While watching the British Open, I couldn’t help but day dream about my trip to Ireland in April. A friend told me once I’ve played links golf “over there” – meaning Ireland and Scotland – playing golf anywhere else will become boring. I understand now what he meant. I’m counting down the days until I can get back again. Everything you read about Ireland is true – the links course are more dramatic than their Scottish brethren, there are more of them and generally they’re less expensive, too. The two hazards of Irish golf are well-publicized – balky weather and bad ... full post »

Every winter, I tell myself the same thing. I’m going to practice more. I’m going to practice my swing mechanics with a broom as I sweep the kitchen floor, like my trusty golf magazine tells me. I’m going to squeeze a tiny little rubber ball in my hands while I’m watching TV to strengthen all the little muscles in my hands and wrist (again, another crazy magazine tip). But mostly, yes, I’m going to hit more balls at the indoor practice range. As winter swings to a close, it’s the same old story. I haven’t been to an indoor range, ... full post »

Here’s a great story from the ‘You never know who might show up at the first tee’ file. I’m gearing up to play Poppy Hills, the sporty Monterey Peninsula layout that is part of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with a friend in June, 2003, and a father and son walk to the first tee and ask if they can join us. We say sure, having no idea who “Don Levin” and his son, “Spencer Levin” are. We eventually find out Spencer is there to practice for the California state amatuer the next weekend. We marvel at his talent. The ... full post »

I know this post is probably too late for all you shoppers out there buying gifts for the golfers in your life. I’ve already survived my first of four family Christmas celebrations and the office party, and I’ve already experienced the “bad golf gift” first-hand. Here’s a quick guide: Good golf gifts: Golf Balls – Doesn’t it amaze you that no matter how many people give you golf balls as gifts, you still need more by the end of the season. Tip: Don’t buy low-budget balls for serious golfers. They’ll mock you behind your back. Golf towels – Chances are ... full post »

As a personal witness to the collapse of the U.S. team at the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan in September, at least I can take solice in one thing – the embarassing loss helped changed the U.S. Ryder Cup selection process for the better. The PGA of America announced the changes on Dec. 2. One thing became sorely evident during the 2004 matches – none of the U.S. players were playing to their world ranking, or their potential. In other words, none of them were on a hot streak. The new selection format will ... full post »

Yes, living near Detroit leaves little room for golf on Thanksgiving. Temperatures for the annual Thanksgiving day parade are expected to be somewhere between freezing rain and snow. But that doesn’t mean the game isn’t a part of the holiday for us. While players in Florida and California probably pack the golf course with family and friends during the long holiday week, we here in the Great White North are left to dream, watching “The Skins Game,” the poster-child event for the Silly Season. I have to admit, I probably enjoy more made-for-TV golf events than most actual PGA Tour ... full post »