Golfing Tid Bits

At the time, in the mid 1990’s, the 21-year-old golf star was touted as the “Great Black Hope”, the putter-wielding equivalent of Martin Luther King Jr. Pundits waxed poetic about the cosmic social significance of Woods’ feat. “I am Tiger Woods” ads seem.

Then, Tiger Woods said he wasn’t “black” at all but he was, in fact “Cablinasian.” Woods made his remarks on the “Oprah” Show when he was asked if it bothered him to be called an African-American. “It does,” he said. “Growing up, I came up with a name for myself in general: I’m a ‘Cablinasian.’” As in Caucasian Black, Indian-Asian. Woods has a black father (or to be precise, if I am interpreting Woods’ reported ancestry correctly, a black and American Indian, white father) and a Thai mother (or with the same caveat, a half-Thai, half-Chinese mother). “I’m just who I am,” Woods told Oprah Winfrey, “whoever you see in front of you.” This seemed to imply race wasn’t an issue with Woods. But just “who I am” remained contested ground. According to Time magazine, Woods’ coming out as a so called Cablinasian caused “a mini-racial firestorm … Woods’ remarks upset and infuriated many African Americans who now see him as a sell out to white folks.

Some blacks saw Woods’ assertion of a multiracial identity as a sellout that could touch off an epidemic of “passing”, after all most blacks in America stereotypically think if you look like Tiger, Colin Powell or any other light skinned ethnic person, you’re always “black”. This just goes to show the amount of racial tension from so many people who don’t realize that Wood’s can’t help what he was born as, like he said, he is who he is. The fact that so many people would make an issue out of his race is ludicrous and it seemed to be exactly what Tiger was trying to avoid in the first place by saying he is who he is.

No one can deny Tiger Wood’s is the best golfer of his generation and it’s interesting to note that this little “Cablinasian” 2 year old could hit the ball with his child size golfing equipment even at the young age two as seen in the following video. Notice how little Tiger swings his golf iron sets similar to the way in which he does now only with more precision and grace.

While I’m not putting forward Tiger Woods as a role model, racial or otherwise. I don’t know anything about him, except that he seems to respect both of his parents, is an athletic prodigy who is a masterful self-marketer, and is given to telling dumb black-men-have-big-dicks jokes in slick men’s magazines. But whoever Woods may be, his refusal to be pigeon-holed into a single racial category points the way out of the dualistic rigidity and emotional hysteria that has led America into a racial impasse. By choosing to embrace all of who he is — an entity for which there is no name, except one that sounds like a tribe from an imaginary country from the likes of Narnia, Woods, the goofy 21-year-old with the golden-brown skin and the beautiful swing, has become a messenger for a larger truth: Our race doesn’t make us who we are.

Cyndi Whittel is an avid golfer and collector of vintage and old golf irons for sale. She was raised in Wheeler, Indiana and later moved to Chicago with her husband and 2 children, a son and one daughter where they collect Golf Clubs Sets and many other brands.

Popularity: 30% [?]

Technorati Tags: 2 years old, accomplishments, asian, best, cablinasian, Golf, golfer, greatest, hole in one's, mike douglas show, PGA, record, swing, Tiger Woods

Y.E. Yang shocked the world and probably himself by beating the world’s best golfer, and maybe the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger Woods, by coming back from 2 strokes down Sunday to win the PGA Championship. Yang is the first Asian player to win a Major, the first player to beat Tiger Woods when Woods was tied or all alone in the lead after 54 holes of golf. Golf enthusiasts cheered, David took down Goliath, 12 never struck for Cinderella, No. 110 took down No. 1.

Yay? I don’t think the PGA, it’s sponsors, or the casual golf fan are very happy. Tiger Woods in the starter, middle reliever, and closer for the PGA. Without Tiger, as we saw last year, no one cares. Now, people are getting the feeling that Tiger has lost it. He didn’t win a major this year and pretty much choked away the PGA Championship after missing the cut at the British Open.

Woods hasn’t regressed as much as people like to think. He’s still won a very impressive five tourneys in 2009, and has staged some remarkable comebacks this year. Only the more serious fans realize this, but the media will be all about Tiger’s lack of a major in 2009.

While everyone loves to talk about Yang and what he did today, this was a crippling blow to the PGA in 2009. There were simply no exciting stories that capped off the year of majors. Tom Watson nearly became the oldest golfer (by far) to ever win a major, before losing it on the final day. Woods went the entire year without a major, virtually unheard of during his career.

This one is another story in its own though. Yang is very unlikely to win another tournament of this scope, and will probably fade right back into obscurity. And for the time being, Woods’ pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ record is in doubt.

While there are a few more months of golf left, there are no majors, and only serious golf enthusiasts will track these events. Fringe fans will go back to watching other sports, and will be far from enthused about the 2010 golf season.

We need the Tiger, the best golfer, to be well, the best golfer. He needs to hold leads on Sunday. He needs people to be scared on the last few holes with Tiger on the prowl. We need Tiger Woods to dominate everybody and ask questions later. If he’s labeled the best, he needs to start performing in the biggest and best events.

We need Tiger to be Tiger and everyone else to watch in amazement as he wins Majors, no offense to them, but fans don’t want Y.E. Yang, Angel Cabrera, or Lucas Glover to win. They want Tiger, and Tiger needs to deliver.

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Technorati Tags: Golf, hobbies, leisure, PGA, recreation, sports, Tiger Woods

Golf fans were all stunned today when Tiger Woods was defeated by an unknown Y.E. Yang at the PGA championship. The lead was all Tiger’s, and to have seen him blow it, well, many weren’t expecting it to put it lightly. Yang is the first ever Asian golfer to ever win a major event, and this is the first time Tiger Woods ever lost a major on the last day after having held the lead.

Yay? I don’t think the PGA, it’s sponsors, or the casual golf fan are very happy. Tiger Woods in the starter, middle reliever, and closer for the PGA. Without Tiger, as we saw last year, no one cares. Now, people are getting the feeling that Tiger has lost it. He didn’t win a major this year and pretty much choked away the PGA Championship after missing the cut at the British Open.

Tiger hasn’t lost it, he’s won 5 tournaments this year, coming from 5 strokes back on Sunday to win one, and coming back from 8 shots down Thursday to win by 3 strokes on Sunday. But, as I said, casual golf fans don’t get that. In fact, most sports fans probably don’t get that because he hasn’t performed in the biggest events, the Majors, the moneymakers, the events that pull in the biggest ratings.

For the short-term, Yang’s victory makes for an interesting story and may feed the media with some fuel for now. But the 2009 PGA season is devoid of stories. A lack of a Tiger win, and Tom Watson’s falling short at the British Open both make for some major disappointments compared to what could have been.

This one is another story in its own though. Yang is very unlikely to win another tournament of this scope, and will probably fade right back into obscurity. And for the time being, Woods’ pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ record is in doubt.

What do people get to look to now? “Oh, I can’t wait to see Tiger take revenge in the exciting series of FedEx cup event”? No! They are looking to, “Hey, Anthony Kim or Rory McIllroy are ready to take the torch next year.”

Golf needs Tiger Woods just as much as he needs more majors. Tiger has given a face to golf, a sport that’s sorely lacked one for so many years. Tiger is golf’s Michael Jordan, and needs to return to this status in 2010.

Let’s hope that 2010 brings us the return of Tiger Woods, just as the 2009 tennis season has done for Roger Federer after a disappointing 2008. While fans may have cheered on Yang as he defeated Tiger today, you can be sure they’re pulling for Tiger over the long run.

Popularity: 52% [?]

Technorati Tags: Golf, hobbies, leisure, PGA, recreation, sports, Tiger Woods

In a very interesting and atypical twist today, Tiger Woods blew a lead entering the final round of the PGA Championships, losing to Y.E. Yang, a relatively unknown golfer. Woods had simply never lost a major after leading or being tied for the lead, and the world was shocked after witnessing today’s events.

Is this good? I don’t really think so. The PGA heavily relies on Tiger Woods and the sentiment on the street is that Woods simply isn’t effective as he was, and may never be again.

Woods is by no means past his prime. After returning from an injury that ended his 2008 campaign, Woods has bounced back with wins at five tournaments. Some of these involved some vintage Woods Sunday comebacks. Unfortunately, the majors are far more watched than the other tournaments, so the typical sports fan doesn’t realize that all’s not lost in Tiger’s corner.

For the short-term, Yang’s victory makes for an interesting story and may feed the media with some fuel for now. But the 2009 PGA season is devoid of stories. A lack of a Tiger win, and Tom Watson’s falling short at the British Open both make for some major disappointments compared to what could have been.

Yang will probably make few headlines anytime soon, and the once “sure prospect” of Woods beating Jack Nicklaus’ record for majors one is suddenly not such a sure thing anymore.

And for the 2009 golf season, there’s not exactly much that fans can look forward to at this point. Will a Fedex Cup tournament excite them? Not exactly. There’s really not much to look for.

We need the Tiger, the best golfer, to be well, the best golfer. He needs to hold leads on Sunday. He needs people to be scared on the last few holes with Tiger on the prowl. We need Tiger Woods to dominate everybody and ask questions later. If he’s labeled the best, he needs to start performing in the biggest and best events.

Here’s to hoping that 2010 brings us a Tiger resurgence, and most notably, a major or two. The sport really needs it.

Popularity: 59% [?]

Technorati Tags: Golf, hobbies, leisure, PGA, recreation, sports, Tiger Woods

If you love to golf, you already know how golfers love to exchange gifts from time to time. It’s almost as if it’s one of those unwritten rules in the handbook, but it’s tons of fun. Golfers love everything from golf memorabilia and golf equipment, to collectibles and that stylish golf apparel. It doesn’t matter if you’re just a fan, an avid player, or need a few gifts for clients to boost your business, these gift ideas are great for just about anything.

For someone who loves golf, getting different kinds of golf memorabilia can be a lot of fun. Whether you’re looking for an autograph of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, and Sergio Garcia, or getting an old shoe, hat or club they used in a tournament, it’s all possible. The best type of gift for a golfer is the golf gift basket. You basically get to choose what you want to put in the basket, and then give it to your friends or family members.

What golfer wouldnt love to receive hand signed golf memorabilia from Greg Norman, also known as the Great White Shark and one of the best professional golfers of all time? Married to Chris Evert, the tennis star, Greg Norman made over $10 million in his golfing career, even people that dont play golf would love to get a signed golf ball with two photos framed in a plague that is sure to become a collectors item. Even certificates of authenticity come with them!

Oh, and who can forget about the Golden Bear and good old Arnie. Two of the greatest players ever, these golfers transformed the fan base of golf with the help of a few others. It took over 50 years for someone else to come along and repeat the process, like Tiger Woods did when he hit the scene. All three of these individuals are legends and owning a signed piece of memorabilia will only get better with age. If you have youngsters who enjoy the memorabilia, then get them a piece of history.

Unfortunately there are times when an avid collector has everything. When you come across this individual, there are always people mumbling, “How are we supposed to know what they own in the golf memorabilia category.” Let everyone else keep wondering while you come up with a better idea. Anytime you come across someone like this, the best golf memorabilia to get them is a rare or limited edition item. Sure these might be a little more expensive, but the accolades you’ll receive for your efforts will keep coming

The next time you walk into an office, check around the room. Often times you will come across a dentist, doctor, executive, or teacher who loves the game of golf. If they do you can rest assured there are pictures of the greats hanging on their walls. You might even find a few autographs along the way, but it will definitely be the focal point of the office. This happens all the time, which is why many companies use golf as an incentive for doing well in the company.

Just remember, it’s not always the most expensive gifts that make the most impact on an individual. Golf memorabilia gift baskets can allow you to give your friend, co-worker, or loved one a little piece of each era all wrapped into one. Who knows, you may go with an autographed ball, golf balls, a shirt, and bag a tees, while someone else picks an entirely different golf memorabilia gift basket. In the end you just can’t beat them since they’re for any occasion.

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Technorati Tags: Autographs, golf memorabilia, Memorabilia, signings, sports, Sports memorabilia, Tiger Woods, Tiger Woods signed

Improving your golf swing would really be a very good attempt to play golf perfectly. The intention would itself keep you motivated and you can become a master in golf by simply abiding to the tips that are furnished below. Once you start following them, you would see the difference for yourself. Other than this, you need not worry about any other factor for improving your golf swing.

The most important aspect in golf is positioning oneself. This is a factor which you should really concentrate in if you should be intending to improving your golf swing. What you will have to do is to imagine a parallel between the targeted flag and the ball. Now you should make sure that you are standing in parallel with this imaginary line. This is the first basic step and it is simple too.

Holding the golf club correctly is essential. Improving the golf swing would become very simple and easy if one of these three different methods is followed. The Vardon or Overlapping Grip, Interlocking Grip and the Baseball Grip are the three most commonly used methods.

The first method in golf which can be used in improving the golf swing is the Overlapping Grip. In this method the right little finger is placed in between the middle and the index finger of the left hand. In Interlocking Grip, the right little finger and the index finger on the left hand are locked together. In Baseball Grip all the fingers are rapped around the club. This method is suitable for children and people with small hands.

The next technique which helps in improving the golf swing is the grip of the left hand. The club should be held in the left hand with the shaft lying across the top of the fingers. The thumb can as well be placed straight across the top of the fingers in order to have a natural grip. One more point which should be noted is that the thumb of the right hand should be pointing to the right shoulder.

Maintaining good posture is a very essential factor in golf. For improving your golf swing you will have to maintain a distance between both your legs which should be equal to your shoulder’s length. The foot, knee, hip and shoulder should all be parallel in order to maintain a good posture. The body’s upper part should as well lean a bit but the knee should be relaxed. This would help in getting good strength to kick the tee.

The finally talking about improving your golf swing, it should be made sure that your shoulders and the upper part of the body are rigid and do not move. Only the hands should be rotated and the body has to swing when the tee is kicked with the club. Regular practice would make the process simple and spontaneous.

There can be many other methods and techniques used for improving your golf swing but the methods which are discussed now are the most common ones. They are much simpler too. All that is required in golf is concentration and dedication. If these two should be there in you along with little practice you can certainly succeed in improving your golf swing and master golf in no time.

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Technorati Tags: better golf game, fitness, Golf, golf balls, Golf Clubs, golf course, Golf Swing, health, sports, Tiger Woods

Remember the theme song from the Rocky movie, “The Eye of the Tiger”?

When Rocky fought his opponent he had the focus of ‘the eye of the tiger’. When that song was written they couldn’t have had any idea the significance it would take on when a new Tiger took the world stage and changed sports forever.

I don’t care if you are a golf fan or a sports fan or if you think there is too much hype over this one particular athlete-yes golfers are athletes.

Tiger Woods is a force to be reckoned with. I could write a book about not only his accomplishments in the sports world, but also his accomplishments as a human being, but many books have already been written. In fact I wrote about Tiger in my book, “Breakthrough to Success.”

Look at what Tiger does in terms of how you live your life. Could you stand up to the level of excellence that Tiger requires of himself? If you raised your expectations, do you think you would be performing head and shoulders above your competition?

I’ve always been a huge fan of his because not only is he a consummate professional, he has such intense focus that you can see it on his face when you watch him on TV. I have also had the pleasure of standing just a few feet from him on more than one occasion and watching that focus in person.

Over and over again I heard the announcers at the tournament talking about how nobody would believe this if it was a movie. It would just be too much of a fantasy and the whoever wrote a screenplay that played out like this would be laughed out of a movie mogul’s office. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a movie or a sporting event with this many interesting characters and twists and turns.

Tiger is larger than life and his life is richer, more nuanced, and more interesting than any movie script. And this weekend he was Rocky, but he wasn’t fighting an opponent, he was doing what his dad had taught him. He was playing full out because that’s the only way to do it.

There were so many amazing shots from this one tournament. You can probably find them all on Youtube. But it’s not about the shots. It’s about the measure of the man. During the tournament some of his fellow golfers, who should feel really ashamed of themselves right now, wondered out loud through their pettiness and jealousy how hurt Tiger really was.

Tiger on the other hand downplayed his injury to not take the focus off the Open while he played through incredible pain that would have made almost any other player call it quits, especially when he was so far back that it didn’t look like he had any chance at all of winning.

And yet, Tiger not only didn’t quit, he forced a playoff and played another 19 holes on Monday. And then he made the impossible inevitable by winning…again!

Watching him play in the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines for 4 days instead of the usual 3 was a treat and at the same time painful. My heart ached every time I saw him wince when he hit the ball or when his caddy pulled him up by the arm when he couldn’t get up by himself or when the pain of taking another stroke had him almost doubled over in pain.

And I wondered how he could keep going, where did he find the inner strength to focus enough to pull it out day after day?

Ironically during the tournament there was a commercial running with audio of his dad talking about how Tiger would never meet anyone else as mentally tough as him in his entire life.

He certainly proved his dad right that weekend. I’m sorry I won’t be seeing him play the rest of the summer, but I know he’ll be back next year better than ever because striving for excellence is just his natural way of being.

The question is, is it yours?

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Technorati Tags: Eye, Golf, inspiration, mentoring, sports, success, Tiger, Tiger Woods, woods