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] 
Resolutely not fussed

We've left behind the 'season to be jolly' and have crashed our way into the 'season of good intentions' with a list longer than the christmas card mail-out.
New Year's resolutions are an ingenious concept. Straight after the longest period of over-indulgence of the year everyone pledges to get themselves back into shape. (unless you're a morbidly obese, alcoholic with a spending addiction). It's also perfectly timed. The church steps in and tells us 'enough is enough' on 'Twelth Night', January 6th and the decorations come down everyone gets back to work. On top of that January and February are two of the coldest, most dismal months of the year. Getting dressed up and going out seems like to much of a palaver and time is be better spent getting into shape or learning French or something in preparation for the spring when people start smiling again.
Of course, there's no point going out because everyone's given up drinking unless the liquid is in a bottle marked 'Evian'. Web bloke Shaun reckons he can become teetotal as long as we don't count those two pints he had on Saturday. I've taken the realistic approach of cutting down on all the junk I was taking before because I know that as soon as I have a bad round I'm going to swear, smoke and drown my sorrows in the clubhouse after.
Everyone also has a penchant for lycra and low GI foods. Bogey lounge has taken on a $300 a man weight loss contest with two buddies and every golf website in Christendom has the latest trick to get you 'fit for 06'.
We went to the gym at the weekend as part of the new 'healthy body, healthy mind' crap and you can view the results below as Shaun tries to show off his new physique after one session on the weights. Personally, I think I'm fine as I am but as long as it makes him act like a pillock I'm all for it.

Click here to download the movie clip

Tips and Swing thoughts
1/10/2006 6:27:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, January 09, 2006
FA CUP 4TH ROUND DRAW

For all Spurs and Fulham fans and for those who enjoyed the magic of the FA Cup over the weekend the next installment will take place on 28/29 January and looks a little bit like this:
Stoke City/Tamworth v Barnsley/Walsall
Cheltenham Town/Chester City v Newcastle United
Coventry v Nuneaton Borough/Middlesbrough
West Brom/Reading v Torquay/Birmingham
Portsmouth v Liverpool
Leicester v Southampton
Bolton v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Port Vale
Brentford v Sunderland
Manchester City v Wigan/Leeds
Millwall/Everton v Chelsea
Preston v Crystal Palace
West Ham v Blackburn
Colchester v Derby
Charlton v Leyton Orient
Wolves v Burton/Manchester United

For when golf isn't enough
1/9/2006 5:26:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Bill bonds with the stars

I came across an amusing little newspeice about Bill Clinton giving golf lessons to ex- James Bond star Pierce Brosnan.
Apparently, the pair met on a Christmas break in Hawaii and bonded (sorry) over the links.
Brosnan admitted to not being the world's best golfer and Clinton stepped in to give him a few tips.
"It's terrifying… and you have about 26 secret servicemen standing around looking at you. We went out there and we were practising and he wanted to give me a few tips; he tried to hold my hips at some point… because my swing was off. He said: 'You're doing it all wrong, Pierce… now let me just hold on your hips here.' "
Sounds similar to how Clinton got in trouble last time. And as I recall Clinton is no David Leadbetter. He's infamous for taking mulligans left, right and centre and employing the leather wedges of his army of secret servicemen, then having the audacity to claim that he plays of 'ten'.
Still, at least we've got one of the world's statesmen doing his bit for the game.

For when golf isn't enough | Tips and Swing thoughts
1/9/2006 2:36:14 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Sunday, January 08, 2006
Victory for Golf

So Europe secured quite an easy victory in the inaugural Royal Trophy with a 9-7 victory over Asia in Bangkok.
It wasn't all plain sailing, however, as Asia staged a mini fightback late in the singles.
Europe dominated the first day proceedings as expected and it looked like it was going to be the whitewash that many predicted after they established a 6-2 lead at the close of Saturday's play.
Equipment editor Dan Owen had a big smug grin plastered across his face after predicting that this would be a bit of a damp squib, but it was gradually wiped off during the course of the singles matches on Sunday.
The Undaunted Duffer gave us his thoughts saying "International/match play formats are exciting to watch, no bones about it. I don't care what countries are competing against each other it makes for good golf."
This proved to be a more accurate reflection as the Asian team played some spectacular golf to force the competition down to the last singles pairing. Fortunately for Europe, Henrik Stenson had virtually sealed victory after building up a four hole lead by the thirteenth.
"I am really happy with the final score. It has been a great two days of competition and the team played fantastically." Asian captain was equally as pleased with the way the tournament unfolded adding: "I was happy to see the boys fight back. For a moment it looked possible that we could upset Europe as our players grew in confidence."
This was no made for TV event or a warm-up to the new season. As Duffer pointed out: "Asian tour players feel that they have a lot to prove. After all, the Asian cuture prides itself on the principle of honour." We really enjoyed the event and look forward to seeing it next year. And we won as well. One down, one to go....
Golf News
1/8/2006 8:11:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, January 06, 2006
EU can't hold us down!

Women's rights received a welcome boost when the European Commission ruled that any golf clubs that bar or restrict women will be violating EU law from 2007.
Clubs in the 25 member states must end such things as separate tee-boxes, should women wish, time restrictions for women and men-only bars.
The move is a response to Irish MEP Proinsias De Rossa, who asked if such practices would be outlawed by a new sex discrimination directive.
While there's no EU laws in force obliging clubs to apply the same rules to men and women, the European Commissiom said the directive on equal treatment between men and women in goods and services would plug the gap.
The news was welcomed by the English Ladies Golf Association.
"We think it's time women had equal opportunities and we support the moves by the EU," said spokeswoman Clare Tyler.
"The growth of the female market and numbers of young girls taking up the game means that this is good for the future of the game."
The directive does not ban single-sex private clubs, which are regarded as legitimate on grounds of the right to freedom of association.
Clubs or member states who fail to uphold the law will face legal action.
Whatever needs to be done to help more people play the game is always good in our eyes, but we also know that the House of Lords can overturn the decision on appeal. Politics eh! Who'd have it?


Golf News | Women's Golf news
1/6/2006 3:55:27 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Royal Trophy kicks up a storm

2006 kicks off with a showdown match between Europe and Asia in the first ever Royal Trophy being held at the Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok in Thailand.
Seve Ballesteros is captaining a stellar European line-up which unites the formidable talents of wildcards Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo with current Order of Merit leader David Howell, Paul McGinley Thomas Björn, Kenneth Ferrie, Graeme McDowell and Henrik Stenson.
The Asian team brings together players from China, Japan, Thailand, India and Korea and will showcase some of the talent prevalent on the Far East circuits.
Sixteen matches, including a mixture of foursomes, fourball and singles will be played over two days on Saturday and Sunday.
I think that this will be an interesting platform to view potential Ryder Cup contenders as well as giving a bit of air-time to a flourishing Asian tour. Let's not forget that China are leading the world in golf course development having announced plans for five thousand new courses.
This, however, is not an opinion that everyone shares.
"Contrived, money making and made for TV," says equipment editor Dan Owen. He believes that this competition and others like it dilute the magic of the Ryder Cup. These sentiments are also echoed on various forums around the world.
There is some weight to this argument. Players are competing for a prize fund of about £854,000. Surely this event should be about pride and honour? Let us know your thought as the event unfolds over the weekend and we'll blog them up alongside the score.


'Mine.' 'No, it's mine. 'No, mine....'

Web bloke Shaun

Golf News
1/6/2006 12:01:50 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Thursday, January 05, 2006
Tiger taunts: 'Easy, Easy, Easy'

Tiger Woods has said that he would like golf's officials to make the game harder.
Speaking to Golf Digest the world number one said that the advances made by golfing technology have had an impact on the shot-making and skill levels in the sport.
Woods said: ''The game has changed since I've been on tour. You look at the old guys who are or were true shotmakers . . . [and] then you look on tour and you ask, `Who's a true shotmaker? Who actually manoeuvers the ball or does something different with it?' And there really aren't that many, if any, out here anymore.'' Woods believes that a concerted effort should be made to maintain the skill factor in the game. ''Anytime you bring maneuverability back into the game of golf,'' Woods said, ``it's going to favor the better players who understand how to control the golf ball.''

We have been running a poll on whether golf balls should be changed to limit the distance they travel after the point was raised in an interview we had with Seve Ballesteros. So far 38% of people believe that action should taken, but the large majority are against the idea.
We had a chat about it in the office and reckon that the game's top players should lead by example if this is how they genuinely feel. We're sure that, although maybe not as talented as Tiger, the lower ranked players in the world are still capable of hitting their hats and would play with pride and valour be it hickory shafts or modern gizmos.
Sifa thinks they should put it to the test at the next WGC event and everyone must play with the technology available 25 years ago. That would sort the men from the boys.
I also believe that it's very easy to preach when you've got ten million plus in the bank from last year and you must bear in mind that while 1% of the world's golfers can bend it round oil tankers, in a hurricane to a pin 210 yards away, the majority of us can't hit a cow's arse with a banjo. Share the wealth Tiger and then we'll all be on your side.

Shaun and Sifa - webitors
Golf News
1/5/2006 12:51:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
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] 

  Wednesday, December 21, 2005
It's Childsplay really...

The guys at Eat Golf have gone back to school for a bit of a putting lesson. I'm not sure whether they are seriously stripping the game back to the bare essentials or whether they've unearthed some wonderous new teaching technique. Bloody hilarious though!



For more of the same go and have a look at our friends at EatGolf.
Tips and Swing thoughts | Your funnies
12/21/2005 3:12:47 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] 
What a Christmas Pressel!

After months of wrangling and debate 17-year-old golfing prodigy Morgan Pressel has been granted playing part-time rights for the 2006 LPGA Tour season.
The decision was taken after Pressel finished sixth in the LPGA Qualifying school to earn playing privileges for next season.
Two petitions by Pressel had previously been turned down as LPGA guidelines prevent anyone joning the tour until their 18th birthday.
Pressel, who turned professional in November, cited the case of Aree Song, another 17-year-old professional, who was granted playing privileges in 2004.
Under the current conditions she would not have been allowed to join the tour until her birthday on May 23. However, the new commissioner of the LPGA, Carolyn Bivens, reversed the decision saying that Pressel's ability to maintain a high academic record while competing had convinced them that she was capable of coping.
Women's Golf news
12/20/2005 12:50:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Wise men pull through once more

So Barbados has been chosen as the venue for the 2006 World Cup of Golf. Apparently the decision was made based on the "attributes" that the island offered.
Hmmm, I wonder what those attributes are. Let me think, lucious golden sands, turquoise surf lapping at your toes, five-star hotels, freshly caught seafood, oh and a venue which Tiger Woods will love as he chose it as the venue for his own wedding.
Yes, I'm sure that these are perfectly satisfactory attributes for the creme de la creme of the world's golfers. Wise choice by the top brass there.
Golf News
12/20/2005 11:22:29 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 


©Copyright 2008 Golfpunk Online

Page rendered at 12/3/2008 9:43:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)