Top Mobile Golf Apps and Solutions

Although golf is over 100 years old and has a lot of history and traditions, in recent years the introduction of technology has shaped the way we view and play the game of golf.  Through mobile apps, golf software and various tech solutions, information is now right at our fingertips... 

Calgary, Alberta (EatSleepGolf) - July 24, 2013 - Eat Sleep Golf announced today the results from their mobile golf app review, identifying the best mobile golf solutions on the market. In a lengthy review process,golf marketing agency Eat Sleep Golf tested and analysed dozens of mobile golf apps and solutions to determine which ones were best for engaging and enhancing the golf experience.

The review process took into consideration app popularity, user reviews and ratings, ease of use, innovation, as well as the overall benefits of the solution. "As a huge fan of both technology and sports, its great to see how these two industry overlap" said Scott Stevens, Director of Innovations at Eat Sleep Golf. "We're constantly looking for the latest and greatest golf products, and none are evolving quicker than the new mobile solutions available to golfers."

1. Swing by Swing - This mobile GPS application and scorecard provides golfers with wealth of insight both on and off the golf course. While on the course, the Swing by Swing mobile app provides golfers with vital yardage stats such as distance to green and hazards. While off the course, it opens up a whole new realm for reviewing statistics, such as scores, greens in regulation, average putts per hole and much more.

Because of it's ease of use and the powerful information it provides, Swing by Swing continues to gain popularity and has already surpassed 2 million downloads. It provides course imagery and stats for over 32,000 golf courses worldwide; and with a zero dollar price tag, Swing by Swing is a must have for any golfer looking to analyse and improve their game. (http://www.swingbyswing.com)

2. Game Golf - Hands down, the most innovative technology to hit the golf market, this wearable technology provides golfers the ability to automatically track their golf rounds without having to manually record a thing. By inserting ball marker sized sensors into the end of each golf club grip, the Game Golf platform is able to seamlessly record scores, average yardage per club, fairways hit, greens in regulation and more. Through their cloud environment, users can then view a visual depiction of all this information online in an ongoing effort to improve their game. (http://www.gameyourgame.com)

3. Golf Now - This app allows golfers to book discounted tee times 24/7 directly from a mobile device. Boasting over 100,000 tee times at over 4,000 courses and resorts across the US, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, Bermuda and Mexico. This is the most effecient and effective way for golfers to gain quick and easy access to discounted tee times. (http://www.golfnow.com)

4. SwingTip - This innovative bluetooth enabled 3D motion sensor device clips onto a golf club and wirelessly transmits real-time golf swing analysis to a mobile device. Using a patent-pending ProView Motion Analysis engine to accurately capture, analyze and digitally reproduce a video-like animation of the users golf swing in three dimensions alongside key performance metrics. Key preformance stats provided include club head speed, swing path, clubface angle, impact zone on club face, swing tempo and more. (http://www.swingtip.com)

5. Golf Channel Mobile App - Keep the golf world at your fingertips with the new Golf Channel Mobile App which allows users to read the latest articles, blogs, and analysis from the game's most knowledgeable insiders. It allows users to follow along with an interactive leaderboard from all major worldwide tours, including the PGA Tour. Excellent app for keeping up to date on the latest news and announcements from around the golf world. (http://www.golfchannel.com)

About Eat Sleep Golf
Eat Sleep Golf is a media and brand development agency focused solely on the golf industry. Through various initiatives, they work with industry partners and clients in an effort to engage the golf community, promote innovative golf brands and essentially grow the game of golf on a global scale. Along with providing golf news through their online network of websites, they also provide brand development services, social media management and public relation services.

The World's Most Baffling Questions with Cobra Golf and John O'Hurley

COBRA Golf presents the final video in the Golf Made Easy series featuring John O'Hurley (yes, J. Peterman from Seinfeld). In 'The World's Most Baffling Questions' John tackles the questions that have had us puzzled for years, like who decided that an Oyster looked like something good to eat?

According to John, the Devil invented golf. John offers you a solution to beat the Devil - it's Golf Made Easy with the Baffler Hybrid Iron Set.

To watch the first two videos in the series 'Mankind's Greatest Achievements' and 'Life's Greatest Difficulties' visit the Golf Made Easy website. In addition to the first two videos you can learn more about the Baffler Hybrid Iron Set and snag a peak at behind the scenes snapshots from the video shoot with John.

Cobra's Fit N Fly App

CARLSBAD, CA (April 2nd, 2013) – Getting fit for clubs is an important part of making sure golfers are playing the best equipment for their game. Now, with COBRA’s Fit N Fly app for iPhone and iPad (Android coming soon), golfers can input different attributes of their game such as tempo, ball flight, distance and set configuration to help determine the best COBRA clubs that suit their game.

“With our Fit N Fly App we can help a golfer perfectly gap their long game using AMP CELL metal woods that are equipped with MyFlyTM technology,” commented Jose Miraflor, Director of Product Marketing. “MyFly settings enable the golfer to dial in specific distances between their driver and longest iron, which is so important and rarely focused on by amateurs.”

When a user selects ‘Fit Me’ for fairways or hybrids, a slider appears that allows the golfer to detail their longest iron distance, their driver distance, and the number of wedges in the bag. The App then calculates which fairways and hybrids in specific models and settings the golfer should start with to determine their best fit. This allows the golfer to optimize their long game through effective distance gapping.

In addition to gapping the long game, Fit N Fly has a calculator that will determine the best driver for an individual based on their objective (forgiveness, more distance, anti-slice, etc.), handicap, swing tempo, the preferred trajectory and the golfer’s current driver distance. With that data entered, Fit N Fly will recommend specific COBRA Drivers and flexes. The iron calculator uses the golfer’s preferred playability (standard, forgiving, workability), handicap, desired trajectory and how the golfer would like their iron distance to change compared to their current set (same, long, longer) in order to recommend the best COBRA iron (AMP CELLTM, AMP CELL Pro, AMPTM Forged and Baffler® Hybrid Irons) for each individual.

To provide as much information as possible, the Fit N Fly app also contains product videos with our Vice President of Research and Development, Tom Preece, 360° product views, product tech information, the ability to view different colors and angles of the products and more. Fit N Fly is also actively tied into social media, with the ability for a user to Tweet, Facebook or e-Mail friends recommended individual clubs or their full bag. With COBRA’s new e-Commerce website in the United States, users can also purchase their new clubs directly through the Fit N Fly app.

The Fit N Fly app is available in the Apple App Store and will soon be available in the Google Play Store. http://bit.ly/FitNFly

Cobra Golf - Limited Edition Green Driver

CARLSBAD, CA (MARCH 4th, 2013) – It’s almost time for the first Major of the year and COBRA Golf is celebrating by bringing golfers the AMP CELL Limited Edition – Green Driver. An AMP CELLTM head complete with MyFlyTM, SmartPadTM, E9 Face TechnologyTM and Advanced Material Placement, is paired with a Diamana Blue Board shaft, LE headcover, LE wrench and, of course, is being released in ‘Season Opener Green.’

Starting on March 15th, 1,800 of the Limited Edition Drivers will be available at select golf retailers globally. Each driver is marked with a ‘1 of 1800’ stamp on the sole for authenticity.

“We are aiming to be the most desirable brand in golf,” commented Jose Miraflor, Director of Product Marketing, COBRA. “It’s one of the most exciting times of the golf season and this Limited Edition Driver builds off of that energy. With all of our game changing technology, like MyFly and SmartPad, we are bringing game enjoyment to golfers everywhere,- the added desirability of a Limited Edition Driver for the first Major is exciting for our consumers.”

MyFly Technology offers a simple solution for golfers to optimize trajectory and distance. The Driver can be adjusted to the following lofts with a simple wrench; 8.5°, 9.5°, 9.5° Draw, 10.5°, 10.5° Draw and 11.5°. With MyFly, golfers can now customize their club based on swing speed (higher lofts for slower swing speeds and lower lofts for faster swing speeds), weather (lower lofts to bring ball flight down on windy days) and course conditions (higher lofts for more carry).

Unlike other drivers that require a golfer to adjust the sole plate after adjusting loft for a square face, COBRA’s proprietary SmartPad technology delivers a square face at address regardless of loft setting and still allows for workability to slightly open or close the face as desired.

COBRA’s E9 Face TechnologyTM with dual roll provides an elliptical face shape with a canted bulge and roll that improves distance and accuracy on mis-hits from heel to toe and above and below the centerline. Advanced Material PlacementTM and Cell technology work together to enable a 12% larger elliptical E9 Face shape to deliver faster ball speeds and high MOI (moment of inertia) on mis-hits. The Cell technology saves and redistributes weight in a granular way and is visible on the drivers in the Cell band which wraps around to the crown. This wrap also visibly shows a golfer where the weight is distributed, with the Driver having a CG optimized for low-mid handicap players.

The AMP CELL Limited Edition – Green Driver (MAP $399) is available in right handed models with My Fly technology which allows any driver you purchase to be adjusted from 8.5° to 11.5° loft settings, including 9.5° and 10.5° draw settings. It is available in Stiff and Regular flexes and features a Diamana Blue Board Shaft (60g S and R, 55g L and 45.75” length). The grip and Limited Edition Headcover and Wrench match the head of the driver in Season Opener Green.

The Limited Edition Driver will be available on March 15th, 2013. To find an authorized COBRA dealer near you, visit http://cobragolf.com/dealer-locator

Holly Sonders Shakes Things Up With Cobra Puma Golf

CARLSBAD, CA – COBRA PUMA GOLF and Golf Channel On-Air Host (and avid golfer), Holly Sonders, have joined forces. Holly will use COBRA Golf equipment and wear PUMA Golf apparel, accessories and footwear on and off the course. Holly currently appears on many programs on Golf Channel including “Morning Drive,” “School of Golf” and “Playing Lessons.”

“We are so excited to be working with Holly,” commented Bob Philion, President, COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Her passion for the game and impressive skills on the course, along with her keen sense of style, make her a great addition to the COBRA PUMA GOLF team. Holly will help us reach consumers through another, exciting platform that we believe will set us apart from our competitors.”

Holly played collegiate golf at Michigan State University and continues to share her passion for the game through her work on Golf Channel, participation in PGA Tour Pro-Ams and through online tournament and news updates on golfchannel.com.

Holly’s new COBRA bag consists of:

• AMP CELLTM Driver, MyFly set to 9.5° 
• AMP CELL Fairway set to 14° and 17° 
• AMP CELL Hybrid, MyFly set to 21° 
• AMP CELL Irons 
• Trusty Rusty Wedges 

“COBRA PUMA GOLF is a company that is doing something different in the golf industry – they’re cool, they’re fun and they deliver high-quality products,” commented Holly. “They are a company I am proud to be working with and I look forward to representing them on and off air.”

The AMP CELL Driver, Fairways and Hybrids feature COBRA’s new MyFlyTM and

SmartPad TM Technology, allowing golfers to easily adjust their clubs between 6 trajectories while keep the face angle square at address, allowing customization for their swing type, course conditions or weather conditions. The AMP CELL products also offer the next level of personalization with three women’s color options: Capri Blue, Cabaret Pink and Green Pearl (men’s options include Silver, Directoire Blue, Barbados Red and Vibrant Orange).

Holly will be wearing products from PUMA Golf’s Spring / Summer 2013 Collection, featuring PUMA CELL, a system of performance benefits that enhances human performance. Inspired by nature, PUMA CELL helps you Look Better. Feel Better. Play Better. in any environment. Holly will be rocking PUMA Golf’s new Colorblock Dresses, fun and functional Golf Tech Skirts in addition to performance polos, sweaters and jackets in fun, trendy colors. Her footwear is styled to fit into her fashionable PUMA Golf wardrobe through accent colors and sleek silhouettes. Technology and fashion work together to provide maximum comfort throughout your round.

The AMP CELL family of products will be available in golf retailers on February 8th, 2013. The PUMA Golf Spring Summer 2013 Collection is available at golf retailers now.

Jeremiah Wooding Signs With Cobra Puma Golf

CARLSBAD, CA (FEBRUARY 13, 2013) – COBRA PUMA GOLF has announced Jeremiah Wooding as the newest addition to their global team of professional golfers ahead of his PGA Tour debut at the Northern Trust Open (NTO), where he received the 5th annual NTO Exemption awarded to a top minority golfer who represents the advancement of diversity in golf.

Jeremiah, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduate, has had an accomplished junior golf career in Southern California and was an accomplished athlete in high school. His high school golfing career led him to UNLV where he played four strong years of collegiate golf. After graduating, Jeremiah competed in Q School where he advanced to the finals and earned conditional Web.com Tour status for the 2013 season.

“We are excited to welcome Jeremiah into the COBRA PUMA GOLF family,” said Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “He has tremendous talent and a bright future with serious goals. COBRA PUMA GOLF is looking forward to helping Jeremiah realize those goals and his dream to be the best.”

“I want to play golf and look good doing it – COBRA PUMA GOLF can help me do that,” commented Jeremiah. “They are changing the industry through innovative thinking and top performing products and I am thrilled to be a part of such an exciting company.”

Not only is Jeremiah a top-performing golfer, but he is also helping to grow the game. He works with Advocates USA to perform clinics and mentoring sessions for minority youth. His exemption into the Northern Trust Open is based not only on his top golf performance, but on how he has helped the advancement of diversity in golf through his work with Advocates USA.

Jeremiah’s new COBRA bag consists of:

• ZL Driver in Red 
• AMP CELL Fairway in Silver, MyFly set to 13° 
• AMP CELL 2-3 Hybrid in Silver 
• AMP CELL 3-4 Hybrid in Silver 

The AMP CELL Pro Driver and Fairway feature COBRA’s new MyFly and SmartPad TM Technology, allowing golfers to easily adjust their clubs between 6 trajectories while keep the face angle square at address. The AMP CELL metals are available in Silver, Vibrant Orange, Barbados Red and Directoire Blue.

Jeremiah will be wearing a COBRA Tour Cap and using an AMP Tour Staff Bag. He will be wearing products from PUMA Golf’s Spring / Summer 2013 Collection featuring PUMA CELL, a system of performance benefits that enhances human performance. Inspired by nature, PUMA CELL helps you Look Better. Feel Better. Play Better. in any environment. He’ll be rocking the new ZL (Zero Limits) shoe, part of PUMA Golf’s Lux footwear collection. It is a sleek style that offers the perfect blend of luxury materials and performance. Using a carbon fiber shank encased in TPU provides the ultimate lightweight support, control and dynamic flexibility while S2Quill® cleat technology provides maximum grip on the course. His PUMA Golf gear effortlessly fuses technology and style together

The AMP CELL family of products, ZL shoe and the Spring Summer 2013 Collection from PUMA Golf are available at retailers now.

Jesper Parnevik is Hitting the Course in Style

COBRA PUMA GOLF Inks Deal with International Superstar Jesper Parnevik

CARLSBAD, CA (JANUARY 10, 2013) –Jesper Parnevik, known for his 14 professional wins, Ryder Cup record, flipped brim caps, style on the course and, of course, his latest Gangnam Style viral video, is making his way back to the PGA Tour following some time away due to medical injury - and he’s coming back to the course in style with the COBRA PUMA GOLF team.

“COBRA PUMA GOLF and Jesper Parnevik are a perfect match,” said Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “He has been a world class performer and a pioneer of modern golf fashion on the global golf stage for over 20 years; making him the perfect blend of performance and style that COBRA PUMA GOLF embraces. We’re excited to see him return to the PGA Tour and embody the COBRA PUMA GOLF spirit on and off the course.”

Jesper will kick off the 2013 season at the Humana Challenge on January 17th, 2013. This will mark the first tournament Jesper plays fully equipped with COBRA Golf clubs and PUMA Golf apparel, accessories and footwear. Following the Humana Challenge, Jesper will make an appearance at the 2013 PGA Merchandise Show at COBRA PUMA GOLF’s Demo Day (tee number 8) and booth (1143).

“I’m thrilled to be part of the COBRA PUMA GOLF team; they’re not afraid to do things a little differently,” commented Jesper. “I’ve played COBRA and worn PUMA in the past; both brands provide top performing gear that shakes things up on the course. I’m so excited to have the new 2013 gear ready to go, and add my style to the line at the same time; COBRA PUMA GOLF is a great fit for me.”

Jesper’s new COBRA bag consists of:

• AMP CELLTM Pro Driver in Silver; MyFlyTM set to 7.5° 
• AMP CELL Pro Fairway (prototype) in Silver, MyFly set to 13° 
• AMP Forged Irons, 3-P 
• Trusty Rusty in Rust finish, 49° and 53° 

The AMP CELL Pro Driver and Fairway feature COBRA’s new MyFly and SmartPad TM Technology, allowing golfers to easily adjust their clubs between 6 trajectories while keep the face angle square at address. The AMP CELL metals are available in Silver, Vibrant Orange, Barbados Red and Directoire Blue.

Jesper will be wearing products from PUMA Golf’s Spring / Summer 2013 Collection along with the all new Tux Lux golf shoe, part of PUMA Golf’s Lux footwear collection. Like the name implies, it is a sleek style that offers the perfect blend of luxury materials and performance. A decoupled TPU forefoot and heel allow both parts of the foot to work independently, S2Quill® cleat technology provides maximum grip on the course and stormCELL waterproof technology protects against Mother Nature no matter how scary she gets. Jesper, true to himself, will be putting together fashion forward looks from the PUMA Golf Collection and rock a brand new, cycling-inspired cap complete with his signature flipped brim.

Jesper will be also part of COBRA Golf’s 2013 ‘What’s Your Fly’ advertising campaign and be featured in print, online and television ads as well as in store signage alongside Rickie Fowler, Ian Poulter and Jonas Blixt. Additionally, Jesper’s favorite songs will be available in a playlist on PUMA Golf’s “PUMA GOLF Beats” playlist that can be found on Facebook.com/pumagolf.

The AMP CELL family of products will be available at retail February 8th. The Tux Lux golf shoe hits stores on February 10th and the Spring Summer 2013 Collection from PUMA Golf is available at retailers now.

Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club

Number of Holes: 18

Yardage:  6,400 yards (from blue tees)
Par: 72
Open to the public: Yes
Green Fees: From $37 - $105
Call for tee times: 858.487.9224
Driving range: Yes
Restaurant: Yes

Website: www.clubcmr.com

Located just 25 minutes from downtown San Diego, Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club is one of the premier semi-private golf clubs in the greater San Diego area. Guests will enjoy our impeccably conditioned golf course, elegant clubhouse and personalized service for all of their golfing needs. The 6,400 yard course meanders through an upscale residential community, presenting the golfer with panoramic mountain views. Since no two holes adjoin each other, golfers feel they have the course to themselves. Carmel Mountain Ranch is a true shotmaker's course with elevation changes, strategic choices and fast undulating greens. Designed by Ron Fream, the course has hosted U.S. Open qualifying, the San Diego Open qualifying and many local events. The club offers practice facilities, teaching professionals, club rentals, a complete golf shop, restaurant and bar, and banquet facilities.

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Brandt Snedeker Co-Hosts Morning Drive

2012 FedExCup Champion Brandt Snedeker made his Morning Drive co-host debut this morning alongside Gary Williams and Damon Hack, discussing a variety of topics during the course of the show, including his thoughts on the anchored putter debate and slow play on the PGA TOUR. He also discussed his FedExCup win and his experience being a part of the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup Team.

Read about some of the highlights below or watch the entire episode here...

Thoughts on the anchored putters (anchored putter discussion begins 9:30 into the video):
Snedeker: “When it comes to Tour golf, you know, I’m obviously really good at putting with the short putter. I’m against the belly putter and the long putter. I feel like, when it comes down to having a five-footer to win a golf tournament, I know how I feel. I know my hands are shaking. I know I am very, very nervous. I don’t think it is the same feeling if you have that thing stuck in your belly. I’ve got no problem with longer putters if you want to make sure they are not anchored. I just have a problem with anchoring…I feel like they should be banned.”

Thoughts on Slow Play (slow play discussion begins 16:32 into the video)
Snedeker: “They (PGA TOUR) want to make sure the product they get out on TV is good. They don’t want to see guys taking five-and-a-half hours to play a round because it doesn’t look good for us as leaders of the game. The policy they have is very inept at dealing with that.”

Snedeker: “I think if you start giving guys penalty shots – if they say, “If you get on the clock and you get a bad time, we are going to penalize you a shot” – then all of a sudden, those guys realize, ‘Well if I lose a shot on Sunday, that can be $500,000. Guys will start speeding up really quickly.”

Snedeker: “I feel like sometimes the guys get a little bit of a hall pass because they say, “I am working on it.” Well, you are not working on it very hard. Because if you are literally working on it and if you are still the slowest guy on the PGA TOUR, then it says something about their work ethic, because it hasn’t changed. It is a tough situation because guys get very sensitive about it, when actually it is just being honest with them.”

On what he has bought with the $10 million as a result of winning the FedExCup:
Snedeker: “Haven’t bought anything yet. Nothing yet. Kind of saving it for a rainy day and hoping that never happens.”

On how winning the FedExCup boosted his confidence:
Snedeker: “It’s a big confidence boost to know that my best is good enough. I’m just starting to scratch the surface of what I can really accomplish. And it’s not anything physical it’s all mental.”

On what the months of July and August like being just outside of the Ryder Cup bubble:
Snedeker: “That was tough. The one goal I had at the beginning of this year was making the Ryder Cup. Being on U.S. soil with Davis Love as captain is like the perfect storm for me. And to have a guy like Davis who has meant so much to U.S. golf and to golf in general, and to be on his team was just something I really wanted to do. July and August were tough because I knew I was on the outside looking in and I needed to play really well coming down the stretch in late July and August and I didn’t do it.”

-NBC Sports Group-

Ian Poulter is Victorious at the HSBC Champions

CARLSBAD, CA (November 4th, 2012) – Ian Poulter, COBRA PUMA GOLF worldwide star, won the HSBC Champions in China today. Ian shot a 21 under par to secure the win using COBRA Golf equipment and wearing PUMA Golf footwear and belt. Ian’s win comes after four top ten finishes during the season along with a pivotal role in Europe’s win at the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Ian started the final round tied for fourth place and grinded his way to the top of the leader board with eight birdies in the final round. With seven holes left to play, Ian was tied for the lead with Phil Mickelson at an overall 20 under. On 12, Ian pulled away and another birdie on 14 put him 2 ahead of the pack.

“Ian is a worldwide golf sensation,” commented Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Ian is a global phenomenon with wins, and fans, all over the world. His world class performance, determination and unquestionable personality have made him an ideal ambassador for COBRA PUMA GOLF.”

Ian sported the Neo Classic ProTypes, a shoe developed by PUMA Golf for Ian when he switched to PUMA Golf footwear earlier this year. The Neo Classic ProType features S2Quill® technology, giving Ian ultimate traction, comfort and style on the course.

Ian used his COBRA Golf equipment to help secure his win. Ian’s bag consists of:

• ZL EncoreTM Driver in White, 8.5 Neutral with 45.75” Aldila RIP Phenom 50X 
• AMP 3Wood with Project X 7B3 X 
• Baffler Rail 2H with Matrix Radix 8X Hybrid 
• S3 Pro Irons 4-6 CB, 7-P MB with Dynamic Golf X100 

His ZL Encore Driver features Multi Material Construction with a carbon fiber crown and sole , 6-4 Titanium body and 6-4 Titanium Face that features E9 Face TechnologyTM with dual roll and Adjustable Flight TechnologyTM. These powerful technologies provide a larger sweet zone on the face, optimized ball flight and maximizes forgiveness, combined they maximize distance and accuracy. Ian plays the ZL Encore in White with Black and Red options also available to consumers. The AMP 3 Wood features E9 Face Technology, Advanced Material PlacementTM and Adjustable Flight Technology TM for fine tuning launch and distance.

Faldo: 'Very Dangerous Time' for Rory

So, the news is out that Rory McIlroy will not be using Titleist club next season.  It leaves me wondering, how much of an affect do you think this type of equipment change will have on McIlroy's game?  Here's Nick Faldo's thoughts on the subject...

With the news Tuesday that Rory McIlroywill not play Titleist clubs in 2013, the narrative shifts from his potential equipment supplier to a bigger, more significant query regarding his future: Should the Northern Irishman have stuck with the clubs that helped fuel his rise?

Six-time major winner Nick Faldo, appearing on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive,” on Tuesday, has already sounded the alarms for the upcoming equipment switch.

“I call it dangerous,” he said. “I’ve changed clubs and changed equipment, and every manufacturer will say, ‘We can copy your clubs; we can tweak the golf ball so it fits you.’ But there’s feel and sound as well, and there’s confidence. You can’t put a real value on that. It’s priceless.

“You have to be very, very careful. You easily could go off and do this and it messes you up because it just doesn’t quite feel the same. When you’re striping it, it’s fine. But as soon as doubt comes in…

“I’d be very cautious. I’d love someone like him, in his position, to sell the bag. That bag is worth a fortune; it’d be on TV all the time. Stick with the clubs that you know best, that you believe the best.

“It’s really important. It’s the feel and confidence of knowing that your equipment will perform how you want it to perform on Sunday afternoon. You can’t mess with that at such a young age.”

That’s one of the most thoughtful takes we’ve seen on the topic, from a player who’s been in a similar position: at the top of the world ranking, faced with the decision of whether to cash in and change equipment, or stick with the clubs he used to win major championships.

For McIlroy, his new equipment is just the latest in a series of changes over the past 16 months. Since winning the 2011 U.S. Open, the 23-year-old has switched agents, taken up PGA Tour membership and, now, is close to signing with another equipment company.

The latter figures to be his most significant decision of all.

What to Watch

Looking to sit back, relax and enjoy some golf on TV this week?  The Golf Channel has some great shows airing Tuesday evenings, including Big Break Greenbrier, Chasing the Dream and Our Longest Drive.  Here's a glimpse at this weeks episodes:

Big Break Greenbrier
Tuesdays 9:00PM ET
This season, twelve men aspiring to play on tour lay everything on the line and put their golf skills through the ultimate test. It’s an eleven week battle at The Greenbrier resort and The Greenbrier Sporting Club to come back for a coveted exemption into the 2013 Greenbrier Classic. See who has what it takes to keep their dream alive. Watch an all-new Big Break Greenbrier Tuesdays at 9PM ET only on Golf Channel.

Chasing the Dream
Tuesdays 10:00PM ET
Chris Anderson is a successful businessman with a wife and three kids. Robbie Biershenk owns a driving range and struggles to make ends meet. But both share the same dream — playing on the PGA TOUR. Experience their highs and lows as they risk everything on their quest to prove that it’s all worth Chasing the Dream. Watch an all-new Chasing The Dream Tuesdays at 10PM ET.

Our Longest Drive
Tuesdays 10:30PM ET
Three buddies, along with the ashes of their friend, set out on the adventure of a lifetime driving over 5,500 miles to play golf in the Arctic Circle. It is more than just a road trip with the guys. It is about friendship, loss, discovery and adventure. Tuesdays at 10:30PM ET, beginning October 16, only on Golf Channel.

Bonita Golf Course

Number of Holes: 18

Yardage:  6,200 yards (from blue tees)
Par: 71
Open to the public: Yes
Green Fees: From $26-$38
Call for tee times: 619.267.1103
Driving range: Yes
Restaurant: Yes

Website: www.bonitagolf.net

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The original Bonita Golf Course was founded in "Old Bonita" in 1956. In 1981, due to development of Plaza Bonita, the course relocated just east into the peaceful valley in the South Bay where it resides today; No one complained.

The views of Mt. Miguel and open fields make BGC a truly special piece of property; we hope you think so too. The old mantra, "home of the happy golfer" made a natural transition from "Old Bonita" to "New Bonita" and the rest is history.

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Cobra Puma Golf Star Jonas Blixt 'Blixts' the Field at Frys.com Open

Jonas Blixt Secures his First PGA Tour Victory 

Jonas Blixt, COBRA PUMA GOLF Ambassador, won the Frys.com Open last Sunday to secure his first PGA Tour victory as a rookie on Tour. Jonas shot a 16 under par to secure the win using COBRA Golf equipment and wearing Tomato (red) PUMA Golf gear in honor of his alma mater, Florida State University. Jonas’ win comes after four top ten finishes, the most recent a third place finish at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, in his rookie year on the PGA Tour.

Jonas started the final round in second place and competed his way to the top of the leaderboard with five birdies. With eight holes left to play, Jonas was in a four way tie for the lead with an epic birdie on 17th to take the outright lead.

“Jonas’ rookie year on the PGA Tour has been excellent and he has been a perfect fit with COBRA PUMA GOLF,” commented Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Jonas has been with COBRA Golf for two years while he graduated from the Web.com Tour and secured his first PGA Tour win this week.”

Jonas wore the Raglan Jacquard Golf Polo and Super Cell Fusion Ice shoes in Tomato and paired them with the 5 PKT Tech Pant in white and a COBRA Tour Cap. The Raglan Jacquard Golf Polo has a lightweight construction and innovative seaming system that reduces friction during swings, its wicking fibers absorb and release moisture to keep comfortable for the round. His Super Cell Fusion Ice shoes feature PUMA’s newest S2Quill technology, giving Jonas ultimate traction and comfort.

Jonas used his COBRA Golf equipment to help secure his win. Jonas’ bag consists of:
§ ZL EncoreTM Driver in Black, 8.5 Neutral with UST Attas T2 6X shaft
§ Baffler® T-Rail 2H with Graphite Design DI 105X
§ S3 Pro Irons MB 3-P with DYG X100

His ZL Encore Driver features Multi Material Construction with a carbon fiber crown and sole , 6-4 Titanium body and 6-4 Titanium Face that features E9 Face TechnologyTM with dual roll and Adjustable Flight TechnologyTM. These powerful technologies provide a larger sweet zone on the face, optimized ball flight and maximizes forgiveness, combined they maximize distance and accuracy. Jonas plays the ZL Encore in Black with White and Red options also available to consumers. The Baffler T-Rail Hybrid features a tungsten rail sole for improved turf interaction and moves CG low and deep for a high, penetrating ball flight and longer carrying distance.

To celebrate Jonas’ win, fans have the chance to win a set of clubs as Jonas plays (ZL Encore Driver, Baffler T-Rail Hybrid and choice of iron set) at www.cobragolf.com and win his winning look from Sunday at www.puma.com/golf

Phil Mickelson misses shot at $1 million dollar target

All that stood between $1 million and Phil Mickelson was 100 yards.

Unfortunately, he went long.

Teaming with his corporate sponsor KPMG, Mickelson took dead aim from one end zone during the halftime intermission of the San Diego Chargers-Denver Broncos Monday Night Football game. At stake was as much as $1 million for First Book, a non-profit organization which provides new books for children in need. Mickelson was set up in one end zone, aiming for a target in the other end zone. Mickelson knocked his shot long but will still earn $50,000 to buy 20,000 books.

Mickelson, using a 56-degree wedge, needed to land his shot within 5 feet of the hole to win $1 million. According to the PGA Tour, Mickelson has hit 13.5% of his approach shots from 95-105 yards to inside 5 feet since 2003.

The hometown Mickelson is a season ticketholder to the Chargers who recently bought a stake in the San Diego Chargers.

"My wife, Amy, and I, feel strongly that literacy and education are critical to the future success of today's youth," Mickelson said.

KPMG's Family for Literacy began five years ago in cooperation with First Book and is led by the spouses of KPMG partners and professionals from across the firm's offices. To date, KPMG has delivered more than two million books to children in local communities throughout the country.

Before the game, Mickelson, dressed in the powder-blue of his Chargers, joined the MNF set and was asked about the Ryder Cup. Two weeks ago, the Americans couldn't make a 10-6 lead after two days hold up and lost 141/2-13½ Europe.

"I'm still licking wounds," said Mickelson, who counts four major championships among his 40 career PGA Tour wins. "It still stings. It was one of the toughest losses I've even been involved with. I can't believe we didn't pull it through."

But Mickelson had little doubt who would win the game. Mickelson, pointing out that the Chargers have beaten Manning-led teams five of the last six games, and that the Chargers have beaten the Broncos nine of the last 12 games, took the Chargers.

via: www.usatoday.com

2012 Sports Financial Advisors Association Golf Fundraiser

Event Date: Oct 25, 2012	Cost: $100
Admiral Baker North Golf Course
2400 Admiral Baker Road #3604, San Diego, California 92120 Phone: 619-491-0225
About the Event / Charity
Benefiting the BBBS Sports Bigs program in San Diego, helping to provide children opportunities to participate in sports within the community.
Charity - Fundraiser - Nonprofit
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego
Format of Tournament: 4 man scramble
Event Check In Time: 8:00am Starting Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Dress Code: Golf attire
Cost for an individual: $100
Cost for the foursome:
Contests: Long Drive, Closest to the Pin, Straight Drive Challenge
Food & Beverage: Lunch Provided with additional beverages available for purchase
Deadline Sign Up Date: Oct 19, 2012
For Sign Up Information or Sponsorship Opportunities Please Contact:
Contact Person : Sports Financial Advisors Association Email: david@wheelerfrost.com Phone : 619-491-0225 Website: http://www.regonline.com/sfaagolf

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Number of Holes: 18

Yardage:  6602 yards (from blue tees)
Par: 18
Open to the public: Yes
Green Fees: From $72-$101
Call for tee times: 949.305.5100
Driving range: Yes
Restaurant: Yes

Website: www.arroyotrabuco.com 

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The Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is a public-access daily fee facility featuring an 18-hole championship-length golf course designed by PGA Tour professional Tom Lehman and well-respected local golf course architect, Casey O’Callaghan. Set amidst Trabuco Creek and The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, the 240-acre Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club provides an unforgettable golf experience on par with South Orange County's finest high-end clubs. Conveniently located off Avery Parkway, Arroyo Trabuco offers unparalleled value in a pristine, park-like setting.
Arroyo Trabuco has five sets of tee boxes, playing from 5,045 to 7,000 yards for the challenge and enjoyment of golfers of all skill levels. Trabuco Creek plays as a lateral hazard on seven holes and on-course lakes come into play on three holes.

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San Diego Junior Golf Association's 60th Anniversary Glow Ball Tournament

San Diego County Junior Golf Association's

60th Anniversary Glow Ball Tournament

Saturday October 27, 2012

Registration Begins:	September 5, 2012 at 12:01 AM PDT
Entry Deadline:	October 17, 2012 at 11:59 PM PDT
Entry Fee:	$20.00

Presidio Hills Golf Course 

Start Time: Afternoon activities begin at 2pm Glow Ball starts at 7pm 

Join us in celebrating our 60th Anniversary with a day-long schedule of events at Presidio Hills Golf Course. We will kick-off the afternoon with short game exhibitions and challenges, followed by dinner, and then a glow ball tournament at night.

For more info: http://sdjga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/sdjga12/event/sdjga1224/index.htm

Michael Phelps sinks 50 yard putt

After breaking the record for the most gold medals in Olympic history this year in London, swimmer Michael Phelps has taken on the challenge of learning the world's greatest sport.... golf.

Check out this video of Phelps dropping a 150 foot putt!!

Sail Ho Golf Club

Quick Stats and Information

Number of Holes: 9
Yardage:  1023 yards (from black tees)
Par: 27
Open to the public: Yes
Green Fees: From $13-$15 (for 9 holes)
Call for tee times: 619.222.4656
Driving range: Yes
Restaurant: Yes

Website: www.sailhogolf.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/golfSailHo

An important part of San Diego's golf history, Sail Ho was originally the San Diego Country Club. It was actually named the Loma Club, and was built by A.G. Spalding of Spalding Sports. You can book a tee time here today!

Sail Ho is one of the oldest courses in the county, having been around since the 1920's. The Navy used Sail Ho for its physical fitness program and well being included in recruit training. Sam Snead used to be the Head Golf Professional while he was in the Navy, and both Craig Stadler and Phil Mickelson played lots of junior golf tournaments at Sail Ho Golf Club.

Located at the north end of Liberty Station, the new and improved Sail Ho Golf Club features redesigned fairways, greens and practice facilities by renowned San Diego architect Cary Bickler. Sail Ho also offers a new clubhouse, featuring a pro-shop with all the amenities, breakfast and lunch menus at The Sail Ho Bar & Grill that is a full service bar, and new administrative offices.

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