity at a time when professional tours have seen a decrease in the number of their events. Organizers have signed up several sponsors, but are looking for more to help make the Arizona Women’s Open one of the leading state Opens in the country. Interested companies can contact Mike Brown or Bruce Condon through the event’s website. Part of the proceeds from the Arizona Women’s Open will go to help support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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    Dave Andrews, Author of Pops and SunshineAbout the Author: Dave Andrews is a Harvard-educated former television news reporter. Dave is an avid golfer who has become a fan of the Duramed Futures Tour and is the author of Pops and Sunshine, a novel and screenplay about life on tour. His home course in New Hampshire is annually the site of one of the tour’s events.

  • Quick Hits Vol. 6

    Big Break 2010 - Sandals Resorts This week’s quick hits covers a variety of topics, including the Golf Channel’s popular Big Break series, Lorena Ochoa’s retirement and final tournament, Rory’s 62, Ryo’s 58 and more. Tiger is vulnerable and Phil is hungry in more ways than one. Read on!

    1. The Golf Channel’s popular Big Break series returns this summer with Big Break Sandals Resorts. Filmed at the Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club at Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas, this years competition will feature women aged 23 to 32 seeking to gain exemptions on the LPGA and Ladies European Tour, along with cash and other prizes along the way. Most of the ladies in this year’s show play professional golf on the Duramed Futures Tour, which is the developmental circuit for the LPGA Tour. Since the series started several years ago it has become more and more commercial, with various products and companies being featured as sponsors. As annoying as this is, it shouldn’t take away from the competition. The show was taped in February 2010, and the cameras were rolling all day and all night, to capture more of the off course interactions than previous shows. With 11 beautiful and competitive women all staying in one ocean side villa, there may be some fireworks! (I’m not saying, just saying)

    Big Break Sandals Resorts Cast Members

    • Lili Alvarez, age 26, from El Paso, Texas
    • Stacey Bieber, age 25, from Fort Worth, Texas
    • Chris Brady, age 25, from Charlotte, N.C.
    • Sara Brown, age 24, from Tucson, Ariz.
    • Carling Coffing, age 24, from Middletown, Ohio
    • Taryn Durham, age 24, from Glasgow, Kent.
    • Ryann O’Toole, age 23, from Los Angeles, Calif.
    • Elena Robles, age 26, from Redondo Beach, Calif.
    • Seema Sadekar, age 24, from Las Vegas, Nev.
    • Kelly Sheehan, age 32, from Orlando, Fla.
    • Maiya Tanaka, age 24, from San Diego, Calif.

    The series will premier on the Golf Channel on June 21, 2010.

    1. Lorena Ochoa played her last competitive round of golf at the Tres Marias Championship in Morelia, Mexico last weekend. Ochoa, who since announcing her retirement has been showered with praise and thanks from players and thanks for everything she has done, will not be eligible for the LPGA Hall of Fame unless they change the rules. She would have to play golf for 3 more years to meet the requirements. The LPGA Tour needed Ochoa in the wake of Annika's retirement, and now without Lorena around someone else will have to step up and become the face of the struggling tour. In a sign that the LPGA Tour still has some things to learn, Lorena's last tournament wasn't even televised in the US. At least we got to see Annika go out in style at the US Open. Perhaps the LPGA and Ochoa should have planned it out better.

    2. Rory McIlroy almost went home early last week at the Quail Hollow Championship, making the cut on the number at +1. He then took the tournament by storm, shooting 66-62 on the weekend to win going away. His 62 on Sunday was a remarkable round, and it left second place finisher Phil Mickelson with nothing but good things to say about his round. Phil shot 68 and got lapped. even more impressive was Mcilroy's finish, going 5 under on the last five holes. If you watched CBS' telecast, you heard them constantly tell us how the "Green Mile" was such a tough finish. Frankly, I got sick of hearing the announcers say "Green Mile" about 20 minutes into it. I'm sure somewhere Tom hanks was smiling. McIlroy will no doubt make the European Ryder Cup team, as he sits in second place in the points. Even if he didn't make it on points, what captain would be foolish enough not to pick him? Oh, did I mention Rory is only 21?

    3. If you thought Rory McIlroy's Sunday 62 was the best round of the day, you would be wrong. In fact, Rory's 62 wasn't even close to the best round. Japan's young star Ryo Ishikawa dropped a smooth 58 on his fellow competitors on Sunday to walk away with a victory on the Japan PGA Tour. Playing on a shortish par 70 layout in Nagoya, Japan, Ishikawa started the day six shots back of the leader Shigeki Maruyama but made 12 birdies to record a five-stroke victory at 13 under par. "It's absolutely unbelievable, I don't know where all those birdies came from," said Ishikawa. "Seeing my score improve by 12 strokes at the end... it's like a dream." Maybe it's fitting that the guys he beat, Shigeki Maruyama, once recorded a 58 in US Open qualifying. It's the lowest score ever shot on a major tour. Oh, did I mention Ryo is only 18? What do they put in the water over there?

    4. Phil Mickelson is closing in on Tiger's number one world ranking. If he wins the Players Championship this week and Tiger finishes outside the top five, Phil will overtake Tiger as the best player in the world. I think Tiger will miss consecutive cuts for the first time in his career. In yesterday's practice round, Tiger hit the ball into a water hazard five times in nine holes. Doesn't look like he's figured it out yet. Phil is hungry for another victory - and also for doughnuts it appears. After winning the Masters, Phil donned his green jacket and drove the family to Krispy Kreme for some breakfast... Classic.

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  • Intothegrain.com Aquired By The Golf Channel!

    Press Release: For Immediate Release
    April 1, 2010

    PORT ORANGE, Florida. (April 1, 2010) – Intothegrain.com, one of the web’s fastest growing golf websites, today announced that it has been acquired by The Golf Channel.

    This acquisition will be a part of The Golf Channel’s continuing internet expansion and a precursor to their new blog network of sites called Golf Nation.

    “Blogging continues to grow in popularity, not only for personal use but by entrepreneurs and businesses around the world. Once seen as a passing fad, blogging has now grown up.” said a Golf Channel representative today. “The Golf Channel’s new professional network of golf blogs called Golf Nation will bring an amazing amount of entertainment value and put a vast array of information into the hands of those wanting more and better golf coverage on the web.” said Golf Channel spokesman Neil Jacobs.

    “What better brand to headline this new network of sites with than Intothegrain.com, a unique blog that has grown popular very fast and consistently produces high quality content.”

    “Some have called me a fool for even considering selling intothegrain.com,” said site founder John Duval “but I’d be a fool not to allow the Intothegrain brand to be developed by one of the world’s biggest golf media companies. I’m excited to see where The Golf Channel will take Intothegrain.com going forward.”

    The acquisition of Intothegrain.com will allow Mr. Duval to concentrate on the website full time and follow the professional tours for insider coverage and exclusive access to the players and courses.

    Under the terms of the contract, John will remain as editor of Intothegrain over the next 3 years, where he plans to expand the site with more video, live streaming from the tour and regular weekly columns by guest writers and celebrities.  “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to pursue my dream of being a full time blogger on the road. I never imagined this would happen at all, and for it to come to fruition after only one year is amazing.” said John. “I’m really looking forward to telling the untold stories and sharing them with true golf fans around the world.”

    About Intothegrain.com

    Intothegrain.com was founded by John Duval on March 22, 2009. In just 12 short months, Mr. Duval has taken the site from nothing to becoming an internet media powerhouse. Traffic numbers every month have eclipsed the previous month, and that growth is sure to continue. Since it’s inception, John has dedicated several minutes a day into making the site what it is now. A foolish endeavor? Maybe – but perhaps not as foolish as this press release! Happy 1st Birthday to intothegrain.com, and Happy April Fools Day everyone!

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  • Tiger Woods’ Return To Golf May Be Set

    Tiger Woods Returning to Golf at Tavistock CupThe Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Tiger Woods may return to golf at the Tavistock Cup at his home course of Isleworth. Citing a source “who works for the Woods family,” TMZ.com reports that the virtually exiled Woods is making plans to tee it up next month at the Tavistock Cup. The Tavistock Cup is a made-for-TV shootout in a Ryder Cup style format between the posh Orlando clubs of Isleworth and Lake Nona. Both private communities are home to several of the worlds top golfers, pro athletes and entertainers, among others. The competition is set for March 22-23 and the Golf Channel will broadcast it live.

    <

    p style=”text-align: center;”> There has been much speculation about when Tiger Woods would return to professional golf, with reports of his return at the up coming Accenture World Match Play Championships being squashed by his long time caddy and close friend Steve Williams. His return for the Tavistock Cup makes perfect sense for Tiger, as the event is very private, with only a few hundred spectators and no admission for the general public. Instead, the event is attended by members and residents of the respective clubs along with a few special guests and sponsors. Tavistock CupBeing that access is very limited, the tournament organizers will surely have control of what media outlets are allowed to cover the event, and who they have access to. Given that he hasn't been seen in public since Thanksgiving of last year, the media has been frothing at the mouth for the time when Tiger would come out of his self-imposed exile and finally answer questions about his extra-marital affairs, the events of Thanksgiving night, the sex addiction clinic, etc. The limited access for the public and media and the fact that the event is being played in his back yard are two compelling reasons why Tiger Woods may indeed make his return at the Tavistock Cup. One thing's for sure, if it happens, the Golf Channel might possibly see it's biggest ratings ever. That is, until Kelly Tilghman opens her mouth.

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  • Tournament Golf for Weekend Hackers

    GCAT_SkyCaddie_Color_561x500If you play golf long enough, you are bound to get bored with the usual Saturday Nassau on the same old course all the time, and unless you belong to an exclusive private club the course you play on every weekend with your buddies is not likely to be in superior condition. Playing the same game on the same course every weekend started getting old to me after a while, so I started to look elsewhere to get my golf fix.

    I found out about the Golf Channel Amateur Tour online and decided to give it a shot. The concept of the tour is not unfamiliar to many people. They play stroke play tournaments on good courses and players of all ages and abilities can participate. The Golf Channel runs over 70 local tours all over the country, expanding every year to new markets.

    The beauty of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour is that you don’t have to be a scratch player to be competitive. The tour divides players into 12 flights based on age and handicaps. The flights range from the Championship flight for zero to four handicaps, all the way up to the Snead flight for players with  a handicap of 20 or more. They also have senior flights for players 50 and over using the same handicap breakdown. Basically the flights go in increments of four. Championship (0-3.9), Palmer (4-7.9), Hogan (8-11.9), etc.GCAT Flights

    The tour hosts mostly single day 18 hole tournaments, with 3 or 4 regional majors that are 36 hole events with larger fields. The biggest event of the year is the National Championship at the end of the season. Those who qualify meet for a 72 hole tournament where a national champ is crowned in each flight. A team championship is also held a few days prior to the start of the individual stroke play finals, where players from each regional tour team up to take on the other cities. The play is very competitive and the events are always hosted by top notch golf facilities.

    Playing on the Golf Channel Amateur Tour in Central Florida has afforded me the opportunity to play tournaments at venues like Disney, Grand Cypress, TPC Sawgrass, Innisbrook and many of the area’s finest golf courses. The National Championship in 2007 was held at Innisbrook, and last year Disney hosted the event. This year the finals move to the West coast and PGA West in La Quinta, CA.

    One of the biggest reasons to play on the tour is the prospect of being recognized and rewarded. Not only can you win trophies to show off to your friends, but there is a significant prize pool available at every tournament. The more players, the bigger the prizes. Being an amateur tour, the prizes are limited to gift certificates, but the skins pot is cash, and I have seen skins payouts over $300. Combine that with Callaway Golf gift cards in excess of $200 for a major tournament win, and it makes for a pretty good weekend! Most single day tournament entry fees range from $90 to $125, depending on the venue. This fee is very reasonable, especially considering the prize pool offered and the fact that the courses often charge more for daily greens fees than you might pay to enter the tournaments.

    Tournaments on the Golf Channel Amateur tour are held on weekends, and the tournament directors are very professional and well organized. The tour’s website makes it easy for members to enter tournaments, track stats, maintain a USGA handicap and check their place on the season long points standings. All members also receive a logo shirt and hat, and their membership entitles the player to play on any event on any tour around the country. You may join the tour in Orlando, but if traveling to San Diego for example, you can enter and play tournaments there too, and any points you earn go towards your point totals on the local tour.

    You get to play on top notch courses against players of similar ability in a competitive atmosphere for prizes and cash and a chance to play in the National Championship. What more do you need to be convinced? Perhaps the biggest benefit of the tour is the friendships that can be made and the comradery that exists every week. In my 3 years playing on the tour, I have made friends and contacts from all walks of life that will last a lifetime. I’ve also collected plenty of prizes, many trophies and a few births to the National Championships, all while playing some of the best golf courses in the state.

    For more information about the Golf Channel Amateur Tour go to www.thegolfchannel.com/amateurtour

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    I always welcome comments, questions, hate mail – whatever. I want to hear from you out there! Let me know if the 5 minutes you wasted at work to read my blog was worthwhile. Cheers!

  • What’s Wrong With The LPGA Tour? (Part 2)

    Photo Credit: Matt Dunham/AP
    Photo Credit: Matt Dunham/AP

    Back in May I did a piece on what I thought was wrong with the LPGA Tour. I touched on a few issues that, to me, made it tougher for the LPGA Tour to compete with the others for TV viewers. I have observed another issue lately that may be of much greater concern to the Tour, and the steps they have taken to solve that issue. With any luck, we’ll see the LPGA Tour come out of this tough time and continue to grow.

    Last Sunday ESPN chose to rebroadcast the 2008 World Series of Poker rather than air the final round of the Wegmans LPGA. Maybe ESPN thought they would get better ratings by showing tape of a year old show that everyone has already seen, rather than showing live LPGA golf. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I can’t watch a sporting event on television when I know what the outcome is going to be. It’s like watching those pathetically scripted reality shows. Sports are the first and only reality shows out there. Millions and millions of fans watch sports because of the simple fact that you don’t know who is going to win, and you never know when the game or match will come down to the last second, the last hole, or the last point. My biggest problem with it is for all the grief I get from football, baseball and hockey fans questioning golf as a sport, ESPN replaces golf with Poker – hardly what I would consider a sport.

    It’s become clear to me that ESPN has a clear agenda to promote the events that it has a vested financial interest in, as Martin Kaufmann also pointed out in Golfweek. This would tend to explain the Poker rerun, just a few days before the 2009 World Series of Poker started. This also explains the ridiculous hype over the X-Games every year. It’s all about the ratings. ESPN also seems to try to influence the viewing public with its virtual monopoly of viewership, powerful opinions and tenancy to beat a story to death. Just watch the lineup on weekdays starting at 4:30 with Around the Horn, followed by PTI and finally Sportcenter. You’ll see the same highlighted story talked about on all three shows, and the general opinion on the subject seems to be the same across the board. ESPN seems to have embraced the FOX News model of “info-tainment”, where they choose a story that has some editorial angle to it and over cover it in an attempt to draw ratings, or come up with a cheesy special feature to plug a sponsor’s products and fill air time. Why else would we need a Brett Favre update every single night or a stupid “Who’s Now” bracket?

    In any case, it seems that the LPGA Tour is finally taking matters into their own hands lately in an attempt to breathe life into its dying franchise. Carolyn Bivens, the LPGA Tour Commissioner, has her work cut out for her in reviving the struggling tour. Several tournaments are without title sponsors in 2010 and are in trouble of folding, and only 10 events on the LPGA calendar for 2010 are in the United States. Hawaii, once host to three LPGA Tournaments, now has lost its final remaining event, with the death of the Kapalua tournament joining the SBS Open and the Fields Open. What can save this tour? Well, the LPGA recently inked a deal with the Golf Channel to become the LPGA Tour’s exclusive cable broadcaster in the US. That’s a good start, but the problem with that is the Golf Channel also broadcasts PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour events. Will this lead to competition for air time? Will the LPGA Tour be pushed out of prime time in favor of the PGA Tour on tape delay? I fear LPGA fans will have to set their DVR to record tournaments airing at midnight, long after the final results have been posted on the internet or been talked about on Sportscenter. Oh that’s right, Sportscenter doesn’t even cover the LPGA Tour unless Michelle Wie does something. The problem with that is she really hasn’t done anything yet, except cash in on the hype and false promises that ESPN contributed to creating. I have nothing against Michelle Wie. To expect her to fill the shoes of Annika in her rookie year on tour is unrealistic anyway.

    The LPGA has many great personalities and has a lot to offer the fans. If you have a chance to attend an LPGA tournament you can see this.  For more entertainment value you can follow many players on sites like Facebook and Twitter. Just tune into Christina Kim’s twitter feed and you’ll see what I mean. Although there was a bit of a circus following the Commissioner’s mis-communicated suggestion to the players to tweet during play, for the most part it’s an easy way to keep up with your favorite players and get a look at the world behind the ropes. For sheer entertainment value, there no better way to get into the lives of the players than to follow Christina, Morgan Pressel and others on Twitter. On the PGA Tour, Ian Poulter and John Daly are favorites.

    Let’s hope we can get more LPGA golf on the air and the Golf Channel doesn’t butcher the coverage by sticking it on late night or over exposing us to Kelly Tilghman. (Sorry Kelly, but you’re no Jim Nantz.) With any luck, the players that the tour spends much of it’s marketing dollars promoting – Wie, Gulbis, Creamer, Ochoa, etc will start playing better and make more of an impact on Sundays. There has been much critisism about the throngs of Korean girls that seem to have no identity cluttering up the leader boards, but I don’t blame them. They are a product of the worlds best junior golf program for girls, and each one of them have rightfully earned their place on the Tour, it’s just that these girls being in contention have the same depressing effect on television ratings that Tiger does when he doesn’t play…