Golf Digest February 2009

January 31, 2009
magazine-2009-02-gd0902_cover.jpg

Cover Photo By Jim Herity

HOT LIST 2009

We select 116 gold and silver medalists, plus tips on how to play them

DRIVERS

IRONS

Your game is worth an upgrade

PUTTERS

[Blades under $200

](/equipment/ratings/putters/2009/02/hotlist_putters_bladeunder)[Mid-mallets

](/equipment/ratings/putters/2009/02/hotlist_putters_midmallet)Mallets

How about a full set for less than $1,000?

LESSON TEE

Analysis by Butch Harmon

How to hit your irons longer

My three keys for pitching uphill

Control your distance on wedge shots

How to prepare for an important shot

U.S. Open shots you can play

HOW TO

Add rhythm to your putting stroke

Longer and straighter

By Nick Price

16 exercises to power up your swing

By Mark Verstegen with Ron Kaspriske

How to groove a reliable stroke

By Pat O'Brien

Get ready for spring

By Steve Brady

COLUMNISTS

JERRY TARDE: Editor's letter

DAVID OWEN: Electoral golf

STINA STERNBERG: Handshake or kiss?

DAN JENKINS: Time for a pop quiz

JAIME DIAZ: Learning to be tough

FEATURES

Playing golf was not Barack Obama's idea, but it has become one of his true loves

By Don Van Natta Jr.

The grandson of the Silver Scot takes us on a vicarious trip through his worl

By Rich Lerner

There's still time to impress the judges for a chance to play Bethpage Black with Michael Jordan and two other celebs in the second Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge

Golf's top-50 earners stay ahead of the game

By Ron Sirak

Remembering Tempestuous Tommy, the Real McKay, Ol' Sarge and more

by Cliff Schrock

THE DIGEST

GOLF DIGEST AWARDS 2008: We honor the best in the game

RULES: Your point of view could cost you

RANKING: The Top Golfing Presidents

TRAVEL DIGEST

The Grand Strand

By Matt Ginella

Online price choppers

In this Web-extra interview Tom Doak talks about being a caddie at St. Andrews, his favorite golf courses and shares his best travel advice.