This is getting creepy. A few weeks ago, Nike announced that Chad Campbell would be using Nike’s new SasQuatch (SQ) driver. Then he goes and wins the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic the next week. Next, with relatively little fanfare, Tiger Woods himself (cue the trumpets and heavenly choir) puts the SQ in play (the standard model, no less—not even the Tour version) and wins the Buick Invitational. Granted, Tiger could likely tie a rock on a stick a-la Fred Flintstone and finish in the top ten of most tournaments, but nevertheless, this SQ driver is on a roll. The SQ might just make ... full post »

On the cover of Golf Magazine’s February issue is yet another headline touting a “secret move” that is guaranteed to give you more distance. Peter Kostis calls it the “new” X-factor. Essentially, this big “secret” consists of beginning your downswing by your turning your hips quickly and powerfully forward, thus creating more torque in your torso before unwinding towards the ball. Um, forgive me if I yawn, but isn’t this pretty much common knowledge? Sure, most of us regular weekend hacks don’t always do it, and it can’t help to remind us to pay attention to it. But come on, it’s about ... full post »

Several months ago, I noted that the USGA and R&A had revised the rules to allow laser yardage measurement devices during official rounds, and even tournaments, when approved by the local rules committee. In that blog, I ruminated a bit about whether this was good for the game or not. Most readers who commented thought it was just fine, and I tend to agree. My only reservation at the time was that players who have not learned how to use the devices efficiently might actually take LONGER to play than if they did not have the devices. It seems my concerns were, ... full post »

Clubs with adjustable weights are hot. Belly putters are hot. Hot balls are hot. Even calendars are hot (which may explain the hot balls…but I digress). Nothing, however, is hotter this season than hybrid clubs. Whether these clubs are envisioned as replacements for hard-to-hit long irons, or as fully integrated sets, these iron-wood/wood-iron contraptions come in enough shapes, sizes, materials, and lofts to please just about anyone who feels less than confident when pulling out an iron with a number on it lower than 6. Some spanking new offerings include: –DeLaCruz Golf’s Cruzer Hybrid Trouble Wood. The Cruzer Hybrid is available in three lofts:17 ... full post »

Adams Golf just announced the expansion of its successful Redline RPM line into fairway woods. The new low-profile woods will come in three different non-adjustable weighting schemes: draw bias (tungsten weight on the sole at heel), high-flight (weight at the back of the sole), and Tour flight (weight in center of sole for lower, more boring flight with less spin). Although I haven’t hit them yet, this line looks pretty solid, if the Redline 460 driver is any measure of their quality. This said, in my opinion, the fairway wood is the least useful, most over-rated club in the average golfer’s bag. ... full post »

Moveable weights are all the rage in club designs these days, from drivers down to putters. As I have said in the past, I am of two minds about this design innovation. One mind says, “Yeah, so what? Lead tape has been around forever, and it’s a lot cheaper.” My other mind says, “Cool. Now I can tinker to my heart’s content, and know that when I finally settle on a weighting scheme, bad results will be my fault, not the club’s.” As I have also said in the past, the problem with Mind Two’s view is that the average golfer delivers ... full post »

A few weeks ago, I publicly registered my dismay at the announcement that Congress would be holding hearings about the BCS. Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX) was reported by the AP to be spearheading the drive to get to the bottom of the “deeply flawed” BCS (Barton’s words). Well, the Bowl Season is upon us. Although I am not an ardent college football fan, I will say that I have seen some incredible kick-ass football match-ups this year. Iowa and Michigan both had a chance to come from behind (but were screwed by the refs). Penn State and Florida State battled heroically last ... full post »