Sex, Booze & Belly Putters: The Power of Paradoxical Intention

The Belly Putter Trend - Photo via PGA.com

Paradoxical Intent is wonderful technique that you've probably used before... whether you know it or not.

It's a form of mind control that seems counterintuitive at first glance because it relies on ... well... a kind of reverse psychology that you impose on yourself.

P.I. can be applied effectively in myriad situations where negative thoughts or persistent fears repeatedly surface... and result in lack of confidence and poor performance.  Does that sound like golf to you?  It does to me and, I sususpect, to many golfers... both amateur and professional... particularly where it really counts: on the putting green.

Negative thoughts, lack of confidence... both seem to play a part in the current belly putter boom on the PGA and European Tours.

When Adam Scott began transitioning to a belly putter it was about building confidence at a time when his his career seemed stymied by self-fulfilling putting insecurities.  Sergio Garcia, famous for periodic putting struggles, once called his Monza Spider a "safety net"and carried it in his bag along with his more conventional Rossa Monaco.

If the aforementioned golfers had used paradoxical intent, they may have been able to conquer their performance anxieties without reaching for the "long stick".

In a recent article on IrishTimes.com, psychologist and author, Padraig O'Morain described P.I. as a technique where you "pretend to want the thing you fear": 

"So if you have a fear of blushing you actually tell yourself before going to a party that you have every intention of blushing, so much so that you are actually going to light up the room on your own. When you do this, the fear is no longer crippling. It seems to me that this technique is based on not suppressing thoughts but allowing them and, instead, having a laugh at them."

Mr. O'Morain talks about the how technique might be applied to problematic behaviors in that can arise in various areas of our lives, including sex, substance abuse... and golf.

The Travelers Championship: An Exemplary Gift of Golf

The Travelers Championship.  Here in Connecticut it's our biggest sporting event, and something we look forward to all year.

A rich history, an impeccable organization and a relaxed, friendly vibe haved helped make it the second most attended PGA Tour event annually, behind only the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

If you live in CT you've probably already got it on your calendar, and if you're from elsewhere it's a great occasion... and an awesome time of year... to visit our lovely coastal state.  I'm mentioning this because a couple of excellent ticket packages are available right now... and either one would make a stellar holiday gift... for just about any golfer or golf fan on your list. Including yourself naturally. See you in Connecticut.

Click here to order your package now !

Cyber Monday Golf, US World Cup Win & Rory's Spirited Ladies

With the holiday season in full swing, golf deals are everywhere

It's official: as of this morning, the requisite overindulgence of Thanksgiving has been replaced by an inevitable pre-Christmas consumerism blitz.  Early estimates indicate a record 226 million shoppers hit stores and cyber shops during the four-day holiday weekend,  and today... might I remind you... is "Cyber Monday".

A quick Google search for Cyber Monday Golf... or something to that effect... will yield tons of deals, not only on equipment, accessories and apparel, but also on golf travel, greens fees gift certificates and yearly golf passes. So... it's clearly time to do some shopping for yourself the golfers in your life.

While many of us here in the US were enjoying copious amounts of Turkey and the starchy side dishes that accompany it, Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland were on the other side of the world, hard at work on the fairways of Mission Hills' Blackstone Course in Southern China.  Huge congratulations to these two quintessential American golf guys for on their awesome and inspiring victory.

The one time I managed to tune in to a bit event's coverage over the ultra-busy weekend, Team Ireland was a two-stroke lead midway through the final round. In the end however, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell finished T4. "We didn't have it out there" McDowell said later,  "We had no mojo - we didn't make anything. We're disappointed but this is a high-quality tournament."

Exhibitionists Caroline Wozniacki and Henri Leconte

And speaking of young Rory, could he have been just a wee bit distracted by the recent... activities... of his current and former lady friends?

Mr. McIlroy's gregarious girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki was in Bratislava, Slovakia for an an exhibition match that turned out to be quite...um.... exhibitionistic.  Our good friend Bangkok Bobby has the story... and the photos/videos... of what's got to have been the most exuberantly entertaining tennis exhibition ever. Ms. Wozniacki, the world's number one woman tennis player, is clearly a force to be reckoned with off the course as well.   Meanwhile, former McIlroy flame Holly Sweeny is set to appear on Irish reality/cooking show Come Dine With Me where amateur chefs and sort-of celebrities compete to see who can host the most fabulous dinner party.  Here's the thing though, Holly's dinner has a rather caustic theme: "Golf Pros and Tennis Hoes". 

Not surprisingly Rors is reported to be somewhat disturbed by Holly's choice of this particular theme/title, but he's undoubtedly attempting to put it behind him as he heads to the Hong Kong Open and the final full-field event of the European Tour season. He's still got a shot at the Race to Dubai money prize but basically needs a win to surpass Luke Donald.

Hopefully Rory's spirited ladies will just behave for the next couple of weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving !

Global Golf - The Inaugural 2012 Iranian Amateur Open

A couple of days ago I received a message from Dylan Harris, an ultra-adventurous friend of mine who happens to run a travel company.

Based in the UK, Dylan is passionate about golf... and a number of the trips his company runs revolve around the game.  But these aren't your typical golf trips... because Lupine Travel specializes in unique destinations, the kind of places some might find... intimidating.

Earlier this year Dylan took a group to North Korea where they played in the North Korean Open.  A fun and fascinating time was had by all.  Now, the success of the North Korea tournament has inspired, Mr. Harris to plan for a new destination and a new golf event for 2012: The Inaugural 2012 Iranian Amateur Open.   Scheduled to take place at Tehran's Enghelab Golf Club over three days from the 14th to 16th  of April, and the event is open to all amateur golfers with an up-to-date verified handicap.

Here's the thing;  though there's currently only the one course in Iran, there's a well established Iranian Golf Federation and part of it's recently stated mission  is "... to popularize and develop golf among every walk of life..."  As such the game has seen a huge increase in popularity over the past several years, particularly among women, many of whom compete regularly on a local and regional level. 

So, I've wanted to visit Iran for years.  I fully understand that the relationship between US and Iranian governments is rocky... to say the least... but Lupine Travel is adept a managing travel in geopolitically sensitive areas, plus I've spoken to a number of Americans just back from Iran, and what I've heard from all has encouraged me to seriously consider taking this opportunity to be a part of the 2012 Iranian Amateur Open.  My intrepid twin sister Cat, is also hoping to make the trip.

We'll keep you posted as our plans develop.

Movember Inspiration - Noted Golf Architect or 70's Porn Star

A couple of weeks ago I told you about Noshember... the creative November beard-growing challenge. No Shave November = Noshember.

In response to that post the awesome Aussie Golfer asked, "Is that a rip-off of Movember?" - Turns out Movember is a similar movement... but with a focus on... the mustache. 

Anyone who's been watching the Presidents's Cup these last few days has seen some great golf played out on the treacherous fairways of Royal Melbourne.  Stylistically speaking, the uniforms haven't received much attention ... but there's one particular style statement does have people talking: Australian golf Geoff Ogilvy's "Movember moment".  The normally clean-shaven Aussie golfers is currently sporting a prodigious mustache.  Some like it, some loath it but it's definitely getting attention.

Personally I'm just wondering if Mr. Ogilvy was inspired by the famous golf architect or the iconic porn star.

A Naive Wife's Roadside Warning - Golf is Dirty

The Billboard                                           via BroadSheet.ie

The ambiguous admonition was emblazoned on a massive banner, which was then draped over the side of an 18 wheeler.  The truck was then parked in a field overlooking a busy section of Dublin's M50 motorway.

"GOLF IS A PASSPORT FOR A DIRTY WEEKEND AWAY WITH THE LADS. WAKE UP GIRLS... A NAIVE WIFE."

I'm guessing the ad caused a couple of traffic jams... and probably provoked a bit of squabbling  discussion when it came under the gaze of querulous commuting couples with... um... golf issues.  Because on this mobile billboard, golf was front and center... and once again being disparaged as an activity that encourages infidelity.

The "naive wife" who posted the outdoor ad may or may not have known it would jump to the web and immediately go viral, but that's just what happened earlier this month, leaving many to speculate on the author's identity.

Some were saying the message was part of a political campaign ... other's felt it was simply a marketing stunt, but in both of those cases details were scarce, and clearly the most provocative picture presented was that of the demure wife... left at home while her husband and the lads enjoy a dirty weekend in the company of attractive ParMates... taking her revenge on a billboard.

So we'll just leave it at that.

Ryo Ishikawa: Heading Down Under Alone After Weekend Ace

JIJI PRESS/AFP/Getty Images

These are certainly some... interesting... times for Ryo Ishikawa.

Over the weekend, the 20-year-old Japanese superstar recorded his second career hole-in-one and came tantalizingly close to defending his title at the Taiheiyo Masters golf championship.   In the end an untimely encounter with a water hazard on 18 resulted in a T8 finish for Ryo.

It would have been an awesome win on a number of levels.  At second on the Japan Tour money list, Ishikawa has yet to win this year, and because he'll be playing in Australia at the President's Cup this week he's got only two events left in which to claim a 2011 victory.

And speaking of Australia, remember how Ryo was going to introduce the world to his mysterious girlfriend this week in Melbourne?  Apparently that's not going to happen.  It seems the media frenzy has only gotten frothier since the girlfriend story broke... to the extent that it now includes rumors of pregnancy.  While Japan's version of the National Enquirer is no-doubt delighted with these developments this last minute change in plans seems to have been made to avoid the marauding media.

And the latest Bashful Prince buzz?  It's now all about the Ishikawa late arrival in Australia. Super-stardom does have a downside. Fortunately, Ryo Ishikawa seems capable of handling just about anything.

Professional Golfer to Wed Gorgeous Model - Ahn & Marco

Marco & Ahn Shi-Yeon                   photo via allkpop.com

She made history in 2003 when at 19 years, 1 month and 18 days she became the youngest non-American winner in LPGA tour history.

He's a Korean/Argentine model-turned-actor-turned-pop culture-personality... with a sweet smile and killer abs.

While other lady golfers battle it out in Guadalajara at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational,  Seoul Sister Ahn Shi Hyun will marry her ultra-handsome boyfriend Marco today at a wedding hall in Cheongdam-dong, which I'm told is a trendy, young Rodeo Drive-ish section of the South Korean capital.

The union of these two talented and attractive young people is clearly a marriage made in marketing heaven.  After all, In Korea women's golf is huge. So much so that it just naturally transcends into popular culture, inspiring television dramas like Birdie Buddy... based on a comic book with the same title... and video games such as the ever popular PangYa.  Though Ahn has struggled with back problems in recent years she maintains a busy playing schedule and remains a media darling.

Then there's Marco. Like Cher, Usher and Beyonce he doesn't need a last name. Though born and raised in Argentina, once he got to Korea his rise was meteoric.  He's now attained idol status. 

He was attracted to his bride... according to the PR people... because of their shared interest in sports.  And he happens to look great in argyle.  ~ Sounds like a winning couple on a multitude of levels.  안녕하세요 Congratulations Marco and Ahn.

Source

Dr. Haruhisa Handa - The Quintessential Golf Ambassador

The following is an excerpt from the recent interview I did with golf author/publisher Christina Ricci. ~ The entire interview can be found on Christina's blog, Miss Par. ~ A number of Christina's questions dealt with the increasing urgent issue of "growing the game" including this one where she asked me, "...who, in your eyes, is the quintessential Golf Ambassador? In other words, who do you feel is making that extra effort to grow the game?" I answered her, without hesitation, as follows: 

 

These days just about everyone involved with golf is aware that we need to bring new people into the game… and keep current players playing.
Many professional golfers and golf organizations are now involved in  initiatives to grow the game.  As for the quintessential Golf Ambassador, without a doubt that would have to Dr. Haruhisa Handa.

This Japanese philanthropist has been dedicated to growing the game of golf for almost 25 years. His International Sports Promotion Society has fostered partnerships with golf’s governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level, advising professional tours, supporting their charitable efforts and sponsoring tournaments.

Dr. Handa is the Honorary Chairman of the Legends Tour and an advisor to the European Senior Tour. He’s also Chairman of the Women’s Senior Golf Association and an official Patron of Golf Australia.  In addition, Dr. Handa established the first Blind Golf Club in Japan, and is known to many there as the “Father of Blind Golf”. He serves as Honorary Chairman of the Japanese Blind Golf Association (NPO) and Honorary President of the International Blind Golf Association. He relentlessly promotes blind and disabled golf.

Long before “growing the game” became a cause célèbre, this extraordinary man was supporting organizations and efforts that allow young people, those in their senior years, and people with disabilities... from various backgrounds around the world... to be involved with, and inspired by, golf.  In my eyes, Dr. Handa is clearly a Golf Ambassador without equal.

How would you have answered Christina's question? Who do you see as the quintessential Golf Ambassador?

Past posts on the awesome Dr. Handa:
The Handa Cup and Dr. Haruhisa Handa 
International Showdown by the Sea - The Handa Cup

Catching Up With the Ever-Assiduous Birdie Sisters

Erica (left) & Myah (right) with Kim Vatis of NBC 5 News Today

I cross paths with the Birdie Sisters quite regularly on Facebook and when I do I'm inevitably impressed with their accomplishments. ~ On and off the golf course, Erica & Myah Jackson excel... and they do so with dedication, energy and humor.  They're ultra-inspiring. So much so that we've covered them nearly a dozen times over the past few years right  here at Golf Girl's Diary.

2011 has been no exception.  It was a summer of great golf for both Erica... now 13... and her 11-year-old sister Myah, culminating a month ago with the IESA State Championship where the sisters were the only golfers representing the Chicago area.  Myah shot a 74 for 1st place while Erica Jackson finished in 2nd with a 79.

 And the sisters haven't signed off on 2011 quite yet. They both made the field at the Doral Publix Jr. Golf Classic where they'll be competing against some of the best young golfers in the world at Doral Golf Resort and Spa.  That takes place December 17-23.  In the meantime the gifted golf girls have been hitting the airwaves as well as the fairways, with several recent TV appearances including an interview on NBC News 5 Today.

Read all of our posts on the Birdie Sisters
Check out the Birdie Sister's Website

Momoko Ueda: Pearly Gates Golf Girl Wins Mizuno Classic

Momoko Ueda 2011 Mizuno Classic           Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images

Like other uplifting golf stories of the past weekend Momoko Ueda's emotional win at the Mizuno Classic was eclipsed by what's now known in polite circles as the "William's Flap".  Blame the golf media or the social networks... or human nature... for that, but it's the way things are these days:  bad behavior... ignorant, inflamatory outbursts and old fashioned drunken debauchery will always trump the feel-good narrative.  You don't have to be a Kardashian to know that.

For Momoko Ueda however, the weekend was about a long awaited win. Her first victory since the 2009 AXA Ladies Open and her first career win as LPGA member.  It was an emotional win that came with a 15-foot birdie putt in a playoff with China's Shanshan Feng.

"I was starting to think I'd never win again," said Ueda, who earned her LPGA Tour card victory at this same tournament in 2007.  "It's been a tough four years in America."  Rough, but worth it,  for the talented 25-year-old player the lad mags have labeled "hot golfer chick" and called "so cute it's painful".

As usual, the bloggers at Mostly Harmless covered the Mizuno Classic from start to finish... with insider's eyes.  Their posts are always a great way to get a feel of the Asian tournaments.  Then there's the exuberant Bankok Bobby, he has some great Mizuno Classic photos and video on his blog.

I just want to make a brief mention of Momoko Ueda's sartorial style, because as many around the world have noticed... it's awesome.  And this goes along with a recurring obsession theme here at Golf Girl's Diary: the Japanese are designing the most exciting golf apparel out there and the Asian players are wearing it in ways that transcend the sport.

Pearly Gates Autumn 2011

Pearly Gates, Momoko Ueda's apparel sponsor, is a golf brand from Sanei International,  one of the hippest fashion conglomerates in Japan.  You need only have a look at their 2011 Autumn catalog to appreciate the way this company manages to mix golf apparel traditions with both urban grit and runway chic. The result is... quite simply... golf fashion. Something we're just beginning to discover on this side of the Atlantic.

Granted, the fact that much of the golf played in Japan takes place in urban areas... at ubiquitous multi-tiered driving and in chic indoor centers... allows designers to push the envelope in ways that probably wouldn't fly at conservative suburban country clubs in this country,  but you've also got to look at the way Ueda, and other players, wear the brand in competition.  What you see are outfits that look professional, functional, comfortable and uber-stylish.  All at the same time... and I think that's what lot's of us US hackers recreational golfers are looking for. 

In any case we'll happily be seeing more of Momoko on these shores, among other things her move from outside the top 48 on the money list to #33 has secured her a 2012 Sybase Match Play spot.

For more on Momoko... and her singular style sense:

Momoko's multi-chromatic website
A Quick 18 with Momoko Ueda
Air Magazine - Interview with Momoko Ueda
Sunny Side Up Momoko's Very Cool PR People
Momoko Ueda - My Favorite Things
Momoko Ueda - Nail Art

Symposium On Affordable Golf - What Could Be More Timely?

Yesterday, a Google search... for I-don't-remember-what... yielded a result that immediately caught my eye. It was notable because it featured the words golf and affordable in the same sentence.

That's how I discovered the "Symposium on Affordable Golf". scheduled to take place on Monday, November 7, at the Southern Pines Elks Club Lodge building, just next to the Southern Pines Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC ...adnd for those concerned about the declining popularity of the game, the topic is as timely as any I can think of. 

Though several reasons are often sited for the drop-off in golf participation, cost is the most basic.  It's the primordial reason... the one that lends credence to other factors such as the time it takes to play a round or the difficulty of the game.

Richard Mandell - symposium fou

The symposium is a one day event and is remarkable on many levels, starting with Richard Mandell, who is the force behind it all.  A noted golf architect and author of award-winning golf books, the native of Rye, NY also co-hosts a golf radio talk show,  blogs for Washington Times Communities and has for the past fifteen years taught a class on Golf Architecture at North Carolina State University.  ~ Richard Mandell is clearly passionate about golf and captivated by golf courses.

This emotional connection to a game currently losing ground, is no doubt what inspired him to host the first Symposium on Affordable Golf one year ago. ~ The unique cross-section of participants at last year's event is described on the symposium's website,

"The 2010 event was attended by 75 people "with a passion for the game and a stake in the business. Included in that number were fifteen golfers whose only stake was to continue playing a game each of them loves. Their input was a key component of the Symposium’s success as it is rare to have the end-user side by side those of us who serve them sharing concerns, ideas, and solutions to the challenges the business (and the game) faces going forward."

The course at Southern Pines Golf Club where symposium participants will play.

You see, what's really unique about the Symposium on Affordable Golf is that it's open to anyone with a connection to the game and a concern for its future... and its free.

There's some excellent feedback from the 2010 symposium on the forums at Golf Club Atlas.  The response indicates a well-executed event that resulted in an open forum on how to look at golf in a different light, and an exciting exchange of ideas on how golf might be made more accessible/affordable to a greater swath of the population.

Richard Mandell's white paper presents the major topics and outlines the many ideas. Quite a few of the concepts will be familiar, but seeing them presented the way they are here, allows one to better grasp the cause-and-effect dynamics that come into play whenever discussions of growing the game take place.  {continued}

CT Golfers Can Look Forward to Playing Again Soon (UPDATED)

As soon as the snow melts...

Here in Danbury, CT we've been without electricity for four days now,  however, the storm that caused so much damage had a silver lining...of sorts.  It's happily been followed by a stretch of stellar weather.  Snow is steadily melting and our cleanup effort continues. As I predicted earlier,  most of our local courses will be reopening... despite the fact that many of them are still without electricity.

I received an email from The Golf Club at Oxford Greens this morning, with the photo a left to illustrate their message:  

"When the Snow Melts... We will be back open! Currently, we are without phones and power, but you can still book your tee time online. We hope to be up and running by the weekend. We will send out a notification via email when we are open. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you soon at Oxford Greens!"

The message on Richter Park's Facebook page was a bit less optimistic but none-the-less leaves room for hope:

"The October 30th snow storm dumped 17 inches on Richter Park. As of November 1st, power, telephones and email are still out. Our crews are assessing damage. As of today we are uncertain as to when or if we will reopen for the season."

Richter Park is defined by the woodland it's built upon, and this particular storm took an enormous toll on exactly the kind of noble deciduous trees that line its fairways and greens so restoration to playability will be a huge effort.

The point is, golfers in the area and in the entire storm-stricken zone will definitely have places to play they'll just need to find them.  A couple of years ago I played some wonderful winter golf at Richter Park the weekend after Thanksgiving.  I know I'm not done yet.

UPDATE: Another gorgeous day in Danbury has taken care of much of the remaining snow, so I stopped at Richter Park to see for myself how the cleanup was coming along.  There were several crews out  and they've made amazing progress.  So much so that a reopening next week sometime seems like a very real possibility.   That's the goal according to the those I spoke to and it definitely seems do-able from what I could see.   Then when I arrived home at my temporary office a bit later I noticed I had received an email announcing the 1st Annual Richter Park Turkey Shoot ... to take place on Saturday, November 12th.  So things are clearly looking better for area golfers.

Noshember: Seeking PGA Players Who Dare to Go Natural

Noshember is a yearly event that I don't claim to understand... at all.

For those unaware, it's a kind of celebration of unkempt manly-ness that revolves around a month long boycott of the common razor.

The goal... for those who decide to participate... is facial hair. And in this case more clearly means better.

The main focus is a kind of "creative beard challenge" that has contestants posting photos and stories chronicling their quests for the perfect beard. There's also merchandise to be bought: Noshember sweatshirts and beard head hats in a number of colors.

Another very important Noshember tradition... and one I do understand... is the charity component.  Those who participate have friends and relatives sponsor them (and their barbe) throughout the month to help raise money for a charity of their choosing.

Celebs like Keanu Reeves and Brad Pitt have been known to be a part of the event.  So why not professional golfers. The four above for example.  Each exemplary when it comes to giving  and each seems to have a certain affinity for stylistic manscaping, so why not. They've got to get started, Noshember begins tomorrow.

Oh, and LPGA players needn't feel excluded,  Noshember isn't just for guys. Girls are encouraged to participate as well, but um... I'm not going to go there.  Here are the rules for ladies.

Golf and Goblins Postponed by October Nor'easter

The view from my window late afternoon on Saturday the 29th.

It wasn't supposed to be like this. Here in Connecticut, the end of October is generally splendid, featuring brisk air, ample sunshine, clear blue skies and the "perfect sweater weather" that makes golf... and other outdoor activities... a pleasure.

This year however something freaky happened: a snowstorm of historic proportions hit a large swath of the eastern United States on Saturday the 29th, putting a frosty, destructive damper on late-season golf plans.  Downed tree limbs have caused widespread power outages and made roads impassible.  So much so that in many areas Halloween celebrations were canceled or downgraded much to the dismay of local youngsters.  Some CT towns have considered throwing postponed Halloween celebrations next Saturday, but no one seems sure exactly how that'll work out.

Sadly, quite a few golfers I've spoken to these last couple of days seem to see the storm as a signal to hang up their clubs, though they readily recount stories of playing till mid-December in "normal years".  Some of them are convinced courses won't reopen, while others appear to abide by some ancient, unwritten "first snowfall-last golf round" rule. 

Photo: Cameron Kittle, The Overlook Golf Club, Hollis,NH

I spoke to staffers at a several courses near me... here in Southwestern CT... and most plan to open within a few days. Other course across the "October Snowpocalypse" zone have posted emphatic messages on their sites and Facebook pages, as in: COURSE IS CLOSED TODAY DUE TO SNOW ON COURSE---WE ARE NOT CLOSED FOR THE SEASON!!!!  Hoping to Open for Walking on Weds!!!  Will keep you posted!!! 

Though it's true that heavy snowfall often signals the end of the golf season this freak storm, coming early as it did, will in most cases be an exception... and after a less-than-stellar 2011 golf season, many parts of New England courses could really use an extra month of business.  So if you play and you live and an area that was hit by the historic October nor'easter, Keep an open mind. Don't put your clubs away and do check with the courses in your area.  Your best rounds of 2011 may be yet to come.