Walking with Tiger at the Buick Invitational

Well, I guess I’m now an official PGA junkie. Yesterday, for the first time, I attended a PGA tournament (Buick Invitational) and it was not what I expected at all. Not to say it was bad – on the contrary, it was better than I hoped.

I was a bit worried when I showed up at Torrey Pines to discover that the tee times I had printed off the internet were wrong by about 2 hrs! So instead of watching Tiger hit his first drive off the tee, I watched his 10th. He played the north course backwards, so I was able to pick him up on his 10th hole (# 1) and stay with him the rest of the day.

I thought I might run around and watch others play, but it’s a very big property and not easy to move around too much – follow the path and ropes is about all you can do. But it was still great. I positioned myself so I could watch Vijay, Snedeker and Mahan play ahead of Tiger’s group (which included Jim Furyk and George McNeil). Normally I hate slow play, but today I actually enjoyed it because it gave me a chance to watch the group ahead. By the way, I wonder if Tiger called Jim before the game to see what he was wearing - they both looked very slick in their greys, but I wish Tiger wouldn't put short sleeves under a vest - I hate that look!


Tiger’s 10th hole was exciting for me, not only because it was the first time I ever saw him hit a ball live, but because I heard it and I felt it. He hit his drive to the right off the tee into some trees. If that had been my ball I would have chipped it out onto the fairway because threading the needle through the trees was not something I would ever contemplate – but I’m not Tiger.

The crowd gathered round pretty quickly and he just casually walked in amongst them to his ball. Everyone was quiet and respectful (surprise number 1 for me that day – how can 10,000 people be so quiet?). But boy, were they (we) ever close when he hit his second shot. But his demeanour was like he was alone – very cool to watch. He had to hit a shot very low, around and under a tree which had very low hanging branches. So I crouched down about 20 feet in front of him to watch the ball come off his club (he used a wood). I'm the "x" below.

The sound was unbelievable – like an F-18 blasting in front of my face. I swear I felt the wind change as it flew by me (I think maybe I was a bit too close for comfort :)). But it was an amazing sensation. The crowd around him roared. He drew it beautifully and just missed the green to the left. He chipped to within 5 feet of the hole and birdied it. And that was the start of a great afternoon of golf.

I wrote down every stroke, hit or miss he played all afternoon (got some funny looks from the folks around me, but I didn’t care). I also tracked Jim Furyk who I enjoy watching very much as well (his swing is even more bizarre in person than it is on TV). Poor George McNeil…he was often the last to hit, but no one wanted to stick around to watch him. The marshals had to keep people still just to let him hit before 10 thousand people took off to see Tiger hit his next shot.

Tiger birdied the first two holes of his back nine and then came a very short 136 yard par 3 which crossed a gorge and he missed the green short. It was a shock actually – a short little hole like that and the whole group could only par it. Hey…I can birdie a 136 yard par 3 – haha - Surprise number 2 - Tiger is human. Of course, he birdied the next hole with a great putt which I am sure was 10-15 feet from the cup.

His putting was great all day. His irons? - not so much. Surprise #3 for me. I swear he missed short on his irons quite a few times (I noted 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 8th holes came up shorter than I would have expected from him), but his chipping and putting saved him. Perhaps that’s why Lorena won best middle irons last year according to Johnny Miller.

Anyway, he shot a brilliant 65 and lead by 4 at the end of the day, behind the world famous Kevin Streelman (wink). Who is he? No one knows, but he was the last alternate to make the field from the Hooters Tour. I love what the reporter in the tribune said today…”I know guys who like Hooters. I know no one what has played golf for their hot wings."

Mr. Streelman has made $21,000 on the PGA so far. He’s ranked somewhere up in the 1114 range. When Tiger was asked if he knew Kevin, he’d never heard of him. When asked if he knew his ranking, he cleverly said, “I think it might be going up.” Well, he certainly made headlines this AM – his name showed up more often in the San Diego paper than Mickelson (whose off season of no play played out poorly for him today which he honestly admitted. He has work to do...)

I wish Tiger no ill will this weekend at all, but wouldn’t it be a wonderful Cinderella story to have Streelman upset him? That is something I’d pay a lot more than the $25 I paid to watch Tiger play this weekend (surprise number 5 – how cheap is that!).

Bought myself a US open sweater and some logoed Pro V1’s as souveniers. The balls weren’t quite as expensive as the sweater, but close. :)

I’d be happy to share the play-by-play on each hole, but I’m sure the Golf Channel did a reasonable job, so I won’t bore you here. All I can say is I can’t wait for my next PGA experience. If I wasn’t a junkie before, I sure am now!

Now…what would happen if I actually attended an LPGA event? I can’t wait to find out!

Golfgal

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No. 1 will hook up with No. 1,354 in third round of Torrey Pines event

Toronto Star
26 Jan 2008

Tiger Woods made short work of the easier North course at Torrey Pines, leaving everyone else long odds of catching him at the Buick Invitational in San Diego. Woods chipped in for par, escaped from a couple of trees and wound up with a seven-under-par... read more...

Tech Tags: Toronto Star newspaper Sports

Pump it up Tiger!

Now how cute is this! I love pictures which are not too staged. Tiger's genuine smile at his daughter is so warm and loving.

Hard to believe this is the same ruthless man that shows no mercy on the golf course. In fact, he showed no mercy at 11 years old to his dad when Tiger beat him for the first time and celebrated wtih his trademark - the fist pump.
‘‘I shot 71 and I went crazy,’’ Tiger said with that winning smile of his. ‘‘I punched the air, uppercutting the air and ran off the green. It was the greatest thing I had ever done in my life, beating my Dad.’’

Hmmm...I wonder how Dad felt :) - probably pretty darn proud!

I love the words etched beneath an eight-foot bronze statue of Woods and his father.

2006 Earl Woods and Tiger Woods.

I challenge you to make a difference in the world to reach higher and farther that you ever imagined.

Inspiring kids is so important. It is amazing how many children do not live up to their potential because of a lack in confidence and self-esteem. If anyone can be a role model for those two characteristics in a person, it's Tiger Woods. His "Fist Pump Challenge" sounds like a terrific program to build confidence in children. Celebrating successes and achievements, no matter where they happen, is so critical in child development.

On a final note...
I'm glad to see the lynching comment is being put to rest finally and that Tiger personally said something rather than just his manager. Now maybe people will leave it alone.

"It was unfortunate,’’ said Woods. ‘‘Kelly and I did speak and there was no ill-intent. She regrets saying it and, in my eyes, it’s all said and done.’’

I'm happy to see Kelly Tilghman back with Nick this weekend at the Buick Invitational. Sorry, but Rich Lerner is probably a really nice guy, but he was too boring for words for me. I had trouble watching the Bob Hope Chysler Classic, and it wasn't just B-class-celebrity-overload, (Samuel Jackson excluded). Remember when presidents played that tournament? Those were the days...

Anyway...I am so excited to be able to attend Friday's round this year. I've been to skins games with Nicklaus and Vijay and others, but never a PGA tournament with Tiger. I can't wait! I'll be sure to blog all about it, but don't be surprised if I'm at a lose for words after watching him. :)

Golfgal

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Woods launches Fist Pump Challenge in father’s memory

Bangkok Post
23 Jan 2008

Anaheim, California — Twenty-one years ago, Tiger Woods beat his father Earl for the first time on a golf course and celebrated with the exuberant fist pump which has become his trademark. Prompted by that experience, Woods has announced the launch... read more...

Tech Tags: Bangkok Post newspaper Sports

A few beers will help the win sink in for the Philippine stars

A big congratulations goes out to the surprise winners of the Women's World Cup of Golf this weekend - Dorothy Delasin and Jennifer Rosales of the Philippines. Well done ladies! It was a joy to watch you and your enthusiasm this weekend, rain or shine. Even my golfguy is excited you won - he thought your team spirit was amazing.

The Philippines finished on a three-round total of 18 under par 198, with Korea's Ji-Yai Shin and Eun-Hee Ji runners-up on 16 under par 200. Japan and Taiwan tied for third on 13 under par 203.

That was all great, but what I loved most was Rosales' comments after the event, "The win hasn't really sunk in at the moment, maybe it will when we have a few beers later."
Ha ha...even the pros love the 19th hole!

For those of you who missed the excitement, here are the final results:

So what happened to Sweden (the favorites) and the United States? I was sure Pat and Juli would be in the top three. I wasn't as convinced of Sweden, but still, 14 is pretty low for a favorite going in. Perhaps Maria Hjorth's illness was the big factor there. It was said she was starting to feel sick on day 2 (which was probably why they dropped from tied for 4th after day 1 to 16th on day 2) and then day 3 she was really ill and needed a medical break early in the round. I can't imagine how she continued to play.

But I was very happy to see Canada in the top 10 - tied for 6th ain't too shabby gals...well done!. I can't wait to see you at the Hunt Club in Ottawa this August (my home town) for the CN Canadian Women's Open. I hear Paula Creamer will be playing along with a number of other greats. Lorena will have to attend to defend her title, so it should be a fantastic event.

So the season has finally started and with a bang. It's over to Hawaii now...you lucky girls you!

Golfgal

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LPGA players circle Ottawa, Aug. 14-17, on their calendars
BY GORD HOLDER
Ottawa Citizen
19 Jan 2008

ORLANDO, Florida • Their season doesn’t start for another month, but it’s likely any LPGA Tour player can tell you where she’ll be from week to week, and it sounds as if many of them will be in Ottawa this summer. A handful of players interviewed... read more...

Tech Tags: Ottawa Citizen newspaper Sports

UBC Alumni - it's time to Dine, Dance and Golf in the Desert

To all University of British Columbia Alumni who love to golf...

Don't miss an exciting way to kick off your golfing season with the UBC Alumni Dinner, Dance and Golf Tournament, March 9-10, 2008 at Desert Willow in Palm Desert.

So...what's the big deal? Is this just another tournament? Oh no...this one is for a very special cause.

Some background...I'm not sure if you heard, but on Jan 14th in Nashville, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) voted on whether to allow Universities outside of the US to join. - And...by a vote of 97 % it was passed!


What great news for UBC golfers! UBC has spent the last 12 years getting ready for this opportunity, so you can imagine how excited they are. The hope is that both women and men's golf teams will be playing in Div 11 to start and eventually Div 1, which shouldn't be too difficult considering...

• 
  UBC's women's golf team won their fifth straight RCGA National Championship and so far this year are ranked 2nd overall in the NAIA. You go girls!!!


• 
  The men played against 17 schools at Western Washington this past fall and set a 37 year record for the event! They had their best finish ever beating all other schools. As of December 2007, they are ranked number 1 in the NAIA. Keep it up, guys!!!

Having NCAA pass this rule means that Canada will have a much better chance of keeping the best and brightest in Canada. Now we need to attract the best to UBC, and that requires money.

So.....The CN Desert Classic is an important part of UBC's fundraising effort. I hope you will support it by putting together a team. The teams can be any combination of men and women, including only men and only women. So grab some friends and hit the desert!

They already have some big guns signed up...
- Marie Earl, Executive Director, UBC Alumni Association and AVP, Alumni
- Barbara Miles, VP Development and Alumni Engagement
- Stephen Owen, VP External, Legal and Community Relations
- Gayle Stewart, Vice Chair, UBC Alumni Association Board of Directors
- Ian Robertson, Treasurer, UBC Alumni Association Board of Directors

Now it's your turn. Sign up online today and start your year off right by helping out our UBC kids who work so hard to make their Alumni proud!

Golfgal

Lorena beats Tiger

So, did you read this month's Golf Digest yet? It's a battle in our house to see who gets it first - I usually lose (my golfguy grabs it while I'm blogging :)).

Anyway, I finally got my hands on it and read Johnny Miller Picks for the Class of 08. For those of you who didn't get to read it, here's a summary. No you can't read it online, but I do recommend you buy the magazine and read the whole article to get his insights on why he chose the way he did:


Let me see if you were playing attention. Who won best middle irons????

Lorena Ochoa!!

I have to say I was pretty surprised by that. NOT because she didn't deserve it - but because I didn't think Johnny Miller would give that kind of recognition to a "girl". Sorry Johnny...I underestimated you. I apologize...

Anyway, I bet this list had some surprises for you too.

I was thrilled to see Mike Weir up there (or should I say "down there" in the sand as the best bunker player). And I was quite shocked that Mickelson didn't get any top honors (probably because they didn't have a category for turning on a smile when the cameras are rolling - okay...I'm bad...I know ;)).

That aside...I was thrilled to see Lorena make the list. Miller's defense of his choice was that she lead the greens in regulation in 2007 at 73% (down from last year, but a full two points ahead of Tiger). As he says..."For her machine-like precision, she gets the nod over Tiger." So...Tiger IS beatable (haha - no I'm not doing a Rory Sabbatini or Jason Day impression :)).

Anyway, great to see her "playing with the big boys" and winning!

Congratulations Lorena!
Golfgal

Women’s World Cup of Golf – A chance to re-live Solheim Cup battles between the US and Sweden

Well, it’s finally here – the first tournament of the season! The 2008 LPGA tour starts this week in Sun City, South Africa with the Women’s World Cup of Golf. And for me, what’s even more exciting is the fact that it’s a team event. I love team golf events! Here's a look at the teams...



The Women’s World Cup of Golf is a 54-hole tournament with twosomes from 20 countries competing in a different format each day: foursomes, four-ball and stroke play.

My favourite is always the foursomes (AKA “alternate shot”). I love it when a golfer is “stuck” with whatever her partner did before.

It looks to be the most challenging for the players, especially if they don’t play the same type of game or even the same type of ball. And what high handicapper doesn’t love to watch a professional golfer sweat a bit.

This just in...
According the The Washington Post, three countries share the lead at women's World Cup of Golf today (France, South Korea and Canada are tied for the lead midway through the opening day). Yeah Canada - You go girls!


The defending champions, Julieta Granada and Celeste Troche from Paraguay are not likely to draw too much attention this year unless Julieta shows the promise she had in 2006 when she won the ADT Championship and became Rookie of the Year. 2007 was not a good year for either player, and I doubt they’ll even make the top 10 at this year’s event. Sorry ladies.

The two teams that will most likely battle it out for the win will be Swedish Solheim Cup veterans Sophie Gustafson and Maria Hjorth (who will be trying to redeem Sweden from its 18th place finish last year), and Juli Inkster and Pat Hurst from the US, who placed 2nd last year after a strong showing in the foursomes.


It really could go either way, but if Solheim Cup standings are any indication, I believe Juli and Pat with 14-8-5 and 10-7-5 records respectively have it over Sophie (8-9-6) and Maria (3-6-3) by a small margin.

But that’s the great thing about golf – you just don’t know what will happen.

I’m very happy to see The Golf Channel is going to broadcast it. I wish they would step up and broadcast every LPGA tournament that network TV won’t cover. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to want to do that (e.g. Fields Open is not being broadcast from Hawaii in February). I don’t understand why, but it’s sad to miss an LPGA event while The Golf Channel televises yet another boring infomercial. But that’s a whole other posting...

Play well ladies! And remember…never say “sorry” after a shot, hole or round. It’s the unwritten rule of team play…

Golfgal

Adam Scott in Abu Dhabi versus George Lopez in Palm Springs - NO Contest!

I don't know about you, but I almost had to turn the TV off yesterday watching the Bob Hope Chysler Classic. That wasn't good golf - that was just silly. I am sorry...I do enjoy watching celebrities play golf in moderation, but I've had my fill of George Lopez and it's only been 1 day.


And did you see the last 3 minutes on The Golf Channel where Rich Lerner and Nick Faldo tried "fill time". That was pathetic. They were like two deer in the headlights - they had no idea what to say. You can say what you want about Kelly Tilghman, but she's rarely a loss for words or quick quip to fill airspace.

No...for me...the winner, clubs down, this weekend is European Golf - The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is on in the morning when I get up and there is nothing better than grabbing a cup of coffee and enjoying my fave two-some: Renton and Warren commentate about all the players. I just love it!

Just look at the lineup! It's like watching the Ryder Cup "Q School" out there - all of the "best of the best" already vying for a few coveted spots.

And talk about eye candy! My my...it's a golfgal's dream to watch the likes of Adam Scott (oh so yummy), Luke Donald (always color coordinated),









and one of the best smiles on the course - Paul Casey, the defending champion.

And let's not forget, the good "bad" boy, Ian Poulter. Is it just me, or is there strange resemblance to Rod Stewart going on here?

The oldies but goodies are also making headlines in the "love conquers all" category. Monty's getting married this year and as happy as we've ever seen him.

And Darren Clarke has a new lady, Kerry Schiller (an American working in human resources for a London law firm) and a revitalized game. As he said last week after coming in 4th in Joburg, "I’m starting to smile again on the course. I’m desperate to get myself back up the rankings." You go Darren!

Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Simon Dysen, David Howell, Henrik Stensen, Niclas Fasth, Paul Lawrie, Padraig Harrington, Nick Dougherty, Raphael Jacquelin, Miguel Angel Jimenez - almost the entire who's who in European Golf is here, except perhaps for Sergio (where is he anyway?).

Anyway, Nick Faldo has a big job ahead of him picking his Ryder Cup team. It's going to be a very interesting and very exciting year. It will be tough getting out of bed to head to work on Thursdays and Friday mornings!

Golfgal

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Gulf News
17 Jan 2008

LPGA poised to be more exciting than PGA in 2008

Hey all you lovers of the LPGA golfgals!

I am so excited because I was invited to be a guest blogger on Golf for Women's Editor's Blog, sharing my thoughts on this year's LPGA.

As addicted as I am to both men and women's golf, I really believe the LPGA is going to be more exciting than the PGA in 2008.



Find out why - check out my predictions and the profiles of my favorite players and let me know what you think.

You know I always love to hear from you.

All Chix all the time!

Golfgal

Vince Cellini is back on the Golf Channel!

Finally The Golf Channel has come to its senses. Vince Cellini is back!! Woohoo!

I couldn't figure out where he was until I read a story on Waggleroom that said his contract negotiations went sour. What? He was the best they had! How could they just stop talking to him when everyone who watches The Golf Channel loves him?

According to Golf World...(and shared by Waggleroom)...

What a disappointment! Vince was good - on both the 19th Hole and the Big Break. I'm sorry, Mr. Rick Schwartz, but you aren't Vince (yet) and you just didn't quite bring that maturity and "statesman voice" to the Big Break Series. It wasn't the same without VC.

I'm so glad to see him back. I don't know about you, but I've been less than happy with the new media folks they've brought to the GC. As my golfguy says, "The GC management needs some adult supervision - they need to figure out what works and build on that. Don't get cocky with success and believe that YOU "know what's best". Lesson 101 of marketing...give your customers what they want, NOT what you want to shove down their throats!"

So...we've got Vince back. Thank goodness. Soon, Kelly Tilghman too... (okay...so some folks would disagree, but that's what makes life so much fun! We can agree to disagree and still be golf buddies :))

Speaking of buddies...what about our good buddy, Charles Davis? Where's he been lately?
Are we going to see him again on the 19th hole anytime soon? I sure hope so. I miss his intelligence (not to mention his good looks - grin). And he's such a gentleman to boot. Okay...he's a hottie...;)

I don't even watch that show anymore...the analysts they have now are just too boring for words! It's like they just want to hear themselves talk!

So....welcome back Vince! We've missed you. And Charles...come back soon so I can fill my Wednesday evenings with more than writing my next blog posting.

Golfgal

School's Out & Golf's In as Alice Cooper goes from Stage to Green

With the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic just around the corner, I just had to write a posting about one of the legends of rock playing at Silver Rock - Monster Rocker: Alice Cooper.

Turning 60 this year (wow, that is so cool!), Alice Cooper was part of my generation and we either loved him or we hated him. Those of us who loved him, tried to be him, like my friend David here, who comes to work "dressed to kill" every day :)

And those who loved to hate him, like my ex-husband, who will remain nameless (he was a school teacher) well...they're bye bye birdies...

Anyway...as disgusted as I was about his antics on stage, I could not help but be mesmerized by his music. School's Out was probably my favorite song for many years and I still sing it at the top of my lungs if it comes on the radio when I'm driving in my car (yes, I get a few strange looks).

I enjoyed reading this article below where Cooper was quoted as saying: “Alice isn’t warm and fuzzy.” Hard to believe, isn't it, especially if you've seen him with the Muppets!



I love that video - surreal somehow...I probably look like one of the Muppets when I sing it :)

So...I'm looking forward to seeing how Alice does this week at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic - probably not too bad, given his handicap is somewhere around 4 or 5. You know, if I had to pick a fantasy 3-some of celebrity golfers to play with, he'd be on that list for sure. I think it would be a hoot to play with him.

Rock on Alice! But stay out of the rocks at Silver Rock if you can. They're nasty!

And David, my friend....even a low handicapper as yourself should really take a lesson from Alice and stick to proper dress code at next year's company golf tournament. :)

Golfgal

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Original shock rocker rolls along like Father Time
By Mary Colurso Newhouse News Service
San Francisco Chronicle
23 Oct 2007

Twelve minutes on the phone with Alice Cooper. Tick, tick, tick. That strict deadline looms over the conversation like the blade of a guillotine, threatening to cut short the rock star in the middle of some dark admission or startling revelation. Will... read more...

Tech Tags: San Francisco Chronicle newspaper Today On Television

Rory not helping Faldo keep his NY Resolution

Before I go any further, a quick Congratulations to K.J. Choi for his win at the Sony Open this past weekend. I really enjoy watching him play. In fact, I'd love to have his swing - it's so simple and such great tempo - makes golf look almost easy - yeah right!!! :)

Now...what I really loved was him beating out Rory Sabbatini. Those of you who read my blog know that I tend to enjoy the "bad boys" of golf, and I often defend them, but Rory's antics on the 8th hole were embarrassing to watch - ripping the rope off the stakes, throwing his club on the ground and his then his gum, and stomping around through the crowds with that "no one better get in my way" attitude.

His temper tantrum wasn't funny - it was sad. I am surprised Faldo didn't say anything. But then I remembered that when Kelly Tilghman asked Nick Faldo at the Mercedes-Benz Championship what his New Year's resolution was, he said that he was going to say something nice about Rory Sabbatini this year. ha ha...well, I guess he decided that it was better to say nothing than say what he really felt while he watched Rory act like a 2 year old.

Did you see John Daly tactfully share what he thought about the new PGA cut policy? He called it on camera "a stupid rule". Call it like is, John!!! We love you!

87 players made the cut at par, but only 69 qualified for the weekend on 1-under or better. Apparently, last November, the PGA policy board approved a change whereby the top 70 players ties would still make the cut unless the Sat/Sun field is greater than 78 players. If that happened, the cut would be made to the number closest to 70 players.

So...U.S. Open champ Angel Cabrera of Argentina and John Daly were sent home even though they shot even par.

On to happier times...

It was so great to see Darren Clarke back on his game on the weekend at the Joburg Open, coming in 4th. I do so enjoy him, but really has to stop smoking on the course - not healthy - and it gives those idiots who think golf is not a sport (because you can smoke while you play) amunition.

Anyway, that's how I saw the weekend.

I am really looking forward to the Bob Hope Classic now so I can watch them struggle at Silver Rock Golf Course.
Golfgal

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Hawaii PGA tourney day at the beach for Choi

The StarPhoenix
14 Jan 2008

HONOLULU, Hawaii (Bloomberg) — K.J. Choi held on for a three-shot win over Rory Sabbatini at the Sony Open in Hawaii, completing a wire-to-wire victory in the U.S. PGA Tour’s first fullfield event of the 2008 season. Choi finished at 14-under par 266... read more...

Tech Tags: The StarPhoenix newspaper Sports

Oh oh...I've been hit by fantasy golf fever!

Oh dear...this article certainly hit home today. I just realized that I am not only a golf junkie, I'm a golf fantasy fanatic too! Yikes...I'm in 3 golf fantasy games this week alone and I can see it's only going to get worse. I have to get a life!

I didn't realize the popularity of fantasy golf until I played Fall Fantasy last year on The Golf Channel. I didn't do too badly for a first-timer, but I do remember I was royally peeved when one of my picks backed out of a tourney and I had to use a mulligan to replace him. I was so angry and was yelling at my computer - do you believe it?

I'm so embarrassed now for that outburst, but my golfguy who played along with me, laughed and said I needed a 12 step progam for my golf addiction. Yes, we're still together, but that was close :)

Anyway, the first step is to admit you have a problem...so that's why I'm writing this post. "Hello, my name is Golfgal and I'm a golf-aholic - real or fantasy. " There! I said it...so I must be at least one step closer to sanity, right???

Anyway, I didn't realize how many fantasy games there really are. I may try the one where you pick the biggest losers. Oh oh...here I go again...

Okay...I can't help myself, especially in the winter when it's hit or miss if we can play in Vancouver. I love this city - and I believe it is the best place to live in the world (check out this 2006 video that came out when it was voted the "most livable city in the world" by the Economic Intelligence Unit in the UK - and then...laugh out loud!)...

If you watched that, you'll understand what I can't wait to retire so I can spend my winters in Maui. Maybe then, I'll spend more time swinging my clubs on the course and less time swearing at my laptop.

Golfgal

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Tiger even dominates the fake golf world

The Wall Street Journal Europe
11 Jan 2008

HE’S HUMBLED opponents for more than a decade. He’s made a mockery of the world’s toughest courses and forced golf’s establishment to rethink the game’s equipment, its tournament scheduling, even its dress code. Less well-known is the mess Tiger Woods... read more...

Tech Tags: The Wall Street Journal Europe newspaper Sports

Is there a lynch mob chasing Kelly now?

Well, yesterday I said I hoped The Golf Channel wouldn't overreact to Kelly Tilghman's inadvertent mistake, but it would appear that Rev. Al Sharpton changed their minds.

What really saddens me in all of this is Rev. Sharpton not practicing what Christianity preaches - forgiveness. Whatever happened to..."He who is without sin..." How does that end??? But that's a whole other topic that really doesn't belong in a golf blog...

I just took a look at the results of the Golf for Women poll and it would appear that most people thought she should be forgiven.


I am happy to see that some people understand what it means to be human, and appreciate it when people who make mistakes sincerely ask for forgiveness.

I am sure the voting isn't over, so I would really encourage you to click on the picture above and add your opinion. For those of us who like Kelly, she needs the support.

Golfgal

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‘Lynch’ anchor suspended

Toronto Star
10 Jan 2008

The Golf Channel suspended anchor Kelly Tilghman for two weeks yesterday for saying last week that young players who wanted to challenge Tiger Woods should “lynch him in a back alley.’’ Tilghman was laughing during the exchange Friday with analyst... read more...

Tech Tags: Toronto Star newspaper Sports

Talk about a "slip of the tongue" shank!

Kelly Kelly Kelly...what were you thinking? I know...we all speak out of turn from time to time, but girlfriend...this was a wee bit over the top.

Lynching Tiger in the back alley ..hmmm...not good.

I often kid the Golf Channel for its "political correctness". You wouldn't hear a golf channel personality say that "if Ben Hogan saw Parry's swing, he'd puke."

But then again, I can't imagine Johnny Miller ever suggesting the young guns lynch Tiger. Oh well...even the best make stupid blunders, right?

Look at the bright side, Kelly...you'll now be part of history. Yesterday you were in the top 10 of Google’s Hot Trends! You're right up there now with Johnny Miller!

Poor Kelly, she's not everyone's favorite on the air, but I really enjoy her and Nick Faldo together - they banter well and it's playful. So I'm glad the Golf Channel isn't going to overreact on this one. But what do you think?

Golf for Women magazine wants to know. They've set up a poll asking readers if they think Kelly Tilghman should be fired from the Golf Channel. It only takes a minute, so please vote. Just click on this picture below and have your say...

Anyway...it appears that Tiger forgives you, Kelly...

And I'm sure your fans do too...

As for those who aren't your fans and never were... well....do you really care?

As for me...apology accepted :)

Golfgal

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THEATRE OF THE ABSURD
Guy Spurrier, National Post
National Post
09 Jan 2008

The lingering story from the weekend’s Mercedes-Benz Championship isn’t Mike Weir’s final round, Daniel Chopra’s series of missed putts in the playoffs or the absences of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The story still lingering — and making a rapid... read more...

Tech Tags: National Post newspaper Sports

If anyone can do it, Annika can

It's so great to see Annika back in form and back in the fight. If you listened to her last summer, you'd wonder if she had any fight left in her, but now she sounds so determined and so focused, I have no doubt that if she is injury free this year, she will prevail.

Annika has delayed wedding plans to focus this year on getting back on top and I'll be her biggest fan cheering her on. That's not to say I don't like Lorena or Suzann, but Annika holds a special place in all of our hearts and it would be so great to see her go out in style - on top where she belongs.

In 2009, I'll cheer for one of the other amazing lady golfers (although I still can't tell you who that will be, as I am so impressed with so many of them).

Go Annika go!

Golfgal
ps: I decided to post the whole page from the Bangkok Post so you could also read more about Daniel Chopra's win at the Mercedes-Benz championship - now lovingly known as "The Man from Glad" :)

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Bangkok Post
08 Jan 2008

Tough to pick a winner this weekend

What a great Sunday close for the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Kapalua Plantation! I was glued to the set as you just didn't know what was going to happen. Having all these great players in contention made for really exciting golf and the thing I loved about it was that I didn't care who won. I liked them all.

It was sad to see Weir struggle off the first tee and not get it back, but 4th isn't exactly a crash. And Ames recovered nicely from the day before with a 66, but it just wasn't quite good enough. But hey...3rd is nothing to sneeze at either. I can't imagine how the Edmonton Journal can write such a headline (see below).

We had dinner guests last night and it was very hard to turn the TV off when Chopra and Stricker were in a playoff - so we didn't. Thankfully our friends didn't mind eating while we watched the exciting finale. They called it a great TV Dinner Party.

I couldn't decide if I wanted Chopra to win or Stricker. Both are such nice guys and good players. But unfortunately there can only be one winner and I think Chopra's putting this weekend was so amazing, he really did deserve to win.

As for the dress code this weekend - Jonathan Byrd should get a fashion consultant - dark blue wide striped shirt with mint green trousers??? I don't think so...sure, if you saw a close up, you saw the little mint green logo stitching on the shirt, but he needs to learn to dress for the long TV shots, not his caddy next to him. And then in the final round, his white pants were see-through - yikes...(and I don't think it was just my new HD TV).

Anyway, I was worried that this weekend would feel like part of silly season with Tiger, Phil, Adam etc not on the field, but in the end, Sunday's exciting round really topped off the opener nicely.

On to the Sony...then Bob Hope Classic...then Buick Invitational...I'm in golfgal heaven this month!

Golfgal

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Canadians crash at Mercedes-Benz
Reuters K A PA L UA, HAWAII
Edmonton Journal
07 Jan 2008

Swede Daniel Chopra held his nerve in fading light to beat American Steve Stricker in a playoff for the PGA Tour’s season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship on Sunday. The Stockholm native birdied the fourth extra hole at Kapalua Resort’s Plantation... read more...

Tech Tags: Edmonton Journal newspaper SPORTS

Mike Weir leads Mercedes-Benz Championship and teaches us a lesson in managing expectations

I was just browsing the news to see what was being said about the Mercedes-Benz Championship and Mike Weir's 1 shot lead after the 3rd round and I read this quote from Mike: "I came in here with not too high expectations". He didn't say "low expectations" - he said "not too high expectations".

Interesting...and look how well he is playing. I wonder if his expecations were that well managed at the President's Cup - I would suggest, yes, and look what happened. I wonder if he managed expectations well after he won the Masters in 2003 - I would suggest, no, and look what happened? He really struggled after that win.

I realize he made some swing changes and suffered some injuries and illness, but I think that he needed to fix this mental part of his game and I believe he has. He was always confident, but I would suggest that he just wasn't good at managing expectations. And of course, his fans and the media probably didn't help either.

So....I have been thinking about the mental game of golf and how important managing expectations are. Given how critical the mental game is, it surprises me there aren't more "tips" and self help products available to golfers to help them improve their mental strength.

How many times have you played a great game, only to follow it the next day by the worst game in your life. It's like it is a different person playing. I believe it comes down to us not managing expectations.

Expectation and confidence are NOT synonyms, and confusing the two can lead to disaster, IMHO.

Having high expectations leads to sloppy (over confident) play and then trying too hard. The results are inevitably a disappointing shot, hole and eventually game, because amateurs (like me) don't manage our expectations well enough. We get so frusrated and we keep asking ourselves, "How come I'm not playing like I did yesterday?" The answer is easy - you expect too much.

Confidence is about trust - it's about commitment. It's not about the past and what you did yesterday or even on the last hole - it's about your mental attitude towards your future. Stop thinking about what you did on the last shot, or last hole, or last game you played. Think forward while you trust your preshot routine and repeat what you've practiced over and over. Learn - practice - trust - repeat...that builds confidence.

Expectations inflict pressure - confidence eases pressure. Expectations distract you from being able to focus - confidence builds focus. Expectations frustrate you - confidence calms you. Sounds so simple....HA! NOT!

Anyway...these are just some of my Sunday morning musings. I hadn't made a New Year's resolution until today because my annual "I'm going to lose weight" is just too old (like me :)).

No, this year, my resolution is to "manage expectations" on and off the course. My new mantra is, "The past does not predict the future." If any of you have good tips on this topic, I'd love to hear from you.

Now...let's see if Mike can continue to manage his expectations and win this first tournament of the year. I predict he will.

BTW...did you know the first birdie of the year came from Canadian Stephen Ames and the first eagle from Canadian Mike Weir? Cool...

Golfgal

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Weir takes lead into final round

Times Colonist
06 Jan 2008

KAPALUA, Hawaii — Canadian Mike Weir, bidding for his ninth PGA Tour title, retained his one-shot lead in yesterday’s third round at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship. A stroke ahead of the pack overnight, Weir held off strong challenges... read more...

Tech Tags: Times Colonist newspaper Sports

D-day approaches for Jason Day

I heard on the TV today while watching the Mercedes Benz Championship that Tiger has announced that he's going for the grand slam again (Ok...so the last one spanned 2 seasons - who cares). Is he getting those 4 majors out of the way so he can...what...only play one more year after that to beat Jack's record and retire? Yikes? I hope that's not the case. Although it's a pretty lofty goal, no one really is surprised given how he's playing. He's just being Tiger.

What saddens me is that I think he's accelerating his career in golf to move on to other things. It would not surprise me if Tiger retired before the age of 40 (maybe even 35?). President Tiger Woods - sound crazy? Well so did Governor Schwarzenegger and who would have thought Obama would take Iowa!! (Don't get me wrong...I like Obama - in fact, I like him and Hilary, so...either one would work for me). But again, I am digressing from golf...who cares what a Canadian thinks about a US election...

Another thing I heard today on the Golf Channel was that there were only 2 players on the PGA today under 30 that had multiple PGA wins. Is that really true? That sounded very low to me. Tiger had won 46 times, including 10 major championships, before he turned 30. What does that say?

Jason...you have a heck of a challenge ahead of you. I hope you realize that you have to prove you can do what Tiger did in his 20's before you even think about taking on Tiger in his 30's.

You may have the talent, but you have to prove you have the "game" and that's a lot more than just swinging a club on plane. You have to win and win and win and win more than another has ever won before.

Are you sure you're ready for that?

Golfgal

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D-day approaches as Jason begins quest to challenge Tiger’s mantle
Brent Read
The Weekend Australian
05 Jan 2008

SOME time next Friday morning, at the Waialae Country Club in Hawaii, Jason Day will reach for his driver, launch his ball down the opening hole of the Sony Open and begin a journey which many predict will one day culminate in the Queenslander... read more...

Tech Tags: The Weekend Australian newspaper Sport

TGW ads have got to go!

So...I am sitting here watching the Mercedes Benz Championship and enjoying the Canucks Wier and Ames going head to head on the leaderboard. But then, my enjoyment is continually disrupted by the most disgusting commercials I've ever seen and I decided I need to say something.

A couple of years ago, TGW.com used to run commercials which showed addicted golfers in therapy because they couldn't stop shopping at tgw.com. I used to laugh at those commercials and they used to make me want to check out their site. I thought they were good.

And then these Chip Green/Amber Mulligan commercials were introduced and my opinion of the golf warehouse took a nose dive. I find these commercials degrading and disrespectful, especially to women golfers. For example, there's the ad that has Amber chirping..."Then your clubs would be new!" while Chip rolls his eyes. And then there's the one where she's kicked off a normal golf course and has to play mini golf. And don't forget the one where she asks the buff golfer if he's going to break 150. Even her name bugs me - Mulligan??? What's with that? Why doesn't Chip have the last name "Bogie" or "Yip"?

I'm sorry, but these ads really bug me. Hey...maybe that's what they want. As they say in marketing "It's better to be remembered for something bad than not to be remembered at all."

When I'm not golfing or blogging about it, I am a marketing consultant and I understand that bad publicity can sometimes have benefits, but these ads are just too pathetic for words...I've decided to boycott tgw.com until they clean up their act.

Now...back to the golf...

Golfgal

Palm Springs Golf Getaway 2007 - Rancho Mirage

Our final day in Palm Springs was supposed to be at PGA West, but after Silver Rock, we decided that we would give ourselves a break and play something a little less challenging. So we chose Rancho Mirage.



A very old fashioned, semi-private course, it offered a completely different experience from the other courses we played. There were a lot more trees and the greens were quite a bit slower than the other more "desert-like" courses we played. It was a nice change.

Here's a view at the 5th hole. Pretty don't you think?



The 8th brings one of their 10 lakes/ponds into play.

Same on number 9 - more water and lots of trees.

The 11th has a stunning view off the tee and is particularly lovely when there is snow on the mountain.

I enjoyed the 14th - a nice short par 4 where your ball would roll into the fairway if you hit left, like I did - I love holes that give you a break :)

The 15th was a really short, but beautiful par 3. It looked so easy, but the trees made it trickier than it looked.

Rancho Mirage was a really nice course to play - very relaxing compared to Silver Rock and yet still challenging with all the water and trees. I'd play it again for sure.

I loved my 4 days of golf in Palm Springs and will try and get back for the LPGA Kraft Nabisco Championship in April to try it out again. Perhaps I'll meet some of you there? If you're going, please let me know so we can finally meet.

Thanks again Mr. Business Golf, for all your help! I couldn't have done it without you.


Golfgal