Accuse me of sentimentality. Accuse me of caving into cliche. But today simply demands at least a small pause to give thanks. First, I’m thankful for a wonderful family, a warm house, dear friends, and a 60-degree wedge that allows me to do some magical things around the greens. Second, I’m thankful that Phil Mickelson won the Master’s, and the press was forced to relieve him of the label “Best Player to Never Win a Major.” I had the distinct pleasure of riding around the course with Phil during a made-for-TV event a few years ago–just him and me, and I had ... full post »

At the 2004 U.S. Women’s Open, what struck me immediately (besides the near flawlessness of Natalie Gulbis’ legs), were the power, grace, and perfect timing of the women’s swings. From day one, I began preaching to anyone who would listen: “These are the swings that 95% of men should copy, not the swings on the PGA Tour.” Some guys scoffed. Some, however – likely the ones most secure in their own sexuality – nodded in agreement. If you don’t believe me, just do a little reasoning. Take Cristie Kerr, for example. The woman stands no more than 5′4″, and cannot weigh ... full post »

I lived in Japan for nearly 4 years, and studied closely that country’s oft-cited fascination with the game of golf. During that time, I actively avoided playing at the club to which I was given a complementary membership. The club did not allow women to play, and monthly “tournaments” were arranged simply so local businessmen could feel important playing with “gaijin” (foreigners). Instead, I spent most of my golfing hours in a two-story driving range (top level, preferably), paying the equivalent of $20 for rental clubs and $20 an hour to hit as many balls as I could to try ... full post »

At the 2004 Fall PGA Expo in Vegas, there were more new putters on display than any other type of equipment. And these weren’t your grandfather’s (or Phil Mickelson’s) heel-shafted blades, either. Seriously, it looked like someone had dropped a bunch of putters on an island several million years ago and allowed evolution to run its course. Imagine a platypus as a putter. Bizarre. I’ve noticed recently that Tom Lehman has switched back to an STX Synch 3 Belly Putter, identical to the one I reviewed a couple of years ago. Since then, he’s three top-tens and one top-20. Conversely, Vijay went ... full post »