Phil Mickelson’s fans and foes alike are wondering how his collapse in the final round of the 2006 U.S. Open is affecting him, and will affect his game (if at all) for the rest of the season (and beyond). Just minutes ago, it was announced that Phil is withdrawing from the annual ING Par-3 Shootout at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Mich.. The statement Phil made in the official press release is: “I’m sorry to have to miss the ING Par-3 Shootout,” said Mickelson, who finished tied for second at last week’s U.S. Open. “It’s always about having fun and I didn’t think ... full post »

Phil Mickelson looked like a genius when he carried two drivers during the 2006 Master’s and won. In the U.S. Open, which as we all know Mickelson lost (he wasn’t beaten, he lost), he carried just one driver, a Callaway FT-3 Fusion with a fade bias. Lefty’s natural shot is a draw, so the fade bias was supposed to allow him more easily to find the fairways of the numerous right-to-left doglegs at Winged Foot. Problem was, for some inexplicable reason on Sunday, Phil’s natural shot failed him, and he began hitting majestic, towering power fades. He hit only two fairways all ... full post »

Our friends at PatentlyGolf.com pointed out to us a while ago that Acushnet – makers of Titleist and Pinnacle golf balls – received a patent in January, 2006 for a high-performance, limited flight golf ball. Here’s the abstract of the patent: “A high performance golf ball having a reduced overall distance while maintaining the appearance of a high performance trajectory. The golf ball includes a combination of low CoR core and cover materials coupled with a less aerodynamic dimple pattern that achieves a reduction in carry and overall distance of 15 and 25 yards versus a conventional golf ball, while still ... full post »

In a pair of recent blogs, I’ve tried to figure out just what makes a yearly golf trip of 40 guys who mainly know each other from this trip such a rousing success. Aside from the sterling character of each and every one of the hand-picked attendees (not sure how I ever qualified on this count, but I’m keeping my mouth shut), the quality and affordability of the golf is key. Reponses to my last blog included a couple of comments recommending Pinehurst and Bandon Dunes, among other, for the perfect golf trip. These folks apparently are used to far ritzier golf ... full post »

A few blogs ago, I pondered what makes a golf trip perfect, placing highest priority on the chemistry among the group of people on the trip, and secondary importance on the quality of the golf courses played. This said, it always helps to have at least one truly memorable course in the mix. This is especially the case if said course is not only memorable but also affordable. On the 40-man trip I was part of last month in Tennessee, we were fortunate enough to play GreyStone Golf Club in Dickson, Tenn. Tucked behind a Methodist church, this 6,858-yard 1998 Mark ... full post »

If there is a down side to golf travel, it’s lugging your clubs through airports. Then there’s the constant worry that some clumsy baggage handler will drop your golf bag and snap your driver, or worse yet, that the airline will lose your clubs all together. A company called Sports Express offers door-to-door deliver of your clubs (or other sports gear), and promises not to lose or bust anything. And if you happen to be looking for a no-fuss gift for your dad, Sports Express is offering 15% off if you purchase a gift card in June. Either visit the website or ... full post »

Although I endeavor to avoid hypocrisy, I usually fail. For example, I look at smokers and wonder how they can continue to smoke, knowing full well the cancer risk. Then I hit the links on sunny days without even giving thought to sunscreen, knowing full well the cancer risk. Sigh. My only pitiful defense is that I hate getting all greasy and goopy. God knows I have enough trouble with my grip (and often with the re-grip I attempt at the top of my backswing – ugly, really ugly) without having to fight with slippery hands and grips. Last week I tried some of ... full post »

A Mr. Richard Fader from Fort Lee, New Jersey, writes: “It is my understanding that the Yes putters models are named for the Tour Players wifes [sic]. Can you confirm this and provide a list? Your help is most appreciated.” Well Mr. Fader, according to Dave Richardson of Yes! Golf, some of the models are indeed named after Tour wives (some of whom are also models themselves). Richardson writes: “[A]ctually it all started with Retief Goosen’s wife Tracy. After that the names came from various children or wives of employees or players.” We haven’t been able to track down a definitive list yet (but ... full post »