Sweet Spot Golf and the Power of Pink

As an independent marketing consultant, I am always happy to see entrepreneurs embark on a mission to do something different and to make a difference. And when those entrepreneurs are involved in the wonderful world of golf, then my excitement level for them grows to the point where I can't sit by and just watch them succeed - I want to share their successes with others.

Such is the case of Sweet Spot Golf. I first heard about them last year while interviewing Keri Murphy of Highway 18. She became a spokesperson for them last summer and I was impressed to learn that Sweet Spot Golf donates money to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every Think Pink club they sell.

Earlier this year, I watched them pop up on a few sites, such as Sports Agent Blog where their sports branded putter was showcased.

Then I saw they were sponsors at The Successful Women's Super Bowl Luncheon. I thought that was pretty cool.

And recently they showed up again in a very slick graphic on Experience Scottsdale Blog. Check out the golf club in this picture ->

Shortly after watching Uneven Fairways on Golf Channel, I was privileged to interview Scott Yancy III, a young pro golfer with sights on the PGA. Scott was using Sweet Spot clubs and finding extra distance with them.

And just this week, I heard that Sweet Spot Golf had signed a big deal with National Golf Schools. For those who don't know about National Golf Schools, they are the "#1 Resort Golf School in the World” with 90 locations nationwide and internationally. National Golf Schools is launching their Women's National Golf School (WNGS) and are now partnered with Sweet Spot to jointly promote golf products and instruction to women.

Well... when I heard about that, I had to find out, first hand, what makes these guys (and their very cool clubs) tick. I had the pleasure of talking to Brian Allman (President, on the right) and Chuck Parise (Club Designer Extraordinaire on the left) today for the first time and what a great time I had!



Yes, Brian and Chuck have a product line that is creating a buzz in the industry these days. I really like their clubs, but now that I've met these two gentlemen, I'm a fan of them and their business too. It's fun to watch nice people do great things and be awarded for their efforts. It's even more fun to be able to share that news with others.*

Golfgal
*No animals were hurt in the taping of this interview and I am not being paid by Sweet Spot Golf to promote their products. :)

Meet Big Break Scott Yancy III and then watch him take off!

You know, I've been blogging for a while now. And in this virtual world in which I live, I never know who's reading what I write...if anyone. So, people ask me why I do this and I just say..."I write because I love writing; I write about golf because I love golf." It's really as simple as that.

But it's become apparent to me in the last few months that what I love more than the writing, or the golf, is the people I get to meet as I pursue my passions.

The Big Break and Highway 18 interviews have introduced me to so many wonderful people I would never have met if I hadn't decided to just start writing about golf. Funny where your hobbies lead you, isn't it?

Today I met man who made me step back and say to myself, "Hmmm...this is someone to watch."

Scott Yancy III is a professional golfer who didn't take up the sport until high school and his story about why he chose golf will interest you. It will also interest you to know what he needed to do to pursue his dream of being on the PGA Tour.

If you are a big Big Break fan, you will remember Scott from Big Break II Vegas. Although he didn't win that series, he still came out a winner from the experience. Unfortunately after the Big Break, he faced adversities and challenges that would make others quit. But Scott possesses that special something that makes a champion - Scott Yancy III has heart.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Scott today about his golf career, his experience on the Big Break II and his thoughts on the TV hit on Golf Channel - Uneven Fairways. Take a listen...

I said in the interview that I would follow Scott's career and I will definitely do that. He's obviously a determined young man with supporters and sponsors who believe in him. After meeting him, even virtually, I can understand why.

Scott, I wish you all the best in your pursuit of your PGA card. I believe you will get it. And to help you visualize that first shot at the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun, here's a picture I took of that beautiful course in Mexico when I played it last summer (actually this is the 15th hole, but you get the picture :))

It's a stunning course that delivers so many different experiences over 18 holes. But watch out for the wind on the back nine - it can knock you over!

Golfgal

Hair Ye, Hair Ye - PGA Tour can't cut it!

A week or so ago, I read a good article from Garry Smits of the Florida Times-Union that joked about the PGA Tour cracking down on grooming - not of greens, but of golfers.

I have to say that I had mixed feelings about this whole issue when I read about it. Although Charley Hoffman's tresses do not appeal to me, there are some men who look better scruffy than groomed. And some might even argue the "Samson theory" that their locks are not just for looks.

Take one of my very favorite baseball players,Johnny Damon (2nd only to Ichiro). In 2004 when he was playing with the Red Sox, Damon's batting average was 304 - in 2005 it was 316. Then in 2006 JD joined the Yankees and look what happened - those idiots chopped off his hair - all of it (and some argue...his mojo).

Now you tell me, who do you think looks hotter - Red Sox Johnny or Yankee Johnny?

Silly question, I know. It's obvious. But did you know that after he was scalped, his batting average dropped to 285 and plunged further in 2007 to 270! Yikes! Thank goodness, in 2008, Johnny found a bit of his magic again with a 303 BA, but it was a scary couple of years.

Nope, you shouldn't mess with the mess. If it works, don't fix it!

Now let's take a look at some of the PGA Tour players who have gone long...

Some are studs, while others - duds.

Now, this is just one golfgal's opinion, but I think Baddeley just looks bad - Sergio looks silly - Rory's hair's gory - and Charley's makes me chuckle.

But the studs can carry the long hair and should wear it with pride. Message to Camilo - grow it back! When I saw Villegas at the Buick, I almost cried. The blonde was gone and although he still looks good, I personally felt that he left a little of his sex appeal on the cutting room floor. Sigh...

Anyway, I have decided (after writing this post) that I don't want to see the PGA Tour messing with success. Let the boys have their fun and their hair.

But the thing I never want to see the Tour change is the long pant rule Sure, watching CV strut his stuff would be great if he legs look half as good as his biceps, but the thought of having to watch Boo bend over in boxers is enough to make me switch to golf radio.

Golfgal

Big Break Sherri McDonald offers advice to Big Break PEI contestants

Well, it's only 8 more weeks until the debut of Big Break PEI, and I can't wait. Although I've watched all the Big Breaks, Big Break PEI will be the 3rd in the series where I get to interact with the contestants as they bite their nails watching themselves on TV.

My interviews with many of the Big Break and Highway 18 golfers last year were so much fun. I've made many new friends from the shows and from the fans who enjoy the interviews almost as much as I do.

Oh sure, we love to sit back in our easy chairs and pass judgement on their talents, behaviors and comments, but if we were really honest with ourselves, we'd admit - we're @$#9~)> jealous! Being on the Big Break is one of the best things that could ever happen to a golfer and...one of the scariest. No one knows that better than Sherri McDonald of Big Break Michigan.

I recently connected with Sherri and discovered that she's as nice in person as she appeared to be on TV. And, yes... she is also competitive and determined.

Can you imagine being told that you wouldn’t be able to play golf past the age of 24 because of back and hip problems? Well, that didn’t stop Sherri. After playing college golf at Penn State University, Sherri began teaching and coaching while pursuing her pro career. She was determined to play on the Duramed FUTURES Tour and in 2001 found herself a sponsor (not easy for young women golfers to do, believe me!).

But as bad luck would have it, her sponsor went out of business as a result of 9/11 and Sherri had to give up her dream, for a while. However, being a talented, driven and confident young woman, Sherri landed on her feet and was hired as the women’s head golf coach at Monmouth University in 2002, where she continues to help young women follow their dream.

Sherri and Michael Michaelides were a great team on Big Break X. Although they didn't make it to the finals, they both came out winners in my opinion because they played like winners, kept their cool and were friendly with everyone (remember when they played referees for Sally and Dave when S&D wouldn't ride in the same carts together?). Yup, Sherri and Michael set great examples for their students who were glued to the tube every Tuesday night.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Sherri yesterday about her experience on the Big Break Michigan and asked her what advice she would give to the Big Break PEI folks heading into April or anyone who is thinking of applying for their Big Break in the future...

I'm so pleased that Sherri has agreed to join me every couple of weeks and talk about the hot topics in golf. We'll most likely start with the obvious ones about challenges for women golfers and how to get more women into the sport. And, of course, I'll have to get her thoughts on Big Break PEI as the show progresses, but if you have any topics you'd like to have us chat about, just let me know.

Golfgal

Something stinks - Thorpe charged with tax evasion on same day Uneven Fairways airs

Could the timing be any worse? Tonight Golf Channel airs a documentary called Uneven Fairways, hosted by one of my favorite actors, Samuel L. Jackson.

And just two hours ago, Reuters reported that 13-time winner Jim Thorpe, another favorite of mine on the Champions Tour, has been charged with failing to pay $1.6M in federal taxes. According to the report..."Thorpe failed to file personal income tax returns on time and to pay his taxes for 2002, 2003 and 2004. In addition, they said he failed to file a corporate tax return on time for his company, JLT Inc, in 2003."

Jim Thorpe is in deep trouble. He could be sentenced to 7 years in prison and a $3.2 million fine. Oh my!

How does this happen? Thorpe has an incorporated company; he's made $13M in his career. He must have an accountant. Where is he/she in all this mess? Nope, this doesn't make any sense to me.

I am sure we'll hear more about this over the next few days, but this is really sad and couldn't have happened on a worse day.

Some might almost wonder if the district attorney did it on purpose. Obviously Thorpe's been investigated for some time now. But is it just coincidence that the DA filed charges on the day Uneven Fairways was being debuted?

I don't believe in coincidences. Something stinks here!
Golfgal


Segregation on green
By Teddy Greenstein TRIBUNE REPORTER
Chicago Tribune
09 Feb 2009

Craig Bowen’s cell phone rang, and despite being in the midst of an interview, he felt compelled to answer. It’s a normal reaction when you’re working diligently to promote a documentary that has consumed your existence for more than a decade. And...read more...

Tech Tags: Chicago Tribune newspaper SPORTS

When will Camilo Villegas overtake Phil in world rankings?

At the beginning of the year, a male friend of mine (who wishes to remain nameless, but is as addicted to golf as I am) said that he thought that before the end of 2009, Camilo would pass Phil in the world rankings. Currently Phil is number 4, Camilo 11. But as my friend reminded me, Camilo was at number 7 at the end of last year and so there was only 3 spots between them at one time.

Needlesstosay, I was a bit shocked by this forecast. I love Camilo (okay okay...I lust Camilo), but Phil is...well..."Phil!". He has talent, experience and more talent. He's Phil!

Now...I'm not the biggest Phil fan in the world - he doesn't wind my crank much - but he certainly is entertaining with his high risk shots. Camilo is also the consummate entertainer with his spiderman moves, dazzling smile, great attitude on the course and a body made for pleasure (not his, ours! ;)). And as cranks go, mine is in overdrive when the Columbian Stallion on the tube.

But to think that Camilo could overtake Phil in 2009? I don't know....seems a bit far fetched to me - maybe in a few years when age creeps up on Phil...but this year? Hmm....I just don't see it.

So my friend said...check their current stats....

Okay...now these numbers surprised me. Camilo beats Phil in what I consider to be the most critical statistics. Sure, Phil is longer, but his accuracy sucks. And everyone knows Phil's sand work is incredible, but maybe that's because he's in them so much (check his GIR). Speaking of which...look at the GIR and driving accurcy stats. Those tell me that maybe my friend isn't off his rocker after all.

But in my mind, Phil's still a winner in many ways. Let's look at the stats that really matter...

Hard to argue with these, especially the "Marriage Material" category. Winner of the David Feherty "HAUTE COUTURE FERRET" award, Villegas is someone you don't want to take home to mom - she might try and steal him :).

Yup...Feherty had it right when he said...Spiderman "could wear my grandad's long underwear with the18-wheeler skidmarks on the trap door and still looklike a Calvin Klein model."

Now you have all the facts. Who do you think will be on top at the end of this year - Lucky Lefty or Sexy Spidey?

Golfgal

For the kids...

As hard as it is to imagine when you look out your window these days and see all that snow, summer is coming up fast and like many parents, I'm wondering what will the kids do this summer.

We don't have a First Tee Program in Vancouver yet (although there is a proposal on the table), but even if there was a chapter, our two kids are into so many things, I don't think they'd be as interested in a camp dedicated to the game I love so much - heartbreaking for me, but kids gotta do what kids gotta do.

Anyway...the question is, what do kids who have multiple interests do for the summer? Well there are a lot of summer camps for kids, but unfortunately many of them are too expensive for many families, and it's only getting worse with this recession we find ourselves in.

The good news is that there are some great programs out there for kids who normally wouldn't be able to afford camp. One that came to my attention recently gives inner-city children in New York the joy of a summer vacation with volunteer host families and at Fund camps. It's called the Fresh Air Fund and it's been helping underprivileged kids since 1877. Wow...that's a long time!

Fresh Air Fund hires staff members with a wide range of experience in some pretty amazing fields, including: environmental science, culinary arts, fashion design, orienteering, leadership, video editing, digital and dark room photography, ropes course, nutrition and agriculture.

When I saw what the organization does I thought to myself, "Gee, I wish they offered golf along with all the other great outdoor activities they provide."

Here's an idea...

I know Fresh Air Fund is actively recruiting new counsellors now for this summer. If you are over 18 and have completed at least one year of college by this summer, they want to hear from you. It looks like a great summer job. What I would love to see is some college students with golf experience apply. Maybe if Fresh Air had golf talent on staff, they would find some innovative ways to offer lessons to their campers.

There are two First Tee Programs in Metropolitan New York
- Chelsea Piers (New York, NY)
- Mosholu Golf Course & Driving Range (Bronx, NY)

What if they collaborated with Fresh Air Fund and made golf a possibility for kids who would probably never have a chance to play this fantastic game? It's probably not feasible this year, given the timing, but maybe next year? Hmmm....something to think about.

Anyway, if you know of a college student who loves working with kids and is looking for a rewarding summer job in the NY area, pass along this link so they can apply before the June deadline.









Golfgal
ps: Fresh Air Fund is pretty active online...check them out on:

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31930202313
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/131847?m=f1429162&recruiter_id=17346456
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/FreshAirFund

Phil Bundy awakens his sleeping dream of being on the PGA Tour

Have you ever met someone who inspires you to be the best that you can be? - Someone who makes you believe in the impossible dream? Well, I just did. His name is Phil Bundy and today he is my hero.

Against some pretty big odds (43 of them ;)), Phil has awakened a dream that's been sleeping inside of him for over 2 decades - Phil is on a quest to secure his PGA Tour Card at 43 years of age.

When I first heard about Phil, I was reminded of the book "Awaken The Giant Within" by Anthony Robbins - a book that is all about controlling one's destiny - about living one's dream.

I read that book when I turned 40 and it inspired me to make some significant changes in my life. Phil also had an epiphany at 40 - but his inspiration didn't come from a book. Rather it came from his 3 year old son, Charlie, during one of their many dad and son outings at the golf courese.

Seeing little Charlie run across the fairway with pure joy on his face rekindled Phil's life-long love with golf. And then and there, he made a commitment to live his dream of being on the PGA Tour. Reading his story gave me goosebumps and I just had to talk to him and find out more.

Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing Phil to learn more about his quest, his life, his "dream team", his family and his plans for this year...

Subscribe to Phil's RSS feed of his website and follow his quest on his blog. Check out his dream team as well - pretty darn impressive, don't you think? And don't forget, you can also find Phil on twitter.

Phil is a man who makes us believe in ourselves because he could be any one of us. If he can do it, why can't we? And although he may be an "everyman" in our eyes, I know for certain that in the eye's of his child, he is a giant!

Best of luck Phil! We'll be watching and cheering you on!

Golfgal

Big Break PEI and spring are just around the corner.

Well, the wait is over! Spring is almost in the air and Big Break PEI is just around the corner. Woohoo!

I have been struggling since the fall with what to do with my Tuesday nights. :) I was so used to doing post-episode interviews with the Big Break Ka'anapali, Highway 18 and Big Break Michigan contestants that when Haymes and Bernie became BB X winners, I was left feeling at a loss.

Well, I've got April 20th at 10 PM Est now in my daytimer and I'm set to start the interviews again.

Here are the contestants (6 men and 6 women): Aaron Wright, Brenda McLarnon, Eugene Smith, Gerina Mendoza, Robert Read, Caroline Larsson, Derek Gillespie, Nicole Sikora, William Thompson, Blair O’Neal, Brian Skatell and Kim Kouwabunpat.

Do you know any of them? I don't, but I'm sure some of the previous BB and HY18 contestants do - golf is such a small world. I'll ask them for tips on who would make great interviewees.

Meanwhile....who do you think I should try and connect with? I definitely want to chat with fellow Canuck, Derek Gillespie. But haven't a clue who else to add to the weekly mix of chit chat.

The article below says that Golf Channel has info on their site, but I haven't seen it yet. I guess I'll check the bios when they are posted and then decide who looks to be the most "interesting".

[Update, Feb 6, 2009. This just in from Golf Channel...the bios for all the contestants....check them out.]

Kim Kouwabunpat (27, Upland, Calif.) – Focused and driven, Kouwabunpat (pronounced “Kowa boon pat”) has the uncanny ability to pick herself up when she's been knocked down. The former Stanford University golfer has played on professional tours all over the world in her attempt to make it to the LPGA tour.

Caroline Larsson (24, Orlando, Fla.) – The Stockholm, Sweden, native is considered to be one of the most talented competitors in the field. An accomplished player on the Duramed FUTURES Tour over the last two years, she competed in the 2007 LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament.

Brenda McLarnon (25, Charleston, S.C.) – The Belfast, Ireland, native is brutally honest and outspoken, and brings humor and conflict to everything she does. Having played the Duramed FUTURES Tour the last three years, she learned the sacrifice it takes to play professional golf and is ready to capitalize on the hard-earned experience.

Gerina Mendoza (23, Roswell, N.M.) – Mendoza picked up the game in her late teens but is one of the most naturally gifted competitors in the series. A member of the Duramed FUTURES Tour, last year she competed in the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament, where she missed the cut. With her length off the tee, Mendoza will be a force to be reckoned with in Big Break Prince Edward Island for both the ladies and men.

Blair O'Neal (27, Tempe, Ariz.) – A four-year starter at Arizona State University, she twice won the NCAA Long Drive Championship but has been out of professional golf since 2006 pursuing a modeling career. Before leaving the fairway for the runway, she competed on numerous Tours around the world.

Nicole Sikora (25, Yonkers, N.Y.) – Sikora may be the most inexperienced competitor on Big Break Prince Edward Island. After an unsuccessful rookie year on the DURAMED FUTURES Tour in 2007, she accepted a job on Wall Street as an executive assistant for a New York stock broker. Golf has taken a backseat, but now that her business career is on the fast track, she is slowly finding more time to re-devote to the game.

Derek Gillespie (30, Oshawa, Ontario) – The only Canadian in the cast, Gillespie was once labeled “the next great Canadian golfer” by fellow countryman and PGA TOUR professional Mike Weir. One of the most talented and experienced in the cast, Gillespie is looking to realize his dream of playing on the PGA TOUR after many years of missed opportunities and bad breaks.

Robert Read (30, Seekonk, Mass.) – Reid turned professional to play in Big Break Prince Edward Island. Read will use his humor and prodigious length to level the playing field. Quite the bomber, he has hit drives over 420 yards in long drive competitions.

Eugene Smith (30, Glen Ridge, N.J.) – Smith won the 2000 NCAA Big East Championship and later was the Seton Hall Athlete of the Year in 2001. The Canadian Tour veteran once shot 59 at his home course in New Jersey in a round that included a hole in one.

Brian Skatell (36, Virginia Beach, Va.) – A very confident player, Skatell prides himself on his meticulous work ethic and considers himself to be mentally strong. Though lacking the same amount of tournament experience as many of the other contestants, he firmly believes that even the best in the field can’t match his skill level.

William Thompson (22, Bracey, Va.) – A self-admitted and rather obvious country boy, William “Football” Thompson will be one of the most unique personalities in the cast. The youngest competitor, his Big Break experience will be a trial by fire.

Aaron Wright (31, Orlando, Fla.) – Wright put his dream of playing on the PGA TOUR on hold to serve a six-year tour of duty with the Marines, including a five-month stint in Afghanistan. In 2008, the United States Navel Academy graduate played the Hooters Tour and made the cut in a Nationwide Tour event. He lost to Tiger Woods 4&3 in the quarterfinal match of the 1992 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

Mill River looks gorgeous! It was rated fours stars by Golf Digest Places to Play. SCORE Golf Magazine rated Mill River in the Top 3 Best Golf Courses in Atlantic Canada. I have never played in PEI, but I'm going to try really hard to get their during the series so I can do some video footage of the course they are playing and share it while they're in the midst of battle.

Can't wait!

Golfgal

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‘Big Break PEI’ slated to debut April 20

Journal Pioneer
05 Feb 2009

TORONTO – The countdown is on to Mill River Golf Course’s national television debut. The first episode of the “Big Break XI – Prince Edward Island” TV reality series, filmed last September at Mill River, airs April 20 at 10 p.m. on the Golf...read more...

Related:
Cape Breton, P.E.I. sealers getting ready for hunt on Hay Island

Tech Tags: Journal Pioneer newspaper Front Page

Golfing in San Diego - Stealing precious moments at Steele Canyon Golf Course

When I was vacationing in San Diego in January, I really enjoyed playing Steele Canyon - a 3 x 9 hole course designed by Gary Player.

Steele Canyon was rated as a 4 star course by Golf Digest and also received the "Top Women Friendly Course Award" by Golf For Women Magazine (when they were still alive). Ladies, what that means is: Great tee positions (often 50+ yards ahead of the white tees) and real restrooms on the course :).

My golfguy and I played the Canyon and Ranch 9 hole courses and really enjoyed them. And, I was able to try out my new "Think Pink" golf clubs from Sweet Spot Golf in a venue that allowed me to really test them in action.

The 3 courses are quite different. As you can imagine, the Canyon course has severe elevation changes, while the Ranch is more "agricultural" in nature. But they are both challenging and nice to play. We were really impressed by the maintenance of the courses and they way they paid attention to small touches, such as the wonderful rock work at the tee boxes. You'll see that in the video below.

The club house has a good chef and nice, but rather small, bar. The members are friendly and there's lots of chatter among the members and staff in the bar. It was fun to grab a quick tasty breakfast before playing and a beer/wine after the round. I wish they had had bubbly for my post-round beverage, but you can't ask for everything I guess. They did have some left-over champagne from their Sunday Brunch, but I'm not a "left-over" kind of golfgal. ;)

One of the things that I liked was their paper place mats. I know...sounds wierd...but they have these paper placemats that give you tips on every hole on all 3 courses. That's probably because they don't offer GPS on their carts. I wish I had taken the placemat out to the golf course! :) I did, however, pick up one after my drink at the end "for next time".

Anyway...here is my video view of the course...

I haven't played many of the courses in San Diego (mostly because they are sooo expensive for us Canucks), but someday I hope to play them and review them as well.

In the meantime, if I am ever in San Diego again, I'll head to Steele Canyon - great courses, good practice range, good club house, good food and good people. Hard to ask for anything more.

Golfgal