Even the world’s richest and most recognized athlete isn’t immune to the economic downtown. Yep, Tiger Woods got his pink slip from General Motors. GM and Tiger released a statement saying it was “mutual” that Woods’ endorsement deal was done, but come on. We all no better. He is no longer endorsing the Buick brand because the company couldn’t afford the mega bucks he’s commanded the past nine years. Buick has been one of golf’s biggest supporters. It was the first corporate sponsor to work with the PGA Tour, way back to the 1950s. Unfortunately, with the automotive slump, the ... full post »

It’s been a busy year for golf publishers. I’ve probably gotten more than 50 new golf books within the past 6-8 months to read-review. Good for my game but bad for the books, many have been gathering dust on my shelf while I’ve been out chasing that little white ball. But with the long cold winter ahead, I’ve started dusting them off and diving in. I’ll do the work for you, telling you which ones are worth purchasing for that golf-crazed fanatic on your holiday shopping list. Or maybe you’re the one looking for a good book to cuddle up ... full post »

I’ve made it clear in previous posts how much I hate indoor golf ranges. I’ve found a better place to work on my swing this winter … in front of the Wii in my basement. Wii golf is so much better than Tiger Woods golf on Xbox or Playstation. It’s interactive. It’s fun. It demands a real swing, not a bunch of button-pushing. The only knock is how hard it is to putt (maybe that’s another indication how real it is. I’m a terrible putter outside, too). But most important: Wii golf is good for you. The American Council on ... full post »

Funny thing happened on the golf course today, the day after our historic election. I ran into a drunk republican. Seems he needed a bit of the sauce to stomach the next four years with Barack Obama and the Democratic-led Senate and House. It was one of those rare wacky golf course experiences I’ll never forget. After playing nine holes, my playing partners dashed off, leaving me a single. I zipped along until I hit a wall of golfers with two holes to go. As I walked up to introduce myself and join a twosome on the tee, my new ... full post »

I’m amazed that the stereotype lives on, that golf is a socially irresponsible sport. I saw a local newspaper voter guide that showed a golfer being dragged off the golf course to go vote. What’s the message there, that golfers don’t vote? Can’t we leave golf alone? Not everybody skips work for a round of golf or takes a politically motivated junket to Scotland in exchange for favors. On a stunningly beautiful 70 degree day in November in Michigan, I was able to get a few swings in on election day and still do the responsible thing and vote. As ... full post »