Enough is enough!!

One thing I am adamant about is that my golf clubs must look "clean".  Clean meaning void of useless, cosmetically, un-appealing stamps, graphics, etc. from the manufacturer.  One of my favorite designs off all time, well used to be, was the classic Cleveland 588 wedges.  It was flat-out plain, clean and beautiful.  Lately, however, the latest Titlest wedges and Cleveland wedges are just flooded with so many engravings, stamps, etc. on the head that it makes me naseous..and just makes the wedges ugly..and appealing.  Do we need to be "reminded" by the manufacturer what the wedges do or how they are different.  Are we as golfers that dumb?  Does K.I.S.S. come to mind?

Take a look at the heads on the latest offerings from Titleist and Cleveland..yucK:

Do we need the flying "BV", "SM4"..really?..really?, and forgot it is a "Vokey Design"

 











and

No need for explanation here..who makes this again?  This would be so bad ass without 99% of their graphics.

Seriously, what is up?  Do we need to be "reminded" that it is a "SM4" and isn't the "BV" enough..did we forget it's a "Bob Vokey" design.  I play with the older generation Spin Milled and personally that the little circular saw blade was a tad atrocious..but learned to get over it..but now..ugh.

NOW..look at the 588..what the hell?!?  I understand that it's a forged club..that's why I bought it, right? but, please I don't need a stamp saying "Precision Forged" and what up with that weird emblem underneath the Reg. 588?  Yes, I guess it's supposed to stand for "CF"? Cleveland Forged..I guess...but once again..yucK!  I still never like their "Tour Zip Groove" stamp either..similarly in the same place as a Vokey SM stamp.  We are not dumB! or perhaps they'll soon be selling ad space by other companies on them.  I can see it now..a little Starbucks or McDonald's stamp..

Mizuno has seemed to stay true and realize that simple is good..simple is great..simple is simple:

Mizuno R12..perfect.

How beautiful is this?  Hullo Titlest..Cleveland?

If you guys want to see some other gorgeous and "simple" wedges check these out..but *cough* it's gonna cost ya, but soooo worth it"

I got it BAAAADDD!!

Signs that the golf bug has bit you on your ass (off the top of my head):

1. You check Craigslist and Ebay..incessantly.
2. You try to justify why you need to replace your current set (irons, woods, putters or all 3..lol)
3. You re-grip your irons when they aren't needed.
4. You scour the internet and sports/golf stores for the best prices and deals on Pro V1's.
5. You clean your irons better than your own teeth.
6. You golf bag is better organized than your own workroom..and you constantly re-organize.

For me:
1. Yes (scored major deals today..OMG so happy!!)
2. I bought, but sent back..seriously I love my current Mizzy's (Mx 25's)..what was I thinking?!
3. I contemplated it..and was going to get a great deal..but think old age is making me a wiser man..if it ain't broke why fix it..right?
4. Yep..
5. Yep..
6. Yep..

Getting my mojo back!

It's been a super long time that I blogged here..but it's good to see that there are some hits coming through.  I finally dusted off the clubs and have been playing every week now for the last couple months.  It's been fun and feel the "bug" has bitten me again.  To be honest I had no desire to play, but after a few times at the range with my son, 8, even I started to get "into" it again.  I just played yesterday at Alhambra GC and it was a blast.  I can't remember the last time I played there but it was extremely enjoyable.

I think I'm growing up as a player as I really enjoy helping others improve with their own game.  A friend of mine just started getting into it and I really enjoy seeing his exuberance for the game.  He's a true student as he is learning all the good habits..counting EVERYTHING and putting EVERYTHING out..key traits in lowering your score and becoming a better player.  I'm a fan of players who never take their scores for granted.  This has also made me really inspect my game and made me be really aware of taking strokes for granted..a stroke is a stroke is a stroke.

Anyway I'm back!!

WAM Golf!! Please change your domain name..deadbeat!

WAM Golf PLEASE GET ANOTHER DOMAIN - YOU SCAMMER!!

One thing that really pisses me off is when you have other people jumping on a name just to get their search engine rating up.  An obvious case in this is with this guy that runs WAM Golf Blog (I had it url'd but no more free rides for this scab..just Google my name "Golf Nomad" and you'll see this pathetic slim-ball's site..it's unluckily beneath my blog)  Iwould not be so angry if he had any other name, uh-duh..how about having your domain/url say "WAM Golf Blog"..besides using "TheGolfNomad"..like c'mon..you came up with that all by yourself..right?  His url that has my name in it has no relation to his content. 

It's apparent that WAMMO is using my name..yes..Golf Nomad..in his domain to get free traffic..what a loser and a scab.  Please, be a man, get your own traffic to your site and not ride my coat-tails.  If you have any questions you can contact me..THE ORIGINAL GOLF NOMAD (not you) anytime.

The Art of Scoring - Stan Utley

I just finished reading "The Art of Scoring" by Stan Utley.  The book presents a guide on great ways to lower your score utilizing various approaches to strategies, decision-making, and management for every part of your short game..where it counts right?

We have all heard of Stan Utley and his breakthrough short game and putting techniques have made him one of the most sought-after golf instructors in America..ask Sergio Garcia, Jay Haas, Darren Clarke and Paige MacKenzie.  Stan also holds the PGA Tour record for fewest putts in nine holes with six at the 2002 Air Canada Championship.

Utley's sole PGA Tour victory came in 1989 at the Chattanooga Classic. He lost his PGA Tour card in 1992 and decided to play on the Nike Tour (now known as the Nationwide Tour). In the 1990s, he played primarily in this venue.  As his touring career was winding down, Utley began to develop new career strategies for taking advantage of his reputation as one of the best chippers and putters in the game. He began a transition into teaching and writing with special focus on his specialty - the short game. Utley has risen to prominence as one of the best instructors in golf. Golf Digest has called him one of America's 50 greatest teachers.

The key components that Stan wants you to leave with after reading (..and for me re-reading) are:

Four Keys to Success

Get to the Green: Stan Utley’s techniques show you how to keep the ball in play, and make the most of your individual skills. Stan shows you how to reduce your risks, stay out of trouble, and play within yourself to get to the green with a minimum amount of pain and frustration. 

Wedge Game: Learn the techniques of consistent wedge play around the green. Stan Utley will show you how to hit your wedges consistently and the easiest way to cut down the number of putts you make. Learn proper techniques for shots around the green and then learn to pick the best strategy for each situation. 

Rediscover the Lost Art of Putting: How can you blow a knee-knocker from 8 inches, but backhand a “gimmee” from two feet? Consistent putting requires a good eye and steady hand. Stan Utley’s techniques let you rediscover the lost art of putting.

Bouncing Your Way Out of the Sand: Even the highest skilled golfer gets sweaty palms when faced with a digging the ball out of a bunker. When should you blast? When should you try to pick it cleanly? With a few easy-to-learn techniques, Stan Utley can prove that there are worse places to end up than on the beach.

It is a very easy book to follow along and worth every penny..the perfect golf reference book for us everyday golfers.

I'm late..blame it on Ansel Adams

I know it's been a very long time since I put something up.  In all honesty, I have not been playing any golf lately as I've been "distracted" by another endeavor..photography.  Actually, the two share similar concepts, which I can see why golfers could be drawn to photography:

• The equipment doesn't matter, it's the indian not the arrow.  Whether you have a point and shoot or a $50,000 Phase One (Google it..), it's all about course management..or in this case, composition.  You create the "shot", not the equipment.
• There's numerous ways to make a "shot".  Like golf where you can hit multiple shots with one iron, the same goes with photography.  You have multiple ways to control your aperture, shutter, ISO which will in the end give you thousands of ways to make the "shot" that is needed at the moment.
• They are both an expensive hobby, unless you are sponsored or get paid..right?  My current camera (body alone) was $900 at the time I purchased it.  This is not to include lenses, gear, etc. which can easily take you over the cost of multiple golf sets.
• Photographers (like golfers) are gear-hounds.  We're always looking for the latest, newest, thing and then begins the drooling.
• You have to be dedicated and disciplined to advance to the next level.  Whether it's beating balls at the range or driving out and finding interesting places to take photos.  You need to get out and commit yourself if you want to improve.  There's no easy way to get better.

As you can see, it's quite possible why we like photography and wouldn't surprise me if I was to ask the group in front of us, at the next round, how many have a DSLR.  I'm sure I'd get a few hands that go up.

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!