John Senden, who has one win on the PGA Tour at the John Deere Classic, looked like a veteran who has one 10 plus times on the tour coming down the stretch Sunday. Senden had former world number one Luke Donald right on his tale, and also 2013 US Open champ Justin Rose. He managed to escape a very tight leaderboard and emerge victorious.
Senden hit what was by far the shot of the tournament on the tough Par-4 16th. He had just hooked a fairway wood off the tee into the trees on the right, then hit a marvelous hook from the pine straw up about 20 yards from the hole. Then he executed what was by definition a perfect shot. Senden hit a beautiful chip that rolled right up to the hole like a putt and dropped. This birdie moved him to six-under, and then he made a long birdie putt on the 17th to move to seven. Then finished the round with a smooth par on the 18th to shoot a solid final round one-under 70. Senden had to watch as Kevin Na birdied the 17th to pull with in one, but was relieved when he missed a long birdie attempt on the 18th which gave him the victory.
Kevin Na, also a one time champion on the PGA Tour, was the only one who scared Senden on the last couple holes. But Na missed judged a pitching-wedge on the 18th which ultimately gave Senden the win. This was still a very good performance for Na, considering all the slow play drama that once again haunted him. But the demons seem to have started to go away, and maybe we will see some more impressive stuff out of Na.
Veterans, Luke Donald and Justin Rose, could not get the job done this weekend, but still there was some good that came out of this tournament for both of them. Rose who is coming off of an injury is showing the world that the injury won't affect him come major time. Donald once held the highest position in golf, but hasn't one in over a year. This tournament showed that he is still very competitive, and maybe he will break through for that first major this year.
The Valspar Championship had an intense finish, that shocked many of the viewers. We as fans can only hope to see this quality of a tournament every Sunday.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Significance of golf marketing
Why is it so important that golf companies to have as many PGA Tour player's using their clubs? What does it do for the golf industry?
These questions can be answered with a simple and common answer. The laws of money. Competition between companies brings in money to them. When you watch ESPN or primarily the golf channel, you will notice all the advertisements for brands of golf clubs and apparel. This makes the viewer believe that one company is better than the other, or since this professional uses these clubs then I must. Since there are so many companies, and not every tour player uses only one specific ball or one specific driver, then there is not really a difference in performance from company to company.
One of the biggest marketing tricks performed recently in the golfing world was Rory McIlroy's switch to Nike from Titleist. This switch made it so that him and Tiger Woods were both with Nike, and that way the two best players in the world used the same brand. Tiger had pretty much built Nike's golf success by using their brand for a very long time and winning most of his tournaments while using them. Nike is starting to come out with some very good products, their resin golf balls (20Xi-X and S) have proven to be competitive with Titleist Pro-V1's and Taylormade Penta's and Lethal's. And their Method series putters have also shown to be as good as Scotty Cameron's or Odyssey putters. When Nike signed Rory they boosted well up in the golf business world, even our local golf courses put them on the racks. The new Covert driver by Nike has become a huge success taking much of the spin off of the tee. Their products have seemed to become better, and much more recognizable now that they have both Tiger and Rory working for them. When a company sign's PGA Tour professionals to their label, they start to get more and more business because if those pro's are switching then I probably should as well.
A fast rising company in the world of golf is Adams. They are a company who has had some success over the years, but it has been mostly with players from other companies using their hybrids, and not all of their clubs. Adams has also found a lot of success on the Champions Tour, and not so much the PGA Tour, but they are quickly rising. Adams has just recently signed multiple time major champion Ernie Els, and now that they have the "Big Easy" their products are looking good for everyone. Some pro's like Aaron Baddely and Robert Garrigus have used Adams products for a few years now, but they are starting to make a footprint on the tour, and that has caused a big increase in sales. Many of the stores did not used to carry all of the Adams lines, but now you can find pretty much all of their clubs wherever you go.
Their is a big competition in the golf markets to sign PGA Tour professionals. This will make your company more popular and increase sales.
These questions can be answered with a simple and common answer. The laws of money. Competition between companies brings in money to them. When you watch ESPN or primarily the golf channel, you will notice all the advertisements for brands of golf clubs and apparel. This makes the viewer believe that one company is better than the other, or since this professional uses these clubs then I must. Since there are so many companies, and not every tour player uses only one specific ball or one specific driver, then there is not really a difference in performance from company to company.
One of the biggest marketing tricks performed recently in the golfing world was Rory McIlroy's switch to Nike from Titleist. This switch made it so that him and Tiger Woods were both with Nike, and that way the two best players in the world used the same brand. Tiger had pretty much built Nike's golf success by using their brand for a very long time and winning most of his tournaments while using them. Nike is starting to come out with some very good products, their resin golf balls (20Xi-X and S) have proven to be competitive with Titleist Pro-V1's and Taylormade Penta's and Lethal's. And their Method series putters have also shown to be as good as Scotty Cameron's or Odyssey putters. When Nike signed Rory they boosted well up in the golf business world, even our local golf courses put them on the racks. The new Covert driver by Nike has become a huge success taking much of the spin off of the tee. Their products have seemed to become better, and much more recognizable now that they have both Tiger and Rory working for them. When a company sign's PGA Tour professionals to their label, they start to get more and more business because if those pro's are switching then I probably should as well.
A fast rising company in the world of golf is Adams. They are a company who has had some success over the years, but it has been mostly with players from other companies using their hybrids, and not all of their clubs. Adams has also found a lot of success on the Champions Tour, and not so much the PGA Tour, but they are quickly rising. Adams has just recently signed multiple time major champion Ernie Els, and now that they have the "Big Easy" their products are looking good for everyone. Some pro's like Aaron Baddely and Robert Garrigus have used Adams products for a few years now, but they are starting to make a footprint on the tour, and that has caused a big increase in sales. Many of the stores did not used to carry all of the Adams lines, but now you can find pretty much all of their clubs wherever you go.
Their is a big competition in the golf markets to sign PGA Tour professionals. This will make your company more popular and increase sales.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Jimmy Walker escapes tough field at Pebble
Jimmy Walker entered Sunday with a six shot advantage at -13 over Hunter Mahan and Tim Wilkinson, his nearest competition. Walker has already won twice this season, and he made it a fourth.
Walker turned nine with still a four shot lead at -14, but found trouble down the stretch at tough and famed Pebble beach. Dustin Johnson and Jim Renner both made charges up the leaderboard and got to -10, leaving all the deciding to Walker. Walker bogeyed 10, 12, 13, and 17 on the back. The lowest he got was -11, and that is where he finished after squeaking in a five footer on the 18th. Jimmy can't be too satisfied with his finish, but he got the job done, and his third win of the season. Johnson shot a final round low of 66, and Renner shot 67. Both have to be satisfied with at least putting some pressure on the distant leader.
Some of the players with in touching distance just couldn't get the job done on the final round. Hunter Mahan, the multiple time winner on the PGA Tour, was one of the big names that just couldn't find what it took to catch Walker. Mahan came into the final round closer to Walker than everyone else, and for a while looked like the one who could catch him, but down the back nine, like Walker, Mahan just could not find the necessities to finish it. Mahan miss hit multiple shots, and ended up shooting an even par 72. Tim Wilkinson was tied with Mahan at -7 going into the day, and he ended up shooting a final round 73 to finish in a tie for seventh at -6.
Jimmy Walker outlasted the field to squeak out a one shot lead, after leading by six to start the round. On a tough Pebble Beach course, with a tournament full of delays and suspended rounds, Walker has to be over joyed with the win this week.
Walker turned nine with still a four shot lead at -14, but found trouble down the stretch at tough and famed Pebble beach. Dustin Johnson and Jim Renner both made charges up the leaderboard and got to -10, leaving all the deciding to Walker. Walker bogeyed 10, 12, 13, and 17 on the back. The lowest he got was -11, and that is where he finished after squeaking in a five footer on the 18th. Jimmy can't be too satisfied with his finish, but he got the job done, and his third win of the season. Johnson shot a final round low of 66, and Renner shot 67. Both have to be satisfied with at least putting some pressure on the distant leader.
Some of the players with in touching distance just couldn't get the job done on the final round. Hunter Mahan, the multiple time winner on the PGA Tour, was one of the big names that just couldn't find what it took to catch Walker. Mahan came into the final round closer to Walker than everyone else, and for a while looked like the one who could catch him, but down the back nine, like Walker, Mahan just could not find the necessities to finish it. Mahan miss hit multiple shots, and ended up shooting an even par 72. Tim Wilkinson was tied with Mahan at -7 going into the day, and he ended up shooting a final round 73 to finish in a tie for seventh at -6.
Jimmy Walker outlasted the field to squeak out a one shot lead, after leading by six to start the round. On a tough Pebble Beach course, with a tournament full of delays and suspended rounds, Walker has to be over joyed with the win this week.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Young guns of golf, the emerging faces of the game
There are many young golfers who dream to be Tiger Woods, or wish they could just compete against him. But there are the few who get that chance, and they aren't much older than the dreamers. Names like Jordan Speith, Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Ryo Ishikawa, Hideki Matsuyama, Jessica Korda, Lexi Thompson, and Michelle Wie are the ones you hear. These are the ones who have made those dreams realities, and are starting to challenge the very best in the game.
The biggest name on this list would have to be Rory McIlroy. Rory came into the picture when he was still a teenager. He has one two major championships (2011 US Open, and 2012 PGA), and is a formerly ranked world number one. He has 11 professional wins at the age of 24, and hasn't quit. Rory has been labeled the next great one, and is expected to overthrow Tiger. The fact that he will or not is definitely up for concern, but there is no doubt this kid is good. Rory for how young he is, can compete with any golfer in the world, and he was at one point the best in the game. There is plenty more to come from this kid, and do not be surprised if you see him sitting a top the rankings later in his career.
Hideki Matsuyama, unlike Rory, is building his name. He's a player who people who watch a large amount of golf know, but he isn't yet a household name. Matsuyama was able to compete in the Masters as an amateur at the age of 18, he was low amateur, and therefore was invited back to compete the following year. He played on the 2013 President's Cup Team, and has had some success on the PGA Tour. He does not have a win on the PGA Tour, but it won't be a shock if he gets in the circle in 2014.
Jordan Spieth is a common name around any house that pays attention to golf. That kid who won a national championship at Texas, and then turned pro. Yeah, that's Jordan. He got a win in 2013 at the John Deere Open in the Quad Cities, defeating Zach Johnson and David Hearn in a playoff. Spieth was also on the President's Cup Team in 2013 along side Johnson, and competed against Matsuyama. Spieth, though only 20 years old, can compete with anyone, and I predict he will win a major in 2014.
Everyone knows who the "Big Wiesie" is. Also known by her real name, Michelle Wie was at one point the face of the future for the LPGA Tour. She was going to be the first girl to compete in the Masters. So maybe her father got her in a wrong mind set, and has caused a few issues for Michelle to grow as a player. But we all remember that fast swinging, smooth rolling little girl who just appeared one day and never left. Well Michelle never really developed into the player everyone was expecting, and now there is a new generation of women golfers that have replaced what could have been her story. Jessica Korda and Lexi Thompson are just two of the young women golfers that have emerged. Korda being 20, and Thomspon being 18 both have won a couple of times this early on in their careers. Korda has two professional wins, while Thomspon has five. And both of them have competed in the Solheim Cup, and are the faces of American golf. They both inspire many young players to reach the dreams, and that anything is possible.
Many of these young emerging golfers have already reached their dreams, and all of them continue to inspire many young golfers who wish to be them. The game is going into a good direction, with these players leading the way.
The biggest name on this list would have to be Rory McIlroy. Rory came into the picture when he was still a teenager. He has one two major championships (2011 US Open, and 2012 PGA), and is a formerly ranked world number one. He has 11 professional wins at the age of 24, and hasn't quit. Rory has been labeled the next great one, and is expected to overthrow Tiger. The fact that he will or not is definitely up for concern, but there is no doubt this kid is good. Rory for how young he is, can compete with any golfer in the world, and he was at one point the best in the game. There is plenty more to come from this kid, and do not be surprised if you see him sitting a top the rankings later in his career.
Hideki Matsuyama, unlike Rory, is building his name. He's a player who people who watch a large amount of golf know, but he isn't yet a household name. Matsuyama was able to compete in the Masters as an amateur at the age of 18, he was low amateur, and therefore was invited back to compete the following year. He played on the 2013 President's Cup Team, and has had some success on the PGA Tour. He does not have a win on the PGA Tour, but it won't be a shock if he gets in the circle in 2014.
Jordan Spieth is a common name around any house that pays attention to golf. That kid who won a national championship at Texas, and then turned pro. Yeah, that's Jordan. He got a win in 2013 at the John Deere Open in the Quad Cities, defeating Zach Johnson and David Hearn in a playoff. Spieth was also on the President's Cup Team in 2013 along side Johnson, and competed against Matsuyama. Spieth, though only 20 years old, can compete with anyone, and I predict he will win a major in 2014.
Everyone knows who the "Big Wiesie" is. Also known by her real name, Michelle Wie was at one point the face of the future for the LPGA Tour. She was going to be the first girl to compete in the Masters. So maybe her father got her in a wrong mind set, and has caused a few issues for Michelle to grow as a player. But we all remember that fast swinging, smooth rolling little girl who just appeared one day and never left. Well Michelle never really developed into the player everyone was expecting, and now there is a new generation of women golfers that have replaced what could have been her story. Jessica Korda and Lexi Thompson are just two of the young women golfers that have emerged. Korda being 20, and Thomspon being 18 both have won a couple of times this early on in their careers. Korda has two professional wins, while Thomspon has five. And both of them have competed in the Solheim Cup, and are the faces of American golf. They both inspire many young players to reach the dreams, and that anything is possible.
Many of these young emerging golfers have already reached their dreams, and all of them continue to inspire many young golfers who wish to be them. The game is going into a good direction, with these players leading the way.
Iowa State outlasts Oklahoma State in 3 OT's
The Cyclone season hasn't turned out like they were hoping after a 14-0 start. They lost four out of five after that, but they have revived it. Monday night they proved their worth. These past four games they have played ranked opponents, Kansas State, Kansas, Oklahoma, and now Oklahoma State. They fell to #6 ranked Kansas, but managed to pull out a win against the other three.
After three overtimes in Stillwater, Iowa State found themselves outlasting Ok. State and being on top 98-97. This was the first time in 26 years that Iowa State has beaten Ok. State in Oklahoma. Iowa State is off to one of its better starts in a long time. They have beaten six ranked opponents, and are currently 17-4. The only down side is that they are 5-4 in the Big 12. The Cyclones are not just looking for the Big 12 title, but maybe a national one.
Iowa State had some players who were able to perform on a very large stage, and under an immense amount of pressure. DeAndre Kane led the way with 26 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds. Melvin Ejim added to the cause with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Georges Niang had 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Monte Morris and Dustin Hogue both added 10 points. Hogue had 13 rebounds like Ejim. Kane and Ejim, and occasionally Niang, have shown that they are the leaders on this team, and when plays need to be made they are called upon. Unlike many programs, the Cyclones can rely on three to four players and not just one. This way when the target is guarded, another player can easily step up and make the big play. This separates the Clones from many of the top programs, and this may be a key part of their success, and their future success.
The Big 12 will not be easy to win this year. There are currently five ranked teams in the Big 12 (Kansas, Texas, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma), and Kansas State was ranked before they lost three of their last four. Kansas is currently leading the conference at 8-1 in the conference, but with four other teams ranked nationally it won't be easy for them to stay on top. Texas sits in second for the conference with a record of 7-2. Then there are four teams with four losses (Oklahoma, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Kansas State) closely behind them. Like the Big 10, the Big 12 is very strong and competitive this year, and its teams will be looking to make a run in the tournament.
This overtime thriller showed just how competitive the Big 12 is this year. These two teams, like many in their conference, need all the wins they can get so they can move up in the national rankings and conference standings. You will see a lot more from these two schools come March, I guarantee it.
After three overtimes in Stillwater, Iowa State found themselves outlasting Ok. State and being on top 98-97. This was the first time in 26 years that Iowa State has beaten Ok. State in Oklahoma. Iowa State is off to one of its better starts in a long time. They have beaten six ranked opponents, and are currently 17-4. The only down side is that they are 5-4 in the Big 12. The Cyclones are not just looking for the Big 12 title, but maybe a national one.
Iowa State had some players who were able to perform on a very large stage, and under an immense amount of pressure. DeAndre Kane led the way with 26 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds. Melvin Ejim added to the cause with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Georges Niang had 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Monte Morris and Dustin Hogue both added 10 points. Hogue had 13 rebounds like Ejim. Kane and Ejim, and occasionally Niang, have shown that they are the leaders on this team, and when plays need to be made they are called upon. Unlike many programs, the Cyclones can rely on three to four players and not just one. This way when the target is guarded, another player can easily step up and make the big play. This separates the Clones from many of the top programs, and this may be a key part of their success, and their future success.
The Big 12 will not be easy to win this year. There are currently five ranked teams in the Big 12 (Kansas, Texas, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma), and Kansas State was ranked before they lost three of their last four. Kansas is currently leading the conference at 8-1 in the conference, but with four other teams ranked nationally it won't be easy for them to stay on top. Texas sits in second for the conference with a record of 7-2. Then there are four teams with four losses (Oklahoma, West Virginia, Iowa State, and Kansas State) closely behind them. Like the Big 10, the Big 12 is very strong and competitive this year, and its teams will be looking to make a run in the tournament.
This overtime thriller showed just how competitive the Big 12 is this year. These two teams, like many in their conference, need all the wins they can get so they can move up in the national rankings and conference standings. You will see a lot more from these two schools come March, I guarantee it.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Seahawks dominate SB
The Seattle Seahawks destroyed the Denver Broncos 43-8 in the 48th Super Bowl. This was the Seahawks second appearance in the Super Bowl, and they did not disappoint.
The heavy talking, but heavy hitting Seahawks came out swinging against the Broncos, and really the game never looked good for Denver. Denver gave Seattle a safety on the first snap of the game due to a high snap that flew over quarterback Peyton Manning's head. Manning also threw two interceptions. The game was in control of Seattle from the very start, and Denver just wanted it to stop as soon as they could.
When looking at this game you would think that Denver, being the #1 offense in the league, could put up more than eight points. And that Decker and Welker would be a lot bigger part of the outcome, but they weren't and they couldn't. Seattle was the better team. Russell Wilson was able to play with little to no pressure the whole game, and that was very easy on the young quarterback.
With a touchdown off of an interception, and a kick return for a touchdown to open the second half, the Seahawk defense and special team was really rolling. Their defense is their pride and joy, and what they brag about. Richard Sherman, the loud and explosive cornerback, didn't make a lot of huge plays, but he was certainly there to shut down Denver's explosive receivers.
This all around effort by Seattle showed how good they really were this year, and as many thought the best team in the league. Maybe that's why they won the Super Bowl by 35 points. It's party time in Seattle right now, but for Denver it's time to get hungry again and be back there next year.
The heavy talking, but heavy hitting Seahawks came out swinging against the Broncos, and really the game never looked good for Denver. Denver gave Seattle a safety on the first snap of the game due to a high snap that flew over quarterback Peyton Manning's head. Manning also threw two interceptions. The game was in control of Seattle from the very start, and Denver just wanted it to stop as soon as they could.
When looking at this game you would think that Denver, being the #1 offense in the league, could put up more than eight points. And that Decker and Welker would be a lot bigger part of the outcome, but they weren't and they couldn't. Seattle was the better team. Russell Wilson was able to play with little to no pressure the whole game, and that was very easy on the young quarterback.
With a touchdown off of an interception, and a kick return for a touchdown to open the second half, the Seahawk defense and special team was really rolling. Their defense is their pride and joy, and what they brag about. Richard Sherman, the loud and explosive cornerback, didn't make a lot of huge plays, but he was certainly there to shut down Denver's explosive receivers.
This all around effort by Seattle showed how good they really were this year, and as many thought the best team in the league. Maybe that's why they won the Super Bowl by 35 points. It's party time in Seattle right now, but for Denver it's time to get hungry again and be back there next year.
Stadler overcomes tough field
What a finish it was at the WM Phoenix Open. And who would have guessed half way through that Craig Stadler's son would have came out on top.
With Bubba, Hunter Mahan, Graham DeLaet, Chucky III, Webb Simpson, Ryan Moore, and the 21 year old Hideki Matsuyama right there in the hunt I wouldn't have put money on Kevin Stadler. And for a while with how bad Stadler was putting it wasn't looking good for him, but he didn't go away. Bubba slipped down the stretch, Hunter missed some good looks late, and Graham was too late with his charge. So the straight hitting, heavy set Craig Stadler duplicate, also being his son, emerged victorious.
Stadler made a birdie on 17, which put him at 16-under and in a tie with Master's Champion Bubba Watson. Then on the 72nd hole of the tournament, Bubba misjudging a wedge from the rough, then missing a seven footer for par handed Kevin Stadler the victory, and his first win on the PGA Tour.
Stadler had five birdies, and a double bogey. His bogey-free round was a steady one, where he didn't drop many shots. Even though he missed a couple very easy putts, it didn't cost him a lot because he still remained on top.
The famed 16th hole, with the enormous gallery, and the stadium like atmosphere seemed to help boost some players moral, and got into some players' heads. Bubba put one into the bunker, and then proceeded to miss the five footer coming back for par. While Hunter Mahan birdied there coming off of a birdie on 15, and that gave him a shot down the stretch. This tournament is one that is always a highlight of every year, and with the bunched leaderboard, and the epic finish, this years event proved its worth.
With Bubba, Hunter Mahan, Graham DeLaet, Chucky III, Webb Simpson, Ryan Moore, and the 21 year old Hideki Matsuyama right there in the hunt I wouldn't have put money on Kevin Stadler. And for a while with how bad Stadler was putting it wasn't looking good for him, but he didn't go away. Bubba slipped down the stretch, Hunter missed some good looks late, and Graham was too late with his charge. So the straight hitting, heavy set Craig Stadler duplicate, also being his son, emerged victorious.
Stadler made a birdie on 17, which put him at 16-under and in a tie with Master's Champion Bubba Watson. Then on the 72nd hole of the tournament, Bubba misjudging a wedge from the rough, then missing a seven footer for par handed Kevin Stadler the victory, and his first win on the PGA Tour.
Stadler had five birdies, and a double bogey. His bogey-free round was a steady one, where he didn't drop many shots. Even though he missed a couple very easy putts, it didn't cost him a lot because he still remained on top.
The famed 16th hole, with the enormous gallery, and the stadium like atmosphere seemed to help boost some players moral, and got into some players' heads. Bubba put one into the bunker, and then proceeded to miss the five footer coming back for par. While Hunter Mahan birdied there coming off of a birdie on 15, and that gave him a shot down the stretch. This tournament is one that is always a highlight of every year, and with the bunched leaderboard, and the epic finish, this years event proved its worth.
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