Archive for March, 2010

Masters Pre-Tourny Press Conferences Scheduled: Tiger Sets the Stage on April 5th

Tiger Woods to Speak at The Masters on April 5th

The big news yesterday was no doubt the announcement of the Tiger Woods press conference at The Masters. He’s all setup to sit down with the press on April 5th, at 2PM EST. Excellent. While many are no doubt looking forward to asking him questions, one has to assume he’ll be all golf talk, and no personal talk… At least, that’s what I think we have to bank on until he proves otherwise. The other day when he talked for a few minutes with The Golf Channel and ESPN, he did open up, but these were 1-on-1 interviews… Sitting down to answer personal questions from a throng of golf reporters isn’t something I can see Tiger ‘hitting’. But we’ll see. What do you think?

The Masters pre-tourny interview schedule has also been released. Press conferences will proceed as follows:

Monday, April 5

Tuesday, April 6

  • 9 a.m. Raymond Floyd
  • 10 a.m. Padraig Harrington
  • 11 a.m. Stewart Cink
  • Noon Angel Cabrera
  • 12:30 p.m. Chang-won Han
  • 2 p.m. David Duval
  • 2:30 p.m. Phil Mickelson
  • 3:30 p.m. Steve Stricker
  • 4 p.m. Geoff Ogilvy
  • 4:30 p.m. Matteo Manassero
  • 5:00 p.m. Jack Nicklaus

Wednesday, April 7

  • 12:30 p.m. William Porter Payne, chairman, Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament

No matter your opinion of Tiger these days, it should be one heck of a press conference. It’s time to step-up TW. Again, the conference is set for Monday, April 5th at 2PM EST. Setup your TiVo.

Note: Thought it was interesting to see Jack Nicklaus slated for the last slot on Tuesday. I’m sure all of the other players will be asked about Tiger, but I’m particularly interested to hear what Jack has to say. This is another one to watch too, me thinks 🙂

[Via: GolfWeek]

SeeMore Intros the DB4 CS Gunmetal with RST2 Technology

SeeMore DB4 CS Gunmetal with RST2 Technology

SeeMore DB4 CS Gunmetal with RST2 TechnologyYou may have first became aware of SeeMore back in 1999, when Payne Stewart used a SeeMore putter to win the U.S. Open. That was quite awhile ago, and ever since the brand was re-launched in 2007, it seems as though more success is shining through. Most notably was Zach Johnson’s 2007 Masters victory in which he stroked a SeeMore. In 2009 Johnson ended up 4th on the tour money list earning a cool $4.7 million, no doubt in part to the smooth-rolling SeeMore in his bag. I could go on with more highlights from the brand, but simply know that 10 players out of the top 125 on the money list used a SeeMore in 2009… and now they’re expanding their line.

New from the SeeMore Putter Company is the DB4 CS Gunmetal. The new putter features SeeMore’s RST2 technology, which helps you get yourself aligned and in proper position to make a great stroke. The ‘RST2’ technology is an update to the ‘RST’ technology currently built-in to the current lineup, as the update takes on a blade design with offset hosel for the first time ever. The main difference between RST2 and the traditional RST technology is the location of the markings. With an RST2, you’ll find the alignment system housed on top of the hosel, vs. the RST system which was (is) found on the top heel portion of the putter.

Jim Grundberg, SeeMore’s Managing Partner commented on the release of the new DB4:

“The new DB4, like all of the SeeMore putters before it, is one that solves one of the most fundamental problems in putting, that of consistently accurate alignment at address. It offers the confidence to make a fundamentally solid and repeatable putting stroke each and every time… The RST2 patented alignment feature is extremely exciting in that it has been developed with the input of the world’s best tour players over the past 2 years and simply makes a great putter design better by improving a player’s ability to set up square to the intended target line.”

More images of the SeeMore DB4 CS Gunmetal with RST2 technology are below. The putter is 100% milled in the USA, and is available in carbon steel with a proprietary multi-layer black satin finish. Price? MSRP $295.

SeeMore DB4 CS Gunmetal with RST2 Technology - Side ViewSeeMore DB4 CS Gunmetal with RST2 Technology

More info: SeeMore.com

[Via: TheGolfWire]

Tiger Woods Caught Practicing at Augusta National

Tiger Woods and Hank Haney at The Masters

What do you do when you’re Tiger Woods, knowing that the Tavistock Cup is going on right now in your very own gated community at Isleworth? Well, you give your wife and kids a big hug and kiss (hopefully), and hop on a plane to Augusta to for some practice rounds, of course!

Last night while watching the Golf Channel, one of my favorites (Tim Rosaforte) noted that Tiger was confirmed to be at Augusta on Monday, getting a practice round in for the upcoming Masters tournament. Today he’ll no doubt be found at Augusta National as well, as the Tavistock Cup comes to a conclusion today.

Smart move by Tiger for sure. Why hang around Isleworth if you’re not ready for competition… Get out of the way, and prep yourself for the first major of the year.

Can Tiger win The Masters? That remains to be seen. However, the ‘ol standby bet of Tiger vs. the Field has to favor the field this time around me thinks. Usually it sits around 50/50… But this year I think the field as the edge 60/40 or even 70/30… would you agree?

Cobra Golf’s New S2 Max Irons Unveiled

Cobra Golf has just unveiled some new high-performance sticks in a line that has been dubbed Cobra S2 Max.  Available in both iron and iron-hybrid integrated sets,  the S2 Max clubs are designed for maximum forgiveness and high launch for mid- to high-handicap players.  With the S2 Max Iron-Hybrid Set, you get ” Baffler-style hybrids” that provide proper distance gapping throughout the set for players who prefer hitting forgiving hybrids over long irons.

There are several options available:

  • Men’s Graphite set includes 3/H, 4/H and 5/H hybrids, and 6-PW irons, featuring Aldila DVS-HL shafts ($776 SRP).
  • Men’s Steel set includes 3/H and 4/H hybrids with Aldila DVS-HL graphite shafts, and 5-PW irons with FST steel shafts ($632 SRP).
  • Women’s and Seniors’/Lite sets include 4/H, 5/H and 6/H hybrids, 7-PW, and SW irons with Aldila DVS-HL graphite shafts ($776 SRP).

Note: You can find these clubs for significantly less at Golfsmith and TGW.com.

The Cobra S2 Max line has received a Gold Award in the 2010 Golf Digest Hot List. For more information about the Cobra S2 Max Irons and Cobra S2 Max Iron-Hybrid Integrated Set, go to www.cobragolf.com.

Self-teeing System Added to Haggin Oaks Golf Complex

The Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, in the Sacramento region of California, has just added the  Power Tee, self-teeing system  to its driving range.  The Power Tee system works by pouring the golfer’s bucket of balls in an underground holding container. After adjusting tee height, a ball pops out of the hole in the mat and tees the ball automatically. After a shot, the tee disappears into a hole and reappears seconds later with another ball.

According to head golf professional, Mike Woods, PGA, “The Power Tee system makes practicing easier and quicker for golfers of all ages and abilities. It also helps players become more consistent with stance and posture and lessens strain on backs and joints. Golfers who have used it tell me it’s really a lot of fun.”

Even before adding the Power Tee system, Haggin Oaks made Range Magazine’s list of America’s Top 100 Driving Ranges.

The Power Tee system, designed and manufactured in Britain, is very easy to use.   The tee has up to 40 adjustable tee heights (4 standard).

2010 Tavistock Cup Gets Underway

Tavistock Cup 2010Earlier this fine Monday morning the 2010 Tavistock Cup got underway. The world’s most talented interclub championship features some of the best golfers in the world. I have it on the ‘ol TV right now, and am listening to it in the background while I work away here. This years’ edition looks to be another stellar competition, even though the world’s #1 isn’t present. The Isleworth and Lake Nona teams are both stacked to the hilt. In fact, the talent is rediculous. Below are the lineups for the 2010 Tavistock Cup:

Team Lake Nona:

  • Ben Curtis
  • Ernie Els
  • Ross Fisher
  • Retief Goosen
  • Peter Hanson
  • Trevor Immelman
  • Graeme McDowell
  • Ian Poulter
  • Justin Rose
  • Henrik Stenson

Team Isleworth:

  • Robert Allenby
  • Stuart Appleby
  • Arjun Atwal
  • John Cook
  • Brian Davis
  • J.B. Holmes
  • Charles Howell III
  • Lee Janzen
  • Nick O’Hern
  • Mark O’Meara

Early betting have the odds in favor of the Lake Nona team, but heck, how could you ever count out an Isleworth team chalked-full of major winners? I’m really looking forward to the great shots that are sure to hit us over the competition. All players are out on the Isleworth course right now, and the wind is picking up… Should be a challenging first day.

Nike Steps Up to Sponsor Tiger Woods’ Bag at The Masters

Tiger Woods Golf Bag
Tiger Woods Golf Bag

Move on over, Frank. Nike is Coming in.

We had a little fun a few days ago speculating what sponsor’s logo would appear on Tiger Woods’ bag when he returned at The Masters. My gut told me that Nike would probably be the brand of choice… and when you consider how Nike has stuck side-by-side with Woods through his recent trials and tribulations, it seemed to be the most reasonable choice.

Sure enough, late last week word came out that Tiger’s own ‘TW’ Nike brand will be emblazoned on the bag. The brand will be front and center, so expect to see the ‘TW’ logo along with a handful of Nike swooshes adorning the equipment of the world’s #1.

If you take a look back through the years, the change to Nike will make it 4 logos to adorn Tiger’s bag. Back in 1996, Tiger started out with Titleist. From there he moved on to Buick, in a deal that lasted quite a long time until 2008 when GM filed for bankruptcy. Over the past year or so the AT&T logo had been found on-the-bag, until Tiger’s recent ‘indiscretions’.

Should be cool to see what the new Nike bag looks like. Any ideas?

What You’ll Need to Watch The Masters in 3D

What You'll Need to Watch The Masters in 3D

What You'll Need to Watch The Masters in 3D

Chances are you’ve heard that Comcast is broadcasting The Masters in 3D. Cool, for sure… but do you have the equipment and television necessary to enjoy the broadcast? Are you ready to view The Masters in full-out 3D? Keep reading to find out if you have the equipment you need.

Comcast has designs on outputting a side-by-side 1080i MPEG-2 transmission. If this doesn’t mean anything to you, no worries, it means nothing to me either. The quick translation is Comcast’s HD set-top boxes connected through HDMI are already more than capable of handling the signal. So, if you already have the box, it’s time to load up on a 3D HDTV

Quite honestly, the pricing isn’t as expensive as you’d think. I recently popped over to Best Buy to check them out, and Samsung seems to be the brand of choice, with their 46″ and 55″ 3D HDTV’s both readily available. These 3D HDTV’s are 1080p, run at 240Hz, and will set you back $2,339.99 for the 46″ model, and $2969.99 for the 55″. Not bad at all.

I’ve included the product links below from Best Buy. Check ’em out, and if you’re willing to drop a few grand, it COULD be worth it! (really, the price isn’t that much more than similar non-3D LED and LCD televisions!)

What are your thoughts? Too expensive? Or perhaps you just don’t care? Will plain ‘old’ 2D do you just fine?

Note: For the 3D HDTVs above, the 3D glasses are not included… You’ll need to purchase those separately.

Could we see a Shorter Augusta National for the 2010 Masters?

Entrance to the 2nd Green at Augusta National

The entrance to the 2nd Green at Augusta National has been widened by 8 feet.

The anticipation growing in the pit of my stomach for this years’ Masters. At least, I think that’s what it is… it could also be the Thai food I ate for dinner.

Thai food aside, the excitement is growing by the minute, and as April draws near, I find myself reading (and watching) more Masters goodness than a guy can handle. Earlier today, I was poking around the Golf Channel when I came across the Shag Bag Blog (If you’ve never read it, I highly recommend). One quick post in particular that I came across was by Rex Hoggard, and it touched upon the changes (or lack thereof) to Augusta National this year.

The changes to the course for the 2010 edition of the Masters are surprisingly small… in fact, some would even consider them surprising. The 2nd hole has had the entry to the green widened by 8 feet. This should make for more birdies and eagles at the 575 yard par 5. Also worth noting is the fact that the 5th and 13th teeboxes have been extended… FORWARD. I had to do a double-take the first time I read that! But it’s true! The fifth is a challenging dogleg left par 4 at 455 yards. The 13th of course is one of the most famous par 5’s the world over, measuring 510 yards. The extension of the teeing areas forward on these holes should make for shorter approach shots on 5, and more green-hitting attempts on the par 5 13th.

In the end, we know we’re not going to see the tees forward very much… But if and when we do, we can count on more birdies and eagles than we’re used to seeing. We could be in for a real treat at The Masters this year, weather pending 🙂

Contest: Predict Tiger’s Score at The Masters, Win a Copy of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11!

With Tiger Woods returning to the PGA Tour at The Masters (April 5-11), I couldn’t be happier. Yes, the whole situation over the past few months has been disappointing to say the very least, but we need to let the man do what he does best… GOLF… and when he returns at The Masters I’ll be glued to the TV set, watching him every step of the way.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2011 Contest

To help ‘celebrate’ the world’s #1 return to the course, I thought it may be fun to run a little contest. Up for grabs? Well, that’d be a copy of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2011 for the console of your choice! The game will be available in-stores on June 8th, so yeah, you’ll have to wait a little while to get it… But good things come to those that wait! The game will be available at launch for the Wii, PS3 and XBOX 360, so the winner will simply have to let me know the console they prefer, and the game will be on the way. Deal? Deal!

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11

Win a copy of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11!

Now, on to the details on entering. The concept is simple. We’re going to see who can predict Tiger’s round and total score as closely as possible. This should be fun. 1 point will be awarded for a correct round score, and 4 points will be awarded for a correct total score. In the event of a tie, a custom tie-breaker contest will be held during Tiger’s next tourny to break it. Sound good? OK, now here are the steps you’ve got to follow to enter, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

  1. Follow us on Twitter. It takes literally one second. Follow us @GolfCrunchLive.
  2. Tweet the contest to your followers AT LEAST ONCE. Again, this only takes a few seconds.
  3. Leave a comment to THIS post, with your round scores and total score, in this format: 70 69 67 71 = 277
    (Note: If you think he’s going to miss the cut, format your entry like this: 75 74 = 149)

That’s it. 3 easy steps, and you’re in.

Can you enter multiple times? YES. Once every 24 hours.
That said, anyone blatantly hitting up the contest with entry after entry on the same day will be disqualified. Also, along with every entry we ask that you tweet about the contest to your followers. So, if you’re entered 5 times in the contest, I better see at least 5 tweets about the contest! Sound like a fair deal? Good!

At the conclusion of The Masters, I’ll go through all entries to determine a winner. In fact, I’ll probably put together a contest ‘leaderboard’ of sorts to show off all entries and scores entered. Should be fun to see the scoring people enter!

Once I’ve determined the winner, I’ll hit up Twitter to determine if the winner is indeed following us, and if they ‘tweeted’ the contest to their followers. If not, I’ll go down the list to the second place person and do the same.

Sound good? Great!

Let’s get predictin’! Follow us, tweet the contest to your followers and enter your scores here in the comments.

GOOD LUCK!

Note: Cut-off for contest entries is 11:59CST on April 7th.