2013 MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP SITES & DATES

a.  What is the name of the first two new female members at Augusta National?

b.  What event is held at Augusta National on the Wednesday of Augusta week?
c.  What unusual feature adorns the top of the flag pole on each of Marion's greens?

d.  Who won the 1950 U.S. Open at Marion?  (Clue...famous 1 iron)  

e.  Golf was first played at Muirfield in 1891 on 18 holes laid out by _____________?

f.   What Englishman won the Open Championship at Muirfield in 1987 & 1992?
g.  What world famous golf architect designed Oak Hill in Rochester, New York ? 

h.  Who won the 1980 PGA Championship at Oak Hill? 

As most of you likely realize I have always been a great admirer of Jack Nicklaus, the "Golden Bear".  I first saw Nicklaus play at the 1966 Canadian Open at Shaughnessy Golf Club in Vancouver; I was 13 years old.   

In my mind as a golf professional, it's all about record; Jack has had 115 Professional wins, which includes 18 majors.  Hello!  What can one add to that?  Well, how about being featured on the 2005 Royal Bank of Scotland 5 pound note; there were two million printed.   An added feature of my (2) mint bills is they are in numeric sequential order. 

I really like this 1930's postcard of the 3rd fairway from the Golf Club at Sherridon, Manitoba.  It's was a great looking hole, tree lined with some really neat rock outcroppings down the fairway.  

"The town of Sherridon originated as the service centre for the nearby Sherritt Gordon nickel mines. The mine closed in 1952, resulting in the equipment and many of the workers and families relocating to Lynn Lake.  In 1949 the first house from Sherridon was sleighed to Lynn Lake, Manitoba as a test run over the 160 miles of cat train trails. Over the next three years, 208 buildings were moved to Lynn Lake from Sherridon. Houses, stores, banks and churches were loaded on sleighs and pulled by caterpillar tractors over the ice and snow to Lynn Lake".

I copied the above details from Wikipedia...tells the story nicely.  Thought the history was very worthy of note...real Canadian ancestral grit!  Sherridon is located 808 kms. north of Winnipeg.  Anyhow, I wonder what those two chaps/golfers are talking about in the image?   Perhaps they were discussing club selection off the tee? 

 Jack says...

The Restricted Swing...

Playing from under tree limbs and other swing restrictors isn't as difficult as it might seem...three keys thoughts...acclimatize one's self to the feel of the restricted action by properly measuring it with plenty of practice swings.  Secondly, concentrate on swinging as slowly and smoothly as possible.  Thirdly, prevent peeking, that always wrecks these shots; concentrate hard on looking hard at the ball until it vanishes from sight.   

Scott says...

Further to Jack's comments I have always found most recreational golfers are far too ambitious re recovery shots.   I try and relate to my students your first step to recovery is to get out of the troubled area and back onto the fairway.   If that means hitting it sideways or even backwards...so be it!  Productive golf is simply impossible if you are hitting the ball continually from the rough to the rough.

I believe a "superb" strategy is for golfers to try and advance the ball from a tough spot to an identified fairway target such as a fixed yardage marker...I am referring to 100, 150, 200 fairway markers.  These markers are always located in the center of the fairway providing the golfer with some margin for error.   From this central location one can both measure and execute the next shot more proficiently.   Always remember, measurements on the fairway, whether from sprinkler heads, colored yardage plates, or barber poles are always to the CENTER of the green. I remain steadfast in my assertion...GOLF is a game of SCORE...always, always limit the damage! 

(click the bear)

The antique print below is titled "To the Society of Golfers at Blackheath".  Painted by Lemuel Francis Abbott (1760-1803), the picture depicts William Innes, the Captain of the Club at Blackheath and his caddy.  It is considered the oldest and first golf print to be published. 

In addition to the wonderful image itself, the print has been signed  lower left to Harvey Combe, from Charles Hugouin.  Many attribute Combe to be the founding father of the Victoria Golf Club; I suspect the print must of been a prize or part of a thank you gesture.  The script is dated 1907.  I acquired the piece from the Nora Combe estate. 

From an historic perspective, please note the caddy is carrying the clubs in a "bundle fashion".  Golf bags did not come into common use until the 1880's.  Another interesting tidbit... how about that bottle of spirits (scotch?) in the caddies right hand pocket?  I suspect a little something special for a chilly day on the links!  

Nick named "The Big Easy"; Ernie Els has one of the most seemingly effortless, rhythmic, productive swings on tour.  Winner of 65 Professional events, including 4 majors, Ernie must be considered as one of the very elite golfers of our time.  I have provided below a YouTube video of his swing.  You can stop of the video any time clicking the two vertical lines to the left of the second's time reader.  Please click the center button to activate. 

The important features worth noting are:

1. At the set-up notice the superb posture...Knees slightly flexed, quiet curvature of the spine to head, hands positioned below the chin, head simply looking at the ball.  Balanced position.  
2. At the 4 second mark of the video please notice Ernie has taken the club away from the ball with the arms and hands as one unit; this is referred to as a one piece takeaway.  The club head is drawn from the ball low and slow.  Be assured his grip is perfect!      
3. At the 7 second mark you will notice the club is now parallel with the target line, with the toe of the club pointing to the sky.  The wrist cocking process has begun!  
4. At the 16 second mark...the top of the swing; Ernie has the club near parallel to the ground at the top of the swing and shaft pointing down the target line.  Notice too his right knee remains flexed...a key element.  Notice too the straightness of the left arm and the position of the right elbow.  The hips at the top have turned approximately half the rotation of the shoulders.  The lower body will now lead the downswing.  Head remains steady!  
5. At 24 seconds Ernie is half way down to the ball...notice he has yet to release his wrist cock and his hips are beginning to clear or spin.  Notice the alignment of the shaft to the ball...Head remains steady!  
6. Contact at 27 seconds...left hip has cleared; arms are extended via the powers of centrifugal force.  Head remains steady!  
7. Moment 30...Ernie has released the club with the toe of the club pointed to the sky.  Right foot is releasing from the ground as the weight is being transferred to the front leg/foot.  Head remains steady!  
8. Finish at second 45.  Notice the finish of the swing and the final positioning of the body and club.  Ernie now has 90-95% of his body weight on the leading foot, with chest and belt buckle pointed to target.  Perfectly in balance at the finish.   

      www.ernieels.com  (click me!)

a.  Condoleezza Rice & Darla Moore
b.  Par 3 contest
c.  That of a Wicker Basket
d.  Ben Hogan 

e.  Old Tom Morris
f.   Nick Faldo
g.  Donald J. Ross 
h.  Jack Nicklaus 

Please click on any month to read previous editions... 

2012

January     February     March    April     May    June     July    August    September    October     November   December

2011

April     May     June     July     August     September    October      November     December 

WISHING YOU ALL A GREAT YEAR!