Now technology is now at the forefront of golf, from drivers and irons to clothing which helps you swing better. Nike have created some pretty cool campaigns of late advertising their new line of equipment, from old to new, it’s funny, creative and eye catching.
This is a good insight from ESPN on the Sport science on putting! Check it out!
The old saying ‘it’s like putting on glass just won’t be the same again will it, no excuses now!’ damn it!
Source: ESPN Sport Science
Modern day athletes are becoming more and more adaptable to their sports, whether it be on the golf course or on a football field, tecnology, equipment and the modern day era are changing the perception of athletes by continously pushing the boudaries set from the generation before!
Golf changed with Tiger. Tiger brought an aspect of fitness to golf that nobody had ever seen before, this has impacted and shaped the modern golfer today! Now, the fitness is reaching the women’s game and among them is LPGA’s star, Paula Creamer!
For the past three years, Paula has integrated a workout with Mixed Martial Arts coach, Jonathan Burke of Orlando, this as you are probably imagining is not the typical type of ‘workout’ golfers under take. Needless to say, Paula has been in fine form recently and perhaps it is down to this alternative training method.
Take a look below!
Jonathan’s program emphasises a combination of exercises, including the dreaded super sets! These exercises focus on working out the core, cardio, strength, conditioning, flexibility and range of motion, which are all huge fundamentals of the golf swing!
A week on and we take a look at how the Masters really won!
A Masters without Tiger just didn’t seem possible, however this year marked the first year Tiger didn’t feature at Augusta since 1995!! This undoubtedly opened the door for so many, now yes Tiger may not have been in the form of his life but I still believe he has that ‘Tiger’ Factor, he would still have taken the favourite spot! This gave a massive opportunity to those in the field to showcase what they truly had!
Off the back of several top ten finishes many thought Matt Kuchar would come close to wearing that green jacket, however few stumbles in the final round saw him drop to T5 along with Rickie Fowler.
Jiminez marked a late challenge for the green jacket however it was too little too late, however he finished nicely in 4th spot, the Spaniard was the only one looking to challenge the two at the top.
Moving day
The 3rd round found 8/9 players in with a shout, however that soon went down to four at the midway point, Kuch, Fowler and Young Swede Jonas Blixt fluttering with the top spot however Bubba Watson started to show signs of his former Masters form!
The American left-hander, 35, shot a final-round 69 to win by three after overhauling a two-shot deficit on his co-overnight leader Spieth on a sultry day at Augusta. Watson became the 17th player to win two Masters titles, eight of whom have gone on to win three or more Green Jackets. He showed signs of brilliance where so many faltered, his short game accuracy, his distance off the tea, he just didn’t seemed phased by any of it, he proved myself and im sure a lot of people wrong when he grabbed his second win at Augusta.
Stand Out?
Jonas Blixt was one of two who stood out for me, the young Swede came from absolutely nowhere to grab a slice at Augusta but fell short towards the end when his birdie run dried up.
The other stand out was of course Jordan Spieth. A debutant Spieth, 20, was bidding to beat Tiger Woods as the youngest ever winner and duelled with Watson for much of the day, but the Texan’s chances were sunk in the water of Amen Corner and he carded 72 to end five under.
So where was everybody else?
Justin Rose started round 4 nicely after struggling in the first couple of days, although he seemed to struggle to go low towards the end and ending any hope of putting an early low score on the leader board. Westy, well he did what he does best, play better than everybody tee to green and just couldn’t get that putter warm enough. Adam Scott and Rory two more favourites who just couldn’t get in to the swing of things (apologies about the pun 😉 ) and Luke Donald still struggling after some swing changes which have left him fall short of his sublime form.
What next?
After his first Masters win Bubba had a bit of a hangover didn’t he, leaving him waiting till 2014 for his next victory on Tour at the Norther Trust Open, hopefully he can replicate his masters form and kick on this season!
I fancy Kuch to have another good season, he’s a safe bet, whether he can get to the finish line is another question. Westwood, well hopefully he gets the flat stick working, his game tee to green is second to none and that could see him up there this season, a major though? I’m not sure. Spieth and Fowler are looking good so far, Spieth may taper towards the end of the season, he’s young and a long season could take its toll, however I feel Fowler isn’t far away from something special!
Thanks for stopping by, see you soon!
Where to start with this one…
America has already seen one of the best Jordan’s to grace the sporting world, so is it time for one more?
He might not be an NBA legend like Michael, however Jordan Spieth, who last year won the John Deere Classic to became the fourth youngest PGA Tour champion and also the first teenager in 82 years to win on the PGA Tour, is about to set the golfing world on fire!
Everybody watched Sunday right?
Composed (most of the time), creative, mature (again at times) and with that instinct you just don’t see in every young kid? Yep and he’s only 20 years old! I am slightly envious being 2 years older than him and still hacking at my local club yes!
Now before we get started I hate to say I told you so.. however..I told you so, see our first blog on ones to watch for the year.
Without a doubt Sunday was the start of something, something just a little bit special! I’m sure he won many fans over last week, and it’s not hard to see why!
He poses an excellent short game, and is just an incredibly talented young guy, however this isn’t what separates Spieth from the other young potential pool of talents out there. Spieth conducts himself in a completely different manner to the other youngsters out there, he’s calm, collected and could be… ‘could be’ mentioned in the same breath as Mcilroy. Not yet I admit, but he isn’t too far away!
For me, Rory McIlroy represents the RAW talent in the game, so many youngsters progress to be a pro and so many fall short.
Rory for me, is the only player since Tiger to have capitalised on their raw talent, with two major wins in 2012. Rory knew he had this, he just had to unlock his true potential. Dustin Johnson is up there and has improved year upon year, and Jason Day too!
Oppositely you look towards Adam Scott, he has in my opinion the best swing in the game, and was labelled the next ‘Tiger’ and yet it took him an age to realise just how good he was, since winning the green jacket last year he just looks ruthless!
But Spieth? He’s here to stay, in my eyes a definite future major champion, this year or next? Maybe, maybe not he, consistency is key in my eyes, once he gets on that ladder he will definitely be up there for good!
Now Rory and Tiger showed promised potential, Jordan’s obviously got a long ladder to climb before being in the same ball park as Tiger or Rory but this could definitely become possible!
The third episode of Srixon Golf’s Journey To Better is here, featuring Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano. This video is a little different from G-mac’s and Keegan’s! Family life, like it should be is his Journey to be better.
Castano has spent most of his time on the European tour and even represented Team Europe in the inaugural EurAsia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This season though, he’s made the inevitable jump to join the PGA Tour full time to challenge himself on his Journey To Better – hear from Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano yourself in the video above!
I for one am loving this campaign, it’s different, its innovative and they have done this absolutely superbly!
Now back to the masters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So the Masters gets under way tomorrow, don’t know about anybody else but I’ve cleared the schedule, the mum and dad are away and ive got a weekend with some food, the couch and the TV. In between all that I’ll be having a little bet or two.
So to cut it short, here are a few pics and ones to watch.
DJ!! So, Dustin Johnson might have seven top 10’s in Majors since 2009 but he has never managed a win in four attempts at Augusta. Last year however saw DJ ‘T13 his best yet in his quest for the green jacket. This season Dustin Johnson though the big man is a different animal all together. So what has changed? Firstly he’s found form with the flat stick and a glance at his stats proves it; he’s gone from 117th in Strokes gained putting to 10th. And If you’re still not satisfied he’s also second in driving distance AND greens in regulation for good measure. He’s also never been in form like he is going into Augusta with second place finishes at Pebble Beach and Riviera and a fourth at Doral. Definitely one to watch!
I’ll be honest, I hate betting on majors and especially The Masters. Predicting a winner is pretty well impossible! Think we would have more chance sticking the lottery on, but that’s not as fun right?
Betting each way? Not a bad shout at all, Matt Kuchar is a solid and safe bet in my opinion. Kuuuuch started the season well with a T6 and T8 at the TOC and Sony Open before taking a month off then missing the Riviera cut. However since then he has silently been building momentum towards the Masters as evidenced by that excellent showing in Texas. He always seems to be up there these days, there or there abouts anyway.
Touch and go but still I have a feeling Keegan Bradley will have a much better Masters than last year. Anything has to be better than that Saturday 82 last year right? But credit to Keegan he went out Sunday and shot a 69 to leave with better memories. Already a major champion and his game suits Augusta, long driver, high ball flight and he’s not bad at scrambling either!
If you have been following us the past month or two you will know we are big Fowler fans! He’s seeing a good start to the season thanks to his new swing, I feel he’s maturing a lot more now too, a lot like Mcilroy did, something’s clicked and I think Rickie isn’t far away from showing his true potential. Still too early? Maybe, who knows, definitely one of my outside bets I think.
Now Sergio, where to start with good old Sergio. Extremely good ball striker, perfect for Augusta, oozes class and definitely has the ability to tear Augusta apart. He also has the ability to implode which has happened to him far too often. He’s another one of my favourite golfers, and he has to win one someday doesn’t he? I bet on him every year in hope he does, so he best do anyway to recuperate some of the losses I’ve had on him haha!
Now this one is, well it’s a long shot, a huge long shot however I feel there is a case to be made for this guy.
Trevor Immelman… no no stay with me, hear me out, I know what you are thinking. He’s struggled with injuries over the years and slipped drastically out of touch with the game I know, however four consecutive cuts from The Honda to the Texas Open has been a huge confidence boost for the South African heading back to the site of his most famous victory in 2008. Four other top 20 finishes at Augusta also add to his credentials.
A field without Tiger is anybody’s game and there’s so much talent right now it’s hard to choose from, there for, a typical disclaimer here… I can’t be held responsible for all of the above loosing you all and myself included a lot of money!
Don’t forget to share, also, if you have picked some winners we’d love to know! Comment below! 🙂
In the build up to the long awaited tee off on Thursday, SkySports gave Jamie Redknapp and Micheal Ballack a chance to play the gorgeous 16th at The Masters! Is there anything Jamie can’t do?
Not bad eh, wonder how much a few of the pro’s would pay for Jamie’s shot come Sunday?
Stay tuned for our betting preview, coming tomorrow ready for the weekend!
IT’S MASTERS WEEK!!! The one we have all been waiting for, the first major of the year, and the major of all majors. Augusta National.
My dream came true this time last year, as I actually got to go to the Masters, we played some courses in South Carolina during the week and spent the weekend inside the gates of Augusta! Somehow I don’t think SkySports can recreate that this week, or ever in fact, however I am equally as excited!
Anyway let’s get to it, Masters week, nothing quite like it is there? The build-up, the par 3 contest, and then the first Tee! Oh Boy!
Out of reach for Woods?
Tiger Woods’s run of featuring in every Masters since 1995 is over after confirmation that the world No1 will not play at this week.
Woods, has been plagued by back trouble since the latter half of last year, underwent surgery on a pinched nerve last on Monday. He has set his sights on a return to action this summer and insists his career is far from over.
Big Phil also had problems last week withdrawing from the Texas Open with strained oblique’s, this said people are writing him off, and that’s all well and good but let’s be honest, out of every player in that field, Phil can always find the momentum in the majors!
Check back on Wednesday for our betting previews, not to be missed!
So Torrey Pines Golf Course, will host the 2021 U.S. Open, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced last Tuesday.
It will be the second time Torrey Pines has hosted the U.S. Open with the previous occasion in 2008, on that occasion, the winner was Tiger Woods who beat fellow-American Rocco Mediate following a dramatic play-off. Tiger himself will remember that one all too well and not just because it was a thrilling play off, it also remains Tigers most recent triumph in a major.
I backed tiger to win a major this year however, his fitness still remains a huge factor and is proving to be more than just a slight impairment.
The venues for each U.S. Open up to and including 2020 had already been announced by the USGA. This year’s championship will be played at Pinehurst, North Carolina, from June 12-15.
A look towards the masters.. Coming next!
Rickie..Rickie, Rickie, Rickie…
You remember Rickie Fowler, the young gun from Oklahoma State, the kid with the long, floppy hair under hats with bills far too big, how can you forget, he wears bright orange!!!
We briefly spoke about Rickie towards the start of the season when He teamed up with Butch Harmon for 2014.
All kinds of talent, a great amateur career, eccentric, unique, even a motor-cross fanatic, Rickie Fowler has it all. I was watching the golf the other day and there was a piece on him, and it mentioned even with all of that, he has just one win since he hit the PGA Tour, causing a considerable stir in the world of golf.
At the ripe old age of 25, the wonder kid has been to the winner’s circle just once. But guess what? That very same guy, the one with only one win on the PGA Tour has won over $11 million. And the truth is that 2012 season, in which he won the Wells Fargo Championship, could have been even better. He was in the next-to-last group in the final round of the Memorial Tournament but managed to shoot an 84 to fall out of contention quickly.
This very well could be the year he breaks through that glass ceiling. Why? Well for a couple of reasons, actually. First, he is 25. Fowler has managed to get through the growing years as a professional golfer rather nicely. He’s posted 24 top-10 finishes and 43 top-25 finishes. There’s no doubt this kid can play.
He started out this season with a T19 in the CIMB Classic in the fall part of the 2013-14 season, and after five less-than-sparkling outings, he finished third in the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship.
As previously mentioned he also has a new swing coach, and yup, the guy he hired has a glittering resume. You may recognize some of his students and former students. Do the names Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson ring any bells? Yes, Butch Harmon is the man, and he’s been working with Fowler since December 2013. Harmon has had a major stable of players over the years, led by Woods and Mickelson, and he knows talent. Look towards Dustin Johnson too.
Fowler showed up at the Northern Trust Open with those long locks gone and the straight bill look on his golf hats. The new compact swing has taken a bit of time to yield results, but Fowler loves it.
“I’ve been swing well, the swing feels really comfortable. I know a lot of people question whether its swing changes (causing poor play) or if I’m not comfortable with it. But really I just need to get the putter warmed back up.” Look, this guy can play. He averages 298 yards off the tee, but his issues previously have been keeping those bombs in the short grass. He only does that about 57 percent of the time. That should be something that could be corrected by the instruction Harmon is providing along with that more compact swing.
Fowler is absolutely right when he talks about his putting. It’s been miserable thus far in 2014. He’s ranked 174th in the “strokes gained putting” category. Very few winners on the PGA Tour are lousy putters. He’s made a name for himself with his colourful clothing, but that’s not what he wants to be known for when he’s 40 years old. Right now, however, those clothes might be the only way golf fans will be able to recognize him because his short haircut gives him a totally different look. It all seems to be coming together for Fowler, and if it does, 2014 could be a spectacular breakout year for him.
There’s more to come from us, subscribe and share, and thanks again for reading!
A life in the rough 