GOLF DIGEST PRESENTS THE 2009 HOT LIST

January 7, 2009

PLUS, OBAMA THE GOLFER.

February 2009 Issue on newsstands now

THE 2009 HOT LIST (page 101)

Check out the top clubs of 2009, as reviewed by scientists, retailers, teachers, skilled amateur players and Golf Digest’s team of equipment editors. More than 470 clubs were evaluated to produce the game’s most extensive rating of equipment. Whether you’re trying to improve your handicap or simply looking for a fresh set of clubs, the Hot List is the place to find what works best for you.

THE NEW FIRST GOLFER (page 80)

Basketball, it turns out, is not the only love of the President–elect when it comes to sports. Barack Obama first picked up a set of golf clubs in 1997 and it didn’t take long for him to get hooked. New York Times correspondent Don Van Natta Jr. caught up with a few of Obama’s former and current playing partners to discuss the new leader’s game, including his attire in the early years and his apparent good fortune on the course.

STILL TIME TO IMPRESS THE JUDGES (page 94)

The six–word essays are pouring in for the chance to play Bethpage Black with Michael Jordan on national television a few days before the U.S. Open. This month our editors break down the 25,000–plus entries received thus far and share some of the inspirational and most common to the weakest and weirdest. Submissions end on January 31st so go to www.gdopencontest.com and enter today for your chance to win the Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge.

THE GOLF DIGEST FIFTY (page 96)

Golf Digest presents its sixth annual ranking of the top money makers in golf, led once again by Tiger Woods. Senior writer Ron Sirak reports that with over $117 million in on–course and off–course earnings in 2008, Tiger is now within $115 million of becoming golf’s first $1 billion player. Read about the rest of the players on the list and see why the game’s elite will have to work harder for the money in 2009.

2008 GOLF DIGEST AWARDS (page 49)

For 54 years, Golf Digest has honored the best players in the game after each season. Find out who took home the awards for 2008, including the top honor of World Player of the Year (hint: it may not be who you think it is).