Alan L. Hammond's Blog
Posted by Alan L. Hammond
But, taking the reigns as he did brought the Cup back the the US, and popularity of the event to a new high level.
Controversial Captain's picks, revamping the qualification criteria, setting up the course to his team's strengths, putting the players into small groups that held together all week, all combined for the win and an exciting tournament.
Possibly the most controversial pick was Kentuckian J.B. Holmes, who turned out to be one of the stars. He's a great player, but his play rose to a new level in front of his fellow Kentuckians. Boo Weekley is the next Sam Snead, and should take over the fan-favorite role from John Daly. Anthony Kim proved himself to be a superior talent.
In short, it was great to see the Americans seem to want to be there for a change. After years of controversy over their lack of a team concept, which is one reason the Euros have been handing them their heads for a decade, the turnaround was fantastic.
Coming together for each other, their country and their captain was a sight to be seen, on both sides.
Long live the Ryder Cup!
Posted by Alan L. Hammond
I have reviewed several golf clubs and sets of golf clubs, but none of them stood head and shoulders above their peers. That is, until I tried Alpha's C830.4. The driver blew me away from the first drive. Well, the first drive wasn't the best, I wasn't warmed up enough. But, thereafter it was fantastic in distance, accuracy, forgiveness, everything. In my reviews, I try to be even handed and not too critical or overly positive, but the driver was explosive!
Although they're really just getting started with trying to break into the "everyman" golfer market, I'm surprised Alpha hasn't been getting more attention.
In thinking back over my years as a golfer, I can't think of an occassion when a newcomer manufacturer immediately broke into the golf market and was a quick success. Well, Nike did it, but they had their name to get things rolling. That's all they had, because their clubs were substandard, not so now. But, Alpha has a truly superior product and one that needs to be experienced by more people.
I hope the golf industry as relates to manufacturing isn't a "closed shop," and Alpha doesn't get shut out of he chance to succeed. Then again, if the Callaways and Pings of the world are smart, they'll do what they can to keep Alpha where they are. The coming months will begin to tell the tale. Find Alpha clubs, give them a try and you'll see how great they are.
Posted by Alan L. Hammond
Her career has been nothing short of a train wreck for some time. Disqualification, injury, maybe even alienation from her peers, have combined to take a toll on her. Recently, however, she seems to be playing much better than in the not-so-distant past, even having a high finish or two.
As soon as her game began coming around and we began to again look forward to seeing how far her potential could take her, she's trying again to make the cut on the PGA Tour.
If that's the way she wants to go, so be it. It's her career. It's her life. But, as good as she is, she isn't going to be successful. Sure, she may eventually make a cut or two. She may be able to say she was the first female to make a PGA Tour cut. If that happens, what difference will it make? She's simply not going to make a lasting impact and a career there.
She has shown many of the signs of being an impact player in the LPGA, minus consistency and maturity. She's still very young, so much of what she hasn't shown isn't her fault (maybe the fault of her parents).
Which would you choose: the Golf Hall of Fame or the equivalent of the Guiness Book of World Records, if she makes a PGA Tour cut, of course?
Here's hoping she makes a wise choice for her legacy.
Posted by Alan L. Hammond
Not quite on par with a major championship, but recognition of his obvious dedication to becoming and remaining fit. If more pro and amateur golfers would do the same, they would, no doubt, enjoy more success.
There's no denying Tiger's level of fitness. Just take a look at him a few years back; fit, but nothing like today. Given his current "buffness," why would anyone take issue with his Fittest Guy in America selection? That's exactly what many in the blogosphere, online magazines and traditional media have done.
It's most likely due to his being a golfer. Even Men's Fitness, the magazine that gave him the honor, slighted golfers everywhere, possibly unknowingly (but probably not), by stating they didn't care about golf before Tiger.
It shouldn't matter whether or not he's a golfer, boxer or olympic athlete. Fitness is fitness and Tiger's the picture of it. There may be a legitimate argument of whether he's as fit as some olympic athletes, but don't base the disagreement on disdain for golf.
Posted by Alan L. Hammond
Unlike the large companies, Heavy Putter manufacturer Boccieri Golf is making an impact on virtually every tour on the globe without paying for hefty endorsement contracts. They simply make a great product that provides results.
The latest offering, the C2T-DF, is handcrafted and 100-percent CNC milled from a forged billet of 303 Stainless Steel, it has a unique PVD finish for a distinctly rich, black appearance, decorative gold lettering, a custom headcover, and specially-designed Winn Midsize grip. "We designed this for players seeking a high-end putter of unparalleled performance and beauty," says Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO of Boccieri Golf. "The C2T-DF Tour, as with all the Heavy Putters, improves the consistency of the golfer's stroke, resulting in fewer putts per round."
The Heavy Putter lineup is a departure from traditional putters, in that the weight and weight-distribution engage the large muscle groups of the upper body, which results in smoother stroke, less wrist action and more made putts.
