96th Michigan PGA Professional Championship starts Monday at Flint Golf ClubAugust 19, 201796th Michigan PGA Professional Championship starts Monday at Flint Golf Club FLINT – The 96th Michigan PGA Professional Championship is Monday through Wednesday at Flint Golf Club, and in addition to being a state championship for Michigan golf professionals it serves as the starting point on the road to major championship golf. Eight-time champion and the defending champion Scott Hebert, the head golf professional at Traverse City Golf & Country Club, heads the field of 132 professionals in the $54,400 championship on the storied Flint Golf Club course designed by famed architect Willie Park Jr. A cut will be made to the low 60 scorers and ties after Tuesday’s second round in the 54-hole championship. The low 10 golfers at the end of the tournament, along with Hebert and Travis Dodson of Meadowbrook Country Club who are exempt from qualification, will play in the 2018 PGA Professional National Championship at Bayonet Black Horse in Seaside, Calif., next June 17-20. The low 20 finishers from that national event move on to play with the best players in the world at next year’s PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis., Mo. Hebert (2006, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’11, ’12, ’14, ’16) is one of 11 former Michigan PGA champions in the field, including 2015 champion Dan Urban of Gull Lake Country Club, three-time winner Brian Cairns of Fox Hills Learning Center (1996, 2000, 2013), two-time winner Steve Brady of Oakland Hills Country Club (1993, ’95), Ron Beurmann of Country Club of Jackson (2010), Joe Pollack of Golf Cars Plus (2004), Tom Harding of Kendall Golf Academy (1997), Barry Redmond of Crooked Tree Golf Club (1990), Jack Seltzer of Jack Seltzer Golf Academy (1988), John Traub of Berkley (1984) and Randy Erskine of Rochester (1978). Flint Golf Club dates to 1910 as a social club, and the course was opened in 1919. Park, a two-time British Open champion turned designer, fashioned a parkland golf course that has stayed true to its roots over the years. It can play as long as 6,671 yards at par 72. Somewhat unique to the Park design are five par-3 and five par 5 holes. Flint Golf Club is hosting the Michigan PGA Professional Championship for the first time. It has been a regular host to Golf Association of Michigan tournaments over the years, including the 2001 Michigan Amateur Championship, and it has also hosted golf legends. Sam Snead set the course record in June 1963 shooting a 61. Flint Golf Club also hosted the PGA Carling Open in 1957 won by Paul Harney. Flint Golf Club’s staff is headed by General Manager Troy Stieve. Scott Brotebeck is the head PGA Professional and the Superintendent is Jim Moore. Last year Hebert made state golf history in a rain-shortened tournament when the former PGA Professional National Champion (2008) made a 12-foot par-saving putt on the first playoff hole against John Seltzer of Blythefield Country Club and won at Egypt Valley Country Club near Grand Rapids. Hebert’s eighth Michigan PGA Professional win put him just one short of the all-time record of nine set by Michigan legend Al Watrous, and last year’s win also was his 15th major Michigan PGA title, which tied him with Watrous and J.R. Roth for the most wins all-time. Hebert’s eight PGA Professional titles go with six Michigan Open titles and a Tournament of Champions title. The Michigan PGA Professional Championship dates to 1922 and past champions include Walter Hagen, Chuck Kocsis, Jimmy Demaret, Chick Harbert and Horton Smith. The Michigan PGA Professional Championship is presented by Club Car, Mercedes-Benz and OMEGA with supporting sponsors Titleist/Footjoy, TaylorMade-adidas, Golf Advisor and the PGA Tour. See michiganpgagolf.com for more information, live scoring during the tournament and tee times. Gallery is welcome. Parking and admission are free. More information on Flint Golf Club is available at flintgolfclub.com....Read More & CommentGolf Ball Wall ClockAugust 18, 2017Golf Ball Wall Clock Ridiculous Golf Item of the Week...Read More & CommentCleveland Smart Sole 3 C Wedge ReviewAugust 17, 2017Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C Wedge Review Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C Wedge Grade: A Teacher’s Comment: A super game improvement wedge for people who struggle with their short games. The 2017 Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C Wedge is a versatile and user-friendly short game tool. Players who struggle with the short game — and that is a great many of you — will want to take a look at this shot saving club. Cleveland says that its studies show that — when compared to the clubs amateurs currently use for chipping (their gamer), the Smart Sole C produces a tighter dispersion. The most prominent feature of the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C is the three-tiered sole. The three pads are designed, Cleveland says, for more efficient turf interaction. That, the company says, should lead to more crisp contact and increased play-ability around the greens. I found that claim to be true. Whereas it is easy enough to stub a seven or eight iron on a chip, the width of the Smart Sole generates consistent contact through a variety of conditions. The only difficulty I had was on tight, hard lies where the club consistently hit fliers. Also noticeable is that the head of the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C has less height from sole to topline, but is slightly longer from heel to toe than a more standard wedge design. It also has a more upright lie angle, and a somewhat shorter club length. At address, the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C sets up squarely and with quite a bit of offset.The net effect is that the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C encourages a player to set up square to the target, pull the club back, and then sweep through. If you do this, and don’t lose your nerve, the reward will be a ball that pops up, lands on the green and then runs to the hole. Playing with the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C is ultimately a lot more straightforward than the standard chipping technique of opening the stance and shoulders; shifting the weight on the left side, getting the hands ahead of hands ahead of the ball, positioning the ball toward the right foot, et. al. The more adjustments you make, the more things can go wrong. After using the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C on every single shot around the green for four rounds, I found that it works pretty well. At first, I had some trouble because my instinct was to play it like the seven, eight and nine irons I typically use for work around the greens. That resulted in a lot of offline shots and shanks. Once I learned to set up square and play with relatively “dead hands,” however, my play was much more consistent. Another thing I had to learn about the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C is that a ball coming off its face is going to run. That is probably a function of both the relatively low loft (42 degrees is somewhere between a 9 iron and a pitching wedge), and the shorter height on the clubface. Initially, I was landing the ball a short distance to the hole, only to watch it roll well past. I soon learned to adjust: I envision a landing spot well short of the green and let the ball run out. I also experimented with using the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C like an “A” wedge from the fairway. That turned out pretty well. Again, just plan for the ball to run. On the downside, there is a sense in which the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C is a one trick pony. Better players can use a variety of clubs around the green to get up and down. Better players won’t want to take up a slot in their bags with a club dedicated to one kind of shot — no matter how common that shot is. But that’s kind of the point. Most weekenders are not the “better players” who can pull off a variety of shots. Most weekenders have the ability to turn a near miss and possible up and down for a par into a double bogey. The Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C can help with that. Head to your local pro shop and give it a look. The Cleveland Smart Sole 3 C was first published on GolfBlogger.Com on August 17, 2017. ...Read More & CommentSolheim Cup: What Are Four Ball, Foursomes and Match Play?August 17, 2017Solheim Cup: What Are Four Ball, Foursomes and Match Play? This is the weekend of the Solheim Cup, so here’s a quick primer on Solheim Cup Match Play: Like the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup consists of Four Ball, Foursomes and Singles matches. There are four Four Ball and four Foursomes each of the first two days. On the third day—Sunday—the Solheim Cup consists of twelve singles matches. Foursomes consist of two teams of two, and only one ball per team. It’s sometimes also known as “Alternate Shot.” Players alternate shots and alternate on tee shots. As in any match play game, the team with the lowest score on each hole wins that hole for the team. A “Four Ball” match sometimes also is known as “best ball.” Like foursomes, four ball is played in teams of two. In this format, each team member plays her own ball throughout the hole. Four players; four balls. Then, at the end of each hole, the team’s low score is counted to determine who wins the hole. There is a great deal of strategy involved in playing these events—particularly for the coach, or captain. As a golf coach, I was faced with a fundamental dilemma whenever my team had to compete in a match play team event: do you combine players with similar, or contrasting skills? In a foursomes, the first instinct is to combine players with dissimilar, but complementary skills. You might, for example, combine a long hitter with a short game specialist. Taking a look at the course, a coach then can identify the hole that confers the biggest advantage to the long hitter and assign her to tee off on that hole. This then determines who tees off on all the others, since tee shots are alternated between team mates. Teaming players with different skills also can help to minimize the damage on any one hole. If a short hitter tees off, then the longer hitter can hit a higher numbered iron into the green, where, presumably, the short game player can make a good putt. The problem with this, however, is that it takes a player out of her usual game. If the bomber is used to taking wedges into a green, she will be uncomfortable hitting a longer iron after a wedge-and-putter player’s tee shot. So, the other approach to foursomes is to combine players with similar styles. This ensures that players generally are hitting shots that are familiar. On the course in foursomes, team mates must be constantly aware of the other’s abilities. Each must ensure that her shot puts the other in a position that plays to their strengths. It’s not simply a matter of hitting the best shot that she can. For example, Michelle Wie might be able to reach a par 5 in two. In doing so, however, the risk is that the ball ends up in a greenside bunker. If her partner is a sand wizard, that might be an acceptable risk; if not, she should lay up to her partner’s best distance. Four Ball is a somewhat easier game on the coach. There, I usually combined players with different skill sets, on the theory that each hole would play to at least one of their strengths or weaknesses. Another way of pairing players is by style. It’s often advantageous to pair a gambler with a cautious player. One can go for birdies, while the other plays for par. On the course in a four ball match, the partners need to keep a good eye on how the other is doing. If player A has hit a ball to a safe spot, her partner might be able to attempt a riskier shot. If the risk fails to produce reward, the other player at least has a good chance. I like this format because played well, it encourages a gambling style of play. Match Play in general also deserves an explanation. Match Play can be conducted either in teams or as individuals. The Solheim Cup uses both. In Match Play, golfers are concerned—not with the field—but with beating the players they are playing against directly. The most confusing part of Match Play is in the scoring. Each hole in a Match is a separate event, and is taken in isolation. The team or player who finishes the hole in the fewest strokes wins the hole. The one who wins the most holes out of eighteen wins the match. The hole-by-hole format means that it’s possible (and probable) that at some point short of eighteen, one team or player will get far enough ahead that the other has no chance of winning. For example, if the Euro and American teams finish the 16th hole, and the Europeans have won three more than the Americans, there is no need to continue. At best, the Americans could win both remaining holes, and still would be one hole down to the Europeans. So the match is called at 16. The final result would be Europe 3 and 2. That means that Europe won because they were up by three holes, with two holes left. The scoring system in match play has some peculiar terminology. Match play results are reported by how many more (or fewer) holes a player has won, along with the number of holes left. Suppose that, after ten holes, the Americans have won four holes, the Europeans have won two and they’ve tied on four others. The score is reported as the US being two up through 10. At the same time, Europe is 2-down through 10. If both have won the same number of holes, the score would be reported as “All Square Through 10.” If a team wins 1-up, that means that the match has gone to 18 holes. The last hole was played either because the match was all square after 17, or because a team was only 1 up, and the other could have made the match All Square on the final hole. The term “Halve” is used when players tie on an individual hole. However, because tied holes are not counted in scoring an individual match, you’ll never see a score like US 3 1/2 Europe 1 1/2. This also explains why there will often be a result where the holes just don’t add up. The US could win four holes, the Europeans win three and they could tie the other 11. If you just added up the number of holes won, it would look like they didn’t play a full match. A “Dormie” is when one is up by the exact number of holes left in the match. At this point, the best the opponent can do is to tie. So, if they’re on the 16th tee, and Europe is 3-Up, the match is Dormie. The best the US can do is to win the final three holes (16, 17 and 18)and make things All Square. One seemingly strange score occurs when a player or team wins 5 and 3. On the surface, it looks as though the match should have ended with four holes to play, because one was up by five. But what actually happened was that the match was Dormie with four to go. That is, the US was 4-Up on the 15th tee (four holes to go). At this point, Europe can Halve the match by winning the final four holes. But the US wins the 15th, and the match is over. The US wins by five, with three to go, or 5 and 3. Another interesting aspect of Match Play is that the players do not have finish every hole. Consider the following situation: Paula Creamer hits a hole-in-one on a par three. Maria Hjorth hits the green within inches of the cup, but the ball does not go in. At this point, there is no need for Hjorth to finish the hole, and she will concede to Creamer. Even if Hjorth finishes with a birdie, she still has lost the hole. And there is no need to see if Hjorth can make the putt because unlike Stroke Play, the score does not carry over to the next hole. Similarly, players often will “concede” a stroke. This usually happens on a short putt. For example, if Creamer knows that Hjorth is going to make the tap-in, she might grant “gimmie.” The real question for that hole is whether Creamer can make the 12 footer to win the hole, or if she two putts for a halve. There are also a couple of other major rules differences in Match Play. For example, in Stoke Play, if you play out of order, it’s just a breach of etiquette. But in Match Play, your opponent can force you to replay the shot. The other major changes generally have to do with the penalty for breach of rules. In Stroke play, most of the penalties involve the addition of strokes. In Match Play, the rules violations generally involve the automatic loss of the hole. For my money, match play is the most exciting form of golf....Read More & CommentAtlantic WorldMaster WatchAugust 17, 2017 Atlantic Worldmaster Watch Atlantic watches are a Swiss brand that date to 1888. The classic Atlantic Worldmaster features:Automatic Movement Sapphire crystal Case Diameter: 42 mm. Stainless steel Water Resistant: 50 mt. / 165 ft.Brand, Seller, or Collection Name AtlanticPart Number 53754.41.65SItem Shape RoundDial window material type Anti reflective sapphireDisplay Type AnalogCase material Stainless steelCase diameter 42 millimetersCase Thickness 11.60Band Material LeatherBand Color BlackDial color BlackMovement Automatic self windWater resistant depth 50 Meters...Read More & CommentFiji International Winners And HistoryAugust 16, 2017 Played since 2014, the Fiji International has been co-sanctioned by the European Tour since 2016. It also is a sanctioned event on the Asian Tour. A complete list of Fiji International winners follows:...Read More & CommentDick’s Sporting Goods Open Winners And HistoryAugust 16, 2017Dick’s Sporting Goods Open Winners And History A PGA Champions Tour event since 2007, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open is played in Endicott, New York. It is in somc sense the successor to the long-running B.C. Open, a PGA TOUR event which ran from 1971 to 2006. Both the B.C. Open and the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open were played at the En-Joie Golf Club. En-Joie originally was the company course of the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company. It was built in 1927. A list of Dick’s Sporting Goods Open Winners follows: ...Read More & CommentSrixon Q-Star Golf Ball ReviewAugust 16, 2017 Srixon Q-Star Golf Ball Review Srixon Q-Star Golf Ball Grade: B Teacher’s Comments: Long and straight, and should appeal to mid to high handicappers, which is to say most of us. Probably not for better players. Srixon’s new 2017 Q-Star golf ball is a two-piece ball that should have a strong appeal to the weekender who carries a mid- to high-handicap. Long and straight, the Q-Star is affordably priced at $24.99 MSRP. If you fall into the target demographic (as I do), the 2017 Q-Star is worth a try. The new technology on the 2017 Srixon Q Star is second generation “Spinskin.” This ionomer cover, Srixon says, is designed to increase frictional forces for more greenside spin and control. But, while improving grab on short shots, it is formulated to not add spin to drives or longer irons. There is in fact something noticeably different about the cover of the Q-Star. To the touch, the Q Star feels a little slick compared to other balls I play. I had a fleeting thought that the Q Star’s Spinskin would somehow be slippery enough to cause a ball to spin away in random directions. That turns out not to be the case at all. With driver and irons, the Q Star seems to me to have a very tight dispersion. Reduction of slices and hooks has been a Srixon Q-Star raison d’être through its several iterations. The 2017 model doesn’t disappoint on that front. Around the greens, the Q Star performs admirably. I have never been able to spin a ball backward, but do expect balls to check up in relatively short order. Few things in golf are more frustrating than watching an approach shot roll off the back of the green, leaving yet another chip or pitch and the necessity to one-putt for a par. The 2017 Q-Star isn’t likely to pirouette on the greens for you, but it’s not going to be a runner, either. The Spinskin is molded with a 338 dimple pattern designed to reduce drag while providing better control in the wind. Under the Spinskin is a “Energetic Gradient Growth Core.” This, Srixon says, is a lower compression core that uses “variable stiffness to deliver better feel and exceptional distance on every shot.” The 2017 Srixon Q-Star does indeed have a nice feel. While not coming off the club as softly as the Wilson Duo (one of my benchmark balls), it feels as though I get slightly more compression than with the Volvik Vibe (another of my benchmark balls). For what it is worth, I have long thought that most weekenders should play a lower compression ball. The fact of the matter is that few of us are swinging with the same speed as the pros and therefore can’t compress a tour level ball the way they do. It makes no sense for me to play the ball Dustin Johnson uses. For amateurs, lower compression should yield less spin (a good thing) and a higher launch angle (another good thing) for more distance. In terms of distance, the Q-Star performs well. Playing several rounds with the Q star at my home course, I found my ball in the usual spots off the tee and used the same clubs on the approach. What I do think, however, is that the 2017 Srixon Q-Star has less carry and more roll. I was struck by watching the ball bounce down the fairway — something I do not normally see. I can usually leave a crater on a drive on any moderately soft fairway. The same seemed to hold true for me with irons. Depending upon the course, that could be a negative. My home course has just two forced carries off the tee, and every green is open at the front, so that is not an issue. If the courses you frequent have lots of forced carries or greens fronted by bunkers, you will want to pay attention to how the Srixon Q-Star behaves for you during a trial run. Durability for the Srixon Q-Star has been outstanding. With the balls in my bag for several weeks, I have yet to retire one due to scruffs or dings. I haven’t sent one down the cartpath, but playing in Northern Michigan, hitting trees is unavoidable. In spite of what certain advertising campaigns will tell you, there is no one ball for every game. I like the 2017 Srixon Q-Star well enough to suggest that mid to high handicap weekenders give it a try. Get a sleeve. It just might be the ball you’ve been looking for. The Srixon Q-Star Gofl Ball Review was published August 16, 2017....Read More & CommentTitleist DT TrueSoft Golf BallsAugust 16, 2017 Titleist DT TrueSoft Golf Balls This low-priced, two-piece ball from Titleist featuresThe dimple pattern maximizes distance for golfers on every shot and provides consistent ball flight in all conditions The fast, low compression core is the softest core Titleist manufactures, providing very low spin on long game shots for impressive distance The softest pure ionomer cover made by Titleist delivers exceptional soft feel and reliable short game playability...Read More & CommentSolheim Cup Winners and HistoryAugust 15, 2017Solheim Cup Winners and History Played biennially since 1990, the Solheim Cup is a team golf competition between players representing Europe and the United States. Players compete in 28 matches over three days: Eight Foursomes, eight Four-Balls and on the final day, 12 singles. The eight Foursomes are played Friday and Saturday morning. The eight Four-Balls are played on Friday and Saturday afternoon. One point is awarded for each match. A total of fourteen points are required to defend a title. Click on the link for more on the Solheim Cup playing format: Foursomes, Four-Balls and Match Play. The competition is named for Karsten Solheim, founder of Ping Golf, who agreed in 1990 to sponsor the event for twenty years. The Solheim Cup alternates with the Ryder Cup, which features men’s teams from Europe and the United States. The Solheim competition originally was played in even years, but when the Ryder Cup was postponed for a year following the September 11 attacks, the Solheim Cup also was delayed and ended up being played on odd numbered years. Each Solheim Cup team consists of twelve players. On the US side, ten players are selected via a points system; the remaining two are Captain’s Picks. For Europe, four players are selected via a points system, four on the basis of their Rolex Rankings and four via Captain’s Picks. A few Random Solheim Cup records:The largest Solheim Cup margin of victory was Europe of the United States (18-10) in 2013. Laura Davies (Europe) holds the record for most appearances, with 12. She also holds the record of most points earned (25); most matches played (46), most matches won (22). The record for most team points scored belongs to Laura Davies and Alison Nicholas (Europe), with five. On the American side, Dottie Pepper and Brandie Burton hold the record with 4.5 points scored as a team. Julie Inkster holds the record for most points scored in singles competition at 7.A list of Solheim Cup winners follows:...Read More & CommentBermuda Sands Golf Polo ReviewAugust 15, 2017Bermuda Sands Golf Polo Review Bermuda Sands Hemingway Shirt Grade: A Teachers’s Comments; Beautiful and comfortable Bermuda Sands offers a nice line of men’s and women’s golf lifestyle apparel. Their pieces include polos and outerwear for men; for women, they have sleeveless and short-sleeve shirts, skorts, and outerwear. The company also has a water-repellent STORM DRI collection. As the name Bermuda Sands suggests, all of the pieces have what I would call a “beach resort” vibe. The polo I received for review is the “Hemingway,” which comes in deep violet, sky blue and a grey they call “iron.” Obviously, I got the one in violet. The fabric sports a rich floral design which manages to look tropical, without being gaudy (unlike an “Hawaiian” shirt). For me, it says “relaxation” and “vacation” without implying that I’m trying out for a part in “Middle Aged Dads Gone Wild.” The fabric is lightweight and silky to the touch. Walking a challenging golf course (in the sense that there were a lot of elevation changes) in the middle of a hot and muggy Michigan afternoon, I found that the Bermuda Sands Hemingway polo was just the right weight. The Bermuda Sands Hemingway’s cut was just to my taste. I prefer a slightly looser fit for more free movement of the upper body and arms. But I also don’t like a lot of extra fabric, as was the fashion in golf polos of the early 90s. The Hemingway hit the happy medium I look for. The fabric is also a little stretchy for some more give. Bermuda Sands’ XP fabrics have moisture management and UV protection. Fit and finish are excellent. Mrs GolfBlogger, an accomplished seamstress, and self-described “fabric snob,” gives the Bermuda Sands polo two thumbs up. Bermuda Sands has an interesting back story. Founded in 2009 by third-generation apparel makers in North Carolina, the company controls their process from start to finish. Bermunda Sands does the designs and sources the material in the United States, and then manufacture the product in their own factory in Central America. What you get from Bermuda Sands, then, is something a little more cohesive than usual. Recommended....Read More & CommentAdidas Golf Men’s Ultimate Chino ShortsAugust 15, 2017adidas Golf Men’s Ultimate Chino Shorts One thing I really like about the Adidas shorts in my closet is the rubber gripper in the waistband that keeps shirts in place. Other features:88% Polyester, 12% Elastane Imported Stretch waistband Silicone adidas printed gripper Modern five-pocket design...Read More & Comment3M Championship Winners – Champions TourAugust 14, 2017The 3M Championship has been a fixture on the Champions Tour since 1993. Starting life as the Burnet Senior Classic, it originally was played at Bunker Hills Golf Course at Coon Rapids. When 3M became the title sponsor in 2001, the tournament was moved to the TPC Twin Cities in Blane, a suburb of Minneapolis. The inimitable Chi Chi Rodriguez was the tournament’s first winner. 3M stands for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing. The company employs 88,000 people in manufacturing 55,000 products, including: adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, dental and orthodontic products, electronic materials, medical products, car-care products (sun films, polish, wax, car shampoo, treatment for the exterior, interior and the under chassis rust protection), electronic circuits, and optical films. At one point, the company made a line of 3M board games, many of which I still own. My favorite is Twixt. A complete list of 3M Championship Winners follows:...Read More & CommentWyndham Championship Winners and History – Greater Greensboro OpenAugust 14, 2017Played annually in Greensboro, North Carolina, The Wyndham Championship originally was called the Greater Greensboro Open. The first Greater Greensboro Open was held in 1938, and was won by the legendary Sam Snead. Snead would go on to win the event eight times, with his 1965 win there making him the oldest player to win a PGA Tour event. His eight victories in a single tournament also is a PGA Tour record. For most of its history, the Greater Greensboro Open was held in April or May. In its first 4 years, it was played at both Sedgefield Country Club and Starmount Forest Country Club, moving to the Starmount Forest CC in 1942. From 1942 to 1952, it alternated between Starmount Forest CC and Sedgefield CC. It was played at Starmount in 1951 and 1952. Sedgefield hosted in 1953, then it was back to Starmount through 1956. Sedgefield CC hosted in 1957 before Starmount Forest CC hosted another 3 straight 1958-60. From 1961 to 1976, it was played at Sedgefield CC. The origin of this is actually a pretty funny story. Following his win at Starmount in 1960, Snead noted that the winter had taken its toll on the course, and joked that the owner Edward Benjamin should fix it up before the next tournament. Benjamin banned Snead from his course for life. In a popularity contest, though, Snead won. The tournament has not returned to Starmount. From 1977 to 2007, Forest Oaks Country Club hosted the event. In 2008, the tournament returned to Sedgefield CC. In any case, it has been played in Greensboro, NC for its entire history. Ben Hogan won his first tournament there in 1940. In 1942, Sam Byrd, a former New York Yankee became the only MLB baseball player to win a PGA Tour event. Charlie Sifford became the first African American to play a PGA Tournament in the South when he was invited to the 1961 Greater Greensboro Open. Seve Ballesteros won his first US tournament there in 1978. Davis Love holds the course-tournament record with a 62 recorded in 1992. In 2007, the event was renamed the Wyndham Championship when Wyndham Hotels & Resorts took over from DaimlerChrysler as main sponsor. It moved from an autumn date to mid-August and is the last PGA Tour event before the Playoffs for the FedEx Cup. The 2011 purse was $5,200,000, with $936,000 going to the winner. A complete list of Wyndham Championship winners follows:...Read More & CommentCallaway Golf 2017 O-Works Versa 2-Ball Mallet Superstroke Slim 2.0August 14, 2017Callaway Golf 2017 O-Works Versa 2-Ball Mallet Superstroke Slim 2.0 Features:New 2017 micro hinge insert technology provides incredible gains in topspin and roll at impact regardless of your stroke The stainless steel micro hinge plate is co-molded into our thermoplastic elastomer feel layer The revolutionary high contrast versa alignment technology allows your eyes to key in on the Linear designs to highlight the proper face angle from address to impact Premium super stroke no-taper with counter core technology adjustable grip (weights sold separately from super stroke)...Read More & CommentPGA Championship WinnersAugust 13, 2017PGA Championship Winners The Fourth Major of the calendar year, the PGA Championship, extends back to 1916. It was a match play event until 1958. Jim Barnes was the first PGA Championship winner, and repeated a year later. Walter Hagen, however, dominated the early years, winning five of the first ten. Dow Finsterwald won the first of the stroke play championships. Below is a list of the past results of the Championship. PGA Championship Winners Year Winner Course Scores To Par or Match Score2017 Justin Thomas Quail Hollow, NC 73-66-69-68=276 -162016 Jimmy Walker Baltusrol, NJ 65-66-68-67=266 -142015 Jason Day Whistling Straits, WI 68-67-66-67=268 -202014 Rory McIlroy Valhalla, KY 66-67-67-68=268 -162013 Jason Dufner Oak Hill, NY 68-63-71-68=270 -102012 Rory McIlroy Kiawah Island, SC 67-75-67-66=275 -132011 Keegan Bradley Atlanta Athletic Club 71-64-69-68=272 -82010 Martin Kaymer Whistling Straits, Wisconsin 72-68-67-70=277 -112009 Yang Yong-eun Hazeltine National Golf Club 73-70-67-70=280 -82008 Pádraig Harrington Oakland Hills Country Club, 71-74-66-66=277 -32007 Tiger Woods (4) Southern Hills Country Club 71-63-69-69=272 -82006 Tiger Woods (3) Medinah CC 69-68-65-68=270 -182005 Phil Mickelson Baltusrol Golf Club 67-65-72-72=276 -42004 Vijay Singh Whistling Straits 67-68-69-76-280 -82003 Shaun Micheel Oak Hill CC 69-68-69-70-276 -42002 Rich Beem Hazeltine Nat’l GC 72-66-72-68-278 -102001 David Toms Atlanta Athl. Club 66-65-65-69-265 -152000 Tiger Woods Valhalla GC 66-67-70-67-270 -181999 Tiger Woods Medinah CC 70-67-68-72-277 -111998 Vijay Singh Sahalee GC 70-66-67-68-271 -91997 Davis Love III Winged Foot 66-71-66-66-269 -111996 Mark Brooks Valhalla GC 68-70-69-70-277 -111995 Steve Elkington Riviera CC 68-67-68-64-267 -171994 Nick Price Southern Hills CC 67-65-70-67-269 -111993 Paul Azinger Inverness Club 69-66-69-68-272 -121992 Nick Price Bellerive CC 70-70-68-70-278 -61991 John Daly Crooked Stick GC 69-67-69-71-276 -121990 Wayne Grady Shoal Creek CC 72-67-72-71-282 -61989 Payne Stewart Kemper Lakes GC 74-66-69-67-276 -121988 Jeff Sluman Oak Tree GC 69-70-68-65-272 -121987 Larry Nelson PGA National 70-72-73-72-287 -11986 Bob Tway Inverness Club 72-70-64-70-276 -81985 Hubert Green Cherry Hills CC 67-69-70-72-278 -101984 Lee Trevino Shoal Creek CC 69-68-67-69-273 -151983 Hal Sutton Riviera CC 65-66-72-71-274 -101982 Raymond Floyd Southern Hills CC 63-69-68-72-272 -81981 Larry Nelson Atlanta Athl. Club 70-66-66-71-273 -71980 Jack Nicklaus Oak Hill CC 70-69-66-69-274 -61979 David Graham Oakland Hills GC 69-68-70-65-272 -81978 John Mahaffey Oakmont CC 75-67-68-66-276 -81977 Lanny Wadkins Pebble Beach GL 69-71-72-70-282 -31976 Dave Stockton Congressional CC 70-72-69-70-281 +11975 Jack Nicklaus Firestone CC 70-68-67-71-276 -41974 Lee Trevino Tanglewood GC 73-66-68-69-276 -41973 Jack Nicklaus Canterbury GC 72-68-68-69-277 -71972 Gary Player Oakland Hills CC 71-71-67-72-281 +11971 Jack Nicklaus PGA National GC 69-69-70-73-281 -71970 Dave Stockton Southern Hills CC 70-70-66-73-279 -11969 Raymond Floyd NCR CC 69-66-67-74-276 -81968 Julius Boros Pecan Valley CC 71-71-70-69-281 +11967 Don January Columbine CC 71-72-70-68-281 -71966 Al Geiberger Firestone CC 68-72-68-72-280 E1965 Dave Marr Laurel Valley CC 70-69-70-71-280 -41964 Bobby Nichols Columbus CC 64-71-69-67-271 -91963 Jack Nicklaus Dallas Athl. Club 69-73-69-68-279 -51962 Gary Player Aronimink GC 72-67-69-70-278 -21961 Jerry Barber Olympia Fields CC 69-67-71-70-277 -31960 Jay Hebert Firestone CC 72-67-72-70-281 +11959 Bob Rosburg Minneapolis GC 71-72-68-66-277 -31958 Dow Finsterwald Llanerch CC 67-72-70-67-276 -141957 Lionel Hebert Miami Valley CC d. Dow Finsterwald 2 & 11956 Jack Burke Jr. Blue Hill CC d. Ted Kroll 3 & 21955 Doug Ford Meadowbrook CC d. Cary Middlecoff 4 & 31954 Chick Harbert Keller GC d. Walter Burkemo 4 & 31953 Walter Burkemo Birmingham CC d. Felice Torza 2 & 11952 Jim Turnesa Big Spring CC d. Chick Harbert 1-up1951 Sam Snead Oakmont CC d. Walter Burkemo 7 & 61950 Chandler Harper Scioto CC d. Henry Williams Jr. 4 & 31949 Sam Snead Hermitage CC d. Johnny Palmer 3 & 21948 Ben Hogan Norwood Hills CC d. Mike Turnesa 2 & 11947 Jim Ferrier Plum Hollow GC d. Chick Harbert 2 & 11946 Ben Hogan Portland GC Ed Oliver 6 & 41945 Byron Nelson Moraine CC d. Sam Byrd 4 & 31944 Bob Hamilton Manito G. & CC d. Byron Nelson 1-up1943 No Championship Played Due to WWII1942 Sam Snead Seaview CC Jim Turnesa 2 & 11941 Vic Ghezzi Cherry Hills CC d. Byron Nelson 38 ho.1940 Byron Nelson Hershey CC d. Sam Snead 1-up1939 Henry Picard Pomonok CC d. Byron Nelson 37 ho.1938 Paul Runyan Shawnee CC d. Sam Snead 8 & 71937 Denny Shute Pittsburgh F.C. d. Harold McSpaden 37 ho.1936 Denny Shute Pinehurst CC d. Jimmy Thomson 3 & 21935 Johnny Revolta Twin Hills CC d. Tommy Armour 5 & 41934 Paul Runyan Park CC d. Craig Wood 38 ho.1933 Gene Sarazen Blue Mound CC d. Willie Goggin 5 & 41932 Olin Dutra Keller GC d. Frank Walsh 4 & 31931 Tom Creavy Wannamoisett CC d. Denny Shute 2 & 11930 Tommy Armour Fresh Meadows CC d. Gene Sarazen 1-up1929 Leo Diegel Hillcrest CC d. Johnny Farrell 6 & 41928 Leo Diegel Five Farms CC d. Al Espinosa 6 & 51927 Walter Hagen Cedar Crest CC d. Joe Turnesa 1-up1926 Walter Hagen Salisbury G. L. d. Leo Diegel 5 & 31925 Walter Hagen Olympia Fields CC d. William Mehlhorn 6 & 51924 Walter Hagen French Lick Spgs. d. James M. Barnes 2-up1923 Gene Sarazen Pelham CC d. Walter Hagen 38 ho.1922 Gene Sarazen Oakmont CC d. Emmet French 4 & 31921 Walter Hagen Inwood CC d. James M. Barnes 3 & 21920 Jock Hutchison Flossmoor CC d. J. Douglas Edgar 1-up1919 James M. Barnes Engineers CC d. Fred McLeod 6 & 51917-18 No Championships Played Due to WWI1916 James M. Barnes Siwanoy CC d. Jock Hutchison 1-up...Read More & Comment
