July 2005

One of my friends just got back from Reno. Says he played on a fantastic course called LakeRidge.

Like their website says, he got a twilight rate at 1PM. C’mon, if I was in Reno, that would be about the time I was getting up, not twilight. But if they want to discount my rate after 1PM, I’ll take it.

It’s a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design that stretches for 6715 from the Jones tees. Believe me, Todd needs to be waaaayyy back, ’cause the man is a long ball hitter.

Check the Stay & Play section of their site for some great golf package deals. Todd said he stayed at the Atlantis Hotel & Casino and his wife won a small packet of coin on the poker tables.

Their rates are really reasonable, so I’ve listed them below.

Summer Rates (May 1 - October 25)
Monday - Thursday: $85
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: $95
Twilight Rate (2-4 p.m.): Monday-Thursday $65, Friday, Saturday, Sunday $75
Late Rate: $45 7 days a week

Next time you’re heading to Reno, Nevada, give these people a chance to help you find a great golf package and tell ‘em Mike sent you !

Here’s a press release about the new Tour 360 golf shoe from adidas. In the past I’ve found their sports shoes to be very well thought out, design wise, very functional and comfortable.

I hope one of you will send me a review of these. Enquiring minds want to know.

Also, if you’re out there Mr. adidas or Mr. Taylor Made, I wear size 13 and would be glad to review a pair for all the Travelling Golfers out there.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (July 25, 2005) — adidas Golf has elevated golf footwear to a higher level with the introduction of Tour 360. More than a shoe, Tour 360 is an essential piece of equipment targeted at serious players who seek every competitive advantage.

“The Tour 360 is the next in a long line of innovative products from adidas,” said Bob Maggiore, Global Marketing Director for adidas Golf. “For 50 years the adidas mindset has been focused on finding ways to help athletes perform better, and the Tour 360 is an example of that. Not only will this extraordinary new product help the athlete perform better on the golf course, we’re confident that it will profoundly influence the future of golf footwear.”

The Tour 360 received the first half of its moniker because it is a tour-level product built with the serious athlete in mind. The 360 comes from the combination of technologies it employs and the way that they “surround” the foot, providing tremendous stability and support. In fact, the Tour 360 offers the most comprehensive package of performance technologies of any shoe that adidas Golf has ever introduced. New technologies include:

360 Wrap with Independent Forefoot and Heel: Delivers exceptional support that helps to keep the foot centered within the shoe, ensuring a solid hitting platform and enhanced stability.

3D Fit Foam Sock Liner: The new sock liner features three different densities of foam. The first density is a base layer of polyurethane that delivers long-lasting support from heel-to-toe; the second density is a cushioning foam layer in the heel for added comfort; the third density is a memory-foam layer positioned in the forefoot to create a personalized fit.

Anti-Clog Outsole: The clear TPU outsole features improved spacing between the lugs, a smooth surface and an absence of sharp angles, all of which work together to reduce the likelihood of grass and debris catching, clogging and sticking to the outsole. Less clogging promotes better traction from shot to shot.

TPU Toe-Drag: Protects the leather from the normal wear and tear on the toe that occurs during the follow-through, when the weight is shifted fully onto the left foot (for right-handed players) and the right toe drags.

“No-Slip” Tongue: The no-slip pattern on the top of the tongue keeps the tongue centered on top of the foot for increased comfort.

Performance Lining: The two-material lining is a first for adidas Golf. Placing ultra-suede leather in the collar, heel and tongue provides a luxurious feel while minimizing the movement of the foot within the shoe. A moisture-wicking mesh lining encases the rest of the foot to help keep the foot cool, dry and comfortable.

The Tour 360 also makes use of a number of proven adidas Golf performance features/technologies, such as:

adiPrene®: a specially developed cushioning that delivers long-lasting shock absorption in the heel, reducing fatigue.

Z-Traxion™: adidas Golf’s recognizable, dual-density Z-shaped lugs provide better pressure distribution, eliminate hot spots and create more surface contact with the ground for sure-footed traction and stability.

Dynamic Traxion Spike: “Green friendly” design features wider, more flexible arms for superior traction, and internal prongs for added points of contact.

Two-year waterproof warranty.

In addition to the Tour 360’s remarkable technology package, it’s also the most progressive design in golf footwear from adidas Golf. The design is a clear advancement from the traditional golf silhouette, and its lines, shapes and bold colors are an aggressive step in golf footwear. From the wrap to the transparent TPU outsole, one glance tells you that the Tour 360 is different from all other golf shoes on the market.

“The Tour 360 is the most innovative golf shoe that we have ever produced,” said Dave Ortley, Global Product Manager for adidas Golf Footwear. “This product combines true athletic performance attributes with true golf performance attributes, which is what makes it more than another golf shoe - it makes it an essential piece of golf equipment.”

Initially, the Tour 360 will be available in three color combinations starting in the Fall: black/black/metallic silver; running white/black/power red; running white/black/metallic gold. Two additional color combos are planned for release next Spring. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $180.

The Tour 360 will debut on the PGA and European tours the week of July 25th and will be available at retail starting September 1st.

About Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. dba TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company
TaylorMade Golf has led the golf industry’s technological evolution since being founded in 1979. In 1998 the company joined with adidas Golf, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of adidas-Salomon AG. adidas Golf footwear and apparel is the choice of hundreds of professional golfers around the world. Consumers can find more information on TaylorMade-adidas Golf at (800)888-CLUB or www.tmag.com , www.taylormadegolf.com , www.adidasgolf.com , www.maxfli.com or www.rossaputters.com.

Golf, PGA, sports

I’ve played at 7 of the Kentucky State Parks Golf Courses.

Today I want to alert you to their Tee’s & Zzzz’s Golf Packages.

With this phenomenal golf package you get:

* Overnight Lodging

* Breakfast & Dinner

* 18-Holes of Golf with Cart

* Welcome Gifts

* Preferred Tee Times

From now til October 1st, the packages will get you a great deal on a well kept golf course and everything you need to go with it. The Kentucky State Parks are among the finest in the nation and are beautiful this time of year.

Go to their page that explains all the finer details and if you visit them, tell ‘em Mike sent you !

PS - my next visit to one of them will either be Kenlake or Pine Mountain and the soon to be famous Wasioto Winds course.

I was wrong. Retief Goosen & Phil Mickelson spanked John Daly & Tiger Woods 5 & 3.

John seemed to suffer more from the jetlag of flying all night from Germany than Retief, who missed the cut over there, seemingly just so he could get here on Saturday and get his whip out.

Tiger had a hard time carrying John and Phil did help Reteif out a bit.

Since the contract is up and this made-for-TV event series seems to be done, maybe they’ll find a format that Tiger can win. His record in these things is not stellar. His record in Majors, however, is more than stellar.

The Bridges looks to be a fabulous place. Might be worth checking into next time you’re near San Diego. Any club that Scotty Cameron is a member of is one that I’d like to call home. Maybe he could build a putter that would fix my putting game. Naaaahhhhh. Not a chance.

Just heard from some friends in Orlando. They said I should alert my readers to a GREAT resort in their great city.

The Reunion Resort is as glamorous as their website says, according to them.

36 holes of central Florida heaven. 18 by Tom Watson and 18 by Arnold Palmer, with 18 from Jack Nicklaus to open next year.

Golfweek says they are among the America’s Top 40 New Courses for 2005.

You can click on the names/links for all the information you might need. If you get there before I do, let me know how it plays.

And if you’ve got a review or would like to review a course or resort for us, email me.

Don’t forget, tonight is The Battle at The Bridges. It’s kinda like Monday Night Golf !

You can see it on ESPN2 from 7 til 8PM EST and from 8-11PM EST on ABC.

The event is sponsored by Lincoln Financial.

Tiger Woods & John Daly team up against Phil Mickelson & Retief Goosen. You read it here first that Woods & Daly are gonna win this thing easily. Retief’s playing for the first time and when they switch over to the lights and you lose your depth perception, he’ll be less effective than he normally would.

$300,000 of the $1.7 million purse goes to charity.

Tune in and enjoy !

Shot a smooth little 73 today at a muni in Madisonville, KY. 38-35. I got beat, though, by Bill Knapp, with his 38-32=70. Golfer’s luck. Shoot the round of your year and you’ll get beat…everytime.

It did get me thinking, though. About the PGA. No, not the Tour. The tournament.

It’s going to be played at the Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey. August 11th - 14th. If you live anywhere near there, you have got to go. Everyone should go watch Major Championship Golf in person, at least once. I was fortunate enough to be at Valhalla in 2000 when Bob May took Tiger Woods to the edge. Living in Louisville made it easy to be at practice rounds and all 4 rounds of the tournament. My oldest daughter, Emily, went with me on Friday. We got there around sunrise and got home around 10:30 PM. Stayed until dark. Notah Begay and Scott Verplank were easy to talk to. Barbara Nicklaus, Amy Mayfair and Amy Mickelson walked and talked to her for several holes. Golfers would be nicer to fans, if the people with Marshal shirts would get out of the way.

Baltusrol, if you remember back to ‘93, was home to a 630 yard par 5. The 17th hole. Big John Daly hit it with driver ( 325 yards ) and his infamous 0 iron ( 305 yards ). It was a 13 degree iron that only he could have hit, at the time.

This year they made it longer, 647 yards, but the ball goes further and the players have better equipment and are in better shape. I’m sure several will be able to get there in two, but it will still be a monster.

I’ve played a longer hole. About 715 yards. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Fightin’ Joe course. Florence, Alabama. This past November. Driver, 3 wood and 3 iron. Two putts. Easy par.

Oh, by the way, it’s about 8092 yards from the back tees. Enjoy.

Lee Janzen won at Baltusrol in ‘93, but won’t be one of the favorites this year. The late Payne Stewart was runner up, I believe, in ‘93 and will be missed, as he is everywhere the Tour goes.

You will be able to watch it this year on TNT and CBS. Thanks to the golf Gods for giving us David Feherty.

For more info on New Jersey golf, click here.

Today was a good day. I got a new Golf glove. It’s a Nike Dri-Fit Tour.

It’s first for me. I’ve always worn FootJoy. They match my shoes.

I’ve tried Titleist a few times, too.

This new Nike matches my driver, which by the way is H-O-T !

It’s got their Dri-Fit fabric in a few strategic locations. The back of the hand, the fingers and thumb.
It feels thicker than the ones I’ve always had. Seems tighter to my hand, even though it took a larger size, an
XL versus L, than my old glove. It’s got a couple of quilted, for lack of a better word, seams that make it hug my hand.

Of course, it’s Cabretta leather, which feels really expensive.

Thank you, Nike, for not putting that stupid little removable ball marker on a fine piece of equipment like this.
If you use one of those, S-T-O-P it right now. Get a lucky dime, or a $1 gold coin, like I use.

It felt really good, did a good job and was all I needed in a glove, but I’ll let you know more after I’ve played a few more rounds in it.

That won’t take long, as I’m going to a local muni in a small western Kentucky town, Madisonville, tomorrow. I grew up there and they always have a good skins game on the weekends. I’m also going to east Tennessee next weekend. River Islands in Knoxville and then to The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain. Got a foursome of friends from Louisville heading down for some great golf and good food. Look out Corky’s BBQ in Pigeon Forge !

The Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix, Arizona is nestled at the base of South Mountain. The resort is rich in history and heritage, beauty and charm.

From the Official Website:

Course features:

Designed by renowned golf course architect Gary Panks, the Legacy’s lush green fairways, forgiving rough, well-placed hazards, and manicured greens offer a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Indigenous grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees surround the rolling terrain. Its elevation provides exceptional views of Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak and the downtown Phoenix skyline.

Clubhouse features:

In Celebration of Golf pro shop features designer men’s and women’s apparel, exclusive gifts, equipment and accessories. The Legacy also offers seasonal John Jacobs Golf School packages, a full-service practice facility, tournament coordination, and private and group instruction. World renowned LPGA professionals Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson offer private instruction, personalized coaching and coaching seminars. Lynn and Pia were both included in Golf Magazine’s exclusive “Top 100 instructors” list, and Lynn is consistently ranked among Golf Digest’s “Top 50 Instructors.” Pia is the former Head Coach of the Swedish National Golf Teams and Solheim Cup Captain. For more information www.coachingforthefuture.com.

Rates, which of course are subject to change, seem to be reasonable - given all that the resort offers.