Going Belly Up

The “sweeping success” of the game’s long putters and belly putters has caused a stir on Tour. Three of the last five major champions punctuated their victories with a controversial tool. Traditionalists argue that by anchoring the putter into the chest or stomach, it creates a distinct advantage. The extra stability removes late-round tension in the arms and hands, configuring a stroke that is devoid of pressure.

Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Ernie Els, your thoughts?

Are the best players in the world (Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy) still winning with the standard-bearer because they are supremely gifted, but players like Simpson and Bradley have distilled the field with an unfair instrument? It makes for interesting fodder.

While I think the long putter adds a more balanced approach to lengthier putts, I believe it can hinder shorter putts. The weight and shape of a “life size” putter can be awkward and difficult to control inside of 10 feet. I find that a putter in the 30-35″ range (relative to your height–I’m 5’9) is easier to manage. Much like choking down on a wedge or iron, you are reducing the window for mistakes. During this year’s British Open, Adam Scott felt the bind down the stretch, and missed several practice green gimmes. Was the long putter to blame?

I disagree with the idea of placing a ban on the long/belly putter. At the same time, I am an old-fashioned player at heart and would never use a putter that Jack Nicklaus or Johnny Miller didn’t put in the bag. Let’s compromise and carry two sticks.

–Anthony Stipa

2012
08/31
CATEGORY
Long putters
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Desperate Days

It’s easy to contend for a major when your young, athletic and naive of your own mortality. Today’s thrashing twenty-somethings have all the razzle-dazzle and hype fit for the Vegas strip. Being a superstar at 23, with a silver jug in one hand and a tennis princess in the other, will give anybody a white ball complex. The real grit and grime collects on golf’s fossils, relatively speaking. The forty-somethings carry a certain desperation and last-ditch mentality that oozes like slime.

Look at the contentment of Darren Clarke, who at 42 conquered a seemingly fruitless ambition at last year’s Open Championship. You can count the near misses of the Northern Irishman like the accumulating gray hairs on his head. Finally, bliss.

Rory McIlroy showed us what true potential can be at Congressional last year, but contracted Anthony Kim-syndrome after tasting success. Excessive globetrotting has only exhausted the mop-topped star.

–>Take a look at journeyman Steve Stricker this week. The 45-year-old model of consistency has a real shot at breaking through and snagging the Wanamaker. His stoic swing can handle the ebb-and-flow of the Ocean Course and it’s deceptive winds. He’s been close before–second in 1998–and there’s a stench of desperation. How many more years of world class golf can “Strick” put together? With appearances in the Ryder Cup and President’s Cup in each of the past five years, Stricker is no stranger to pressure. He just needs to hold on down the home stretch.

Other guys to watch:

Dustin Johnson– The Coastal Carolina Kid has all the tools to avenge 2010’s calamity at Whistling Straits. While he hasn’t shown much promise on the PGA Tour in 2012 (29th on the Money List), he’s back in familiar territory at Kiawah Island.

Graeme McDowell– Arguably playing the best golf in the world this season. His major line in 2012: T-12, T-2, T-5. McDowell has been tearing up courses with his ball striking, look for another strong outing.

Davis Love III– [SEE: 40SOMETHINGs] Remember the point about desperation? It can be a beautiful, sinister, motivating factor. Let’s not forget that DL3 is partial to the Carolinas. He graduated from the University of North Carolina and has had plenty of success in the region. Heck, three of his first five PGA Tour wins came in Hilton Head, S.C. We also know he’s got the composure of a major champion, with a victory at Winged Foot in ’97.

Let’s not forget this guy either…

2012
08/08
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The 10 Best Tiger Ads

The marriage formed between Tiger Woods and Nike, Inc. in the summer of 1996 was fruitful for everyone involved. The advertising blitz that followed in the coming years, was even sweeter. It proved to be a portrait into the life of a charismatic wunderkind, turned tour de force, turned dehumanized villain, turned reclamation project.

History can define Woods any way it wants to, but it will never deny him a place in the “Pantheon of Golf Influence.” From the inaugural “I Am Tiger Woods” ad until today–when you can rarely find a Woods spot–it has been an intriguing journey. Here are my top ten favorite Tiger Woods commercials of all-time.

10. “Nike Accuracy”

I highly doubt that any trick photography was involved with the filming of this commercial, which makes it even more impressive. Tiger’s just doing what he does best–making golf look easy.

9.  “Golf’s Not Hard”

Tiger is still at a ripe age here, showing some inexperience in front of the camera. However, his charisma is already on display as he leads us through a humorous teaching point.

8. “Frank: Sand In Funny Places”

The “Frank” spots were engineered to perfection by Nike, casting Academy Award-winning actor Paul Giamatti to play Tiger’s cranky head cover. The banter was also brilliant, and this was one of a series of good ads.

7. “Slow Motion Swing”

Just when you thought Tiger was running out of potential ideas for commercials around 2006-2007, Nike pulls out this gem. It’s simple, yet poetic. Woods’ swing is (was) a model of consistency, so why not super-slow it down for the world to enjoy.

6. “Mental Toughness”

Earl Woods was a mainstay in Tiger’s ads, even being used as a voice over posthumously in 2010. Here he explains one of the reason’s Tiger has become so unflinchingly tough during his reign. The homemade videos also paint a picture of Tiger’s childhood.

5. “I Am Tiger Woods”

This very influential commercial was spawned early in Tiger’s career. It encapsulates the impending youth and ethnic movement into the game of golf. Tiger inspired thousands to play a game that was familiar to the upper echelon. Not anymore.

4. “Frank at the Diner”

Probably the best “Frank” spot ever crafted. Think about how many people started to incorporate “dink” into their vernacular on the golf course after this. Think about how people don’t use it now.

3. “Father’s Day With Earl”

The classic shots of father, son, and a game evolving are displayed here. The Zombies “This Will Be Our Year” is the perfect backdrop to a nostalgic commercial.

2. “Ball Trick 1”

Probably the most mainstream Tiger Woods commercial for the first half of his career. It’s disappointing that Facebook and Twitter predated a very simple concept: Tiger bouncing golf balls on his wedge. The web would have been exploding to see this spot. While it’s relatively forgotten, there’s no doubt it’s impact on the game.

1. “Young Tiger Wins British”

No way anyone could win a British Open at the age of three. OK. Fair enough. But, nobody could hold all four major championships at once either, right? Tiger revolutionized the game, transcended the sport and continues to WOW us today. The soundtrack by Rod Stewart’s “The Faces” only adds to the commercial’s allure.

–Anthony Stipa

2012
03/20
CATEGORY
Tiger Woods
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Tiger’s 0-fer

Tiger Woods is 0-14 in his last two and a half years of major championship golf. Chalk the losses up to injury (he didn’t play in either the 2008 British, or PGA), and a total public coal-raking, but it’s still an astounding statistic. The 14-time major champion has proven his resiliency in previous droughts (Woods didn’t win one in 2003 or 2004), but this has been particularly disheartening for his throng of supporters. His swing transformation with coach Sean Foley is supposedly nearing completion–even though the slightest hint of a reclamation was Woods’ semi-victory at the Chevron World Challenge in late 2011.

Fans of the game won’t be satisfied until Woods’ completely sheds his demons and secures his 15th career major championship. They have undoubtedly taken for granted his past dominance, and if they think the early-2000s Tiger is coming back, they’ve been sorely mistaken. The goal now, as it has always been is 18. And then 19. Beating Jack Nicklaus is the only remaining question in his legacy. With his health seemingly improved, and a maturing swing in tow, all that’s left is a cure to his ailing putter. The 2012 Masters is 37 days away, so I pose a simple question:

2012
02/28
CATEGORY
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The Case for Dustin Johnson

If there was ever a year for Dustin Johnson to reign supremacy on the PGA Tour, it was 2010. Courses around America were defenseless for the Coastal Carolina product’s wicked length.

Two victories yielded high praise indeed, but it’s what he didn’t accomplish that still stalks him in 2012.

Legend has it, that the then-25-year-old took a three stroke lead into the final round of the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, and promptly coughed it up on the 56th hole. An insurmountable wave of pressure derailed his placid confidence.

When the national stage beckoned for more Dustin at the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, the agony was even more palpable. On the 72nd hole, a misjudged grounding-of-the-club resulted in a debilitating two-stroke penalty that kept him out of an ensuing playoff. Germany’s Martin Kaymer walked away with a stunning victory.

Two years removed, we are still waiting for American golf’s “sure thing” to land a major championship. A distant T-2 at last year’s British Open was progress, but getting cut at the sequential PGA Championship was anything but.

In 2012, the seasoned 27-year-old may finally be ready for a jacket, jug or something large and silver. The pieces are on the table, he just needs to assemble them.

My spin: It will take a lot to hold Johnson back from claiming what may have rightfully been his in ’10. With a deep and brazen crop of young talent on the offensive, the opposition is as good as it’s ever been. The Masters and U.S. Open may not be ideal locations to “seal the deal,” but the game’s final two majors are begging for DJ to take them. Royal Lytham & St. Annes, was home to David Duval’s 2001 triumph. If the weather is comparable to a decade ago, it will be a scorer’s paradise. Johnson is known to make a lot of birdies, and can climb a leaderboard in a heartbeat. His length will also undoubtedly increase his Vegas odds.

The PGA Championship will ultimately be a homecoming for Johnson, as the Tour makes its first ever stop to Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The renowned Ocean Course is expected to throw plenty of wrenches at players without local knowledge. Nobody will know the undulations and contours better than Johnson, who’s partial to the state’s rich golf history. If all goes well, he’ll be able to burn rubber north to Myrtle Beach for a “Teal and Bronze” after party. Let’s just hope Johnson and Mr. Wanamaker buckle up and celebrate responsibly.

2012
02/23
CATEGORY
Tour Cases 2012
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Story of the Year

The biggest story of 2011? Rory McIlroy’s runaway victory at the U.S. Open. Here’s my take on golf’s darling prince back in June.

—

Long before Rory McIlroy had his breakfast on Sunday of the 2011 U.S. Open, the coronation parade had begun. A pedestrian—by his standards—third round 68 had given the fresh-faced 22-year-old an eight shot lead on one of golf’s biggest stages.

Pundits, peers and spectators all came to the realization that McIlroy—who owned just two other professional victories—was to be crowned by the time Father’s Day turned into “Father’s Night”.

They were right.

The legendary performance untapped a limitless potential that has people curious about what else McIlroy is capable of.

After shattering eleven U.S. Open records, including lowest four-day total at the tournament with a 268 (-16), natural comparisons have been made to Tiger Woods. Woods previously shot a 272 (-12) at Pebble Beach during the 2000 U.S. Open to unleash a remorseless 15 stroke victory margin.

It was in 1997 when a 21-year-old Woods eviscerated the golf world with a 12-shot romp at Augusta National.  The similarities are certainly prevalent, but here’s where they differ.

It took Woods 10 attempts to secure another major championship trophy on his mantle (The 1999 PGA Championship). For McIlroy, it could be a month away. In taking three weeks off from competition, he’ll be able to put into perspective the magnitude of his accomplishment. The gifted Northern Ireland native will be able to celebrate with family and friends, and then hopefully return for a tune-up tournament before the British Open on July 14-17.

In the last two majors of 2010 and at Augusta National this year, McIlroy flirted with what would ultimately be his destiny, winning a major championship. Last year, at St. Andrews, McIlroy torched the course for a first round 63, to lead the field. A second round 80 nullified his progress, and despite rebounding to finish in a T-3, he was never really in contention down the stretch.

At the PGA Championship at Whistling Straights, McIlroy crept into the hunt on Friday evening. He entered the final round just three shots back, but a missed 15-footer on the 72nd hole to keep him out of a playoff with Bubba Watson and eventual champ Martin Kaymer.

This year’s Masters further solidified McIlroy’s place as a recurring figure in major championships. However, a well-documented collapse that included a triple bogey on the 10th hole and a final round 80 dashed any hopes of victory.

Flash forward to the 2011 British Open, and there’s no doubt that McIlroy is the favorite. With a newly minted resolve and the exorcism of past major blunders, he’s primed to wipe the field clean. If there’s one trophy McIlroy wants more than any other, it’s the Claret Jug. He grew up idolizing the mystique and rich history of the championship, and knows the how prestigious it is to hear his name called by Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A. An ever-improving field can challenge McIlroy, but if he gets the momentum of an orange, white and green crowd behind him, it might as well be a foregone conclusion.

McIlroy has proven that his game is suited for a variety of layouts and conditions. The doses of success at each distinct major championship, coupled with his U.S. Open breakthrough mean that he could one day be knocking down Ol’ Grand Slam’s door. But, can he compete under the microscope? Graduating from Boy Wonder to Superman in the blink of an eye can reveal unforeseen obstacles and added pressure. Being No. 1 comes with a bull’s eye, and if McIlroy is ready to take on a deep and talented mosh pit of opponents, then he’ll be the target for a long time.

Mentally, McIlroy will also have to deflect detractors and stay composed through the brewing media cauldron that he’s cooked up. Fortunately, he has already experienced both ends of the spectrum—agonizing defeat and the numbing joy of success.

McIlroy has a devastatingly powerful swing, and a fearless vision behind his putter. While he’ll be great for a long time, it will be fun to dissect his achievements with that of Woods. He’s still got a long way to go before he truly reaches the discussion. For now, it’s about enjoying the moment. Next, it’s about legitimizing his first major win with another. Which, may be sooner than we all could have thought.

-Anthony Stipa

2011
12/01
CATEGORY
Story of the Year
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Torrey Pines, Round 2

I spent my Thanksgiving vacation at one of the most visually stimulating golf courses in the world: Torrey Pines. For the second time in two years, I was fortunate enough to play the track that hosted the famed 2008 U.S. Open. After my first foray, I wrote a review. The following are my impressions of the course, from top to bottom of the cliffs.

Where Golf Meets the Edge of the Earth: Torrey Pines

A different kind of wallpaper lines the inside of the pro shop at Torrey Pines. Framed photos of championship moments crawl across the back of the store and beyond. Adolescent images of players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Billy Mayfair—who at an age of innocence reigned supreme over the rugged Pacific landscape—can be seen hoisting various gold-plated trophies. This is a place where youth meets old age, and time seems to stand relatively still.

Torrey Pines has played host to the Junior World Golf Championships since the tournament’s inception in 1968. It was also the stage for the 2008 U.S. Open, an unforgettable battle between Woods and Rocco Mediate that ended with Woods claiming his 14th career major title. In 2010, I was welcomed into the fold. Naturally, the course withstood my onslaught of profanity-laced swings and balky putting stroke. However, I came away thoroughly impressed with the layout, condition and overall ambience.

Torrey Pines Resort consists of 36 holes, broken up into a South Course and a North Course. The most aesthetically appeasing holes on the South Course are along the opening stretch. The third and fourth holes offer glimpses into the abyss that is the Pacific Ocean. One miss-club could send your ball careening over the steep edges of the Earth. Challenging par 4’s and a series of daunting into-the-wind 200-plus yard par 3’s can keep the mid-level handicapper from mastering the South. Adventurous paragliding enthusiasts float behind the par-4 twelfth. Spectacular views will play the role of distraction throughout the rest of a back-nine that carves its way through the coastline to the clubhouse.

The setup allows for an abundance of birdies on the par 5’s. A wedge is the weapon of choice with two solidly placed approach shots. The signature par- 5 eighteenth hole allows for you to “Get Your Tiger On” (Oh, stop it). If you’re lucky this par-5 is conquerable in two. If you’re even luckier, the pin is cut in the front right of the green, waiting to be attacked. But be warned, the manmade pond to the green’s front left is prone to gobble up even the bravest of shots.

If you leave Torrey Pines without venturing onto the North Course for an afternoon (or next day) 18, you’re missing out. The underrated North provides plenty—and potentially more—eye candy. As early as the second hole, you should be breaking out your camera. The backdrop is nothing less than breathtaking as you wind up and fire out to a short par-4.

The sixth and seventh holes are the cornerstone of the entire course. A severely downhill par-3, followed by a harrowing tee-shot at the seventh creates high drama. Hopefully you don’t get easily bored with stunning visuals, because this is arguably the most photogenic point on the compound. But be careful on your quest to get the perfect shot of your foursome, because rattlesnakes and other critters can be seen in the native brush.

You may be playing more yards on the back nine, but the fairways are a bit wider, and greens more accessible. If this is the final act of a quartet of nines, you’ll most likely be comfortable with the prickly Bermuda grass by now. The greens can be an initial obstacle, and very frustrating to learn with their subtleties and inconsistencies, but it gets easier. Remember, it all breaks toward the ocean!

Torrey Pines is a public course, so expect a five-hour round. The drastic imagery that cradles both the North and South courses is worth the wait. Most weekday players are tourists looking for that perfect photo-op, so pack your patience. Don’t forget to load a few more golf balls as well, in case you’re one of the thousands who annually dump wayward shots into the local barranca.

Tips for when the golf stops:

Chances are you won’t be playing much night golf. That’s OK, there’s a lot going on around the neighborhood. Travel only a few miles north and check out the Del Mar Racetrack, where you can place a wager on a local thoroughbred. The legendary club puts on dozens of events per month.

Another local hang out is the quaint and wealthy town of La Jolla. Shops and restaurants make for an interesting place to stroll through. However, it’s anybody’s guess as to when stores are open. Some local shop hours range from 9AM-2PM, giving employees plenty of time to ride the waves.

Take your trip south, and you’ll run into downtown San Diego. If you stumble into the Gaslamp District, there will be no shortage of entertainment. I promise.

–Anthony Stipa

2011
12/01
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Sunday Best

When the authors and pundits look back on this stage of Tiger Woods’ career, will it be marked “The Second Coming?” Is the Australian Masters a corner-turning moment, or just another masterful mirage? We’ve seen a few peaks and some improbable lows, but this week could act as some validation that Woods is indeed on the fast track to regaining his foothold on professional golf. Will he have success in an event that he has steamrolled through in the past? Here are my preferred opponents for Woods during Sunday’s singles at the Presidents Cup.

3. Ernie Els

One of golf’s classic showdowns, Big Easy and Tiger have slugged it out plenty of times in the past. Most notably during the 2000 Mercedes Championship, with Woods stapling victory by sinking a 40-footer on the first playoff hole. At the 2003 Presidents Cup, Woods and Els anchored their respective teams in a sudden death playoff pitting the two head-to-head. Of course, that result was a tie. A 2011 matchup could dissolve the unfinished business of eight years ago. Both players struggled in 2011, and this could revive a couple of savvy veteran hall of famers.

2. Y.E. Yang

Neither Yang or Woods made major splashes since their incredible battle down the stretch of the 2009 PGA Championship. However, wouldn’t it be fitting to see Woods regain his form by defeating the man who stripped off his cloak of invincibility? After Yang knocked off Woods, it was a monumental avalanche of misfortune and deceit that hurled the 14-time major winner off a cliff of public opinion. Most of Woods’ wounds were self-inflicted, but the collapse against Yang served as the preemptive blow. Woods would certainly salivate at the opportunity for redemption.

1. Adam Scott

This comes as no surprise. Everybody–except probably Adam Scott himself–truly wants to see this. The messy divorce between Woods and caddie Steve Williams took another twist last week, with the disgruntled looper calling his former employer a “black ——-“. High drama awaits indeed. Although it was Woods’ decision to part ways, he appears to still claim the moral high ground. Williams claimed his 2011 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational win with Scott was the “best win [he’s] ever had”. There’s no way that Woods doesn’t want a shot to break Williams down, even know he’s not exactly competing against him. Scott, is just the middle man of this all. If Norman and Couples pull some strings to make this happen on Sunday, I won’t complain. Will you?

Six days ’til Sunday.

2011
11/14
CATEGORY
President's Cup
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Oldies But Goodies

There are eight “old timers” competing in the Presidents Cup next week. Four Americans over forty, four more on the International side. Not to knock the game’s viable vets–who possess 11 major championships–but 2011 is about a bubbling cauldron of young talent. Still, leadership is a magnified trait in pressured-filled team events like this one. It’ll be up to the upperclassmen to manage emotions and sink crucial putts. Here’s a scouting report on the 4-0 club.

K.J. Choi (I)

Choi would make a great poker player. The even-keel, often emotionless Korean never shows his hand on the course. Despite this, he’s still never won an elusive major championship. He’s been plagued by the “Sunday crumbles” a little too frequently for my liking. Choi is 3-6 in the Cup, but numbers are always skewed towards the Americans (who have only lost once as a team). The 41-year-old should be healthy and rested for this year’s matches. I’d even bet he has a winning record this year. There’s a good chance he could be paired with exuberant countryman Kim Kyung-tae, as well.

Retief Goosen (I)

Don’t forget about the Golden Goose. It’s been seven heart-aching years since his last major championship (a potential swan song). He’s played in this event 5x prior, so put him at the end of Sunday’s singles. At 11-13 in his career, he’s once of the most experienced participants. In recent years, he has played poorly. I foresee a revival of sorts, and Goosen will sweep his Friday and Saturday matches.

Ernie Els (I)

It can be argued that this man single-handily made the Presidents Cup what it is today. Maybe that doesn’t mean much, but it certainly means something. Critics scoffed at the idea of a U.S.-International showdown at first, but Els has delivered a victory for his squad, and the notorious tie of 2005. He’s anchored this team since 1996, and expect him to do it again. The Big Easy’s health remains a question, but he’s a gamer and up for the challenge. He would relish the opportunity for a rematch against Tiger Woods.

Robert Allenby (I)

The only thing that doesn’t make this a rogue selection for captain Greg Norman is that Allenby calls Melbourne home. The crowd will absolutely rally behind their hometown boy, making him a huge catalyst. The ripple effect will be felt whether Allenby is winning or losing. The crowd noise or silence will echo throughout the course, swinging momentum back and forth. It will be hard for him NOT to be a factor in this event.

Steve Stricker (USA)

Stricker is a golfing patriot. He’s the type of rah-rah player every team needs. While he can sometimes be reserved, playing for country brings out his best. He’s also one of the most underrated American players of all-time. Put a club in his hand for as many matches as possible, and results will follow. The maturity of Stricker also makes him compatible with almost any fellow American. He’s been here three times before, and it could potentially be his last, so look for a strong performance.

Phil Mickelson (USA)

Mickelson has logged so many miles, his game has taken a step back. Arthritis, and other elements of age are starting to win little battles on his body. However, the four-time major winner is without a doubt team’s biggest focal point. He’s shown his stars and stripes enough times to be able to gut out any victory. However, he also has the ability to go bananas–in a bad way. Things can go south in a hurry if he starts piping the driver left and right of center. His aggressive play can be good when solo, but a detriment in alternate shot or four ball.

David Toms (USA)

The comeback player of 2011? Toms is definitely in the discussion. The 2001 PGA Championship will be his lasting legacy on the PGA Tour, but he will also be an asset in this year’s Presidents Cup. Toms has been known to play well in match play events, winning the 2005 Accenture Match Play Championship. Two suggestions for playing partners: Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson. Toms could help Mahan settle any lingering jitters from last year’s Ryder Cup. Watson could help with length (and form a potentially dangerous southern tandem).

Jim Furyk (USA)

After winning three times in 2010, Furyk went AWOL in 2011. The 2003 U.S. Open champ hasn’t won since his big Tour Championship payday last year. However, he’s second to Mickelson in appearances at the Presidents Cup and brings a laundry list of clutch moments. His leadership should not be overlooked for this captain-in-waiting. A quirky putter could derail Furyk’s game this year, but what else is new? Either way it’s a near-lock that the West Chester, Pa. native secures at least a point for Team USA.

A couple of South African bosses.

Things are looking up for the 40-somethings, all thanks to Cialis.


2011
11/07
CATEGORY
President's Cup
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Changing Course

So, I didn’t hold up to my promise of one matchup per day for 13 business days. I apologize for this lapse. After the first two, I realized how challenging of an undertaking it was. I’ll still be posting stories leading up to “tee off”, however, at a slower pace. If only I had a large, ambitious staff working for me. Stay tuned for more goodies.

Was this a Hunter Mahan proportioned gaffe on my part? Eh, maybe not so bad. Still–my bad.

2011
11/07
CATEGORY
President's Cup
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