Earlier in the week, I posted a link to Golf Magazine’s interview with Hunter Mahan in which I called him pretty cool. In the interview, he takes a few shots at the PGA of America for the Ryder Cup – saying that players should get paid (or have donations made in their name to charity), it’s too much pomp and circumstance, and that the Americans have no fun playing it. Realistically, all three of those sentiments are true. Still, Mahan is getting pummeled by the media. Why?

Bill Nichols of the Dallas Morning News joined the chorus.

Plano’s Hunter Mahan is right. If everybody else is making money on the Ryder Cup, then the players should get a cut. And he’s right about social engagements being a distraction at the biennial matches between the United States and Europe.

But going off on the Ryder Cup was all wrong. His critical comments virtually assure him of not being one of Paul Azinger’s four captain’s picks. And the firestorm that is sure to follow will come back to haunt him, particularly when he makes the team.

If he’s so right in what he is saying, what is wrong with getting that all out in the open? Players love the President’s Cup because it is the direct opposite of the Ryder Cup – it’s fun. (Cache this page because I am indirectly complimenting Tim Finchem and that doesn’t happen often.)

The PGA of America does make course selection for the Ryder Cup just another part of their rotation through a stable of courses that host their events. Why not do what the Europeans do and host the Ryder Cup at a regular Tour stop? How about cutting back on some of the social events and just let the guys enjoy playing golf for their country…and drink a 12 pack on their own time?

I think a lot of people are happy with the changes Captain Paul Azinger made to the selection criteria for this year, but that’s only one part of the problem for the US and their performance. The other part of it is restoring fun. The Euros have fun and they win. The Americans don’t and lose. Get it?

Scoring is excellent almost 3/4 of the way through the first round of the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Juli Inkster fired -7 at Sunningdale to hold a one shot lead over four golfers.

For those of you wondering about the Asian contingent, three of the four second place players are Asian. On the course now, Kristy McPherson and Stacy P. have nice rounds going at -5.

Wondering if Inkster’s lead can hold? She may seem to have an affinity for links golf, but she does not really have the results to back up that love. In 10 WBO starts, her best finish is T4 in 2006. She has two missed cuts. At Sunningdale, she has T12, MC, and T25.

Also, Lorena Ochoa is playing fairly well to start her defense. She is at -3 through her first round. Helen Alfredsson is tied with Ochoa. Paula Creamer is -2 thru 10. Annika fired even par and is seven off of the pace.

If you read this blog, then you’ve already seen that we have a sidebar link for this week’s podcast. But, if you catch us through a feed, another website, etc, you may not know that The 19th Hole Golf Show this week has a great interview with Sports Business Journal/Daily’s Jon Show. He’s their golf reporter and we spoke for about 12 minutes regarding the bad weekend for LPGA sponsors and the fallout from that.

As it turns out, it may not all be bad news for the LPGA Tour and there are several potential new events that could come on line. Show then talks about the impact of these events on the cable negotiations and LPGA goals to own more events.

Golf Life Television presents a golf tip from Masters Champion Craig Stadler. For more great golf instruction, golf lessons and video features visit us at GOLFLIFE.net

Author: andrian691434
Keywords: golf lessons expert insight instruction impr
Added: July 31, 2008

Golf Life Television learns more about the new CGB Max from Taylormade featuring pull face construction. This thin face technology represents an iron that is the best technology Taylormade as a company knows about irons. Find out more about the CGB Max online at www.taylormade.com. For more golf lessons, instruction and videos go to www.golflifetv.com.

Author: andrian691434
Keywords: golf lessons expert insight instruction impr
Added: July 31, 2008

PGA and Champions Tour professional Fred Funk teaches you how to hit a proper bunker shot and why it is really an easy shot. This video was provided by expertisight.com from thier great DVD “Short Game Golf”. For more great golf lessons, golf instructions and video from Golf Life Television, visit www.golflifetv.com

Author: andrian691434
Keywords: golf lessons expert insight instruction impr
Added: July 31, 2008

World renown golf instructor and golf coach to the stars of the PGA TOUR Butch Harmon presents some golf drills designed to give you confidence in your bunker game

Author: milhard847783
Keywords: golf lessons expert insight instruction impr
Added: July 30, 2008

Two time U S Open champion PGA TOUR legend and golf television superstar Andy North presents a putting drill designed to enhance your concentration and distance control on your putting Golf lesson golf instruction

Author: milhard847783
Keywords: golf lessons expert insight instruction impr
Added: July 30, 2008

In this product comparision Golf Life www golflifetv com takes a look at how the F2 Face Forward Wedge compares with a traditional wedge For more golf lessons golf instruction and To find out more about the F2 visit www f2golf com

Author: milhard847783
Keywords: golf lessons expert insight instruction impr
Added: July 30, 2008

You know how everyone complained about starting a playoff for a prestigious event with a near $2 million payout on an island green par 3 that is subjected to crosswinds? And also that it would be so cool if they had a 3 hole playoff comprising 16, 17, and 18? Well, we might get it! This, according to Golf.com’s Tour Confidential:

I heard from a good source that the Tour and NBC are discussing a three-hole playoff — the 16th, 17th and 18th at TPC Sawgrass — in case of a tie at the Players Championship. Starting a sudden-death playoff at a par-3 like the island-green 17th was always kind of goofy and quickly killed any drama this year when Paul Goydos dunked his tee shot to lose to Garcia. The three-hole playoff is a great idea and one that I’ve mentioned here before, just like I suggested that the Masters should go to a three-hole playoff at Amen Corner.

Of course, both tournaments would have to move up the tee times a little on Sunday to leave enough daylight for the extra holes, and I’m not sure either the Tour or TV wants to do that, but I’m glad they’re at least taking a serious look at it.

They should bump up the tee times for every major final round to 2pm or 1:30pm. Let’s get it overwith!