Woodland Transitions into Winners Mindset with First Golf Victory

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Playing against a group of fresh, up-and-coming PGA Tour golfers instead of the grinders whose names are regularly found hovering on the top-ten of the leaderboard was quite possibly the catalyst which helped Lake Nona golf pro Gary Woodland transition from competitor to winner.

Woodland said, after his victory at the Transitions Championship, that he has been learning a lot this year on the PGA Tour about "how to play this game", from controlling nerves to basic strategy. Even though he has been a pro golfer since 2009, Gary was sidelined with an injury that took him out of competition.

"Get it on the green and let the putter do the work. That's what I'm learning," said Woodland. "I'm learning you can't just come out here and fire at every pin and hit driver on every hole. I did that '09 and it didn't work out very well."

During this week, Woodland's name was clumped together with other golfers hard-pressed to be recognized on a leaderboard. PGA Tour events such as the Transitions Championship are training grounds for players battling to break out and shine while the more well-known draws like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson "rest up" before their next event (which will be at Bay Hill).

After this win, Woodland has moved up one hundred places in the world rankings (to 491st), has a spot reserved for him at Augusta and has gotten exempt playing status through the 2013 season.

The win this week has also given Gary Woodland the respect of the field, the title "PGA Tour Champion" and the notice of the fans.

Kathy Whitworth once said about Michelle Wie that, "at some point, for her sake, she needs to place herself in a competition where she is expected to win." Gary Woodland did this at the Transitions Championship: Woodland knew he was good enough, he just had to prove it to himself.

Has this victory given Woodland the confidence needed for future events against a more mature field like he will encounter at Bay Hill?

"I was athletic, but I didn't know what I was doing out here," Woodland commented. "I got hurt and I had to step back and really figure out how to play this game. And I'm starting to figure that out right now."

 

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Sabbatini wins Honda Classic with help from TaylorMade?

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It is not necessarily because of the TaylorMade R11 white-faced driver that Rory Sabbatini won the PGA Tour Honda Classic but the new golf equipment surely made a positive impact on his game.

 

In addition to the TaylorMade R11 white driver with Adjustable Sole Plate Technology (or ASP), Sabbatini also used Tour Preferred MC forged irons, Burner SuperFast 2.0 TP 3-wood and the TaylorMade Ghost TM 770 tour putter. With this putter, Rory tied for second in the field in putts-per-round!

 

"I've never quite had as much confidence in a new putter as I have in this one. After picking it up last week and hitting a few putts with it, right away it just felt amazing to me. It was probably one of the smartest decisions I've ever made in my golf game," said Sabbatini after his win on the Champion Course at PGA National.

 

Sabbatini changed his golf equipment early in 2011 and has increasingly improved his performance in the last four events he played, including a tie for 5th at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

 

With his win at the Honda Classic, Sabbatini has skyrocketed by fifty spots to number fifty-two in the World Golf Rankings, enters the top-ten (3rd place) of the FedEx Cup rankings and has also officially grabbed the final spot in the upcoming WGC-Cadillac Championship being held at Doral.

 

So is it the "arrow or the indian"?

 

TaylorMade's 2011 worldwide driver "wins" are at an astounding eight and with Luke Donald, Y.E. Yang and Camilo Villegas also in the field this week, the ninth victory for TaylorMade Golf could be just a swing away.

 

Here are the golf clubs which spurred Rory Sabbatini on to victory at the Honda Classic:

 

In Sabbatini’s Bag

R11 driver 10.5°  

Burner Superfast 2.0 TP fairway 13°

R9 fairway 19° 

Tour Preferred MC, 4-PW 

TP wedge with xFT ZTP 56° and 60°

TaylorMade Ghost TM-770 Tour putter

Penta TP ball

 

 

Image courtesy of TaylorMade Golf

 

Golf for Beginners does not endorse the TaylorMade brand of golf clubs.

 

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What makes a good golf blog and more questions answered by Golf for Beginners

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What makes a good golf blog?

Recently I was asked this question (and more) by the folks over at Leaderboard Golf, a new website aiming to be "the authority for golf online."

Although the number of golf blogs has greatly expanded since Golf for Beginners hit the internet back in 2004, I believe that all memorable golf blogs have certain commonalities: they question what they read/see and hear, offer you an opinion and make you want to comment. Isn't that what blogging is all about?

Check out the new Leaderboard Golf website and feel free to click on the Stacy Solomon: Golf for Beginners Interview where you'll also find out about my favorite professional golfing moment and my goals for 2011!

Most people who read Golf for Beginners and connect with me via Twitter and Facebook, also know that I utilize social media and believe that this growing medium is changing the way business is conducted on the internet.

In the premier issue of 914Inc Magazine, I offer up two easy ways to attract followers on Twitter. Dave Donelson, author of five books including his most recent novel, Heart of Diamonds, also discusses the benefits of Facebook and LinkedIn as integral parts of a saavy marketers online presence.

Click here to read "OMG U R on Fire!" written by Dave Donelson.

A hearty thank you to both Leaderboard Golf, @Leaderboard on Twitter and to Dave Donelson who is both on Facebook and on Twitter as @TheDynamicMgr.

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Tiger Woods, say cheese! Hey Mickelson, this call is for you!

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In this technically advanced world in which we live, although I can understand the PGA Tour enactment of a policy allowing cell phone use on select areas of the golf course, I'm certain there are going to be growing pains.

PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been chosen as the first golf event which will officially implement the new cell phone policy.  A mobile device has to be set to "silent" mode and text/pictures/calls (no video) can be sent in order to "enhance" the overall fan experience...again, in designated areas only!

Practically speaking, Andy Pazder, PGA Tour Chief of Ops, states that the new policy is meant to allow fans to "stay connected to business and family." With mobile devices like the iPhone and my Droid X, I can now complete most work-related concerns (even post simple blogs) during an event.

The best part of allowing mobile devices at tournaments is that I will also be able to post updates to Twitter and Facebook after coming across Phil Mickelson leaving the practice green! Maybe I can catch a photo of him at the burger stand!


On the flip side, here are a few problems which could occur during a PGA Tour event allowing mobile devices:

1. Forgot to set mobile device to silent. "Oops, sorry," blushes the guy next to the tee box after Tiger Woods swings and hooks his shot into the woods..."Uh Tiger, my friend saw me standing behind you on the tee and wanted me to wish you good luck."

2. Fans bumping into each other. It happens on the streets of New York, it will certainly happen walking from the leaderboard to the clubhouse as people attempt to send the latest golf news to friends confined to their desk during work hours.

3. Social media overload. I get the "Twitter is over capacity" pasted across my screen at least twice a day. Now imagine the inability to get your tweets across...utter panic for the internet saavy. More bandwidth needed!

4. Claim check frenzy. Some fans at Torrey Pines, it was reported, had their phones taken away and were given claim checks. All phones look alike...imagine trying to find one on a Sunday.


5. The "I didn't realize..." a fan favorite excuse!

I'm sure there will be more than a few fans in the crowd who will breach the photo rule. (I've got a Nikon camera with 3x zoom and I'm within picture distance of Tiger. Just one shot...who'll notice?)


 
credit
Tsk, tsk... doesn't that golfer know that texting is not allowed during competition?  ;-)


In order to avoid the "I didn't realize" excuse, here is the the new PGA Tour policy regarding cell phone use.


As the PGA Tour continues to implement the mobile device policy for future events, it will be easier to make revisions and a great aid to the Tour. More security will be needed to enforce the new rules but, if the PGA Tour was looking for a way to spread the word of professional golf through the internet, they have come upon an eventual win-win situation.


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"Fun" Phil or "Safe" Mickelson?

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One article on the Phil Mickelson website mentioned that "fun" Phil reappeared at Torrey Pines but will the "let it ride" or "safe" Mickelson attitude win more PGA Tour events this season?

On Sunday, Mickelson's play on the 18th hole at Torrey Pines gave fans mixed signals about what to expect from Lefty's game.

Did Mickelson make a hasty decision by carving a safe shot out of the rough before watching how Bubba Watson played the 18th? Should Phil have gone for the green or lay-up as he ultimately chose to do?

Mickelson's usual risk-taking attitude gave way to a safe out handing Watson his second victory. Although risk could have equaled reward, (an eagle and a playoff), it could have also equated to folly.  Perhaps Phil could have been thinking back to his 2006 US Open disaster in which he double-bogeyed the 18th hole at Winged Foot losing a one-stroke lead and dropping into a tie for second place.

As Phil said,
"I'm not ever going to forget it, that's obvious!"

Throwing around the word "strategy" hasn't come easy for Phil but, knowing the changes that have been made to Torrey Pines has made Mickelson more cautious about how to play the course.

"The biggest thing for me is I'm not taking on anywhere near as much risk," Phil explained Saturday after getting into a tie with Bill Haas. "I'm just playing it much more conservative, because the reward isn't there. This course doesn't reward you for taking on any challenge. And my more conservative approach into the greens, albeit boring, has led me to be on top of the leaderboard."

Although a conservative finish didn't get him the trophy, without the pressure of having to win on 18 Mickelson dazzled fans with a tremendous wedge to within three-feet of a tie. If the ball would have spun a little more, there could have been a playoff.

So, perhaps there is room for both fun Phil and safe Mickelson to co-exist with positive results?

 
Credit: Mickelson in 1980...fun Phil?

Looking ahead to this week's PGA Tour event, the Waste Management Open in Phoenix, Mickelson will be playing golf alongside fellow lefty Bubba Watson.

"I played really good golf and gave myself an opportunity," said Mickelson. "Played well on Sunday and had a good tournament. Hopefully, I'll use this as a springboard for (Phoenix)."  I wonder which Phil will be in attendance?

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Kodak Challenges golfers on PGA West par-3 17th hole

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The Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players and fans, visits hole #17 at the Palmer Private Course of PGA West during the Bob Hope Classic on February 19-23.  The 130-yard par 3 at the Bob Hope Classic is the 2nd of 30 Kodak Challenge holes on the 2011 PGA TOUR this season.

The trip to the Bob Hope Classic marks a unique transition for the season-long $1 million Kodak Challenge competition, as it moves from the PGA TOUR’s longest hole (the 663-yard No. 18 at Kapalua) to the shortest (the 130-yard No. 17 at PGA West).

Robert Garrigus and Bubba Watson both eagled the first Kodak Challenge hole of the season at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and co-lead the Kodak Challenge at 2-under-par.  Watson is scheduled to play in the Bob Hope Classic.

The Kodak Challenge celebrates the beautiful holes and memorable moments in golf. PGA TOUR pros 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.

Troy Merritt won the 2010 Kodak Challenge in a sudden-death playoff on No. 17 at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic. Merritt defeated Rickie Fowler and Aaron Baddeley in a one-hole playoff at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magnolia Course in Lake Buena Vista, FL, to capture the Kodak Challenge trophy and the winner-take-all $1 million prize.


About Hole #17 at the Bob Hope Classic

Proper position is a must on this beautiful, yet dangerous little hole. The 130-yard par 3 No. 17 offers a panoramic view of PGA West and its surrounding mountains.  The deep narrow green is well bunkered on the left and protected by rocks on the right side.  Players must watch the pin placement carefully, as this tricky green slopes right to left towards a nearby canal.  The PGA TOUR’s shortest hole, No. 17 was the 7th hardest hole at the Bob Hope Classic in 2010, yielding 43 birdies, 124 pars, 29 bogeys and 5 double bogeys.

 credit: PremierAerials.com

“The 2011 Kodak Challenge schedule builds upon the tremendous success of the 2010 season, offering players greater opportunities to participate and move up the leaderboard, while showcasing to fans the greatest scorecard in golf,” said Steve Powell, director of development for the Kodak Challenge.


The Kodak Challenge will once again highlight many of golf’s most exciting and picturesque holes in 2011 as players take on “the greatest scorecard in golf.” From the breathtaking 18th hole at The Plantation Course at Kapalua and the one-of-a-kind 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, to the fabulous finishing holes at Pebble Beach, Harbour Town and Bay Hill, the Kodak Challenge provides fans and players a unique and compelling competition within a competition.


The Kodak Challenge schedule includes 26 of the 30 holes from the 2010 season. The RBC Canadian Open and The Barclays will debut new Kodak Challenge holes in 2011 as the tournaments visit new tournament venues. The Farmers Insurance Open moves to a new Kodak Challenge hole this year, the 570-yard, par-5 18th on the Torrey Pines South Course. Twenty-nine of the 30 Kodak Challenge tournaments for 2011 have been finalized. An announcement on the 30th tournament will be made in the near future.


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.


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Men technical, women more social golfers says LPGA Coach

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To meet golf professionals through social media services takes just a single click, a simple "LIKE" or "FOLLOW" and maybe a note asking, "Will you join my professional network on LinkedIn?"

Golf is considered a "social" sport and I believe that interactions and connections made on services such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn may just help to solve fundamental issues and grow the sport for future generations. I continually search out and invite golfers into my professional networks and find that they do the same.

A connection through LinkedIn is how I met Mary Paulson, LPGA Professional Golf Coach at Total Approach® Coaching, Site Director LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of El Cajon and a firefighter in San Diego. Mary's interest in growing the game of golf for girls, ages 7 to 17, to "build lasting friendships and experience competition in a fun, supportive environment," led me to send her a friendly email. With Mary's okay, here is our "chat":

STACY SOLOMON: Do you find it easier to teach men or women?

MARY PAULSON: Men vs Women. Good question! Honestly, I enjoy working with men more than women, but there is also a difference.

With men, they are more technical and they are willing to do whatever I ask and tend to be very receptive to my instruction. They get alot out of it, they want to talk about what they know and they will tell me what is wrong with their game!  It makes it too easy for me! The downside is that I will only see the male golfers once or twice a year!  They get what they need and then they are good for the golfing season.

With women, they want to learn the game. They don't neccessarily know the technical aspects and I find that I need to teach them more basic terms and techniques. They are there to learn for more social reasons, to spend more time with their husbands or to go out with their lady friends. I will hear back from the women and get more returning lessons.

So, yes, I spend more time teaching women and beginners because they take more lessons! But I really enjoy working with the advanced and professionals, who tend to be more men, because we can get deeper into the skills and they will take it and go apply it.

With that said, it can go in the opposite direction too!  My least favorite students are men who are just learning the game, and my absolute favorites are coaching competitive and professional female players!

The beginner male students have egos. They have been watching the golf channel, reading books, watching professional players on TV and they have a preconceived idea of how to swing a golf club. So I am faced with breaking down their egos before I can get them to make a decent swing.

With my female players, they leave their egos at home. They get it. They know their game, they understand the swing concepts and what their swing is. With them, I am able to get past the technical and get into what I truly do best, and that is the Mental & Emotional game!

Does that answer your question?  <haha!>  Although I am guessing that you weren't expecting a one word answer, were you.

STACY SOLOMON: How many of the same lesson does it take before that lesson "sinks in" and the student "gets it".

MARY PAULSON:  You asked about lessons and learning retension.  It's all relative. How does the teacher communicate with the student? Do they use the students' dominant sensories to learn effectively, or do they just show the student the skill movement and tell them to scrape and hit?

Definitely golfers need to practice a skill over and over, when it's new, for about 4-6 weeks until the muscle memory kicks in. Your brain can get the skill down within hours! But if the motor functions don't know what the skill feels like, it won't be consistent, which is why practicing new motor skills are so important. But once your motors get it.... it all now becomes mental and a whole new learning skill! haha!

Simply, for golf Beginners, you MUST get out to the range and practice the swing between lessons. If you don't practice, then you will be spending money on learning the same thing from your last lesson!  At least they will if I'm their teacher. :))

There are 4 sections of the swing. 1/4  1/2  3/4 & full swing. I will start you with the 1/4 swing. If you are unable to hit the ball consistantly with a 1/4 swing, I will not move on to the 1/2 swing. Why? You haven't mastered the 1/4 yet.  See what I mean?  But if you go out and practice 1/4 swings everyday for 2 weeks, then I have every faith in the world that I can advance you to a 1/2 swing. The larger the swing, the longer it takes to master the movement (more moving parts.)


STACY SOLOMON: I would also like to ask you a few more questions about the LPGA National program and how you became interested in being a teacher.

MARY PAULSON:  Why I had chosen to become an LPGA Golf Coach gets a bit complicated. We all have our own journeys and mine would have to begin when I began to learn how to play golf back in 2001.


It was a spiritual epiphany. I was watching Karrie Webb getting ready to win the U.S. Women's Open for the 2nd year in a row. Nobody was close and the TV announcers were putting trivia on the screen because they were following Karrie live back from the 16th hole. One trivial tidbit was showing where the US Women's Open would be played for the next 7 years. In 2008, it would be at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, MN.  My childhood hometown!!

Instantly I said to myself, "I'm supposed to play in that!"  This was a country club that my family didn't belong to, nor was I ever invited for even a Sunday brunch!  So, when I saw Interlachen CC, I knew that I wanted to play in the most prestigous Amateur/Professional women's golf event!  Ha!  I would not only have brunch there, but play it!

But I didn't play golf yet. In fact I needed clubs, bag, balls, and all the essentials. AND A COACH!  I needed to find someone to show me how to qualify to play in this event in 7 years!

That in itself is a long story. The short end of the story is that my journey to the 2008 U.S. Women's Open sent me to find a support team of the best golf coaches, sports psychologists, spiritualists, trainers, etc., that helped me attain my goal.

What I came to learn during the entire process was that I didn't neccessarily enjoy competing! I really dreaded getting up early and playing in tournaments with the county ladies. Once I was out playing I was fine, but I really didn't have the heart of a competitor. It was okay if I didn't win! In fact, I very rarely tried to win! I just wanted to play my shots the best I could, and what the score was... that's what it was!

But what I LOVED while practicing and playing was showing people how to create shots. I loved watching others play well!  I knew that this journey to the open wasn't about me playying in it; it was about what I would do AFTER 2008. I have the heart of a COACH. That is the spirit of the game for me. 

I did go to the U.S. Women's Open Qualifier and participated as a player. I was able to use that round as:

1) The final lap to my 7 year journey
2) My score qualified me to turn professional and enter the LPGA Teaching & Coaching Division.  I did it!  I had made my goal!

Funny, when I began the golf journey to Interlachen CC in Edina MN for 2008, I was doing it to prove something. I don't know who I was trying to prove anything to, nor do I really know WHAT I was trying to prove. But I dedicated my entire life for 7 years to do it!  But by the end, I was a completely different person with a new future. I was a better person, who was no longer needing to prove anything to anyone, but wanting to impart all of the lessons I learned, and from the best in the world, to those younger that do have the heart of a competitor.

I started playing golf at the age of 37. I turned professional at the age of 44, and when I turn 50 I will retire from the Fire Department as a Engineer Driver operator firefighter and travel full-time with my players and prepare them for their qualifiers and tournaments!

So that is why I chose to become a teacher. I have the heart of a coach, and for me, the spirit of the game is creating shots and showing others how to play their best! If you aren't true to your spirit of the game, will not be successful. You will not be at your peak performance.  So, I am a coach. :))

Oh! And I did go to Interlachen CC for the 2008 U.S. Womens Open, not as a player, but as a coach!  

I was lucky enough to participate in a coaching seminar during the Open with my teachers, Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott. It was wonderful!  They were working with several players in the Tournment and all of us coaches were sent out on to the course to observe 3 players each day, then come back together and discuss what we each observed.

It was wonderful training for me as a coach! No, I never played Interlachen. But the original journey turned out to never be about playing! It was about coaching.

Enjoy your day, and happy 1-putts!

Mary~

You can contact Mary Paulson, LPGA Coaching Professional at:

Total Approach® Coaching
Site Director, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of El Cajon
(619) 414-4495
http://www.totalapproachcoaching.com
http://elcajonlugg.blogspot.com
and, of course, through LinkedIn!


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Graeme McDowell: Why golf needs Tiger Woods

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After putting his way to victory in a playoff at the 2010 Chevron World Challenge, Graeme McDowell was proud yet effusive in his praise of Tiger Woods.

McDowell believes that golf needs Tiger Woods. "Mentally Tiger is great match player. He's the greatest player ever, and he expect guys to hole putts like that. Did I expect to hole them? I'm trying to hole them, of course."

credit

Where many golfers like McDowell want to hole putts believing that the ball may go in the hole, Tiger Woods knows when he stands over a putt that it will drop. Golfers who play against him still expect that he will stage a comeback when he's down (in spite of his lackluster year) or at the very least, fight until the very last putt on the 18th green has dropped.

It's the knowledge of Woods' mental strength that keeps the players on their toes and adds mystique to Tiger's golf game.

Graeme McDowell was happy that he was invited by Tiger Woods adding,

"Just great to see him back playing great again this week. I thought he controlled his ball really well the last couple of days. Just kind of got on the wrong side of the 13th there and made double. Apart from that, (he) didn't do a huge lot wrong today."

Yes, Tiger Woods played great golf for the entire tournament in spite of a cold putter and yes, Tiger Woods is a force to be reckoned with for the 2011 golf season. Lee Westwood and the rest of the European Tour and PGA Tour golfers, be prepared.

As Graeme McDowell mentioned in the pressroom,

"He can play his way back into having that mystique again. There's no doubt. He's just got to do the talking with his golf clubs now...

At the end of the day, we're all humans and we all make mistakes and we all hit bad golf shots. But there's something a bit special about his golf game, and I fully expect that mystique to return as the golf clubs start doing the talking again."

Read the transcript from the Chevron World Challenge.

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After the U.S. Open, why golf fans need the Travelers Championship

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After last week's lackluster U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, here are five reasons why you should either watch the Travelers Championship on television this week or take a drive and see it live if you live within a close enough radius of Cromwell, Connecticut (I'm on that two-hour cusp!)

1. The natural beauty of TPC River Highlands golf course and holes 15-18 in particular have been written about extensively and need to be seen to be appreciated. Highlands is the opposite of Pebble Beach, in my opinion, and both are equally beautiful.

PGA Tour on Facebook asked if fans have any tips for the pros playing at TPC River Highlands this week (join the conversation!)

Answers ranged from mine which was more tempered to those who have a "grip it and rip it" mentality.

I said (Stacy Solomon):

Lay-up on #15, go deep to avoid false front on #16th green, consider water in play on #17 & bunker on right of 18th green may be better than facing than facing swale on left.

Seriously PGATour.com, should I really be offering advice to the best golfers in the world?

2. Top PGA Tour golfers like defending champion Kenny Perry, Padraig Harrington and Rickie Fowler will be up-close-and-personal, from the driving range to the putting green.

3. Michelob Ultra 19th Hole Concert Series brings out some of the best local bands in CT. Concerts will be held on Friday and Saturday, right after capping off a great day of golf!

4.  Golf fans disappointed after a lackluster 2010 U.S. Open need a golf  "recovery" tournament.

5. See the new and improved, slimmer John Daly at 185 pounds. Daly's rib injury seems to have passed and he is now working with improved confidence. JD is a great golfer to watch when he's in form but looking into the sun might be better for the eyes as his bright yellow and purple colored outfit can leave you with flash camera spots!

Check the Golf Channel for weekday schedule, CBS-TV for weekend play or catch the action on PGATour.com.

Stacy Solomon, Golf for Beginners Bio

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Stacy Solomon has been a student of the game of golf since 2000 and blogger for "Golf for Beginners, because we're always learning" since 2004. She has written hundreds of articles and blogs for well-known internet websites such as Worldgolf.com and her work has been reprinted on thousands of sports websites.

Hi Friends,

Golf for Beginners started out as a way for me to keep my lessons in a format where anyone could see them and benefit from them. The website has grown to include PGA Tour and LPGA Tour commentary, equipment news and travel destinations. I am very proud to consider Golf for Beginners a worldwide blog, realizing that golf is growing on a global level!

An amateur golfer, my handicap stands at about a sixteen which drops as the year progresses and as my short game improves! As I always say, "the game is played from 100 yards and in!"

I am also the Producer of the popular five-year long Golf for Beginners Podcast, a regular top-ten on iTunes amateur sports listings. I earned kudos as a pioneer of podcasting by several newspapers including New Jersey Jewish News, "Couple Uses Media Technology to Teach golf to beginners" and The Working Musician. Portions of my podcasts have been reproduced on radio stations as far-reaching as South Africa!

I am also very proud that I have helped to make Golf for Beginners recognizable and my blogs can now be found online in the NY Daily News Sports Section!

I have been invited as a guest on several radio shows such as AOL Sports Radio and the  GolfClubRadio Show with Danielle Tucker. Ms. Tucker has mentioned that Golf for Beginners offers "positive and constructive feedback plus great blogs and insight." 

 
Read the Stacy Solomon interview on Leaderboard Golf to learn more about what I think makes a good golf blog and my favorite moments in the world of professional golf.


Inciteful and instructive interviews have been conducted through email, podcasts and Twitter with some of the best known golfers and thinkers in the industry including Hank Haney, John Daly, Morgan Pressel Jim Furyk and Brian Whitcomb.


Golf4Beginners has taken flight on Twitter and, because of the thousands of friends I have made there, was recently asked to reveal some of my expert secrets in the premier issue of 914 Inc. Magazine.

I had initially chosen to keep Golf for Beginners on Facebook for personal communications but now, since many of my golf fans are friends, I publicized it to the millions more friends in the social media arena. Within six months of going public, I now have about 1,000 friends (and making many more every day!)

Dennis Allen, a twenty-five year golf industry veteran and Executive Vice President of the new Back9 Network recently said, "she cares about the game of golf and is insightful. She has lots of ideas percolating in her head that she willing shares."

Probably not even realized by many in the industry is that, because of both my husband Barry Solomon's and my continued fight for the rights of new media talent to be considered as knowledgeable and respected writers, we helped set the stage for bloggers to gain media credentials at professional golf events such as the 2010 Sybase Match Play Championship and the Puerto Rico Open.

My career has been as varied as a Party Planner for Billboard Magazine to Circulation Sales Director with magazines at Fairchild Publications. For the past several years, I have committed myself fully to internet media as a Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Manager.

An honor graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, I chose to remain in my hometown attending New York University on a full four-year scholarship. I love new technology and to be able to explain and engage others with my passion. Combining my love of tech with golf has been a long term goal for me.

Two years ago, I became a member of the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association and am very proud to be one of the few females in the group as well as one of the only golf writers exclusively serving the online community.

Recently I was asked, and have accepted, a volunteer position on the Steering Committee for The Club Cup, a inaugural social media event designed to help grow the game of golf among the masses with the assistance of PGA and LPGA Tour players.

I have always promoted causes that are near and dear to my heart and will never compromise in my resolve to be the best person I can be. The message in golf is a good one and I live by the rules of the First Tee Program; be honest, have integrity, confidence and respect, play by the rules, and persevere despite obstacles!

Great Masters Moments from Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh

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Being that Masters week is in full swing, I selected a few great moments in golf to get viewers ready for the first major event of the season.

The first video is a Tiger Woods classic chip shot at Augusta National and remains one of the most recognizable shots in golf. The second video is of Phil Mickelson and an amateur skipping golf balls across the water at the 16th hole, a tradition before the Masters.

Finally, Vijay Singh shows us how to get a hole-in-one in a most exciting fashion.

Enjoy!













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What makes the 18th hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational a Kodak moment?

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For the second consecutive year, Kodak selected the 18th hole of the Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge as a participant in the $1 million Kodak Challenge competition.

What makes this final hole worthy of a Kodak moment?

According to Kodak, "the Kodak Challenge was created to celebrate the beautiful holes and memorable moments in golf."

Steve Powell, Director of Development for the Kodak Challenge added, " Number Eighteen at the Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge is one of the most historic and exciting holes in golf and is the perfect example of what the Kodak Challenge is all about for players and fans."

The par-4, 485-yard finishing hole looks simple on paper. It's straight away to a wide fairway, but that's where simple ends. The large, kidney shaped green is fronted by rocks and water, requiring a longer carry to the right half. The bunkers left of the green await errant shorts of the hydrophobic.

Tee shots on this great finishing hole must find the fairway to give you a chance to get home in two. From the tee, favor the fairway's left side. Then take enough club to carry the lake. Shots hit over or left of this green will find a bunker or heavy grass. Take deep breath and fire away.

Renovation Notes

A back tee was added to increase the hole yardage by approximately 10 yards. The renovated green is almost a carbon copy of the old green with slight modifications in the green size to accommodate an additional front pin location and middle back pin location.

Despite Tiger Woods' absence from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, it was reported that ticket sales remained unaffected. Although the media questioned whether or not Woods would defend his title (which briefly raised sales for the event) the Masters will benefit from his return.

Look for Woods' image, removed from the top banner of the official Arnold Palmer Invitational web site after the scandal erupted, to be back on the site as the 2009 champion.

This event has now become glory's last stand for Phil Mickelson who has one chance remaining to make his mark this season before having to compete with a hungry Tiger Woods.

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Should golfers searching for a new putter try the Cleveland Classic BRZ?

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Walking through to the rear of the local Golfsmith store, the putting green is surrounded by about a hundred different putters. Every big name and style of putter encircle the perimeter from Cleveland, Odyssey, Ping including belly putters, flat blades as well as two and three ball putters.

How many golfers that come upon this area in their local golf shop will walk away with just the right putter?

Some may simply walk over to a putter because of its look, pick it up, feel the weight and then take it into the putting 'green' to see how the ball bounces off of the clubface.

If a few golf balls find their intended target then 'voilà' the putter goes home with golfer to try out on the golf course. If the 'flat blade' works for a golfer out on the course then it gets rave reviews and pitched to friends, family, any one who will listen. If, however, your game suffers and your putts per round increase, that new putter either gets returned, exchanged or relegated to golf bag storage.

The above trial and error is one of the mainstays in which the amateur golfer can tell which putter works as putting is definitely based on feel.

I just received another email from a golf club manufacturer, Cleveland Golf, this time urging me to try the latest Classic 1 BRZ putter, "inspired by the classics, crafted for performance". 

The new Cleveland Classic BRZ 1 putters are designed with a copper infused face insert for a soft yet responsive feel at impact and comes with its very own oil cloth to help prevent oxidation. According to PutterZone.com, "oil cloths are typically associated with high-end carbon steel putters bearing “oil can” and black oxide finishes.

Putterzone.com continued with the fact that the "finishes are much more sensitive to the elements—such as water and fertilizer—than stainless steel or plated finishes. Rubbing them down with oil adds a protective barrier to rust and corrosion."

Great, more work trying to keep my golf clubs in optimum condition.

The soft feel at impact as well as heel-toe weighting, however, may provide interest to golfers who will benefit from added forgiveness.

As it is said, 'it's the arrow, not the Indian' so the question for me is whether or not the reward of placing a new putter in my bag to possibly see an improvement in my putting outweighs the risk? Also, shelling out approximately $100 for yet another putter when my Odyssey two-ball putter does the job doesn't necessarily seem worth the investment.

On the flip side, the Cleveland Classic line of putters have earned best buy honors from PutterZone.com for the past two years and are really great looking! However, with all of the many choices in putters, don't be too quick to grab a putter from your local golf store with the hopes of improving your stroke and lowering your score.

Take your time to research the different putters on the market, find a golf store where you can feel the putter in your hands, take more than a few putts and be sure to ask about a return or exchange policy.

With golf club manufacturers eager for your business, be aware that sales is their primary concern. It is up to you to understand the market as well as your stroke.

PGA Tour can learn from John Daly's social skills

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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
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Golf in Portugal: Lisbon and Algarve destinations

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Golf Travel in Portugal
by Stacy Solomon

Picture yourself visiting picturesque villages many which have not changed in several centuries, basking on inviting beaches and playing golf on some of the best courses in Europe and chances are you will be traveling to Portugal.

With only a seven hour flight time from New York, a golf vacation in Portugal is not a world away, as I originally thought!

Destinations in Algarve and Madiera were long considered to be the 'creme de la creme' of Portuguese golf excursions and now the Lisbon coastal region is being added as an intriguing option.

Lisbon, the legendary capital and largest city on Portugal, may be both sophisticated and cosmopolitan but golf in the surrounding area is considered tranquil and a great value. Most importantly, it has the three components of what I consider to be a winning vacation; beach, a casino and nightlife while at the same time retaining its charm. Fishing villages line the coast, culture surrounds the visiting tourist and golf courses amid fine resorts are growing in number.

A five-star golf and beach resort situated on the Silver Coast in Obidos which delivers all of the above is Praia d'el Rey. Uncrowded beach, temperate climate and a famous golf course within the hotel - with additional courses to try in the region - make this fantasy golf vacation a reality.

Considered to be one of the top twenty golf courses in Europe by Golf World Magazine and ranked number one in Portugal by the the Peugeot Golf Guide, Praia del Rey Golf Club is challenging yet also a fun experience. It has hosted a number of professional events and comes complete with driving range and golf academy.

With a total of twelve highly rated golf courses in Lisbon, another playing option is located in Estoril at the Penha Longa Golf Club. Travel there in the beginning of April and watch some of the greatest golfers on the European Tour courageously try to win on the Atlantic, one of the top courses in Europe. Play the nine-hole Monastery course as well which is considered "less demanding" than it's acclaimed Robert Trent Jones counterpart.

The Penha Longa, a Ritz Carlton Resort, has its own monastery, spa, mountain views and is considered luxurious by Portuguese and foreign dignitaries.

For those travelers who want to visit a new and stunning resort with a grand golf course designed by Donald Steele (whose portfolio includes Ailsa), the Westin Campo Real Golf Resort and Spa will provide a five star experience.

Another brand new golf course with five-star luxury compound is the Quinta da Marinha, situated in natural surroundings about nineteen miles west of central Lisbon. In 2007 the entire location won the award of Best Established Golfing Destination Europe by the IAGTO with the golf course being host to numerous professional events.

Speaking of European Tour events, Portugal will host a total of three tournaments for the 2010 season: the Estoril Open de Portugal at Penha Longa G.C., the Madeira Islands Open (just after the Masters) concluding with the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura.

Although Lisbon was my initial inspiration for considering a vacation of golf in Portugal, Algarve's coastline situated on the extreme south side intrigued me as well. With temperate clime, the location is ideal for water sports activities, beach relaxation and, of course,  golf!

Fabulous scenery, warm sunny days, luxurious resorts with pristine golf courses and interesting cultural flavor will invite even the most discerning tourist to visit Portugal. The only question might be how many golf courses will you play during your stay?

Choices Abound for Golfers in Spain

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A decision to visit Spain for a try at many of their unique golf courses is based primarily on the weather of the region. The diversity of travel from Madrid, where a largely continental Mediterranean clime is sustained, to subtropical conditions in the Canary Islands on to the most beneficial golf climate in the Murcia region will turn up many course choices so be sure to bring along your golf clubs!

Although the inaugural season of the World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin is officially in the books, the partnership of Volvo and IMG through the 2011 season is committed to keeping professional golf on Spanish soil with Volvo having its 120th title sponsorship and IMG's Mark McCormack founding the event forty-five years ago. A connection with both Seve Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia, as well as top golfers playing by invitation only should interest fans as well.

A trip to Spain would not be complete without a visit to Finca Cortesin which was placed on the 2009 "Hot List" by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and is also a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

Mountains and sea views abound for testers of the "eco-friendly" Cabell Robinson gem. With a location in the south of Spain at the center of Costa del Sol and offering a Mediterranean clime, it would not be unusual to set up a game for each day of your stay.

Although this is one of the longest golf courses in Europe, there are tee areas for many level of golfers welcoming all. Have your sand game at the ready as there are over a hundred bunkers to find and "when you finish playing all 18 holes, you'll notice that you have played all your clubs." Also, the spectacular natural vegetation and the uniqueness of each of the 18 holes makes the approximate E95 greens fees easy to digest.

Check out my post on La Manga Club in the Murcia region!

It would be easy to say that a golf visit to Spain should include a trip to Valderrama. Considered by some to be the "Augusta of Europe" and host to some of the most nail-biting victories in professional golf, Valderrama is a private members club with visiting privileges that come at a high cost but always said to be in perfect playing condition.

Real Club de Golf de Sevilla, listed in eighth position of the Top100golfcourses.com and host to several professional championships (and Jose Maria Olazabel's gem) is not only worthy of a planned visit but, with so much to do in Andalucia as well, golf will not be the only topic of conversation on the first tee. But, also considering that there are over 100 golf courses in the area due to the wonderful climate, golf may be the main topic!


Besides learning how to Flamenco or trying your luck against el Toro, the test of landing on small greens at Sevilla will make you consider working on your short game well in advance of playing this golf course, one of four in the vicinity. Be aware that large fairways of Bermuda grass does not translate into "easy course" as you are forced to navigate through over ninety bunkers, nine lakes and approximately ten thousand trees (did the maintenance crew really count them all?) on way to a par score.

For golfers bringing along family and wishing for both a challenge and a luxurious property in which to spend quality vacation time, several rounds of play at Montecastillo Golf Club will satisfy all cravings.

The Jack Nicklaus designed Montecastillo borders on the Serrania de Ronda Mountain region and is close to Jerez de la Frontera, a spectacular area known for its creation of brandies, sherry and even unspoiled beaches which are said to stretch for miles but beware as the golf course is not known to be created for the faint of heart.

Montecastillo is yet another club which has been host to several professional tournaments  and, although walkable, carts are available for the hilly terrain. Voted as one of the fifty best courses in Spain and Europe, the finishing three holes are said to be among golf's most thrilling events.

Luxury hotels combined with creative layouts of courses and a myriad of unique destinations have made golf in Spain a "must-try". Stunning landscapes and, for the most part, reasonable weather has turned Spain a popular spot for touristas and golfers who wish to experience European hospitality!

Check here for great Barcelona Hotels.


Photo Credits: © Moneyweek.com, esp.Andalucia.com, AbsolutJerez.com


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Will Tiger Woods let the FedEx Cup slip through his fingers?

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Despite the fact that Tiger Woods missed his final putt at the 18th hole of the Barclays, he still made watching the event a nail-biting experience. Instead of fans cheering Woods to victory, however, this time his legion of die-hard followers were holding their breath as easy two-footers became part of his dilemma.

"Man," Woods said, "to miss as many putts as I did this week, to still have a chance on the last green with a putt, it goes to show you how good I am at hitting it."

Yes, Tiger is one of the greatest ball strikers of all time but it cost him just as much on the scorecard to slice one into the woods as to miss short putts. As Ian O'Connor mentioned, Woods' putter was "completely overmatched".

Could it be that Tiger has lost his moxie, is becoming less concerned about his game thus practicing his putting a bit less and is allowing his family to consume more of his time? Placing less importance on his game but savoring the important things in life could be the best thing that ever happened to Woods.

In spite of his misses, the number-one golfer in the world still has five wins to his credit this season as opposed to guys like Heath Slocum and Y.E. Yang who struggle to keep their tour cards each week. Woods is also leading the FedEx Cup playoffs in points and is still the hands-down favorite to win the $10 million prize.

So, Tiger Woods' "B" game is still strong enough to batter his opponents even though, on occasion, secondary Tour players shine. Every once in a while, a Riddick Bowe beats a Mike Tyson...that is what keeps fans coming out to watch.

As far as considering Woods' year a "letdown" (see link credit below) when comparing him to Roger Federer, each great player has had to defeat their "archrivals" but I believe that these enemies also come from within. Tiger Woods may be allowing this momentary lapse of career interest to occur only because, "our player career is a little bit longer than theirs (Federer)."

As for Jack Nicklaus, the jury is still out but, with time on his side, I think Woods will shake off his malaise and easily surpass the Golden Bear.

Even the Statue of Liberty s shocked that Tiger missed that seven-foot putt on 18!

This week on the Golf for Beginners podcast, we discuss if a tree is, in fact, 90 percent air and the odds of getting struck by lightning with the help of the Discovery Channel show, "Mythbusters". We also wonder if parents are doing enough to teach their children proper golf course etiquette after our twilight round this past week.

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"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by OrlandoGolf.com, 866-443-8566.


"Letdown" link credit: http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/golf/view.bg?articleid=1194377&format=&page=3&listingType=Golf#articleFull

Photo Credit: © WayOdd.com

Can Michelle Wie win without team support?

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Michelle Wie really wanted all of the "judges" who convinced themselves that she isn't all that great a golfer to see her in all of her glory at the Solheim Cup, and with three and a half out of a possible four points to her credit. She really shut down the naysayers!

Is the "confidence boost" that Michelle Wie used to define her week in biennial match play against Team Europe at the Solheim Cup enough to change her psyche from just another player to winner? Can she finally become the female golfer that the LPGA Tour will look towards in order to boost their own ratings?

As one of the most expressive cheerleaders of Team USA, Wie proved that she has a voice and is a solid team player to boot! This may also be the defining moment in Wie's career as well; the moment that fans will remember long after her first win, placing Michelle on the road to greatness.

Then again, maybe not...

"I think I played with as much passion as I could. I think I played with as much desire and hunger as I wanted to. I think it was absolutely phenomenal, this experience that I had," mentioned a 'hyped-up Wie.

Did Wie say, as I wanted to? Does that mean that she doesn't feel the same way about playing in singles matches? Perhaps then, MW should be playing more team golf at Stanford and less on the Tour until she conquers this fear.

In addition Michelle stated, "I did not want to come to the 18th hole, but it came down to that and I did what I can do," concluding that her nerves were jangling but in spite of it she learned to conquer her fears and just go out and play.

Wie must now play on the LPGA Tour and win an event. She must win by a large margin, not because her opponent fails but because she shows confidence and strength from within.

Congratulations to Michelle Wie and to Team USA for taking possession of the Solheim Cup for a two year stint.

On this week's Golf for Beginners podcast, David Leadbetter's two golf club psych tip, bad last second swing decisions and how young is too young to learn about golf?

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

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This podcast is supported by ResortsGolfandSpa.com, 866-643-6078.

Photo Credit: © Telegraph/EPA