Watching the commercials during this year’s British Open – or any televised golf tournament, actually – you’d think there are only two brands of golf balls: Titleist and Nike. There are all sorts of balls on the market, though, that conform to USGA and R&A rules. And some are pretty darn good – and pretty darn cheap, compared to the big names. My current favorite is Vision Golf Balls from Australia. These are available exclusively in the U.S. from SMT Golf. These balls come in three flavors: one for feel, one for distance, and one that actually soaks up UV rays and glows ... full post »

Wow. Just when we thought Michelle Wie had faded, finally, from the limelight, she found herself in the clubhouse Saturday alone in second place at the State Farm Classic in Springfield, Illinois. That position didn’t last long, though, as she was summarily informed that she was being DQ’ed for failing to sign her card in a timely manner the day before. Ouch. Don’t they teach kids anything at Stanford these days? Like, maybe, turning in your homework on time? Or signing your scorecard before you walk out of the roped off players’ area? Well, that’s apparently what Wie did. Or rather, failed ... full post »

The players may wish for bright, warm, windless conditions each year at the venerable and unpredictable British Open, and galleries may shiver in their soggy Wellingtons with the thought of another windy, wet day on the links. But apparel companies pray for wind and rain and cold. Are the sartorial sages of golf evil sadists? Not really (aside from maybe one or two of them). What they want, though, is a chance to preview their fall and winter lines for the television audience back in the U.S. See, they’ve had all spring and summer to show off their high-tech, sweat-wicking shirts, ... full post »

My kids are always after me to take them to Disney Word. I, of course, would rather spend money on a golf vacation. Although it’s true that there are plenty of great golf courses in Orlando, with the price of gas, who can afford to drive, fly, or even hitchhike there anymore? Far closer to my home in Illinois is the great golfing state of Michigan. Not only are there more public courses in Michigan than any other state in the nation (believe it or not), there are monuments to all things golf, including some of the best golf stores, golf academies, ... full post »

When you’re a foodie, you remember certain dinners with a fondness normally reserved for long-lost lovers or dead pets. Last month, while covering the U.S. Open, I had the pleasure of dining at George’s at the Cove in La Jolla, which had been recommended by the folks at Lexus as a restaurant that epitomized what they refer to as the “Lexus Lifestyle”. Now, I don’t normally inhabit whatever sort of ephemeral realm the “Lexus Lifestyle” implies, but the memory of that fine meal is still vividly with me: black olive cured albacore tuna, rack of lamb, and a cheese plate of ... full post »

Tour Edge, one of the highest-tech golf equipment companies you’ve maybe never heard of, is offering a premium shaft upgrade to golfers who purchase a new Exotics XCG or XLD driver. To find a VariableFit Interchangeable Fitting System location near you, click here. You must hurry, though, as the offer expires July 31. full post »

Natalie Gulbis, LPGA player and leggy calendar-girl, announced on June 24 an essay contest. The theme of the essay is, “Who’s Behind Your Success?” and entries of 200 words or less can be submitted at the link above. According to RSM McLadrey, the official accounting, tax, and business consulting firm of the PGA of America and the sponsor of the contest, the grand prize winner of the essay about the most influential person in their life will get to spend the day with Natalie, starting with a sweaty, steamy morning workout, followed by nine holes of bikini golf, and climaxing with ... full post »