Golf Gear News

Look for Golf Gear News 2.0 in a New Place

2008-04-15T20:09:00.003-05:00

I am extremely excited to announce that this will be the last post on this blog platform because we have moved to a new WordPress platform. After 120 posts and 43 podcasts that began with the first blog entry 9/12/05, Golf Gear News has grown up.

The new site has all the old posts, but it also has a better layout, golf news streams, videos and as always, the blog and podcast. Join us over at the new site for more commentary on the world of golf.

I appreciate all my readers and listeners for visiting me here, but make sure you stay involved by bookmarking the new site at www.golfgearnews.net.

Bruce Stasch
Host
Golf Gear News

Tiger's Done Before He Even Starts

2008-04-12T14:12:00.001-05:00

It is amazing the spectacle of rabid celebrity worship. I just read a headline from Yahoo at the start of the second round of the Masters that said “Anyone’s Jacket” in big headlines. The subtext then said: “Tiger Woods is now six shots off the lead with second-round play under way at the Masters on Friday.” This makes it sound likes he’s dying out there.

Let’s put this in context. For the last few weeks everyone was talking about Tiger as if he’d already won this year’s Master. It was a done deal. He was a shoe-in. The oddmasters had him at 2 to 1. A lock.

Yet this headline makes it sound like he done for. There’s no hope. He’s already six strokes behind. Too bad, maybe he’ll win the next one.

Whoa rabid Tiger worshippers. How quickly the media jumps off the bandwagon just so they can write a compelling headline.

Context my friends. CONTEXT.

Let’s not forgot that when this was written at about 10AM in the morning, Tiger hadn’t even teed off for the second round. His tee time was at 1:52 pm. Almost four hours later. Let me repeat that TIGER HADN’T EVEN TEED OFF YET!

A case of burying the body before the person has even died.

Mr. Media and Rapid Celebrity Worshippers, let the man actually play the course before you write him off.

Golf Gear News #44 - Odds of Tiger Winning US Open, Get a Tax Deduction, Black Ops Golf Psychology and Clubmaxx Golf Bags Interview

2008-04-10T02:43:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

Interview with the Guru: Clubmaxxgolfbags.com .

The Newstand: Odds of Woods Winning the US Open, and Get a Tax Deduction for Playing Golf .

Golf of the Weird: Black Ops Golf Psychology .

Our new Golf Gear News Blog 2.0 is HERE!

Our show sponsor is Golfknockoff.com .

Check out our new Media Kit .

Golf Gear News #43 - Masters & Tiger, Masters Food, Masters History, San Diego Golf Academy Interview

2008-04-09T23:17:00.011-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

Interview with the Guru: San Diego Golf Academy.

The Newstand: Odds of Woods Wining the Masters, How Did Amen Corner Get It’s Name, and Last Remaining Living Player from 1934 Masters.

Look for our new Golf Gear News Blog 2.0 coming soon!

Our show sponsor is Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Golf Gear News #42 - Wie Drops Out, Feherty Breaks Ribs, StopClubAbuse.org, Old Works Golf Course, FST Interview

2008-03-23T20:44:00.012-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

Interview with the Guru: Femco Steel Technology (FST).

The Newstand: Wie Drops Out of Safeway Event, Adam Scott Hates Slow Play, and Feherty Gets Hit By Truck.

Golf of the Weird: Stopclubabuse.org.

Golf Around the World: Old Works Golf Course.

Our show sponsor is Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Golf Gear News #41 - Ernie Els on Autism, Golfer Kills Hawk, Adjustable Shafts, Scratch Golf, Where willTiger Play

2008-03-08T15:06:00.012-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

The Newstand: Ernie Els Supports Autism.

Golf of the Weird: Golfer Kills Protected Hawk.

State of the Game: Women Can Compete with Men.

The Perfect Fit: Shaft Makers in the World of Adjustability.

She Golfs Too: Golf’s Venus and Serena Williams.
View the video. HERE.

Component Corner: Scratch Golf Wedges is Growing.

Component Corner: When Tiger Moves, Where Will His Home Course Be?

Our show sponsor is Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Tiger Gives Away Four, Yes Four Buicks

2008-03-04T21:21:00.002-06:00

I don't know when this first appeared, but a customer of mine from New York sent me this YouTube video of Tiger pulling a fast one on a bunch of unsuspecting golfers. The reason Tiger is so cool is that he appears to really have a great time giving these cars away. Thanks Richard for the link.

Video of Plane Trying to Land - Wow!

2008-03-03T16:25:00.005-06:00

For those of us that travel by plane, a recent video of an A320 trying to land at the Hamburg, Germany airport in a crosswind, should give us pause when we complain how much airline pilots get paid. Pilots are known to say that flying is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror.

The plane you see did land safely in a later attempt.

I'm sure after you check out this video, you’d be the first person to offer that pilot a raise.

The Fallacy of Club Adjustability

2008-02-26T17:34:00.004-06:00

I commend the big brands in finding new ways to pick the pockets of the average golfer.

In 2007, the USGA, decided to establish a new rule on club adjustability It allows for woods and irons to be developed with interchangeable heads, variable shafts and even customizable lengths, lofts and weights. If you read the trade ads you’d think just by buying one of these fancy new adjustable clubs, your score will drop by 10 strokes. Nonsense.

Yet that is basically what the TaylorMades, Nikes and Nickent Golfs are saying: buy this over-priced, over-hyped, adjustable golf club with a patented new connector that lets you pull out one shaft and replace it with another and presto, you’re on your way to becoming a scratch golfer.

On the surface this might seem like a great idea until you check out the price tag for this new fangled technology. It wasn’t enough to make us buy the latest TaylorMade r7 or Callaway FT-i driver for $599. No sir, now, to get this latest technological leap forward into our bags we must cough up $1000 for TaylorMade’s “Tour Van in a Box” that contains a driver head and three graphite shafts.

Yet it doesn’t end there.

To make sure that we’d never put a non-TaylorMade shaft into their fancy head, a proprietary connector is needed. This will assure that you only buy the expensive shafts from the company even though you could buy the same shaft, without the connector, for less. Even if we did end up buying one of these fancy drivers, we still couldn’t swap out the shaft in the middle of a round. No no that would be illegal. That can only occur between rounds.

Every year the equipment manufacturers look for new ways to separate golfers from their money and we oblige them by purchasing billions of dollars of new equipment annually. This year’s technological leap du jour is adjustable shafts. If you remember last year’s flavor it was adjustable weights. Next year maybe they will let us use those laser-guided putters.

Frank Thomas, the inventor of the graphite shaft and the GOLF CHANNEL's Chief Technical Advisor weighed in a few weeks ago “I don't think the USGA has thought this out to the extent it should have and instead jumped on something, which in the short term is going to please the manufacturers who are looking for something to stimulate their lagging sales.”

I’ll say this again like I’ve said it so many times in the past: take that $1000 and buy yourself some lessons or get your clubs custom fit. These options are much more likely to lower your score than a fancy adjustable-shafted driver.

Golf Gear News #40 - Tiger Kicks Butt, Wie Sucks, Female Golfer Sues, Are Your a Lethal Weapon & Strategic Shaft Technologies

2008-02-25T19:45:00.016-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

Interview with the Guru: Strategic Shaft Technologies.

The Newstand: Tiger Woods Kicks Butt and Michelle Wie Sucks.

She Golfs Too: Female Golfer Banned from Tournament.

Component Corner: TaylorMade Sells Maxfli.

State of the Game: Nine Hole Courses Could be the Answer.

Our show sponsor is Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Golf Gear News #39 - Norwegian Golf Bribes, Marriot Must Allow ADA Golf Carts, Golfer's Dog Eaten

2008-02-10T21:09:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

Interview with the Guru: Sweetwood Golf Company.

The Newstand: Siemens Embroiled in Norwegian Golf Bribe Controversy, and Mickelson Shoots an Eleven and Misses Cut.

Golf of the Weird: Golfer's Dog is Eaten.

State of the Game: Marriot must allow accessible golf carts.

Our show sponsor is Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Look for the Return of the Golf Gear News Podcast

2008-01-29T20:12:00.000-06:00

Back in August, 2007 I announced that my podcast Golf Gear News was going on hiatus. At the time I didn't know how long I would be off the airwaves (or is that podwaves), but I always intended to find my way back behind the microphone. It has been just over six months and I've missed it.

Well, I just wanted to updated everyone that I'm in the process of putting Golf Gear News back on sometimes in February with a new format, new advertisers, and a much larger listenership. Once the deal is signed you will see our name all over and hopefully you will tune in again.

Stay tuned!

Bruce Stasch
Host
Golf Gear News

Snipe All You Want but Tiger Runs the PGA

2008-01-05T13:30:00.000-06:00

The start of every PGA Tour season finds Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson missing from the ranks. Even V.J. Singh thinks they should have moved the tournament back at least a week to give the top dogs more time off. Some players like Jeff Ogilvie and Stephen Ames are complaining that the commissioner of the PGA, Tim Finchem is missing in action too. These players are complaining that it shows the lack of commitment to the Tour by the commissioner. Jeff & Stephen, nobody cares.

I’d love to see the top players at every tournament. The sponsors like it, the crowds thrive on it and the television networks count on it, but it will rarely happen to start the season. Top players like Tiger and Phil are brands in and of themselves. They aren’t beholden to the Tour. They will show up when the want to.

Tiger and Phil run the PGA and give the marching orders. The PGA and tour players need to understand that. Tiger, Incorporated and Phil & Company are the draws that bring in the dollars. They are the moneymakers for the PGA. They are multi-million dollars corporations and the PGA benefits from their largess. If Tiger said that he wanted to start The Tiger Tour and would commit to playing every tournament; goodbye PGA.

Let’s use tennis as an example. When Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe were playing, tennis was hot. Everyone wanted to see a Connors-McEnroe match-up. Even ladies tennis was interesting to watch when Martina, Chissy and Billy Jean King were playing.

Although Phil Sampras is considered one of the greatest tennis players in the history of the game, nobody seems to care other than hardcore tennis fans. He doesn’t capture the imagination of fans and sponsors like Tiger does. An interview with Sampras is like getting your wisdom teeth pulled and just as painful. He doesn’t make for good media fodder.

No so with Phil or Tiger. They are the game of golf today. Think Oprah and her book club. She makes best sellers out of books just by talking about them. Tiger sells cars, watches and golf clubs just by lending his name to the brand. The PGA needs to understand that they don’t make the rules anymore, the star players do.

Tim Finchem gets overpaid and has nothing to do with the Tour’s popularity. His no-show at the Mercedes-Benz Championships to start the year is a non-event. The Tour needs to realize where its bread is butter and it ain’t by Commissioner Finchem.

When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Sue

2007-12-22T19:14:00.000-06:00

When everyone is making money there isn’t time to try to take down the competition. With shrinking margins, stagnate revenues and tougher competition, if you can’t innovate your way to profitability, the only choice is to sue.

Take the recent court cases brought by Callaway against Titleist, Bridgestone against Titleist and DogLeg Right against TaylorMade. All are suing each other because of supposed patent infringements.

In the case of DogLeg Right, they accuse TaylorMade of violating two patents that “...cover technology that allows the user to adjust the center of gravity of the clubhead in up to three dimensions in order to produce golf ball trajectories varying from high to low fades, high to low draws, and high to low straight shots.” The supposed clubs that violate these patents are TaylorMade’s r7 Quad driver, TaylorMade r7 425 Quad driver, and TaylorMade r7 CGB Max driver and fairway woods.

A recent court victory was awarded to Callaway over Acushnet, makers of the top-selling golf ball the Titleist Pro V1. The jury awarded Callaway a victory on “….the construction of a multilayer ball with a solid core and a polyurethane cover that are used in the Titleist Pro V1 ball.” Callaway acquired the patents in 2003 when it purchased Top-Flite Golf following the bankruptcy of parent Spalding Sports Worldwide.

Acushnet was recently involved in another golf ball case that has been settled out-of-court with Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., resolving a 2 1/2-year ball patent infringement suit. Acushnet will be required to pay Bridgestone on-going royalties for use of an undisclosed number of Bridgestone patents.

Lawsuits are part of the business landscape and suing your competition is generally the chosen path, but for the major golf businesses, if they spent more time on innovation and growing the game and less on legal court fights, maybe their businesses would perform better.

Course Review: Hidden Creek Golf Club

2007-10-07T18:18:00.000-05:00

Hidden Creek Golf Club
Owatonna, MN
9/30/07

NOTE: From time to time, I visit courses in my area and give my impressions. I am not compensated to give these reviews.
HACKER RATING: 6.0
View bottom of posting for rating categories.

In the midst of Minnesota corn fields is a little bit of Scotland. Hidden Creek Golf Club, a links style golf course, boasts four sets of tee boxes and a very lengthy 7,000 yards from the tips. The course is located just south of Owatonna, and the city is only 35 miles south of the Twin Cities and home to Wenger, Owatonna Tool Company (SPX) and Federated Mutual. Hidden Creek is the only bent grass course in the area. No bermuda grass for these guys.

Started twelve years ago by former Minnesota politico Dean Hardle and 36 private investors, the course is one of only a handful of links style courses in Minnesota and plays a lot harder than it looks. To the uninitiated, a links courses looks like it has no more challenge in it than a cow pasture. Not so. Hidden Creek requires that you know which club to pull out of your bag at the right time. Do you lay up or cut the dogleg and drive the green? Decisions.

A links course is atypical in a state like Minnesota. Often created from former farm fields, a links course takes advantage of land contours and tries to trick you into pulling out the wrong club or think your skills are better than they are. These types of courses don’t have an attitude problem or a big ego. They accept their limitations and try to compensate with well-placed swales, native grasses and deep bunkers. Water only plays a small part of a links course’s thinking because if there were a lot of water it would have been turned into a resort course.

During its lifetime, Hidden Creek has had a checkered past. Poorly managed until recently, the course had less than seventy paying members and was badly floundering. In 2006 management was taken over by John Jensen, an original investor and Carol Kuntz. Under their tutelage they have lowered prices, increased membership to 130 members and started to turn around the course. If you get the chance to meet him, John looks surprisingly similar to Nick Faldo; a convenient advantage when running a golf course.

Annual memberships are only $595 (yes, less than $600), and local players have started taking to the course in a big way. Hidden Creek has tried to add value by offering reciprocal agreements with area courses. For those wanting to work on their game, it is the only course in the area with driving, chipping and putting practice areas.

When you visit Hidden Creek, you will find a large clubhouse that has a full bar and kitchen. Current cuisine is pretty weak, but they have the potential for more. Sidling up to the long wood paneled bar is like hanging out at the local watering hole. The staff is friendly, the bar is full and the costs are quite reasonable.

The course's event area can accommodate up to 150 people and has become popular for weddings and charity tournaments. Four tee boxes await your first drive. Most golfers will choose the 6220 length challenge of the blue tees, but if you are ready to play from the tips, you'll have to stop in one spot to wash your ball and a second spot to tee off; a bit inconvenient if you are persnickety about your golf ball’s cleanliness.

Another area that needs work are the out-of-bounds and hazards. A golfer unfamiliar with the course might get confused as to which direction to hit because the greens are set close together. Course maintenance needs some work. Not the fairways and greens, which were in fine shape, but the carts paths, signage and bridges. The course sometimes crosses narrow water hazards, thus the name Hidden Creek, but in spots the rickety old bridges are hazards themselves. I'm sure as the course strengthens itself financially, these will be updated.

Rates are a very big draw. You can find a round with cart for only $30 and often a $25 round can be snagged. If you asked nicely, managers John and Carol will be happy to let you play so they can show off their course and talk about their future plans. For beginners, seniors, juniors and ladies, Hidden Creek is a fine challenge for those just taking to golf. For those who like lots of trouble spots like deep rough, large bodies of water or highly manicure fairways, then Hidden Creek isn't the right course for you.

HACKER RATING: 6.0
Location: 6
Friendliness: 6
Value: 6
Layout: 5
Playability: 8

The Hacker Rating of this course is based on the golfing experience for the average golfer. The course was rated on the following categories: Location -- easy access, easy to find, what’s nearby; Friendliness -- good service, cart girl, clubhouse, food choices; Value -- cost, what you get for your money; Layout -- length, bunkers, traps, difficulty, course style; Playability -- good for beginners, seniors, etc. The rating is based on scale of 1 to 10 in each category with a total possible rating score of 10.0 .

Hidden Creek Golf Club
Owatonna, MN
1-888-667-4653
www.hiddencreekmn.com

Phil and Tiger Compete on the Charity Front Too

2007-09-19T15:18:00.000-05:00

Without the great fanfare that came with the world’s number one golfer announcing his Tiger Woods Learning Center, the world’s number two golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife Amy have partnered with ExxonMobil to support a teacher training program called the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, which wrapped up the last of it's 2007 sessions in July.

Although modest in comparison to the Tiger Woods effort, the academy has grown to include three sessions this year -- two regional academies in Texas and Louisiana, and the national academy in Fairfax, Va. -- up from one in 2005, its first year. A total of 600 teachers attended the three academies. Each academy had the same goal: to train third- through fifth-grade teachers with new strategies and philosophies to keep kids interested in the sciences.

Even off the course in the charitable world, Tiger and Phil compete with each other. In this competition, Tiger is directing his efforts to students and Phil toward teachers. Still, both are concentrating on the precipitous drop in math and science scores occuring in the United States. It’s nice to see Phil supporting such a good cause.

Who Wants to Own a Golf Equipment Company?

2007-09-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

I wouldn't.

Golf equipment isn't a very good investment these days. Look at Callaway. It's stock has dropped 20% since July ($15.71 vs. $19.49), Golfsmith has faired even worse crash-diving 47% ($5.77 vs $10.95).

Two articles came to my attention on the golf equipment business recently: Cleveland Sale Appears Imminent and Huffy Corporation Sells Tommy Armour. Both appeared in GolfWeek Business. For leveraged buyout groups like the one that is selling Cleveland and the sporting goods conglomerate that is unloading Tommy Armour, golf isn't fitting into their idea of making a profit.

Quicksilver, the current owner of Cleveland because of its acquisition of Rossignol skis in 2005, wants to dump it because the parent took its first annual loss in 15 years. Huffy, which acquired Tommy Armour, TearDrop, Ram, and Zebra when it purchased extreme sports manufacturer Gen X in 2002, later emerged from bankruptcy in 2005 and no longer thought golf fit into its future plans. Rumors are that Cleveland could be a TaylorMadeAdidas target, but nothing is official.

Last year it was sporting good retailers consolidating. Is 2007 the year for golf equipment manufacturers?

Sorenstam Gets Hitched. What Does This Mean for the LPGA?

2007-08-28T19:52:00.000-05:00

Oh boy! Annika just got hitched and you know what that means: limited schedule, retirement, clothing line, course building, babies. I mean, the girl is 36 and has been the best female golfer on the planet for the last ten years. What do you think it means for the LPGA?

Oddly, nothing.

Annika is no Tiger. She's great, don't get me wrong, but "Annika, Incorporated" ain't "Tiger, Inc." Annika is everything a good golfer should be: intelligent, understated, polite, well-spoken and a great golfer. But she is not a great interview nor does she look hot in a swimsuit.

Tiger draws. And draws and draws and draws. He single-handedly made golf the big money sport that it is today. Annika, although dominant on a golf course, isn't anything close to that off it. She has been pushed off the front pages of golf magazines to show Natalie Gulbis in a swimsuit and the continued meltdown of Michelle Wie.

Just look at Lorena Ochoa to see how little attention the top female golfers get in the mainstream golf media. I mean that girl has won three golf tournaments in a row this year, but she doesn't speak English that well so we don't really care. She's won eight tournaments, including a major. I bet you didn't know that. That fact alone makes my point in spades.

Once the happy couple decides on a wedding date, Annika will start to plan her retirement date.

The great golf seer has spoken.

Golf Gear News Writes 100th Blog Post

2007-08-28T19:45:00.000-05:00

Wow! How time flies. I didn't realize this but just last week I wrote my 100th blog post on Hardwoods Golf Course in Garrison, MN. Way back on 9/12/05, when I did the first one, I never expected to still be talking golf. Yet, here I am.

Course Review: Hardwoods Golf Club

2007-08-20T19:03:00.000-05:00

Mille Lacs Golf Resort & Marina
Garrison, MN
8/19/07

NOTE: From time to time, I visit courses in my area and give my impressions. I am not compensated to give these reviews.
HACKER RATING: 6.8
View bottom of posting for rating categories.

Things are happening at the Mille Lacs Golf Resort & Marina. The sleepy 6300 yard, par 71 course is slowly being transformed into a leading resort and entertainment center in central Minnesota. Just minutes from the Native American casino Grand Casino, which attracts 3.2 million visitors annually, the Hardwoods Golf Club is part of a 270 acre resort complex that is planning to have a 120-room hotel, an indoor water park, and a day spa surrounding the course.

The developers of this ambitious project are Todd & Mary Christenson, owners of Christenson Development, a family-run construction and development company. They purchased the golf course in 2003 from R.J. Smiley, a well-known senior golfer in Minnesota and have been busy with improvements ever since.

The course is cut through stands of mature trees, thus the Hardwoods name. It’s longest hole is only 510 yards, but the course also has two dogleg left par 4s, and a 205 par three. On most holes, if you can keep your drive on the fairway, you can reach the green with a well-placed utility wood. Another feature is Pinehurst-like elevated greens. If you are just off the fringe, rolling your putts up to the hole often isn’t your best option complicating getting your ball on the green and potentially adding strokes to your score. You will find this course a great test for high-handicap players and is the perfect length for women.

The course itself is short by modern standards, but the new owners plan to add 200-300 yards, many more sand traps (the course only has three) and another par 5 hole. At 6500+ yards, the course will become a better test for golfers and with the construction of a new modern clubhouse, slated to break ground in 2008, the Hardwoods Golf Club hopes to become the leading resort in the Mille Lacs Lake area alongside competitors Izady’s and Ruttger’s.

A big advantage is its proximity to the Twin Citis – only 90 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul and one of the first major resorts on the Highway 169 corridor. The Mille Lacs Golf & Marina is also well situated to take advantage of its proximity to Grand Casino, less than ten minutes away. Many Native American-owned casinos also own a golf course, but this one has no plans to be a golf course developer, so with only a short drive to Hardwood Golf Club, gamblers can take some of their winnings and play 18 holes or make it part of a weekend package of golf and gambling.

On a recent tour of the course, one thing that is very apparent are the many new log cabin-style housing that is spring up all over the back nine. Freestanding units and four- and eight-plexes are sprouting up along the fairway and surrounding the greens on the back nine. Unlike more modern courses, the setback of these units is quite close to the course and if you are interested in taking the plunge, are available for sale.

Although the existing clubhouse is a bit dated, it still boasts a full bar and a pretty extensive grill menu, something that you rarely find at smaller outstate Minnesota courses. Even the cart girl will mix you a drink right there on-course.

Rates are very reasonable, especially for off-peak tee times. They top out at $45.00 with cart for weekends in the summer months, but a twilight round with cart can be had for as little as $25.00. Also, the Christenson’s are aggressive marketers and deals should be easy to find through out the summer.

Hardwood Golf Club
Garrison, MN
1-800-435-8720
www.millelacsgolf.com

HACKER RATING: 6.8
Location: 7
Friendliness: 6
Value: 7
Layout: 6
Playability: 8

The Hacker Rating of this course is based on the golfing experience for the average golfer. The course was rated on the following categories: Location -- easy access, easy to find, what’s nearby; Friendliness -- good service, cart girl, clubhouse, food choices; Value -- cost, what you get for your money; Layout -- length, bunkers, traps, difficulty, course style; Playability -- good for beginners, seniors, etc. The rating is based on scale of 1 to 10 in each category with a total possible rating score of 10.0 .

Viagra and Golf – Is Sex Worth the Sacrifice?

2007-08-17T11:26:00.000-05:00

I was driving to a client’s office this morning and I heard a radio ad for Viagra and its claim that an estimated 17 million men have erectile dysfunction (ED). Yes, ED. I was shocked to hear that so many men can’t bring themselves to attention. I also didn’t know that we have an epidemic on our hands. According to Webster’s New World Medical Dictionary, an epidemic is defined as “the occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected in a community or region during a given time period.” How did our society reproduce with so many men that couldn’t get it up? Is there something in our water? I digress.

What struck me as quite interesting was that the ad closed with “…and see our ad in Golf Magazine.” That made me rise up in my seat. Why did the advertiser mention Golf Magazine as the only place where the print ad was running? Is there some sort of connection between ED and golf? Why didn’t they mention Forbes, Fortune or Maxim? What about Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated or Science? Don’t any of these publications’ readers have ED? Is it only those who read Golf Magazine that have this dreaded disease?

Perhaps we should thrust ourselves into a deeper understanding of the connection between golf and ED? Yes, I think we should.

A quick check of Golf Magazine’s 2006 media kit is very telling:

95% of the readership is male – VERY MALE
They have an average net worth of over $1 million -- RICH
They have an average household income of $148,000 -- RICH
They have played golf an average of 25 years -- OLD
They play an average of 58 rounds per year – PLAY LOTS OF GOLF
83% are professional or managerial – IN MANAGEMENT

What do we have: rich old male managers that play too much golf and according to Viagra, they have an ED problem. Clearly a target rich market.

So, I think the conclusion we can draw from this is that playing too much golf (58 rounds/year mind you) leads to ED and so your choices are:

A) Stop playing golf -- NOT
B) Stop playing golf, take Viagra and still have sex - NOT
C) Keep playing golf, take Viagra and still have sex -- POSSIBLE
D) Keep playing golf and stop having sex - ???

Hmmmm…. don’t rush me, I’m still thinking about it.

Is It Too Early to Canonize Saint Tiger Woods?

2007-08-12T21:03:00.000-05:00

In the 100-degree heat of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the greatest golfer of my lifetime ceaselessly toiled to his 13^th major victory. At 31, he showed no ill effects from the heat, no sign of being off his game nor of backing down.

In the span of two weeks he wins the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational by eight strokes, then he marches on to a convincing victory in the PGA Championship for his 59^th tournament win. Saying that the greatest golfer in history was someone like Nicklaus, Hogan or Palmer will always be defended, but the strength of these arguments are rapidly weakening.

It is impossible to make straight-up comparisons between golfers of different generations if they’ve never played against each other. In the case of Tiger Woods, he is clearly the best golfer of this generation and will likely become the best golfer of any generation. Why?

Tiger Woods, has won at every level; from the juniors to the professional ranks. He has won in every condition, on every course, won from behind, with a lead, against the best in the world and against one-hit wonders. He doesn’t make mistakes, is relentless, has a higher gear when it is needed, makes the shots he should and makes the shots he shouldn’t. He has the aura and mystic that he is invincible (note the 13-0 when he has the lead in a major). He is photogenic, well-spoken and doesn’t get into personal trouble Tiger has had public personal tragedies and personal triumphs. He doesn’t have bad habits, doesn’t gamble away, doesn’t get caught in compromising situations.

He’s a saint and a marketing wunderkind. He is the unofficial spokeperson for golf. Unlike Michael Jordan, who arguably is the greatest basketball player in history, Tiger has to win all of these tournaments on his own. Jordan had a team around him.

Tiger plays a schedule that is probably half as active as most of his closest competitors and has now won his 13^th major. Jack Nicklaus, considered the greatest golfer to date, won 18 majors with his last coming when he was 46. If Tiger just wins one major a year from now on, he will be 36 (ten years younger than Jack when he won his last). What does one do when you’ve won everything there is to win in golf?

It is obvious that Woods has crushed the spirit of his closest competitors. Ernie Els, once considered one of the best golfers in the world tells it this way: "The statistics will tell you, yes, it is over. But as a competitor, I can't sit there and tell you it's over. I can't ever do that" (Remember, this was at the conclusion of the 3^rd round).

Tiger will be the greatest golfer in history and competitors like Els, Mickelson, Singh, and Garcia will have to be content to say they were there to witness it firsthand.

How many majors does Tiger need to win before we can anoint him a saint?

Golf Gear News Podcast Goes on Hiatus

2007-08-08T18:12:00.000-05:00

I would like to announce that effective today, the Golf Gear News Podcast is going on hiatus for a while. All the episodes will still be available on the website, but because of time commitments, a new fulltime job and other things that have been taking up more and more of my time, I need to take a break from recording the show.

When I started this podcast back in October, 2005, I really had no idea what the show could be, how much work it required, nor how my audience would respond to what I have to say. Listeners have been very attentive, but I don’t get very much feedback from them. On the otherhand, the blog does get a lot of feedback and I’m grateful for that.

I am stopping the clock at 38 episodes with the intent of changing the format of the show and bringing it back sometime in the future. Podcasting is a great audio medium, but behind each broadcast, is 4-6 hours of preparation and recording. I truly admire the professional stations like National Public Radio. They make it look so easy.

Putting the audio podcast in mothballs for a while doesn’t mean that I won’t continue to update the blog or send out the monthly e-Newsletter. Those will still be out there. All it means is that on a bi-weekly basis you won’t get to hear my melodious voice in your ear.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions on how to improve the podcast in the future, I’m all ears. Until then, hit ‘em straight.

Bruce Stasch
Host
Golf Gear News

New Zealander Plays 419 Courses in One Year

2007-08-02T20:26:00.000-05:00

I always knew that New Zealanders were crazy. In the Golf Observer I find a write-up on 40 year old New Zealander Ricky Bartlett who recently finished a year long journey in which he played every golf course and golf hole in New Zealand for charity.

If you count every course (even the 9 hole ones) there are 419 golf course, which is the highest number of courses per capita in the world. Bartlett played 419 rounds in 362 days which amounts to 7,542 holes in 31,594 shots.

All the courses, except for one gave Bartlett free golf in his quest, the one standout was a course on Chatham Islands that was in terrible shape with sheep droppings and worm casts on the greens. The course charged Bartlett $3 for that round. That course sounds like it could deserve some charity.

Bartlett's quest was to raise money for three different charities: the Cancer Society, Amnesty International and the Ronald McDonald House. He raised over $75,000 for his troubles.

Sure nice not to have to work for a living.

Course Review: Pezhekee National Golf Course

2007-07-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

Peters Sunset Beach
Glenwood, MN
6/16/07

NOTE: From time to time, I visit courses in my area and give my impressions. I am not compensated to give these reviews.

HACKER RATING: 5.8
View bottom of posting for rating categories.

Newer Minnesota resort courses are always trumpeting who their course designer is. Hale Irwin, Tom Lehman and Jack Nicklaus have all designed course in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Yet, Minnesota’s longest public golf course sits only 30 miles from Alexandria, Minnesota in the heart of The Range and it wasn’t built by a celebrity designer.

Pezhekee National is part of Peters Sunset Beach Resort, a quaint name for a quiet and tranquil track without the pretenses or crowds of more popular resorts. The grounds are everything you think of in a small family-owned resort: a 20s’s era main house, intimate dining room with a huge stone fireplace, family members holding various jobs, a small unpretentious golf clubhouse, and ultra-reasonable green’s fees (only $49 with cart).

When my playing partner and I drove in, we were greeted by the grandson of the original founder. He explained that the course’s development didn’t follow a normal route. It was built over a number of years and the holes reflect the changing tastes of the Peters family and the period of time each hole was created. From relatively straight original par 4s that were cut from the Northern Pine forest, to the new floating green on the 11th that was just completed in 2006, the Pezhekee National course adds up to a long, but forgiving round of eighteen.

The strength of the course is its layout, not its service. Minnesota’s largest public golf course plays 7263 yards from the tips but if you are looking for the cart girl to roll on by with mid-round libations, you’ll have a hard time finding her. There was no on-course beverage service when we stopped by on a Saturday. As you make the turn after number nine, which is probably as far from the clubhouse you’ll ever be, you’ll find pop machines and bathrooms but no food. If pangs of hunger tend to hit you two hours into your round, you better pack your own lunch, otherwise you’re out of luck

A weakness of the course is its signage. It’s very spotty, especially on the newer holes on the backside. It appears they ran out of time during construction or didn’t think they are necessary because knowing which way to go sometimes can be a challenge if you are a first-timer. Not to worry if you’ve got a good sense of direction.

If you are hoping to bring a group, one unique offering of Peters Sunset Beach Resort are large houses called Reunion Units. There are four of them and they are roomy seven and eight bedroom lodges that sleep 16-25 people. Rentals are by the ½ week (M-F or F-M) and cost about $40/person/day and are very popular with families, reunions, graduations or retirements. Each rental comes with 8-10 rounds of golf.

Pezhekee National doesn’t have long waits so making a reservation is as easy as showing up. Each hole has been given a Native American name like: Waube Mokwa (#1) and Mewissa (#5) and a quick tour of the dining room shows how closely linked the former owners are to the history of the resort. It is rumored that there are burial grounds on property, but management isn’t saying where.

If you are expecting four star resort treatment with spa amenities, you’ll need to go somewhere else, but if you are looking for a low-key, low-cost golf experience without the pretense of more flashy courses in the area, you should consider Pezhekee National, Minnesota’s longest public golf course and one of the State’s best golf deals.

Pezhekee National Golf Course
Glenwood, MN
1-800-356-8654
www.petersresort.com

HACKER RATING: 5.8
Location: 5
Friendliness: 5
Value: 7
Layout: 5
Playability: 7

The Hacker Rating of this course isbased on the golfing experience for the average golfer. The course was rated on the following categories: Location -- easy access, easy to find, what’s nearby; Friendliness -- good service, cart girl, clubhouse, food choices; Value -- cost, what you get for your money; Layout -- length, bunkers, traps, difficulty, course style; Playability -- good for beginners, seniors, etc. The rating is based on scale of 1 to 10 in each category with a total possible rating score of 10.0 .

O’Grady is an Idiot if he Thinks Technology Makes Tiger Woods Great

2007-06-28T22:21:00.000-05:00

This has to be a cry for help because this statement is just plain stupid: "When Nicklaus and Palmer played, when [Ben] Hogan played and Sam Snead played, on a scale of zero to 10, they were a nine-plus," Mac O’Grady said. "Tiger Woods is not even a one-plus."

Then, this dolt has to go out and show his continued ignorance by saying: "The reason why [Woods] can hit it on the green is because he has square grooves," he said. "He doesn't have that, he's dead. He cannot do it -- it's impossible. For him to go after Nicklaus's records is cheating. This is like steroids."

I sense a touch of bitterness. Actually, I sense a lot of bitterness. Truckloads of it. This Mac O'Grady, a former PGA Tour player that to his credit won two tournaments, took 18 swings at qualifying in Q-school before he made it on tour. He adds to his madness by slapping the Champions Tour and calling them "powder-puff" players when he is probably of the age that he could be playing on this tour.

This must be a case of "negative publicity is better than no publicity at all" (a statement by Donald Trump) or someone who hasn’t taken his meds today because it surely can’t be based on any facts worth quoting.

To declare that technology is what has made Tiger Woods the world’s best golfer, and perhaps the best golfer of all time, is just plain ludicrous. It’s like saying that if I played a Steinway, I’d be just as good as Glenn Gould. If I fired up a piece of composing software I'd be better than Mozart or if I just had a better paintbrush I’d be just as good as Michelangelo.

Tiger Woods is a great golfer because he has the most talent, not the best equipment. Every golfer has access to top-of-the-line equipment. What they lack is Tiger’s tenacity, drive, endurance, and killer instinct. He overcomes adversity. He plays consistently while those around him collapse. He knows how to manage a course and when pushed, he closes the deal. Yet, he is human like all of us and doesn’t win every tournament.

If you want to see someone with lots of natural talent and the best equipment, look at how well Michelle Wie is playing today. In her case it clearly isn’t the paintbrush but the painter that is the problem.

What a pile of crap this O’Grady is spewing. I guess that it’s okay in today’s media world though because Ann Coulter or Paris Hilton can say anything they want and it is still considered news too.

Podcast: Duval Wimps Out, Charity Golf Addiction, Golf Ball-sized Hail, a Natalie Gulbis Day and Grand Theft Golf Cart

2007-06-26T08:24:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #38 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand on Duval Wimps Out at the British Open, and Virginia Tech Student wins British Amateur.

In the State of the Game we hear about the golf industry's Charity Golf Event Addiction.

The Guru Rants about Golf Ball-sized Hail.

In She Golfs Too we follow Natalie Gulbis for a Day.

Visit the Component Corner where you can get your very own Starship Enterprise Putter.

We return to Afghanistan's capital Kabal to visit the World's Most Dangerous Golf Course.

Finally, Golf of the Weird learns about a Minnesota Grand Theft Golf Cart Case.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Golf Blogger, 42, Found Dead after Struck by Golf Ball Torrent

2007-06-21T22:45:00.000-05:00

Up here in Minne "snow" ta, we are big watchers of the weather. Sometimes Northerners like us say: "If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few hours and it will change." We often talk about record snowfalls like the Halloween blizzard (30 inches on October 31st) or record cold temperatures. We constantly argue every winter if International Falls really is the coldest spot in the nation and if Good Morning America reports that we are, aren’t we proud.

The hardy souls in the land of 10,000 lakes seem to always be captivated by the local weatherperson, who by the way is often less attractive than the sportscaster, tell us to panic and run for cover because the next weather apocalypse is fast approaching from the West.

Bozos that wouldn’t know hail from Hale Irwin, call into local radio stations and provide great insight about what’s happening in their backyards. Wherever we are, we tune in to the local TV or radio station and stay riveted to our seats as the talking head babbles on about all of the school closings, severe thunderstorm warnings or flash flood alerts in our area. This must be the sign of the “end times” we say to ourselves.

What I find extremely funny is how we describe hail. Our hail can be pea, marble or pebble-sized. If the conditions are right we might even get baseball, tennis, softball or grapefruit-sized projectiles dropping from the heavens. I’m waiting for the day that bowling ball-size meteors hurl down from the sky ripping holes in our roofs or exploding through our pictures windows. Now that would be a weather story to remember.

My favorite though is golf ball-sized hail like we had today in Minnesota (I know you were wondering how I was going to make the connection). Can you image all of those “Titleists” falling from the sky at 100 MPH denting our siding, breaking our windows and dimpling our car tops?

Yet, we aren’t the only ones to be so lucky having Pro V1s crash down upon us. Here are some recent headlines: Thunder, Lightning, Golf-ball Sized Hail, Pummel New Hampshire; Storms Dump Golf Ball-sized Hail on Dallas/Ft. Worth, Golf ball-sized Hail Batters Broward County, Florida. Even the Chinese are not immune to nature’s golf ball barrage: Golf ball-sized hail pelts Beijing.

According to one of our local meteorologists, the largest hailstone ever documented in the United States hit Coffeyville, Kansas in 1970. It weighed 1.67 pounds, 5.7" in diameter, and probably hit the ground at 120 mph. Until 2003 that is. That was the year the Aurora "Borealis" Hailstone crashed to earth. Don’t believe me? Well, just look it up on the website: Thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com so it must be true.

I can just see my demise reported in tomorrow’s headlines: "Golf Blogger, 42, Found Dead after Struck by Golf Ball Torrent".

Now I’ll no longer worry when someone yells "Fore". That’s only one golf ball that’s trying to kill me.

Golf Gear News #37: Kicker Now Caddie, John Daly Attacked, Dakota Dowd's Mom Dies, New Golf Trademarks, 3-Car Crime

2007-06-10T21:52:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #37 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand on Ex-NFL Kicker is Now a Caddie, and John Daly's Wife Attacks Him.

In the State of the Game we read about Sound Patents.

In She Golfs Too Dear Abby Gets into the Action and Dakoda Dowd's Mother Dies.

Component Corner explores the The Expanding Non-Conforming Driver World. In Why Can't We All Get Along, there are some New Trademarks on the Horizon.

Finally, Golf of the Weird hears about Golf Clubs Used in Late Night 3-Car Crime.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Oh Michelle Wie, I’m So Sad for You…Not!

2007-06-03T12:40:00.000-05:00

I was wondering if the Wie Circus could get any worse. Was I ever wrong.

Now remember, I predicted that this return was going to be a non-event.

In her inglorious return to competitive LPGA tournament play, the phenom, the queen of hype, Miss Sparkly herself Michelle Wie, has again tripped over her huge pile of endorsement cash and fell flat on her face (er..wrist). What a joke she has become.

When she quit the latest tournament she said to an LPGA Tour official: "We're not going to play anymore." Oh you big baby. Take it like a professional.

I thought that John Daly was becoming a mockery. Was I ever wrong. Michelle Wie has taken his exalted place.

Wie of the pending 88 before withdrawing after the 16th. Wie of the “poor me…it’s my wrist again” excuse. She has turned into a pathetic golfer and manufacturers almost as many excuses as she does strokes.

She had almost five months to recover from this alleged wrist injury. She got herself a new coach and was going to work hard and point herself in the right direction. She was ready to get out there and prove herself. I guess we discovered how well all that new coaching has worked.

In an earlier post I commented that her wrist injury was conveniently timed so she could gracefully get out of the spotlight after dismal finishes in a couple of men’s events. I was taken to task by a reader accusing me of saying that her wrist injury was faked. At the time, I vehemently denied it. Now, I believe she is faking.

Football players take two weeks off when they sprain an ankle. Basketball players gut it out, limp around and are back on the court after a few games (unless it is a high ankle sprain and then it could be forever). Even Annika Sorenstam, after having sat out with both a ruptured and bulging disc for two months, returned to shoot a round of 72.

What kind of wrist injury takes five months to heal unless you have surgery on it (which she didn’t). This isn’t an injury this is just cover. Her “injury” has now become a thinly-veiled excuse for playing badly. She’s really turned out to be a disappointment.

I thought I’d look back on years past and reminisce over a time when everything looked rosy, the world was Sparkly’s oyster and Ms. Wie’s endorsement contracts were rolling in. I credit the website www.jockbio.com for these quotes:

"I might go play the LPGA full-time and then, after I get better, go to the PGA full-time. Or just try to play both. It will be fun." -- That’s worked so well now hasn’t it?

"I don't mind when I hit a ball in the woods. I think of it as an adventure. That's when golf really starts to get interesting." – What an adventure. It’s even more fun if it goes in the water.

"I enjoy the attention. I like the cameras. In a way, they make me play better." -- No question about it, the more face time you get, the better it seems to work.

"My favorite player is Tiger Woods. I think I can beat Tiger when I’m 20. It’s a life goal." – Looking forward to it. I’ll put it on my calendar.

"My ultimate goal is to play in the Masters." -- Just like everyone else’s, but like us, you’ll never get there either.

Ah, the innocence of youth. I cry crocodile tears for you.

Golf Gear News #36: Wie Stops PGA Play, Maxfli Kills Daly Ad, Cost of Endorsements, Callaway Caught, Golf Patents Website

2007-05-07T20:53:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #36 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand on Pro Athletes Who Are Golfers, Wie Will Concentrate on the LPGA, and Maxfli Kills Daly Ad.

In the State of the Game we read about The Cost of Endorsements and She Golfs Too introduces Lady With 10 Holes-in-One.

The Guru rants about the Idiocy of Draw Drivers & Moveable Weights.

We find that Callaway Gets Caught in Non-Conforming Web, and Golf of The Weird learns how to The Compute Odds of One Women's 10 Holes-in-One.

Finally, at Website Spotlight, check out the legal website Golf Patents.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Michelle Wie’s Return to the LPGA is a Non-Event

2007-04-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

Michelle Wie's announcment that she will return on May 28th to play in Annika Sorenstam's Ginn Tribute leaves me cold. Maybe in the past I didn’t express it in these exact words, but Michelle Wie is a circus act that is going nowhere. Yes, she has talent. Yes, she can hit the ball 300 yards. Yes, she is reasonably attractive. All these I accept.

What I don't buy is the circus act that has been created around her. She's accomplished nothing on the LPGA and even less on the PGA and I predict that she never will. Her return, which will be trumpeted by the media as the return of the female wunderkind and the savior of ladies golf, will be a non-event. She'll make the cut, place somewhere in the top twenty, and say things like "the layoff has set me back and I’m just now starting to get my swing" or “I was feeling pretty good out there, but just missed a few putts that would have kept me right up there."

The wrist problem she's been experiencing is just an easy way to get her out of the limelight because each time she is in it, especially when playing on the men's tour, she does nothing to help herself or women’s golf. Giving her a break from the tour may have been the first smart thing that "Wie, Incorporated" has done in a long time.

To play whenever it works in her schedule will never accomplish anything. Tiger is constantly tweaking his game. VJ Singh practices 8 hours a day. Phil is always wondering how to make his game better, even after his wins a major. Playing 10 times a year and practicing when it is convenient will never make Ms. Wie a consistent contender. Lorena Ochoa, Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer all play the tour full-time and you are starting to see that these ladies are the future of the LPGA. Natural talent only takes you so far. You earn your place on the leaderboard each week. Not when it’s convenient.

Back on June, 2006 in my post "The Exploitation of Michelle Wie", I took Michelle Wie's father, BJ to task because all it seemed that he was interested in was the money. He, being his daughter's manager, seemed to want to push her far faster than she was able to handle. Somehow he thinks that she can be both a major LPGA star and a normal Stanford college student. It ain't gonna happen my friend. Ask Britney how well living a normal life as an uber-celebrity has worked.

"Wie Incorporated" and the LPGA, are starting to look like laughing stocks in a similar way that John Daly is starting to look like a caricature. The PGA Tour is rightly distancing itself from Mr. Daly because of his book revelations, he sordid past, his bad decisions and his lousy play. For different reasons, the LPGA appears to be distancing itself from Ms. Wie because of her age, limited playing schedule, poor showings on the LPGA Tour, and the embarrassing outings she’s had on the PGA Tour.

Don't get your hopes up that Michelle Wie will win the upcoming tournament or many after that. Yes, she'll get all the attention. Yes, she'll be the lead story into all the media coverage and yes, all the Wie Warriors will be predicting victory. Once reality sets in on Sunday, someone that we barely know like Birdie Kim will probably be victorious and Michelle Wie will have a new set of excuses why she didn't do as well as advertised.

Why Bowling is Better than Golf

2007-04-24T22:16:00.000-05:00

After an absolutely horrible round of golf. After you have thrown your clubs in the pond and stomped off the course vowing never to play the stupid game again. You can alway pick up another ball, hit the lanes and bowl. Why not? It's got a lot of advantages:

-you don’t have to bring your own ball
-you don’t need 14 different clubs
-you don’t lose your ball in the woods
-you don’t need Sudafed because you’re allergic to cut grass
-you don’t have to wait for the beer cart girl
-one game costs $4 not $40
-you don’t need to pee behind a tree
-with bumpers you’ll never miss your target
-the higher your score the BETTER you did
-you get to wear cool shoes that only cost $2 to rent
-you don’t even have to keep score, it’s done for you
-a gutter ball is part of the game, and out-of-bounds is not
-you don’t have to get up early to get a good lane
-you don’t have to talk quietly when someone is bowling
-its okay to wear matching shirts
-you can have nicknames on your shirt like: Fats, Shorty or Tiny
-there are no club memberships to pay
-it never claims to be a form of exercise
-there is no dress code, as long as you wear shoes
-you can still play when it rains
-you don’t have to watch it on TV when you should be playing

According to the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), in 2006, at 44.8 million, Bowling ranks as the 4th most popular participatory sport and Golf, at 24.4 million, is ranked #16. Embarrasingly, golf lags behind sports like Fishing (#6), Weight Lifting (#10) and Billiards (#11).

Which sport ranks in last place (#41)???

Ice Hockey.

At least we still have another sport to kick around.

Golf Gear News #35: Verizon Windstorm, Lopez Back, US Pro Tour Dies, Holy Man Not So Holy and Blending Your Balls

2007-04-19T17:45:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #35 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand a Special Report from the Verizon Windstorm, In the Shadow of Zach Johnson, and Nancy Lopez's Return is Going Poorly.

In the State of the Game we read about the Death of the U.S. Pro Tour and She Golfs Too discovers Rachel Ray - The Golfer and the Sorenstam Isn't Returning Soon.

We travel in Golf Around the World to The Perfect Scotland Golf Trip and find The PGA Tour is coming to Puerto Rico.

In Can't We All Get Along a Man of the Cloth Isn't Very Holy and Golf of The Weird learns how to Blend Your Golf Balls.

Finally, at Website Spotlight, check out the World Golf Hall of Fame.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

The Idiocy of Movable Weights and Draw Drivers

2007-04-15T18:57:00.000-05:00

On the Chinese calendar, 2007 is the Year of the Pig, but in golf, it is the year of the Draw. The first major equipment company to the "Draw-ing" table was TaylorMade with their r7 Draw. Then Callaway added to their FT line and its innovative square head, but couldn’t help themselves and now offers a FT-5 in three flavors: draw, neutral and fade.

In 2004-06, we saw the introduction of moveable weight drivers. Then they expanded the concept to irons, hybrids and putters. Now we can move weight around on everything in our bag except maybe our ball retriever.

Lately, to gain a market edge, TaylorMade and Callaway have been trying to undermine each other's credibility in the media. Creating a controversy of moveable weights versus square heads. This public fight may be good for equipment sales, but it does nothing for the average golfer. Neither of these product innovations will improve a 15-handicapper's game.

You have just blasphemed!! May the legal departments of these companies smite you.**

Not hardly. Changing the configuration of your driver by throwing weight around a club is not going to make a difference to any golfer unless we have a REPEATABLE SWING. If we can't do the same thing two consecutive times, what difference does it make if we can put weight in the toe, heel or anywhere else?

Every golfer wants to improve their game. It's one of those great truths in the universe. Short of outright cheating (a little rule-bending is okay), we are all looking for the next golf magazine tip or Zen moment when everything is right with the golfing world and we shoot that elusive par round.

We are being taken for an expensive ride my friends. Buying that $499 driver isn't going to mean a hill of beans to your game if you can't do the same thing twice. Save your money and buy some lessons. That and your old trusty 360cc driver will help lower your score faster than any of the fancy new drivers on the market today.

**Insert “cover-your-ass” legal babble here.

Golf Gear News #34: Love the Masters, Fired Female Caddies, Lopez Returneth, 2nd Swing Rises Again

2007-04-02T09:07:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #34 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that there is no news better than the start of the Masters.

The Guru Commentary adds a new intro and talks about Minnesota Golfers Emerging from their Hibernation.

The Perfect Fit asks the question: What is 2nd Swing Up to Now!!! She Golfs Too learns about The Firing of Female Caddies in South Korea and the Return of Nancy Lopez to the LPGA.

In Golf of the Weird hear about The Golf Video that Has Been Downloaded 900 MILLION Times. View Video Here.

Finally, at Website Spotlight, check out the National Hole-In-One Association.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

What is 2nd Swing Up to Now!!!

2007-03-29T21:17:00.000-05:00

Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, 2nd Swing is back in business. According to a feature story in my local paper Star Tribune, the new 2nd Swing has got one store open in Minneapolis and a second is slated to open in Minnetonka on April 2nd.

Before the internet, eBay and sites like www.callawaypreowned.com, 2nd Swing had a lock on the used golf equipment market. But it didn’t last long. To keep ahead, 2nd Swing added new equipment to it offerings and expanded like mad until it had opened more than 50 stores. As quickly as it grew, it also added debt at an alarming rate. By the summer of 2006, the chain was gone. A victim of overzealous expansion and $10 million in debt.

According to the article, founder Simon Kallal is back in the saddle again as well as much of his original management "Kallal and a group of five other investors stepped in earlier this year and bought 2nd Swing's intellectual rights for $50,000. The purchase gave them the right to use 2nd Swing's name, logo, website, software and customer database consisting of more than 250,000 names."

As well as wash its hands of any misdeeds, missteps or screw ups by previous management.

I wrote a posting in early September that the company had been liquidated and 17,700 customers with credit balances got screwed. Well, things haven’t changed. If you check the website www.2ndswing.com, they already have a disclaimer that says "If you are seeking information regarding the old 2nd Swing, including credit or gift card balance redemption, please seek claims through the bankruptcy court. All balances were handled through the closing of the company. Zero balances were transferred to the new 2nd Swing."

Let’s do some math. If we make the assumption that the average credit balance was only $50, then 2nd Swing was able to dump $885,000 worth of credits for only $50K ($50/customer X 17,700/customers = $885,000).

Meaning, tough luck Mr. Former Customer.

Although they have modest goals this time around, I don’t believe that the new 2nd Swing has any more chance of being successful as did the old one. The company is going back into the used golf equipment market when the market stinks. Real growth in golf equipment hasn’t occurred for six years and doesn’t look to do so very soon.

One of the chain’s former rivals, Golf Galaxy, was quoted in the Star Tribune article as saying "the pie isn't any bigger than it was a year ago," said Randy Zanatta, chief executive of Golf Galaxy. "It's all a market-share game, now. It's about how big of a slice you can get." Now owned by Dick’s Sporting Goods, in 2003 Golf Galaxy sold almost no used clubs. Now they represent 7 to 8 percent of the chain's overall business.

In addition, the threat of used equipment showing up on eBay and all over the Internet is very real. One online retailer I spoke with said that he buys directly from Titleist, TaylorMade and others and sees new equipment show up on eBay at retail for less than he pays for it at wholesale. Also, online websites like those operated by Callaway and others sell used or refurbished equipment, thereby competing with companies like 2nd Swing. When they first opened in 1996, none of these competitive factors existed. Today, all of them combine to make this a much different market than before.

For a paltry $50K, 2nd Swing gets to rise again and hopefully, not get themselves into the same mess as before. I remain a big skeptic.

Minnesota Golfers Come Out of Hibernation, Squint Into the Sun and See….

2007-03-23T17:20:00.000-05:00

...a new golf season.

Each year, Minnesota golfers, looking like speared white whales, waddle onto the first tee, take a few practice swings, and launch our best drives of the year….or maybe not.

If you like dodging snow patches, last year’s goose droppings, singed brown greens and dead grass fairways then Minnesota golf in March will be your cup of tee.

It’s March 23rd and snow is still on the ground, but Minnesota golf courses are starting to open. I know that folks in Florida, Texas or Arizona are reading this with a blank stare, but you have to understand how golfers in Minnesota suffer. We are forced to put our clubs on a shelf from around Thanksgiving until Easter.

While we wait out the winter season, we only get to dream of the warm summer days when we played 36 holes late into the evening or the 5 AM tee time when we were the only ones on the course. Our pain continues when we are forced to watch Tiger, Phil and VJ play wonderful courses in golf paradises like Hawaii, California and Florida, while the only club we get to play with is our shovel.

When we finally get our chance, we expect that we’re going to shoot our best round of the year right off the bat. Remember that 79? Well, we should be just as good today as we were last October. Our skills can’t have atrophied over the last five months because of all the perfect shots we dreamt about. Why hit the driving range or the simulator and work on our skills? What a waste of time. All we need to do is remember what we did in late August.

Minnesotans only have seven months to play the game we love while much of the rest of the golfing world can spend most of the year wearing short sleeves and playing the newest driver hot off the store shelf the day it comes out. Even if we get a new Callaway FT-i Driver for Christmas, we can only look at it, in all its $499 glory, and dream how it is going to feel when we smack that first drive on #1. Is there no wonder why we have one of the highest numbers of golf courses per capita?

We don’t have the luxury to wait two weeks to get on our favorite course in Minnesota. If we do, our season could be over.

Golf Gear News #33: Golfer in Car Chase, Nike Recalls Drivers, the Golf Ball Launcher and Tricking Out Your Golf Cart

2007-03-19T11:27:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #33 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that a PGA Player was in a High Speed Car Race, a Japanese Company that Reprimands Golfers and Nike Issues a Recall of Sumo Drivers.

The Guru Commentary uncovers An Equipment Spy that Finds Nike's Sumo2 Driver Illegal.

The Perfect Fit finds some odd Ralph Maltby Equipment Ideas and She Golfs Too learns about Colin Montgomery's New Charity.

Our Component Corner takes a look at the Golf Ball Launcher as well as listens to the Sounds of Today's Top 3 Selling Drivers.

In Can't We All Get Along Boo Weekly Learns a Lesson and in Golf Around the World we visit The Continent to play a New Golf Game Variation Called PowerPlay.

Finally, Golf of the Weird learns aboutTricking Out Your Golf Cart and a Couple That Gets Two Aces in New Zealand.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Equipment Spy Finds Nike's Sumo2 Driver Illegal

2007-03-19T09:49:00.000-05:00

Nike calls it a "voluntary product return", I'd call it overstepping, pushing the envelope, or a violation of the sacred rules of the USGA. No matter how you want to describe it, Nike Golf has gotten itself into, as the Brits would say, a sticky wicket.

How could this happen in the dog eat dog world of golf equipment?

They were ratted out by a competitor. Who? TaylorMade? Titleist? Cobra? I’m guessing Callaway. Not that I have any evidence to pin it on them, but who better to put the fear of "non-conformity" into the hearts of equipment buyers but the company that could gain the most from this year’s square driver competition but Callaway.

And how would they gain by this bit of corporate espionage? Take the wind out of a competitor's sales (nice play on words there I'd say) by tipping off the USGA that their competitor is trying to gain a market advantage by selling (unofficially mind you) a NON-CONFORMING driver. Callaway can look like the good guy by reporting Nike to the authorities, increase its sales at the expense of its competitor in the meantime, and cause Nike to spend money and time recalling thousands of bad drivers. Ouch!!

Based on what I hear and read, Callaway's FT-i Square Driver is kicking the Nike Sumo2's butt where it counts: retail sales. Reference the latest Golf Magazine and you'll see that they rate the TaylorMade r7 SuperQuad higher than the square drivers (Nike finished third). For whatever reason, even before this golf manufacturing "spy" committed corporate espionage, Nike’s product hasn’t been getting the same respect or publicity as Callaway. Even Tiger Woods doesn't have the new Sumo2 in his bag. How bad is it when your top spokesplayer snubs your product?

More evidence of getting caught red-handed is Nike’s own website www.nike.com/nikegolf. Upon entry, a video pops up of president Bob Wood explaining that Nike is voluntarily complying with the USGA by removing and replacing these NON-CONFORMING drivers. If they weren’t guilty, my guess is a corporation as large and as savvy as Nike would drag out this thing in court, do like the White House and "out" the spy, then stall until the selling season for this driver is past (about six months). Also, Nike is only instituting this recall for 34 days (from March 26 to April 30) so they are not being very generous when it comes to returns for customers affected by this situation.

In the dog eat dog world of golf equipment, being the "hot" product for the season is golden and can mean a make or break year. It is also accepted that pushing the technological envelope is de rigueur. Being caught with the goods just might trash this year’s sales of the Nike Sumo2, as well as sully their hard fought reputation. An “unauthorized manufacturing variance” that Nike hoped wouldn’t be noticed looks like its going to cost them big time.

Golfsmith Expands its Virtual Footprint

2007-03-13T12:48:00.000-05:00

Golfsmith, the leading golf equipment retailer is now providing the underpinnings of the EPSN.com website. They will be the official golf and tennis supplier of EPSN.com and will provide all the marketing, sales, fulfillment and administrative support as well as 30,000 golf and tennis products to the site’s 18 million monthly visitors. This is part of an ongoing effort by EPSN.com to capture more of their site visitors’ retail spending.

What I found interesting was that Golfsmith, without the need to open a new bricks and mortar store, can expand its online footprint. Like Amazon.com, which provides content and infrastructure and fulfillment to other websites like Borders.com and Target.com, Golfsmith is re-purposing its entire inventory to another audience, thus growing its incremental sales without having to make a huge investment. Likewise, ESPN.com can offer more "value", in this case an online retail store, to its site visitors with little financial investment.

According to Alexa.com, the site ranking website, ESPN.com is the 38th most visited site on the web, while Golfsmith.com is at 15,559th. In comparison, GolfGalaxy.com is 96,559th and Dick’s Sporting Goods leads the pack at 7,127th.

Generally, online deals of this nature have a payout to a site like ESPN.com of 10-20% of gross sales. This seems like a win-win for both players in a slow growth market and another arena that a Golf Galaxy or a Dick’s Sporting Good should be playing in.

Golf Gear News #32: John Daly Hurt, Trump's New Course, Princess the New Golf Hottie, Alligator Attacks Diver and The Golf Jerk

2007-03-05T09:41:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #32 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that The John Daly Circus Continues, Blindness Doesn't Stop Golfer and Trump to Build Course in Dominican Republic.

The Guru Commentary asks the question Why Can't There Be a Double Standard in Golf Equipment?

She Golfs Too introduces Princess Beatrice: A Hottie Royal Who Golfs.

Our Component Corner takes a Step Back Into "Retro" Clubs and Golf Around the World visits Marshall, Illinois.

In Can't We All Get Along a Fuzzy Zoeller Sues a Blogger and Golf of the Weird reports on Officers Honored for Saving Golf Club Wielding Nut and an Alligator that Attacks a Golf Ball Diver.

Our Website Spotlight is The Golf Jerk.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Turning Back the Clock to Hickory Shafted Golf Clubs

2007-02-27T11:14:00.000-06:00

Modern golf equipment has experienced a constant technological march forward. More distance, more power, more accuracy. With 460cc titanium drivers, cavity back irons, space age graphite shafts and high tech putters, golfers are constantly searching for the Holy Grail of equipment.

At the same time, there seems to be a movement away from scoring low with the latest equipment, to the more ethereal 1920s when mashies, guttta-percha balls and cool clothes were all the rage. Players are donning knickers, finding hickory shafted collectibles and entering tournaments like the 3rd Annual World Hickory Open at Craigielaw Golf Club in Aberlady, Scotland and the 10th Annual National Hickory Championship at Oakhurst Links in West Virginia.

Yet, finding authentic 1920s-era equipment and using it on the course requires scouring antique shops, flea markets and grandpa’s attic and that doesn't guarantee you'll find anything worth playing with. For those ready to go all out for a complete set of "retro" clubs you can pick up a circa 1930 Bobby Jones Replica Set offered by Golf Links for a mere $3995.

A new company, hoping to take advantage of the surge in "retro" golf is Sweet Wood Golf Company based in Maryland. They have introduced their first hickory shafted putters called "Brunette", "Red Head" and "Blonde", not because they have pictures of women on the soleplate, but because of the stain color on the hickory used in their shafts. They expect this line to retail for $135. A bargain in comparison to some of the fancy high tech putters currently on the market.

Since 1974 there has really only been one company that dominates the "semi-retro" space in golf equipment and that is Louisville Golf. They have been making persimmon drivers and putters all that time and have seen the ups and downs of being a unique golf club manufacturer, but they only take the "retro" movement so far. Their heads are wood, but their shafts are modern steel and graphite. Their prices are modern too.

Another option might be playing with irons fitted with hickory shafts. Sweet Wood Golf Company expects to introduce their Modern-Day Hickory Irons that will have 8210 soft carbon steel iron heads, modern loft/lie angles, USA turned hickory shafts and PGA Tour certified slip on leather grips for the expected market price of around $1800.

It remains to be seen if hickory-shafted golf clubs take off, but if you are a "retro" fan and think that the authenticity of the equipment you play is as important as the game, then modern day golf equipment has nothing over niblicks, brassies and hickory shafts.

Why Can't There be a Double Standard in Golf?

2007-02-23T11:18:00.001-06:00

The official keepers of the Rules of Golf are The United States Golf Association (USGA) for the United States and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in Europe. Periodically they come out with ways to make the game more frustrating.

The latest is a potential rule change for the grooves on the face of an iron clubhead. The Royal and Ancient takes issue with U-grooves, which according to an article in the Scotsman, "the combination of U-grooves and thin covered balls have enabled elite players to spin approach shots from the rough - thereby minimizing the importance of driving accuracy in the modern game."

Their objection seems to be in part a desire to protect the purity of the game. According to David Rickman, the Royal and Ancient's director of rules and equipment standards, "while there may have been different speeds for different parts of the game, ultimately it all comes together. The Royal and Ancient has existed for more than 250 years and, during that time, we've played under one set of rules for everyone."

Let’s all dress up like Tevye the Milkman in Fiddler on the Roof and sing about Tradition.

What's wrong with a double standard in golf?

I will never play well enough to compete at an elite level. More likely, I will never play well enough to break 75. Thus, I will never be considered an "elite" player. Is it going to make any difference to me or the millions of hack golfers like me to be concerned about my "non-conforming" U-groove iron face?

Establishing two levels of equipment is known as the bifurcation of the game. This is a nasty word that gives rank amateurs like most of us as much opportunity to enjoy the game as we can.

In reality, what do we enjoy more: the ability to shoot 2-3 strokes better because our equipment is "non-conforming" according to the USGA and the Royal and Ancient or being true to the game and shooting another dismal 94?

I'll take shooting a few strokes better on my favorite course, thereby beating my playing partners and winning the pot, over the psychic scars that I'll get dealing with my moral "non-conforming" club selection quandary any day.

Golf Gear News #31: Wie's Injury, Hockey Like Golf, Square vs. Weighted Drivers, Ice Golf in CO and Golf Novel Predicts Future

2007-02-18T20:29:00.000-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #31 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that Wie is Out for Month with Injury, Hockey Wants to Emulate Golf and TaylorMade-Adidas Inks Deal with Chinese.

In the Perfect Fit section we learn about the R & A's Ruling on Iron U-Grooves.

The Guru Commentary asks the question Is TaylorMade Losing It's Edge to the Square Driver?

She Golfs Too explores About.com's Top 50 Female Golfers List and Golf Around the World visits Colorado and the Newest Ice Golf Course.

In Can't We All Get Along a Golfer is Wanted in Course Vandalism and Golf of the Weird reports on the Golf Novel That Predicts the Future and the Only Par-4 Hole on the PGA Tour.

Our Website Spotlight is Sweet Wood Golf Company.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Why Do I Care What Bag the Pros Play?

2007-02-15T12:06:00.000-06:00

I got my daily e-mail from Golf Press Association. It is basically a regurgitation of the press releases they receive from equipment, apparel and marketing companies. I accept that. Sometimes these e-mails even contain some interesting announcements.

What I don't get is why I would care that in the recent AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, "6 of the 20 finishers at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, including the runner up relied on Izzo to carry their bags". Izzo is a great golf bag. They come up with innovative designs, cool colors and have bags that are easy on the back. That's not my issue. Aside from the fact that it was a caddie that actually carried an Izzo bag for his pro, I wasn't aware that the bag that I put my clubs in is going to make me successful.

Is this a case of "the clothes make the man" or maybe a Venn diagram problem that we learned in math class: if everyone in my group has an Izzo bag, Izzo bags are cool, then that must mean that I'm cool because I carry an Izzo bag. I think this is a not so veiled attempted to generate publicity about a product that has absolutely nothing to do with success on the golf course.

Just another example at trying to garner some press exposure when you really don’t have something worthwhile to say.

My Apologies to Glen Everhart

2007-02-07T15:30:00.000-06:00

On a recent podcast, I inadvertently attributed a song clip to a singer/songwriter based here in Minnesota named Glen Everhart. Boy was I ever embarrassed. The clip I played was a parody song, not an original composition of the likes that Mr. Everhart writes. So, here's my official apology to Glen for screwing this up. Sorry Glen.

To make it up to him, I thought I'd pen a few lines about who he is and why I think his original golf songs are so fun. First off, Glen is a Minnesota-based family man that has been performing his one-man golf show to hundreds of audiences across the Midwest over the last seventeen years. Last year he put out a CD entitled The One Putt Strut with eleven original pieces like "Golfing in Paradise", "Slackin’ & Hackin" and "The Chance to Shoot His Age".

According to his bio, his live shows include hitting balls into the audience (waffle balls that is), tricks shots and audience participation. He's got an agency that gets him out on 80-100 gigs a year so he’s a busy guy. Since he's got a night job, he’s got time to play golf during the day (why can’t we be so lucky).

So, if you’re looking for a golf-themed show for a company function or just want some novelty songs about the game we all love, checkout Glen Everhart and his new CD The One Putt Strut at www.oneputtstrut.com

Is TaylorMade Losing It’s Edge to the Square Driver?

2007-02-06T11:00:00.000-06:00

The "hottest" marketing trend in the driver world today is the square-headed driver. Both Callaway and Nike officially hit the market with their entries at the recent PGA Show. Yet, TaylorMade appears to be sticking with their moveable weight concept they introduced in 2004. Does this mean that TaylorMade is losing its edge in the driver market that it's owned for years?

According to president and CEO of TaylorMade-Adidas Golf who was quoted at the PGA Show, "the square-headed driver phenomenon will be over in about 90 days." Wow! That's a big time shot over the bow of Callaway and Nike who are relying on their "squares" to help push driver sales in 2007.

What seems to be really occurring is the creation of two retail pricing levels. The first at $300 and a second at $500. Mr. King at TaylorMade is probably right in that the square driver phenonmenon will quickly fade and be replaced by something new in 3-6 months. Look at the last three Ping gererations with the G2, the G5 and now the Rapture all coming out in the last eighteen months.

TaylorMade's entries for 2007 are a throwback to their earlier Burner (retail price $359) which is targeted to price-conscious "bomb and gouge" player that focuses on speed to satisfy their need for added distance and the r7 SuperQuad (retail price $499) which should attract bigger budgeted golfers more concerned about course management and accuracy versus power.

In comparison, Callaway's entries are the Big Bertha 460cc (Retail Price $299) and the FT-i Series (retail price $499). Even Nike gives you two pricing options with its SasQuatch Sumo Square Driver (retail price $499) and the SasQuatch Sumo Driver (retail price $299).

If square drivers take the market by storm, expect to see new iterations of the concept extending into fairway woods and perhaps hybrids. If not, you'll see those hot "squares" in the discount rack for $299 by May 1st.

Golf Gear News #30: Goosen Wins, Why We'd Rather Love Duval, Golf Club vs. Sword Fight, Golfmates.com

2007-01-31T10:03:00.002-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #30 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand on R&A Opening Clubhouse to Women, Goosen's Win in Qatar and Alledged Mob Ties to New York Golf Course.

In the Perfect Fit section we explore a recent Golf Shaft Survey by Golfweek.

The Guru Commentary rants about Why We'd Rather Love Duval.

She Golfs Too talks about a Couple that Decides Name on Golf Course and the Component Corner announces the Formation of a New Clubbuilders Association.

We travel the globe in Golf Around the World and visit the Goofy Golf Miniature Golf Course.

Our police blotter in Why Can't We All Just Get Along finds that a Golf Club vs. Sword Fight Broke Out. Golf of the Weird hears about Golf Cart Vandals.

Our Website Spotlight is Golfmates.com.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Tiger Great (again). Nostradamus Strikes (again).

2007-01-29T12:09:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed that Tiger Woods won again (ho hum). Same old, same old. The greatest golfer on the planet lurks in the weeds, let's the rookies self-destruct and wins his 55th tournament and 7th in a row. Based on what I saw on CBS, he didn't even work up a sweat.

What was absent, again, was Phil and V.J. and the rest of the crew. As I said just a week ago with my Nostradamus-like predictions, Phil Mickelson "melts like overheated plastic in a microwave". It seems that the same can apply to V.J. when Tiger is in a tournament.

The perceived "leaders" fold like origami. Yes, they win tournament and yes, they make a lot of money, but when it comes to head-to-head competition with Tiger, they avoid it like the plague. If you think Tiger's year was good in 2006, just wait until 2007 is over. He's got that swagger again and makes winning tournaments look easier than turning over in bed.

Just a footnote related to my last two blog posts, David Duval (T45) finished AHEAD of Phil Mickelson (T51) in another tournament (again). Now, that's two in a row. In the hotly contested FedEx Cup, Duval is ranked 97th and Mickelson at 106th.

Was golf's Nostradamus right or what? We really want to love Duval instead of Mickelson. If he keeps this up, our romance is sure to blossom.

Duval Ties Woods, Mickelson Flounders. Am I Golf's Nostradamus?

2007-01-26T09:32:00.000-06:00

About four days ago I penned a blog posting discussing Why We'd Rather Love Duval Than Mickelson. Lost in Thursday’s hype of Brandt Snedeker's flirt with a 59 at the Buick Invitational and Tiger's T66, was the presence of David Duval tied, yes that's right TIED with Tiger at T66. Also, as a footnote, Phil Mickelson sits at T124 with a lowly 74. To be fair, I do realize that these are just the results of the first round of a four round tournament and Woods & Duval will switch to the harder South Course for round 2.

Now, I don’t think of myself as golf’s Nostradamus (okay, maybe I do if I'm right), but what did this writer say just a few days ago "Mickelson will always be a bridesmaid never a bride and we'd love to see Duval rocket back up the standings and back into our hearts."

Let's see if my assessment of Mickelson holds in that "he melts like overheated plastic in a microwave" when Tiger's around and if underdog Duval can move his way up the leaderboard.

A final pairing of Woods and Duval. How sweet would that be?

Why We’d Rather Love Duval than Mickelson

2007-01-22T11:01:00.000-06:00

I was looking at the standings of the recently completed Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and noticed that former #1 golfer in the world, David Duval shot an 8-under 352 to finish T-39, AHEAD of Phil Mickelson who shot a 7-under 353 and finished T-45. Currently, Mr. Duval is ahead of Mr. Mickelson in earnings too, taking home a $20,000 paycheck to Mickelson’s $15,500.

Now this might not seem like much, but it got me to thinking about two things: Mickelson will always be a bridesmaid never a bride and we'd love to see Duval rocket back up the standings and back into our hearts.

It's clear that the most dominant golfer in the world today is Tiger Woods. No question about it. In head-to-head competition with the best, he usually comes out victorious. No one has been able to touch him since he turned pro. He seems to have an extra gear that the other golfers don't have and turns it on when it really matters.

Phil Mickelson, a crowd favorite, has an attractive wife and kids, is camera-friendly, but is erratic and unpredictable. When Tiger isn’t in contention or is sitting out the week, Phil can be brilliant. When Tiger is there, look out. He tends to melt like overheated plastic in a microwave.

The guy we really want to love is David Duval. The son of a prominent golfing family, a former #1 in the world golfer, wearer of those cool wraparound sunglasses, he had Tiger Woods-type dominance when he was "da man".

We feel for his freefall from the covers of all the golf magazines. We shake our heads at his sad reliance on exemptions just to keep playing and avoid Q School. We want to love him because we've been there. We understand the pain of losing one's game.

We want to love David Duval because we devour rags-to-riches stories and we'd like to see him relive his former glory. Michelson is old news. Duval should be our new flame.

Golf Gear News #29: Wie Wins, Tiger’s New Cub, Custom Fitting, Pink Golf Clubs and the Fat Boy Open

2007-01-08T09:32:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #29 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand on Wie's Acceptance to Stanford, The Tiger Index and Tiger to be a Father.

In the Perfect Fit section we explore the Benefits of Custom-Fitted Golf Clubs.

The Guru Commentary rants about What's the Deal with Pink Golf Clubs?

Our police blotter in Why Can't We All Just Get Along discovers Stolen Golf Clubs Worth $600K. Golf of the Weird tells about the 3rd Annual Fat Boy Open.

Our Website Spotlight is Golf Movies.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Next time listen for the third installment with the Socrates of Golf - Duffer McDoughall Johansen.

What's the Deal with Pink Golf Clubs?

2006-12-28T11:00:00.000-06:00

It must have started with the baby blanket thing. Someone, in their infinite wisdom decided that boy babies should have a blue blanket and girls should have a pink one. Who was this idiot anyway and what does blue have to do with boys and pink with girls? Why couldn’t the color have been yellow for boys and green for girls? Or mauve and periwinkle?

Why are the covers of "chick lit" books all pink? If you wander down your local Barnes & Noble and stop in the Women’s Literature section, 75% of the books have pink on their covers. Have I just uncovered the secret subliminal marketing message that tells women that "if it ain’t pink, it ain’t for me?"

So I see this press release on Accu-Length's new Pink golf clubs. "Once young girls start using these clubs they'll understand why LPGA star Paula Creamer feels that pink is her lucky color," says Accu-Length president & COO Rick Rutter. He goes on to say "the Accu-Length Pink Set was created to meet the demands of young girls who are becoming more and more interested in playing golf."

What demands? The burning desire of girls to have a set of pink golf clubs?

I know that Paula Creamer is all about pink. That's her shtick. Annika and Lorena do just fine without wearing pink.

The Pink Panther, who obviously is a male, is all pink. Also, fiberglass insulation is pink and that clearly isn't a "female" product. Yet Nair hair remover and Bic shavers are pink.

I don't think girls, or women for that matter, care is their golf clubs are pink, green, mauve or polka dots. What they do care about, like the other gender, is golf clubs that work.

We lament the fact that the golf industry has been in a slump. Rounds played are down, there is an oversupply of courses and equipment sales have been flat. Girls and women are one of the fastest growing segments in our anemic industry.

So what do those highly-paid marketing executives at major golf club companies do to innovate and reach out to one of the fastest growing segments of the playing population? They paint their golf clubs pink. Some cutting-edge forward-thinking minds here.

Can't marketers come up with better ideas than a paint job? Please, give me a break from this pink-mania and come up with some REAL marketing innovation.

If the Queen of England Can Podcast, So Can I

2006-12-22T12:15:00.000-06:00

It was reported on Yahoo that Queen Elizabeth II of England will be making here traditional Christmas speech available as a podcast for the first time.

The broadcast will show the queen, wearing a green outfit, chatting to schoolchildren as she helps them make a collage of a nativity scene. "It should twinkle rather well, shouldn't it ... especially when the lights are on it," the queen remarks during the podcast.

Although she is about two years late to the podcasting party (and fourteen months behind me, the Golf Gear Guru), I have to commend her for embracing new technologies. If someone could have added to her upcoming speech a little bit about golf, that would have made it a "brilliant" listen.

So mark your calendars on December 25th at 15:00 GMT to see the Queen in her first podcast.

I say "bully for her." If the Queen can do it, anybody can.

Golf Gear News #28: Political Golfers, Dick's Buy Golf Galaxy, Nancy Lopez Sold, Duffer's Back, Drugs in Golf Balls, One Putt Strut

2006-12-11T15:40:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #28 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand on the Golf Digest Top 200 Political Golfers, and Scotland Opens Children's Golf Course.

In She Golfs Too we explores the Sale of Nancy Lopez Golf and learn about one of the Youngest Female Players Chosen for UK Golf Team.

The Guru Commentary rants about Dick's Sporting Goods' Purchase of Golf Galaxy.

Duffer McDoughall Johansen returns with Duffer Part Deux.

In Golf Around the World we visit Private Escapes Club and for only USD $350K entry fee you too can join. We hear about a a Woman Who Destroys Art With Golf Club and Heroin Found in Golf Balls.

Our Website Sportlight is One Putt Strut.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Next time listen for the third installment with the Socrates of Golf - Duffer McDoughall Johansen.

Dick’s Buys Golf Galaxy. Let the Consolidation Begin.

2006-12-07T17:51:00.000-06:00

I had written in April that Dick’s had opened a prototype concept store called simply The Golf Shop. Now, it appears that Dick’s didn’t want to wait to see how it would perform. Instead they went out and bought Golf Galaxy for $225 million.

According to Edward W. Stack, chairman and CEO of Dick’s, he believes that the industry is ripe for consolidation, that’s why they swooped in and grabbed Golf Galaxy. With a sluggish industry firmly in a recession, some analysts wonder why Dick’s is willing to invest so much in the golf retailing space.

Dick’s Sporting Goods, with 300 stores and over $2.5 billion in sales, can afford to pick up Golf Galaxy and add its $250 million in sales to the balance sheet. They also will have more leverage with suppliers than Golf Galaxy did. Dick’s also has its own private label products and the Ben Hogan golf line that they can add to Golf Galaxy’s offerings.

What this is going to mean to the industry is that smaller retailers like GolfUSA, Golf, Etc., Nevada Bobs and others will continue to struggle and that franchised shop in your town might close. A small chain made up of independent franchised stores cannot compete with the better funded big box players. A Golf Galaxy or Golfsmith might have a 20-30,000 square foot store while a GolfUSA might have 2500 square feet.

Yet, these companies are not the competitors that Dick’s is worried about. It’s Golfsmith. With 62 stores and a strong balance sheet coming off an IPO, Golfsmith is the only pure golf retailer that Dick’s has to worry about.

As odd as this might sound, I believe that Golfsmith is a candidate for a takeover by one of the bigger fish in the sporting goods arena. With less than $400 million in sales, it might make a nice addition to The Sports Authority and their head-to-head, dog-eat-dog competition with Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Why Are Golfers So Gullible?

2006-11-29T09:24:00.000-06:00

Many will say that "perceived" product innovation drives the golf club market each year. Knowing that, gullible golfers still wait in line to be the first to turn over their money and buy the latest, hottest or most advanced product on the market today.

So, shouldn't it seem ridiculous to Mr. Gullible Golfer that Callaway, the big daddy of equipment, is coming out in 2007 with another "ultimate performance driver based purely on physics?" Obviously not.

I'm not picking on Callaway specifically, but all the equipment manufacturers out there. It used to be that once a year, around October, we'd get to see the unveiling of each company’s new line of golf clubs. Now, we see the cycle repeat itself every six months.

If I may, please refer to Exhibit A: the Callaway Fusion FT-i 460cc Driver.

Now how is this one different than the others? Wow! It's got a square rear end. And it will come out at $599. Nike is going to have one too!! Last year it was screw weights, first introduced by Taylor Made, now its square butts.

As each new driver hits the market, the manufacturer mentions all the folks that are testing it on tour. Then they talk about the "performance enhancements", "breakthrough technology" and the "unprecendented amount of pre-orders". In the meantime, Mr. Gulllible is salivating at the prospect of getting his hand on one of these. If someone wins with it (perhaps an Annika or Phil), then it becomes the hottest seller....for a while.

Let's see, since 2002, Callaway has introduced the Great Big Bertha, Great Big Bertha II, Big Bertha 454, Fusion, Fusion FT-3, X 460, and now the Fusion FT-i. That’s seven new drivers in FIVE years. With an average sticker price of $399, Mr. Gullible would have needed to spend $2793 to keep up with the Jones since 2002.

That doesn't even include the new $899 set of irons, the $179 putter, the two $149 fairway woods, a $119 hybrid or the $42 Pro V1 golf balls Mr. Gullible’s needed to keep current.

I'm not faulting Callaway. I’m faulting Mr. Gullible the consumer. Instead of actually taking lessons to improve one's game or even playing more than twice a month, Mr. Gullible wants the club to do all the work. Just think, at $125/lesson, he could have 16 lessons with a pro and still have money left over to buy that Callaway FT-i when it shows up on eBay three months later for only $299.

Isn't there a point when a golfer has too many clubs or are we all just gullible equipment-buying fools?

Golf Gear News #27: Woods' Wife Sues, Daly Divorces Again, A New Maxfli, Wie Fails Again, Drug Testing for LPGA

2006-11-27T11:02:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #27 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that Woods' Wife Sues, the Medieval City Found Under a Golf Course and John Daly to Divorce Again.

The Perfect Fit explores TaylorMade-addidas attempt to Reinvent Maxfli Brand with John Daly as its star.

The Guru Commentary rants about Michelle Wie's 11th Failure in a Men's Event and She Golf's Too talks about the LPGA's New Drug Testing Policy.

The Component Corner highlights a Labor Shortage in South Florida and a $3000 Gold Golf Tee.

We travel to South Africa to Play With Crocodiles and in Golf of the Weird a Spectator Steals a Golf Ball at a Tournament and a Russian Cosmonaut Hits a Golf Ball in Space.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Next time listen for the next installment with the Socrates of Golf - Duffer McDoughall Johansen.

Golf Gear News Contest Winners

2006-11-26T17:16:00.000-06:00

Someone asked me about the contests that we mention on the podcasts. We've run a couple of them in the last few months and I thought I might tell you who were our winners.

Jim Farley, from New Jersey and Simon Rucker from Virginia were the two winners of our Check-Go Sweet Spot Finders Contest and earlier, Brett Ellingson from Texas was the big winner of the Golfknockoff.com $150 Gift Certificate. He purchased a hard-sided travel case with his prize.

Since I'm in a giving mood and always up to award prizes to our listeners, look for another contest in December. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Golf A New Way With New Zealand GolfCross Game

2006-11-15T12:35:00.001-06:00

We like to think that the Scots invented golf and the Americans moved it forward by forming the PGA and making it a big money sport. But what about the New Zealanders? What do they have to do with golf?

The land of grazing sheep and beautiful scenery is the site of the newest and perhaps will become the fastest growing golf game on the planet. New Zealand game inventor Burton Silver came up with GolfCross® in 1989. What makes this game interesting to the typical hacker is that the game is played on a regulation course, with all of the clubs in your bag (except the putter).

What makes the game unique is the oval ball. It looks like a football with dimples. Even high-handicappers can shape their shots because based on how the oval ball is positioned on the tee, the golfer can control the direction of the ball and make miracle shots around trees just like Tiger. Even better is that you can throw out you balky putter because when you get to the green, you hit the ball through a goal instead of into a tiny cup.

I like this game. It has so much potential. Think Frisbee Golf with you own clubs on a regulation-sized golf course and you start to get the idea of the game. For those of us that can't play more than once a week and never practice, this game can make us look like we're shooting in the 70s. Because of the patented oval ball, you always hit the ball straight, can generate controlled slices or hooks, and generate backspin or top spin just by how you place the ball on the tee.

On the company website, there are twelve contacts around the world that are a part of the GolfCross network, but GolfCross courses are only available in New Zealand right now. I'm guessing as this becomes more popular, we'll see a lot more courses considering this as an additional way to play the game. Six balls cost USD $44 and come with a free golf tee. That and a GolfCross goal is all you need to play the game. The balls will last a long time too because it is a lot harder to lose them than the traditional oval golf ball.

With such low growth in golf participation and the difficulty of the gof, we need innovators like Burton Silver to find new ways to get players to try out the game.

Update on 2nd Swing Liquidation

2006-11-13T15:30:00.000-06:00

A reader asked about cashing in a credit he has available at 2nd Swing, the Minnesota-based retailer that filed for bankruptcy liquidation in September. It appears that customers are out of luck.

I found an article from the Milwaukee Journal from September that outlined 2nd Swing's credit policy.

I checked their website and it is no longer functioning. I called a location near me and the phone is disconnected. For those of the 17,700 customers with credits on the books, you've got a piece of paper that has the same value as my Excelsior Henderson Motorcycle stock -- worthless.

RIP 2nd Swing.

Podcast #26: Norman Buys McGregor, Duo Jailed in Assault, North Korea Golf, Duffer is Found, Police Chase Stops Tournament

2006-11-13T07:15:00.001-06:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #26 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that Norman Buys Controlling Interest in McGregor, Hockey Player Gets Hole in One and Callaway's New Online Concept.

Hear about a Super Expensive Putter from Japan.

The Golf Gear Guru finally catches up with Duffer McDoughall Johnsen - the Socrates of Golf, in his local bar.

We travel to behind the DMZ to visit North Korea's Diamond Country Club in Golf Around the World.

In Why Can't We All Just Get Along Two Jailed for Unprovoked Golf Assault.

We never have a shortage of oddities in Golf of the Weird when a Burnt Body is Found on Course and a Tournament is Interrupted by a Police Chase.

Finally, explore the mental side of the game at www.zencaddy.com.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Next time listen for the next installment with the Socrates of Golf - Duffer McDoughall Johansen.

Podcast #25: China's Elite Golfers, Trump Wins, Tiny Tiger, Ping in Hot Water, Pasture Golf and Missing Fish Found

2006-10-25T10:29:00.002-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #25 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that Chinese University is training socially elite golfers, a Fake Michael Jackson crashes a charity event, Trump finally wins at golf and Tiny Tiger is only six years old.

She Golfs Too talks about the promotion of Kelly Tilghman to play-by-play for PGA events and Ping finds itself in hot water with military discounts in our Component Corner.

We travel to the Delhi Golf Club in Golf Around the World and find that two men are beaten with golf clubs and a police chief steals a golf cart windshield (huh?).

Play some Pasture Golf in Golf of the Weird as well as learn about the missing fish found on a local course.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Okay we promise, we'll have an interview with Duffer McDoughall Johansen (if we can find him sober).

Ping Finds Itself in Hot Water over Military Rebates

2006-10-17T11:06:00.000-05:00

In late September, Karsten Manufacturing, maker of Ping golf clubs, has gotten itself into some hot water by forbidding retailers from offering a discount to active-duty and reserve members of the military.

The controversy exploded when Ping terminated its relationship with Bonaventure Discount Golf and Gordon Lakes Golf Course, both located in the Atlanta area, for selling Ping clubs at a 10% discount to military personnel.

Ping, well known for protecting the retail price of their premium golf products, had cut off these two golf retailers as well as another 60-plus military golf courses, for selling at a discount. Based on Ping’s actions, their pricing policy is sacred and a retailer that violates this policy, can, and often is, barred from selling Ping products.

Well, it appears that Ping had a mea culpa. On October 3rd, they relented and offered up their own, albeit lame, discount to military personnel. Ping would offer a mail-in rebate of $80 on a set of irons (retail price $749-1099) to these customers. Instead of getting the discount in-store, the military personnel customer will have to mail it in and wait 3-6 weeks for a check.

In a partial defense, according to Ping Chairman & CEO John Solheim, “For the last year, we’ve been looking for additional ways to support the troops,” Mr. Solheim said in a prepared statement. “On three occasions we’ve sent hundreds of free clubs for the troops to enjoy during their limited leisure time, but we wanted to provide them additional benefits.”

My take is that Ping got caught in a brewing PR fiasco that had to be quieted as soon as possible. Ping has had little interest in reducing their lofty pricing, but felt it was better to appease the media jackals than tell their retailers that they were wrong.

However, those retailers and military golf course pro shops that offered an unauthorized discount and had their accounts closed will not have them re-opened at this time according to a Ping spokesperson.

Wouldn’t it have been better for Ping just to say “We apologize and are sorry?”

Podcast #24: Dream Endorser, Real Ryder Cup Loser, 2nd Swing Liquidates, World’s Dumbest Golf Product, Golf Bag Habitrail and the Golf Boy

2006-10-10T15:25:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #24 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand about Tiger Woods: Dream Endorser, Senate Awards Nelson a Medal, Bettor Loses Big on Ryder Cup, and 2nd Swing to Liquidate.

Perfect Fit looks at Moveable Weight Putters and The Guru Commentary rants about how the Mitchell Golf Program is Found Lacking.

In She Golfs Too we learn about the Top 10 Golf Injuries and the Component Corner announces the GolfWorld Top 100 Shop Contest and a Dumbest Golf Product Contender.

In Golf Around the World we travel to Egypt & Turkey and Golf of the Weird we hear about the Hamster Adventure.

To close out the show's Website Spotlight we play a song from The Golf Boy.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Media Kit.

Next time don't miss the interview with Duffer McDoughall Johansen.

Dynacraft Will No Longer Exist

2006-10-10T10:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was ordering golf components from Hireko Golf and found out that Dynacraft, the equipment company based in Ohio that Hireko purchased last year, is disappearing in the same way as the Passenger Pigeon or the Dodo: its becoming extinct.

According to an Ohio-based customer service person that took my order, "...Hireko is no longer shipping orders from its Ohio location. Now, all orders will be coming out of California." I asked if that meant they were closing the facility and the employee said that "...yes, as I understand it, only the tech support people will still be here."

Although the Dynacraft brand will still exist, it appears that the company that used to be Dyanacraft is history. If Hireko is closing the Ohio facility, then basically what they purchased was the customer list, the brand name and inventory.

It's a harsh reality in the golf equipment industry with the recent demise of Royal Precision shafts (bought by True Temper), 2nd Swing Golf (currently being liquidated) and the end of Dyanacraft as an independent company.

It is my guess that this is only the beginning of a downward trend for equipment manufacturers and retailers.

Mitchell Golf Equipment’s New Program Found Lacking

2006-10-05T14:05:00.000-05:00

On October 1, 2006, Mitchell Golf Equipment Company, the clubbuilding industry's largest supplier of club building equipment, announced their Mitchell Partners Program. The company predicts that this will become the largest network of clubbuilders in the country. Although well-intentioned, this appears to me to be just a thinly veiled attempt to extract money from clubbuilders.

According to the terms of the program, if a clubbuilder pays $500 to sign up, he/she will receive a couple of window decals, a wall plaque and an in-store banner. Oh, and don't forget the 10% discount on Mitchell equipment (training classes excluded).

Oh the surface this might sound nice, but you already have to have made an investment in at least two Mitchell machines to bend irons & putters as well as a shaft frequency analysis machine.

If I were a clubbuilder, I can't figure out why I'd want to do this. I can go to Golfsmith's Golf Clubmakers of America (GCA), the Professional Clubbuilders' Society (PCS) or even to Mitchell Golf School and get training in clubbuilding. I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out how to use a Mitchell piece of equipment. So what's in it for the clubbuilder?

I'm guessing that Mitchell is hoping to persuade a few hundred independent shops to pony up $500 (that's $100K with just 200 participants) to get a few signs, a couple of decals and permission to use the Mitchell logo. This isn't going to help a clubbuilder struggling to attract business. A customer doesn't care if their clubs are bent with a Mitchell shaft bender or in a simple vice. What they do care about the skill of the clubbuilder.

A better use of this $500 investment would be to help the independent shop with some new innovative ideas instead of just trying to get more of their money. Maybe Mitchell should consider offering some Marketing 101 or Customer Service 101 training. Perhaps a tutorial to help shops take advantage of new technology like the Internet, blogs or video podcasts. Even offering a class called "E-Mailing Golfers for Fun & Profit" would be more useful than a 10% equipment discount on stuff clubbuilders are already buying.

I fear that with the announcement of 2nd Swing's liquidation, True Temper's weak sales, Hireko's acquisition of Dynacraft and the endless malaise in the golf equipment industry, this program isn’t going to bring anything new to the table.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #23 9/25/06

2006-09-26T16:15:00.001-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #23 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that US Media Savages Ryder Cup Team, Iran Building Golf Courses, and on a study that finds Golfers Are An Unhealthy Lot.

Our Perfect Fit looks at the Demise of 2nd Swing Golf Retailer and the The Guru Commentary rants about how the American Ryder Cup Players Don't Care.

Check out the Component Corner and learn about True Temper's Dropping Sales and Golf Shoes that Will Help Your Game.

In Why Can't We All Get Along we find that the Private Lakeside Golf Club Got Sued and in Golf Around the World, Play Golf All Night in Finland.

In Golf of the Weird you'll feel for the Japanese Golfer that Shoots a 19 on One Hole.

To close out the show's Website Spotlight we play a few cuts from Leroy Smith's Golf Songs.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Medit Kit.

American Ryder Cup Players Don't Care

2006-09-25T10:01:00.000-05:00

Here in the United States we don’t understand the rest of the world’s love for soccer (okay, football everywhere else). It is also obvious to this writer that the Americans don’t have any love for the Ryder Cup either.

Captain Lehman talks all about teamwork, but the reality is that we really don’t care. Our Ryder Cup “team” is made up of a group of guys that compete weekly to beat each other. They don’t know how to cooperate. That’s not why they play the game. Maybe when they were in college they played for the love of the game, but with tournament purses over $1 million for the winner, it’s all about the money. The Ryder Cup might be interesting to the Europeans, but it doesn’t fill the top American stars’ wallets and takes away two weeks from making money.

The top players like Tiger, Incorporated & Phil, Incorporated are money-making machines. A recent article in Ad Age mentioned that Tiger made $87 million last year. So far, he’s also earned more than $500 million during his 10 years on tour. Why does he care if his team wins the Ryder Cup? I wouldn’t.

Let’s take the USA Basketball team during the Olympics. For years we were satisfied having the top college players go for the gold. If we won, great. If we didn’t, maybe next time. Then, we said, let’s dominate by allowing professionals to play. Now, we are always expected to win. Yet, there are times when the best players in the world lose to a bunch of no-name, second tier, pro-wannabees. Why is that? Because both the Olympics and the Ryder Cup are actually “team” competitions.

There’s no “I” in team, but there sure is an “I” in Tiger and Phil. The Americans, especially the icons of golf, aren’t a patriotic lot. They may love their country, but if it keeps them away from a tournament weekend payday, why waste two weeks playing for just travel expenses?

2nd Swing Golf Files for Chapter 11

2006-09-08T18:26:00.000-05:00

I just found out that 2nd Swing Golf based in Minnetonka, Minnesota (my home state) declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 23rd. Founded in 1997, they've expanded to more than 50 stores selling used golf equipment. It looks like the end for these guys. According to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal "The company has retained an investment banker Morris Anderson & Associates of Chicago, and is seeking a party to buy 2nd Swing as an ongoing business or handle a shutdown".

As cutthroat as golf retailing has become, these guys are probably going to fall victim and be liquidated. When a company announces they are trying to sell themselves or close down, it can't be good. They would have tried to unload the company privately and avoid the negative publicity associated with a bankruptcy.

If the financials were even halfway decent, a chain like Nevada Bobs, Edwin Watts, Austad's or even Dick's Sporting Goods would swoop them up in their time of need. Even for just the real estate.

Unfortunately, 2nd Swing couldn't pretty up their balance sheet when they tried to do an IPO in 2003 (three times actually) and just a year ago they laid off 1/3 of their corporate staff and closed about 20 stores. Their demise shouldn't come as a surprise with a flat golf retailing market for the last five years.

I alluded to the weak state of the industry in a previous March, 2006 posting Clubbuilding War Breaks Out as well as Dick's Sporting Goods opening its prototype standalone golf concept store.

I'll continue to explore the state of golf retailing in a future posting as well as on my podcast.

Chicks That Caddy Have a Home Online

2006-09-07T14:43:00.001-05:00

Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm a prude. Maybe I just don't understand, but during my daily web surfing, I tripped over a website called Caddychicks.com that claims to be a site launched to help those women that want to learn more about the game of golf through the eyes of a caddy. The site banner says that I'm about to join 100,000 golfers and 4,500 caddies if I just sign up. Cool.

The site also claims that it helps these ladies with training and support to learn and appreciate the game. They even offer a scholarship fund for those women wanting to become professional golf caddies? Searching everywhere, none of this is explained anywhere on the site.

Now I'll give the site some credit. A few of these women have played golf before, but most seem to be part-time college students and models, most with little or no experience. I was under the impression that a caddie was supposed to know something about golf, help make suggestions while you play (if asked) and carry and clean your golf clubs after each shot.

What I found when visiting is a sudo-escort service with listings of women, some vital stats (age, height, weight) and lots of nicely shot professional pinup photos. They also list their rates: $30/round, $18/hour, $400/day, etc. to carry your bags.

If I'm paying $75 for a round, what do I get for my $400? It better be a round of par or below.

What I really don't get is that these women willingly make themselves available for this type of thing. Yet, this isn’t the only place that women allow themselves to be exploited when golf is concerned. The Golf Punk Online, a favorite of mine across the pond, has its Bunker Babes. There is also a blog called Golf Babes that collects pictures of LPGA players. Even Worldgolf.com joins the exploitation party and sinks to a new low by linking to Caddychicks.com.

Call it soft porn with golf equipment.

My favorite line is from Chicago native, green-eyed Tanya T: "I've been a part of several golf tournaments including the Playboy Girls of Golf. I'm a fun, outgoing person that loves to meet new people."

What a skill set. I'm sure she'll do wonders for my game. At $40/hour, she'd better.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #22 9/3/06

2006-09-04T21:28:00.001-05:00

Click CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #22 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch reports at The Newstand that Scot Wins Amateur, Woods Favors Drug Testing, Maury Povich Fails for Senior Amateur Bid, and Cesar Chavez Seizes Two Golf Courses.

Our Perfect Fit we explore How Steel Shafts are Made and the The Guru Commentary considers the The Demise of the 9-Hole Golf Course.

In She Golfs Too, read about Washington State Women Feeling Mistreated and check out the Component Corner and learn about the The Karakal vs. Winn Golf Grip Settlement. In Golf Around the World, we learn that Golf is the #1 Sport in China.

In Why Can't We All Get Along we find that Charges are Filed in Golf Cart Caper and Today's Mythbuster we ask "Will Warm Balls Go Farther?" At Golf of the Weird we read about Dutch Farmer Golf. Our Website Spotlight wonders about Caddychicks.com.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new Medit Kit and register to win a Check-Go Sweet Spot Finder at info@golfgearnews.net.

You Know, A Nine-Hole Is Still A Golf Course

2006-08-24T10:42:00.001-05:00

Over at Travelgolf.com, writer Chris Baldwin makes an excellent point on the lack of 9-hole courses. To me, he's right on the money. I've often complained that golf is a sport that isn't growing and one reason is that an 18-hole round takes 5-6 hours to complete. Add to that the excessive costs and the distance you must travel to find a course if you live in a major city, it's no wonder that for the last five years, as many people pick up the game as drop it. Even for someone like me that is involved in the golf industry, it is very difficult to take that much time (especially during the weekday) to play. If there were 3,000 yard 9-holes, I'd think that many more people would pick up the sport and stick with it. It would also be easier for businesspeople to go to the course on a long lunch hour, especially if they were close to the population centers. Unfortunately, the nice mature courses get plowed under for housing. Golf is often accused of being an elitist sport. It is a hard enough sport to learn and play, why make it even more difficult by requiring those who play to ante up $75 green fees and 5-6 hours to play?

Golf Gear News - Podcast #21 - AGAIN

2006-08-23T21:24:00.000-05:00

Click CLICK HERE to listen.

Due to some technical glitch that hasn't been completely figured out, our last podcast #21 ended up not being uploaded by podreaders. Our media kit was grabbed and uploaded instead. So, we are uploading the podcast again in the hopes that everything has been worked out. Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for listening.

Michelle Wie Dumps Caddie. Is this the Beginning or the End?

2006-08-09T09:33:00.000-05:00

I continued to be amazed at the ongoing saga of Michelle Wie. Anything that she does is front page news. So she fires here caddie. Big deal. Keeping a job as a caddie on the tour is harder than being a professional golfer. You can't fire yourself, but you can fire you caddie if you are playing poorly and Ms. Wie really stunk up the joint at the Ladies British Open.

I attribute the Michelle Wie phenomenon to the lifecycle of a product. Odd analog I know, but bear with me.

First, you've never heard of the product. Second, you market the hell out of it. Third, everyone knows about the product and everyone is talking about it. Fourth, everyone buys into the hype and has to get one. Fifth, now that everyone has one, we search to see if there is anything else to quench our buying lust? Sixth, finding nothing, then we, the fickle public, move to the next "great thing" and start buying that.

Michelle Wie is the same thing. Right now Wie, Inc. is a novelty, a circus act, an entertainment. The public likes that. They like to talk about what's new around the water cooler. Once the subject of Michelle Wie is old news, then we move onto something else more interesting.

Remember, before Ms. Wie turned pro, we talked all about the "young guns" on the LPGA. Now, since most of them have played poorly this year, we latched onto the latest sensation – Wieism (the worship of a winless wonder).

Now, unless Ms. Wie starts winning tournaments, she too will be old news. Faster than you can say Britney Spears.

Think of it as disposable celebrity.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #20 7/31/06

2006-07-30T20:46:00.000-05:00

Click CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #20 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch says he's got a NEW CONTEST. He also reports on THE NEWSTAND with the Tiger Woods Learning Center, Site for Scandanavian Masters Vandalized, Ryder Cup for Seniors Tour? and Camera Phones at the British Open.

SHE GOLFS TOO finds Webb a Winner and Michelle Wie is a Bridesmaid Again. In the COMPONENT CORNER hear about Hireko Golf Merging with Dynacraft Golf. In GOLF JOKES we revisit the Plethora of Golf Mystery Novels.

In GOLF AROUND THE WORLD, try your skills in Northern Ireland.

In MYTHBUSTERS we find out about the truth on Lower Loft Getting You More Distance.

In WHY CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG we find that a Golf Streaker Who Tussles With Golf Protesters.

At GOLF OF THE WEIRD we read about The Fastest Round of Golf, and A Skull Found on Golf Course.

In WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT find stupid patents at Totally Absurd.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new MEDIA KIT.

Register to win a Check-Go Sweet Spot Finder at info@golfgearnews.net.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #19 7/17/06

2006-07-17T18:38:00.000-05:00

Click CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #19 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch announces he's got a new microphone and media kit. He also reports on THE NEWSTAND with a Golf Lessons For the Rich & Famous, V.J. Singh = Funny??, Blind Golfer Has Hole-in-One, and Is USGA Getting Soft on Golf Cart Rules.

In THE PERFECT FIT the Guru discusses lie angle.

In SHE GOLF'S TOO learn about Sorenstam Commiting to Dubai Debut and Slimmer Lopez Playing Again. In the COMPONENT CORNER hear about the new Feel Golf Hybrid Iron and Taylor Made Re-Entering the Golf Ball Market. In GOLF JOKES we Quote Michelle Wie in Her Own Words.

In MYTHBUSTERS we find out about the truth on Shaft Torque.

At GOLF OF THE WEIRD we find Thieves Steal 150 Balls from 85-Year-Old, and Wooden Dogs Fake Out Geese.

In WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT keep your Viagra Safe at Viagraring.com.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Check out our new MEDIA KIT.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #18 7/3/06

2006-07-05T12:17:00.000-05:00

Click CLICK HERE to listen.

In Episode #18 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch is reporting from Up North in Northern Minnesota.

He reports on THE NEWSTAND with a story on the new Massive Prize for the PGA 2007 season, Long Drivers Raising Money for Autism, and Villegas the Talk of South America.

In THE PERFECT FIT the Guru discusses his favorite book The Search for the Perfect Golf Club Winning IGA Book Award. The GURU COMMENTARY talks about The Second Coming of John Harris -- Part Deux!

In SHE GOLF'S TOO hear about the Korean Invasion of the LPGA, the COMPONENT CORNER talks about the Struggles in the USA Golf Industry and more horrible jokes in our new segment called GOLF JOKES.

In CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG we report on a Man That Runs Over Four With Golf Cart, and in the Golf AROUND THE WORLD hear about a G

reat Golf Mystery Book List. At GOLF OF THE WEIRD you'll hear about a Guard Killed in Golf Cart Accident, A Twelve-Year-Old with Two Holes-in-One, and a Granny that Goes Golfing.

In WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT take a visit to the Hooked On Golf Blog.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Another SHOUT OUT to our GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY winner: Brett Ellingson.

Happy 4th of July!!

The Second Coming Revisited -- John Harris Lives!

2006-06-27T14:38:00.000-05:00

I'm not one to say "I told you so" to my buddies when they miss a putt or shank one into the trees. No not me, I'm too much of an adult to behave in such an immature manner. Nor do I question a player's judgment when they pull the wrong club from their bag and hit the ball into a tree on the last hole (okay, maybe sometimes I do).

Yet, this time, I must shout "I told you so!!!" -- to all the naysayers that doubted John Harris -- the best amateur golfer to come from Minnesota, the hockey standout, the successful businessman and the latest winner on the Champions Tour. Readers familiar with this column will probably note that I exclaimed in March that you would see "The Second Coming of John Harris".

Well here it is. Only three months later. Can you say Nostradamus?

On Sunday, Mr. Harris won $225,000 on the first hole of a playoff in the Commerce Bank Championship in East Meadow, New York. With this victory he now assures himself a likely slot in all of the Champions Tour events during 2007 as well as a probably appearance at this year’s season-ending Charles Schwab Cup in Senoma, California. He also accomplishes something that he’s pursued since 1976 – a tournament victory as a professional.

Quoted in our local Star Tribune newspaper, Harris stated "Nobody has given up on me, when by all rights they could have. I knew it was going to happen sooner or later, as long as I kept doing the things I was doing."

Unlike his business partner's daughter, Hillary Lunke who won the women's U.S. Open in 2003 for her only tour victory and then disappeared off the planet, look for Mr. Harris to make contending for a title a frequent occurrence.

It makes one feel good knowing that they were right. See, I told you so.

Nah, nah, nah. Adult of me isn't it?

Golf Gear News - Podcast #17 6/19/06

2006-06-20T21:10:00.000-05:00

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In Episode #17 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch says there is a winner of the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY. He also reports on THE NEWSTAND with a US Open Odds Review, Pros Using Testing Labs, Golf Stocks Stinking, and Scottish Tee Times For Children.

In THE PERFECT FIT the Guru discusses some interesting Realities of the Golf Industry. The GURU COMMENTARY highlights the controversy he's stirred up about The Exploitation of Michelle Wie.

In SHE GOLF'S TOO learn about What's Going on at LPGA Headquarters. In the COMPONENT CORNER learn about the upcoming Changes With Your Trusty Fairway Woods and a new segment called GOLF JOKES is introduced.

In CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG we report on a Hawaii Court's Rule On Errant Golf Balls and at GOLF OF THE WEIRD we find A Lot Of Things Left in a Golf Cart.

In WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT sign up today to become a member of the Golf Nut Society.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

CONGRATULATIONS to our GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY winner: Brett Ellingson.

Royal Precision Shafts Won't Be Dead for Long

2006-06-15T09:32:00.000-05:00

In my last podcast (#16) I reported that Royal Precision Shafts, loved by tour players and better golfers, was expected to close operations after years of losses. Knowledgeable golfers and clubbuilders alike know Royal Precision as the ones they put into their irons if they want high-quality, frequency matched shafts. Yet, in spite of their popularity on the tour, they couldn't make any money. Perhaps the recent introduction of the True Temper Black Gold shafts finally did them in.

So it was announced a few days ago that Royal Precision Shafts, will be purchased by the big daddy of steel shaft manufacturing, True Temper (anyone surprised?). It appears that True Temper is buying the patents, trademarks and brand names along with the technology and manufacturing equipment. The Rifle, Project X and other steel shafts will be produced in True Temper's Mississippi manufacturing facility.

Expect to see the reincarnated Royal Precision shafts on the market again later this year. I guess you can’t keep a good product off the market for long.

The Exploitation of Michelle Wie

2006-06-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

Back in January I made a blog entry entitled "Michelle Wie – Give it a Rest". I’d like to address the Michelle Wie phenomenon again.

What really set me off this time is that the hype hasn't stopped. In fact, it's getting worse. I reference an article by AP Sport Columnist Tim Dahlberg from June 6th who said "Michelle Wie could one day become one of the greatest women golfers ever. If she does, it will be largely because she dared to play against men." Oh give me a break! He, a professional journalist, should know better.

The "…greatest women golfers ever". What about Annika Sorenstam with 67 victories and 9 majors. What about Kathy Whitworth with 88 career victories? What about Babe Diedrickson Zacharias with 31 golf wins, two Olympic gold medals, and four track and field world records? She also died at only 42.

Declaring that Ms. Wie could be the greatest female golfer ever before this woman has won anything of consequence is absolutely ludicrous. It's likening it to say that Milli Vanilli, with one top-10 hit, is in the same league as The Beatles, Elton John or Madonna. Someone’s been drinking way too much Kool Aid.

What bothers me even more is that the LPGA is allowing exploitation of female golfers to go on to such a degree that the game is getting lost because of all the promotion. For instance: pinup calendars. What does showing partial nude pictures of one's body have to do with golf? I'm sure Tiger looks great with his shirt off, but I don't see him in a pinup calendar.

And shame on B.J. Wie for exploiting his daughter to this degree. It appears that all he's interested in is making fast cash. Take the money and run seems to be his motto. Why should his daughter play 10-20 years on the tour when soon she’s gonna have all the money she'll ever need? Who cares about winning an LPGA major when she can finish tied for 56th at the men's US Open. The sponsors will love it.

Admittedly, since she turned pro, she's attracted sponsors to the tune of $10 million. Today, her name is golden. Yes, she gets attention wherever she goes, but unless she actually wins something, the "Wie Warriors" as well as her sponsors will soon find someone else to cheer for. Nike is ultimately in this to make money and they will quickly find a way to dump her when the time comes too.

Think Anna Kournikova. Did she win anything....no. Yet, she was once the most popular topics on the Internet. What about Britney? She was the hottest female singer on the planet. Now, the only attention she gets is when she drops her baby.

Let's say that Ms. Wie does play in a future men's US Open. Good for her. So what? I’m sure her sponsors like Nike and Omega enjoys all the attention she gets, but in the end, being considered one of "the greatest women golfers ever" is based on success over a long career, not qualifying for or even winning a men’s tournament.

Movie stars, rock stars, even golf stars are just "flashes in the pan" unless they have longevity. Public opinion quickly moves on to what’s new, hot and cool.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #16 6/5/06

2006-06-05T17:51:00.000-05:00

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In Episode #16 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch says its the last show for the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY. He also reports on THE NEWSTAND with LPGA's Rarick Having A Drinking Binge, World Robot Golf Tournament, and Two Major Leaguers Teaming Up To Play Some Golf.

In THE PERFECT FIT the Guru discusses a very informative article on Golf Club Casting. In SHE GOLF'S TOO learn about the LPGA's Big Sisters Program.

In the COMPONENT CORNER learn about the Titleist Suing Chicago Wholesaler on Counterfeit Golf Balls, and Royal Precision Going Broke.

GOLF AROUND THE WORLD brings you to an exotic golf course Deep in Namibia's Skeleton Coast. In CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG we report on a Police Officer Who Runs Down Criminal with Golf Cart and Drugs Being Found Inside Golf Clubs.

At GOLF OF THE WEIRD we find that John Daly is Endorsing a New Wine and a Caddie Drops His Paternity Suit.

In WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT shop at Minnesota-based Golfgods.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

It's your FINAL CHANCE to win the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY at contest@golfgearnews.net.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #15 5/23/06

2006-05-22T16:59:00.000-05:00

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In Episode #15 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch continues the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY. He also reports on the latest from THE NEWSTAND with Minnesota's Tim Herron Winning The Colonial, The End of Greg Norman's Marriage, and Donald Trump Pissing Off the Neighbors Again.

In THE PERFECT FIT you'll learn that New Grips Mean Better Play. In SHE GOLF'S TOO say hello to Annika's Little Sister.

In the COMPONENT CORNER learn about the Future of Golf Ball Design, and the Nakashima HTEC driver.

GOLF BLOGOSPHERE shows you an online eulogy listing for Earl Woods at Legacy.com. In CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG we report on a Man Who Robs Banks to Pay for Golf.

At GOLF AROUND THE WORLD get pointers on Buying a Golf Home, and finally, GOLF OF THE WEIRD brings you golf's newest hazard A Volcano.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Register to win the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY at contest@golfgearnews.net.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #14 5/9/06

2006-05-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

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In Episode #14 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch continues the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY. He also reports on the latest from THE NEWSTAND with John Daly's Tell-It-All Book, Pilot Crashing on Golf Course, and Hootie Gone, Augusta Still Says No.

In the GURU COMMENTARY the host Compares Earl Woods to Obi-Wan. In SHE GOLF'S TOO we learn that the Ladies Senior Tour Changes it's Name.

In the COMPONENT CORNER learn about the SMT New Custom Coated Heads and the Ball Finder Scout. The GOLF BLOGOSPHERE has pinups at the Golf Babe Blog. In CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG we report on a caddy that wins $34K in Sexual Stereotyping Lawsuit.

GOLF AROUND THE WORLD visits Europe's First 6-Hole Course, GOLF OF THE WEIRD brings you a Bobby Knight's Golf Show and finally for ladies, check out Ladies Golf Journey in our WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Register to win the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY at contest@golfgearnews.net.

Tiger Woods the Jedi Warrior, Earl Woods was his Obi-Wan

2006-05-04T22:12:00.000-05:00

I was reading Doug Ferguson's story on the passing of Earl Woods and I was struck by a quote from Earl Woods that Tiger "will do more than any other man in history to change the course of humanity. He's the bridge between the East and the West. There is no limit because he has the guidance. I don't know yet exactly what form this will take. But he is the Chosen One. He'll have the power to impact nations. Not people. Nations. The world is just getting a taste of his power."

Quite heady stuff. On its surface you might discount this declaration, but much of what Earl Woods predicted for his son, has already been achieved in just over a decade on the tour.

Most of us have watched at least one of the Star Wars movies. In one of them, Obi-Wan Kenobi is training Luke Skywalker on the ways of a Jedi Warrior.

"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together. A Jedi's saber is his most precious possession; he must keep it with him at all times. This weapon is your life!" (Obi-Wan speaking to Luke).

I see Earl Woods as Obi-Wan and Tiger as Luke. The principles that guide a Jedi Warrior seem to guide Tiger Woods. What Obi-Wan did for Luke, Earl Woods had done for Tiger. The golf club has become Tiger's light saber. The golf prodigy that appeared on the Mike Douglas show at the age of two, has become a golfer who has the potential to change nations.

Bobby Jones brought golf to the public. Arnold Palmer brought it to the masses. Jack Nicklaus brought it to primetime. Tiger Woods is bringing it to the World. East is meeting West. Major stars on both the LPGA and the PGA are competing successfully from around the world. It is no longer just a white man’s game. All because a father took time to teach his son what it takes to be a Jedi Knight.

May the force be with you.....Earl Woods.

Bobby Knight the Golf Show Impressario

2006-04-30T16:15:00.000-05:00

You gotta see this. Bobby Knight, the former coach of the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team, now coach at Texas Christian University, was the host of a Golf Show. Yes, in the early 80s, the face of Indiana basketball Bobby "Mt. Vesuvius" Knight, was the host of a locally produced golf show entitled "Golf Your Way". For a man that is known for throwing chairs and choking players, telling others how to play golf doesn't seem to play to Bobby Knight's strengths.

Somewhere in between the long profanity-laced diatribes and the club throwing, Mr. Knight was attempting to instruct his viewers on how to improve their attitude and their golf score. Who better to talk about attitude?

I discovered this gem on an obscure sports blog called We Are The Postmen. There you will find show outtakes of a scratchy, poorly shot, nine minute video of Coach Knight beating balls, throwing clubs, pissing behind a tree, spewing a colorful litany of anatomical terms and castigating "Bernie" behind the camera. One of my favorites is his attempt at being a pitchman for Pizza Hut. "Pizza Hut is to appetite what Jack Nicklaus is to golf." Huh?

Brilliant.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #13 4/24/06

2006-04-25T23:35:00.000-05:00

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In Episode #13 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch launches the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY. He also reports on the latest from THE NEWSTAND with Drunken Cops Vandalizing Driving Range, Tiny Tiger Losing to Professional, Tiger Woods Winning Stock Car Race and Dick's Sporting Goods Opening Golf Specialty Store. Then in PERFECT FIT hear about the USGA Capping MOI for Woods.

In the COMPONENT CORNER learn about the Dancing Dog Golf Simulator and the Consumer Reports Golf Ball Ratings. The GOLF BLOGOSPHERE tells about a chance to Caddy at the 2007 Masters. CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG reports on a Golfer That Wins Case Against Des Moines.

MYTHBUSTERS from Dick Rugge, GOLF AROUND THE WORLD visits Erinvale Golf Course in South Africa, GOLF OF THE WEIRD brings you a Dog that is Inducted in Hall of Fame and a Big Brother Who is Watching Your Swing. Finally, say hello to Consumer Reports in our WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

Register to win the GOLF GEAR DADDY GIVE-A-WAY at contest@golfgearnews.net.

Dick's Sporting Goods Opens Golf Store

2006-04-25T23:34:00.000-05:00

I early spoke about the pending Clubbuilding War between Golfsmith and Golf Galaxy. Well, now there's a third big box player emerging Dick's Sporting Goods.

Very quietly, this major sporting goods retailer has seen how nicely golf fits into it own niche that they have recently rolled out a new specialty golf store appropriate called The Golf Shop.

The store is located in Robinson, a suburb of Pittsburgh and will occupy a former 36,000 square foot Media Play location. Golf merchandise is one of Dick’s store-within-a-store departments and they already private label a line of golf equipment under the Walter Hagen name so a complete store from this sport retail giant doesn't seem too far off the mark.

The Pittsburgh Business Times quotes Mitchell Kaiser, a retail analyst with Piper Jaffray and Company, as saying that Dick's, by having a stand-alone shop, will have access to higher-end clubs and the hope is that more retiring baby boomers will help to reinvigorate a flat golf industry. The major sporting goods chains only represent 10% of the $7 billion dollar equipment industry.

Now with three well-funded public companies vying for the golf equipment market (Golfsmith just announced an IPO and Golf Galaxy and Dick's Sporting Goods are both public companies) expect some major changes in golf retailing with major pricing pressure on the brand name club manufacturers and smaller retailers like GolfUSA and Nevada Bob's feeling the heat to innovate or die.

Oh, Cry Me a River Mr. David Toms III

2006-04-25T23:33:00.000-05:00

Now that the afterglow from The Masters is down to glowing embers, some of us try to look back on what happened and reminisce. This includes professional golfers like David Toms III. AP writer Doug Ferguson got this gem from Mr. Toms last week “to me, it’s still a place where the players walk around on egg shells, not knowing if they are in the right place.” Toms goes on to say “it’s the only place all year where the players don’t feel like they’re the most important thing there.”

Not that I’m a big fan of Hoottie Johnson, and I think this may be one of the first things I agree with him on, but taking the spotlight off the players and keeping it squarely focused on the tournament is the right idea. These pampered millionaires appear to have lost their perspective. Their hands are held from the moment they arrive at a tournament and given their courtesy Cadillac Escalade, to the walk up the steps of their private plane when they leave.

Perhaps Mr. Toms is bitter because he wasn’t competitive and missed the cut with rounds of 76-76. Or he got up on the wrong side of the bed that week. Maybe he’s kicking himself because he didn’t think of carrying two drivers before Phil Mickelson did?

These guys earn $1 million for a tournament victory. They sign 5 year $100 million endorsement contracts. They are household names in the golf world. What more do they want? They are starting to sound like spoiled, overpaid, over-hyped basketball players. How soon before we have a golfer pull a Soriano and refuse to tee-off at a tournament?

Oh cry me a river Mr. Toms.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #12 4/11/06

2006-04-25T23:27:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen.

In Episode #12 of Golf Gear News, host Bruce Stasch brings you the latest from THE NEWSTAND where he talks about Tiger's Poor Choice of Words, Eco-Terrorists, the Expanding Masters and the Longest Drive Champ in Europe.

In SHE GOLF'S TOO he ask's What Makes a Women's Golf Course? The COMPONENT CORNER you'll hear about SMT's New Master Distributors and the New Two Driver World caused by Phil Mickelson's win at the Masters. The GOLF BLOGOSPHERE explores Innovex Golf Buys Out Investors.

Travel with us in GOLF AROUND THE WORLD and learn about Donald Trump's Latest Shrine to His Ego. In GOLF OF THE WEIRD, hear about the Temple of Love's take on golf and the Police Chief that wins a Mercedes.

As always, our show is sponsored by Golfknockoff.com.

A Big Surprise in Phil Mickelson's Bag

2006-04-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

One thing that most viewers probably missed during Phil Mickelson's dominate golf performance last week at the BellSouth Classic was what was going on in Phil's bag. The commentators noted that Phil was experimenting with two drivers. Yes, two drivers. They stated that his fairways hit average was only 57% this year and during the BellSouth Classic he was hitting over 70% of his fairways.

Mickelson chose to test two drivers in this tune-up to the Masters to see if it would help him with the tight fairways at Augusta. With the new weighting systems of drivers like the Taylor Made r7Quad and Callaway FT-3, a golfer can adjust the clubhead weight to promote a draw or a slice. In the case of Mickelson, he used it to his advantage by keeping it in the fairway more than 70% of the time, and even more amazing, increasing his greens in regulation to a stunning 88.9%.

Get ready to make an investment in another 460cc driver because with this kind of improvement by a tour professional who switches to two drivers, regular golfers are bound to flock to their local pro shop to buy a twin sister or brother for their cherished big stick.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #11 3/26/06

2006-03-27T12:07:00.000-06:00

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The Newstand: Korean Prime Minister Resigns, Ford Dumps Golf for Bull Riding, Want to Buy a Golf Team?, Golfer Shuts Down Portland Airport The Perfect Fit: Driver Clubface Loft She Golfs Too: Sex or Play Augusta? Component Corner: Solar Golf Bag, Golfsmith Files for IPO Golf Around the World: Lucifer's Anvil Golf Course Mythbusters: Is TheTiger Effect Still Working? Golf of the Weird: the Geese Police
Website Spotlight: Top Golf
Sponsor: www.golfknockoff.com

The Second Coming of John Harris

2006-03-25T11:45:00.000-06:00

Being from Minnesota, I’ve always been a big fan of Champions Tour golfer John Harris who just won $121,000 with his 2nd place finish in the Toshiba Senior Classic a few weeks ago. He’s always been an excellent golfer, one of the top amateurs in Minnesota. He also played on a victorious Walker Cup team in the 1990’s.

What I find more amazing is not his talent, but his perseverance. He originally turned pro in 1976, but flamed out after a few years. Regaining his amateur status in 1983, he kept plugging away on the amateur circuit, dominating by winning four Minnesota titles, five mid-amateur titles and the 1993 U.S. Amateur at age 41. At the same time he also ran a very successful insurance agency. Yet, turning fifty in 2002, the call of the golf course brought him back to the Champions Tour to try it as a professional one more time. His hope was maybe, this time, he’d be able to realize his dream in professional golf.

Well, it appears that he is well on his way to doing just that. In his first year as a professional in 2002 his best finish was 28th, in 2003 it was 11th, in 2004 he had four finishes in the top 10, and in 2005 he had two top 5 finishes and earned over $480,000. This year, in just five tournaments, he already has two top 11 finishes and earned $176,250 for his troubles. At 54, it seems that Edina-resident John Harris is on his way to becoming Minnesota’s most successful Champions Tour player. He’s a testament to what hard work and perseverance can get you. As Yogi Berra said “it ain’t over til it’s over.”

Keep up the good work John.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #10 3/12/06

2006-03-13T15:56:00.000-06:00

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The Newstand: The Grand Old Man at 76, Longest Drive Ever Hit -- In Space, Course Refuses Ex-President The Perfect Fit: Callaway Tries to Customize She Golfs Too: Fellas & Fees Drive Women Off Component Corner: One Column Pricing at Dynacraft, Heavy Putter Get New Name Golf Around the World: The Kabul Golf and Country Club Mythbusters: Should You Keep Your Head Down? Golf of the Weird: Saudi Women Can't Drive Golf Carts, World's Largest Golf Cart Parade
Website Spotlight: Celebrity Golf
Sponsor: www.golfknockoff.com

What’s Happening to ESPN?

2006-03-10T17:12:00.000-06:00

First there was ESPN, then ESPN2, then ESPN Classics now ESPN Deportes. Through the years, to fill airtime, they have added rodeo, tractor pulls, swimming, billards, and volleyball to supplement the standard fare of football, baseball, basketball and hockey.

Now they’ve sunk too low. I read an article written by Cara Buckley of the Miami Herald entitled ESPN on Hand for Miami Domino Tournament. The network sponsored a dominoes championship tournament last fall that will be broadcast, in seven parts, on ESPN Deportes and ESPN2.

Trying to target a largely Hispanic audience, ESPN Deportes attended the Calle Ocho Festival in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. There, 150 players competed for the $25,000 prize. The players, most from the Cuban neighborhoods in Miami were Viejitos (older people), with the final four players being 77, 56, 65, and 61.

Some snobs think that golf isn’t a sport. Others can’t understand why they televise pool tourneys or poker. If they don’t think golf is a sport, then what is the game of dominoes? If you think the Champions Tour is old, the senior tour players are spring chickens next to these guys.

Imagine the suspense when, in a heated dominoes match, the score tied, the final tile lays on the table facedown. Suddenly, a player turns over a tile to reveal nine dots and………wake me up when it’s over.

Clubbuilding War Breaks Out

2006-03-09T10:21:00.000-06:00

The clubbuilding industry is in for some significant changes with the recent purchase of GolfWorks by Golf Galaxy.

Let’s look at the signs that are starting to emerge. Golfsmith, founded in 1967 is the granddaddy of clubbuilding. They began with a catalog that supplied components to the do-it-yourself clubbuilder. Then, they expanded into brand name merchandise, started opening retail stores (currently 50+ stores) with a clubbuilding department, and now have a powerful Internet presence. In 2002 they were bought by Atlantic Equity Partners III.

Golf Galaxy was founded in 1995 and started out opening retail stores (currently 51 stores). They went public in 2005. In 2005 they launched their Internet site, recently purchased GolfWorks (considered the 2nd largest component seller) and intend to open clubbuilding departments in each store. With this recent acquisition, they are clearly setting their sights on Golfsmith.

It will be a little like the ongoing cola war between Coke and Pepsi. They both sell the same product, they both have major brand visibility and they both sell to the same customer. With both companies being well financed, both will need to keep propping up their value with increased sales. The only way to do that quickly is by adding new stores or by acquisition.

Look for a marketing battle in the next few years as these two well financed gladiators try to steal business from each other. This should open up market opportunities for smaller players that can fill niches not adequately covered by the BIG TWO, especially in the clubbuilding realm.

Golf Gear News - Podcast #9 2/26/06

2006-02-27T09:43:00.000-06:00

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The Newstand: Hansberger Brother Inducted into PCS Hall of Fame, Former Masters Champ was Illiterate, Tiger's New Mansion -- The Real Dirt The Perfect Fit: Golf Galaxy Buys GolfWorks She Golfs Too: Young Female Stars Could Change Golf Component Corner: Royal Precision is on the Block Golf Around the World: Want Pyramid Views with That Golf Course? Mythbusters: Does a Longer Shaft Provide Greater Distance? Golf of the Weird: Priest Buys Golf Clubs with Another's ID
Website Spotlight: Farm Golf
Sponsor: www.golfknockoff.com

Golf Gear News - Podcast #8 2/12/06

2006-02-15T10:44:00.000-06:00

We've just uploaded our eighth podcast!
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The Newstand: Dick Harmon Dies at 58, Daly & Olavabal Headline Hall of Fame Ballot, Tournament Held Up By Robber, Tiger's Learning Center Opens, Republicans that Golf
The Perfect Fit: 40 Things About Your Equipment Continued
Component Corner: Divnick Golf Adjustable Golf Club,
2006 is Year of the Colored Golf Ball, Nike Maxsight Contact Lenses
Mythbusters: Is A Large Sweetspot Better?
Golf of the Weird: World's Longest Driver
Website Spotlight: Iomic Golf Grips
Interview with the Guru: Nancy Berkley, Consultant
Sponsor: www.golfknockoff.com