Monday, January 23, 2006
Field of fools

Manchester United snatched a last-minute goal to give them a thrilling victory over Liverpool in Sunday's top of the table clash.
Rio Ferdinand's header came completely against the run of play after resisting sustained attack for much of the second half.
But according to United's assistant coach Carlos Queiroz this was exactly what was meant to happen.
He said: "The game was tight and difficult for both sides - but today was Manchester United's. We worked hard as a team and played 90 minutes with one thing in our mind, which was to score one goal and not to allow Liverpool to score.
"In the second half we opened up the game because we knew if we didn't take risks it would be impossible to score.
"We knew that by giving them the apparent control of the game we were able to create more space and counter attack and find the right moments and the right places to damage Liverpool.
"The plan worked, we did well and we deserved to win."

Hmmm, yes Carlos. I see what you're saying there. In fact, United's tactics were akin to that of the French army during WW2.
The French believed that allowing the Nazis to completely trample all over their territory and plunder all vital resources was a cunning coup delivering the Germans directly into the arms of the strong British Army. Four years of asset stripping, torture and repression was all just a tactic designed to weaken the Nazi army.
Similarly, United's gameplan revolved around allowing Liverpool to encamp themselves in the United final third, dominate possession and barrage the United goal before they unveiled their sneaky coup de grace and snatch victory.
Liverpool fans were gobsmacked at the use of this cunning tactic, which had football fans everywhere fooled for nearly 90 minutes. Rumours are now rife that Queiroz is due to release an instructional guide entitled 'Betcha didn't see that coming.'
For when golf isn't enough
1/23/2006 5:03:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Mental Overload

The guys at EatGolf are playing around as usual and have posted this quick little mind trick, which was totally unnecessary for a Monday morning.

For me, seeing the Eat Golf logo spelling out hooked on golf blog is like trying to figure out what color these words are:



My left brain hasn't quite realised that it's awake yet so I'm going to make some coffee, but the rest of you can give it your best shot. Go to EatGolf for the whole blog.
Your funnies
1/23/2006 3:38:02 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Saturday, January 21, 2006
Mystic Monty?

I don't know whether this is an early declaration of intentions or just pure coincidence but on Friday Colin Montgomerie said that he would have to shoot 66 to stay in contention at the Abu Dhabi Championship and then promptly goes out and shoots 65.
Ok, he's still well off the lead after Henrik's Stenson's marvellous 62, but it might be worth paying attention to Colin's predictions over the next few weeks as he seems to know how well he's playing.
Golf News
1/21/2006 7:42:14 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] 
Pork- ing out for lunch

I just had to show everyone this. It's my Friday lunch. Screw your New Year diet.


Yummy!

For when golf isn't enough
1/20/2006 4:35:45 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Whale swims up Thames

I don't know what the fuss is all about...

Crowds gathered on the banks of the Thames today to catch a glimpse of this northern bottle-nosed whale, pictured here swimming past the Houses of Parliament. Richard Sabin, whales and dolphins expert at the Natural History Museum, said it is the first sighting of the species on the Thames since records began in 1913.


http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/news/

For when golf isn't enough
1/20/2006 4:13:41 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Girls golf website

Stumbled across this golf site, which some of you might be interested in. It's all in Czechoslovakian so I can tell you anything about the content. I know how to swear in Czech and how to say 'Good morning' but that's it.
From what I can make out it is snapshots of women who may, or may not play golf. All their handicap details are there but I don't understand them. I guess what I'm trying to say is check it out for yourself.

A competitor, maybe. Not really sure. Nice though.http

www.missgolf.cz

1/20/2006 3:39:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Womens' golf: The Comeback. Part 1

After blogging on the dangers facing womens' golf we got to thinking, 'How can we help save them?'
Everyone in the Golf Punk office got together for a brainstorming session to find a life-saving cure for the LGA's woes and we came up with a load of rubbish ideas. So, we started reading everything we had on the ladies' game to see if we could revamp some of the existing structures and make them more lively.
Earlier that morning we received the new 2006 tour guide for the ladies European Tour and it was flicking through this that we found our solution.
She hails from France, only 27 years old and has been playing on the tour since 2003. She finished 83rd on the money list last year and her sister is one of France's top amateurs. Ladies and gents, with a deep throaty French accent can you all shout out her name... it's Miss




For when golf isn't enough | Women's Golf news
1/20/2006 2:25:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Is womens' golf dead?

A comprehensive study by the Ladies' Golf Union has revealed that womens' golf is in serious decline.
Younger women need to be attracted to the game after the survey showed the average lady golfer is aged between 55 - 64.
Free or reduced membership rates are one way the LGU hopes to encourage a new generation to take up the game.
The survey profile showed that the average lady golfer plays golf two or three times a week and has a handicap of 25.
There are spaces for women at golf clubs but numbers are still dwindling with just one golf club in six has a waiting list for ladies' membership.
LGU Chief Executive Andy Salmon expressed concerns at the results. "Clearly, the ladies' game has a number of issues which need too be addressed for the long-term future of the game."
Issues that were raised were the male-dominated and non-family orientated atmosphere of golf clubs. Many women feel that golf clubs don't cater to them. 16.1% also said that dress codes were another barrier stopping more women playing the game.
We highlighted the underlying discrimination in the game in an earlier blog where the EU made is discriminatory to bar or restrict women at golf clubs from 2007.
Women will also be allowed to enter this year's British Open with Michelle Wie being the obvious contender for the media spotlight. Hopefully, this will boost TV coverage of the womens' game and encourage a younger generation to take up the sport.
But we can't heap that responsibility on the shoulders of a 16-year-old girl. This report has regurgitated issues that have been well documented in the womens' game. It's time that we took action collectively. I mean, dress codes? C'mon. We must surely be past this nonsense. There's been a lot of innovation in womens' golf apparel and this is something that should be used as a positive marketing tool rather than suffocating the game.
The words have been spoken and it's time for action.
Women's Golf news
1/18/2006 1:32:31 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, January 16, 2006
Bubba booms it!

I'm trying not to think about David Toms victory in Hawaii because I tipped him as a good each-way bet to a friend on Wednesday night.
So, well done David, you taught me to have the courage of my convictions. More interestingly (he says trying to mask his anger) was Bubba Watson's performance.
He strolls into the PGA Tour, a rookie with a point to prove, and does so with great aplomb by rocket propelling the ball into a different orbit and swiping £140,000 and fourth place.
Lets start with the name. If ever there was an apt name for a young hotshot who can belt the ball 340 yards then Bubba's yer man. Images of slack-jawed yokels who don't possess the mental capacity to worry about swing planes spring to mind. Added to that, the 6ft 3" boomer hails from a place called Bagdad! Alright, it's the one in Florida and spelt differently to it's American inhabited counterpart, but intimidating nonetheless.
It's no surprise that early comparisons with Tour renegade John Daly have sprung up. To do him fair, however, he had a good season on the nationwide tour last year and you don't get a fourth place finish on the PGA Tour without a great deal of talent. I just can't wait to see him ripping the skin of the ball and finding out what diet he's on.

Web bloke Shaun

Golf News
1/16/2006 6:23:54 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, January 13, 2006
Friday Fun

This might be of some interest as it seems that everyone on every, bus, train and in every gym in the world (I really get around) has an iPod (or other mp3 technology device) plugged into their ears.
Loads of different things that I didn't think they could do.

In the four years since its introduction, the iPod has proven to be a versatile little device. Despite a relatively closed architecture, hackers have found their way in. Content creators and software makers put information at your fingertips when you're on the go. Would-be designers have added to the fashionable stylings of the now-ubiquitous white ear buds. Hardware makers and enthusiasts have augmented the iPod with new add-on gadgets. Here are a few dozen things you can do with your iPod besides listen to music.

01 Make your own pirate radio station

For more click on the link: http://www.kottke.org/plus/50-ways-ipod/


For when golf isn't enough
1/13/2006 1:03:47 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
OH PUNKS, YOUR MAGGOT IS A GOLFER!

Celebrity Big Brother has taken over the airwaves and the whole nation is talking about it.
It might not necessarily be nice things that people are saying. As web bloke Sifa said: "Car-crash television. I do get some perverse negative entertainment out of it. To me, the idea is hell on earth but I can't help but watch it, if only to scream 'I can't believe people watch this shit' at the tele."
Whatever your viewpoint on reality TV shows people are addicted to them. The first Big Brother series was captivating viewing and spawned a whole host of 'we're not big brother but it's a big brother type format' copycats.
Big Brother contestants have even gone on to become minor celebs and earn a tidy packet in the meantime.
It seems strange then, that a parody of the whole cult of celebrity 'Celebrity Big Brother' is proving to be just as popular.
Websites far and wide blog every day on what's happening in the house. I even stumbled across Golfmagic's proposal for a celeb golf Big Brother.
Admittedly, we've joined in on the fun with our VOTE FOR MAGGOT campaign. The Goldie Lookin Chain member is a keen golfer and is one of the bookies favourites to win Big Brother. Maggot will be appearing in our next issue so we want everybody to vote for him to win Big Brother and score one for the world of golf.

 

http://www.golfpunkonline.com/GP-Campaigns/


For when golf isn't enough
1/13/2006 11:29:09 AM (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] 
Picturesque

Having a browse around our blogroll I came across the USGA's picture gallery looking back over 2005. There are some stunning photos and some that need some serious captioning.
Click on the USGA link and get thinking.



1/12/2006 3:24:13 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] 
Great balls a flier!

The Guardian newspaper's golf correspondent, Lawrence Donegan has an interesting article on how golf's governing bodies are researching the possibilities of limiting distances the modern golf ball can travel.
I've taken out some of the highlights for you to have a ponder over. If you want to view the whole article click on the link below.

"We looked at making a bigger ball and a lighter ball; we looked at balls made from different rubbers and at balls with different dimple patterns," Dr Otto said, adding that some experiments were more successful than others. "The larger ball was not a great triumph. The difficulty with a much larger ball is that it floats"

"the modern ball is largely responsible for the prodigious distances achieved by modern professionals and is, as a consequence, rendering many of the game's great courses obsolete. The ball manufacturers, on the other hand, are vehemently opposed to the introduction of a new ball, insisting that other factors, including the greater athleticism of the modern player"

Hmmm, you mean like John Daly and Duffy Waldorf?


'On a New Year diet, watch it fly.'

Full article: http://sport.guardian.co.uk/golf/story/0,10069,1683683,00.html

Golf News
1/11/2006 2:07:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 


©Copyright 2008 Golfpunk Online

Page rendered at 12/3/2008 11:09:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)