These Raisins Put it Down the Middle Every Time...

I have a new favorite commercial. You have to hand it to Heineken; despite not being a particular fan of their product (I'm more of a Belgian beer guy), they have some great advertisements.The most recent series of ads (featuring a couple of 30-ish guys who win the lotto and move to a retirement community in Florida to live the "easy life") are, in my opinion, the best commercials out there now (I will literally stop fast-forwarding the DVR and rewind to the beginning of the spot so I can watch the full 30 seconds).The latest in the ad series has the guys on the golf course, teeing-off with their new retiree pals. The opening line: "Wanna learn how to play golf? Play with old guys. These raisins put it down the middle every time" is not as...

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What's Ailing Ya?

In any activity that requires some sort of physical output, also lies a risk of injury. It just so happens that golf falls into this type of activity. After doing some searching, I found the most common injuries in golf* and was surprised by some on the list. Actually, I've never even heard of some...please excuse my ignorance.1. Back Pain (this, I understand)2. Tennis...ahem...Golfer's Elbow3. Shoulder Pain4. Carpal Tunnel5. DeQuervain's Tendinitis - pain in the wrist near the base of the thumb caused by an inflammation in the tendons that control the thumb.6. Knee Pain7. Trigger Finger - caused when the flexor tendon sheath, through which the finger tendons run, is inhibited.8. Wrist Impaction Syndrome - caused when the bones of the wrist...

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3-D Golf Swing System Helps Wounded Warriors

Back in March, I posted about how one man was able to help troops cope with life on the battle front by donating used golf balls and clubs. These service men and women use this equipment on make-shift driving ranges in Iraq and Afghanistan to help relieve stress and unwind. I'm happy to report that recently, the organization donated its one millionth club!But what about the troops that have come home? Well there's a grassroots movement from a small group called "Wounded Warrior Golf" that is working with Taylor Made to help wounded vets make rehabilitation more fun...by swinging a golf club.The group is using 3-D motion capture swing analysis to help service men and women get back their full range of motion:Using the high resolution system...

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The Process Of My Custom Club Fitting

About two months ago I talked about getting fitted for clubs. Well, I did it. And after quite a bit of a delay from a certain club manufacturer, I received them. Further, I've even played with them! But one nine-hole round certainly doesn't constitute enough playing time to make a proper judgement as far as the difference between my old "off-the-shelf's" and the newbies. So I'll have to get out a few more times before I can really make a fair comparison.But in the meantime, many have asked me about the actual process of the club fitting. Was it hi-tech? Did they video your swing? Did they measure your swing speed? Did they hook you up to computers? Well, the answer to all of those questions is, simply, no. Rather, the pro and I went outside....

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A Golf Mecca In The Sunshine State.

Whenever someone mentions Orlando Florida, I'm sure a certain fictional group of cartoon animals may come to mind. Don't get me wrong, with all due respect to Mickey & Co., they're not the only show in town. Orlando boasts some serious golf too! Shoot on over to a great site for Orlando golf courses and see for yourself at orlandogolf.com.Rumor has it that a golf legend can be seen regularly teeing-it-up at his Orlando based Bay Hill Club and Lodge. Still not sure who it is? I'm pretty sure you'll recognize the name: Arnold Palmer. Now, you might be thinking that Mr. Palmer's tour level course could be too much too handle. Don't worry, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy world headquarters is just a hop, skip, jump and short car ride away....

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Useful Excuses to Get Out and Golf

A couple of people I know seem to have a tough time with their significant other when it comes to playing golf. I don't know if there is a jealousy, separational anxiety or trust issue that prevents them from golfing but for whatever reason, their partner doesn't approve.I'm sure we've all heard it before; If you have time to golf, you have time to _________. You can fill in the blank with any non-golf related activity. I'm starting to think there is a secret anti-golf organization that strives to deter us from playing.The title says "Useful Excuses", sorry about the mix-up. I meant to say an orally communicated fictional rendition of what will transpire. Basically, a good ol' fashion lie. Oh please, like you never done that before. If elected...

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Proof I Joined the USGA (unpacking photos)!

Back at the end of April, I posted on how I may actually fork over my $10 to become an official USGA member. One of the things we pride ourselves on here at Golfstinks is we don't BS folks.That being said (and to show I'm not a cheap bastard), I'd like to offer some proof I indeed joined the USGA. I have to tell you, I was more excited than I thought I would be when the package arrived at my doorstep. Now I realize I poked fun at the amenities one receives upon obtaining membership (the rule book I don't need since I have the app, the God-awful US Open hat, etc.).But much to my surprise, I did enjoy emptying the contents of the package to reveal my "officialness" to this legendary organization (OK, maybe they missed the apostrophe and capital...

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A Thank You to Golf Stinks' Fans & Readers

You may have noticed we have a new promo running over at the right-hand side of the page. Back at the beginning of June, Stinky Golfer Greg wrote a post about the Golf Genie pocket guide where he stated, "Golf Genie has found permanent residence in my golf bag." From easy-to-digest tips on straightening-out your slice or hook, to simple diagrams that help you get back to the basics for your grip or swing, the Golf Genie pocket guide is an invaluable on-course tool for both golf beginners and veterans alike.Now, Golfstinks has partnered with Golf Genie to help give back to our fans and readers - We're giving away 5 Golf Genie pocket guides a week for the next 10 weeks! The Golf Genie pocket guide retails for $15, but 50 lucky winners will get...

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So What's Next, An Internet Golf Lesson?

If you're anything like me, you have a pretty busy schedule. Between a 45+ hour work week, three kids, my wife and and her busy schedule...I just don't have a lot of spare time on my hands.Believe it or not, sometimes I don't even have time to play golf (even nine holes)! So the last thing I have the time (or money) for is a golf lesson! It may sound crazy, but I just don't have that extra hour to spare, especially at around $60 a pop.I'll admit though, I don't really try to make the time for a golf lesson because, well...it's not really a high priority. I play golf for fun. Not to be a pro. I probably play softball more often than golf, but I've never considered hiring a batting coach! So why would I consider doing it for golf?That being said,...

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I Got Your AZ Right Here!

A hundred ten in the shade is sorta hot, but you don't have to shovel it off your driveway. ~Author UnknownCan you believe it's mid-August already? No, really! Check your calendar if you don't believe me. Before you know it, you'll be packing up your clubs and starting your holiday shopping. Ridiculous, right? It's true...the older you get, the faster time seems to go by. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to take some time out for ourselves. But I'll tell you who has the right idea - the snowbirds.You know the snowbirds. The minute the weather starts to change during autumn, or that certain date on the calendar arrives, they head south faster than a 2008 stock portfolio. We northern golfers could...

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Golf Stinks Top Blog Posts EVER!

So we here at Golfstinks have been posting this crap for a whole year now. For us, it seems like just yesterday we started this blog (of course it may feel like too long for you) but nope, our first post was on August 14, 2009 - one year ago tomorrow.Anyway, in celebration of a year's worth of unorthodox golf insight, content and opinion, we felt a mighty THANK YOU was in order to all those who spend a smidgen of their day reading our prose. Seriously, y'all inspire us and are very much appreciated.As a thank you, we've decided to repost all your favorites - our top 5 all time blog posts (based on page hits). Enjoy.#5Pimp my Golf Cart - Stinky Golfer Pete pulls together an awesome collection of tricked-out golf cart photos...plus, he tells...

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Silly Golfers, Smoking is for Criminals

You may remember Michael Jordan was photographed smoking a cigar at the Presidents Cup during a practice round last October. The photo caused a bit of a stir because public smoking is banned in San Francisco - a law that extends to include the golf course they were playing on; Harding Park.There was much hoopla in the media surrounding Jordan's law-breaking stogie (of which he was not asked to fork over the $100 fine). But not questioned by the media, and perhaps an obvious follow-up to the story is; Why are people in vast outdoor areas banned from smoking in the first place?I just returned from a trip to New Mexico. Being rather dry, New Mexico is susceptible to brush fires. And in particularly dry seasons, I've had to do without a cigar on...

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Do Cheaters Ever Win?

Let's say you're on the last hole. You currently stand at 84 and have never before broken 90. You're on a par-5 and launched your drive into the woods, but not OB. Out of sight of the rest of your group, you flub your next shot and it manages to bounce only a couple of feet in front of you. Now you're about to hit your third shot, you're still in the woods and you realize there's now no chance of breaking 90. Or, is there?Sure, there's always the chance you could pull some miracle shot out from between your cheeks. But you also know that it would take a miracle just for the chance to make that miracle happen. So instead, you take a second to look around, see that no one saw your screw-up...and you hit again. Perfect! You're back out on...

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The Gateway To A Golf Paradise

Some years ago, Stinky Golfer Greg and myself, along with two other golfing buddies, took a trip to Hilton Head Island for a golf getaway. We had a great hookup from one of my relatives who owned a condo on the island. This was the first real golf trip any of us had taken, and it was certainly one to remember. I could get into the many details of the trip, but I can much more easily sum it up with one comment. While riding in a cart down one of the fairways of Palmetto Dunes, enjoying the beautiful views of the Atlantic, Greg turns to me and says simply..."Thank you. Seriously...thank you. This is awesome." He was right. It was awesome.Recognize that picture? Of course you do. It's the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse at Sea Pines. We've all...

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That Elusive Hole in One...and Free Steak!

Recently, I was traveling in Omaha, Nebraska on business. I had just gotten finished visiting the Omaha Steaks stand at the airport (I was buying this beef jerky they sell for dogs - no lie, my dog loves them) when my co-worker Matt asked me if I had ever gotten a hole in one.Immediately, I told him that I had not, but then I started making excuses. I explained that I had holed a couple shots from par-3-distance (one from 125 yards and one from 200 yards). I mean, if I were on a tee box when I took those shots, I would have two aces under my belt. Heck, I should get more credit for my two shots since neither were off a tee (and we all know it's easier to hit off a tee).Alas, I had to settle for eagle (the 125 yard-shot) and birdie (the 200-yard...

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I Never Realized How Much I Stink at Golf Until...

...I heard the name Bobby Wyatt. I'm sure by now most of you have heard about Wyatt's 57. No, that's not a new brand of whiskey you'll find on the shelves of your local packie. It's a golf score. On 18 holes. On a regulation golf course. By a 17-year old. Under the pressure of playing in a state championship. But for some reason, it didn't seem to get the publicity one would imagine considering its rarity. How rare is it? Well, unofficially, only three times has a lower score ever been recorded and on none of those previous occasions was the course over 6,500 yards.How amazing is that 57 in comparison to my golf game? Let's put it this way - I came home from a round once and had my wife ask me how I did. I responded "I shot a 59." She said...

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Golfing in Hawaii is Just a Website Away

It's not often we here at Golfstinks gush over something the Golf Channel does, but for the next four Sundays, we'll be highlighting some great travel websites they've launched.This Sunday, we're taking a peek at HawaiiGolf.com, a one-stop-shop for finding the right Hawaiian courses and resorts to make your golf trip to paradise perfect (especially for someone like me, who's never been to Hawaii before). From the easy-to-navigate homepage, you can choose your island, search for courses and book tee-times - all without leaving the desktop.Featured courses include Ko'olau Golf Club, which is one of the most beautiful and most difficult courses in the world - no kidding, in a post I penned about slope ratings, I highlighted its crazy 152-rating...

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