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Results for December 2010 Back to Editors' Blog Index

Readers react to America's 100 Best Clubfitters list

Friday, December 31, 2010 Comments
We've received a lot of letters since early copies of the Hot List issue landed, many of them regarding the editors' America's 100 Best Clubfitters list. 

I just got a sneak preview of your 2011 club fitter list. I was wondering how the top 100 fitters were selected. Greater Golf Training Center has an extensive list of qualifications and we failed to make the Top 100. Thank you for taking the time any feed back we could get would be greatly appreciated.
Craig Mabee, Greater Golf Training Center, Endicott NY

Golf Digest Equipment Editor Mike Stachura replies: 

Our ranking of the top 100 facilities to go for a fitting in the U.S. grew out of the process described in the magazine. The initial list of candidates came after nominations were solicited from our panel of 900 raters on our America’s 100 Greatest Courses panel, as well as from PGA sections, state golf associations and other industry sources. Nominated facilities also were asked to complete a survey describing their operation. Our team of equipment editors considered all nominees based on input from our nominating panels and the surveys, as well as these criteria: (1) The location must be open to the public, (2) There must be access to clubs made by top manufacturers. A list of more than 700 leading fitting facilities was then evaluated by our judges before they decided on the 100 Best. 

Certainly, we are proud of our initiative and we are hoping to establish our list as an important resource for our readers. That is why we’ll be updating our online state-by-state list frequently, generally as soon as we receive information from qualified fitters. We have contacted all the facilities that were nominated by our panel of 900 course raters, state golf association officials, PGA section leaders and other industry sources. If a facility was not nominated, it was not sent a survey. But we are still looking to update our database as frequently as possible. Thanks for your interest, and if you have further questions, please let me know.


One thing I noticed is that the list shows only U.S. clubfitters. Have you considered adding other North American clubfitters to the list? There are several very competent Canadian clubfitters out there also (myself included). Is it possible that you would consider an international clubfitter directory also? Or perhaps a separate list for Canada? I live in Canada and am a subscriber to your magazine. I'm sure there are several Canadian readers and clubfitters who could benefit from such a listing. 
Bert Reich, Gooder Custom Golf Clubs, Kronau, Saskatchewan

Great idea, Bert. We weren't able to do it this time, but will definitely consider it for next year.  
Bob Carney
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Reader: You missed Ross T. Collins

Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Comments
Thanks to a Texas reader for this addition to Golf World's necrology in the Dec. 13 Newsmakers Issue. 

I would like to point out a likely accidental oversight, worthy of correction. Ross T. Collins died in Kerrville, Texas on June 10, 2010 at the age of 88. Ross was 1971 PGA Professional of the Year, Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 1984, PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2003. He won the Arkansas Open and 3 Arkansas Amateur Championships, and Four National Left Handed Championships. In 1998 he was inducted into the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame along with his close friend Byron Nelson. He lettered 10 times in 3 sports while at North Texas State, 4 in golf and 3 each in basketball and tennis, and is in the North Texas State Hall of Fame. All in all he is in 6 halls of fame, including the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame, having won the nation's second highest honor for bravery, the Navy Cross, for heroism as a Naval Aviator in WW II.  He earned bachelors and masters degrees at North Texas State. He was also twice featured on the cover of your magazine.
John A.Pike, Kerrville TX

Thanks, John. Obviously Collins was worthy of inclusion and it was an oversight on our part not to include him. 

Bob Carney
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Reader questions driver adjustability

Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Comments
I had a discussion with my friends and club provider and we had this question. The problem is the drive R9 TaylorMade. TaylorMade on the website says that rotating the rod in the R9 driver changes the angle of the clubface. For me this is false. The angle of the clubface depends on how I use [the club], not the regulation proposed by TaylorMade. What is your opinion?
Eduardo Inouye, Buenos Aires, Argentina

This being way over my head and my clubhead (which has no adjustability) I went to an expert. Golf World Equipment Editor and Golf Digest Hot List judge Mike Johnson replies: 

If what you are saying is that the adjustability of face angle on the R9 (or any driver that adjusts face angle, for that matter) can be negated by how a player manipulates his hands at address, that is certainly true. You can adjust face angle all you want but if you alter your hand position it can either offset or increase the effect of that adjustment. However, if you simply keep your hands in the position they were prior to the adjustment, the altering of face angle through adjustability will affect ball flight. For the latest and most comprehensive review of new drivers, see 2011 Golf Digest Hot List. 
Bob Carney
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10 tips that really worked in 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010 Comments
We've received quite a lot of mail this year about tips that have worked for you. So, during this season when you will see lists of the Best, Most, Worst, Coolest, Funniest things of the year.... here's mine: The 2010 tips that really worked for my game: 

10. Play to win, not score: Hunter Mahan. Most of us play match play but worry about our score at the same time. No pass. Mahan tells the story of competing against his Dad, when winning was everything. Play like that. 

9. Use the ground as leverage: Sean Foley. The teacher of the hour, if not the year, reminded us of how important footwork is and how leverage plays a huge role in the swing. As you start the downswing, said Foley, "Push into the turf."  

8. On tight fairways, move the arc forward: Rick Smith. And hit down on it. Smith suggests placing a towel a few inches behind the ball and hitting so you avoid the towel. Good stuff. 

7 Play the shape of the day: David Toms. Toms' update of Sam Snead's "Dance with the one who brung 'ya" is so easy to forget. Or as an old friend of mine says, "Ride the horse in the direction he's going." 

6. Find something good to say about every shot: Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott of Vision 54. Golf World's Ron Sirak, who wrote "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose" with Nilsson and Marriott, passed along this tip. Keeps you out of the "bad coach" mode. 

5. Putt like your old man already gave it to you. Bob Rotella. A variation of the Zen saying, "Live as though you've already died." 

4. Feel the energy of the putter going through the ball: Jack Nicklaus. Jack's advice on removing the tension and "holding" in your stroke. 

3. Beat a slice with your shoulders: Hank Haney. Great tip to remember under pressure when your desire to avoid an errant drive makes you want to freeze your shoulders and "steer" the ball, thereby, alas, producing that banana. 

2. When in doubt, concentrate on balance, tempo and consistent grip pressure: Jim McLean My game was a mess this year when Jim gave me this advice over the phone. It turned things around. 

1. Don't lie to yourself: Yuri Kolomiets, my son's rowing instructor. Yuri believes in hard work and trusting the ERG (that's a rowing machine) numbers.  No kidding yourself. In golf, don't "massage" a handicap that's not true, don't pretend you're willing to put in the work on your game when you really aren't, don't complain about not improving if you're not willing to put in the practice. Want to get better? Commit yourself. 2011 is the year.
Bob Carney
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Remembering Peter Dobereiner

Friday, December 17, 2010 Comments
It's the time of year when we remember loved ones who have left us, especially the funny ones. A California reader noted Editor Jerry Tarde's recent mention of the great English writer Peter Dobereiner, who wrote for Golf Digest, and sent a question. 

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In the most recent Golf Digest you mention Peter Dobereiner and it put me in mind of a quest that I had all but given up on. I used to own a book of his on golf humor. No one did it better. He had the combo of knowledge of the game and of course his special brand of twisted humor. I let a "friend" read my copy and never got it back but that's another story. In that particular book there was a chapter given to animal encounters. The one of paramount interest to me was the leg slapper about Nick Price on his first pro event after serving his mandatory military term. It told of how Nick hit a low screamer off the tee just as a family of bush hogs ran acros the fairway. His ball and the large male arrived at the same place at the same time and as he was facing away from Nick the ball uhhhh plugged. he left the scene squealing with the ball still firmly plugged. Of course the ruling was detailed etc. I have had many tellings of this to be met by "no way" "prove it" etc. I of course can find no record of it elsewhere and the book is long since out of publishing. Do you know this story? Can you confirm it for me please. I can then save that an march it out for these folks of little faith. Thank you and have a healthy, happy holiday.
Bob Mauro, Whitby CA

Bob,  think you're referring to Peter's The Book of Golf Disasters. It's available on Amazon. Here's Jerry's reply your question about the Nick Price story: 

Peter’s story of Nick Price and the wild boar is exactly as Mr. Mauro remembers it. I recall publishing the account in Golf Digest back in the 1980s, and later it was included in an anthology. Even more accurate is the recollection of Peter Dobereiner as an insightful humorist without peer in the literature of golf. We miss him as a friend and colleague, but the world misses what he’d say about golf today. 

Peter died in 1996. As we prepare for golf returning to the Olympics, here's a 1993 story by Peter on golf's other inclusion in the Games. 
Bob Carney
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Agree? 12 Best holiday songs by golfers

Thursday, December 16, 2010 Comments
Your letters are sparse these days. What's going on? Holiday or something? We thought we'd use the lull to create our list of favorite Christmas songs by golfers. Some of these musicians and singers are on Golf Digest's 2008 Musicians List, others have passed on but leave classic songs. 

1. White Christmas, Bing Crosby. Crosby was a single-digit player who also wrote Straight Down the Middle. He hits this carol right down the middle.

2. Sleigh Ride, Johnny Mathis, who told Golf Golf Digest in 2009 he was a 12 and had been as low as a 7. 

3. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams, who had his own tournament and loved to play. 

4. Silver Bells, Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. Classic from a funny man who could really play and his partner Maxwell who could really sing. 

5. O Holy Night, Celine Dion Great song by a pretty fair (15-17 handicap), really avid golfer. 

6. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Harry Connick Jr. Word is that Connick scopes out and visits best local courses most mornings on tour--his tour. His Sleigh Ride is also a contender. 

7. Christmas Song, Perry Como. Passionate golfer with the perfect temperament for the game. 

8. It Must Be Santa, Bob Dylan. Dylan describes himself as a 17 who "swings it like a baseball bat." I love this video. 

9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Vince Gill. Gill is a scratch, and the recipeint of the PGA of America's Distinguished Service Award. His wife, Amy Grant, also a golfer, does a beautiful O Come All You Faithful. For a rock and roll version of same, here's a favorite performer of ours, Willie Nile. 

10. Let It Snow, Kenny G. A single-digit so avid he'd like to be called Kenny Q (School.) Also check out, Dean Martin's classic version. 

11. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Dean Martin. Even in this comedy video, you can tell Dino could play. 

12. The First Noel, Willie Nelson. Willy has his own course and loves grass.

As I spend Christmas in Chicago, of all places, I'll be thinking of the California fairways most of these folks play(ed) on. It will warm my heart and make it cry for spring.

Happy Holidays, all.

Bob Carney


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Attention golf instruction nuts!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Comments
I have a confession to make. I can sit for hours and listen to golf instructors talk about the physics of the swing or the metaphysics of the mind that makes it happen. Ben Doyle? I'm there. Pia Nillson and Lynn Marriott? Are you kidding! Michael Breed. Rave on, Mike. Bob Toski? The Bob Toski? I'm in heaven. 

If you suffer from the same addiction--and a bunch of you do, judging by your letters--check out the 2011 PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit, this year conducted the Monday and Tuesday before the PGA Show in Orlando at the Faldo Institute. Most of the attendees will be, as usual, PGA professionals, golf writers, and a smattering of playing pros. But for $595, you can register, too and hear the teachers above, among a long list. A couple of days later you'll have a chance to check out equipment introductions at the PGA Merchandise Show. 

Bob Carney
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What's with the swing sequences?

Friday, December 10, 2010 Comments
Golf Digest readers miss nothing--some of you anyway. This California reader likes our swing sequences (very popular on golfdigest.com as well as in the magazine) but is mystified by the inconsistent backgrounds of a some of them. It bothers him. 

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Love the swing sequences. A pet peeve, though, is seeing the slightly different framing of the photos. For example, in the Paul Casey sequence the first frames are not the same framing as the next frames. (Look at position of palm trees and rocks for reference points.) Makes me wonder if I'm seeing the same swing throughout. Also, I would really like to see some very faint grid lines (as close together as practical - maybe alternating colors, or every other one numbered or something like that) in the background of each picture so that I could see, for example, if the player's head drops, or sways back and forth during the swing. Thanks for considering these ideas.
Alan Wilson, Poway CA

In the old days--the mid-80s--readers would have seen a lot of this "movement" in the background. That's because we often shot the sequences with 35 millimeter cameras that might or might not catch the key moment: impact. To make sure we captured impact we usually shot several swings and then chose the photographs that gave us the best positioning at various points in the swing. Sometimes, when we did that, backgrounds did not match. When we acquired a Hulcher high-speed camera that became unnecessary. But the Hulcher could sometimes be temperamental. Our instruction editor Peter Morrice takes it from here....No longer. 

Up until two years ago, we shot our sequences with Hulcher cameras, which use one long piece of film, like a movie camera. They shoot 50 frames per second, and you can get several swings on one piece of film. To take advantage of technological advances, we recently started shooting sequences with digital Casio cameras. These cameras shoot 60 frames per second, and we actually use two cameras stacked on top of each other to capture a single swing without having to piece together positions from different swings. The digital images are very sharp, and the cameras are more dependable than those wonderful but moody old Hulchers.

We're glad you love the sequences. We like your idea of the grid. Stay tuned. 
Bob Carney
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Reader: Why Tiger's domination is over!

Monday, December 6, 2010 Comments
Some of you take gleeful delight in Tiger Woods' misfortunes. This weekend was no exception. Our regular correspondent, Gene Martineau, draws a rather bold conclusion from Sunday's Sherwood finish.

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McDowell's victory over Tiger in the biggest comeback ever against Tiger officially signifies the end of the "Tiger Domination Era" in golf. Europe's golfers never ones to back down to Tiger again demonstrated that a new era is coming to professional golf and the race for No. 1 and the majors is wide open. 
Gene Martineau, Roseville CA 

Be careful, Gene. They said Big Papi was over, too. I suspect Tiger, with the help of his new guru, Sean Foley--one bright teacher--will stage a comeback to rattle the rafters. His opponents, European or no, will hear the footsteps again. I'm guaranteeing one major this year. 

You may have noticed that Tiger’s caddie has made a habit of removing his caddie bib on the final green prior to Tiger finishing play in a tournament with Tiger in the lead and the likely winner--an arrogant display of saying that “the tournament is over and my guy won”. On the 72nd hole at the Chevron event yesterday, the camera caught Williams standing near the green without his bib while McDowell was lining up his putt which was well outside of Tiger’s 3-footer for birdie. Whoops! McDowell made his putt--game on. Williams still had not put on his bib when the players returned to the 18th tee for the first playoff hole. He had put on the bib when the playoff started--maybe the official told him to do that. After McDowell holed his putt on the playoff hole but before Tiger had attempted his birdie putt, Williams still was wearing his bib. I guess that Williams was sure that Tiger would hole his putt and the playoff would continue. That was one instance when Tiger should have told Williams that, to be consistent in his predictions, he should have removed his bib prior to Tiger putting. If Tiger will not demand that his caddie show respect to the field by keeping his bib on until play has officially concluded, like all other caddies, maybe the PGA Tour will have the courage to tell Williams to do so. 
Jim Shaw, Oklahoma City OK 

Golf World and Golf Digest both get tons of mail on this subject. Not sure why it drives readers so crazy. We watched the end of the broadcast yesterday and never even noticed the bib removal. We're not sure this is about respect. Control, maybe. 

Bob Carney
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More suggestions for Golf World's Arts Issue

Sunday, December 5, 2010 Comments
We continue to receive mail about Golf World's November 22 Arts Issue, which covered books, movies and painting, most with suggestions for other artists we might have included. Our old friend Tom Stewart, who runs the famous Old Sport Gallery in Pinehurst, weighed in with a name we mentioned in a previous post here. 

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As the founder and co-sponsor with Golf Digest of the 1st International Golf Art Festival held in Pinehurst I was delighted to see an issue devoted to art. However, I was quite surprised that award-winning British artist Richard Chorley was not mentioned. Many writers, critics and collectors have called Richard the finest golf landscape artist in the past 100 years. His work hangs in some of the finest homes and clubhouses around the world. 
Tom Stewart, Pinehurst, NC 

A reader from Washington State suggests an a major addition to the issue.  

The Arts review includes several deserving masterpieces, but you should have included music! John Daly's effort is reasonable. Peter Jacobson's CD is enthusiastic. If you want a masterpiece; listen to Billy Mac's "Tee It Up"! This incredible CD has been placed in famed and historic time capsules, and taken with one as the golfer was placed in one's last location. Listen to the research and artful rhyme! Listen to "Pebble Beach"! "The Old Course"! And "Arnie's Army"! Billy Mac's music is a golf masterpiece! 
John Pat Bourassa, Bellevue, WA 

Thanks for your ideas, gentlemen. While you're perusing the issue, don't miss Bill Fields column on why golf movies never match the books. 

Bob Carney
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