2009 Travelers Championship Impressions - Part II

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The photos in the gallery above are just an overview, but I think they capture the lighthearted vibe that was the 2009 Travelers Championship. Obviously I'm biased, but it's my favorite PGA event.

The way this tournament is put together and presented makes it an ideal event for introducing golf to a whole new swath of the population. I met numerous spectators who'd never played golf, or even watched a televised tournament. The only golfer most could name was Tiger Woods. Yet they had come... with friends or family members, or through a work invitation...and they were enjoying it.

I spent some time with a group of non-golfing wives and daughters whose men folk had gone off in pursuit of Vijay or Sergio, leaving them to take the sun and watch players approach the challenging 17th green. The hole is a beauty; a 420-yard par-4, and one of three (15 and 16 are the others) built around a large pond. 17 is ultra special though, because of the way it doglegs right... around the pond... putting water into play on both the drive and the approach shot. When I played this hole a couple of months ago I lost two balls and ended up with a...never mind...on my scorecard.

Anyway, as pairings approached, I "presented" the various golfers to my newfound entourage of non-golfing friends. I told the backstories and pointed out idiosyncrasies in swings and personal style. For example, I told them about Ryan Moore's independent, logo-shunning spirit (thank you Stephanie Wei), then expounded on Anthony Kim's brilliant Ryder Cup performance and predilection for pimped-out belt buckles. As Boo Weekley approached, I told the gathered girls how popular he was, and how he had won so many hearts (and offended a few Europeans) with his spirited play at the Ryder Cup, so they were quite surprised to hear the loud chorus of Boos that greeted hims as he went by. "There must be a lot of Europeans in the crowd," one gal mused. I quickly explained the Boo/Booing connection. Everyone laughed. Then one young spectator asked her mom if they could "go follow Ryan Moore... because he's really, you know, hot."

The thing is, if you're a golf blogger or a golf blog reader, you're considered a hardcore fan...like me. Spending time at the Travelers Championship - and talking to spectators there - made me realize that we're in a great position to "promote" the fascinating, amazingly talented players who aren't Tiger Woods. Casual golf fans often don't bother to watch tournaments when Sir Eldrick is absent. Not to mention the non-golfers who don't watch golf, period. I feel that if they were made more aware of who the players are... and what they're all about, it would go a long way towards growing the sport's fan base. And I'm not the only one who believes this. Richard Smith wrote a perceptive and elegant piece about it yesterday in his A Lesson Learned column for PGA.com.

The Travelers Championship, like so many golf events, is above all, about charity. 100 percent of net proceeds from this event go to Connecticut charities, primarily The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which serves children suffering from serious diseases, and the Greater Hartford Jaycees Foundation, a leadership development and community service organization. Notably, on the final day of the 2009 tournament, the Travelers Foundation announced an additional gift that brings the total charitable contribution to $1,080,000.

So there you have it, my reflections on the 2009 Travelers Championship. And as you can imagine, I'm already looking forward to 2010.

2009 Travelers Championship Impressions - Part I

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The 2009 Travelers Championship is in the books and the PGA Tour has packed up and headed south. Today I'll be sharing my impressions in a couple of quick posts.

As a CT native and resident, The Travelers is special to me. It's our state's biggest sporting event and I feel a connection to it that goes back to my childhood when, even as a non-golfer, one week of each summer was subliminally colored by the CT PGA tournament.

This year at TPC River Highlands, the dominant colors were a leaden gray... prominently featured in the cloud-covered sky... and the jungle green of lush vegetation. It's been an extremely rainy June here, and play was interrupted a couple of times when thunder rolled in and the skies opened up.

But most of each day was spared. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday actually saw substantial sunshine and the mood seemed to remain upbeat regardless of the wet conditions. I'd even venture to say that the damp conditions and resulting softer course made the golf more entertaining for the spectators, as a barrage of birdies provoked continual cheers.
The galleries were clearly content when the ultra-affable Kenny Perry came out on top. His final round 22-under not only set a tournament record, but was one of the best scores in PGA Tour history... and his four-day total of 258 was the fourth-best score in tour history. I never understood Mr. Perry's appeal before, but I do now. His warmth really resonates in person. I'm a newly minted fan.

There was the inevitable scuttlebutt in the media center about the course being too easy. However, many of the players were quick to point out that this is simply a different kind of challenge...one where shot-making skills are tested and consistency is crucial.

In the post-tournament press conference runner-up David Toms, who finished at 19-under in a tie with Paul Goydos, put it this way, “If you look at years past when it got firm and fast with a breeze, the scores weren’t as low as they were this week. I love to play here, and I think that’s why they get a good field. Everybody likes to play here. Bombers like to play it, the short-hitters like to play it. I think it’s a golf course that anyone can do well on.”

I'm quite certain most who were watching in Cromwell agreed. Look for additional observations on the Travelers Championship, along with my tournament photo gallery, later today.

A Stellar Sunday at the 2009 Travelers Championship

The 18th at TPC River Highlands. Most definitely qualifies as an awesome finishing hole...and Kenny Perry prevails.

I'm hitting the road now - will post from home later tonight.

Travelers Championship - Final Round in Cromwell

With five birdies on the back nine, Paul Goydos grabbed the lead from Kenny Perry yesterday in the third round of the Travelers Championship. We're heading up to Cromwell now to catch the final round...and to have a final Travelers Championshake as special Ben & Jerry's concoction that we've become slightly addicted to.

If you're in the area, head over to TPC River Highlands for some exciting golf and lots of fun activities.

I'll be back with my full recap later today.

An Awesome Day at the Travelers Championship

Scores, highlights and salacious fascinating details to follow.

Have Fun With YouTube at the Travelers Championship

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If you're at the Travelers Championship this weekend make sure you stop and say hello to the kids at YouTube. They're fun and friendly, and they've got lots of great stuff going on at their booth. Including...Nintendo Wii tournaments, games and t-shirt giveaways. You can even make your own What's Important to Me message and they'll film and post it. On YouTube.



OK, our response probably should have been family or friends... or husbands. Oh well, we're blaming our off-beat answers on...a tad bit too much barley soda our crazy senses of humor.

Today, as you may have heard, the afternoon sun turned the air steamy. Which was not that big a problem till about 4:30... when it precipitated the menacing thunderstorms that cleared the course and ultimately halted play. Play for round two will resume at 8:00AM tomorrow with Kenny Perry holding a two stroke lead.

Hope to see you there.

Ryan Moore: Trucking at the Travelers Championship

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“That guy is a golfer? He looks like a truck driver!”

According to sprightly golf scribe Stephanie Wei, that's how some US Open inebriates reacted to the earthy appearance of PGA player Ryan Moore last week.

Well you know what? He does look kind of like a truck driver... a really cute, friendly truck driver who happens to be an astoundingly excellent golfer in his spare time.

After a remarkable T10 finish at Bethpage, Mr. Moore has been having a terrific Travelers. He followed his opening 66 with a 5-under-par 65 in the second round today. He currently stands just behind the aforementioned Mr. Perry on the leader board.

Stephanie writes about Ryan's independent spirit and how it's led to his logo-less, casual style. She also ventured to predict a possible Ryan Moore win at the Travelers this weekend...and it definitely looks like the intrepid trucker is headed in that direction.




















Argyle + an 18 wheeler = Awesome!

Photos: Golf Girl Media❀

Travelers Championship - Great Golf & Much More

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Only nine putts on the front nine? Kenny Perry impressed everyone with that little... accomplishment. The end result of Mr. Perry's efforts: a bogey-free 9-under 61... and a two-stroke lead... in round one of the 2009 Travelers Championship.




















Here he is on the 18th about to finish his winning round. The round included nine birdies BTW. Bravo Kenneth, to say the least. And yes, Mr. Perry radiates friendliness and generosity.

The 18th at TPC River Highlands is a wonderful place to watch golf. A natural amphitheater, the hills on both sides of the green provide the perfect perspective.

In addition to compelling PGA competition, the Travelers Championship provides exciting entertainment options for everyone. The Fan Zone is stellar, with a rock climbing wall, mini-golf and a wine tasting tent. An awesome crew from YouTube is there making spontaneous videos with spectators and Buick has cars, games and contests.














Yesterday was Women's Day an entire day of activities that included a fashion show, golf clinic and much more.

Look for an additional posts on that...and other Traveler's tales... later today. For now, I've got to get back to the action on course. BTW my Tap-in Twin, Cat, will be back on the scene with me tomorrow to assist with the reporting. Makes it much more fun. Catch you later.

Photos: Golf Girl Media❀

The Travelers Championship - First Round

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Perfect weather... a beautiful venue... lots of entertainment. The Travelers Championship.

A number of interesting style statements too.

I'm still in the Media Center at TPC River Highlands, thus will continue this post later.















BTW, the practice green is a great place... to chill.

Photos: Golf Girl Media❀

Travelers Championship - CT Golf Takes Center Stage

The first round of the 2009 Traveler's Championship is just a couple of hours off.

The newly famous Ricky Barnes is in the house...um...in town, that is. He'll be teeing off at 7:21 with CT native J.J. Henry...a past winner at TPC Highlands... and Corey Pavin.

About a half hour later comes the prodigious pairing of Anthony Kim... making his Travelers debut... Sergio Garcia...2nd appearance... and recent winner Brian Gay. Defending champion (and Twitter Star) Stewart Cink has a 7:53 tee time. And that's just the morning.

The afternoon will has some awesome pairings as well, including the 1:03 ensemble of newly crowned US Open champion Lucas Glover. He'll play with Chad Campbell and my favorite-golfer-of-all-time, Vijay Singh.

The weather is meant to be hot and steamy. Which is fine with me...though perhaps not so fine with the golfers.

Oh, and tomorrow is the inaugural Travelers Championship Women’s Day, which is a full day geared towards women. I have a number of new golfer friends who are attending and I'll be bringing you highlights; special clinics, a women's golf expo...I hear there'll even be a wine tasting. I'll definitely bring you that story.

And...$10 of each ticket sold for Travelers Championship Women’s Day will benefit the Aurora Foundation for Women & Girls.

My goal is to Twitter regularly about everything that's going on... though I warn you, I'm easily distracted. I may frequently occasionally forget about my Twitter duties.

After all, my name isn't @IanJamesPoulter.

Photo of Vijay Singh: Golf Girl Media❀

Titans at the Tee - A New Kind of Golf Event

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The sky was low and steely gray at Lake of Isles Golf Course yesterday. Periodically, a chill gust of wind would buffet the first tee... and the stadium seats that surrounded it. Spectators shivered. The lush vegetation that spread forth from the tee box was an intimidating tangle, and the leafy beech and cottonwood trees hugging the fairway were emboldened by a month of steady rain.

Ok... It was clearly not the typical setting for a long drive competition, but then this was not your typical long drive competition. Not... if you'll pardon the pun... by a long shot. It was, BIG SHOTS - TITANS AT THE TEE, and I was at that beautiful course in Ledyard, CT for the competition.

In addition to an undulating Rees Jones design that forced precision as well as length, other idiosyncrasies of this particular power golf contest were the team format...one champion power-hitter and one celebrity per team...and the fact that it's a television event. The show will air on the FOX Network this fall following NFL on FOX coverage.

The Long Drivers were the world's best: Pat Dempsey, Sean "The Beast" Fister, Scott Ionno, Danny Luirette, J.D. Murkerson, Brooks Baldwin, Allen McDougall and Jason Witczak. In addition to their prodigious power and skill these guys are fascinating personalities with some amazing stories to tell. A number of these guys are on Twitter too, so be sure to check them out there.

The celebrities included Hall-of-Famers and legendary athletes. Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Jim Rice, Joe Theismann, "Goose" Gossage and Jim McMahon were there, as was Lawrence Taylor who was ribbed incessantly about his short stint on "Dancing with the Stars". Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner was there too and he was of course asked how he's "Keeping up with the Kardashians" these days. Then there was Oscar nominated actor Mark Wahlberg whose presence provoked more than a few long-drive Dirk Diggler jokes.

I won't tell you how it all turned out but suffice to say that sports marketer John Mamoudis, and his HorsePower Tee Shot Tour, have put together an extremely entertaining event that'll appeal to golfers and non-golfers alike. Find out more and keep posted on The HorsePower Tour's website. And yes...they're on Twitter too.



Photos & Animoto Video: Golf Girl Media❀

From the US Open to the Titans at the Tee ... Party

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I love that golf can be enjoyed in so many different ways.

This past weekend on Long Island, it was golf as an exacting battle, fought over several days on a long, grueling track cultivated to confound its competitors. Though the 2009 Open will undoubtedly be remembered for rain, mud and missed opportunities rather than legendary golf, it was amazing to watch.

This evening I'm up in Northern CT at a very different kind of golf competition. It's a a team-based long drive tournament, "Big Shots - Titans at the Tee", that will air this fall on FOX. The competition tees off tomorrow at the awesome Lake of Isles golf course at Foxwoods Casino Resort in Ledyard, CT. I'm looking forward to watching what these amazing power hitters...and the celebrity athletes they'll be paired with... can do.



I'll tell you all about it tomorrow but here's a short clip taken at the party tonight. You may recognize some of the stars.

Photos & Animoto Video: Golf Girl Media❀

My Winning Weekend at the 2009 US Open

I realize the weekend at Bethpage must have seemed downright chaotic to anyone watching from afar.

The meteorologic uncertainty, the delays and suspended play ... the mud. However I was there throughout, and considering all that nature has wrought on Long Island over the past several days, I'd say the scene has remained downright... convivial.

Precipitation has been continual, and the ground is saturated, but as I made my way across the sprawling course yesterday the worst I witnessed were a few umbrella jabs and a couple of muddy tumbles. As Wallace Matthews pointed out, writing for Newsday, "No one got hurt and no one got arrested." The predicted "heckling fans" were there. Rain soaked and beer soaked they were few in number, but hard to miss if you found yourself next to them in the stands or on the sidelines.














I reluctantly left the water-logged park at about four today as I needed to be back in CT for an ill-timed a dinner party.

In fact however, during the three strange days I'd spent at Bethpage, I'd seen much of what I'd come to see. Not under the circumstances I'd imagined, but under the circumstances that happened to present themselves... here on Long Island in 2009.

I've got quite a few photos and stories that I'll be sharing with you during the coming days. By tomorrow at this time there'll be a Champion, and we'll be looking forward to upcoming tournaments. However I certainly won't forget Bethpage in 2009.

Friday Is a Dream Day at the US Open

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Chi Chi Rodriguez and Raymond Floyd spent time at the Lexus hospitality tent, signing autographs, chatting with fans...and enjoying the golf. The day turned out to be beautiful, perfect for watching golfers attack the the 15th hole.















I finally came to understand the appeal of Lefty. The way he interacted with the spectators was amazing and a pleasure to observe.















Oh Canada, Mike Weir did really well today, coming within one stroke of matching the best round ever in any of golf's major championships with his 64.















Fashion-wise...Stripes for men. They were all over... in lots of great color patterns. I pretty sure Tiger's recent appearances in multi-color has something to do with it. Personally I love the look. Yes absolutely. Stripes.

An Aesthetically Appealing Golf Video

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This Macho Mash-up of epic proportions was lovingly crafted by Heather Jones of the excellent site, Real Women Golf. It stars a provocative pairing that never made it onto the course today: Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott and Camilo Villegas.

I'll be heading out to Bethpage tomorrow, and hope to see them in action. (currently attempting to find a pair of mud-resistant stilettos)

My Really Quick 2009 US Open Pick(s)

I'm making this really quick because it's currently 1:30AM, and I'm half falling asleep. Plus play begins in just a few hours.

Let me clarify a few things first:

If Tiger wins... I'm happy. No matter where, no matter when, and no matter what the circumstances. I'm one of those people. I never actually pick Tiger to win... that would be too predictable, but I always feel great when he does. I think most people do.

I do think a Sergio win... here and now... would be awesome. His history with this venue is so tumultuous, and the fact that he's still working on his first major as he approaches age 30... well that's created an air of urgency.

That said, I do have a favorite for the 2009 US Open; my all around favorite golfer, Vijay Singh. No one's really talking about him here, but Vijay's been known to climb the leaderboard when he's been written off. Why not this time? Here's a small clip from Bethpage where Irene Eng caught up with him earlier in the week.

A Bedimpled Lexus Golf Ball Car at the US Open

The effect of golfball-style dimples on aerodynamic surfaces has been studied in countless classrooms, and pondered in product development meetings, the world over.

Golf balls are inevitably the inspiration for most such conversations, as the tiny indentations on their surface are universally accepted as key to increased speed and lift in flight. The hope has always been that a similar texture applied to a race car, plane or speedboat would equally increase velocity. In fact, over a year ago I wrote about an automotive design contest where the winning entry wore dimples.

At the US Open this week Lexus is showing off a unique, bedimpled version of it LS 460L, clearly inspired by a golf ball. The surprising story of how this one-of-a-kind car came to be is told at Lexus Enthusiast.

If you attend the US Open you don't want to miss the the Lexus Performance Drive Tent where a number of new vehicles will be on display. Personally, I have my sights set on the new IS Convertible. In Mica Matador Red. Top down, clubs in the trunk... that's how I see my future.

A Tempestuous Golfer Explained - Sergio Garcia

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For a number of reasons Sergio Garcia is huge news at this US Open.

His every move is being analyzed... by golf fans and journalists alike... all anxious to see if his 2009 experience will be as vociferous as the one he had at Bethpage in 2002. Oceans of ink have been spilled on Sergio speculation, which may or may not be to your liking.

However, whether you're a fan or not, there is one Sergio story you shouldn't miss; It's Randall Mell's piece, "An Uneasy Return", for Golf Channel. In it Mr. Mell discusses the dichotomy of Sergio Garcia and perceptively points out that in many cases, the very features that make him endearing are those that make us loathe him.

Right now I'm waiting to see how the crowd reacts when play begins on Thursday. Thus far Sergio's attitude has been humble and response to him has been reserved. One gets the impression that everyone's trying to make this work. However it seems a fragile peace, and pens are undoubtedly poised to report any discord. There will be pressure leading up to that tee time, and Sergio will certainly feel it. How he'll respond is anyone's guess, but as Randall Mell points out, in order to prevail at Bethpage this year, Sergio will need to call upon every element of his famously defiant spirit.

(Photo by Kathy Kmonicek / June 16, 2009)

Planning My Autumnal European Golf Trip

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As I look forward to getting out to Bethpage later this week to catch a little US Open golf, I'm working a number of things for later in the year. The most enjoyable of which is planning for my European business golf trip.

Well... I just found out that France is on the itinerary and the idea of autumnal golf in the French countryside is quite dreamy.

For several years at the beginning of the decade, I would travel to Paris every few months. At the time I managed marketing and communications for a French publishing company, and would usually spend a few days in meetings, and a couple of additional days strolling through the city's magical medieval streets. Sometimes I'd take a day trip outside of Paris, where enchanting little villages harbored implausibly ornate castles and cathedrals.

For most of that time I wasn't a golfer...I had never even held a club. As a history major, I was completely captivated by the Napoleonic architecture, and totally taken by the opulent old world gardens. So golf never entered my mind when I planned my trips to Paris... that is, until April of 2006.

That's when I was reluctantly introduced to the game by a couple of French colleagues, and to my surprise... I took took to golf immediately, and with my characteristic... enthusiasm.

On successive trips to France, I no longer spent hours in dark, cloistered museums or sunny sidewalk cafes, but chose instead to enjoy golf weekends with my French colleagues. We planned between our meetings selecting our course and accommodations. Often it would be a simple municipal course, occasionally we'd select an extraordinary golf resort like Dolce. It was always fun.

When my French company decided to close their US office, I was quite content to make writing and PR my full time job... and I don't regret that at all. And I've really been enjoying having my own business. However I had started missing the regular trips to Paris. So when Nick saw that he needed to go to France this fall for work and suggested we spend a long weekend in Paris, I told him I was all for it, and suggested we start planning our golf holiday now.

Le temps passe vite, n'est pas?

Photo: Daniella Hlynka on Flickr

US Open to Be Played in British Open Conditions?

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We're used to weather in the Northeastern United States...at least somewhat used to it.

We've been known to have a week of rain in June...or July. Humidity, and the ensuing thunderstorms, are quite common too. But still, we have enough good days that we tend to plan outdoor weddings and huge cookouts, without really acknowledging that the plans may have to be... altered.

The next couple of days look fine but it's looking a bit dicey beyond that. The intrepid golf writers at Newsday, whose office is just a couple minutes from the course, reminded me that 2002's US Open, held at the same venue, was a rather soggy affair as well. But we're all hoping for the best. The way we look at it, weather can always change...and golf is more interesting when the weather comes into play, that's part of the challenge.

I'm not sure I agree with the interesting part, but rain always seems to be a factor at the British Open...remember Royal Blustery Birkdale last year? Ample Argyle Sweaters and multi-colored umbrellas were the order of the tournament, even woolen skull caps were common.

We'll see what we'll be wearing this weekend. In the meantime, before I forget, Newsday.com is live blogging and posting up-to-the-minute news & feature stories... and they definitely bring an unparalleled insider's perspective.

Now I'm going on up to the attic to get out some of those winter clothes. The tiny little sundresses I planned to wear to try to impress Sergio might not be appropriate. Damn.

Golf Graphics - A Decade of US Open Logos

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Creating a logo for an event like the US Open is a formidable task.

After all, it not only commemorates a hallowed golf venue and a major athletic event, it's also what most quantifiably remains of the year's championship. Long after galleries have dispersed and the players moved on to other competitions.

The US Open logo adorns almost everything in the merchandise pavilion and will be taken home by thousands on caps and visors, golf towels and shirts...all manner of shirts.

World Golf has a bit of the back story on the logo, and on Lee Wybranski, considered one of today's top golf artists.

A Busy Couple of Weeks of Varied Golf Entertainment

The next couple of weeks will be BIG here at Golf Girl's Diary. That I can tell you. Definitively.

With the US Open followed by the Travelers Championship, and several other unique golf events in between, there'll be no shortage of stories, and the fact that so much of the action is taking place in my neighborhood (so to speak) makes it ultra-accessible and all the more special for me.

The US Open 2009

I'll be at Bethpage Black Friday through Sunday, and with some stellar partnerships in place, I hope to be able to provide a unique view of this year's US Open, from the perspective of a passionate golf fan and golf lifestyle enthusiast. Earlier in the week I'll be bringing you some off-course stories on colorful pieces of US Open history and Open-related activities and events. Newsflash I: Though I hadn't planned to be at Bethpage on Thursday, Shane Bacon just let me know I was sort of expected to be there, to cover a particularly provocative pairing, so I may need to make some last minute arrangements.

Travelers Championship

There's so much going on at the Travelers Championship this year: Michelob ULTRA 19th Hole Concert Series, Women’s Day, kids events and an awesome new on-course Fan Zone. I'm set to be at TPC River Highlands Thursday through Sunday bringing you on-the-scene coverage of all this and more. Newsflash II: I'm trying to work Wednesday into my schedule as well. With a stellar Pro-Am field that includes Luke Wilson, Joe Pesci, Aidan Quinn and Jennifer Rizzotti - a CT friend, former UConn Basketball star and University of Hartford Women's Basketball Head Coach - I think I need to be there.

CVS Caremark Charity Classic

It's an ultra-awesome event that's right there between the Open and Travelers. It takes place at Rhode Island Country Club and includes some of the shining-est golf stars. The format promises to be fun and fascinating; there'll be several co-ed teams along with the all guy teams, and the stars include Camilo Villegas, Natalie Gulbis, Boo Weekley, Morgan Pressel Anthony Kim, Julie Inkster...too many other sparklers to name. And, it's a great charity event for New England families and children in need. Local golf hero Billy Andrade co-hosts with Brad Faxon. It doesn't look like I'll be able to be on the scene but I've got several correspondents friends who will and they've promised to provide some highlights.

Shine with the Stars and Big Shots

I will be on the scene for a couple of days of celebrity golf and entertainment at Foxwoods Resort and Casino and Lake of Isles Golf Course. I'll join athletes and actors for the activities on the course and at the resort. Power players of a different sort will be there too. "Big Shots Titans At The Tee," the new Long Drive TV series for Fox Network - Prime Time, will be filming, and I'll be there for it.

See what I mean. It's going to be an exciting couple of weeks. Stay tuned for all the stories.

The Evian Masters Launches a Dazzling New Site

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The fireworks and festivities must have provided a pleasant prelude earlier this evening, to what will certainly be a fiercely exciting LPGA Championship.

Players mingled with guests at The Resident's Club at Bulle Rock, where the "Taste of Harford" dinner took place a few hours ago.

Earlier in the day several LPGA ladies pitched in to launch the tournament’s “Fill-A-Truck” drive, an initiative to provide food to families at risk for hunger in Maryland where the Championship takes place.

And...though it's still over a month (and two majors) away, today marked the launch of the Evian Masters official 2009 tournament site. And the site... is a sight to behold; with copious use of its trademark hot pink color pallet, and multi-media galore it's got a modern, high energy look that will no doubt inspire many to explore it. There's a search able database of player bios and you can leave a message for your favorite. Plus, there's a gallery full of photos from last year and years before. The Alpine venue is breathtakingly beautiful too, and is featured prominently through out.

For now, of course. I'm going to want to see what happens at Bulle Rock, but I'll definitely be a be a frequent visitor to Evian Masters it the future.

Golf Envy Comes in Many Colors ...

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...and for a very limited time, it's on sale!

This doesn't happen often, so if you've been tempted to splurge on one of Qgroove's stunning Limited Edition Cart Bags now's the time to do it.

Here's the deal: Now through Saturday, August 1st, when you buy 1 Qgroove Limited Edition Cart bag ($ 895) you'll also receive - FREE - an adorable matching Duffel Bag ($265).

To order, simply go to www.Qgroove.com, choose your favorite Cart bag design and make payment online.

Each design is limited to only 100 pieces worldwide. Each bag is handmade & comes with a unique serial number & personalized embroidered name tag. Takes typically 6-8 weeks for delivery. Therefore if you order by July 1st, you will receive your golf bag by August 15th. If you order by August 1st, you will receive it by September 15th. Both the Cart & the Stand bags will come in a stylish branded Qgroove carrying case.
...And, shipping is also Free.

I've written about my own Qgroove bag in the past. I love it, and enjoy the many colors of envy that come my way when I carry it. ...Certainly no one's going to be envying my golf scores lately.

Do I Have to Do a Post on Father's Day Golf Gifts?

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You see, my own father never played golf.

He was very athletic, but I suppose there were just too many sports competing for his attention; he played, football, basketball and baseball in high school and was voted Most Athletic in his class.

Dad was injured playing minor league baseball and ultimately became a PE teacher. He coached high school teams and was an avid cyclist as well as an enthusiastic sailor. He shared those hobbies with us growing up and we have great memories of summer days on Long Island Sound and pedaling through the pastoral Connecticut countryside. No golf, however.

Golf... I discovered and fell in love with on my own. And that was OK in the end. But when Father's Day rolls around I sometimes wish I did have a golfing dad because...I seem to find myself drawn to gifts with a golf theme.

Tiffany's always has unique and wonderful golf gifts. Elegant silver pens, key rings and money clips embellished with tiny irons and golf balls. Or a tubular sterling golf ball holder with matching tee and divot fixer. I guess you always take more pleasure in giving a gift you'd actually like to receive.

As it is, I'll probably offer Dad something practical, like the new lawn mower he's been wanting for a while. Turns out I've never had the slightest desire for a lawn mower, so I keep putting off the trip to Sears. I'll try to get there tomorrow.

Ironically, I don't think I'd ever put off a trip to Tiffany's.

My Golf Blog List & Summer Event Overload

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This Monday morning finds me hard at work in my cloistered CT suburb. As you can see from the photo above, the view from my porch office is lush and leafy... and almost impossibly green.

I'm resisting the lure of the golf course to catch up on some long neglected projects and prepare for a pile of upcoming events.

I definitely need to get my long lost golf blog link list back up. I've had a number of folks email me recently saying things like, "...just wanted to let you know I took you off my link list because you took me off yours." Often such declarations are followed by "so there" or "no hard feelings".

Mmm Ok, no hard feelings, I get it. The thing is, I never did the I'll link to you if you link to me linky-love thing. I link to what I like... and to what I feel my readers will like or find useful. Curating a good blog roll is time consuming, but the end result is a useful index of significant sites - that have been individually selected for their quality and content - from the mass of sites out there. As luck would have it, the blunder honest mistake that led to the list's demise took place early this year just after the golf-blog floodgates opened, and awesome new blogs began appearing in droves. So once I review and post my original list I'll need to hear from anyone who has, or knows of, a good golf blog.

I'm completely committed to having the basic list up by the end of this week because what follows is going to be as crazy-busy as it gets in the golf blogging world; with the US Open, the Travelers and the US Women's Open plus myriad other exciting golf events taking place one-after-the-next, I feel like I won't be able to breathe (or edit blog rolls) for the next couple of months and... I just found out I'll be heading to Europe in early September for golf and business. And I definitely want to lay out some good groundwork for that.

OK, gotta get back to work. Immediately.

The Great Gundy and The One-Eyed Golfer

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I read lots of golf blogs.

These days, a surprising number are extremely well researched and written... expertly edited and thoroughly entertaining... with content that's singularly unique and original.

One of my favorites - one that embodies all of the above characteristics, and then some - is Vince Spence's One-Eyed Golfer. A sympathetic voice and sense of history make his frequent posts a pleasure to peruse.

For example, Friday's piece on The Great Gundy. Perhaps I'm one of the few who were unaware of this champion's inspiring story, but unaware I was, and I thank Mr. Spence for enlightening me.

Definitely check out the post if you haven't, and if you're not a regular reader of One-Eyed Golfer, have a look through it... and I'm quite sure you'll soon become one.

Seema Sadekar Wears the Cutest Golf Outfits

Every time I see Seema Sadekar she's wearing something really cute.

Whether she's practicing on the range, posing in a photo studio or teeing it up at a tournament, the girl is invariably dressed in something uber-stylish.

The fact that she possesses a mysteriously exotic beauty that's seen rather infrequently (let's face it) in media portrayals of our sport makes Seema's style all the more unique and alluring.

Seema plays on the Duramed Futures Tour and she was the top money-winner last year on the Canadian Women’s Tour. She's clearly dedicated to the game, but at the same time she makes it clear she values and enjoys the fun, fashionable side of golf too. I think that's a killer combination, and one that's great for the sport.

Now if Seema's last name and distinctive looks seem familiar to you it's probably because the golf media was abuzz not long ago about Play Golf Designs and its founder...who's none other than Nisha Sadekar, Seema's sister ...and business partner.

The girls and their company got some dubious media attention recently with a Time.com article that was rather more titillating than expected. However, as serious and savvy professionals, both Seema and Nisha were able to gracefully overcome the controversy and move on.

While Nisha is back to overseeing the events and charity functions she's so well known for, Seema is playing in the Ladies Titan Tire Challenge. And I guarantee you she's wearing some awesome outfits.