Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Tee Girl 3

I know, I know, I was so positive at the end of the last entry, all my rain clouds were suddenly etched with silver linings, and my bad shots were simply a consequence of my striving to improve. Who cares if the ball goes too far right and I’m forced to take a penalty drop? Who cares if the chip that seemed so simple on the practice green is suddenly beyond me?

Who cares?

I care.

I care so much I can actually feel the anxiety, the rage even, more keenly than I feel the beautiful spring sunshine, which should – if I were to put things into perspective – be making my recent rounds a rather pleasurable experience.

But that’s the problem when I’m out there, on the course that is, I have no perspective.

I’m normally, I like to think, a fairly rational person. Not since the day I actually prayed Charlene and Scott of Neighbours would get back together have I placed such absurd significance on something so ultimately irrelevant. And yet I somehow seem incapable of accepting that the possibility of me having a perfect round is as fictional as the Ramsay Street lovers themselves. Of these failings the most pressing of which is my mental attitude.

Phil has told me if things don’t improve, we might have to consider not playing together any more. And so I vowed on our next round, my temper would be, well, tempered.

And so it was. But as quickly as the anger faded, the sadness kicked in. Having hit several bad shots, I stood on the 8th tee and wondered if this all wasn’t just a big fat waste of time. And then pigeons cooed and it was practically game over.

Let me explain.

A few years back, I moved to France to write a novel. As I sat at my desk in my remote house writing over 1000 words a day, the only interruption was the occasional call of a pigeon. It’s not that I like the damn things, but their cooing now reminds me of a time when I was hugely productive, a time when I whiled away the hours doing something I felt I was good at and, as such, gave me huge satisfaction.

These days, the opposite is true. I’m not doing any writing (what do you call this then? - Webitor) instead I'm spending my days doing something at which I'm, quite frankly, rubbish. It’s time to give up, I thought. But when I subsequently thought about having that conversation with Phil, the one where I tell him “we have to talk” and then confess I’m packing away my clubs for the last time, I imagined his face – and the actuality of never playing again – and was suddenly so sad I bawled on the fairway.

This pigeon made Amy cry. We don't get it either.

Phil, understandably, couldn’t work it out. “So you’re upset because you don’t want to play any more?” I shook my head. “So you’re upset because you do want to play?” I nodded. “Let’s get on with it then, shall we.”

And so we are. Getting on with it, that is. We’re playing and we’re practicing, and I’m trying very hard to reign in my mood, be it sadness or anger. I will be a happy golfer. And today I did it. I played worse than ever, but I didn’t shout or cry once. In fact, when I hit the same tree twice, I laughed. And so it seems I may have just banished the devil. For now…



Golf Punks | Tee Boy/Tee Girl | Women's Golf news
3/3/2009 5:17:47 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 
Tee Boy 3

When it comes to golfing couples there's Fred and there's Phil and Amy. Fred won't return our calls so we speak to the other two. Check out their latest chapter as they continue doing what we'd all love to do, give up work and play golf.

Two things have dominated our golf game recently. The first is the continued decline of Amy’s mental attitude, though I shall leave it to her to tell you about the rather unorthodox influence of pigeons on her state of play. The second is the more straightforward, but no less fraught, arrival of the Rio Real Valentine’s stableford comp.
 
Now don’t get me wrong, despite my chequered golfing history, I am not without success in competition. My second-hole-playoff victory in the 2004 Pass Masters Open Golf Competition at Celtic Manor will stay with me to my grave. I’m not sure, however, that our society contest is the most challenging fixture, with only nine entrants and just as much interest in winning the “w&nk shot of the weekend” prize as the big event itself.
 
My new club competition has proved a different beast altogether. For one, men’s handicaps are limited to 28 and not the 45 that once won our PMOG tournament a few years back. For another I would be playing with strangers, thereby opening up world of potential embarrassment.

When I entered the pro shop to pay my entry fee and collect my card for the day, I was surprised to see my 20 handicap had been increased to 22. Anxious the pro had seen me practicing and altered my handicap accordingly, I quizzed him as to why it had been adjusted. Thankfully, it was nothing to do with my poor show and simply due to the slope of the course. While this should have allayed my nerves – the fine-tuning of my handicap increased my chances of triumph, after all – instead it caused concern. Perhaps it was a boost of testosterone brought about by the thrill of the looming match, but I was suddenly uneasy that I may be labeled a bandit – or bandito by the locals – should I win. Having spent several weeks dedicating myself to the game, I recently shot a couple of rounds just below my handicap. What if I were to do that now? What if I were to shoot 16 over and my sporting coup was marred by rumours of cheating…
 
Typically, I need not have worried. I didn’t disgrace myself by any means, but it was clear that this was not going to be the Valentine’s massacre of my dreams. I did play steady though, shooting a respectable 34 points, which was good enough for third. Only the top two were awarded trophies though, so no need for an embarrassing picture of me collecting my silverware. That will have to wait for March.

Bring it on.

Next up Amy's still struggling with the mental side.

Check out their previous posts here.


Golf Punks | Tee Boy/Tee Girl
3/3/2009 5:08:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tee Girl 2

My ever-lovely fiancé has bought me a present ‘Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect’. Where Phil’s own moral support has failed, hopefully Bob Rotella’s can succeed.

I don’t know why Phil is so surprised by my recent tendency to shed tears on the course. The first time we ever played a par three, I cried with joy when I landed my first ball on the green, only to weep – this time in frustration – in the same spot two days later when the ball refused to go anywhere but in the rough, woods or ravine.



We laughed about it then, but now it no longer seems quite so funny, because I can’t think of anything else in life that makes me so inordinately depressed as a bad golf shot. I don’t know what comes over me, other than one of those big black cartoon style rain clouds that follows me from hole to hole, showering us both with negative thoughts of infinite golfing gloom.

But this is where Bob steps in. I have to learn to accept the mistakes, he advises, without losing the dream. This is what I like about Bob, he encourages you to thrive on the challenge but with the reassurance that in order to attain a goal you’re inevitably going to make some errors along the way. His ethos is one that can be applied to everything in life. Bob says “I want the people I work with to wake up every morning excited, because every day is another opportunity to chase their dreams. I want them to come to the end of their days with smiles on their faces, knowing that they did all they could with what they had.”



What I’ve come to realise is that by getting angry about my mistakes, I’m wasting the opportunity I have to learn from them. And if I’m to reach the end of my day, as Bob says, confident I did all I could with what I have, I need to unravel the knots in which I’ve tied myself and stop bloody whinging. Because Bob says, I have to ‘learn to enjoy the process of striving to improve.’

Putting what Bob says into practice isn’t always easy, but I’m trying, “very trying” Phil says.

But it’s only what Bob says these days that counts.



Golf Punks | Tee Boy/Tee Girl | Women's Golf news
2/17/2009 5:23:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 
Tee Boy 2

Check out the latest instalment from our travelling golfing guinea pigs Tee Boy and Tee Girl.

This time they’re tackling the most important muscle in the game.

The brain.


TEE BOY -

I am the first to admit that golf can really wind me up but I’ve seen the mental side of the game hit heights that most golfers would barely believe.
 
A good friend explained to Amy early in her golfing ‘career’ that the frustrating side of the game doesn’t get any easier as you improve. In fact, the more you improve, the higher your expectations and the greater your disappointment. A necessary warning but we didn’t expect Amy to break down in tears on the driving range after a few errant iron shots (off to the right) and a few shorter than hoped pitched shots (the perils of aiming at flags).
 
On the face of it she had it all; the handsome fiancé, the ‘Golfing Lady’ apparel, a full set of RAM clubs with essential pink trolley bag, brand new GoKart electric trolley and an Urban Golf coach.  Now I realise this counts for nothing, with the exception of the lessons, without the correct mental attitude.
 
What could I do?



Give her a copy of Bob Rotella’s ‘Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect’ and leave her to it that’s what.
 
Now any comment I make ruing my own poorly executed swing, chip or putt on course is met with “Bob says....” followed by Amy explaining the workings of the mind in achieving a positive and focused attitude.
 
What on earth have I done?



Golf Punks | Tee Boy/Tee Girl | Women's Golf news
2/17/2009 5:10:42 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, January 29, 2009
Amy Twort -Tee Lady

Now it’s Amy’s turn as she takes u through the old adage, look good feel good, play good.

When people first learn you’re getting married, one of the first questions they ask is about the dress. And while, of course, there are many other – some far more important – factors to a wedding, it is, undoubtedly, the dress that sets you apart as the bride. There is this significant – usually overly emotional tear-sodden – moment, then, when you find the one and, quite suddenly, you feel like you really are going to do this, walk down the aisle and become someone’s real-life wife. Golf, joyfully, has offered me a similar sartorial experience. Pre our move to Spain, I’d had several lessons and been to the range quite a few times but, dressed in my All Saints-issue leggings and vest or, at best, my running  gear, I felt like a fraud. This morning, however, things were very different.

Had you told me 18 months ago that for Christmas 2008 I would receive an abundance of Lija, Green Lamb and Casall garments, I would have – somewhat unsuccessfully, I’d imagine – scoured Vogue for clues to this designer haul. Now I’m familiar and, perhaps more worryingly, excited by the mere thought of them: the avant-garde shorts, the woolen tank top in its arresting pink hues, this season’s on-trend wind cheater, all hanging crisp, clean and prêt-a-porter in my wardrobe awaiting their first show on the greens of the Costa del Sol.



But withhold your judgement, guys, because this isn't as girly as it first sounds. I’m not denying the aesthetic appeal of these new clothes, but what’s equally as important is that for the first time since Phil lured me into this sporting abyss, I feel like a genuine golfer. Yes, the pink tartan trousers may allow me to express my slightly unusual sense of style, but they also align me with my fellow players. I am now one of them, and rather than being intimidated by the course, I want to get out there and live up to image my clothes are creating. Given that I’m robed like a golfer, I furiously want to be one, and a good one at that. Looking the part has raised my expectations, then, set the bar that little bit higher. I may be fancy dressed, but I’m not anticipating a party. From here on in, for better or for worse, I’m a golfer.



Golf Punks | Tee Boy/Tee Girl | Women's Golf news
1/29/2009 12:09:05 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [2] 
Phil Turner - Tee Boy

When Philip Turner and Amy Twort got in touch to tell us they were getting married in April we thought, ‘awww that’s nice’. When they said that in the build up to the wedding they were going to quit their jobs and spend the next 10 weeks working on their handicaps in Spain we went right off them.

But jealousy is an ugly emotion so rather than curse the golfing couple we asked them to keep a his and hers diary of Phil’s quest to get to single figures and Amy’s attempts to gain a full handicap.


Keep an eye on the blog for updates, but enough from us, let them introduce themselves. First up Phil.

2009 is set to be a big year. Some might assume this is because, come April, Amy and I are getting married, but those who know me well will know better… Planning a wedding seems relatively simple compared with the other more time-consuming, more taxing, more frustrating task we have set ourselves this first quarter. For we have decided to dedicate ourselves not only to each other but to the wonderful game of golf.

We are coming at this from slightly different angles; I am a 20 (ish) handicapper while Amy is a complete beginner, dragged, rather willingly, into my world, and love, of golf. And my world – at least for the next three months – it truly is. We have quit our jobs, moved to Spain and joined our local club, Rio Real, on the Costa del Sol. Every day, come rain or shine, we shall be on the range, the putting green, chipping green or course. All this in a bid to reduce my handicap (and for Amy to at least qualify for one) before we think about having to get another job and starting a family.  God knows I’ll make for a far more contented husband, father and employee if I can shoot 80!

I have most recently been taught by James Ellis at Urban Golf in London. He realised immediately that while I have some good basics, I have been over-taught. This would come as no surprise to my former colleagues, who ridiculed me for having what is popularly deemed to be "the most expensive swing in London". Despite the 3D lessons, laser-putter training, two six-day one-on-one golf-school holidays in the States and numerous coaches, group lessons and training aids – you name it, I’ve tried it – my handicap has swung between 16 and 22. I believe my biggest downfall has been my location. Had I not lived in London, I may not have been restricted to one round every couple of weeks on whatever municipal course would take me. But now we’re here with our new Go-Kart electric trolleys, a new Ogio Exodus Bag and a new found passion for the game, and so I really have no excuse…

Let the fun begin.


Golf Punks | Tee Boy/Tee Girl
1/29/2009 12:02:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, January 09, 2009
A Monster Result

Bob Mendonca is a happy man. The bloke behind Monster Mini Golf in New Port Richey was facing a federal lawsuit when a California company that makes high end audio and video cables, Monster Cable, accused Monster Mini Golf of trademark infringement.

Despite his hard work Bob felt he would lose everything. A long legal battle over use of the word “monster” may seem trivial. But Monster Cable defended their decision to sue saying, “Most people think of Monster as just a cable company but our business interests are much more diverse.  We never file any lawsuit without a compelling legal reason.”


“Nothing is trivial,” notes Stetson University law professor Darryl Wilson. “The way the law works, if you excuse one person, and then another and another, you have a domino effect.”

Monster Cable has fought and won many lawsuits.  The jobs web site Monster.com and Disney have settled lawsuits with Monster Cable.  

You can see why Bob saw the outlook as bleak. Until this week that is when Monster Cable dropped its lawsuit. They conceded winning the legal battle was one thing, winning in the court of public opinion is another.

“We have made the decision that public opinion, and that of our customers, is more important than the letter of the law that requires us to prevent the dilution of our trade(mark).  We will drop any opposition to the trademark of Monster Mini Golf.”  

Thanks goodness for potential outrage.


Golf News | Golf Punks
1/9/2009 12:42:23 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Stadium Hole Will Go Ahead At Aussie Open

Plans for a stadium hole at the Australian Open in Sydney next month will go ahead, despite a former champion’s objections.
Robert Allenby believes the carnival atmosphere that tournament organisers are aiming for will distract players too much for them to perform. This comes after he was heckled by drunks in the third round of the Australian Masters at Huntingdale on Saturday, ruining his concentration.



"If I have another experience like I did on Saturday, I don't think I'll be coming back."
The short 11th hole of The Australian GC is a natural amphitheatre and spectators will have use of a bar, while being encouraged to ‘interact’ with players as they approach the green. Fancy buying Adam Scott a pint? This could be your chance.
Tournament chairman Paul McNamee isn’t worried at all, and has modelled the idea on Scottsdale, Arizona with the backing of the likes of Geoff Ogilvy.
"We've got more security on that hole than anywhere else, and if there's any complaint from a player we will send an official out immediately to make sure nothing escalates," he said.
"I can understand Robert being worried, but that's not the feedback I've had from other players.
This did nothing to calm Allenby’s nerves however. "I think it's heading for disaster," he said.
And to think, Aussies call us ‘whingeing Poms’.
The tournament will be played from December 13-16.

To read more, click here...

To check out more of our thoughts on this click here...





Golf News | Golf Punks
11/27/2007 5:14:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 

  Thursday, October 18, 2007
Storm In A Ballot Box

Evening all. An email has made into the inboxes at GP Towers showing remarkable initiative. Greame Storm’s pals at Champions PR have embraced political campaigning and are looking to make their man number one. No, not in the upcoming Pakistani elections but in the altogether more important 2007 GOLFPUNK Awards.

You’ve got admire their gusto.


Future Lord Staunch? You decide.

To view the partly political broadcast click here...


Make Graeme’s dream come true or try and stitch him up at www.golfpunkonline.com/staunch-awards. It’s your choice.

Click here for details...





Golf Punks
10/18/2007 5:16:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, October 15, 2007
Sporting Highlight Of The Weekend?

What a weekend of sport. England turning over the international powerhouse that is Estonia in the footy. Then 14 grumpy old men and a chap with a wand for a left foot dump France out of their own tournament. Then South Africa did the double over Argentina; the Big Easy defeating Angel Cabrera to claim the World Match Play title in his back garden – picking up a million pounds to boot – and the Springboks trouncing the Pumas to book their place in the Rugby World Cup final.

So what would be the sporting highlight of the last four days?

None of the above, actually. Because, as far as we’re concerned, James Grant’s hole in one/albatross on a par four at Sunbury Golf Course yesterday afternoon takes the biscuit. “Who?” I may hear you ask? And the answer is we’re not entirely sure. Jim sent us an email this morning, particularly chuffed with his achievement, and we’ve decided this feat deserved a wider audience.

According to Google Answers, there’s a 30,000-1 chance of someone notching an ace and even more acute chance on a par 4. For this alone James deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the rest of the sporting excellence of the weekend.

Take it away James.

“Hi
 
Not sure it’s that newsworthy, but apparently the odds are astronomical...
 
I hit an albatross yesterday at Sunbury Golf Course. 3rd hole, par 4, 293 to the front edge, about 310 yards to the pin, I took a driver to cut the corner of a mini dog-leg. I said to my playing partners before I hit it that I was going for the green to a chorus of disapproval (we were playing matchplay, so we were supposed to be playing sensibly.) Anyway, the ball pitched just on the front edge of the green and rolled in for an ace! Needless to say - we won that hole!
 
The rest of the round was terrible, we were really hungover from watching England win the rugby the night before!”



So there you have it.

If you have any tales of golfing excellence or sporting ineptitude email us at website@jf-media.co.uk and if we like it we’ll make you famous.



Golf News | Golf Punks
10/15/2007 12:35:14 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 

  Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Golf Party

The GOLFPUNK office are looking to beg, borrow and steal in order to get ourselves over to the Australian Open in a couple of months time. We love golf, we love glorious sunshine, we are also partial to the odd tin of Tooheys but the thing that is going to set this tournament apart from most is the crowd.

The powers that be at Golf Australia have dispensed with the traditional paternal notion of ‘sit down and be quiet’ enforced by the fun police and embraced the concept of the golf party. Looking at the example of the Phoenix Open, The Australian Golf Club have made the par-three 11th the ‘stadium hole”. The green will be enclosed by a wall of fans with bars and musicians fuelling an eight hour party over four rounds.


The Scottsdale crowd react the call, "Free cheese burgers for all".

Golf Australia tournament director Paul McNamee isn’t shy about where the idea came from, the notorious “Sweet 16th” at Scottsdale, Arizona a.k.a ‘ the wildest hole on the PGA Tour’. The hole helped attract 168,000 fans to the tournament in February, numbers that cannot be ignored. And it’s not just the fans that love it, Geoff Ogilvy reckons, “the 16th at Phoenix is a mad house. The noise is definitely alcohol induced, but as long as they aren’t yelling during the golf swing it will be fine.”


Never has been, never will be.

Everyone at GP Towers from the illustrators to PR wants in, but I don’t fancy our chances. Everybody knows plane tickets don’t roll downhill. If it’s anything like Arizona whoever gets to go is going to have a blast. Lucky bleeders.

To find out more about this story click here...

To find out anything about The Australian Open (13th-16th December, 2007) click here...




Golf News | Golf Punks
10/10/2007 12:41:43 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [2] 

  Thursday, October 04, 2007
New Jack Swing

Have you ever thought, ‘if I had the training regime, support structure and equipment given to the pros, then I could shave off 10 shots a round?’ This is the opportunity afforded Jack Edmonds as he attempts to wake up from his swing hell, and become a scratch golfer.

You see our Jack has been stuck as a five handicapper for as long as he can remember, and despite his best efforts his mind and body won’t allow him to break this glass ceiling. So what’s a boy to do? Go to Sheffield and let the guys at Zenjin stick reflective electric balls to his naked torso, that’s what.



The Zenjin is an Elite Golf Performance Programme that engineers Mind, Body and Motion.

A collaboration with SportsPulse and Centre for Sport and Exercise Science at Sheffiedl Hallam University, the Zenjin programme benefits from a hand-picked team that has a wealth of experience in athlete support, applied research, healthcare and corporate wellness.

Every part of the game will receive attention from nutrition and diet, swing mechanics, putting, fitness, strength, flexibility training, course strategy and perhaps most importantly psychology. In these areas Zenjin’s training programme will look to implement slow changes that become second nature and stay with you for life.


Jack quickly reached level five on the surfing simulator.

In the coming weeks Jack will complete testing that will determine a personalised training schedule catered to maxamise his potential. Then the really hard work starts. As Jack puts it, “I have this help at my disposal now and my support team are just as keen as me to reach my goal…I need to do this for all our sakes”.

You can check out the first stage in GOLFPUNK 33 out now and follow Jack’s progress at www.golfpunkonline.com.




Golf Punks | Tips and Swing thoughts
10/4/2007 11:02:18 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 

  Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Question Of The Day

Today we heard what could be the greatest truth never proved.

"Vampires are the greatest golfers in the world, but they never have a chance to prove it."


This got us thinking, who would win the supernatural Ryder Cup.

We've opened a forum thread to find out.

Get involved and chuck your two pennies worth in at www.golfpunkonline.com/forum



Brilliant at Golf. Probably.

For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks | Your funnies
10/3/2007 8:23:55 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [2] 

  Thursday, August 30, 2007
Golf Monster

Wales' favourite son Jack Rivers has returned to GOLFPUNK Towers to live the dream. To welcome back one of our finest workies we told him to get the brews on and do our work for us.


Jack 'Rapid Rise' Rivers. Today it's the teas, tomorrow the bins.

Look out for his Swing Hell... in the next issue of GP out soon. In the meantime he's banging on about a man who wears make up and likes golf.

The name Vincent Damon Furnier probably doesn’t probably doesn’t mean that much to the average golfer. Would you believe me if I told you that he is in fact up there with the Parneviks and Poulters as one of golf’s most colourful and interesting characters? Probably not, but then you probably didn’t know that in 1974, Vincent Damon Furnier changed his name to Alice Cooper.



As golfers, we should count our lucky stars to have players like Alice Cooper, Jodie Kidd and Bill Murray, all of whom show a genuine enthusiasm for playing the game and pushing it forward. We could have to deal with unfair infestation of z-list nobodies like poker has to.

Though Alice Cooper will be best remembered for his music and on-stage antics, the most intriguing aspect of his career is the story of how at a time when many people would have turned to the big man upstairs for salvation, Cooper chose golf. He made the right choice, and has secured a place in many a golf punk’s heart as a result.

If you find yourself looking for something a bit different to read in the upcoming months, let me point you in the direction of Cooper’s new offering: Golf Monster: My 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict.

For more on this story click here


Golf Punks
8/30/2007 12:18:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [2] 

  Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Nail It

Good news club swingers good news. Golf guru Joe Hagan, the man who cured the Webitors incurable slice, has released his book. “Nail It with 3skills golf” is an impressive tome that is sure to benefit golfers of any ability.



At first we were a little annoyed that the secrets that had been divulged to us are going to be on the open market. We aren’t just being selfish but if everyone reads this book they’ll get better at golf, which means by comparison we appear worse at golf. Actually, that is a bit selfish.



We implore you to pick up a copy, available from Hersham Village Golf Club (01932 267666) or www.3skillsgolf.com.

You can also find out more by joining the 3skills group on facebook or check out My Swing Hell in GOLFPUNK31 out now.

Get involved.


Golf News | Golf Punks | Tips and Swing thoughts
8/29/2007 12:47:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Kids What Are Still Better Than Us

Blog Master General James has been banging on about a couple of dustbin lids who are well good at golf. We reckon he's jealous and a little in awe. But mostly jealous.



Both balls flew true in the air, landed on the green and released like laser guided missiles towards the hole. It can’t happen, it won’t happen and yet it did happen.

Ulverston Golf Club juniors are in what some would call (including me) a bit of a purple patch. Still searching for my first hole-in-one this story does stick in the throat but after three in three weeks these juniors just can’t miss. However incredible that feat is, it is nothing compared to the fact that two of them were one after the other, in the same group, on the same day. And it doesn’t stop there.

Luke Allonby, 17, and James Taylor, 16, didn’t just get their aces on a poxy, wedge hole but a 188 yard monster that would challenge any golfer.

I just can’t help but feel a little sorry for them because they had to celebrate with a nice glass of coke. I’m sure they made up for it with that bottle of White Lightening down the park after though, or maybe even returned to the scene of their triumph under the cover of darkness. Either way guys keep going like that and this won’t be the only time your name is in lights.

"TWO Ulverston golfing partners landed consecutive aces on the same par three on the same day — but could only celebrate with a round of Coke.

Teenagers Luke Allonby and James Taylor were paired during the same competition at Ulverston Golf Club when the unthinkable happened.

The odds on playing partners managing successive holes in one are estimated at a staggering 17 million to one.

The two were playing in the junior medal competition, the Wilkinson Trophy.

Luke, 17, teed off first at the 14th hole, described as a difficult 188-yard par three.

His ball flew straight and true through the air, landed, rolled along the green and into the hole.

Then the unthinkable happened. Playing partner, James, 16, repeated the feat.

And there were plenty of witnesses."

For more on this story click here...


Golf News | Golf Punks
8/22/2007 10:47:45 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, August 16, 2007
John Daly On Woods’ Health Jibes

Kids huh? When most men of a certain age (and weight) we’re rejoicing in the refreshing words of JD our clean lunged, ultra fit workie James Farrelly had other ideas. Take It away Jimmy lad.



“I did better than most players last week who do work out,” Daly says after Tiger blamed the field’s lack of fitness for not being able to catch him in the USPGA.

In typical JD style he went on to elaborate saying, “fat boys like me can get through the heat,” adding, “I tried but every time I worked out I threw up and I thought to myself you can get drunk and throw up, so its just not for me.” Not exactly the role model we look for in our pro golfers but we don’t care big man, keep bringing colour to the old grey tour.

The one thing I do have to pull you up on though my swashbuckling friend is that Tiger only beats you on the greens. “I think the thing is that separates Tiger from everybody is that he makes more putts than we do,” says Daly.

And why is that? Because by the time he gets to the green he isn’t gasping for a fag and wondering if the caddy remembers how to get to the nearest Burger King.

For more on this story click here…


dasBlog | Golf Punks
8/16/2007 10:00:20 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007
We're Number One

Our campaign to make golf the number one sport may just be working. World.com say that it was the No.1 Professional sport in the US during July.

” Historians will look back to July 2007 and reach a startling conclusion - golf is the greatest sport in the world. It reached that lofty height by default, of course, but there can no longer be any doubt - golf is king of all professional athletic endeavours.



Cycling, which has officially ceased being a sport and is now a pharmacy on wheels, took another hit as Tour de France leader Michael Rasmussen was tossed from his team and the race after violating Rabobank team rules. Rasmussen grows the growing list of cyclists who have at least been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, a list that now includes everyone from Floyd Landis to Lance Armstrong to Robin Williams. But that's just cycling, and face it, it's a sport that committed seppeku about this time last year with Landis. But right now is about the most miserable time in professional sports history….”

For more on this story click here…

To join our campaign click here…


dasBlog | Golf Punks
8/15/2007 11:53:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, August 09, 2007
Global Icons

The Dimond geezer is back again, this talking about Tiger Woods and David Beckham.



In what must have been a fairly slow news day for members of the press at the USPGA the other day, headlines were made when Tiger Woods proclaimed that David Beckham probably had a higher global profile than he did.

"As far as world athletes, I don't see how Beckham didn't beat me. As far as global figures, he's probably more global than me.”

This whole debate arose from a programme the US broadcaster ESPN ran, called ‘Who’s Now’, in which 32 high profile athletes squared off in a series of knockout bouts to find the public’s most popular sports star. Tiger emerged with a comfortable final victory (winning 65.1% of the vote against Cleveland Brown’s basketball star LeBron James). David Beckham, meanwhile, had to put up with a narrow defeat to world renowned LaDainian Tomlinson (the San Diego Chargers Running Back, and 2006 NFL MVP).

Now, while the fact I felt the need to explain who Tomlinson actually is effectively demonstrates the narrow-mindedness of the poll (I mean, Austin Healey would probably beat him in a popularity AND most stupid name contest this side of the pond) it does raise an interesting debate. Tiger has consistently been voted the most high profile sportsman by the US media – and to do that in a predominantly US-sports market (i.e. baseball, basketball, American football…..WWE) is no mean feat. Yet, unless he is playing a clever media game, he does not believe that hype. As he puts it:

“You know, golf is not truly played all around the world. It is played in most places but not like soccer or football is”

He’s not wrong. Golf is not truly played around the world – hell, half the people I play with cheat! And while football might not be universally popular - it is after all the 27th most popular sport in America (narrowly behind dodgeball and hotdog-eating) - it does have a huge following pretty much everywhere else. It seems to me (as nothing more than a GP workie) that the best yardstick probably comes from their earnings. Becks has a far bigger take home pay (wages of $25m compared to Tigers $10m depending on season results) but it is sponsorship where the big bucks lie. Becks doubles up through sponsorship, but Tiger rakes in over $70m to emerge rich-torious. I would use this as conclusive evidence, but then again David Beckham did play at the FIFA World Cup (the world’s most watched sporting event) whereas Tiger gets a fraction of that audience for his annual Augusta jaunt. So, at the end of all that, I am going to bottle it, call it a draw and quickly hurry onto another topic…….



Away from the Billy Big-Timers arguing over who is more popular, there is an intriguing quandary gripping the working classes of golf. With the FedEx Cup heading towards the final stages (well, qualification for the last 144 players ends after the USPGA) attention is beginning to turn towards the hunt for overall victory – and the $10million prize that goes with it. Such a prize is unheard of in golf, and arguably still is as the sum will actually be paid as a supplement to the lucky players PGA pension (rather than the standard oversized cheque - though no doubt one will make an appearance). For the players this is no big deal, for the caddies it creates a delicate situation. With caddies generally earning 10% of all winnings, the lucky bagman will be in line for a $1m windfall. With no PGA pension, said person will be expecting to see that money, in full, soon after that drunken victory party has ended. But with the victorious player not seeing that money for between 20 and 50 years (depending on whether he is Vijay Singh or Tadd Fujikawa) it is unlikely they will be too keen to stump up $1m they don’t actually have. How will they resolve this problem? Who knows, but everyone will be watching with a great deal of interest (well, at least when they get their money they will, arf arf) Whatever the case, the champion golfer will have some issues to deal with, which rather reminds me of Puff Daddy, who infamously (and wisely) sang about ‘Mo Money, Mo Problems’. How true these words could be, and in the video it was at a golf tournament this fact was illustrated!!

Tournament Questioner: I guess this means more money, more problems for you?
Winning Golfer (Puff): Yeah, [sighs], yeah. Mo money, mo problems……

A modern day Nostradamus I tell you!

To read about ESPN’s ‘Who’s Now’ click here

For all you need to know about the FedEx Cup, click here

To watch Puff Daddy’s video for ‘Mo Money, Mo Problems’ click here


dasBlog | For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks
8/9/2007 4:12:54 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Sunday, August 05, 2007
Cheer Up Granddad

Bob Gillespe has penned a piece on Carolina Golf about the joys (and pain) of being a golfer over 50. It’s an interesting read even for whipper snappers like myself. So a bit of respect please and listen to what the old fellow has got to say.

”I still remember the phone call from my mother shortly after my 50th birthday. "How are you feeling about (turning 50)?" she asked. Fine, I told her. "Oh, good," she replied. "Your father went totally to pieces when he hit 50." Thanks for sharing that, Mom. Seriously, the best thing about hitting the big 5-0, at least for golfers, is that whole "mulligan" business. In professional golf, you turn 50 and you start playing the Champions Tour, against a crew of guys who now call you "junior." Most of the money won on the Champions Tour usually comes in the first three-to-five years after 50; then, unless your name is Hale Irwin, the descent starts, and it's not pretty. And there's really not an equivalent bonus when you hit 60; you're just getting old, pal….”


An Older Golfer
For more on this story click here….


Golf News | Golf Punks
8/5/2007 3:44:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, August 03, 2007
The Grinder

Wonder workie Alex "Pat Sharp" Dimond has penned this blog because I had a headache.



Take it away Princess Di...

Here at GP Towers we are never ones to blow our own trumpet (well, not if someone else can do it for us) but with the dust settling on Padraig Harrington’s epic Open victory, now seems as good a time as any to proclaim that we knew it first. In an age when ‘The Sun’ brand their latest story on Carlos Tevez an ‘EXCLUSIVE!’ (even when everywhere from Sky Sports to the Independent has the story covered), we actually knew Paddy’s future before even he did.



Way back in GP11 (Sept 05), in an article generously entitled ‘The Grinder’, we announced that Harrington was ‘the man who took Tiger’s breath away at Sawgrass and will one day win a major’ – although for the sake of suspense we refrained from publishing the exact time and date of this success.



Aside from the golf, we had the scoop on Paddy’s private life, including facts about his Ipod (“it’s still in the box, can’t work it out”) and his leisure interests (“cinemas and restaurants, that’s my thing”). Unfortunately, with son Patrick only two at the time, there is no mention as to where the family ladybirds were kept.

Harrington is, of course, a famous teetotaller. Fans and media alike went into raptures when he admitted to a cheeky swig of a John Smith’s after that particularly arduous Sunday’s work - which he explained was down to a bet he had with his manager (and new found drinking buddy) Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler. Back in GP11, our intrepid reporter questioned Harrington on his activities after winning the ’02 Ryder Cup – where it appeared to all the world that he downed half a bottle of finest champagne:

http://delivery.viewimages.com/xv/71981688.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193F669B259AB992A04CE02CA8B28D8C69D450D130E33168C39

“How do you explain the picture of you swigging from a bottle of champagne after the Ryder Cup win then?” “I was thirsty” came Paddy’s response. So it seems it is true what they say about the Irish needing any excuse to get the alcohol flowing. Lets hope we see Paddy plastered a few more times in his career…….



To get your mits on Golf Punk 18 and read the ‘Mystic Meg-esque’ article on Padraig Harrington, click here.


Golf Punk at the Open | Golf Punks
8/3/2007 3:40:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Go Go Gadget?

Calling all golf geeks, and there are enough of us about. We summon you to debate the use of gadgets in this tech heavy game of ours.

Golf gadgets have traditionally been the Chrimbo present of choice for anyone who has ever expressed an interest in the game. When a friend took up the game aged 28 he got nothing but golf tat for two years. If you go round to his house you still can’t move for putting machines and positive energy bracelets. In the end he had to tell his loved ones that enough is enough. Yet he still gets exploding golf balls every year from a zany uncle.

Not everyone is as ungrateful as this mystery friend whom we have to keep nameless for fear of antagonising his relatives. Acario Daire blogged an ode to gadgets that Matty, sorry I mean Mr Anonymous, hopes the rest of the Kennedy’s, oops we mean the rest of his family won’t read.


The greatest golf gadget since the ham and cheese putter

Take it away Acario….

” Golf gadgets are things are interest you and are useful while playing golf. You find them in many varieties and they surprise you by coming in various sizes like the stars in the sky. They are made to make the crazy game of golf more fun, a lot less strenuous and simply easier to play. They are made in all the crazy ways possible, using all the imagination and all the possible ideas they get. Unlike short-game training devices or swing aids they do not work directly on teaching you the proper techniques of the golf swing. They are excellent presents that are regularly gifted to each other on Christmas. No family goes without getting at least one gadget. They are also taken to be of traditional importance.

For most of the golfers after receiving the gifts, it becomes even more important for them to play well. The expectations that are on them become more heavy than usual, and they try much harder with more determination. Some might feel embarrassed to receive the golf gadgets, but some may think it is funny to receive a golf gadget which might help them in making their swing better. It is a known fact that gadget addicts go to any extent to buy the new gadgets that comes up. Some say gadgets help them improve their game and so buy the gadgets. But it is a fact that nothing can improve your play than a straight hard practice that nobody really wants to do let alone has time for.”

For more on this story click here…


Golf Punks | Tips and Swing thoughts
7/17/2007 11:41:47 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Are You a Golf Widow?

Calling all golf widows.

US golf widows anyway. Good Morning America wants to hear from you. The long running morning news show is looking for the tales of those that are left behind for their weekend edition.


Heaver Castle Golf Course yesterday.

To get involved click here and fill in the form. and if they like your story the producers might get in touch.


For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks | Women's Golf news
7/10/2007 10:20:20 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Sunday, July 08, 2007
GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open 2007

So there you have it Welsh wizard Becky Brewerton carded a seven-under-par 209 to win the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open by three shots, trousering 24,750 Euros in the proesses. This was Becky’s first victory on the Ladies European Tour after knocking on the door with 16 top ten finishes including four runner up spots in the last four years.


Next stop Sweden

A clearly emotional Becky said, “It means so much to me. I’ve been trying for so long. To finally do it is just unbelievable, unbelievable”, “I can’t believe it. I’m just in shock.”

So congratulations again Becky and here’s hoping this victory will boost you into the Solhiem Cup team. Roll on Sweden.

For a full round up of the leader board click here…
For more on the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open click here….


Golf News | Golf Punks | Women's Golf news
7/8/2007 3:58:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Saturday, July 07, 2007
The Old Age Debate

There is an old sporting adage that goes, “If your good enough, your old enough." It’s usually applied to youth taking their chosen field by storm. Well every now and then there is a story that reminds all these protégés that they did not invent being good, sporting excellence has been around longer than 1985. In response to yesterdays blog about how ankle biters are taking over the golfing world. Here is a tale from Shaun McGuckian showing that the kids aren’t getting it all their own way.

Go on Shaun, drop some science (for our older readers that means please educate them).

"Press coverage of the ladies’ game is forever saturated by stories of talented youth: Kiran Matharu, Michelle Wie, Morgan Pressell and more recently, and ridiculously, the 12-year-old Maguire sisters.

But for all the column inches devoted to these talented young trailblazers, none could recall many stories of success.

But one lady who certainly can is senior citizen Arlene McKitrick. A Florida native and now well over 70 years of age, she has a whopping 136 amateur tournament victories to her name.


At least I get to choose when I go to bed.

Despite only taking up golf at the age of 30, Arlene won her first tournament in three years, and in a career which is still going strong 40 years later, has amassed 90 club and event championships, and a spectacular 46 consecutive senior wins.

Bookmakers wouldn’t be crazy enough to give you odds on an Arlene McKitrick victory.

Even chronic diabetes hasn’t stopped Arlene’s journey towards amateur immortality.
So when next you read of ‘the next big thing’ in the ladies’ game, spare a thought for the ladies of the game who go unsung. And for now join us in singing the praises of the incredible Arlene McKitrick.

For up to date information on what’s going on at the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open click here…
Take advantage of our cracking 2 for 1 ticket offer by clicking here…


Golf News | Golf Punks | Women's Golf news
7/7/2007 3:50:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, July 06, 2007
The Age Old Debate

Ron Sirak posted an article highlighting the sheer number and undoubted talent of a new wave of dustbin lids in ladies golf. It is hard to ignore the shift in age from the competitors on the LPGA and LET. You know what they say, “If you don’t tidy your room there will be no driving range for a week young lady.” Well they should anyway.

“SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. -- Perhaps the oddest thing about Cristie Kerr's victory Sunday at the U.S. Women's Open was that at the age of 29 she was the second-oldest player to finish in the top-15 at the Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club. And she earned that honor only by a year over 30-year-old Mi Hyun Kim. Clearly, women's golf is becoming like men's college basketball. All the best school-aged players are in the pros.


The final singles match putts out at the 2007 Solheim Cup

There were 11 college-aged players (22 or younger) among the top 21 on the final leaderboard, including 18-year-old Angela Park, who tied with Lorena Ochoa for second place, two strokes behind Kerr. In fact, half of the top six -- Angela Park, In-Bee Park and Jiyai Shin -- are 18, the age at which most incoming freshmen find themselves. But these three are professionals and have won a combined $505,152 at Pine Needles. Not a bad allowance.

And these were not flash-in-the-pan performances. Three of the top 12 on the Rolex Rankings -- No. 6 Morgan Pressel (19), No. 7 Paula Creamer (20) and No. 12 Brittany Lincicome (21) would each be in college if they were not good enough to play professional golf right now. Shin, 18, currently leads the Korean LPGA money list.

The youth wave in women's golf is clearly an international phenomenon.”

For more on this story click here…
For up to date information on what’s going on at the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open click here…
Take advantage of our cracking 2 for 1 ticket offer by clicking here…


Golf Punks | Women's Golf news
7/6/2007 3:38:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, July 05, 2007
Just Wait and Wie...

After angry young man Joel Tadman’s critique of Michelle Wie we have come across someone who is taking the opposite stance. We like to provide a balanced view at GP so have a read of Gene Wojciechowski views on our ‘Shell and make your own mind up. Again we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Stick it to them Gene….

”There's a reader who e-mails me every time Michelle Wie shoots 80-something, withdraws from a tournament, angers Dottie Pepper and her dog, or doesn't make the cut. He's not a complete nut job, but if I had to choose between his brain mass or the size of a Pro-V1, I'm taking the Titleist. This guy revels in Wie's failures and mocks anyone (hello) who thinks Wie has the talent to do a Tiger Woods on the LPGA Tour and one day qualify for a PGA Tour event.

I'm on the Wie golf cart. I've been there since the first time I saw her hit a tee shot during a pro-am at the Mercedes Championship at Kapalua's Plantation Course. She was 13, I think. You could hear the ball beg for an ice pack as it left the clubhead.


Joel stealing Michelle's chair just out of shot.

I'm on Wie's side of the ropes because I've seen her in social settings, surrounded by corporate types, media types, big-money types -- and she didn't WD there. Instead, she handled herself with grace, humor and a certain carefree, teenage goofiness.”

For more about this story click here…
To check out Joel’s original comments click here
For a profile of Michelle Wie click here…
For up to date information on what’s going on at the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open click here…
Take advantage of our cracking 2 for 1 ticket offer by clicking here…


Golf Punks | Women's Golf news
7/5/2007 3:34:19 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, July 04, 2007
GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open 2007

It’s here! The GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open starts tomorrow at Chart Hills Golf Course in Kent. Keep an eye out for Sophie Stubbs GP’s representative playing in her first tour event. However we don’t like to make things easy for our Sophie so we have teamed her up with Features Editor Shaun McGuckian to carry her bag and give yardage advice.

Unlucky.



Come down and see us and more importantly support the tour.

For up to date information on what’s going on at the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open click here…
Take advantage of our cracking 2 for 1 ticket offer by clicking here…


Golf Punks | Women's Golf news
7/4/2007 3:26:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Sunday, June 17, 2007
No Way Monteray

Earlier this week, the California Coastal Commission took a look at Clint Eastwood’s proposed golf course plans, decided they were feeling lucky, and sent the actor packing.

Eastwood had appeared in television ads and thrown massive celebrity support behind a plan to build a golf course in an area of protected forest on the Monterey peninsula. The proposal would have seen the felling of up to 18,000 trees, including 15,000 of the locality’s signature species, the Monterey pine. From the article,

“But the commission, which polices development along the coast, was unimpressed by the celebrity backing. It turned down the application on environmental grounds. Apart from the destruction of thousands of trees in the Del Monte forest, it would also have involved filling in wetlands and altering the coastline. The plan also proposed an equestrian centre and 160 luxury hotel rooms for golfers as well as additional housing for staff.
Does he feel lucky, punks?
Golf News | Golf Punks
6/17/2007 1:51:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Saturday, June 16, 2007
TIGER FEAT

In a piece of wizardry worthy of a David Copperfield style hairdo, Tiger Woods has somehow muscled his way into the final pairing in the US Open.

It seemed as if Woods was just a mere spectator this week as course brutality and British invasion dominated the headlines, but yet again Tiger finds himself in the hunt going into the final round of a major this year.

Of course, we in the GOLPUNK office are not surprised by this latest feat of mastery. Editor Owen 'magic pencil' Blackhurst confidently predicted that Tiger would emerge from the Oakmont rough after having a similar experience himself when enjoying his usual rural golfing in Southport this week, while Ben 'Frog in a blender' Cove hollered with satisfaction after drawing Tiger in the office sweepstake. Sadly, my choice of John Kelly was last seen wildly purchasing strimmers in a nearby garden centre on Firday evening.

We'll be gathered around the telly from 8pm this evening seeing how events develop and hopeing that GOLFPUNK diarist Paul Casey can maintain his excellent form to break his major duck.


Golf News | Golf Punks
6/16/2007 12:59:27 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Why Don't You Blog On?

“The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.” Says the Bible, I am not sure where I think it’s near the back, couldn’t be bovved to go through the whole thing.

Rather than see this as an indictment we look at this proverb as a challenge. When I get seven or more men, women and children to answer sensibly allowing me to be lazy that would be beyond wise, I’d say it’s bleeding genius. So it’s with this in mind that we have decided to open up blogging duties to you, our beloved interactive user.

All successful blogs will be credited and anyone who shows proficiency could join the GP team on a more regular basis.

Follow the link to our Forum and find out more..

Forum Link...

Here's the first submitted by myspace pal and forum stalwart Cheffo, the only skinny chef you should ever trust. Take it away Cheffo…

German ban at golf club repealed

A rule banning Germans and Austrians from being allowed to play at a golf course near Bristol is to be repealed.

Filton Golf Club introduced the rule in 1919 after nine of its members died serving during the First World War.
The restriction had been long-forgotten until files were unearthed by a researcher trawling through the club's history archives. Club members have since unanimously backed a motion to rescind the rule at their annual general meeting.
The rules, drawn up in 1919, state: "No person of German or Austrian extraction, whether naturalised or not should be allowed in the clubhouse or on the course


We're not suprised he was not allowed to play, where's your collar?

Cheffo says,
"This is the strangest and most unreal ruling, maybe they were offended by the costume??? It's hardly P.U.N.K!!! No bratwurst or lederhosen in the locker-room gentlemen!!

Should golf clubs be so stuffy?? Tradition has its place and I respect the whole etiquette, but who thinks that maybe the whole thing needs a shake up or at least a spring clean???"

To read more on this story click here…

Does anybodies clubs/societies have any prehistoric rules?
Let us know in the comments section, on the forum
or click here…


Golf Punks
5/30/2007 12:17:31 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Feelin' It

We make no secret of our love of stories showing people using golf to overcome adversity. With this in mind another uplifting tale has winged it’s way to GOLFPUNK Towers today.

Steve Evans got a twinge of jealousy when his pals were getting together for their fourballs. So he thought why not learn to play and he could get involved. So far nothing remarkable, that was the very reason I got into golf myself. However what does separate this story from most is that Steve is blind.

Steve Green the Club Pro at Bromley High Elms Golf Club had to adapt his teaching methods for Steve Evans demands, but by the sounds of things they have both learnt something from the experience.

Take it away…


To find out more about blind golfing in the UK click here…


Golf Punks
5/29/2007 5:37:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, May 25, 2007
SubSeventy.com

It is that time of year again when the sun is starting to go through his hat collection, and all your hard-earned is jumping out of your pockets yearning to be spent on new gear. But you don’t want to rock up to the first tee after your once a year shopping spree and find the rest of your fourball decked out in exactly the same clobber. Unlikely I know, but hear me out.

You can massively reduce the chance of this happening by having a look at www.subseventy.co.uk and choosing your bespoke shirt/trouser combo.

As the self-proclaimed ‘best dressed man in golf,’ I have taken it upon myself to show you what you could have won. Don’t be put off by my selection, have a look and choose your own get up.







Jumble it all up and it could look a little something like this.


Now that's gangsta.

It looked better in my head anyway.

See you at the 19th.


Golf Punks
5/25/2007 8:32:15 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, May 23, 2007
(Almost) Everybody's Golf Course

Sony have decided to make the PSP relevant for all those out there who don’t see the point of playing Parappa the Rapper on the train.

The handheld gaming device has been fitted with a Global Positioning System Receiver so, if you buy the map add-ons, you will never get lost again.

Thankfully Sony have applied the technology to golf and created a virtual caddy application to give you precise distance readings to the pin and on course hazards. In addition there’s also a scratchpad to make notes on each hole for future reference.


The people at PSP have mapped out 31 courses so far. However, unless you are Japanese, there is a catch. All the courses currently available are in the Chiba area east of Tokyo. We assume when the technology is more widely available Sony will add more courses to the roster.

In the meantime either move to Chiba or wait patiently and watch this space.

To find out more about this story click here.


Golf Punks
5/23/2007 12:32:24 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, May 21, 2007
Golf Sunk

News has reached us from our spars at trendhunter.com of a new game gripping the waterways, Underwater Golf.

Anybody who has golfed in the UK should be familiar with the concept of playing soaked through. However our Chinese brethren have taken it one step further by hosting what’s believed to be world’s first underwater golf tournament. Five aqua-golfers (a word we made up just now) competed in a 50 ft tank for the honour of winning golf’s first underwater major.


Fibber told me he won this four years on the bounce.

A spokesman from Zuohai Aquarium explains, “The rules are pretty much the same as for regular golf. Whoever gets the ball in the hole first wins the match.”

However players were judged on how long it took them to complete the hole rather than the number of strokes taken.

The aquarium bloke went on to say, “The water makes the match very interesting. Not only fish and mammals distract the players, but their buoyancy makes it hard for them to stabilise themselves.” Water currents also make the trajectory of the ball hard to predict, he added. The winner sunk the ball in just one minute and 20 seconds, while the one who came last took five minutes.

For more on this nonsense click here…


Golf Punks
5/21/2007 1:08:40 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, May 14, 2007
Master's Round Up

Despite being old hat, this heart warming tale reached GolfPunk Towers via the gift of email this morning and it demands a wider audience. The names have been changed to protect the sniggling.

Take it away Sarge…

"This oriental man who spoke only broken English thought that his practice round badge allowed him to "play a practice round" at the Augusta National. The Grounds Maintenance guys in the background actually stopped and took the picture. As you can see I am struggling to restrain from laughing totally out loud. My partner, Sgt. Buck Logan, is not in the picture because he is actually just out of the left side of the frame rolling in the pine straw, from laughter. "



I really hope that was true.


Golf Punks
5/14/2007 2:28:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, May 10, 2007
Shot and Bull Story

This story came to us the other day and we felt everyone needs this in their lives. GolfPunk have a (morally acceptable) love of animals. As the photo below for our trip to Sweden will attest.


Paschal + Club + Heffer = Normal Saturday Night

So it fills us with joy to see we are not alone, the guys at Bulls Bay feel the same way.


"Call that a stroke saver? 150 yards my rump!"

I will let them explain.
"In a zany day at the Hootie at Bulls Bay Collegiate Invitational, unranked Central Florida and Florida State ran away from the field, while “Titleist” the Bull got loose and scampered around the course to the delight of the patrons..."
For more on this story click here.


Golf Punks
5/10/2007 3:50:51 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Golf Album

With the woo haa that surrounded Justin Timberlake’s cheeky 18 at Carnoustie in mind, we at GolfPunk Towers were reminded of The Golf Album by Gary Farr and who out of golf’s growing legion of crooners could contribute to a sequel.

Don’t worry, we got over it.


J Tizzay has nothing to do with this album.

“The Golf Album was originally pressed and released on a cassette which explains the “Front Side” and “Back Side” titles. It was designed to get you to your golf course within 30 minutes (Front Side) and get you home or where ever you are heading after your round (local bar, girlfriends house, etc.) again in the 'back side' 30 minutes. The CD however is continuous play and if it takes you longer to get to a golf course, this is even better!”
For more on this story click here…


Golf Punks
4/17/2007 7:37:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, April 12, 2007
The World Against GolfPunk's

Yesterday we introduced you to golfpunkonline.com’s latest contributors, Tim and the rest of his fourball. Well their report from last weekend is in so join them again on their familiar journey of golf, banter and i-pods.

The Spring Tankard Gets the Season Underway.

Ahh. The Spring Tankard. A sunny day, with more than a hint of spring as the daffodils greet me driving up to the clubhouse for a 10.52 tee off. The hangover was mild, the children dropped off at tennis so I had done my bit, and now I was going to handle the pressure of being 8.4 and the potential of dropping to 9. Ray and Michael were already there – Ray on the putting green and Michael moseying around the pro shop picking up putters. Jeremy Mills was joining us to add his 20 handicap to Ray’s 5, my 8, and Michael’s 19. High low seemed appropriate so it was Michael and I for the 50:50:£1.00 match. I know, some of you readers will be amazed that we play for such enormous stakes, but we can handle it, as long as we visit the sports psychologist during the week. I handed Michael my iPod to listen to the Golf Made Simple podcast that seemed to have been written for him, being as it was all about lowering expectations and the like. Oh how this simple act was going to come back and bite me on the arse with vengeance.

We wafted our clubs about and Ray teed up. Driver. No-one else in the club uses a driver off the first, but Ray just loves to wellie it and so what if it ends up in the trees on the right (which it does 3 times out of 4). What’s the problem, he just chips on and birdies it about 2 times out of 4. This being golf we were already into the chat. “What about Bob Woolmer? Incredible, like something in a Hercule Poiroit novel.” “Incredible, takes the shine off Ireland’s win a bit” “Was it fixed? The match?” “Who knows? I step up and manage to fly the bunker on the right, so far so good. Michael melts a drive down the middle and Jeremy tops his down the hill. We’re off.

Second shot, a well struck five iron drifts into the bunker. It is GUR. I drop behind. I hit it back into the bunker with my trusty lob wedge. A horrible thought hits me. Did I nearly shank that? I drop again. I chip over the green. I miss the putt. I miss the short one back. I start with a ding. Ray pars. “Well are the DUP and Sinn Fein going to do a deal?” We chat about this, which will be of no interest to anyone outside Northern Ireland, and to be honest not much to us either, but we feel obliged to say something every week. “Probably. Big Ian doesn’t want everyone to blame him for the water charges” I clip a good drive down towards the bunker, but it is sliding away. I look away and watch the others. We natter on about this and that as I approach where my ball should be sitting, pristine on the fairway. What the…? It reached the bunker. Damn. I play out. It’s a par five. Ray lays up, which in Rays terms means he is about a foot short of the green. Michael has done something that is unusual for him and hit a second good drive. And a good second. Jeremy is a bit out of sorts. Well to be honest he is all over the place. He over swings, but I don’t know him well enough to tell him.

Ray wins the hole with a birdie. Me. I ding it. Two holes, no points. The third goes peacefully. I manage to pick up a point. Whoopee. Then the fourth. Par three. I shank it off the tee. Ray is five feet away from the pin. I am under a tree. I am losing the plot. I walk away from the ball, worried that I might break the club against the tree. The others move away from me, with that concentrated look of people who have decided that it is dangerous to say anything. Another ding. Ray has a five footer for a birdie. Michael is looking at a four. Ray putts. He misses. He putts. He misses again. He putts. He misses again. He putts he holes it. Four putts from five feet. So I can now tell you the main difference between Ray and the rest of the human race who play golf.

He smiles. Shrugs his shoulders. “Didn’t see that coming” I would have been in bits. A nervous shambles, anger and despair fighting to take over my body. In fact I was already a bit like that having one point from four holes. Michael won the hole so we were in the chair. He drove. Another good one. I drove. Drifting out right. “Wait until you see, under an effing tree no doubt” Hoping that my prediction would ensure that it was lying well in the light rough. Walk down. There it is. Right under a tree. Loads of room around for it to have gone. But no. It is right under a tree. That is it. No more anger, just complete understanding that the golfing gods were repaying me for giving Michael the iPod. Basically saying you are a smug bastard – take that.

But it is not over. My drive at the eighth, slight hook – moving wide of the bunker – moving so wide that I may be in trouble. Clips a tree and appears to be leaping towards the fairway. So what do you think. Did it reach the flat grass. Did it hell – of course it rebounded into the bunker, under the lip and another hole without scoring. Michael and I managed to win the dosh, so I am £1.70 better off, with Ray getting three points for his birdies, and us a couple for oozlers. It was so ridiculous that the other three laughed, and I joined in. As it turned out that was the last of the golfing god’s jokes for the day. I had scored five points after eight holes. I got a par with a shot at the ninth, for three and then sixteen on the back nine for a total of twenty four. Ray ended up with thirty seven, including four birdies, Michael had to disqualify himself for thinking that there were preferred lies through the green, and not just on closely mown areas. Jeremy. Well, lets just say that he can play better.
It’s the Master’s time again, which is the annual time for saying “Jaysus – it’s the Masters time again, it only seems like about a week since the last one”. To all the players out there – do not lend anyone your iPod, it wrecks your game.


Golf Punks
4/12/2007 4:10:26 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, April 11, 2007
GolfPunk's Against the World

Ladies and gentlemen, as anyone with a license fee should know the golf season is here. Yeah we know, the global sport is played all year round from Malaysia to Malaga to Margate but the first major of the year is when it really kicks in. So what are we going to do to celebrate? Speak to the PGA’s newest major winner about what it is like to be on top of the world? Naaaa. Talk to a rookie about what it is like to appear on the greatest stage in golf? Nope. Chat to some weekend hackers like you and me about real grass roots golf? Yeah, that sounds a bit more like us. So here it is, introducing the latest set of GolfPunks Against the World, it’s The Fourball.

Hi, This is the first of a regular update on what is happening in the real world of golf – not the glorious weather of the USPGA, or the exotic locations of the European Tour – no this is golf without caddies, television cables to drop from, crowds of people to cheer and groan, and shots to make you go oooh and aaah. This is the fourball.

Yep. A regular fourball, playing the same course regularly, with the same strengths and weaknesses – every week – as we try to win our majors – the weekly competition, the club matchplay, the monthly medal and the glory of a few quid from a shop sweep. We play for real money. Fifty-fifty and a pound, with ten pence points for birdies, oozlers, woozlers, sandies and golden ferrets. Shots are taken from the low man. But I had better be honest. It is a fourball lacking one thing. A fourth person. So our fourball has three regulars, plus whoever puts their name down with us on the timesheet. So I’d better tell you a bit about us.

We are probably not qualified to be considered golf punks, as we might be seen as too old, too set in our ways and too middle class. But in our favour – we lose our tempers (well Michael and I do) have a laugh – talk about the topics of the day, can work an iPod and welcome younger players to our fourball to keep us up-to-speed with the current trends for young people – who it would appear are much more conservative than we were at their age.

Here are the players:

Michael

Age: Too near to 50 to be completely sure of seeing next week, he is a sort of civil servant who works in human resources.

Ability: Plays off 19, lowest handicap was 15, and there is no reason that he should be so high, well apart from the wrist he broke in the takeaway that seems to be near incurable.

Trophies: A sickening two Captain’s Prizes, including the Millennium Prize, two medals, and a few other assorted gongs over the years.

Ray

Age: Over fifty. We are not that sure what he actually does, apart from go on holidays quite regularly, both for golf and to watch his daughter play tennis.

Ability: Plays off five. Was lower. Totally unflappable. Was going to win Captain’s Day a couple of years back until a shank on the 12th. His response: “Oh well, that’s a bit of a pity.” Michael and I were inwardly bashing our clubs on the ground on his behalf, as he happily wandered over, finished with a five, missed the prize by a point and enjoyed the dinner.

Trophies: Two at least, club matchplays, various medals, one captain’s prize, and on several teams. Hits the ball a country mile – for an old guy.

Me (Tim)

Age: Nearly 49, but not quite – and what does age matter anyway. Work in advertising making things up – but this is all true.

Ability: Down from 11 to eight last year – my lowest ever handicap at the age of 48 – life is only beginning – hurrah.

Trophies: One singles competition in nearly 20 years. One, yes, one. The Graham Leason Bodel putter for heaven’s sake. Not even a medal. Closest to a medal was fifteen years ago – when I was second to a 28 effing handicapper. It didn’t bother me at all that Len ‘whasisname’ – off 28 – beat me into second and I was off 12. Not a bit. Four semi-finals of the club match play. I am the Jimmy White of the Deramore Cup. But I will keep the story of that for another day.

We play at Malone Golf Club outside Belfast. A beautiful course, set in 300 acres, with a lake on the back nine, 27 holes and great practice facilities. So we all practise. Like hell we do. We are amateurs. We need to be able to race out of the car park on to the first tee and wallop the ball down the middle with barely a practice swing. Practising is for wimps and people who are blessed with talent and can play the game. The clubhouse is great – with a new bar, and a warm welcome as long as you are wearing socks.

So that is us. Throughout the year I will keep you up-to-date on our performance, our opinions on current affairs, Big Brother, football, what we bought to improve our game without practising, Irish rugby (Ray and Michael are experts, so they tell me), politics, how we screwed up every competition, what size of hangover we played with, and how we managed to spend our money on the card.

Talk soon.

Tim


Golf Punks
4/11/2007 4:32:51 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, November 15, 2006
New campaign idea for Nursey..?

PAUL McNamee, the new promoter of the Australian Open golf tournament to be played at Royal Sydney this week, has been received with some scepticism by conservative fans fearful his plans to revive the tournament could compromise its grand traditions.

However, in an exclusive-ish interview with The Sun-Herald, McNamee moved to calm fears that plans for twilight golf, spectator viewing points on the fairways and concerts after play would affect the nature of the tournament.

"I've had people come up to me saying absurd things like, 'I've heard you're going to have girls in bikinis caddying for the players'," he said.

"That's just ridiculous. Have you ever tried to find 100 swimsuit models strong enough to carry those heavy bags around for four days? I have and it's just not feasible."

We at GP Towers know just the lady for this dilemma. I see a campaign for Nursey to amass an armada to help out our Aussie friends.´NURSEY.....


Golf Punks
11/15/2006 6:11:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, October 03, 2006
VOTE FOR US

WHAAAAAAAAYYEEEYYYYYYYY!!!!!

Golf Punk and OSM head awards shortlist Jason Cowley, Editor of the Observer Sports Monthly, and Tim Southwell, his counterpart at new-launch Golf Punk, head the category shortlists in the British Society of Magazine Editors’ awards, announced yesterday.
The awards, together with the Society’s Mark Boxer Award and Editors’ Editor of the Year will be presented at the London Hilton on Tuesday, November 14.
Under consideration in other categories, Andy Robinson, of Nikon Pro (surely a favourite with many of the SJA’s photography members), is shortlisted in the contract magazines category.
Ian McLeish, the Editor of the Haymarket-produced consumer contract United Review - Manchester United’s matchday programme - is also short-listed.
In the men’s magazines category, Men’s Fitness (edited by Peter Muir) and Men’s Health (Morgan Rees) are both nominated for consideration.
Golf News | Golf Punks
10/3/2006 9:20:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, September 29, 2006
Hole in One Video

If you can't view this video go here


Golf Punks | Your funnies
9/29/2006 9:56:27 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, September 22, 2006
Where's Torrance

This Ryder Cup mania has gone absolutely crazy!

 

We were prepared for 300,000 disappearing for a few days and mysteriously turning up on Monday with a slight Irish accent, we were even prepared for a huge upsurge in electricity use during TV breaks and had notified the relevant authorities. But what we weren’t prepared for, what you could of knocked us down with a feather with, was the news that one of our GolfPunk stable would go renegade!!!!!

 

 

In the run up to the Ryder Cup we rang around and checked to see how all our GolfPunks against the World were getting on. Ollie Fisher was doing what Ollie Fisher does. Playing golf and winning. Suzann and Jonathan are playing over in the States, which is fair enough. James Heath is plying is trade on the Challenge Tour trying to get onto the big boys tour next year. We phoned the tow Graeme's Storm and McDowell, which went something a bit like this....

 

GP: "Hi guys, how are you?"

 

Graemes: "ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!!!!!!!"

 

GP: "What the hell was that? Where are you??"

 

Graemes: "Yoooooooouuuuuuuu ddaaaaaaaaaa mmaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!" (Line goes dead)

 

It turns out that the duo are at the Ryder Cup following Europe and mingling with the fans. So say hi if you see them. Then we went to check on Sam. A certain Mr Torrance. But we got no reply. That's not unusal. Normally he's on duty with the BBC. So we tried again later, but still nothing and the parental instinct in us started to worry. He hadn't called, left no note etc, etc....then we heard that he was definitely at the K Club, so we sent a craic (see what we did there) unit to find him, but they've taken over a pub in Naas called the Ivy and apparently, he isn't there. But they did give us this...

 

 

Sam Torrance Blog 

 

Live commentary A not so serious look at the action as it unfiolds. 

 

The Atlantic Divide A bit of banter from both sides of the pond. 

 

It's the Ryder Cup coverage on AOL and if you look closely you'll find a certain moustachioed Scottish fella filling you in on all the juicy gossip behind the scenes at the Ryder Cup. We've been on it all day - checking in to see that he's behaving himself - and we recommend you do the same. And if you see him, tell Sam we know what he's been up to!!!


Golf Punk at the Open | Golf Punks
9/22/2006 7:48:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, June 19, 2006
British Amateur Championships hots up

While millions around the world are still stood mouths agape at the flabbergasting end to the US Open yesterday, the golfing world has just shrugged its shoulders and licked its lips at the next titanic battle taking place this week between two teenagers in Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Irish protégé Rory McIIroy, and Essex wunderkind Ollie Fisher, 17, will both tee it up today in the British Amateur championship at Royal St Georges, and many would not be surprised if these two end up facing each other in the final.

Both teenagers enter the event on the back of some amazing form. Fisher, who became the youngest ever Walker Cup player last year, recently captured his first senior amateur title, winning the St Andrews Links trophy, Europe’s top amateur event, over the Old Course with a seven-under par total for four rounds.               

McIIroy responded in kind with a successful defence of the Irish Close title at the European Club last week to add to his second place in the Lytham Trophy and third place in the Irish Amateur so far this season.

Going into the championship, the youngster said: "I'm playing the best golf of my life."

It's the title that's really the most important thing and this for me is the big one this year. This the one I want to win most."

The GolfPunk office is just hoping that the pair can keep going on as if they both live up to their potential then European golf will only be the healthier for it.

You can keep up to date with their progress and the scores from the British Amateur by clicking on this link: here



Golf News | Golf Punks
6/19/2006 3:15:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Thanks

Firstly, I'd just like to say a big thank-you to everyone who rallied to get our blogroll up and going again. A special thanks to those who immediately sent in our google cache.

If you have been left off then apologies, please get in touch and we will rectify this. I have to say that this has given me a new found enthusiam for blogging and a new pet hate - spammers- which I seem to share with a number of others, so in every raincloud is a silver-lining I guess.


Golf Punks
6/6/2006 9:42:51 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Casey does the business...so far

GolfPunk diarist Paul Casey, is on track for automatic qualification for the US Open at Winged Foot next month after two sterling results at the British Masters and Irish Open.

Paul finished fifth and second respectively, which has shunted him from 56th to 42nd in the world rankings. The top 50 players in the world automatically qualify for the US Open.

So that's a massive woohooo from us and a fingers crossed that Nick Dougherty and Graeme McDowell can follow suit.


Golf Punks
5/23/2006 5:21:53 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, May 18, 2006
Doing what we do best: The English Ranter

Not that we are a cynical lot, or that we are all a little bit emotional after our last minute efforts to cram all of our most aspirational ideas into the latest issue, but we would like to say a big thank-you to The English Ranter for his wonderful website, www.englishranter.com

The English ranter has worked in the publishing trade for years and as such as a number of brilliant insights into the world of celebrity and un-returned phone calls.

Each week the 39-year-old self confessed gambling addicted, Marxist thief tells us what is wrong with the world and gives us salvation in knowing that we are not the worst people on the planet.

This week's English Ranter: www.englishranter.com
 
* The world's shittest sports mascot (and it's German)
* Meeting the cast of Beverly Hills 90210
* The mouth on a stick vs Paul McCartney
* The world's newest monkey
* A consumer's guide to getting cancer
* Plus Pete Doherty, paypal, water companies and other c***s.
* Loads of amazon adverts with things you won't want.
 
On this week's World Cup Ranter: www.worldcupranter.blogspot.com
 
* Who the f*ck is Fred?
* Thierry Henry - put your money where you mouth is
* England cheated to win in 1966
Plus some other stuff about teams in the world cup, and a load of amazon adverts with things you won't want.

For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks | Your funnies
5/18/2006 4:32:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Golf on drugs

The US PGA have rejected claims of drug abuse on the Tour and calls for a system of random drug testing to be put in place.

Documents from sports testing agencies have shown that, while no performance enhancing substances have been found, marujiana, cocaine and ectasy have been found in samples from Italian and French amateur and pro golfers.

The US PGA are basically giving this the two fingers and saying that these substances wouldn't help the performance of professional golfer and they firmly believe that the sport is clean.

They have a policy of self-policing, which they claim is working just fine, though Stewart Cink has said that random testing wouldn't be a bad idea if only to put to show that the Tour has nothing to hide.

To help encourage them we at GolfPunk Towers are going to start random-testing in the office. Though with the amount of Haribo consumed on a daily basis I doubt that the results will be anywhere near valid.

Link: here
Golf Punks
5/10/2006 5:48:16 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, May 05, 2006
GolfPunk world revolution begins!

We have had a baby!!! GolfPunk Germany hit the shelves last week to a great reception. Deputy Editor, Erik was with us at the London Golf Show and we were meant to get a load off GolfPunk Germany to show of at the stall, but some woman called Susie signed for them in the press room and we never saw hide nor hare of them.

Luckily, our clever German bretheren, sent a box of mags to Golfpunk Towers and we read it cover to cover this morning. (Well, at least had a damn good look through.)

This is just the start of GolfPunk's worldwide revolution. GolfPunk Italy is due to launch tomorrow at the Italian Open and a few of us are flying out to see it on the shelves and we are expecting GolfPunk Indonesia any day now.

Anyway, if you happen to be  wandering around the Naffi in Berlin or anywhere that sells magazine in Germany this is what you should be looking for...

                   
Golf Punks
5/5/2006 4:50:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Tiredness kills, take a break

There's a picture of me on another golf website http://www.golfreporter.net.345 after I met Andre, the self titled 'rubbish golfer' at the London Golf Show.

He has been blogging his experience and has been very kind to the GolfPunk crew, except by publishing those pictures! I could o look more tired if I tried. If anyone wants me I will be in bed.




Webitor Shaun, the morning after his epic 19 round toe-to-toe with Mike Tyson.

Golf Punks | Your funnies
5/3/2006 6:41:50 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, April 27, 2006
GolfPunk at the London Golf Show

Well we're here Live at the London Golf Show and I can't believe that it is 4.30pm already. Where the hell has the time gone!!!

 

It's meant to be a nice quiet Thursday - a warm up for the weekend - but obviously, everyone just couldn't wait because the GolfPunk stand has been mentally busy all day!!!

 

Not complaining though, because it has been lovely to meet a few of the forum members and other golf punks who have popped in to say hello and have a glass of bubbly.

 

We have to say a big thank you to Marcus and Lee at Planitology who have been instrumental in setting up the stand and to everyone at Puma and Callaway who have dressed us in their Sunday best.

 

The one great thing about the golf show is that we know we can get away with talking about golf for eight hours without the risk of boring the pants of anyone - so if you fancy coming down or are planning to come down to the London Golf Show at the Excel centre then we will be here until 8pm tonight and back up for a 10am start every day until Sunday.

 

Come and say hello.

 

Live gallery photos from London Golf Show here


Golf Punks
4/27/2006 3:51:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, April 25, 2006
GolfPunk and HDT racing begin the season

Our eagerly awaited debut of seeing the GolfPunk name hurtling around a racing track at 150 mph has started. The boys at HDT racing put in a sterling effort - keep up the good work fellas!


At long last we arrive at the first meeting of the year of the Dutch Supercar Challenge, at possibly one of the best circuits in the world, SPA. Shame it is not on the GP circuit, but the facilities do need improving.

We went to the meeting with an underlying rear grip problem, which is in hand but time ran short, so all we wanted to do was come away with points, to enable us to attack the championship at the next round, Zolder in May.

The competition in the championship gets stronger every year and this year is no exception, in fact it is at its strongest ever, so finishing 7th in the first 1 hour race was about what we expected. Spending Sunday pre-race time making suspension adjustments paid off, because Graham managed to finish 4th!!

This was a good result, especially as the results were fairly mixed up meaning the points are fairly distributed.

Looking forward to Zolder (20/21 May) and dont forget we are at Brands Hatch 17/18 June

David Walker
Team Director

www.hdtracing.com

'Right, no,no left!!'


For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks
4/25/2006 1:23:40 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, April 24, 2006
Get a handle on it...

We are claiming 50% of any royalties....

Dear GolfPunk,
 
I purchased an Oakley golf bag after it appeared in your most splendid magazine some time ago, like the anorak that I am I thought the handle was in a crap position and the bag poorly balanced.
 
After tinkering I have come up with a ‘Heath Robinson’ extra handle which makes it balance far better.  (see photos).
 
This addition also makes positioning & re-positioning the bag around the dance floor far easier, especially in collecting up the folding legs and carrying short distances and puts less strain on the back muscles with the bag being better balanced using this new handle etc…
 
You wouldn’t think that I have been suspended from work two weeks last Friday (Whilst using the company corporate Belfry membership to take my dad and some friends round the Brabazon) and that I now have too much time on my hands!
 
Sorry to bother you but I am bored.
 
Keep up the good work.
Jamie

Hope this doesn't get you fired Jamie!!

Golf Punks | Your funnies
4/24/2006 3:47:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
VET WANTED!!

         STOP PRESS * STOP PRESS * STOP PRESS * STOP PRESS

GolfPunk Associate Editor Gavin Newsham has announced that he is taking an indefinite break from golf in order to look after his ailing cat, Henri. Eight-year-old Henri has been battling a stomach complaint for several weeks now and Newsham is needed at home to pick up the food she regurgitates on a daily basis as his wife won't do it. “I may take part in the occasional game of office putting, but I can’t really commit to anything until Henri stops puking,” says Newsham.


The Newsham's house-trained moggy

Golf Punks | Your funnies
4/24/2006 10:55:51 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, April 21, 2006
GolfPunks Against the World

Here's a look at how our GolfPunks Against the World fared last week.

BMW Asian Open, Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC

Graeme Storm
Round 1 - 74   score (+2)   Total (+2)     Position (76)
Round 2 - 69   score (-3)    Total (-1)      Position (13)
Round 3 - 72   score (even)Total (-1)     Position (10)
Round 4- 72    score (even) Total (-1)    Position (13)



Nick Dougherty
Round 1 - 73   score (+1)   Total (+1)     Position (46)
Round 2 - 73   score (+1)    Total (+2)    Position (54)
Round 3 - 74   score (+2)    Total (+4)    Position (44)  
Round 4- 69    score (-3)      Total (+1)   Position (T26)


James Heath
Round 1 - 73   score (+1)   Total (+1)     Position (54)
Round 2 - 69   score (+6) thru 15    Total (+7) Position (104)
               Round 3 - M/C
               Round 4-  M/C

Florida's Natural Charity Championship, Florida, Eagle's Landing Country Club



Helen Alfredsson
Round 1 - 72   score (even)   Total (even)     Position ()
Round 2 - 69   score (-3)        Total (-3)      Position (47)
Round 3 - 71   score (even)   Total (-4)      Position (40)
Round 4-  78   score (+6)       Total (+2)     Position (73)



Suzann Petersen
Round 1 - 67   score (-5)   Total (-5)     Position (35)
Round 2 - 74   score (+2)  Total (-3)     Position (47)
Round 3 - 69   score (-3)   Total (-6)     Position (25)
Round 4- 65    score (-7)   Total (-13)   Position (5)
 
Shell Houston Open, Redstone Golf Club, Houston Texas

Graeme McDowell      
Round 1 - 72   score (even)   Total (level)     Position (61)
Round 2 - 72   score (even)   Total (level)     Position (39)
Round 3 - 69   score (-3)        Total (-3)          Position (10)
Round 4-  75   score (+3)       Total (level)     Position (54)

Jonathan Kaye
Round 1 - 70   score (-2)   Total (-2)     Position (22)
Round 2 - 74   score (+2)  Total (even)Position (39)
Round 3 - 74   score (+2)  Total (+2)    Position (48)
                Round 4- 73   score (+1)   Total (+3) Position (70)

Golf News | Golf Punks
4/21/2006 5:11:38 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Gulf Punk

Staunch work by the boys...

A GOLF-mad soldier has created Iraq's first crazy golf course – in the middle of a desert.
Lance Corporal Alex Thurston was missing his regular round so much while serving with the 21st Signal Regiment in Basra that he designed the nine-hole green to keep himself and pals amused while off-duty.

The 22-year-old mechanic, from Bourne, who looks after radios for the army's helicopter force, enlisted pals to help build the course at Basrah Air Station. It took them two weeks and includes water features and mini bunkers.

Lance Corporal Thurston said: "We were talking about golf and the thought occurred to me that while not everyone plays the game, almost everyone has had a go at crazy golf at the seaside.

"I have a handicap of 15 and am proud to say that I hold the current course record of 35 shots, which will take some beating."

In many ways the most exclusive course in world golf, Lance Corporal Thurston and his team of helpers created some of the obstacles out of de-activated Iraqi Army munitions.

The course also has floodlights so soldiers can practise their swings in the evenings, and has impressed his army superiors so much that Lance Corporal Thurston has been told he could have a promising career as a golf course architect when he leaves the army.

Last week the course staged its first competitive match, which was won by the air station commander, Group Captain Malcolm Brecht, but the course record still looks safe for now.

Capt Brecht said: "I have no idea what we got round in, it was lots. It must have been more than 50.

"It's a really hard course and we stopped keeping count."

Link:here
Golf Punks
4/21/2006 3:38:51 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
The London Golf Show 2006


About this time last year GolfPunk was a bi-monthly magazine and we had just released our first issue with Tiger Woods on the cover.
GolfPunk was a baby compared to all the other golf magazines out there and we were still relatively unknown.
So, we decided to take a stand at the London Golf Show and spread the gospel. We didn’t really know what to expect, (a handful of Ashworth clad fella hitting a few balls on a range or a load of PR chit-chat about nothing in particular?) All we wanted to do was add a little GolfPunk flavour to the punch and so we packed a fridge, some bubbles, a bevvy of BunkerBabes and a vanload of Srixon golf balls, took a deep breath and headed to the London Docklands.
What actually occurred was nothing short of amazing.
35,000 people descended on the show over 4 days and the majority of them trampled over the GolfPunk turf. As the drinks flowed and music blared GolfPunk received a proper welcome to the golfing world. Sam Torrance and Ronnie Corbett subscribed (who wouldn’t with 24 free golf balls), a host of celebrities mingled with the crowd at the bar, Fibber and the Golf Monk appeared in every conceivable photo-opportuntity, there were trick shot shows, professional lessons, Lab Monkeys and a whole bunch of new friends who just disappeared into the blur.
It was flabbergasting. Hardly anyone had heard of GolfPunk, yet in the space of four short days we felt like we achieved the golfing equivalent of scoring the winning goal in the World Cup final, as a teenager, in the 93rd minute, with the last kick of the game, against Germany.
And now it’s time to do it all again.
In the past year we’ve become a monthly magazine, spent time with Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Darren Clarke to name a few, been all over the world (well, one of us has, eh Owen?), played some of the most amazing courses and met thousands of fellow golf punks.
But we know where we’ve come from. We remember how it all started. And all this malarkey isn’t going to change us. GolfPunk is founded around a besotting fixation with the game of golf and that is what we want to show the world.
So, whatever you planned to do over the weekend of the 27-30 April, cancel it. Get yourself down to the Excel centre in London’s Docklands and come and find us. We are on stall 1128 and we can’t wait to meet you.
For directions and information visit www.londongolfshow.com and register - or call 0870 145 1205 to purchase your tickets*.

*Advance ticket prices £12.50 for Adults and £8.00 for U-16s.
On-the-door ticket prices £15.00 for Adults and £10.00 for U-16s




Golf News | Golf Punks | Tips and Swing thoughts
4/21/2006 2:16:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Charlie Sifford honoured

Charlie Sifford, the man who confronted racial prejudice in golf, is to receive an Honorary Degree from the University of St Andrews.

Sifford, 84, will be given an Honorary degree as Doctor of Laws in a ceremony at Younger Hall on June 22nd.

Sifford appeared in our 'Representing for all the GolfPunks against the world...' earlier this year, where we told of his struggle to overcome institutional racism in the game.

"Sifford persevered but with his career path curtailed by the PGA's
Caucasian-only clause, he was forced to play on the United Golf Association Tour, a minor circuit that offered only modest prize funds. Like many players on the UGA, Sifford supplemented his income by giving lessons...


By 1957, Sifford's form was so commanding that he comfortably claimed the Long Beach Open, and in doing so became the first African-American to win a PGA co-sponsored tournament.

As Sifford's stock rose, and the American civil rights movement gathered pace, so too did the clamour for him to play on the PGA Tour. In 1960, the Tour finally bowed to the growing pressure and removed its Caucasian-only clause and in doing so granted Sifford his playing rights, making him the first black member in its long history."

Dr Brian Lang, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, said:

"Charlie Sifford is a pioneer of the Civil Rights era whose career
exemplifies courage, determination and the will to succeed in the face of substantial prejudice and adversity.

"We are delighted that he has accepted our offer of an Honorary Degree."

Such is Charlie's stature in the game that Tiger Woods describes as his "honorary grandfather".

During his career he endured death threats, heard racial slurs shouted from the galleries, was refused entry to clubhouses and in the 1952 Phoenix Open found human faeces in the cup when he and partner Joe Louis got to the first green.

He won the Hartford Open in 1967 and two years later took the Los Angeles Open, playing in 422 events on the PGA tour and making 399 cuts.

Sifford when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004, the first black player to be honoured.


Charlie Sifford will be made a Doctor of Laws by the University of St Andrews at a Graduation Ceremony on Thursday June 22nd 2006 at Younger Hall.



Golf News | Golf Punks
4/19/2006 4:10:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, April 13, 2006
Ross bosses the moss

One of our GolfPunks against the World got off to a sterling start at the Volvo China Open at the Honghua International GC, Beijing.

Ross shot a five-under round of 67 to lie one off the lead. He has already had some outstanding results on the European circuit this year and is hoping to have secured his card by the time the Tour sweeps into mainland Europe. With rounds like this he is doing himself no harm. Good Work Fella, Keep it up.

-6 C Cevaer (Fra)

-5 R Fisher
     G Fernandez-Castano (Spa)
     S Wakefield
     S Dyson
     P Hanson
     J F Lima

Golf News | Golf Punks
4/13/2006 3:59:12 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 


A week of pure hell, bloodshot eyes, frayed tempers and violent abusive language at inanimate objects and this is the result:

A load of trees wrapped in sheet plastic ready to send all over the world. You are looking at the latest edition of GolfPunk, live from the printers. It's kind of like 'Live at 17' or 'Live from Amen Corner' but with a greater Moment of Inertia. For those of you screaming in frustration at this look don't touch scene, the magazine will be on shelves on Wednesday 19th April.


Golf Punks
4/13/2006 3:48:18 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Long Drivers of Europe

There was a Long Drivers of Europe competition at the weekend,  and some of you may be familiar with the runner-up in the competition, Chris Roberts.

Better know to golf punks as Chris 'Maradona' Roberts, he is a regular in our forum and has recently been inviting all and sundry down to the London Golf Show for a meet up. Anyway, here's how he got on at the weekend.

“I think our aircraft are likely to cause more damage than your golf balls…” smiled the model plane enthusiast sagely, when he saw his usual flying spot at NMSI Wroughton usurped by the London Golf Show and Long Drivers of Europe (LDE).

Luckily for him and his friends the statement was not taken up as a challenge by those looking to set a new world record for long driving on the old airfield, near Swindon.

The miniature Charles Lindberghs departed for the far end of the runway where their impressive machines performed a plethora of loop-the-loops and dives – but they were still in danger from the Long Drivers of Europe.

Remember the Superball, manufactured by Wham-O and popular in all playgrounds in the early 70s? Well a golf ball reacts in a similar manner on an airport runway and those model aviators might well have seen a Pinnacle crash straight through their fuselage had they been any closer.

As it happened the longest drive of the day, in the London Golf Show-promoted event, came very close to popping straight into their packed lunches, with Paul Slater smashing the ball a staggering 884 yards – more than half-a-mile!

Slater came up with the goods when it really mattered – and not for the first time. His existing world record of 720 yards was set at London City Airport in February 2005, when it looked to all present that nobody would be able to wrest the accolade away from Aussie pro Stuart Appleby.

At Wroughton, Slater looked on while the new kid on the block, Adam Stacey, took his record away from him.

Londoner Stacey had not contemplated long driving until he tried his luck on a simulator at last year’s London Golf Show. He was so impressive he was invited to attend some of the LDE events last summer. It was the first step on a road which culminated in him being acclaimed as world number three at last year’s premier event in the United States.

The man in the Union Flag trousers cracked the ball down the runway and was encouraged by the urgings of his fellow competitors who kept telling him: “It’s still rolling – it’s down the middle.”

When it stopped rolling, and it took some time, it had exceeded Slater’s record by 24 yards – an impressive feat by any standards.

Slater was obviously impressed, for he asked to borrow Stacey’s driver. Such is the camaraderie of those on the LDE tour that refusing never crossed Stacey’s mind. European number one Joe Miller also offered up one of his.

Slater took one from each and blasted his first effort 723 yards through the Wiltshire air. It beat his previous world record by three yards, but he knew it wasn’t enough.

Two drives later and everybody present strained their eyes to catch sight of his ball. It started left and faded back on to the left edge of the runway – the perfect spot according to World Golf Trickshot champion Paul Barrington, who’d come along to take part and meet up with his old long-driving chums.

It was long; everybody knew it was long. One of the competitors chirped: “That’s about four quid in a taxi…”

Slater turned and, playing to the cameras, pointed his driver at Stacey and with a deadpan expression shouted: “It’s mine!”

It was. He added an unbelievable 164 yards to his previous best, with the driver borrowed from Miller – and outgunned Stacey’s new mark by another 140 yards. That’s how crucial the right bounce can prove when allied to sheer brute force.

But if Stacey was gutted, imagine how Welshman Chris Roberts felt. The 20-year-old from Caernarfon was last on the tee. His four shots included prodigious efforts of 735 and 760 yards – the latter the second longest drive on record.

He was disappointed, but pragmatic.

“I can take positives out of this,” he said with his trademark smile. “I beat last year’s record by 40 yards so I can’t be too disappointed.

“Slates’ effort must have had a freak bounce,” he laughed.

“I’m over the moon to see the guys here doing so well. They’re all friends of mine. I’ve been second twice at these world record attempts now so I must be doing something right. I’m sure I have the record in me for the future.”

Stacey was left to reflect on what might have been.

“At least I can say I was the world record holder – even if it was only for five minutes,” he said.

For Slater it must have been a case of déjà vu. Last year’s world record thrust him into the media spotlight, with interviews in national press, on TV and on radio. It also gave him the opportunity, with the backing of the London Golf Show, to tee it up in exhibition events with European Tour pros.

He was mobbed in Spain where his appearance on TV thrust him into the spotlight.

And on Saturday he was again in front of the microphones and cameras, though this time displaying the confidence of an old hand.

“I wanted my record back,” said Slater, with a nod of modest acknowledgement to Stacey.

“You’ve got five of the biggest hitters in Europe here and two of the biggest in the world. But I wanted it. Nobody had cleared 700 yards before I did it last year; and nobody had beaten 800 yards until I did it.

“And I did it with a borrowed club,” he added with a huge grin, holding aloft the driver borrowed from Miller.

Miller’s sponsor will be delighted. The new record was achieved with a Cobra XX Speed, with a loft of just four-and-a-half degrees.

“I’ve been recommending this club to everyone for ages,” added Slater. “They might start listening to me now.”
Golf Punks
4/11/2006 9:15:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
He swept it up!

As we all know by now, Phil Mickelson won this year's US Masters, and that means two things. Firstly, it means that there were 22 disappointed golf punks on Sunday evening and secondly, that Bernie (our office cleaner) was somersulting around his lounge having just won the GolfPunk office sweepstake.

It rounded off a bumper weekend for Bernie who already rinsed the bookies by picking the winner of the Grand National on Saturday. He also picked second place Tim Clark out of the hat. He said: "It was a good weekend, but a shame that Arsenal lost."

Bernie picked up £115, or at least he would've done if everyone had paid on time. He plans to spend it on a gas bill and a 'decent curry' and says that he doesn't even like Phil Mickelson.

   
       "You're hurting me Bernie..."
       "Shut it college boy and give me the gelt..."

Golf Punks
4/11/2006 8:12:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, April 10, 2006
An American invasion?

Hearty rounds of applause are echoing worldwide in Phil Mickelson's direction and deservedly so. During the numerous conversations we've had in the office today one observation kept recurring and that was how Phil seemed to cruise to victory.

All the other players had numerous opportunities to put some pressure on Mickelson. If Couples and Woods had holed a few of their birdie opportunities Phil would've felt the squeeze going down the dreaded 15th and 16th holes. However, Mickelson seemed to have another gear left in him. Other players fell by the wayside but Phil just cruised along, playing par golf and snatching the occasional birdie.

This isn't a criticism of Phil, more a compliment to the way he was in complete control of his game, a vast improvement to the wreckless trigger happy player of a few years ago.

One of the more depressing aspects of this year's event was the failure of a European golfer to mount a serious challenge down the home straight.

Olazabal shot the lights out with his 66 and several Europeans flirted with the lead during the first three rounds but when it came to the crucial moment they were found wanting...again.

The lack of European winners is an easy bandwagon to jump on after a major championship, and we shouldn't forget that Europe have won the last two Ryder Cups. However, there's an interesting stat that makes this absence of major winners something bigger than an annoying itch.

So far this season on the European Tour there has been four American winners. Tiger Woods, Kevin Stadler, Chris DiMarco and now Big Phil have all won co-sanctioned events.

This isn't a clanging chime of doom for the European Tour, but it is a telling sign of the growing strength of the US players and at the very least fuels anticipation for the Ryder Cup in September.


Golf Punks
4/10/2006 5:05:23 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, April 06, 2006
Masters Day One

So we return from the local and carry on with trying to produce something that resembles a commercially viable magazine. It’s the first day (or night) of the 2006 Masters and all our minds are 3000 miles away in the Deep South.  We’ve got no television, no more crisps and just the world wide interweb to keep up us to speed. Considering we are a GOLF MAGAZINE, it’s a scandal that we can’t actually watch the Masters. Sure, we’ve tried to recreate Augusta in the office but it’s not the same. Owen Blackhurst has done his best, planting azaleas all around the office, and we’ve banned women from coming within a mile of us, but it’s not the same, is it? Roll on the weekend…
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              'Blue Steel'


Golf Punks
4/6/2006 8:04:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Live from Augusta

Live and exclusive from inside the pearly gates of Augusta National, GolfPunk's tutition expert Jonathan Yarwood, working his socks off and getting Michael Campbell prepared for the first major of the year.





'Yeah, I just hopped the fence and nipped through that gallery'

 

 

















 

'I love this material'

 

 











Cambo: If I hold my pose no-one will notice that I've shanked it

 

 

 









 

 

 

'Macho, macho man'     

 

 

 










'Say tees'

 

 

 



 

 

 

'So I was thinking sausage and mash and a DVD?'

 

Visit Jonathan Yarwood's academy at www.jygolfacademy.com


Golf Punks
4/5/2006 1:59:38 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, April 04, 2006
GP Masters Dinner

In the spirit of the Masters, we too are having a celebratory dinner as the impending doom of deadline day looms upon us.

Check it out:

Lamb Rogan Josh x2
Pork Pie x 2
Haribo x 3 (industrial bags)
Naan Bread
Vino Tinto
Colemans mustard
Drum tobacco

   
            Stick that in your oesophagus and choke on it Gillian McKeith

Golf Punks
4/4/2006 7:10:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Masters week Day Two...Prediction Part 2

Masters fever has fully taken hold now. We are more excited than the Time Team on an Cheroke burial ground. The next sage up is GP leaper Sifa, so what's going to happen Sif?

"If you asked me yesterday I would have gone for Woods. Despite Big Phil shooting the lights out last week only one player has won the BellSouth Classic then gone on to don the green jacket, that was our own Sandy Lyle. However, I think the winners will come out of a group of four Sergio Garcia, Craig Stadler, Zach Johnson and Fuzzy Zoeller. There is no science behind it, they are just the names I picked out the hat. Come on boys I have got a fiver on this!"                                                    

                                                          

 

                                                                  IDIOT

Thanks for that Sifa, real reader service.


Golf Punks
4/4/2006 5:01:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Masters week Day Two...The Office Sweepstake

So we still have the best part of a magazine to put together and a very, very short space of time in which to do it but that doesn't stop us from all gathering in the office for the annual GolfPunk US Masters Sweepstake.

Independently adjudicated by Stiff Little Fingers and beautifully organised by Jack Edmonds the draw took about 20 minutes with ties to be played over the BBC on evenings between April 6th- 9th.

For those who were absent from the draw it's just tough bananas. There will be no changing of names and no complaints.

Here's everyone's picks:

Bernie - Tim Clark/ Kenny Perry/ Carl Pettersson/ Phil Mickelson

Sifa - Craig Stadler/ Zach Johnson/ Sergio Garcia/ Fuzzy Zoeller

Sophie Southwell - Dillon Dougherty/Tim Herron/ Larry Mize/ Shigeki Maruyama/ Tiger Woods

Tim Southwell - Jason Bohn/David Duval/ Sandy Lyle/ Sean O'Hair/ Mark Hensby

Owen - Ryan Moore/ Chad Campbell/ Miguel Angel Jimenez/ Shingo Katayama/ Doug Ford

Joe - Eduardo Molinari/Thomas Bjorn/ Shaun Micheel/ Vaughan Taylor

Lee - Mark O'Meara/ Gay Brewer Jr/ KJ Choi/Kevin Marsh/ Padraig Harrington

Bella - Darren Clarke/ Rocco Mediate/ Ben Curtis/ Rich Beem

Gavin - Jose Maria Olazabal/ Rory Sabbatini/ Thomas Levet/ Charles Coody

Pandy - Todd Hamilton/Paul McGinley/ Scott Verplank/ Angel Cabrera/

Paul - Tom Lehman/ Retief Goosen/ Stephen Ames/ Chris DiMarco/

Iestyn - Jim Furyk/ Mike Weir/ Lucas Glover/ Fred Funk

Dan O - Lee Westwood/ John Daly/ Peter Lonard/ Trevor Immelman

Sam - Nick O'hern/ David Howell/ Billy Casper/ Henrik Stenson

Keg - Brandt Jobe/ Nick Faldo/ Jack Nicklaus/ David Toms

Shaun - Arnold Palmer/ Bob Goalby/ Colin Montgomerie/ Ben Crane/ Olin Browne

Kate - Davis Love/Ian Woosnam/ Tom Watson/ Gary Player/ Bart Bryant

Tom - Adam Scott/ Jack Burke Jr/Ernie Els/ Arron Oberholser

Stobby - Ben Crenshaw/ Luke Donald/ Brian Nelson/ Joe Ogilvie

Dan C - Stewart Cink/ Bernhard Langer/ Justin Leonard/ Stuart Appelby

S Read - Mark Calcavecchia / Ted Purdy/ Robert Allenby/ Vijay Singh

Babbsy - Clay Ogden/ Ray Floyd/ Michael Campbell/ Brian McElhinney/ Tommy Aaron

Jack - Thongchee Jaidee/ Charles Howell III/ Geoff Ogilvy/ Fred Couples

Golf Punks
4/4/2006 3:00:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, April 03, 2006
MASTERS WEEK - DAY ONE

It's MASTERS week and excitement levels in the GP Office have reached that of a kindergarten weaned on a Haribo/Slush Puppy lunch.

To celebrate we are going to go Augusta-tastic this week and finding everything we can blog about in connection with The Masters. To begin with we found Equipment Editor, Dan 'King of Clubs' Owen sitting in the office chair right next to me and he's going to give us his lowdown on who's got what it takes to conquer the Georgia track and why:

Tiger Woods is going to win the Masters by five clear shots. He's the best golfer in the world by a long way and he's shown that in every event he's played this season.
He has tremendous self-belief and if he sets his sights on winning then everyone else has to work doubly hard just to keep up with him. He holes everything under 6ft  and  considering that Augusta are meant to have the scariest greens in the game, it will be a great help.
Watch out for Jose Olazabal who has hit a great run of form recently and has finally got his driving sorted. The last time he hit it straight from the tee he went and won the thing. You can also never discount Ernie Els and Luke Donald who are both capable of shooting great scores around any course in the world.

Well, thank-you Dan. There you have it folks, the world number one is likely to have a good chance.

We've found this great little site in the US. http://www.livefromaugusta.com/
Two fellas are heading to Augusta on a mission to have a great time and should get some great inside stories. Have a look and see what you think....


           
Golf News | Golf Punks
4/3/2006 5:22:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, March 31, 2006
HDT Racing and our brand new Porsche

Such is the wonder of modern technology that we've ended up sponsoring a racing team after being introduced through our web design team.

It turns out that HDTracing.com share a designer with us and knew of our website. The designer got in touch with us and asked if we'd be interesting in sponsoring them, we immediately got giddy at the prospect of Porsches, champagne and started leafing through property brochures of Monaco abd said 'yes'.

Seconds later their guy Matt skyped me, we exchanged pleasantries and now we sponsor Graham Coomes in his shiny HDT Racing GT2 Porsche. That's one for the world of binary.

   

Driving like a demon                           And, holding up traffic


For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks
3/31/2006 4:31:30 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Brilliant Ben wins again!

Ben Evans is a junior who has slipped under the radar of our 'Kids wot are better than us' feature, yet he has an amateur record that is as formidable as any of our previous entrants.

So, as a means of apology and as an introduction to all our golf punks here's a little bit about the promising young fella.

Ben recently won the Sunningdale foursomes, teaming up with Danielle Masters to beat James Morrison and Colin Roope 2&1 in the final.

He's a former winner of the Faldo Series and notably trounced our GolfPunk against the world, Ollie Fisher, in both these events.

He didn't beat our travel Editor, Owen Blackhurst, when they played each other at Real World Golf on the Playstation in the poor man's living room, but I'm sure he didn't lose any sleep over it. Judging from his photo though....

 

     

Ben Evans                                         Uncle Pete


Golf Punks
3/29/2006 3:27:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, March 09, 2006
Woosie supports the Welsh

They say good things come in small packages....

"Ian Woosnam has been appointed official ambassador for Welsh golf in the run-up to their first staging of the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Woosnam will captain Europe in this September’s match against the United States in Ireland, and the Welshman is delighted with his new role.

“I’ve been proud to represent my country many times in my golfing career, but this is a great opportunity to make a practical hands-on contribution,” said the 48-year-old former Masters champion.

“Ryder Cup 2010 is going to make a huge difference to the growth of golf in Wales and to Wales’ international standing across golf, leisure and business."

At least it might get Wales noticed by the chief map drawer of the EU!

link: www.icwales.icnetwork.co.uk

Golf News | Golf Punks
3/9/2006 10:05:14 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, February 23, 2006
WGC DRAW: 2nd Round

Here's the draw for day two of the WGC Accenture World Matchplay in California:

David Toms v Jose Maria Olazabal
Adam Scott v Tom Lehman
Tiger Woods v Robert Allenby
Henrik Stenson v Chad Campbell
Chris DiMarco v Arron Oberholser
Carl Pettersson v Davis Love III
Vijay Singh v Miguel A. Jimenez
Angel Cabrera v Padraig Harrington
Zach Johnson v Sean O'Hair
Colin Montgomerie v Shingo Katayama
Retief Goosen v Ben Crane
Luke Donald v Shigeki Maruyama
Phil Mickelson v John Daly
David Howell v Scott Verplank
Bernhard Langer v Mike Weir
Geoff Ogilvy v Nick O'Hern

GolfPunks Picks:
Chris DiMarco to beat Arron Oberholser
Luke Donald to beat Shigeki Maruyama
Colin Montgomerie to beat Shingo Katayama
Vijay Singh to beat Miguel A. Jimenez
Tiger Woods to beat Robert Allenby

Golf News | Golf Punks
2/23/2006 5:14:47 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, February 17, 2006
Tough love

"So far Crouch has a 100% record against top GolfPunk web designer Rik Sellers, thrashing him 6-2 in a one set thriller."

So far indeed....

He's very quick to brag about his victories but less keen to tell you about his setbacks, so we're here to do it for him.

GP Publisher, Danny 'baby faced assassin' Crouch, had a rematch last night against GP web artist Rik Sellers.

Having allowed Rik to warm up this time, the match turned out to be a much more even affair which Rik 'The Serve' Sellers ended up winning 6-2.

The bout was a gruelling battle with some games lasting as long as four minutes and several injury stoppages, after Crouchy feared he had popped a lung.

Rik said: "We were embarrassing, but for me the highlight was when Dan checked the strings of his racket after completely missing a shot, to see if it had holes in it."

The decider is scheduled for next week.

For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks
2/17/2006 4:15:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, February 16, 2006
WGC DRAW

The first World Golf Championship is due to start on February 22nd at the LaCosta Resort in California.

Here's the provisional draw, providing no-one pulls out between now and then.

Provisional draw for Accenture Match Play Championship:
(Seeded positions in brackets)

(1) Tiger Woods v (64) Graeme McDowell - GolfPunk against the World
(32) Rory Sabbatini v (33) Robert Allenby
(16) Henrik Stenson v (49) Tim Herron
(17) Chad Campbell v (48) Rod Pampling
(8) David Toms v (57) Lucas Glover
(25) Jose Maria Olazabal v (40) Arron Oberholser
(9) Adam Scott v (56) Carl Pettersson
(24) Stuart Appleby v (41) Brandt Jobe
(4) Ernie Els v (61) Charles Howell
(29) Bart Bryant v (36) Ben Crane
(13) Michael Campbell v (52) Richard Green
(20) Nick O'Hern v (45) Lee Westwood
(5) Phil Mickelson v (60) Zach Johnson
(28) Fred Couples v (37) Mike Weir
(12) David Howell v (53) Geoff Ogilvy
(21) Scott Verplank v (44) Shingo Katayama
(2) Vijay Singh v (63) Paul Broadhurst
(31) Justin Leonard v (34) KJ Choi
(15) Angel Cabrera v (50) Paul Casey - GolfPunk against the World
(18) Padraig Harrington v (47) Shigeki Maruyama
(7) Chris DiMarco v (58) Ian Poulter
(26) Tim Clark v (39) Sean O'Hair
(10) Kenny Perry v (55) Niclas Fasth
(23) Davis Love v (42) Tom Lehman
(3) Retief Goosen v (62) Bernhard Langer
(30) Stewart Cink v (35) Miguel Angel Jimenez
(14) Luke Donald v (51) Peter Lonard
(19) Darren Clarke v (46) Fred Funk
(6) Jim Furyk v (59) Mark Calcavecchia
(27) Thomas Bjorn v (38) John Daly
(11) Colin Montgomerie v (54) Steve Elkington
(22) Paul McGinley v (43) Mark Hensby



Golf News | Golf Punks
2/16/2006 2:16:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Valentines in Italy

We've been blogging the weekly diary of Giles Cornwall, one of the GolfPunk team, who is currently trying to scrape a trade in an Italian law firm.
This week passions are rising as everyone angles for a Valentine Day partner, but will poor Giles be left lonesome....


"I'm not sure how it came about really. All I know is that I'm sat in the office feeling a tad peaky. I suppose you can trace it back to my living arrangements.

I live in an apartment with 4 other Inglese; 2 girls, a very devout Muslim who is up with the lark, and a vegetarian IT teacher. As much as I like them all, there is a distinct lack of banter flowing around the house of the sort I am used to (infantile humour in other words). The other English guys I know live on the other side of the city, and while there are plenty of japes at work, often it's over my head as not only does everyone talk Italian, they speak in dialect as well so I've got no chance. Anyway, spending a lot of time with womenfolk has done something rather worrying to me. Having no one to share my joy with when Chelsea get stuffed by Middlesborough,  being obliged to suppress a blimp's worth of bodily gas and appreciating and finding cleaning therapeutic, I've gone from proudly metrosexual to full on fruity.

The final straw came when one of my housemates was hanging some of her clothes out to dry, and, spotting a pair of knickers uttered something like: "Ooh, they're a particularly lovely undergarment". Let me emphasise that not only did I not make a sleazy/lecherous/repulsive comment, I wasn't even thinking those type of thoughts. I was actually commenting on them as an item of clothing. I don't like what I've become. It wasn't until later and I was painting my toe nai... a fence... I was painting (and creosoting) a fence... that it dawned on me what I had said.

I was thinking of all this yesterday on the bus home from work, already a bit annoyed because football had been cancelled because all the Romeos in the office were busy getting their end away on Valentines Day, whilst Jonny no-date was going home to darn some socks. I had actually been sort of propositoned at work, but unfortunately by the only Italian woman in existence who resembles a Kurdish refugee. "Are you freedom tonight?" she asked, and then practically sat on my face. There's being continental and tactile and then there's being molested.

I decided that I had to get in touch with my masculine side, or at least find out if I still had one. That was why I went and asked in every tabaccheria, pasticceria, salumeria and negozo in Padova where I could find a bar showing the Liverpool v Arsenal match. As it turns out, the English PremierLeague is not the beacon of footballing we like to think, as despite a lot of advice, (including from one guy who insisted on talking in English and just kept on saying "horses!" and "Tottin-ham!") it took me an hour to track down a place, 'The Highlander', a pseudo Scottish pub where 'genuine' coats of arms of various Scottish clans and a picture of bagpipes adorn the wall.  I settled in, waiting for the other guys to arrive. Forgetting that the match didn't kick off till 9pm our time, by the time the game was about to kick off I was getting well stuck into the Guinness, "like drink in Scotland!" the excited barman had told me. Yes, quite.

I say, Guinness, it was black and creamy and has threatened to come back all over my computer on a number of occasions this morning, as I sit here feeling sorry for myself after about an hour's sleep. We ended up in a club called 'Fish Market' (oh I wish I was kidding) which was as dirty as its name implies, and twice as smelly. I'm not even going to go into the clientele, except to say... no, I can't.

Ah well, Giles. Keep on plugging away, at least Liverpool won.

Golf Punks
2/15/2006 5:58:13 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, February 10, 2006
Arnold Palmer

As it's the weekend here's a little treat for you to try....

A Pitcher of Arnold Palmer

Ingredients
6 lemons, washed well
1 cup sugar
2 cups cold water
1 quart brewed black tea, unsweetened (strength is up to you)
Mint
Lemon and Orange twists or slices

Instructions

1. Remove most of the zest from six lemons, the thin yellow peel, of the lemon with a zester or grater.  Try to get as little white as possible as it will make the drink bitter.  Put the lemons in the refrigerator.

2. Combine the lemon peel, juice, water and sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil, stirring, just until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off heat, cover, and let set until it cools to room temperature, stirring occasionally to blend well. Transfer to a large container and refrigerate for several hours or over night.

3.  Following directions on package, make a quart of black tea, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

4. Strain the zest and water mixture into a pitcher. Juice the six lemons, remove any seeds and add to the sugar water. Pulp is fine, too, but if you don't want any, strain it too. Add the tea. 

5. Taste and adjust sugar if needed.

6. Pour into tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with mint and a thin twist of orange or lemon peel or thin lemon slice.

7. Knock yourself out.


Golf Punks | Your funnies
2/10/2006 5:31:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Inside the mind of a GolfPunk

Things we are talking about in the office:

What is the definition of a prism?

Why being a man involves storming out of the house and going to the pub every once in a while.

Did Tony Benn get tannin poisoning from drinking too much TV?

Who wants Wednsday morning off work to go and play golf?

Playing tennis and school bikesheds


Golf Punks
2/10/2006 1:05:33 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Just one Cornwallo....

We've had an update from our legal eagle in Italy, Giles Cornwall. Giles has been working with GolfPunk since the beginning and is currently seeking his fortune in an Italian law firm. It's proving harder than he imagined. Take it away Giles....

"Am still in the office (yes I do work hard I know) so thought I'd update you all. I'm waiting for a lift to football after work. Have wheedled my way into the office 6 a side game every Tuesday, an exciting mix of flamboyant gesticulation, regular cigarette breaks and showboating thrown in for good measure.
The office atmosphere is a little bit edgy. Last Friday night, during a drunken party for one of the girls in the office, my supervisor revealed to me that she'd had a blazing argument with the boss that day. I had been present and just thought they were disagreeing over some contractual fine point, nodding sagely but having no idea what was going on, and that's the thing with language barriers, they're a bugger. A prime example came that night when I was chatting to one of the secretaries in my broken Italian when she asked me whether I had a girlfriend. I said no and joked that I need to find myself a nice Italian girl, to which she shot back at me something fast and Italian sounding. By her face I could tell she was asking me something that required a yes or no answer, and it was one of those 50/50 moments where you've just got to hope you get lucky. I nodded enthusiastically, "Si, assolutamente, si!", and she then gave me a weird look and wandered off. I may have unwittingly said "Yes, absolutely I think you should go on a crash diet and spend your life savings on cosmetic surgery, yes!" Decided to play it safe the rest of the night and just hung around the buffet table.
I went to nearby Verona at the weekend, a sophisticated, wonderfully romantic city full of history and an understated elegance. Where else can you get your picture taken cupping the breast of a bronze statue of Juliet while at the same time enjoying probably the best ice cream known to mankind? It was a vanilla-fudge and white chocolate double scoop combo for the record.
Giving her boob a quick squeeze is supposed to bring good luck or something like that. I've got to admit, I wasn't really listening as the significance of the act was explained to me as I was more concerned with keeping my ice cream intact whilst I copped a feel."

Stay tuned for further updates on 'Ignorant in Italy', available as and when we have access to them.

Il Signori

Golf Punks
2/8/2006 2:23:52 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Poulter avoids rap

As a follow up to the 'Poultergate' scandal in Abu Dhabi, where he faced a potential fine for wearing an Arsenal shirt during the third day's play, we are pleased to see that the European Tour officials have decided not to take any action.
Players will no longer be allowed to wear football shirts during tournament play as a result, but at least Poulter was not censored for his personality.


The offending shirt
Golf Punks
2/8/2006 2:09:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Word!

It looks like Microsoft are trying to reach out to a younger audience...


We know a guy called Luke Kohl who would absolutely love this. Check out his site at www.mackdaddycaddy.com to see why.

Golf Punks
2/8/2006 1:38:12 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, February 06, 2006
The stairs, the Steinberg and the Superbowl.

I stayed up and watched the Superbowl last night, the one time I will ever watch American Football these days. It takes me back to lazy Sunday evenings as a child when my dad used to let me stay up and watch it on channel 4.
It was a decent game, but takes far too long to play and as such I only managed to crawl into bed on the wrong side of 3am, which had severe reprecussions when I had to go to work three hours later.
A bit of the bloodshot eye is nothing compared to the one man rampage that Jay Flemma went on. I've put my personal highlight on here but you have to read the whole thing to put in perspective how bad he felt.

A rope was tied to the door and dangled off into space near the bottom of the first floor.
“You sawed the bottom stairs off with a chain saw and threw them on the bonfire.” I think it was the throbbing in my head that made me momentarily forget “bonfire” for the moment.
“Chain saw?!? What chain saw?”
“The one you had Chuck Cordova bring over. The one that’s now sticking out of the keyboard of the piano.”

Jay mate, I'm definitely interested in meeting for a game but let me assure you now that you'll probably win because I'm scared of what'll happen if you don't.
Yours nervously, Shaun
http://www.jayflemma.blogspot.com/

Golf Punks
2/6/2006 5:02:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, February 03, 2006
Cracking new Belle

GolfPunk Towers are recruiting quicker than Google at the moment and we'd like to welcome our latest member of the advertising team, Miss Arabella Daglish. (cue smatter of applause)
Young Bella, will be in charge of meeting all the lovely advertising agencies and filling the GP coffers with loads of moolah. But, as per every recruit here, there's more to her than a winning smile and cool acumen. She's a dab hand at back cracking, a skill she learnt after years of frustration in osteopath lounges. Once she gets past the gaggle of back complaints in the office she will be available for evening appointments.

GP - There ain't anything we can't do.


Auditioning for 'Murder She Wrote'

Golf Punks
2/3/2006 1:10:22 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, February 02, 2006
Workie Watch

Nice to see that the under 7s are getting off their lazy backsides and contributing to the British economy. Inspired by the good old days when kids used to sweep chimneys and go down mines rather than sit there twitching in front of the Playstation, we recruited Finlay William Bowen George for a spot of work experience. Truth is, we took advantage of an opportunity while he was being kept away from infants school, because staff were concerned that he might be suffering from impetigo (it’s a cold sore for crying out loud!) Staff members were heard commenting that his Lego hair is frighteningly reminiscent of the style sported by Owen Blackhurst, currently on a 10 day trip to Arizona (boy that guy works hard). His tea-making skills were, frankly, disappointing and he kept himself occupied playing online games and constantly asking how long he’d been here (“’cos it feels like 20 hours,”). Just like any other workie, then.
Crap tea, but is he bothered

Golf Punks
2/2/2006 5:00:40 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Arse!

Proving that we aren't the only football mad bozos in golf land, Ian Poulter has landed himself in a spot of bother for wearing an Arsenal shirt during the third round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.
The Gooner-mad Londoner faces a possible fine by the European Tour's players committee after complaints from officials.
Poulter told the BBC:
"I just wanted to spice it up a bit and would be very disappointed if I was fined,
"I suppose if everyone turned up in the football shirt of the team they support, all hell would break loose.
"But it was just a bit of fun and I didn't mean to upset anybody."
The main complaint seems to be centred on the size of the sponsors logo on the Arsenal shirt, which is O2 if anyone needs to know. It would be a shame if advertising money was the reason for reigning in some individuality and character on the Tour and hopefully this incident will pass without reprimand.


Golf Punks
2/1/2006 2:50:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Saturday, January 28, 2006
LIVE FROM ORLANDO

We've had a fresh batch of photos from the PGA Show in Orlando and have posted them up for you to see. Equipment editor Dan Owen told me he had to bit a bit sneaky getting a few of these shots, so if you see a shifty looking English bloke at show leave him alone. He's working for us.
Here are some of the titbits he's found...








What the Furyk is going on here?<


'Well Jim, it's some sort of show'









Golf Punks | Tips and Swing thoughts
1/28/2006 1:55:35 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, January 27, 2006
VOTE MAGGOT TO WIN BIG BROTHER

It's the last day of Celebrity Big Brother and you only have nine hours left to get your votes in and make sure that Maggot wins.
The bookies are backing Chantelle to win. Typically British that we would vote for a non-celebrity just to prove a point then go and read about it in Heat, Sure, OK....etc.
You can get one over on the bookies by backing Maggot. He's currently 12/1, so if all the golf punks of the world get behind him we could all make a killing.

GET VOTING NOW


Text MAGGOT to 84444 (50p plus your STD network rate) or Call 09011 32 33 06

Golf Punks
1/27/2006 11:45:56 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, January 26, 2006
He can't beLEEve it

Thursday night on production week. Sub Editor Lee Goodall has just found out that someone has eaten his dinner...


'Not my chicken arrabiataaaaaaaaaa'

Golf Punks
1/26/2006 8:41:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
The Graduate

In the midst of ranting about GolfPunk's gallivanting employees, who seem to be having a wonderful time at our expense, we received an e-mail from a certain Giles Cornwall, a gangly youth who had been working with us from GPs birth.
Giles always fancied himself as a legal eagle and so it was with tears in our eyes that we released him from his caper duties, making a nuisance of himself around the nation, and sent him off to the land of wigs and Latin.
True to form, Giles has gone on a bit of a European walkabout and is currently working for a law firm in Italy. Here are some of his thoughts on life in Italy so far....

I am in my third day at work in Studio Legale Rocca, which, roughly translated, means Rocca Law Firm (my Italian is coming on a treat!) and everyone is molto friendly. Only made one slight cock up so far, though potentially a fatal one. Was doing the rounds on my first day "ciao signorina" and all that, and then, feeling like I was fitting in and ingratiating myself with my colleagues, casually ciao-ed some bloke I hadn't met yet. Turns out this was l'avvocato Rocca, the big boss man who likes to be treated like some demi-god and must be greeted with "biorngiono". Anyway, after an awkward hush in the office, just came out with the old "sono Inglese, stupid-o!?" line, which has got me out of all sorts of scrapes and just about saved me.
Will leave you, however, with the reaffirmation of a good old-fashioned stereotype- the Italian driver. On my first day I got a lift home with one of the lawyers, who, in a 15 minute car journey ran about 7 red lights, cut up a couple of cyclists and then for some reason tried to ram a bus off the road, scraping all the way down the passenger (my) side of the car against it.

We'll keep you posted on how Giles gets on over the next few months. Our first GP graduate, we're so proud.


Just look at those Italian genes
Golf Punks
1/26/2006 8:23:20 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Our Men in Orlando

The two Dannies landed safely at the Orlando golf show after a marathon 22-hour journey. You may think that this is an awfully long time to fly across the Pacific, but they overshot a little bit and flew into Dallas and had to do a u-turn and head back to Florida.
This should give you an insight into the characters that we've sent to represent GolfPunk over the pond. A small consolation is that the journey has completely confused their body clocks and they can't sleep. So, if you see two droopy-eyed berks walking into clubs and stands that will probably be them. Ask for a photo, preferably one with a huge flash.
Equipment editor Dan Owen, has been doing some scouting around and has sent us a few previews of some gear at the show. We'll be updating everything on our gallery as we receive them, but here's a taster for you.


This is Callaway's latest X-Tour wedge, which Dan tried out yesterday. He said it performed great and looked fantastic. Callaway have just announced promising sales reports for their financial year, so look forward to some quality gear coming from them in 2006.

As for Publisher Danny Crouch, well, judge for yourselves...


Golf Punks
1/26/2006 3:34:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, January 25, 2006
VOTE MAGGOT TO WIN BIG BROTHER

Thanks to everybody who is supporting our campaign to make Goldie Lookin' Chain member, Maggot win Celebrity Big Brother.
He managed to avoid the chop in the Big Brother eviction on Friday night and didn't even get nominated for the surprise eviction, due to be held tonight.
Things in the Big Brother house have been getting a bit tense lately and a divide between the older and younger members has opened up. But Maggot has remained the embodiment of Zen calm and showed his true colours as a chilled out lad with no great pretensions about celebrity status.
We have to keep the momentum going and continue our campaign. There's only two days remaining after tonight's eviction, and bookies have got Maggot down at 7/1 to win, so get involved and let's make Maggot a part of Big Brother history


'VOTE FOR ME'
http://www.golfpunkonline.com/GP-Campaigns/

 


Golf Punks
1/25/2006 12:27:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Orlando Golf Show

Equipment editor Dan Owen and our intrepid Publisher Danny Crouch have swanned off to Orlando for ten days to the massive Golf Trade show.
"We don't want to go," they said, packing suncream and shades into their bags. "We just have to go. It's a business thing."
So strong are the bonds of friendship and unity in GolfPunk Towers, that we don't believe a single word they say. We reckon that they are more likely to be seen dancing on MTV's 'Singled Out' with an over-sized pair of mouse ears strapped to their heads than browsing the equipment in a room crammed with people smelling like a Skunk convention with a flatulence problem.
So, we are appealing for your help. They are meant to be telling everyone about GolfPunk magazine and getting some cool pictures of all the new gear at the show. We want you to keep an eye out for them and make sure that they are doing their jobs. We've put up a picture so you can recognise them. Try the pool first, then the bar. If you see them get a picture as proof and post it or let us know. Crouchy loves being stroked and Dan Owen is on a strict diet.


'We will work really hard, won't we Dan.'
'Yeah Dan, real hard."
Golf Punks | Your funnies
1/25/2006 12:10:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, January 20, 2006
Web-Cam

We've been doing our bit for education by taking on a work experience kid for the last two weeks.
Cameron Babb, 15, joined us to learn about the exciting world of publishing and find out if it was the career for him.
As an end of work finale, we're letting him post his own blog and become a published journalist, but first we'd thought you would like to know a little bit about him and what jolly nice chaps we are…

GP: So Cameron, what did you think about golf before you came here?
Cameron: I disliked the sport. I thought it was an old person’s game.
GP: And now….?
Cameron: I think the sport is alright….not great, but alright.
GP: What do you think of working at GolfPunk?
Cameron: It’s been fun and an educational experience. (Can you take your hands off my throat now.)
GP: What did we get you to do?
Cameron: Handle finances, write an article, talk to Managing Directors of companies.
GP: Do you think that was responsible of us?
Cameron: Well, that’s how life is in the real world.
GP: Did we give you enough guidance?
Cameron: You showed me the basics.
GP: Do you think that you would work in the magazine trade after this?
Cameron: I still want to play football. But this would be my back-up plan. It seems a really tight community.
GP: In school next week what are you going to tell you teacher you learnt at GolfPunk?
Cameron: Be willing to try new things and never eat from staff canteens.

BEFORE
One day away from an ASBO

AFTER

Future Prime Minister.

Golf Punks
1/20/2006 6:10:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, January 12, 2006
Newsflash!! Important stuff

The BBC shows why it is the dominant force in worldwide journalism in a cutting edge interview with Paul McGinley posted today.
Auntie revealed how "McGinley is determined to avoid a last-gasp scramble to make the 2006 European Ryder Cup team" this year.
The article went on to describe how the Irishman will achieve his goal.

"The 39-year-old Dubliner is keen to secure a place in the team as soon as possible."

We held an unofficial straw poll of all European and US tour golfers on this issue and came up with some shock results. It seems that all professional golfers in with a chance of qualifying for the Ryder Cup would love to qualify at the earliest possible opportunity. Who'd of thought it? We were flabbergasted and have notified all the relevant authorities.
Keep up the good work Beeb!

Golf News | Golf Punks
1/12/2006 3:50:23 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, January 11, 2006
SONY-EAR, SO FAR

Michelle Wie is teeing it up in the Sony Open this week on her home course alongside the big boys. We know the world's media will go mental with speculation about whether she will make the cut and become the first woman to ever do so in PGA Tour history. She has failed twice before, but the usual '..women should stay on their on tour...it's an amazing victory for the sport...' columns will be trawled out depending on the outcome.
We've jotted down a few things that probably won't happen this week....

Wie and Jean van de Velde kiss and make up after being paired together for the first two rounds and shock the world's press by announcing their engagement on Sunday night.

Tiger Woods breaks down under the pressure of being the first billion-dollar sportsman (as predicted by Golf Digest) and trades it all in for a career as an interior designe.

A volcanic explosion of a different kind stops play on the 12th when John Daly combusts after his 19th cheeseburger.

Tim Finchem comes over all funny and decides to give the PGA Tour TV rights to google for free and reveals all in GolfPunk magazine.

Web blokes Sifa and Shaun
Golf Punks
1/11/2006 6:23:27 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Balls!

'Watch this it's going to be fantastic'



'Ah, balls! Missed it'

For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks | Tips and Swing thoughts
1/10/2006 6:31:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, January 05, 2006
TaylorMade face the Bombsquad

Webitor bloke Sifa and myself were brainstorming in the office (see below) about our plan of attack this year when we received an email from the guys at BombSquadGolf.
It seems the pesky critters have also been bashing their heads together, the only difference is they've actually got something to show for their efforts other than a bruised head.
Today they will have TaylorMade Adidas Golf online for a chat about all the TaylorMade RAC and Rossa products.
The discussion begins at 4.30 to 6.30pm (pacific time). That's half past midnight for all you golf junkies over here in history filled Europe.
Jose Miraflor, Duane Anderson and guest will be answering all your questions so if you want to find out everything and anything about TaylorMade and the year ahead then go to www.BombSquadGolf.com. We'll see you in there!


Ooooh, feel the creativity flowing


Golf Punks | Tips and Swing thoughts
1/5/2006 11:23:44 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, January 04, 2006
2006. Let's get it on.

Hello everybody and happy new year to you all. We've rather reluctantly returned to GolfPunk Towers for another year packed full of wonderful surprises, sublime golfing, innovation and general website brilliance. (If anyone knows how to achieve the latter all answers to the usual address please.)

We'll get all formalities out of the way with a generic "I trust you all had a nice holiday" to all our blogroll and reader friends. Some of them have been hard at work such as Bogey Lounge who is bearing the torch for Asian golf; "the world's most populated region (60% of the world's population)". With the upcoming Royal Trophy between Europe and Asia we could get a good insight into the state of the game there at the moment.
Golf fore golfers have been keeping an eagle eye on all the behind the scenes action at the current negotiations between the PGA Tour and the TV networks over current licensing rights, particularly ABC's decision to pull out of the running.
Golfchick seems to have sidestepped the whole festive season to pursue her golfing obsession, spending hours nose-deep in Ben Hogan's wisdom and the Golf Channel. I'm sure we'll read the results soon
We, on the other hand, got stuck in front of a log fire as the snow and ice captured most of the courses in Blighty. A few berks ventured out and webitor bloke Sifa was particularly proud of the 35 points he notched up around Singing Hills GC (the best christmas present he got). He reckons this is the start of a 2006 revolution so watch this space.
In the meantime we've come across a fantastic website www.despair.com that lends its own unique world view to everybody's new year resolutions and the whole 'positive thinking' mantra. We've included one that might be appropriate to us all.

To view more click: www.despair.com


Golf Punks
1/4/2006 12:38:13 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Watch out Tiger, Tiny's on your tail!

One of our mini golf punks has been causing a stir by smashing the world record for the longest drive ever hit by a five-year-old.
Reece Campbell, aka Tiny Woods blasted a 226-yard five wood down the runway at Fife airport to help raise funds for children's charity Barnardo's.
Little Reece, who is only 3ft 5inches tall, has featured in GolfPunk before, humbling our correspondent Martin Vousden over nine holes.
He actually knocked a colossal 251-yard drive with one of his practice swings so there's still plenty of petrol left in the tank for the wee man for as he gets older.
The last ball he tanked was a special Tiger Woods signed golf ball that he got at the British Open in St Andrews earlier this year.


Nice one son!

Golf News | Golf Punks | Your funnies
12/20/2005 2:41:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, December 16, 2005
Cambo follows Tiger Woods

Michael Campbell plans to copy Tiger Woods mental and physical approach to his game next year.

The New Zealander will cut his schedule from 34 to 26 tournaments to get himself in peak condition for next season.

Campbell said: "I'm the type of person who says yes all the time and I'm learning to say no for my own survival. I must make sure every time I go out I'll be ready."

Campbell admitted that there were times this year when he felt tired mentally and physically but that didn't stop him from having one of his most successful ever seasons.

He won the US Open and finished second in the European Order of Merit. So next year we predict that Cambo will romp the majors grand slam and the money list as well as solving the Common Agriculture Policy currently puzzling the EU and be able to finish a Rubick's cube in under 30 seconds.


Golf Punks | Your funnies
12/16/2005 2:56:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Muirfield to host Seniors Open in 2007

It could be a memorable 50th birthday celebration for Nick Faldo in two years time as he will be eligible to compete in his first Senior British Open to be held at Muirfield.
His birthday coincides with the event to be held from July 26-29, 2007.
Muirfield is a happy hunting ground for Faldo who won two of his three Open titles there, the fiirst in 1987 and then that battling level par final round in 1992.
The last major event to be held at Muirfield was the British Open in 2002, when Ernie Els won his first Open after beating Thomas Levet and Stuart Appelby with a magnificent bunker shot.
David Hill, Director of Championships for The R&A, said: “The R&A are delighted that The Senior British Open Championship will be played at Muirfield for the first time in 2007 and hope that many of the past Open Champions who have won there will return again and support the Championship.”
Seve Ballesteros will also be eligible for the event as he turns 50 in April 2007.


Nick Faldo

Golf News | Golf Punks
12/14/2005 11:11:40 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Donald Trumps 'em

After lurking in the background all week England's Luke Donald shocked the field with a stunning 64 to race to the top of the leaderboard and capture the Target World Challenge title.
Darren Clarke finished second after a final round of 72.
Michael Campbell had led for most of the week but ended up in a tie for third place with Padraig Harrington.
Interestingly, a throwaway comment made by the New Zealander earlier in the year has led to a rules change regarding the Ryder Cup.
Campbell said as an aside that he should be granted British citizenship, which could lead to the possiblility of him being selected for the European Ryder Cup team.
This was ruled out completely recently when the rules committee changed legislation to prevent a situation like this from occurring.
Donald opened with a birdie and followed with his first of three sets of back-to-back birdies on the fourth and fifth holes.
He made a further five birdies on the back nine to claim the title.
Golf News | Golf Punks
12/13/2005 8:00:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, December 05, 2005
'Dave is great' say European Tour

David Howell has been named The European Tour Golfer of the Month for November for being brilliant and beating Tiger at the HSBC Champions tournament.
He's in the Players Lounge right now telling everyone how wonderful he is. Just click on the 'Quick Liveners' button to see him.
Golf News | Golf Punks
12/5/2005 3:48:24 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Monty wins in Hong Kong

Colin Montgomerie charged into the world's top ten following his victory at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday.
The Scot moved into ninth in the rankings after winning in dramatic fashion by one-shot from South African James Kingston.
Kingston led Montgomerie by two shots with three holes to play but a bogey at 16 and a heart-breaking double bogey on the last hole handed the tournament to Monty.
Bizarrely he lost the tournament in 2004 to Miguel Angel Jimenez when he bogeyed the last hole.
"We all feel for him. Every golfer who plays the game feels for someone who doubles the last to lose," Montgomerie said.
Monty now leads the Ryder Cup points table and is fifth in the 2006 European Order of Merit.


Golf News | Golf Punks
12/5/2005 3:37:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, December 01, 2005
Our man in the States

A friend of the mag and general all round good fella has spent the last few months out in OC territory (that's Orange County, California for all you folks who don't watch depressing teen angst American TV). Not content with phoning up every day and telling us what 'a wonderful time I'm having, you guys would really love it out here,' he's been playing some golf in glorious sunshine while we've had to endure the next ice age. Here he is being lovely or should that be a luvvie...?


'I love you'
'No, I love you more'


Who says coppers are bent?

For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks | Your funnies
12/1/2005 5:29:30 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Solid comeback? Who Els

Ernie Els shot a level par round of 72 in the opening round of the Nedbank Chalenge in Dubai on his return from a five month layoff.
Els had three birdies and three bogeys in his first competitive round since knee surgery to repair damaged ligaments.
Darren Clarke is leading the event after shooting a five-under par round of 67.
Defending champion Retief Goosen is three shots back on two-under and he is joined by Englishman Luke Donald.

Golf News | Golf Punks
12/1/2005 5:12:23 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
If it works for Vijay and Tiger will it work for me.

Winter is well and truly here and it's traditionally the time of year when I do one of two things. My clubs either get locked up with the solemn promise that I will never use them again or I book a few lessons and head down the range looking to burst out of the blocks next year.
Now I've had a fairly good year. I've hit shots that had me contemplating trotting up to Open regional qualifying with my sticks and chancing my arm, but at the same time I've the silly mistakes that make me the category two golfer that I am. I'm looking for the key that will eliminate those stupid dropped shots and make my game more solid all round, but golf is subjective and there is no one magic key. I've been looking around forums for some advice and came across this titbit on Wounded Duck's blog. There's been quite a bit spoken about 'one-plane swings' but I've never really understood the theory. All I know is that one of it's pioneers, Moe Norman, is a true legend. Have a look and see if you think it's worth me overhauling the swing this winter.

Here's a fantastic website by Chuck Quinton,(www.oneplanegolfswing.com) a golf instructor somewhere in Florida. He teaches the one plane swing, and has lots of streaming video drills to watch. I think it's a good starting point for learning the swing, but finding a local teacher is ultimately the best idea. From my own experience, this swing works great with the driver, but I've a little trouble applying it to short irons.

For full details click link: Wounded Duck.


It's a one-planer


Golf Punks | Tips and Swing thoughts
12/1/2005 12:21:59 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Golf Boom in the States

Our interesting fact of the day. The number of golfers in the United States has increased from 3.5 million in 1950 to over 30 million today, making golf the fastest growing sport in the United States.
Pat yourself on the back our American chums. It's always nice to hear that golf is moving away from it's elitist, stuffy, sexist and class based image to a sport for the masses.
While 3 million new players take up the game every year however, nearly 3 million of those already golfing quit in frustration.
Everyone has the urge to let out a lung-aching scream from time to time but there's no need to quit.
If you need somewhere to vent your frustration then visit a few of these fantastic forums that we've recently become members of. There's bound to be someone who shares your pain and can help your work out your golfing woes.

www.bombsquadgolf.com - All the latest news and reviews from over the pond.

www.tourspecgolf.com - What they don't know about importing and Japanese equipment isn't worth knowing.

www.golfwrx.com - The secret service equivalent of the forum world. They know it before the designers even do!

www.golfdigest.com - Rules with an air of authority, regality and grace.

www.golfmagic.com - Full of british wit and with hundreds of people on hand to help you out.

www.golfrewind.com - A conversation for every aspect of the game and even some other chit-chat.
Golf Punks
11/30/2005 11:46:45 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Cover Boy

This was sent to us by Steven Campbell. He's the father of Tiny Woods Reece Matthew Campbell Murphy (as his mother emphatically informed us) who featured in December's GolfPunk. The wee man obviously has the attitude of someone who's determined to get to the top and it seems his dad has his eyes on our Creative Director's job.

If you've got any amusing stories or photos send them to website@kynpublishing and you could find yourself beamed across the world.


For when golf isn't enough | Golf Punks | Your funnies
11/29/2005 5:43:47 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, November 28, 2005
Hand of Rob

Robert Allenby defied an injured hand and tough conditions to win the Australian Open for a second time in Melbourne.
The Aussie golfer shot a five-over 77 but still managed to hold on to his lead and beat fellow Australians John Senden, Nick O'Hern and Paul Sheehan by one shot.
He sustained a hand injury during Saturday's third round and struggled through strong winds in the final round to be at the turn in three-over (39).
Allenby said: "I was too scared to commit to shots, especially in those first five or six holes. But once I was four over after about six holes, I pretty much said 'I've got to do something. I've got to forget about the hand and just go and play golf'."
True to his word he only had two more bogies down the back nine and made par at the last to secure victory.
Staunch work Rob.
Golf News | Golf Punks
11/28/2005 11:34:17 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Casey storms to victory

Huge congratulations to Paul Casey who won the China Open after birding the first sudden-death play off hole to pip compatriot Oliver Wilson.
Casey seemed to be just out of the running all week after a fairly up and down three rounds, but he stormed up the leaderboard with a magical seven-under 65 to tie with Wilson on 13-under par after 72 holes.
Wilson looked to have sown up victory after four straight birdies from the 12th hole but a bogey at the 17th meant that he had to reurn to the par-five eighteenth for a two man play-off witth Casey.
Casey found the green in two shots and his 25ft eagle putt just slipped past the hole leaving him a tap-in birdie. Wilson's approach found the greenside bunker and he could only get up and down for a six.
Casey said that he was pleased with his performance and the way in which he battled through to win.
GolfPunk have had several friendly meetings with Paul and it's great to see him playing so well. We hope he can continue this form into the majors next year.
He now lies second on the European Order of Merit and is seventh in the Ryder Cup rankings for the event at the K Club, Ireland next September.
Golf News | Golf Punks
11/28/2005 11:20:25 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, November 24, 2005
GolfPunk Moving Day

We are moving. After 17 months it seems we've outgrown GP Towers and have decided to flee the nest to a bigger, better and brighter home. Well, we're actually moving into the office next door but the windows are bigger.
Not only that, we decided that we'd move everything ourselves and on production day as well (our busiest day of the month). How clever are we?
The theory is that if we've been able to produce all GolfPunk's golfing goodness in our cramped, crowded offices then imagine what we'll be able to do in our new gaff.
Office cricket, pitch and putt, paper aeroplane competitions and loads of room to put free bags of Haribo. Just imagine.
Below are some pics of us hard at work.


'I shall not, I shall not be moved'


'Any ideas Dan?'
'Nah'


'Thief!'
For when golf isn't enough | Golf News | Golf Punks | Your funnies
11/24/2005 4:22:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Woods in PGA Grand Slam.

'Beware the ailing golfer' prophesied Phil Mickelson when asked about the chances of Tiger Woods being hampered by his ankle and stomach injuries.
Perhaps he should jack in the golf trade and start afresh as a psychic after his predictions came true and Woods stormed to a seven shot victory at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
Woods started the day with a three-shot lead and added a sparkling 64 to his first round 67 to completely obliterate the four-man field.
USPGA champion Phil Mickelson was the nearest competitor at five-under after rounds of 70 and 68.
Michael Campbell finished in third at level par and Vijay Singh was one shot further back.
Woods has now won this event six times in seven appearances, having previously won in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Golf News | Golf Punks
11/24/2005 1:43:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Monty gets OBE

Colin Montgomerie was in rather plush surroundings yesterday as he went to Buckingham palce to collect his OBE.
The honour was given to him by Prince Charles in recognition of his contribution as part of the victorious European Ryder Cup team in 2004.
The 42-year-old Scotsman dedicated his award to his team-mates who steered Europe to a nine and a half point win.
It caps off a fantastic year for Monty who had a sparkling return to form. He captured his eighth Order of Merit title, his first since 2000. He also had 13 top ten finishes including a sterling second place at the British Open in St Andrews and victory at the dunhill links championship.
He is currently 33/1 to be the next European to win a major, although he is yet to break his duck in these events.


Golf News | Golf Punks
11/24/2005 1:23:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Pity's Corner

Saw this and felt sorry for our Canadian friend so we thought we'd give his self esteem a little boost.

I'm guilty of having become addicted to Golfobserver.com, the cool website that plucks golf news from all over and plugs it together on one site. Sure, they still don't acknowledge that my columns exist anywhere on the web (apparently they are only interested in Lorne Rubenstein's writing from Canada!), but the site is a valuable resource nonetheless.

To massage his ego click on the Going for the Green link on our Blogroll.
Golf Punks
11/22/2005 4:29:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, November 21, 2005
Wales win World Cup

Welsh duo Bradley Dredge and Stephen Dodd won the WGC World Cup after the final round was abandoned.
Heavy rain and high winds forced organisers to call off the final day's play and victory was awarded to the round three leaders.
The pair collected £400,000 each after leading by two shots from England's Luke Donald and Davied Howell and Swedish duo Niclas Fasth and Henrik Stenson at the close of play on Saturday.
France were fourth, while Denmark rounded off the top five.
It was the second World Cup triumph for Wales, who also won in Hawaii in 1987 with Ian Woosnam and David Llewellyn.
Golf News | Golf Punks
11/21/2005 11:11:23 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Tiger Hobbles to Victory

A birdie at the fourth play-off hole secured a seventh victory of the year for Tiger Woods in the Dunlop Phoenix, Japan.
The American defeated Japan's Kaname Yokoo after Yokoo missed a 12-foot birdie putt at the par-five 18th.
The pair finished tied at eight-under through 72 holes. Woods shot a final round of 71 to Yokoo's 69.
His victory was made all the more remarkable after he twisted his ankle escaping from the trees down the first play-off hole.
He limped through his remaining play-off holes, making birdie on each of them.
Woods said his ankle has been bothering him for about a month and that the cold weather in Japan made it worse.
Golf News | Golf Punks
11/21/2005 11:01:10 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Super Swede wins again

Annika Sorenstam successfully defended her ADT title to capture her tenth victory of the season at the ADT Championship in Palm Beach.
Her three-under-par round of 69 was enough to see off fellow Swede Lisalotte Neumann and win the title for a fourth time.
Sorenstam started the day with a one shot advantage over the field but managed to create some distance early on and never looked like making a mistake.
The Swede now has 66 LPGA victories and has earned over $2.5 million this season. She is now just 22 wins short of breaking the LPGA record held by Katie Whitworth.
Golf News | Golf Punks
11/21/2005 10:45:22 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005
BBC Golf gets a new look

The new face of BBC Golf

Gary Lineker has been announced as the BBC's new face of golf in place of the departed Steve Rider.

Lineker will be the main presenter for BBC Sport's major golfing events starting with the Masters next April.

BBC director of sport Roger Mosey said: "It's exciting for him and, we hope, for the audience.
"Gary loves golf and we want his relaxed, authoritative style to feel as much at home on the 18th fairway as it does in the Match of the Day studio."

To read full story click on link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf


Golf News | Golf Punks
11/16/2005 12:38:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, November 11, 2005
Shanghai Heights

English duo Nick Dougherty and David Howell are sitting pretty on top of the leaderboard on 12 under par at the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.
Swindon player, Howell, added a second round of 67 to his 65, while Dougherty posted a score of 68 in deteriorating conditions.
World number one Tiger Woods is still in a strong position after adding a 69 to his first round total of 65. He is only two shots of the lead going into the weekend.
There's a strong English contingent at the top of the leaderboard with Ryder Cup hopefuls Paul Casey, Kenneth Ferrie and Ian Poulter all within four shots of the lead.
Ferrie, from Northumberland, started with a remarkable streak with three consecutive birdies from the second hole and a hole-in-one a the 209 yard sixth.

For more details read our news section and for in depth profiles on David Howell and other top pros see our Quick Liveners section Players' Lounge.
http://www.golfpunkonline.com/players-lounge/  



The new Mach 6


Golf News | Golf Punks
11/11/2005 11:25:41 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 


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