Masters Golf 2011: November 2010

Tiger Woods a no-show in Dubai but Michael Jackson may appear...

November 2010

About a year before the Tiger Woods scandal, the billion-dollar golfer began a quest in Dubai to create a luxurious oasis complete with villas, mansions, palaces, a boutique hotel and an unrivaled golf course, "Al Ruwaya" or "Serenity." Recently, it was reported that "Tiger Woods Dubai" has turned into a deserted "dust-bowl", except for the million gallons of water piped in each month to keep the six holes alive.

A finished hole (?) on Tiger Woods Dubai golf course

In 2008, Woods defended his decision to create his first ever championship golf course in Dubai stating, "Dubai is basically in the biggest, greatest and newest of everything." According to the Observer, the economic boom is over and the "property-based economy in Dubai has collapsed".

If this is the case, why are the Michael Jackson Islands being proposed as a new project in Dubai?

Michael Jackson Islands proposal in Dubai

Yes, I said the Jackson Islands. "With a size of 10 by 15km, the islands are formed after the lines of Michael Jackson’s face. His face, an enclosed bay, is turning towards the continent. Unlike all the other islands in Dubai, these ones are artificial hills, reaching a peak of 3,776 metres (the height of the Fuji Mount)."

Since 2009, Tiger has not commented on his first project except to say, "The economy needs to turn around...It's out of my hands."

The telephone there is long disconnected, the furniture is covered with dust. For all intents and purposes, Tiger Woods' first project is a bust.

The Cliffs at High Carolina and Punta Brava, Woods' second and third foray into golf course design, still plan to open in 2012.

In spite of economic woes, loss of endorsements and even personal divorce woes, the Dubai Properties Group website remains open for business, ready to sell the Tiger Woods dream destination to those willing to plunk down the millions required for "the most exclusive and luxurious homes ever built in Dubai."

Here is what you get for your money right now:

Current site of Tiger Woods Dubai

Click here for Golf for Beginners blogs
Voice your opinion on Twitter - Golf4Beginners

Posted via email from stacysolomon's posterous

Martin Kaymer crowned European #1

November 2010

Martin Kaymer became only the second German to be crowned European Number One after Bernhard Langer by winning The 2010 Race to Dubai.

The 25 year old, the youngest Number One since Ronan Rafferty in 1989 and only the fourth continental European to win the Harry Vardon Trophy after Seve Ballesteros, Robert Karlsson and Langer, had just one hole of the final event, the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World, to play when the year-long Race to Dubai was officially decided.

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, the only remaining challenger with a week to go, needed a top three finish to have any chance, but closing rounds of 69 and 68 were just too little too late.

Topping The Race to Dubai earned Kaymer an impressive bonus of €1,092,418 from a $7.5 million Bonus Pool that rewards the leading 15 money winners, taking his season’s earnings to €4,461,010 and surpassing Lee Westwood’s record of 12 months ago by over €200,000.

Kaymer said: "It's been a fantastic year I think. All of the goals that I set for myself, for my career, everything happened this year. To win The Race to Dubai, Number One in Europe, and to play The Ryder Cup, and to win a Major.

"And obviously when you win a Major you know that you can win any tournament in the world.

“I am very proud. I am very satisfied with my year, and that round today, my goal was obviously to play as well as possible, to putt 100 per cent in there. And that is what I certainly did. It was not my best round of the week but I really enjoyed that week and I really enjoyed the last round that I played.

“As we walked up the 18th, the announcer was saying all the scores, the PGA Champion, currently Number One in The Race to Dubai, and it sounds pretty good to me. It's a very proud moment.”

McDowell, unable to add the finishing touch he wanted to an incredible season in which he won the US Open Championship and helped regain The Ryder Cup for Europe, said: "It's been a dream season and it just so happened that Martin had an unbelievable season as well.

"It's just been a great year for European golf and I'm just very proud to be part of that.

"My greatest moment was the putt on the 16th (at The Celtic Manor Resort). There's nothing like The Ryder Cup.

"To give Martin a run for his money this week was very good, but things didn't really go my way - it's a golf course which continues to frustrate me.

"I played unbelievably well this weekend, but could barely buy a putt."

Kaymer might well have finished Number One last year but for an August go-kart accident in which he broke three toes and was put out of the game for two months.

He eventually finished third behind Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy, but started his season with victory at the Abu Dhabi Championship and then had a spell he will never forget.

Two months after McDowell had gone to Pebble Beach and become Europe's first US Open Champion since 1970 Kaymer won the US PGA Championship after a play-off with Bubba Watson, then added the KLM Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on his next two starts.

The last of those came just six days after he had made his Ryder Cup debut - a winning debut, of course - so he could actually claim four triumphs in a row.

McDowell did well to make it a contest after that, but came up short in the final week.

Not that he allowed it to take the gloss off his year - and he now believes he could become World Number One.

"I know I can get a lot better when I see one of my friends and colleagues Lee Westwood as the world's best player of course I have to believe I can do the same thing."

Karlsson out duels Poulter in the desert

November 2010

Robert Karlsson overcame Ian Poulter in a play-off to win the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World.

The pair tied on the 14 under par mark of 274 after Karlsson, three behind overnight, played the first three holes in four under and then pitched to three feet for a birdie on the 620 yard last.

They were round in 67 and 70 respectively and so sudden death decided who won the first prize of €910,348.

Both birdied the first extra hole after hitting approaches within five feet, and at the second extra hole Poulter mis-cued his sand wedge approach to leave a 30 foot putt.

Karlsson was precise again, his ball finishing three feet from the cup, and to make matters worse Poulter then picked up a one shot penalty when he dropped his ball on his marker and moved it.

Two putts meant a bogey six for Poulter, but the penalty was irrelevant as Karlsson holed his birdie putt.

The 2008 European Number One, who has suffered a serious eye problem and glandular fever since then, will also remember his start.

From three behind Poulter overnight he birdied the first two holes and then sank an eight iron on the third for an eagle two, just as Martin Kaymer did in the opening round.

World Number One and defending champion Westwood shared third place with Alvaro Quiros a stroke behind, the Spaniard missing a long eagle putt on the 18th and Westwood pulling his second to the hole into water and taking five when a birdie would have made him part of the play-off.

Kaymer and Graeme McDowell, the only two contenders for The Race to Dubai entering the event, finished joint 13th, which earned the 25 year old German - the youngest number one since Ronan Rafferty in 1989 - a bonus of €1,092,418.

McDowell had to finish third in the tournament just to have a chance, but the memories of the US Open Championship and Ryder Cup, of course - softened the blow of just missing out on the top spot.

Karlsson said: "It was a strange day to say the least. To start birdie-birdie-eagle is not what you expect to happen when you are three behind.

"Then there was the one shot penalty. It's not the way you want to win, but these things happen in golf.

“It's a fantastic field, and obviously when we have all of the best players in Europe together, the way it looks now, it's going to be a great field - so to win here is fantastic.”

Poulter, winner of last week’s UBS Hong Kong Open and looking for consecutive wins for the first time in his career, struggled to contain his disappointment.

“A lot of positives to take away, but right now not really seeing them,” he said.

Martin Kaymer Wins the Race To Dubai

November 2010

So today was the last day of the Dubai World Championship and the culmination of the Race to Dubai. I was volunteering as a marshall for this tournament, as I did last year, which is a great way to feel part of the action. Going in to the tournament there were only 2 players who could win the race to Dubai - Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell. The odds were weighted in Kaymer's favour as he went in as leader and it was up to McDowell to take the title from him. Unfortunately McDowell was not completely on his game and so Kaymer clinched it with a solid performance.

The DWC tournament title itself was a close battle with Ian Poulter and Robert Karlsson taking it to a play-off which was re-runs of the long 18th hole. The first run saw them both sink brilliant birdies but Poulter came unstuck at the 2nd go when he ended up in the bark from his tee shot. They both hit the green on their 3rd shot but Kaymer was about 4 feet away with Poulter having a much longer putt. Unfortunately Poulter was penalised on the green for replacing his ball on his marker after he lifted it. However, Karlsson sank his putt which meant that even without the penalty he would have won as Poulter missed his.

For me it was a great 5 days (including the Pro-Am) where you get a chance to get up close to the top players, lots of walking in the beautiful sunshine and and a chance to be part of a major event. Although it was exhausting I will hopefully be back next year doing it again!

Winter League Week 4 - Results

November 2010

The leading scores recorded this week were as follows:

1st Alan Morrison 40pts
2nd Frankie Moran 38pts
3rd Jerry Wood 37pts (better last 3)
4th Eric Gray 37pts

The sweep money was collected by those in 1st, 3rd and 4th places.

Twos were recorded by:

Ray Michie @ 6th (Wed)
Jerry Wood @ 17th (Wed).

Handicaps have been adjusted and are posted in the clubhouse although looking out the window at 8 inches of snow on the 18th green, I don't think there will be any changes required this week.

Golf Channel Instructor Search Finalists includes a real Player!

November 2010

Golf Channel announced today that it has narrowed its nationwide search for the network’s next instructional star to three finalists, and one's a real Player!

Wayne Player (Tequesta, Fla.) Son of golf legend Gary Player, Wayne and his father Gary were the first father-son duo to compete in both a U.S. Open and an Open Championship at the same time. Today, he is best known for his tailored entertainment and travel experiences for corporate and private clients, sharing life lessons on and off the golf course he learned from his father. He has worked in-tandem with several of the game’s top instructors, including David Leadbetter, Bob Toski and Peter Kostis.

Martin Hall (West Palm Beach, Fla.) Ranked 12^th on Golf Digest’s Top 50 Teachers of all time and ranked as a GOLF Magazine Top 100 instructor, Hall is no stranger to Golf Channel viewers. He has been a frequent contributor to the network’s instruction shows including Academy Live, and is a featured instructor on GolfChannel.com. Hall was 2008 PGA of America Teacher of the Year, is a contributing writer for GOLF Magazine and was longtime teacher for LPGA Tour professional Morgan Pressel.

Karen Palacios-Jansen (Mooresville, N.C.) Named as one of Golf Digest Woman’s Top 50 Women Teachers every year since 1998, Palacios-Jansen is a certified personal trainer who incorporates fitness training into her teaching. A former David Leadbetter trained instructor and Jim McLean Golf School master instructor, she was named 2008 LPGA Teacher of the Year and has been teaching golf for 17 years. She currently is managing editor for Golf Fitness Magazine, and is married to Olympic Gold Medalist Dan Jansen.

The three finalists were selected from a nationwide search conducted by Golf Channel this fall – all hoping to host their own instructional series on the network. Each of the finalists will host a half-hour instruction show as part of the network’s 12 Nights at the Academy series of instruction specials, airing Nov. 29-Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. ET. The finalists’ shows will air Nov. 30 (Hall); Dec. 5 (Palacios-Jansen) and Dec. 7 (Player).

Viewers have the opportunity to view the finalists’ audition video and video tips online at www.GolfChannel.com/InstructorSearch. Viewers also are encouraged to participate in the selection process by voting online through Dec. 15. The winner is expected to be announced on Golf Central in January, with the new show scheduled to premiere early in the year.

Visit Golf for Beginners for more great blogs

Follow Golf4Beginners on Twitter and Voice Your Opinion!

Posted via email from stacysolomon's posterous

Fisher & Poulter lead after 2 rounds in Dubai

November 2010

Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter led the way with turbo-charged displays as the elite of European golf jockeyed for position on a day of superb low-scoring in the Dubai World Championship second round on Friday.

In the two-way tussle to finish the season as European number one on Sunday, money-list leader Martin Kaymer opened an eight-shot advantage over Graeme McDowell, second in the money list.

German Kaymer shot a 70 for a seven-under total of 137 while Briton McDowell slumped to a 73 for 145.

Up for grabs for Kaymer and McDowell, the only two players who can top the money-list, is a $1.26 million cheque for winning the tournament plus a $1.5 million bonus for finishing the season as Europe's number one.

"It's not over," said McDowell, who is playing his fifth tournament in five weeks and acknowledged he felt mentally drained. "Going 65-65 at the weekend is not out of the question.

"I just have to rest," the Northern Irishman told reporters. "I have got to somehow go out and relax and have a good time, maybe have a few beers tonight and hang out by the hotel pool."

Irish Open champion Fisher was as relaxed as anyone in the Dubai heat, equaling fellow Briton Lee Westwood's eight-under par course record 64 set last year to finish on 135.

Poulter, bidding for back-to-back titles after his victory in the Hong Kong Open last Sunday, carded a 66 to join compatriot Fisher on nine-under.

World number one Westwood was one stroke adrift in third place after a 67 while fellow Briton Paul Casey (67) also joined the birdie bonanza to take joint fourth spot on 137 with Kaymer and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee (69).

Wie out of LPGA Tour Championship

November 2010

Nine of the top 10 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings will play in the season-ending LPGA Tour Championship next week at Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla.

As expected, Michelle Wie wasn’t on the commitment list released Tuesday by the LPGA. She’s the lone player among the top 10 who isn’t scheduled to play.

Wie withdrew from the Lorena Ochoa Invitational with back pain almost two weeks ago, but her appearance in the LPGA Tour Championship was uncertain even before that. She’s had a long-standing commitment to play in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters the week after the LPGA Tour Championship. Omega’s one of her sponsors. Her appearance in the LPGA Tour Championship became uncertain when LPGA officials announced late in the summer that they were moving their tournament dates to December, up against final exams at Stanford, where Wie’s a senior, and up against her Dubai appearance.

Wie’s ailing back is healing, with her representatives reporting today that she visited her doctors Monday and is “happy with her progress.” She’s planning to rest and rehab this week and next week with the plan to play in Dubai.

If Wie plays in Dubai in two weeks, it’s sure to draw some flak from fellow pros who think she should support one of the LPGA’s flagship events. The tour’s been on a blitz in Central Florida the past week promoting its season-ending event with players making appearances at Sea World, Disney World, an Orlando Magic basketball game and other venues to create interest. The Rolex No. 1 world ranking and Rolex Player of the Year are among the big prizes up for grabs in the season finale.

Tiger Woods has caught the "Tweeting" bug

November 2010

Tiger Woods has joined the chorus of athletes Twittering away at fans.

The disgraced golf great began tweeting Nov. 17, shortly after he released an update to the world about how he was coping after his divorce. Tiger's persona is maintained by a well-documented media machine, and we're trying to discern if his tweets are edited or if they're even him.

The usually ultra-private Woods is making himself ultra-accessible (by his standards) and opening fans and followers up to an rarely seen side of him. On Nov. 18 the golf star tweeted, "the best part about phone interviews is getting to wear shorts." (It jokes!)

Of course, it may all be part of Tiger's PR campaign to rehabilitate his image following his much-publicized indiscretions and destroyed marriage. It reminds us of another controversial athlete, LeBron James', own attempts to use Twitter to regulate public opinion.

James regularly answers fans and has even spawned a fake account dedicated to his ego. (A hilarious read.)

Man died after being struck by golf ball

November 2010

SANFORD, Fla. -- A worker at a central Florida country club is dead after being struck by a golf ball.

Police say Maurice Hayden was doing maintenance work at the Mayfair Country Club in Sanford on Wednesday when he was struck in the temple by a golfer's tee shot.

The 42-year-old man was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital. Police say he died Thursday after being removed from life support.

Police are calling the incident an accident and say the golfer will not face charges.

Hole 19: Hole 18 - Foxhills (Bernhard Hunt), England

November 2010

Course:
Foxhills (Bernhard Hunt), England, Hole 18

Par:
Par 4 (Par 5 from Red)

Length:
Blue: 408 meters / 446 yards
White: 407 meters / 445 yards
Yellow: 388 meters / 424 yards
Red: 362 meters / 396 yards

Handicap:
Hcp 6 (Hcp 10 from Red)

Designer:
F.W. Hawtree

Description:
The Bernhard Hunt course at Foxhills Club & Resort is a nice upmarket woodland/heathland course in Surrey, England. Foxhills Club & Resort offers two 18 holes course (Bernhard Hunt and Longcross) and one 9 hole par 3 course. It is unfair to compare the courses with the nearby courses in Sunningdale or Wentworth, but the Bernhard Hunt course offers a very nice layout with a couple of great holes. The course is named after Bernard Hunt, MBE, who was the first head professional at Foxhills. The finishing hole is a real test: it is a 446 yards (from the tips) dogleg left par 4. The tee shot has to carry 200 yards to reach the narrow fairway in order to avoid a blind approach shot. The green is massive, very difficult to read and shared with the finishing hole of the Longcross Course.

Map:
N.A.

Pictures:

(all data as of November 2010)

Is the new Adidas aG Strike Golf Bag a stand-out?

November 2010

Considered the "hero" of the 2011 Adidas Golf Bag Collection, the aG Strike Stand Bag is lightweight and durable, loaded with basic comforts and thoughtful details which will please even the most demanding golfer.

I really put this golf bag through its paces (sorry Adidas) hoisting it in and out of my car with the help of the easy-grip handle, but unfortunately it collided bottom first onto the ground a few times.

I tried to be gentle with my new stand bag but happy that Adidas had me in mind when they constructed the aG Stand Bag with double-stitched seams and strong binding on the base cuff of the bag. The sturdy non-slip rubber grips on the bottom of the arms and the crush-resistance of the bag are also appreciated!

From a woman's perspective, the lighter weight (4.3 lbs) and not-too bulky anti-fatigue straps really make a difference carrying the bag as well as putting it on/taking it off during the round. The six-way compressed nylon top, four-way full-length dividers were useful in minimizing contact between my clubs although I found that, when my round goes awry, I don't really pay much attention where that 7-iron goes...one of my mental errors which I am constantly working to improve!

Adidas aG Strike Top Divider

Colorful and stylish, the new Adidas aG Strike Golf Bag will not disappoint the golf fashionista! Although my choice of color was the red/charcoal/gray combo (red for the Tiger Woods in me), there are other great combinations to match your outfits (and your grips): Black/Charcoal/Blue, Black/White.

There are also external slots for pen and umbrella, an insulated water bottle sleeve, an in-pocket hook for your keys, large pocket for your sweater when the temperature rises and even pull cords for every zipper making it easy to open and close each pocket. Seven pockets in total with plenty of places to store your golf accessories including a velour-lined space for your valuables.

Speaking of pocket fillers, the folks at Adidas Golf were really thinking of the consumer when they came up with the new FAS-TEK system (Fast Action Snap Technology.) Instead of fumbling through your pants pockets searching for GPS and/or cell phone, you can attach your goodies directly to the golf bag and have your GPS at your fingertips! Although sold separately, this is one innovative way that Adidas can help you "trick-out" your golf bag.

One of the niftiest items attached to my new Adidas aG Strike Stand Bag, in my opinion, is a ball marker with cut-outs of a star, line and circle. Several smiley faces adorn my golf ball so, as you can see, this added touch on the Adidas golf bag caught the eye of this female golfer!

Of course the Adidas Golf aG Strike Stand Bag is a stand-out for the most discerning male or female golf enthusiast and, believe me when I say, women make the toughest critics!

Here is more information on the TaylorMade/Adidas aG Strike Stand Bag:

Price on TaylorMade Golf Website: $139.99

Features & Specs:

Convenient and sturdy top handle
EVA Foam ergonomically correct shoulder straps with velour lining
7 Total Pockets
Insulated water bottle sleeve
Velour Lind valuables pouch with internal key clip
Foam padded hip pad with Air Flow channel for maximum comfort
Anit-Slip Actuator on base of bag for increased stability
Umbrella slot
External pen slot
Three FAS-TEK receivers

Read more golf blogs on Golf for Beginners!

Follow Golf4Beginners on Twitter and Voice Your Opinion!

Posted via email from stacysolomon's posterous

First Day of the Dubai World Championship Tomorrow!

November 2010

So tomorrow brings the start of the Dubai World Championship and the start of the end of the Race to Dubai! I am reporting for marshalling duties quite late in the day (11am) so should be going out with one of the later groups that includes the guys at the top of the list - perhaps Ian Poulter and Ernie Els or maybe Schwarzel and Jimenez or possibly one of the Molinari brothers - in any case I don't mind as they are all great and it is set to be a fabulous tournament! Just remember, no cameras and turn your phones off or I will be battering you over the head with an exceedingly large Quiet Please sign that they have given us this year!

Kobe Bryant shows Tiger the way to redemption - WINNING

November 2010

Kobe Bryant wasn’t about to go there. Not when he controls the message, and what happened seven years ago in a hotel room in Colorado fades from public memory.

That didn’t stop a reporter from trying on the eve of the first anniversary of the Tiger Woods scandal to find out how Bryant thought he was able to overcome his own scandal and regain his stature as a superstar in demand by fans around the NBA.

“I’m not answering that question,” Bryant said earlier this month in Denver.

Nothing new there. Bryant has never talked publicly about what happened between himself and a teenage hotel worker that night, though he did have his attorney read a statement in which he apologized to the woman for his behavior.

While Woods continues to struggle to define his scandal, Bryant for the most part seems to have successfully put his behind him even if the allegations against him were more serious. The sexual assault charges were dropped, he paid to settle a civil suit brought by the alleged victim and both sides have kept quiet ever since.

As a strategy, it seems to be working. His image has recovered enough that he earns millions of dollars a year in endorsement deals and his jersey is a top seller not only at home but in Europe and China.

That may be largely because Bryant found a way to do something Woods has yet to do – keep on winning.

“Kobe went back onto the court and returned to his all-star status. He brought back the legions of basketball fans first,” said Michael Kempner, president of MWW Group public relations in East Rutherford, N.J. “Tiger hasn’t, and in many ways people are reveling in his mediocrity.”

Adding two more titles to his haul since the charges in Colorado has paid off nicely for Bryant. He signed a contract extension in April worth nearly $90 million over three years to become the highest paid player in the NBA, and Forbes magazine estimated that his total annual earnings come close to $50 million when endorsements are figured in.

“Yes, Kobe Bryant had an incident,” said Ronn Torossian, president of 5W Public Relations in New York. “But the incident didn’t define Kobe Bryant. He has recovered, just like many others have recovered.”

Indeed, the mention of his name is no longer followed by talk about the charges. If anything, discussion now revolves around whether he may one day be regarded as the greatest player in the game.

“It’s unbelievable if you think back to that time because the allegations were far more serious than the ones facing Tiger,” said Ralph Cindrich, a sports attorney and agent in Pittsburgh. “Kobe is an example of what can happen if someone comes back, conducts himself properly and says the right things.”

It’s a template some think Woods might want to follow as he tries to put a sex scandal of his own behind him a year after his private escapades were revealed. There is one difference: Bad as they were, the accusations against Bryant came from one woman. Woods is now a divorced man because of numerous reports of serial cheating.

In Bryant’s case, his attorney read the following statement on his client’s behalf:

“I want to apologize to her for my behavior that night and for the consequences she has suffered in the past year. Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did.”

Bryant immediately returned to basketball – and winning.

Woods relayed his regrets in a globally televised message: “I want to say to each of you, simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in. …”

As for winning, it hasn’t happened.

“It all starts with winning and the popularity goes from there,” Cindrich said. “It’s the same way with a Michael Vick or a Ben Roethlisberger. People tend to forgive and forget when they win.”

Once one of the NFL’s biggest and highest paid stars, Vick was broke, reviled and his career was in ruins after he served 18 months in federal prison for running a dogfighting ring.

Now he’s on top again, quarterbacking for the Philadelphia Eagles, and could become perhaps the biggest free agent on the market next year.

Roethlisberger returned to the Steelers on Oct. 17 following a four-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He was accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a Georgia college student in March. Since his return, the Steelers are 3-2 (6-3 overall), including losses to two of the best teams in the league – New England and New Orleans.

Woods and Bryant went to dinner in Orlando last year before the golfer’s scandal broke, with Bryant reportedly trying to find out how Woods handled life in a fishbowl.

Someday they may have even more in common if Woods can regain his dominance on the golf course.

“I think America loves to build stars, knock stars down a little bit and then build them back up,” said David Schwab, a vice president at Octagon who specializes in offering celebrity strategy for brands. “You certainly saw that with Kobe.”

Kaymer & McDowell set for Dubai duel

November 2010

Every year at the beginning of December a group of golf journalists are invited to lunch by the European Tour and we are expected to sing for our sustenance by deciding the Tour's Golfer of the Year.

It is always a convivial gathering, spiced by lively debate stirring memories of the fine golf we have witnessed over the previous 11 months, but more often than not the decision-making process is completed somewhere between the starter and the main course.

The swift selection process is not a dereliction of duty, it is simply that one outstanding candidate invariably emerges from the discussion. Indeed, there is often no need for any chat at all as it is immediately obvious to whom the accolade should go and we can raise a glass to the winner with a clear conscience.

It didn't take too long to nominate Lee Westwood last year and Padraig Harrington was the obvious choice in 2008 and 2007. But this time? Well, let's just hope the cheeseboard is well stocked because we may be arguing for quite some time.

There is very little to choose between the two outstanding candidates, Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer.

Both have won majors in the United States, while Kaymer has won three other titles compared to McDowell's two. That would seem to give the edge to the German, who leads the Race to Dubai heading into this week's final event, the Dubai World Championship.

But that doesn't take account of the extraordinary role McDowell played in the final match of the Ryder Cup, holding his nerve against Hunter Mahan to win the trophy for Europe.

For my money those achievements are enough to mark out McDowell as the outstanding UK sports personality of 2010 - OK, I admit I am biased - but are they enough to make the US Open champion Europe's Golfer of the Year?

It is an extraordinarily tough call but one that might become a little easier if either of the two finishes the season in style in Dubai.

Kaymer won his first major with victory at the USPGA Championship in August but has called this the biggest week of his career as winning the Race to Dubai was his stated ambition at the start of the year.

Only McDowell can deny him the title. The Northern Ireland man is 290, 911 Euros behind heading into this big-money event and needs a top-three finish to have any chance of pipping his rival.

For that to happen, McDowell will need to sustain and improve on the form that gave him a third-placed finish in Singapore and fifth in Hong Kong in the last two weeks.

Kaymer, on the other hand, took last week off and said he has never slept as well given the exhausting nature of his stellar season. He's raring to go and keen to finish the job over the coming days.

It was another massive boost for the European Tour when Kaymer confirmed he will not be taking up PGA Tour membership next season. The implication is that his chosen tour is every bit as strong as its American counterpart.

Already the PGA Tour has felt the need to slightly alter its eligibility rules for players leaving them, which means Westwood will be able to play the US events that he wants to compete in next year.

The world number one will be allowed to accept three tournament invitations on top of the four majors, three World Golf Championships and the Players' Championship. Until this tweak Westwood was facing a choice between having to miss either the Players or defending the title he won in Memphis this year.

The change in rules shows how the PGA Tour is having to bend to the current power shift in the world game and benefits Rory McIlroy, who is not renewing his membership Stateside.

There are no such restrictions on Kaymer because he has never been a PGA Tour member, so isn't liable to the rules put in place to deter players from turning their backs on membership as McIlroy is doing next year.

All of which is fine news for the European Tour as it readies itself to unveil its 2011 calendar. There are plenty of issues to be resolved with sponsorship of the Irish Open again high on the agenda. There's also the likelihood of the Scottish Open heading north to Castle Stuart and a later end to the season with the Dubai World Championship switching to a December date.

That, though, is for next year. There's still plenty to be decided in 2010, which should provide for a fascinating finale before what is sure to be a lengthy lunch to decide the Europe's player of the year.

Sean Foley; The new generation golf guru?

November 2010

Sean Foley is ready to step into the spotlight.

The man overseeing the latest set of changes to Tiger Woods's golf swing remains something of an unknown outside of the golf industry -- even in Canada, where he was born, raised and first started teaching the game.

But that has slowly started to change since striking up a working relationship with Woods in August.

"There's recognition in airports and restaurants, and that never happened before," Foley said in a recent interview. "People say 'that's got to be so annoying.' But I created it, I said yes (when asked to work with Woods) and I could have said no. You have to embrace it and take it on.

"This is when your principles and character (are important). Who you tell people you are and what you believe about yourself, this is when it's tested."

In fact, Foley is hoping to take his profile to another level. The 36-year-old from Burlington, Ont., has signed on with sports agency The Wasserman Group -- looking for agent Chris Armstrong to "drum up business" -- and released his first instructional DVD, titled The Next Generation.

Foley had relied solely on the quality of his work to speak for itself.

"I've never really built my brand," he said. "I still don't have a website."

The desire to start brand building comes at an interesting time for Foley -- and not just because he's now working with Woods. Some have recently criticized his teaching methods, accusing him of borrowing heavily from the "Stack and Tilt" swing developed by Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett.

Foley has been around the PGA Tour since getting hired by Calgary's Stephen Ames four years ago. He also works with Sean O'Hair, Hunter Mahan and Justin Rose, among others, but only recently started hearing negative things about his style.

"It never happened until I started working with Tiger," he said.

Foley is the first to acknowledge that he's studied up on what others are teaching, both about golf and life. He's well-versed on a variety of subjects -- referencing everyone from Gandhi to Bob Marley to Deepak Chopra to Phil Jackson during a 30-minute interview -- and aims to pass on whatever he can to his pupils.

He readily acknowledges that the foundation for his knowledge on the golf swing comes from others.

"My job is to help people so why would I not tap into every educational source?" said Foley. "I'm not going to pretend that I'm going to figure it all out on my own. Looking at (David) Leadbetter's stuff and Butch (Harmon's) stuff and Chuck Cook, Mac O'Grady, Mark Evershed and Stack and Tilt and all that. It's my job to know that.

"If you've done this for 16 years and you're smart and you're passionate about helping people, you will all find the same points."

Foley still manages to stand out. He's supremely confident in his ability and has no qualms about doing things his own way.

It's something Armstrong plans to use to his advantage as he seeks out ways to start growing Foley's brand.

"We strongly believe that with Sean's contemporary and innovative approach to golf instruction, his candid and dynamic personality, and commitment to using his success as a platform to affect change in the lives of those who are less fortunate, his brand has great appeal to both the corporate and non-profit sectors," Armstrong wrote in an email. "I have no doubt that he will have opportunities both inside and outside of the sport of golf -- endorsements, corporate outings, public speaking engagements, and literary works to suggest a few."

The release of his DVD on Monday was the first step. Produced by brother Kevin Foley and Toronto-based Project 10 Productions, The Next Generation offers 90 minutes of insight and tips to improve the golf swing.

The advice isn't much different than what he gives to his top clients on a regular basis.

"I was teaching a 15 handicap the other day and I was working on the same thing that I'm trying to get Sean O'Hair to do," said Foley. "Now, when they both do it well, it looks completely different. But it helps them equally."

The arc of Foley's career has been pretty dramatic. Prior to starting his work with Ames in 2006, he served as director of player development for the ClubLink Academy out of Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ont. Now just four years later, he's got one of the highest-profile jobs in the sport.

While Foley always envisioned himself in his current position, he acknowledges that some fortunate timing also played a role. Reflecting on that helps keep him grounded.

"There's many people who have done the same thing and just didn't get the opportunity," he said. "That kind of takes the arrogance out of it, where you feel like you're just amazing, because you realize that if Stephen Ames doesn't come down (and hire him), who knows?

"I might be back at Glen Abbey right now."

-Canadian Press

Dubai World Championship Pro-Am

November 2010

So today I was a marshall at the pro-am. Now from my point of view this is the best job in the world. You get to walk round the course with a top player who is relaxed and chatty and you can get photos and autographs and even some hints and tips. I don't know why more people don't go to watch the pro-am!

Me and Graeme McDowell

Today I was with Graeme McDowell. You can choose who you marshall with on a first come first served basis so I got there early to pick someone I really wanted to see. He was great and a really friendly guy as most of them seem to be on these days where they are playing primarily for their sponsors. Graeme is all keyed up to winning the Race to Dubai which is between him and Martin Kaymer.

New Puma Golf Range In Store!

November 2010

Golf Support is pleased to announce the latest addition to our extensive range of golf stockiest – Puma.

Available exclusively at our Mansfield Superstore we have a range of Golf Clothing, Shoes and Accessories.

Rickie Fowler who recently finished T3 in the Children’s Miracle Network in Florida is probably the best known Puma Tour Player rocking golf technologies together with a touch of style, and his all orange look is one of a kind.

There motto Look Better, Feel Better, Play Better is certainly clear in there range of clothing supporting bold check, prints and colours, all with matching shoes and accessories for both men and women.

Call 01623 626830 or Skype golfsupportsales for details on our full range.

Join us on Facebook and twitter and keep up to date with our fantastic offers.

Until Next Time

The Golf Support Team

Hole 18: Hole 15 - El Camaleon, Mexico

November 2010

Course:
El Camaléon, Mexico, Hole 15

Par:
Par 3

Length:
Black (“Boox”): 142 meters / 155 yards
White (“Sak”): 132 meters / 144 yards
Yellow (“Ya’ax”): 117 meters / 128 yards
Red (“Chak”): 90 meters / 98 yards

Handicap:
Hcp 17

Designer:
Greg Norman

Description:
El Camaleón Golf Club at the Mayakoba resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is a unique layout that bends through three distinct landscapes - tropical jungle, dense mangroves, and oceanfront stretches of sand with holes bisected by massive limestone canals. Greg Norman who has signed the championship course even included a cenote, a massive, ancient cavern common to the area, into the course. In 2007, El Camaleón made history by becoming the first golf course to host an official PGA TOUR event in México and the first official PGA TOUR event ever held outside of the United States or Canada. Hole 15, a short par 3, is the signature hole of the course. The hole is running alongside the Caribbean and the strong ocean breeze will play an important part in the club selection off the tee. The green sits right to left on a natural dune ridge and is guarded by a single bunker to the front left of the green. It is very tricky to put and looks much easier that it actually is!

Map:

Pictures:

(all data as of October 2010)

Leo Feser Award

November 2010

This was definitely a shocker. I didn't expect anything like this.

-Justin

___________________________

Oct. 29, 2010

GCSAA certified golf course superintendent recognized for writing Facing Facebook, Talking Twitter

Ruiz wins GCSAA's Leo Feser Award

Justin Ruiz, CGCS, has been honored with the 2010 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Leo Feser Award for his article, "Facing Facebook, talking Twitter," which appeared in the June 2010 issue of Golf Course Management magazine.

Ruiz is the GCSAA certified golf course superintendent at The Rim Golf Club in Payson, Ariz. His article focused on the communication advantages with golfers/members/customers that social media can provide.

The Leo Feser Award is presented annually for the best superintendent-written article published in GCM, the association's monthly magazine. The award winner is selected by members of GCSAA's Strategic Communications Committee. Ruiz, a 12-year GCSAA member, will receive the award at the 2011 GCSAA Education Conference Feb. 8 during Celebrate GCSAA! presented in partnership with Syngenta. The conference (Feb. 7-11) will be held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show (Feb. 9-10) in Orlando.

"Justin's article does a great job of simplifying social media and its relevance to our profession," said GCSAA President James R. Fitzroy, CGCS. "Through his writing he was able to help readers understand how helpful these new technologies can be to a golf facility's communication efforts."

As the Feser Award winner, Ruiz will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show. Ruiz's name will also be engraved on a plaque that is on permanent display at GCSAA headquarters.

The Feser Award honors the late Leo Feser, a pioneer golf course superintendent and a charter member of GCSAA. Feser is credited with keeping the association's official publication alive during the Great Depression. For three years (1933-36), he wrote, edited, assembled and published each issue of The Greenkeepers' Report (as the association's magazine was called then) from his home in Wayzata, Minn. The award was first presented in 1956 and has been given annually since 1977.

Golf Course Management is the leading publication for golf course managers. It has a circulation of nearly 30,000 and is delivered to every golf facility in the United States.

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts.

-30-

For more information contact:

Ed Hiscock, editor in chief, Golf Course Management, 800-472-7878

Winter League Week 3 Results

November 2010

The leading scores recorded this week were:

1st Frank Moran 43pts (after countback)
2nd Mike Bell 43pts (after countback)
3rd Stephen McDiarmid 42pts (after countback)
4th Jim Ireland 42pts (after countback)
5th Frank Moran 41pts

The sweep was collected by those in 2nd, 3rd and 4th place.

Three 2s were recorded this week with Ray Michie grabbing two of them at the 3rd on Monday and again on Wednesday - well done Ray. Jerry Wood picked up the other, at the 6th on Saturday.

Handicaps have been adjusted and are posted in the clubhouse.

Frost at The Rim

November 2010

It is that time of year in the Rim Country. Overnight temperatures are below freezing and frost is inevitable. Fall is a great season with many colors to look at along the forest, but it also means frost delays are here.

Photo Courtesy of Purdue University www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/images/frostdamage1.jpg

We have adjusted are start times to reduce any frost delay during the winter months. We also have had cold enough weather to have frost stick around long enough to even delay our 1000am start time. We will do our best to get the course ready during the cold weather to reduce any kind of delay that may occur.

During the times of cold winter weather we will need to delay traffic on the turf until frost is melted. We want to avoid frost damage, because recovery is very slow this time of year. Damage from a cart or a walker can take more than a week to recover. The damage will start out purple in color and turn to a straw brown as the leaves begin to dry.

I like to use the analogy of a piece of glass shattering, when I explain frost damage. When the leaf blade of the plant is frozen and becomes crushed by a tire or a shoe it is basically like a piece of glass shattering into many pieces. Microscopically when the leaf blade sustains the damage the cells shatters into pieces. The pieces move through the plant destroying cells in its path. Once the plant begins to thaw the plant fluid leaks out and the leaf blade and will look water soaked and purple. The leaf blade is now dead and will turn brown. Rarely does this damage affect the crown of the plant so the plant itself is not dead. The problem is that growth is slowed during cold weather, which makes for a slow and painstaking recovery.

With that being said, we ask that walkers and cart traffic avoid turf while it is frozen to protect the grass. If there are any questions about frost and how we make the decision to delay golf please contact me.

Justin C. Ruiz, CGCS

Ian Poulter holds off Simon Dyson to win 10th Euro title

November 2010

Ian Poulter landed his tenth European Tour title by holding off all challengers at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

The 34 year old, who narrowly missed out at last week's Barclays Singapore Open, closed with a three under par 67 to finish with a 22 under par aggregate of 258.

That was one clear of compatriot Simon Dyson and Italy's Matteo Manassero, but in truth The Ryder Cup star never looked like relinquishing the advantage he had held since the second round.

A bogey at the last after his approach found the bunker slightly spoiled his card, but three birdies on the front nine and a brilliant eagle at the par five 13th - where he nailed his drive then faded a fairway wood approach to 12 feet - secured victory.

"It feels more than good," said Poulter. "I'll be honest, the last two weeks I've been really disappointed. Shanghai I was lying fourth with six holes to play.

"Obviously last week, I was in the lead for a number of holes. I was in position again to win and I didn't do it - I didn't convert the putts.

"I played nicely on Sunday - on Monday shall I say - and didn't quite convert the putts, and I've played great all week this week.

"I think today, I actually played better to shoot three under than I did ten under. I don't think I've hit as many good golf shots today in a long time. So it was nice, I felt calm all day. I felt as if I just kept going around my business, I'd make a few birdie putts and that would be enough to win - it's very pleasing to do so."

Dyson's 65 saw him emerge as the main challenger, but after a front nine 30 the former KLM Open winner's putter went cold on the way in and he picked up just one more shot.

"Disappointed," admitted the former Asian Tour Order of Merit winner. "I played lovely today, I just didn't hole a thing on the back nine, didn't hole a thing.

"Eight kind of stopped me in my tracks. I got off to such a great start that the bogey on eight just stopped me in my tracks a bit.

"I had a good chance at nine - I had a good chance on every hole the back nine. Didn't miss a green and they just didn't want to drop and that last one summed it up, absolutely summed it up. It can't miss three foot out, downhill, downgrain and it stops two inches short.

"Still, a great week. I played lovely, and it's good to take into the last tournament of the year."

Manassero's eight under 62 confirmed the teenager's outstanding talent, while American Anthony Kang took fourth ahead of Graeme McDowell - who having been second overnight will be disappointed not to have made a bigger dent in Martin Kaymer's Race to Dubai lead.

World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play winner Poulter had hardly put a foot wrong all week and when he found water at the third it was his first bogey of the tournament.

"After hitting a poor four iron on the third hole and making bogey, I think I pretty much had a birdie putt on every single hole," he added. "You know, putts from eight feet which kept looking like they were going to go in but didn't. But to make five at the last, get the job done, it's a good victory."

The win also moves Poulter to eleventh in the Official World Golf Rankings and increases his earnings in The Race to Dubai to €1,983,142 - the most he has ever won in a single European Tour season.

Manassero became the youngest ever winner on The European Tour in Spain last month, and was pleased to continue his good form.

"Fantastic day actually for me," he said. "I started the day quite far behind - Poulter was 19, I was 13.

"I made some great shots, so I'm very happy with the way I played and the way I tried to catch the leaders."

McDowell's challenge for the title never really materialised as the Northern Irishman finished with a two under 68 to take fifth place.

The US Open Champion was undone by two bogeys in his first three holes and though he recovered on the back nine with five birdies, it was too late to threaten playing partner Poulter.

McDowell now switches his focus to the Dubai World Championship next week where he hopes to be crowned Europe's Number One ahead of current Race to Dubai leader Martin Kaymer, having reduced his arrears to €214,222.

Rory McIlroy had narrowly missed out on victory at the Hong Kong Golf Club in the last two years and though he started well this time he was never really in the hunt as the final round progressed.

The 21 year old bogeyed the first and though he recovered with four birdies over his next 12 holes, another dropped shot on the par four 14th left him with plenty to do in his remaining holes.

McIlroy birdied the 16th before making par on the last two holes to finish on 18 under, four shots behind Poulter in sixth.

Last year's winner Grégory Bourdy claimed a share of 11th after carding a 68 while Europe's Ryder Cup-winning Captain Colin Montgomerie shot a 69 to tie for 47th place.

Tiger's candid about dramatic changes in his life the past year

November 2010

Nearly a year ago, Tiger Woods' world came crashing down on him -- literally. It was, in Woods' own words Thursday during an interview on ESPN radio, "The best thing that could've happened to me."

That was perhaps the most revealing, or at least telling, statement from Woods in the 25-minute interview, which Woods said he gave -- along with launching a Twitter account and writing a first-person account for Newsweek magazine -- in an effort to connect with the fans.

"That's been the biggest surprise of all is how supportive the fans have been," said Woods, who echoed similar words when he returned to golf at the Masters earlier this year.

"The only way [to rebuild my image] is to come to grips with who I am," he added. "I wasn't happy with who I was. I was doing things morally that inside I knew I shouldn't be doing."

Asked what about what he thinks he learned about himself in the past year, Woods added that he wasn't the person he used to be.

Asked if he's happier now, Woods said, "Infinitely so. I'm more clear about who I am and where I want to go."

Where Woods goes on the golf course in terms of whether or not he breaks Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championships remains to be seen.

Woods, who has 14 career major championships, will play one more event this season, his upcoming Chevron World Challenge. If he doesn't win, it will mark the first year since 1995 that he has gone without a victory.

"Bits and pieces" is how Woods described how the swing changes he's been working on with new coach Sean Foley have been coming along.

"The fixes for the misses are a little different than the past," Woods added.

The main priority in Woods' life, however, appear to be his children.

In the Newsweek article, for example, he talked about the joy of bathing his son over hitting another bucket of golf balls in practice.

He wrote: "Slowly, I'm regaining the balance that I'd lost. My healing process is far from complete, but I am beginning to appreciate things I had overlooked before. I'm learning that some victories can mean smiles, not trophies, and that life's most ordinary events can bring joy."

Thursday, Woods re-iterated that, saying his kids are his No. 1 priority and that every day he tries to teach them something, much the way his own late father, Earl, did with him.

Woods added that he'll also tell his children the "absolute truth" when it comes time to explaining the events of the past year.

Said Woods: "My dad always said that love is a given, but trust and respect are earned."

That's exactly what Woods is hoping to continue to earn himself.

Race to Dubai promises to be "Greatest show on Earth"

November 2010

While World Number One Lee Westwood and the cream of The European Tour will battle it out for the richest prize of the year, spectators at next week’s Dubai World Championship presented by DP World are in for a four-day feast of sporting and social attractions.

Organisers have confirmed a wealth of both entertainment and dining options to ensure spectators have a variety of off-course attractions as the Tour’s top 60 players go head-to-head in the $7.5 million tournament.

As well as golfing lessons, trick shot demonstrations, children’s golf and live musical entertainment, a wide selection of Food & Beverage outlets around the Greg Norman-designed course will offer everything from snacks and soft drinks to fish and chips and full meals.

“This is the grand finale of the golfing calendar and a celebration of what has been an historic year for the European Tour with three Major winners and a victory for Europe in The Ryder Cup,” said Dubai World Championship director Colin Smith.

“We believe we have something for everyone during the four days of the tournament. With season tickets free of charge we expect a record number of spectators as well as an all-star cast of players, while our musical events in the Championship Village will ensure the party goes on long after the close of play each day.”

Outside of the Championship Village, one of the most popular places for spectators is sure to be a temporary version of Dubai’s popular watering hole Left Bank, which allows a great vantage point for the signature par three 17th hole with the laid back lounge creating its own unique golfing atmosphere.

To be staged from Thursday to Sunday (November 25-28), the tournament will also offer free golf tuition courtesy of the Emirates Golf Federation. Three local pros from the UAE PGA will be on hand from 9am to 4pm each day to provide complimentary ten minute lessons with prior booking.

Former Tour pro David Edwards, who kept the crowds enthralled with his extraordinary array of trick shots at The Ryder Cup, is also making a bee line for the Earth course. A former European Tour pro, Edwards currently holds the world record for his famous Scissor Hands shots - 310 balls in just three minutes – and will be demonstrating his trick shot talents on the driving range every day (12.45pm and 3.00pm) during the Dubai World Championship.

Also making sure the party goes with a swing will be a number of live music acts including U2 tribute band Vertigo (November 25), Suburban Voodoo (November 26 and 28), Rich and Famous (November 27) and DJ Gail Cherelle. Add in SNAG (Starting New At Golf) for younger fans as well as the Flying Elephant Children’s Zone and it is clear there will be something for all the family at the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World.

Season tickets can be downloaded free of charge from the official website (www.dubaiworldchampionship.com), while tickets are also available at Dubai branches of MMI and Costa as well as from Dubai’s golf clubs.

In addition to DP World – Presenting Sponsor for the second year in succession – the Dubai World Championship is supported by Premium Partners Rolex, Emirates and BMW; Sponsors Atlantis, CNN, The National and Polo/Ralph Lauren; and Event Supporters Dubai Duty Free, MMI, TNT and Toshiba.

Forsgate Golf and Country Club number one in GolfStyles Magazine

November 2010

The readers of GolfStyles New Jersey magazine have just voted Forsgate Golf and Country Club the “No. 1 Private Club Value” and the “No. 1 Family Club” in its 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards. Forsgate also claimed top-ten spots in the categories of “Best Private Golf Course” and “Best Restaurant,” among others.

GolfStyles polled more than 47,000 of its Garden State, New Jersey readers for the fall 2010 awards issue. I am very proud of Forsgate but not surprised. Once a year, local golf writers are invited to play the "Writer's Cup" on the Banks Course. The natural beauty of the golf course coupled with the delightful service of the staff truly makes Forsgate Country Club a winner in my book! Oh, and I cannot forget the delicious lobster!

Forsgate’s Banks Course has been one of the state’s most celebrated tracks, and it is on The Met Golfer magazine’s list of the “Top Fifty Courses in the Met Area.”

Forsgate also offers The Palmer Course, an 18-hole traditional American design that is highlighted by water on ten of its scenic holes. To accompany its award-winning golf, Forsgate boasts a first-class golf staff. The club’s Director of Golf Carolyn McKenzie Andrews has been named one of the “Top-50 Kids Teachers in the United States,” while assistant golf professionals Scott Barnaby, Mark Mazzola and former PGA TOUR pro Bobby Gage are among the area’s most sought-after instructors.

Bobby Gage is great at giving easy-to-understand golf tips, using the basics and imagery to ingrain proper technique, as I learned during our recent outing at Forsgate CC.

“Our team stays focused every day on creating and maintaining value to our members and customers, and we appreciate the recognition from GolfStyles’ readers,” said RDC Chief Executive Officer Christopher Schiavone. “Our great facilities are part of that value, but it’s our staff and present membership that are most important to making Forsgate Country Club a special place for single golfers and families alike.”

Forsgate Golf and Country Club is also committed to helping local charities, raising over $200,000 since 2003 for worthwhile causes! Recently Forsgate hosted a golf skins and skills game with Annika Sorenstam and J.B. Holmes.

Interested in becoming a member at Forsgate Country Club? Call Director of Membership Carol Rutherford at (732) 656-8914.

About Forsgate Country Club (www.forsgatecc.com)

Forsgate is an exclusive, full service, family-oriented private country club located in the heart of New Jersey. Forsgate offers permanent golf, sports and social memberships for individuals, families and corporations. Established in 1931, Forsgate Country Club features 36 holes of world-class golf, including the renowned Banks Course, designed to recreate historic holes throughout Europe, and the Palmer Course, which is a traditional American course with challenging water hazards on ten of its scenic holes. The country club also offers facilities for banquet events and corporate meetings as well as a new state-of-the-art sports complex that includes a fitness center, pool and cabana cafe. Forsgate Country Club, which is located midway between New York City and Philadelphia at Exit 8A of the NJ Turnpike, is owned and operated by RDC Golf Group, Inc.

About RDC Golf Group (www.rdcgolfgroup.com)

Founded in 1993, RDC has rapidly become a recognized industry leader in golf course ownership and management whose properties have garnered numerous golf course and hospitality awards. RDC owns and operates the renowned Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, New Jersey, and the private, family-oriented Tuscawilla Country Club in Orlando, Florida. RDC currently manages the award-winning Tallgrass Country Club in Shoreham, New York and the public Putnam National Golf Club in Mahopac, New York.

Ian Poulter shoots 60 in Hong Kong

November 2010

England's Ian Poulter shot a record-breaking 10-under-par 60 to take the lead at the Hong Kong Open at Fanling. The world number 14 rattled off 10 birdies in a sizzling performance for a 13-under-par two-day total of 127.

After the round a surprisingly downbeat Poulter said he had "mixed emotions" about his achievement, adding he was "happy but slightly disappointed" he did not score even lower after an excellent start.

"It's one of those golf courses where if you get a decent start you really feel you can shoot a low number. Five under on the front nine was a great score. "I had five birdies in a row from the seventh and as soon as that happened I kind of felt there's plenty of chances coming in, there's a lot of short irons to finish."

The Englishman had gone bogey-free on the first day but could only pick up three birdies to leave him five short of overnight leader Mark Brown. But he turned on the style to move ahead of Anthony Kang, who earlier shot a course-record-equalling nine-under 61.

Kang delighted the spectators with nine birdies for a two-day total of 12-under-par 128. Rory McIlroy was making strides up the leaderboard with the Northern Irishman 11 under through 13 holes before a double-bogey left him in fourth place, two shots off the lead.

India's Jeev Milkha Singh kept up his title bid with a 67 to lie in joint fourth in a pack including McIlroy, Italian Matteo Manassero, Ulsterman Graeme McDowell and Thai Thongchai Jaidee.

Teenager slinger Manassero continues quick rise to the top

November 2010

Italian teenager Matteo Manassero's precocious rise to the top echelon of world golf took another step Friday when he shot an impressive seven-under 63 at the Hong Kong Open.

The 17-year-old holed his putts impressively around the Fanling course to push himself into title contention against an impressive field at the joint European and Asian Tour event.

"The first day was three under, today was seven under, probably just because of the putts, because the game was very similar perfect and pretty steady," Manassero said. "I'm very happy with this round. That puts me in contention for the weekend and that's actually what I wanted."

Manassero became the youngest-ever winner on the European Tour last month when he took out his first professional title at the Castello Masters.

Manassero exudes the confidence of youth, putting that down to a blend of confidence and low expectations.

"I don't expect too much out of me, so I don't fear a lot on the golf course," Manassero said.

"I'm confident, I'm playing good golf. I got my schedule playing for next year, everything already done. I just need to go and play."

That confidence is leavened with the lessons learnt from his family, to not let success go to his head — not an easy task after beating some of the world's top pros while still a child.

"Just after the win, it's difficult. You think you're very good. Just after the win, you're up in the sky," Manassero said.

"You always try to keep your feet down in the ground, and that's always been my family, that gave me education and educated me that way, which is very important for me, for this life, everybody."

Life as a professional has increased the time Manassero spends away from friends and family in Italy but, after sampling the life of a touring player while still an amateur, he is adapting to the demands of playing on tour.

"It's part of the life," he said. "You have to travel, say, 25 events per year, plus some extra weeks. So we travel 30 weeks; more traveling than staying home.

"I traveled a little bit as an amateur, which was important, was a good experience. And now, one thing is that everybody takes care of everything for us, which is very important."

-Associated Press

Tiger blames golf for affairs

November 2010

Tiger Woods blames golf for his marriage woes, insisting the game made him so "self-centred" he thought he could "tackle the world".

The sports ace split from his wife Elin Nordegren last year after his numerous affairs became public, and their divorce was finalized in August.

Woods' infidelities were exposed after he crashed his car into a tree as he fled his home in Florida following a confrontation with Nordegren.

Now the golf star has penned an article about his public downfall for U.S. magazine Newsweek, in which he describes the emotional "pain" he's still suffering as a result of his cheating.

But he is adamant many of the women who have since claimed to have slept with him are liars who are trying to "cash in" on the scandal.

Woods writes, "Golf is a self-centred game. That self reliance made me think I could tackle the world by myself ... The physical pain from that car accident has long healed. But the pain in my soul is more complex and unsettling ...

"Opportunists are trying still to cash in on my troubles, no matter how irresponsible or ridiculous their claims may be. In many cases, I've never even met these people."

Women's Tour to vote on controversial 'female at birth' policy

November 2010

Photo: Lana Lawless

The LPGA Tour is close to getting rid of its stipulation that anyone who wishes to join the most lucrative women's professional Tour must be "female at birth".

The policy change would bring the LPGA into line with every other major women's golf organisation, including the Ladies' Golf Union and the International Olympic Committee, which all allow transgender participation. It will be voted upon by the Tour's membership in two weeks' time, according to this report by the US-based Golf Channel.

News of the proposal comes after the LPGA Tour was sued last month by Lana Lawless, a former police officer in California who had transgender surgery five years ago and won the women's world long-driving championship in 2008. The rules of that event were subsequently changed to exclude transgender participants from competing. In her suit, Lawless claimed she was being discriminated against because of her transgender status, in violation of Californian law.

The Golf Channel reported: "In a special 'one-agenda item' meeting at the Hana Bank Championship in South Korea at the end of October, LPGA players were briefed on the upcoming vote and the vital nature of it. According to sources familiar with the meeting, LPGA players were told the 'female at birth' provision was created 'in a different time' and would be a significant challenge to defend legally today.

"LPGA commissioner Mike Whan and the LPGA's executive committee are expected to recommend the change to the association's bylaws."

A two-thirds majority is required to enforce any change to the Tour's rule book. It is expected to pass. If it does not the LPGA might still find itself in legal jeopardy.

Lawless's attorney Christopher Dolan told the Golf Channel he had already been notified by the LPGA of its proposed change. He seemed less than impressed.

"When they told me they were going to put this up to a vote of their members, I said that's insane," Dolan said. "To put whether you want to continue to discriminate to a vote, that's insane. It would be similar, in another time, to voting on whether you want to let black people into your organisation. From my perspective, the law's perfectly clear.

"If the members vote to continue to act unlawfully, we will seek to stop them from doing business in California."

This year the LPGA has staged three events in California.

No serial number!

November 2010

Hey guys Golf Irons, this is my first post. Thought i'd give you guys a heads up for buying off a guy on Ebay.I just got a Cleveland CG12 delivered.. Looked legit but after checking heaps of pics on google/cleve website etc found out it was fake.The seller is golf_1367 Golf Reviews Blog, I gave him bad feedback and reported it to the resolution center..Less than a day later (today) the case is closed and a refund is in the works. He hasn't even asked for the club back but has lied in his feed back to everyone..Here it is.FAKE! DO NOT BUY FROM THIS SELLER! Matter is now with resolution centre BEWARE!! Buyer: stickman7709 ( 0 ) 14-Sep-09 20:34 Reply by golf_1367 (15-Sep-09 14:40):New ebayer you said the club was damaged Golf Irons Blog, did not give us chance to sort unfair!Cleveland CG12 Black Pearl Finish 60o Wedge (#250494756158) AU $68.00 View ItemJust a warning to anyone who was maybe thinking about a purchase..Hope it might save someones hard earned.Cleveland Monster 10.5Retco Series 3 customs w/fatman shaftsGreg Norman 7000 series putter

R9 Advice

November 2010

I just got an R9 9.5 degrees as a gift.I have been using the R7 SuperQuad 10.5degree and hit it pretty well Golf Equipments, I'm a relatively long hitter in comparison to the guys I play with and my natural shot is straight or slight draw Golf Sale Site, although fade/slice comes in often.I don't know much about the R9 and the various settings etc but would like to get some advice off owners of the R9 of what they recommend. I have taken it to the range and found it chalk and cheese to the R7 Golf Drivers Blog, it was blowing a gale so was hard to get much out of the session.Oh and I'm a lefty.