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?)