Sunday, June 30, 2013

Harvey Penick Golf Quote

 

"The woods are full of long drivers."
- Harvey Penick

Monday, June 24, 2013

Golf Quote: Craig Stadler

Craig Stadler just won his first Champions event since 2004.

"Why am I using a new putter? Because the last one didn't float too well."
- Craig Stadler

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Rymer promotes pace of play month with 10 tips

Golf channel's Charlie Rymer has come out with 10 good tips to promote pace of play month. Please follow.

1. Move promptly: Proceed quickly to your ball and be ready when it’s your turn to hit.
2. Play promptly: Take 30 seconds, maximum, to hit your shot.
3. Be quicker on the greens: Read it. Hit it. Tap it in. Go to the next tee.
4. Treat the rules with discretion: Take no more than 3 minutes to look for balls and take relief.
5. Do your housekeeping on your own time: Start the round with tees, markers, balls and a ball-mark repair tool in your pocket. Replace headcovers while you walk. Write down scores on the next tee. Don’t make others wait.
6. Be cart smart: Drop off your partner and drive to your ball. When you leave the cart, take three clubs, not one. Park behind greens.
7. Be a good teammate: Know your playing partners' strengths and weaknesses; help them when it’s convenient, move on when it’s not.
8. Play the right course for your ability level: Choose a set of tees with a rating of 142 minus your handicap index. Or just tee it forward.
9. Demand accountability from the course you play: Ask them to set up the course properly and, most importantly, to manage the tee sheet responsibly.
10. Accept responsibility: Recognize that slow play isn’t just the other guy’s fault.

Mickelson holds a + 5.2 Handicap Index

If you are ever considering going pro, here is some useful information. Phil Mickelson, four time major winner, has a handicap index of  +5.2. Here are some of his scores from Whisper Rock, a course he is a member at.
Other Tour pros that are members there include Martin Kaymer (+4.6), Geoff Ogilvy, (+4.2), and Paul Casey (+3.9)

A very good golfer would have a low digit handicap such as 3,2, or 1. A scratch handicap would be a 0. Almost all touring pros will have a handicap with a + in front. Supposedly at one point in time, Tiger Woods was a +10.


USGA begins initiative to speed up pace of play



USGA Press Release

The United States Golf Association today unveiled a new public education campaign around the theme of “While We’re Young,” a new positioning to raise awareness across the golf community of the challenges and solutions to the pace-of-play issues in the game of golf. Borrowing the iconic line from the character played by Rodney Dangerfield in the classic 1980 film Caddyshack®, the campaign takes a lighthearted and comedic approach to encourage golfers of all skill levels and golf course facilities to join a movement to improve pace of play and reduce the time it takes to play the game.

According to industry research, the time that it takes to play golf is a principal driver that adversely impacts enjoyment of and discourages participation in the game. In a recent study by the National Golf Foundation (NGF), 91 percent of serious golfers are bothered by slow play and say it detracts from their golf experience; more than 70 percent believe pace of play has worsened over time; and half acknowledged that they walked off the course due to frustration over a marathon round of golf. USGA research shows that the golfer is just one component within a complex, integrated system that determines pace of play in the game. Golf course design, course setup and player management also contribute to longer playing time.


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Travelers Championship Betting Odds


Here are some betting odds for the Travelers Championship which begins Thursday at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Ct.

FAVORITES:

Justin Rose: 14-1
Hunter Mahan: 16-1
Bubba Watson: 18-1
Lee Westwood: 18-1
Jason Dufner: 20-1
Rickie Fowler: 22-1

MID RANGE:

Keegan Bradley: 33-1
Padraig Harrington: 40-1
Ian Poulter: 40-1
Harris English: 40-1
Zach Johnson: 50-1

LONG SHOTS: (All major winners)

Davis Love III: 100-1
Angel Cabrera: 125-1
Lucas Glover: 150-1
Vijay Singh: 175-1
Mike Weir: 250-1
John Daly: 400-1

*It is possible to hit it big betting on golf as this guy won 50k on Keegan Bradley*

Turf Evolutions Completes TPC Sawgrass Installation Work


(Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. - June 18, 2013)   Turf Evolutions, an industry leader in alternative turf solutions for golf, athletic fields and landscaping needs, has completing the installation of its surface at TPC Sawgrass as part of a continuing relationship with the home course of THE PLAYERS Championship and the PGA TOUR.

TPC Sawgrass is renovating its practice facility and the adjacent PGA TOUR Academy through June 17, with an artificial surface replacement at the back of the reworked tee box and at a hitting area for the Academy, totaling approximately 6,500 square feet.

The PGA TOUR Academy regularly uses beginner instruction on the artificial surface to allow starting players some forgiveness. 


Betting odds for the British Open at Muirfield


The Open Championship, the 3rd Major of the year, will be held at Muirfield beginning July 18th. Here are some early betting odds to take a look at:

FAVORITES:

Tiger Woods: 6-1
Rory McILroy: 12-1
Adam Scott: 18-1
Justin Rose: 18-1
Lee Westwood: 20-1
Luke Donald: 20-1
Phil Mickelson: 22-1

MID RANGE:

Jason Day: 33-1
Ernie Els: 33-1
Louis Oosthuizen:33-1
Rickie Fowler: 40-1
Hunter Mahan: 40-1
Martin Kaymer: 50-1

LONG SHOTS:

Nick Watney: 90-1
Bill Haas: 100-1
Geoff Ogilvy: 100-1
Darren Clarke: 150-1
John Daly: 250-1

Future golf U.S. Open Venues

Payne Stewart won the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst after draining a par putt at the 18th.
Here are the upcoming venues for the next seven U.S. Opens with the years previously held. Chambers Bay, in Washington State, and Erin Hills, in Wisconsin, will host the tournament for the first time in 2015 and 2017. Next year the Open will return to Pinehurst in North Carolina, known for its crown greens. In 1999, Payne Stewart beat Phil Mickelson at Pinehurst by one shot, the first of six runner up finishes for Mickelson.

2014: Pinehurst (1999,2005)
2015: Chambers Bay (Never)
2016: Oakmont (1927, 1935, 1953, 1962,1973, 1983, 1994, 2007)
2017: Erin Hills (Never)
2018: Shinnecock Hills (1896,1986,1995,2004)
2019: Pebble Beach (1972,1982,1992,2000,2010)
2020: Winged Foot (1929,1959,1974,1984,2006)

Friday, June 14, 2013

Updated U.S. Open Betting Lines


Here are the top ten players the oddsmakers feel have the best chance of winning the U.S. Open after round one:

Phil Mickelson: 9-2
Luke Donald: 8-1
Tiger Woods: 10-1
Charl Schwarzel:14-1
Lee Westwood: 16-1
Adam Scott: 20-1
Justin Rose: 20-1
Jason Day: 22-1
Rory McILroy: 25-1
Rickie Fowler: 28-1

Thursday, June 13, 2013

USGA while we're young commercials with Eastwood, Arnie, and Tiger

U.S. Open Photos: Mickelson leads at -3








USGA may lose up to 10 Million with U.S. Open at Merion



The USGA is expected to lose around 10 million dollars with the U.S. Open being held at Merion Golf Club this year. Due to Merion being much smaller than most U.S. Open venues, ticket sales were limited to 25,000 per day, down from the more standard 40,000-45,000. This will lead to less revenue in concessions and merchandise purchases.

Weather could also play a potential factor in lost revenue with severe weather expected for Thursday, Friday, and Monday, in the event of a playoff.

Even with the losses, Merion is a historical venue that the USGA wanted to return to at least one more time. Bobby Jones capped off the Grand Slam at Merion in 1930 at the U.S. Amateur, Ben Hogan won the Open in 1950 in a playoff, and Lee Trevino defeated Jack Nicklaus in a playoff in 1971 to win the Open.

“The place is just magical,” USGA Executive Director Mike Davis said. “From a golf standpoint, you could easily say it’s a landmark.”

The Design and History of Merion

U.S. Open suspended by Severe Weather


Not much golf is expected to be played Thursday at the 113th U.S. Open due to severe weather with the possibility of a derecho storm.

There could be some really high winds with us, potentially damaging winds, even some hail,” USGA Executive Director Mike Davis said in a press conference at Merion Golf Club yesterday. “It depends on what hits us or how lucky or unlucky we are.”

A flood watch has been posted across eastern Pennsylvania and a derecho, a rare event characterized by winds of at least 58 miles per hour creating a line of damage at least 240 miles long, is also possible, the U.S. Storm prediction center said.

Play is currently suspended. 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

U.S. Open at Merion Hole by Hole Flyovers: Holes 13-18




Hole #13 Par 3



Hole #14 Par 4



Hole #15 Par 4



Hole #16 Par 4



Hole #17 Par 3



Hole #18 Par 4

U.S. Open at Merion Hole by Hole Flyovers: Holes 7-12




Hole #7 Par 4


Hole #8 Par 4



Hole #9 Par 3



Hole #10 Par 4



Hole #11 Par 4



Hole #12 Par 4

U.S. Open at Merion Hole by Hole Flyovers: Holes 1-6

Hole #1 Par 4


Hole #2 Par 5

Hole #3 Par 3

Hole #4 Par 5

Hole #5 Par 4

Hole #6 Par 4

Monday, June 10, 2013

U.S. Open photographs: Merion, Tiger, Sergio











All Photos by Getty

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Tiger Woods Interview prior to U.S. Open at Merion


Tiger Woods discusses his past success in major championships, his chances at the U.S. Open at Merion, and what grinding it out really means.

Past U.S. Open Champions

 Bobby Jones is one of only four players with four U.S. Open victories.

The U.S. Open has been played since 1895. Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Bobby Jones, and Willie Anderson hold the most titles with four victories each. Tiger Woods has won three. The tournament has widely been dominated by Americans until recently, which has seen winners from England (Rose), Ireland (McILroy and McDowell), Argentina (Cabrera), Australia (Ogilvy), New Zealand (Campbell), and South Africa (Goosen).

 List of past champions

2013: Justin Rose (Merion)
2012: Webb Simpson (Olympic Club)
2011: Rory McILroy (Congressional)
2010: Graeme McDowell (Pebble Beach)
2009: Lucas Glover (Bethpage)
2008: Tiger Woods (Torrey Pines)
2007: Angel Cabrera (Oakmont)
2006: Geoff Ogilvy (Winged Foot)
2005: Michael Campbell (Pinehurst)
2004: Retief Goosen (Shinnecock Hills)
2003: Jim Furyk (Olympia Fields)
2002: Tiger Woods (Bethpage)
2001: Retief Goosen (Southern Hills)
2000: Tiger Woods (Pebble Beach)

Golf Betting Odds: 2013 U.S. Open at Merion

Adam Scott will look to win his second consecutive major this week at Merion. 
Here are the golf betting odds for the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion:

Tiger Woods: 7-2 (3 Time U.S. Open winner)
Rory McILroy: 16-1 (2011 U.S. Open winner)
Adam Scott: 20-1 (2013 Masters winner)
Matt Kuchar: 22-1
Graeme McDowell: 25-1 (2010 U.S. Open winner)
Phil Mickelson: 25-1 (5 time U.S. Open runner-up)
Luke Donald: 28-1
Jason Day: 33-1
Sergo Garcia: 33-1
Jim Furyk: 40-1 (2003 U.S. Open winner)
Keegan Bradley: 40-1
Louis Oosthuizen: 40-1
Steve Stricker: 40-1
Webb Simpson: 50-1 (Defending champion)
Angel Cabrera: 66-1
Matteo Manassero: 66-1

Bobby Jones Golf Swing


Bobby Jones U.S. Open Quote


"Nobody ever wins the National Open. Somebody else just loses it."
- Bobby Jones

Jack Nicklaus U.S. Open Quote


"A difficult golf course eliminates a lot of players. The U.S. Open flag eliminates a lot of players. Some players just weren't meant to win the U.S. Open. Quite often, a lot of them know it."
- Jack Nicklaus

Friday, June 7, 2013

Groupings and Tee Times released for U.S. Open


The full groupings and pairings have been released for the 113th U.S. Open Championship at Merion Golf Club beginning Thursday, June 13th.

Some of the interesting groups include:

Tiger Woods, Rory McILroy, Adam Scott (#1,#2,#3 in world rankings)
Matt Kuchar, Justin Rose, Brandt Snedeker (#4,#5,#6 in world rankings)
Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Keegan Bradley (All American)
Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Tim Clark (All South African)
Sergio Garcia, Stewart Cink, Padraig Harrington
Ian Poulter, Jason Dufner, Boo Weekly
Rickie Fowler, Matteo Manassero, Jason Day
Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer
Jim Furyk, Graeme McDowell, Zack Johnson
Ernie Els, Webb Simpson, Steven Fox (a)




Woods, McILroy, and Scott paired together at U.S. Open


Tiger Woods, Rory McILroy, and Adam Scott will be paired together for the first two rounds of the U.S. Open at Merion. The top three in the world rankings will go off at 1:14pm on Thursday at 7:44am on Friday.

Woods enters the tournament with four wins on the season and will be looking to earn his 15th major title and first since the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. McILroy has slumped lately with equipment changes but will look to regain the form he had in winning the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional. Adam Scott enters looking to win back to back majors after taking the Masters in April.

It is no doubt the marquee pairing of the week and will help the tournament earn big ratings for rounds one and two.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

The Design and History of Merion Golf Club

In 1910, the Merion Cricket Club decided to open two new golf courses and selected 32 year old member Hugh Wilson to design them. Wilson, who had never before done this, traveled to Scotland and England for seven months to study the design of British courses. The East course was opened in 1912 and the West course in 1914.

Several features of Merion East, where the U.S. Open will be played, are derived from British courses, including the Scottish style bunkers. The layout covers only 126 acres, considered extremely small for a golf course.


Merion has since held 18 USGA competitions, the most of any course. Bobby Jones won the U.S. Amateur in both 1924 and 1930, when he completed the first "grand slam" which then consisted of the British Amateur, the British Open, the U.S Open, and U.S. Amateur.

Wicker baskets in place of golf flags at U.S. Open at Merion


You will definitely be seeing something new at the U.S. Open this year. Wicker baskets will be used in place of flags at Merion Golf Club. The exact origin of this tradition has never been verified, but the baskets have been used at Merion since 1916, and is used in the club's logo.

The baskets will be visible no matter what, however, they will not give the player an indication of which way the wind is blowing at the green.

The player that wins the U.S. Open will receive a wicker basket to add to their trophy case.

USGA Executive Director Mike Davis discusses tee locations, hole locations, and rough set-up for 2013 U.S. Open at Merion


USGA Executive Director Mike Davis talks 2013 U.S. Open Hole location selection.


Davis talks about how the rough will be cut at an angle.


Davis discusses the strategy of selecting tee locations.

The USGA History of Merion Golf Club


Great Golf Swings: Lee Trevino