Hawaii, one of the most attractive islands of the earth, is a tourist place for all kinds of people from all age-group. Hawaii is famous for its clear and relaxing climate and hence magnetizes many visitors all over the world. You get an excellent warmth and amenities that you seem more than satisfied once you visit Hawaii. Actually it is an amazing place for Golf Lovers. Perhaps the golfers will find themselves to be fortunate on reaching Maui as it comprises the most beautiful golf courses, amazing green carpeted landscapes that look remarkably beautiful and the turquoise blue and fresh water that bound the courses that obviously contents the golfers and make their tour a victorious one. Golfers often get attracted to prepare and spend their vacations at Maui which is the ultimate golf vacation for them; it looks as if Maui golf vacation is golfers dream zone. A few of the golf courses that content the golfers to the greatest extent are: 1. The Plantation Golf Course: This elegant golf course is located at the Kapalua Resort. It includes an amazing green carpet land of around 7,411 yards where the PGA Tour Mercedes Benz Championship is conducted yearly with major golfers who have satisfactorily played on this course, a few of the golfers like Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Justin Leonard, Ernie Els, Davis Love III and many other superb golfers have won quiet a lot of challenges. Golfers will find themselves more than satisfied by golfing on the Plantation Golf Course which produces long-lasting memoirs in the mind of golfers. 2. Wailea Golf Club: Wailea Golf course includes the Wailea Gold, the Wailea Emrald and the Wailea Old Blue, as the name indicates these three fantastic golf courses are exclusively variant from each other. Wiailea Golf club that is centrally situated in Maui is rated as a wonderful and top golf resorts among others. In the US, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine both have ranked as one of the best golf resorts in the world. Now isn\’t that interesting? Golfers are definitely going to enjoy golfing in these amazingly attractive courses of Wailea golf club. 3. The Makena Golf Courses: The Makena Golf courses are even as amazing as the other excellent golf courses of the world which includes the two courses the North course and the South course, both are equally awesome, and surprisingly cover 1,800 acres of land! It is one of the most fabulous Golf courses that are made on the beautiful Hawaii Island. The lawn is covered with thick green carpets that add up to its magnificence which is a perfect course for golfers to give their best presentation. Not only the gorgeous North course but even the impressive South course is presented to fulfil the golfers entirely. The Maui Golf vacation is truly the most satisfying experience not only for its breath-taking green golf courses but also the landscape attractiveness and the warmth of the Hawaii Island attracts a lot of tourists to explore this gorgeous Island bounded with natural beauty. The weather there is simply mind-blowing with sunny skies and cloudy evenings that make your visit the most contented and cool. What more would someone want? The green carpet with an awesome scenic beauty bounded by water from all sides, Maui is certainly a fabulous destination for golfers who can golf around whole-heartedly. So plan a vacation to Maui for at least a week where you can enjoy all the grand golf courses and satisfy yourself entirely.
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Six Kentucky Derby winners in the past nine years have captured the Preakness, four by 1½ lengths or more.
That’s a good omen for Barbaro, who crushed the opposition, winning the 132nd Kentucky Derby and ending a 50-year losing streak by 3-year-olds resting five weeks or longer after their final prep.
Needles was off six weeks before his triumph at Churchill Downs in 1956. Both had won the Florida Derby. However, Needles was edged out by Fabius in the Preakness.
Barbaro is likely to face 14 fewer horses than he defeated at Louisville when he won by 6½ lengths; this was the largest margin since ’46 when Triple Crown champ Assault scored by 8 lengths at the 1¼ miles.
Only two Derby also-rans will try him in the 131st Preakness: Brother Derek, who rallied from 10th after a mile to dead-heat for fourth with Jazil, and Sweetnorthernsaint, who pressed the pace in third until the stretch when he tired and finished seventh.
The Preakness has had fewer than 10 starters just once in the last 15 years when eight ran in ’00. Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, who scared away all by seven challengers, was upset at 1-5 by Red Bullet, who skipped America’s Race.
Bernardini, Hemingway’s Key, and Like Now will try to become the second horse to win the Preakness after skipping the Derby since ’83, when Deputed Testimony performed the feat.
Bernardini won this year’s Withers. Like Now ran second in the Lexington, while Hemingway’s Key placed eighth.
Two other horses being considered for the Preakness are more likely to run in stakes on the undercard.
Trainer Bob Baffert decided against entering any of his Derby horses. Baffert said Point Determined, ninth, and Bob and John, 17th, would be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes on June 10.
Bluegrass Cat, the Derby runner-up, and Steppenwolfer, third, are also expected to run in the Belmont.
The largest winning margin in the Preakness came in ’04 when Smarty Jones cruised to an 11½-length victory, besting Funny Cide’s record of 9¾ lengths in ’03.
Most of the previous races since Silver Charm triumphed by a head in ’97 were closer. In fact, only three horses had shared the one-time record of 8 lengths: Little Current, ’74; Bold, ’51; and Buddhist, 1889.
This year’s Preakness should be tighter. I like the undefeated Barbaro despite the shorter layoff.
Sweetnorthernsaint and Brother Derek should bounce back and be tougher at 1 3/16 miles. Either could win.
Ironically, the largest margin of 10 lengths stood for 130 years after the inaugural Preakness in 1873. The aptly named Survivor set that record.
The Cialis Western Open, conducted by the Western Golf Association, has a history unparalleled by all but one golf championship in the United States. First held in 1899, the Western Open is the oldest championship on the PGA TOUR and the second oldest professional golf championship in the nation. Only the U.S. Open, first conducted in 1895 by the United States Golf Association, is older.
When the PGA TOUR professionals come to Chicago each year to compete in the Cialis Western Open, they are following in the hallowed footsteps of golf’s all-time greats. Past champions include golf’s greatest legends, including Chick Evans, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. The past two decades have seen Tom Watson, Hale Irwin, Tom Weiskopf, Ben Crenshaw, Nick Price and Tiger Woods add their names to the Western Open’s J. K. Wadley Cup’s impressive roster of champions.
Today, the Western Open is considered the founding event of the PGA TOUR. Much has changed since 1899, including the prize money. This year’s 102nd Western Open purse totals million, with the winner earning 0,000. In the Western Open’s initial year, the total purse was 0, with the winner earning .
On last year’s tournament Furyk , after finishing second three times last year, including a devastating loss the previous weekend, Furyk against all Sportsbook odds answered Woods’ charge with three straight birdies and hung on to win the Cialis Western Open. It was his 10th PGA TOUR victory and the first since the 2003 Buick Open.
After tapping in for a birdie, Furyk took off his cap and shook hands with third round co-leader Ben Curtis. Furyk then turned and pumped his fists to the cheering crowd before sharing a long hug with caddie Fluff Cowan.
“You take the combination of last week, surgery and not winning since surgery, you put all that together and it was an emotional win,” said Furyk, who missed half of last year after having wrist surgery.
Rookie goaltenders have had success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs before – most notably with Ken Dryden in 1971 and Patrick Roy in 1986, both leading the Montreal Canadiens to the Cup – but never before has a crop of rookie goalies dominated the playoffs like they have this season.
Of the five remaining teams in this year’s playoffs, three are led by rookie goalies and another by a first-year starter. Carolina’s Cam Ward, Buffalo’s Ryan Miller, Anaheim’s Ilya Bryzgalov, and San Jose’s Vesa Toskala have all enjoyed incredible playoff success thus far.
Seven-year veteran Dwayne Roloson of the Edmonton Oilers, who was acquired in a mid-season trade with the Minnesota Wild, is the only experienced goaltender left. I don’t think anyone would have predicted that, especially with the presence of such big-name goalies as Martin Brodeur and Miikka Kiprusoff, and other veteran backstops or  NHL powerhouses like Detroit’s Manny Legace, Dallas’s Marty Turco, and Colorado’s Jose Theodore, among the contenders.Â
The New Favorite
Thanks to a surprisingly easy 4 games to 1 victory over the New Jersey Devils, and a dominating performance winning four straight games over Montreal after losing the first two in Round 1, the Carolina Hurricanes have emerged as the new favorite to win Lord Stanley’s Cup. Despite finishing the regular season with 112 points, just 1 behind Eastern Conference leader Ottawa, the Hurricanes’ odds of winning the Cup entering the playoffs were posted at 10-1. That was before the oddsmakers had seen Ward turn away almost every shot he’s faced.
In 10 playoff games, the 22-year-old rookie has allowed just 17 goals while posting a 1.77 goals against average (GAA). Ward let in just five goals in Carolina’s four victories over New Jersey as he outplayed his boyhood idol Brodeur. With his stellar play, and the Hurricanes’ opportunistic offense, led by 100-point scorer Eric Staal, Carolina will be tough to beat.
The Upstart Challenger
The Sabres’ Miller is the only U.S.-born goalie among the Fab Four. He hopes to duplicate the feat of another rookie American goalie, Ron Hextall, who led the Philadelphia Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1987. After a shaky start in Game 1 against Ottawa, Buffalo’s defense and Miller shut down the Senators the rest of the way, allowing two or fewer goals in each of the last four games. The Michigan native has a 2.25 GAA and a .921 save percentage in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Buffalo’s defense has been stellar in front of Miller. Defensemen Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder lead all playoff performers in plus/minus at plus-13. The Sabres’ offense has been scoring in bunches. Buffalo has a team-leading 43 goals scored in 11 games and is riding high after winger Jason Pominville’s shorthanded, overtime goal clinched the series against Ottawa.
Mr. Perfect – Almost
Anaheim’s Bryzgalov has been the most surprising and impressive of all the rookies. Bryzgalov didn’t even enter the playoffs as the Ducks’ No. 1 goalie. That honor went to Jean-Sebastian Giguere, who led Anaheim to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2003, his second year in the league, and was named the Conn Smythe winner as the MVP of the playoffs that season.Â
After splitting their first four games against Calgary in Round 1, the Ducks made the switch to Bryzgalov and they haven’t regretted it. The 24-year-old Russian has practically stood on his head as he is sporting a ridiculous 0.87 GAA and .967 save percentage. He recorded three straight shutouts, including Game 7 at Calgary to clinch that series. In doing so, Bryzgalov set a rookie playoff record, holding opponents scoreless for 249 minutes, 15 seconds. Only Montreal’s George Hainsworth, 270:08 in 1930, has had a longer playoff scoreless streak.
The Final Four
San Jose’s Toskala is hoping to join his fellow first-year netminders in the conference finals. After an excellent series against Nashville in Round 1, including a shutout in Game 2, and two 2-1 victories to open the Edmonton series, Toskala and the Sharks find themselves on the ropes as the Oilers have stormed back to take a 3-2 series lead. Edmonton will try to close it out at home on Wednesday night.
San Jose’s offense is led by Patrick Marleau, who leads all playoff goal scorers with nine. The Sharks will need to get an early lead and help Toskala protect it to force a Game 7 at home on Friday.
The Finals
The matchup between Ward and Miller should be as entertaining as it gets. Both are capable of stealing a game or two for their respective teams. Carolina is the favorite, but Buffalo has a lot of momentum and Miller has shown he can win the close games with four one-goal victories against Ottawa. Look for the Sabres to get to the Finals.
The Ducks have had a long time off after unexpectedly sweeping the Avalanche. Anaheim may be a little rusty to start the conference finals, but the Ducks have good veteran leadership in Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne and will ride the stellar play of Bryzgalov past either the Oilers or the Sharks to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Cialis Western Open, conducted by the Western Golf Association, has a history unparalleled by all but one golf championship in the United States. First held in 1899, the Western Open is the oldest championship on the PGA TOUR and the second oldest professional golf championship in the nation. Only the U.S. Open, first conducted in 1895 by the United States Golf Association, is older.
When the PGA TOUR professionals come to Chicago each year to compete in the Cialis Western Open, they are following in the hallowed footsteps of golf’s all-time greats. Past champions include golf’s greatest legends, including Chick Evans, Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. The past two decades have seen Tom Watson, Hale Irwin, Tom Weiskopf, Ben Crenshaw, Nick Price and Tiger Woods add their names to the Western Open’s J. K. Wadley Cup’s impressive roster of champions.
Today, the Western Open is considered the founding event of the PGA TOUR. Much has changed since 1899, including the prize money. This year’s 102nd Western Open purse totals million, with the winner earning 0,000. In the Western Open’s initial year, the total purse was 0, with the winner earning .
On last year’s tournament Furyk , after finishing second three times last year, including a devastating loss the previous weekend, Furyk against all Sportsbook odds answered Woods’ charge with three straight birdies and hung on to win the Cialis Western Open. It was his 10th PGA TOUR victory and the first since the 2003 Buick Open.
After tapping in for a birdie, Furyk took off his cap and shook hands with third round co-leader Ben Curtis. Furyk then turned and pumped his fists to the cheering crowd before sharing a long hug with caddie Fluff Cowan.
“You take the combination of last week, surgery and not winning since surgery, you put all that together and it was an emotional win,” said Furyk, who missed half of last year after having wrist surgery.
Titleist 909 Series Features Advanced Launch and Ball Flight
The 909 Series of Titleist drivers, fairway woods and hybrids has been billed as high-performance clubs for skilled golfers, including the most highly skilled – modern-day tour professionals.
“Our mission is to provide products that will allow better players to play their best,” Steve Pelisek, General Manager, Titleist Golf Clubs, said in a company news release. “In terms of performance, the new 909s are our most technologically advanced for launch, ball flight, sound and solid feel.”
Titleist staff tour professional Steve Stricker, the world’s No. 8 ranked golfer, is a believer in the 909 Series. In fact, Stricker recently won his fifth PGA Tour title using the Titleist 909D3 driver.
“It’s definitely better than any previous model I’ve hit,” he said.
The 909 Series gives players a range of launch and spin options to suit their games and performance expectations.
The 909 clubs also come in a variety of head shapes, construction materials (primarily titanium), lofts, shafts and grips. If desired, custom fitting is available through Titleist’s SureFit Adjustable Fitting System.
Drivers
The 909 Series drivers come in three models: 909Dcomp, 909D2 and 909D3. All three have a milled trapezoid face insert to maximize ball speed across the face.
“Titleist 909 drivers unite three distinct club head shapes with center of gravity [CG] locations that are deeper and lower than the CG locations of previous generation Titleist drivers,” said Titleist, “resulting in greater club head stability through impact, improved launch conditions and superior downrange performance.”
Here’s a quick look at the three models:
909Dcomp: High launch with low to mid spin
Full pear profile, 460cc titanium and composite construction, Titleist Matrix Ozik XCON-5 or Titleist Matrix Ozik XCON 6 shaft
909D2: Mid launch with low to mid spin
Full pear profile, 460cc titanium construction, Titleist Diamana Blue 5 or Titleist Aldila VooDoo shaft
909D3: Mid launch with low spin
Classic pear profile, 440cc titanium construction, Titleist Diamana Blue 5 or Titleist Aldila VooDoo shaft
The 909 drivers are available in a variety of loft combinations, and come in right- and left-handed models.
Fairway Woods and Hybrids
The Titleist 909 Series includes three models of fairway woods and hybrids:
909F2: Higher launch with mid spin
Round profile, stainless steel construction, three loft options, Titleist Diamana Blue 75 Fairway or Titleist Aldila VooDoo Fairway shaft
909F3: Mid launch with low spin
Pear profile, stainless steel construction, three loft options, Titleist Diamana Blue 75 Fairway or Titleist Aldila VooDoo Fairway shaft
909H (Hybrid)
Stainless steel construction, five loft options, Titleist Diamana Blue 80 Hybrid or Titleist Aldila VooDoo Hybrid shaft
All three come in right- and left-handed models.
Tour Pros That Play 909
The 909 Series made its first appearance on the PGA Tour in the summer of 2008 when Chez Reavie and Parker McLachlin won back-to-back events using the 909D2 model. Since then the 909 has notched more wins, including Zach Johnson at the 2009 Valero Texas Open and Steve Stricker at the 2009 Crowne Plaza Invitational.
In a Titleist video clip, PGA Tour veteran Stricker talked about his 909D3.
For starters, looks are very important to Stricker – the clubhead, color and how the club sits. He doesn’t like a “hook look.” He said he definitely likes the look of the 909 and how it sits “square.”
“It’s way more pleasing to the eye.” And, he added, “It’s a lot easier to hit.”
Following is a partial list of tour professionals who play the Titleist 909 Series drivers:
Steve Stricker (909D3)
Zach Johnson (909D2)
Rory McIlroy (909D2)
Ben Curtis (909D2)
Adam Scott (909D2)
Davis Love (909D3)
Nick Watney, 909D2
Billy Mayfair (909DComp)
Johnson Wagner (909D3)
Chez Reavie (909D2)
Parker McLachlin (909D2)
Many of the Titleist staff pros also play the Titleist 909 Series fairway woods and hybrids. As for Titleist irons, AP2, Z Bend Forged and Z Muscle Forged are models preferred by tour professionals.
David is the owner of The World of Golf, a well-established and respected golf clubs retailer. Since 1968, TWOG has been an authorized golf retailer and on the Internet since 1995 (www.theworldofgolf.com). As your single source for great deals on the newest equipment, TWOG carries golf clubs from leading brands including Callaway, Taylor Made, Ping, Titleist, Nike, Odyssey, and FootJoy. Visit our site for the latest and greatest in golf club deals and equipment technology.
Elin Nordegren will leave Tiger Woods, some advertisement with him had been stopped?some sponsor wonât support him again. Now another big sponsor will give up him.
Telecommunications giant AT&T issued a statement saying, “We are ending our sponsorship agreement with Tiger Woods and wish him well in the future.”
Accenture had earlier dropped Woods, and Gillette removed Woods from its advertising while stopping short of ending its sponsorship deal with Woods.
AT&T is the title sponsor of the PGA Tour event hosted by Woods, the AT&T National, which in 2010 takes place July 1-4. But AT&T’s tournament sponsorship deal is with the PGA Tour, and the company’s decision to end its sponsorship agreement with Woods is something separate from the tournament.
PGA Tour official Ty Votaw said that AT&T’s sponsorship deal with the tournament runs through 2014, and that the Tiger Woods Foundation will continue as the primary charity of the tournament at least through the length of that contract. However, since Tiger is on leave from golf, Votaw said, Woods will not serve as tournament host in 2010.
PGA Tour official Ty Votaw said that AT&T’s sponsorship deal with the tournament runs through 2014, and that the Tiger Woods Foundation will continue as the primary charity of the tournament at least through the length of that contract. However, since Tiger is on leave from golf, Votaw said, Woods will not serve as tournament host in 2010.
On his way to the practice range Tuesday at Doral, Padraig Harrington stopped to sign autographs for three fans. One was from Puerto Rico, another from Colombia, the third from Peru.
So at least it sounds like a World Golf Championship.
And there is little doubt that events like the CA Championship look like a World Golf Championship, with 19 countries represented in a field of 68 players.
But there is no getting around the dateline, which is strictly American – Arizona, Florida, Ohio. The PGA Tour, which is the managing partner of these world events, now can point proudly to another WGC that is held each fall in Shanghai, although it’s hard to recognize the HSBC Champions when the PGA Tour still doesn’t count it as an official victory.
“That’s inside baseball,” commissioner Tim Finchem said in a recent interview. “What’s important is what the fans see, and they see tournaments designed to attract all the best players in the world. And by and large, that’s what they’ve done.”
To that point, the WGCs have done well entering their 12th year.
What continues to disappoint, however, is how these world championships remain concentrated in the United States.
They once traveled to countries like Spain, Australia and Ireland. Momentum began to slow when the all the WGCs were held in America in 2003, and it didn’t help that one of them was played on a new golf course located so deep in the woods that it was either in northern Georgia or southern Tennessee, maybe both.
This is the fourth straight year the original three WGCs are in America. And they aren’t going anywhere soon.
The title sponsorship at Doral expires this year, and there is no indication Computer Associates will renew. That would seem to be a ripe time for this WGC to travel abroad, except that Finchem says the tournament is tied more to the TV contract than a sponsor contract. The network television deal is through 2012.
“I think we’re a little bit away from that question,” Finchem said. “We’re not going to make any changes until we’re through ‘12. We have a television schedule to meet. What happens after ‘12 with the WGCs is a function of a variety of factors.”
Ideally, the tour could release Doral from its WGC status and return it to a full-field event that it had been since 1962. The Blue Monster once bustled with activity from the first ray of sunlight until darkness, with 144 players split up into morning and afternoon tee times. Under the WGC structure of a limited field and no cut, the 68 players tee off in a span of two hours.
The WGC event then would be free to move. And without a new title sponsor, it might do that.
It just won’t go very far.
Even if CA doesn’t renew its sponsorship, or if the tour can’t find a replacement, Finchem said this WGC event will stay in the Eastern time zone of the United States.
“We don’t see any reason to move right now,” he said. “It meets our television requirements and air times.”
The potential for these World Golf Championships living up to their name could come after 2012, and the Olympics could be the catalyst. Harrington is among those who believe South America – Brazil, in particular – could be the next big growth area in golf.
The Irishman went to Brazil in 2000 when the European Tour had consecutive tournaments. He lost in a playoff to Roger Chapman in Rio de Janeiro, then won the following week in Sao Paulo.
“It is an untapped market for golf,” Harrington said. “South America is the next big growth area.”
The Nationwide Tour just finished its first tournament in Colombia, and Finchem indicated more tournaments could follow to help build interest ahead of the 2016 Olympics.
“We will be looking for some opportunities to play some PGA Tour, Champions Tour, some golf in Brazil leading into ‘16 to create some interest in that country, particularly Rio for sure,” he said. “I can’t tell you what form that would take. But we definitely want to play.”
Finchem has mentioned taking the Presidents Cup to South America in 2015. Argentina is among countries interested, although that might not move the needle in Brazil.
Nike are leaders in so many fields of sport, with their apparel, footwear and sporting equipment and by 1986 they had turned their attention to golf.
Nike, primarily, concentrated on golf clothing and shoes, but, by 1998 they had produced their first golf ball and in 2002 Nike Golf introduced forged blade irons and wedges, as well as, titanium drivers.
Nike have had a hard time winning over the traditionalists, but, there is a whole generation of young golfers, who have grown up knowing and trusting the Nike name and, who are willing to accept Nike Golf based on their products capabilities rather than how long Nike’s association with golf has been.
Admittedly, Nike’s first ventures into golfing equipment were, perhaps, not a huge success, but since that time Nike Golf’s strategy has seemed to be; if it doesn’t work, get rid of it and if it does work, improve it.
The pedigree of Nike clothing and shoes were never in any doubt, but, in 2002 when Tiger Woods switched golf balls to Nike Precision Tour Accuracy and, then, went onto win 3 Majors that season, Nike Golf equipment received a significant boost to its golfing credibility and announced its intentions as a key player in golfing equipment manufacturing.
In 2000 Tom Stites joined Nike as its top golf club designer and, whilst, some may question Nike’s golf pedigree, no such questions can be asked of Mr Stites, who learned his trade at the legendary Ben Hogan Company, and brought with him a reputation for creating tour quality golf clubs.
Fast forward to 2009 and Nike Golf sponsor some of the leading lights in golf and many of the up and coming talents: Tiger Woods, Trevor Immelman, Paul Casey, Anthony Kim and Michelle Wie. Tiger Woods has, even, played a part in the development of Nike’s Victory Red golf clubs.
Today, Nike Golf are winning over some of those traditionalists to their side and have convinced younger golfers, who are very familiar with Nike’s qualities in other sporting arenas, that Nike are a name to trust in golfing circles, too.
Golfbuyitonline offer a whole range of Nike products from golf clubs, golf balls, stand bags, gloves, as well as, golf shoes and clothing, too.
Injuries occur in all athletic events quite frequently, certain
sports more so than others. Golf is no different than any other
sport. The severity of injuries in golf usually are not as
severe as in other sports. The scenario of a 300 lb. defensive
lineman slamming into the side of your knee tearing every
possible ligament structure in the knee will never happen in the
sport of golf. An interesting visual if you combined the sports
of football and golf onto the same playing field, but
inappropriate for this paper.
There are two types of injuries classified by professionals in
the fields of athletic training and sports medicine. The two
types of injuries are: 1) acute and 2) chronic. The above
example of the football player is classified as an acute injury.
An acute injury can be defined as the trauma in the body
occurring immediately after the injury. Refer to the football
player example above for a reminder. (For us older golfers,
remember Joe Theisman of the Redskins and Lawrence Taylor’s leg
breaking tackle? Acute injury.) Relating an acute injury to golf
is a little more difficult. Probably the easiest, and maybe most
the common, acute injury in golf, occurs while swinging and you
hit a rock or something that creates an injury to your wrist.
That would be the best example in the sport of golf of an acute
injury. Overall, acute injuries tend to be rare in golf because
contact by the body with external forces is rare.
My back is always killing me!
The second type of injury, chronic, is much more prevalent when
it comes to the sport of golf. A chronic injury is one that
occurs over time. Think of it as a “wear and tear” injury. These
are usually the result of the body breaking down over time. A
great sports example outside of golf is when you hear about a
baseball pitcher having tendonitis in the elbow. Tendonitis is
an inflammation of the elbow resulting from the stresses placed
upon it from throwing. Over time the elbow becomes tired and
eventually injured from the number of pitches thrown. If you are
a runner and, after a certain amount of time, your knees begin
to hurt, this is usually a chronic injury. When we talk about
golf, the majority of injuries are chronic. They tend to be a
direct result of the golf swing (just like the pitcher’s elbow).
Usually the chronic injuries in golf show up in the lower back.
If chronic injuries are caught soon enough in the cycle, rest
and proper treatment (i.e. massage, chiropractic care) will heal
them. But if you wait too long the body is going to “break,” and
then you will not be playing any golf for a long time. This is
where the unfortunate situation of surgery and other invasive
procedures are considered.
So a couple of questions we must ask when it comes to chronic
injuries in relation to golf are: how do they occur, and how do
we prevent them? Chronic injuries occur as a result of the body
becoming fatigued and eventually “breaking down.” The muscles,
ligaments, and tendons of your body are required to perform the
activity of swinging a golf club. Over time this activity causes
fatigue within your body. As the body continues to fatigue, or
get tired, the body gets sore. This is the first indicator of a
developing chronic injury. If you continue with the activity
you’re participating in, with soreness in the body, eventually
your body will break down. This “break down” will be in the form
of maybe a pulled muscle, muscle stiffness, tightness, or some
other type of inflammation. All of the above examples are a
result of structures in your body breaking down from fatigue and
overuse. Even if just on one swing you feel “your back go out,”
nine out of ten times it is a chronic injury, and that last
swing was the “piece of straw that broke the camel’s back.”
How to Prevent Chronic Injuries in Golf
We all know that the golf swing is a repetitive movement,
meaning the body is performing the same activity over and over
again. This creates fatigue in the body over time. And if over
time our body can’t support the number of swings we are taking,
it is eventually going to break down. There are three variables
we have when it comes to the prevention of chronic injuries in
golf. Number one is workloads. Workloads can be defined as the
number of swings that the body takes with a club over a given
period of time. That time frame can be seven days or an entire
tour season. Number two is efficiency of your mechanics. When we
say “efficiency of mechanics” we are talking about how
biomechanically correct your individual swing is. “Why is this
important?” you ask. Let me tell you. I think most of us would
agree that the tour players have very “efficient” swings; their
swings are smooth and look almost effortless. A swing like this
asks less out of the body to perform and requires less effort
from the muscles; hence fatiguing levels in the body are lower.
Some amateur swings look like they take a lot of work to
perform, and in reality they do! These types of swings ask a lot
more out of the body and fatigue it more quickly. The final
variable is what we term “golf strength.” Golf strength is a
measure of the required levels of flexibility, strength,
endurance, balance, and power to successfully support the
mechanics of the swing. Large amounts of golf strength allow the
body to support an efficient swing. Low levels of golf strength
do not provide the support needed for the swing.
Workloads, Swing Mechanics, and Golf Strength
All three of these variables work together to determine if you
are a candidate for a chronic golf injury. Golf strength is
essentially the foundation upon which your swing is built. This
variable indicates how many times you can swing a golf club with
your current mechanics before you come up injured. If you have
high levels of golf strength then regardless of how efficient of
a swing you have, you will be able to play for quite awhile
before you get sore. The flip side can also be said. If you have
low levels of golf strength, regardless of your swing mechanics,
you will come up sore in a shorter amount of time.
Secondly, let us look at swing mechanics. If you are a player
that has a very efficient swing that places very little stress
on the body, you will undoubtedly be able to play many rounds
before your body starts screaming at you. Again, if you have
poor mechanics, it is going to take its toll on your body and
your game.
Finally, we have workloads (i.e. number of swings). The number
of swings one makes must match up with levels of golf strength
and swing mechanics. The golf swing is a “stressor” of the body
and breaks it down over time. If you have an efficient swing,
each swing does less “damage” to the body. If you have a poor
swing, the body has to work harder, thus fatiguing it more
quickly. In addition to this is golf strength. If you have high
levels of golf strength, you can swing the club more (i.e.
workloads) before you get tired. Low levels of golf strength
present the situation of the body’s fatiguing more quickly. “So
what is the magic formula?” you ask. My first suggestion is
twofold: 1) work on your swing to improve the efficiency of it,
and 2) increase your levels of golf strength in order to support
your swing. For the time being, match up your swing and golf
strength levels to determine what workload levels you can get
out of your body
Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness
instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour
regularly with 2005 PGA & 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson.
He has made many of his golf tips, golf instruction and golf
swing improvement techniques available to amateur golfers on the
website http://www.bioforcegolf.com.
To contact Sean, you can email him at support@bioforcegolf.com.
How To Integrate Weight Training Properly Into Your Golf Exercise Program
Are you too confused about weight training for golf?
There are many opinions in the golf world on whether weight training is beneficial or counter-productive to the golf swing.
On the PGA Tour it is a well-known fact that the majority of professional golfers are implementing golf fitness exercises into their training regimen. The goal of such golf fitness exercises is to improve their play on the golf course.
First and foremost, as a professional strength and conditioning coach on the PGA Tour, I see the benefits of a golf specific exercise program are well documented.
The confusion for most amateur golfers probably centers around what specific training modalities and exercises should they include in their golf fitness programs and what are the professional golfers doing.
I get a lot of questions on how are the professional golfers programs set-up, what specific exercises do they incorporate in their programs, and are the exercises in such programs similar to those found in local health clubs. A lot of people ask me if they should include actual dumbbell and barbell exercises into their golf exercise program.
The goal of this article is to provide you information on what the components, modalities, and exercises that compromise a good golf fitness program.
I will also provide you with a breakdown and sequence of a good golf fitness program.
First and foremost, I need to define a few terms to help you create an understanding of the basic goals of a golf fitness program. The main goal of a golf fitness program should be to improve your golf game through the development of your physical body. In order for you to meet this goal, the golf exercises within your program must develop the body relative to the golf swing.
At this point, I must explain a few things about the biomechanics of the golf swing. The golf swing is a total body athletic activity. Meaning the entire body is utilized to swing the golf club. Just as in baseball, you do not throw with only you’re your, but rather your entire body. The same is true of the golf swing; you swing the golf club with your entire body. This in the world of strength and conditioning is defined as an “integrated total body athletic action”.
The golf swing is easily defined as an athletic action incorporating the entire body to execute. Knowing this point, a golf fitness program must incorporate exercises for the entire body. A term we like to call “integration”. Integration is the utilization of exercises that incorporate the entire body. For example, the golf swing incorporates a rotational movement of the core (abdominals, lower back, hips, and obliques). An integrated golf specific exercise incorporating all these muscles would be a physio-ball Russian Twist in which all these muscles are working in a rotational pattern.
This is very different than isolating each muscle of the core and training them separately with isolation exercises such as abdominal crunches. The point to be made is; integrate the muscles of the body rather than isolating each muscle in a golf fitness program.
Secondly, the exercises within a golf fitness program must be “cross-specific” to the anatomical positions, movement patterns, and energy requirements of the golf swing. Simply stated this means train your body with exercises that place your body in the position your perform the golf swing, utilize exercises that move your body through the ranges of motion of the golf swing, and develop the needed energy requirements of golf.
For example, a golf swing is performed in a standing “athletic position”. Knowing this fact, it would probably be of greater benefit to perform a physio-ball squat rather than a seated leg extension for the golf swing, why? Because the physio-ball squat places your body in a position similar to a position in which the golf swing is executed. A leg extension isolates the quadriceps in a seated position, which does not train the body in an integrated movement pattern, nor in a position similar to the golf swing.
Cross-specific training results in a “transfer of training effect” onto to golf swing. This simply means the exercises you are performing directly affect your golf swing in a positive manner. One goal of a golf fitness program is to get the greatest amount of benefit from each of your exercises.
If you keep these two principles integration and cross-specific in mind when developing your golf fitness program. The choices made in the selection of exercises will undoubtedly be better for your golf swing.
Once these basic principles are understood you may begin the process of developing a golf fitness program. A golf fitness program consists of a series of modules. The modules are essentially different pieces of the program geared towards developing a specific improvement within the body. As a whole, the separate modules together comprise a golf fitness program. For example, flexibility training is one module that is contained within a golf fitness program. The goal of the flexibility module is to develop the flexibility parameters within the body required of the golf swing. Listed below in sequential order with a brief definition are the modules that comprise a comprehensive golf fitness program.
1. Flexibility Training: exercises to develop flexibility within the body required of the golf swing.
2. Balance Training: modalities geared toward improving your balance capacities in relation to the golf swing.
3. Joint Integrity Training: Exercises to develop strength and endurance in the joints of the body. Injury prevention based exercises for the shoulders, hips, and knees.
4. Core Training: Exercises to develop the required stabilization, strength, and endurance in the core region of the body for the golf swing. Utilizes a variety of modalities and equipment such as physio-balls, medicine balls, tubing, and dumbbells.
5. Total Body Training: Integrated total body strength, endurance, and power training exercises. Geared towards developing the needed strength, endurance, and power within the body in a cross-specific manner relative to the golf swing.
The most important principle to remember relative to the modules comprising a golf fitness program are the goals of each module and the order.
Training order is of the greatest importance with a golf fitness program.
Often times the golfer will attempt to develop power within their muscles before achieving the proper levels of flexibility that the demanding golf swing requires.
If you train this way, you will most likely develop power in the body, but you will likely not be able to use it effectively.
For example, if you develop greater amounts of power in the core region of the body, but don’t have the flexibility to execute a full shoulder turn. The ability of your body to utilize your increased power will be less than optimal. I can’t emphasize to you enough, keep the training order consistent as I outlined above.
Finally, the number of exercise choices you have in terms of flexibility, balance, joint integrity, core training, and total body exercises for the golf swing are too many to count.
There is also many types of equipment you can use for each component of your golf exercise program.
You can use stretch cords, tubing, medicine balls, dumbbells, and all other types of equipment within a golf fitness program. The points to keep in mind when choosing the actual exercises for your program are: 1) Do the exercises train the body in the anatomical positions of the golf swing? 2) Do the exercises take the body through the ranges of motion entailed within the golf swing? And 3) Do the exercises develop the required energy requirements of the golf swing?
If you use these questions in the decision making process of exercise selection, the final program you develop will most certainly be beneficial to your golf swing.
Sean Cochran
** The contents of this article are not to be considered as medical advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any fitness program.**
This article is protected by copyright, 2006, BioForce, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2005 PGA
I finish off the Ring Attack stage I missed before… Then Start the Side games. Ring Attack Stage Cleared: Star Light Star Bright Side Games Covered: Shot Practice -Tee Shot -Second Shot Enjoy! (This video was made under “Fair Use”)
Which golf star is your favorite among Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam? Today let’s learn some golf features, then you can imitate their styles by golf clubs.
Tiger Woods
Woods has dominated the sport like few had a relatively short time: 14 major championships before was 33 Anniversary. Woods has helped the sport dramatically ratings, ticket sales, revenue from television and purses event. It is the face of an advertising campaign by Nike golf product lines. Notes are great brands such as Gatorade, Buick and American Express, making it one of the best paid celebrities.
Jack Nicklaus
Nicknamed The Golden Bear PGA spans Nicklaus Tour career almost 30 years and includes PGA Tour 73 and 18 major titles. He won a record six championships Masters. Nicklaus Golf Usher has helped during the popularity, endorsements, and the overall quality of the game. So far, it remains very popular. In his bag, we can often see Callaway X-22 Irons 3-9PS.
Annika Sorenstam
Sorenstam, the LPGA has completed a dominant player in recent history with 72 career wins LPGA Tour, including 10 titles Grand Slam. Some 22 million U.S. dollars in career earnings at the US LPGA Square from 8 million U.S. dollars before the other, when he retired in 2008. Eight player season, Sorenstam became the first woman to play in a PGA Tour tournament since 1945, when it opened in 2003 at Colonial.
Ben Hogan
She is perhaps best known in recent years because of the extremely popular series of products of golf, Hogan is one of the outstanding players in the mid-20th century. He won 64 tournaments, PGA, including nine majors, despite his military service during the Second World War, and supported almost fatal car accident in 1949. He won three major championships in 1953, a feat that has not been repeated for decades. Hogan died in 1997.
If you can persist to practise golf, you can become golf star.
