2013 Season set to Begin Next Week

The 2013 season is set to start on January 4th on the Plantation course at Kapalua. This event is very exciting because it has most of the winners from last year, it is the Tournament of Champions. The problem is that it is too early in the year. I would love to watch a tournament like this with many of the top PGA Players in a smaller event (only worth 500 FedEx Cup points), but because it is in January, and not in the heart of the season I will most likely not watch it because I am not in the golf season. This event could be good for the PGA Tour though, especially in coming years because of the shortened season. The 2013 season will be 7 events shorter because the 2013-14 season will start in the fall of 2013. The Tournament of Champions could start to be a bigger event if people are following the season right from the start of the fall.

For more preview of the Tournament of Champions, go to PGATour.com

Montgomerie, Schofield round out Hall of Fame Class 2013

Colin Montgomerie and Ken Schofield will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in May joining Fred Couples, Willie Park Jr. and Ken Venturi in the class of 2013. The inductions will take place on May 6, 2013 to kick off the Players Championship. Montgomerie was an excellent player on the European Tour, finishing 1st 7 years in a row. He won 31 titles in Europe, and was also a player on 8 European Ryder Cup teams in a row and went undefeated in Sunday Singles over these years. Schofield was the first in command of the European tour from 1975 to 2004 and in this time expanded it from just 17 events to 45 events plus more Challenge and Seniors Tour events. Both men are deserving of this honor and have both contributed to the growth and celebration of the game, worldwide.

Tom Watson Named US Ryder Cup Captain for 2014

Tom Watson, an exceptional Ryder Cup player himself, has been named the captain for the 2014 American Ryder Cup team. Watson has also won 5 British Opens, so he will be right at home in Scotland at Gleneagles. He is also a fan favorite in Scotland, so it will be tough for the Scots to cheer against him. Team Europe has yet to name it's captian, but has had some suggestions from Rory McIlroy over Twitter. McIlroy wants Paul McGinley for 2014 and Darren Clarke on American soil in 2016. The US has not had a winning Ryder Cup team since 2008 at Valhalla. They will be looking to retake the Cup with the help of a young batch of upcoming stars like Bud Cauley who could be ready to play for a Ryder Cup sometime in the near future. If the Ryder Cup is as exciting in 2014 as it was this year, it will be a Ryder Cup to remember.

Start of the 2013-2014 Schedule Released

Over the weekend, the PGA Tour released the schedule for the start of the 2013-14 season. Starting in the fall of 2013, some Fall Series events will now be part of the season starting the following year. This will get fans to follow golf year round. There is still a break during December, but more people will watch during the fall months because these events mean something for the FedEx Cup. The schedule for events that involve the FedEx Cup are the same, but immediately after the 2013 Presidents Cup, the 2013-14 season will begin.

The fall 2013 schedule looks exciting as 3 of the events will take place outside of the US in China, Malaysia and Mexico. These events will also get top level players playing later in the year and again drawing more fans.

For the complete schedule, go to PGA Tour.com   

Rory, Huh Win Player and Rookie of the Year Honors

Rory McIlroy has won the Player of the Year award and John Huh has won the Rookie of the year. Rory was the youngest player since Tiger in 1997 to win the Player of the Year. He won 4 times, setting the record for the largest win in PGA Championship history, winning by 8 shots. He also won the Arnold Palmer Award as the Tour's leading money winner and the Byron Nelson Award for the lowest scoring average. He has also held the World's Number One spot for 24 weeks this year.

John Huh was the first player of Korean background to ever win the Rookie of the year award. He won his first Tour event in Febuary in an 8 hole playoff against Robert Allenby at the Mayakoba Golf Classic. He was also the only rookie to qualify for the Tour Championship and only the 5th to qualify since the FedEx Cup started in 2007.

Congratulations to both players. For more on John Huh and Rory McIlroy, go to PGA Tour.com

USGA will Ban Anchored Putters for 2016

Starting in 2016, the used of putters anchored to your belly, chest or chin will be illegal. This does not mean that the use of long putters is not allowed, just that they cant be anchored to your body. Players like Keegan Bradley who have always used belly putters will have to adjust ad thats the reason the rule will not be inserted until 2016. Someone like Adam Scott will have to find another way to win. Before using a chest putter, Adam Scott was just another guy with a pretty swing who couldn't use his talents to be what he really could. The chest putter helped him reach his full potential. Hopefully these guys can find a way to keep winning.

Rory Takes it all in Dubai

Having already locked up the European Tour's Race to Dubai, winning the DP World Tour Championship was just icing on the cake for Rory McIlroy, the current world number 1 from Holywood, Northern Ireland. This really was a fairy tale year for the kid who dreamed about being the best in the world from his diaper days. First he won the Honda Classic and took over the World Number 1 title from Like Donald, for a while. He then lost the top spot through the summer and even missed 3 cuts in a row at one point. Just when it looked like he had lost his game he stormed back and won the PGA Championship by 8 shots. This was a turning point in the year. During the PGA Tour Playoffs, Rory won 2 events in a row (the Deutsche Bank and the BMW) and was number 1 in points all the way until the very end at the Tour Championship where he was passed by Brant Snedeker because of a points reset. Then it was on to the Ryder Cup where he helped his European team complete the miracle comeback on Sunday to retain it. He then finished off the Race to Dubai title 3 weeks early because by that point no one could catch him, and finished the year by taking the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and completing the 5 win season. Sounds like golf its next young super star.

McIlroy will Defend his European Tour Victory Next Year

Having already claimed the European Tour Race to Dubai crown, the World Number 1 has made it clear that he will remain with the tour next year. He was given a tour badge that says "Defending Champion for 2013". Rory also accomplished the same feat that the previous world number 1 Luke Donald did last year, by leading both the PGA Tour and European Tour money lists. Rory has had a sensational year, winning 4 events, adding another major championship at the PGA Championship, winning both money lists and he led the FedEx Cup all the way until the Tour Championship and if it weren't for the points reset he would have won that too. Maybe young Rory will get his 5th win of the year this weekend and cap off an amazing 2012.

For more on the European Tour Finale, visit www.europeantour.com/

Adam Scott is Victorious at The Australian Masters

In his home country of Australia, Adam Scott won the $1 million Australian Masters. This was Scott's 1st win of the year after a near miss at the British Open over the summer. Ian Poulter was in the hunt once again in a miracle fall that he hopes will carry over into next season. This is Scott's second last event of the year before the Emirates Australian Open, so he is only playing at home for the rest of the year. Poulter will be playing in the European Tour finale at the Dubai World Championship starting this Thursday. The event is like the Tour Championship here in North America. The top players in the 57 playing will be trying to capture the $8 million prize. Poulter has a chance to get into the top 2 but it is unlikely he or anyone else will take over the Top Spot from McIlroy.

Player of the Year Nominees

After the last PGA Tour Event for the year, the 5 players up for the prestigious award are Rory McIlroy, Jason Dufner, Tiger Woods, Brant Snedeker, and Bubba Watson. All of the players are in the top 5 on the PGa Tour money list, with Rory leading. Rory also has the most wins with 4, followed by Tiger with 3, Dufner and Sneds with 2 each and Bubba with 1 (but it was the Masters). Snedeker also won the FedEx Cup in early September. Rory only played 16 events while Snedeker and Dufner played 22. My guess is Rory but all of these players deserve the award and have all played wonderfully this year.

For more player info and predictions, go to PGATour.com

Charlie Beljan is Rewarded for his Hard Work

After saying he felt like he was going to die, Charlie Beljan won his first PGA Tour event at the Children's Miracle Network Classic. It was quite a scene on friday when he was kneeling down in the fairways and then making incredible shots to lead the tournament. After his round he was taken to the hospital where he spent the night. Then on Friday he came back to the course, against his doctor's orders and extended his lead. After the win he now has a 2 year exemption on Tour and moved from 139th to 63rd on the money list. He is also the 4th rookie to win this year. Beljan showed the will to win that all PGA Tour players need to succeed on the best pro golf tour in the world. Congratulations Charlie Beljan.

Golf Season is Just About Done

Half way through November, the golf season is behind us, at least in Canada. Now it is time to look at how you can get better and play more over the winter. There are many options for this. Things like indoor schools, simulators, and golfing vacations are all excellent options but can be expensive. Obviously, for improving your game there is nothing like being out on the course but there are things like working out, practicing putting on your carpet and even just swinging a club in your garage can help. This winter, I am going to be going for a golf trip over the Christmas break. I am also joining a golf school to work on my swing and I might even be getting a fake green in my basement to putt on. I am going to use this offseason to do as much as possible to improve my game.

If you are thinking about going on a golf trip, go to UltimateGolf for ideas.

PGA Tour is Drawing to a Close

With only the Children Network Miracles Hospitals Classic left, those outside the top125 are fighting for their PGA Tour lives. Players like Trevor Immelman, Retief Goosen, and Camilo Villegas are all on the Outside looking in. It will be very interesting to see who will make the season's cut after an exceptional PGA Tour year.

For the rest of the "Bubble Boys" entering this week, go to PGA Tour.com.

Ian Poulter Wins Record Breaking WGC Event

With an aggregate score of 21 under par, Ian Poulter captured his 2nd World Golf Championship at Mission Hills. This week was full of records being shattered. First Louis Oosthuizen beat Tiger's 36 hole record at by reaching -16 after Friday. Brant Snedeker recorded a new WGC low round of 60, and was inches away from a 59. Now back to Ian Poulter. After another outstanding Ryder Cup where he won 4 matches, Poulter capped his magical 2012 fall with the WGC-HSBC Champions victory. Poulter had a disappointing year on the PGA Tour before the Ryder Cup, finishing 55th in the FedEx Cup Standings and missing the Tour Championship. On the European Tour, he is hoping this win will vault him into the top 10, or better, as he is now 13th in the race to Dubai. Poulter has always been a character in the golf world, and hopefully he will continue to play well.

Rory is a Free Agent

Okay, I know that's a hockey term but it still applies to Rory McIlroy regarding his equipment. After a very successful year with Titleist and Footjoy, the World number 1 is deciding to test the market for his next deal.Titleist has been his supplier ever since he turned pro and he certainly grew the brand. Golfers everywhere were turning to Titleist because it was what Rory was using, myself included. Now his loyal fans will go to the brand they were probably with when they were Tiger fans; Nike. It appears Nike is the front runner for Rory's new deal because of Rory's new friendship with Tiger and because they could offer McIlroy around $20 million. Titleist certainly has a history of losing big name players for big money. Phil Mickelson, David Duval, Sergio Garcia and even Tiger were all with Titleist at the start of their careers but changed for huge deals with other company's. There is no telling though if the change will make him any better, he was certainly doing pretty well with Titleist.

Rory Leading the Way

With the WGC-HSBC Champions event set to kickoff today, Rory McIlroy is leading both the PGA Tour and European Tour money lists. He is looking to accomplish the same feat as Luke Donald did last year, which is to win both Tour money lists. With only 2 event left in the PGA Tour schedule, Rory has the PGA TOur list all but finished. The problem is the European Tour. McIlroy is about €900,000 ahead of Peter Hanson, but the European Tour still needs to complete 5 events including the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, which has an €8,000,000 purse. On the European Tour, the Race to Dubai is like the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour, except it is by money, not points. McIlroy was also leading the FedEx Cup before the PGA Tour Championship, but lost because of the points reshuffle and then not being able to beat Brant Snedeker. There is no reset for the World Tour Championship but the winner of the event does get a €1,000,000 bonus, which could turn the tables against McIlroy. As a fan of Rory, I sure hope he can pull it off!

The Web.com Tour's Top 25 Are Finalized

After the Web.com Tour Championship, won by Justin Bolli, 25 young men realized their childhood dreams of becoming players on the PGA Tour by finishing top 25 in the Web.com Tour's money list. These 25 guys have punched their ticket to the worlds best golf show. This is another perfect example of how guys are working hard towards their dreams and never giving up. It's not just guys who are born with talent like Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy who are leading the world of golf. There are tons of guys who worked their way up on the Web.com Tour (previously the Nationwide Tour). Take Matt Kuchar. He is now a PGA Tour star, #13 in the World Golf Rankings and this year's Player's Champion. But before all these amazing accomplishments, Matt worked his way up. Kuch started off his golf career with an amazing amatuer golfing record, finishing as the low amatuer in both the Masters and the US Open. He then turned pro and got his first win at the 2002 Honda Classic. After this though his career took a turn for the worse when he lost his Tour card in 2005. After a successful 2007 season on the Nationwide Tour, Kuchar regained his Tour status and has never looked back. Kuch is a perfect example of how things like the Web.com Tour really work.

PGA Players Playing Abroad

This week we saw Nick Watney win in CIMB Classic in Malaysia and Suzann Pettersen winning the Sunrise LPGA Taiwan Championship. I congratulate both victors but these Tournaments bring up the topic of PGA and LPGA Tour players playing around the world. A similar issue was raised during the week of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Finals, and will again raised this week with the WGC-HSBC Champions in China. Personally, living in Canada, I think golf is a global game and it is no longer just the USA and Europe who can play. Those are still the main golf powers but countries all over the world are showing this. I think having high level tournaments in places where they never used to be is a good thing for the game of golf. The problem is players playing in these events just because of the big money. Lets face it, some of the purses around the world, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, are HUGE! There is just no way that the PGA and LPGA Tours can stop players from playing in these events. I think the only way for everybody to win is for the major North American to sanction these events and let their players attend. That way more talented players will be able to show international fans what they are made of.

Tommy 2 Gloves Proves the Big Break

As most of your probably know, the Big Break is a popular, long running show on the Golf Channel. Tommy " Two Gloves" Gainey won the Big Break Reunion in 2006. He became the first Big Break Contestant to win a PGA Tour event. He was also the first from the show to earn full Tour Status in 2008 when he graduated from Q- School. As soon as he stepped onto the golfing scene in Big Break IV: USA vs. Europe, Tommy Two Gloves was a hit. His homemade swing, the natural charm and the 2 golf gloves that make him look like more of a baseball player than a golfer. I think his win signifies the start of a new era. One where anyone can make it and realize their dream. We see it every week in Rory McIlroy. Even before he could walk Rory wanted to be a golfer, and he has certainly achieved that. Tommy's win just backs that up. He doesn't have a pretty swing or natural talent but he has worked hard his entire life and achieved every golfers dream: becoming a pro golfer on the best tour in the world. Hopefully Mr.Two Gloves has inspired you to never give up your dreams.

Worldwide Tournaments This Week

This is the start of a lot more worldwide tournament coverage, simply because theres just not much golf after October in North America. First is the McGladrey Classic, the 3rd leg of the Fall Series. This event is hosted by Davis Love III and is always a good field for this time of year with guys like Zach Johnson, Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk and last weeks winner Jonas Blixt. The winner will certainly deserve it this week. The European Tour is in Australia this week for the ISPS HANDA Perth Internationaland also has a solid field with Jason Dufner playing. These tournaments are important for European tour players with the Race to Dubai ending in jsut weeks. Rory McIlroy is leading followed by Justin Rose and Brandon Grace. That will certainly lead to some exciting golf in the coming weeks.

Jonas Blixt Gets his First Tour Win

The young Swed, Jonas Blixt won the Frys.com Open and his first PGA Tour Victory on the weekend. It was his second great week after a 3rd last week in the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open.This was only his 19th start on the PGA Tour. I think Jonas is a great example of how the Web.com Tour, or when he played on it the Nationwide Tour, is preparing young guys budding with raw talent for the life of a PGA Tour star. Jonas worked his way onto the PGA Tour for this year and finally in the Fall Series, capped off his rookie year with a win. As a hockey player I also liked his history because I can relate to wanting to be a hockey player growing up and then once that does not work out turning to golf. After a disappointing finish, Nicolas Colsaerts is debating where to play next year. He is a member of the European Tour this year but has made enough in the Majors this year to be in the race for a spot on the PGA Tour next year. If he makes the top 125, he will probably take Dual-Membership because he will probably want to play in a few of his favorites from the European Tour. I hope he chooses the PGA Tour because its always fun to watch guys bomb it off the tee, and he can certainly do that.

Turkish Airlines World Golf Final Entering Finals

After an exciting Thursday, Justin Rose and Lee Westwood will play in the finals for the $1.5 million pot. Rose defeated Tiger Woods to enter the finals while Westwood battled Charl Schwartzel who had been playing amazing golf. Rory Mcilroy had the most disapointing week of anyone. He finished last place out of 8 and was 6 shots in aggregate behind Hunter Mahan, but he still took home a hefty $300,000. Turkish Airlines has also sponsoured an event late in the European Tour Season with more big money. This is going to be interesting how next year plays out because the 2014 PGA Tour season starts in a2013, at the time of these big money events which only European Tour members can play in. Some players, including Tiger have said they would be intersted in playing on the European Tour just for these events. This could be good for global golf fans because the best players will probably be playing in more world-wide events

New Twitter Feed!!!

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Turkish Airlines World Golf Final

This week is the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final in Belek, Turkey. Starting today matches will be played for four days. There are only 8 players in the tournament, all inside the top 30 in the World Golf Rankings. The purse is $5.3 million. The last place finisher gets $300,000. This is crazy! You get $300,000 just for showing up! Participating are Rory McIlroy, Matt Kuchar, Tiger Woods, Charl Schwartzel, Hunter Mahan, Justin Rose, Lee Westwood and Webb Simpson. This is an event that is not under the PGA or European Tours so players must get an exemption from their tour to play. This is where the problems start. The tours are worried that they are going to start losing their best players to tournaments with winnings that they can not compete with. I think players should be able to play where they want. Its not realistic to think Webb Simpson and Hunter Mahan are going to play in the Frys.com Open this week on the PGA Tour. Players are going to play in the tournaments that they feel have the toughest fields and are the best to win, like majors. The PGA And European Tours have to accept that the better players arent going to play late into the year. This tournament though is going to be good, all of the matches will be tight and exciting, I just hope they show it on Golf Channel.

Ryan Moore

The first Fall Series event goes to Ryan Moore. This is only his second PGA Tour win and it came after an amazing Playoff run earlier this year. He also won in his hometown and is weeks away from having a baby. After an amazing amateur career at UNLV, he was supposed to be the next Tiger, but after 7 years on Tour, this is only his second win. He is 29. Hopefully, this is the win he needs to revamp his career. I think he has the makings of a star and it would be great for golf if he can keep up his recent great play.

Towel Drill

This drill is for hitting short, approach wedge shots. What you do is take the towel from your bag and put it under both armpits. Then just swing trying to keep the towel underneath your armpits the whole time. You should be aiming for targets about 50 yards away. This should get you hitting your wedges straighter and with more spin which will get you hitting it tighter and lowering your scores!

Rumors of McIlroy Joining Nike Golf in 2013

On many forums and articles lately, the topic of Rory McIlroy, the current World Number 1, joining the Nike Golf Team at the start of next year. Rory has been with Titleist and Oakley for almost all of his golfing career. I don't think it makes sense for him to switch now. He has 2 majors and the World #1 with Titleist equipment. However, he has a growing friendship with Tiger Woods who has always been Nike. I think Rory should go to whichever brand he thinks he will win the most with, and right now, thats Titleist.

Fall Golf

We are now well into October and with not much more than a month left in the Canadian golf season, decisions about when and where to play can be tough. I gets light later, dark earlier, its rainy, cold and not all that pleasent. Sometimes though you can get really good scenery and still have reasonable weather (whether or not you play well is still up to you). Personally I think the fall is one of the best times to play. I dont love the heat and I like hitting a tee shots with the red and orange trees in the background. Do you enjoy playing in the fall?

Birthdays

Today is the birthday of Fred Couples. This upcoming spring he will be entered into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Freddie is one of the all-time greats in the golfing world and is one of the best characters the game has ever seen. With 15 PGA Tour wins, 2 Players Championships, a Major, and incredible success on the Champions Tour he is well deserving of Hall of Fame honors. Today is also my birthday. I didn't even know I shared my birthday with Freddie. I would be lucky to have half as much success as Fred Couples but I am going to work hard to achieve it. Here is a video on Freddie's best moments from his amazing career!

PGA Tour Fall Series

Staring on Thurday is the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas. This is the first leg of the PGA Tour's Fall Series. The Fall Series is designed for guys who are in danger of losing their card and possibly not playing on the PGA Tour next year. Personally I do not like the idea. I think with the Playoffs these events are a bit of overkill. I'm sure if I were about to lose my job I would like having an extra chance but as a fan, nobody wants to watch the  second tier of players. It's like the Web.com Tour, nobody watches. Don't get me wrong, I still think these guys are good, thy're just not the best.

Sky Writers at the Ryder Cup

On the weekend there were a bunch of planes flying over Medinah Country Club writing messages for team Europe. They were pretty cool, even for the World Number One Rory McIlroy who is also being called "Snory Rory" after appearing fashionably late for his tee time on Sunday.

EUROPE EUROPE EUROPE EUROPE EUROPE EUROPE

After a comeback more impressive than the Americans in 1999, the Europeans are the 2012 Ryder Cup champions! With exceptional performances form Paul Lawrie and Martin Kaymer who were both underdogs entering their matches, Europe not only retained the Cup but won it outright! In a Ryder Cup that had everything, from late World Number Ones to exceptional rookies, to cheering drives and stunning putts, it was caped off by an extraordinary comeback. The key was wins in the early matches that got the ball rolling for the team. I do not believe in spirits or living after death but I do believe that the emotional spirit of Seve Ballesteros  certainly lived on in all of the Europeans especially Ian Poulter! Congratulations Europe, you earned it! See you in Scotland!

Americans Lead Ryder Cup 10-6 Entering Sunday Singles

After one more USA dominated foursome session and a washed four-ball, the Americans have the lead by 4 points over Europe. 10-6 is a pretty big margin. Only one Ryder Cup team has ever come back from a margin that big, and that took a lot of faith and hope from Ben Crenshaw and the help of the 13th man. This year, Europe is on foreign soil so they do not have the fans backing their possible comeback. They do however have the momentum after Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy finished with 6 straight birdies as a team to win their match 1 Up and secure one more important point. I think a European comeback is extremely unlikely but as a fan I want to see them make it interesting. Europe would have to win 8 of 12 points on Sunday to retain the Cup. Europe at one point was down 10-4 so that would make any comeback even more amazing! The key for Europe is to win the first 4 matches, especially the McIlroy/Bradley match to take away any American energy and get the fans out of it. Hopefully the Spirit of Seve will live on in this European team! Here are the Sunday Matches and my picks (winner is bolded, italics is halved):

Luke Donald vs. Bubba Watson -12:03
Webb SImpson vs. Ian Poulter -12:14
Keegan Bradley vs. Rory McIlroy - 12:25
Phil Mickelson vs. Justin Rose -12:36
Paul Lawrie vs. Brandt Snedeker -12:47
Dustin Johnson vs. Nicolas Colsaerts -12:58
Zach Johnson vs. Graeme McDowell -1:09
Jim Furyk vs. Sergio Garcia - 1:20
Jason Dufner vs. Peter Hanson-1:31
Matt Kuchar vs. Lee Westwood- 1:42
Steve Stricker vs. Martin Kaymer- 1:53
Tiger Woods vs. Francesco Molinari - 2:04 USA 17.5   EUR 10.5 I do not think Europe has as strong a team as the United States, but i do think that anyone on the European side can beat anyone on the American side on 18 holes, so there is a chance of a comeback

After Day 1 USA 5 EUR 3

After 2 Sessions of the 2012 Ryder Cup, the United States led by Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley are ahead of Europe 5-3. Phil and Keegan where the perfect pairing on the day winning in foursomes 4 & 3 over  Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia and 2 &1 over Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. McIlroy and McDowell were supposed to be the knock out pair for the Europeans but only generating one point in 2 matches with their win over Sneds and Jim Furyk. The real surprise of the day was the play of Nicolas Colsaerts, going -10 with his own ball in the fourball afternoon play. I thought the European team practically picked this guy up from off the street! I had never heard of him before this week but he put on a clinic today on the putting greens! The supposed American knockout pair of Stricker and Woods was also a disappointment picking up no points for their team. If the rest of the Ryder Cup is half exciting as it has been today, we are watching history in the making!

Friday Foursome Pairings

Here are the Friday morning pairings.

Europe                                             USA
Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell                                           Jim Furyk, Brant Snedeker

Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia                                                  Phil Mickelson, Keegan Bradley

Lee Westwood, Francesco Molinari                                     Jason Dufner, Zach Johnson

Ian Poulter, Justin Rose                                                          Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker

All four are even matches. In match 1, Europe's knock-out pair is playing 2 Americans who are playing incredibly well right now with Brant Snedeker winning the FedEx Cup last week and Furyk finishing 7th. Although the Americans are on fire, I have to side with my favorite, McIlroy and the Europeans in this match. In match 2, Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia, 2 very successful   players in this format, are playing the rookie Bradley and the veteran Mickelson. I think this match comes down to experience and it will be another European win. In match 3, I think the Chicago fans will help there boys to one point in this match where both teams look like they are hiding guys. In the final morning match I think the Woods/Stricker pair will add to their great record to tie the score in the morning.

Friday Morning Score: 

EUR 2 USA 2

Preparation

How do you use the mental game? I use the methods of Bob Rotella and "Rotella's Rules" to get myself ready for an important round. How do you prepare?

Great App for Swing Videos

The Tiger Woods My Swing app for iPhone is great for capturing a swing and analyzing it on the spot

Are YOU Ready for Tomorrow!?!

The Ryder Cup is less than 24 hours from teeing off. If you think you are ready watch this video to get even more pumped up!!!

Ryder Cup is less than 48 Hours Away!

Crowds in Chicago are getting ready to swarm the course on Friday morning, with the first Foursome out at 7:20 AM. Everyone knows how Chicago sports fans can be, some of the loudest and craziest in the United States! What people are waiting for is how they will react to the emotion filled, patriotic Ryder Cup matches, which is truely unlike anything else in the sports world! With galleries packed already (Its only Wednesday!), I am almost excited to see crazy fans as I am to see incredible, competitive golf!

New Clubs

I just got the Titleist 910 D2 driver as an early birthday present. It was instantly my favorite club. Usually there are a couple rounds with this confidence but once it wears off... your looking for a new one again. It really is a vicious cycle!

Medinah

Medinah is the spot for this week's Ryder Cup. Have you ever played it? Whats the best course you have ever played? (Tiger Woods PGA Tour courses don't count)

Ryder Cup Matches

Which matches are you hoping for throughout the weekend?

Brant Snedeker is the 2012 FedEx Cup Champion

With a 2 under 68 in the final round of the Tour Championship, Sneds took the Championship title by 3 shots over Justin Rose. Entering the week at number 5 on the FedEx Cup standings, a win gave Snedeker the automatic FedEx Cup victory and a hefty $10 million bonus; not a bad payday. With the Ryder Cup coming up and Snedeker still riding the high of his victory, it will be interesting to see how he performs under Davis Love at Medinah in his 2nd Ryder Cup. Do you think Sneds will help the USA pull through or will Europe repeat as Ryder Cup Champs?


Go to http://www.pgatour.com/video/r/highlights/round_recap/2012/09/23/highs12tourchrnd4pgatourmpg-2226268/index.html to watch the 4th Round highlights

Tour Championship will have Exciting Finish

After a Moving Day that had everything, a 64 by Brant Snedeker, double-bogey by exleader Jim Fruyk and steady play by Justin Rose, the FedEx Cup Finale is proving to be a memorable one. With 2 tied at the lead and 9 more within 4 shots anyone has a chance to take the Tour Championship. What will be interesting is how the FedEx Cup is decided. Brant Snedeker, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods all would take the FedEx Cup with a win tomorrow. For the rest of the incredibly confusing possible outcomes go to http://www.pgatour.com/2012/fedexcup/09/10/winning-scenarios/index.html for scenarios and http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/current/02394_projections-1.html for the current projected outcomes.

Justin Rose has fans

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