Annika’s Drug Test Send-Off

photo credit: SD Dirk
photo credit: SD DirkAnnika Sorenstam was undoubtedly one of the greatest golfers ever to play on the LPGA Tour.  In her very last LPGA Tour event, the ADT., the LPGA reared it’s ugly head and decided drug test her.

Drug tests are mandatory on both professional tours but it was the timing that was controversial.  Just two short months before in Oct., 2008, she was asked to take the same test with negative results, so why take another test 2 months later?  The LPGA procalaimed testing is done at random.  What would they have done in her last tournament if the results were positive, suspend her from retirement?

Was the untimely drug test payback by the LPGA for Annika’s early retirement?  Her presence brought millions in spectator dollars and advertisement to the LPGA tour.  Make sense?

Fits Of Anger

photo credit: foxypar4
photo credit: Carl Johan   Isn’t it embarrassing to witness a member of your group having a temper tantrum?  Usually tantrums occur when a poor shot is made by a golfer who is not capable of making a good shot.  In truth, swearing and club throwing occur as a sign that a good shot was expected but not executed properly.  If it wasn’t so serious it would be funny.

Players that throw clubs or damage golf courses (slamming the putterhead into the green or taking a huge divot without hitting the shot) should be banned.  I’m not saying that players don’t have the right to get mad at themselves, of course they do but infringing on the rights of others to enjoy the game, should not be tolerated.

TaylorMade “Burner” Driver

photo credit: diskychickTaylorMade drivers have outsold every other competitor and have become the number 1 driver in the world.  This year they have introduced the new “Burner” driver which includes the following features:  Wider head from heel to toe, longer from face to rear to improve foregiveness on off-center hits.  It’s dual crown technology lowers the center of gravity by 5% which means a higher launch angle, 300 rpm less spin and a hotter trajectory.

The new Burner has a longer shaft-46.25″ vs. 46″- to boost distance.  The club is considered to be a high launch/mid to low spin, while the old Burner was high launch/mid spin.  It has a square face angle as opposed to a slightly closed angle in the older clubs.  Suggested List $299.00, www.TaylorMade.com

Unplayable Lie

photo credit: SamuraijohnnyRule 28. Ball Unplayable states: The player may deem his ball unplayable at any place on the course, except whan a ball is in a water hazard.  The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable.  If the player deems his ball to be unplayable, under penalty of one stroke,  he must:

Play a ball as nearly as possible at the spot from which the ball was last played OR, drop a ball behind the point where the ball lay keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped with no limit as to how far back the ball may be dropped OR, drop a ball within two club-lengths of the spot where the ball lay but not nearer the hole.

Golf Over 60

photo credit: Andy on FlickrIf you are approaching your 60th decade get ready for a change. As every senior can testify, there are physicall changes that occur as we age. One of those changes is in our muscle tone and we all know what that means if your a golfer. Your mobility can be impaired if something isn’t done on your part to slow the process.

Your best defense against deteriorating muscle tone is exercise. It is not only important to maintain flexibility it’s a preventive measure against injuries. We all know that seniors are more prone to injury and worse yet, heal slower than younger folks. The best remedy is a good exercise program. Look no further, log on to www.shark.com for some great ways to stay fit.

Fivesomes?

photo credit: russelljsmithI don’t know about you but I think fivesomes should be banned from play. Generally, courses frown on fivesomes, however, in many cases they are allowed. Why is adding another member to your group detrimental to play, let me give you a few reasons?

Playing with 5 people slows play, very seldom can there be a good “flow” to the round. Most of the time when there are 5 players the chatter during the round is relentless and in almost every case, it destroys concentration. If your group contains high handicappers, the search for golf balls all day can be a nightmare. Best of all, there is no room on the scorecard for a 5th player!
Golf is meant to be played with 4.

Complainers Handbook

photo credit: Stephen GlauserIf you are a complainer, here are some guidlines for you: Make sure you know all of the worst swear words before you begin. When you do swear, be heard by those in your group. Keep your carping to a maximum so you will ruin the shot of the player hitting next. Don’t forget to cuss yourself out for missed putts, it will keep the intensity of play on the green to it’s maximum.

Throw a club every now and then, it’s good exercise and besides, it tends to terrorize your opponents. Drive your golf cart wrecklessly, it may physically impair your playing partner. When you finish the round, don’t forget to complain about the horrible course conditions. Any of this sound familiar to you?

Mulligans?

photo credit: blmurchHave you ever taken a Mulligan? A mulligan is a non-stroke, I mean it is, but it isn’t! If the ball is hit as planned it’s a stroke, if it’s hit poorly a mulligan is taken.

There are some notorious mulligan men. A well known mulligan affectionado was Bill Clinton taking 5 or 6 per round. Ike Eisenhower would not allow mulligans. George Bush Sr. was a moderate when it came to mulligans. When questioned about a mulligan he took, John Kennedy retorted “I can take mulligans, I’m the President!”

I believe in the 1 mulligan rule. If your group agrees, each player can take 1 mulligan per round. What the heak, we’re not pro’s, yet we do play difficult championship courses. I say long live the mulligan!

Drug Testing On Tour

photo credit: Eustaquio SantimanoAt one time in our nations history, random drug testing was looked upon as a violation of our civil rights. Once it was discovered that several well known athletes were using steroids, things changed rapidly. The sport of golf was generally excluded from drug testing until recently.

Several players during each event are chosen for a random drug test. Recently, during tournament play a Tour Pro was ushered into a restroom by a Tour Official and asked to give a urine sample.

Many PGA Tour Players resent this type of “on the job” random testing. There is debate by many Tour Players whether testing should be done at all, they believe golf is still a “gentlemen’s game.” What are your thoughts? Check out www.USGA.com for more information on the subject.

Speed Control

photo credit: dan taylorPutting means making many decisions involving contour, break, speed, grain etc. good
putting requires much thought. What follows are some basic swing thoughts:

Sidehill or downhill putts are the most difficult. When judging these knee jerkers the primary consideration should be speed. How hard you hit the putt will determine it’s break on sidehill putts. If you hit it with less force expect a bigger break. Hitting it with medium force (normal swing) expect a natural break and if you jam it in, expect less break even though “jamming” can lead to a 4 footer coming back. Be cautious and think hard on each and every putt. With nearly half of total strokes made on the putting green,
more thought before each putt will mean better scores.

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