Page 479 – African American Golfer's Digest

Tiger All Washed Up? Something To Think About…

by Debert Cook June 16, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Whenever you pass golfing royalty by any name, it’s worthy of applause and appreciation. Not to get too far ahead of ourselves, but allow me to throw some impressive numbers at you for a moment.

Tiger Woods has won (79) official PGA tour events, second only to Sam Snead, who has (82) and six ahead of Jack Nicklaus, who has (73).
Phil Mickelson has (42) PGA tour wins. Mickelson was ranked second in the world for (270) weeks without ever reaching No. 1. Tiger was ranked first for a record (683) weeks. The next highest total for third place was Jim Furyk with (39) weeks. Nearly two decades Tiger dominated the No. 1 spot and the golfing world in general. He ranked as the world’s highest paid athlete every year from 2001 thru 2011.

Phil Mickelson just recently passed Tiger on golf’s all time money list by earning $50.8 million over the last twelve months.

Tiger still holds the record of consecutive cuts made at (142) over a seven year span ending in 2005. Second is Byron Nelson at (113), Jack Nicklaus (105), Hale Irwin (86) and Dow Finsterwald with (72). To think that Tiger is washed up, or doesn’t have anything left in the tank is ludicrous. Can he still pass Nicklaus’s (18) majors win record? I would say conservatively no, but can he pass Sam Snead’s all time PGA tour win record? I would say emphatically yes.

Tiger’s dominance over the years was no fluke, so let’s not close the book on his career just yet. I think there’s still room for at least one more chapter. Maybe not Jack’s (18) majors, but let’s keep an eye on Snead’s (82) wins. That stat is not exactly chopped liver may I remind you.

Tiger’s next tour win may not come this weekend at the U.S.Open at Chambers Bay, but it could be just a chip shot and a putt around the corner.

Oh, yeah. Let me know your comments on this!

ABOUT JOHN PERRY

John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Vauxhall, NJ. Email: [email protected]

June 16, 2015 0 comment

Clothing

Sunice Derby Down Lightweight Golf Jacket

by AAGD Staff June 12, 2015

written by AAGD Staff

Although the fall and winter seasons are behind most of us it is sure to return in just a few months. Sunice, a leading designer, marketer and distributor of outerwear, apparel and accessories for golf and snow activities, has made sure that everyone needing warmth is covered. From their Spring/Summer 2015 Sport Layers collection Sunice has released their new Derby Down Lightweight Golf Jacket. This outwear jacket is chic with classic lines and added contemporary styling.

Untra lightweight, it’s soft and “snuggable” against the body. The Sunice Derby Down Jacket will keep one warm without feeling tight or restricting movement. In fact, the garment is extremely efficient, and ergonomically designed, to take into consideration the full body movement and swings as related to the game of golf. The Sunice Derby Down Jacket provides “freedom of movement” and gives golfers one less thing to worry about while it captures everything that a player needs for a functional, classic, garment. Men, while wearing this jacket, will notice that their shoulders are more accented, making the wearer look great while focusing their attention on playing.

The secret: Designers, using advanced manufacturing methods, included stretch inserts that are positioned in key areas of the Sunice Derby Down Jacket. This works well to keep the jacket in place and to keep the warmth of the jacket near part of the body that need to stay warm.

sunice down jacket Put the Sunice Derby Down Jacket in your closet now and you’ll be ready when cooler temperatures arrive. The layers are properly designed to wear comfortably days or evenings, without adding bulk. It particularly holds up well under misty or damp conditions on the course with moisture wicking attributes.

Beautiful color choices are available within the collection.

Sunice.com

June 12, 2015 0 comment

News

USGA Groupings and Starting Times for 115th U.S. Open Championship

by Debert Cook June 12, 2015

written by Debert Cook

2015 U.S. Open Championship
June 18-21, 2015
Chambers Bay, University Place, Wash.

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. (June 12, 2015) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced groupings and starting times for the first two rounds of the 2015 U.S. Open Championship, Thursday (June 18) and Friday (June 19), at par-70 Chambers Bay, which will be set up daily between 7,200 and 7,600 yards.

The U.S. Open is a 72-hole, stroke-play competition. A field of 156 players will play 18 holes of stroke play on June 18 and 19, after which the field will be reduced to the low 60 scores and ties. Those players making the cut will play 18 holes on June 20 and 21. If there is a tie upon the completion of 72 holes, a scheduled 18-hole playoff will be played on June 22 at 9 a.m. If this playoff results in a tie, the tied players will immediately continue to play off hole-by-hole until the winner is determined.

All Times PDT

www.usopen.com

Twitter: @usopengolf; Facebook: facebook.com/usopen; Instagram: @USGA; #USOpen

Thursday (June 18), hole #1 / Friday (June 19), hole #10

7 a.m. / 1 p.m. – Michael Putnam, University Place, Wash.; Marcus Fraser, Australia; TBD

7:11 a.m. / 1:11 p.m. – Garth Mulroy, South Africa; Richard Lee, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Lucas Bjerregaard, Denmark

7:22 a.m. / 1:22 p.m. – Jason Allred, Scottsdale, Ariz.; (a) Kyle Jones, Snowflake, Ariz.; Cody Gribble, Dallas, Texas

7:33 a.m. / 1:33 p.m. – Phil Mickelson, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.; Bubba Watson, Bagdad, Fla.; Angel Cabrera, Argentina

7:44 a.m. / 1:44 p.m. – Wen-Chong Liang, People’s Republic of China; David Hearn, Canada; Hiroyuki Fujita, Japan

7:55 a.m. / 1:55 p.m. – Robert Streb, Shawnee, Kan.; (a) Lee McCoy, Athens, Ga.; TBD

8:06 a.m. / 2:06 p.m. – George McNeill, Fort Myers, Fla.; Masahiro Kawamura, Japan; Cameron Tringale, Mission Viejo, Calif.

8:17 a.m. / 2:17 p.m. – Henrik Stenson, Sweden; Francesco Molinari, Italy; Brandt Snedeker, Nashville, Tenn.

8:28 a.m. / 2:28 p.m. – Jim Furyk, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Miguel Angel Jimenez, Spain; Colin Montgomerie, Scotland

8:39 a.m. / 2:39 p.m. – Brooks Koepka, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Russell Henley, Macon, Ga.; Byeong-Hun An, Republic of Korea

8:50 a.m. / 2:50 p.m. – Jason Dufner, Cleveland, Ohio; Marc Warren, Scotland; Matt Every, Jacksonville, Fla.

9:01 a.m. / 3:01 p.m. – Brandon Hagy, Los Angeles, Calif.; (a) Matthew NeSmith, North Augusta, S.C.; Sebastian Cappelen, Denmark

9:12 a.m. / 3:12 p.m. – (a) Nick Hardy, Northbrook, Ill.; Alex Kim, Fullerton, Calif.; Rich Berberian Jr., Derry, N.H.

Thursday (June 18), hole #10 / Friday (June 19), hole #1

7 a.m. / 1 p.m. – Troy Kelly, Lakewood, Wash.; Seuk Hyun Baek, Republic of Korea; Cameron Smith, Australia

7:11 a.m. / 1:11 p.m. – John Parry, England; TBD; (a) Jack Maguire, St. Petersburg, Fla.

7:22 a.m. / 1:22 p.m. – Timothy O’Neal, Savannah, Ga.; Stephan Jaeger, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Kurt Barnes, Australia

7:33 a.m. / 1:33 p.m. – Gary Woodland, Topeka, Kan.; Victor Dubuisson, France; John Senden, Australia

7:44 a.m. / 1:44 p.m. – TBD; Morgan Hoffmann, Jupiter, Fla.; Bernd Wiesberger, Austria

7:55 a.m. / 1:55 p.m. – Marcel Siem, Germany; Alexander Levy, France; Brian Harman, St. Simons Island, Ga.

8:06 a.m. / 2:06 p.m. – Hideki Matsuyama, Japan; Graeme McDowell, Northern Ireland; Matt Kuchar, St. Simons Island, Ga.

8:17 a.m. / 2:17 p.m. – Dustin Johnson, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Adam Scott, Australia; Sergio Garcia, Spain

8:28 a.m. / 2:28 p.m. – Martin Kaymer, Germany; (a) Gunn Yang, Republic of Korea; Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland

8:39 a.m. / 2:39 p.m. – Patrick Reed, Houston, Texas; Chris Kirk, Milton, Ga.; Jamie Donaldson, Wales

8:50 a.m. / 2:50 p.m. – Webb Simpson, Charlotte, N.C.; Keegan Bradley, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Kevin Na, Diamond Bar, Calif.

9:01 a.m. / 3:01 p.m. – (a) Sam Horsfield, England; Shunsuke Sonoda, Japan; Oliver Farr, Wales

9:12 a.m. / 3:12 p.m. – Kevin Lucas, Folsom, Calif.; Pat Wilson, Andover, N.J.; (a) Cole Hammer, Houston, Texas

Thursday (June 18), hole #1 / Friday (June 19), hole #10

1 p.m. / 7 a.m. – Jason Palmer, England; Roberto Castro, Atlanta, Ga.; Andres Romero, Argentina

1:11 p.m. / 7:11 a.m. – (a) Denny McCarthy, Rockville, Md.; D.A. Points, Windermere, Fla.; Shiv Kapur, India

1:22 p.m. / 7:22 a.m. – (a) Bryson DeChambeau, Clovis, Calif.; Blayne Barber, Auburn, Ala.; Billy Hurley III, Annapolis, Md.

1:33 p.m. / 7:33 a.m. – Geoff Ogilvy, Australia; Ernie Els, South Africa; Retief Goosen, South Africa

1:44 p.m. / 7:44 a.m. – Bo Van Pelt, Jenks, Okla.; Charlie Beljan, Mesa, Ariz.; Tony Finau, Lehi, Utah

1:55 p.m. / 7:55 a.m. – Lee Janzen, Orlando, Fla.; (a) Oliver Schniederjans, Powder Springs, Ga.; Darren Clarke, Northern Ireland

2:06 p.m. / 8:06 a.m. – Daniel Summerhays, Fruit Heights, Utah; Thomas Aiken, South Africa; Danny Lee, New Zealand

2:17 p.m. / 8:17 a.m. – Jordan Spieth, Dallas, Texas; Jason Day, Australia; Justin Rose, England

2:28 p.m. / 8:28 a.m. – Tiger Woods, Hobe Sound, Fla.; Rickie Fowler, Murrieta, Calif.; Louis Oosthuizen, South Africa

2:39 p.m. / 8:39 a.m. – Jimmy Walker, Boerne, Texas; Zach Johnson, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Ian Poulter, England

2:50 p.m. / 8:50 a.m. – Ryan Moore, Las Vegas, Nev.; Anirban Lahiri, India; Erik Compton, Coral Gables, Fla.

3:01 p.m. / 9:01 a.m. – (a) Jake Knapp, Costa Mesa, Calif.; Tyler Duncan, Columbus, Ind.; Matt Mabrey, Little Rock, Ark.

3:12 p.m. / 9:12 a.m. – Michael Davan, Hoopeston, Ill.; (a) Davis Riley, Hattiesburg, Miss.; Andrew Pope, Orlando, Fla.

Thursday (June 18), hole #10 / Friday (June 19), hole #1

1 p.m. / 7 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Fort Worth, Texas; Brad Fritsch, Holly Springs, N.C.; Tjaart van der Walt, South Africa

1:11 p.m. / 7:11 a.m. – Brad Elder, Dallas, Texas; (a) Beau Hossler, Mission Viejo, Calif.; Jamie Lovemark, Scottsdale, Ariz.

1:22 p.m. / 7:22 a.m. – Ryo Ishikawa, Japan; Luke Donald, England; J.B. Holmes, Campbellsville, Ky.

1:33 p.m. / 7:33 a.m. – Lucas Glover, Tequesta, Fla.; (a) Bradley Neil, Scotland; Marc Leishman, Australia

1:44 p.m. / 7:44 a.m. – Ryan Palmer, Colleyville, Texas; Joost Luiten, Netherlands; Danny Willett, England

1:55 p.m. / 7:55 a.m. – TBD; George Coetzee, South Africa; Alexander Noren, Sweden

2:06 p.m. / 8:06 a.m. – Brendon Todd, Atlanta, Ga.; Branden Grace, South Africa; Thongchai Jaidee, Thailand

2:17 p.m. / 8:17 a.m. – Billy Horschel, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Paul Casey, England; Lee Westwood, England

2:28 p.m. / 8:28 a.m. – Bill Haas, Greenville, S.C.; Charl Schwartzel, South Africa; Hunter Mahan, Dallas, Texas

2:39 p.m. / 8:39 a.m. – Shane Lowry, Republic of Ireland; Ben Martin, Greenville, S.C.; Stephen Gallacher, Scotland

2:50 p.m. / 8:50 a.m. – Charley Hoffman, Las Vegas, Nev.; Camilo Villegas, Colombia; Tommy Fleetwood, England

3:01 p.m. / 9:01 a.m. – Mark Silvers, Thunderbolt, Ga.; (a) Brian Campbell, Irvine, Calif.; Cheng-Tsung Pan, Chinese Taipei

3:12 p.m. / 9:12 a.m. – TBD; Jared Becher, Reno, Nev.; Samuel Saunders, Fort Collins, Colo.

(a): amateur

2015 U.S. Open Championship – Par & Yardage

Chambers Bay will set up between 7,200 and 7,600 yards and will play to a par of 36-34–70 when No. 1 is a par 5 and No. 18 is a par 4.
The course will play to a par of 35-35–70 when No. 1 is a par 4 and No. 18 is a par 5.

Chambers Bay Hole By Hole
Hole	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Total
Par	5 or 4	4	3	4	4	4	4	5	3	36/35
Yardage	598/	399	198/	495	488	495	508	614	224/
	496		163						217

Hole	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	Total
Par	4	4	4	4	4	3	4	3	4 or 5	34/35
Yardage	468/	537/	311/	534	546/	246/	423	218/	525/
	436	500	281		521	167/		172	604
						123

June 12, 2015 0 comment

News

Is Butch Harmon What Tiger Woods Needs This Time?

by Debert Cook June 11, 2015

written by Debert Cook

(By John Feinstein) During the 1992 presidential campaign, James Carville, who managed the message for Bill Clinton, kept a sign on his desk that has since become the rallying cry for almost anyone and everyone who has run for President: “The economy, stupid.”

Carville’s point was both simple and direct: When you cut through all the rhetoric of a campaign, it is the state of the economy – and what a candidate proposes to do about it – that decides elections.

Perhaps Tiger Woods should consider hiring Carville.

When you cut to the heart of the train wreck that Woods’ golf game is right now, it isn’t about a two-way miss, taking an inch off his driver, looking at old video, whether his back hurts, his knees are bothering him or whether he needs yet another new teacher.

It’s about what’s between his ears, stupid.

There’s no doubting that Woods is as physically gifted as anyone who has ever played. But what made him so unbelievably dominant from that first Masters win in 1997 to his last major victory at the 2008 U.S. Open was his mind.

Woods was smarter, tougher, meaner and more confident than anyone. What’s more, the guys who were trying to compete with him KNEW he was smarter, tougher and meaner. He made every putt that mattered, found ways to get up and down that weren’t possible and, on days when his golf swing wasn’t what he wanted, still figured out how to score.

Remember Rocco Mediate’s reaction when Woods made the 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole on Sunday to create the playoff at Torrey Pines in 2008?

“I knew he was going to make it,” Rocco stated.

Everyone knew he was going to make it because that’s who Tiger Woods was in those days.

Of all the remarkable rounds Woods has played in his career, those who witnessed it will tell you that his second round at the 2004 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills might have been as impressive as anything they’ve ever seen. Woods was in his Hank Haney swing transition and was having trouble finding the planet off the tee. If it were possible to have a three-way miss going, he would have had it. No one had any idea where the ball might be going when he took the club back.

Woods shot 1-under 69 that day. He finished T-17 that week but the argument can be made that any other player hitting the ball that poorly wouldn’t have sniffed the cut. Or, if they had somehow made the weekend, an 85 might very well have shown up on Saturday.

That would never happen to Woods back then. On the final day of that Open, when the USGA lost the greens, (stroke average was 78.7 and no one broke par) the still-struggling Woods shot 76. In those conditions, the Woods of today might not have broken 90.

3 Tips for Improving Your Golf Game

by Debert Cook June 11, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Black Enterprise magazine is gearing up for a weekend of networking and fun with the Black Enterprise Golf and Tennis Challenge. This Labor Day weekend bring your A-golf-game as you reunite with old colleagues and connect with new ones.

Before you hit the green, check out these tips to get you started:

1. Posture and Approach
Be comfortable. This is the most essential element in standing in front of the ball. Slightly bend your knees with your upper body leaning over the ball–careful not to hunch over. Place your arms out in front of you, but don’t overly extend. Your feet should be shoulder- width apart. Take the club and put the head behind the ball. The club should fit naturally in your hands and come up at about a 45-degree angle.

2. Grip
Try not to grab the club like a baseball bat as it is, in fact, a club. Take the club in the palm of the hand that’s closest to the hole (your lead hand). Your thumb should run along the top of the grip going down. Slide your hand that’s farthest from the hole, your back hand, just below your lead-hand, and interlock the back hand pinkie finger with the lead-hand pointer finger. Be sure the back hand thumb runs down the front of the grip, just below the lead hand thumb.

Jabir Bilal Wins Gulf States Section PGA Tournament

by AAGD NEWSWIRE June 10, 2015

written by AAGD NEWSWIRE

Jabir Bilal (center) poses with his trophy following the Gulf States Section PGA tournament on June 10, 2015 with Brandon Roll (l) at University Club Clubhouse. Bilal has a long history of wins and is currently Head Golf Professional at Joseph M. Bartholomew Golf Course, New Orleans, LA.

RELATED STORY: Jabir Bilal Golfer of the Week

June 10, 2015 0 comment

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Tim O’Neal Earns Spot On The U.S. Open

by Debert Cook June 9, 2015

written by Debert Cook

By David Shefter, USGA

Tim O’Neal has experienced enough heartbreak in golf to fill a scrap book.

Twice, he’s missed earning a PGA Tour card by a single stroke, including a double bogey on his final hole in the Q-School Finals in 2000. In last year’s U.S. Open sectional qualifying round here at Woodmont Country Club, a major traffic accident in the area cost the Savannah, Ga., native a chance to even compete. What should have been a 10-minute commute lasted 90 minutes, and O’Neal missed his scheduled starting time.

O’Neal, 42, returned this year to Woodmont, where 56 competitors were vying for three spots in next week’s U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. A 3-under-par 69 on the 7,166-yard North Course had O’Neal in a share of third following the morning round.

But O’Neal found himself flirting with heartache in the afternoon.

“I thought I gave it away on the second 18,” said O’Neal. “I was really surprised that 2 under (148) got into a playoff.”

Indeed, redemption finally arrived for the journeyman professional, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica in 2013 who only has conditional Web.com Tour status in 2015. In a playoff against Joshua Persons, of Fargo, N.D., and minutes before a major thunderstorm pounded the area, O’Neal rolled in a 12-foot birdie putt to punch his ticket to the biggest event of his 18-year career. For once, lightning struck O’Neal in a positive way.

Co-medalists Billy Hurley III, of Annapolis, Md., and Denny McCarthy, of Rockville, Md., both of whom shot 6-under 138, earned the first two spots. Hurley (66-72), a 2005 USA Walker Cup competitor and 2004 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, will be making his second consecutive U.S. Open start, while McCarthy (70-68), a 2015 University of Virginia graduate, earned his first U.S. Open trip. McCarthy, 22, advanced to the semifinals of last year’s U.S. Amateur and helped the USA claim the World Amateur Team Championship last fall in Japan.

Those credentials won’t be found on O’Neal’s résumé, but he’s likely bounced around more back roads than Hurley and McCarthy combined. Since turning pro in 1997 after playing for coach Eddie Payton at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., O’Neal, the only African American to win the Georgia State Amateur (1997), has competed on the Asian Tour, eGolf Tour, the Morocco-based Atlas Pro Tour, PGA Tour Latinoamerica and the Web.com Tour. He even was sponsored for two years by actor Will Smith.

Featured Video: Black Jackets Golf Club

by Debert Cook June 9, 2015

written by Debert Cook

During the 1950s and 60s in the face of prejudice and discrimination, former African American caddies longed to play golf. After integration occurred, they created social groups in order to play the sport amongst themselves and like minded people. Years later, Black Jacket golf club was amongst those groups.

Levy Curry, Commissioner
Black Jacket Golf
5939 Encore Dr.
Dallas, Texas 75240

Video Directed & Edited By: @ShaylaRacquel
Music: Kenneth Johnson
Sound: Denoi Fields

June 9, 2015 0 comment

News

Believe Tiger Will Shoot 85 Again? Now You Can Place Your Bet On It

by Debert Cook June 9, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Just when you thought you’d seen and heard just about everything in golf, we now learn that Bookmaker Bovada has added a new betting line entry for gamblers who think they can determine if Tiger Woods will ever shoot 85 again.

Yep, that’r right. You can now bet on it. According to SportsBettingSites.org, the Bovado gaming site is exclusive to the US market and they accept players from 47 US states – excluding only Maryland, Washington State and New York for legal reasons. They are now geared up to see how many patrons will take their chances on a Tiger Woods’ 85 ever happening again. Good money is on the line and some will win big, perhaps. Though there are doubters.

The history of the Bovado bookmaker dates back to 1994 and they have a great track record. Gamblers can bet matches both in play and also do live betting while watching games on TV. New players are welcomed with a 50% up to $250 initial deposit match in the form of free play credits and Bovada accepts US VISA debit and credit card deposits. In February 2015, Bovada was the featured US betting site for SportsBettingSites.org.

tiger-woods-85 After Tiger’s reputation took a major hit following his play at the Memorial, where he shot his worst career round as a pro. This now puts Tiger at 33-1 to win the U.S. Open, 14-1 to win the British Open, 20-1 to win the PGA Championship and 150-1 to top the PGA Tour’s money list by season’s end. Oddly enough, perhaps the only reason the bets are so low is maybe because people love to bet on a 14-time major champion, irregardless of how he played most recently.

One thing is for sure, the world will be watching Tiger’s upcoming rounds to see if he will ever shoot another 85 (or higher) in a PGA Tour event this year.

June 9, 2015 0 comment

Health & Wellness

ISO-Cell Recovery Solution

by Debert Cook June 9, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Women and men alike can benefit from the ISO-Cell Recovery Solution. This revolutionary facial toner is formulated with superior organic nutrients to visibly accelerate the natural healing process of wounds and tissue regeneration for a healthy complexion. It naturally compliments the skin and has 8 therapeutic minerals and amino acids to instantly soothe skin, keeping it energized and hydrated throughout the day. The unique formula is recommended for cleansing and providing supplemental nutrients for wound care. It mimics the composition of blood by providing nutrients from the outside, while complementing the bloodstream work from the inside.

ISO-Cell Recovery Solution helps:

Hydrate & sooth stressed skin
Enhance moisture retention
Helps prevent scarring
Calms skin irritation
Excellent solution after micro peel / IPL / microdermabrasion
Immediate relief for inflamed, sunburned skin

It is also been found to work well for helping to calm itchy bug bites and chaffing sunburns on any part of your body.

The spray bottle application is easy to apply, and reapply when needed. The pleasant herbal smell helps with the calming effect.

Excellent for use by individual with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, sun damage and also hyperpigmentation or “hot spots” that flare up during hot and humid weather.

The ISO-Cell Recovery Solution is a must for post peel calming, protection and wound healing for my skin care clients. And acne sufferers report that it helps to stop breakouts and helps to bring about a dramatic change in skin tone, along with it helping to heal breakouts so much faster, including extractions.

Two sizes are available:

Retail size 4 oz (MSRP $28.00)

Professional size: 16 oz. (MSRP $55.00)

June 9, 2015 0 comment

News

Family Fun Zones Coming to New York City During 2015 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

by Debert Cook June 8, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Free golf festivals featuring instruction from area PGA and LPGA Professionals are scheduled for June 9 and 10

HARRISON, N.Y. (revised June 8, 2015) – Local families are encouraged to visit the Family Fun Zones and enjoy free golf instruction, fun games and activities, hosted in conjunction with the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Westchester Country Club June 11-14.

Metropolitan PGA Section Professionals and local LPGA Professionals will be onsite to provide golf instruction during each of the Family Fun Zones, taking place at the KPMG New York office (Tuesday, June 9); New York Liberty game at Madison Square Garden (Tuesday, June 9); New York Mets game at Citi Field (Tuesday, June 9); and Bryant Park (Wednesday, June 10).

A schedule of remaining events and locations for the Family Fun Zones is below:

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: KPMG New York Office (345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154)
Free and open to the public

6 p.m. – beginning of 4^th quarter: New York Liberty Basketball Game (Madison Square Garden)

Event is for Liberty game patrons; ticket required

6 p.m. – end of 7^th inning: New York Mets Baseball Game (Citi Field)
Event is for Mets game patrons; ticket required

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

Noon – 4 p.m.: Bryant Park (behind New York Public Library in Midtown, between 40^th/42^nd Streets and 5^th/6^th Avenues)
Free and open to the public

A variety of free, fun activities and games will be available, including:

Areas for hitting irons
Short-game activities featuring GolfZilla, a 20-foot inflatable (GolfZilla will be at KPMG location only)
Practice putting green
Golf games
Fun fitness activities

The following PGA of America officials will be onsite and available for interviews:

Jonathan Gold, PGA Player Development Regional Manager, New York/New Jersey
John Newkirk, Player Development, Director of Operations, PGA of America

To find golf programs, clinics and events offered by PGA Professionals in your area, visit GetGolfReady.com and search by zip code.

For more information on volunteer packages for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, visit www.kpmgwomenspgachampionship.com/volunteer or contact Jenna Boyce, Volunteer Operations Manager, 914-595-6801 or [email protected].

June 8, 2015 0 comment

News

Has Tiger Woods Sabotaged His Own Career?

by Debert Cook June 8, 2015

written by Debert Cook

Tiger Woods wrecked his own career by switching swing coaches too many times, says Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee.

Tiger Woods, who carded a career-worst 85 on Saturday, and on Sunday finished in last place at the Memorial, “destroyed” his “great golf game” by fiddling with his swing too many times, according to Brandel Chamblee.

The outspoken Golf Channel analyst has taken the winner of five Memorial tourneys to task over a variety of issues over the years. So it was hardly surprising that he had a few opinions to share about Woods’ wayward shot-making last week at Muirfield Village.

“Time hasn’t robbed Tiger Woods of his game, he’s done this to himself,” Chamblee said of the oft-injured 39-year-old former world No. 1. “He’s traded his genius for the ideas of others. He’s changed his body in the gym for bulk. Everything that we see here is the result of what he’s done over the last four, five, six, seven, eight years.”

Chamblee has long been a proponent of the belief that the origin of Woods’ woes began when he ditched swing guru Butch Harmon in 2003. The 14-time major champion won eight of his grand slam titles with Harmon, six under the watchful eye of Hank Haney, and none as an acolyte of Sean Foley or current coach Chris Como.

The revolving door of swing coaches is what has wrecked Woods’ career, Chamblee averred.

“His complete and utter belief in the ideas of others, turning over that great game of his, that’s mysterious to me,” he said. “His desire to build a great game and destroy it, and build a great game and destroy it … destroyed the method that led to his dominance.”

Tiger intimate, Chamblee’s Golf Channel colleague, and the person who persuaded his Stanford teammate to hire his new swing consultant, Notah Begay III, conceded there were “some shortcomings” in Woods’ game over the last few days.

Jabir Bilal (center) poses with his trophy following the Gulf States Section PGA tournament on June 10, 2015 with Brandon Roll (l) at University Club Clubhouse. Bilal has a long history of wins and is currently Head Golf Professional at Joseph M. Bartholomew Golf Course, New Orleans, LA.

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