Gods on Earth

Image Source: AP

What a week for sports! Besides the obvious (Welcome back NFL!), it was also Arnold Palmer's 80th birthday & Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame induction.

These two men are not only great ambassadors for their respected sport, but they continue to live with passion and fervor in all aspects of life.

Watching Arnie chip-in a shot behind the studios of ESPN exemplified his desire to impress his Army even when Palmer thought the cameras weren't rolling (fortunately, we live in a YouTube era and someone was smart enough to record this amazing moment)

And what else is there to say about Your Airness? Hell, Jerry West even admitted that he thinks Jordan should be the NBA logo. His emotional and powerful speech during his induction moved the crowd in a way that his fans were accustomed to- simply in awe of his presence.

Image Source: AP

These icons challenge us everyday to be more like them- whether they realize it or not. Their accomplishments in the world of sports are impressive, but their ability to impact and influence the non-sporting culture is what blows my mind. If Arnie could have a drink named after him and MJ could get millions of kids to spray his patent cologne, they've clearly done something right.

Cheers to The King & Your Airness! The world is forever grateful.

Tiger's Jaded World

Image Source: ingolfwetrust.com

A lot of people give Tiger crap for not winning every tournament he enters- but there's a good reason for it. While 5 victories in a single season usually means success for most Tour players, Tiger demands excellence and perfection and his latest tantrums give credence to it.

Sure... he says all the right things by stating he's content with those wins and multiple Top 10s (especially after coming back from a serious reconstructive knee surgery), but if you really know Tiger, the man wants to win by a landslide and pummel his competition (does the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach ring a bell?).

Living in a time where a legend walks among mortals, Tiger has no one to blame for this outside pressure than himself. Golf's a game where no one can be perfect. Even the best players in the world will find themselves chunking wedges and shanking shots into the abyss (Sorry Weir, but that double on the easiest Par-5 18th at TPC Boston was pretty amateur status).

Image Source: thesportsunion.com

So why must Tiger slam his club and constantly drop F-bombs? Isn't this game hard enough? Well...because he's Tiger! A man that expects nothing but the best in every tournament, every shot.

If Tiger ever slowed down, we'd see a much more happy-go-lucky Eldrick and probably a lot less victories. But the man's a machine and when his systems getting overridden by unexpected outcomes, it's like the anti-virus software notifying you that your computer's under attack.

Tiger's not used to losing...ever. So every time something surprising happens, everyone freaks out and doesn't know how to handle it- including Woods.

While many fans and media members (such as ESPN's Rick Reilly) want Tiger to "grow up" and stop his outbursts, it's just not possible with a man this driven and determined. A lot of guys on Tour are happy to make the cut and get their check- Woods isn't one of these.

So before fans and the media give him a hard time, let us realize Tiger's mission. He's out for perfection- even when most know that this isn't possible.

Image Source: scoresreport.com

Well Played Sir!

Source: AP

Congrats to Heath Slocum on an amazing finish at the 2009 Barclays! While he did make a clutch 20-foot par save on the 18th hole at Liberty National, you can't help but wonder...did Tiger choke...AGAIN?

Source: AP

U-S-A!

Solheim Cup's in progress this week and you could watch the event live via TheGolfChannel.com Which brings me to this...

Who let this fan out? Not that I'm not patriotic or rooting for the US, but this is just asking to get clowned on...YIKES

Source: AP

Can You Feel the Buzz at Hazeltine? Chicks, Cigars, and Eyesores

It's been a while since I updated but in honor of this week's final Major, thought I'd spice up the event with some Perez-Hilton-like chatter and share some thoughts.

Like many golf fans around the world, I enjoy every aspect of the Major and golf tournaments in general. I mean...everything! From the Pro-Ams to even the practice sessions on the range, the auxiliary events of a tournament have become a true spectacle. Recently, Geoff Oglivy commented on his Twitter account (@geoffogilvy) regarding such sightings. Ogilvy tweeted during his warm-up that, "There is so many people out here early its incredible. Tiger really has changed the way people watch practice days."

With throngs of fanatics soaking up every moment of the Major, I'm sure many have taken notice to some interesting sights- some good and one in particular that's just downright wrong (Hint: fashion malfunction). Enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts :)

(1) Guess working with Blake Griffin's trainer paid off in the end ;) Here's a pic of AK's latest "companion". Kind of looks like Tiger’s wife with those shades.

Source: Getty Images

(2) John Daly's latest sponsor...Mickey D's? Isn't this guy supposed to be eating healthier after getting the lap-band procedure done? I'm blaming the BigMac & supersized fries for his disastrous 88

Source: Getty Images

(3) At the Champions Dinner, Paddy and Co. took this group picture for the media. While Tiger and the other champs dressed in their finest attire, Vijay looks like he's wearing something out of Miami Vice. Bad call Mr. Singh (but if you ever decide to offer $500,000 to me like you did for the crook Allen Stanford, then I'll gladly change my opinion).

Source: PGA Tour

(4) Latin Angels Unite! The Irishman's luck runs out this year and the Latin powerhouses will do well this year. Angel "El Pato" Cabrera has plenty of distance off the tee and his game's completely fearless (remember how he just tore up Oakmont with his grip-it-and-rip-it style?). And my other pick goes to the "Most Interesting Man in the World" [coined by ESPN's Jason Sobel via Twitter @JasonSobel]. No...it's not the Dos Equis guy (although he'd probably win with only a putter in his bag in typical Chuck Norris fashion) but I'm talking about Miguel Angel Jimenez! I know it's a strange pick but his recent play at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational (T-6 on a notoriously long Par 70 Firestone CC) proves that he can hang with the big boys. If there's a shot at the Major, this is the one for Jimenez.

Source: Getty Images

Source: Getty Images

The 2009 Open at Turnberry

Picture says it all. It was fun while it lasted Tom. Thanks for the memories...

Source: Associated Press

Brian Weir: A Hacking Hero

So you think you had a bad day on the course? Well...after this video you might reconsider.

Meet Brian Weir: an amateur golfer who truly loves the game of golf despite his struggles. Even though this man will never break 100, he continues to play top courses around the nation and manages to keep a smile on his face.

In 2005, The Golf Channel and Golf Digest teamed up to find "The World's Worst Golf Swing" and guess who won? Thanks for the laughs and keeping things in perspective. After all...golf's just a game.

Where Amazing Really Happens

Source: Associated Press

Tiger's shot sequence on the 11th hole (Par 5)- Memorial 2009

(1) Tee Shot: Tiger hits his best drive of the week, launching it 320+ yards and down the middle of the fairway

(2) Going for Green: Most players on Tour have the distance to carry their second shot onto the green, but only few will be ballsy enough to attempt this. You don't want to leave your ball long or on the backside of the green but this is where Tiger's 3-Wood fade lands

(3) THE Flop: AKA "The hardest shot in golf" and what does Tiger do? Makes it look too easy...

Haney Project 2: The Sequel?

After this latest video of Chuck's horrendous swing, Golf Channel might have to consider a Season 2...

Los Angeles Golf's Hidden Gem

Anyone living in the metropolitan area knows that life can get a bit chaotic- and this especially applies to LA residents. I've been living in Los Angeles all my life but it's been pretty recent since I actually lived in the heart of the city. You know...among the cars, towers and unwelcome smog.

Besides the minor cons of city life, I can't really complain much. The hussle-bussle and constant grinding-attitude of the city keeps you upbeat and alive. And the food...ahh yes...the food...AMAZING!

BUT...there seems to be one major problem for the golf-addicts of this city- where do we practice? 

In times of recession and economic turmoil, gas isn't cheap and many don't have the time and money to drive out to courses which are often located out in distant suburbia. But have no fear, technology saves us again! 

If you haven't been to MAJESTIC GOLF on Vermont and Melrose, it's quite the experience. Located near the Koreatown District of Los Angeles and minutes from the Melrose shopping strip, this high-tech indoor facility features many practice amenities that resemble Asia's top city ranges. My personal favorites are the automatic-ball-tee'ers and digital ball counter!

Most of the patrons that come here are Korean-Americans so don't be surprised to hear occasional foreign music consisting of the latest ballads and pop songs. Also, upstairs there's a legitimate cafe that offers more than just drinks (i.e., Korean and Chinese cuisine, deli sandwiches, coffee, etc). While this facility does conveniently cater to the Korean-American community with such features, by no means are they segregationists and they welcome everyone!

Another great feature about Majestic Golf is their affiliation with the Asian golf industry. Not only do they hold the latest American name brands (i.e., TaylorMade, Titleist, Nike, etc), their inventory also consists of Japanese products that are a hard find in the states (i.e., Honma, S-Yard, Mizuno, etc.)

For those seeking a practice range within the city or just want to ditch lunch to hit a bucket of balls, Majestic Golf on Melrose is one place you must check out!

Images Source: Flickr and Google

The Magician Known as Woods

There's something about Tiger's current struggles that makes his game more fascinating and quite frankly...scary! 

The fact is Tiger's driver hasn't been this erratic  since his rookie year on tour. 4 shafts, new heads, the list of mechanical and technical woes goes on but there's that majestic wand he carries that saves him from the depths of golf hell- his wedge!

I don't know if it's just me, but lately he's been phenomenal with his approach shots-regardless of the level of difficulty. From your basic fringe shot chip, all the way down to the hardest shots in golf (i.e., high soft FLOP)- Tiger pulls a rabbit out his hat and everyone's stunned and yet not surprised- knowing that the Magician did it once again.

The European player Alex Cejka's currently in the lead in the 2009 Player's Championship with a 5 stroke lead on Tiger and Co...Can he hold on? Or will Tiger do something brilliant, memorable and magical?

El Pato's Swing

Angel Cabrera finds himself in the hunt to win another world-class event THE PLAYERS and I'm not surprised. The Argentine's fearless of the tee and has a beautiful short game- one that reminds you of another great, Seve (Seve, get better soon!). 

I thought it'd great to analyze his swing and see what he does so well and try to incorporate it into my own game. 

My Observations on El Pato's Swing:

(1) Strong Base (Right leg): His setup is impeccable and the right leg appears to be braced extremely well. Notice that his hips don't swing all over the place (avoid too much lateral movement)

(2) Wide Takeaway: This is a huge source of power for Cabrera. There is no real wristcock at initial takeaway and he takes the club out wide and straight back. Helps create arch and length in his swing

(3) Steady Head and Amazing Rhythm: Pato stands up relatively upright but he maintains his balance beautifully and has great tempo. It seems no matter how hard he swings the club, his tempo is dead on (Notice his Happy-Gilmore-like swing in the video below and compare it to his iron shots; almost the same no?)

Masters Week!

I know this site's dedicated to tips but I'll never get sick of this video. What a shot! Hope Sergio could win that money Green jacket this year...

 

Tip of the Day: If you're in between clubs, it's sometimes better to use the shorter club and put some extra juice into (*but only if you're taking high backspin and pin placement into account)

Importance of a Strong Base

*Image Source:www.saveamillionshots.com

Just finished up a round of golf at the local municipal course in Davis and wow...it was rough. 30+ MPH winds can make you look foolish out there (anyone else lose a cap in the lake?)

Anyways, I'd vent about my crappy round but I'm trying to take some positive out of the situation. TIP OF THE DAY: LEGS BABY!

Whether you're on the tee box or the putting green, it's important to maintain good balance and stability in the lower legs. 

There's 2 views on the use of legs in the swing: 

• (1) Old-School (i.e., Ben Hogan, Johnny Miller): The legs are extremely active and a source of power-not just stability. Swing finishes high and the arching reverse-C.
• (2) Contemporary (i.e., Tiger Woods, Boo Weekley, Justin Leonard): Legs are less active and not the source of power but strong base required to maintain quiet lower body. Shoulders create the torque.

Regardless of your swing thought/theory, I believe strong legs are a must! 

Also, check out this great article by Tom Watson. Outdated but thought it could help!