Happy New Year. Here's to Some Great Golf in 2K10

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I can find fun in almost anything... really... and I did have some fun times in 2009. However, I'm more than ready to see '09 in my rear view mirror. ~ And I know I'm not alone in that sentiment.

I think it's quite fitting that we're about to begin a fresh decade - at least symbolically - and it's a great way to move on and resolve to build a new and better era.

Later today, I'll be writing about the year that was... and the year I'm looking forward to. See you then.

2009 - Best of the Year in Golf by HOG Space

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It's the that time of year again; the time when lists proliferate, "best of" lists, in particular.

You've got the conventional ones like "Best iPhone apps of 2009", and best books of 2009, etc. ~ Then there are some not-so-conventional ones that we... won't go into here.

Tony Korologos, the editor of Hooked on Golf Blog...which happens to be one of the golf world's longest running and most popular online destinations... has hand-picked "bests" in a number of categories.

You'll recognize some of Tony's choices: the TaylorMade r9 driver or the Bridgestone B330-RX golf balls for example. Then there are the companies that are newer on the scene, like Sumi-G.

Well I'm pleased (and proud and thankful) to say Golf Girl's Diary was selected as Best Golf Site for Women. With all the awesome new women's golf blogs and sites out there it's a real honor to be chosen. And 2010, with Golf Girl's Little Tartan book coming out in April and a new Golf Girl portal, promises to be Golf Girl's most exciting year ever. I look forward to sharing it all with you.

"Extremely Beautiful Golf Pro", Takemura Makoto

Japanese golf trends... and the alluring golfers who present them... always seem to catch my eye.

Takemura Makoto is one such alluring golfer. And so alluring is she that the Japanese press has labeled her “the extremely beautiful golf Pro”.

Over the past year there's been lots of buzz about a resurgence of golf in Japan. Charismatic young stars Ryo Ishikawa and Ai Miyazato definitively broke through to international audiences in 2009 with an LPGA win at the Evian Masters for Ms. Miyazato and princely performance at the President's Cup for Mr Ishikawa. The recreational game appears to be riding a new wave of popularity in Japan as well.

It seems that Japanese girls in particular, have contributed to this nascent golf boom. So much so that manufacturers are responding in droves with new products targeted to this distinctively stylish demographic.

A bit later today I'll be sharing some of my favorite Japanese-inspired golf trends here.

Update - Created a whole new post for this. That's how inspired I am.

Season's Greetings from Golf Girl's Diary ☃

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Happy Holidays everyone.

I'd hoped to bring you an awesome holiday video (inspired by Ryan Ballengee's snow angel ouvre) ...with a wintry review of my ultra-sweet SweetSpot putter... but the holidays are hectic and technology is temperamental - and my really nice niece videographer was unable to stop laughing for more than 30 seconds - so I ended up with the unedited indoor segment that's on my you tube channel but definitely not ready for prime time.

You see, FlipCams don't get along too well with Macs I hear... and this was the root of my technical difficulties. We got some awesome footage of the SweetSpot putter in action, before a gallery of snow-people, and hopefully I'll be able to find a way to post it. If not I promise I'll do another SweetSpot review.

In the meantime enjoy the ongoing holidays. I'll be around over the weekend and plan to post photos and video of our holiday party. There's going to be a putting contest with a really... interesting... prize.

A Few Scene from our video shoot.

Tiger Woods, The Molinari Brothers and The Masters

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AUGUSTA, GA - April 4, 2006 -- Defending champion Tiger Woods has been grouped with Australia's Robert Allenby and 2005 U.S. amateur champion Edoardo Molinari of Italy for the first two rounds of the Masters Tournament starting on Thursday.

World No. 1 Woods, chasing a fifth green jacket at Augusta National Golf Club, will launch his title defense at 10:23 a.m. ET.

Molinari, an engineering student from Turin who is still an amateur, became Italy's first U.S. amateur champion with a 4 & 3 win over American Dillon Dougherty at Merion Golf Club last August.

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That was then, this is now. ~ A few weeks ago, I wrote about the charismatic Molinari brothers. They'd just triumphed at the OMEGA Mission Hills World Cup, becoming the first pair of brothers... and the first Italians... ever to win the title.

As exciting and impressive as the brotherly win was however, it was overshadowed... like everything else that Thanksgiving weekend... by a more sensational golf story.

The "Tiger Woods story" eclipsed all other news, transcending golf, and definitively demonstrating the extent to which mainstream journalists are now subject to the same market demands and ratings desperation as tabloids and scandal shows.

This leaves much of the coverage for stories like the Italians' World Cup win... not to mention health care reform and Afghanistan... in the largely unedited hands of independent bloggers, citizen journalists and opinionators of varying stripes.

Word came this morning that Edoardo Molinari's fourth place finish at the South African Open yesterday had pushed him just inside the world's top 50 - thus securing him a spot beside his world number 38 brother, at the 2010 Masters. It'll be the first time in a decade brothers have played in the same Masters Tournament, however in won't be the first time these two brothers have competed on Augusta National's pristine fairways. As indicated above, Edoardo Molinari was the 2005 US amateur champion, which gave him the opportunity to play in the 2006 Masters. Little Brother Francesco was there too; in a white coverall as his brother's caddie.

Ironically, back in 2006 Edoardo and Francesco played with the very man whose story stole their world cup spotlight a few weeks ago: defending champion Tiger Woods. Edoardo described the experience with the enthusiasm of his young age. "It was really cool, and he was so nice. The most amazing experience I've ever had on a golf course..."

Cristie Kerr and Kwiat - A Brilliant Partnership

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It's a pairing that will shine on the fairways and greens of upcoming LPGA events.

Kwiat, the legendary diamond jewelry designer, has announced a partnership with golf champion Cristie Kerr... and the creation of a new collection that will support the golfer's foundation, Birdies for Breast Cancer.

Kwiat has been designing distinctive diamond jewelry For over a hundred years, and their jewels are frequently worn by celebrities and stars who love their dramatically contemporary but brilliantly classic styling.

As part of this unique partnership - which launches today with the start of the Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge at Rio Secco Golf Club in Las Vegas - The new Birdies for Breast Cancer Collection has been created. It's inspired by Kwiat's Signature Platinum Star, and includes a pair of delicate, diamond-drop earrings as well as a pendant of the same design. Both pieces are set in 18-carat pink gold and accented with a pink sapphire to represent The Birdies for Breast Cancer cause.

The collection will debut in January 2010 with a launch event at Kwiat's Madison Avenue flagship boutique and from there it will be made available at Kwiat Las Vegas, as well as all other Kwiat retailers nationwide... And since the Kwiat family shares Ms. Kerr's commitment to breast cancer research and awareness, 10% of all proceeds will directly benefit Birdies for Breast Cancer.

Rain Delay at Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic

The global group of young golfers in the ages 7 and 13 age group learned first-hand what a weather delay looked like when treacherous weather conditions forced officials to cancel play on Friday at the Doral Publix Junior Golf Classic.

Heavy rains fell throughout the late morning, forcing bringing the first round to a halt. There will be a condensed one-round tournament for all golfers in that age group on Saturday.

The Birdie sisters are among those are looking forward to get the rain delayed round underway. Wish them luck.

The Birdie Sisters Get Ready to Meet Global Golfers

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Just over a month ago I told you about the uber-talented Birdie Sisters.

At that point Erica and Myah Jackson had just been accepted into the prestigious Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic, and were looking forward to the challenge of playing with over 680 young golfers ...from almost every country in the world.

Well, time flew by, and the exciting international event is set to begin on Friday at the Doral Golf Resort in Miami. That day all golfers 13-and-under (the girls are 11 and 9) will tee off at 7:30 am to play 36 holes. For the older golfers, play starts on Monday, for 54 holes.

In addition to the tournament, there are a couple of awesome activities planned including a show with Dennis Walters, the inspiring motivational speaker and trick shot artist, and a clinic with the world renowned Jim McLean who's worked with such top PGA and LPGA golfers as Sergio Garcia and Cristie Kerr.

The experience is sure to be memorable and guess what? ...Erica and Myah are going to try provide Twitter updates! You can follow them at: @EricaMyah. You may also wish to follow the tournament @doralpublixjr and @firstteemiami who puts it all together.

I'll be writing more about the Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic, the history of the event and past winners, as the tournament gets underway. Last year's winners came from France, Belgium, Denmark and Japan. How's that for Global? And it's exciting to think that some of these young players may well be representing their countries in the 2016 Olympic Games.

This weekend in Miami however, I know I'll be pulling for a couple of beautiful Birdie Sisters from the U S of A.

Justin Timberlake - The Passionate Golf Perfectionist

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You may remember my post back in July about the opening of singer Justin Timberlake's eco-friendly, state-of-the-art Mirimichi golf course.

The Memphis-area course was the first in the country to be certified as a “classic sanctuary” by Audubon International and came to fruition because of the pop star's passion for golf, and life-long connection to the area. Mr. Timberlake and his family spent $16 million renovating Big Creek Golf Course - where he played as a child - to create it.

The summer and fall season were busy and the course received "warm" reviews but - ever the perfectionist - Justin has decided to close Mirimichi from Jan. 15 to July 17 in order to bring its greens, bunkers and drainage systems up to "world class" standards because he feels "the Memphis community deserves the best now". Originally improvements were planned to take place gradually over three years.

The goal of the January-through-July renovation... which will include a state-of-the-art Callaway Performance Center... is a championship caliber golf course where the pop-star-golf-perfectionist hopes to host a major event by 2020.

Most agree that this is a perilous time to make a major investment in golf and I really admire Justin Timberlake's commitment to the game, and his desire to do it right. To me the so-called "sexyback singer" is one of today's leading golf heroes.

Golf Girls Get Around - LET's Intrepid 2010 Schedule

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The Ladies European Tour unveiled their 2010 Schedule yesterday, revealing a calender that can best be described as "Around the World in 27 tournaments."

I say that because the 27 events on the LET's 2010 list encompass an amazing 20 different countries. And these are countries as culturally distinct as they are distant from each other.

The Tour's Executive Director, Alexandra Armas, announced the 2010 schedule yesterday, pointing to four new stops - New Zealand, Morocco, Slovakia and China - as well as the return events in Turkey and Scotland. These stops were on a hiatus for the 2009 season, which saw 23 tournaments in 18 countries.

Ms. Armas spoke of a massive interest in hosting a Ladies European Tour event, despite the challenges of today's financial climate, and thanked partners and sponsors for their continued commitment to the LET, and to women's golf. She also acknowledged the players for their efforts in making each tournament memorable, exciting and unique.

I'll be working on two projects in Europe in 2010 and look forward to writing about these tournaments, their unique venues and the people who make them happen.

Ladies European Tour 2010 schedule

Golf Passion - Simple Elegance in Silver & Gold

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All women love jewelry. I suspect it's something in the female DNA... a jewelry gene or something.

Of course there are gals who are loath to admit this... preferring (for some reason) to cultivate a low maintenance image. But the truth always comes out in the end.

A friend I play golf with claims she's "not a jewelry person", but guess what? She is. She may not have a big box brimming with shiny, sparkly baubles, like I do but the lady clearly covets her classic pieces, and while we were playing the season's final round together a few weeks ago, I found her overtly obsessing over my jewelry. And that didn't surprise me at all because I was wearing my Golf Passion necklace, a beautifully simple piece that features a sterling silver golf ball on an oval link chain, set with cubic zirconia embellishments. I wore the matching earrings as well and by the time we reached the 19th hole she had perused the entire Golf Passion collection on her BlackBerry and was ready to place an order. She also had several pieces in mind for next year's league favors and tournament prizes. Which made me very glad she was on that committee.

The classic collection of bracelets, necklaces and earings - 58 different pieces - is available in sterling silver or 24 Kt gold plated. In addition, Golf Passion, has a new LPGA collection of officially licensed pendants, earrings, lapel pins and belts that'll give fans a fun way to show their support in the upcoming season.

Golf Passion by Alfredo is a high quality, timeless jewelry line designed and manufactured in Correggio, Italy and inspired by passion for golf. It's ultra-easy to order at the Golf Passion website too. Golf Girls everywhere will enjoy wearing these designs on and off the course... dressed up or dressed down.

I know I'll be adding to my collection regularly.

Sizzling Spaniard Pablo Martin Leads Race to Dubai

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OK, so the race just got underway, but Spain's Pablo Martin won the first leg, and made some history while he was at it.

A 3-under 69, one-stroke victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday made the former Oklahoma State star the first player to win on the European tour as both an amateur and professional. In 2007 Mr. Martin's amateur win came at the 2007 Estoril Open de Portugal.

Bordering the world famous Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek Golf Club in Malalane, South Africa, was the exotic setting for this tournament which became something of a nail-biter as South African Charles Schwartzel birdied four of his final five holes to finish just one stroke back.

The island green at the 18th claimed a number of victims, including Ernie Els for whom this became his first year since 1991 without a win. It was Pablo Martin's caddie who convinced him to lay up on that tricky final hole, which was ultimately a wise decision.

As winner of this first event in the 2010 Race to Dubai the 23-year-old Martin certainly starts his season in style.

OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters - The Looks & Such

So first of all, for an astute recap of Friday's on-course action, head over to Mostly Harmless. ~ With their unique insight, they break it down and make it simple.

You'll also want to spend some time at the Dubai Ladies Masters website and check out the Interviews. I don't know what it is about them... the questions, the way they're transcribed...but whatever it is, they're good. And the Photo Gallery ! That's where I got the shots below, but there are tons more... awesome ones... including lots of fun pics of the noncompetitive events and activities that are part of this great tournament.

Here are a few of the things I liked... or didn't like. Some things I found funny, interesting, whimsical or amazing:




















Paula Marti's PUMA outfit. Black + fuchsia = awesome. Extra points for a killer body.




















I also like France's Anne-Lise Caudal in this Lacoste look. Same kind of color combination but totally different effect.






















This outfit raised quite a few... well, eyebrows among other things... and I've got to say I can see why. It really does push the proverbial skimpiness envelope. And Melissa Reid is a beautiful girl, but lately I think she could use a triple cheeseburger... or three.
















OK, what can you say about Michelle Wie? That she always looks amazingly perfect in those Nike outfits? Well that's what I say anyway... every time I see her.
















And no one... anywhere... owns a look the way Christina Kim does hers. The thing is, though the basic elements remain consistent, the way she changes it up with color, it always looks totally new and exciting. As if her personality wasn't exciting enough.



















On the accessories front, I was impressed by Breanne Loucks' kickin putter cover, and the volunteer who wore a visor over his turban... which is a perfect example of the kind of look that's so uncool it's cool.




















And in Dubai, everything takes place against a surreal, skyscraper-studded background.

The final round starts in just a couple of hours.

Sassy Golf Glove - The Perfect Last Minute Gift

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Sassy ♬ sās'ē adj.
Etymology: alteration of saucy
1: lively, spirited
2: distinctively smart and stylish
3: impudent

If you've got any Golf Girls on your list who fit that description, you're in luck, because you've just found the perfect gift for her: A Sassy Golf Glove. ~ And in addition to being ultra-cute and one-of-a-kind original it's something you know she'll use... again and again.

There are lots of styles to choose from, every one handmade and embellished with distinctive charms. They arrive in a silvery drawstring gift bag, all ready for holiday gifting.

Sassy Gloves are a snap to order too. Each one is clearly displayed on the Sassy Golf website. And, if you can't decide which one to get for your sassy girl... you can pick up a PayPal gift certificate... right there on the site. There's is still time, but you'll want to act fast to ensure Christmas delivery ...Oh and there's free shipping if you order two or more, so head on over to the Sassy Golf Site and shop for all the Sassy Golf Girls on your list.

Dubai Update - In Kyung Kim and Michelle Wie

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Today in Dubai, I.K. was more than just OK.

She turned in a bogey-free 7-under 65 to equal the Majalis course record on the second day of the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters at the Emirates Golf Club. The stellar South Korean, who won the State Farm Classic in June, said she felt club selection had been key to her sizzling round and acknowledged her caddy, Terry McNamara, who definitely knows his way around in Dubai. He was with Annika Sorenstam when she won this event in 2006 and 2007.

Just two shots back, alone in second place, is Michelle Wie who carded a 68 to follow up her opening 69.

I guess you could say the Stanford student has been multi-tasking this week... studying for finals while playing golf, sightseeing and attending gala events in Dubai... well, she was in a celebratory mood today after finding out she'd aced one of her exams.

And speaking of aces, Spain's Tania Elosegui used a seven iron to ace the 160-yard, par-3, seventh today. That helped put her in a tie with Amy Young of South Korea for third place.

Christina Kim, who shot 70 today in an awesome lime green outfit, is currently in a tie for 19th.

The ladies are currently at the half-way mark as the tournament finishes Saturday Meaning...much more to come.

High in Dubai - Michelle Wie With Mom & Dad

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The viewing area was almost a half mile high, on the world's tallest building.

Yesterday the view was somewhat clouded by a sandstorm swirling many stories below, but despite her fear of heights, Michelle Wie gamely stepped up to the specially constructed tee and became the first golfer to launch a drive from the 124th floor of the Burj Dubai.

She later celebrated with her parents B.J. and Bo.

The family appears to be having a great time in the Arabian Gulf as they get ready for Michelle to tee off with a stellar field of women golfers at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. They're not the only ones loving it either. Christina Kim is in Dubai as well and she too has nothing but good things to say; about the city, the course and the warm hospitality of the people they've met.


The tournament get's under way in just a couple of hours. We'll keep you posted.

Photos: Getty Images/Swing-David Rogers, Family-David Cannon

Dubai Ladies Masters - Michelle Wie's First Birdie

Golf superstar Michelle Wie arrived in Dubai on Saturday night... and she's hardly stopped since.

She's hit the practice range, met golf dignitaries, and (with Solheim partner Christina Kim) played in the Challenge Match. She even managed to get out into the desert and bond with a beautiful falcon.

I'll have much more on the awesome Omega Ladies Dubai Masters tournament, and the activities surrounding it, tomorrow.

Photo: Courtesy of Golf in Dubai

Golf's Other Salacious Stories - Weekend Winners

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After a week when many golf sites became gossip sites, it was easy to forget that there was some actual golf...actually being played... In various parts of the world.

Despite the fact that this is known as the "Silly Season," some of the past week's golf news was ... quite newsworthy. Unfortunately all the lascivious headlines and TMZ-quoting blog posts made it hard to notice anything beyond the Tiger turmoil.

So I decided to "sex-up" those other golf stories a bit. If that's what it takes... it's only fair, right?

Smoldering Adam Scott won the Australian Open, which is notable for a few reasons: A. It's his first professional victory in his home country. B. It comes on the heels of a lackluster season that saw him subjected to substantial ridicule by many, and culminated in a President's Cup disaster that had some suggesting he consider a career change, and... C. His girlfriend is an uber-sexy Serbian tennis star who has been known to pose topless.

Barely legal Japanese boy-toy, Ryo Ishikawa finished 19th in the season-ending JT Cup, but still landed on top of the Japan Tour's money list and at 18 is the youngest ever to do so. He actually broke Seve Ballesteros' record - won on the European Tour 1976, at age 19 - for youngest money list leader on any of the world's major tours. He also just won the Japan Golf Tour Organization's Most Valuable Player award.






Party Hole protester Robert Allenby won the Nedbank Challenge on Sunday, beating Sweden's Henrik Stenson, a former stripper, on the third hole of a playoff at the Gary Player Country Club course.

Sexy Marianna Skarpnord seized a one-shot lead Sunday at the rain-delayed LPGA Q School Tournament. The 23-year-old Norwegian... who tends to tweet about hotel rooms... will look to protect her lead the final round today.

Update: Marianne finished tied (with American Katie Kempter) for second at 7 under. Now she's on her way to Dubai for the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.


And finally, the Chevron World Challenge was won by none other than Jim Furyk. It was his first win in over two years... and... um... Oh yes... BTW Mr. Furyk's on-course close encounter with a curvaceous, blonde, semi-nude beauty is what many remember most about his 2003 U.S. Open win.

So there they are: Some of the real golf news stories of the past week, adapted to current tastes.