Layout Image

Archive for Golf

A Rising European Golf Power?

By admin · Comments (0)
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Martin Kaymer

Golf and South Africa are synonymous. The now iconic phrase, “You drive for show and putt for dough” was coined by countryman, Bobby Locke. In fact, he was the original face of South African golf, winning four British Open Championships and popularizing the sport in a once football obsessed country. Fast forward half a century, Gary Player has risen to legendary status among the golfing world. Of course, he was the first man to approach the gentlemen’s sport of golf with a physical mindset. Player emphasized the necessity of working out on a constant basis to overcome his 5 foot 7 inch frame, Plus, Ernie Els is a three-time Major Champion, Louis Oosthuizen just demolished the field at St. Andrews’ last week, and Tim Clark won the Players’ Championship. Moreover, South Africa boasts the 2008 Masters winner Trevor Immelman, the talented, yet streaky Rory Sabbitini and a rising star in Charl Schwartzel.

In short, Locke led South Africa into a golf craze by building courses. He knew that the beauty alone would entice people around the country, specifically the affluent population, to seriously play golf. Not to mention, Locke was cool. South Africans looked up to him as a sign that an everyday citizen could thrive on the world stage. Read More→

Comments (0)
Categories : Golf
Tags : , , , , ,

The 2nd Day at Pebble Beach

By admin · Comments (0)
Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Not so fast, says Phil Mickelson. With four birdies on the first six holes, the second ranked player in the world skyrocketed up the leaderboard to 1 under. He is currently two shots behind Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell. His 66 is the lowest round of the tournament, catapulting Lefty into prime position to grab his first U.S. Open.

Ernie Els is also at 1 under for the championship after a 3 under 68. Formerly ranked 3rd in the world, the South African has won 3 major championship including 2 U.S. Opens in 1994 and 1997, but his game recently has been lacking. Many analysts point the accident Els suffered in 2005, tearing his ACL. They believe that only time could heal the mental wounds caused by sudden jolts of pain. This theory is weighted by Els’ solid play in 2010. He has already won a tournament, and Els has contended throughout the PGA Tour season.

For the first two rounds, Els played with Woods and the world’s fourth ranked player, Lee Westwood. He certainly did not falter in both players’ shadows, a sign that Els has returned to form mentally as well as physically. At 6 foot 3 inches, the “Big Easy” seems to have regained his knack to shine under pressure.

Ryo Ishikawa, with a round of 70, continues to be consistent at Pebble Beach. Although a teenager has never won a major championship, I would not be stunned if he were the first. Read More→

Comments (0)
Categories : Golf
Tags : , , , , , , , ,

U.S Open Day 1 Recap

By admin · Comments (0)
Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Phil Mickelson was the favorite heading into the first round of the 110th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. But that isn’t a shock? The 4 time major champion has finished second in the United States Open five times, and not to mention, Pebble Beach was the site of Mickelson’s pro debut. Unfortunately for Phil, he shot 75. I am not writing him off, but the day belonged to NCAA golfers.

Tied for the lead at 2 under par, Hudson Swafford (left) is playing in his first U.S. Open. He redshirted this past season at the University of Georgia because of chronic shoulder problems. In 2008 and 2009, the 22 year old Swafford earned 2nd team All-America honors.

Morgan Hoffman sits just two shots off the pace at even par. A native of New Jersey, the 20 year old posted two 67s to qualify for the U.S. Open. Oddly enough, he won the Phil Mickelson award in 2009, as the nation’s top freshman. Hoffman, currently a sophomore, earned 1st team All-America honors as a freshman. He lost in the NCAA title match this past season. Read More→

Comments (0)
Categories : Golf
Tags : , , , , , , , ,

Golf?

By admin · Comments (0)
Friday, June 4th, 2010

I guess the headline explains most people’s thoughts on golf. It isn’t really a sport. Golf is only for the wealthy, and therefore, the majority of middle America has no interest. Perhaps, the most profound observation is that golf revolves around one man, Tiger Woods. If Tiger is not in contention on Sunday of a major, then the ratings plummet. When Tiger is battling with Phil in the final round, however, the ratings soar.

Lost in the debate over sport or not is this: golf might have the most potential superstars under the age of 25 than any other sport, period. Just look at the Byron Nelson Championship two weeks ago, the winner was Australia’s Jason Day, age 22! As an avid golfer myself, I find 16 year old Jordan Spieth’s tied for 16th finish baffling, to put it lightly.

Spieth and Day aren’t the only “young guns” ready to shake up the PGA Tour. Rory McIlroy is ranked 9th in the world at age 21. He won his first tournament this year, the Quail Hollow Championship, by shooting 62 in the final round to win by 4 strokes. That performance, ladies and gentlemen, was Tiger-esque. Following McIlroy at number 10 in the world is 24 year old American Anthony Kim. Capable of hitting the ball a country mile at only 5 foot 10 inches, he shot a seven-under 65 with 11 birdies, the most ever at Augusta National, at last year’s Masters, and not to mention, his birdie run at the latter stages of this year’s Masters almost stole the green jacket from Phil Mickelson. Away from Augusta, Kim has won twice in his career. Read More→

Comments (0)
Categories : Golf
Tags : , , , , , , , , , , ,

About This Site

Two guys. Every sport. All you need to know about the next generation of athletes, with an angle only us teens can offer. Founded, written, edited and created by Daniel M. Radov and John C. Stoller. For any business/writing inquiries, please contact us.

Weekly Poll

How worried are you about the NFL lockout?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

NSG Archives