Hey! I'm Trying to Relax Over Here!

The freaking work week is grueling, isn't it? Take yesterday for example; I boot up my computer at 9AM and the next thing I know it's 5:30PM and I haven't even had lunch yet. Sure, the day goes by fast when you're busy, but come on!

Like you, I have a regular, 40+ hour a week job in a field unrelated to golf. All day I'm on the phone with internal sales people and external clients talking about statistics, quotes and contract parameters. I'm a public relations consultant at a large media relations firm trying to help corporate communicators do their job better. And, as you may have been able to tell, a good portion of my day is spent trying to win new business.

Not sure how many of you are in sales, but man - it's hectic. So hectic, in fact, that a Friday evening doesn't mean it's time for fun, as much as it means I have two days "off" before I have to work on Monday.

Thus in my world (and probably for many of you too), the weekends are for relaxing. Now, with a family and a home, obviously I can't relax the entire two days, but I try to unwind whenever I can - and many times this comes in the form of golf.

Out on the course, it's just me, the ball, my club and the course (this is starting to sound like The Legend of Bagger Vance). But seriously, with golf, I can simplify my life. My objective is clear: To relax. And if I don't play well, it doesn't matter. Nope - I'm just content to be out on the course. OK, I know what you're thinking: "Sure, everyone says that after a bad round." But I really mean it - I want to play well, but if I don't, it really doesn't matter - to me, it's all about relaxing.

But this doesn't mean I don't get mad out on the course, no sir. One of my biggest peeves is someone taking themselves way too seriously during a friendly round. Like the guy who swears up and down after an errant shot. Seriously? Is this the tour? Or the person who throws their club in frustration after a double bogey. Really? I want to yell out: "Hey! I'm trying to relax over here!"



I love the people who hit one bad shot and it ruins their entire round - I mean, why do they even finish all 18 holes? If these people hit one into the pond on the second hole, they should immediately head back to the parking lot, put their clubs in the trunk and drive home. But do they? Nope. They continue on in misery for the next 16 holes and I have to listen to them complain the entire time. WTF?

Look, all I'm asking is if you're frustrated about the way you're playing, please keep it to yourself. I understand some people wear their emotions on their sleeve, but let's try to show a little self control here folks.

Golf is supposed to be fun and believe it or not, some of us are out there to relax and unwind. We don't want to play with the guy who thinks he belongs on tour and is irate over not breaking 100 that day (he really expects us to take him seriously after saying: "I'm so mad - I usually shoot in the 70's").

What ever happened to just enjoying your round? Do we really need to witness you kicking the golf cart's guts in with your soft spikes just because you left a 3-foot putt short? Talk about giving yourself high blood pressure - you labor all week and then have to deal with this crap on your day off?

Sigh. But I digress. And for good reason too - I've got work in the morning!

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Know The Next Golf Tournament Winner? Wanna Bet?

I like betting.  I can't help it.., it's just fun for me.  I'm not an addict.  I'm not at the casino every other night.  I haven't lost my house or my car.  Maybe my shirt, but that's about it.  I'll bet on individual games, drop money into fantasy sports and, of course, the brackets going on this time of year.     

The thing about betting is, it just makes the game, or whatever you're betting on, that much more interesting.  Whether you're betting on the NCAA Championship game, or the day your co-worker's baby is born - it makes you care that much more about the result. 

We here at golfstinks have touched on different kinds of betting in the past.  Be it betting while out on the course or creating a bracket in the hopes for a real PGA championship, we're always looking for a way to put our hard-earned greenbacks on the line.  But let's be honest, golf isn't exactly a big-time sport for betting. 

Now we've all seen the odds posted for the favorites in golf tournaments - especially the majors.  But golf doesn't get nearly the betting action that most major sports get, be it legal or illegal.  I think a lot of that has to do with the relative anonymity of the players on the tour.  But what if you found yourself in a golf pool?  What if you were in a Vegas sports book and you saw the odds pop up for The Masters?  What would you do?  Who would you choose?  How much would you bet?

See, you can check just about anywhere for betting assistance on football or basketball - the internet, the newspaper, even the phone!  But golf?  Not so much.  However, that doesn't mean they don't exist.  Sites such as Golf Picks are out there to help you. 

Now, if there was only a way to raise golf into the ranks of the top wager-worthy sports, we could put all of this to better use.  But I guess until the PGA recognizes the opportunity it has at a gold-mine with an actual PGA Championship, the world of golf betting will remain a lesser interesting option. 

But let it be known, golfstinks will do what it can to raise interest in all things golf, including the occasional wager - on-course or off.  You can bet on it.

Swing 'til you're happy!            

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Golf: A Human Sport...

I'm stuck in a catch 22. Besides Golfstinks.com, I also work in the semiconductor industry supplying manufacturers with components to make circuit boards. I'm all about electronics and developing new technology but not so much when it comes to golf. As much as these electronic gadgets supposedly make life easier, it can also take from the human aspect of it. I'm submerged knee deep in electronics on a daily basis, golfing is my way to get away from it.

To me, golf is a sport* that relies heavily on human feel, intuition, instinct, some common sense and most importantly - practice. I'm not really sure if electronics should have much play in this game we love. For example, you drop $300 on a golf GPS apparatus another $250 on a rangefinder and what does it tell you? You are 205 yards out from the green. Great, you couldn't figure that out by looking at the 200 yard marker 5 yards in front you?

Hey, if you are going to drop $500 on some gadgets to tell you where you are on a golf course, I'm sure for another $500 you can hire a pro to take the shot for you too. Just saying. In reality, what device do we need to improve our game? I know, it's called playing...a lot. Leave the rangefinder's and GPS stuff for the Navy Seals.

Electronics can be like drugs whereas we develop a dependency for them. Case in point, cellphones. We can leave the house without our wallet and not really care to turn around and go get it. If we leave without our cell...forget it, might as well be naked because that's how we feel. That being said, let's keep golf the way it was meant to be - a human sport*.

Hit'em long...yell FORE!!!

*For those that feel golf is a game and not a sport, just replace the word sport with game and we can co-exist peacefully.

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EWGA: Give Back, Have Fun, Play Golf

In a world dominated by male sports, golf these days is typically a game that transcends the sexes. For example, the LPGA has done a somewhat decent job of reminding us that women do indeed play golf. But their not the only organization helping promote the game for ladies - there's also the EWGA.

The EWGA (Executive Women's Golf Association) has been connecting business and professional women to golf for over 20 years and has built a vast sisterhood of members across not only the United States, but also Canada and Italy to boot.

And the association knows how to have fun - their biggest event of the year, Golfpalooza, is being held in Vegas this year (former LPGA star Lorena Ochoa will not only be in attendance, but she will also be receiving the EWGA's leadership award).

But this isn't just mindless fun - the organization's charity arm (EWGA Foundation) helps young girls develop their golf skills and aids women over 30 to further their education and careers. In addition, the EWGA Foundation organizes the donation of golf equipment to those less fortunate.

With all this charity, you would think it's hard for EWGA members to actually be out on the course, but it's the exact opposite. For example, the EWGA has its own championship tournament. In fact, the EWGA Championship is the largest women's amateur golf tournament of its kind - it begins through a qualifier in your local chapter and then moving on to the regionals and finally to the championship, featuring women from all over the country (in 2011, it was in Palm Desert, CA).

I actually used to work with Mrs. Lisa Edmonds, who won the low net, 2nd flight championship a couple years ago in Madison, WI. I had a chance to speak with Lisa recently and asked her to sum-up what her experience has been like as an EWGA member:

"I joined the EWGA back in 2003 so I would have the opportunity to play golf with more women [and] my experience has been nothing but positive...Each EWGA chapter is run exclusively by volunteers, and if you join and lend a hand whenever you can, I am sure you will not be disappointed! The companionship, laughter, golf and more golf, lifetime connections and friendship you experience by being an involved member of the EWGA is more than worth the price of membership. As they say � New set of Callaway Irons � $699, Box of Lady Precept Balls � $20, Round of golf at your local golf club � $48, cost of EWGA membership and volunteering at one of our events � PRICELESS!"
- Lisa Edmonds, Secretary - EWGA Fairfield County CT Chapter

The enthuesastic way Lisa speaks about the EWGA inspired me to write this post - after all, here's a hard-working professional who's extremely passionate about golf and the EWGA allows her to truly embrace that passion.

And that's what it's all about, isn't it? Being able to embrace the things you're passionate about - regardless of if you excel at them or not. The EWGA not only helps women do that, but it also lets women discover why golf is one of the greatest games of all time: Camaraderie, competitiveness and a whole lot of fun.

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The Golf Tour of The Average Hack's Dreams

It's an idea that's crossed all of our minds numerous times.  It's an idea we've tackled here at Golfstinks on more than one occasion.  It's something of which many of us have thought we'd like to be a part.  It's a golf tour for the regular guy.  Yes, it turns out, they do exist after all! 

This past weekend, I attended the Connecticut Golf Show.  It was here, among the rows of reps from resorts, club manufacturers and apparel companies, that we came across a little organization called The Tour of Western New England.  It's this tour, and others around the country like it, that is the answer to many golfers prayers - the opportunity for the average hack to play, and compete, in an actual tour. 

No, you don't travel all around the country playing the top courses with the stars of the PGA Tour.  Instead, you play courses in your general area, competing against other golfers like you.  And let's say they're not so much like you - maybe they're golfing prowess is far superior to your meager skills.  No worries, handicaps are involved.  So the playing field can truly be about as level as possible. 

So what does it take to join?  Well, it's $90 up front to join the tour.  What does that $90 get you? Tee times, access to private courses if they're a tour stop, guest privileges at most events, handicap tracking and access to other local tours.  Not bad for only $90.  From there, you pay for your golf at each tour stop, and that's it...you're in.  You can play in as many of the 20-25 events as you'd like, you're eligible for prizes, carts and meals are included and with the private course stops along the way, you have the opportunity to play some courses you normally would not.  Again...not bad for $90.

So who does this tour fit?  Well, just about anyone who has the time to play often and enjoys playing different courses week after week.  If you're the kind of player who has to play the same course or two over and over, then this isn't for you.  However, if you are that type of player, you're truly missing out on the beauty of the sport. 

As I think about it, I see that a tour like this is right up my alley, as well as the alleys of most of my golfing buddies.  We like playing as many different courses as possible.  We'll get competitive at times.  And hey, if prizes and meals are included...there's a strong possibility you can lure me in.

Swing 'til you're happy!                

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Yasuda Peak Pro Mens Complete 11-Piece Golf Club Set (Right Handed) by JP Lann *50% OFF SALE*

If You Are Looking For Best and Lowest Price on Yasuda Peak Pro Mens Complete 11-Piece Golf Club Set by JP Lann (Left Handed) *50% OFF SALE*. Dont Spend Your More Time! This Is Affordable And Great Deal. Now You Can Buy SALE At Cheapest Price And Huge Discount. Big Save With Free Super Fast Shipping. Check Special Offer And Order Yasuda Peak Pro Today To Avoid Your Disappointment. 

Buy Yasuda Peak Pro Mens Complete 11-Piece Golf Club Set (Right Handed) by JP Lann *50% OFF SALE* review for shop online

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Yasuda Peak Pro Mens 11-Pc. Golf Club Set w/ Graphite Shafts Includes: 3-Woods: Driver 10.5* Loft. 3 Wood 15* Loft 5 Wood 19* Loft 2-Hybrids 4i Hybrid 21* Loft 5i Hybrid 24* Loft 7-Irons #5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, SW *SHAFTS ARE MENS STANDARD FLEX Head Covers Not Included

• Yasuda Peak Pro Mens 11-Pc. Golf Club Set w/ Graphite Shafts
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• The Perfect Set to Get in the Game!

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Golf Gadgets; WTF? (Part 3)

Ok, it's been a while since we did one of these but it's back. In our 3rd installment, we will delve further into the "golf training aid" market and have a look at what will bring the tour within reach for us hacks. Ding! Ding! Let's get it on!

What They Say: Using a proven and unique frame and brace design, several new features have been incorporated into the new CentreCup Pro so it promotes both the �straight-back and straight-through� PILS putting stroke and the �inside-square-inside� stroke. CentreCup Pro is the upgraded version of the best-selling CentreCup� putting aid and delivers a pure putting stroke every time - whichever method a teaching professional recommends.

What I Say: I got a better method for you. Get drunk, I'll slump you over a lowered pull up bar and you can putt til you puke. Hey, at least you'll get your money's worth.

What They Say: I don't know what they could possibly say about the "Power Swing Fan Training Aid." It's a fan...

What I Say: "It is so friggin' hot out here today! Hey Bob, break out that fan and cool us own a bit, would ya?"

What They Say: PivotPro guides you towards a correct pivot, encouraging correct golf swing fundamentals that result in proper coiling of the upper torso against the back leg. PivotPro helps you create maximum resistance that leads to more power, consistency, proper weight distribution, and footwork. It's like having your own professional golf instructor at your beck and call!

What I Say: Professional golf instructor at your beck and call? You're telling me this snow board binding on a stick is like an instructor? Hank Haney better watch out.

There it is, another successful look at golf training aids Golfstinks.com style.

Hit'em long...yell FORE!

Related Posts:
Golf Gadgets; WTF? (Part 1)
Golf Gadgets; WTF? (Part 2)

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Callaway XJ Junior 11-Piece Girl's Golf Club Set (9-12 Years Old, Right Hand)

Best Callaway XJ Junior 11-Piece Girl's Golf Club Set (9-12 Years Old, Right Hand) review for shop online By : Callaway | Go to store List Price : $300.00 Our Price : $238.99 (as of Mar 08, 2012 12:04:07) You Save : $61.01 (20%) In Stock The ultimate set of clubs for junior girls looking to jump-start their love of the game. The XJ Girls Set built for juniors ages 9-12 or between 51-60 inches tall is small in size, but big on technology. Every club comes with some of the innovations Callaway Golf put into its men's and women's X Series Clubs. The XJ Series provide the perfect combination of performance and forgiveness so girls can play confidently and aggressively with golf clubs designed specifically for their unique swing needs. 360cc all-titanium driver has a large sweet spot for outstanding distance and forgiveness Stainless steel fairway wood with the X-Sole Design for consistent alignment, and perimeter weighting for high MOI Stainless steel 5-, 7- and 9-irons with Extreme Notch Weighting for amazing forgiveness and stability XJ Odyssey 2-Ball Putter makes lining up putts easier and more accurate Lightweight stand bag has a 3-way triangular top, features 7 zippered pockets, a double strap, an MP3 player holder

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5 Reasons They Quit Golf

As much as I love this game, there was a time when I thought about giving it up.

Even though I snapped-out-of-it and rediscovered my passion for golf, others don't. Why?

Golf is too Hard
Perhaps the most common reason is that golf is simply too hard. But is it too hard or are they just too lazy? Last year, I penned a guest post for a popular golf blog in which I asked if we're too lazy to get better at golf. Here's an excerpt:

Practice makes perfect�Or so the saying goes. What that little phrase fails to articulate is how much practice it actually takes to make things perfect. Throw in an impossibly difficult sport like golf and attaining perfection becomes perfectly ridiculous. Now don�t get me wrong, there are a select few who not only have the raw talent to be great at golf, but also have the drive to spend countless hours on the range or putting green practicing�But I�m not one of them. And I surmise not many of you are either. As far as I�m concerned: I�m just too lazy to work that hard at something I�m never going to make a living at in the first place.

Yeah, golf is hard. And some people have the guts to deal with that reality and enjoy golf anyway, while others don't.

They Hate Golf
So they tried it and hated it - meh, it happens. But how could you possibly hate a game as great as this? Well, I wrote about that also - in fact, I provided 5 reasons why people hate golf. Enjoy.

A Serious Injury
Let's face it, you would have to be in a good amount of pain to give up on a sport like golf, but it happens. Be it your back, or knees, or in my case, my foot knocked me out for a couple months - there are reasons people are forced to give up this game. Sometimes the pain makes quitting unavoidable, but other times, it can be downright inspirational. And how a returning Vet who lost a leg can take up golf is both inspirational and remarkable. Makes my foot pain look rather pathetic, actually.

They Stink
This is different than golf being too hard. When people quit because the game is too hard, it's typically because they've recently started playing and realize they don't have the time or patience to get better. But when people quit because they stink, it's typically because they are pompous asses.

For example, do you know a golf buddy who can't stand it that you win all the time? You know - they guy who makes everything a competition, but get him out on the golf course and he's less than stellar? Not being able to live with the fact that he's not as good as you at something, he quits golf never to return. Now there's a guy that takes himself way too seriously - and believe me, those people are out there!

They Lose the Will to Golf
What? Well, if you were reading this blog a couple months ago, you would know all about losing the will to golf. When we dig way down into our psyche, we realize that passions can, for one reason or another, simply burn out. There can be several causes for this. In my case, an extended lack in playing time, coupled with a shift in priorities, triggered the feeling that golf was no longer an important part of my life. While I have since come to my senses, I'm sure there are others (perhaps those who were never really passionate about the game in the first place) who will simply walk away from the sport because golf just doesn't matter all that much.

I certainly hope you never quit golf - especially because you stink, or because it's too hard. If we writers of the Golf Stinks Blog accomplish anything, it's to convey you don't have to be good at something to love it. And I certainly hope you aren't forced to give it up due to an injury or perhaps worse, lose the will to play altogether. It's true that golf is not for everyone...but if you love it, you know what keeps you coming back.

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Nike Golf- 2010 Slingshot Irons 3-PW Irons

Buy Nike Golf- 2010 Slingshot Irons 3-PW Irons Low Price By : Nike | Go to store Price : Please check price In Stock The new Nike Slingshot Mixed Iron Set, delivering forgiveness in irons starts with weight management. Moving weight deeper and lower results in a larger sweet spot and a deeper center of gravity that actually exists in air behind the face. The benefit is a mixed set of hybrids and irons that are more forgiving and launch the ball higher. FEATURES Weight Management: 30 grams of Nike PowerBow weighting low and back combined with deeper sole deliver high ball flight and forgiveness. Air CG: CG placement off the face increases launch angle and reduces spin. Mixed Set: Hybrid 3 iron combined with traditional 4 - PW deliver forgiveness throughout the set. Weight Management: 30 grams of Nike PowerBow weighting low and back combined with deeper sole deliver high ball flight and forgiveness. Air CG: CG placement off the face increases launch angle and reduces spin. Mixed Set: Hybrid 3 iron combined with traditional 4 - PW deliver forgiveness throughout the set.

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Where to Buy a LSU Personalized Jersey

Buy authentic personalized LSU jerseys at lcushop.net, secstore.com, shopncaasports.com, collegefootballstore.com, and footballfanatics.com. For a more personalized LSU jersey, design and order your own jersey at thesportingstore.com, customjersey.com, or jerseymart.com

Louisiana State University boasts of its awesome athletic team which is the LSU Tigers. With the team's very good winning percentage, the LSU Tigers is considered one of the best teams in America. No wonder more and more people are drawn to become their fans. Wearing LSU Tigers jersey is one way the fans can keep the team's spirit alive. Others prefer to add their own touch to their jerseys. Here's where to shop for your personalized LSU Tigers jersey:

Lsushop.net

As the official online store of this athletics team, the web store offers authentic replica to personalized jerseys. Most of their jerseys are made by Nike. These are suitable for men and women and they come in different colors, designs and sizes.

So far, the store is selling a Nike Tigers white and purple replica customized jersey. Available sizes are small, medium, large, XL, XXL, and 3XL and price is .95. It has a double zero number on it and you can customize the replica putting your own name on it or the name of a 'former' LSU Tiger player or simply leave the name plate blank. It is illegal to put a name of a current player on the jersey due to NCAA regulations. The name is limited to 10 characters only.

The online store also offers customization on some of their college jerseys but NCAA regulations are still strictly applied. They have a no return - no refund policy to any customized items, but they allow exchange for damaged items with new like items.

Other online shops that offer the same personalized LSU jersey:

Secstore.com

Shopncaasports.com

Collegefootballstore.com

Footballfanatics.com

The sportingstore.com

If you prefer to really make your own LSU jersey (that means that the jersey need not be authentic or made by Nike), you can visit this sports store and design your own. You can choose from different styles, color combinations, sizes, the numbering or lettering styles and the type of fabrics to be used too. You can also add the name of the team (LSU Tigers) and the player's name or your name. Though the jersey builder on this site is intended for bulk orders only, you can email or call them with their contact details if your order is less than 12 jerseys.

Other similar sites that offer personalized jerseys:

Customjersey.com

Jerseymart.com

Nike

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Petite Ladies Complete Golf Set For Women 5'0"-5'5" Tall Lady Clubs with Bag Magenta Color All Graphite Shafts Womens Driver Hybrids Irons Putter For Shorter Women

Buy Petite Ladies Complete Golf Set For Women 5'0"-5'5" Tall Lady Clubs with Bag Magenta Color All Graphite Shafts Womens Driver Hybrids Irons Putter For Shorter Women review for shop online By : Aspire Golf | Go to store List Price : $799.99 Our Price : $399.99 (as of Mar 05, 2012 22:32:44) You Save : $400 (50%) In Stock Brand New Petite Ladies Right Handed Complete 2011 Model Womens Aspire High Launch Magenta Colored Golf Set. Perfect fit for petite women that are 5'0"-5'5" Tall. Don't buy a set off the rack that is standard ladies length as the ill fit will create problems for your swing and golf posture... this set will fit petite ladies perfectly. This Full Set has everything you need to hit the course. Set features all Oversized Clubs, including 460cc Titanium Driver, 21 and 24 Degree Hybrid Woods, Oversized Irons 6,7,8,9,PW and an Insert Face Putter. This set features the latest golf technology with a lowered club center of gravity that makes it super easy to get the ball up in the air and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to hit the ball long and on target with this set. The ultra light graphite shafts make your swing feel almost effortless. The Huge Titanium Driver really takes the fear out of the tee shot, while the hybrid woods make hitting even from a difficult lie so easy. The Wide Sole irons all you to be accurate and make it simple to always get solid contact and avoid topping the ball, and the insert face alignment aid putter gives you the confidence and feel you need on the greens to sink putts. The light weight bag has an automatic stand and dual shoulder straps, and is perfect for walking or taking a cart on the course. This set will improve your game, and make golf even more enjoyable. This is one amazing playing and looking set. Brand New Complete PETITE Ladies Magenta Colored Golf Set Featuring Huge 460 cc Titanium Driver 21 & 24 Degree Hybrid Woods 6-PW Wide Sole Hybrid Irons Insert Face Alignment Aid Putter

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Petite Ladies Complete Golf Set For Women 5'0"-5'5" Tall Lady Clubs with Bag Magenta Color All Graphite Shafts Womens Driver Hybrids Irons Putter For Shorter Women

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