Black Bear in Myrtle Beach

A local's favorite and great scenery, Black Bear is an affordable must play.

A classic parkland course completely engulfed by nature. The Beast may look intimidating with it's 23 beautiful finger lakes, but the wide fairways and smooth Champion greens make it very tamable. Golf as it was meant to be…peaceful, beautiful, and playable. Black Bear's friendly staff eagerly awaits your visit.

Renowned architect Tom Jackson designed this beautiful par 72 course. Carved through a mixture of hardwoods and pines, Black Bear features 23 lakes that give this course its unmistakable distinction. Black Bear offers four sets of tees for golfers of all skill levels.

Black Bear Golf Club is now under new ownership and now has a new look. During the month of December 2000 the clubhouse underwent a major renovation. During this time new golf carts and new John Deere maintenance equipment was purchased.

After a memorable round of golf you can relax in our newly remodeled clubhouse complete with a stocked Pro Shop and food and beverage facility.

If you want to experience the difference between a round of golf and a golfing experience that is truly second to none, ASK TO PLAY A CLASSIC.

Golf Tip of The Week

I found this, thanks to my friends at www.golfrewind.com, a great site for golfers to talk and get information. This starts the Tip of the Week, and since we all want a little more, hell, a lot more distance on the driver, this may help a lot of folks.

Check this out, and let me know what you folks think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NdcfWG8_KE&feature=related

The Golfer's Trip Deal of the Week

New players, take a close look at this deal. A full set of irons/hybrids and a bag, from Adams golf. This set is a few years old, but brand new, and the value is unbeatable if you are just starting out, or have old hand me down mixed clubs. So, far, both of my "Deals of the Week" have been from Rock Bottom Golf, but their deals on older clubs is very hard to beat.

http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/adams-golf-2008-tight-lies-irons-set-free-bag.html

Can We Come Up with Something Better?

Spring has sprung, and Summer is on it's way, the golf season is in full "swing." During this time period, there are a lot of charity events that raise a lot of money for great causes. Kudos to all those who organize, run and play in these events, it's a great way for us golfer's to enjoy the sport we love while doing something worth wild.

I am not going into the details of the event I am going to try and organize next Spring, as all the details are not worked out, and the group I want to run it for, I am not a formal member yet, but I will pull this off.

I am here today to try and come up with a better scoring system for these events. The usual four man best ball is great, but I want something a little different. My idea is the reverse of the usual 100-150 a man for the tournament, I want to start low for entry fee, very low, a discounted rate from the course, so lets use 30.00 a man as a base line. I wanted to propose a scoring system that you donate to the Charity by score. The better you score, the less you agree to give, the worse, the more. Now, I want to tweak this also. The worst Score actually wins some money back, and the Best Score gets some great prizes, but pays a set amount, lets say 100.00 per man for the Charity. Everyone else is paying in between those numbers. The usual gimmicks, Muligans, a Throw, can be bought per hole, for lets say, 10.00 a team for 1 and limit 1 a hole. This should give every a shot at getting a low score and a very close leader board. Closet to the Pin still in play, Long Drive, etc, all in play.

The end of the tournament, the usual cook out, food, beverages for adults, but I want there to some incentive to stick around to the end. An Award for the person, and the team, that Donated the most to the Charity, along with free admission to next years event. Those who paid out the most get the "most."

I would love to hear what people think of this idea, especially those who have ran Golf Events before!!!

The Swing vs Cyrpess Point

Monday, a great warm sunny start of the day turned into over cast, and some rain, but we braved Cypress Point Country Club in Virginia Beach anyway. A holiday afternoon rate of 34.00 had me wondering if they let this once to go private club, get in bad shape. Nope, great shape, friendly staff, and of course, a great rate.

More important, it was the first live round since my lesson from Golf Pro David Stacy at Golf Galaxy. I went in feeling super confident, and I came out feeling confident, but I have lots of work to do. As noted before, I have completely changed my swing, my stance, and my follow through. Basicly, I was a complete mess before.

I think I will break it down per club, My Driver was straighter and in play more than it has been in years. Distance still looked good, but I think the draw biased Driver is holding me back some.

Long irons played well, and I was hitting irons where my other three friends were playing woods.

Short irons gave me the most trouble, controlling the distance and touch with the new swing was tougher than I though around the green, but from 40-120 yards out, I was deadly. This gave me the most confidence in the new swing, nice and high with backs spin, and very accurate.

I plan to play 1 or 2 more times before the big Myrtle Beach Trip June 25th, and the range will see a lot of me, and I think David Stacy may see me for another lesson or two.

All and all, a good day, and something to build on.

Williamsburg Golf, a Magical Place

Williamsburg Golf

Kingsmill get all the attention, in Williamsburg Virginia, but it’s another golf course that steals their thunder, Golden Horse Shoe. The whole area has great courses, but the three courses at Golden Horse Shoe offer the best golf, and value and bang
First let’s look at the long list of honors the course has received:

• America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses,” Gold Course, Golf Digest (2009, 2007, 2005, 2003)
• “Top 100 Resort Courses,” Gold Course, Golfweek (2007)
• “Top 100 You Can Play,” Gold Course, Golf Magazine (2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996)
• “State-by-State Public Access Courses – Virginia,” Gold Course, Golfweek (2007, 2005, 2003)
• “Top Short Courses in America,” Spotswood Course, Golf Range Magazine (2007)
• “America’s Top Golf Courses,” Zagat Survey®, Gold and Green Courses (2007, 2005, 2003)
• “Middle Atlantic 100 Must-Play Courses,” Gold and Green Courses, Golfstyles Washington (2007)
• “Best of the Best Design,” Gold Course one of Jones Sr.’s top six designs, Golf Digest (2004, 2000)
• “Top 500 Golf Holes in the World: Golden Horseshoe Gold Course 16th, Golf Magazine (2004)
• “Four and ½ Stars,” Gold Course, Best Places to Play, Golf Digest (2006)
• “Four and ½ Stars,” Green Course, Best Places to Play, Golf Digest (2006)
• “World’s Best” Readers Survey, Gold Course, Travel+Leisure Golf, (2003)
• “Top 500 Golf Holes in the World,” Gold Course, 16th hole, Golf Magazine (2004)
• “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary,” for commitment to environment (2007, 2005, 2003, 2001)
• “Best Golf Teacher,” Del Snyder named one of the best golf teachers in Virginia, Golf Digest (2005)

Three courses here, the award winning Gold Course, the Green course and The Spotswood course.

The Gold Course:

Opened in 1963 and the work of Robert Trent Jones Sr., who called it his “finest design,” this is one of the best examples of traditional golf course architecture in the world.
18 Holes
Yardage 6817

Par 71

Slope Rating 138



The Green Course:

Designed by Rees Jones, Jones Sr.’s son, and opened in 1991, this layout is carved from the same terrain but is simultaneously longer and more forgiving.
18 Holes
Yardage 7120

Par 72

Slope Rating 134


The Spotswood Course:

Named for Colonial Governor Alexander Spotswood, this is the elder Jones’s 1963 update of the Williamsburg Inn’s original 1947
nine-hole course.
9 Holes, 18 sets of tees
Yardage 3745

Par 31

Slope Rating 96
Contact information on these must play courses:

Gold Course Clubhouse and Grill
401 S. England Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
Green Course Clubhouse and Grill
520 S. England Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
http://www.colonialwilliamsburgresort.

Our Prayers are with the Mickelson Family

I had just heard the news, and it brought me back to a time 4 years ago, when my mother passed away after a year long battle with cancer. It is nothing I would wish on my worst enemy. I want to let the family know my family's prayers are Amy, Phil, and their whole family.

I also think Phil is a classy guy for stepping aside from the tour, it's the right thing to do, and confirms of what I thought Phil was like. He is a golf Ambassordor and now maybe, God willing, will help raise awareness and lets find a cure cure for Cancer!




Phil Mickelson's wife, Amy, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and the three-time major champion said Wednesday he will suspend his PGA TOUR schedule indefinitely.

According to a release from Mickelson's management company, his wife was to have more tests but begin treatment with major surgery as early as the next two weeks.

"We are saddened by the news of Amy Mickelson's diagnosis but are hopeful that with the support of Phil and her family and friends, she will come through this difficult time," PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem said. "The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with the PGA TOUR are with the Mickelson family."
Send Amy an e-mail
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MORE: Reaction from TOUR
FACEBOOK: Join discussion
Former cancer survivor
Billy Mayfair faced his own battle with cancer -- and he thinks Amy Mickelson is strong enough to win her battle.
Read the story
Amy and Phil at a Lakers game last week.
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Amy and Phil Mickelson at a Lakers playoff game last week.
Photo Gallery
Amy and Phil through the years
Video
Amy, Phil at Start Smart charity

Mickelson, the third-ranked player in the FedExCup standings and the No. 2 player in the world with 36 career PGA TOUR victories, was to play the HP Byron Nelson Championship this week before defending his title next week at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial.

According to HP Byron Nelson tournament director Charley Spradley, Mickelson was in the Dallas area, preparing for this week's event, when he received the news.

"I'm not disappointed," Spradley said when asked about not having Mickelson in this week's field. "I'm encouraged by his decision. You guys know this: We're all about kids and families, and we would have made exactly the decision that he did, I hope. ... It's news that would cause us all to have proper concern for Phil, Amy, his wife, and their extended family, and that's where our concern lies."

Dallas native Scott Verplank, who played on two Ryder Cup teams and two Presidents Cup teams with Mickelson, said he received a text message from Mickelson on Tuesday night with the news.

"I think several of us got a text last night, but I got one at about 10 o'clock, and I had a hard time sleeping, just thinking about that," Verplank said. "My wife was already asleep next to me there, so when I woke up this morning she woke up for a minute, so I told her. So I think she's probably worried about it now. You know, hopefully it's early and hopefully they take care of it."

It was not certain if Mickelson would return in time for the U.S. Open on June 18-21 at Bethpage Black in New York, where he was a runner-up to Tiger Woods in 2002 and is beloved by golf fans in the New York area.

"Elin and I are deeply saddened to hear the news about Amy," Woods said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her, Phil, the children and the entire Mickelson family."

Mickelson has already won twice in 2009. He has three other top-10 finishes, including a tie for fifth at the Masters. Mickelson's first TOUR win this year came at the Northern Trust Open where he successfully defended his title. He won his first World Golf Championships title at the CA Championship at Doral, outlasting Nick Watney for the title.

Amy Mickelson is among the most visible wives on the PGA TOUR, a former Phoenix Suns cheerleader who regularly walks during the rounds and mingles easily with the gallery. She was waiting with their three children by the 18th green at Augusta National in 2004 when Mickelson won his first major, and at Winged Foot in 2006 at the U.S. Open, his most crushing loss in a major.

One of the photos in the clubhouse at the HP Byron Nelson Championship is Mickelson walking with Amy when they were engaged in 1996 and Mickelson won the tournament.

The Phil and Amy Mickelson Charitable Foundation has been involved in several causes, including multiple contributions of $250,000 in continued support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, as well as the Start Smart program that provides needy youngsters clothes and school supplies each year.

They met in 1992 when Mickelson was a senior at Arizona State, a year after he won his first PGA TOUR event as an amateur. Amy knew nothing about golf at the time.

"I grew up in a tennis family, and when he told me he was a pro golfer, I thought he worked in the shop at a golf course," she wrote in Mickelson's book, "One Magical Sunday," after he won his first major at the 2004 Masters.

They were married in 1996 and have three children: Amanda, 9, Sophia, 7, and Evan, 6. Their first child was born the day after the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2., where Mickelson carried a pager and promised to leave if his wife went into labor.

Contractions began on Sunday, but she decided not to tell Mickelson as he tried to win his first major. He lost by one stroke when Payne Stewart holed a 15-foot par putt on the final hole, and Mickelson arrived home in time for the birth.

Sarah Strange, a breast cancer survivor and wife of former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, said Amy Mickelson's ongoing personality would play a big part in her recovery.

"She's such an upbeat person, and I think she'll approach this in the same way, moving forward with confidence," Sarah Strange said. "I'm sure she's getting the best treatment they can find. An upbeat attitude plays such a key role in this, her own and those around her. I'll certainly be extending any experiences I've had, any questions she could ask me to keep upbeat.

"She was so supportive of me being a captain's wife," she said. "In return, she will feel that support from others."

TOUR pro Chad Campbell said his caddie's mother has fought breast cancer "and beat it so far, and my mother-in-law has had it. I think she's had it on two separate occasions, possibly even three, I can't remember for sure. But you know, it's just really tough. You feel for them, and it's a tough time. Hopefully they can get it all figured out."

The news was quick to reach Europe, where John Daly is playing in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

"That is so sad," Daly said. "She's a great girl. My prayers are out to her and Phil. Hopefully, everything goes well."

Great Golf deal, Play the Players Course

Not that us normal, every other weekend hackers can afford this, nor would we likely ever get a chance to play a course like this, but we can now. With the economy being so bad, these 400-500 dollars a round courses are HURTING. Pebble Beach, Pinehurst #3, and TPC Stadium Course, are offering huge discounted deals. Check out this deal I found on Golf Week. If every there was a chance to play these exclusives clubs, it's now.

Golfweek’s Best deals: TPC Sawgrass
Course: TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Ranking: No. 1, Golfweek’s Best public-access courses in Florida; No. 16, Golfweek’s Best Modern Courses

The deal: If you want to play the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, you normally can expect to shell out upward of four bills (including the forecaddie fee), which makes it seem like you’re adding insult to injury when you inevitably dump a sleeve of Pro V1s into the pond at No. 17.

But from June 8 to Sept. 14, you can play Florida’s top public course twice – plus play a round on the sister Valley Course and stay two nights at the Sawgrass Marriott – for $628 per person. The rate is based on double occupancy.

Sure, it’s summer. Yes, we know it’s hot. Man up and hydrate liberally.

Web site: pgatourexperiences.com.

First Lesson and then a Discovery

Ok, yesterday, after running story and interview of Gene Weldon, I decided to take my first lesson. So, I logged into my Golf Galaxy account, and booked a 30 minute lesson with David Stacy, the PGA Pro at the Virginia Beach location. Booked it online, added some notes about being my first lesson, so when I showed up, David knew who I was, and what I wanted to do. I told him, being able to just hit the ball consistently is all I am after for now. He had me hit a few balls, and then took action.

He had me stand more upright, move closer to the ball at address, I wasn't turning my wrist over and opening the club face on the back swing, not driving my my knee through the ball, my hands were behind the ball at contact, not firing my hips through, and not turning my wrists again and closing the club face at contact. Sounds like a mess, I was, but I picked it up very fast. I am off to the range to continue my practice at lunch. The whole lesson was video tapped and I saw a huge different from first swing to corrected swing. I will be back for more lessons.

UPDATE

I just hit a bucket at lunch, and I have never, ever come close to hitting the ball like that ever. I was averaging about 180 with the 6 iron, high, and consistently straighter than I have ever hit the ball. DAVID STACY, thank you, and look forwarding to seeing me for more lessons!

The Discovery

Somehow, some way I come across this site:

http://www.subseventy.com/


Which is SubSeventy Golf Clothes. It looks like they are European based, but expanding into the US. It reminds me a bit of Loud Mouth Golf, but it has a more European style and flair, and very, very good looking. You can crank it loud, or keep it a little more conservative. The clothes look great, not sure who would carry them around here, as it looks like they are looking for sales reps in the US, but you can order online, and you would be unique in your next golf outing for sure.

The only thing I can complain about, is this is exactly what I have been trying to push as an idea to the owner of the clothing company I work for. We are Urban and Contemporary Fashion, so getting him to sign off on a golf line has been impossible. All I can say is, Kudos SubSeventy, the line looks great!!

A Golfer's first Lesson, it's never too late

Special thanks to Gene Weldon for answering a few questions for every.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME AND JOB?

My name is Gene Weldon and I run the golf operation for a 27 hole golf facility in Sunset Beach, NC.


HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PGA PROFESSIONAL?

I wad elected to membership as a PGA Professional in 1977.


A LOT OF GOLFERS HAVE PLAYED FOR YEARS, AND NEVER HAD LESSONS, WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THEY GET ONE, NO MATTER WHAT AGE?


ABSOLUTELY!!! I’ve been a PGA Member for 32 years and I had a lesson last week. It’s always good to have someone KNOWLEDGEABLE to take a look at your swing. Would you drive your car for 20 years without a checkup?

WHAT SHOULD A PLAYER EXPECT IN HIS FIRST LESSON?

A good teacher will always communicate on a level that the player can understand. My first question to a new student is always what does he or she want to achieve in golf. Next step in the first lesson would be to check the players fundamentals from A to Z.


WHAT SHOULD THE PLAYER EXPECT TO TAKE AWAY FROM HIS FIRST LESSON?

A better understanding of his own game and what they need to work on prior to their next lesson.

ANY OTHER THINGS YOU WANTED TO SAY?

If you have been playing for 15 or 20 years and you decide to take your first lesson and your instructor wants to change pretty much everything you already do, I might suggest a second opinion.

CAN YOU END WITH YOUR POSITION, THE COURSE INFO, ETC?

I am the Director of Golf at Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach NC. My phone number is 910-393-9636

If you have any other questions just give me a shout. John, I hope this is what you were looking for. Thanks - Gene

Gene Weldon
PGA Club Professional
Thistle Golf Club
910-393-9636

Crazy Golf Give Away, 10,000 in equipment

Ok this is one you will not want to pass up. The guys over at MyGolfSpy.com are having a HUGE contest and giveaway. They have $10,000 in golf prizes to give away including Adams Drivers, Mizuno Irons & Drivers, Titleist D series metal woods, wedges, putters, apparel, and other accessories.

The contest doesn’t start until monday…so be sure to head over to www.MyGolfSpy.com Monday morning and get your entries in. And that’s not all….if you have a golf blog or golf website and you post an article or link to the contest, you’ll get 3 extra entries for yourself…increasing your chances of winning some of these kick ass prizes.

I hope they have some left handed gear, because I plan on winning some of this stuff.

Go here..http://www.mygolfspy.com/insane-golf-contest-sponsors/ on Monday and get in on the action.

Oyster Bay, Pearl in North Myrtle

Review: Oyster Bay: NC/SC Line
Just got back from an almost perfect weekend trip to Myrtle Beach. I am going to break it down by course and try to give an informative review. Please bear with me, as some how, some way, I lost my Digital Camera and I am waiting to post the pics to this review later(getting some from friends)

Course: Oyster Bay

Web Site: Legends Resorts | Oyster Bay

Date/Time Played: 4 Tee Times at 8:26 am June 1st (16 people)

Club House and Staff:

Great full service club house with friendly staff got us in the carts, loaded up, and ready to roll in minutes. We were cutting it a little close (drank a lot the night before) but they got us all out to the tee, allowing all 16 of us to watch the groups go. The starter gave us hintts, tips, joked with us all, making us feel like we played there once a week.

The Course:

When we were on the way, I was just told that Oyster Way had a lot of water, was tough, and a "must play" by our now fired rep from Beach Vacations.

They started all 4 of our groups on the 10th tee, a awesome over the marsh then dog leg right. Every hole had a good amount of "don't hit it here, or you get no shot at the green" type layouts. Rolling greens, lots of water and marsh, trees, gators, no houses, and breath taking views. very tough course, and worth the agony and high scores. Full bar on the cart!! Green, green fairways and green, perfect conditions, even though they hadn't had rain in 6 weeks. NO BROWN!


Finial Thoughts:

We loved this change from the links style of Thistle, as a lot of us hit few fairways, and finding your ball in the woods beats the scrub of a links course. Make no mistake, this course is far from easy. We look forward to playing this course every year we go back. YOU MUST PLAY HERE.


__________________

Must Plays in the Tidewater of Virginia

Well, you actually have to travel a little north up the Eastern Shore, but you will be rewarded by course created by two of the game greatest golfers.Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus create Bay Creek, a gem of the east coast, two scenic and very tough courses! Tee time reservations are a must, but during the summer, there are some great afternoon rates to play this great complex!

Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course at Bay Creek:

The 7,204 yard championship course pampers its golfers with smooth A-4 greens and perfectly manicured Tifway 419 Bermuda fairways. Five strategically placed sets of tees are guaranteed to make golf fun and challenging for players of all skill levels.

Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Bay Creek

Measuring 7,417 yards with Tifsport Bermuda fairways and smooth A-4 bent grass greens, the Nicklaus Course is characterized by large waste bunkers and more than 100 formal bunkers.

Here is all the contact information you need, to play some of the best golf of your life!!

Contact Bay Creek Resort & Club
Hours of Operation for Bay Creek's Welcome Center

Monday-Saturday 10:00AM - 7:00PM
Sunday 12:00PM - 7:00PM

3335 Stone Road
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Phone: 757-331-8742 or 888-422-9275

Myrtle Beach Gem of the North, Thistle!

A small review from a couple of years ago from one of my golf trips!!

Review: Thistle: Way North Myrtle Beach
Just got back from an almost perfect weekend trip to Myrtle Beach. I am going to break it down by course and try to give an informative review. Please bear with me, as some how, some way, I lost my Digital Camera and I am waiting to post the pics to this review later(getting some from friends)

Course: Thistle

Web Site: Golf Vacation Packages: Myrtle Beach Golf Courses - Thistle Golf Club - Real Estate ( check out the slide show )

Date/Time Played: 3 Tee Times at 2:30 May 31st

Club House and Staff:

The club house was nice, cozy, small, but they are building a very large castle style one right next door. The staff, from inside, the bar, club house, starters and staff riding the course, they are top notch, out to make your time the best. These are by far, the nicest folks I have ever met that work a course, you can tell they love their job..

The Course:

From their web site, I was expecting an awe inspiring course, and we were not let down. This is a links style course, with lots of bunkers and water, great green fairways and greens. It was a challenge for sure. Very good design, from bunker placement and greens, to making you use the whole bag of clubs. There were no gimmies on the greens either, you needed to hit the right spot. Even though water wasn't really in play on every hole, there seemed to be water every where. I can not say enough about this course, it's a dream to play.


Finial Thoughts:

If you are thinking of going to Myrtle, please, please call Ed in the club house and make a tee time at THISTLE, you will not regret it.

I want to add, I have spoken with the friendly staff once again, and was invited by their PGA Pro Gene Weldon to come down and tour and play. This staff is the most friendly, attentive, and golf loving that I have ever met!

Here is their contact info also!

Gene Weldon
PGA Club Professional
Thistle Golf Club
910-393-9636

Shhhh...Your Too Loud on the Course

You hit the course, and people stare, mouths open, women covering their kid's eyes, it's too loud, too bright! It's Loud Mouth Golf, a trend starting to sweep the gold community.

The upstart company specializes in very colorful golf clothes, so colorful in fact, it's "loud." John Daly is a current pro player being sponsored by them, and he seems to fit the company to a tee. Check out there site also, and you see Alice Cooper, another perfect fit for them.

The huge surprise is the the older golfers (like myself, 40 here) and older starting to don the apparel! Search the net for golf pictures, and you will find a wide demographic of people wearing the clothes, especially the pants and shorts. I see through their site things I wouldn't wear in a million years, and some things I think that are great.

I work in the fashion business, and long have wanted to start my own fashion related golfing clothing line, an Ed Hardyish line of golf clothes, things that would set you apart. Loud Mouth Golf has done this, in a different direction than I wanted to, but they have done it never the less!

Puma is the first company I think, that is established, that has gone out there and started making the fashion cross over into golfing market. I love their fresh looks and their colors. Younger golfers, the young guns, are wearing the new looks. Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas are two great players wearing the younger, newer, fashion looks in golf. Hey, who doesn't want to set themselves apart on and off the course with their clothes?

Check out Loud Mouth Golf, it's new, exciting, and LOUD!!!!

No idea why I can't get a link to stick, but here it is:

http://www.loudmouthgolf.com/

Just a few pictures of Myrtle beach's best holes, something to make you want to go golfing, more than you already do!

Heather Glenn First

The Island Greens

Long Bay

Awesome Banner of the Pete Dye Course

Golf Triper's Steal of the week

I will be posting from time to time great deals out there on golf equipment and clothing. This week, Rockbottom.com has the steal with this Adams iron/hybrid set:



http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/adams-golf-tight-lies-idea-a2-irons-set-steel.html

The Regular Golfer’s Guy

Lift the beers to the sky, count our blessings, and maybe even don some shades, because his outfit is Bright! John Daly is back in the “swing” of things with his 2nd place finish in the Italian Open this past weekend. He is on the Euro Tour for this year, rehabbing and trying to play his way back to the PGAS Tour.


We Need John Daly, and golf does too!! Tiger Woods makes the tour go, he brings in money, he markets with just stepping onto the course, and the PGA might not be able to survive this economic climate without him, but the Tour needs Big John too, even if they don’t know it. Gone are the days of the elitist Country Club Golfer, driving the sport. The Sport of Kings is now the Sports of the Peasants too, and the PGA knows this. If it wasn’t for us, the Weekend Duffer’s, watching in masses, trying our best twice a month to emulate the swings, relax, have a beer or two and play the game we all love, but know we will never be shooting in the low 70s.


John Daly drinks, I think we all know this by now, and if you don’t, I got some tickets to the Masters I can sell you at face value! He has had a problem, and still may, although he looks like he’s serious about reforming some, but John don’t give up your style, your identity, a beer at Hooters, your clothing all to become a robot, stay yourself and win on your own terms. Golfer’s in general can identify with you, because other than your amazing talent, we are a lot like you. Out there to play golf, have fun, blow off steam, have a few beers, relax, joke around with our friends and try to one up each other. You are the man, how many of us have gone to Hooters after or before we played a round of golf? We are the same, and that’s why you are the huge attraction you are today, that’s why the Euro’s welcomed you with open arms, your John Daly.


Another couple reasons to love John, is what I am calling the “Happy Gilmore” effect. Now I know everyone has seen the move, his swing is crazy, there really isn’t much reality golf in the game, but the effect he had, even though it was over the top, was bringing a whole new demographic into golf as fans and players. The common, every day people showing up cheering, dressed crazy. Now you have John Daly supporting, wearing and pushing Loud Mouth Golf clothes, and if ever there was an over the top, Happy Gilmore clothing line, this is it. Take a look:
http://estore.websitepros.com/1957025/-strse-Pants%5C-cln---Regular/Categories.bok?utm_source=JohnDaly&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=JohnDalyPants


In the end of things, PGA, players, fans, please bring Big John home, we need him, because he is what we are. Everyone weekend duffer can see a little bit of themselves in him.

John Barry

Watch the Players Championship live online

Here is the link to watch while you are at your computer:

http://www.pgatour.com/livegolf/?pgat_cid=tour_09_149

The State of Casual Golf

The State of Golf (Casual)
________________________________________
Afternoon All,

Every now and then, I like to get long winded about subjects, and what better one than our favorite, GOLF!! Now as the title suggest, it's casual golf, meaning what 80% of all of us regular golfers do. The, once on a weekend, maybe twice a week between yard work, family, the job etc.


First, I play golf to relax, have fun, be with friends, and enjoy the outdoors. I assume these are the reasons most of us Casual Golfers play. Certain things come into play when we as a group of people decide to go golfing.



1) Who's playing with us. I assume most of us only play with our friends, work mates, and relatives. Playing with people we are comfortable around and familiar with. This is one of the main reasons we can relax while we play (to a degree). It's not a tournament, a shoot out, it's just plain fun.


2) Where we play: I assume if we could all play Beth Paige Black or a round at Pebble Beach, we would, but we are usually playing local muni's and semi-private clubs. There is nothing wrong with it, heck some of the best courses in the US are public courses. Myrtle Beach is loaded with them, as are most areas of the country. Price is always a factor with us for the normal round. Yes, we as a group splurge sometimes, and play those very nice 50.00 plus courses, but not on a regular basis. I would say the 25-45 dollar spot, is the sweet spot for us. There is plenty of value midweek and afternoons at the more expensive courses, so take advantage of them.


3) Travel time: How far are you willing to go to play golf on a weekend. There are a lot of factors, can you afford to play a 5 hour round, with an hour's travel time each way? For most of us married fellas/ladies with kids and those without, this can't be something we do on a regular basis. The weekend, after a week of work, is usually loaded with yard work, family time, church, hanging out with friends and their families. This leaves us with a confined area to play to play on a regular basis. If I can't get there in under 30 minutes, I can't play there on a regular basis. Travel time, coupled with weekend crowds usually limit where I play, and I assume it's the same for all.

4) Our Game: Like most Casual Golfers, we are double digit handicappers. There is not the constant practice and playing like the lower handicappers. I would think most of us shoot in the low 100s to mid 90s. There are 2 huge mile stones in golf for the Casual Player, breaking 100, and breaking 90. Please take break 80 and toss it out of your mind, lighten up, and have fun. I think the less pressure on yourself, the more enjoyment, and the you will find you play a whole lot better.

5) Equipment(coupled with today's Economy) There is no doubt that today's economy has effected us all. How many times we play, golf trips, lesser priced courses, and our clubs themselves. I have an active golf group I organize a trips for, and we e-mail and golf all year long with. I would say there are 100 or so people in this loose group. I get a lot of feedback from them, and I plan the golf trips to Myrtle Beach, Ocean City, etc. The economy has forced a lot of people to forsake new clubs, and buy used, or order versions new like Rock Bottom sells. You can still get a great set of clubs without breaking the bank. I think the top Club Makers see this trend also, for example: Calloway, their brand new 2009 Drivers, when you buy one, you get a Fairway Wood for $1.00. This is discounting brand new tech, which they usually don't, but I think their bottom lines have been rocked. Search for the deals, be selective, but they are out there. Continue supporting your local stores and courses. Country Clubs are closing, or openning up to the public every day.

In short, enjoy golf, have fun, because that's what it is meant to be. I hit some ugly shots, but when I really get a hold of it, and hit that rare perfect shot, it brings me back every time.


I would love to hear everyone's opinions!

The Worst Shots of the Myrtle 2008 Trip

Just a fun video, no music, removed by youtube, but it was "Somebody's Crying" by Chris Issacs, seemed to be the perfect fit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7F1V1-Q9eo

Myrtle Beach in Trouble?

I am responding to a rumor, a couple of blogs, and a great site I love and read all the time. The economy has to be affecting golfers, and the great city of Myrtle Beach is a golfer's paradise. I think the troubles reports by other places are a bit over stated, so here is my response:

Myrtle Beach in Trouble?

Good Morning once again!

My name is John Barry, avid golfer (not a good one, but I love golf), large group trip coordinator, and someone who feels to be part of the Myrtle Beach community, even though I live in Virginia. I follow the golf courses, the news, the conditions, the packages, and golf in general for Myrtle Beach through web sites, forums like www.golfrewind.com, package provider’s sites, and golf blogs.

My current group e-mail string has over 100 people who have been on past trips through me, or are going on my current trip which is June 25^th. I have 52 people currently going this year, and we are playing Long Bay, Litchfield, Willbrook Plantation, Blackmoor and Myrtle Beach National West. Three nights and 5 rounds, with a price tag of 285.00 per person, staying in the Grand Villa’s at World Tour. In years past, the price of our trips have been as low as 220.00 a person, to last year’s high of 355.00 per person. I have used Barbie Chestnut, at Beach Vacations, for the past 5 years, and even though it’s a cut throat market, I have stuck with her based on price, service, and her personal touch.

Last year’s trip saw us in Myrtle in June, and it was booming still, even though summer is their off season. We are all late 30s to 40 years old, but we act like we are in our 20s. We have some very good scratch golfers, but the bulk of us are in the 90s. Needless to say, we not only played golf, but we ate out, we went to bars, the beach and of course the infamous gentlemen’s clubs. I have to say, the economy showed no ill effects.

I have spoken with my contacts, and as of the spring, Golf was right on track with past years. Bear in mind also, there was an increase of tee time fee set as of last September by the Myrtle Beach Golf Association based on increased fertilizer prices, and upkeep. The value this year is in the lodging, there is a glut of lodging with the home/condo building boom at an end. This is where you can save some money, of course there are golf packages set forth by the Association and individual properties that are great values also. Replay rates are down, as are last minute tee times, you have some room to move there.

I will be more than happy to provide a review of the golf, the trip, Myrtle Beach and the Economy in general when we come back. I think the more information we share as golfers talking to golfers, is invaluable. A lot of sites are slated towards their courses, and them making money, and you get very biased reviews. I really like the guys at www.mbga.com for unbiased information (which you quoted) but I wish they updated more.

John Barry