HUMBLE, Texas –
Lee Westwood will make his 56th attempt to win a major next week, and for the fourth year running is warming up at the Shell Houston Open.

There is a difference this time, though. He did not stop at Augusta National en route to Texas.

Shell has been the Houston Open’s title sponsor since 1992, giving it the third-longest tenure on the PGA Tour. The oil company’s current contract runs through 2017.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are among those who like to start their Masters preparations early, but Westwood has changed his mind on that.

“I didn’t think it was that necessary,” the 38-year-old world No. 3 said. “It’s a nice place to go and soak up the atmosphere with nobody there and get some work done, but the course isn’t really reflective of how it’s going to be on Thursday morning next week.

“It changes so much in three days,” he added. “I just decided not to this year and thought the extra couple of days at home would do me more good.”

Runner-up to Mickelson at Augusta National two years ago, Westwood has not only seen Ryder Cup teammates Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke all win majors since then, but also two more management stablemates in Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel. Meanwhile, he has had six top-three major finishes in the past four seasons.

“I think it proves I’m capable of winning major championships,” he said. “It makes me look forward to major championships a lot more than I used to. I feel like my game is better equipped to tackle major championship golf courses.

“You really should go into it treating it like just another tournament. We have plenty of them and major championships are no different,” he added. “Some of the tests are a little bit more severe — next week’s greens will be faster than most we putt on all year — but I feel like I’ve got a good enough game to cope with those things.”

Clarke, McDowell, Mickelson, Paul Casey and Padraig Harrington are also in this week’s field and so is Ernie Els, who has to win to qualify for the Masters.

McDowell, of course, would have won last weekend but for the return to form of Woods at Bay Hill.

“I’m very excited with my game,” the 2010 US Open champion said. “Every facet of my game is in decent shape and my spirits are high.”

Harrington has dropped to 93rd in the world, but two weeks ago began the Transitions Championship with a 61, the lowest score of his career. Not breaking 70 in any of the other three rounds and slipping from first to 20th was disappointing, but with a seventh place at Pebble Beach early last month there are at least encouraging signs for the Dubliner.

Clarke has not had a top-10 finish since he won the British Open last summer, while Casey — the winner in Houston three years ago — is playing only his third event since dislocating his shoulder snowboarding on Christmas Eve.

 

Article source: http://www.pga.com/news/pga-tour/lee-westwood-skips-trip-augusta-will-warm-masters-shell-houston-open

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. –
Yani Tseng has already worked on her leap at her pool back home in Orlando, trying to come up with something special for that airborne moment between winning the LPGA Tour’s Kraft Nabisco Championship and splashing down in Poppie’s Pond for the traditional post-tournament dip.

“I thought I jumped pretty cool two years ago, but my friends say it wasn’t a good jump,” said Tseng, the 2010 winner. “I think maybe if I have a lead on the last hole, I can (be) thinking what’s the best pose for me to jump, some little crazy move … like you jump in the pool, but you feel you’re relaxed. Something like that.”

The Kraft Nabisco Championship began in 1972, and became a major in 1983.

Nobody doubts the 23-year-old Tseng has a very good chance of making that leap.

She’s already soaring over the rest of women’s golf, winning four of the last eight majors and ascending to No. 1 in the world. Tseng has won two straight tournaments, three of five this season — more than doubling second-place Ai Miyazato on the money list with $792,186 already — and six of 12 LPGA Tour events dating to last season.

But 48 of the world’s other top 50 players have gathered at Mission Hills’ Dinah Shore Tournament Course in the Palm Springs area in an attempt to slow Tseng’s roll in the first major of the LPGA Tour season.

“There’s a reason I have a pool at home, too,” Norway’s Suzann Pettersen said.

Stacy Lewis’ three-stroke victory over Tseng last year in the Kraft Nabisco proved the Taiwanese star is beatable, even down the back stretch of a major. Lewis began Sunday two strokes behind Tseng, but passed her around the turn before Tseng bogeyed two of the final three holes at Mission Hills. Lewis earned her first LPGA Tour victory, while Tseng was crushed.

“It took me a couple of weeks to go through that, because I was crying after the round, even after a couple of days,” Tseng said.

Lewis’ comeback is good news for the rest of women’s golf, but Tseng channeled her resentment from that loss into her current streak of dominance. After falling short in Rancho Mirage, she reached even greater heights – including the brink of Hall of Fame eligibility before she’s old enough to rent most cars.

“That experience gave me lots of things, and improved myself,” Tseng said. “I know my emotional control wasn’t very good. I was very stressed after I missed a putt, after I made a bad shot. After that tournament, I had a little meeting with my team, my trainer, to see how much I can improve on the tournament.”

Lewis rode the momentum from her victory to a fourth-place finish on the money list in her breakthrough season. She revisited the Mission Hills course earlier Wednesday, checking out the spots where she made the decisive putts during a final round that went by in a blur.

“It gave me so much confidence that I could play against the best players in the world,” Lewis said. “Just to hang with Yani like I did for two days, I don’t think there’s many people that can say that they’ve done that. If you’re not nervous, I think you’re not human or something.

“I want to come into a tournament with people expecting me to win and play well. I love this golf course. I think it really sets up well for me, and so I want people to write that and I want people to know that, because I feel like I can tee it up with her and contend with her.”

The field also includes Michelle Wie, who will graduate from Stanford in June after getting her final grades Tuesday. The former child prodigy who chose college over the tour grind is finally dedicating her life to golf this spring, relocating to Jupiter, Fla., and channeling all of her energy into realizing her still-enormous potential.

“I played in my first Kraft nine years ago,” said Wie, who is about nine months younger than Tseng. “It’s absolutely ridiculous to think about that. … I’m more than ready just to jump in, full speed ahead, with golf, (but) I’m so glad I (went to Stanford). I think I would have regretted it for the rest of my life, and I’m so happy with my choice.”

Tseng and Lewis are the last two players to make the celebratory leap into Poppie’s Pond, a small freshwater body near the 18th green. The tradition started in 1988 with Amy Alcott’s spontaneous celebration, and every winner since has jumped or at least waded into the water.

The celebration turned a bit ugly last year when Carol Lewis, Stacy’s mother, hurt her leg while leaping with her husband and two daughters. Carol Lewis, an accomplished runner, thought she had broken her leg, though it turned out to be a badly sprained ankle.

But with Tseng back home in Florida practicing for her leap, even Poppie’s Pond got a makeover for the 41st edition of the erstwhile Dinah Shore tournament this year. The sloping ledge that could cause injuries has been removed, giving a clearer path to a big splash.

“Good, so now we have more space to cannonball,” said Morgan Pressel, who won her only major here in 2007. “That’s exciting.”

 

Article source: http://www.pga.com/news/lpga-tour/yani-tseng-soaring-over-her-rivals-plans-another-big-splash-kraft-nabisco

HUMBLE, Texas –
Ernie Els is approaching the Shell Houston Open like any other tournament, and not worrying about the bigger prize at stake.

Els must win this week to qualify for next week’s Masters and avoid missing the season’s first major for the first time since 1993. But he’ll consider winning at Redstone a bonus, and is more focused on building on the strong start to his year.

Shell has been the Houston Open’s title sponsor since 1992, giving it the third-longest tenure on the PGA Tour. The oil company’s current contract runs through 2017.

“You can’t go into a week putting pressure on yourself to win to get into another week,” Els said Wednesday. “I just want to have a good week. If I can win, obviously, that would be absolutely wonderful. But my goal here is not to get into the Masters, it’s to play the Shell Houston Open as good as I can.

“If I get into the Masters, that’s great. If I don’t, then I’ve had many Masters that I can look back at, and I’ll get back in there next year.”

The three-time major winner had his chances in recent weeks, earning top-5 finishes at Tampa and Bay Hill. But he missed crucial short putts late in both tournaments and seems resigned to the reality that he won’t be at Augusta National next week.

“It’ll be a very weird feeling,” Els said. “Since I’ve been a professional at this level, I’ve played at the Masters, so it’ll be a very weird feeling not to be there. I’ll miss it.”

The Masters could still offer a special invitation to Els, like tournament officials did for Greg Norman in 2002. Ryo Ishikawa, a nine-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, has a special invitation this year.

Els isn’t expecting a call between now and Sunday, when the Masters field will be set.

“It is an invitational event,” he said, “and they have their reasons to invite somebody or not, and that’s the sad part. I’ll probably miss it for the first time in 18 or 19 years. My streak will come to an end, unfortunately.

“I can’t blame the Masters people for not inviting me. I’ve put myself in this position by not playing very well.”

Phil Mickelson is the defending champion in Houston, and the field also includes local favorite Fred Couples and international stars Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell, the runner-up to Tiger Woods at Bay Hill last week.

The tournament became the run-up event to the Masters in 2007, and organizers have embraced the distinction. The course is manicured to simulate conditions at Augusta, with light rough, fairways mowed toward the tees, shaved mounds and slick greens.

The set-up has generated mostly positive feedback among the pros, particularly among international players. This year, the field has 40 players representing 17 countries outside of the United States, both tournament records.

“They really go the extra mile with the details,” said McDowell, playing here for the first time since 2006. “It’s a nice test, without being too difficult.”

Mickelson has played here every year since 2008 and he tied for 35th in 2010, when he won his third Masters. Last year, Mickelson shot 63-65 in the final two rounds to win by three shots, but then didn’t break 70 in four rounds at Augusta and tied for 27th.

Mickelson practiced at Augusta National earlier this week and was expected to arrive in Houston on Wednesday. He said after Bay Hill that the smooth, fast greens at Redstone provide a good tuneup for the Masters, but other aspects of the course do not.

“There’s water constantly pinching in the fairways and there’s no chipping areas,” Mickelson said. “You’re either in the bunker, or in water. There are no chipping areas around the course to help you prepare for the Masters, so it’s really not that great.”

Mickelson will play the first two rounds with defending Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and Couples, who played at the University of Houston and draws immense galleries here every year.

The 52-year-old Couples has made 18 consecutive cuts in Houston and earned his last PGA Tour win here in 2003, when the event was played at the nearby Members Course. Couples is coming off a victory on the Champions Tour, but missed the cut in his only other start on the regular tour this year, at Riviera.

“I want to compete, I want to play well,” Couples said. “I don’t want to come and play the Houston Open and feel more pressure, because I’m playing with guys that are better than I am. They hit it better, they play more, they’re better putters and chippers. But I still have the savvy on how to get the ball around.”

Shell has been the tournament’s title sponsor since 1992, the third-longest tenure on tour. The oil company’s current contract runs through 2017.

Article source: http://www.pga.com/news/pga-tour/ernie-els-not-feeling-pressure-shell-houston-open-despite-needing-win-masters

Many prominent golf companies, players and PGA instructors regularly take to Twitter to talk about their equipment and other aspects of their game. Here is a round-up of some of the most interesting golf-related Twitter entries from the week of March 19-25, featuring Lee-Anne Pace, Steve Elkington, Belen Mozo and more:

MARCH 25
Zane Scotland‏
@ZaneScotland   Hybrids, Belly putters and lob wedges shouldn’t be allowed in the pro game.

What do you think about your golf equipment? Rate and review your clubs in the PGA.com Equipment Section, where you also can see what’s in the bags of tournament winners, check out new equipment photo galleries and even catch up on the latest tweets from tour players and equipment companies.

@ZaneScotland: “Hybrids, Belly putters and lob wedges shouldn’t be allowed in the pro game.” — European Challenge Tour player Zane Scotland

Tracy Stanford  ‏ 
@TRACYstanford   Can’t wait to get my @PingTour i20′s in! #evenmoresolid

Adams Golf  ‏ 
@AdamsGolfInc   Yes! Putter get win number 6 in 2012! The winner at the Trophée Hassan II was using a Yes! Donna. Congrats!

Jackie Barenborg  ‏ 
@JackieBGolf   Loved using my new @PlayersTowel this week! http://twitpic.com/91cy7l

FootJoy Europe  ‏ 
@FootJoyEurope   FJ Ambassador @MikeHoeyNI wins the Trophee Hassan II. Congratulations !! #markofaplayer

David Byrne  ‏ 
@David_Byrne87  @AaronBadds – what hybrid/shaft you using? Got Super Hybrid from @AdamsGolfInc tour van and trying to find right combo

Edoardo Molinari  ‏ 
@DodoMolinari   Finally a few putts dropped and I finished with a very easy 67. -6 on the par 5s today…the new R11S is doing its job! Thx @TaylorMadeTour!

Arnie Wear  ‏ 
@ArnieWear   Ryan Moore rocking @arniewear on 17 at Bayhill day 1. http://pic.twitter.com/hWJafb7m

Lee-Anne Pace  ‏ 
@LeeAnnePace   Just finished a fitting with @cobragolf. Thanks Ben and Preston!Check out the new Cobra clubs,they are awesome!longer and great ball flight!

@LeeAnnePace   My new clubs being made…that’s Preston. http://yfrog.com/obtejzyj

@LeeAnnePace   The fitment center… http://yfrog.com/oe1c9rjj

MARCH 24
Kirk Oguri, PGA  ‏ 
@KIRKOGURI   Yicks!! But it’s a good thing! RT @PetesgolfshopNY: Just a few clubs dropped off for club repairs….. Oh boy….. http://twitpic.com/90u4qz

Nike Golf  ‏ 
@nikegolf   RT @JackIngram: Golf Gods from Nike Golf visited me 2day! This was laid at the altar! I’ll try 2 do good w/the tools http://pic.twitter.com/xZFlo1PS

Wilson Golf  ‏ 
@WilsonGolf   And the doors are open!! Come see us @edwinwattsgolf Northlake Blvd loc for free fitting/free balls! http://yfrog.com/kjwjcgwrj

@WilsonGolf   RD guru Rich talking to golfer excited about Ci11s! Come to @edwinwattsgolf Palm Bch to see us http://yfrog.com/hwznpjfj

@WilsonGolf   Another happy customer leaving @edwinwattsgolf Northlake loc Palm Bch! #duo #ci11 #hotlist http://yfrog.com/klx20bmj

Karen Stupples  ‏ 
@Kstupples   Wow, somebody must really like @SuniceGolf as I have had 2 shirts stolen from the dryer at the hotel!!!! Low very low

@Kstupples   Anybody see someone other than me wearing a bright pink @SuniceGolf shirt with a @WilsonGolf staff logo on. It’s mine!!!

Steve Elkington  ‏ 
@elkpga   “@TMac6under: @elkpga were you and Rocco the first to go “Headcoverless” on the lumber section of the bag ..//Rocco was first

MARCH 23
Odyssey Golf  ‏ 
@odysseygolf   @odysseygolf leads the putter count at the Kia Classic this week with 44 putters in play.

TaylorMade Golf  ‏ 
@TaylorMadeGolf   Majority of TM Staff Pros playing PentaTP5 at @2012BayHill -RT @Mugz1416: @TaylorMadeGolf which golf ball is everyone using at bay hill?

@TaylorMadeGolf   @TaylorMadeGolf No. 1 driver, fairway hybrid at Arnold Palmer @2012BayHill. Also, No. 2 golf ball (via @davecordero)

@TaylorMadeGolf   RT @davecordero: 41 @TaylorMadeGolf putters in play at @LPGAKiaClassic. Highest number ever for TM putters. Raylor Ghost DA-12 is #1 model

Charlie Tour (TaylorMade)  ‏ 
@CharlieTour   [PHOTO] Stopped in legendary Pete Carlson’s golf shop. I tried to figure out the #RBZFACTOR here but my head exploded http://pic.twitter.com/Z1YVO7UN

@CharlieTour   New RBZ driver and fairway wood for Charlie Wi (-6, T2) this week at Bay Hill. Wouldn’t be surprised if he stays hot this weekend at #API

Whitlam Golf  ‏ 
@WhitlamGolfUSA   Our new fitted flexfits . What do you think? http://twitpic.com/909e4a http://twitpic.com/909e3x http://twitpic.com/909e45

Bridgestone Golf  ‏ 
@bridgestonegolf   RT @JoeMoyer1: @bridgestonegolf thanks for the E6 ball recommendation made a ton of difference today only ball in my bag

Graham DeLaet  ‏ 
@GrahamDeLaet   New shipment of clothes yesterday from @SLIGOWEAR. Some sweet new pants colour choices. Thanks fellas! http://pic.twitter.com/Euff2dzN

MARCH 22
Scratch Golf  ‏ 
@scratch_golf   Congrats to @GregOMahony on winning on the National Pro Golf Tour. Greg was using 3 wedges. 8620 RAW 50/55/60 DD grind.

@scratch_golf   I forgot to mention yesterday @smhgolf is using 8620 Raw 53 and 58 SS Grind.

LoudMouth Golf  ‏ 
@LoudMouthGolf   All the pretty colors! #loudmouthnation http://pic.twitter.com/6Bx05AAa

Vokey Wedges  ‏ 
@VokeyWedges   These might be helpful in a couple weeks for Nick Watney and @McIlroyRory. #SM4 http://yfrog.com/mnkvvjj

@VokeyWedges   #DaVoke doing some last minute checks on a few wedges headed to Georgia. #InVokeWeTrust http://yfrog.com/od2c3dzj

@VokeyWedges   Finishing up TVD fitting samples for @ryancrysler and @CH3golf at the Floridian #betterfitbettergame http://yfrog.com/kjgnmncj

@VokeyWedges   You think this guy isn’t hands on? Dialing in a custom 60.03 for @stallingsgolf to use at Augusta http://yfrog.com/kgu38fdhj

Players Towel  ‏ 
@PlayersTowel   RT @DFLittlefield Big shout out to my new towel sponsor @TRACYstanford And @PlayersTowel http://pic.twitter.com/TiqwhKnk HAHAHAHAHAHA THANKS PLAY WEL

@PlayersTowel   RT@LPGATourRep @PlayersTowel We had LOTS of deliveries this week! http://pic.twitter.com/7dUbdXo5 YOU NEED AN @OGIO TRAVEL BAG! THANKS! PLAY WEL #BEST

Axis 1 Golf  ‏ 
@Axis1_Golf   Brenden Pappas shoots 63 and is tied for 1st on @nationwidetour.1st rd ever w/Umbra Putter. 1st in putts per GIR and 4th in total putting.

Pukka Headwear  ‏ 
@pukkaheadwear   The @talkingrockgolf course shared some photos with us of them opening their new #Pukka shipment! http://yfrog.com/h4qw6wgj Nice collection!

TaylorMade Golf  ‏ 
@TaylorMadeGolf   Enjoyed hearing this – tell her congrats RT @learngolf4fun: Marian gets hole in one on par 3 with a brand new RBZ wood http://pic.twitter.com/soEzh3YP

@TaylorMadeGolf   So many clubs getting built today in Tour!! #RBZ #R11S http://twitpic.com/8zsjbo

Callaway Golf Europe  ‏ 
@CallawayTourSpy   @odysseygolf are totally dominant at the EPGA’s Trophée Hassan II in Morocco, making up 46% of the field #1PutterInGolf

@CallawayTourSpy   @odysseygolf White Hot XG#7 was the #1 model and #MetalX DART 2nd. In total, there were 10 Metal-X putters in play #TrueRoll

Adams Golf  ‏ 
@AdamsGolfInc   Happy Birthday from us RT @johndeere10 My early birthday present to myself just arrived! My @adamsgolfinc MB2 irons! http://mypict.me/mLY28

Titleist Europe  ‏ 
@TitleistEurope   Great @TitleistEurope Fitting Day @machynysPGCC today – fantastic weather and a full schedule! #topday http://pic.twitter.com/sU9nnjir

MARCH 21
Belen Mozo  ‏ 
@BelenMozo   This is how I mark my balls! #GolfDotz http://fb.me/16uMJcKHO

@BelenMozo   This is what I use before practice rounds and tournament rounds! The best! Thanks @SKLZ! http://fb.me/1nocjNwCl

Vokey Wedges  ‏ 
@VokeyWedges   Our man Enrique working on some special hosel stamping for @TheChristinaKim #MissKitty http://yfrog.com/gy7j1smgj

@VokeyWedges   Some all-American snow stamping for @TheChristinaKim on her new SM4 56.11 http://yfrog.com/h03trfxj

@VokeyWedges   Finishing off the wedges for @TheChristinaKim with some of our cool new Vokey VDR grips. http://yfrog.com/mmbsfstj

@VokeyWedges   Regripping with laser precision http://yfrog.com/mg4hdqej

@VokeyWedges   Two new TVD SM4s featuring the @KBSShafts C-taper and BV Multi-compound grips. http://yfrog.com/oduv3gyj

@VokeyWedges   Very nice RT @ryancrysler: New @vokeywedges 200 Series wedge fitters: http://instagr.am/p/IcsX2URQgC/

Tom Reid  ‏ 
@TOMREIDGOLF   Bogey free 69 today. All credit to my R11 driver – Higher and longer! Can’t wait to get my hands on some RBZ fairways!

Nike Golf  ‏ 
@nikegolf   Gaining 22yds #counts RT @KING87YENS: Just finished the Speed Trial Distance Challenge! @HammerNike http://yfrog.com/gyktlmoj

TaylorMade Golf  ‏ 
@TaylorMadeGolf   Awesome! #RBZFACTOR RT @DHolmqvist: Just received some good news.. Thanks @TaylorMadeGolf No more laying up.. http://pic.twitter.com/WGeRr0up

Titleist  ‏ 
@Titleist   Putting the finishing touches on a new @ScottyCameron Select Newport 2 in the Titleist Tour Van http://pic.twitter.com/K50b5BMT

FootJoy  ‏ 
@FootJoy   Win-win! Enjoy. RT @mikeblackburn7: Thank you @FootJoy great job! Father son new kicks! #numberoneshoeingolf http://pic.twitter.com/ll0UP3Pa

Titleist Canada  ‏ 
@TitleistCA   #Loyalty “@ShawnPerrault: Just wanted to share a little something to show my passion for #teamtitleist http://pic.twitter.com/e6NjI5Nf”

Danielle Montgomery  ‏ 
@Daniellesgolf   New sticks arrived today. Thanks @PUMAGolf, now I just need to go hit a 1000 balls to get used to them http://yfrog.com/oc7pibej

Callaway Golf Europe  ‏ 
@CallawayTourSpy   We’ve heard of ‘Snakes On a Plane’ but ‘Snakes On The Range’?! Dangerous on the range here in Morocco! http://pic.twitter.com/7d4EzJtl

@CallawayTourSpy   How about this for some personalised stamping?! @bgrace58′s wedges at the Trophée Hassan II in Morocco http://pic.twitter.com/3pIvrlPd

Callaway Golf  ‏ 
@CallawayGolf   Arnold Palmer here at the #Callaway tour trailer to have a RAZR Fit Driver built for him. The guys in here were giddy. http://pic.twitter.com/4nBeSR78

@CallawayGolf   Freddie Jacobson is back at it this week. He stopped by the #Callaway tour trailer for a few tweaks. Here’s the proof. http://pic.twitter.com/6AtMKkl5

Julieta Granada  ‏ 
@JulietaGranada   Check out what I got today! Woohoo thanks @TFJgolfgirl and @scottycameron http://lockerz.com/s/194345776

Charlie Tour (TaylorMade)  ‏ 
@CharlieTour   Just delivered new Ghost Manta proto @JustinRose99 on 16 at Bay Hill. Says Fooch, his caddy, “It looks magic, mate.” http://pic.twitter.com/lIR03ZBM

TaylorMade Golf Europe  ‏ 
@TaylorMadeTour   Graeme Storme and his R11 irons. http://twitpic.com/8z9d9e

Titleist Africa  ‏ 
@TitleistAfrica   Have a look what’s inside Tyrone Ferreira’s bag…. http://yfrog.com/odiaodfj

Michael Johnson  ‏ 
@PirettiGolf   Here we are in Broussard Louisiana at the Chitimacha Open. http://pic.twitter.com/KH6QONL4
 
MARCH 20
adidas Golf 
@adidasGolf   sweet color! RT @Ryan_Pato1: got my new @adidasGolf shoes today; can’t wait to use them in opening day on Sunday http://pic.twitter.com/Kddh1iKr

@adidasGolf   Nice colors! RT @shaunus67: @adidasGolf the Sambas are very very nice #awesome http://bit.ly/GBj5O7

Briana Vega  ‏ 
@BriVega   New headcovers with my logo from AME !! Love them!!! http://pic.twitter.com/ru2axZnZ

@BriVega   Love our new range balls for the season on the #SymetraTour @ROAD2LPGA http://pic.twitter.com/1KjJiPVa

Vokey Wedges  ‏ 
@VokeyWedges   Some special stamping for our friend @TheChristinaKim #MissKitty http://yfrog.com/oe6x0gvj

TaylorMade Golf  ‏ 
@TaylorMadeGolf   He looks jealous RT @TaylorMadeTour: RT @JoeyHodgson: Even my dog is impressed with the new r11 bag http://pic.twitter.com/lFcVnXgP

Charlie Tour (TaylorMade)  ‏ 
@CharlieTour   (1/2) [PHOTO] Walking back 9 at Bay Hill @jteater12. Hit old 3-wood and RBZ 3-wood on 11 tee. Guess which ball is RBZ? http://pic.twitter.com/39HV3UWH

@CharlieTour   (2/2) Walked off, it was a 9-yard difference. Might not look like much in the photo but into a breeze Sunday that could mean one club on 11.

@CharlieTour   R. Garrigus getting a new RBZ 4-wood (Kai Li 80X) to fit a yardage gap at Bay Hill. His 3-wood is 14.5*, 5 wood is 19*. New 5-wood is 16*

Odyssey Golf  ‏ 
@odysseygolf   @odysseygolf leads all putter manufacturers in worldwide wins. We have now won 8 combined events on the PGA and European Tours this year.

Whitlam Golf  ‏ 
@WhitlamGolfUSA   Tour bag at the #kiaclassic. http://twitpic.com/8z08ft

Simon Hurd  ‏ 
@druhbelts   Selling well http://pic.twitter.com/oFL1sGOH

Graham DeLaet  ‏ 
@GrahamDeLaet   Thanks to @VokeyWedges for the sweet new belt buckle! http://pic.twitter.com/wQC8JvJ1

Precision Putting Products  ‏ 
@precisionputtin   You can see The Radi-Eye putter on tour this week! The champions tour and the European tour! #golf #PGA #putter

Matt Hoffman  ‏ 
@Matt_Hoff62  Bushnelling a shot. Putting device back in cart. Forgetting what you bushnelled. Having to get bushnell back out of cart. #hoffproblems

Fujikura Composites  ‏ 
@FujikuraOnTour   Blanks rocking Rombax Type X. 65X flex http://pic.twitter.com/BQOFzLHS

Jenny Shin  ‏ 
@JennyShin_LPGA   Got my shoes from @TFJgolfgirl!! Thank you! http://pic.twitter.com/B5IoLMCo

Travis Mathew Apparel  ‏ 
@TRAVISMATHEW   TW in Albany Pink at @tavistockcup http://instagr.am/p/IZqxVIKK3z/

Scott Drummond  ‏ 
@scottdrummondg   Look what’s just arrived 1 hour b4 I leave for Spain… Oh yes! @TaylorMadeTour #RBZ #R11s #PentaTP5 http://pic.twitter.com/noq6OAp8

Shasta Averyhardt  ‏ 
@IamSAveryhardt   That’s cute…the range balls http://instagr.am/p/IZKeCIuwtM/

SeeMore Putters  ‏ 
@SeeMorePutters   New lineup of FGP series – picture (Big FGP, PCB, FGP mallet, FGP blade) http://www.seemore.com http://pic.twitter.com/fLonpUdw

TaylorMade Golf  ‏ 
@TaylorMadeGolf   [PHOTO] From the Tour truck – Only a couple weeks out from @The_Masters, a new driver for Mike Weir at Bay Hill #RBZ http://pic.twitter.com/jmpVqbp4

Callaway Golf  ‏ 
@CallawayGolf   The putting green at Bay Hill early on Tuesday morning. 3 very full bags of #Odyssey putters are usually out to demo. http://pic.twitter.com/cZdiW5U8
 
MARCH 19
Odyssey Golf  ‏ 
@odysseygolf   @odysseygolf owns Transitions Championship: http://www.odysseygolftourblog.com/

Sue Kim ‏
@suekim_91  New SPI Putter by @WhitlamGolfUSA http://pic.twitter.com/ctC65Z8s

@suekim_91  New @WhitlamGolfUSA Wedges! Thank you Eric http://pic.twitter.com/X7oDOBzo

Fujikura Composites  ‏ 
@FujikuraOnTour   Locker room at Bay Hill http://pic.twitter.com/ZaonWPwm

Ryann O’Toole  ‏ 
@RyannOToole   Just got done at the Scotty Cameron Studio, thanks Paul for everything! Love the putters!! Left with a couple new toys. Yay!

Cleveland Srixon  ‏ 
@CGSrixonTour   PHOTO: Lots of Srixon balls in the air @ #TavistockCup. @aussieallenby will tee it up for Isleworth club this week. http://pic.twitter.com/SYNdrAMI

@CGSrixonTour   PHOTO: from BAY HILL: David Toms kind of looking like he knows what he’s doing? Maybe leave the club-building to us DT. http://pic.twitter.com/yu47O6Dk

Seve Benson  ‏ 
@SeveBenson   Been using the belly putter for the past 3 days! For a better release with the short putter! If they keep going in there could be change

Mallory Blackwelder  ‏ 
@MalBlackwelder   Packing my bag for my first #tourlife trip! Loving the new logo additions this year! @PlayersTowel @SuperShuttle http://pic.twitter.com/q32FXxBx

Leah Wigger  ‏ 
@leahwigger   Our range balls for the year, thank you Volvik for supplying the range balls this year! http://pic.twitter.com/tNe5kLmp

Ashworth Golf  ‏ 
@AshworthGolf   [PHOTO] On the range at Bay Hill Monday – Ashworth Tour Staffer @RyanPalmerPGA working on his game http://pic.twitter.com/9Wy5YOuo

Titleist  ‏ 
@Titleist   These are popular w/ the pros http://yfrog.com/ocp7uiuj http://yfrog.com/ob1qetwtj RT @jay_tait: can we see the goodies inside the van?

@Titleist   Putters. RT @ChrisChiarappa: @Titleist whats the most adjusted clubs you guys deal with on an average week? Driver, fwys, irons or wedges?

@Titleist   Start w/the golf ball. Only piece of equipment u use on every shot RT @tjdargs: if u could only custom fit 1 club in ur bag , which 1 why?

@Titleist   Same ball. http://bit.ly/dZVd5d RT @A_DeGeorge: @Titleist do players tend to play the same ball or adjust to conditions?

@Titleist   Gary Woodland games a 90 gram shaft in his 910D3 RT @SlickSlicer: @Titleist what’s the heaviest. Stiff shaft for the d3

@Titleist   Pro V1x tends to fly a little higher. RT @jcoughlin88: @Titleist How do the flight patterns of the ProV1 and ProV1x typically differ?

@Titleist   Here you go! http://yfrog.com/g0nuwoxj http://yfrog.com/nusbbauj RT @MarkKarlsen: @Titleist can we get some pics from the inside?

@Titleist   RT @JoRedbud: do you grind the players wedges to match their feel or do you grind to what you think the course demands for the week?

@Titleist   Combination of both. Balance between player’s swing and course conditions.

Callaway Golf  ‏ 
@CallawayGolf   Callaway staffer @samsaunders87 working on drivers at Bay Hill this afternoon. That’s how you look, right? Suuuure. http://pic.twitter.com/skka4ORR

@CallawayGolf   Watching @TwoGlovesGolf dial in a RAZR Fit Driver on the range at Bay Hill on a perfect day in Orlando. http://pic.twitter.com/EEfN6g7C

Michael Johnson  ‏ 
@PirettiGolf   Just finished 10 of these. http://pic.twitter.com/Hu5ZrACD

Fujikura Composites  ‏ 
@FujikuraOnTour   Sneds testing R11s with Motore Speeder 6.2 TS. Won’t even let me change the Fujikura grip on the demo. Love it! http://pic.twitter.com/YmnTH3eq

Nike Golf  ‏ 
@nikegolf   Prepping for his first start at Bay Hill, AK took time for some ball testing during today’s pro-am http://twitpic.com/8yld98

Precision Putting Products  ‏ 
@precisionputtin  The Radi-Eye putter is making its tour debut this week! It will be played the champions tour and the European tour! #golf #putting #pga

Charlie Tour (TaylorMade)  ‏ 
@CharlieTour   First build this week at Bay Hill – new 13* RBZ fairway for Sean O’Hair with Matrix Ozik TP7X #API #TM2012 http://pic.twitter.com/EpsyoNcJ

TaylorMade Golf  ‏ 
@TaylorMadeGolf   From the Tour Truck: Camilo Villegas’ #RBZ hats about to make their way to the locker room at Bay Hill #API #TM2012 http://pic.twitter.com/uLMpSw9P

@TaylorMadeGolf   [PHOTO] Just unboxed at the truck – new prototype Ghost Tour MA-81 for @TheSergioGarcia to test out at Bay Hill #API http://pic.twitter.com/yZCagb8s

@TaylorMadeGolf   [PHOTOS] Custom PENTA TP 5 @PGATOUR lockers at Bay Hill http://bit.ly/AfXipv http://bit.ly/zSV8ND http://bit.ly/y70Rgx http://bit.ly/yElBGt

 

Article source: http://www.pga.com/golf-equipment/weeks-worth-tweets/weeks-worth-tweets-march-19-25-2012

LONDON –
A month after she was ruled ineligible for Great Britain-Ireland’s Curtis Cup team, England’s Charley Hull was named to the squad on Wednesday.

Also named to the eight-player squad of amateurs that will face the United States this summer are Amy Boulden, Holly Clyburn, Bronte Law, Leona Maguire, Pamela Pretswell, Kelly Tidy and Stephanie Meadow.

Hull, who turned 16 on March 20, is seventh in the world amateur rankings – she is the highest-ranked player from Britain or Ireland. But she was disinvited from the team in February when it was announced that she was one of five amateurs from around the world invited to play in the Kraft Nabisco Championship, an LPGA Tour major, and would miss a mandatory Curtis Cup team practice at Nairn Golf Club in Scotland. Nairn will host the Curtis Cup on June 8-10.

Her removal from consideration prompted a huge reaction throughout British golf. England Golf Union Chief Executive John Petrie asked the LGU to rethink its decision, as did former Women’s British Open champions Karen Stupples of England and Catriona Matthew of Scotland.

“For what it’s worth Charley is making the right decision to play in Kraft, the experience gained from it is priceless,” said Stupples via Twitter. Added Matthew, “Ridiculous! Surely the LGU would want to have their best possible team. Charley would and should be a lock regardless.”

Hull’s surprise selection on Wednesday was confirmed when the LGU’s Selection Panel overturned its original requirement that all team members had to attend the practice session at Nairn.

Left off the team was 17-year-old Lauren Taylor, the youngest-ever winner of the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship last June, who has been nursing an injury for some time. She remains unable to play full shots, and the LGU wasn’t sure she would be 100 percent fit in time for the Curtis Cup.

Of the eight players selected, only Clyburn, Maguire and Pretswell have played in a previous Curtis Cup match. They were on the team beaten 12 1/2 to 7 1/2 in Boston in 2010. But three team members – Hull (No. 7), Maguire (No. 9) and Meadow (No. 10) – are currently in the top 20 of the world amateur rankings. In addition, Boulden, Clyburn, Tidy and Pretswell played on the five-player GBI team that beat Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa in 2011 Astor Trophy team match-play tournament.

Great-Britain-Ireland will be striving to win the Curtis Cup for the first time since beating the United States 11 1/2 to 6 1/2 at Killarney, Ireland, in 1996. The American team has won seven of these biennial matches in a row, the longest U.S. winning streak since 1960 to 1984. 

Article source: http://www.pga.com/news/other-tour/charley-hull-named-2012-britain-ireland-curtis-cup-team-in-surprising-reversal

CRAIL, Scotland –
Francesco Molinari will rest in the week leading up to all four major championships in a bid to retain his place in the European Ryder Cup team this year.

The 29-year-old Italian missed the cut in the opening three majors last year, the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open.

The Masters starts on April 5, so he won’t contest the Shell Houston Open in Texas this week after finishing near the tail of the field last year, or the Sicilian Open on the European Tour.

Molinari will also rest in the week before the June 14 start of the U.S. Open, and is unlikely to compete in the Scottish Open as it is staged just before the British Open begins on July 19 at Royal Lytham and St. Annes.

“Last year, I played in Houston before the Masters and I played the Italian Open the week before Congressional, and in discussing that with my coach, Denis Pugh, at the end of last year we thought that was not the ideal preparation,” Molinari said. “So my efforts in the first three majors last year was quite disappointing in missing the cut in all three.

“But at this time of the year I am hitting the ball better than I did last year, and this decision to at least not play the week before Augusta and the week before the U.S. Open, and then maybe not play the Scottish Open in the week before the Open, should help.”

The 43rd-ranked Molinari said his goal this year is to make the Ryder Cup team to play the United States from Sept. 25-30 at Medinah.

“I know that if I miss the cut in the majors, it’s not going to help my chances of getting back into the European team,” he said. “I’m into all the majors and the (World Golf Championships), so I need to be playing well in all of them in order to qualify as I am quite a long way down in the rankings at the moment.”

While about 20 Europeans will compete this week in Houston, the London-based Molinari will work with short-game coach Mark Roe at Wisley Club.

“I would have wished for something better and while I played well all week, I didn’t putt all that well,” Molinari said. “But I still feel quite good going to Augusta.

“I still definitely need to work on my short game and putting as that is vital, but I have this week and then three days of next week, so there is time to do that.”

With Matteo Manassero missing out on earning a place inside the top 50 in the world rankings after finishing tied for third in the Hassan II Trophy in Morocco on Sunday, Molinari will head to Augusta National on Sunday as the only Italian in the field.

Article source: http://www.pga.com/news/pga-tour/francesco-molinari-rest-majors-year-in-quest-make-ryder-cup-team

Are you interested in learning more about the value of your golf clubs? Be sure to check out the PGA.com Value Guide, the national standard for golf club value. Using the PGA.com Value Guide, you can determine their value, along with hundreds of other clubs, and trade in your used equipment for cash or credit toward the clubs you want right now.

Article source: http://www.pga.com/golf-equipment/winners-bag/whats-in-winners-golf-bags-week-march-25-2012

AGADIR, Morocco –
Michael Hoey put himself back into the hunt for a Ryder Cup spot with a three-stroke victory at the Hassan II Trophy on Sunday.

Nine shots behind after his opening 74, the 33-year-old from Northern Ireland grabbed his fourth European Tour victory — and second of this Ryder Cup campaign — with two superb closing rounds of 65.

The 2012 Hassan II Trophy is the third edition of this event as a member of the European Tour, and is being played for the second straight year at Golf du Palais Royal.

“I’ve not really been thinking about it, but I’m obviously in contention,” said Hoey, a former British Amateur champion, who finished with a 17-under-par total of 271, when asked about the Ryder Cup.

Hoey beat compatriot Rory McIlroy at the Dunhill Links Championship last October, and he pushed another Irishman, Damien McGrane, into second place this time.

McGrane shared the lead with a round to play along with Matteo Manassero. The 18-year-old Italian had to win to have a chance to get into the Masters by moving into the top 50 in the world ranking, but fell into a tie for sixth with a 72.

The 40-year-old McGrane led by three after starting with back-to-back birdies, then found himself two behind when Hoey followed a birdie on the short second with four successive birdies from the fifth.

It was nip and tuck again when he bogeyed the long 10th, and McGrane made par, but three more birdies in four holes from the short 14th settled it.

Not that his 65 was the round of the day. It was not even close, in fact.

Jamie Donaldson, yet to win in nearly 250 European Tour events, shot a course-record 61 to share third place with fellow Welshman Phillip Price and England’s Robert Coles. Donaldson covered the back nine first in 28, only one off the Tour record, with two eagles and four birdies, then started for home with another birdie to be 9 under for his first 10 holes.

The circuit’s first 59 was a possibility at that point, but he found the water on the long fifth. After a 6 there, though, he added a further birdie on the seventh and at the 394-yard ninth sank his 9-iron approach for a third eagle.

“I forgot about the end result and concentrated on one shot at a time,” said Donaldson after tying his career low. “It was a great day.”

As it was for Hoey, who had not had a top-10 finish since his victory at St. Andrews nearly six months ago.

“I’ve worked hard with Jamie Gough. My swing is more consistent and Phil Kenyon has been helping me with my putting,” he added.

Manassero’s disappointing final round was good news for Ernie Els in Florida.

It meant the South African, tied for third with a round to go in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, could make the world’s top 50 and qualify for the Masters by finishing third rather than second.

Article source: http://www.pga.com/news/european-tour/michael-hoey-captures-hassan-ii-trophy-matteo-manassero-masters-quest-fall-short

SAUCIER, Miss. –
Fred Couples looks like a man who is ready for another run at the Masters.

The 52-year-old made an eight-foot birdie putt on the final hole Sunday to win the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, capping an impressive showing at the Champions Tour event just two weeks before his annual trip to Augusta.

The third edition of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic is being played this week, with David Eger and Tom Lehman as the winners of the first two playings.

“I want to go into (the Masters) after winning a tournament like this feeling some confidence and I did get a lot today,” Couples said. “I hit a lot of good shots. I would say I’ve got a lot to work on, but if I can drive it like that, the course will be easier.”

Couples made the tournament’s outcome more interesting than he would have liked.

He easily navigated through the first 14 holes on Sunday with four birdies, no bogeys and no major trouble. But he surprisingly bogeyed the par-5 15th after a poor approach and chip shot, and carded another bogey on the par-3 17th before a flawless final hole salvaged the victory.

The 18th at Fallen Oak is the toughest-rated on the course, but Couples crushed his drive right down the middle of the fairway and used his sand wedge to clear a water hazard and stick the approach close to the hole.

His final putt was slightly downhill and he hit it perfectly. Couples admitted to getting “a little jumpy” down the stretch, but said he played well enough earlier in the round to give him a cushion.

“The bottom line is you get a lot of chances to win if you play well,” Couples said.

Couples started the day tied for the lead with Jeff Sluman, but moved ahead with a birdie on the first hole. He led the rest of the day until the 17th, when his bogey dropped him into a tie with Michael Allen.

Allen admitted he was surprised to find himself that close to a playoff. He shot a 6 under 66 on Sunday.

“I don’t get too caught up in it,” Allen said. “That’s one of the reasons I don’t watch scoreboards — I don’t need any extra anxiety. Just do what I do. Then all of a sudden (on 18) I’m like, do I have to think of a speech?”

That wasn’t necessary, thanks to Couples’ clutch putt.

He shot a 3 under 69 in the final round to win $240,000. It is his seventh career victory on the Champions Tour and first this season.

Couples finished at 14 under for the tournament. Allen finished one stroke behind, and Sluman and Tom Pernice Jr. finished tied for third at 10 under.

Couples now prepares for a few weeks on the PGA Tour. He’s scheduled to play in the Shell Houston Open next week and will then head to the Masters, where he’s had plenty of recent success, with top-15 finishes the past two years. He won in 1992 and has 10 career top-10s.

Fallen Oak has some similarities to Augusta because of the southern location and lush landscape, and it became a much tougher golf course as the weekend progressed.

The Gulf Coast was soaked by more than nine inches of rain earlier in the week, which led to very soft conditions during Friday’s opening round. It left the course vulnerable to low scores, including Couples’ course-record 9-under 63.

But sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s dried the course quickly by Sunday, making for faster greens. Factor in a swirling wind and more difficult pin positions and birdies were harder to find.

 

Article source: http://www.pga.com/news/champions-tour/fred-couples-makes-birdie-final-hole-win-mississippi-gulf-resort-classic

ORLANDO, Fla. –
Tiger Woods hit so many great shots that he couldn’t single one out as the best of his week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Winning was as sweet as ever, even after a PGA Tour drought that stretched over 923 days and 27 tournaments.

The best part about posing with the trophy at Bay Hill?

Luke Donald is in the second week of his current reign as world No. 1. He previously held the top spot for 40 weeks before Rory McIlroy briefly dethroned him.

The conversation was back on golf, his favorite subject.

Just two weeks ago, Woods gingerly climbed into a golf cart and was taken off the golf course at Doral with soreness and swelling in his left Achilles tendon, the same injury that caused him to miss three months and two majors last year.

On Sunday, no one questioned his health. Woods marched to a five-shot victory that restored his confidence and gave him momentum going into the Masters two weeks away.

“This was coming,” Woods said. “I’ve been close a number of times, basically since Australia. Just had to stay the course.”

With the win, Woods climbs 12 spots in the world ranking, up to No. 6 in the world, returning to the top 10 for the first time since May 22, 2011.

The five spots ahead of Woods remained unchanged, with Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy very close together in the top two spots. Lee Westwood keeps a solid hold on third, with 2012 PGA Champion Martin Kaymer in fourth and Steve Stricker still the top American in fifth.

Reigning Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, who lost the sixth spot to Woods, is down to seventh. Recent Doral winner Justin Rose remains in eighth, while Webb Simpson drops from seventh down to ninth and Adam Scott falls from ninth to 10th, knocking former No. 10 Jason Day out of the top 10.

The second 10 includes No. 11 Day, No. 12 Dustin Johnson, No. 13 Graeme McDowell, No. 14 Hunter Mahan, No. 15 Phil Mickelson, No. 16 Bill Haas, No. 17 Matt Kuchar, No. 18 Bubba Watson, No. 19 Nick Watney and No. 20 Keegan Bradley.

Also on Sunday, Michael Hoey of Northern Ireland climbed up to No. 74 from his previous spot at 98 by winning the Hassan II Trophy on the European Tour.

Only a month ago, there were concerns that Woods could no longer make the important putts.

He had missed a 5-foot birdie putt on the last hole to lose in the second round at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. He missed several putts just as close when he crashed out in the final round at Pebble Beach. But there he was at Bay Hill, knocking in two big par putts on the back nine to keep his distance from Graeme McDowell.

“I just never got close to him,” McDowell said.

And then there’s the book by his ex-swing coach, Hank Haney. “The Big Miss” has been such a sore spot with Woods that he lost his cool with a reporter earlier this month. The book reveals a driven player who is self-centered and rarely satisfied, no big surprise except that it was a side of Woods he tried to keep private for all these years.

Woods added a chapter to his own book Sunday.

He won for the 72nd time on the PGA Tour — one short of Jack Nicklaus in second place on the career list — and 84th time worldwide. It was the 16th time he won by at least five shots, and his seventh win at Bay Hill tied the PGA Tour for most wins on a single golf course. Woods owns both marks. He also has won seven times at Firestone.

“I think he really just kind of nailed home his comeback,” McDowell said. “Great to have a front-row seat watching maybe the greatest of all time doing what he does best — winning golf tournaments.”

 

Article source: http://www.pga.com/news/pga-tour/tiger-woods-returns-top-10-in-world-rank-after-five-shot-victory-bay-hill