Golfpunk Online Blog

AT & T National 2009

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:50:38 GMT

Anthony Kim is back to defend his AT & T National title. Kim, who just turned 24 years old last month, says he does not feel any pressure being the defending champion. I have no pressure from anybody," Kim said. "I want to play great golf. I want to win golf tournaments. I'm here to do that, but at the same time, I have so much to look forward to.”

Admirable stuff Tony but what about that bloke wit all the Majors, Tiger Woods. He watched the 2008 AT & T National on television, laid up from an operation that rebuilt his left knee. But this year, he is back to the tournament he helped found two years ago.

To win, they’ll have to get past a field that includes the world's number-three player, Paul Casey, Vijay Singh, former Master champion Mike Weir and newly-crowned U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover of the United States.

You get the feeling this tournament is what they meant when Nike made this advert.

Harrington Looks To Hit Back

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:49:42 GMT

Padraig Harrington is desperate to recapture his form at the France Open as time ticks down to his Open title defence at Turnberry in two weeks.

Harrington has missed his last four cuts as he suffers a slump in form following changes to his swing.

"If I am going to play well in the Open it has got to start now," said Harrington ahead of the tournament in Paris, which starts on Thursday.

"I'm running out of time but I am always optimistic."

The US Open was the last tournament Harrington played but he carded two rounds of 76 and missed the cut, eventually finishing joint 137th out of 156 players.

"I still believe I am going to be ready," added Harrington. "But, then again, I thought I would be ready for the US Open."

Harrington is without a top 10 finish since January and is ranked 195th out of 212 in driving accuracy on the European Tour this season.

The Irishman has been using different drivers and has spent time with coach Bob Torrance to try to iron out problems that have undermined his game since he made changes to his swing.

"There's last years form, hurry up."

Source: BBC

The Ritter Experience

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:38:48 GMT

Our pal and outstanding golf coach Jeff Ritter has started a regular mail out for his desciples.

You can join up by clicking here.

To see more of Jeff’s teachings click the image below.

You won't be disapointed.

Mickelson Due For Surgery

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:34:12 GMT

Phil Mickelson's wife, Amy, is to have surgery Wednesday to learn the scope of her breast cancer. Mickelson has already said it was "unlikely" he would play in the British Open during the early stages of her treatment.

If that's the case, it would end the longest active streak in the majors.

Mickelson has played 61 dating to the 1994 U.S. Open - he missed the Masters that year after breaking his leg while skiing. Next line would be Vijay Singh, who now has played 60 consecutive majors.

No one from this generation is likely to match the major streak set by Jack Nicklaus, who played 146 in a row from the 1962 Masters through the 1998 U.S. Open.

Canadian Press

Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:30:29 GMT

Tiger Woods will tee it up today with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo at The Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am tournament at Congressional Country Club in Maryland and is named after Tiger Wood’s late father.

It’s Tiger's tribute to the military and his dad, a former Green Beret Lieutenant Colonel. Beginning with the opening ceremonies, overhead fly-bys, parachute jumps and a patriotic tribute to the Wounded Warriors on the first tee. 30,000 tickets have been handed out to the military and camo bibbed military personnel will act as caddies on the 7th hole.

The perfect golf event for the 04th of July we’re sure you’ll agree.

Sports Bird

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:05:47 GMT

We’re not why but we like it.

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Nick Dougherty

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:04:40 GMT

We’re still loving that Nick Dougherty showed some of the form we know he’s capable of at the weekend. It shows how long a weekend in golf really can be.

Asked about his chances of now winning a major the 27-year-old from Liverpool chuckled and said: "It's amazing how quickly the questions change. A few weeks ago people were asking me 'Are you going to get your form back?' and 'How are you going to work your way back to being one of the better players in Europe?' Now it's about majors. I love it."

Keep at it Nick, you’ve thanked all the people around you for your golfing rehabilitation and the guys at power plate feel they’ve helped.

“Introducing the Power Plate® machine into my training schedule has had a significant and hugely positive impact. I love the versatility it offers; from stretching, strength and flexibility, to massage and relaxation, exercising on a Power Plate® machine has added an exciting new dimension to my training programme”.
Nick Dougherty, PGA Tour Player

Dougherty Bags BMW International Open

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:33:19 GMT

Nick Dougherty held off a rampaging Rafa Echenique of Argentina to win the BMW International Open title on Sunday, his third on the European Tour.

Dougherty produced a blistering finale, an eight-under-par 64 for a 22-under-par 266 four-round total. That left him a stroke better than Echenique, whose albatross on 18 saw him home in 27 strokes for a magnificent 62.

Retief Goosen finished in third while home favourite Bernhard Langer ended ninth.

The third and most high-profile European Tour win of Dougherty's career had seemed in danger when Echenique sank his approach shot at the par-five last.

The three strokes picked up by the 243-yard three-iron cut Dougherty's advantage to just one heading onto the 18th tee.

But, after a bogey on the same hole on Saturday, the world number 120 kept his nerve to clinch an emotional win.

Kenny Perry's Record Breaking Win At The Travelers Championship

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:30:59 GMT

Kenny Perry shot 63 Sunday to finish with a tournament-record 258 and win the USPGA Travelers Championship by three strokes over Paul Goydos and David Toms.
The leaderboard was dominated by home players, with Greg Chalmers the first non-American in joint 19th. The top European was Sergio Garcia, who tied for 43rd.

The victory was Perry's first on the PGA Tour since his agonising play-off defeat at this year's Masters and his 14th in total.

Woods - A Family Affair

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:29:41 GMT

Cheyenne Woods, Tiger's 18-year-old niece, made her LPGA debut on Thursday, shooting a three-over-par 75 in Rochester, New York.

She is the daughter of Earl Woods junior, Tiger's half-brother through Earl senior's previous marriage.

Playing on a sponsor's exemption, Woods birdied the second hole, ending her first round in a tie for 121st place.

"I was a little nervous warming up and getting ready but as I teed off my stomach got a little better," she said.

Woods trails leader Sandra Gal from Germany by 11 strokes in the Wegmans tournament and revealed she had received no special pep talk from her famous uncle.

"I talked to him about a month and a half ago when I got the exemption and he was really excited for me to be playing in this. He was just excited and looking forward to how I would do."

According to the New York Times, quoting the LPGA website, only three African-Americans have held a tour playing card, and none since LaRee Sugg in 2000.

Seve Speaks

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:28:59 GMT

Known legend Seve Ballesteros spoke for the first time about his recovery from brain surgery at the launch of new cancer research foundation.

The five-time major winner endured four operations after a tumour was diagnosed last October.

Speaking at the launch of the cancer research foundation in Madrid that will bear his name he said, "Nine months ago my life was hanging by a thread.

"Now I call myself Seve Mulligan," he added, referring to the golf rule which allows a second chance to play a shot.
"This is like a dream. It was very tough at the beginning, it was tough to believe what was happening to me," he added.

"When the doctors explained to me what they had done in my brain it's a miracle."
Asked about his new foundation he said: "I am a lucky man, I have a second opportunity and my desire is to help others.

And of his wave of well-wishers he added: "They have to have faith, if you have a fighter and you are consistent, you win."

We love you Seve.

Jimmy Fallon vs Tiger Woods

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:27:14 GMT

American comedian Fallon beat Tiger Woods at a game of Nintendo Wii golf this morning in Times Square - in front of hundreds of tourists and other gawkers.

On the third hole of the game, set on the infamous Bethpage Black course, Woods hit for par, while Fallon won after finishing at three under.

"Tiger Woods is the biggest athlete in the world right now," Fallon said after the win. "But I'm better when it comes to playing with my Wii."

Woods conceded the game before the final hole. "I just got killed at my own game," he said.

For the whole story click here.

For those of you who don’t know who Fallon is here’s a glimpse.

Glover Is US Open Champ

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:53:03 GMT

Lucas Glover fought off a late charge from Phil Mickelson to win his first major.

The result was the 29-year-old's second tournament win in eight years as a professional, his only other victory coming in the Funai Classic at the end of the PGA Tour season in 2005.

"I'd be lying to say I wasn't nervous [closing out the win]," he added.

"I dreamed about it as a kid and pulled it off," said Glover, who came into the tournament ranked 71st in the world.

"It's an honour to be on the trophy with names such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. I hope I don't downgrade it or anything."

What a lovely thing to say. After years of the same names being involved in the Grand Slam of golf Glover’s victory is a treat for golf fans.

Check out how Lucas did it.

Golf Tat No. 812

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:52:23 GMT

Do you like golf? Do you need a 1gb USB drive? Then you need a 1GB Golf ball USB Drive looks just like a real golf ball only smaller- it’s about half the size.

Or not. Either way you can buy one here.

Fisher Bouyed By Open Finish

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:51:20 GMT

Ross Fisher contended for the first time in a major championship at Bethpage Black and admitted afterwards that he could have won with more experience behind him.

The 28-year-old closed to within a stroke of the lead in the weather-delayed final round on Monday before slipping back into fifth place at one-under-par 279.

A superb three-iron from 250 yards to six feet set up a spectacular eagle at the par-five 13th but Fisher then bogeyed 15 and 17 on the way to a two-over 72 at Bethpage Black.

"This is something I'll never forget," the tall Englishman told reporters after finishing three shots behind triumphant American Lucas Glover. "This is still a new experience for me.

"It's only my second U.S. Open but what an experience. Coming to New York and hearing the crowd. You just can't say enough for the crowd.

"Obviously they're cheering for Phil (Mickelson) and all the other guys but I felt like I had support out there. The crowd was a little bit loud at times but they were just tremendous."

So near, better luck next time.

US Open Take 26

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:59:47 GMT

Oooh it’s getting exciting. Can the qualifiers Glover and Barnes shock the world, will the boys with Major pedigree bring their class to the party or can Ross Fisher put on a grandstand finish to bag the US Open trophy?

We can’t wait to find out.

Golf In The Olympics?

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:51:03 GMT

A decision will be revealed this year as to whether golf will be included at the 2016 Olympics.

Europe's 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie and ex-women's number one Annika Sorenstam helped present a bid to the Olympic Committee suggesting golf as a new Olympic sport.

"The IOC board will pick two sports to recommend in August," Peter Dawson, head of Open organisers the Royal and Ancient said.

"Then in October the full membership will vote on the possible inclusion. The great key points about the bid this time is that we were speaking as one voice."

As well as the letters, 18 players also included a 32-page dossier on why golf should be included in the Games, containing information on how many people play the sport around the world.

Two plus two equals fore?

GolfPunk and my-wadrobe.com

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:52:01 GMT

We teamed up with online fashion retailer my-wardrobe.com to bring you a guide to golf in the capital. They brought the clothes, we brought the knowledge check out the results.

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MrBoJumbles

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:36:51 GMT

You’ve got to check out the fantastic blog at mrbojumbles.com

The brainchild of Reece Witters this had us in stitches. It's has a irreverant sideways look at golf all told by a genuine fan. An approach which is always a bit of us. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments section.

So get your RRS out and keep going back for the daily updates.

You won’t be disappointed.

US Open – 1st Round Take 2

rik.sellers@golfpervert.com (GolfpunkOnline.com) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:33:13 GMT

They’ve finally all got out to play in the rain. Check out some early highlights.