Stack and Tilt

I know I'm late to the game here when discussing the Stack and Tilt Golf Swing, but to be honest I've always heard about it and wanted to try it, BUT never had the time to really see what it is about.  I recently was able to review the original book on the Stack and Tilt technique.  I am by no means a teaching pro, but I do agree with the principles behind this technique..keep the weight on the forward foot at impact.  The Stack and Tilt also seems to incorporate some aspects of the one plane swing as well, which I use, which is to keep the lead arm across your chest on the back swing.

I have to admit I have used the Stack and Tilt technique on my iron shots and you do get an unbelievable feeling of clean impact.  I agree that this technique should not be the first one to be taught to the beginner golfer as you need to have basic swing fundamentals down.  In a nutshell, on the Stack and Tilt, you want to keep a majority of your weight on the lead foot on the backswing and through the downswing.  What this also does is keep you from hitting fat and allowing you to hit that nice divot AFTER you hit the ball.  It's also a technique for those players who tend to stay back on the shot, which is not good.

I've hit numerous shots with this technique and I do notice that the shot is more powerful, but I have also noticed that it also increases the trajectory of the shot as well.  It seems this technique makes you come down on a steeper angle, which makes sense for the higher trajectory.

I am still reading the book on the Stack and Tilt swing, and agree on the principles behind it.  I have used it on my irons and they have been very pure and penetrating.  On my driver swing, I still use my own swing (shallow) as the Stack and Tilt makes my driver swing come into the ball on a steeper angle.  Either way, if you haven't tried it, it may be worthwhile to check out.

Got locked out?

No, I don't mean your car..but if you're like me and got a smartphone (I got a BlackBerry recently off of Craigslist) you probably can't use it with your provider unless you enter an UNLOCK CODE for your device.  It may be unlocked within your carrier, amongst other similar carrier SIM cards, but you will not be able to swap out one carrier's SIM card for another..meaning..if you're on T-MOBILE, you will not be able to swap that SIM card into a AT&T "locked" phone..make sense?

Okay, so after doing my internet homework and perusing the internet, YouTube and Google, I found unlocktotalk.com.  I read into them and they are VERY LEGIT and are based in the good ol' U.S. (Salt Lake City)

100% Money Back Guarantee - Our cell phone unlocking service will unlock your phone safely and effectively or we will refund your payment in full. You can reach us any time during business hours by calling 1-800-891-0625 anywhere in The United States. Or call our local number: 801-415-5176. Unlike almost all of our competitors we can be reached by telephone and are usually online for live chat support. We also respond to emails usually within just a couple minutes during hours of operation. (9 AM - 11 PM Mountain Time)

Anyway, I gave them a shot and figured I'd get my unlock code tomorrow.  After I paid for it (I used my PayPal account, but they take credit cards), I took a glance into my email and VOILA!  My code was there in less than 5 minutes (probably less than that too!)

BUT WAIT!! GET IT FOR FREE!! - BEFORE you enter your unlock code, make a video while you are unlocking your phone and post it to YouTube and you'll get a complete refund on your unlock code..so you get your unlock code FOR FREE!  Now, that's something you hear these days too often. Check them out here!

Gotta love Bubba and Rickie.

Bubba cracks me up..omg..at 1:07 "Tiigerr..Tiger Woods.."..hillarious.




Rickie's a good guy for sporting those red Puma running shorts..lol

Holy smoke!! (really?)

Just caught this today, but c'mon really..I have to say I personally have made a Callaway driver spark as well..but c'mon..I say b.s. and the golfer probably did something that he should not have.

Firestarter

Lija Style Golf Fashion

Tiger Woods was quoted as saying, “Hockey is for white guys, basketball is for black guys, and golf is for white guys who dress like pimps.”

Tiger is no fashion slouch, but women golfers are not leaving style in the locker room. Golf for Women has devoted an entire issue to style, featuring supermodel Ines Sastre.  Gone are polos and khaki’s and two-tone shoes. Today’s women pros know it’s all about marketing.

Morgan Pressel, tour star, was seen at New York Fashion Week, and endorsements from all the major athletic wear companies are a big part of a players income.  Paula Creamer is known for her earrings and is the tour’s fashionista. At the local level, more women are taking up the game and have given up having to dress like the boys.

Blending influences from the world of fashion, sport and lifestyle, Lija offers feminine and versatile collections that enable women to play beautifully and the latest in Women's Golf Apparel. Lija clothes are designed for the woman who embraces life and is inspired by possibilities; the woman who puts her heart, mind and soul into everything she pursues and believes the greatest achievement in life is to realize her full potential. Her clothes reflect her determined nature, and personal dedication to quality, grace and style..just ask Christina Kim.

You don't need it..

As I've been playing with the Mizuno brand lately, and I've been slowly lurking around the various forums and Ebay and Craigslist looking to also get matching hybrids.  I was sooo..close to pulling the trigger and getting the same lofted Mizuno hybrids..but then..I came to my senses..why?

Right now, I play mixed hybrids..I play with a Titleist 585H 21 deg. and then a Nickent 3DX 24 deg..and you know what..I hit them both very well.  I've actually become very close with them like a pair of old jeans..it just feels right everytime.

Sure, "technology" might have changed allowing me to get less spin and blah..blah..blah..but really..if I can hit my my current mixed set 220 and 200 yards consistently, what more can I ask for?  Anyway, to all of you guys in the same situation..save your money..really..you'll thank me later.

Amazon for golf equipment?

Lately I've been getting caught in between clubs especially at the 110-115 yardage..and it's a bitch.  I'm not a fan of hitting irons soft or hard..I'd rather hit full shots..right?

Unfortunately, when I had my Titleist AP1's it came with a gap wedge which was so perfect, but  now, with the Mizuno MX-25's, I was sans gap wedge.  I've been looking over Ebay, Craigslist, 4GEA.com but to no avail.  I was tempted to just get a matching Titleist Spin Milled 52 degree, to match my other SM's, but just wasn't too fond of paying $110 for a new one.

Well, I decided to search Amazon for the a MX-25 gap wedge..AND sure enough I found a seller..and with the exact specs that match my current set..AND it was only $60..BRAND NEW.  I couldn't believe it..Amazon?..for golf?  YEP..give them a try if you happen to be looking for some golf equipment..it's definitely a hidden gem.

That one hole!?!

Lately, I've been playing really consistent and have shot 91 on the last four rounds.  What kills me is that one hole or a "blow up" hole where I end up with a triple..and voila!..91.  I get so pissed when this happens.  Take for example yesterday.

I was on route to break 90..all I needed was a bogey on the last whole to get 89.  It was a par 4..392 yards..and I just hit one of my best drives all day..straight down the middle left fairway..I had about 100 yards left

I get to the ball..licking my chops..ball is sitting nicely on the fairway..I take a swing and hit it fat..what the hell.  Then hit it again and..short..right into the bunker..what the hell.  So, anyway I get out and now lying four on the green..and I three putt.  Talk about the Golf Gods "adjusting" my score.

To me, a 91 is miles away from an 89..even though it's only 2 strokes.  I guess I can't complain as I feel pretty good with the game, less the blow up holes, but feel I'm getting so close to getting sub-90 consistently..we'll see.

Cheap golf shorts..

I have to say I'm not the one to be looking at when it comes to the latest golf fashion and my wallet tells me that I can't plunk done 90 bucks a shirt to look like Ian Poulter or Rickie Fowler.  However, I do get my golf shorts from Marshalls and it is super cheap.  I'm the last person who needs another pair of khaki shorts, but you just can't help it when you can get some designer ones for $15.  I just got some cool North Face khaki shorts which were super cheap.  True, a lot of their other stuff is well..eh..yucky..but this place must be where golf shorts go to die.

As smooth as butter..

After playing with the Mizuno MP 600 driver a few times now I have to say that the distance I get is about the same as the Titleist 905R I used before.  One thing that I had to get used to was a smoother swing with the MP-600 since the shaft is 45" (the shaft on the 905R is 44"), but after a few hits it was easier than I thought to get adjusted to.  I noticed with the longer shaft it required less effort for me, compared to the shorter shaft, to get the same distance..which makes sense.

Sometimes, I get into trouble when I try to "step on it" to get a little more and end up with a low hook with the shorter driver (905R at 44") but with this one, and with it's longer length, it negates that effect..another reason I may keep it.  It's like eating a piece of steak..you can't just stick it in your mouth and swallow..you have to chew and chew first.

I have to say, however, I still have not bough into the whole weight technology system as I had set the MP-600 to launch the ball high (both weight in the center/rear position)..but still get a medium trajectory.  I know I have a shallow swing, but still this "technology" should at least give me a little "bump" in this area.  Either way, I do really like the way the MP 600 looks..almost like the 905R..very plain and standard setup..and it has no alignment markers..but at this point anyone who plays with one already should know how to align the ball to the driver.

If you're looking to try the MP-600 out, they're pretty cheap on Ebay nowadays and can probably be had for under $150, new, and less if you want to go the used route.

Black is the New Black.

I've noticed lately that golf equipment manufacturers are going back to black (or that sexy smokey black) into their lines.  Check out the new Titleist 910 stuff..yeah..super sexy:

Chip Like a Putt..so true!

I'm not a fan of offering golf advice as there are a billion sites/blogs out there that do this..but one tidbit that is as true as the sun rising from the east is the "Chip like a Putt" technique.  Basically, as the title states..you set up like your putting and use the same stroke but with a you're favorite wedge.

I like to go one step further and use this same technique from off the fringe and use a wider stroke for longer chips..I've taken my back swing as far back as the 9 or 10 o'clock position with absolute precision.  The key is don't break down and use any wrist hinge..that's a killer.  There is no need to read all the articles and books on wrist hinge and cocking..unless you're timing is as accurate as a Rolex..forget about all that non-sense..really..K.I.S.S,  I guarantee you this will knock STROKES off your round.

Chip Like a Putt -- powered by GolfLink

Pet (Golf) Peeves..

I was reading these from the Game Under Repair blog and I have to say I have to agree with all of them..and I have a few more to list.

"For Fun" guy
I actually like playing with these guys, but after awhile I think it affects my game as I start to lose focus as well.  Usually, these guys get tied in with the Mulligan Lover guy (see below) or share the same traits.  You can tell the "For Fun" guys straight off the bait because they'll never give you a score and when you ask, it comes off like a fart in church.  I think that the "For Fun" guys should save their money and go buck wild on the range..but then again they need love too. 

Marker Cheater guy 
There's not much to say about this guy but he's the one that will place the ball marker a few inches IN FRONT of his ball.  I know it's not much..but still..a lot can happen in an inch..absolutely abominable..and bugs the crap out of me.

Mulligan Lover guy
This guy shares the same traits as the "For Fun" guy, but what kills me is that he'll drop a ball whenever it seems best with no regard for his final score on the hole.  The Mulligan Lover (and For Fun guy) guy should never say what they shot as it's B.S...always.  It always kills me though that the Mulligan Lover guy likes to spread misery and insists that whoever hits a bad shot should take one..go to the range.

"You're in my view" guy 
I've only encountered this type of player twice in my golfing career..and that's twice too many.  He's the guy that demands that you not be in his peripheral vision of sight on his shots and his putts.  It's actually very irritating..and downright impossible..to be absolutely out of sight from players that are about to make a swing.  Always having this person remind you that he can see you is just being a big pain in the ass.  You deserve this is your first name is Arnold and last name is Palmer..otherwise..go to the range.


Arrogant golf equipment guy
Quite possibly the worst guy to ever encounter on the course.  Not only will he give you an earful of what he plays, launch conditions, shaft spining, spin rate, blah..blah..blah..he'll have the audacity to tell you you're playing the wrong equipment and why..what the hell..go to the range.

Get your mouth off my ball guy
Not a sexual thing, but the guy that gives an immediate "Great shot" even when he knows that it's headed for disaster.  Can you please wait a few seconds before issuing your absurd comments without knowing (caring) where it's fate will be?

Golf in Hawaii ALOHA~!

Welcome to golf heaven..and no it’s not Augusta or Pebble Beach..it’s Hawaii golf. Blessed with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable signature holes and championship caliber course design, it's no wonder why Hawaii attracts so many golfers from around the world.

Discover a variety of unique course layouts on Hawaii's six, geographically distinct islands—from greens lined with volcanic rough to stunning seaside water hazards and with more than 70 amazing golf courses to choose from, it won't be difficult to find the perfect course for you. 

Hawaii golf courses presents an array of superb resort courses plus the finest assortment of independent daily fee courses in Hawaii. Lush green fairways set amongst black volcanic rock rough help to make the courses of Hawaii truly unique. 16 publicly accessible golf courses are spread throughout the Big Island. The world-renowned Kohala Coast resorts of Waikoloa, Mauna Lani and Mauna Kea feature courses that have given the Big Island the nickname, “Golf Capital of Hawaii.”

Just try to concentrate..Focus on your swing and not the pristine, black lava-lined fairways and palm tree-speckled greens. Block out the crystal blue waters and the rhythmic crash of waves just beyond the bunker. Try your best to forget that you’re playing on one of the most beautiful golf courses you’ve ever seen. It may take a few holes, but you’ll get used to it.

Discover courses along the Kohala Coast, such as the Jack Nicklaus designed Hualalai Golf Course, the championship Francis H. Ii Brown courses of the Mauna Lani Resort and the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed courses at Mauna Kea Resort. Not to be outdone, play the two courses of the Waikoloa Beach Resort designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and the Ocean Course and Alii Mountain Course of the Kona Country Club.

Discover a variety of other hidden gems throughout Hawaii and play amongst the striking contrasts of lush green fairways, pure white bunkers, jet-black lava flows and turquoise Pacific waters. Hit a bad shot and you can always blame it on the Big Island. Views like this justify a mulligan. You're never too far for Hawaii tee times..ALOHA!

Tiger tamers..

I never really cared or bothered in following the “up and coming” rookies on the tour, until recently. I have to say Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler are two young guns that are really keeping me glued to the tube whenever they are playing. Besides having a great demeanor on the course and having the game to back it up, these guys seem like the real deal and I can see these two being the next “Phil and Tiger” match-up. At first, I have to say the bright, mono-chromatic outfits worn by Rickie, and his hair, just turned me away, but after seeing this kid play..well the outfits are just an easier way for me to identify who’s playing. 

Talking about HAIR..that’s the first thing I noticed when I saw Rory McIlroy..but just also another way for me to identify him quickly. This kid’s got game too and just his overall maturity on the course is refreshing. He seems likes he’s just having a good time out there and you can still see his youthful vibrance after he makes a great shot..or shall I say after NUMEROUS great shots. I’ve been actually trying to search the web to pick up one of his “Jumeirah” Titleist caps..but no where to be found.

New driver..MP 600

As you guys may know I have decided to go with the Mizuno MX-25's for my irons, but I had an inkling to also try a Mizuno driver..and decided to go with the MP 600 (yes, it's not the latest driver from Mizuno, which is the MP 630). I've never played with a Mizuno driver, but from what I've heard it's a "players" driver, meaning it's not going to help much if you don't have a swing, which should be fine as I've been playing Titleist drivers for the last few years.

I decided to give the latest technology of these movable weights a go also. The MP 600 has these two movable (secured in a U-shape track) weights that you can manipulate to various configurations that can alter the trajectory of the ball. I still have to try it to believe it..but I'm sure if you're not a consistent hitter, these weights aren't going to do anything for you.  Also, another thing I really like about the MP 600 is that IT LOOKS CLEAN..very similar to how my Titleist 905R looks..nothing fancy or crazy pain schemes..just plain goodness.

Also, I was able to pick it up on Ebay for $130, new, which I had to jump on. If it hits anything like my Titleist 905R AND I can mess with the trajectory..then it sounds like a bunch of fun. It should be arriving sometime next week, so after I really put it through it's pace I'll give you guys a better report on it.

Anthony Kim hates heavy metal..

One of my favorite players and I have to say 3 putting in that mess would've been embarassing for me too.

Back To The 80's

I'm a fan of everything '80's..especially when it comes to my golf score. I decided to go with the Mizuno MX-25's, more on this later, and played at Mile Square Park (Players Course) today with a buddy of mine. I've played the "Classic" course, which has mature trees throughout the course and meandering doglegs here and there. The fairways are flat with faster greens. The "Players" course is more of your modern style course.  There's more water that come into play with slightly undulating fairways, however, the greens are much more forgiving..slower. Okay, enough about the courses.

I was hitting all my irons nicely, but without a doubt the forged feeling was adding alot more confidence and feel as the day progressed. There's an absolute difference between my Titleist AP1's and these Mizuno MX-25's. The MX-25's felt buttery soft, but I noticed I was able to really get the ball up there without much effort. I was literally aiming at the pin on many holes. The trajectory was awesome..the ball would go up and come down like a lawn dart. I was literally playing all yardages straight to the pin..and needless to say I shot a 85 in the end.

The key to shooting a "good" score is you MUST KEEP UNFORCED ERRORS (like tennis) AT A MINIMUM! What I mean by an UNFORCED ERROR are shots that shouldn't have been made in the first place..like fatties, shanks, thin ones, etc. You know..the ones if you were given another chance you would've just hit a 7 iron and moved on..right? I always keep track of these "error" shots and for me if I can keep then to 15 or less I know I'll be under 90. Today I hit 13 of these errors..which obviously proved my theory of breaking 90 (85). I had 9 pars, 5 bogeys and 4 doubles.

One thing that bothers me is that we played the course from the white tees (6,334 yards), and not the blue tees (6,759 yards). Obviously, I'm going to play this course again, but from the blues so I can get a better estimate of my renewed confidence..and if I'm really coming around to the next level..Stay tuned!

Ottawa Golf

When you think about Canada what's the first think that comes to mind?  For me it was the the McKenzie Brothers and Strange Brew..eh..but actually Canada, and especially Ottawa..to be exact, is home to some of most gorgeous golf courses in the world.  Ottawa golf courses have some of the most pristine courses that are on equal terms and quality, if not surpassing, to your high-end private courses in the U.S. AND THEY'RE PUBLIC..no need to sign off on the house or the kids college fund..i.e. weekend nomads, like you and me, can feel part of high society too.

Loch March is a PUBLIC (hooray!) golf and country club that offers all the bells and whistles of your exclusive private clubs without those staggering initiation fees and minimum accounts often required with them..all packaged and delivered to you in a resort environment.   Their 18-hole, par 72 golf course is as renowned for it's superb beauty and has mature forests that make Loch March an ever changing environment..in short..flat out gorgeous!

The fairways and greens at Loch March are top-dressed to always ensure proper playing conditions..and these guys cut their tee decks (us yanks call them tee boxes) BY HAND..which make it look like a green..unbelievable!  This is a place of natural beauty. The golf holes at Loch March were not contrived; they were discovered on the natural topography of the March Highlands.

Loch March is a course that will inspire you to play your best game. Each hole presents a unique challenge, whether it's the pin position, a greenside bunker or well-placed stream. Risk or reward is evident at every hole. You'll find that par is demanding, yet a bogey is quite comfortable; that the golf course rewards the good shot yet doesn't penalize the poor ones and by the end of your round, you'll have used every club in your bag..no cookie cutter course here folks.

Without a doubt, golfers of all levels will enjoy their round at Loch March. Four different sets of tee blocks, from a touch over 5,000 yards to a hair under 7,000 yards, let you choose the most appropriate course length for your abilities. Their lush fairways and impeccable greens promise ideal conditions for you to play your best, whether you're out for a casual game or looking to test your skills.  Lay up or go for the green — it's your call.

Bridgeston J36 Pocket Cavity vs. Mizuno MX 25

Well, I finally got out today to test the Bridgestone J36 Pocket Cavity forged irons AND..I also got the Mizuno MX 25, also forged, to compare.  I know these are two different style irons and the J36 PC's are definitely more of a players iron, whereas the MX 25 are more of a game improvement iron.  I ran up and down both sets at the range under the same conditions today and the varying results of both sets were apparent. 

Let's begin with the J36 PC's, which I noticed immediately that the ball flight was lower BUT, much more penetrating than the MX 25's.  A lot probably had to due with the stiffer Project X 5.0 flighted shafts and that the swingweight on the J36 PC's are a D-3.  Just swinging the J36 PC's and you can immediately feel the heft of the iron. 

Fortunately, I have a smooth swing, which this iron requires, but you will be rewarded with a pure, low-mid ball flight.  I would have to say however I was about a club short all around with the J36 PC's.  There is a little room and less than perfect contact is immediate loss of distance.  These would be perfect for windy days where you wouldn't want the a low ball flight.  What seemed kind weird was that all the irons seem to act their respective lofts, however, on the 5 iron the flight seemed just too low and seemed more of a 3 iron flight.  Not sure if the lofts were off..but it was VERY apparent. 

The Mizuno MX 25's were a joy to hit and I have to be honest, easier and more forgiving.  I knew these were better suited for me when I tried to hit the 3 iron, which I never use nowadays, and hit a perfect laser down the middle with the first swing.  The ball flight is exactly what I was looking for and it got the ball up high.  The feeling is unbelievable with grain flow forged irons.  These hard as rock range balls felt like marshmellows..it almost got to a point where they felt a tad too mushy..if that's possible.  The shaft was the Dynamic Gold SL R300..and I feel tempted to try it in the S300.  I like the headsize of the MX 25's as it is identical to the Titleist AP1's that I was using before, but a thinner topline and obviously the unmatch forged feel.  I felt like I was almost swinging to fast with these irons.  It may be because I was hitting the heavier and stiffer J36 PC's and then these..but I'd still like to try these in the S300.

Both the J36 PC's and the MX 25's were a joy to hit and felt awesome, but the MX 25's were definitely more "fun" and easier to get going.  I have to say you need a fast head speed to get the true effectiveness of the J36 PC's, whereas with the MX 25's it's more player friendly..it will do with what you have.