World Golf Tour is an Awesome Golf Game Changer

Here in CT winter is knocking on the door. We had snow flurries yesterday, and today...out on the golf course...it was icy. But, I just discovered something that's going to make the CT winter a little lot more palatable.

World Golf Tour is an awesome golf game that can be played from nearly any browser, with no download. It’s polished, free, and... Everyone's going to love it. World Golf Tour allows for multiplayer sessions too...and it's a social network.

Fortune Magazine warned that it might be damaging to office productivity. Perhaps, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be great for golf.

CEO YuChiang Cheng talks to Fast Company's Robert Scoble about his awesome product, and its engaging features, in the video above.

I'm going to start playing this weekend at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Maybe I'll see you there.

Golf Gets International & The Virtual World Get Smaller

When I was a Sophomore in high school I fell in lust love with a Swedish exchange student. So of course, I applied for the exchange program, assuming I could convince the administrators to send me to Stockholm where Lars and I could happily continue the romance. But that didn't happen.

I cried a river when I found out my destination would be La Paz, Bolivia. Ultimately though, it was awesome. The city was beautiful, the people were friendly and I learned to speak Spanish.

I've used Spanish a lot over the years; for work and in social situations, and it's definitely added a dimension to my life. In fact, one of my favorite golf blogs (I have a lot of favorites, but this is a favorite favorite) is Fuera de Limites, which is written in Spanish. The blog covers golf stories from all over the world, but the European and Spanish stories naturally have a depth that's hard to find elsewhere. I've gotten to know the editor Pablo Herrero and one of the writers, Ovidiov quite well from social networking, and I spent many memorable Sundays this past summer watching golf tournaments with them...virtually...on Twitter. It was always fun, especially when Sergio was in the mix.

Earlier this week Pablo was in Andalucia, Spain at Valderama for the lead up to the Volvo Masters. When he mentioned (on Twitter) that he had seen Ian Poulter, of course I asked what the fashionable Brit had been wearing. Pablo immediately beamed me the photo above, and ... there was Mr. Poulter teeing it up in the Tartan back jumper from his Autumn/Winter 2008 collection. I love that collection, and that ...jumper... in particular. It comes in three colors and each has tartan trousers to match. Ian chose to wear black trousers though, evidently choosing a more understated look.

That's the thing that's so awesome about golf on the internet. One can follow tours and tournaments in all parts of the world, and connect with international players and bloggers... and fans. The future of golf, decidedly, seems to be going global too. Anthony Kim and Camillo Villegas have just announced that they'll be joining the European Tour and Phil Mickleson has reportedly been flirting with the idea as well. Others are expected to sign on as well, as the international tournaments get bigger ...and more lucrative.

And then there are the ladies. With the state of the US tournaments seeming so tenuous, the LPGA's Asian swing, going on right now, must be causing some players to think about where the future lies. Check out this thought provoking story on Styled to a Tee for more on that.

As that sweet but annoying ride at DisneyLand has been chanting for decades now, "it's a small world after all".

Photo of Ian Poulter: Pablo Herrero

The Sexy Golf Calendar Girls are Back!

A couple of years ago they caused quite a stir when their first calendar was banned at the Women's Australian Open for being a tad too racy... and the resulting controversy almost derailed ALPG fund raising efforts on behalf of Breast Cancer research.

But the sexy Aussi Golf Girls were undaunted, and now they're back with a 2009 version, featuring a dozen gorgeous golfers... Sara Kemp and Krisite Newton among them. This time around the Make-A-Wish Foundation is the chosen charity.

There's a more detailed preview of the 2009 calendar on the always engaging Golf Babes blog, including a link to The Perth Files where you'll find John Cooke's account of a photo shoot that involved a semi-naked golf girl and 756 golf balls.

Annika Sorenstam's Hidden Fantasy

There's Britney's Curious and J.Lo's Glow. Paris Hilton's Heiress and Donald Trump's ... Donald Trump.

They're all celebrity fragrances, and now Annika Sorenstam is joining the aromatic fray with a signature scent of her own.

She's developing her scent with SA Fragrances. Scheduled to be released in the Spring, prior to Mother's Day, ANNIKA will be the first fragrance ever to be launched by a female golfer.

The descriptives they're using are; casually elegant, naturally beautiful and unpretentious. That sure doesn't sound much like Paris or Britney...or Donald Trump... but it pretty much sums up Annika Sorenstam. And she herself adds confidence to the list. It's another one that fits. I've got to admit though, I don't really think of Annika as the perfume type. She just never struck me as a girly girl.

Oh, and, at about the same time as ANNIKA the perfume comes out... Annika, the wine will be hitting the shelves, and to me, a wine is much more in keeping with the Swedish champion's style.

It's a pricey, ultra-premium Central Coast Syrah too. I don't know how the fragrance will be, but the lady's definitely got good taste in wine.

New York City Golf - A Meetup in the Bronx

Cat and I played some more New York City golf recently, and this time our destination was the Bronx.

Like so many other awesome things, golf lives in the Bronx. Actually, it thrives. There's the Bronx Golf Center, which is an awesome practice center, Then there's the historic 36 hole Pelham/Split Rock Golf Course... and speaking of historical Van Courtland Park Golf Course is the oldest public course in the US.

Our destination was Mosholu Golf Course, a challenging course named one of Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play. We were there with the New York Golf Meetup Group who were sponsoring a fundraiser for the awesome mentoring organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC.

Golf Meetup Groups are a great way to meet... and play... with golfers of all levels. Check their site, there might be one in your area.

Golf Girl Glamour - Lorena Ochoa in ¡Hola!

We're used to seeing her in a bright Lacoste polo and lean Bermuda-length golf shorts, and even in such athletic attire she always seems to have an air of enigmatic elegance. Her warmth, generosity and sheer talent seem to shine through, whether she's pondering an implausible putt...that she often goes on to make... or chatting with the fans, who inevitably line the course when she plays.

Long time friend, and LPGA fashion plate, Christina Kim, probably put it best when she said that Lorena had "that inner light" and famously described her as "a cross between Tiger Woods and Mother Teresa."

It's rare however to see Lorena Ochoa in glamour mode. No bikini shots or high fashion runway looks for Miss World Number One. You almost get the impression she lives in her golf clothes 24/7.

That's part of why her photos in the October 22, issue of ¡Hola! are so stunning. Against earthy country backdrops in her hometown of Guadalajara, Lorena sits on a park bench in fuchsia evening gown. The dress is voluminous and over-the-top but the girl wearing it seems as light and content...almost a little playful. There's another striking shot where Lorena walk along a country road with a white horse. Again she wears an sumptuous gown, this one bejeweled black and silver and looks a the sweet, witty heroine in a romance novel...though I don't think I'll ever be able to imagine Lorena Ochoa depending on a male protagonist to save her.

In the accompanying interview Lorena talks about her love for her family and friends, her passion for golf and her hopes of winning many more tournaments and making it into the Hall of Fame. She also spoke of her desire continue helping others with her foundation. And there, under the opulent ball gowns, is the Lorena everyone loves.




















Photographs: courtesy of ¡Hola! Mexico & Nunu Principe - Nunupictures.com

The Golf Course Windmill Grows Up

I haven't played mini golf since I took up "real golf" over two years ago, but I vividly remember the windmills.

Every course I played... from the preppy "parcours de mini-golf" on the French Riviera to the honky tonk wonder down in Galveston... had a windmill. And often, it was the centerpiece of the course. The "signature hole" so to speak.

Along with the clown's mouth, the windmill is one of the staples of mini-golf course architecture.

But that's mini-golf, and those windmills are purely decorative.Bay County Golf Course is an 18 hole course on the shores of Michigan's Great Bay, and they're hoping to build a real windmill that could someday fill the course's power needs. Right now, a wind speed measuring device is being set up to confirm that the area is windy enough to make the endeavor worthwhile. Most feel it will.

County officials were most concerned about what the golfers would think, and the majority are in favor of it. They like the idea of an energy independent course that'll be more environmentally friendly. I like it too. Even though I don't miss mini-golf in the least.

Awsome October Golf in the Hudson Valley

Just over an hour north of New York City is the beautiful, pastoral Hudson Valley.

Dairy farms and Apple Orchards share the landscape with Historic Estates and Quaint little towns. In October, the Hudson Valley is at it's at its best as the flaming foliage casts a warm glow over everything.

Yesterday we enjoyed an awesome day of golf in this region with the dashing golf style writers of Styled to a Tee. We played at the Links at Union Vale,an amazing links style course, created by a group Irish golfers residing in the New York City area. The course esentially recreates "18 holes of Ireland" in the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley.














It was a frosty fall morning. Cat and I put on multiple layers and to warm up by hitting some balls. Yes, we looked like a couple of Michelin Tire men, but at least we didn't freeze.














A links course requiers extreme precision...well executed shots and the patience to lay up. There are so many places for golf balls to hide. Cat and I relinquished a couple dozen to the Links at Union Vale.














Nick lost a few too, but loves a links course. I think he's planning to play this course at least once before the season ends.














The Styled to a Tee golfers were amazing too. They played so well, looked so good and were extremely patient with our many errant shots...what could be better than that. Autumn golf in the Northeastern United States is some of the best there is, but it can't go on forever. This was an awesome day...a perfect way to wind down the season.

Of Red Tees & Grass Ceilings - Golf Gender Issues

I've always been a huge fan of the red tees, in fact, I celebrate them.

You see, I'm not particularly competitive by nature, and my goal in golf has always
been to have fun and enjoy an awesome, entertaining sport. Oh, I work on my game...probably more than most; taking regular lessons, trying all kinds of tips and techniques and spending much of my free time practicing. And, I love it when I play well. But at this stage, I just don't feel compelled to try to prove myself by hitting with the guys, and I've got to admit I find it a bit ludicrous when see a woman who plays at my level, insisting on the white, or even the blue tees, because she doesn't want an unfair advantage. The result is slow play and lots of lost golf balls. Why not use the red tees? Red tees Rule. And I've got to confess think it's kind of ...cool... when the guys I'm playing with succumb to a water hazard, or a long tangled stretch shrubbery, while I sail on by to the friendly red tees.

However a recent study from researchers from the University of New Mexico suggests that when it comes to business golf, red tees may actually be a barrier to women's advancement and an integral part of the so-called, "grass ceiling".

This is an interesting article and I think there are elements of truth in it. For the time being though, I'm sticking with the reds.

Twin Golf Girls Are All Over the Place

Being a twin has its ups and downs...or so they say. When I looked up "being a twin" earlier today I was confronted with a number of negative articles; How to Survive Being a Twin, The Frustrations of Being a Twin and even about,"the cognative cost of being a twin" which claimed that just being a twin could you cost 5 IQ points...per twin!

Personally Cat and I have always loved being twins... and haven't been bothered by any of the aforementioned downsides. We've never felt our individuality was compromised... and our IQs have alway tested above normal (though come to think of it we've both made a multitude of blunderous decisions over the years).

On the golf course, like everywhere else, twins tend to get more attention than...normal people. It's not that I'm an attention whore attention seeker or anything, but I've been encouraging Cat to get out on the greens with me. Well she has, and she's doing really well, hitting consistently in the low 120s after just her first season. Neither of us is ultra competitive, we just love the game, and play when ever we can. However while our games purely recreational, there are several sets of Golf Girl twins who played at a very high level.

Take Aree and Naree Song, the Korean/Thai twins were the first twins to compete on the LPGA tour. They've been known to show up on The Golf Channel's "Playing Lessons from the Pros" too. And both Naree and Aree qualified for the tour on their first try.

Then you've got Sam and Jo Head from Surrey, England. In addition to competing on the LET, these blonde British lasses have taken the media by storm. Samantha appeared on Big Break Kaanapali...while sister Johanna, who's also playing on the LPGA tour, is one of the Wilhelmina 7.

Probably the most promising twin golf girls now though, are Ireland's Lisa and Leona McGuire. The two competed head to head recently at the Irish women's amateur golf championship where Leona Maguire ultimately beat her twin sister Lisa. Here's a very comprehensive video that shows the twins practicing and playing in their native Ireland.

Those are some talented twins! It's enough to make high handicap twins like Cat and me extremely envious. But we don't even go there. Despite our high scores we always have fun. And these days we're making Golf Girl videos together. The frames here are from the one we're working on now, Golf Etiquette for Beginners. It's a humorous take that, none the less, drives home the importance of the etiquette basics that allow beginners to navigate a course.

As you might imagine, we're having a blast making this show.

Show Me the Golf - The Club House is Open!

Leave it to a couple of Golf Punk guys to create what looks to be a very promising "webtv golf online digital type arrangement".

The...arrangement...is called Show Me the Golf, and I say promising because I was laughing within a few seconds of landing on their home page. That's always a good sign in my book. Also, I hung out there for ...like...45 minutes. Such is the vibe at Show Me the Golf.

The site is in its beta infancy, they're gradually rolling out features, but already it's ultra engaging. Which is really no surprise when you consider the publishing pedigrees of the founders. Tim Southwell was co-founder of Loaded magazine and more recently, founder of hugely successful Golf Punk magazine. Then there's co-founder John Dean who was also a co-founder at Golf Punk. Enough said, Show me the Golf is going to be good. They've got a fun blog too. Today's post was entitled, Teenage Golf Sex: Foreplay Shocker!...and I thought I was the master of link-bait Headlines.

Show Me the Golf is British at heart but I know it's going to be popular here in the US ...and anywhere golf is spoken. Some things are just that universal. So head over to Show Me the Golf, check out their first show and join the social network. I'll see you there, K?

NYC Golf on Randall's Island - The Video

I blogged briefly last week about our trip out to Randall's Island Golf Center, the amazing full service golf venue just minutes from midtown Manhattan. Well I was actually there with my twin sister Cat, and here's the video we made.

We froze our butts off It was somewhat chilly that morning while we were filming, but the sun came out came out around noon, and we had an awesome time.

The staff is ultra friendly. Welcoming, warm and accessible. They completely dispel the old myths about rude, unfriendly New Yorkers...and those about golfers as snobbish custodians of an elitist sport. As I mentioned in my previous post there are tons of amenities, making this the perfect place to spend an entire day. Families from Manhattan and Queens come over the bridge on bicycles, hipsters head in from Brooklyn and stylish uptown girls arrive on the Golf Center shuttle. The sheer diversity of the crowd was impressive. It was a virtual golf melting pot, like NY itself, I guess.

Kelley Brooke is the Golf Director, and the force behind Randalls Island Golf Center, and in her 30+ years in the golf industry, she's done more for golf in New York City, particularly Junior Golf and the Women's game, than anyone, ever.

This little video is just a peek at our day, but the entire experience out at Randall's Island Golf Center was pure fun and I'd recommend it to anyone lucky enough to be spending time in or around New York City.



Check out: Randall's Island Golf Center for more detailed info on the golf center and PUMA to find some of the awesome golf gear we're wearing

Glorious Autumn Golf Weekend in New England (Updated II)

The weather was as awesome as it gets. I played golf and worked on my new videos...even wore a visor...after criticizing the look numerous times.

We're about a week away from peak color here in southwestern CT and the leaf peepers are on the prowl.

Update: Regarding my "hair glow", the truth is, I was attempting to become a blonde add a few subtle highlights for a video I was making...and managed to turn my hair a kind of glowing orange color, which was somewhat cool and somewhat scary. I'm rehabilitating it now, but it actually looks much better in real life and on the video which I'll be posting soon.

More about my fun and fabulous golf weekend later today.

Update II: Well yes, today flew by, and the weekend's just a memory. But a really good one. On Saturday I went up to the pastoral, pretty town of Southbury, where I love to play alone on the awesome little par 3. And it was perfect. Families, couples, senior citizens...those were the golfers making there ways across the rolling hills of Gainsfield Farms. Nary a testosterone-fuled foursome to be found. That was fine with me, I wasn't in a hurry. I practiced my short game, the pitches and chips and bunker shots. Did lots of putting too. It was good.

On Sunday I played Candlewood Valley with Nick, and I played NBFM. My score was 102. Yes...that's NBFM. I'm still hoping to break 100 by the end of this season, and I'm pretty sure I will. Some would say "you're on your third season and you still haven't broken 100? To which I'd respond, "Yeah, I'm normal."

Karen Palacios-Jansen : LPGA Teacher Of The Year

I first got to know Karen Palacios-Jansen almost two years ago, in the early days of this blog.

From the get-go I could see that this golf girl was exceptional. Her enthusiasm for the sport was inspiring, and she had this fun, warm, open personality.

I was new to the game, and still not quite sure what I had gotten myself into. After all, there's no denying golf can be excruciatingly difficult somewhat frustrating and rather intimidating.

So when I discovered Karen, while researching a golf fitness program, it seemed serendipitous. Karen was just what I needed to convince me that there was in fact, something for me in this idiosyncratic game.

Karen has an amazing amount going on. She's a managing editor at Golf Fitness Magazine and Golffitnessmagazine.com. She's also been known to blog...in several places. She's been a golf instructor for over seventeen years, has appeared on The Golf Channel and has a weekly golf internet radio show that follows the LPGA tour.

In addition to all that, she's a public speaker and lecturer, and has a business, with her husband...who happens to be Olympic Gold Medalist speed skater Dan Jansen. Their Swing Blade Enterprises, produces videos, like Cardio Golf. Cardio Golf is the golf fitness program Karen introduced me to way back when....and it's awesome.

I use Karen's training tips on the golf course...and I'm a dedicated practitioner of Cardio Golf, which keeps me feeling flexible and strong. Even though I've never met her person, I feel like Karen Palacios-Jansen has already done a lot for my game...so when I read that she had been selected the 2008 LPGA National Teacher of the Year... it came as no surprise whatsoever.

Congratulations Karen!

The Golf Girl Gets a Grip... with the Thumb Caddy

In golf, as in life, I'll try just about anything once. Curiosity + Optimism = Go For It!

That's the philosophy I tend to live by. As a result, I've tried more golf training aids then you can swing a seven iron at... but few of them have ever been written about here. That's because, as much fun as I've had trying them out, I've rarely found one that's really been effective. And I just don't write about things that fall short.

Not long ago however, I tried an unassuming little training aid...that actually worked! It's the Thumb Caddy, and it's so small and simple, that at first I doubted it could do much for me.

It addresses that most fundamental element of your golf swing...your grip. The Thumb Caddy is a little rubberized clip that's easily attached to your club and slides right up to where you grip it. Once it's secured, you rest your thumb in the cushioned groove, assume your grip, and... you're going to have a more consistent swing.

If you're like me (and 90% of the golfers I talk to) consistency is one of the things that most often eludes you, and the resulting worm burners and whiffs, even if they're only occasional, can do a number on your confidence. Thumb Caddy made me more confident. By a lot.

Now if you happen to be very consistent; if you almost always hit long and straight with rarely a hook or slice... you may not want to bother with Thumb Caddy. Otherwise, give it a try. I'm pretty sure you'll find it the most helpful thing you've done for your swing in a while.

Thumb Caddy is available online and at a growing number of golf retail outlets.

NYC Golf - Saturday on Randall's Island

Saturday started out chilly and gray in New York City, but I got to Randall's Island early. Randalls Island is part of the borrough of Manhattan. It's home to a population of roughly 1,500 living on 2.2 km² of land. It's also home to the the awesome Randall's Island Golf Center.

Located just under the Tri-Borough bridge, this urban golf oasis offers a state-of-the-art, 80 stall driving range, and a great short game practice area for putting and chipping. There are mini golf courses and batting cages, as well as a beer garden and wireless lounge. It's a perfect place for a family outing and... it's just minutes form midtown Manhattan. What could be better than that?

I was out at the Island to begin filming a new series of videos for Golf Girl TV. The cold day made me happy that I wore my new PUMA Golf casual pants. They're perfect for the chill, misty days of fall. I also tried out my new PUMA golf shoes. Pretty awesome.















Look for the new episode to air later this month.

Paula Creamer's Ultra Sweet Half Moon Victory

Paula Creamer walked away with her 4th title of the year today on the beautiful bluffs of Half Moon Bay.

The Samsung World Championship is often called the LPGA's fifth major, which makes this Paula's biggest LPGA Tour victory yet, and it was made ultra sweet by the a hometown crowd cheering for their pink princess. Ms. Creamer grew up a mere 50 miles from Half Moon Bay, in Pleasaton CA.

The field at The Samsung included the top twenty women golfers in the world, but The Ocean Course at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, at times stole the show, with its spectacular coastal landscape.

At one point during the final round Paula shared the lead with Song-Hee Kim...and up to the end a playoff was a possible... but Paula did what she had to do, and put that possibility to rest with a 5-foot par putt on the 18th hole.

The subtitle for this year's Samsung World Championship should be, The Pink Panther Prevails.

Golf Lingerie - So You Want to be a Golf Goddess

Like all conscientious, high profile golf bloggers, I receive tons of press releases. They come from PR firms and golf companies of all sorts. Many are so impersonal and formulaic I wonder why they bother. Today however, I got one that ...stood out.

The headline announced "Revolutionary Golf Lingerie", and I immediately thought of a high-tech sports bra that would re-engineer my posture, probably paired with a matronly "brief" of the "full-cut, no-ride" type.

Then I noticed that the press release was from MioDestino, an online designer lingerie boutique that sells the most exquisite and unique European lines.

At MioDestino, they don't do matronly. Never have, never will. And this fun, flirty "golfing bra and knicker set", is anything but. The sexy set features artfully placed golf balls, golf tees and even score counter straps... and while it may not lower your handicap it'll certainly improve your "swing".

I'm looking forward to receiving my set soon. Then as a conscientious high profile golf blogger, I'll probably need to model it. MioDestino ships from the UK so look for that post here in about a week. In the meantime check out the awesome MioDestino blog. Yes, they blog too. Talk about multi-talented.

Happy Friday.

Sarah Palin to Appear at Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

Last spring I enjoyed several awesome days at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club.

The resort was wonderful! I spent hours swimming in the gulf of Mexico and watched the sun set each afternoon while sipping cocktails at the Sunset Beach Bar. I also played several rounds of golf at the fun, female-friendly golf club.

I doubt that Republican vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, will be able to enjoy such fun and frolic on her upcoming trip to Southwest Florida. Ms. Palin is scheduled to make three appearances there on Monday, the first of which will be a private fund raiser at the aforementioned Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, the second, a similar event at a supporter's mansion. Later there will be a public rally... presumably at a local arena.

In any case, I'm pretty sure the Govenor of Alaska won't be having nearly as much fun in Florida as I did, it sounds like her every moment has been programmed, and it's probably not going to be all smooth sailing. Apparently, a McCain - Palin protest is in the works for Monday, scheduled to take place...right in front of the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club sign. Uh oh.

Though it sometimes seems like Sarah Palin has been on the national scene forever, a lot about her is still relatively unknown. This evening's much anticipated debates should help dispel some of the mystery.














"Playing a-round" at Naples Beach Golf Club. No such Florida fun for Palin.

Golf Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Lacoste, and its iconic crocodile, have gone pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They've announced a special collection that will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The new bag at left is part of the awesome collection.

Lacoste joins a number of golf apparel and accessory companies, as well as some prominent professional golfers, in special efforts this month to support breast cancer awareness, and raise funds for breast cancer research.

Lacoste sponsored superstar golfer Cristie Kerr, and her Birdies for Breast Cancer foundation, work year round for the cause. Cristie's been having and amazing year, with her recent win at the Safeway Classic, and numerous top 10 finishes. Her fierce determination on the golf course is mirrored in her tireless support for breast cancer research.

Throughout the month I'll be featuring a number of pink-thinking companies, courses and pros, and their various efforts and undertakings for breast cancer awareness and research causes.

Pink happens to be one of my favorite colors so this is all second nature to me. Oh, and guys...don't forget, you look great in pink too.