July 2010
61 posts
11 tags
Why is Everyone Going Low?
Is it just me or has there been a rash of really, really low scores this year? Just look at some of the scoring feats this year around the golf world:
59 - Paul Goydos, Round 1 of the John Deere Classic
60 - Steve Stricker, Round 1 of the John Deere Classic
60 - Carl Pettersson, Round 3 of the Canadian Open
62 - Rory McIlroy, Final round of the Quail Hollow Championship
58 - Ryo Ishikawa,...
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Alabama Teen Shoots 57!
Seventeen year old Bobby Wyatt of Mobile, Alabama, shot 14-under 57 on Wednesday during the second round of the Alabama Boys State Junior Championship.
Wyatt made 12 birdies and an eagle at the par-71, 6,638-yard Country Club of Mobile, a course where his family has held membership since Wyatt started playing golf at age 4.
His front-nine 26 included seven birdies and an eagle. He tacked on five...
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Sarah Brown Asking Too Much?
Yesterday we discussed the story of Sarah Brown, the Duramed Futures Tour rookie wrongly disqualified from last week’s event. It turns out that she has been offered $2,000 by the tour for its mistake. However, her father told Golfweek that she deserves more.
The Browns are asking for:
• $5,638, the amount Sarah Brown would have earned had she finished The International at Concord at...
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Futures Tour Golfer Erroneously DQ'd
This past Sunday, Sarah Brown, 18, was three shots off the lead entering the final round of the Duramed Futures Tour’s The International at Concord, when she was disqualified after a rules official determined her Ping wedges to have nonconforming grooves. There was only one problem: her wedges did conform. Whoops.
“Unfortunately, Sarah Brown was the victim of an inaccurate ruling ...
1 tag
Tragedy Strikes Oklahoma Golf Recruit
This is one of the saddest stories we’ve heard around the golf world for some time.
Kyle Lewis, a University of Oklahoma signee, died Monday in a single-car accident, just hours after playing in his final high-school golf tournament for Bethel High School. He was 18.
According to a statement from the Oklahoma athletic department, Lewis was alone in his car, which left the Turner...
6 tags
Have You Heard of Pete Cowen?
If you haven’t you probably will very soon. Cowen is quickly becoming the hottest teacher in the golf world and two of his students, Graeme McDowell and Louis Oosthuizen, have now picked up back-to-back major wins. In addition, his prized pupil, Lee Westwood, has finished in the Top-5 in four of his last five majors.
Cowen also currently teaches Darren Clarke, Sergio Garcia and Henrik...
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Woods and Mickelson Top American Money Makers
Despite an economic downturn for Tiger Woods this year, he and Phil Mickelson are still one-two in Sports Illustrated’s Fortunate 50 list of top earning American athletes.
Woods raked in an estimated 90.5 million, while Mickelson is at 61.6 million. Mickelson is closely followed by boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Woods and Mickelson are the only golfers on the list.
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Great August Special from Downingtown CC
If you’re looking to play some great golf this August at a great price you have to check out our Discounts and Specials page for Downingtown Country Club’s awesome offer for the month of August.
Downingtown CC is ranked as the #4 overall course in the PhillyGolfGuide.com rankings.
3 tags
GPS vs. Rangefinders
Are you looking to get a golf distance measuring device but are unsure of whether to get a GPS unit or a Laser Rangefinder? Well, there is no right or wrong answer. Some people favor GPS, while others will swear by Laser Rangefinders.
There are some definite positives and negatives for each. Hopefully the following list will help you decide which is better suited for your game:
GPS -...
9 tags
Product Review - Leupold GX-2 Rangefinder
Leupold GX Golf Rangefinder (GX-2 Model Tested) Suggested Retail: $500 http://golf.leupold.com/
Accuracy: 5/5 Ease of Setup: 4.5/5 Ease of Use: 4/5 Accessories: 5/5 Design: 5/5 Features: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Summary: The Leupold GX-2 Rangefinder is one of the most remarkable innovations to the game of golf that I have ever seen. While everyone searches for the latest clubs, balls, and training...
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Top Junior Amateur Spieth Goes Down
16 year old super-amateur Jordan Spieth failed in his bid to win back to back U.S. Junior Amateur titles this week, losing in the second round to 14 year old Robby Shelton, 1up.
Spieth finished second in stroke play qualifying with rounds of 67-68 and looked to be in top form after his 7 & 5 round one victory before being upset. The soon-to-be High School Senior gained national attention by...
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Watson Honored with Lifetime European Tour...
Tom Watson has been granted honorary life membership of the European Tour, joining Arnold Palmer, Bob Charles and Gary Player among the greats who have received the award while Senior Tour players.
The eight-time major winner received the award at Carnoustie ahead of the Seniors British Open, which began Thursday.
The 60-year-old Watson said it was a “great honor” and “totally...
4 tags
Oosthuizen Planned on Firing Caddie
On Monday prior to the start of this year’s British Open, Louis Oosthuizen told his caddie Zack Rasego that the two would part ways after St. Andrews. For seven years, Rasego had worked for his fellow South African, but it seemed Louis and his manager were ready to make a change to a man with more experience.
Fast forward six days as Oosthuizen and Rasego walked across the Swilcan Bridge and...
2 tags
What's Happened to Boo?
What’s happened to Boo Weekley’s golf game?
Less than two years ago Weekley was seen galloping down the fairway at Valhalla as an American star in the Ryder Cup, now he has plunged to No. 166 in the world rankings with only three top 10s in the last two years. Boo has not played a major this year and is in serious jeopardy of missing the PGA Championship as well.
Maybe he’s...
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SKLZ 25% Off Coupon Code
SKLZ Golf, maker of a number of great golf training and practice aids, is having a Mid-Season Game Improvement Sale. Use Promo Code FBGOLF25 at checkout and get 25% Off all Golf Training Gear at SKLZ.com. Promotion expires end of day Friday (7/23/10).
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The Confusing European Ryder Cup Standings
As much as we don’t like the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), we at least understand how the rankings are determined each week. The European Ryder Cup standings are another story all together. The current lists used to determine the 2010 automatic spots is a real head scratcher.
New for 2010, The European automatic berths will be made up of the top players on the European Points List...
6 tags
Winning Should be Factored More into World...
We don’t mean to bash Europe (and England especially) because we really do think there are a whole bunch of talented players over there, but the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) are giving way too much credit to guys who do well but rarely win. And I’m not talking about winning European Tour events either, which is a nice little tour, but its Triple-A talent from top to bottom...
6 tags
Just How Big Are the Greens at St. Andrews?
There’s plenty of talk this week about the size of St. Andrews greens. So just how big are they? Well, they’re enormous to put it mildly. The average U.S. green is about 5,000 square feet, while the average green at the Old Course is about 4.5 times that! Here is a comparison of average green sizes of the 2010 Major courses (in square feet):
Augusta National – 6,435
Pebble Beach...
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Another Major Dissapointment for Furyk
Jim Furyk will miss the weekend at this year’s British Open after a disappointing 77-73 at St. Andrews.
Furyk is often a trendy pick for major championships because of his steady and plodding game, solid putting stroke and his accuracy off the tee, but a closer look at his recent history in the majors shows that he’s been a non-factor for the last two years.
Furyk has now missed two...
Golf Trivia!
Name the 9 players who have won a major that have the letter “Z” in their name (first or last).
Difficulty level: HARD
To view the answer, click READ MORE.
Gene Sarazen
Jose Maria Olazabal
Fuzzy Zoeller
Lee Janzen
Zach Johnson
Paul Azinger
Larry Mize
Roberto DeVicenzo
Vic Ghezzi
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Course Review: The Golf Course at Glen Mills
The Golf Course at Glen Mills 6,638 yards, Par 71 (72.3 course rating, 138 slope) Phone: 610-558-2142 Web: http://www.glenmillsgolf.com PhillyGolfGuide.com Ranking: 1st Overall (1st in Delaware County) Architect: Bobby Weed
Par 3’s: 5/5 Par 4’s: 4/5 Par 5’s: 4.5/5 Conditioning: 5/5 Variety: 5/5 Memorability: 5/5 Aesthetics: 5/5 Walkability: 4/5 Overall: 5/5
Summary: The Golf...
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A Closer Look at the Quirkiness of St. Andrews Old...
While most people know about the quirky features of the Old Course at St. Andrews like the blind shots, the deep and often hidden bunkers and the classic Road Hole, there’s a lot of other unusual features at the course that you won’t find at most other Major championship venues. Here are a few:
There are only 11 greens at The Old Course. Seven of the greens are “double...
2 tags
GM Vows to Improve Poor Conditions at Scotland Run
I haven’t been out to New Jersey yet this year for any golf so it was news to me when I received an open email from the Scotland Run (#2 in the PhillyGolfGuide.com rankings) GM today in regards to their poor conditions.
“…we ourselves are very disappointed in our current golf course conditions. They are far from what you have come to expect from Scotland Run.”
...
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“Yeah, 69, 69, 67, 68, 67, 68, 65, 69, 63.”
– Rory McIlroy, after his round 1 63, when asked if he remembers his previous nine career competitive rounds at St. Andrews (as an Amateur and a Professional). That’s 43-under par in 9 rounds if you’re scoring at home.
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Do 63's in Majors Pay Off?
If you’re wondering whether Rory McIlroy’s major record-tying 63 is a good omen for hoisting the Claret Jug at the end of the week, well, it’s not.
Of the previous 23 players who posted a 63 in a major, only 5 have gone on to win the tournament. Here is the complete list of 63’s:
British Open ‘10 Rory McIlroy - 1st round (St. Andrews) ‘93 Payne...
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Golf Trivia!
In 1995 John Daly won his second major by claiming the British Open Championship at St. Andrews in a playoff over which golfer?
Hint: The same golfer was also in the final pairing with Tiger Woods for his epic 1997 12-stroke Masters triumph.
Difficulty level: EASY
To view the answer, click READ MORE.Costantino Rocca of Italy.
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Rory McIlroy Posts Major Record Tying 63
In calm and soft conditions, young Irishman Rory McIlroy has stormed out to an early lead in Round 1 of the British Open at St. Andrews with a sparkling 9-under, 63. His 63 matches the lowest round in the history of the four modern majors, becoming the 24th player to do so and the 7th in British Open history.
Although McIlroy missed a two-foot birdie putt on the treacherous 17th that would have...
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“I have nothing against having a pint; I just don’t care for the taste. I haven’t...”
– Phil Mickelson when asked if he goes out in St. Andrews to have a pint of beer with the locals.
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Champions Challenge Cancelled
The newly created Champions Challenge scheduled for today at St. Andrews has been cancelled due to cold and rainy conditions.
The 4-hole challenge match for former British Open Champions was set to have three and four-man teams competing against each other around St. Andrews’ famous 1st, 2nd, 17th, and 18th holes.
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Rare Golf Action on Sunday at The Old Course
Locals will see something of an unfamiliar sight this Sunday on the Old Course at St. Andrews: golfers.
It turns out that it is an old tradition to close the Old Course for play on Sundays. Old Tom Morris used to say that “the course needs a rest, even if you don’t.”
Of course they make an exception for The Open Championship. The Old Course is open the Sunday before the...
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“You think anyone has ever grinded this hard on a Monday?”
– Phil Mickelson on his high-stakes practice round with young guns Dustin Johnson and Nick Watney at St. Andrews on Monday. Mickelson edged out the duo by a stroke. Watney had to pay off Mickelson after losing a chip-off with Johnson when they ended their rounds in a tie at even par.
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Tiger Changes Putter for First Time in 11 Years
Tiger Woods disclosed on Tuesday that he is going with a new putter in his bag for the first time in 11 years. Tiger’s customary Scotty Cameron Newport 2 will sit out The British Open this week at St. Andrews. He has used the Scotty Cameron for 13 of his 14 major championships going back to May of 1999. Woods will be using a new Nike model called the Method.
“I’ve always...
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“Tom Watson has said you need to clean up your act on the golf course. He’s...”
– A British Reporter’s question for Tiger Woods today at the British Open at St. Andrews. Woods responded: “I’m trying to become a better player and a better person, yes.”
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Ranking the One Major Champions Under 50
Heading into the British Open there are currently 21 players under the age of 50 who have won exactly one major. We attempt to rank them here:
Jim Furyk
Graeme McDowell
Geoff Ogilvy
YE Yang
Lucas Glover
Stewart Cink
Zach Johnson
Mike Weir
Davis Love III
Justin Leonard
David Toms
Ben Curtis
David Duval
Trevor Immelman
Steve Elkington
Shaun Micheel
Paul Lawrie
Rich Beem
Todd...
6 tags
Golf Trivia!
Name the five players who are currently under the age of 50 who have won exactly two majors.
Difficulty level: MEDIUM
To view the answer, click READ MORE.
Angel Cabrera John Daly Retief Goosen Lee Janzen Jose Maria Olazabal
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British Open Pairings Released
The 139th British Open starts Thursday with the first group going off at 1:30AM EST (6:30am at St. Andrews). Tee times were released on Monday. Below are some of the notable groupings:
3:20am EST - Lucas Glover, Rory McIlroy, Tim Clark
3:42am EST - Ian Poulter, Ernie Els, Stewart Cink
4:09am EST - Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, Camillo Villegas
4:20am EST - Padraig Harrington, Ryo Ishikawa, Tom...
2 tags
Stricker in the Midst of Re-writing Record Book
It’s hard to believe that when Paul Goydos opened Thursday morning’s John Deere Classic with the PGA TOUR’s 4th ever round of 59 that his story would take a backseat this week, but that’s what Steve Stricker is currently doing.
Today Stricker fired a 9-under 62 to follow up his opening rounds of 60-66, to take a six stroke lead into tomorrow’s final round.
...
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History Spotlight: Llanerch Country Club
To our younger generation of readers in the area it may seem that Philadelphia has a weak PGA TOUR golf history. They may only know of Aronimink’s current two year stint as AT&T National host and the brief stint early in the 2000’s in which the SEI Pennsylvania Classic was held at Waynesborough Country Club as a poorly attended late season event. That couldn’t be...
7 tags
Ranking the PGA TOUR's 59's
In recognition of Paul Goydos’ fantastic round of 59 yesterday we decided to rank the four 59’s in PGA TOUR history from best to worst.
1. Al Geiberger, 1977 Memphis Classic, second round. Not only was Geiberger the first to shoot golf’s magical number but he also did it on the toughest course in the toughest conditions. Mr. 59’s tremendous round came on a 102 degree day...
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Club Review - Cobra Baffler Rail F Fairway Wood
Cobra Baffler Rail F Fairway Wood (18 degree, stiff flex tested) Suggested Retail: $170 http://www.cobragolf.com
Overall: 4.5/5 Distance: 4/5 Accuracy: 5/5 Look: 5/5 Workability: 3.5/5
Summary: The Cobra Baffler Rail Fairway wood will make you a better player. Period. It instantly will become the straightest, most-forgiving club in your bag.
I took the Cobra Baffler Rail Fairway wood...
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Great Special Added to PhillyGolfGuide.com Website
Check out our Discounts and Specials page for a great new special for Hickory Valley Golf Club for the month of July!
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Paul Goydos Shoots 59 at TPC Deere Run!
Paul Goydos finished off an amazing round with a 7 foot birdie on 18 for a 59 at the John Deere Classic.
Goydos went 31-28 to become the 4th player to shoot 59 in a PGA TOUR event, joining Al Geiberger, Chip Beck and David Duval.
Annika Sorenstam has shot a 59 on the LPGA Tour and Phil Mickelson shot a 59 in the 2004 PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
Here is Goydos’ remarkable scorecard, which...
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Goydos to 11-under as He Heads to 18!
It’s good! Paul Goydos drains his birdie putt on 17 to move to 11-under par. He needs birdie on the 476 yard Par-4 18th hole to shoot 59. He has birdied 7 of the 8 holes on the back side so far. Remarkable play.
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Goydos Has Shot at 59
Paul Goydos holed out on the par-3 16th from just off the green for birdie to get to 10-under par.
He just played wedge to 11 feet on the Par-5 17th. If he makes that birdie putt he will need birdie on the last for a 59.
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59 Watch
Paul Goydos is currently 9-under thru 14 holes today at the John Deere Classic. Goydos has birdied all 5 holes he has played so far on the back nine and currently has nine birdies against five pars for his round.
The TPC Deere Run course plays to a Par 71, meaning Goydos needs to get to -12 to reach golf’s magical number. Goydos has the reachable par-5 17th remaining in his quest to...
1 tag
Golf Trivia!
Name the only four players to win the U.S. Amateur Championship AND the NCAA Individual title.
Difficulty level: MEDIUM
To view the answer, click READ MORE.
Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Ryan Moore.
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“One of the things I’ve been working on in preparation for St. Andrews is trying...”
– Phil Mickelson on his strategy to hit driver as far and as often as possible at the upcoming British Open, pointing to the past three champions at St. Andrews, bombers Tiger Woods (twice) and John Daly.
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St. Andrews Champions Challenge Pairings Released
The full field has been announced for the Champions Challenge competition next week at St. Andrews on the eve of the 150th anniversary Open Championship.
The competition will pit groups of three or four players who will play the first, second, 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course in a best-ball format on July 14th.
The winning team will receive approximately $75,000 to donate to charity.
Here...
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Toms and Kim Out of British Open
David Toms has withdrawn from the British Open to rest an ailing right shoulder, and Anthony Kim formally pulled out as he recovers from thumb surgery.
They were replaced in the field at St. Andrews by Ricky Barnes and Davis Love III.
Kim had surgery in May and hopes to return a week after at the Canadian Open.
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Tiger Starts Hot but Ends Cold
Tiger Woods bounced back from his opening round 79 at the JP McManus celebrity Pro-Am in Ireland to shoot a 3-under par 69 on day 2. Woods finished T-24 in the 54-man Professional field, seven shots behind winner Darren Clarke.
Tiger played the outward nine at 3-under par before cold rain moved in and he limped home with an uneven backside that saw his two birdies offset by two sloppy bogeys.
...
