The mere thought of the Titleist Pro V1, conjures up images of highly skilled
tour professionals, scientists, shiny gold boxes and trophies held aloft. You
visualise this year’s British Open Champion’s winning gap wedge fizz up to the
flag on the 18th in St. Andrews, then rip to a stop, as if on a string. Or Rory
mashing a monster drive between the Principles Nostrils. Yes, for those of us
lucky to own a sleeve, the Pro V1 is a thing of beauty, a prized possession
to be carefully dotted with red sharpie at the kitchen table the night before
play. Many men I know love their Pro-V’s so much they impose strict usage conditions;
never use one in practise, where “out of bounds” flanks a fairway and absolutely
never on any hole containing water.
My quest to get deep behind the gleaming exterior of the Pro V1 brought me
to the quiet town of Fairhaven about 50 miles from Boston in Massachusetts and
home of Titleist. On entering the reception, I thought for a second I was in
Willy Wonka’s golf factory, as laid out before me was a treasure trove of the
latest gleaming Titleist clubs, bags and balls. I was greeted by Rick Veitch,
a highly engaging marketing guru for Titleist who eventually gave in to the
SpinDoctor’s request (aka begging session) for a tour of the Pro V1 manufacturing
process. “My wife is a “Hughes” from Cork”, he proudly exclaimed within 30 seconds
of first shaking hands. I think that’s what may have secured my golden ticket.
The Pro V1 plant is located about ten minutes drive from the Titleist administrative
building near the Acushnet river which gives the parent company its name. Before
heading up there, Rick and I chatted about all matters golf. We talked about
recession; Titleist hadn’t escaped its tsunami like force with layoffs in all
areas. We talked about the power of the brand and how the kids that fished Pro
V1’s from ponds ten years ago are now the grown up single figure handicappers
who wouldn’t use any other ball. I ask Rick a somewhat tricky questions about
defectors, like Tiger to Nike, Phil to Callaway, Sergio to TaylorMade and Vijay
to Srixon to which he philosophically replied “They all started out using the
Pro V1”. Where the sales and marketing strategy of the new high end ball companies
is to offer huge amounts of cash to marquee players to switch to their ball,
Titleist adopt a different tack. “We have a plurality approach to cultivating
and supporting our Brand Ambassadors”, Rick tells me. “We want wide representation
of top players from every level of play, from the worldwide professional tours,
down through the developmental tour, PGA club professional, college and amateur
ranks”. In lay mans terms Titleist reps worldwide ensure every budding amateur
talent always has a Pro V1 to reach for in their bag, so when the day finally
comes that they do turn professional, they might remember on which side their
bread is buttered. This is borne out by the stats which show on average five
times more wins worldwide with Pro V1’s than with any competitor ball and why
players like Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy and
Camilo Villegas are among the host of current greats who represent the brand.
Rick then points to a grey door across the hall. Every few minutes, the door
opens and an anxious looking man strides out. He has that preoccupied facial
expression, as if mentally working through the final steps of a complex quadratic
equation, the solution to which may lead to an earth shattering breakthrough.
I recognize him. He’s a scientist. The Research and Development section of Titleist
comprises 50 such chemists, physicists and engineers constantly locked in a
battle to push the barriers of ball technology to even greater levels.
As I travel in Rick’s car the short distance to the Pro V1 ball plant, so
begins the process of myth shattering that is to continue apace throughout the
day. Sizing up Rick, I see an ex-professional golfer with an encyclopaedic knowledge
of all things Titleist. He is part of an elite team charged with marketing the
brand worldwide, a position I always regard as being like a goalkeeper; one
fumble and the whole team suffers. Yet he doesn’t wear a tie, his car is not
like something from Top Gear and holidaying abroad is not an option right now
because of the drop in value of currency. Yet, I think he is enjoying getting
out of the office for a few hours. At the door of the Titleist Pro V1 plant,
we are kindly greeted by senior director of the facility Dan Gendreau. I notice
Dan’s shirt sleeves are rolled up; always the sign of a hard worker. Chuffed,
I explain that it’s an honour to meet the director, such a gesture in Ireland
is reserved only for auditors and bank managers.
I’m not really sure what I expected in the Pro V1 ball manufacturing facility
but images of men in white coats with clipboards standing around nodding in
agreement whilst robots carved out balls were floating around in my head somewhere.
The reality is altogether different. The process of ball manufacture though
heavily reliant on machine is actually also highly labour intensive and about
as glamorous as an East German weightlifter. The production floor is a kind
of marriage between a bakery and a car factory. Parts of the factory are extremely
noisy, others are hot, yet others again very damp. Smells range from the distinctive
aroma of hot rubber to the sharp niff of lacquer. One thousand highly organized
workers busily weave in and out through countless machines each churning out
a vital component in what is a very complex process. Today’s quota is 580,000
Pro V1’s.
I am pretty sure that Lee Westwood will look back at his build up to the
US Open and say he made a scheduling error. Though he ultimately won the event,
his appearance at the “sweaty bum” St Jude Classic in Memphis the week before
the US Open ultimately cost him a tilt at a Major that had his name written
all over it. Westwood looked jaded throughout, and though he tried his heart
out, folded on the Saturday. Having rested up, expect Lee to be back in score
settling mood after his playoff loss to Kaymer last year. Red t-shirt and see
through white pants on Sunday? Put your house on it!
Young Pablo Larrazabal was positively seething as he walked off the 18th
green in Munich on Sunday. He stood on the 16th tee on 19 under. Double bogey,
bogey followed and he threw the tournament away. Afterward Larrazabal blamed
himself and his caddy (his brother) for not making good enough course notes
on the Tuesday and Wednesday. If the Spaniard can see past this loss and take
the positives from being in contention, he can do well again this week on the
course where he won his only tour title in 2008.
To see this guy hot the ball live is scary. I mean he’s got a waistline a
supermodel would be proud of! Eighth in Munich last week, behind six guys who
tied for third was not a bad result for a man who says he just needs to play
“more golf”. Seven top tens already this season, with two African wins early
doors says he’s not doing too badly. Atlantic hopping for the first time seems
to have taken some toll on his form, but now that Charl is back in Europe for
a run, watch out. 13th last year in Paris after a poor weekend but Schwartzel
has got everyone inside the ropes whispering. Let’s hope his clubs don’t go
missing between now and Thursday as happened last year.
If Kaymer is to make the Ryder Cup team he had better get on his bike soon.
Okay we can forgive him not contending last week as we did flag the fact that
he may be suffering from tiredness after Pebble Beach. But for an opening 71,
he did quite well at the BMW closing with three rounds in the 60’s to finish
seven back. Shot an amazing 62 in the first round in Paris last year on his
way to a playoff win against Lee Westwood. Will it be another German handing
out a hiding to an Englishman this week? Oh, that was low!!
Those of you who follow my betting previews know that I always tip Soren
Hansen for this event. The Dane’s record in Paris is like Rafa Nadal’s on clay
but alas his form of late stinks. So this year I’m handing his slot to Englishman
Kenneth Ferrie, the man who may forever be known for leading the 2006 US Open
at Winged Foot after three rounds. Hardworking Ferrie is now back in Europe
after an unsuccessful foray to the PGA Tour and a cheque for €88,000 last week
for tying third will help towards retaining privileges in Europe. Played well
in Paris last year too, finishing an impressive tied sixth, exactly where he
finished in Winged Foot!
When the climax of a golf tournament is brought forward to avoid clashing
with a football match it says a lot about where priorities really lie. As it
turned out in the World Cup the Germans hammered the English but on the golf
course it was England’s David Horsey who had the last laugh, birdieing two of
the last three holes to win.
Horsey didn’t have it all his own way though. Club Eichenreid have their
own version of Pebble Beach’s 14th hole; their 16th should be called the “Denis
Wise Experience” being that it is among the shortest, hardest and nastiest on
tour! It claimed the hopes of Pablo Larrazabal, who, from 19 under took double
bogey to throw away the tournament. Poor note-taking by himself and his caddy
was the Spaniard’s excuse, he looked like he was about to burst a blood vessel
as he tossed his ball into the water. Spare a thought also for long time leader
Bradley Dredge who also came a cropper on the 16th taking double. Dredge reminds
me of former All Black legend Michael Jones, who also steadfastly refused to
play on Sundays!
Meanwhile across the sea, Justin Rose was cruising after three rounds but
had a bruising five over par final round to fall out of contention. Bubba Watson,
Scott Verplank and Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin ended up in a three man playoff.
Pavin was eliminated at the first playoff hole, when he inexplicably took a
three wood off the tee and left himself struggling to even reach the bunker
short of the green in two. That left Verplank to hole from 10 feet for birdie
to tie with Bubba who hit is approach to literally inches. The two moved to
the 16th where Verplank short sided himself from the tee and faffed around with
his putter leaving Bubba to two putt for his maiden victory. If Watson were
in the Medical game, he would be a heart surgeon. Holding the golf club so far
down the side, he generates incredible length, but with that strong grip comes
the propensity for disaster. To counteract this Bubba aims his feet North East
and possesses however a pair of miraculous hands that hold the club square for
exactly long enough to produce the kind of jaw dropping accuracy we saw last
night. Well done Bubba, see you in Wales!
A word too for the ladies. Cristie Kerr ended the Asian dominance of the
LPGA Tour for now at least, by winning the LPGA Championship, her second major.
Kerr cruised to a 12 shot win holding off a gaggle of Kim’s and Shin’s in the
process. With the win, Kerr also acceded to the world number one spot.
What's in the Bag - 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell
21 June 2010
by
Donal Hughes - Golfbidder's new blogger. Based in Ireland, Donal aka "The SpinDoctor"
has a weekly page in the Irish Examiner, and has now joined forces with Golfbidder.
Playing off a handicap of 3 Donal is going to be contributing to the Golfbidder
blog covering a number of topics.
Golfbidder TOur Wrap - US Open Special
My wife has been telling me for years that it’s all about inches but I never
knew what she meant until I saw Graeme McDowell putt back up the hill on the
demon par five 14th at Pebble Beach on Sunday night. Experts reckon McDowell’s
ball stopped one inch short of certain doom, as it would have rolled back some
40 yards into the collection area. On the Sunday of the last staging of the
AT&T National Pro-Am at the same venue, three players recorded a score of nine
on the par-5 14th hole. Little wonder then that the hole, which only requires
a 100 yard approach shot, was to separate the winner from the plucky losers,
with McDowell’s carriage the only one undamaged from the train wreck that smashed
the chances of so many others including Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.
McDowell’s Major winning achievement was all the more impressive given the
fact that his playing partner (and our tip) Dustin Johnson went triple, double
and bogey to start his final round. Ambulance crews were last night said to
be combing the Monterrey Peninsula for pieces of Johnson following his spontaneous
combustion on his way to an 82. McDowell spoke after his win of a “calmness”
he felt during the final round and in some way Dustin Johnson’s travails may
have helped deflect the spotlight and allow the Portrush man to quietly go about
his business.
A word too for second placed Gregory Havret. The Frenchman holed two rakers
at qualifying in Walton Heath just to get into the event and he displayed tremendous
balance and poise in his swing throughout the final round to sneak in under
the rader and finish second on his own, his best ever Major finish. You can
put back on your socks Jean Van de Velde, we have a new Frenchman to contend
at St. Andrews.
Yep its all about inches alright for GMac as he opens his trophy cabinet
today and pushes to the back his Celtic Manor Wales Open crystal to make room
for the US Open trophy. Apparently there is just enough room still in there
for a Claret Jug. What odds?
US Open Betting Tips
16 June 2010
by
Donal Hughes - Golfbidder's new blogger. Based in Ireland, Donal aka "The SpinDoctor"
has a weekly page in the Irish Examiner, and has now joined forces with Golfbidder.
Playing off a handicap of 3 Donal is going to be contributing to the Golfbidder
blog covering a number of topics.
Tiger Woods 6/1
Tiger Woods goes into the US Open in much the same way as the Irish rugby
team went into last weeks test with the All Blacks. Both are missing vital components.
In Woods case, his coach is gone, his swing is gone, his driver is gone and
his wife is, well, gone. Given all the turmoil in his life, Tiger still possesses
a singular determination to win golf tournaments like no other. Seemed to be
swinging in the slot much better at Memorial and his short game and upper body
strength still give him a decided advantage over the field. Winner by a street
here in 2000, whatever happens Tiger this week, it’s going to be fascinating
to watch.
Phil Mickelson 7/1
Is the grand slam really a possibility for Masters champion Phil Mickelson
this year? One thing we know for sure, if he drives it as crooked as he did
two weeks back at The Memorial he hasn’t a hope. My guess though is that Phil
will have that aspect of his game sorted and will really fancy his chances at
Pebble Beach, a course on which he has three career victories. His magical short
game have helped him to five second places at US Open and reports of studious
preparation on the Monterey Pennisula track are ominous for the field..
Lee Westwood 11/1
He may be ranked third but Lee Westwood is simply the best player in the
World at the moment. He’s finished in the top-10 in eight of his last 11 events
including second at The Masters and tied fourth at The Players. A brilliant
win last week at the St Jude Classic proves his game is right where it needs
to be. A word of warning though; last weeks exertions both mentally and physically
in the smothering humidity of Memphis must have taken its toll and all Westwood’s
conditioning reserves will be called upon this week. Tied fifth at Pebble in
2000.
Luke Donald 33/1
First, second and third in his last three events, Luke Donald is back on
the PGA Tour a changed man. A weight has been lifted from the Englishman’s shoulders
with his victory in Madrid and having all but wrapped up his Ryder Cup place.
Rested and refreshed Donald won get a better crack at the US Open. At 7100 yards
Pebble Beach is about 400 yards shorter than some of the monsters they use for
this event and should be very manageable for him.
Robert Karlsson 66/1
When I think of Robert Karlsson and US Open my mind goes back to Torrey Pines
in 2008. While all the cameras were on the Tiger versus Rocco drama, the truth
behind that event was that Karlsson gifted it to the field. He finished three
shots back tying fourth but gave a whopping five shots to the leaders on the
Saturday. Played brilliantly at the St Jude Classic last week and is sure to
be buoyant about his chances. Nobody would deserve this more than Robert having
missed most of last season with a serious eye problem. Dropped from 100/1 to
66/1 yesterday.
Dustin Johnson 40/1
Six foot four inch Dustin usually starts Major’s at a much longer price than
40/1 so it’s interesting that the market odds setters feel the same way as I
do. Finished his last four events under par with a top-10 at the Byron Nelson
a worst place of 34th. He won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the second
straight year , only five others have done that, including Jack Nicklaus, Tom
Watson and Sam Snead. The only other player besides Johnson to go straight from
college and win in each of his first three years on the PGA Tour is Tiger Woods.
Though the course will be unrecognizable with its US Open set-up, don’t count
out a good week for Dustin.
The Doc's Dawn Raid - Intro
15 June 2010
by
Donal Hughes - Golfbidder's new blogger. Based in Ireland, Donal aka "The SpinDoctor"
has a weekly page in the Irish Examiner, and has now joined forces with Golfbidder.
Playing off a handicap of 3 Donal is going to be contributing to the Golfbidder
blog covering a number of topics. One of which is betting tips, something that
he has the uncanny knack of being right on!
Last Friday saw the inaugural “Doc’s Dawn Raid” where Golfbidder fans and
equipment enthusiasts joined me in glorious sunshine in stunning Doonbeg Golf
Resort, Co. Clare, Ireland for a day of unadulterated golfing fun. Having met
on the driving range at 8am the guys tested 60 top models of drivers from Golfbidder
before tackling the Greg Norman masterpiece which was in superb condition. Thanks
to Brian Shaw and his team in Doonbeg and all the participants and watch out
for the next “Doc’s Dawn Raid” coming soon!
Golfbidder Tour Wrap
14 June 2010
by
Donal Hughes - Golfbidder's new blogger. Based in Ireland, Donal aka "The SpinDoctor"
has a weekly page in the Irish Examiner, and has now joined forces with Golfbidder.
Playing off a handicap of 3 Donal is going to be contributing to the Golfbidder
blog covering a number of topics. One of which is betting tips, something that
he has the uncanny knack of being right on!
Nappies and Talc for Garrigus
It looks like nappies and talcum powder will be in the player’s suitcases
for next years St. Jude Classic after some unsavoury sights threatened to soil,
I mean spoil, Sunday nights entertainment. For long time leader Robert Garrigus,
it was less a case of “Squeaky Bum Time” and more a case of “Sweaty Bum Time”
as an embarrassing patch appeared on his nether region in the stifling heat
and humidity in Memphis. Garrigus case of crotch-rot only added to his misery
as he imploded on the last hole blowing a three shot lead and the tournament.
It all brings new meaning to the phrase “filled his pants”! After dumping unlucky
Garrigus out at the first extra playoff hole Lee Westwood went toe to toe with
Robert Karlsson before the Worksop man emerged victorious.
Meanwhile on the European Tour it was a case of Bjorn Again for Dane Thomas
Bjorn. In gale force winds Bjorn put in a performance befitting a major champion
as he carded a 68 for a 23 under par total to beat the field. It’s a shame that
only one and his dog turned up to witness it. Ireland’s Damien McGrane hosted
a cash burning ceremony of his own on the final hole in Estoril dropping off
a potential podium finish with a poor closing run.
Ironically Bjorn’s win was his first since winning the 2006 Irish Open at
Carton House, the very same venue for last weekend’s Irish Seniors Open on the
European Seniors Tour. In a field that included Ian Woosnam, Same Torrance and
Sandy Lyle, Frenchman Marc Farry became the fifth first time winner on the Tour
in 2010 when he held off a challenge from Ross Drummond to win the event by
two shots.
A word too for the gallant GB&I Curtis Cup side who lost out to their US
counterparts in Boston. Ireland's Danielle McVeigh, Leona Maguire and Lisa Maguire
all won their singles matches on the final day to make the 12 to 7½ point scoreline
somewhat more palatable.
In Luke Donald's bag
Good afternoon golfers,
Luke Donald has had a dream start to 2010: A win at the Madrid Masters and
a second place finish at the BMW PGA Championship has seen Donald breakthrough
into the World’s Top 10. As golf club enthusiasts, we were eager to find out
what kit he has been using to such great effect. We asked our man in the field,
Donal Hughes, to out for us.....
TT OUT!!
The Memorial 2010 Betting Tips
by
Donal Hughes - Golfbidder's new blogger. Based in Ireland, Donal aka "The SpinDoctor"
has a weekly page in the Irish Examiner, and has now joined forces with Golfbidder.
Playing off a handicap of 3 Donal is going to be contributing to the Golfbidder
blog covering a number of topics. One of which is betting tips, something that
he has the uncanny knack of being right on!
Geoff Ogilvy 35/1
Geoff has had a stinker of a year since his SBS Championship victory at Kapalua
back in January. In fact last week was his first top 20 in nine attempts since.
However his Sunday 64 have those inside the ropes gossiping that Geoff could
have discovered the secret for this week. It’s a putting contest at Jack’s place
and when it comes to mastery of the blade Ogilvy is one of the best. He has
finished in the top 10 in the past three years and his third round 63 last year
is regarded as among the best ever rounds at Memorial.
KJ Choi 40/1
What a guy. If you ever need a pro to show you how to maintain balance throughout
the swing, look no further than Kenneth Joseph Choi. KJ absolutely loves Jack’s
place, it has been the equivalent of his personal ATM for years. Second in Malaysia
and the transitions and fourth at The Masters, KJ has achieved the remarkable
statistic of not finishing over par in 13 consecutive events on the PGA and
European tours. A horrible eight on the last on Saturday last week (whilst still
shooting 66) belied his excellent form. Winner of the Memorial in 2007 and more
top-10’s in Muirfield than U2.
Jim Furyk 30/1
You just wonder is a little niggle beginning to enter Jim Furyk’s head when
it comes to big events. A two time winner already this season at the Transitions
and Verizon Heritage; Jim has been like the UK in the Eurovision when it comes
to the big events. Having missed the cut last week and at the Masters and barely
passed as a player at The Players, the bookies reckon Furyk may have shot his
bolt. Second last year to Tiger, Jim might just be worth that shopping trolley
coin you keep in your car.
Kenny Perry 55/1
The Ingido Girls may have sung “Don’t Give Up On Me Baby” and with two months
left until his 50th birthday, keep an eye on Kenny Perry again this week. He
is the Memorial Godfather having won this event in 1991, 2003 and 2008. Perry’s
putter went cold at Colonial last week but his second round 64 gives one hope
that there is still life in the old dawg yet.
Adam Scott 40/1
All the talk is sure to be on Tiger Woods this week. A four time winner at
Memorial, his approach to the 18th last year was among the best shots I’ve ever
seen. But spare a thought for his so called swing doppelganger Adam Scott, who
returned to winning ways at the Valero Texas Open two weeks back. Scott may
not have the Memorial pedigree of others, but his 2007 second round of 62 proved
that on his day he has the artillery that might just do damage at Jack’s place.
Celtic Manor Wales Open Betting Preview
Wednesday 2 June 2010
by
Donal Hughes - Golfbidder's new blogger. Based in Ireland, Donal aka "The SpinDoctor"
has a weekly page in the Irish Examiner, and has now joined forces with Golfbidder.
Playing off a handicap of 3 Donal is going to be contributing to the Golfbidder
blog covering a number of topics. One of which is betting tips, something that
he has the uncanny knack of being right on!
Francesco Molinari 17/1
Of the two Molinari’s it looks like Francesco has the best chance of emulating
Constatino Rocca as an Italian member of this year’s Ryder Cup dream. He hasn’t
been outside the top-30 since the Masters, announcing himself to the American
audience with a ninth place in the Players Championship. Solid too last week
when finishing three shots behind Luke Donald. Molinari will want to put last
year’s first round 77 firmly behind him and instead remember back to 2008 when
he shot three rounds in the 60’s to tie fourth.
Simon Dyson 50/1
We’ve missed Simon Dyson lately and all the jokes about loss of suction.
Simon’s been off the radar after pulling out of the BMW Italian Open with a
sore back and a return at reconstructed Wentworth was always going to be tough.
Nice to see him tie for 10th last week in Madrid ahead of his return to the
Twenty Ten course in Wales. Dyson gave five shots to most of the leaders after
a first round 74 last year, but figured out the Ryder Cup layout rapidly thereafter
finishing in a tie for sixth. A more circumspect Thursday could yield much gold
this time around.
Ignacio Garrido 85/1
If you’re looking for some long odds value this week, then Ignacio Garrido
is your huckleberry. Apart from the BMW Championship, Garrido has finished under
par in his last seven events with a lowest finish of 28th. Jeppe Huldahl won
this event last year but in truth Garrido threw it away, crumbling to a double
bogey on the 17th with victory in sight.
Rhys Davies 24/1
I was actually about ten feet away from Philip Price when he beat Phil Mickelson
in the Ryder Cup singles at The Belfry back in 2002. What all the angry sniffing
was about I will never know. It looks like another Welshman has a sniff of a
Ryder Cup spot if he retains his impressive early season form. Second again
last week in Madrid to add to his second in China and his victory in Morocco.
Darren Clarke was famously left out after winning twice before the last Ryder
Cup, but surely Monty would bring Rhys Davies if he came through this week.
Tour Wrap: Donald Trumps, Lehman Banks and Johnson Walks
The Line
Wednesday 2 June 2010
by
Donal Hughes - Golfbidder's new blogger. Based in Ireland, Donal aka "The SpinDoctor"
has a weekly page in the Irish Examiner, and has now joined forces with Golfbidder.
Playing off a handicap of 3 Donal is going to be contributing to the Golfbidder
blog covering a number of topics. One of which is betting tips, something that
he has the uncanny knack of being right on!
One week after imploding down the stretch in the BMW PGA Championship, Luke
Donald produced a stunning eagle on 16 to see off nearest challenger Rhys Davies
at the 2010 Madrid Masters. It was Donald’s first win since 2006 and proved
that good things do come to those who, well, hang around! Donald was one of
the few Ryder Cup probables to stick around between the BMW PGA Championship
and next week’s Celtic Manor Wales Open. The win takes Donald into the world’s
top ten and all but secures his Ryder Cup berth.
Meanwhile stateside Zach Johnson did his Joachim Phoenix/Johnny Cash impression
all over again as he walked the line at the Crowne Plaza Invitational. Johnson’s
sawn off follow through pummelled the field into submission and his See More
flat stick was on autopilot as he cruised to a 64 and three shot victory. Only
the rain threatened to spoil the party. Nearly man and rules expert Brian Davis
was, er, nearly man yet again as his collection of second places grows. Surely
it’s only a matter of time until Davis claims another second place.
In Colorado the fairytale ending for long time leader Jay Don Blake never came
at the Senior PGA Championship. Instead steady Tom Lehman plotted his way around
the tricky Colorado Golf Club, shooting four rounds in the 60’s to claim his
first senior Major title at the PGA Championship. Lehman had his Mike Tyson
game face on as he emerged victorious from a playoff with Fred Couples and David
Frost, who burned it up in regulation play. Lehman only had to par the first
extra hole as his two challengers took double bogey.
Golfbidder Challenge: Match 1
Friday 21 May 2010
Forget about what’s going on at Wentworth - the Golfbidder Challenge is under
way!
The Golfbidder Challenge is our staff tournament running throughout the summer.
It’s based on the Champions League format and sees 8 teams of 2 split into 2
groups, with the top 2 teams qualifying for the semi-final stage.
Last night the tournament kicked off in dramatic fashion. Sam (Operations,
Hcp 2) and I (Marketing, Hcp 18) took on Kev (Purchasing, Hcp 18) and Matt (Operations,
Hcp 11) in an extremely close contest at Silvermere GC.
We played 4 ball betterball, scoring stableford points to keep things interesting
until the end. The match started off steady as both teams picked up 2 points
on each of the first couple of holes, before things started to hot up. Sam and
I took a 2 point lead with 3’s on the 3rd and 4th, but that was quickly cancelled
out on the 5th as Kev and Matt scored 3 points to our 1. The remainder of the
front 9 was very competitive, with each team getting their noses in front, only
to be pulled back on the following hole. The highlight of the front 9 was undoubtedly
Matt’s birdie on the 8th (the hardest hole on the course) helping his team to
4 points.
After 9 holes Kev and Matt were leading 20 – 19.
The back 9 continued in much the same way as the front, with both teams playing
well and Kev and Matt hanging onto their slim lead. Sam and I thought we had
turned the tide with 3 points on the 16th, only for Kev to rattle in a long
par putt on the difficult 17th to put their team back ahead by 1 point going
into the 18th.
With the pressure on, all 4 of us found the fairway on the 18th and managed
to avoid the water to hit the island green in two. Because of our handicaps
Kev, Matt and I all received a shot on the hole, meaning they had to match my
putts to win the match.
Matt was the first to step up, leaving his 20ft putt around 3ft short. Full
of confidence he decided to putt out, but misread the putt and amazingly lipped
out – piling all of the pressure on Kev. From a similar distance Kev also left
his putt short, leaving himself a tricky 4 footer. After I missed my 10ft birdie
putt and tapped in for par, it was up to Kev to sink his for the win.
After a good roll his putt was on line and looking good, but unfortunately
for Kev and Matt, stopped just an inch short!
We won the hole and the match was drawn 38-38, with Sam and I taking the
points on countback.
Let’s hope the rest of the tournament is as exciting!
Until next time,
Matt
Perfect Gift for Father's Day
Thursday 13 May 2010
Market leading golf ball brand, Titleist, has introduced the perfect Fathers
Day present, ideal for the thousands of golf mad Dads in the UK. The #1 ball
in golf is giving siblings the chance to customise Titleist golf balls with
a Father’s day message free of charge.
As well as the chance to personalise your Dad’s Titleist golf ball gift,
for every dozen purchased you will receive a free ball marker. The minimum order
is one dozen golf balls and orders must be placed by June 9th 2010 to guarantee
delivery before the big day on Sunday, June 20th¹.
Personalisation can include up to three lines of text (max. 17 characters
per line) in a choice of 4 colours; black, blue, red and green. The message
must contain a Father’s Day message, such as a reference to ‘dad’ or father’s
name to qualify for this special promotion.
To order your perfect gift simply send an email to
ttanner@golfbidder.co.uk or call
our Corporate Logo Sales Team on 0208 401 5696.
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The Year of the Wedge
Monday 10 May 2010
We all know that there are changes a foot in the wedge market at the end
of this year. But what exactly is going to happen?
Wedge makes extraordinaire Cleveland Golf have put together this following
website that explains the thinking and the science behind it.
http://www.yearofthewedge.com/
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The Golf Delusion - The Most Important Thing
Thursday 6 May 2010
Here is the latest chapter in our 'Golf Delusion' Series. This chapter outlines
'The most important thing in the golf swing'. I don't think i need to sell this
any more so please read on!
Download the chapter here
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Fed Ex Golf Advert
Wednesday 5 May 2010
We've all been there!
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New Tiger Woods Advert - Your Thoughts?
Thursday 29 April
Tiger's back again this week and I'm sure firmly want the focus to be firmly
on golf! Something that he's surely wanted all along. So why did Nike release
this advert just before his initial comeback as it directs the mind to all the
reports that we were reading on a daily basis back in late 2009.
The advert is also on our Facebook
page. Leave a comment and you'll be entered into a draw to win a dozen Callaway
golf balls.
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Counterfeit Update - Golfbidder on Sky Sports News
In our ongoing quest to kill off the counterfeit golf club industry Sky Sports
News popped in to Golfbidder HQ to take a look proper look and test the clubs
head to head. Here are the results.
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Counterfeit Update - Callaway X-20 Tour Irons
21 April 2010
In the Golfbidder blog today we have another example of how good counterfeit
golf clubs are getting. This time is the turn of Callaway X-20 Tour irons.
From the first image you can see that there are subtle cosmetic differences
between the counterfeit (left) and the genuine club. The first thing that you
might notice is the slightly different tinge of the badges. The genuine club
appears to have a yellow glow. This is because it is made from a better quality
material that reflects the light from our camera.
The next image, taken from above, again has the fake on the left shows the
unrefined finishing process that the counterfeiters use. You can clearly see
that the top line appears to be thicker with sharper edges from the top to the
face. On the genuine club, the whole club head flows better showing the time
and care taking when manufacturing genuine golf clubs.
The fake is again on the left and you can clearly see the ‘sharper’ edges
on the counterfeit. One other difference that we can only see in this image
is the grooves. If you look closely you can see that the grooves on the counterfeit
finish short of the top line when compared to the genuine.
Please remember that there are people out there making millions of pounds
selling counterfeit golf clubs. If you see a set at a price that’s too good
to be true it probably is! No counterfeit golf clubs are sold on Golfbidder!
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