Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Masters Of Disaster

We’d like to thank everyone who came along and supported the GOLFPUNK and Urban Golf Masters Of Disaster charity shin dig at Urban Golf in Soho on Saturday night.

Much fun was had by all.

More importantly we managed to raise nearly £ 8,000 for Leuka.

Check out the pictures if you don’t believe us and watch this space for information on the next one.



Hair by Wella, swing by cardboard.




"It was a monster putt, this big..."



Urban Golf crowd scene.

Click the logo for more on Lueka.



4/15/2008 2:51:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Monday, April 14, 2008
Nice One Trev, But Is The Course The Real Winner?

And so, after all was said and done – and the Augusta National course had reared it’s ugly head once more – it was a case of last man standing takes all yesterday, as Trevor Immelman put pay to Tiger Woods’ ‘grand-slam’ dream before it had even begun.

In holding on for his first Major, the South African outsider became the first man to lead The Masters wire-to-wire in over a quarter of a century, and the second first-time Major-winner to don the green jacket in as many years.



"This has been the ultimate rollercoaster ride, and I hate rollercoasters,” said a triumphant Immelman, who feared he’d never play golf again last year before a tumour was successfully removed from his rib cage just four months ago. “Here I am, Masters champion. It is the craziest thing I have ever heard.”

But after a week of on-course despair beset by dogged resilience, it’s the impossibly difficult Augusta National course – and not Immelman’s improbable victory – that is most worthy of the description; crazy.

Historically, The US Masters has been a colourful and charismatic stage, deserved of awe and overwhelmed by awesome golf shots, and synonymous with spectacle and club-swinging extravagance. However, for some of us here at GP Towers, this year’s tournament was a let down. For the second year in succession, mind-numbingly slow rounds and the gargantuan task of taming a bitter course set-up has rendered The Masters a battle of resolve, as opposed to a risk vs reward quest for glory.

This is to take nothing away from golf’s newest Major champion, who is a worthy champion. Immelman was a class act from start to finish, and, spurred on by words of encouragement from his hero and fellow South African, 3-time Masters champ Gary Player, he did the business with shots to spare.

Trevor Immelman; on top of the world.

“Gary left me a voicemail last night and it gave me goosebumps,” Immelman revealed afterwards. “He said he believed in me and told me to go out there and be strong through adversity. I took that all to heart, and I am obviously thankful for the message and I am sure he is proud of me.”

Player has every right to be proud of his countryman, his driving was immaculate all week and his putting consistently flawless. But did this year’s Masters lack that extra bit of excitement or sparkle that we’ve become used to?

What do you think?

Leave a comment or Email your views to website@jf-media.co.uk





4/14/2008 11:36:28 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 
Ochoa Wins Again

At the begging of the month we asked if Lorena Ochoa could match Tiger’s domination on tour. After this weekend we should be asking, "can Tiger keep up with Lorena this season?"

The Mexican has already bagged the Kraft Nabisco, the first major of the year, and on Sunday romped to victory by 11 shots in the Corona Championship. In doing so she recorded her 21st title and secured her entry into the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame.

Three rounds of 66 before a 67 on the final day left her 25-under 267 at the Tres Marias Residential Golf Club in Mexico.

"It was an amazing week," said Ochoa. "I did enjoy myself a lot. I guess I can say I'm in the Hall of Fame now. It was really special to be in my home country."

Unbeaten this season, with a Major under her belt to boot, it looks like Lorena may be the one to have the legendary season.

The rest of the LPGA will try anything to stop Lorena.
 
The only disappointment for Ochoa was the final-round triple-bogey on the 11th which ended her chance of equalling or breaking the LPGA 72-hole scoring record of 27-under 261 set by Annika Sorenstam in 2001.

"I was trying to break the record by going more than seven-under," added Ochoa. "After the triple bogey things went down, but I did want to finish like a champ and when I birdied four of the last few holes, that really made my day."

Suppose she is only human.

With the LPGA Championship, US Women's Open and Women's British Open to come dare we whisper 'grand slam'?




4/14/2008 10:39:44 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, April 11, 2008
Poulter Let's His Golf Do The Talking

One ofthe highlights of yesterdays 1st round was Ian Poulter's ace at 16. If you haven't seen it already click the link for a golfing treat.



Check out this video and more at


4/11/2008 11:03:57 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 
Practice Makes Perfect

The first round of the Masters certainly didn’t disappoint, we were glued to our screens last night like former Big Brother contestants watching the Top 100 Talentless Celebrities, waiting to see where they rank. But the gladiators we saw battling it out at Augusta are anything but talentless.

Things got off to a slow start when Arnold Palmer kicked things off with his opening drive, unfortunately it was into a mist so thick that play had to be delayed by an hour. But soon the bad weather cleared and spectators were treated to the glorious sunshine they’re accustomed to at the Georgian club.

Nick Dougherty took the lead early on, but topping the leaderboard at the end of the day would be a lot to ask from his first outing at the tournament. It was fellow Englishman Justin Rose who led the field at the end of day one, tied with Trevor Immelman – who made up a three-ball with Rose and Poulter for a practice round at Augusta two weeks ago - at four-under. This is the third time he has been in this position though, so he’s not choosing a pair of trousers to match the green jacket just yet. "I've learned you can't count your chickens too early," He said, though he does admit he should be pushing to be in contention at the final hole on Sunday. "At the age of 27 you begin to say you can't keep putting it down to experience. You say 'this is the time to step up' if you like. But I'm not putting too much pressure on myself."

Rose’s run of six birdies in eight holes was sensational at such a difficult course – where fairways are mown sideways to make every shot as hard as possible – but Sandy Lyle deserves a special mention today. He was chasing the leaders for much of his round, and looked fairly comfortable at three-under. His noble performance – two decades after his Masters victory – ended with him level for the day.

The excitement is almost too much to bear, but we can’t wait to see what happens next. Will Rose still be up there on Sunday? Will Sandy Lyle? Only time will tell, but we’ll be watching with baited breath both this evening and at our Masters bonanza at Urban Golf tomorrow night.

For live scoring click the leader board below.




4/11/2008 10:58:18 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [2] 

  Thursday, April 10, 2008
It's Here

It’s time to send the Missus to bed alone, the Masters is on the box…

Ian Poulter’s wearing something outrageous, Tiger has his game face on and the bookies are praying to the high heavens that a long shot like Zach Johnson, or better still, Sandy Lyle, has the week of their lives. It can mean only one thing – the wait is over.

Yes, that’s right, the golfing world has descended on sunny Augusta for the 2008 US Masters – the celebrated first Major of the year is upon us – so get the beers in, get the TV on and ready yourself for the thrills, flowers and inevitable spills that the charge for the Green Jacket habitually brings.

It all kicked off yesterday with the 9-hole par-three competition, Augusta’s traditional pre-tournament warm-up. As ever, it was steeped in romance as stars of the game, old and new, combined to entertain the masses. Arnold Palmer, a 4-time Masters Champion won one of the nearest the pin prizes, while Wayne Grady, Charles Coody, Fred Couples and American Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger all aced holes in ones along the way.

Winning the mini-event has become something of a poisoned chalice over the years, for the very fact that nobody in the history of The Masters has ever won both the par-three tournament and the green jacket. Charged with changing history this week will be South African loud mouth Rory Sabbatini, whose 5-under-par score of 22 wrapped up victory yesterday. "I wanted to win it," Sabbatini said in typically confident mood. "You can't break the curse unless you've won the par three to begin with."

"How's the curse going to effect your chances?"
"Leave it out she's right behind me."

Sabbatini is 80/1 to “break the curse,” but as ever, all eyes will be on Tiger Woods, who sat out yesterday’s festivities. The world number, is 11/8 to secure his fourth green jacket this week, as he approaches the first hurdle of his much-heralded shot at ‘the grand slam.’

Follow it all here live.




4/10/2008 11:42:41 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 
Master The Rules

As it's the beggining of Major Madness we've dug out a letter we received from a Irish fellow with big plans for the weekend.

Dear Candice:
Although we don’t get many snakes up here, I wondered what the rules are when you find your ball near to one them? I’m playing golf out in Georgia today, and would rather not take any unnecessary risks!
Padraig, Ballyroan, Dublin.



Candice says:
You must take your golf seriously if you’d consider upsetting a snake to get your birdie Padraig. The good news is that in this situation (or any other dangerous one – bears, bees etc) it would be deemed unreasonable to expect you to play the shot, and you would be entitled to a free drop, which should be taken in accordance with the usual rules. There are a lot of snakes in Georgia so we’d advise not going into the rough, and having a peek in the hole before retrieving your ball. If you’re in an area you’re not sure about, tap the ground with your club and the vibrations should send any lurking serpents slithering away, and don’t bother shouting ‘fore’ – they don’t have ears.


"Is that Justin Timberlake?"

Let the Bunker Babes set you straight by clicking the images or here.





4/10/2008 11:35:12 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Can You Wait?

The first major of the year is upon us and frankly, we’re as excited as a bunch of sugar-fuelled, hyperactive kids on Christmas morning. We’re not the only ones. The world’s best players are champing at the bit to get out onto the azalea-lined fairways of Augusta to stake a claim for one of the greatest prizes in golf – no – one of the greatest prizes in sport.

The British and Irish contingent is stronger this year than last, Padraig Harrington is looking to double his major trophies come Sunday evening. The Open champion believes that getting his first under his belt has taken the pressure off slightly, allowing him to feel, “a little bit more relaxed” when the heat is on. Padraig’s been looking forward to the tournament for a while, as it’s not just rugged, British links courses that the Irishman loves to play, "Coming back to Augusta, it's always a magical place, and it's somewhere that you can't wait to get to," he said. "I would say a lot of my practice is done with the idea that I want to improve my golf swing so I can manage to play Augusta.”

The likes of Justin Rose and Lee Westwood are eager to go better than their respective best finishes of tied 5th and 6th also. Westwood believes he is “closer than ever” to winning a major, and cites improved fitness as one reason why. "Now when I come off the course I feel I can play again. I feel stronger, and it's easy to get my body into positions where I can control things."



We all know a deft touch is essential when trying to work the ball around the lightning-fast greens at Augusta, and Justin has been working hard on his short game to prepare for this. He played a nine-hole practice round with just two wedges and a putter. He also agrees with Westwood however that personal fitness is crucial in not just this tournament, but for the whole season. "I wanted to spend nine weeks working on my fitness, getting myself fit and strong to make sure I'd have an injury-free season."

So it all starts tomorrow. We’ve got permission to stay up late to watch it, have you?




4/9/2008 11:08:43 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [2] 

  Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Weekley Daily Diary

He didn’t play in the 2007 Masters, but Boo Weekley was the first guy they invited to this year’s tournament due his win at the Verizon Heritage, a week after Zach Johnson slipped into the green jacket last April. He’d have been first on our list too, regardless of his performances, because we just love his country charm. He shocked us when he didn’t know anything about the Open when he came over to play Carnoustie last year (he shot 68 on the first day and finished tied 35th) but it turns out he doesn’t know anything about the Masters either. In a diary he is writing for the Augusta Chronicle, he is sharing his experiences at one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of golf. Though despite the history, tradition and pressure, it seems he just wants to get on with playing the game...

Legend.

Here’s the highlights from today’s entry.

Boo on the course ranked 5th in the world:
“We just walked around out there and hit it, just like we do at every other golf course.”

Boo on his method for tackling Augusta:
“I just play it as I see it. It's caveman golf. Hit it, find it and hit it again.”

Boo on the most famous run of 11th, 12th, and 13th holes in the world:
“I couldn't tell you what three holes were Amen Corner, to tell you the truth.”

Boo on the par-three contest:
“I signed up to play with Heath in the Par-3 Contest. I heard about the Par-3 jinx from Joe Durant. Don't win.”

Boo changing his mind on the par-three contest:
“Sooner or later somebody's going to win that Par-3 and then go on and win the tournament. It's going to happen. It might not happen this year, but sooner or later it will.”

The full version of the diary can be found here.




4/8/2008 2:20:57 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [1] 
Get Involved

So what you up to on 28th April?

If the answer is nothing why not get involved with the Fraser Waters Testimonial Golf Day?

For more inofrmation call Fran on 07870 638305 or click the image below for a larger version.




4/8/2008 2:04:41 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Camo Have A Go If You Think You're Hard Enough

Froghair are bringing out a golf shoe for everyone who thinks of their weekend quest for birdies as stepping into the trenches.


These lovely little footwarmers are not available yet but you can keep upto date by checking out www.froghair.co.uk


In the meantime have a think about all the benefits of having hard to spot shoes. You're more likely to get away with using the '*leather wedge' for a start...



GOLFPUNK and Froghair would never condone the use of the leather wedge. What's wrong with you people.









4/8/2008 11:22:14 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [2] 

  Monday, April 07, 2008
GolfJunk Special 2008

To celebrate the 2008 GolfJunk Special we've put a little teaser on the blog. Click the image to see more or visit www.golfpunkonline.com/golf-junk

Go on, it's stick central.

Callaway FT-I  I-Mix
£299
Callaway’s do-it-yourself driver has over 1,400 possible shaft and head combinations. Already used by Ernie Els on tour, the look of the I-Mix may appeal to good golfers. The grey is a throwback to Big Bertha’s of old, while the titanium screw gives the appearance of a hosel at address. We’ve sneakily hit it and can’t see any discernible difference to the standard FT-I. Shafts start from £99.


www.callawaygolf.com



4/7/2008 3:54:41 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Howeller Of A Chip Hands Victory To Bourdy

He hasn’t had a finish inside the top 25 on the Tour so far this season, but you wouldn’t have believed it watching Grégory Bourdy at the Portugese Open this weekend. He started his round on Sunday with four and six shot leads over the pair he eventually faced in a playoff, but a poor font-nine saw him drop three shots in five holes. He showed the mental strength of a champion though, making four birdies on the back-nine to put himself back in the frame with David Howell - who shot 64 on the day – while playing partner Alastair Forsyth birdied the difficult final two holes to card a 66 and sneak into the three-way shootout.

Forsyth’s wild tee shot at the second extra hole ended the Scot’s hopes for victory, while Howell’s approach from the middle went through the green on the third. A duffed chip and missed putt was all she wrote for the man from Swindon, as Bourdy made his third solid par to clinch the title.



"I was focused on my game and am so happy to win." Said Bourdy, whose maiden European Tour victory was the Mallorca Classic last season.

Although Howell eventually had to settle for tied second, it will have come as a huge relief to be contending again after his incredible form in 2006 was followed by a season plagued by injury last year. Watch this space – 2008 could well be time for his triumphant return.




4/7/2008 2:50:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Let The Games Begin

Where top-level sport is concerned, there’s nothing like a fierce pre-competition squabble to ignite a flame of contention between two opposing sides.

And while we’re not condoning the likes of Mike Tyson’s infamous “I’m gonna eat your children” jibe at Lennox Lewis back in 2002, the latest instalment of sporting spattery has well and truly whet our appetite as the 2008 Ryder Cup nears.

It involves US captain Paul Azinger, and recent comments made about his old foe, and opposing skipper Nick Faldo.

Now, though the two auld adversaries won’t lead their troops into battle at Valhalla for another six months yet, Azinger drew first blood in the war of words this weekend, suggesting “Players don’t want anything to do with” Europe’s captain.

Azinger went on to doubt Faldo’s aptitude for the job, hinting that the 6-time Major winner will not opt for Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie as one of his wildcard picks this summer, because of personal differences.


"Why I oughta..."

“I hope he (Monty) plays against us,” said Azinger.” But I’m worried he won’t – he and Faldo don’t seem to get along and there’s no way he (Monty) will be awarded one of the wildcards.”

Azinger and Faldo’s rivalry goes back Donkey’s years. The relationship is thought to have first deteriorated after the 1987 Open at Muirfield, when, having pipped Azinger to the Claret Jug, Faldo’s words of ‘comfort’ were not appreciated by the American.

The pair’s on-course enmity went on to create some of the most compelling Ryder Cup battles ever in the 80s and 90s, before the proverbial hatchet was buried as they teamed up in commentating for ABC, the American TV network.

Now, however, the stage is set for one last bitter contest. Roll on September.




4/7/2008 10:50:03 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 

  Friday, April 04, 2008
Can Lorena Be The Tigress She’s Hyped As?

Until last August, Lorena Ochoa might have been compared to Monty rather than Tiger. She’s led Women’s golf since the start of the 2006 season, racking up an impressive 16 victories – just two less than Woods has in the same period. But when she won the Women’s British Open at St Andrews in August, she broke a duck that – if it had continued for another 15 years or so – would have been similar to Monty’s lengthy, yet majorless domination of European golf. But now her name is more often heard in the same breath as Tiger’s, Ochoa has work to do. If she’s going to become the best golfer of her gender that the world has ever seen (as Tiger has every chance to) she’ll need to exorcise some demons, starting at the Kraft Nabisco this weekend.

Tied second going into round two, Lorena is well placed and obviously playing well. But as she found out last year, one bad hole can wreck a day’s, week’s, or even a season’s worth of hard work. As the Masters is only held at Augusta, the Kraft Nabisco is only ever held at Mission Hills, California. Although she loves the course (she enjoys huge support from Mexican flag waving fans there) in the past two seasons she has melted down on the back nine after looking like a safe bet for the win.

But Lorena is only 26 and she’s without doubt a phenomenal talent. If she can overcome the memories of spurned opportunities in recent years, victory in the first major of the season would mean more than just a win for Ochoa. It would be proof that she can exorcise demons and perform to her full capabilities on the biggest stage. St Andrews was proof she could win a major, Mission Hills could be proof that she can win many more.


Can Lorena kick Tiger's tail?


4/4/2008 3:56:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)  #  Comments [0] 


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