ACE GOLF Update WIE Playing with the Women in 2008

Wie reportedly won't play vs. men in '08 season


For years, golf experts have told Michelle Wie she should focus on getting her game together and learn to win on the LPGA Tour.

Now, instead of trying to play in men's events, Wie may be heeding that advice.

The 18-year-old will only play against women in 2008, but hasn't ruled out a possible men's event in Asia at the end of next year.

The former phenom's coach, David Leadbetter, told CBSSports.com that Wie has a plan to regain her old form that saw her come so close to qualifying for the men's U.S. Open a couple of years ago.

"I think she just wants to reestablish herself," Leadbetter told the Web site. "Obviously, after such a terrible year, her biggest goal needs to be getting her form and confidence back. You do that brick by brick."

Wie's plans were also reported by London's Daily Telegraph.

Wie struggled with injuries in 2007 and earned just $23,024 on the LPGA Tour. She didn't break 70 all year and had four official rounds in 80s, which would have been six had she not pulled out of the Ginn Tribute and the U.S. Women's Open

ACE GOLF Update from the Texas Golf Association:

TGA Expanding Statewide League Play in 2008

News from the Texas Golf Association:


Dallas, TX -- The Texas Golf Association is pleased to announce new, exciting changes for Statewide League Play for 2008. League Play was started by the TGA in 2006 with a single conference of 8 teams in the D/FW area. In its second year League Play grew to 28 teams in 5 conferences in Dallas (3), Houston (1), and Austin (1). The TGA expects League Play to continue to grow and hopes to add conferences in new regions throughout the state. Male golfers from TGA Member Clubs (ages 21 and older) from all skill levels are encouraged to enter a team and participate in this unique and exciting team event.

New for 2008, there will be both a spring and fall season. The spring season will be played on Thursday afternoons from March 6th through May 8th, with the finals being played May 22-23 at The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop, TX. The entry deadline for the spring season is February 13th with an entry fee of $500 per team (visit www.txga.org to print an official entry form). The fall season will be played from August 28th through October 30th, with the finals being played November 13-14. If a club chooses to enter a team for both seasons, and does so by the February 13th deadline, the entry fee is reduced to only $900 per team.

League Play is offered to all TGA member clubs for 2008. However, a minimum of 4 teams from a specific geographic region is required to establish a new conference. League play gives male amateur golfers the opportunity to play competitive rounds in a team atmosphere on quality golf courses, while building friendships and camaraderie with fellow club members. Players receive their full handicaps as reported on the GHIN handicap system.

In League Play, a team of (8) eight players square off against another team within their conference in 4 separate Four Ball matches and 8 Singles matches, simultaneously. Matches are scheduled for Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. The winner is the team that accumulates the most points in the overall match. At the end of the season the conference winners will advance to the statewide playoff matches to be conducted on neutral sites. For a complete explanation of the League Rules visit the TGA official website.

The entry deadline for the spring season is fast approaching. For more information please see the League Play homepage, under "Championships" on www.txga.org or contact the TGA office at (214) 468-8942.

ACE Update SOBEL'S FAVORITE COURSES of 07

My favorite courses of '07
by: Jason Sobel

I wake up to the realization that it's not getting any warmer here in central Connecticut (hmmm, maybe the impending snowstorm tipped me off), then check the calendar and notice that it's devoid of any more trips to warm-weather locales.
So I grudgingly walk out to the driveway, open the trunk of my car and remove the golf bag and spikes that have occupied that space since, oh, early March or so. Then I carry 'em inside, down to the basement, say one last solemn farewell and resign them to the back corner, knowing my golf is officially over for the year.
That was the scene on Thursday morning and no, I'm still not over it.
Instead of looking at the 19th hole refreshment half-empty, though, I'm taking this time to review my favorite courses that I played this year.
My own personal list doesn't boast as many headliners as I've played in years past, considering I'm not eligible to slap it around Augusta National again until 2012 (media members can't enter the lottery until seven years after playing on a Masters Monday) and I wasn't enough of a kamikaze to try my luck at Oakmont (and shoot, what, 130? 140? No thanks) following the U.S. Open.
However, I did enjoy some old standbys and found a handful of brilliant new courses (well, new to me), which is really all that can be expected, right? Well, here are my nine faves for 2007 -- call it a half-Weekly 18, if you will -- with a special homework assignment for you at the bottom:
Boston GC: This list is in alphabetical order, though were it ranked by my favorites Boston may still be tops. An ultra-exclusive club on the outskirts of Beantown, the course is located on an otherwise unrecognizable strip of road, only noticeable by a street number on a mailbox at the front entrance -- just the way the membership likes it. A Gil Hanse design and the brainchild of the late John Mineck, BGC is at once a classically challenging course that is also very playable. Just don't expect to find any extra amenities. There is no tennis, no pool and when I was there, even the beverages came straight from a smallish fridge located behind a bar in the austere clubhouse.
Kapalua Resort -- The Plantation GC: Believe it or not, covering the PGA Tour's season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship is a pretty cool gig. Not only does the limited field leave plenty of time for pineapples and maitais (not necessarily in that order), but the Plantation course is always made available to the attending media on Monday following the final round. As if to prove just how tough the pros had it during the week -- on the course, at least -- Mother Nature didn't take it easy on the ink-stained wretches this year, unleashing a feverish Kona wind that resulted in a 5-6 club difference from one direction to the other.
Ko'olau GC: Depending on what you've read and where you've read it, this monster is either the toughest course in the world or the second-toughest. I haven't seen them all, but I'll vote for the former. Target golf at its best (or worst?), Ko'olau requires not only deadly precision but a great feel for distance control and club selection. On one par-5, my desired targets called for 5-iron off the tee, 3-iron second shot and 9-iron into the green -- only to realize that the last one should have been a wedge. If you don't lose at least a few sleeves of balls here, you're just not trying hard enough.
Newport CC: I never talk to strangers. It's not due to fear or lack of conversational skills; it's just that making small-talk with some guy I'll never see again strikes me as a pointless practice. While covering last year's U.S. Women's Open at Newport, I broke that rule, shooting the breeze on a shuttle bus with member Turner Scott, who was volunteering that week. Five minutes later he was inviting me to return as his guest and we now have a standing annual game at a grand old course that is easily in my top five coolest I've ever played. Maybe I should start talking to strangers more often.
Prestwick GC: Game 1 of my British Open day-after double-header, Prestwick has the allure of being frozen in time since it served as first host of the championship in 1860. From the train running parallel to the first hole to the large square green that completes the track just yards from the modest parking lot, I almost felt guilty not using a hickory-shafted mashie to swat my featherie around the yard. For all of the advancements to the game in the last, oh, 147 years or so, it's simply impossible to recreate a venue like this.
The Country Club: Site of local boy Frances Ouimet's improbable 1913 U.S. Open victory and the U.S. Ryder Cup team's equally stunning come-from-behind win in 1999, the Brookline, Mass., standby retains all of its old-world charm. I was struck by how eminently walkable the course is and will forever remember each member of our foursome taking a shot at the famous Justin Leonard putt on 17. (Sadly, none of us got a chance to celebrate like Crenshaw's crew.)
Tower Ridge CC: There's a special place in my heart for this course, tucked into the side of Talcott Mountain in Simsbury, Conn. My former home track, a few dozen of us were chased away three years ago when the course was sold to a new owner, who promptly fired the popular head pro and tripled our monthly rates. Like a jaded lover, I chafed at returning to the scene of the crime, but finally fell off the wagon late in the year, finding the course fun, challenging, in pristine condition -- and without another soul on the grounds. What a shame.
TPC-River Highlands: I know, I know -- just another TPC course. Many are cookie-cutter layouts without much charm. The host venue of the Travelers Championship, River Highlands seems to have a love-it-or-hate-it relationship with players, but consider me a fan. Those final four holes can all result in birdie or triple-bogey -- or in my case, double-bogey or triple-bogey. When I played at the media day for the PGA Tour event, then-defending champ J.J. Henry was camped out at the tee on the driveable par-4 15th hole and convinced me to hit driver. You'd better believe I still blame him for the ensuing result.
Western Gailes GC: Wow. This is a beautiful, brilliant gem outside of Glasgow that doesn't garner nearly enough attention in discussions of the best courses in the U.K. Here's a tip: Bring your A game. I didn't, and my playing partners (esteemed writers Scott Michaux of the Augusta Chronicle and Ron Green Jr. of the Charlotte Observer) are still crowing about it. Here's another tip: Save time to enjoy a pint or two on the clubhouse patio while staring across the Irish Sea in the waning twilight. You won't be disappointed.
OK, there's my list. Now it's your turn. Tell me about your favorite courses you played in 2007 -- not necessarily the "best" but your own favorites -- by clicking here and I'll post the best responses in a few days. Have fun.

ACE GOLF Update on JOHN DALY

By Mulligan StuPosted on Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 09:50:05 AM EDT
That's the first question, and it comes with a caveat: It applies only to his approach to golf, not his approach to life.
And it also comes with a follow-up, but only if the answer to the first question is "yes" (a prospect I find dubious): Is it too late?
As has been reported previously, John Daly has signed on with Butch Harmon to "get serious" about his game:
"Butch will push you. I never had anybody push me to do things," Daly said last week. "I need to be pushed hard. It's something that maybe should have been done a long time ago, but I was too stubborn. You get a little older and your eyes don't see things and you don't feel the same as you would normally."
I'm sure that all the tournament sponsors and fans disappointed over the years when Daly walked out on them, or just phoned it in, are taking comfort in the fact that Daly's eyes have finally been opened.
Well, we shouldn't reach that conclusion too quickly. Daly says the right things about Harmon pushing him, but we know two things about this relationship:
Harmon does push his players, and he gives it to them straight.
Daly has never surrounded himself with people such as those in No. 1.
So it should be an interesting relationship, if it lasts. If it doesn't last, I think it's more likely it might fail because Daly can't handle Harmon's regimen, rather than Harmon being unable to handle Daly. Think about it: Corralling John Daly and resurrecting his game? That'd be more impressive than anything Harmon did with Tiger Woods. With Woods, he had a student of immense mental acuity and intense dedication and focus.
Daly is a nitwit whose main focus is on beer. But he does have great golf skills, much better than his record - two majors notwithstanding - has shown. Prodigious power with a gentle touch and underrated short game.
If Daly really is serious, perhaps it's not too late to add a few more wins. The talent has always been there. Now we'll truly find out whether - and how much - Daly cares.

ACE GOLF UPDATE

Midland Pair Wins Texas Team Challenge
Midland golfers Brian McKinley and Steven Young teamed up to take the trophy at the TaylorMade-adidas Texas Team Challenge, played recently at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio.The tournament features twosomes of golf professionals from both the Northern Texas PGA and Southern Texas PGA.McKinley and Young posted rounds of 67-64, good for a 13-under 131 total. But they were forced to a playoff by the Benbrook team of Michael Henderson and Troy Denton before being crowned champions.Philip Bleakney and Vince Jewell of Dallas finished third.

ACE Update Austin #1 City to play Golf

According to Golf.com (hat tip to Waggle Room), the best golf city in America is Austin. And Dallas ain't too shabby, either, coming in at No. 4:10. Rochester, N.Y.9. Portland, Ore.8. Atlanta7. San Jose, Calif.6. Seattle5. Orlando, Fla.4. Dallas3. Las Vegas2. Columbus, Ohio1. AustinA couple things to know about this ranking: Golf Magazine only considered the 50 largest cities in the country; and their criteria appears to have relied heavily on a ratio of the average green fee in each city to the city's cost of living; on the number of big-time architects who've designed courses in the city; and on such things as weather and per capita number of courses.After the magazine ran the numbers, Austin came out No. 1 and Dallas (DFW, actually) No. 4. San Antonio checked in at No. 13, Houston at No. 27.Here's the blurb that appears on the Web site for Dallas:
No. 4. Dallas, TexasPopulation: 5,950,033Median home price: $145,500Number of public courses: 107Median green fee: $38THE GOLF: Dallas is a giant for rich golf history and value play. You could explore the Ben Hogan trophy room at Fort Worth's Colonial Country Club, then check out Lord Byron's memorabilia after your round at the Four Seasons/TPC Las Colinas. Your lore tour can continue for $16, what residents pay at Tenison Park, Lee Trevino's stomping (and hustling) grounds back in the '60s.THE REST: There's barbecue, the 'Boys, plenty of golfable winter days — and some great runways in addition to the fairways. Says our favorite Big D resident David Feherty: "Dallas has all the sophistication of a big city and none of the attitude. And if you lose a lot of money betting college football and have to flee, it has the best airport in the country." And here's what they say about Austin:
No. 1. Austin, TexasPopulation: 1,485,922Median home price: $176,200Number of public courses: 32Median green fee: $40THE GOLF: Austin, the cultural and economic pride of Texas, is a great city. No surprise there. But the Lone Star State capital is also a great golf city. The best, in fact. It has the nation's best combination of weather, name designs, and affordable, accessible golf. It's home to quality munis like Riverside, where Harvey Penick held court for 34 years; acclaimed resorts like Barton Creek, with two Tom Fazio courses at 68th and 69th on Golf Magazine's Top 100 You Can Play; and dynamite daily fee courses, including Circle C and Cimarron Hills. There are also exclusive courses, like Austin Golf Club, where Ben Crenshaw plays. While summers sizzle, the fall weather is perfect, and you can play virtually year-round.THE REST: With its fabled 6th Street, and nearly 100 live venues in the area, Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World." And it's arguably America's 'cue capital, with dozens of mouth-watering rib joints. You can add to those a new title: "The Best Golf City in America." The full package is available here.
Labels: austin, dfw, houston, san antonio

ACE UPDATE Masters Par 3 Contest to be televised for first time by ESPN

The Par 3 Contest, an annual nine-hole event played the Wednesday prior to the Masters, will be televised for the first time in 2008 by ESPN, Masters Tournament and Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Billy Payne announced Thursday.
Since 1960, tournament participants, non-competing past champions and honorary invitees have taken part in the Par 3 Contest, a festive, family event held on a nine-hole, par 27 course on the grounds of Augusta. Golfers have often had their children caddie for them during the event, whose past winners include Masters champions Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Raymond Floyd and Ben Crenshaw.
"The Par 3 Contest is a lot of fun, one of the real highlights of every year," two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson said. "It's been a wonderful experience to have my daughters caddie the last two years. It's special because it's a rare opportunity for both players and patrons to enjoy the game as families."
The contest takes place on the Par 3 course built in 1958 by architect George Cobb and Masters co-founder Clifford Roberts. The nine-hole course is par 27, 1,060 yards and played over DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike's Pond.
"It is an event everyone enjoys and we think it will demonstrate to kids just how fun golf can be," Payne said.
ESPN will cover the 2008 Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, April 9 from 3-5 p.m. ET.
"ESPN looks forward to bringing the Par 3 Contest to a national television audience for the first time," ESPN President George Bodenheimer said. "Fans will now be able to watch many of the greatest names in golf, past and present, as they enjoy a fun day of golf with friends and family."
Payne also announced Thursday that children ages 8-16 will be admitted free during the tournament when accompanied by an accredited patron.
"We want to inspire the next generation of golfers now," Payne said. "We're serious about exposing youngsters to golf and the Masters."
Earlier this year, the Masters granted ESPN exclusive U.S. rights to televise the first two rounds of the prestigious Masters Tournament beginning in 2008. A Spanish-language telecast of the first two rounds of the Tournament will also be presented in the U.S. on ESPN Deportes. Weekend coverage will be on CBS.
ESPN has televised the Masters internationally since 1993, bringing last year's Tournament to Latin America, Canada and parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

ACE Says It's Shark Week

Shark Week
The Merrill Lynch Shootout, again hosted by Greg Norman, takes the spotlight this weekend, as 12 two-man teams will battle in three different formats over 54 holes. Among the duos are Norman & Bubba Watson, Fred Couples & John Daly, Charles Howell III & Nick Price and Woody Austin & Mark Calcavecchia

Tip of the Day: Quick Tricks for Extra Yards

By RICKY BARNES
When I need to squeeze out some extra distance from the tee, I make two adjustments.

1. I move the ball back two inches in my stance, so it's well inside my left heel.
2. I tee the ball lower, so the top of the ball is barely peeking over the driver's crown.
My ball flight stays about the same when I do this, but I compress the ball better, therefore launching it at a higher rate of speed. The result is a drive that flies five to seven more yards so I can carry a hazard or the corner of a dogleg.

RICKY BARNES won the 2002 U.S. Amateur Championship and is currently vying for his PGA Tour card

THE MONEY SHOT

First, remember this saying – “two things forward, one thing back.” That simple axiom is the basic idea to chipping. You want to keep your weight and hands forward and the ball back. To get the proper set-up, place your feet one club head width apart. Place the ball a comfortable distance in front of you and keep the ball in the middle of your stance.

Next, bring your forward foot back one inch (left foot for a right-hander). Finally, while keeping your heels on the ground, turn both feet a little towards the target. For a point of reference for how much to turn, your big toe of your trailing foot should point at the back of the ball. Your ball is now back, and you’re in the proper set-up for impact with your lower body.

Now place 80 percent of your weight on your forward foot and make sure that your shirt buttons are in front of the ball. Next, de-loft the club by pressing your hands forward until your hands are off of your left inner thigh, making sure you keep the clubface pointed at your target. This is the set-up that allows you to achieve solid chip shots and lower your scores.

Ninety-nine percent of all bad chip shots can be traced back to either a faulty set-up or two technique problems – weight on back foot when finished or left wrist breaking down through and after impact. Two drills to fix these issues are “right foot back” and the “two-club drill.”

To properly execute a chip shot, allow your body to rotate around your left leg. The right foot back drill will allow you to feel your weight stay on your forward foot and also feel your chest rotate through the shot to the point that your chest almost faces the target when you’re done.

If your left wrist breaks down through impact, a simple drill is to grab a broom or two clubs and place it outside your left rib cage. While swinging through, don’t let the clubs hit your ribs. (Be careful with this drill; it’s for small soft shots and not half-swing or full-swing shots.)

Now you’re ready to hit a few shots. Hold your finish and ask yourself two questions: Is my weight forward when I’m finished and did I burn myself? If you can successfully answer those questions, you’re now coaching yourself to a better short game. Perfection is not necessary at first, but knowing what you did right or wrong is the key to improving.

The Best of Public Golf 2007

The Best of Public Golf 2007

Best OverallCowboys Golf ClubSame song, but different verse.Once again, Cowboys Golf Club captured the Best Overall Public Golf Course award. But this wasn’t a runaway victory like years past – far from it. A handful of courses closed the gap between themselves and the seven-time winner, but that is no knock on Cowboys. It’s just that those other courses significantly improved in all aspects to closely rival what Cowboys delivers to each paying customer.And what is it about Cowboys that makes it so great? It starts off with the hospitable staff that treats you like royalty as soon as you enter the parking lot. While the price tag for a round of golf is a bit steep, it includes all the food and non-alcoholic drinks you can handle. And then there’s the golf course, a spectacular Jeff Brauer design that traverses through the rolling landscape just off Lake Grapevine.Cowboys is still numero uno amongst the public courses in the area, but others are nipping at its heels.

Go COWBOYS

Kelli Kuehne Earns Back LPGA Tour Card

Congratulations to Kelli Kuehne on her fourth-place finish at the Final Stage of LPGA Tour Q-School on Sunday. Kuehne regained her fully exempt status on the LPGA Tour. She was in great position the first three rounds, then stumbled a bit in the fourth round with a 76. But she rebounded with a superb 67 in the pressure-packed final round, becoming one of the 17 players to earn cards for 2008.
A True Texan