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..