Golf News

Nice little outtakes video with Bubba Watson during the filming of a commercial for the relaunched pgatour.com website. Follow @golfcentraldoc The new site is no joke however and looks to me to have taken a retrograde step.   The compact look of the site is gone, it’s slow to load, the font is difficult to read, past tournament highlights videos haven’t been linked properly and several wont load on the new site.  As I say it’s a personal opinion, I’d love to hear your comments. For instance look at the Honda leaderboard on the site.  I think it’s far too stretched out and is difficult to read. Look at all that empty white space! The Bubba video is passable though. Technorati Tags: Bubba Watson , Outtakes Video , PGATour.com

Sad to hear of the demise of Ike’s Tree, golf’s most famous pine tree from the 17th hole at Augusta National. The Eisenhower Tree suffered extensive limb damage in an ice storm and had to be removed at the weekend.  The tree stood 200 yards down the left of 17 for over 100 years.  Eisenhower hit into the tree many times and in 1956 suggested it be better cut down at a club meeting. “The loss of the Eisen­hower Tree is difficult news to accept,” Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne said. “We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible. We have begun deliberations of the best way to address the future of the 17th hole and to pay tribute to this iconic symbol of our history â€" rest assured, we will do both appropriately.” On a brighter note, Payne also said Augusta was open for play today to members.   Pic from: golfclubatlas forum Technorati Tags: Ike's Tree , 2014 US Masters , Augus...

How did Victor Dubuisson get up and down from deep in cactus during extra holes in the WGC Matchplay final?  Twice?  The Frenchman hung around thanks to those miracles until a Day powerplay on the 15th hole finally sealed the deal. Follow @golfcentraldoc Here is a video of the Dubuisson miracle escapes and the highlights of the final. Here’s the first escape from the jumping cholla on the 19th hole. Here’s the second escape in more detail. Technorati Tags: 2014 WGC Accenture World Matchplay Betting preview and tips , Video Victor Dubuisson chip , Jason Day

No matter what the golf overlords call this time of year, most of us will forever know it as the Silly Season, and it is things like this exhibition from Tiger Woods that will hold that name true for another year. Woods, who is reportedly getting $3 million in appearance fees for this week's Turkish Airlines Open, did something not even the most famous golfers in the world will ever be able to say they did; he hit a shot from one continent to another. [Photos: Tiger Woods shot spans two continents ] The No. 1 player in the world was set up on a platform on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul on Tuesday and hit a drive from Europe to Asia. As you can see in the above video, which doesn't exactly capture the moment, Tiger took a couple of attempts to pull off his own "Tin Cup" moment (" he hit it down the (expletive) road" ), but I give the event credit for at least trying something totally different, even if it apparently caused mayhem with the traffic (Apparent...

Here’s a prediction. I’m betting you wont be seeing Tiger Woods in the WGC HSBC Champions event in Shanghai any year soon. Woods rift with HSBC boss Giles Morgan just grew bigger after the banker called Woods a cash grabber who indulges in “meaningless … money-making opportunities.” That from a banker who brings the wheelbarrow containing $8.5 million to the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai every year, but draws a line at paying appearance money. “It’s up to the tours to enforce the criteria to their membership. And we’ve expressed our position to the tours, which is that we know they can’t enforce their players to play and that’s fine, we understand that. But we do think that players need to be respectful of these major events (which) are really at the top and the pinnacle and the lifeblood of the sport. If you’ve got sponsors investing that level of money, the players should respect the calendar.” Around last November’s WGC-HSBC Champions Tiger played a micâ...

Rory McIlroy is back at the 2014 Honda Classic. A different person to the one that walked off the course last year after a “dental emergency.” At his press conference yesterday Rory told reporters "You should never walk off the golf course, no matter how bad things are.. It was just one of these days, I just felt like I couldn't cope with anything more, especially not the way I was heading. I was going to shoot 90 -- the last thing I needed.  I've learned from it, and I've moved on. Yeah, I mean, it wasn't my finest hour, but at the end of the day, everyone makes mistakes.” Follow @golfcentraldoc Flashback Statement from Rory at 2013 Honda Classic: "I sincerely apologize to The Honda Classic and PGA TOUR for my sudden withdrawal.  I have been suffering with a sore wisdom tooth, which is due to come out in the near future. It began bothering me again last night, so I relieved it with Advil. It was very painful again this morning, and I was simply u...

Do you think Steve Elkington on Twitter is a racist chauvinist so and so or is he a just a bloke saying things that all blokes say? The Elk has been roasted in the media over “Pakki” comments at the Senior Open, joking about the Scottish helicopter crash a few months ago and for calling golf blogger Stephanie Wei “short with no cans” last week. (I think I’m pretty much guilty of doing all of the above myself over the years). Follow @golfcentraldoc But if Elkington is unpopular with the media he’s the opposite on Twitter with an audience of almost 60,000. The latest big deal is Elk’s tweet over gay athlete Michael Sam and ESPN’s coverage of him.  The US media have taken it in very poor taste, though to be honest there seems very little in it to me.  Surely it’s more of a joke on ESPN’s completely milking the coverage of the tiniest little story, just like Sky Sports do news when they latch on to something. So what camp are you in?  Elk great on tw...

For anyone that was ever confused why Michael Jordan was always picked to be an advisor for the American Ryder Cup team, now we know. Ian Poulter, who debuted his Sirius/XM radio show this week, got it rolling with a great story about Jordan and himself at the 2012 Ryder Cup. As you remember, Poulter was absolutely lights out that week, turning into an almost superhuman golfer with his clutch shots and putts to give the European a boost that ended up helping them pull off an incredible comeback victory at Medinah. Poulter said Jordan tried to get in his head at one point, but even the greatest basketball player in the world couldn't crack Poulter's focus as he found a zone that few golfers have ever uncovered. "I remember walking off the tee box at 13, looking over and he kind of wagged his, I don't know if you can call it a finger, it looked like an arm, this big finger comes up and he was wagging it at me, pulling a face as if to say, 'We've got you,...

Question for you. What is quality?  Quality for me is beauty, craftsmanship, simplicity, uniqueness.  Quality lasts. Quality never goes out of fashion.  Quality is cottage industry, not mass market. When I first saw Big Dave McNally’s Tour yardage book covers they blew my socks off.  They exude class and quality.  I have seen many of Dave’s amazing furniture creations over the past couple of years, he’s a  master carpenter when he’s not carrying a bag on the European Tour, but these are ultra cool. Italian leather, an earthy 2.5 millimetres of satisfying chunkiness, beautifully carved with lettering and logos, each one made to the exact measurements of the client, usually Touring professionals, and all presented in a custom inlaid wooden box. Here’s a couple of pics of samples I’ve snagged from Big Dave who you can contact and find out more about on facebook here .  I love to hear about and support people who hand produce bespoke items f...

For all the what’s in the bag enthusiasts out there, here’s my Victor Dubuisson WITB 2014 infographic. Information is correct as of the 2014 Accenture World Matchplay. Follow @golfcentraldoc Related Post: Check out my full What’s In The Bag page . What’s In The Bag 2014 Victor Dubuisson Infographic What’s In The Bag 2014 Victor Dubuisson Text Driver: Titleist 913 D2, 9.5 degrees with Aldila Tour Blue 65 TX-Flex shaft 3 Wood: Titleist 913F.d, 15 degrees with Diamana S+ 82 X-Flex shaft Hybrid: Titleist 913H, 21 degrees Irons: Titleist AP2 714 (3-9) with True Temper Project X 6.5 shafts Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (48-6), Vokey TVD M Grind (52), Vokey 2014 Prototype K Grind (58-6) all with True Temper Project X 6.5 shafts Putter: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Notchback with 2014 SuperStroke Slim 3.0 grip Ball: Titleist Pro V1X Technorati Tags: what's In The Bag 2014 Victor Dubuisson , Infographic , Victor Dubuisson Golf Clubs , Titleist Tour golf equipment ,...

The man behind every golfers favourite golf movie Caddyshack , Harold Ramis, has died. Ramis biggest acting role was as Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters, and he also scored hits directing National Lampoon's Vacation , Groundhog Day , and Analyze This . Caddyshack was only Ramis third movie and the first he co-wrote and directed.  With an all star comedy cast which included Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield and Bill Murray the film was a box office success. Follow @golfcentraldoc So maybe it’s time to relive one of the best scenes from the cult classic.  Like the Ditch Digger scene! Here’s a great little behind the scenes video of the making of Caddyshack posted by Geoff . Ramis was 69 years old. May he Rest In Peace.   Technorati Tags: Caddyshack , Harold Ramis , death

Each Tuesday for the remainder of the golf season we will be rolling out a mailbag, with any and all questions invited from readers and fans around the world. Have a good question you want answered? Hit me up on Twitter at @shanebacon and we will try to get to it in the coming weeks. Here we go ... @shanebacon Harold Ramis RIP. Gave us Caddyshack. You were a caddy. What was your coolest moment on the bag? â€" David Horlander (@dhorlander) February 24, 2014 Bacon : The fun thing about my time at St. Andrews is all the people that come through. I had former NFL players in my group, famous broadcasters, and just everyday golf fans getting a chance to play the most famous course in the world, but my favorite moment was walking up to the tee and seeing Peter Tompson in the group. I didn't get his bag because one of the quick Scottish caddies got in there first, but I did get plenty of time to chat with him about the game, his five British Open wins and St. Andrews in gene...

By Riley As anyone who has ever hit the greens for the first time can tell you: golf is not the easiest sport to master. However slots have always been the simplest type of casino game for new players to start of with, so a g olfing slots game is a much easier option if you are hoping to actually win something. One of the golf slots games available at these sites is The Argyle Open , which actually sounds like a Scottish golf tournament, and it is definitely one of the best for anyone who an interest in either slot machines or golf. The Argyle Open is a video slot that you can play at Online Casino Australia , and it is when you play the ‘golf tournament’ bonus game that these graphics really come into play. You get to play this if you score five golf hole symbols, and it allows you to take your pick from five professional golfers, to play as during the game. The golf tournament game sees you increase your overall payout based on how well you play throughout the course â€" it...

When former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych fled the country,  the gates to his opulent and highly secret compound were flung open for the public to see. As well as huge mansions and lawns, they found lakes, a tennis court and a private golf course. Some members of the public even brought Yanukovych’s personalized bag and gold plated driver out for a game. Was it a Titleist, TaylorMade or Callaway? Not at all, it was a 10.5 degree Maruman Majesty Prestigio Gold Premium Driver which retails at $1375 in discount golf stores in the corrupt ex-leader section. And he’s a leftie! Follow @golfcentraldoc     Technorati Tags: Victor Yanukovych Golf Course , Ukraine

By guest writer Zoe   Adam Scott has insisted he believes his six-week lay-off will benefit him in his bid to defend his Masters title at Augusta in April and keep possession of the famous green jacket. The Australian returns to tournament action this week and is stepping up his preparations for the opening major of the year.  The world number two will be hoping his break from the game has recharged his batteries following a gruelling but successful 2013. Scott has gradually slimed his schedule down over the past couple of years in a bid to stay as fresh as possible for the bigger events, and the Aussie’s tactic of playing less tournament golf has been the recipe for success over the last couple of seasons, with Scott the best-performing golfer based on the last eight majors. While Scott’s 2013 season ultimately ended heartbreakingly close to completing a stunning Australian Triple Crown, winning the Masters earlier in the year finally cemented the Queenslander’s plac...

This past weekend saw a lot of great story lines and we are here to give you the good and the bad of it. Here are our winners and losers from the past week in golf. Winners Jason Day -- Any golf critic worth his weight in balatas figured it was just a matter of time until Jason Day started winning golf tournaments at a more consistent clip. After his great play at the World Cup of Golf in November it seemed that 2014 might be that year, and his play this past week was as solid as his golf swing. Day is a superstar, the type of player that can win multiple major championships, and this World Golf Championships victory will only help with the confidence as we roll into the final stretch before Augusta, where he has a T-2 and third place finish over the last three years. Victor Dubuisson -- He might not have left Dove Mountain with the trophy, but the 23-year-old did more for his career over this week than he ever has. His wins over names like Bubba Watson, Graeme McDowell and Erni...

It was a final to remember between Jason Day and Victor Dubuisson but it was also a battle between two heavyweights of the equipment world TaylorMade and Titleist. Follow @golfcentraldoc It was TaylorMade who claimed the spoils this time.  Here’s what’s in the bag of both finalists, correct as of 23rd February 2014.  Watch out for my witb infographics a little  later on in the week.   What’s In The Bag Jason Day   Driver: TaylorMade SLDR, 10.5 Degrees with Matrix TP7HD (X-Flex) shaft 4 Wood: TaylorMade RocketBallz, 17.5 degrees with Matrix TP7HD (X-Flex) shaft Irons: TaylorMade MC Forged (2), TaylorMade Tour Preferred MC (3-PW) with True Temper Rifle Flighted 6.5 shafts Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Full Cord Wedges: TaylorMade ATV (52, and 60 Degrees) with True Temper Rifle Flighted 6.5 shafts Putter: TaylorMade Ghost Tour Monte Carlo Prototype, 34 inches, 361 grams Ball: TaylorMade Tour Preferred X     What’s In The Bag Victor ...

Course Keys The Champion Course at PGA National Resort & Spa has as its signature The Bear Trap, the 15 th a par-3, 16 th a par-4 and 17 th another par-3. The course is a 7110 yard par 70 that traditionally is in the top three toughest par70’s on the PGA Roster. Ball striking, especially on the difficult par-3’s is vital for anyone looking for success here. Picking up shots on the par 5’s and being a good sand player will also help here.   Favourites With Tiger, Rory Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson all in the field this week, they’ll take up the short odds slots, leaving plenty of value for longer odds each way shots which is where I’m finding the value this week.   Rickie Fowler 30/1 Great performance in Arizona (beating Poulter, Walker, Sergio,  Furyk and Els) will have given Rickie’s confidence a huge shot in the arm, because he really was struggling to make his new Butch Harmon taught swing click. The golfing Gods owe Rickie one here too, h...

He might not have won for a while, but John Daly is still box office.  He never fails to give any of his faithful sponsors less than 100% and that is why they have been with him for so long. Follow @golfcentraldoc Take Loudmouth Golf for instance.  They have put every which patterned pants you care to dream of on Daly for several years now, and he has worn them all proudly.  Together they have earned each other a lot of cash. Maybe its fitting so that Daly worn a trousers of Benjamins at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am.  Whether his best days are behind him or not, John Daly is a two time Major winner, a great character and one hell of a nice guy.  That’s a winner in my eyes.   Technorati Tags: John Daly Funny pic , Loudmouth golf

This past weekend saw a lot of great story lines and we are here to give you the good and the bad of it. Here are our winners and losers from this past weekend in golf. Winners Bubba Watson -- One of the hardest things for a professional is bouncing back after a tough loss, but Bubba Watson had a mighty fine weekend in Los Angeles, posting 64-64 on Saturday and Sunday to win his first PGA Tour event since the 2012 Masters. He is absolutely killing his driver right now, making even the longest of holes a driver and a wedge, and if he can keep getting his ball in the fairway with this type of length he will again be a factor at Augusta National in a couple of months. Jason Allred -- After the bogey-bogey run Allred put together on Friday after getting the possible 59 discussion going it seemed that the no-name would fade over the weekend like so many like him have in the past. That wasn't the case, with Allred following up his Friday 64 with weekend rounds of 67-68 to earn his ...

I’m still suspecting that Tiger used the European Tour to practice his swing a few weeks back but takling to Bob Harig , Woods says his swing is back. "I was very pleased with it on Sunday at Dubai and then India. It was merely a continuation of that. I put it together." Apparently Woods made 10 birdies in his India corporate knockabout and explained this Winter just past was different to others. "I took a lot of time off this winter to get ready for the season because it's going to be a long grind," Woods said. "It took three rounds in San Diego and three rounds in Dubai before finally it clicked in. My golf feels finally came back. Whatever shot I saw, I hit. Whatever number was given to me by Joey [caddie Joe LaCava], I hit. I had a wonderful feel for it. "Then I went to India and it was just a continuation of that. I finally have my golf feels back. It just took a little longer than I would like." Now we know pros talk a good game, but ...

The storms that ripped through Ireland over the past week, wreaked havoc everywhere, including its golf courses. Here was the scene in Ballybunion, County Kerry. And the famous Rosses Point Links in Sligo was affected too, with waves biting away a large chunk of the coast alongside the 17th. Both Lahinch town and golf course was also affected by major flooding. Thanks to Ross Walsh and Cormac McMullan for sending in their pics of the driving range at Shannon Golf Club and high tide at Ardglass GC. To all affected, I hope that you will be back up and running, better than ever, as soon as the weather improves. Technorati Tags: Irish golf course storm damage

During the week I’ve been following course design expert Geoff Shackelford’s preview of the Northern Trust Open and specifically his advice on how to play the deadly dangerous 314 yard par four 10th hole.  Geoff says again and again “lay up left.” Follow @golfcentraldoc And it sounds like he got his message through to most of the field with shotlink showing a good chunk laying up.  There were still plenty however that went with driver. So what did the shotlink stats say? According to Geoff , who has ready access to such things,  the 10th hole had a 4.077 scoring average with  30 birdies, 81 pars, 23 bogeys, 9 double bogeys and an 8 for Scott Verplank. So which worked up better; laying up or going for it?  The answer, maybe its a bit too early to tell with ShotLink showing the scoring average for players trying to drive the green was 4.06, and 4.08 for the careful ones laying up.  Let’s have another look on Sunday night. Technorati Tags: 2014 North...

Great article by the GolfDigest undercover pro who says that some Tour players fake injuries when their not doing so well, so they can go practice and come back under a medical extension  when they have found form.  The amount of corruption is fairly widespread but what’s most surprising is that those feigning injury bank a tax free $10,000 per month while they are off Tour. Suppose you miss the first five cuts of the year. Might be tempting to complain about your wrist to your doctor and get a note. To my knowledge, the PGA Tour has never denied an application. You'll receive a disability payment of up to $10,000 a month that can be tax-free. And here’s what those guys do while off Tour. Most guys on extensions are at home playing every day, with no caddie or travel expenses, working on their games until they feel ready to return. When they come back, they pick their favorite courses. If a guy has 20 events and wants to milk it, he might play his five favorite event...

Rickie Fowler has a new Scotty Cameron Newport II putter.  And there’s no bells and whistles, no bright orange paintjob and no embossed nicknames.  Last night his mate Bubba went on Piers Morgan to discuss politics and gay athletes and today Rickie is ditching orange. They must finally be growing up! This is the simplest putter you’ll ever see. Pics from golfwrx Technorati Tags: Rickie Fowler Scotty Cameron Newport II Putter 2014 , Pics

One of the big fears of a match play event, especially a huge professional one with million dollar sponsors, is that the finals will produce two duds. Every golfer dreams of a Tiger Woods versus Phil Mickelson final, but we've seen our share of watered down finals over the years of the Accenture Match Play and that is the one knock against this format. Don't expect to see your dream final in 2014, as Woods has joined a growing list of huge names that includes Mickelson and Adam Scott that plan on skipping the event that pits the top 64 golfers in the world against each other. Woods announced on Thursday that he will not be a part of the Match Play this year, citing a need for some time at home and hopefully a little work on that golf game that has produced a lackluster start to the 2014 season. "I had planned to take that week off and travel with Lindsey [Vonn] to Sochi, but unfortunately that won't happen," Woods said on his website . "Instead, I'l...