Alan L. Hammond's Blog

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Woody Austin (Merrill Lynch Shootout)

• Driver: Cleveland HiBore XL
• Fairway Woods: Cleveland Launcher Steel (13 degrees)
• Hybrid: Cleveland Halo (19 degrees)
• Irons (3-PW): Cleveland CG1
• Wedges: Cleveland 588 DSG (56 degrees) and 588 (60 degrees)
• Putter: Scotty Cameron by Titleist -- prototype
• Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Mark Calcavecchia (Merrill Lynch Shootout)

• Driver: Ping G10 (7.5 degrees)
• Fairway Wood: Callaway Golf Steelhead III Strong
• Irons (3-PW): Ping i5
• Wedges: Ping EYE2 sand and lob wedges
• Putter: Ping G5i Craz-E belly (guess he got rid of the famous Redwood)
• Ball: TItleist Pro V1

Trevor Immelman (NedBank Golf Challenge)

• Driver: Nike Sumo
• Fairway Wood: Nike SasQuatch 2 (15 degrees)
• Hybrids: Nike SumoIrons (4-PW): Nike Pro Combo OS
• Wedges: Nike (54 and 60 degrees)
• Putter: Nike Unitized Retro
• Footwear: Nike Golf
• Apparel: Nike Golf

Frank Lickliter (PGA Tour: Qualifying School)

• Driver: Titleist Pro Titanium 905S (9.5 degrees)
• Fairway Woods: Titleist 906F2 (15 degrees) and 906F4 (18 degrees)
• Irons (4-9): Titleist 695MB
• Wedges: Titleist Vokey 200 series (48 degrees); Titleist Vokey SM proto (56 and 60 degrees)
• Putter: Scotty Cameron by Titleist -- Newport prototype
• Ball: Titleist Pro V1
• Footwear: FootJoy Classics Dry Premiere

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Everyone knows the top players, past champions, and a few other well-knowns are Masters Tournament invitees every year. Here are a few that you may not have thought of, but they already have their bags packed, along with the qualification that gets them there:

• Brian Bateman (1st Masters)- qualification #15 (winner of PGA Tour events that awards full-point allocation to the Tour Championship, from previous to current Masters)
• Jonathan Byrd - #15 and #16 (players qualifying for the 2007 Tour Championship)
• Ben Curtis - #3 (British Open champion, Honorary, non-competing after 5 years)
• Nick Dougherty (England, 1st Masters) - #11 (top eight players and ties at the 2007 U.S. Open)
• Niclas Fasth (Sweden) - #11
• Steve Flesch - #14 (Top 30 players in the final 2007 Money List)
• Richard Green (Australia, 1st Masters) - #12 (Top four players and ties at the 2007 British Open)
• Todd Hamilton - #3
• Trip Kuehne - #9 (current Mid Amateur Champion)
• Shaun Micheel - #4 (PGA Champions, Honorary, non-competing after 5 years)
• Arron Oberholser - #13 (Top four players and ties at the 2007 PGA Championship
• Ian Poulter (England) - #10 (Top 15 players and ties at the 2007 Masters Tournament)
• John Rollins - #14 and #16
• Andres Romero (Argentina, 1st Masters) - #12
• John Senden (Australia, 1st Masters) - #13
• Heath Slocum (1st Masters) - #14 and16
• Vaughn Taylor - #10
• Michael Thompson (1st Masters) - #6-B (U.S. Amateur Runner-up)
• Bubba Watson (1st Masters) - #11
• Drew Weaver (1st Masters) - #7 (British Amateur Champion)

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Lorena Ochoa (LPGA's ADT Championship)

Driver: : PING Rapture (7.5 degrees with Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Blue Board 53S shaft)

Fairway woods: : PING G10 3-wood (15.5 degrees); PING Rapture 5-wood (17 degrees with Aldila shaft)

Hybrid: : PING Rapture (21 degrees with UST IROD shaft)

Irons (4-PW): : PING S58

Wedges: : PING Tour (50 and 56 degrees)

Putter: : Odyssey TriHot 2

Ball: : Callaway HX Tour 56

Footwear: : FootJoy

Spikes: : CHAMP Stinger

Miguel Angel Jiminez (European/Asian Tour's UBS Hong Kong Open)

Driver: : PING Rapture (7.5 degrees)

Fairway Woods: : PING TiSI Tec 3 and 5 woods

Irons (3-PW): : PING S59

Wedges: : PING Tour-W (52 and 58 degrees)

Putter: : PING Redwood Anser

Ball: : Srixon Z-UR

Ian Poulter (Japan Tour's Dunlop Phoenix Open)

Driver: : Cobra Speed Pro S (8.5 degrees)

Fairway Wood: : Cobra X/Speed (13 degrees)

Irons (4-PW): : Cobra Pro MB

Wedges: : Titleist Vokey (56 and 60 degrees)

Ball: : Titleist Pro V1x

Tommy Armour, III (Pebble Beach Invitational)

Driver: : Titleist 907D prototype (8.5 degrees with Diamana 73 shaft)

Irons (3-PW): : Titleist Forged 680 (with Dynamic Gold SL shafts)

Wedges: : Titleist Vokey Spin Milled Wedges (54 and 60 degrees with Dynamic Gold SL shafts)

Ball: : Titleist Pro V1x

Glove: : Titleist Players

Source: The Tour Van, Golf Press Association, November 20, 2007.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Golf Orlando, a golf marketing co-op comprised of the leading courses and hotel properties in Central Florida, announced today that it will once again hold the "Mancation Vacation" Giveaway.

"Last year's contest was so popular that it only made sense for us to offer it again," stated Golfpac President Jeff Hamilton. "Orlando is a premier golf destination and the contest is one way of promoting the fantastic golf courses in Central Florida."

The grand prize isn't just a vacation; it's a mancation, which the group defines as an annual event with a group of golfers who have been friends for years. It involves drinking fine wines, playing championship golf, enjoying steaks and cigars, and never having to stop and ask for directions.

Everyone who registers at the GolfOrlando website between October 30, 2007 and February 29, 2008 will be entered and eligible to win.

The grand package winner and his three guests will stay at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club for five days and four nights of luxury and relaxation.

The foursome will enjoy championship golf at five of Orlando's finest courses: Celebration Golf Club, Eagle Creek Golf Club, Grand Cypress, Mystic Dunes Golf Club, and Shingle Creek Golf Club.

To round out the mancation package, GolfOrlando will include a dinner at one of Orlando's best steakhouses. After dinner the foursome will enjoy a night out at a cigar and wine bar. And to make sure the winner travels in style, a Lincoln Town Car from Budget Rent will be provided.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

The Golfweek list has become one of the most trusted and resources for golfers in finding new places to play. The list is derived from the efforts of Golfweek's course raters; a nationwide team of more than 450 evaluators surveying over 1,800 golf courses.

Here are the top-ten best new golf course for 2007 with the course name, location, designer/architects and year it opened:

1. Bandon Trails, Bandon, OR, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, 2005

2. Chambers Bay GC, University Place, WA, Bruce Charlton, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., 2007

3. Sebonak GC, Southampton, NY, Tom Doak, Jack Nicklaus, 2006

4. Ballyneal, Holyoke, CO, Tom Doak, 2006

5. Bright's Creek GC, Mill Spring, NC, Tom Fazio, 2006

6. Bayonne GC, Bayonne, NJ, Eric Bergstol, 2006

7. Concession GC, Sarasota, FL, Jack Nicklaus, 2006

8. Colorado GC, Parker, CO, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, 2007

9. Pronghorn - Fazio Course, Bend, OR, Tom Fazio, 2006

10. Boston GG, Hingham, MA, Gil Hanse, 2005

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Parents, if you have a motivated young golfer, this event if for you and them. The tournament,to be held February 16-18, 2008, is for boys and girls from under six years old to age 12. Sponsored by the golf industry's biggest youth golf club manufacturers, the event is well-known and respected.

Not only is this a well-respected kids event, it is located in one of the best vacation in the U.S. Located along Georgia's Atlantic coast. Near Jekyll Island is plenty of great golf, great activities and beautiful scenery. Give the tournament a look and check out the area. A mid-winter golf trip would be the perfect family getaway.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Although the Ryder Cup has more history behind it, the President's Cup is a true team event that assembles the best players in the world. It is one of the few chances professional golfer have at playing the closest thing golf can offer to a team competition.

Given the players assembled for this year's President's Cup, it has the potential to be an epic event. Take a quick look at the two teams. The US - Woods, Furyk, Mickelson, Johnson, Howell, Toms, Verplank, Stricker, Cink, Austin, Glover, and Mahan. The Internationals - Els, Scott, Singh, Ogilvie, Sabbatini, Goosen, Choi, Cabrera, Immelman, Appleby, Weir and O'Hern.

At least in the United States, the President's Cup doesn't generate, among casual golf fans, the excitement of the Ryder Cup, any of the majors, or even some of the top-tier tournaments. Speaking as an American golf fan, to American golf fans, if you can't get fired up about this installment of US v. the World, then you must have ice in your veins.

True, sometimes the professionals' complaints and lack of enthusiasm is a bit of a downer. Which begs the question, What's with all this bring-down, guys? No one on either team needs a paycheck this week. Put aside the ego and go play your best for your country.

I, for one, can't wait to see what transpires in Montreal this week. I hope Mike Weir goes low everyday, but The Cup has feels at home in the U.S.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

A host of the world's best golfers are bunched at the top of the Fedex Cup rankings. It had been capped off by a could-be, would-be duel between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson for the Fedex Cup Championship and the Tour Championship.

Now, due to what appears to be a combination of fatigue and personal conflict with Commissioner Finchem, Phil Mickelson has pulled out of this week's BMW Championship. The particulars of Mickelson's conflict with Finchem are not yet known. Lefty himself said it was due to Finchem's inaction on requests he had made earlier in the year.

I've always been a Mickelson fan. If his reasons for skipping the BMW are truly valid, then so be it. If not, then he's dropped a few notches. The only person who will ever know is Phil Mickelson.

To the winner of the Fedex Cup will go what amounts to a $10 million annuity. That's $10,000,000.00. More than I, my immediate family, my extended family, and all of my friends and co-workers will most likely make in our lifetimes. There's something distasteful about a willingness to risk throwing away enough money to change the lives of your family or the lives of the sick, the hungry, the disadvantaged.

But, he could come back for the Tour Championship, as he's stated he would, and make a go of it. The Fedex will go on if he doesn't.

I can't wait to see how this all shakes out over the coming days and weeks.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Ten years, one year for each million the Fedex Champion will eventually receive, have been added to PGA commissioner Tim Finchem's life. He even looks younger since Monday's final round duel between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at the Deutsche Bank Championship. Mickelson was the eventual, two-shot victor.

Now the Fedex points leader, Mickelson is two slots ahead of third-place Woods. With the Fedex Cup top-10 points leaders full of fan favorites, the remaining two tournaments in the Fedex Playoffs can't help but be interesting at worst. Completely awesome, at best.

I don't know what Commissioner Finchem was worried about beforehand. It couldn't be due to comments made by a few disgruntled, tormented souls. The Fedex Cup was off to a good, albeit slower start, due to Tiger's absence the first week. Fan interest was there even without him. To be sure, it has skyrocketed with his return and Mickelson's ability to hang in for the win.

Much like Michigan's Lloyd Carr, Finchem would still have his job if the Fedex had flopped. The Cup has now rocketed out of our solar system, this year. In the long run, it'll be just like every other points race. If it's close at the end, it'll be popular. If not, fans will tune out until January.

Here's to hoping one of the guys down around the 25th or 30th spot comes out of nowhere to defeat the odds and everyone else. They're the ones that deserve $10 million.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Two new enhancements highlight this year's version of the EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 08 golf video game.

The EA SPORTS GamerNet is an interactive gaming hub that hosts user-created gameplay online, every shot on every hole of a player’s game is recorded. With an on-line connection, golf gamers can upload their best performances on EA SPORTS GamerNet and then earn points and bragging rights by posting video clips for other gamers to play against and by matching challenges set by others.

Photo Game Face, the other highlight, allows players to replicate themselves in the game, down to the finest detail. By simply uploading real-life photographs, players can create in-game characters that look exactly like the real thing, with no artistic skill required. No more choosing from a photo line-up of characters or players. Put yourself in there.

I haven't played the 08 version, yet. It looks as if it will be a great experience. I'm not a "gamer," but being an avid golfer, and having initially learned the game by watching the pros do it, I believe this video golf game can actually help your "real" golf game. The realistic appearance of the game, combined with the other features that allow you to watch the golf swing, manage your game, develop course strategy, etc., can only help improve your score. Tiger thinks so, too. Of course, he's trying to sell some video games.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

After the PGA Championship, interest in golf among fans and pros alike seems to traditionally wain until the season kicks up again in January. The Fedex Cup is, among other things, an attempt to keep interest high.

In a nutshell, the Fedex Cup is a season-long points race and a four-tournament playoff among the top-144 players, culminating at the Tour Championship about three weeks from now. At the Tour Championship, the top-30 left after weekly eliminations during the first three events will vie for the title of Fedex Champion. To the winner goes a $10 million annuity. Not a check for $10 million, a promise of $10 million later.

There have been lots of complaints against the Cup. Some say it'll take something away from the Majors. Some say the Majors will keep the Fedex from becoming popular. Others think it cheapens the the Tour Championship. The list goes on.

Some players have spoken against it, if only in muted tones or by mocking the annuity to the winner. Other players say they don't understand the scoring system, playoff format, etc. If I can understand it, anyone can. With only a few minutes of reading the rules and format posted on PGATOUR.com, I think I've got it.

An inordinately protective love of the Majors are the only two reasons I can think of for hating the Fedex so soon. I love the Majors as much as anything golf-related, but if fans decide they like the Fedex Cup "chase" more (which won't happen), then so be it. Don't tell people it's worthless before they decide for themselves.

If readership of Fedex Cup articles on this site is any indication of popularity, it's the best thing since the Pro V1.

As far as I'm concerned, they jury's still out. Give it some time before passing judgement.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

How Angel Cabrera has fared is up in the air, but Zach Johnson and Padraig Harrington seem to have suffered the same plight. Although they’ve played well most of the time, Johnson even having won another tournament, both were overcome by schedules packed with interviews, TV appearances, travel, celebrations, and oh yes, tournament commitments, all on both sides of the Atlantic. Not to mention spending time with family. Trying to keep up with all the demands and still go forward with a career is nigh impossible.

Neither Johnson nor Harrington have likely had the opportunity to let their wins, as they say, "sink in." That may be what has kept them playing at a relatively high level. The off-season, however short, may tell the tale for their futures. Time to reflect on their accomplishment, one of the reasons they do what they do, will either spell doom or spur them on to higher heights.

Take, for example, Tiger Woods, Michael Campbell and John Daly. Each have won majors. With each major win, Woods seems to hit another "determination gear." He’s driven to achieve heights that no other golfer has seen, or maybe will ever see. Since his PGA win in 1991, Daly’s career has stopped, started, sputtered and started again, several times. But he managed to win another major along the way. Cambell, by his own admission, lost the drive to stay on top after he reached the summit. He’s just now getting things back together after his 2005 U.S. Open win.

For this year’s first-time major champions, the hope is they can keep the faith and ascend even higher. From the Woods-Campbell-Daly example, they have about a one in three shot.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

The article Patriot Golf Day was published a few days ago. Since that time, it has become amazingly popular compared to other Suite 101 Golf feature articles. To be sure, Patriot Golf Day, which is set for September 1, 2007, has received a lot of worldwide publicity. During this past weekend's PGA Championship, it was featured and mentioned several times, which has helped the article's popularity.

What is encouraging is that viewers of the PGA Championship heard about the event and cared enough to begin searching for more information. Given the present events occuring in this world, indeed to the good armed services men and women who fight to protect us from those who would do us harm, Patriot Golf Day is worthy of all the attention and support we can give. If the popularity of the Patriot Golf Day article is any indication, it will be an overwhelming success.

Readers of the article can donate directly and support the charities that will benefit from the event by visiting the websites therein mentioned (Fallen Heroes Foundation and Wounded Warriors, Inc.).

Patriot Golf Day was the brainchild of a soldier. It will benefit the families of soldiers who have been killed or wounded. If the event was a local one held for the benefit of local families, it would provide a huge help to a few people. Imagine the impact a nationwide event, involving every golfer at every course, can have on a comparatively few people who have lost someone dear to them.

Thanks for reading the article. Pass it along to others or direct them to where they can find information about Patriot Golf Day.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

According to the Golf Press Association's publication, The Tour Van, Jim Furyk and Natalie Gulbis used the following equipment en route to victory last week.

Jim Furyk, Canadian Open champion

Driver: TaylorMade r7 SuperQuad (10.5 degrees)

Fairway Wood: Adams Insight BTY 3-wood (with Graphite Design Purple Ice 75 shaft)

Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro (18 degrees)

Irons (3, 5-PW): Srixon I-506

Wedges: Srixon Forged (55 and 60 degrees)

Putter: Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball

Ball: Srixon Z-URC

Footwear: adidas Tour360 II

Natalie Gulbis, Evian Masters champion. Congratulations to Natalie on her first LPGA Tour victory.

Driver: TaylorMade Burner (8.5 degrees with Graphite Design YS-6 shaft and Winn Xi7 grip)

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade 200 3-wood (with Graphite Design YS-6 shaft and Winn Xi7 grip)

Hybrids: TaylorMade Rescue Dual (14, 16 and 19 degrees with Winn Xi7 grips)

Irons (5-PW): TaylorMade r7 (with Winn Xi7 grips)

Wedges: TaylorMade rac (54 and 60 degrees with Winn Xi7 grips)

Putter: hammY (with 21-inch USA Winn Putter grip)

Ball: TaylorMade TP Black

Footwear: adidas Golf Powerband (white/silver)

Apparel: adidas Golf ClimaCool

We hope your favorite golf gear is represented here. Remember, in our estimation, "clone" clubs simply don't come close to the real thing.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

On August 3rd, a challenging 9 hole course surrounded by mountains and 2 ski resorts, will be the site of the First Annual Big Bear United Warriors Survivors Foundation (UWSF) Charity Golf Classic. The Southern California Golfers Association Bear Mountain group will be hosting the tournament.

"Having personally worked with the UWSF in the past, and meeting first hand the surviving spouses, this will be a very emotional day", says Brian Cramer, owner of Sandy's, the popular Big Bear sports bar, and the person who spearheaded the move to have the tournament in Big Bear Lake. "Last summer myself, my wife Debra, Fred Valko and John Smith participated in a UWSF tournament in Coronado and helped in a small way. This year we want to give back to those who have lost the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country".

Ken Pierce, president of GolfGym LLC and long time supporter of UWSF and a friend of the Cramer's, said, "The town of Big Bear Lake has come together to create the biggest charitable fund raising golf event the town has ever seen. From Big Bear merchants purchasing Tee-Sponsorships and donating gift certificates and products, to a local boat maker who is donating a handmade wooden kayak ($3,000 value) as the hole in one prize, the community has come together to support UWSF in a way that is incredibly heartwarming. I am personally asking for those of you who have been blessed in your lives, to help Big Bear Lake create the "Biggest Little Golf Tournament" ever to help support UWSF".

The UWSF is a non-profit 501©(3) California corporation dedicated to the surviving spouses of Special Operations military personnel killed in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. UWSF offers educational grants along with educational counseling, financial guidance, investment planning and other programs. UWSF also provides emotional support through professional bereavement counseling and support groups throughout the United States. More information about UWSF can be found at www.uwsf.org.

This is just one more example of how small groups of people can make a big impact in the lives of others through the sport of golf. This small town, along with their sponsors, has chosen a worthy charity in need of support.

Visit the Suite 101 homepage for more charity golf information and other golf articles.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

The Heavy Putter, reviewed by Suite 101 Golf in our article Heavy Putter Review, received a big boost after Troy Matteson used a prototype model to rank sixth in putts per round at the John Deere Classic. Matteson finished an excellent tournament in third place, his second top-3 in his last three tournaments. Matteson got on a hot streak late last year as well, winning the Frys.com Open and posting five top-5 finishes in a row, all with his trusty Heavy Putter.

According to Matteson, "The biggest thing anyone who tries the Heavy Putter will find is that it improves your speed. And any time you can improve your speed, you're going to make more putts."

The prototype is expected to hit the market late this year. Presently, it is being tested by PGA Tour players. Heavy Putters are also in use on the Nationwide, European and Canadian Tours, and the putters were used in three wins on those tours this year.

Boccieri Golf maintains that the Heavy Putter is the only putter that automatically improves the consistency of a golfer's putting stroke. Suite 101 Golf's testing proved that statement to be largely true. The "heavy" concept of the putter took some getting used to, but once old habits were broken, it proved to be fantastic.

The Suite 101 Golf Equipment Index has links to reviews and articles relating to the Heavy Putter and other golf equipment. Have a look.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

According to the Golf Press Association's weekly publication, Tour Van, June 26, 2007 edition, these are the golf clubs and equipment used by the previous week's winning professional golfers.

PGA TOUR: Hunter Mahan, Traveler's Championship champion

• Driver: Ping Rapture (9 degrees)
• Fairway Wood (3): TaylorMade r7 TP (15 degrees)
• Hybrid: Ping Rapture (18 degrees; Aldila VS Proto shaft)
• Irons (3-PW): Ping S58
• Sand Wedge: Titleist Vokey Design
• Lob Wedge: Titleist Vokey Design
• Putter: Ping G2i Anser
• Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1
• Footwear: FootJoy
• Spikes: CHAMP
• Glove: FootJoy

LPGA Tour: Lorena Ochoa, Wegmans Championship champion

• Driver: Ping Rapture (7.5 degrees)
• Fairway Wood (3): Cleveland Launcher (13 degrees)
• Fairway Wood (5): Ping Rapture (17 degrees)
• Hybrid: Ping Rapture (21 degrees)
• Irons (4-PW): Ping S58
• Gap Wedge: Ping Tour (50 degrees)
• Sand Wedge: Ping Tour (56 degrees)
• Putter: Odyssey Tri-Hot 2
• Golf Ball: Callaway HX Tour 56
• Footwear: FootJoy

Champions Tour: Jay Haas, Bank of America Championship champion

• Driver: Titleist Pro Titanium 905R (10.5 degrees; Fujikura Six shaft)
• Fairway Wood (3): Titleist Pro Trajectory 904F (15 degrees; Fujikura Speeder 757 shaft)
• Fairway Wood (5): Titleist Pro Trajectory 904F (19 degrees)
• Utility: Titleist 585.H (21 degrees; Aldila NV Hybrid shaft)
• Irons (4-PW): Titleist 755 (True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts)
• Sand Wedge: Titleist Vokey 200 Series (54 degrees; True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft)
• Lob Wedge: Titleist Vokey 200 Series (60 degrees; True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft)
• Putter: Scotty Cameron by Titleist Studio Design
• Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1
• Footwear: FootJoy

European Tour: Niclas Fasth, BMW International Open champion

• Driver: Callaway Golf Big Bertha Fusion FT-3 (8.5 degrees; Aldila NV ProtoPype shaft)
• Fairway Wood (3): Callaway Golf X-Tour 3-Strong (13 degrees)
• Fairway Wood (4): Callaway Golf X 4-wood (17 degrees)
• Irons (3-9): Callaway Golf X-Forged Irons
• Putter: Odyssey White Hot XG 2-Ball SRT
• Golf Ball: Callaway Golf HX Tour

Nationwide Tour: Chez Reavie, Knoxville Open champion

• Driver: Titleist 907D4 prototype (ProLaunch Red by Grafalloy shaft)
• Fairway Wood: Titleist PT 906F2 (15 degrees; ProLaunch Red by Grafalloy shaft)
• Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro (18 degrees)
• Irons (3-PW): Titleist Forged 660
• Sand Wedge: Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled (54 degrees)
• Lob Wedge: Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled (60 degrees)
• Putter: Scotty Cameron
• Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
• Footwear: FootJoy

Futures Tour: Seo-Jae Lee, Duramed Championship champion

• Driver: Callaway FT-5 (9.5 degrees; Fujikura graphite shaft)
• Fairway Woods (3-5-7): Callaway X-Tour Series (Fujikura graphite shafts)
• Irons (4-PW): Callaway X-Forged irons (True Temper lightweight steel shafts, regular flex)
• Sand Wedge: Titleist Vokey
• Putter: Odyssey White Hot XG #7
• Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1
• Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
• Footwear: FootJoy

Congratulations to each winner. Suite 101 Golf hopes your favorite player was victorious and your favorite equipment was represented.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Since golf will be the focus of the vacation for one or more family members, finding places to go or places to play is important. Tripwiser.com, a new travel website, has simplified the planning.

If you know where you want to go, Tripwiser.com will help you find activities for the whole family, not just the golfer. Users simply register, it's free, and begin by creating a trip. All that is needed initially is a destination. Once you begin to create a trip, Tripwiser will walk you through the process.

For instance, if you want to find golf in Bradenton, Florida, simply go to Day One of your trip and search for "Things to Do." Type in "golf," and a detailed list or area courses is there for your choosing. Then, click the "add to trip" button and your off and running. Choose the length of your trip, other activities, dining, lodging and any of a number of other choices and you can have your trip planned in no time. Users can find activities for the whole family.

Save your findings, map out your entire trip, save and print your itenerary. Trip planning simply could not be any easier. Tripwiser is really onto something.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

The Golf Press Association publication, The Tour Van (June 5, 2007 edition) listed the following equipment carried and used by K. J.:

Driver: Nike SasQuatch Sumo2 (9.5 degrees)

Fairway Wood: Nike SasQuatch 2 (15 degrees)

Irons (3-PW): Nike Blades

Wedge (SW): Nike Pro Combo (54 degrees)

Wedge (LW): Nike SV Tour SV (60 degrees)

Putter: Odyssey TriHot 2

Ball: Nike One Platinum

Apparel: Nike Golf

Footwear: Nike SP 8 TW Tour

Glove: Nike Dri-FIT Tour

The Nike SasQuatch Sumo2 has been in the news lately as a small number of the clubs, confined to those sold to amateurs, were found to have been too large. The club has a distinct, never before seen look. Choi made took full advantage of the high-MOI Sumo2, and his other Nike ensemble.

Choi, who has been under most people's radar, has been one of the favorites of Suite 101 Golf. He has a fabulous swing and a deft putting stroke, which was in full effect this week. Congratulations, K.J.

Here are reviews of Choi's Sumo 2 and Nike's CCi Irons. Visit the Suite 101 Golf Homepage for other golf gear reviews.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

In fact, Americans probably rank The Open Championship ("The British", as we Americans say) third, behind both the Masters and the United States Open. Although "THE" Open lost some luster beginning as far back as Bobby Jones and continuing through the decades dominated by Palmer, Nicklaus, Watson and others, it began a slow, plodding resurgence with Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman. The number of world-class international golfers has arguably surpassed the number of such players in America.

Due to the equity, possibly even superiority from top to bottom of international and European golfers, that British Open resurgence is in full swing and, once again, the "Just which is the biggest major?" question needs to be addressed.

The Masters Tournament holds an allure like none of the other major golf championships. Names such as Jones, Sarazen, Nelson, Hogan, Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player, because of the men they were and are, the manner in which they often won and the high regard in which they hold the tournament will forever add to the mystique and history of the Masters. As the years pass, Norman (even though he never won), Faldo, Olazabal, Crenshaw, Woods and Mickelson will be included in that same category.

Until recently, much of the mystique and history of The Open had passed into the mist of history. After Bobby Jones’ back-to-back wins at The Open in 1926 and 1927, a steady stream of American golfers began to emerge; Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, and, a bit later, by the prominent group of golfers lead by Hogan and Palmer. By the early 1970's, Americans were establishing their dominance everywhere, including The Open. The rise of the upstart Masters, beginning in 1934, at least in the minds of Americans, coincided with American golf emergence.

With the exception of Tiger Woods, in the last decade American golf has, as stated earlier, been met or even eclipsed by a strong international field. The international resurgence will have a positive impact on the popularity of The Open Championship as it has with the Ryder Cup.

Which is the biggest Major? It depends on who and where you are. It always will. If you’d like to voice your opinion, cast your vote in the poll at the bottom of the Suite 101 Golf hompage.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

The Golf Press Association publication, The Tour Van (April 17, 2007) listed the following equipment for this week's PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour winners:

Boo Weekley

• Driver: Cleveland HiBORE XL 9.5 degrees
• 3 Wood: Cleveland HiBORE 15 degrees
• 5 Wood: Cleveland HiBORE 19 degrees
• Hybrid: Cleveland HiBORE 18 degrees
• 4 Iron: Cleveland TA7
• 5 Iron: Cleveland CG4
• Irons (6-PW): Cleveland CG1
• Wedge (AW): Cleveland CG10 52 degrees
• Wedge (LW): Cleveland CG10 58 degrees
• Putter: Never Compromise GM2 Exchange #7
• Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Brittany Lincicome

• Driver: Adams Insight BTY Driver 10.5 degrees
• 3 Wood: Adams Insight BTY 14.5 degrees
• Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro Hybrid 18 degrees
• Irons: Adams Idea Pro, 4-PW
• Wedges: Adams Idea Forged Wedge (AW): Titleist Vokey Design 52 degrees Wedge (SW): Titleist Vokey Design 56 degrees Wedge (LW): Titleist Vokey Design 60 degrees
• Putter: Scotty Cameron by Titleist Futura
• Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

A lot more was on the line for Boo Weekley than simply winning his first PGA TOUR tournament. A recent change by Augusta National reinstated the previous standard of inviting to the Masters Tournament winners of official PGA TOUR events for the previous year. Boo will make his first appearance at the Masters as a result of his win.

Brittany Lincicome demonstrated how patience and persistence can pay off. She was six off the pace to begin the final round. Although Lorena Ochoa and Laura Davies played great golf for most of the day, she closed the gap and stayed with them. When both Ochoa and Davies collapsed late in the day, Lincicome's patience paid off with a win.

Congratulations to both players.

See the Club Choices of the Professionals or the Suite 101 Golf homepage for other articles and blog posts about the clubs used by touring pros.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

According to the Golf Press Association's publication, The Tour Van (April 10, 2007), Johnson's bag contained the following clubs:

Driver - Titleist Pro Titanium 905R 8.5 degrees with Aldila NV 75 shaft

3-Wood - Sonartec SS-3.5, 15 degrees

Irons and Utilities

• Titleist 503.H, 19 degree utility with UST iRod Hybrid 90 3 and 4 irons
• Titleist 735.CM 5-9 irons, True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts
• Titleist 695CB pitching wedge, True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft
• Titleist Vokey Design 200 Series sand wedge, 48 degrees
• Titleist Vokey Design 200 Series lob wedge, 54 degrees
• Titleist Vokey Spin Milled, 60 degrees

Putter - SeeMore FGP

Golf Ball - Titleist Pro V1x

Even though these were the weapons of choice for Johnson, they weren't what enabled him to win. He is a talented, tough professional who's strong belief in Christ helped him maintain composure under the harshest of conditions. He bested the best while Augusta was offering-up it's worst. Congratulations to Zach and best regards for a bright future.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Tom Lehman, Rocco Mediate, Kenny Perry, John daly, Justin Leonard and David Duval are among the most notable veterans that won't be joining reigning champion Phil Mickelson at the 2007 Masters Tournament.

Duval, who has been steadily improving toward his old form, simply wasn't able to climb the rankings quickly enough. In fact, he has been sitting around 350 in the Official World Golf Rankings for a few weeks. He's also currently 165th on the PGA Tour Money list, near Kenny Perry and John Daly, but well above Justin Leonard, who is at 209 on the Money List.

Tom Lehman, who has been playing well of late and has visions of making the 2008 Ryder Cup team after captaining the last team, is at 68 in the Official World Golf Ranking and 81st on the PGA Tour Money List. Neither position was good enough to rate an invitation to Augusta.

Rocco Mediate, a fan favorite and near winner at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, missed the Masters field. Although hes 22nd on the Money List and 95th in the World Rankings, a few missed cuts likely kept him from making the trip to Augusta.

First timers receiving Masters invitations this year include, among others, J.J. Henry, Johan Edfors, Bradley Dredge, Camilo Villegas and Robert Karlsson. U.S. Amateur Champion Richie Ramsay, Public Links Champion Casey Watabu, Mid-Amateur Champion Dave Womack and British Amateur Champion Julien Guerrier are among the amateurs invited to attend.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

There's a reason they're called "Majors." The best professional golfers in the world gather in one place for four epic battles every year. The Masters Tournament, the season's first Major, always has numerous memorable, "epic" moments.

So far, several popular professionals are playing fantastic golf in hopes of peaking during April 5-8. Vijay Singh has won two tournaments, Charles Howell, III is playing great, Phil Mickelson is looking better and better, Sergio Garcia is coming on strong, and Tiger should bring his "A-game." In short, the stars are aligning for a fantastic tournament at Augusta National.

This year, Suite 101 Golf will conduct a live discussion throughout television coverage of the final round at the Masters. The easiest way to participate will be to visit the Live! Masters Sunday discussion, or visit the Suite 101 Golf homepage to link to the discussion.

It should be a lot of fun. Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. on April 8. Join in!

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

In 2006, Fidra Golf became the golf apparel division of Cleveland Golf. Previously a west coast-inluenced brand, the move to the Cleveland Golf umbrella thrust it to global visibility. In 2007, tour pros Boo Weekley, Joe Durant, Bob Estes, Jerry Kelley, Steve Marino, Wes Short, Jr., Michael Putnam, and an additional nine Nationwide Tour players will wear the clothing.

Apart from a good professional golfer endorsement lineup, which should deliver some exposure, the brand is still largely unknown to the golfing public. A review of several of the major golf retailers revealed limited or no availability of Fidra clothing.

Fidra's limited availability may not last for long. A variety of polo shirts in the Spring 2007 line, most utilizing cotton, coolmax, and moisture-wicking antibacterial fabrics, plus a number of fleece pullovers, and short- and long-sleeved mock turtlenecks, appear to be as appealing as any other major brand.

Fidra golf pants appear to be a good mixture of performance and style, as well. The Spring collection has two different styles, both of which utilize a cotton/Cooltech blend that wicks away moisture.

Stylish. Comfortable material. Performance based. They jury is still out, but Fidra has the potential to become a major player in golf apparel. Although their prices aren't known at this time, Fidra looks like a good fit for golfers.

See the Fidra Golf Clothing Review for the latest on this great apparel line.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Here's a brief overview of the format:

• The regular season consists of 36 tournaments over 33 weeks of competition. Players accumulate points each week based upon their finishing position in each Cup tournament.
• Tournaments are generally allotted 25,000 points. The four Majors and the Player's Championship receive 27,000 and World Golf Championship tournaments receive 26,250. Points for each are distributed based on a player's finish.
• The Fedex playoffs consists of a four-tournament series following the regular season. The top 144 players advance to the playoff series, with points being reset based upon regular season ranking.
• After the final event, the Tour Championship, $10,000,000 goes to the Fedex Cup Champion.
• A fall series will determine the finishing order and following season's eligiblity for positions 31-125.

Althouh critics of the new championship fear it will, among other things, devalue the Major Championships, that isn't likely to happen. The Majors are so deeply ingrained into the psyche of players and fans that an upstart series couldn't quickly erode that popularity. Over the long haul, if the Fedex Cup gains such a level of support, what will be the harm? If it goes in that direction, then, as they say in finance, market forces have dictated it. Should the series become that popular, then it is good for golf, just like the Majors are today.

It won't happen, though.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

1. How many playoffs has theMasters Tournament seen since 1934? Thirteen. The last one coming in 2005 when Tiger Woods defeated Chris DiMarco on the first playoff hole.

2. Who has the lowest Masters scoring average? Tiger Woods. After 46 rounds his average is 70.85. Phil Mickelson is second with an average of 70.98 after 54 rounds.

3. Who holds the record for most consective Masters cuts made? Gary Player with 23. Fred Couples is second with an active streak of 22.

4. Who holds the record for most birdies in one round? Nick Price. He made 10 birdies en route to a 63 in the third round of the 1986 Masters.

5. Who did Bobby Jones commission as the architect of Augusta National? Alister MacKenzie.

6. Who holds the record for lowest round by a senior? Ben Hogan. He shot a 66, at the age of 54, in the 1966 Masters.

7. What announcer was reportedly banned by Augusta National from broadcasting during the Masters after his 1994 comment that the club must use bikini wax to make the greens so fast? Gary McCord. Now, if only the network would follow suit.

8. What golfer was keeping the card for Roberto DiVicenzo when he (DiVicenzo) signed for a four after actually making a three on a hole in the 1968 Masters? Tommy Aaron. It cost DiVicenzo the tournament.

9. What player finished second the most times (4) without ever winning the Masters? Tom Weiskopf.

10. Who is the only player to loose the Masters twice in a playoff? Greg Norman.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Throughout most of the week, it had been widely rumored that the Els endorsement deal with Titleist had ended. Speculation swirled that Callaway Golf was courting the star.

Callaway made it official shortly after he teed of by announcing that Els had come on board. He began the Johnnie Walker with a Callaway FT-5 driver (8.5-degrees of loft, neutral face), a Callaway HX Tour 56 golf ball and the spanking new Callaway golf bag.

Els reportedly took to the new driver after only a few days of testing. Els will reportedly work with friend and Callaway Golf club designer Roger Cleveland to find the right fit for irons and wedges. The switch to an Odyssey putter is reportedly a certainty in the near future. Odyssey is a subsidiary of Callaway Golf.

The terms of the new arangement are not yet known, but is it certainly a good move for both Els and Callaway. Golfers change equipment for a number of reasons and Els' move shouldn't reflect negatively on Titleist. Titleist has a fantastic line of clubs and a great team of professionals, including long-time Titleist player, Davis Love, III.

It seems like a natural fit for the Big Easy and the company that gave us Big Bertha. Among Callaway's professional endorsements are Phil Mickelson, Annika Sorenstam, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Charles Howell, III and Thomas Bjorn.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

The final match was a 34-hole grind for both Stenson and Oglivy. Stensen made eagle on the first hole of the day in the chilly desert morning. During the early going, the temperature was the only thing cool about the match. Both players were on fire during the first 18-holes. Defending champion Oglivy seemed to loose his rythym and putting touch, both of which clicking for most of the week, during the second round.

Stensen's play mirrored that of Ogilvy througout, but his play remained steadier than his opponent coming down the stretch. Both players are not yet household names, but they are better players than most aware. Ogilvy is the defending U.S. Open champion and Stensen is the 8th ranked play in the world; above Davis Love, III, Charles Howell, III, Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, David Toms, Chris DiMarco, and other, more well-known pros.

Tiger Woods was beaten in the third round by Nick O'Hern. What should not be overlooked is that, as usual, Woods dispatched two top players, J.J. Henry and Tim Clark, before falling to O'Hern. In the usual medal-play tournaments, if he doesn't win, Tiger is near the top of the leaderboard. In the World Match Play, he accomplished an equal feat by making it deep into the tournament. Just one of the things that puts Tiger Woods head and shoulders above the rest.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Moment of Inertia (MOI) is described in the dictionary and many physics texts (trust me, this does apply to golf) in this general, short-and-sweet manner: The MOI of an object around a particular axis describes the level of difficulty in inducing an angular rotation of the body around that axis. In Wikipedia the example of two wheels of the same mass is used. Although the wheels have the same mass, one is bigger and the other smaller in radius. The larger wheel is more difficult to spin because it's mass is spread farther from the rotational axis. Thus, the larger wheel has the greater MOI.

Clubmakers have applied MOI to their products. MOI is most clearly evident in this year's new driver offerings. Callaway, Nike, Taylor Made and others have all introduced radically- and maximally-shaped drivers providing maximum MOI. In golf terms, the large clubheads with weight spread around the outside drastically reduces twisting on impact in off-center hits. In scientific terms, the larger objects (driver heads) are more difficult to rotate around the axis (driver shaft).

Before dismissing it as simply one of those silly catch-phrases like "proactive" or "thinking outside the box," go and try some of golf's new "boxes." Maximum MOI is something to behold.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

PGA Tour/America: At the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, Phil Mickelson and Kevin Sutherland are the final group for Sundays final round. Both are 14-under for the tournament. Mickelson has been under-the-weather all week and Sutherland is a West Coast player. That should make for an interesting final round. Tour rookie John Malinger sits one back at 13-under.

LPGA European Tour: It's good to see Karrie Webb in good form at the ANZ Australian Ladies Masters. Webb leads the tournament after a Saturday course record 62 at the Royal Pines Course in Gold Coast, Australia. Karrie Webb and fellow Australian Michelle Ellis are tied for the lead at -15.

Champions Tour: There's a three-way tie heading into the final round at the Allianz Championship in Boca Raton, Florida. Heavyweights (no pun intended) Craig Stadler, Jay Haas and Mark James lead the way at 11-under. Morris Hatalsky sits one back of the lead pack.

European PGA: The Euro PGA is in Kuala Lumpur for the Malasian Open this week. Sunday's leaders are Englishman Marcus Higley and Arengentina's Ricardo Gonzalez, both at -7. The field is strong, but Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Thomas Bjorn and Michael Campbell sit well back. The best of the bunch is Westwood at even-par.

Predictions: Mickelson, Webb, Haas and Higley.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

PGAtour.com is offering a free fantasy game called Match Play Madness in conjunction with the Accenture World Match Play. This tournament is one of a handful of professional golf competitions that pits golfer against golfer. The world's top 64 golfers compete against each other in head-to-head competition. The golfers are ranked one through 64 and seeded in one of four brackets (much like NCAA regionals). Simply make your pick from each pairing throughout the competion.

For interested readers, just sign up with PGAtour.com and enter the Match Play Madness to see if you can beat Suite 101 Golf. It appears you can select up to five brackets, if needed. Suite 101 Golf will be selecting only one team; any more is like taking a mulligan, it just wouldn't seem right. But, feel free to choose as many teams as you like or your allowed.

The Accenture World Match Play Championship brackets will be available on PGAtour.com on Monday, February 19th. The tournament begins February 21st.

The only thing in it for those who choose to take the challenge is simply the thrill of a challenge. Suite 101 Golf is confident in it's golfer knowledge and intuition. If you choose to accept the challenge, simply drop an email at Golf@suite101.com and let us know, either before or after the tournament. Anyone who takes part will be mentioned in the blog entry following the tournament. Here's wishing you all the luck you could ever need. Suite Golf will simply stand on it's skill.

Remember, this is all in good natured fun.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

When Aaron Baddeley first appeared on the PGA tour in 2000, as a teenager, it was amid great fanfare. At a time when fans and media were convinced that no current pro could compete with Tiger Woods, it seemed Baddeley might be the one.

After back-to-back wins in the 1999 and 2000 Australian Open, it seemed the sky was the limit for Baddeley. In 2000, he came to the U.S. and played in three tournaments, failing to make the cut in two, and finishing 57th at the Honda Classic. All eyes quickly turned away after that showing.

Garnering some favor in the past couple of years, after some strong play and a win at the 2006 Verizon Heritage, it seems with Sundays' win at the FBR Open Badds may have arrived.

The field was noticeably without Tiger, but it certainly wasn't weak. Vijay Singh, Charles Howell, III, David Toms, Davis Love, III, Mike Wier, and Chris DiMarco were all on hand for the weekend.

All too often, too much emphasis is put upon a leader who stumbles coming in, and the tournament is won by another. More emphasis should be given to the player who has put himself in contention by four days of superb play and a strong finish. Aaron Baddely deserves all the credit. He played a fantastic tournament.

Here are some of his recent PGA tour rankings:

• Putting average - 23rd
• Greens in Regulation - 98th
• Scoring average - 99th (71.29)
• Driving Distance - 95th (284.5)

The year is still young. He is a well-grounded young man with tremendous potential. Look for his stats to improve.

Technorati Profile

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Mickelson has the potential, at any time, to reach the upper limits of golf superstardom. Pulling off a spectacular shot, at just the right time, often gives him the spark he needs to score lower and lower and leave the field behind. Watching Lefty over time, though, proves that a missed one-foot put or an errant driver shot when a three-wood would have been more than enough, sends him in the other direction. If a fantasy team needs one erratic member, Phil Mickelson would be the best choice were it not for his price. He is still near the top in most fantasy league in salaries.

John Daly may be a better choice for that erratic spot. The veteran also has the potential for "going-low." As he has gotten older, he's been able to maintain some consistency and this year he has professed a willingness to dedicate himself to the game. In years past, practice was not in his vocabulary. It remains to be seen whether his newfound dedication will pay off, but salary-wise, he is a good choice for a dark-horse spot.

Camillo Villegas and J.B. Holmes were two of last years rookie stars. Holmes won early last year at the FBR Open, but faded as the grind of the PGA tour took it's toll. Villegas has yet to win, but he has been on or near the leaderboard more often. Just watching either of these two will prove their potential. Neither has come close to tapping into their full potential.

Another young as-yet-unproven superstar is Charles Howell, III. He has a PGA tour win, but that was in 2002. Until this season, and it is admittedly still early, he had shown only fleeting moments of greatness. So far, he has three top-fives out of four tournaments. It may be his breakout year.

In the final assessment, the three younger players, hungry to establish themselves, would be good additions to any team.

If you like fantasy golf, and you have entered a team(s) in the pgatour.com Match Play Madness, follow this link and join the discussion. It's a chance to share your expertise with a little extra competition. Hope to see you there.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

At the start of the second round of the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, the top five positions will be occupied by 13 players. How’s this for a leaderboard: Brandt Snedeker, Charlie Wi, Jeff Quinney, John Senden, Gavin Coles, Chris Couch, Robert Garrigus, Cliff Kresge, Stephen Marino, Jose Maria Olazabal, Darron Stiles, Kevin Sutherland and Johnson Wagner.

One, maybe two of those (Jose Maria and possibly Kevin Sutherland) are well known. The rest, well, they have some work cut out before they become recognizable. There are a few fantasy golfers out there with one or more of these fellas on their teams who are feeling pretty good right now. How they finish in the tournament and in the coming weeks will be worthy of taking note, as they may make good additions to fantasy teams as the year progresses.

Lots of people are pulling for these underdogs. It is, however, a long way to Sunday. The cream will rise to the top. For those who have these guys on their fantasy roster, best of luck.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Where there are talented amateur athletes, there will be people waiting to take their money. In the case of high school golfers, as well as other athletes, there are plenty of recruiting agencies promising to get them noticed by Division I schools. In some cases recruiting agencies are legitimate, in many cases they are not. Among the innumerable things the PING American College Golf Guide does is give students and parents a way to become educated and make good decisions about the scholarship and college-selection process.

The PING Guide, available via the Internet or in print form, helps junior golfers evaluate themselves, set their priorities and plan for their future. It assists golfers in identifying the opportunities for becoming noticed by college golf programs and what to do if not recruited by the bigger schools.

One tool the guide provides is Interactive Score Conversion. This allows young golfers to see where their own scores would rank in any NCAA or NAIA conference, regional or national golf tournament. The cool thing about the score conversion tool is that you can see what you would have scored each day, as scores are adjusted due to weather and other conditions, and where you would have likely finished.

Put all this together and you have a method of identifying the schools where you would best fit in athletically, as well as socially and academically, as the guide is not limited to golf statistics. You can learn more about the PING American College Golf Guide at collegegolf.com. If considering whether you can play at the next level, you probably can. This guide will help get you there.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

In a professional golf tournament, when an amateur plays well, makes the cut and finishes well, it's a refreshing and welcome site. It would have been better if Tadd Fujikawa had won the Sony Open on Sunday, as it seemed he might for most of the weekend, but not by much.

It was moving to see the elation of young Tadd at his weekend performance and his reaction to the throngs of other youngsters and adults cheering in support. He seemed excited just to be there playing against the best in the world, thrilled to have made the cut and to have finished so well.

Fujikawa, previously unknown outside his home state, does not have a stellar junior record and was not previously known as a phenom, as was Tiger Woods. That may change now. Most golfers, if they are honest with themselves, know that at age 16, they could not have steadied a club in their hands if given the chance to play in a pro tournament. Fujikawa shot two rounds of 66. Simply amazing.

Best of all, after making the cut, he revealed to The Golf Channel his wish that everyone could feel the way he did then at some point in their life. If we could only hold onto such selflessness in adulthood.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Yesterday, Vijay Singh posted a 14-under-par score of 278 on his way to victory in the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship at Kapalua. He took home $1.1 million, to push him over the $50 million mark, and secured his 30th career victory, 18 of which came after his 40th birthday.

Prior to the Mercedes, Singh had only one victory in his previous 35 starts. In typical Vijay Singh style, he spent the short off-season correcting flaws that had worked their way into his swing. If yesterday's win is any indication, his hard work has again paid off. Sunday's round saw him put in a bogey-free final round, solid by any stretch.

Finishing second with a 12-under par 280 was Australian Adam Scott. Scott's seven-birdie final round was marred by three bogeys. His last bogey, coming at the Plantation Course's par-4 17th, cost him a chance at a playoff with Singh. Scott has quietly climbed the world rankings to his current number 3 position.

This week the tour stops in Honolulu for the Sony Open. David Toms will attempt to defend his title after an eight-place finish at the Mercedes.