Ladies Driver Steals & Deals

Spring is right around the corner. Demo days are happening all over the place. If you're a relative beginner (like me) and in the market for a new driver, you may wish to check out this clip.

Tales from The ClamBake Cafe

And last night in the ClamBake Cafe...

Thanks so much to all those who stopped by. We had a great time, touching on golf blogging, golf fashion and more. Scott Duke will be hosting ClamBake every week and he's got some great guests lined up. ClamBake Cafe is definitely a comfortable, casual, fun place to talk about golf, no matter what your level is. I'm hoping to start my show soon, too. The focus will be ... Golf Girls, of course! All kinds of Golf Girls; my guests will be amazing ladies from the world of golf; designers, players, bloggers and business gurus. Women who live and love the game. It's going to be awesome and I'll let you know the schedule as soon as it's set. See you there.

Ladies Driver Steals & Deals

Spring is right around the corner. Demo days are happening all over the place. If you're a relative beginner (like me) and in the market for a new driver, you may wish to check out this clip.

And last night in the ClamBake Cafe...

Thanks so much to all those who stopped by. We had a great time, touching on golf blogging, golf fashion and more. Scott Duke will be hosting ClamBake every week and he's got some great guests lined up. ClamBake Cafe is definitely a comfortable, casual, fun place to talk about golf, no matter what your level is. I'm hoping to start my show soon, too. The focus will be ... Golf Girls, of course! My guests will be amazing ladies from the world of golf; designers, players, bloggers and business gurus. Women who live and love the game. It's going to be awesome and I'll let you know the schedule as soon as it's set.

You're Invited ... to the ClamBake Cafe

Tonight's the night! I'll be joining Scot Duke on BlogTV for his live show, the ClamBake Cafe. We'll be talking about golf on the internet; golf blogging, golf social social networking, favorite golf sites... we'll be covering a number of interesting topics and we'd love have you stop by. You'll be able to join the conversation too, because the show has it's own live chat room, So head over to BlogTV tonight. We'll be on at 7:00 8:00 EST. Hope to see you there.

Here's a link to the show.

The Amazin' Asian Golf Girls

As the LPGA heads across the globe to Singapore for the HSBC Champions tournament, there are loads of great story lines; Paula, fresh off her win at the Fields Open, will try to make it two in a row. Annika, playing well, is determined to regain the number one spot, and Miss No. 1, herself, who's name happens to be Lorena, is about to start her season. Another big HUGE story is the current dominance of Asian women in the ladies golf world and how quickly it all happened.

The South Koreans are at the forefront this veritable tsunami of female golfing might, but players from India, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and China are on the scene as well, and the movement shows no signs of slowing. At all.

Consider this: half of the world's top twenty women golfers are Asian and half of the top fifty are from South Korea, Japan and China. When you consider that the numbers were negligible just a decade ago those facts are all the more impressive.

The LPGA Tour is paying close attention to this Amazin' Asian golf trend and there will surely be more high profile events held in Asia in the future, as they acquire more globally oriented sponsors and build a strong international fan base.

For now, it's on to Singapore, and what promises to be an awesome tournament.

Golf, NASCAR: What Crosses Dress Code Lines?

In lots of sports, dress codes aren't even an issue.

When there are teams, there are uniforms, so that takes care of that. And generally fans and guests are welcomed into stadiums and onto playing fields wearing just about anything.

In skiing and other snowy sports it's far to cold to make a sexy statement, and in cycling, track, kayaking and rock climbing the the need for speed and safety has created a certain uniformity. But there are sports where dress code is always going to be a bit of an issue. Where it will inevitably rear it's fashionable head from time to time. Like...for example...NASCAR?

OK, I thought NASCAR and fashion were mutually exclusive, but in fact, there was a bit of a couture controversy at Daytona recently. At issue was the low, low, low cut frock worn by Ashley Judd,(above) the movie star who happens to be married to champion rookie driver Dario Franchitti. Apparently there are strict rules as to what can be worn in the garage and on the pit road (I'm visualizing a place that's noisy and greasy). Dresses, low cut or otherwise, are not allowed. And even if they were, the dress in question, flouncy and festooned with delicate tulips, was definitely not in keeping with NASCAR style (another oxymoron). Tongues were wagging and eyebrows were raised and there was talk of a double standard. One for beautiful movie stars and one for normal NASCAR people. To which one commenter on a NASCAR forum suggested that they "needed a rule prohibiting Ashley Judd from wearing anything when she attends the races".
















In golf, as we all know, dress code controversy is quite common, particularly where female players both pro and recreational, are concerned. Opinions vary widely as to what's acceptable, under what circumstances. I for one was surprised to see Michelle Wie wearing what looked like a Wall*Mart tank top during the second round of the Fields Open over the weekend. Now I'm a huge Michelle Wie fan (bite me) and I think she looks good in almost anything. But I'm not a fan of tank tops on golf courses. At all. That's were I set my line. I'm fine with sleeveless polos. Heck, I'm fine with backless polos, but call me old fashion, I think a collar should be mandatory. It has to do with looking pulled together, not with how much skin is exposed. Know what I mean?

Anyway, I have lots more to say on golf dress codes and I'll certainly be addressing the topic both here and on Red Tee Tales, my Golf for Women blog. As the season heats up I'm sure we'll be seeing some amazing style statements ... and more than a few fashion flops.

Paula Creamer - The Birdie Girl with Pink Plumage

Birdie Girl refers to the four birdies she made on the last five holes at the Fields Open yesterday, to grab the lead, and ultimately the championship, away from Jeong Jang.

pink plumage refers to Paula's well known penchant for pink... on pink on pink.

Yesterday, she even forced suggested that her caddy wear a pink cap, and he gracefully complied. And team Creamer sailed to victory against a pink Hawaiian sunset.

The Off-Season has its Advantages, Even for Golfers

I took this photo today. Connecticut is covered in snow. Snowmen and igloos abound in our neighborhoods.

In my latest GFW post I explain to those of you living in warmer climates how we Northern golfers get through winter. We have our ways.

Design Challenge Winner Inspired by Golf

The brief was simple: Design a cool but reliable car for a 20-something guy named Matt, who's a recent college graduate, and just beginning his career.

It was the annual automotive glass design competition, open to sophomore transportation design students. The awards were recently presented at the Detroit Auto Show.

The top prize, a $1,500 scholarship, went to Ludwin O. Cruz, a student at Detroit's College for Creative Studies (CCS). That's his amazing creation above, look closely and you'll see the golf inspiration. The glass driver's side half of the car is, "styled to be reminiscent of a golfer's swing", and the car, "has dimples like those on a golf ball to focus the sun's energy onto solar panels beneath to power four independent wheel motors and interior electronics".

I find it quite awesome looking, in a futuristicky - JamesBondian way. It's just a concept for now, but who knows maybe one of these days we'll be driving a very cool car inspired by our favorite sport. Hope it gets good gas mileage.

The Wie Warrior is Back

...and the wounded warrior is me.

I sometimes hate to admit it, but I'm still a huge Michelle Wie fan.

Yes, I know her 2007 season sucked was a total disaster...and that she was way over-hyped by her handlers, her sponsors... and the media.

Many of her fans jumped ship in 2007. It was a year of missed cuts and unseemly incidents, as the once promising Ms. Wie plunged into a downward spiral of staff resignations, dubious withdrawals and "tweaked" injuries. By the end of it, she was just going through the motions. Then she ducked out of site for a while amidst talk of an emotional breakdown.

But it's 2008. A new year and a new golf season have begun,and Michelle Wie is back in the news, playing this week in the LPGA Tour's Fields Open in Hawaii. Granted the coverage she's getting now is a far cry from what it was last year, as she prepared to take on the men at the Sony Open. But for the time being men's events have been put on the back burner and Michelle is playing on an xx exemption with a very elite field of women.

No one knows what to expect either. Many scoff at her return and question her ability to even make the cut. She's already said that her wrists are not 100%, adding that they'll probably never be like they were...before. Well, before was then, this is now, and I'm hoping like hell heck Michelle plays decently.

I want Michelle back in the game because I love her star quality. OK I'm shallow and superficial and naive. So be it. Annika is an extraordinary player, a legend in her own time, but she leaves me cold. There, I said it. No more secrets.

The Golf Channel recently interviewed Wie at Stanford. The interview will be featured in three parts on "Golf Central'' Saturday (10:30 p.m.), Sunday (9 p.m.) and Monday (8:30 p.m.). and from what I've heard you'll be seeing a more mature more, thoughtful Michelle.

I, for one, wish her the best. After all, I'm a Wie Warrior.

Barack Obama to Tee Off in Hawaii?

The charismatic contender has been known to hit some golf balls in the sun-drenched 50th state.

As you may know, both of Mr. Obama's parents attended university in Hawaii and he himself resided there for several years as a child. In the past he's been spotted at at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu and Olomana Golf Links in Waimanalo, but... it's been a while, and he's hoping to return to the island fairways soon.

That's what he recently told KITV reporter, Denby Fawcett, who interviewed him in the lead up to today's caucuses, adding that he might need to be given "a lot of extra strokes" because he hasn't played since last April. It seems he's too busy running for president. We all find our excuses, don't we?

Happy President's Day!

I hope you're enjoying the day off ... if you have one...now how about a presidential golf trivia quiz? It's called Name that President:

1. He scored a hole in one at Bel Air Country Club in Los Angeles, on Labor Day, 1961, almost a year after losing a presidential bid .

2. His ace occurred after his presidency, in 1968 on a lucky thirteenth hole.

3. He was the first President to take up golf and scored in the low ninties.

4. His was the lowest handicap of any white house inhabitant.

5. He kept his handicap secret.

6. He proudly boasted a twenty handicap.

7. He said "Golf is an ineffectual attempt to put an illusive ball into an obscure hole with implements ill-adapted to the Purpose."

8. At a political fund raiser in 1981, he was criticized for attending a golf outing where a female lobbyist was accused of "over friendliness" with the participants.

9. He once said "I know my game is getting better because I'm hitting less spectators."

10. He hit a shot that actually richocheted off a tree and struck a 70-year-old woman spectator in the face.

11. He comes from a promininant golf family.

12. He's my favorite golf president. He maintained that golf was for fun and pleasure and rarely kept score.

Click HERE for the answers.

And click HERE for my post on one of the funniest golfing presidents, who by the way, is the Presidential inspiration behind the cute vintage postcard above.

The Cliffs - My CT Winter Golf Fantasy

I've been daydreaming a lot lately. Midwinter in CT has that effet on me. We spend a lot of time indoors during February. Even a simple trip to the driving range, is out of the question on icy, gray days with grounds covered in snow and winds whipping wildly.

My winter reveries are often inspired by virtual meanderings across the seductice landscape of the internet. Not long ago, on a particularly dark and bitter day, I did a google search for "Luxury Golf Communities" and discovered what is currently my ultimate fantasy: The Cliffs, a place where dreams (and daydreams) appear to come true... that is, if your dreams involve attractive people frolicking in gorgeous landscapes, playing relaxed rounds on masterfully designed courses. ...and isn't that what everyone fanasizes about?

Well maybe not. As seductive as it may seem to some, the preplanned golf community lifestyle is apparently not for everyone. I explore this curious contrariety in Golf Community Conundrum, a piece I posted at Golf for Women. Check it out if you've ever thought (or fantasized) about life in a golf community.

As for me, we'll it's currently 23 degrees here in Danbury, so I think I'll go spend a couple of hours at The Cliffs. I feel better already.

Calling All Golf Girls - Where are Ya'll?

That's what Steven Gribin, golf analyst for Yahoo Sports and ESPN radio asks, in this article.

At a recent awards dinner, the golf obsessed Texan remarked on the scarcity of women participants & honorees. The LPGA, with its hot players and interesting story lines is launching what promises to be an exciting 2008 season, so Mr. Gribin decided to do a bit of research.

He looked at several studies and came up with some compelling findings. One that really surprised me was this: the number one reason so many women abandon the game is not lack of time, cost, or the difficulty of golf. It's that they just don't feel welcome or understood on golf courses.

This surprised me because I've never felt it, but then I tend to be oblivious to negative attitudes. However, thinking back to conversations I've had with women who have quit, it did seem like a frequent complaint; Even after playing for a while and getting good they continued to feel like awkward interlopers in a male dominated world. So they played less and less, and eventually quit.

This is ultra-frustrating because it's in every golfer's best interest to grow the game, and according to experts, women represent the best path to that end. Once they do play, women become the best golf consumers too. I can testify first-hand to that.

So, guys be nice, be understanding and be accomodating. Even on the golf course.

A Golf Girl's Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day! This year I've decided to forgo the roses and chocolates for a really nice pair of golf shoes. They're bright red too, in keeping with the holiday,

Then, this evening we'll have dinner at Cafe on the Green, surrounded by the snow covered fairways and iced-over greens of our favorite golf course.

There are certainly more romantic options, if you can get away. Golf blogger Chris Baldwin makes them sound very appealing in this evocative article. Funny, I never thought of the sometimes sophmoric Mr.Baldwin as a romance expert, but he certainly has good taste in golf trips. Golf Chick, Kristen Williams, seems to have no trouble finding romance on the course either.

Warm weather is probably the missing ingredient...romance just doesn't flourish in the frostiness of a CT winter. Well let me forward this post to Nick for next year. In the meantime I'll have to settle for my shiny red golf shoes.

Golf Girl's New Gig

I've got a ton of great projects in the works right now, but I'm really excited about this one:

I'm going to be doing some exclusive blogging at GolfForWomen.Com. GFW is one of my favorite golf sites on the internet and I just love their magazine too, so what can I say? I'm psyched.

I got together with some of the brilliant minds (and low handicaps) behind this golf media marvel last week in Manhattan. They're amazing, interesting women who live and love golf to the fullest and I'm really looking forward to collaborating them.

I'm sure you recognize the lovely Stina Sternberg with me in the photo above. Check out my first GFW post about my lunch in NYC with Stina and the amazing Manhattan golf girls.

Oh BTW, I won't be the only new golf blogger hanging her hat atGolfforwomen.com in the coming months; the engaging GolfGal AND the provactive GolfChick will be blogging there too.

Yep, this is going to be fun, stop by often.

A Challenge for Golf Blogger Guys

Hey guys.... I know you're out there.

After all, I read you every day, and look forward to your prolific posts on everything from the PGA to the pace of play...the latest drivers to golf survivors.

The thing is though, I'd love to know a little bit more about you. You as in you. I'm talking about your personality and personal style. How you came to be a golf blogger and what keeps you writing about golf. Yeah, that kind of thing. I mean, I already know that Andrew from Oobgolf has a thing for Paula Creamer and Mr. Business Golf does not appreciate retro style statements and World Golf's Cheap Bastard has expensive tastes... but I want more. And I'm not the only one.

There's a challenge out there for you... from none other than beautiful, multi-talented golf personality, Stina Sternberg. She blogs too BTW, at Golf For Women where she's a Sr. Editor, and she wants to hear from you...,golf bloggers and forum posters alike.

So, drop her a line, with photo if possible. And show us what you're all about. We're curious.

Golf on a Rainy, Windy Weekend

Social networking for golf contacts... and... the AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm.



The Golf Space, the 19th Hole, My Space, Facebook, Twitter, Utterz, Seesmic

Golf Grows in India

India's not the first place most of us think of when we think of golf. But don't tell that to Shruti Khanna, Irina Brar and Meghna Bal.

Khanna, currently India's top amateur player, is a veteran of the game who has witnessed its growth in the country from up close. Brar, Chandigarh's golden girl, dominated amateur golf for half a decade before becoming one of the handful of players to take up golf as a profession. Bal, the youngest of the three and playing college golf in the U.S. and is seen as the country's next bright golf star. These three golf girls were recently featured in Golf Digest, India.

Yep, they've even got there own edition of the difinitive golf journal. Golf is on fire in India these days, and the first India Masters is currently taking place in Delhi with an elite international field.

High profile international tournaments, top level players, a rapidly growing fan base...and, beautiful young ambassadors like the gals above. It sounds to me like a winning formula for the game.

Pebble Beach No Shows

A couple of months ago we could have reasonably expected to see these two glamour girls gracing the galleries of Pebble Beach. After all, their uber hot NFL boyfriends were both scheduled to play there this week.

But then again, the guys were supposed to meet at the Superbowl and that didn't happen. Both Tom Brady, Giselle's guy, and Tony Romo, Jessica's main man, have withdrawn from the tournament, along with Brady's coach and aspiring videographer Bill Belicheck. Another popular Bill, Bill Murray, won't be playing either. He's making a movie in Iceland.

Oh, don't worry, there'll still be plenty of star power at Pebble Beach. All the usual suspects. Yes it would be nice to see the gorgeous Giselle and Jessica, but the always awesome scenery of Pebble Beach will make up for it. Unlike glitzy girlfriends, no one seems to get tired of that.

Karrie Webb - The Antglitz Golf Girl

She's a truly remarkable golfer; a Hall of Famer, currently third in world, and one of the best ever to come out of Australia...but yet, even among golf fans, she's not well known.

Karrie Webb is the antithesis of the Golf Girls I so often feature on these pages...the fun, flirty, fashionable ones who really work their looks and personalities.

No, from what I've seen and heard, Karrie's just not into that. She's quite shy and intensely private. Some have called her cold, others say she's grumpy, and she definitely makes far less from endorsements then players half as good as she is.

However Karrie's amazing victory at the Australian Women's Open last weekend, and a prospective repeat at the end of this week when she defends her ANZ Masters Crown has the potential to put her back out there again and despite her lack of glitter and glitz, I think there are quite a few golf fans who'd be happy with that.

Stella Style - Ms. McCartney Does Golf

It just keeps getting better doesn't it?

Over the past couple of years there's been an amazing transformation in the world women's of golf apparel. From the plethora of hip, new boutique lines, to hot collections by the biggest names in sportswear.

Suddenly, everyone seems to "get it". The boxy beige shorts and big, bulky polos are disappearing in favor of exciting colors, close-to-the-body cuts and runway inspired styling. And now fashionista favorite, Stella McCartney has entered the fray with her golf collection for Adidas.


Each year Stella introduces a new category...and this year it's golf. Yay.

And it's not just us recreational golfers who are seeking more glamour on the greens either. I read in The Golf Blog that Natalie Gulbis was front and center at New York's Fashion Week the other day. The exclusive photos are on Golf.com.

"The Tiger Woods of NFL Quarterbacks" (updated)

If, as predicted, the Patriots win tonight, we'll surely be hearing that phrase tomorrow.

Personally, I don't feel you can compare greatness in team sports with greatness in an individual sport. A quarterback's wins are ultimately connected to, and dependent on, the strength of his team. It's even been said that Tiger, who impressed us yet again this weekend in Dubai, is not a team player...at all. So to me, it's like comparing apples to oranges... but it inevitably happens.

Recently, I heard someone being called the Tiger Woods of blogging, and I read a piece by a culinary journalist who was trying to find the Tiger Woods of wineries. I even encountered a piece of computer equipment that's become known as, the Tiger Woods of server virtualization! It's just become an easy way to evoke consistent greatness.

Imagine how it would be to have your name evoke consistent greatness? Pretty heady stuff, as they say.

Last year a number of people called Payton Manning the Tiger Woods of the NFL. Well his brother probably remembers that and he's sure going to try to keep Mr. Brady from being so honored this year. He's got his work cut out for him.

I'm for the Giants because I'm always for the underdog, however I love to see history being made too, and hey, here in CT, they're both local teams, so it's all good. (I don't bet on football, obvs.)

Well, let me go nextdoor for the annual inebriated pigout Superbowl party.

Update: Amazing! Eli and his guys upset the presumed "Tiger Woods of NFL quarterbacks". History wasn't made tonight, but it was an awesome game. Come to think of it we'll probably be hearing this tomorrow:
"Eli & Payton Manning are the Tiger Woods of NFL brother duos"

Unfortunately I consumed about three days worth of calories next door. I'm rather inebriated slightly tipsy too.

G'night

Sarkozy Saga - Golf Girl to French Prez: "It's Over!"

It was just a couple of months ago I first posted about flamboyant French President, Nicholas Sarkozy.

He was newly divorced and in the US on ... official business. There was some speculation that he might be a golfer, and I was looking forward to posting about his exploits on the golf courses of the world. Additionally, I've got to admit, I harbored secret ambitions of hooking up with him and ultimately, becoming the first lady of France.

My current husband just laughed at my ambitions and informed me that Mr. Sarkozy had never held a golf club in his life. So I reluctantly put that plan on the back burner.

Well, turns out it's now too late. My prospective prince went and married someone else this morning...right there in the Elysee Palace where I had looked forward to residing. He married this Carla Bruni bitch person. I mean, what does he see in her??

OK yes, she's beautiful, famous, rich, aristocratic, and multi-lingual. But I'm multi-lingual too. And I bet she doesn't even play golf.

Marketing Women's Golf - "These Girls Get It"

The girls in question are Australians Nikki Garret and Kristie Newton, pictured here with Jan Stephenson, winner of three majors, and one of Australia's greatest greatest golfers ever.

Despite her wins and her extraordinary golf skills Jan is best known for her 1980's golf ball bubble bath photo...and that's the whole point.

Instead of lamenting that fact as demeaning, Ms. Stephenson acknowledges the current reality (70% of golf's audience are men, and men are ... "visual") and encourages Australia's up-and-coming young golf stars, like Nikki and Kristie, to play up their looks and personalities for the good of women's golf.

Jan's message clearly resonates in the current environment because, as reported last week in Waggle Room, Women's golf in Australia has been having a rough go of it, with sponsorship issues and tournament cancellations.

Ultimately, in her own inimitable way, what Jan Stephenson is pushing for is more support from women for women's golf, because that's what it's going to take to move away from the overriding emphasis on sex appeal; more women buying tickets, more women in the galleries.

Apparently, women are less "visual".