Tiger Woods’ Uncanny Caddy is Unusually Lucky

Tiger Woods finished his last round of the WGC Bridgestone Invitational feeling "Absolutely encouraged", as he ended the tournament with a score of one over par.  Although Woods did make the headlines, it was not for his play on the course, but rather his connection with the man who beat him by 18 strokes Sunday. 

Adam Scott won the tournament with a score of -17, four strokes better than second place finishers Rickie Fowler and Luke Donald.  This week Adam Scott and Tiger Woods developed a unique connection that ended up keeping Tiger’s name in the news regardless of his sub-average play.  On July 20^th, Woods fired his longtime caddy and close friend Steve Williams.  Williams carried Tiger’s bag for 12 years and 13 Major Championships.  This came to a major surprise to Williams and the golf world.  An even bigger surprise is the fact that Steve Williams was the winning caddy for the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, for his new employer, Adam Scott.  Scott and Williams should thank Woods for firing Williams and giving him the opportunity to work together in what Williams said was the “best week of my life”.

Not the best week for Tiger

Is Steve Williams good luck?  Does he know golf secrets that can propel his partnered player on a regular basis?  Maybe this is just an uncanny coincidence.

Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

What is the best golf drill for learning how to control the golf ball, and improving power and distance?

One of The most important thing in golf is controlling the golf ball. Control is accomplished by solid club face to ball contact, while the club face is square to the target line, and traveling on the target line swing path.

One of the best drills for accomplishing these two goals is the L to L drill. The picture to the left is of Tiger Woods hitting a full shot. Notice the L formed by his arms and the shaft in the downswing. If you are unfamiliar with the drill, google “golf L to L drill”. There are many links that will demonstrate how to do it properly. I would check out a few links as there are differences in what some feel is important. Here are two of my favorites: L to L one. L to L two.

The drill will help you develop a good weight shift, proper hand action through the ball, and a feeling that you are controlling the golf ball. I recommend using your 7 iron. While performing the drill concentrate on extension on both sides of the ball, letting the right knee, and hip lead the arms through the shot, keeping your head behind the ball until after contact, staying balanced, and holding the finish with your weight on your forward side and your back foot up on the toes. If you swing a little past the L on the forward swing, that is OK. Do not try to muscle the ball. Concentrate on a smooth motion and solid contact. All experts agree that the number one key for more distance is solid contact. That is what you are trying to groove with this drill. Swing, don’t hit. This is also a great drill to practice Hogan’s Power Move.

You can keep track of your progress by seeing how many shots it takes to hit ten perfect shots. A perfect shot will be defined as one where there is good crisp contact, and the ball is traveling on the intended target line. You should usually be able to complete a session in 10 to 15 minutes. If after 15 minutes, you still have not reached 10 “perfects”, just record how many perfects you had that session.

When you are ready to hit a full shot just extend your swing, and use the same action you grooved through the hitting area. You will also become very proficient from a hundred yards in (the scoring zone) once you get the feel for how far the ball will travel with the L to L swing using different clubs. You will hit these short shots with confidence knowing that you will make crisp contact and the ball will be sailing straight to the target.

Now there is only one problem, finding time to perform the drill. Anyone can find 10 or 15 minutes, but we put off practicing because getting to the range takes time. The perfect practice aid that will allow you to perform this drill, using a real golf ball, in the limited area of your own backyard is the Ropeit. Just click here to see a youtube video of the Ropeit in action so you can check it out. After viewing the video you can get your own Ropeit at www.theropeit.com. It comes with an unconditional money back guarantee, so all you have to lose is strokes off your handicap.

Perform this drill three or four times a week, in total less than an hour of practice, and I guarantee that your ball striking will improve immensely. Please post a comment and let us know how the drill has worked for you.

A great golf gift for under(25) twenty five dollars, and the most unique golf gift ever. Give a present of lower golf scores.

You could get the golfer in your life some boring balls, tees, gloves, a tie, or some Old Spice after shave, and all of those gifts would be nice. But if you are looking for a unique golf gift, that any golfer would love, then give the gift of lower golf scores. Get the golfer in your life a Ropeit.

The Ropeit is a golf practice aid that allows a golfer to hit full swing golf shots, using a real golf ball, in their own backyard. The Ropeit is the ideal gift for the golfer that only has a limited amount of time to practice. It allows them to practice anytime, anywhere, and on their schedule.

So if you want to make any golfer happy, with a great gift, get them a Ropeit. They’ll be glad you did.

Click, SEE THE ROPEIT IN ACTION to preview a video on youtube. Or, go to www.theropeit.com to order yours now.

Who will be Tiger Woods new caddie?

In case you haven’t heard, Tiger Woods has fired long time caddy Steve Williams. Williams had been Tiger’s caddy since 1999. This is a bit of a surprise, as they have won together 72 times around the world, including 13 majors. There was also more than a player caddy relationship. Williams acted as a buffer and a body guard, and they were friends. They vacationed together, and were in each other’s wedding party. They will always be linked together as a great winning combination.

Williams was last seen caddying for Adam Scott at the British Open and it looks like that relationship will continue. He is only the second caddie that Woods has had on a regular basis. The other was Mike “Fluff” Cowan. Under Woods Fluff was becoming a celebrity in his own right, and he was let go when Woods felt that he was using him for self promotion.

So who will be Tiger’s new caddy? How about Michael Jordon? Both of them have the: win at all cost attitude, and they share sexular, I mean similar interests. The celebration party’s would be legendary. Another possible candidate would be Charles Barkley. He could certainly replace Williams as the body guard. There would have to at least one stipulation: Barkley would not be allowed to swing a golf club when Woods was around. How about Sean Foley, Woods’ swing coach? And my last candidate: Kristi Hommel, you may remember her as Steve Scott’s caddy. She has just about everything that Tiger looks for. Hmm?

Please post a comment and let us know who you feel will be Tiger’s new caddy.

Don’t forget to check out the Ropeit to help sharpen your own game.

Will Tiger Woods play in the next major at the 2011 PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club?

That is the big question right now in professional golf. According to his web site he has set no time table for his return. In an earlier post, I had mentioned that Tiger has committed to playing in a charity event. Speculation is still all we can go on as to whether or not he will be at the Atlanta Athletic Club come tee time.

I for one believe that he will be there. There are some signs already that he will show up for this years PGA. One is the mention above; that Tiger has said that he will play in his good friend Notah Begays charity tournament on August 31st. That is only a couple of weeks after the PGA. Of course, a charity event is not a major championship.

Another sign is that he is listed as 12-1 favorite to win the championship. So the bookies at least think he has a chance to play. Bookies don’t like to return bet money, so the fact that they have him listed bodes well for his return.

And, finally, my own personnel opinion is that he will be there. Why? Tiger lives for majors. He has already missed the last two, the US and British Opens. I just don’t see him missing another one. I for one am looking forward to his return and the ongoing soap opera that has become Tiger Woods.

Please post a comment and let us know your own feelings as to whether or not Tiger will be at the final major of the year.


Don’t forget to check out the Ropeit to help sharpen your own game.

What did Darren Clarke do to win the 2012 British Open at Royal St. George’s?

In an earlier post I had predicted that Lee Westwood would win this year’s British Open. It looks like I backed the wrong horse. Darren Clarke was nothing short of spectacular in the way he handled the pressure and the weather to be named Champion Golfer of the year. What did he do to win? Quite simply, he kept his ball in play, avoided the big number, and made clutch putts when he needed them.

In the same post I had selected 61 year old Tom Watson as the sentimental favorite. What did he do? Well he out scored a host of players to finish tied for 22nd place. The list of players he beat included Westwood who didn’t make the cut, and such notables as Bubba Watson, Adam Scott, and yes Rory McIlroy. Way to go Tom.

I would also like to offer my congratulations to Darren Clarke. He may be the best advertisement for Guinness that they have going. If they don’t have him signed up already, I would expect he’ll be signed up by tomorrow. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

To improve your own game, please check out the practice aid that allows you to hit full iron shot’s, with a real ball, in your own back yard. Click here to check out the Ropeit!

The date is set for Tiger Woods to play golf again. Will Tiger be ready for the PGA?

It looks like we should see Tiger again no later than August 31st. He has committed to Notah Begays' event to be played in Verona New York. This is a charity event that will include PGA and LPGA players. To read the full article, click here.

This raises the question, will Tiger play in the final major of the year? According to his web site, there is no set time for his return. All he has said is that he does not want to rush it, and will not be back until he is 100% healthy.

I'm not saying there is any truth to it, but rumor has it that Tiger has been staying sharp by hitting some wedge shots with the Ropeit. Click here to check it out.

Who will win the 2011 British Open at Royal St. George’s?

OK. I had mentioned Tom Watson in a previous post as the sentimental favorite, and it would truly be a monumental win if he were to pull it off. But, who are the most likely candidates to win this year’s British Open?

I successfully predicted Rory McIlroy to win the US Open, and you have to like the kid’s chances. The bookmakers have him as the favorite at 8-1. He has had to deal with a lot of hype since his US Open win, and winning back to back majors is a very difficult feat for anyone not named Tiger. Tiger? He won’t be competing so Rory has that going for him.

The next two players the bookies like are Luke Donald at and Lee Westwood at 12-1. Two US players, neither named Phil come in at 35-1, Steve Stricker and Nick Watney. Phil? He is listed at 45-1 and is my favorite among US Players.

So I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict Lee Westwood to win. Is Lee Westwood going to be the heir apparent to Colin Montgomerie, to be the best player to never win a major? I don’t think so. Westwood has game, he has grit, and I don’t think he is going to let the kid beat him again. If he doesn’t pull it out, I feel it is only a matter of time before he is holding a major trophy. In his last seven majors he has been in the top three five times. He just has to close it out. Westwood has the experience should the weather act up, and his history, short of winning, at the British Open’s has been quite impressive. So, don’t be surprised if Lee is drinking from the Claret Jug when it is all said and done.

To improve your own game, please check out the practice aid that allows you to hit full iron shot’s, with a real ball, in your own back yard. Click here to check out the Ropeit!

The best golf tip I ever received. Courtesy of Manny G.

As on ongoing effort to improve, I will be asking low handicappers for the best golf tip they ever received. This first tip comes from a scoring artist, Manny G. He is not the longest hitter, but he is a magician around the green.

Manny says to learn to hit a ten yard shot consistently. His reasoning is that you need to learn how to control the golf ball, and a ten yard shot is a lot easier to control than a two-hundred and fifty yard drive. Practice until you can hit 8 out of 10 shots within 15 percent of the distance covered, in this case within a yard and a half for a ten yard shot. Once you can do that, move up to twenty yards, and so on, and so on until you get to the full swing.

Manny says that is where lower golf scores come from, the short game. Even at the pro level, the guys who win golf tournaments are getting up and down when they miss the green. Almost everyone can get somewhere within 100 yards of the green in regulation. If you can get up and down, or even get on the green and two-putt, you’ll be making more pars, and nothing worse than bogey.

Notice the setup in the picture above. Two great positions are demonstrated. The hands are well ahead of the ball, and the ball is well back in the stance. Here is a great video for hitting short chips.

So give it a try and let us know if this tip helped to lower you scores.

The Ropeit is perfect for practicing the swing that is required to hit a 30 to 100 yard pitch shot. You won’t get to see the ball fly completely, but you can tell if you hit it solid, and on the intended line. It is great for working on the proper mechanics for your longer pitches, right in your own back yard. Check out the Ropeit here. Manny would approve.

Can Tom Watson win the British Open at Royal St. George?

The short answer is; if his titanium hip holds out, why not? It has been two years since he was 8 feet away from winning his 6th British Open. Watson will be appearing at his 34th Open championship, so he certainly has experience on his side. At age 61, he just beat the kids (the fifty something’s) to win the PGA Senior Championship at Valhalla.

Just that he is even considered is a credit to one of the greatest golfer’s of all time. When asked if he thought he had a chance, he replied, with that Tom Watson, grin/smile: “Too early to tell, ask me on the Wednesday night in Sandwich!” Please notice, he did not say no. So that leads me to think that at least he believes he has a chance.

His recent Senior PGA Major win shows that his game is still sharp. If the conditions are right, his putter gets red hot, and the Golf God’s are on his side, a bounce here, a chip in there, who knows? He may just be able to pull it off.

The last British Open played at Royal St. George was in 2003. Tom finished 7 strokes off of the pace, with a 77 in the second round, and a 69 in the final round. If that second round 77 had been a 69, he would have won the tournament. It could be argued that his game has not changed all that much since 2003. Of course, if does not count in golf.

Here is one fan that would love to see Tom win it. Good luck Tom. Here is a great article on Tom’s Major Championship wins.

Leave a comment and let us know if you feel that Tom Watson can win at Royal St. George.

If you are looking to improve your own game, please check out the practice aid that allows you to find time to practice: The Ropeit.

One little move to create power in your golf swing.

I recently got a tip about the importance of turning your right hip to create power. You should clearly see the butt cheeks just past impact. Look at the picture above and compare the average golfer just past impact position, on the left, to that of Tiger.

Well I have been losing a little distance as I go up in age, so I thought I’d give it a go. I grabbed my seven iron and went out to my back yard to hit my trusty Ropeit. I warmed up with a few regular swings and then concentrated on really turning my hips to the left. It took me a little while to get the correct rhythm, but after hitting the Ropeit about 5 or 6 times, I could definitely feel a difference. The ball was coming off with more POP and was even on a higher flight path.

Click here for a good article that goes into more detail on hip rotation.

Try it out. Give it a good hip turn to the left, and let us know how you make out. As always, keep it in the short grass.

Rory McIlroy wins the US open. What can you learn?

Well, the kid did it. Wire to wire. He set or tied 12 US Open records. He won going away, by eight shots. No collapse this time. Congratulations Rory. Here is a great article on Rory's Records.

The kid’s swing is a thing of beauty. So, what can we learn from Rory’s win? I think that one of the most important lessons is that, what happened in the past (the Masters collapse) has nothing to do what will happen in the future. The ball has no memory. It does not remember the drive you blasted down the middle, the one you duck hooked into the woods, or the three foot putt you missed. Golf is a game of one shot at a time. Each new shot is a chance at redemption. So, enjoy each shot.

Is Rory the best player on the planet? He certainly was for four days. What’s in store for his future? Only time will tell, but I do not think we have heard the last of Rory McIlroy.

We did get an unconfirmed report that Rory said he owed it all to his practice sessions with the Ropeit. So, get yourself a Ropeit at: http://www.theropeit.com/ , and who knows, you could be shooting lights out for your next round.

As always, keep it in the short grass.

Who is the best golfer on the planet? It just may be Rory McIlroy.

In an earlier post, before the US open started, I had stated that I liked Rory McIlroy to win the major championship. Well, after two days he has been putting on a clinic. The way he is playing right now, he certainly looks like the best player in the world. Of course the tournament is not over yet, and there are still two rounds to play. And we all know what happened at the Masters. We will have to wait and see if he can handle the pressure. I am predicting that he handles the pressure, and wins this one going away.

While you are watching the tournament, enjoy the golf, but focus on watching the swing of McIlroy. It is a thing of beauty. It is always smooth and powerful, and always in balance. Notice the various positions he is in, especially at the top, at impact, and at the finish. You will do well to emulate any of these positions, but pay special attention to the balance of the swing.

You can practice getting into these positions on your time and on your schedule in your own backyard. All you need is the Ropeit. Visit http://www.theropeit.com/ to check it out. Get a Ropeit, become a better ball striker, and shoot lower golf scores.

Good luck Rory. No matter what happens you have played some unbelievable golf for two days, and you made it look easy.

Your questions, comments, and/or observations are always welcome. Please let us know what you think.

As always, keep it in the short grass.

Will Tiger Woods break Jack Nicklaus’ major record?

What does Jack himself have to say about this? In an interview with ESPN in March, before the Masters, Jack said: “Tigers got such a great work ethic. He's so determined to what he wants to do. I'm very surprised that he has not popped back. I still think he'll break my record.” He then added; if Tiger goes another year without winning a major, it could change my mind.

Well, so far there is one down with three to go. With the next being the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club, in Bethesda, MD

Nicklaus won 18 majors with his last coming at age 46. At 71 I feel it is safe to assume that he will not win any more. Now, Tom Watson may be another story. Stay tuned for more on that in an upcoming post.

Tiger currently stands at 14, but has gone 10 majors without a win, the longest drought in his career. At age 35, Tiger is still two majors ahead of Jack’s pace. But the big question is: Is Tiger still Tiger? His swing changes have not seemed to help, if anything they have hurt. He has lost his intimidation factor. The old guys have seen that he can be beaten down the stretch, and the new kids are not afraid of anyone. If you couple that with the sex scandal, and his streak of injuries, some might say that Tiger is done.

I personally feel that we have not heard the last from Tiger Woods. My reasoning is for just what Jack said. He is determined to do what he wants to do. If Tiger gets healthy, and puts his embarrassment behind him, he will be a major factor again. A couple of big if’s? Yes! All the King’s horses, and all the King’s men, should be able to put Tiger back together again. So that takes care of his body. His head is another matter. If he stays healthy, and get’s his head straightened out, he could be winning majors into his fifties.

Please let us know if you think Tiger will break Jack’s record and why.

As always, keep it in the short grass.

Hit against a firm left side. What does this mean?

Hitting against a firm left side is mentioned over and over as one of the elements of a good golf swing. But, what does this actually mean? I could fill this post with a lot of technical jargon, but I do not feel that this is necessary. Hitting against a firm left side simply means that the left leg must act as a post to brace the golf shot.

Watch any golf tournament and you will see that every pro ends up in the same position when making a full swing. If every pro does it, don’t you think that you should too?

Study the picture, and hit 25 shots a day. Do nothing else but think about finishing in a position like the picture below, and hold your finish for a count of three.

So head to the backyard, practice with your RopeIt, emulate the finish in the picture, and you will be well on your way to being a better ball striker.

If you would like a more detailed explanation check out the following web sites:
http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/swing-sequences/2007-07/butchharmon_0707
http://www.golf.com/golf/video/article/0,28224,2075176,00.html
http://www.golftipsmag.com/instruction/faults-and-fixes/lessons/50-best-swing-keys.html?start=3

Golf is all about being in the correct positions at the proper time. I started with the finish, because to get to this position you had to do a lot of things right. Please stay tuned for future posts on proper positions to be in and at what time.

As always, keep it in the short grass.

AJ reveals the truth about golf? NO, here’s the real truth.

Many of you may have seen the infomercial where it is revealed, that someone, is finally going to reveal the TRUTH about golf. For ONLY ninety bucks, you too can finally learn the truth about golf. I have never seen the truth so reasonably priced.

In a nut shell, here is what IS REVEALED as the truth about golf: Hit down and through the ball and rotate the club face with your hands through impact. While this is certainly good advice, and may be a partial truth, it is not the real truth.

I am going to reveal the REAL TRUTH, and I am going to do it for free. If you want to get better at golf, drum roll please: “YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE.” And you have to practice the proper things.

While there is some good stuff in AJ’s video, you are not going to be able to watch the video and then go out and break par the next day. Just watching the video will not shave 10 strokes off of your game overnight. In all fairness to AJ, NO VIDEO will do this without practice. So if you see an ad where someone promises that you can hit 300 yard drives overnight, I suggest you run for the hills.

So, how do you get better at golf? Fully understand the fundamentals, and find time to practice.

As always, keep it in the short grass. Thank you.

Will Tiger Woods win the 2011 US Open at Congressional?

The short answer is: NO. Tiger has withdrawn from this year’s 2011 US Open to be held June 16th-19th, at congressional country club in Bethesda Maryland. Tiger will not be at this year’s US Open due to lingering injuries. This will be the first time he has not played in the Open in 17 years.

Will Tiger be missed? Of course he will, but he was pretty much a side note at this years first major, The Masters, and it was arguably one of the most exciting Majors of all time. Even if Tiger had been in the field this years Open is, well, wide open.

Since Tiger’s fall from the perch, the top ranked player in the world keeps changing. If I remember correctly it has changed four times this year. Those who held the top spot have one Major between them.

I like Phil Mickelson, or Rory McIlroy. I like these two for completely different reasons. I like Phil because he is a seasoned veteran that has proven he knows how to win a major. He also has proven that he knows how to lose one. I like Rory because I personally believe that he is the best player on the planet right now. That being said, he also has proven that he knows how to lose a major.

If recent history is any indication, ANYONE, in the field could win. The last four majors were won by first time major winners. Graeme McDowell (U.S. Open), Louis Oosthuizen (British Open), Martin Kaymer (PGA Championship) and Charl Schwartzel (Masters) , not exactly household names.
Weigh in and let us know your favorite, and why. We would love to hear from you.

Thanks.

Trick Shot: How To Break A Light Bulb With A Rope It - Time Lapsed

Last summer we slung an extension cord over a branch next to the driveway and put a big bulb at the end. Using a Rope It, it took us about 45 minutes and 50 shots, but eventually we hit it. Be advised the Rope It is for use on grass only and this should not be attempted by anyone.

However, we do enjoy hitting things with the Rope It so if you have any other ideas for things we can break let us know and we'll make a video.