Golf Digest February 2009

Cover Photo By Jim Herity
HOT LIST 2009
We select 116 gold and silver medalists, plus tips on how to play them
DRIVERS
IRONS
__WOMEN'S CLUBS __
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.