New set on the way...

As you may know, lately, I've been getting "re-bit" by the golf bug.  This has led me to peruse the internet and research for a new set of clubs.  I really do like my AP1's and they feel great, BUT there is no feel like FORGED.  I use to play with the Mizuno T-Zoid PRO's forged and they were great.  I just played with a set of Titleist 690.CB forged..and once again..great.

But, as we all know, this feeling of GREATNESS or forged-ness comes at a price.  The 690.CB's had to be hit on the button or it was a serious loss of distance and accuracy.  I wasn't spraying them all over the place, but the slightest error at contact would magnify the end result.  I have to admit the head size on the 690.CB's are a tad smaller so there is not much room for error from the beginning.

I love the size of the head on my AP1's, and some have said they seem Callaway-ish..and I'll admit it..true, but they aren't shovels.  Well, after a long and exaustive research I've decided to leave my beloved Titleist family and jump ship and get the Bridgestone J36 Forged pocket cavity back irons.  I would've like to have stayed with Titleist, but they still need to offer a mid-size full forged iron.  Yes, I know they have the 704 and 804..but heck..those irons are over 5 years old..c'mon already.

I was about to bid on some used J36 pocket cavity iron sets on Ebay, but unbelievably, GolfDiscount.com has them BRAND SPANKING NEW for $399..and free shipping..heck some of these guys on Ebay were starting their auctions on their used J36's for that much..wtf?!?  Anyway, I called my order in today and hopefully it should be here by Monday.  A friend of mine has the same set and they are truly beautiful to look at.  Something about an all-forged chrome set that sends goosebumps all over the place.  The J36 pocket cavity irons tend to be more forgiving than the full cavity backs as they offer a deeper CG (center of gravity) than the regular cavity backs. 

Tour Design, Maximum Forgiveness
The J36 Pocket Cavity irons from Bridgestone offer a blend of today's game forgiving technology with a traditionalist look. The J36 Pocket Cavity is cut into the back of the club, making the CG lower and deeper than any other club in the J36 line, while continuing to offer maximum feel and control.

Features:

• Premium forged 1020 mild carbon steel
• Deep CG enhanced by Pocket Cavity results in maximum forgiveness (Higher MOI)
• Thicker top line and sole inspires confidence
• Tapered sole design for versatility in shot making
• Trailing edge relief for better performance from a variety of lies
• Rifle Project X flighted shafts - Regular: 5.0; Stiff: 6.0
• Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips

So, I get the best of both worlds.  The head size of the J36 pocket cavity irons are similar to my AP1's AND they're fully forged.  It's like a driving a Bentley compared to a Cadillac..both nice..but you get my drift.

Hidden Valley kicked my butt..

So there we were..discussing where to play for next time over email amongst friends..we were naming a few courses around and we "decided" to play at Hidden Valley Golf Course.  I've never played there so there wasn't anything I could say negative or positive about it..just go play it..right?
 The course is in Norco (just found out that means North Corona..Nor-Co..) and set in the mountains..first turn off.

Don't get me wrong, mountain courses are extremely beautiful to look at and be admired, but golf courses should not be made on them.  It's just not normal..or maybe I'm wrong..but golf courses should be on relatively flat land.  I'm down with mild undulations on a fairway, but when you have continuous faiways where the ball will go kicking off to the sides at any given time..well that is just plain, ridiculously hard..and not fun..beautiful..but not fun. 

One thing that bothered the crap out of me at Hidden Valley is that EVERY tee shot had to be on the money.  Straight, down the middle, was the only thing acceptable.  Sure, the sweeping canyons and bush were majestic to look at, but anything less then down the middle and you were in Lost City (I just made that up..gotta use that next time).  Another thing(s) that bothered me were all the frigging uphill holes.  Do people think these are fun to tee off on?  Do you like subtracting 50 yards from your drives?..not me..unfortunately.
 The views on Hidden Valley were amazing and so was the wind too.  Usually, the wind dies down after a certain part of the day..but not here.  It was windy from hole #2 to the nineteeth. 

So lets add all these together..narrow fairways, uphill holes and wind..wow..what a enjoyable mix..not.   But, ALAS there is a happy ending to all of this..my buddy Joe..on a very legitimate downhill, 170 yard par 3 hole..pured the sweetest sounding 7 iron.  It was mesmerizing to look at..the ball took off and apexed like a shooting star in the sky..it started to perfectly fade and dropped like a marshmellow..it took a nice kick to the right..started to roll..and roll..and roll right into the cup!  Screw Tiger woods and his infamous Nike ball at the Masters..my buddie Joe's had more drama..and I got a free beer out of it too.

Got a Scotty..again.

After weeks of debate and research I got another Scotty Cameron..a Fastback 1, to be exact.  I have a straight back and straight through style so I needed a face balanced putter.  I loved the SC Red-X when it came out and was very close to getting it, but then I decided I wanted something newer..and the Fastback 1 fit the bill.  They are truly works of art and just look so right.

I'm a member over at The Cameron Collector and they have a bunch of good folks that are selling Scotty Camerons left and right.  I got mine from a fellow member over there, it's 34" and 350g..and it fits like a glove.  Does it make me a better golfer? wel..does owning a Lamborghini make you a better driver..does owning a Rolex make you tell the time better?..you get my drift.

Anyway, I can say it does give you a sense of confidence knowing that you are putting with one of the the best putters available..if not..the best.  If you've been looking here and there for a putter, pick up a Scotty..I guarantee you that you've reached your destination.

Arizona Golf..the time is now!

When we think of Arizona the first thing that comes to mind is the Grand Canyon right? Well, some of the the best courses in the U.S., and the world too, are all located in the Grand Canyon state. Arizona golf, from the southern desert to the northern flats, is considered some of the most beautiful and well-designed in the world.

Verdant fairways and cool ponds dot the region, providing enchanting contrast to the stark mesas and prickly cactus that define the landscape. With all of this plus clear skies year round, it’s no wonder that avid amateurs and prestigious professional tournaments alike make Arizona their home..perhaps why Phil (Mickelson) has his own grill in Scottsdale.

Now with so many courses to play in Arizona..which one..right? Well, when it comes to golf that makes even the greatest players restless with anticipation, Scottsdale tops the leader board. Scottsdale golf houses over 200 golf courses which have had some folks like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson (duh), Kirk Triplett and Tom Weiskopf – many of whom call Scottsdale home. And not only does Scottsdale serve up gorgeous greens set amidst a stunning Sonoran Desert backdrop, the city also is home to an enviable collection of post-round hotspots that will keep you on par for the 19th hole.

Now, I have to admit Scottsdale is like the Beverly Hills of AZ golf, so if you're on a tighter budget there are still numerous holes to be had. Tucson golf and Phoenix golf also offers a very fine share of fairways and greens that won't break the bank. Either way, if you are looking to get away to some spectacular golf, golfing in Arizona can't be beat any way you look at it.

"Golf Nomad..there is no substitute"

Recently, or usually, I run my blog name through Google (Golf Nomad) to be pleasantly happy to see that my blog "Golf Nomad"..the one and only..is at the top of the search. BUT ALAS!! recently I saw that another golf blogger decided to call his blog "The" Golf Nomad..excuse my french..but WHAT THE FUCK?!?

I mean if if I had some generic blogger name like Golf Man, Golf Guy, Golf Guru, etc. that there could be some similarity in names..but Golf Nomad is pretty frigging original..as I am the one who created it.

Anyway I decided to leave some posts on his site which he clearly deleted. I sent him a few emails which he did politely respond to but did not mention to change his name and said that he paid for the domain. I checked his site recently and looks like he did change his site name to something else..but the domain is the same.

What is lame is that the only underlying reason that he would want to take up my name and add "The" in front of it is to ride my coat tail hits. I agree that imitation is the highest form of flattery..but to name your blog by adding "The" in front of it is not flattering and flat out pisses me off.

If you guys want to check out this imposter, unfortunately, Google my name "Golf Nomad" and you'll see the imposters site "The Golf Nomad". To give credit, however, the imposter has changed the title of his blog to WAM Golf, but still enjoying hits under the one and only "Golf Nomad".

An $800 driver..? WTF..?!

I realize that golf clubs are expensive..but $800 for a driver? Either these are guaranteed to get you on the fairway EVERY TIME or Japanese golfers don't know what to do with their dough. I have to admit some are as "low?"as $499..but some are over $1000 (yes, one thousand dollars) for a driver..maybe this one, "Crazy", that is $1,289 says it all.

I've heard that Japanese goflers are golf fanatics, but it seems like buying a driver that over a grand is literally "crazy".

The rules to live by.

 Driver:

1. Don't try to hit just ball on the tee..hit the whole area from the top of the ball to the bottom of the tee. This is your hitting zone..a lot bigger and nice right..(thanks to Natalie Gulbis)

2. The ball should be 2-3 ball right of your left heel. I say closer to 3, for me, as I tend to hit bad, low duck hooks if I play the ball closer to the heel.

3. Stay back on your right side at address..a must if you want to get the ball up.

4. Swing through the whole target zone (top of ball to bottom of tee..remember the Gulbis tip) like a good practice swing. DON'T try to hit it any harder..no need or reason..remember your swing should be as fast as your practice swing..period.

Irons:

Keep your right elbow as "naturally" close to your side as possible on both the back and down swing..this puts your swing on track. It feels as all your right hand and elbow are doing is supporting the club on the right path. It feels shallow, but it's not.

Misc:

Do not make unforced errors..these are inexcusable shots that you would've hit better given another try..duffs, skulls, fatties. If your unsure..hit a 6-7 iron and get out of there..better that than a unforced error duff.

Portugal Golf

One of the best places to play in the world is Portugal and to be more precise, the Algarve. The Algarve is about three hours from most European capitals and has been a hidden spot amongst golfers all around the world for nearly 30 years. Portugal's southern province is also famous for it's beautiful scenery and spectacular coastline. The main golfing season is from autumn to late spring. Winter are quite mild and golfers from all around can enjoy the warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth when their home courses are unplayable. Here is a great place to check out the Algarve and other great places to golf in Portugal.

Henry Cotton who put the Algarve on the world golf map in the mid-sixties, at Penina, designed the first proper grass course here. It was one of three he created in the Algarve and a place he loved and made his home for almost 30 years.

During the 1970's and 1980's and the beginning of the 1990's, golf in Portugal really took off all along the southern coast of Portugal. What's peculiar is that none of these courses are more than 10 miles from the coast. The terrain her varies from steep hillsides of Parque de Flroesta to the sea-level course of Vilamoura III and Salgados. These two courses alogn with Palmares, includes links-style golf also.

The Algarve countryside, familiar to summer frequenters, gives way to an oasis at each of teh golf courses thanks to the large, state-funded water catchments and distribution centers, as well as private wells which tap into the underground water for constant irrigation. There are numerous water hazards on teh Algarve courses which will give all golfers a run for their money.

All in all, the Algarve, and golf in Portugal, with it's mild climate and reasonably priced restaurants, breath taking scenery, friendly people and obviously excellent golf courses, all combine to make a visit a well worth vacation to anyone.

Michelle Wie (.."E.T"?) is an alien..seriously.

I was reading the latest issue of GOLF magazine, March issue, and it had a interview with Michelle Wie. I love it that the gal does seem to be sincere in playing on the LPGA, but I've given this girl years to "grow up. I seriously believe that it's not an age thing anymore..but she is from outer space..but obviously cuter than E.T. Anyway, I won't go over the whole interview but here are a few..odd..tidbits:

GM: "What was your lowest point?"

MW: "I don't remember." <--..not even one low point? I remember at least a dozen in my ho-hum year.

GM: "What do you mean?"

MW: "I don't remember a lot from that time [nervous laugh]. I think I've blocked it out." <--..now that's a gift..blocking out the whole of 2007.

GM: "You mean you don't dwell on it, or you literally don't remember?"

MW: "I literally do not remember a lot of things from that time."

GM: "You mean entire tournaments?" <--LOL!

MW: "Just in general. I don't remember a lot of things." <--nice.

GM: "Why? When was it most traumatic?"

MW: "I can't remember. I literally can't. I don't remember. It all blurs together. The year [2007] feels like it was a really short time." <--Yes, 365 days is a really "short time"..?!?

GM: "You said something at a press conference at the 2007 U.S. Women's Open that was very revealing. Do you remember that tournament?"

MW: "Not really." <--..shocker.

GM: "It was at Pine Needles [in North Carolina]." <--..see North Carolina Golf Courses.

MW: "I don't remember where it was played." <--..because you are a space alien.

Golf Melancholy..?

"Eh..?!?"..That's what I've been feeling lately about playing golf. Don't know what it is really. I mean I still LOVE watching it and heck I even play fantasy golf on Yahoo! (I go by the same "Golf Nomad" -- ranked 45,580). But, I really don't know why I'm in this "funk".

I'm not fanatical/maniacal about golf equipment like I used to be..which is not a bad thing as I've been saving money..but the vigor or "intensity" is not there as before. Once I get out, I do like playing it..but it's the part of getting out there..to the course..that's like trying to push a car that's out of gas..and I've pushed plenty..and it is a fair comparison.

Anyway, hopefully as the weather warms up and we enter spring my mood will change..but for now my funk continues..at least I have this blog to provide somekind of golf psycho therapy.

Back to basics..

Well, I'm finally going to make my way out again and start playing more golf. I haven't played since the end of May and before that my desire was very lack luster, at best, and in decline. I know something was up when I would think about playing and then think about all the reasons NOT to play..eventually the reasons not to play always won over. Lately, however, I've been thinking of the reasons I loved playing like the smell of the early morning grass, the feel of a good chip, the feedback from a well hit iron, the early morning golf ball tracks on the green. As insignificant as each one of these are, all of them together really make the experience wonderfully bliss.

I've decided to also really streamline my bag and start walking the course again. I put the Sun Mountain Speedcart and cart bag in the garage and sold the GPS unit. I've also taken all the even numbered irons out of the bag and only going to carry the bare essentials. I'm going to start becoming a student of the game..again. True, I've been playing off and on for over two decades now and know what it takes to hit the ball, but now is the time to work on my mental approach to the game and working the essentials to becoming a better golfer.

12 billion dollars and counting..

Maybe I'm late to all of this and I couldn't see too much buzz on the Golf Channel but looks like this is the end with Tiger and Elin Woods. Looks like "The Man" is out and on the prowl..literally..as he was spotted partying with one of his former..well I guess not former now..mistresses.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26536102-912,00.html?from=public_rss

This fiasco has reportedly cost shareholders of American Express, Gatorafe, Gillette and Nike 12 billion dollars.

The study focused on nine sponsors: Accenture; American Express; AT&T; Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf (Electronic Arts); Gillette (Proctor and Gamble); Nike; Gatorade (PepsiCo); TLC Laser Eye Centers; and Golf Digest (News Corp.). Overall, the researchers figure the scandal reduced shareholder value in the sponsor companies by 2.3 percent, or about $12 billion.

Run..Tiger..Run!!

Stupid but funny..

Funny Stuff..sorry Tiger.

I just got a link sent to me by My Dog Ate My Blog on Tiger..hillarious. Not much to say about the whole issue so far. "You Da' Man" got caught for something that was eventually going to happen..sooner than later. I offer him no sympathy as I too am a family man and he should've..at least..thought about his kids.

I think in a case with Tiger..he's not "The Man" this time. I think deep inside he's just a kid, or shall we say a cub. Sure he can handle the pressure of draining a downhill, double breaking 10 foot putt on a plane of glass, but reality is he has a family to deal with now and at best he's a bogey golfer here..something I, and other proud fathers, can beat him at for sure. His ball(s) went OB and there are no free drops.

I'm getting excited and can't wait to see the expression on my kids face when they wake up tomorrow morning. I guess you know you're a parent when you get more excited in buying the kids goodies, rather than receiving. Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone, even you too Tiger.

Chill out man..

I just caught this off of Yahoo this morning:

MELBOURNE, Austrailia (AP)

The low point came at the 13th.

Woods had played the par-5 12th nearly perfectly until he badly missed a 5-foot birdie putt. Still steaming, he opted for driver off the tee at the 354-yard 13th, especially with the pin to the back right of the green. The only place he couldn’t afford to hit it was to the right.

It went well to the right.

Woods slammed the head of his driver into the turf, and it bounced up and into the gallery to the left. One surprised fan caught the club and returned it.

“That was my mistake,” Woods said. “I got hot after a bad tee shot and let go of the club.”

Read the whole story here: http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ap-australianmasters&prov=ap&type=lgns

Tiger would've been "The Man" if he gave the driver to the individual it went flying at..now that would've been cool. Isn't that what they do in all sports anyhow..the spectators get to keep what comes to them..c'mon dude.

A solid 7 iron?

more about "That's a solid 7 iron.", posted with vodpod

Wow, that's one heckuva a strong iron..sucker didn't even bend. Just curious as to why she was so pissed.

New look..'sorta..

Well after years of keeping the same GN template I decided to get a little fancy and design my own banner..oooohhh...actually it was alot harder than I imagined..but just followed one of the million "how-to's" using Photoshop on the internet.

I also changed the template to something a little more clean looking. I know alot of serious bloggers have swapped over to Wordpress..but for this nomad I am fine with Blogger..and it's simple too..right? I added that little global tracker on the right and am Twitterized.

My favorite shorts.

I have to say I do not any golf pants as I wear shorts all the time..yes..even in the rain. Just as the title says, out of all the assorted "golf" shorts I like to wear my most favorite are these:

I have to say these are the cheapest shorts I've bought as I got them from Marshall's, but I'm an avid fan for the bermuda-khaki style shorts.

Those flowers are hand-painted which I think make them unique. I've had these for about 4 years now, but they still look like the way they did when I bought them.

Anyway, if you want to check out some other colorful threads, NBC Sports has a cool slideshow link that shows many of the pro's in their Sunday best. I have to say I'd be willing to sport some of JD's pants, if they cut'em down to shorts.

Bulls on Parade

During my college days..heck even NOW..I’ve always had the greatest of respect for the folks that ran through the cobblestone paths during the celebration of St. Fermin in Spain.

Although I’ve been to Europe and it’s outlying countries a few times in college, it’s probably a good we didn’t go there during our venture back then because I’m sure after a few beers and/or bottles of Sangria we’d be doing this run.

We all know this world famous bull run that starts on the windign streets and ends in the bull fighting arena from watching clips from TV and/or YouTube, but to really participate in it (by the rules..yes, it has rules..you're supposed to run slowly at first and then haul ass as the bulls get closer..simple..makes sense.) has to be one of the greatest challenges of all mankind.

Even thinking about it, it gets my adrenaline pumping..but alas!..now being a married man and a father of two kids and piloting a Toyota Sienna..the closest thing I’m going to get to running in front of a 1,500 pound Angus, barreling down, will be chasing a putt in Spain instead at La Mangas Las Lomas Village.

La Manga has three courses (South, North and West) with the South Course being the preeminent course (..’kinda like the South Course at Torrey Pines..go figure) which has hosted numerous events including the Spanish Open and Q-School for the European Tour. It was designed by Robert Putman back in 1971 (his other design is surprisingly in Visalia, California) and then revamped by Arnold Palmer in the beginning of 1990 and then polished up even further. The South Course at La Manga is tougher in the front (longer par 3’s and 4’s) but eases up in the back stretch..my kinda’ course..give me the pain up front and let me relax.

The North Course is tighter surrounded with lush palm trees and larger greens, ideal for the shot-maker. The West Course winds through pine trees and has more sloping fairways which require conservative play from the tee. Either way you can’t lose by playing any of the courses at La Manga..just get out here!

'Wanna Bet?

Just played in Las Vegas last week and as it happens to all of us..we’re out there with our regular group getting ready to tee off and then someone blurts out “Longest drive for a buck?”. KA-CHING!! Bring it on!! Usually, in my regular group, this is already a part of our betting by-laws and no need to bring it up these days at the start of the day. We usually play skins but with a limit up to every 6 holes and then the skins tally would reset again for the next 6 holes and so on..we’re wimps.

I have to admit though that playing skins does get boring (I guess it depends on who’s winning and losing right?) and we started implementing various side bets along the way and utilize a “dot” for each win on a bet a player won. We give each “dot” a numerical value and toward the end of the day multiply each "dot" per dollar(s) value agreed to upon from the beginning.

For example, someone may throw out a side bet and say “Up and down for a dot?” If one of the other players bite then it’s on! Basically, if you can get up and down then you win a “dot” from each player who bet against you. If you can’t make the up and down then you have to pay out a “dot” to each person. You can just about make a side bet on anything these days..the opportunities are endless. We automatically add automatic "dots" on “draino’s”, which basically are anyone who can put it in the hole in one stroke from a agreed upon distance from the hole..obviously tap in drainos don’t count for squat.

Something with playing golf and Las Vegas that go hand in hand..anyway for further reading check out this casino guide.

"I'm baaaackk.." :)

What's up nomads *chime crickets* well my deepest apologies for not keeping this place up to date but we've been in a whirlwind trying to deal with our home and everything going on in the GN household in these last few months this year.

In light of everything going around, unfortunately, my appetite for golf had declined at an alarming rate and literally placed on the back burner. But ALAS! I am back with a vengeance and have great hopes and aspirations for the rest of the year and plan on making some upgrades to the GN blog as well. Stay tuned!

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil..

I finally got to see the final round of the 50th Bob Hope Classic this afternoon. I know it's been like two days right..?! I DVR'd it (..mine's not a TiVo) and was fast forwarding through to all the good parts. I, like many of you, were hoping for a tight 3-way play-off right with Pat Perez, Steve Stricker and John Merrick (who's that..?)

It looked pretty tight until Stricker had that devastating blow out on the 10th hole tee box. I was keeping an eye on Merrick, but he just lacks "being there" to keep it under wraps. I would say he was trying to just keep pace with Perez, but I'd say the lack of experience and keeping cool got the better of him. Perez wasn't any better than these three, BUT was cool under pressure and that laser on the 18th was the nail in the coffin.

BUT..what I kept replaying the most was Pat Perez's second shot at the 15th hole, Par 3. When I saw it for the first time I was like "What the..?"..did that just happen? I've been searching numerous golf forums and there seems to be alot of discussion about this particular incident, particularly at The Golf Channel Discussion Board. (search the "Rules and Rulings" forum and it's the "Pat Perexzs chip shot on 15th hole" thread) - sorry I'm not able to direct link as The Golf Channel seems to be hiding the url. Alot of good info. on this though.

Here's the shot in question:



From what I've been reading, as long as the ball returns to the place of rest then we're kosher. My other question though is isn't he improving his lie when he taps/pushes down the grass before the ball. Something doesn't seem right?

Natalie Gulbis Tip..it works!

I used to watch the Natalie Gulbis show on the Golf Channel. I was happy when she finally one her first tournament..think it was the Evian Masters in France. I'm not sure if they still show episodes of her show or if if there are new ones out.

I happend to watch this one episode where she was talking about her pre-shot routine. Anyway, she said when you tee the ball up (driver), visuallize the WHOLE area (from the top of the tee'd up ball to the point where the tee goes into the grass) as your sweet spot.

This made so much sense to me and helped out immensely. I'm sure, at least I did, that you focus on hitting that itsby-bitsy ball at the bottom, right? Well, why not focus, not on just that little white thing, but the whole area from the top of it to the bottom..? Imagine hitting a softball on the ground..easy 'huh?

88

That's what I shot at Skylinks yesterday..and I am more than excited..still. It's quite weird the type of chemicals that get released into our brains when we shoot a score that we like. I'm still giddy about it. On the flip-side, for me, when I shoot a bad round I get bummed out and it does affect me for the rest of the day.

I see it this way, I'm spending close to 4-5 hours out there playing a round and as a result of spending this time out there I DO expect, of myself, to show for it. For me these "results" is a round in the 80's. I, and the rest of you who may be reading this, take golf a tad more seriously than "just having a good time". I'm not out there flipping clubs of course on errant shots, but I'm going to try my hardest to save par/bogey..I just may not be "showing" it to you.

Anyway, I have to agree that when you take time away from the game your swing "resets" and your mental aspect of the game gets "cleansed"..no bad thoughts. I have also been toying with my swing and tried something "new" a couple weeks ago.

I started to take my swing back on a shallower plane, which I thought it felt like, and I was hitting the ball the best I've ever had in my life. The consistency of making solid impact was the first thing I noticed and then distance. I played with a buddy of mine yesterday and I asked him to really watch me and see if I was too shallow..which it still felt like. He said he has never seen me on this consistent plane ever before AND that the swing was not shallow. This was it!

My biggest swing inconsistency contributor has been my right arm (righty) on the backswing. I've been under the impression that you wanted that classic "L" at the top. I said screw it, because it's another thing I have to remember to do. I just let my right arm stay relaxed and it's just sitting lower at my side..there's no active effort to control it. BINGO! All I think about now is the downswing..what a relief!

The last two times I've played with this "new" swing I have only missed four fairways..and not by much..it was either a weak push or a low hook..none which were at all damaging to the hole at hand. I've actually gotten a "tad" confident where I'm stepping on it a little bit more to get a little more out of it..at certain times.

Anyway, to get back to my 88. I'm on the 18th hole, I drove it into a bunker and had to chip out, and was lying 4 on the green. I quickly added the score and I needed at least a double to break 90. The putt was about 10 feet out, downslope, with a slight downward break, right-left, and it was playing fast..not fun. I got up there and and took the putt and it was moving at a perfect speed..and went in..I haven't felt the warmth of golf happiness in awhile.



and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Papa's Got a Brand New..Camera Bag?

I finally took the plunge and got a Nikon D90 DSLR. I've always been a photo-geek and love taking pictures as much as I can. I've always admired great photos and the feelings they invoke. Another reason I upped my "game" was that my point-and-shoot got destroyed while I saved my son as he was flying down a hill on his Razor Scooter..imagine trying to stop a sidewinder missile coming right at you..not pretty. I saved him but my little digi-camera didn't fare so well.

Anyway, here are some photos I took, with the Nikon D90, of my putters which are in fact up for auction on Ebay, if you're interested:

TeI3 Newport Long Neck (sorry, I'm keeping this one..need at least one to play right?) - Similar to the regular TeI3 Newport but this one has an extended neck thus creating a swing for folks that are straight back and through..interesting huh. It's more faced balanced for a blade style putter.


Newport Beach "Asian" 34/340g - It's called an "Asian" because this particular model was only produced for the overseas/asian market. Not sure why Scotty Cameron didn't think us Americans wouldn't enjoy a 340g headweight as EVERYONE seems to like them. But either way, you can't buy them retail in the states.


Studio Select Newport 34/360g, Circle-H shaft - This one has the dual 20g weights on the bottom of sole thus creating a 360g headweight. They designed a "beefier" shaft called the "Circle H" to accomodate this headweight. The Studio Select's are probably one of the softest feeling OTR (Off The Rack) putters that Scotty Cameron has designed yet.


Circa 62 #3 "Asian" 34/350g (actually more rare than the regular Asian of 34/340g) - This one is sweet. The 34/340g version is what makes these the "Asian" variety, BUT this one comes in at a hefty 350g headweight. I've personally seen only one other around. The feel is superb and soft. (I may actually keep this one)


But going back to the Nikon D90, I've noticed that the pictures are great and very detailed. Even in the photo above you can still make out the mill marks. I love also being able to control the DOF, Depth of Field, with the DSLR and the creativity it allows. Kind of the same reasons I like golf..there are so many things that can go wrong to produce a wonderful shot.

Anyway, there's a great Flickr Group, Nikon D90 Club, that caters toward D90 users. I also placed their site badge on the sidebar..chek them out! Good people..very knowledgeable. If you are still on the fence on deciding to go DSLR..it's the way to go man..you won't look back.

Why Doesn't MapStat Update..?

As you may have noticed, or not, I finally switched over to the "NEW" Blogger look but it has come some at a "functionality" price. It seems the "Latest Nomads" visitors box, on the front page, is not updating.

They have been the SAME "Latest Nomads" before I switched over to the "NEW" look. One thing is that if you click on them it does take you to the BlogFlux Map page with the correct and current stats and map.

Visually, it used to have the "Last Nomads" visitors updated live on the home page before. If any of you guys use this service AND it is working correctly for you please give me a holler..as the team at BlogFlux doesn't seem to want to respond.

Malwarebytes' takes a bite out of spyware.

Although a good anti-virus program is effective it will not block out or "catch" the numerous "malware" programs out there lurking around the corner at every page you visit.

I currently have McAfee AND Windows Defender running simultaneously and both those programs have failed in catching spyware/ad-ware (malware) that can significantly slow down or harm your computer overall.

I've been using Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware for a few months and it has detected and instantly removed various malwares below (actual log):

Files Infected:C:\Windows\System32\wextract.exe (Adware.Buzus) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Infected:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\windowswelcomecenter (Trojan.Agent) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Keys Infected:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\{1d4db7d2-6ec9-47a3-bd87-1e41684e07bb} (Adware.MyWebSearch) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Infected:HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\scrfile\shell\open\command\ (Broken.OpenCommand) -> Bad: ("%1" %*) Good: ("%1" /S) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

The best part is is that this highly rated anti-malware program is FREE. It is also very "light", meaning it uses very little system resources to run and doesn't inundate you with numerous doo-dads, bells, whistles, blah..blah..blah. It's simple and to the point. You download it and do a quick scan and you'll see for yourself what kind of stuff maybe "crawling around" inside your computer. I use it religiously (daily) and the Malwarebytes' database updates numerous times a day..these guys at Malwarebytes' MEAN BUSINESS! Check 'em out.

Russell Houston

Russell Houston creates by far some of the coolest and funniest golf paintings/drawings I've seen. I love the Norman Rockwell-esque story each picture conveys of the famous cowboy golfers. The stoic nature of the cowboy trying to maintain composure in a "oh-so" humbling a game. I'm not going to describe each one..check them out for yourself. (Click on the picture to get a much better image!)




This one below is my favorite..I love how the swing is broken down..the "Ben Hogan" swing for the cowboys.

Here's their site, The Art of Russell Houston, if you're interested in checking out the other pictures. I've placed an order for the calendar and a print of the cowboy swing.

World Golf Tour..the video game!

I used to play video golf with the "Links" series on my old Xbox. It was actually quite awesome with the ability to manipulate so many things as far as the actual play was concerned. You could alter the way your player looked and as far as how much spin you were going to put on the golf ball. The images were also pretty awesome to boot. Well, I just had the opportunity to play a similar game but online at World Golf Tour.

I'm not a fan of downloading complex game files and never go beyond this when it asks me to..so no worries here..NO DOWNLOADING NEEDED..you play it straight from their site. They must have some kick-ass servers/connections as everytime I've played it's been perfect and without a hitch.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty. The presentation of the site is awesome and extremely fast. The pictures of the game below are exactly the way they look when you play..as I have played it numerous times today.



You can create a player profile and also compete with others around the world. I have only played the "closest to pin" skills challenge and it is uber-fun. The controls are very easy. You basically click-drag your mouse up to load your player's power and then click when the power marker gets to the middle..or at least try to..obviously the closer you get to the center the more "perfect" your shot will be.

It seems the game is in the "beta" stage, but a few things I'd like to see them incorporate in the future would be:

-Ability to manipulate spin on all facets of the ball, not just vertically as it is right now.
-Ability to manipulate swing path.
-Closer zoom angles on the green surface, with possible grid lines.

Either way, World Golf Tour is extremely enjoyable and keeps you coming back for more. I can't wait to see what courses and functions they'll add later. Hit 'em straight and out of the thick stuff!

"Don't 'unda estimate 'da fat man.."

It's been like 6 months since I posted here. Works been getting busy and I just got this posting bug in me after I saw this hillarious video on YouTube of JD playing golf barefoot and shirtless.



You gotta love those lines, "Where'd you get those shoes..New York city?","Take two weeks off and quit." It's amazing to realize this guy has a couple majors under his belt, waistline, also.

Swing Academy

I was posting on one of my favorite golf forums and saw that a member said there was a site where you can upload a video of your swing and have it analyzed by others. I took the plunge and did just that. I don't think it offers a video url yet, but here is the regular url to see my swing in action:

My Swing at Swing Academy (www.swingacademy.com)

The site is one of the best places to see your own swing online. The BEST thing is that it's way it's much faster, actually incrediblyfaster, to upload at the Swing Academy site than onto YouTube or etc.

The online uploading function will tell you if your video is too large. Once it's uploaded then you will need to edit it, super easy, into a 4 second video display loop. This 4 second loop will be your final uploaded swing video. The Swing Academy site has this "slow - fast" feature (marekd by a turtle and rabbit..lol) where you can slow down your swing to really see what's going on. It is uber-cool! It's similar to the CBS "hub-vision" swing video they show of the PGA players during a tournament.

I used Windows Movie Maker (it should come pre-installed as part of your OS) to initially edit my video footage which I took on my digital camera's SD card.

Swing Academy does appear to be a new site and still trying to get up and running. I was trying to post on their forum message board but I kept getting an error message. You can also view numerous videos of other players and can comment and analyze them. If you're serious about getting better, you definitely need to check out your swing and see what's going on.

Getting serious..

Lately, I've had this new and re-invigorated feeling toward my outlook on golf. I got fitted for irons for the first time as well. I have been extensively researching what kind of clubs would best suit me and etc. My mental game has also become more focused and I feel I'm just grinding it out a little more lately instead of just giving in if things aren't going right.

I've decided to take it up a notch and started taking videos of my swing. After extensive research I decided to go with JOBY Gorillapod SLR model. It's perfect for the golfer who wants to prop up his camera and it can be used just about anywhere. The hardest thing was to have it positioned so it takes full size swing videos. I think I need to move the camera a little further back.

Call me A.K.

Just one of thousands of blog posts today regarding Anthony Kim's debut PGA Tour victory at Wachovia yesterday. At 22 he is the youngest player to win a PGA event in the last 6 years (the last being Sergio Garcia at the 2002 Mercedes Chamionship). Anthony also broke the tournament record with three shots (-16 under, 272 total) better than the previous tournament record..by Tiger Woods.

They say that the Wachovia is one of the best barometers to forecast future winners on the PGA Tour with such PGA studs like Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh as past champions.

I could explain all the personal stuff about him but all I would be doing would be copying from other places..so check out this really good article about him and his rocky beginnings.

There was a little story that went that he and Tiger were out on the range and Tiger kinda' snickered at his "AK" flashy belt buckle. Anthony countered that Nike doesn't make it..yet.

I think we're in to see something special in these years coming up with Anthony Kim and his bravado, panache or whatever you want to call it. The kid has game and is a closer. I predict he will be in the top 10 at next weeks TPC at Sawgrass.

Porsche..there is no substitute.

I occasionally like to frequent and see what Porsche Design has up their sleeves when they put out golf related equipment. They're known quite well for their design element and produce very high end and sleek items all together. Although I could never afford this stuff, they're more like modern art pieces to me.

This device you're looking at right now is their Porsche Golf Trolley or better known to us mortals as a golf cart.

Porsche golf trolley

"Magnesium wheels in intelligent design with Porsche Crest. Compatible with Porsche golf-bag, which is mounted easily and securely on the golf trolley using a special adapter set. Comes with standard adapter for all other golf-bag types. Can also be used in conjunction with scorecard holder and umbrella holder. Two trolleys can be stowed in front luggage compartment of Boxster, Cayman S and 911 models."

The retail price is $2050..yes two thousand and fifty dollars..U.S. Oh, and if you want a score card keeper it's an additional $236..yes..two hundred thirty six dollars..U.S. Thank god I can put two of these babies in front of my Carrera..not.

My Sun Mountain was only $189..and that came with a score card holder..delivered. I'm not sure if the Porsche Golf Trolley is any better than your Bag Boys or Sun Mountains out there on the course but I bet online you'll be the fastest (if not the coolest). Who knows maybe you'll play quicker rounds.

TAG Heuer Golf Watch

"The first watch for golf professionals, developed and worn by Tiger Woods. It has been specially designed to meet golfers’ special requirements. Its high-tech materials and carefully studied ergonomic design means that the TAG Heuer professional golf watch will never bother a golfer during the swing."

I, for one, do not wear a watch because I just don't like anything on my wrists when I play. Supposedly the TAG Heuer "professional" golf watch will never bother me during my swing. The site is quite beautiful and has numerous "exploded" views of the watch and how it functions.

I'm a fan of TAG Heuer watches and consider them one of the highest quality time pieces available. This watch has a classy look yet very sporty. It'd be interesting to see if Tiger does wear it while he plays. I think it looks alot better than his other golf watch by TAG Heuer.

Titleist AP1

Well, after a slump in wanting to play golf these past few months I decided to go to a local golf store to demo some new sets.

I had my eye on the Mizuno MP 57 but after a few swings with it, I just became honest with myself and said these just demand too much of a perfect swing everytime and just a little too much iron for me..heartbroken.

I told the golf fitter what I was looking for. I wanted my ball to go straight and high..I'm not picky. He told me to try the Titleist AP1. At first I was hesitant as I had my heart set on the MP 57's but that got no where quick (see above) so why not give the AP1's a go.

I'm not a fan of irons that have alot of offset and the AP1's do not. They have a little, but no where near that of a Callaway. He gave me a 6 iron that had the Dynamic Golf HL (High Launch) shaft in R300 flex. My first hit was straight and just took off with a high penetrating flight..not balloon. It was truly effortless and I didn't have to get perfect with it. The 6 iron went as high as my old 7 iron..it was honestly beautiful to look at.





As I got more courageous I started to increase some juice on the swings and the only thing it did was that they tended to push a tad..but WELL within an acceptable range. The balls honestly felt like I was hitting marshmellows. The elastomer insert probably adds to this feeling, but if you hit it on the toe you will know.

I have always been a skeptic when it comes to golf equipment and have NEVER bought a new set. These Titlest AP1's were just perfect and I am so excited to get fitted..tomorrow!

I like Carlos Franco..

I ask many of my friends who they would like to play with..but preface that inquiry that this person cannot be related to you or Tiger Woods. I've kept a mental rolodex of players I'd like to play with over the years and at anytime has never included Tiger Woods. One person I would like to play with or even just pick the brain of is Carlos Franco..*chime cricket sounds*

Yes, I know he's not the most well known player and I don't even think most people know where he's from. I ask around and most of the golfers I know say he's from Spain. (He's from Asuncion, Paraguay). What really makes me like this guy is how he grew up, his lifestyle and approach to professional golf.

There a good video of him that shows how simple he lives during a tournament and not necessarily in a lap of luxury. Being one of six brothers from a one bedroom "home" and learning how to play from his father, who was a caddy, on a three hole course is nothing short of amazing. I also admire his non-chalant approach to the demands of the PGA Tour. It is well know that his practice "regime" consists of a few balls before the tournament round begins. There have been times where he has gone straight from his car to the first hole tee box which I am, and I'm sure the rest of us, all too familiar with as well.

GPS devices galore..uPro

I just got my the latest TGW (The Golf Warehouse) catalog yesterday. I usually thumb through it immediately to see if there's anything new and or exciting. Most of the time it's the same stuff throughout but what caught my attention were how many different GPS devices (not laser rangefinder) are out there now.

It used to be that SkyCaddie was the only GPS device available but as I browsed the TGW catalog there were devices from uPro, GolfBuddy and GolfLogix. I'm sure there will be more before the year is over.

Although all of these do the saem function of providing yardage to various places on the hole the device that really peaked my interest was the uPro device. Where as the screens on all GPS units are one dimensional, the uPro is a fully color, 3-D, unit that actually provides true, vibrant, color images of the hole..like what you would see on your t.v. The kicker is it has "highly developed GPS and Laser Range capabilities.." I visited their site and it is very interactive and informative. I'm not going into detail on everything the uPro does, their awesome site and do that, but in a nutshell it does everthing else a "regular" GPS device can't do. It even has voice recognition software..crazy. One quick thing that caught my attention was that it DOES NOT REQUIRE SOFTWARE, like my SkyCaddie (SG3), so you can use from any computer, anytime. Also it should be noted there is no annual membership fee but you do need to buy the courses to download. There are 2 types of course modes. "Basic Mode" which is just like all the other GPS devices and then the "Pro Mode" which provides full color aerial satellite shots of the hole and video flyovers and includes the "Basic Mode" capabilities.

The retail price on it is $399.95 (looking at my TGW catalog.). I'm not "bells and whistles" type of player and just happy with basic functions. I have to admit I haven't had any problems with my SC SG3 but wouldn't mind trying the uPro..I love gadgets.

SkyCaddie fixed!

I bought a SkyCaddie SG3 about 2 years ago and have been fortunate enough where it has worked flawlessly on the course. The only problem I had was that the SkyCaddie desktop software, used to download SkyCaddie courses, was kind of glitchy with my computer..or maybe vice versa. I'll have to admit that most likely it was my computer since it is rather old. The problem I had was that it just plain didn't recognize my USB device, SG3, when I had it connected to the USB port.

I had this rather backward way of "tricking" my computer, or SG3, by attaching the USB cord during mid-process of logging onto my SkyCaddie desktop download site..I don't want to go into details but it worked about 30% of the time at best any how..and this obviously limited my overall enjoyment of adding new courses that I couldn't do because of this problem. I gave up and just brought out the SG3 when I was playing on one of the courses that was ALREADY stored on there from months ago..ho hum.

Anyway, I'm playing tomorrow at El Rancho Verde Golf Course for a fundraiser and decided to give the the SkyCaddie desktop a try and see if I could get it to work. I used the above technique of "tricking" my computer and SG3 in regards to the USB port problem. BUT ALAS!! COULD THIS BE?!? There was an update or new version to the SkyCaddie desktop software!! I couldn't believe it! but the upgrade to the new version (4.3.4) was working and it upgraded the current software on my computer too as well as upgraded the software on the SG3.

While I was logged on, which I was holding my breath while I was logged on, I basically updated all my courses stored on my SG3 and basically put in all the courses I regularly play. PRESTO!! everything worked flawlessly and all my favorite courses got downloaded onto my SG3.

After I logged off the SkyCaddie desktop website I tried to see if possibly the USB problem, I had before, was fixed and OH MY GOD..it was!! HALLELUJAH!! I was able to log onto the SkyCaddie desktop site WITHOUT having to pull that "trick" move as listed above. If anyone has had similar problems with their SG3 let me know and I'll try to help you out. I've read on numerous golf forums where people have had problems with the SG3 so hopefully the guys at SkyCaddie heard all this and this upgraded version will solve these problems.

I've also owned the Bushnell Pinseeker 1500 laser rangefinder and to be honest the SG3, for the average golfer, is much better suited. I'm not saying it is as "accurate" as the rangefinder but for the normal golfer you really do not need +/- 1 yard measurements. We're just not that good and it just slows down the round. The novelty of the rangefinder wears off problem mid-round when you start getting tired always turning it on, bringing it up to your eye, and then clicking the button for your measurement. Yes, it is absolutely accurate to what you are pointing at but after 9 holes of doing this I guarantee you will get sick of it as well as the people you are playing with. The great thing about the SG3 is the yardage from where you are at to where you want to go is ALWAYS on..no need to turn it on and click it and blah..blah..blah.. Trust me, get the SG3 (or one of the other SkyCaddie models..they even have a color monitor one now the SG5) you won't be disappointed.

Funk..

I know I haven't posted here lately..gosh this sounds familiar. I was overseas on a family trip for a couple months and then prior to that I got in a major argument with a golf buddy..over a bet. In the grand scheme of things I think all the events that led up to the final last words, over a stupid golf bet during Thanksgiving, led to my waning desire to play like I did before.

I still love watching it on t.v. and reading all my various golf magazines and golf catalogs I get from TGW, but the physical part of it just hasn't set in like it did before. I also think alot has to do with changing my current equipment and going in another direction. When I think about getting a different set of irons I do feel the urge to play again so I think I'm headed in the right direction.

I'm scheduled to play in a fundraiser golf tournament this weekend. To be honest I haven't played for almost two months now. I don't even care how I will play but just to get the gears going is all I expect. I don't know but sometimes I tend to play much better than expected after I hung the clubs up.

What a lesson..

I'm sure I could teach the basic golf fundamentals also..

It's been a....while hasn't it..?

I haven't forgotten about this blog but have been extremely busy the last few months with my new work unit and getting everything squared away. My son started soccer this year so that has limited my golf on Saturdays, which has meant a cease to full 18 hole rounds of golf..period..until the season is over. They have 4 more games left..but it's been a real treat seeing my oldest one (4 years old..lol) playing on a team sport.


Do you know what "AYSO" really stands for? "All Your Saturdays Occupied." I was absolutely surprised how big this AYSO thing is and can see why it's an ALL DAY event if you have more than one child playing. Gameday, or Saturday, is nothing but back-to-back soccer games from 08:00 am to about 3:00 pm. If you have "kids", multiple, you can see parents just juggling their kid's games from one field to another..hectic to say the least.


Anyway, my wife and kids are going on a 3 month vacation overseas so I'll be playing golf to my hearts content in a few weeks anyhow. I sold all of my Scotty Cameron putters in the last few weeks. It's not that I didn't like them but how many putters do I really need and they were all gathering dust anyhow. I still admire Scotty Cameron putters and will probably get just one shortly. I'm trying to figure out which one though.


As with all Scotty Cameron fans I also own a few of his putter headcovers. I just found out that one of them that I have is worth around $400, which I bought for $80 originally. It turns out it's a 1/100 collector's edition. I really awesome site if you want to know everything and anything about Scotty Cameron putter can be found at The Cameron Collector.


As many of you may know, Southern California has been inundated with fires..a "Fire Storm" as many reporters have called it. Here are some photos:

I have also been affected by this as my parents had to evacuate their home in San Diego and are still not allowed to come back in. They still don't know if their house is still standing but my brother told me the answering machine is still picking up..so either the house is safe or that's one hell of an answering machine.

Mr.77

I recently changed to another division at work and it's been extremely busy thus the lack luster quantity of posts. Things are getting more settled in now with the addition of staff and has allowed me to return, somewhat, to a more routine schedule. It also turns out that my "new" boss, actually..I've known him for over 10 years, had started playing golf last year and has the golf bug..bad.

Anyhow, to make a long story short, we played yesterday. He knew I've been playing for some time and he just wanted to play with an experienced player. We played at this place called Willowick Golf Club in Santa Ana. If you wanted to call a course a "muni" this place fit the description. All the holes except two of them looked the same..straight with very wide fairways with no water hazards..a park-land golf course..to say the least. I knew from the bat that I wasn't going to lose a golf ball this round..and I didn't. It's very easy to find since it's right door to a local radio station and it's humongous radio antenna tower.

We got to the first tee, easy to get on, and he hit a decent drive right down the middle. I countered with a similar shot. He hit a "Rosie" and it went about 10 feet. I countered with a wedge shot that landed about 1 foot from the hole. I ended up getting a birdie and he ended up with a snowman.

Anyway, I wasn't really worried about me outplaying him and vice versa because he knew that I was a decent player. I came to just have a good time and solidify our working relationship. I got there a little early and picked him up at his car, in the parking lot, with the golf cart. I got a deal where you get a hot dog and soda included in the green fee..which also really made him extremely happy.

What amazed me was how perfectly I was playing that day..given the course was not that long, it was a par 71 just north of 6000 yards, but every shot was dead on. They just aerated the greens and there was sand all over the place. I can only remember 2 distinct shots that went awry. The first being a thin wedge that landed and stopped off the rear slope of the green and the second being an attempted draw with my hybrid that was more of a cooked duck hook. The beauty was that I was able to get up and down all day long, including these shots, and save par on multiple occasions.

I ended up going 1 over on the front and 5 over on the back (we were playing against the wind). I wasn't even thinking of keeping track of score, but the boss did, and I realized I was playing extremely well. All I can say is that it felt the same way when I broke 80 the first time. It has been over two years ago but you just don't realize what you're doing. I felt that my mind was relaxed and that you're in..for a lack of a better cliched word..zen. I felt good over every shot and knew that I was going to get close to the hole on every shot coming in. My tempo felt so good that day and I felt that I was able to feel the head of club on every swing. Ball contact was clean and I just had that "effortless swing" all day long.

Needless to say, I'm still giddy about it and just put me in a good mood over the weekend..and still feel good. Golfers are a strange breed, we can get in trouble by our wives, girlfriends, bad day at work, etc. but as long as we know we played a good round it seems to bring things back to normal.

Deadly accurate..

Friend of mine sent this to me recently..all I can say is wow. As far as Ellen's shot..yeah..it was good..but even a blind squirrel finds a nut sooner or later..and I'd say that shot was going way right if we got to see it out on the course.

Busy..

Geez, can't believe it's been this long since my last post. It's been super busy around the house this last month. My brother in law came in to visit for a couple of weeks with his family and I was being the host/chauffer. We are also finalizing the remodeling of our house and I've been busy buying tile, hardwood flooring, and bunch of other "fun" stuff. On top of all that I recently changed to another unit at work and I am responsible for starting it up which has kept me the busiest these last month.

I did manage to get a round in and I played at Temecula Creek. It's a nice course and actually is comprised of three (3) nine hole courses. We played the Creek course and Oaks course. The Oaks course was difficult and basically was set on side of a mountain with numerous undulating fairways and blind tee shots..two things I hate, for my game, the most for a golf course.

The course was in decent shape but the thing that really stood out was that it was the first time I got to play at a course where all the cups were painted white. It was really nice to be able to see the hole from the far end of the green without someone tending the flagstick. I ended up shooting a 93 which was more than acceptable since the front nine was a total mess.

This was the first time I signed up for a golf discount card but went for it and signed up for the JC Players Card. It cost $349 that includes 5 rounds plus a free round (Temecula Creek incentive) since I was coming from Los Angeles. The cost includes cart, a Ashworth golf shirt, 9 coupons at the JC Players Card rate (between $20-$40 discount off regular fees), 10 buckets, 2 for 1 brunch coupon at any of the JC Golf Clubs and the JC Players Card rate.

I was debating whether to do it or not but for the monthly four-some golfer it is ideal. The courses that are offered are also some of the best in the San Diego and Temecula area. I was excited that Rancho Bernardo Inn was offered. This was the course that was shown in the movie "Traffic" (Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones) a few years ago. I played this course about 10 years ago and it was one of the most immaculate courses I've ever played. The thing that really stood out was how fine and white the sand was in their bunkers.

Anyway, I forgot to pick up a shirt but look forward to picking it up at the next course we play, Arrowood Golf Course, in Oceanside.

Felt Good..looked good..played good..

I played the back nine at my home course this morning. I actually got up late and rushed out the house to meet my friend. I felt so bad because I was late..actually I'm always late..but the fact that I seem to be making a habit out of this. Anyway, I debated to wear my new "golf" pants I picked up at Marshall's. It is absolutely sky light blue (UCLA light blue) but they were cheap and I needed so early morning golf pants that I wouldn't care if they got abused.

I paired this with a long sleeve white shirt and a white Callaway polo with a black belt with white stitiching..lol..I'm sure The Golf Girl would approve. I looked like one of those fancy shmancy euro players. I was somewhat self conscious of wearing these and realized how "bright" they were when I got outside..too late..I was already at the club.

I think I felt that I needed to bring my game on today to be wearing this stuff but I shot the lowest for the back nine in awhile with a 42. I had 3 pars, 4 bogies and 1 double. What I really noticed today was that every shot felt good to me and I just felt that I was really squared away each time I set up. I'm working on keeping my head down sightly longer than usual after contact which seems to be paying off.

The SkyCaddie SG3 is fantastic and I would have to say it has honestly shaved a few strokes off my game as well. The best feature, besides yardage, is how it advises you to hit it to this distance to leave your self with 100 yards in. This alone has really helped me out because I no longer get caught in an awkward yardage. I highly suggest to any avid golfer to invest in one of these..it really gets your head in the game instead of hitting blindly.

The collection is complete..

After a long an exaustive search all over I finally found the last remaining pieces to my puzzle:





The first is a 2nd generation Scotty Cameron Sante Fe TeI3 without the elastomer around the face. The second is a rare TeI3 "sole stamp" as the bottom of the putter is stamped "TeI3" instead of the face. The story on the "sole stamp" versions were these were produced before the line went into full production, thus giving it their rarity.

I had a TeI3 before but sold it for some dumb reason but one thing I still remember was the wonderful weight of the head. If you guys have a chance to grab one I highly suggest it..and they'll hold their value.

Free Safety Eldrick

Not sure if this is legit or not..looks real..think ol' Eldrick could pass for a free safety..wow!

Played at Nick's course..

I played at Shadow Ridge Golf Course in Palm Desert, Nick Faldo Design, last Saturday. A buddy of mine got a suite over there but unfortunately it was well under used since we all got there very late on Friday..around 1:00 a.m. I left the house once all the kids were put to sleep and thus my late arrival into the desert. Getting there that night was an adventure in itself and I had the luxury of stopping at a trucker's gas stop on the way there. When I pulled in I felt extremely out of place..but nature called. First time I've seen public showers in a restroom. I did my duty and left without incident.

It was unbeliveably cold that night and it was 33 deg. and dropping. When I met my buds we basically just watched some Golf Channel and everyone just crashed out.

The next morning was absolutely glorious but extremely COLD. I actually had to wear some layers and felt like I was going skiing. First time this year that I actually wore pants. When we got to Shadow Ridge you could just tell it was a nice place because they had their range balls set up in that PGA tour-esque pyramid.

Here are some photos I took:









It was a well manicured course and was stunning to see the contrast in colors between the fairways and the high brush. There were a few holes where there was water to contend with but the real hazards the whole day, besides the cold weather, were the immense bunkers all around. The whole course was dotted with sand bunkers..I guess Nick must like these. I unfortunately had the pleasure of dealing with his deep bunkers and ended up hitting into them 4 times..on one hole.

and (a first!!) your's truly (looks like the video embed is not working *sigh*)

One thing I appreciate about your better courses is that each hole is fun to play and not your "cookie cutter" layout. The par 3's at Shadow Ridge were monuments to be seen. Each hole left me looking at it for a while to enjoy how it was designed with it's beautful back drop. I look foward to playing Shadow Ridge again..when the weather gets warmer.

So what do you think?

Well, after a little elbow grease and alot of acetone, I took all the previous paintfill out. The finish on the Newport 2 Center Shaft is quite unique. The story is that the previous owner had it "restored" with a Black Oxide finish. Unfortunately, the black oxide treatment doesn't adhere to stainless steel all that well. Black oxide is best suited for your carbon putters (i.e. your Gun Blue or Oil Can Camerons).. one's that will rust, and if done right look fanatastic.

Anyway, the finish that got left behind after the previous black oxide was removed is quite amazing. It has a very burnished and matte looking shine that is very similar to titanium.



The matching Scotty Cameron Prototype headcover on this goes for around $150 by itself. I decided to break out a previous headcover I purchased last year from the Cameron Store. It's the 2006 Las Vegas Jackpot headcover:



You can see the rest of the headcovers that Scotty Cameron has come out with during the years (many which are highly collectible). If you like these..which I think the Golf Girl may be developing a penchant for (see "Camico")..lol..check out the rest of them at the "Cameron Creations" at the Scotty Cameron website.

New addition..

Maybe this is my year but I got REALLY lucky and was able to get my hands on a Newport 2 Center Shaft Prototype, yes..another Scotty Cameron. They only made 2004, the year it was made, of these and it's rare. It is not new but in great condition and thus I don't have any heartache in actually using it as a gamer.






As you can see it is a center shaft putter with a "Newport" head..quite unique looking. It is more face balanced which allows for folks with a straight back and through style..me. The previous owner supposedly tried to put some aftermarket "black oxide" finish on it but you can't put any finishes on a stainless steel putter..just doesn't stick. Anyway it now has a rustic, weathered look to it..but in great shape though.

I also got a new Scotty Cameron headcover today. I'm a member of "Club Cameron" which entitles me to early dibs on new headcover releases. The 2007 "Hula Girl" commemorates the 2007 Sony Open in Hawaii and it was released today to the members of "Club Cameron". Scotty Cameron has been putting out these "Hula Girl" covers for about the last 4 years now and they have been quite a collector's item.

It isn't available to the general public yet..just to "Club Cameron" members. The "hula girl" headcover have still been some of the most coveted headcovers produced by Scotty Cameron and I'm sure this one will also be nonetheless in high demand.

Happy New Year..and my SG3 review

I hope you all had a safe and happy NYE. I and Mrs. Nomad stayed home with the young ones and welcomed the New Year by watching one of the many televised New York Times Square parties. I was surprised that L.A. doesn't have their own televised festivity yet seems kinda cheesy watching the taped-delay event at Times Square.

Anyway I finally got to put the Sky Caddie SG3 through it's paces. I was really surprised how well it kept up with it's yardages as I moved along. I was expecting some kind of delay but it was always "LIVE" and roaming with new yardages. The SG3 doesn't come with a holster clip so I had to just keep it in the compartment on my Sun Mountain push cart or my wind breaker pocket. (NOTE: I ran over to BestBuy and bought a generic holder for it)

Some of the neatest features was that it would tell you how far you needed to hit it to lay up with 90-100 yards left. I thought this was a very useful feature and kind of keeps your head screwed on instead of trying to go for it. Depending on how much information you want displayed, it will tell you how far each "target" (bunkers, water, hazards) is also.

It has a neat feature where you can "mark" where you hit a shot and then you can "mark" it again where it will then give you the distance you hit. I was surprised that what I thought were good drives fell short of expected..truth hurts.

The SG3 has a bigger viewable area compared to the SG2 and is water "resistant". The SG3 model uses two (2) regular AA batteries which was the reason I got it in particular. Those that wish a rechargeable unit can get the other models. But I say the SG3 is the best of both worlds since you can always purchase rechargeable AA batteries later. I just keep a few extra spares in the bag and I'll always be ready.

The SG3 performed flawlessly and I had no glitch or problems with it. It will advance to the next hole as you approach it which was neat. A few things I wish it had or maybe they can update the software later would be a little digital clock and maybe a scorekeeper..that would be so cool.

I previously had a Bushnell PinSeeker 1500 w/slope +/- laser range finder (that's a mouthful) and I can already say that for the average golfer the SG3 is by far the most practical yardage measuring device hands down. This debate will go on forever but the reality is the SG3 is ALWAY ON and all you have to do is glance down for a quick yardage. The laser range finder requires you to bring it to your eye, find your target, aim, click..it sounds easy..but try doing this for 2-3 times a hole for 18 holes..it's fatiguing..just this alone should turn you off. Also unless you have a clear view to the target the laser range finder is worthless (i.e. trees, hills, corners, which most courses have).

If you're a tour caddy you need absolute, precise yardage to every leaf, tree, rock, etc. on the course and by all means the laser range finder is it..but for the average Joe Golfer (you and me) the SG3 is it.