Golf Fashion: Visors, Short Shorts and Argyle

I realized three things while watching this video:

1 - Golf Visors do actually look good on some people.

2 - Shorts can actually be too short (by a centimeter or so).

3 - European ads are generally racier than American ads.

Actually, I suppose I knew that last one already. Anyway, I just love the argyle sweater vest Nikkala is wearing. She and Peta, the gal in red, are not actually golfers, despite their seemingly awesome shots. They're Page 3 girls, so they're used to wearing far less than they have on in this video.

The ad is for Samsung and it was shot at the famous Stoke Park course in Buckinghamshire. The Sun has the whole story, complete with a slide show, photos of the girls, and the full scoop on the special effects that made them look like LPGA stars...speaking of which, the Samsung World Championship begins later this week in beautiful Half Moon Bay, CA.

I wonder if there'll be any Page 3 girls playing.

Latin American Golfers - Trifecta of Winners (update 2)

The girls: Lorena Ochoa, Cristie Kerr and Candie Kung. The guys: Camillo Villegas and Sergio Garcia. An international mix of awesome golfers in thrilling playoffs.

For the ladies it was Prattville, AL and the Navistar LPGA Classic, where Lorena Ochoa ultimately won, defeating fellow Lacoste girl Cristie Kerr and Candie Kung (who wears the logos of the Dallas Stars (NHL) and Texas Rangers (MLB) instead of the smiling crocodile).

The guys battled in Atlanta, GA at The Tour Championship and the final round was an exciting show that featured not only Villegas and Garcia but also Phil Mickleson and Anthony Kim. In the end Camillo and Sergio moved on to a playoff where the Colombian took the tournament from the snake-bitten Spaniard.

All in all it was a great post season golf weekend. And I was thinking, probably the first ever that saw Latin American winners for both the PGA and the LPGA.

Update: A reader of mine, Gary from Par Fore Golf Blog, made me aware of something even more amazing; Awesome Eduardo Romero. He won the SAS Championship on Sunday for his third Champions Tour victory in five starts, closing with a 6-under 66. And he's from Argentina, making this a trifecta winning weekend for Latin American golfers.

Update 2: Another friend of mine, Pablo Herrero, who edits the awesome Spanish golf blog, Fuera de Límites, points out that the "sabor español" of this golf weekend extends all the way over to Europe with Spaniard Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño winning on the European Tour

Felicitaciones Lorena y Camillo y Eduardo...y Gonzalo.

Weekend Golf: Garcia vs Kim, Post Ryder Revenge?

The most explosive rivalry to emerge from last weekend's Ryder Cup is perilously perched atop the leader board this weekend at The Tour Championship.

Anthony Kim and Sergio Garcia: It didn't take long for these two spirited young guys to get back to business. And The Tour Championship suddenly looks like a must-watch event, after being dismissed as irrelevant by many, in the wake of last week's historical showdown in Valhalla.

Sergio clearly has the most at stake here. His performance at the Ryder Cup was less than stellar, particularly his one-on-one with Mr. Kim, during which it sometimes seemed the American was toying mercilessly with the Spaniard.

If Mr. Garcia were to win this, he would have exacted a symbolic revenge ...within just a week... and though it would do nothing to erase the collective disappointment of the European Ryder Cup team, one can only imagine that, psychologically, it would be a game changer for Sergio going forward.

I rather doubt the ultra competitive AK is in any mood to facilitate that, however.

So with these to guys battling it out, this could be a much more compelling golf weekend than most had anticipated. Oh, and just behind Kim and Garcia...Phil Michelson and Camillo Villegas are poised to enter the fray, and really... how awesome is that?

The "Sex on Fire" Kings Tinkle on the "Home of Golf"

You may or may not know the Kings of Leon.

They're the chart topping rock group who performed an exclusive show at Manhattan's Webster Hall a couple of nights ago for an audience that included a number of hip young celebs. Their single "Sex on Fire" has topped the UK charts for weeks, and they were in New York for the release of their latest CD.

Not long ago however, it seems the lads caused a bit of consternation at the world's most famous golf venue, St. Andrews.

During an overserved evening at an adjoining hotel, the boys apparently wandered outside and... relieved themselves! Right there on the Old Course.

...And then Caleb, the lead singer, had to tell the story...publicly...admitting that the incident occurred on the 17th fairway, but specifying that the guys had "stayed in the rough at all times". He also promptly apologized. Group drummer, Nathan, who happens to be Caleb's brother, later expressed concern that they might "never be allowed back in St Andrews". The St Andrews Links Trust, for their part, seemed totally unaware of the incident.

I'm just wondering why the Kings couldn't at least make it to the Castle Course.

Awesome Autumn Golf - Pound Ridge Country Club

This past weekend I did more than just mull about at the gates of Morefar.

I actually had a much more... satisfying... experience on Sunday at the gorgeous new Pound Ridge Country Club.
,
It was just a familiarization visit... I toured the grounds, met the staff and had a Bloody Mary on the terrace... but I'll definitely be playing this magnificent new Pete Dye design sometime in October.
















Pound Ridge Golf Course is located about an hour north of Manhattan (and only 15 minutes from my house). The thrilling layout meanders through forests that open onto rolling meadows. Changing elevations, outcropping rock formations, wetlands and water hazards are all incorporated artfully, and with the onset of Autumn the course will be dappled with the beautiful burnished foliage this area is known for. Such is the genius of Pete Dye.

Yes, it's expensive. The greens fees are $235, including cart and use of the awesome practice facilities. I've got to admit, before I saw it I was sceptical. Now, not so much. In fact, not at all. Pound Ridge golf course is world class and well worth a premium.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this challenging course plays for a high handicap girl like me. Happily, from what I could see, the multiple tee locations should provide an enjoyable experience for all abilities levels. Even mine.
Sterios

Golf Girl Country Club now open on Cocktail Match

To heck with the economic downturn, I just opened a bar.

And better yet... it's a Champagne bar... but beer drinkers are welcome too, so are scotch, vodka and tequilla fans. In fact, no matter what your beverage of choice, Golf Girl Country Club welcomes you.

And where are we located you're probably asking? Well, GGCC is a virtual bar, a VBAR, and it's located on the awesome new social networking site, Cocktail Match.

The concept is compelling: it's a social site, for dating or networking or just hanging out... and the social lubricant (so to speak), is whatever you're serving up.

To join up, you create your own VBAR with your choice of spirts and decor and music. You can post blogs...photos and videos too. You're also encouraged to exchange cocktail recipes. Then you invite... and get invited and build up a network. It's more more engaging than facebook and less sophmoric than MySpace and there are already a couple golfers tending bar

The site is up and running, but it's important to know that a who slew of improvements and upgrades are in the works so its only going to get better. So head over to Cocktail Match open a VBAR. Then stop by Golf Girl Country Club.

The first drink is on me.

Mysterious Morefar - A Questionable Golf Course

Fall began today... at 11:00am ET to be exact.

Here in Southwestern CT, the past week has been appropriately blustery... and tinged with the burnished colors of late September.

It's been rather a sobering week, for anyone who listens to financial news. Sobering, as in, "the entire world economy has been brought to its knees and is on the verge of a collapse that will plunge us into something worse than the great depression". Other than that, things are pretty good, I guess... the Ryder Cup was great golf, that's for sure.

The world's current economic woes, and what they imply for the future of golf... in this country, and particularly in my area where so many lives are tied to Wall Street and high finance... got me to thinking about Morefar.

Only 10 minutes from my house, on a winding, deep-woods, back road, just over the NY/CT border, is Morefar-Back o'Beyond, arguably the most mysterious, private and cloistered golf course in the world. You've probably never heard of Morefar... and that would be by design. Among avid golfers who have heard of it, Morefar is indeed a mystery. With an exquisite sculpture garden spread artfully across the the course, part of its mystique is that it's extraordinarily tough to even approach. I know something about that because on Saturday, I tried.

For decades, Morefar was under the control of AIG, the embattled insurance giant currently receiving an $85 billion loan from the federal government funded by the American taxpayers. This after being brought to the brink by years of questionable accounting practices and "edge-of-the-envelope risk-taking". It is said that AIG's atmosphere of greed and ruthlessness was established during the reign of the reputedly Machiavellian Maurice Greenberg. who now controls... Morefar.

It occurred to me, that if I as a taxpayer was going to be paying for years of Mr. Greenberg's self motivated manipulations, I should at least be able to see the course with its delightful collection of artfully placed sculptures. So I coaxed a reluctant Nick into taking me down that woodsy road past the little revolutionary war cemetery, to the stone gates of Morefar, Back o'Beyond. It looked ominous but alluring, Nick wanted to turn back. But I begged him to press on, so we drove up the narrow shaded drive past cottage-like out buildings, till we came to a cart shed on the crest of a hill. A bit further on through a boarder of small trees and flowering shrubs, I glimpsed a pristine sun-dappled section of fairway.

Just then, in the rear view mirror I spotted a man in a golf cart making his way rapidly towards us. Nick nervously lowered the window, and I feigned naivete, politely asking, "We've heard so much about this course... is there any possibility of...um... playing here?"

The nondescript man answered coldly, "There's no way that can happen and you've got to leave here right now".

"Would it be possible for me to take a photograph or two?" I ventured, again playing it naive.

"We expect our privacy to be respected", he responded with an icy stare...at which point Nick rolled up the window and quickly turned back down the drive towards the stone entrance gate. Nick has no stomach for confrontation... and almost refused to take the photo above, at Morefar's gate. He didn't even take the time to focus.

I'm not done, however. Now I'm determined to find a way to get into Morefar. I'll just have to leave the whimp Nick behind. If any one's played Morefar, or knows a way to get in, let me know. If not I may have to try something clandestine. Well, tough times call for tough measures.

Sterios

Reference: "Exclusive Morefar Is Far More Mysterious Than Most Golf Links", WSJ, April 2005

Dolphins Attack, Pats Lose & US Wins the Ryder Cup

For the first time this century, the Ryder Cup is in US hands. With a final score of USA 16 ½, Europe 11 ½, Azinger's red shirted wonders took back the coveted cup in Louisville a few hours ago. Anthony Kim "played awesome", Boo Weekly continuously stoked the crowd and... on the other side... Ian Poulter may have finally silenced his critics.

Then there were the darker outcomes. Nick Faldo has some questionable decisions to answer for, but knowing Nick Faldo, he'll land firmly on his feet. I know guys like Nick Faldo, and even monumental losses hardly dent their veneer. Besides, he has the controversial Poulter pick to fall back on. Phil Mickelson, the great left-hander with the perennially hot wife, was underwhelming, and ultimately remained faithful to his Ryder reputation. And Sergio...the life blood of the European team since the start of the millennium...struggled throughout.

It was as inspired, exciting and highly charged as golf gets... however, hardly headline-worthy, it seems. News of the U.S. victory was a discreet footnote on ESPN.com this afternoon, overshadowed by the losing Patriots and the final game at Yankee Stadium.

I try not to worry about that, but I do. I know golf is a niche sport, but with the economic climate we're entering I fear support for golf may erode further, to the point where it'll revert to its exclusionary past where greens fees were unaffordable and tee times impossible to get. After enjoying the heck out of this Ryder Cup, I'm hoping I'm wrong about that.

The Saturday Sergio Sat on the Sidelines

The matches are tight this morning and, as predicted the Louisville crowd is urging action with a cacophony of cheers and...the requisite jeers. Meanwhile, one of the more popular and polarizing players sits on the sidelines.

Nick Faldo's controversial call to have Sergio Garcia... and fellow European Lee Westwood... sit out the Saturday morning matches, is still being questioned. Mr. Westwood, who was rumored have developed blisters on his hands, wanted to play... and he made that clear, declaring, "I've never missed a match. This is the Ryder Cup. I would play with my arm hanging off, a couple of blisters are not going to stop me..."

Sergio, according to Faldo, is taking antibiotics and "needs his rest". The European captain has said that his Spanish star wanted to be rested, though it didn't look that way as el nino sat sulking in a golf cart a silent observer on this chill, gray Saturday.

And the show goes on in Louisville.

Photo: Tim Sloan/Getty Images

Maverick Golf Writer William K. Wolfrum

To use a word that's been bandied about often during this turbulent political season, dashing William Wolfrum is a true maverick. And, he's one of the more the most provocative golf bloggers ever.

Whether he's covering "the humorous and obscure in news, politics and pop culture" at WorldGolf... or profiling an uber-sexy girl golf blogger on BadGolfer, his voice is unique and distinctive. And at this particular moment...at the end of a week where the American financial system has been completely reordered, due to a toxic combination of greed and negligence at the highest levels... I think it behoves us all to at least look at that which is unique and distinctive.

Mr. Wolfrum was interviewed recently by Diane Tucker of The Huffington Post. In his own inimitable way he expounds upon American presidential politics and the upcoming election. As will always be the case, some overlooked the satire and branded his remarks Anti-American. But, WKW loves America, and as an expatriate, there's nothing...in the world...he'd like more than to see it thrive. To see it be the best.I know this feeling intimately, I lived overseas for a couple/few years myself.

So check out the HuffPo interview, over the weekend, when you have a few minutes. You may not agree with it, and that's OK. But I think we're at a time when we all need to look beyond our comfort zone, at least a little bit, in order to begin to figure out how we got where we are right now.

Golf Gossip: Sexy Sergio Flying Solo at Valhalla

As play begins this morning in Louisville, my favorite golf style sleuths have already noted the current status of Sergio Garcia's frequently changing facial hair.

The look is what the French call "Mal Rasée". We'd probably call it "five 'o clock shadow meets artful stubble". Or something like that.

Mr. Garcia is arguably the most obsessed about talked about player at the 2008 Ryder Cup. Supposedly the entire America team dislikes him intensely. His staggering 8-0 record in alternate-shot matches, combined with his lingering reputation as an immature, whiny kid probably lay the foundation for the disdain, but what really amps it up is his tendency to gloat; as in "For us, there's nothing sweeter than beating the Americans." That didn't go over too well at the last Ryder Cup.

With his cocky attitude and impressive 15 points in 20 Cup matches, El Nino is definitely a polarizing presence. You loath him if he's against you but love him if he's on your side.

Which brings me to the meat of this story. There was no one by Sergio's side on the Red Carpet at the Ryder Cup Gala Dinner the other night. As other players showed off their glamorous girlfriends and winsome wives, Sergio stood alone. In 2006 the handsome Spainiard shared the Ryder Cup experience with beautiful Morgan-Leigh Norman, but that romance cooled a while back, since then Sergio seems be enjoying life as a PGA bachelor.

Well, live coverage is on right now. Let me go see how Sergio's single status is serving him on the fairways and greens of Valhalla.

A "Get-the-Lady-Buzzed & Enjoy the Ryder Cup" Game

Ok, there's no way on earth I could not reblog this. Such an omission would have been socially irresponsible.

The Ryder Cup Drinking Game is brilliantly funny. I discovered it via Heather at the engaging new blog, Real Women Golf. She's definitely on the look out for awesome golf things and she found this one through a crew of bawdy Brits (I love bawdy Brits) at Over the Line.

I don't think it needs much explaination. Suffice to say that it will undoubtedly add an element of ...intoxication debauchery fun...to the Ryder Cup weekend.

We're going to be playing it on Twitter over the next couple of days so if you're into
intoxication debauchery fun, hop onto Twitter and follow me... then click on the above graphic, print it out, and we can all play the Ryder Cup Drinking Game. Yay.

Having Fun With Golf - One Club at a Time

You know me.

When it comes to golf, my main priority is to just have fun. Unlike the majority of recreational golfers, I never, ever, ever lose sight of the fact that I'm doing it for fun. So when I heard about the Oobgolf/PSP One Club Challenge, what do you think I thought of? Yep, that's right...fun.

The rules are simple, you just play a full round, using only a single club. For every shot. Including putting. The lowest score gets a PSP golf club.

The way I look at it, this is going to be a blast! First choosing the club - then disciplining it to do what I want it to do. On every shot, from every lie and on the green. Yeah, I fully expect to see some really crazy trajectories.

I've already decided; I'll be using my 7 iron. Though far from my favorite club, I do think it's my most versatile. Nick's veering towards his 5 wood, but frankly, the whole idea is making him rather anxious, you see, he's one of those who often forgets to have fun with the game.

Anyway the contest runs for the next month so choose your weapon and play your round...then go post it at Oobgolf by October 16. And do what I always do... have fun with it!

The Awesome Adventures of Two Guys in a Golf Cart

One day two endearing guys... Michael, a guileless American and Steve, a no-nonsense Welchman... decide to take a cross-country road trip. Destination: Celtic Manor, in Newport, South Wales, site of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Oh, I forgot to mention, these guys won't be cruising in an SUV or speeding along in a sports car. Their ride for this unusual excursion is a humble golf cart.

"A Cart Across Wales" is an awesome amalgamation of photos and videos that chronicle the amazing adventures of this odd couple, as they journey though fascinating towns and breathtaking countryside towards their golf destination. It's all brought to you by travelwales.org.

The adventure is just beginning, and already I'm hooked. The guys are ultra amiable and the country is bewitchingly beautiful. So head on over to travelwales, and and I think you'll enjoy the ride. There's even a contest you can enter to win your own Wales travel adventure (golf cart, optional).

The Economy, The Beasts and The Game of Golf

As bad news pours out of Wall Street... and the so-called financial wizards finally acknowledge that they have no idea what's going on with the economy... the future health of our sport seems more vulnerable than ever.

The next couple of years, will undoubtedly bring major changes to the landscape of both recreational and professional golf, and anyone who is passionate about the game... not to mention those who make their living from the golf industry...should be
concerned and paying close attention.

As with many situations that have been described as abysmal... or grim... or even catastrophic, there could be a silver lining here. One that could arguably make golf a better game; more accessible to more people... and frankly, just more sustainable.

Bill Bales, CEO of aboutGolf offers up an analysis of the current situation as well as some solutions. What I liked most about his piece was his description of BEASTS. BEASTS being an acronym for the elements we need to slay in order to make golf more relevant. It's all laid out on BunkerShot.com so I won't regurgitate reiterate it here but I will let you know what the letters stand for: Barriers, Equipment, Access, Social, Time and Satisfaction.

I say, let's slay the beasts, and lets start right now.

Ryder Cup Fashion - The War of the Gwag Wardrobes

Apparently, the stark light of Louiville makes bright colors look silly.

Now I would never have thought of that but it seems Paul Costelloe did. He's one of the designers dressing the Euro Gwags for the 2008 Ryder Cup in Louisville KY, this week ...and he seems to know exactly what he's talking about.

Gwags (Golf Wives And Girlfriends), and what they wear, have become a big part of the pomp and pageantry of the Ryder Cup. Almost any recent Ryder Cup photo retrospective will include images of the multiple tan, shapely legs, matching patriotically hued ensembles and above all, the uniformly brilliant blondeness of the US Gwags.

I think it's fair to say that the American ladies have tended to "outshine" their European counterparts in recent years. But this year, the shiny look may not be what the world wants. Something more subtle might resonate better in this era of economic uncertainty. Such sentiments... combined with the quirky Louiville light... have led Mr. Costelloe to choose a pallet of neutrals for the Euro Gwags and an assortment of tailored pieces that each girl can mix and match as they see fit.




















So it sounds to me like our US Gwags might be in trouble if they plan to recycle the "matching hair, matching outfit Stepford Wives look" they've become known for. They're also competing without Elin Woods, who has been a key component of their collective fabulousness for the past decade.

The War of the Gwag Wardrobes is definitely going to be interesting this year, and you can be sure I'll be following this style rivalry as we head into Ryder Cup week, so stay tuned.

Photos - Top: Marc Aspland/The Times --- Above: Rebecca Naden/PA

Ryder Cup Ready at Golf Girl's Diary

Ryder Cup Week is upon us, and here at Golf Girl's Diary, the excitement is palpable.

Match Play rules change the flavor of golf, and the Ryder Cup's automatic international rivalry is particularly stimulating at our place, as we are a European and a US American living... sometimes precariously... under the same gabled Victorian roof. There will be drama, I have no doubt about that.

Beyond the match play...beyond the foursomes and fourball... there's also the fashion component. Ryder Cup fashion is huge. A fashion faux-pas is bad enough on one lone golfer, when it's splashed across an entire team it's sure to get noticed... and ridiculed in proportion.

My fashionable French roommate and I are both insisting that our own team's style savvy will win the day, and of course, we're both looking for some kind of terrible fashion foible from the other side.

As for our own Ryder Cup attire, we'll be supporting our respective teams with awesome outfits next weekend when we play at Richter Park. I'll be doing the red, white and blue thing, while my husband rival (with a bit of styling help, and a lot of pushing, from me) will display the golden stars and royal blue background of Europe. And, we've already got our awesome Ryder Cup putter grips from Golf Pride. Of course you can count on me for a digital media demonstration our patriotic looks next weekend. In the meantime, we'll be watching Valhalla for some compelling golf and succinct style statements.

Golf Glamour - The Styled to a Tee Invitational

Picture this: a links course reminiscent of the famous links courses of Ireland and Scotland; distinct water features, potbunkers and natural hazards, complemented by bent and fescue grasses. Except this course is in North America...in the shadow of New York City.

Skilled golfers will compete at The Links at Union Vale, surrounded by the brilliant mid-October foliage, not only for the chance to win the first Styled to a Tee Invitational, but also for the coveted "Best Dressed Golfer" prize. Needless to say, I'll be there... and right now I'm in the process of selecting my golf outfit and I'm torn between doing an awesome vintage look inspired by the great Diane Fishwick and an ultra edgy look composed of the Puma pieces I'm currently in love with. In any case I'm going to win this thing, not necessarily the golf part but definitely the fashion part.

If you're anywhere in the NYC area you should definitely consider joining me, and many other stylish golfers, on October 20th, in LaGrangeville, NY, for the first ever Styled to a Tee Invitational.

The Double Life of A Golf Czar Porn Star

We've all heard tales of double lives; The mild mannered office clerk who robs banks on his lunch hour... or the preppy college student who moonlights as a call girl. These stories almost always end badly once the egregious alter ego is exposed.

And so it was recently for Garth Stirrat. Mr. Stirrat had been the CEO of the New Zealand PGA for six years, and as such presided over virtually all high profile golf activity in the beautiful island country. The dashing Kiwi was frequently photographed hob-nobing with the country's elite. That is, until some ...other... photos were discovered.

In late June it was announced that Garth Sirrat was stepping down from his position with the NZ PGA. The reason for his departure, supposedly, was that he was "seeking greener pastures". No further explanation was given, and by the end of August Mr. Sirrat had secured a position as head of the New Zealand Hotel Council. And that's when it all came down.

It seems someone on the Hotel Council board was doing a bit of ...um, research... in an ultra salacious, X-rated magazine, and discovered a six page photo spread featuring the former Golf Czar in... (gasp)... a "number of different positions". The Hotel Council executive who hired Mr. Sirrat called the photo spread... "disappointing".

I've heard porn called "disappointing" before, but I think it was for different reasons.

So Garth Stirrat resigned from his Hotel Council job barely a week into it. Had he not, most feel that he would have been fired for "bringing the organisation into disrepute."

It soon came out that during the time he was with the NZ PGA, Mr. Sirrat had also made an x-rated video, using the alias Steve Parnell. (Personally I think Garth Sirrat is a much better porn star name)

So once again a double life has resulted in disaster, and as will often be the case, a confused spouse was left wondering how this could have happened. Garth Sirrat's pretty blonde wife of only several months, has said she does not believe her husband was the person in those films, however, it's been reported that her Facebook relationship status has recently been changed to "complicated".

Art inspired by "Golfing in Navel" by Allan I Teger

The Quest for the Perfect Golf Club - Win a New Driver

I like to try new things. Be it a new recipe or a new restaurant... or a new shade of lipstick, I rarely hesitate to try something if it looks good. Or even half-way good.

This is particularly true when it comes to golf gear. I'm always fascinated by the extraordinary selection of clubs and irons... wedges, putters and other accouterments that seductively promise to improve my game.

Yes, I have my current favorites, and I've been using them so long I sometimes feel like I'm married to them, but I'm not adverse to a bit of infidelity in the interest of finding a truly perfect match. Collecting equipment can be an expensive hobby though, and as such, requires a huge investment of time for research, so I jumped at the chance to win a not-even-officially-released-yet, TaylorMade r7 Limited Driver with Movable Weight Technology.

I found out about this easy-to-enter contest through a Twitter friend who's sponsoring it on his site. I say easy because all you have to do is answer four questions. If you get them right, you're automatically entered into a drawing for the seemingly awesome driver.

So if you're an open-minded, experimental, endlessly curious, golf equipment whore connoisseur like me. Head on over to Golf Views and enter.

You might just win your soul mate.

Congratulations Camilo Villegas! Sexy Spiderman Wins ...and So Does Golf.

Felicidades Sr. Villegas! Usted fue más que brillante. Ayer. En St. Louis.

OK, my Spanish isn't perfect, but I did want to give a quick shout out to the awesome Camilo Villegas, who won the BMW Championship.

Many of our sport's writers and bloggers seem to be lamenting a kind of golf malaise this morning, with downbeat stories on the continuing absence of Tiger Woods, the start of the NFL Season the LPGA's recent public relations blunder and Vijay Singh clinching the Fedex Cup but still insisting on acting like...Vijay Singh.

I happen to be looking at a different golf landscape, myself, a decidedly brighter one, and I see an ultra appealing young Latino golfer winning and his first PGA tour event and doing it in amazing style.

Without so much as a single Tiger sighting, I see a Fedex Cup that's given us some undeniably great golf, Lots of it thanks to Vijay Singh, and you know what? Vijay Singh is always going to be Vijay Singh and that's the way it should be. Vijay's aloof, pertinacious personality is part of what makes him fascinating. It wouldn't work for everyone, but it works for Vijay. He's a star, perhaps not for hypersensitive golf journos... but so what?

As for the LPGA tour and last week's debacle, they've moved on. To Mobile, AL, in fact, where The Bell Micro LPGA Classic gets underway with a Pro-Am today. The silver lining in the whole "EnglishOnlyGate" mess might be a needed reevaluation of communications strategy in an organization that has so much going for it. There's a growing global interest in women's golf, and more than ever, an ultra exciting field of stars; Cristie Kerr fresh off her Safeway Victory and Se Ri Pak, freshly inducted hall of famer... popular princess of pinkness, Paula Creamer, and the inimitable Christina Kim, both undoubtedly yearning for a win right now. With stars like these, there's no reason the LPGA shouldn't be shining. And now that a PR/communications failing has been exposed I have every hope it soon will be.

I know there'll those who say I'm being unrealistic... that golf without Tiger is nothing, the Fedex Cup is a failure, Vijay Singh is a bastard an idiot and the LPGA is a mess. So be it. My glass is more than half full of golf goodness, and for now I raise it to Camilo Villegas. Salud Señor Araña.

For an look at Camilo's story and his style, you've got to check out "Spiderman goes Wire to Wire" on Styled to a Tee.

Lacoste - Golf Goes Mod at Fashion Week

It's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the spring 2009 designer shows are on in NYC.

I've been to the New York shows before... in a past life when I was very young & decidedly more urban. Even then I found them slightly too manic and crowded and chaotic for my liking. And now that my soul has been totally suburbanized? Well, forget it... the prospect of pushing my way through tents teaming with hoards of ultra stylish skinny people is about as appealing as a warm glass of back stage champagne. Luckily however, many brave young fashion bloggers (as well as a couple of gorgeous A-list lifecasters) are down there this week ...sharing their observations generously.

This morning was Lacoste, which if you read this blog, you know is one of my favorite lines, and according to my sources, the show did not disappoint: "...the country club exploded onto the runway. Girls in checkered bikinis wheeling golf bags, boys in bright blazers, no pastels in sight. Loved it!" That's how style-savant/designer/lifecaster, Mary Rambin, described the crayon-colored collection. Mary's partner in awesomeness, Julia Allison, noted a, "golf w/racer checks meets equestrian." vibe, and captured a piece of the amazing finale in the video below.

You'll notice it's much more than crocodile encrusted polo shirts; there are so many pieces that work for golf. I love the mod, little-bit-retro, 60's feeling. And the show had golf references galore from the gloves to the shoes to the ankle socks. It's a young, hip, accessible collection that never loses touch with the traditional sporty elegance of it origins.

I have my eye on that color block dress, and a couple of the checkered shirts already. And, I'm looking forward to seeing Cristie Kerr wearing some of these amazing styles come Spring. Yes, I know I've said it before, but once again, I love Lacoste.



NY Fashion Week: Lacoste Finale from Julia Allison on Vimeo.

LPGA - Effective Communications, Ineffectively Communicated

It's ironic that a policy called "Effective Communications" should have been communicated so ineffectively by an organization like the LPGA.

Little more than a week after news first broke of the penalties attached to what came to be known as the "LPGA's English only" policy, those penalties have been rescinded. Today LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens issued a statement that promised, "a revised approach, absent playing penalties, by the end of 2008".

So the discussion continues, with some applauding the decision to rescind, while others suggest that criticism of the policy may have been to swift and too severe. Sadly, there's little doubt that the reputation of the LPGA has been damaged, particularly for new, occasional and international fans. I heard from dozens of these fans, loud and clear on the social networking sites, and they were stunned, confused and/or disgusted by the whole mess.

As I said in the beginning, this monumental mess, is essentially about PR & Communications...or lack thereof. Internally and externally, the Effective Communications policy seems to have been crafted and communicated ineffectively,insensitively,carelessly...at all levels, thus disenchanting not only fans, but also players, sponsors and media outlets. This is all the more frustrating because the mission of the policy was actually so positive. A win/win/win conceived to empower players, please sponsors and boost the marketability of tour ...was ultimately seen as an exclusionary, sponsor suck-up by a self interested organization. A textbook case of Public Relations mismanagement.

The silver lining of course, would be a reevaluation of PR & Communications at the LPGA, because I don't think anyone can deny that in the case of the Effective Communication's policy there was an epic fail.

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Golf Clubs 4.1. is an Undesirable Program

This is the funniest thing I've read in...like...forever. (Make sure you read the bug report too)

Photographs © Golf Girl Media

Sarah Palin Doesn't Play Golf or Have Affairs = Good VP

In the wake of Sarah Palin's nomination as John McCain's running mate, one Republican strategist seems to suggests that because the Alaska Governor neither plays golf, nor has extra marital affairs, she makes a better candidate than most men. The implication being that most men either play golf or have affairs, and both activities take up time that would be better spent on family and the VP job.

Anyway, that's what I got from this video. Check it out and see what you think. In the meantime I've got to say I kind of resent the fact that golf is being presented here as a negative; as: A) Something women hate, B) Something women don't do, C) Something that can't be combined with family/career. D) Something like having an extramarital affair.

Come on, that's not the golf I know.

Minea Blomqvist - Fab Finnish Golf Girl Wins at Home

This past weekend, in her already autumnal homeland, Minea Blomqvist battled with fellow Finn, Ursula Wikstrom, to win the Finnish Masters by one stroke.

It was by all accounts an exciting show, with both girls playing stellar golf. It was Minea's second victory on the Ladies European Tour circuit.

And...there was cause for a double celebration as Minea's cute boyfriend, golfer Roope Kakko (love those Finnish names), finished the day tied for second at the ECCO Tour championship in Denmark.

Minni, as Ms. Blomqvist is known on the LPGA tour, is friendly, warm and fun...and ultra accessible to fans and press. I took this photo of her in May at the Sybase Classic. There she was in the middle of the crowd answering questions from reporters and signing autographs for fans...all with a smile.

But don't let her sweet demeanor and innocent looks fool you. This golf girl has an edgy side as well and it really shows up when she flashes that smile. Minnea's got a diamond on one of her front teeth. How's that for a sparkly trademark.

On top of everything else, this uber blonde nordic beauty is one of the Wilhelmina 7. That's the new division of Wilhelmina Models that includes seven top LPGA players. They've got exclusive representation agreements with the agency to seek out sponsorship and endorsement opportunities. According to what I've read, the W7 includes only those women with the game, the beauty and the personality to create a major presence in women’s sports, both on and off the course.

Minea sounds like she fits that bill perfectly.

Photographs © Golf Girl Media

My Vijay Singh Story - The True Meaning of Vijay

I wrote the post below at the beginning of this year as Vijay got ready to defend his title in the Mercedes-Benz Championship. He tied for 12th there, and as the year progressed and the wins didn't happen, many were sceptical. Some doubted that Vijay Singh would ever be a force on the PGA tour again, citing his age and problematic putting. There were times in the first half of this year that Vijay seemed all but irrelevant to most of the press and many former fans. But I kept believing, and despite the missed cuts and many months without a win. I remained convinced that he's start winning again.

And he's done just that. After Vijay's win at the Deutsche Bank Championship today...his third win in the past month...the sceptics are mainly silent, some have even turned into supporters. So be it. Vijay is one of the more extraordinary players in the game's history and everyone will know this by the time his career is over. And that won't be tomorrow.

The Meaning of Vijay - January 3, 2008

Victory. That's what it means in Hindi.

And that's what I'm hoping for for Vijay Singh as he defends his title in the Mercedes-Benz Championship, which gets under way in Kapalua, Hawaii today.

He's got a new swing... Revamped is the term I've heard to describe the changes, though I doubt it's one Vijay himself would use. He's a man of few words and his words are rarely contrived.

Others have said that he's been working hard to improve his fitness. Which I found odd because I wouldn't have thought improvement was possible for this man who's always been known to train harder than anyone else...by ten.

I'm a huge fan of Vijay Singh. I find him fascinating on so many levels, from his unique origins and tumultuous trajectory through the world of professional golf, to that singular dedication that has made him one of the very best, and the youngest living person ever elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Soon though he'll turn 45 and that lends a certain urgency to the prospect of a winning year.

Golf Digest once wrote of Vijay Singh as "pro-golf's bad guy". Others have called him a "sexist oaf" and "Vijay the Villian". Vijay is definitely controversial, and I've got to admit that only adds to my fascination.

Some of my other Vijay posts:

On Aging
Vijay's Workout
The Misadventures

Photographs © Golf Girl Media