Saturday, April 14, 2012

Video: Brian Gay’s Caddie Kip Henley Grabs Alligator By Tail At Heritage

Fair play to Kip Henley, the Stevie Williams of the Alligator world for this ejection of a stubborn fan during the RBC Heritage.

 

Friday, April 13, 2012

France Ban Hunter Mahan Forever. Having Change Of Heart About Bubba Now He’s Rich

By Ron for golfcentraldaily.com

Paris, France: Weary diplomats emerged from congress Monday night after ratifying a motion that Hunter Mahan be banned forever from Francharles-de-gaulle hatce.  Prime Minister Nicolas Sarcozy said “Mahan has offended the nation of France and given two fingers to the memory of General Charles de Gaulle by daring to wear a replica of his hat during a golf tournament.

64087233 I am handing the matter over to our Anti-Doping Agency to investigate if any other players need banning. They’re the best damn agency in whole of France and they’re free until the Tour de France starts so it suits.”

Sarcozy was then asked if France still also has a ban on Bubba Watson after last year’s Open de France outburst when he dismissed the iconic Eiffel Tower as "that big tower" and describing the Arc de Triomphe, the nation's salute to its fighting heroes, as "an arch in the middle of the road".

bubba france Sarcozy said, “We may have been a bit hasty with Bubba.  We now believe he may actually have been correct.  Architects have backed up Watson’s assertion that the Eiffel Tower is a bit too big and work will soon begin on taking away the pointy bit.  As for the Arc de Triomphe, he’s right too, it might be better at the side of the road, where it doesn’t get in the way as much. Bubba’s welcome here anytime.”

By late yesterday evening special Anti-Doping operatives had retrieved Hunter Mahan’s hat and placed it the vault containing all eleven stripped Tour de France titles seized since 2000.  “We’re going to have to buy a lock for this vault now” said Anti Doping chief Jean Christophe Nobelli adding “We didn’t need one until now.  Everyone knows Tour de France titles are worthless but now that this hat is here we have to beef up security”.

More as it emerges.

The Watsons: Tom Gets A Chipping Lesson From Bubba

Here’s what Tom Watson said yesterday after getting, or rather stealing, a chipping lesson from Bubba.

tom wtasonI practiced my chipping on Wednesday and he came up and I was practicing.  We were 10 feet from each other, and I notice every chip shot he hit was absolutely dead solid perfect.  I mean dead solid.  In my ear, you can hear it.  You know ‑‑ well, the way I chip it's clunky now.  I look at his form there and I said to myself, my hands aren't quite far enough ahead when I chip, and I started doing that today and practicing the last couple days.  Who would have thunk it, you know?  I'm starting to hit the ball solid again with the chip just by watching Bubba chip, the way he was chipping.  So I got some feedback that helped my game listening to his chip shots. 

Thursday, April 12, 2012

What Louis Oosthuizen Will Look Like In 50 Years Time

In a new feature on their golf coverage CBS/ESPN are including graphics where they show what a player will look like in 50 years time.  Here’s their graphic from the Masters par-3 contest as captured by a viewer.

Oosthuizen blunder

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

5,000 Limited Edition All Pink Bubba Watson Ping G20 Drivers For Sale

This just in from Ping.

PING announced today it will sell 5,000 limited-edition all-pink PING® G20 drivers, inspired by the one used by Masters Champion Bubba Watson, and donate 5% of the proceeds to its fundraising campaign, “Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by PING.” 

The bright-pink G20 drivers will be available in golf shops nationwide approximately June 1. As part of PING’s campaign, the company made a $10,000 upfront donation and gives $300 for every drive Watson hits 300 yards or farther (up to 300 drives). To date, $61,600 has been generated. All funds raised will go to Phoenix-area charities, chosen by PING with Bubba’s support. Its effort is part of the “Bubba & Friends Drive to a Million” initiative launched by Watson in January to raise $1 million for charities this year.

“Bubba is already approaching the target of 300 drives of 300 yards or longer, and we wanted a way to provide on-going support for his generous cause,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “Even prior to his win at The Masters, golfers were requesting pink G20s.Through word of mouth, social media, and phone calls, the interest was extremely high. We want to satisfy that demand while bringing even more visibility to Bubba’s goal of raising $1 million.

“Golfers who own a pink G20 will be excited to have this prized possession. They’ll not only enjoy the improved performance of the G20, they’ll be participating in a wonderful cause.”

The drivers will have a bright pink shaft and clubhead featuring the same technology that has earned the G20 high marks for its performance from golfers of all abilities. The pink G20s are offered in 9.5º, 10.5º, and 12º lofts for right-handed players; 10.5º for left-handed. There is also a version geared for women with 12º loft and a Ladies flex shaft. All come with a matching pink headcover and a power-promoting high-balance-point TFC 169D shaft labelled, “Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by PING. Limited Edition 2012.” It is available in R, S, and L flexes.

The 5th Annual Green Jacket Awards. The Razzies Of Golf

ron flash It’s time for the razzies of the US Masters folks, the fifth annual Green Jacket Awards. So lets get straight down our host Ron for golfcentraldaily.com.

Best Patron’s Ticket Story Involving Dog Puke Award

Augusta National Present Louis Oosthuizen With The Sopranos Box Set For Double Eagle

by Ron for golfcentraldaily.com

Augusta—At a ceremony held in the Butler Cabin late Sunday night,  Augusta Chairman Billy Payne presented South African golfer Louis Oosthuizen with a DVD  box set of The Sopranos to commemorate his spectacular double eagle during the final round. "We considered offering him 16 crystal glasses but some of the members argued it should be 32 based on a logarithmic scale” said Chairman Payne adding “In the end we settled on our Sopranos box the-sopranos-hboset. We’ve finished watching it anyway. There’s 86 episodes of visceral action in there charting New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the conflicting requirements of his home life and the murderous criminal organization he heads.”

Handing the box set to Oosthuizen, Payne said “We offer this gift humbly, in memory of your double eagle, and hope that it brings you and your family many hours of worry, trauma and gut wrenching ron flash action".  Both men then paused for photographs holding aloft the box set which featured a blurry snagged image of James Gandolfini from youtube, some Chinese writing and the mis-spelling “The Supranos” beneath.

 

Anne Marie Kennedy- Yoga For Golf-‘The Warrior’ For Power

Anne Marie Kennedy from Yoga For Golf Ireland is our new teaching bay contributor. Anne Marie works with Ireland’s elite amateurs, training them to maximize their flexibility, and power in their game through yoga. For more details check out www.yogaforgolf.ie

The Warrior exercise builds lower body strength and stability, thus increasing speed and power in the golf swing.

Warrior II small

INSTRUCTION: Take a big step out to the side about four feet. Turn the left foot in slightly and lift and rotate the right foot out 90 degrees. Tuck the tailbone under slightly to lengthen the spine and activate the core abdominals. Keeping the hips facing forward, bend into the right knee making sure the knee doesn’t come out over the ankle joint. Keep the hip open by ensuring that the right thigh stays rotating to the right. You should be able to see your 2nd & 3rd toes. Raise the arms to shoulder height, relax the shoulders rolling the shoulders blades together and down the back. Palms face down towards the floor and take the gaze out over the right fingers. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side. Do this regularly and notice the improvement in your swing.

 

Old Head Of Kinsale Fourball Prize Winner

Last week our competition on the blog and in the Irish Examiner featured a fourball in the iconic Old Head Of Kinsale Golf Club.

and the winner is (drum roll please)……..

2 minute pause for suspense

Garry O’Brien, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland

who correctly told us that four Irish golfers North and South teed up in Augusta.

Your fourball is on its way Garry! Well done!

 

Monday, April 9, 2012

2012 Maybank Malaysian Open Betting Preview and Tips

Maybank Malaysian Open

Kuala Lumpur G&CC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 12 Apr 2012 - 15 Apr 2012

odds on the exchanges

also see my

Martin Kaymer 12/1

Clearly jetlagged here last season but nonetheless finished in a tie for ninth. Kaymer makes the trip again along with Oosthuizen and Schwartzel from Augusta. Top 20’s in his last four starts before The Masters where his fade just does not suit the course. Jointly lead the field in greens in regulation here last year and if Kaymer can get his putter warm has a chance. You decide about the jetlag!

maybank tips Nicolas Colsaerts 19/1

Eighth start of the season for Nico and he has already clocked up four top-10’s and has a lowest finish of 35th. Showed he is on form with a respectable tied third in Sicily. The Belgian won the China Open in this calendar slot last year.

Soren Kjeldsen 36/1

Not a long course by Tour standards this week and certainly one suited to the Dane. Soren has only played twice since February and scored well on both ocassions with a top five in the Dubai Desert Classic and a tied third in Sicily. Finished with a 67 here last season to finish just outside the top-10.

Branden Grace 40/1

Whatever happens this has been a great season for Branden Grace after winning the Joburg Open and the Volvo Golf Champions early doors in South Africa. Very solid since with just a slight blip in Sicily last time out. It’s European Tour start number 55 this week for Branden who’s well worth an each way look.

Matteo Manassero 17/1

The defending champion this week and well worth a punt. Manassero was second recently to Julien Quesne at the Open de Andalucia then added a sixth at the Trophee Hassan. Missed the cut in Sicily but this layout is more suited to the young Italian who saw off Greg Bourdy and Rory McIlroy in spectacular style last season. What a nice birthday present a win would make before his 19th birthday the following Tuesday.

Gregory Bourdy 42/1

A three time winner on Tour and another who seems to have figured out this Kuala Lumpur track which is so susceptible to downpours. Shot 66 67 at the weekend last year and surged through the field after starting six groups behind the leaders on the final day. Just outside the top-10 in Andalucia recently and worth a look.

2012 RBC Heritage Free Golf Betting Preview and Tips

RBC Heritage Betting Preview and Tips
Thursday Apr 12 – Sunday Apr 15, 2012
Harbour Town Golf Links · Hilton Head, South Carolina
early odds on the exchanges

Jim Furyk 24/1

furk Though we only saw a smattering of his shots at Augusta, Jim Furyk performed admirably in finishing 11th given his limitations off the tee. Jim has been enjoying a welcome return to form of late just missing out in a playoff to Luke Donald at the Transitions three weeks ago. A winner here in 2010, Harbour Town is tailor made for Furyk’s game.
 

Bo Van Pelt 27/1

bo van Tied 17th at the Masters but turned a forgettable week into a spectacular one with a terrific final round of 64. Bo has top-10’s already this year in Phoenix, Riviera, Doral and Innisbrook and tied for third here in 2010. Second only to Luke Donald on the PGA Tour for strokes gained on the greens.
 

Brian Davis 40/1

Brian-Davis-006 Here’s a man that is sure to have a few practice rounds at Harbour Town under his belt by the time the rest of the field get here this week. Called a penalty on himself in a playoff with Jim Furyk two years ago in one of the greatest displays of honesty the PGA Tour has ever seen. Bang in form too with top fives in his last two outings at the Arnold Palmer and Houston Open.
 

Kevin Na 55/1

na Should have won here back in 2007 but shot a final round 73 to drop to fourth. Top tenned again last year with a round of the day 66 in the final round. Winner of the Shriners last season and already three top fives in this campaign. Tied for 12th at the Masters and gave his own masterclass in the final round with 68. Big chances this week.
 

Aaron Baddeley 42/1

aaron-baddeley-golf_t640 A couple of poor performances in Houston and Augusta have blotted Badd’s 2012 copybook somewhat but I still fancy him for a good performance this week. Traditionally plays well around this time of year and this is his type of course. Shot four rounds in 60’s here in 2008 when only Boo Weekley bettered him. An each way shot. If the driver behaves

Useful Top 10’s

Bubba Versus The Field At The 2012 Masters. Shotlink Stats

Here are Bubba’s official stats versus the field at the 2012 Masters.

Bubba Versus The Field At The Masters

Bubba

The Field

Greens Hit

53 of 72

73.6%

60.10%

Fairways Hit

37 of 56

66.1%

71.87%

Sand Saves

4 of 6

67%

47.53%

Average putts per green

1.67

1.66

Average Driving Distance

290.38 yards

278.55 yards

Longest Drive

324 yards

 

Here’s the article

 

2012 US Masters Final Round Highlights Video

Bubba Watson Tipped to Win the 2012 Us Masters By GolfCentralDaily

Thanks to everyone for their messages of thanks for tipping Bubba Watson to win the 2012 US Masters. Truth is we previewed lots of players and it’s up to the readers to make a decision. Here’s what we said last week:

bubba tip

Congrats  to all who picked up on it and ran with it!

Bubba Watson 2012 US Masters Champion Compilation Video

Here's Bubba Watson's driver swing in slo mo

 

 

Here's Bubba in one of his many Christmas Bubbaclaus vids

 

Here's Bubba with Ben Crane, Rickie Fowler and the Hunter in the Golf Boys video

 

Bubba skimming a shot at this year's par three contest

 

Bubba's driver swing broken down and analysed.

 

Access all ares Bubba Watson PGA Tour video

 

2012 Travis Matthew Video

 

Bubba and the Watermelon drill

 

and last but not least Bubba's PGA Tour video

 

What’s In The Bag 2012 US Masters Champion Bubba Watson

Congrats to Bubba Watson on winning the 2012 US Masters. Here’s what’s in the bag.

Here’s a close up of Bubba Major championship winning driver.The 8.5-degree G20 has "Made Exclusively for Bubba," written on the crown. It measures 44.5 inches and includes a pink True Temper Grafalloy Bi-Matrix shaft and Ping 703 Gold grips.

BubbaPingDriverCrown

and his irons this week.

BubbaIrons

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Video: Is Mickelson’s Flop Shot to 15 The Greatest US Masters Wedge Ever?

This is how David Feherty described Phil Mickelson's miracle flop shot on 15 yesterday. "No one hits that shot. No one," CBS' David Feherty said. "If this doesn't make every hair on your body stand up you need therapy. Nobody but Mickelson even thinks about trying a shot like that."

 

and here’s the Sky version