Golf Lesson #7, Ball striking tips

February 2010

One little tip I have for better ball striking has to do with depth Perception.

Most golfers will make a few practice swings before the set up to their shot. A great drill they will usually do is brushing the ground with their practice swing. This is a great method to adjust for undulations in the ground.

What is important to notice is that the golfer is focusing on the ground and how the club brushes it. Once they set up to the ball, they will then focus on the top of the golf ball. The depth change from the ground to the top of the ball will change by about 1 and a 1/2 inches in regular fairway conditions.

The golfer, now focusing on the top of the ball, starts his swing and will often top his shot or hit it thin. Believe it or not, the brain will make subtle adjustments for your swing regarding even a 1 and a 1/2 inch depth change.

Tip: So to adjust for this change, remember to still brush the ground during your golf swing or you just might brush the top of the ball. Some like to focus on the back of the golf ball. Some will still focus on the top of the golf ball, but they have developed a swing that is consistent and can feel where the club needs to be rather than using the regular senses like vision.

A sound understanding of golf swing mechanics is great knowledge to possess. But even the best slip a little and let their brain make changes to their swing. Good thing we have swing coaches. Stay tuned for some new additions in video golf lessons.

Tiger Woods dumped by Gatorade

February 2010

Not really any surprise that Tiger Woods has been dumped by another sponsor. I think that really the problem is he isn't the guy that we (and the sponsors) thought he was. Still, I'm sure he is not short or cash...

Tiger Woods Golf Trick Shot Video

February 2010

I was lucky enough to catch Tiger Woods when he was playing in the Dubai Desert Classic Challenge Golf Match at Emirates Golf Club in 2008. Tiger was on the putting green with Mark O'Meara and they were having a bit of a laugh and a joke together when Tiger hit a shot that span round to the hole (shame it didn't go in!). Mark O'Meara gave it a try with slightly less success but I didn't realise this was going to happen when I started filming them!

WIN A GOLF BREAK TO COSTA DEL SOL!

February 2010

Courtesy of Golfsupport and Costalessgolf WIN a Fantastic trip for 4 to the Sunset Beach Hotel in Benalmadena, Spain!

This Amazing Prize Includes:

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2 Nights Bed and Breakfast

and

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All you need to do is spend over £10 online/instore at our Buxton High Peak store or our Flagship store in Mansfield or via the telephone on 0800 432 0171 by Monday 8th March 2010.

For every £10 spent you will recieve a token, the More you spend the More tokens you recieve. You will then be entered into a Prize Draw and the winner will be selected at random.
Terms & Conditions:

The Holiday must be used by the End of March 2010.

You must provide your own flights.

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GOOD LUCK!

Plugs of the Week

February 2010

Every week I get several emails from people in the golf industry looking to promote a product or event. I'll start a new segment and here are the PLUGS OF THE WEEK:

• A double dvd called the 6 week golf lesson has been released. This was filmed at Bangor Golf Club by pro Michael Bannons, Rory Mcllroy's coach.
• Mike Ditka Resorts is hosting their 2nd annual celebrity golf outing in Florida April 16th-18th.
• The National University Golf Academy in Carlsbad, California is holding a swing challenge. Check out their facebook page for details.
• Golf news for Baby Boomers at Boomer Golf News.
• Win two tickets to the Masters at My Golf Spy.
  

PGA Tour can learn from John Daly's social skills

February 2010

Although the PGA Tour "communicates" with its fans through online giants Twitter and Facebook, people who follow don't usually receive much of a personal response. Two-way conversation is crucial to opening the doors of social media.

With social networking still in its infancy, the potential for growth within these two vastly contrasting formats is enormous, providing that the PGA Tour is willing to adapt its style to meet the demands of both.

Executive producer of PGA TOUR.com Scott Gutterman feels that by extending reach to Twitter and Facebook, fans will experience a "direct connection" that they crave but admits that "their audience numbers are not as high as the Tour would ultimately like." Guttman understands that "two-way communication of social media doesn’t happen overnight."

ESPN sports analyst and former NBA star Jalen Rose believes that "interaction" is the key to more fans and followers.

"The PGA needs to talk with the fans who are posting on their wall. They need to interact with people talking about golf on Twitter, and even have golfers give live lessons on Ustream! It’s time for the PGA to build a culture where golfers and golf fans come to the PGA’s social media accounts when they want to talk or find out more about the sport."

Various internet studies comparing Twitter and Facebook mention that, although many users have profiles in both communities with some interconnectedness, some celebrities grow a much larger fan base due to the scope and ease of communication through one social medium over the other.

Coincidentally, social media trends indicate that although most Fortune 100 companies have some type of social media presence, Twitter is becoming more popular.

For now, the PGA Tour seems to have a better connection with its Facebook group probably because this social media option is more like its current website.

The allure of Facebook is long-term community-driven status with the ability to apply pictures, information and a "face" to the Tour while Twitter followers appear to be more chatty and unreserved, wanting information in more immediate, quick bursts. Youtube.com is almost an offshoot of the PGATour.com website so, even though there were 4.4 million uploads as well as over 128,000 visits to the site to date, it can hardly be considered "social" media.

Taking into consideration that the PGA Tour has more than double the number of Facebook fans (45,000) over Twitter followers (about 21,000) and that the PGA of America maintains that there are 27 million golfers in the USA, the Tour should be asking what can be done to grow their visibility on both platforms as well as internationally as golf is a worldwide sport.

One way to reach fans en masse and in person? How about on-course during an event: go to where the fans are and seek them out. Although cell phones are considered a "no-no" at events, perhaps the PGA Tour could set up special tents with Twitter on net books close enough to the action where fans could post tweets in exchange for giveaways. The winner gets tickets to a future event or an 'inside the ropes' activity. Sign up as a "follower" and see your name on one of the big boards around the golf course!

Six events are set up for the West Coast Swing alone, which puts into play two Arizona golf courses and four more in California. Followers could be increased by reaching out on-course as opposed to solely through internet strategies.

The list of "fan-friendly" PGA Tour golfers can perhaps also use their power of persuasion by adding the @PGATour link occasionally during a tweet. The connection between professional golfers and the Tour would benefit because the PGA Tour has the more statistical analysis while the golfer could add 'pizzazz'.

John Daly, one of the most vibrant "tweeters" in the world of social media, (@PGA_JohnDaly), currently has over 44,000 fans on Twitter, more than double the number of followers than @PGATour yet falls short on the number of Facebook followers with slightly more than 14,000 fans.

Daly keeps in touch and keeps it "real" and so he appeals more to Twitter fans. When someone asks a question (and he's available) they can expect a response from JD.

John involves the fans with regularity from mounting a Twitter campaign as the Golf Channel's next "Haney project" to offering autographed copies of his new CD. Now that's the way to market yourself!

Of course Daly's eclectic lifestyle makes many fans want to keep track of his larger-than-life status but maybe the PGA Tour should take a tip from JD when it comes to Twitter because communication and putting a face to the tour really helps in adding value to the brand.

Adding fan base may as simple as having a a few surprise celebrity "tweeters" on @PGATour or following a few of the hot golf bloggers to stir things up a little (like @golf4beginners for instance?)

Other PGA and LPGA Tour golfers are enjoying celebrity status on Twitter rather than on Facebook and finding it easier to jot down a quick note while practicing or even just after winning an event.

Ian Poulter, @Ianjamespoulter (7,004 Facebook/ 977,239 Twitter fans) just won his first event ever in the US, a match-play event and, at 2:01am after the event tweeted, "Evening friends, What a day, just sitting on my bed in palm springs, doing cobra commercial tomorrow. 6.45 start, so happy after winning." You can't get much closer to your golf hero than that!

Michelle Wie, @theMichelleWie (2,716 Facebook/14,984 Twitter) told her fans what she was doing on Valentines Day: "spending valentines day writing a paper and listening to Metallica in my hotel room. haha so ideal...not. :)" Who would have thought Michelle Wie to like Metallica!

Stewart Cink (2173 Facebook, 1,226,058 twitter) asked fans about some of their favorite songs: "Just listening to David Bowie's "Space Oddity" on the way to practice. One of few songs I like that include a countdown. Your favorites?"


All of the examples above have both Facebook pages and Twitter accounts but less time is needed for a 140 character update than the investment of time required with Facebook.

With the ability to have tweets directly imported to Facebook, MySpace and other social websites, fans still feel connected but the connection originated with Twitter. Facebook also looks and feels like any other website, with the ability to put up a "wall" separating the fans from personal connection.

That being said, both social media platforms are tools for communication, each with its own unique functionality. Whereas Twitter has become more of a quick way to meet friends and network, Facebook prides itself on a deeper level connection.

Both forms of social media are necessary in order for the PGA Tour to grow on an international level. If only the Tour could find a way to "humanize" itself and add a bit of the celebrity mix which people seem to gravitate towards, it would marry both its online business concern with a more approachable presence.

Written by Stacy Solomon
http://golf-for-beginners.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/golf4beginners
Stacy Solomon on Facebook



Tweet this blog… Your followers will thank you!

UAE Digital Golf Magazine Issue 2

February 2010

Issue 2 of the UAE Golf online digital magazine is out and it has lots of great info and interviews with those in the golfing world. This issue focuses on the recent Dubai Desert Classic plus has competitions etc. Find it here.

GENTS COMMITTEE UPDATE

February 2010

Following the Gents Section Committee FebruaryMeeting, I am pleased to inform you that we now have a Gents Committee in place to carry out the duties of the Section for the forthcoming season.

I would like to personally thank all the Gents who have come forward to offer help at this difficult time.

The following list gives names and contact numbers to replace the list at the front of the 2010 Fixture Book.

Acting Captain.......................Eric Gray................Tel: 07845 971956
Acting Vice Capt....................David Grant...........Tel: 01738 446448
Secretary................................Ian McGowan........Tel: 07970 870679
Treasurer................................Eric Gray................Tel: As Above
Competition Secretary.........Scott Thomson...... Tel: 07908 112199
Handicap Secretary..............Mark Tinker..........Tel: 01250 874872
Match Secretary...................David Douglas....... Tel: 07778 003958
Senior Convenor....................Ernie Wastell.........Tel: 01828 640106
Committee..............................Peter Tinker..........Tel: 01250 876035
..................................................Donald Thomson...Tel: 01828 640420
Gents Mixed Convenor.........Jack Scott...............Tel: 01828 670583

The 2010 season is almost upon us and I would like to wish you all the very best for the forthcoming season and hope you enjoy your golf.

Eric Gray - Acting Captain

Who will win the Tiger Mistress Beauty Pageant?

February 2010

Apparently Howard Stern is planning a Tiger Mistress Beauty Pageant with four of the women having signed on already. The women will compete in swimsuit, talent, and personality categories and the winner will receive 100k. It supposedly is being sponsored by AshleyMadison.com, a dating service promoting affairs. Classy!

This is out of control and I really can't imagine how any of the women would want to subject themselves to this contest, although I guess some of the porn stars and models are already used to it. I imagine the Perkins waitress could use the 100k.

My vote would have to be Uchitel.

SENIOR BRITISH OPEN

February 2010

SENIOR BRITISH OPEN
20th - 25th July at Carnoustie
Strathmore Golf Club has this year been invited to marshall one of the holes at Carnoustie where this is to be held. Those of us who marshalled at The Open last year thoroughly enjoyed the experience and gave us the chance watch the professionals at close quarters.
If you are interested in helping there is a Sign -up Sheet on the General Noticeboard inside the front door of the Clubhouse

The Rainy Golfers Outfit with Golf Support & Galvin Green

February 2010

Here in the UK there is no denying it rains, it rains a lot and if you are a keen golfer at some point you are going to get caught on the course in a downpour.

If you compare the 1961-1990 average rainfall with the period of 1971-2000, you will find that England and Wales turned slightly wetter over the last 30 years with the mean total annual rainfall increased from 915mm to 926.9mm.

This is about 1.3% and doesn't seem much at all. However, autumn (September, October, November) and winter (December, January and February) turned significantly wetter, while spring (March, April and May) and summer (July, August and September) became slightly drier.

Also extreme months turned even a little more extreme. So its a good idea to be prepared.

Here at Golf Support we thought it would be a good idea to give you an ideal outfit for the rainy conditions your due to expect:

Let’s start from the inside out.

Your base layer may consist of Galvin Green ENZO top and EMERSON leggings. Galvin Green's NEW Skintight™ Compression Technology garments are the ultimate inner layer when extra performance is required. The firm fit increases the blood flow and oxygen level in the muscles – providing better circulation and greater stamina. And by adding permanent moisture management, Galvin Green has created an exclusive range of highly breathable garments with thermo regulating properties that keep your body dry and at an optimal performance temperature, whatever the weather.



Enzo



Emmerson

Next, a t-shirt. The NEW MITCH Golf Polo T Shirt is a short Sleeve Polo T Shirt which takes comfort to a new level with New VENTIL8 fabric. Peerless breathability and unique moisture-transportation properties will keep you cool and dry – even in the hottest weather, ideal for a summer shower.



Mitch T Shirt - Chilli Red

You option next is either a traditional jumper, like the COSMO or CAGNEY or an INSULA half zip top such as the DIXON or DINO.

Both the traditional jumpers in the New Collection are Pullovers made from 50% mercerized wool and 50% acrylic with intarsia pattern. Galvin Green never compromise when it comes to materials. All garments are specifically designed to match and function in combination with each other so look great with or without a jacket on for the sunny days or in the club house after a great game.



Cagney



Cosmo

Galvin Green INSULA™ garments are the ideal intermediate layer for those days on the golf course when extra warmth is needed instead of a jumper. Made with Coolmax® freshFX™ fabric - Soft, they are comfortable golf tops designed for maximum freedom of swing. They keep you cool and dry in hot and/or humid conditions with an extremely high level of breathability with the ability to move moisture away from the skin. There easy to wash and consistently retain shape, size and 'new' feel, wash after wash. The perfect first or intermediate layer that can be combined with any and all Galvin Green 'high tech' garments.



Dino Insula Windstopper

Finally, and maybe the most important are your WATERPROOFS!

In the winter we would recommend the ALF Trousers as they are a lined Gore-Tex trouser which can be worn alone or with your trousers on underneath for extra warmth. The Gor-Tex patented micro-porous membrane laminated to the outer fabric making them completely water-tight and windproof. There completely breathable and transports any moisture away from the body, keeping you dry and comfortable.

In the summer the AUGUST Trousers are also Gore-Tex but made from Paclite fabric which is around half the weight of standard Gore-Tex making them a lot lighter and cooler to wear. With these you would have to wear your trousers/shorts underneath but as there lighter there better in the summer so we doubt you will need to keep them on for the whole round anyway.



August Trousers

For your waterproof jacket you may like the New Ayrton Jacket. Its a Goretex PacLite, the lightest, most breathable rainwear ever made. It is a revolutionary, ultra lightweight waterproof fabric, specifically engineered for lightness and packability. Barely half the weight of conventional Goretex rainwear, the unique abrasion-resistant lamination of PacLite fabric eliminates the need for any additional lining. Goretex PacLite combines the 'Guaranteed to keep you dry?' promise of regular Goretex fabrics with an even greater level of comfort and breathability. This is great to keep in your bag and pull out when needed then roll back up and put away.



Ayrton Jacket

A slightly more heavy duty jacket is the Galvin Green ATLAS Jacket. Its a fully waterproof jacket. Still made of Gore-Tex a patented micro-porous membrane laminated to the outer fabric performance shell. This creates maximum freedom of movement. Completely water-tight, windproof and completely breathable. This jacket is a 2 Layer Gore-Tex. The outer fabric from Gore is treated with an ultra-thin coating called DWR (durable water repellent). This coating penetrates the fibers and serves to ensure that water landing on the fabric forms tiny pear-like droplets on the surface rather than being absorbed into the fabric. A water repellent outer fabric provides extra insulation and prevents liquid from soaking into the fabric so that it remains light. This inner layer is a warmer fabric ensuring complete protection from the elements.



Atlas Jacket

We hope you have found this informative.

Until Next Time,

The Golf Support Team

Played at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club

February 2010

So yesterday I played a very enjoyable round of golf at Sharjah. The weather was perfect and the greens were very fast, nice once you got used to it! At Sharjah you play 2 rounds of the 9 hole course with the men going off the black tees in the first round and the blue tees in the second round. I hadn't played for a couple of months but did manage to get some good drives in a also a few good chips. Nothing compared to my playing partner who twice chipped in from off the green! needless to say after that I didn't win!

Golf Support Galvin Green Trousers Review.

February 2010

The New Spring/Summer Galvin Green Collection has produced a wide range of modern, stylish and practical golfing trousers.

The range has lots of colours and patterns available to choose from to suit everyone’s taste from the traditional to the trendsetting golfer’s latest addition to their wardrobe.

You don't have to wear pressed trousers and V-necked woolly jumpers to play golf anymore.

You can wear what you like though some clubs do have a dress code. But things are becoming more modern. Check what the rules are before you play.

Remember to make sure they are comfortable and flexible enough to allow you to make a proper swing.

Here at Golf Support we have a few favourites of our own which we predict will be the favourite amongst our customers:

The NICK Trousers are slacks in 100% polyester to allow stretch and moisture wicking performance.

These come in 5 colors: Black, White, Scuba Blue, Red and Grey. As all Galvin Green garments they are great to mix and match with the rest of the range and match with all the T-shirts, Outer layers and Waterproofs. Due to the stretch in the fabric they are extremely comfortable and we predict due to this fact and the colors available these will be a firm favorite amongst our customers.



The NEO, NEVILLE and NICHOLAS, NIXON and NOWLES are all very traditional trousers coming in muted colors such as grey, blue and black. These are all made from a combination of polyester, viscose and elastane. From experience Galvin Green trousers are easy to maintain and can be washed as standard with no dry cleaning etc required, but always read the label.



Neo Trouser



Neville Trouser



Nicholas Trouser



Nixon Trouser



Nowles Trouser

The NORBET is a very fine pinstripe trouser in Black/scuba blue/red/sand. This makes them ideal to match again with the whole range but still have a bit of a twist on the traditional plain trouser.



The NORTHAM is a large check trouser made from 98% cotton ideal for keeping cool in the summer. They come in Black/sand color and make a great pair of trousers for trendsetting golfers.



Finally Galvin Green has also added to the collection 2 very funky pairs of traditional Plus Fours. The OWEN and OXTON are ideal for the fashion conscious or traditional golfer alike and always look great on the golf course. They are both in large checked fabric and when paired with the CAGNEY sweater take golf clothing back to the 1900’s with a modern twist. A great look.


Owen Plus 4's


Oxton Plus 4's

All Galvin Green Trousers come in a range of sizes from 30 Leg 30 Waist up to a 42 Waist 34 Leg in most sizes.

Remember, here at Golf Support all Galvin Green items are FREE SHIPPING (Conditions Apply) and you will receive a FREE MYSTERY GIFT with all purchases.

We hope you have found this interesting and now have a good idea of the large range of trousers NOW AVALIABLE from Golf Support and Galvin Green.

Until Next Time,

The Golf Support Team

Early Bird Special at Emirates Golf Club

February 2010

Emirates Golf Club, Dubai are having an Early Bird Special, valid from 1st March to 30th April 2010.

Tee off before 8am for nine holes on the Faldo course, Sunday - Thursday (excluding public holidays), for just Dhs.240 including a breakfast sandwich, a coffee and a cart.

Bookings can be made 7 days prior to play. Proof of UAE residency required.

Contact Golf Reservations on T: +9714 380 1999
or E: egcreservations@dubaigolf.com

Tiger Woods Press Conference

February 2010

Well I actually thought he was quite honest in what he said. Whether or not he can change is another story but at least he knows the problems and has admitted them. OK, it was all a bit staged but he actually said more than I expected him to about how he thought he was above all the rules that applied to other people. Hopefully he can put this all behind him and get back on the golf course soon, as, whatever we think of him privately, he is no doubt one of the best golfers of all time.

Golf Lesson #6, Starting the down swing.

February 2010

"Once I reach the top of my swing...should I start the swing by pulling down with the butt of the club or should I start the swing with the left knee moving toward the target?"

Well, When I think about one of the greatest swings in the game of golf I think of Jack Nicklaus. The precepts that he used to groove his swing is a foundation to which I build my thoughts of teaching.
In Jack's classic swing, Jack set up more on top of the ball, with his right leg angled inward. He said as he got older that his body was not able to make as strong a lateral move to the impact position. his chin is still slightly turned to his right, allowing him to make a bigger shoulder turn. Jack always wanted his chest and his shoulders to react to the swinging of the arms and club during the transition. Note Jack replanted his left heel toward the target, which kept his hip from opening too soon. (Golf Digest, VOL. 58, NO.10)

Because of this principle of the body and shoulders needing to react to the swinging of the arms, I would insist that pulling down the club with the left hand be the initial motion to trigger the golf swing.

Jack always kept the arms in front of the body because everything else followed. This method of the arms staying in front of the body allowed him to never get "stuck."

Jack also used a technique he called rolling his ankles to control the rhythm of the lower body. He always maintained his feet on the ground from the transition at the top to the impact zone.

The principles I believe in are feet on the ground and hands in front of the body. It is quite simple but it really gets the job done quite nicely.

The Monday Caddie: Mr. Pink wins, Tiger, Tour updates

February 2010

Paula Creamer, I mean Ian Poulter dressed in pink, won the Accenture World Match Play. This was the first PGA Tour win for Poulter and really takes his status to the next level. He played great all week, capping it off with a dominating victory over Sergio Garcia in the semi-finals and then taking out fellow Englishman Paul Casey in the finals.

A few years ago he took a lot of heat for saying if he plays to his potential, then he and Tiger are the top two players in the world. Not exactly at that point yet but he's definitely moving his way up the charts. At least he provides some flash and excitement to the game.

Paul Casey finished as runner up at Match Play for the second consecutive year and his game is looking very sharp now that he's healthy again. Casey also just made headlines for donating 100k to charity in Houston.

Camillo Villegas played great as well at the Match Play and should have beat Casey in the semi-finals but missed a 2 1/2 foot putt for the victory on the 23rd hole. Although unfortunate, a 3rd place finish was a pretty good way to start his season. He also hit one of the most ridiculous bunker shots ever when he played an explosion shot with a pitching wedge from 70 yards to one foot. David Feherty, CBS announcer, called it the best bunker shot he ever saw.

Sergio Garcia seems to cry every time something goes wrong. This time it was the cold weather, rain, wind, and Poulter taking a favorable ruling during their match. Either way, Garcia got crushed by both Poulter in the semi-finals and in the consolation to Villegas.

TIGER WOODS:

You may have heard about some speech Tiger gave this past Friday. He supposedly had a few viewers.

His speech affected the Stock Market.

The Dalai Lama weighed in on Tiger, although he said he had never heard of him prior to his speech.

Steve Williams, Tiger's caddie, will not allow heckling when he returns. There are going to be a lot of incidents.

TMZ reports Tiger is now in Mesa for rehab. Not sure why they have pictures of his plane but not him.

His boy Roger Federer wants him back on the golf course. Don't we all.


OTHER WINNERS OF THE WEEK:

Cameron Beckman wins the Mayacoba Golf Classic.

Ai Miyazato wins the PTT LPGA Honda in Thailand

Bernard Langer wins the Allianz Championship on the Senior Tour.

Ian Poulter photo / AP - Nam Huh

Kodak Challenge Visits Wild Hole at TPC Scottsdale

February 2010

For the second consecutive year the Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players and fans, visits the wild par-3, 162-yard 16th hole of TPC Scottsdale at the Waste Management Phoenix Open on February 25-28 in Scottsdale, AZ. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is the 6^th of 30 tournaments to participate in the $1 million Kodak Challenge competition.

The Kodak Challenge was created to celebrate the beautiful holes and memorable moments in golf. Golfers must play at least 18 of 30 Kodak Challenge holes throughout the season to qualify. The golfer with the best Kodak Challenge score relative to par at the end of the season will win the Kodak Challenge trophy and $1 million. An Advisory Board of leading golf experts selected the par-3 16th at TPC Scottsdale as one of 30 holes that make up the Kodak Challenge.

Scottsdale resident, Kevin Streelman claimed the first Kodak Challenge title and the winner-take-all $1 million prize at the PGA TOUR’s final event of the 2009 season, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Matt Kuchar, Brenden Pappas and Tim Clark are currently in a three-way tie for first at 4-under-par on the Kodak Challenge. Kuchar and 2009 Kodak Challenge champ, Streelman are in the field this week at TPC Scottsdale.

Kodak Fan Photo Zone

The Kodak Fan Photo Zone, located at the south end of the driving range, between the #10 and #16 greens, allows fans to have their picture taken at Hole #16 – a live shot during tournament play when cameras are not typically allowed. Fans can pick up a free copy of their photo at the Kodak Fan Photo Zone throughout the entire tournament. While visiting the Kodak Fan Photo Zone, fans can also learn about Kodak’s latest products and how they can even be used for their golf game.

About Kodak Challenge hole #16 at TPC Scottsdale

The par-3, 162-yard 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is among the most celebrated holes on the PGA TOUR. The enthusiasm of the fans in seating that surrounds the entire hole gives this short par-3 a "stadium" atmosphere and creates one of the most exciting settings in professional sports.

"We’re thrilled to have the Kodak Challenge visit #16 at TPC Scottsdale, one of the most unique and exciting holes in golf.  Hole #16 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open is the perfect example of what the Kodak Challenge is all about for players and fans," commented Steve Powell, Director of Development for the Kodak Challenge.

Kodak and PGA TOUR Release 2010 Kodak Challenge Schedule

The 2010 Kodak Challenge schedule includes 21 of the original 30 holes, with two tournaments joining the Kodak Challenge: No. 15 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC, site of the Quail Hollow Championship; and No. 14 at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, OH, home of the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley.

Kodak's marketing partnership with the TOUR includes the designation as Official Imaging Provider of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour, including cameras, printers and scanners. For more on the Kodak Challenge visit pgatour.com/kodakchallenge. 

Fans can also follow the Kodak Challenge at facebook.com/kodakchallenge, twitter.com/kodakchallenge, and 1000words.kodak.com/kodakchallenge.

About Kodak

As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.

More than 75 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at KODAK Gallery – join today at www.kodakgallery.com.

About the PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game.

In 2010, the three Tours are competing in 102 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions.  The PGA TOUR’s web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Golf Channel coverage starts Thursday at 4PM EST.  You can also follow the action at www.pgatour.com/kodakchallenge.0

Tweet this blog… Your followers will thank you!

Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

 

Galvin Green ALF & AUGUST Trousers Review.

February 2010

The New 2010 Spring Summer Collection from Galvin Green has produced 2 incredible outer layer trousers, the ALF and AUGUST, both with an unrivaled performed for the (sometimes) wet and rainy weather on the golf course!

The first pair we have reviewed here at Golf Support is the ALF Trousers.

The ALF trousers are made from GORE-TEX Performance Shell fabric with an elasticated waist. Gore-Tex Performance Shell is a laminated membrane for durable wind and water protection. The fabric is highly breathable which enables the release of excess heat and moisture. From the experience of the staff here at Golf Support the fabric of these trousers makes them hard wearing and easy to wash and maintain.

With these trousers Galvin Green offer the guarantee that they will keep you dry! That’s a bold statement but tried and tested by our staff and we can confirm so far so good.

When it rains on the golf course, there is no substitute for a good set of waterproofs and there is no substitute for Galvin Green waterproof clothing – simply the best!



The AUGUST trousers are also made from Gore-Tex but Paclite Shell fabric instead of Performance Shell. The laminated Gore-Tex Paclite membrane is very durable for wind and water protection but the fabric is ultra light and ultra packable, making them extremely hard wearing and very easy to wash and maintain.

The fabric is also highly breathable material which enables the release of excess heat and moisture and Galvin Green guarantee to keep you dry. These also have an elasticated waist.



The main difference in these two pairs of trousers is the Ultra-light Paclite fabric of the August trousers which is barely half the weight of conventional Gore-Tex rainwear, the unique abrasion-resistant lamination of Paclite fabric eliminates the need for any additional lining making these the perfect rainwear for the golfer who prefers to carry his bag. Despite its light weight, no compromise has been made and both the ALF and AUGUST trousers are fantastic rainwear.


All the Galvin Green collection is made to match and they never compromise when it comes to materials. All garments are specifically designed to match and function in combination with each other.

Why not match with the Argo full zip Jacket which is a Gore-Tex Paclite jacket. It’s light and breathable and the fabric makes it revolutionary specifically engineered for packability.



Or

The Galvin Green Axley short sleeve jacket. A Gore-Tex Stretch Paclite which also comes with the Gore-Tex Paclite guarantee




All garments manufactured using Gore-Tex fabric have a function and material guarantee. This guarantee means that should your garment leak, after testing, Gore Tex will repair or replace the garment.

We hope you have found this helpful and can now distinguish between these two pair of trousers a little easier.

Until next time,

The Golf Support Team.

The Irony of Faldo and Nantz on Tiger

February 2010

Transcript from the CBS Accenture Match Play coverage with announcers Jim Nantz and Nick Faldo.

Nantz: Lets take a break from the golf action and touch on the Tiger Woods situation. Sir Nick, what do you make of Tiger's apology?

Faldo: Well, I thought it was quite brave actually. Personally, I've had three wives, three divorces, and a slew of mistresses so I know how tough it can be when you are the world's number one player. Women everywhere. Just everywhere.

I could tell you some stories you wouldn't believe Jim. This one time, after I won the Masters...

Nantz: Uhh, Nick, we're on the air.

Faldo: Ok sorry, I'll save that one for later. But really, I am familiar with a scorned woman getting angry with a golf club. One of my college girlfriends got mad, took my 9 iron out of my bag and smashed up my 200k Porshe. I'll tell you Jim, the price of fame, the price of fame. People just don't know how hard it is.

What is your opinion Jim? Can Tiger's marriage recover?

Nantz: Wow, I just don't know. This marriage thing is just insane. As you know, I'm going through a very tough divorce and dating a girl half my age. I'm paying 72k per month in alimony. Brutal! Just think what Tiger will have to pay.

The amount of women that want to date a sportscaster is just stunning. Can't imagine how many would want to be with Tiger.

CBS Producer into their headsets: Would you two shut up already! Talk about golf for godsakes! McCord, Feherty, start talking about something funny!

Bob Arvidson, Employee Spotlight

February 2010

I would like to introduce to you a member of our maintenance staff.  You have probably seen him on the course and you may already know him.  Bob Arvidson is a loyal employee on our team, and an Airforce Veteran for our Country.  He is completing his fifth year with us next month.  He does any and every job that is needed on the golf course.  His hard work and outstanding attitude, has made him a respected employee among our staff.

I want to commend him for recently finding and returning, a member's purse.  He found the purse on the thirteenth hole, and was able to quickly get it back to the owner.  His honesty and integrity was rewarded by the member with some homemade brownies.  Of course, Bob shared the lot with all the employees.  His representation of our crew is first class and always professional.

Bob came from Mammoth Lakes where he resided after his retirement from 33 years at Rockwell International.  His job with Rockwell International was International Procurement. He was required to do a lot of international travel throughout the middle east and eastern countries.  He was a successful employee, making the company millions of dollars per year on computer electronic procurement.

Before Bob started his career with Rockwell Int., he served in the Airforce.  I asked him about his time in the service and he bashfully explained how he received a letter of accommadation.  While he was on the wing of his aircraft, the ground power unit that Bob was using to start his airplane exploded.  The ground power unit  was dangerously close to nearby aircraft, and a pilot strapped into the cockpit.  The driver of the unit ran off, so Bob acted quickly by jumping off of the wing of the plane and climbed into the ground power unit which was engulfed in smoke.  He moved the damaged power unit into a nearby field to keep the pilot and other aircraft safe from harm. His bravery and commitment to helping others is a good description of his gracious personality.



He moved to Payson because, he and his wife of 49 years, were in search of a mountain community with a little less snow than 40' to 50' per year.  He was tired of sometimes spending eight hours, shoveling the snow off his deck.  We are lucky that Bob has picked Payson to live and The Rim Golf Club to work.

Bob does all duties for us.  During the summer months when mowing is in high demand he is mowing rough and fairways.  If you see Bob on the course he will probably be quietly in the background making sure your experience at The Rim is exemplary.

His work has been a big part in making the course better.  I want to thank Bob for his outstanding work at The Rim.



If you have any questions or comments about this article feel free to contact me.

Justin C. Ruiz, CGCS

justinr@therimgolfclub.org

New Galvin Green Sweaters 2010 REVIEW

February 2010

All Galvin Green garments are specifically designed to match and function in combination with each other and they never compromise when it comes to materials.

The Galvin Green INSULA garments are the ideal intermediate layer for those days on the golf course when extra warmth is needed.

The New Spring Summer 2010 Range has two New Sweaters the DIXON and DINO.

Both are half zip pullovers made from the INSULA fabric. They have excellent insulation properties and are extremely breathable transporting moisture away from the body. They are lightweight and easy to wash keeping there shape well.

The DIXON comes in 4 colours: White/Gull Grey/Chilli Red, Chilli Red/Black, Navy/White and Black/Scuba Blue. The sizes range from a Small (48) to XXL (56).



The DINO comes in Black/Gull Grey or Scuba Blue/Black and has all the properties of the DIXON but a slightly different design. Both sweaters come in Small to XXL as the DIXON but the Black/Gull Grey also comes in a size 3XL (58) making it ideal for the larger golfer.



Here at Golfsupport our staff love these tops as they are great functioning base layers but are also fine to be worn alone providing the practible aspect of keeping you warm but also comfortable and easy to manoeuvre in.


In the New 2010 Range are 2 more Sweaters which are more traditional, the CAGNEY and COSMO.

The CAGNEY Pullover jumper is made from 50% mercerized wool and 50% acrylic with intarsia pattern. It comes in 4 colors to suit every palate: Black/scuba blue/white/gull grey, White/chilli red/gull grey/black, Navy/mid blue/white/black and Gull grey/yellow/white/black. All these colors combine well with other garments such as the NEVILLE, NOWLES or NICHOLAS trousers and the wide range of MICK or MARLON T-Shirts. They range from sizes Small to XXL and make a great additional to any trendsetting golfers wardrobe.



The COSMO Pullover jumper is also made from 50% mercerized wool and 50% acrylic. It has a very faint intarsia pattern but also modern stitch detail down the front side adding a funky twist to a traditional pattern. It comes in Gull grey/white/chilli red or Black/gull gray/scuba blue and sizes Small to XXL. This jumper looks great with the bold colors of the NICK trousers and MAX T-Shirts.





Visit our website for the full range of Galvin Green Spring/Summer 2010 Collection and receive a FREE Mystery Gift with all purchases and FREE UK carriage on orders over £100 (Conditions Apply).

Why not join our Facebook or Twitter Fans and receive details of Exclusive Discounts and Deals available to our loyal fans.

Until Next Time

The Golf Support Team.

PrideSports Debuts Evolution in Golf Tees

February 2010

PrideSports, the world’s leading producer of wooden alternative golf tees and probably the number one golf tee on Tour, today further enhanced the Company’s leadership in the alternative tee market with the debut of PTS Evolution™ golf tees. The newest member of PrideSports’ Professional Tee System™ (PTS) family, the PTS Evolution™, is an environmentally-friendly, plastic performance golf tee engineered with a special low-resistance head design that creates less friction between the golf ball and tee, delivering enhanced aerodynamics for longer drives.

The launch of PTS Evolution™ comes on the heels of PrideSports’ 2009 introduction of PTS Offset™, the most advanced alternative golf tee allowed by the USGA and the first to feature an offset angle to increase ball visibility and contact with the club at its maximum speed and optimum trajectory, resulting in longer drives.

“PTS has become the standard in wooden golf tees, and players from the PGA TOUR, as well as amateur golfers, utilize this system to match their tee lengths with the club head sizes,” said John Hohman, Vice President of Marketing, PrideSports. “With PTS Evolution and PTS Offset, we now have the two most innovative, high performance alternative tees in golf, and we have further enhanced the leadership position of the PTS family.”

PrideSports’ Professional Tee System™ (PTS) was created based on golfer demand, at both the professional and amateur levels, for a system to identify the golf tee lengths that worked best for today’s diverse oversize and hybrid golf club models. A proprietary, color-coding system that makes it easy to identify each of the four tee sizes, PTS offers four distinct tee models: ProLength, ProLength-PLUS, ProLength-MAX and Shortee.

Available in the PTS ProLength (2¾”) and ProLength Plus (3¼”) models, the PTS Evolution™ tees are made of recycled/re-ground plastic, and are designed to last longer while providing less waste. They are also among a select group of eco-friendly golf tees that are sold in both plain unprinted bulk quantities, as well as with custom-imprinting options. The new tees will be available in spring 2010, and will be sold at retailers around the country. Suggested Retail Price for the PTS Evolution™ tees will be $7.99.

About PrideSports

PrideSports was formed in January 2003 following Pride Manufacturing Company’s purchase of Softspikes, Inc., and its sister company Trisport, Ltd. of England. This acquisition essentially formed the world’s premier golf accessories company, as Pride and Softspikes are the world’s leading golf tee and golf cleat lines, respectively. Today, PrideSports is the world leader in the design and manufacture of cleats, spikes and receptacles for the entire golf footwear industry.

Final Four set at Accenture Match Play

February 2010

Despite many of the top seeds losing early, some big names have reached the final four of the Accenture World Match Play.

In the quarterfinals Saturday morning, Ian Poulter defeated Thongchai Jaidee 1up while Sergio Garcia defeated Oliver Wilson by a score of 4 and 3. On the other side of the bracket, Camillo Villegas beat Retief Goosen 4 and 3 while Paul Casey whipped up on Stewart Cink, winning with a score of 5 up.

The semi-finals take place Saturday afternoon and the 36 hole final will be Sunday.

Final Four

Camillo Villegas
vs.

Paul Casey


Ian Poulter

vs.

Sergio Garcia

Predictions:

Villegas over Casey
Garcia over Poulter

AP photos / Nam Huh

Galvin Green Clothing Review

February 2010

An independent nationwide survey of more than 1300 golfers has reported that Galvin Green is by far the most popular choice of waterproofs on the market. The survey conducted by National Club Golfer in July 2009 showed a massive 45% of the golfers surveyed opted for Galvin Green with Sunderland (21%) and ProQuip (15%) coming next in line.

Performance was rated as the most important factor even above price which is what drives Galvin Green. At Galvin Green product development is an ever-present feature. They are constantly striving to improve there collections - by introducing new materials, launching pioneering technical features and challenging the concepts of comfort and design. All Galvin Green garments are specially developed for the game of golf. Designed by golfers, for golfers.

The majority of the golfers surveyed said they preferred simple and elegant clothing (45%) with 15% regarding themselves as trendsetters.

Here at Golf support we have reviewed various items of the Galvin Green range of Multi Layering in order to help point you in the right direction:

Think Layering, Think Breathability, Think Comfort are the headlines of the Galvin Green Multi Layer concept. They have a full range of high-tech garments, designed to match and function in combination whatever the weather.


The 7 layer options are as follows:


1. Dry Layer: Gore-Tex® Performance Shell -• Totally waterproof. Guaranteed To Keep You Dry™.

• Maximum breathability that enables the release of excess heat and moisture.
• Durable waterproof protection.
• Perfect fit and maximum freedom of movement, specially developed for golfers.
• Soft and smooth outer materials that provide comfort and excellent drape characteristics.
• Extremely hard wearing and long lasting.
• Easy to wash and maintain, just regular machine wash and tumble dry.

We suggest the ARGUS Gortex Jacket available NOW in store/online. This jacket comes in Aluminium and Black and upto a size Extra Large. This jacket takes little maintenance as it can be machine washed and tumble dried and is an ideal top layer for windy and rainy days on the course. The great thing with this jacket is it also comes with a guarantee so that if it does leak etc we send it back and after testing and your found to be correct they will replace the jacket or repair it!




2. Dry Layer: Gore-Tex® Paclite® Shell

• Totally waterproof. Guaranteed To Keep You Dry™.
• Ultra light and ultra packable, ideal when weight and space are critical.
• Maximum breathability that enables the release of excess heat and moisture.
• Durable waterproof protection.
• Perfect fit and maximum freedom of movement, specially developed for golfers.
• Extremely hard wearing and long lasting.
• Easy to wash and maintain, just regular machine wash and tumble dry.

We recommend the very popular ALFONS Gore Tex Paclite Jacket. It comes in Green/Black/White and is available upto size Extra Large. This jacket has been a regular favourite with our customers and staff alike. Its ideal for golfers who carry there clubs but still want a decent waterproof worn comfortably.



3. Warm layer: Windstopper®

• Totally windproof. Effectively protects against windchill.
• Maximum breathability that allows moisture vapour to evaporate.
• Thermoregulatory function keeps the body at an optimum performance temperature.
• Perfect fit for maximum comfort and freedom of movement, specially developed for golfers.
• Easy to wash and maintain, just regular machine wash.

The Bedford Windstopper is another firm favourite with our staff and customers alike. It comes in a good range of colours: Navy/White, White/Grey/Red, Blue/Black/White and Black/Blue. It also comes upto a size 4XL in some colours so ideal for the larger golfer. The Galvin Green range of Windstoppers is really good and all can be worn alone or combined and still look and function great.



4. Warm layer: Insula™

• Excellent thermal insulation properties keep the body warm and comfortable.
• Maximum breathability that enables the release of excess heat and moisture.
• Soft, stretchy and snug fitting garment specially developed for golfers.
• Perfect intermediate layer under a Gore-Tex® or a WINDSTOPPER® jacket.
• Easy to wash and maintain, just regular machine wash.

The Dixon Insula jacket is New for the 2010 range and comes in 4 great colours upto size XXL. The staff here loves the Chilli Red/Black or White/Grey/Chilli Red. The good thing with these jackets is they look and feel great being worn just on there own aswell as under the other layers. They are stylish and practical and easy to roll up and stick in your golf bag then pull out ready to wear at anytime.



5. Cool Layer: Ventil8™

• Extremely high level of breathability.
• Excellent moisture-transportation properties keep the body dry and cool.
• Light, soft and comfortable garment, specially developed for golfers.
• Permanent anti-bacterial technology keeps the garments fresh.
• Easy to wash and maintain, just regular machine wash.

A classic new range of T shirts New for Spring Summer 2010 includes the MARC Polo T shirt which comes in 3 great colours. It has a timeless style and the new fabric takes comfort to a new level. Galvin Green has a massive range of these new Ventil8 fabric T-shirts in allsorts of new designs and colours, check out our website.



6. Fresh Layer: Skintight™ Fresh

• Anti-bacterial technology keeps the garments fresh.
• Maximum breathability that enables the release of excess heat and moisture.
• Excellent moisture-transportation properties.
• Perfect fit and maximum freedom of movement.
• Easy to wash and maintain, just regular machine wash.

Something you may not think about but the Galvin Green EASTON Boxer Shorts we have noticed have been getting a lot more popular recently. They are designed to enhance circulation and the fabric has anti-bacterial properties! The breathable fabric keeps your temperature regulated ideal for those hot days on the golf course at home or abroad.



7. Fresh Layer: Skintight™ Compression technology

• Compression Technology to increase blood flow and oxygen level in the muscles.
• Thermo regulation for optimum comfort.
• Maximum breathability that enables the release of excess heat and moisture.
• Excellent moisture-transportation properties.
• Anti-bacterial technology keeps the garments fresh.
• Perfect fit and maximum freedom of movement.
• Easy to wash and maintain, just regular machine wash.

The New Ellis T Shirt is the ultimate inner layer. They have a very firm fit across the body but even so they are great at pulling moisture away from the body and keeping your temperature regulated. Check out the very popular ENZO base layer top and EMMERSON base layer leggings aswell. These are worn as your first layer and come totally recommended by all our staff that don’t start a round without one on! Keeps moisture away from the body also but can provide another warm layer on cold and windy days – most of the time here in the UK then!





Visit our website for the full range of Galvin Green Spring/Summer 2010 Collection and receive a FREE Mystery Gift with all purchases and FREE UK carriage on orders over £100 (Conditions Apply).


Why not join our Facebook or Twitter Fans and receive details of Exclusive Discounts and Deals available to our loyal fans.

Until Next Time

The Golf Support Team