Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey shot a nifty 8-under 64 yesterday to capture second place in the PGA Tour's season-ending Children's Miracle Network Classic. Watch it? I didn't think so.

Gainey's homegrown, unorthodox swing (not to mention grip, set up and choice of two, count 'em two gloves) should not be emulated. But there is one part of his swing that every golfer should seek to imitate: his confidence.

Notice how in this swing he leaves nothing in the bag? It ain't pretty, but it's the hallmark of someone who's really feelin' it.

Labels: Children's Miracle Network Classic, Davis Love III, Golf, PGA Tour, Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey

Despite the incessant media blitzkrieg that happens every couple years there's a Ryder Cup, I seem to stand alone in my opinion that the Ryder Cup is a media-driven, sponsor-soaked, over-hyped exhibition of golf.

I mean really, on behalf of the Americans, there hasn't been a whole lot to get excited about in recent Cups. Why? I think it's because the Euro's are more accustomed to acting as representatives of a greater sum than are the Americans, who like our forefathers, are more focused on our individual liberties and pursuits. That's what America is--a giant mass of individuals. Sure, we have our team sports, but allegiance to cities, states or even regions of the country are practically non-existent when compared to our Euro counterparts.

Put it this way: baseball, football or basketball players don't give a hoot where they play or what town they represent. They're after the dollar signs, no matter where that means playing their given sport. American fans are the same way. My fellow editor? He's a Texas Rangers fan, despite being raised on the East Coast and living now on the West Coast. Transplant fans are everywhere! Rooting for your hometeam is reserved for some, but it's nowhere near like it is throughout Europe (and Latin America for the matter.)

I think this is why sports like soccer are so wildly popular in Europe. It's not because soccer is all that interesting, instead it's the appeal a team has in representing an entire city or country. If you're from Madrid, you'll no doubt grow up a die hard Madrid soccer fan. If you're from Rome (Roma), the likelihood of you growing up as a London fan is, well--don't go there. It just doesn't happen. Fans in Europe are true fans of there hometowns or home countries.

That mentality, sense of pride--whatever you want to call it, is definitely stronger among the Euro players than the Americans. In fact, the last couple Cups, the Americans have looked really uncomfortable playing as a unit. I don't necessarily blame them--you can't compete on the greatest Tour in the world these days without being a little self-centered. After all, nobody is going to pinch hit for you on a long par-3, or putt that tricky 4-footer for you. You're on your own out there. So, when thrown into a team situation, the Americans don't understand the meaning of team unity and shared burden (like the Euros do who grew up with that sense of group pride), instead each American player feels as if he needs to carry the whole team. Their giant-sized ego's get in the way. This is why the players get so freaked out and under-perform. They TRY TOO HARD.

So, what would I do if I were Azinger? First, I'd ignore all the media hacks (like me) who have turned the Ryder Cup into the monumental gimmick that it is. Instead, trace back to the roots of Ryder Cups past, when it was a fun exhibition of true gamesmanship. The kind that started the night before with both teams enjoying drinks together and seeing who can outlast the other. Or, add some of the "in your face" trash-talking, the kind that built the game of golf in the 50s and 60s. Bring back the real persona of the Ryder Cup, which was designed to not necessarily to be a cutthroat live-for-this-moment-put-it-on-my-resume type event, but instead a showcase of personalities, skill and most of all, goodwill from one team to another.

If we ditched the horrible matching outfits and let each American use his persona, hubris and most of all talent in his own way, we'd see better golf coming from the Americans. We already see this coming from the Euros. They know how to have a good time and it shows. The Americans? They're just too darn uptight. If they'd only loosen up, they'd win more often.

And as for you media dudes, perched high in the media center with a 60-inch 1080p HDTV screen in front of you, chill out and have another free cocktail. They'll be plenty more drama for you guys to make up in time for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Labels: Golf, PGA Tour, Ryder Cup

News today out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina that the golf mecca is opening a Hall of Fame. It will be located at Pine Lakes Country Club in its new Hall of Fame Garden, near the club's renovated clubhouse.

Four to six people who've played significant roles in the Myrtle Beach golf industry will be inducted in the Hall of Fame's inaugural year. No names have been announced.

Pine Lakes opened in 1927 and is the birthplace of Sports Illustrated magazine. Originally Ocean Forest Golf Club, Pine Lakes is also the area's first golf resort. This March it reopens after a 20-month restoration headed by Craig Schreiner.

Labels: Craig Schreiner, Golf, Myrtle Beach, Pine Lakes Country Club, Sports Illustrated

How many rules did Tiger break by walking on the water and touching it with his club?

Labels: ea sports, Golf, jesus shot, PGA Tour, tiger woods, video game

I'm just kidding.

Remember last year when we were trying to figure out how the Fed Ex Cup actually worked? Well, this year has proven itself almost as confusing thanks to a few revisions that enable players who play well the opportunity to move further up the point tally. (For the official details, click HERE.)

What gripes me most is, despite the few ticky-tack revisions made in '08, the players who earn high FedEx Cup starting points by performing well over the course of the PGA Tour season can still realistically skip an event and go on to win the Fed Ex Cup ( just like Tiger, who only played 3 out of 4 events last year and still won.) To me, that's just plain ridiculous. What kind of race is this if you can sit out 25% of the laps and still cross the checkered line first? Hmm, that's like skipping the Great 8 and marching right into the Final Four, in my opinion.

Nevertheless, at least the golf is going to be good. The next four events are all played on strong, fun-to-watch layouts, including The Barclay's interesting course switcheroo at Ridgewood CC, The Deutsche Bank in Boston, the BMW in St. Louis and the Tour Championship in Atlanta. I like 'em all, despite the fact that I think it'd be a lot more interesting if the events spread the country. One in the west, two in the middle and finish on the east coast. Now that would be interesting, and also would be quite appropriate considering FedEx's breadth in shipping packages all across this great country of ours.

Nevertheless again, as for my pick. Steve Lowery? He'd probably have to win at least 2 events to have a shot (I'm not even going to try to scientifically validate that, it's just a guess.) But if not him, you have to go with the kind of players who can obviously string together a series of good rounds without too many blow ups. I.e., flashy, "go for broke" players aren't going to fair as well in the FedEx Cup as more conservative players might, so I'm going to go with players like Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh and Geoff Ogilvy and Stuart Appleby. Now, I want to pick Padraig Harrington, but seriously, what's he have left to prove? He should be the Player of the Year. I also want to say Anthony Kim has a shot, but that'd just be too good to be true.

Finally, I can't help but admit the player to watch has to be Sergio Garcia. You can pretty much assume he's a longshot, based on his streaky putting stroke alone, but it's his attitude that's most hindering. If not for his bouts with poor sportsmanship, he'd probably be more respected and in turn, a more confident contender and likely a major event winner already.

What do you think?

Labels: barclays, fed ex cup, Golf, PGA Tour, professional

Wilson Staff Advisory Member Padraig Harrington Becomes 2008 PGA Champion, Scores Back-to-Back Major Wins

Victory marks 61st major championship title won with Wilson irons

CHICAGO, August 11, 2008 - Wilson Staff Advisory Member Padraig Harrington overcame Sergio Garcia and a grueling 36-hole Sunday to capture The 90th PGA Championship title at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. This is the 61st major tournament title won with Wilson Staff irons, and marks Harrington's second major in a row and third out of the last six. He is only the 4th player in history to win the Open Championship and PGA Championship in the same year.

Wilson Staff equipment dominated Harrington's bag en route to his victory: Dd6+ driver, FYbrid 5-wood, Wilson Staff 3 Hybrid (19 degree), Ci7 series 4-iron, Pi series 5-iron through pitching wedge, and prototype Tw9 wedges (54 and 60 degrees).

Harrington had an impressive final two days, shooting a 66 in the rain delayed third round followed by another 66 to secure the win. Harrington shot a 32 on the back nine, just as he did at Royal Birkdale last month, and he came up with clutch shot-making throughout the final round. He chipped to 3-feet for birdie on the 12th, hit a 5-iron to 12-feet for birdie on the 13th, rolled in a 12-foot par on the 16th to catch Sergio Garcia and Ben Curtis, took the lead by hitting it to 8-feet for birdie on the par-3 17th, then closed out the Spaniard with an 18-foot par for a two-shot victory. With the win, Harrington becomes the first European player to win the PGA Championship since the tournament began using stroke play in 1958.

Harrington is number three in the official World Golf Rankings and he is Europe's number one player. Harrington will also be a contender to win Player of the Year honors, which will be determined later this year. He is just the fourth player ever to win the Open Championship and the PGA Championship in the same year. "We continue to be energized by Padraig's performance and are thrilled to play a role in his historic achievement," said Tim Clarke, General Manager, Wilson Golf. "Padraig's drive and determination is an inspiration to our entire organization, and is a testament to his competitive nature.

We’ll be seeing a lot more of Padraig in the championship circle." In accepting the Wannamaker Trophy, Harrington alluded to the close competition that marked the last three holes in particular. "I think I was just willing to risk it all at that stage," he said. "You've got to get focused in that situation and the adrenaline and pressure help with that. You just take it on and give it a go."

Labels: Golf, Harrington, PGA championship, PGA Tour, Wilson, win

We know, it's early, but Sean O'Hair is only one back at the PGA. Here's some swing analysis by Brady Riggs, one of our longtime contributors.

Enjoy.

Give us your take on his take.

Labels: Golf, instruction, PGA championship, professional, sean o hair, swing, tip

USGA makes changes to rules on grooves - 08/05/2008

The Royal & Ancient and U.S. Golf Association announced a rules change Tuesday that will reduce the size and shape of grooves in most clubs in 2010, the first time equipment has been scaled back in nearly 80 years.

The change was directed toward elite players and emphasizes the importance of hitting the ball in the fairway.

For the whole story, CLICK HERE

Labels: clubs, drivers, Golf, grooves, irons, magazine, News, PGA Tour, rules, usga, wedges

Okay, that's the longest blog title ever.

News yesterday that the private, 27-hole Spanish Trail Golf and Country Club in Las Vegas has completed renovations on its 9-hole Canyon Course. The upgrades to the original Robert Trent Jones Jr. course were handled by the Houston-based design firm of Finger, Dye, Spann, Inc. Look for a drainage system, new state-of-the-art irrigation system, new cart paths and all new sodded fairways.

The Canyon Course's improvements are the first part of a multi-year renovation program.

Labels: Golf, Las Vegas, Spanish Trail