GolfWiz Blog

2012-01-17T15:10:00.002-05:00

Here are the GolfWiz Blog predictions for 2012:

Tiger Woods will win the Masters: Tiger finally broke through in 2011 and he will continue his winning ways in 2012. I predict four wins including the 2012 Masters in April.

Lexi Thompson will not only contend on the LPGA Tour this year but she will win: Thompson is a rising star and her stellar play will continue in 2012. Yani Tseng will have a new challenger.

Lee Westwood will finally breakthrough and win a major this year: He has proven he has the game and consistency to play on the big stage and in 2012 he will finally hoist a championship trophy.

The Young Guns of golf will continue to shoot it out this year on the PGA and LPGA Tour: The rising crop of young players on both tours will make some serious noise this year. There is far too much talent out there for them not claim some tour wins in 2012.

U.S. wins the Ryder Cup: With the Ryder Cup being played on U.S. soil and the reemergence of Tiger Woods the U.S. team will pull a stunner and win the 2012 Ryder Cup 16 1/2 to 12 1/2.

Is Tiger Woods Back?

2012-01-13T14:40:00.005-05:00

The number one question on the minds of golf fans around the globe in 2012 is: Has Tiger Woods returned to his winning ways? I wish I had the answer to that question but like most golf writers I can only speculate.

Woods broke a 270 day slump by winning the Chevron World Challenge in December in dramatic fashion. Coming down the stretch he birdied the 17th and 18th holes to edge Zach Johnson out by a shot. His win was not only a major win for Woods but it was a shot in the arm for the golf world as a whole. Let's face it golf needs Tiger Woods.

In his absence golf was that also ran sport on television right behind professional bowling and beach volleyball. Rating dropped and there was little or no buzz about golf in general. During Tigers' absence no one really stepped up and grabbed the spotlight. I agree Woods left some huge shoes to fill, but no single player dominated golf in the manner Tiger did in the past. Granted there were some great individual performances in 2011, but nothing to duplicate the accomplishments of Tiger Woods.

I know I sound like a die hard Tiger Woods fan and in many ways I am. However I love the game of golf a lot more than any single player and I feel like Tiger Woods embodies what the game of golf is all about. His tenacity and drive to win in unparalleled in his sport. Woods has set a standard that is so difficult to attain that he may never reach it again himself. In 2011, we saw Woods struggle with his game and his life. the world saw a man who seemed lost on the golf course. It seemed as though Tiger didn't know who Tiger Woods was. But in typical Tiger Woods fashion he kept grinding and found the winniner circle at the end of the year.

What does 2012 have in store for the world former # 1 player? Will he regain his form and dominate the game he once ruled with a iron fist or was his year ending win a mere fluke? Only time will tell. As the 2012 Masters nears all eyes will be on the well- manicure grounds of Augusta National to see if Tiger Woods will win his fifth green jacket and once again become the Tiger we all knew and sometimes loved.

Woods Wins Chevron !!

2011-12-04T18:24:00.003-05:00

Tiger Woods ended his 2 year drought with a win today at the Chevron World Challenge. Woods birdied the 17th and 18th holes to edge Zach Johnson.

Sweet Spot Golf Holiday Sale !

2011-11-26T09:09:00.002-05:00

Sweet Spot Golf is having a huge holiday sale today Nov 26 2011. Please stop by the Sweet Spot Retail Location at

2075 West Park Place Blvd

Suite A

Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Hours: 9am - 4pm

Phone: 678-418-8561

Tiger Woods wows Aussie crowd en route to a 67 and Australian Open lead

2011-11-11T09:36:00.001-05:00

Tiger Woods wows Aussie crowd en route to a 67 and Australian Open lead

Thanksgiving Day is “Turkey Day” for most Americans

2011-11-07T11:56:00.004-05:00

Had founding father Ben Franklin had his way the Wild Turkey, not the Bald Eagle, might have been our national emblem. While it is the domestic turkey that graces the Thanksgiving dinner table throughout the nation, its the wild bird that commands our attention.

With his awesome fanlike tail, colorful bald head, long beak, and 3,500 feathers, the mature male “gobbler” or “tom” is a sight to behold. This is one impressive bird. When he is “courting” his hens, he knows how to strut and warble. Quite the ladies man. The wild turkey was once plentiful throughout the country, but over hunting and loss of habitat caused a serious decline in population and in the early decades of the 20th century the birds were nearing extinction. Conservation efforts have successfully saved the wild turkey and today there are more than seven million birds in the North America. They are now hunted in all states except Alaska, and in parts of Canada and Mexico.

Long before European settlers arrived in the Americas, Native Americans enjoyed abundant populations of wild turkeys, and hunted the birds for food. At least 4,000 years ago, these early Americans created calls from turkey wing bones to help them bring turkeys in close enough range to kill.

The National Wild Turkey Foundation (NWTF), headquartered in Edgefield, South Carolina,
is the leader in wildlife habitat conservation in North America. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Since 1985, the National Wild Turkey Federation's volunteers and partners have spent more than $372 million on projects to help wildlife agencies trap and relocate turkeys to areas of suitable habitat and improve the health of our nation's forests and woodlands.

The Winchester Museum, located at the NWTF headquarters, is the only museum in the world dedicated to the restoration, management and hunting of the wild turkey. The amazing comeback story of the American wild turkey unfolds through exciting displays in the modern 7,200-square-foot museum, which welcomes more than 10,000 visitors annually.

The museum features an animated, lifelike storyteller who sits in a rocking chair and tells stories about the history of the NWTF, turkey hunting and conservation. Also featured is an animated Cherokee Indian, who shares legends and stories about wild turkeys. An exciting video highlights America's largest resident game bird and the conservation methods and people who have lifted the wild turkey from the brink of extinction to populations in the millions.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, more than 45 million domesticated turkeys are cooked and eaten in America each Thanksgiving. In 2010, more than 242 million turkeys were raised with an average live weight per bird of 28 pounds with nearly 6 billion pounds of turkey processed.

All turkeys have great hearing, but no external ears. They can also see in color, and have excellent visual acuity and a wide field of vision (about 270 degrees), which makes sneaking up on them difficult. Domestic turkeys cannot fly, but Wild Turkeys can fly for short distances at speeds up to 55 miles per hour. They can also reach speeds of 25 miles per hour on the ground.
Don’t try to catch one.

To learn more about Wild Turkeys visit the NWTF website at http://www.nwtf.org/. Travelers in South Carolina will want to plan a visit the the Winchester Museum at the NWTF headquarters in Edgefield.

Jim Weaver
GolfWiz Blog
Sr. Travel Writer

Crystal Springs Golf Resort, Sussex County, New Jersey

2011-10-10T15:58:00.008-04:00

I truly never knew New Jersey had mountains. While there are miles of beaches and scores of casinos to be seen and enjoyed, you need to know where to look to find the mountains. In the very northwestern corner of the state just east of the Delaware Water Gap in Sussex County are the Kittatinny Mountains, and best of all they’re only an hour from New York City and Liberty International (Newark) Airport. While these mountains are not the Alps or even the Rockies, they are nevertheless quite beautiful and offer a variety of great recreational opportunities year round.

Located in a pristine mountain valley just outside Hamburg, NJ, Crystal Springs Golf Resort offers outstanding vacation and weekend getaway opportunities for couples, families,
and golfers looking for a variety of world class courses. Crystal Spring boasts seven championship golf courses, unmatched by any other New Jersey resort including Ballyowen, Black Bear, the new Cascades, Crystal Springs, Great Gorge, Minerals and Wild Turkey all located within a 5-mile radius and open to resort guest and the general public.

Ballyowen Golf Club was just named as one of the Top 50 Public Courses in the U.S. by Conde Nast's GolfWorld Magazine. More than 21,000 individual golf courses were evaluated based on thirteen different performance criteria, including quality and condition of the course, reputation/prestige, food/dining, and service.

Boasting a 6,673-yard layout co-designed by famed developer Jack Kurlander and PGA “Golf Instructor of the Year” David Glenz, the nearby Black Bear course offers players an inviting diversity of terrain, scenery, and shot selections.

Cascades is the newest golf course at Crystal Springs Resort. Nationally renowned golf course architect Roger Rulewich, of The Golf Group was responsible for the course’s design -- his third at Crystal Springs Resort. Measuring just 3,627 yards, the course’s design stresses playability.

Crystal Springs Golf Club is recognized as one of the finest golf facilities in the northeastern United States. When it opened in 1992, it was rated among the top 25 new golf courses in America by Golf Digest Magazine. Year after year, Crystal Springs ranks among Golf Digest’s top 10 list for public golf courses in New Jersey.

Crystal Springs is also considered the most challenging course layout in New Jersey. Despite measuring just over 6,800 yards from the championship tees, the distinct character of the club can be attributed to designer Robert von Hagge of Houston, Texas, one of the leading golf course architects in the United States.

Great Gorge Country Club is a golfer’s paradise. The George Fazio designed, 27 hole complex was given four stars by Golf Digest. It offers a truly exceptional challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Great Gorge is composed of three separate and distinct nine-hole courses:

The Minerals Golf Club is designed for great family fun. Known locally as the best 9-hole golf course in the region, its Robert Trent Jones-designed layout is perfect for every member of the family. Advanced players can be challenged on a spectacular mountainside layout measuring over 2,305 yards, while younger players have their own tees way ahead of mom and dad.

Wild Turkey is the Crystal Spring Resort’s second Roger Rulewich design, following Ballyowen. Located next to Crystal Springs Golf Club, Wild Turkey’s features two distinct terrain types combine the sheer expansiveness of Ballyowen with the rugged, multileveled nature of Crystal Springs.

The resort features two luxury hotels -- the Minerals Resort & Spa featuring 175 spacious and elegantly appointed guest rooms, as well as condominiums, and the Grand Cascades Lodge
offering 250 outstanding 4-star Adirondack style accommodations and world-class amenities.

After a rewarding day of golf, resort guests can head to the spa. Crystal Springs features two award-winning spas - Reflections Spa and Elements Spa. They were recently ranked among the top 20 Spas in America featuring mineral-based treatments and therapies.

Crystal Spring has twelve different restaurants, cafes, and bistros, serving a variety of delicious food. Restaurant Latour, at the Grand Cascades Lodge, is the resort’s premiere restaurant. It is known for its fine cuisine, outstanding selection of wines, and impeccable service. Its 64,000 bottle wine cellar (one of the world’s largest), winner of Wine Spectator's Grand Award, is available for tours and group tastings. Latour offers a truly memorable dining experience in every respect. You can even watch a colorful sunset beyond the distant mountain tops while you enjoy your superb dinner.

To learn more view http://www.crystalgolfresort.com/

James Weaver
Sr. Travel Writer
GolfWiz Blog

PGA Tour Confidential: Tiger's return at the Frys.com Open - Tours & News - Golf.com

2011-10-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

Tour Feedback on Tiger Woods and his return at the Fry.com Open.

PGA Tour Confidential: Tiger's return at the Frys.com Open - Tours & News - Golf.com

Great Golf and Horse Racing In Hot Springs, Arkansas

2011-10-06T18:40:00.006-04:00

Hot Springs, Arkansas, became America’s first resort city (in the mid-nineteenth century) because of the natural thermal springs that provide warm water for its healthful and soothing baths. But tourists can only spend a part of each day “taking the waters,” so it was not long before other diversions began to take root. Golf had become a popular sport in America and the Hot Springs Country Club was established in 1898 as a semiprivate Club offering membership privileges to the local residents, as well as providing golfing opportunities for the out-of-town visitors.

Nestled in the Ouachita foothills and surrounded by neighboring lakes and national parks, the Hot Springs Country Club continues to operate with those same Southern traditions of service. With 36 holes of golf available, the Club offers a wide variety of golfing experiences. The Arlington course has recently been reworked and restored by Master's Champion Ben Crenshaw, with Bentgrass greens and a restoration of its original classic design. Steep and narrow Bermuda fairways through rolling hills make this course a true challenge for any golfer.

The Park course, a bit more open than the Arlington, offers its own sandy and watery challenges. It also was recently renovated by Coore and Crenshaw. It is a little longer than its sister course at 6,836 yards and also offers new Bentgrass greens for year-round play.

Located only three and a half miles from downtown Hot Springs on Highway 7 north, Belvedere Golf Club (a public course) is an inviting destination for golfers at all levels of play.

Its a beautiful and scenic 18-hole championship golf course spread over 135 acres surrounded by the Ouachita Mountain range, neighboring lakes and the national park. Belvedere has bent grass greens and Bermuda fairway. Designed by Herman Hackbarth in 1949, it remains one of Arkansas top ten courses. Hackbarth designed more than 40 courses and was voted into the ASGA Hall of Fame in 1994.

Belvedere Golf Club is open six days a week with a restaurant grill and full service bar. A driving range is provided, along with a putting green and electric golf carts. There are golf packages available at several hotels in the Hot Springs area.

Golfing was not enough of a diversion and horse racing (and wagering) came to Hot Springs early in the new century, On February 24, 1905, Oaklawn Race Course presented its first racing card before a crowd of 3,000 that turned out after Hot Springs Mayor John Belding declared a half-day holiday for the city. The first race at the new track was won by Duelist, owned by John W. Schorr, a prominent Memphis sportsman. Since then, Oaklawn has evolved into one of the premier race meets in the country.

Best known as the home of the Racing Festival of the South and Arkansas Derby, the track has played host to some of the biggest names in the sport including champions Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Lookin At Lucky, Blind Luck and Zenyatta who won the 2010 Apple Blossom Handicap and Horse of the Year honors. Winners of the Arkansas Derby (for three year olds) regularly go on to compete at the Kentucky Derby and other Triple Crown races, The Oaklawn racing season extends from mid-January to mid-April with the Arkansas Derby the final race of the season.

Today Oaklawn also offers wagering on television simulcasts of races around country and a casino with electronic slots and table games. Its open daily year round.

To learn more about attractions in Hot Springs
view http://www.hotsprings.org/

James Weaver
Sr. Travel Writer
GolfWiz Blog

Follow Tiger Woods round Live at GolfWiz Blog

2011-10-06T13:54:00.003-04:00

Follow shot by shot action of Tiger Woods round live at the GolfWiz Blog and via Twitter @thegolfwiz and @golf_writer

Tiger Woods will return to form at Frys.com Open - Tours & News - Golf.com

2011-10-04T23:57:00.001-04:00

Tiger Woods will return to form at Frys.com Open - Tours & News - Golf.com

Kevin Na says miss was not whiff because he meant to do it, and officials agree - Press Tent

2011-10-04T23:56:00.000-04:00

Kevin Na says miss was not whiff because he meant to do it, and officials agree - Press Tent

Tiger Woods still Most Valuable Athlete Brand

2011-10-04T15:38:00.005-04:00

Yahoo Sports Story:

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news;_ylt=AiaHLs4KZLQBy801JeU24yQogsUF?slug=ys-forbes-most_valuable_athlete_brands_100311

GolfWiz Swing and Putt

2011-10-04T00:47:00.002-04:00

GolfWiz at the office working on my game. Rate my swing and give me some feedback.

Pro Golfer Whiffs Drive !

2011-10-03T12:41:00.001-04:00

Love and Olazabal aim for floating green in Chicago River - Press Tent

2011-09-28T13:16:00.000-04:00

Love and Olazabal aim for floating green in Chicago River - Press Tent

SI Golf Rankings: Day enters top 10 - Press Tent

2011-09-28T13:15:00.000-04:00

SI Golf Rankings: Day enters top 10 - Press Tent

Tiger Woods boosts tickets sales at Frys.com Open - Tours & News - Golf.com

2011-09-28T13:14:00.000-04:00

Tiger Woods boosts tickets sales at Frys.com Open - Tours & News - Golf.com

Woods and Haas Named to U.S. Presidents Cup Team

2011-09-28T12:38:00.006-04:00

Yahoo Golf Story:

http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=reu-presidents

Europe rallies to defeat the U.S. in the 2011 SOlhiem Cup

2011-09-25T18:44:00.002-04:00

Europe won the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2003 on Sunday, finishing powerfully to beat the United States 15-13 at Killeen Castle.

BREAKING NEWS: Bill Haas Wins 2011Tour Championship and Fedex Cup

2011-09-25T18:36:00.003-04:00

Bill Haas defeated Hunter Mahan ina 2-hole playoff at east Lake Golf Club to capture the 2011 Tour Championship and the 2011 Fedex Cup sunday.

BREAKING NEWS: Tiger Woods Names a New Caddie

2011-09-25T18:15:00.001-04:00

Tiger Woods' new caddie is Joe LaCava who has split with Dustin Johnson. Butch Harmon just revealed it on Sky Sports.

Real-Time On Course Updates ! GolfWiz Blog

2011-09-25T15:44:00.005-04:00

GolfWIz Blog liove at the final round of the 2011 Tour Championship. Real-Time On-Course updates from via Twitter and Facebook !

Quebec: A Little Bit of Paris in Nearby Canada

2011-09-13T01:10:00.009-04:00

No place in Canada (or North America) is more like Europe than Quebec City, Quebec. While French is the official language, nearly everyone is bilingual and American English is widely spoken. Both languages are taught in the schools. But its more than just language, its the culture -- the architecture, the gardens and fountains, the public art, the hospitality, the charm, and the food (especially the food). Like Paris, there are small cafes and bistros that offer tasty croissants and other fine pastries. Virtually every one has tables on the sidewalks where you can sit and enjoy your espresso while you observe the passing scene. Very Parisian.

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to dine at one of the city’s leading French bistro restaurants l’Echaude www.echaude.com/en. Our opening course was a wild mushroom soup followed by entrees of calves liver and duck confit. The food and service were both suburb. It was raining when we left, but fortunately our hotel the Auberge St. Pierre www.auberge.qc.ca/en was only steps away. A fine establishment in the European tradition with a great location, we enjoyed our stay.

The business center of the Old City is a very walkable area and has numerous art galleries, antique shops, fashion boutiques, book stores, jewelers, chocolatiers, and other welcoming shops. Near the center is a impressive bronze statue of Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635), "The Father of New France", a French navigator, cartographer, soldier, and explorer. He founded New France and Quebec City on July 3, 1608 (12 years before the Plymouth Colony and a year after the first Jamestown Settlement). Nearby, there’s a colorful three story high mural on the exterior wall of a building that depicts the history of Quebec from its founding to modern times.

The city is built on two levels. The Old City, the place most visited by tourists, is below a high cliff and closest to the river. There are seven stairways to the Upper City and an annual contest where runners race up and down all seven. Fortunately, there is also a tramway connecting the two sections of the city and several streets.

The British tried to oust the French from Quebec in 1690 but failed. When the envoys delivered the terms of surrender, the Governor General famously rebuffed the British declaring "I have no reply to make to your general other than from the mouth of my cannons and muskets." However, the British return in 1759, and following a three month sedge, defeated the French in 15 minutes in surprise attack at the famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham. It lead to the creation of Canada. You can visit the battlefield, now a beautiful park. In 1775, American colonial troops (under the command of Benedict Arnold) tried to drive the British out, but they too were defeated.

Quebec City is the Provincial Capital, the seat of government for Quebec. The impressive Parliament Building was completed in 1886. Its Second Empire architectural style was popular for prestigious buildings at the time both in Europe and America. It resembles Philadelphia City Hall somewhat, another Second Empire building. In front of the building is a beautiful fountain, reminiscent of Paris, donated to the city by a local department store owner a decade ago. Across the front of the building are a number of bronze statures of prominent Quebec leaders from the past. Throughout the city there are many fine examples of public art (think Paris).

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a luxury hotel in the Upper City that dominates the skyline. It was one of a series of "chateau" style hotels built for the Canadian Pacific Railway to encourage luxury tourism and attract wealthy travelers to its trains. The hotel is near the Dufferin Terrace, a walkway along the edge of the cliff, offering extraordinary views of the Saint Lawrence River.

A major attraction, just east of the city, are the Monmorency Falls. The falls are 275 feet high (98 feet higher than Niagara Falls) and 150 feet wide. They are located at the mouth of the Montmorency River where it drops over a cliff and enters the Saint Lawrence River opposite Orleans Island. The falls were named for Henri Montmorency, who served as viceroy (governor) of New France from 1620 until 1625.

There are staircases that allow visitors to view the falls from several different vantage points. A suspension bridge over the crest of falls provides access to both sides as well as a spectacular view. There is also an aerial tram that carries passengers between the base and the top of the falls. Each summer an international fireworks competition is held here with the falls as a backdrop. In the winter, mist from the falls freezes creating spectacular piles of ice that
a few adventurous people scale for sport.

Orleans Island, located between two channels of the Saint Lawrence River east of the city was the site of the first settlements. The island retained its traditional rural way of life until 1935, when construction was completed on the two lane bridge connecting it to the mainland. In spite of this, the island has maintained its pastoral image and historic character, with more than 600 buildings classified or recognized as heritage properties. In 1970, the entire island was designated a National Historic District. Today the island is a mix of year-round and vacation homes and farms. It is a popular destination for day trippers and bicyclists.

Orleans Island, known as the "Garden of Quebec", is still an essentially rural place famous locally for its produce, especially strawberries, apples, potatoes and wine. Sugar maple outlets offer maple syrup and other sweet products.
We visited the Bilodeau Apple Orchard and enjoy its delicious sparking “ice cider” made from apples frozen before they are picked. The island attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year to its numerous bed-and-breakfast inns, regional cuisine restaurants, roadside fruit stands, art galleries and craft shops.

For further information on Quebec City view
http://www.quebucregion.com/.

James Weaver
Senior Travel Writer
GolfWiz Blog

GolfWiz Blog Product Review: Adidas 360 ATV Golf Shoes

2011-09-07T12:25:00.005-04:00

Adidas 360 ATV Rating: Five Stars *****

I played 5 rounds of golf wearing the Adidas Tour 360 ATV Golf Shoes and It was Wonderful. I already own 2 pair of Adidas golf shoes that I am very happy with, but the 360 ATV model takes comfort and playability to a new level.

These shoes hugged my feet and surrounded them with a tight but comfortable fit. I found them stable and the 10 spike configuration offered superb grip and balance during my swing. I could just walk around on and off the course in these shoes.

The 360's All Terrain Versatility (ATV) technology is clearly the largest improvement on the current Tour 360 Line. I didn't think Adidas could improve on the Tour 360 line of golf shoes, but the 360 ATV is clearly the best golf shoe on the market.

Adidas 360 ATV Features:

•2 year waterproof warranty
•Advanced THINTech technology for increased stability

•Soft Full-grain leather upper provides outstanding waterproof protection

•FitFoam's molded PU composition contours the foot, promoting greater lateral stability and a perfect fit every time

•ClimaProof technology delivers 100% waterproof protection

•360WRAP technology locks in and supports the foot for a secure fit

•10-Spike configuration

Edward Wanambwa
GolfWiz Blog
Editor/Blogger

Woods to play Frys.com Open

2011-08-29T15:58:00.003-04:00

PGATOUR.COM is reporting that Tiger Woods has committed to play in the Frys.Com Open in Northern California in October.

The Frys.com Open is Oct. 6-9 at CordeValle Golf Club, about 45 minutes south of his alma mater at Stanford.

“I always enjoy competing in my home state, and this tournament fits my schedule perfectly,” Woods said Monday on his website. “I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends.”

2011-08-26T14:40:00.003-04:00

Fred Couples, president of the 2011 U.S. Presidents cup team named Tiger Woods as one of his captain picks today. Couples had until August 26th to make his choices but decided to go ahead and name Woods as a member of this years team despite his poor play as of late.

"I've told him that he's going to be on the team," Couples said just before a practice round preparing for the Boeing Classic at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge. "There is no reason for me to wait till Sept. 26 to pick Tiger. He's the best player in the world forever."

Couples will recieve some critisim for making this pick but who can really blame him. It's no secret that Woods and Couples are freinds but I am of the opinion that Couples has faith that Woods will provide a spark to this years team and despite his recent play, Tiger will perform well and help the U.S. Team win. Kudos to Fred Couple for making a a hard and somewhat unpopular decision.

The Ray Charles Memorial Library in Los Angeles Goes Public In Near Future

2011-08-25T17:41:00.006-04:00

The Ray Charles Memorial Library, officially opened in September 2010 on the 80th anniversary of Ray Charles’ birth. Initially, it was open to school groups only, but the general public will be welcome to visit beginning later this year. The library/museum is located on the ground floor of the Los Angeles building Charles designed for his offices and recording studio.

The library/museum is operated by the nonprofit Ray Charles Foundation that Charles established in 1986 to focus on needy and underprivileged children, especially those with hearing difficulties. Charles, who was blind, considered deafness a greater handicap.

Seeking to fill a void left by the decline of arts and music programs in public schools, the museum's curators hope the exhibits will open up a world of possibilities to youngsters after they see how the musical icon transcended socioeconomic, musical, and racial boundaries during a career spanning more than 50 years.

The library/museum contains seven galleries on the ground floor of a two-story building that Charles had built in 1964. It is located in the historically designated RPM International building at 2107 West Washington Boulevard in the Harvard Heights neighborhood. It houses his offices, wardrobe, an archive of master tapes and memorabilia, and his recording studio. The first album recorded here, in 1965, was "Country & Western Meets Rhythm and Blues."

Alongside educational interactive displays and plenty of film and audio footage, the museum contains mementos such as costumes, gold records, a selection of Charles' dark glasses and one of the customized chess boards on which he regularly defeated his sighted opponents.

Charles began the Ray Charles Foundation with a $50 million grant, and its assets currently are valued at close to $100 million, according to a foundation spokesperson. His entire estate was turned over to the foundation after he died of cancer in 2004, at age 73.

The foundation's investments have done well and now makes grants averaging about $5 million annually to a broad range of educational institutions and programs. The foundation has a licensing arm, the Ray Charles Marketing Group, which handles Charles' post-1960 recordings. Through its joint venture with Concord Records, it recently released an album of previously archived recordings, "Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters," Among the tracks is a duet with Johnny Cash of Kris Kristofferson's "Why Me, Lord?"

For further information see http://www.raycharlesmemoriallibrary.org/

James Weaver
GolfWiz Blog
Senior Travel Writer

Mercedes Experience: 2011 PGA Championship

2011-08-16T12:50:00.021-04:00

Tiger Woods Video

2011-08-16T12:36:00.005-04:00

Tiger Woods on the Driving Range at the 2011 PGA Championship.

Bradley Claims 93rd PGA Championship

2011-08-15T17:21:00.004-04:00

Keegan Bradley battled back from a 5 shot deficit to defeat Jason Dufner in a playoff at the 93rd PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club on Sunday.

Dufner seemed to have the championship in hand when he reached the par-3 15th hole holding a 4 shot lead. He then proceeded to dump his ball in the water and even after a miraculous bogey save, his lead continued to diminish. Bradley battled back after what seemed to be a tournament ending triple bogey on the 15th hole to win a 3 hole playoff by a shot over Dufner.

“I can’t believe this thing is sitting next to me,” he said, looking at the Champions Wannamaker Trophy. Bradley earned his first career win earlier this year at the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio and this win marks the first Major championship win of his career.

Congratulations to Keegan Bradley on becoming the 2011 PGA Champion.

Has Tiger Woods Hit Rock Bottom

2011-08-12T18:34:00.002-04:00

Tiger Woods plummet from grace has reached terminal velocity. Woods not only struggled this week at the 93rd PGA Championship he looked downright awful. I walked a round and a half with him and after viewing his wide array of good and bad shots, mostly bad, I decided to retire to the media center and watch the rest of the Tiger Woods tragedy on television.

Fans clamored for a glimpse of Woods with the expectation of seeing the Tiger of old. The Tiger that hit amazing shots sank miraculous putts and energized galleries with earth shaking roars. But instead they say a broken man struggling with his swing and his confidence. Woods labored around the Atlanta Athletic Club like a prisoner on a chain gang. He went through the motions knowing deep in his mind that his chances of even contending this week were slim to none.
My sources close to Tiger said that he was working on his swing and learning to rust his new mechanics and if this week is any indication of that then Tiger is still a work in progress. At times he showed that he still had some command of his game, but at others he looked as raw and unsure as ever. After outing in his first round Tiger blamed his poor play on “going away from a mechanical swing and relying on feel.”

My question is if the mechanical swing got you to 3-under par after five holes, then why change it in the middle of the round? Why not just go with what works, take what the course gives you and live to fight another day. After his double bogey at the 15th hole on Thursday, the wheels came off of the Tiger Woods machine and he ended up in the pits in need of serious repair.
But, despite the fact that Tiger’s PGA Championship was over long before the second round was officially in the books, he showed the courage and class of a champion. He grinded it out until the very end and he never gave up. I hope that all the critics and naysayers that take this opportunity to kick Tiger while he is down, also mention that in order to win like a champion you must first learn how to lose like one.

Has Tiger hit rock bottom? Who Knows? It’s clear that he has some serious challenges to address both on and off the course. He simply isn’t the players we have grown accustomed to seeing. But one thing Tiger hasn’t lost is the love of his fans. It’s doesn’t matter if Tiger Woods loses by ten strokes or wins by ten strokes his fans will still stick by his side through thick and thin.

I pray that Tiger Woods comes back, finds his game and starts winning again. The game needs him, the fans want him and he needs to see that he can still get the job done. The scary thought is that if Tiger Woods has hit rock bottom then compared to other players on tour his bottom would be a hall of fame career.

Edward Wanambwa
GolfWiz Blog

Photo: (getty images)

BREAKING NEWS: GOLFWIZ and GOLFCLUBS.COM Discount Program

2011-08-11T14:15:00.005-04:00

The GolfWiz Blog is excited announce a new partership with golfclubs.com.

Simply visit http://www.golfclubs.com/ and enter the discount code GOLFWIZ to receive your 15% discount!"

We look forward to having a long-term relationship with golfclubs.com and passing on the savings to our readers.

Chattanooga Honors A Musical Icon At The Bessie Smith Cultural Center

2011-08-11T13:19:00.007-04:00

In the early years of the 20th century, Chattanooga, Tennessee, was a industrial giant and major railroad center. There was plenty of wealth here and some poverty too, particularly
in the segregated black neighborhood along 9th Street where Bessie Smith was born and spent her childhood. Despite the extreme poverty of her early years (or maybe because of it) Smith would go on to become one of the iconic blues singers of all time.

In 1982 a group of community leaders founded the city’s African American Cultural Center.
Located in an area once dubbed as the city’s black enterprise zone, (the famed 9th Street District) now known as Martin Luther King Boulevard, the museum’s original goal was to present the many contributions African Americans made to the development of Chattanooga.

Four years later, a newly renovated building became the home of the Chattanooga African American Museum and the Bessie Smith Performance Hall. The facility, established to pay homage to the late “Empress of the Blues”, Bessie Smith, has become well known in the Chattanooga community as an educational center and outstanding venue for performances and other events. In 2009, the institution was renamed the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. It’s affectionally called “The Bessie.”

Born in Chattanooga in 1894, Bessie Smith was a popular singer during the 1920s and 30s. Raised in poverty, she ran away as a teenager to join a traveling show as a dancer. In 1912, Smith began performing in the same show as blues vocalist Ma Rainey “Mother of the Blues”. Rainey became Smith’s close friend and mentor. Smith continued to perform at theaters around the country on the black vaudeville circuit, but her career took off once she started recording.

Signed by Columbia Records in 1923, Bessie Smith’s first recording “Down Hearted Blues” was a big success. Her rich, powerful, and clear voice, made her a successful recording artist and she toured extensively for the rest of her life. Smith had a great rapport with her audiences.
As a blues artist, Bessie Smith deliver her songs with great emotion. She knew firsthand about struggle and heartbreak.

During her recording career, Bessie Smith worked with many important jazz performers, such as saxophonist Sidney Bechet and pianists Fletcher Henderson and James P. Johnson. With Johnson, she recorded one of her most famous songs, “Back Water Blues.” Smith also collaborated with the legendary jazz artist Louis Armstrong on several tunes, including “Cold in Hand Blues” and “I Ain’t Gonna Play No Second Fiddle.”

Tragically, Bessie Smith was killed in an automobile accident in 1937. Since her death, her music has continued to win new fans and collections of her songs have sold well over the years. Smith influnced many later singers like Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. Joplin purchased a headstone for Smith’s grave in 1972. You can enjoy Bessie Smith performing many of her songs on YouTube.

The museum at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center
effectively traces the history of the black community in Chattanooga in photos, documents, and artifacts. In addition, there is a small art gallery which presents works by contemporary black visual artists. “The Bessie” is a premier interdisciplinary cultural center for cultural, educational, and artistic excellence and fosters research and education of African and African American heritage.Learn more at http://www.bessiesmithcc.org/. Also see http://www.chattanoogafun.com/.

James Weaver
GolfWiz Blog
Senior Travel Writer

Germany’s Franconian Region Is a Leading Producer of Fine Wine

2011-08-11T13:07:00.009-04:00

Germany is famous for its great beer, but its also one of the world’s great locations for growing grapes and producing fine wine. The wine region of Franconia is located midway between Frankfurt and Munich in central Germany. One of its principal cities in Wuerzburg. Arriving in Wuerzburg by train from Frankfurt. I was aware that every square meter of cultivated land within sight (and beyond) was covered with vineyards -- hundreds of thousands of vines growing grapes for some of Germany’s finest wines. The grapes grown here are predominately Silvener and Reisling, that produce some of the world’s leading white wines.

I had my first taste of Silvener wine at the noon meal a short time after arriving in Wuerzburg. It was very pleasing and I had more at dinner. I have enjoyed German Reisling wine for many years and find it unmatched for flavor among white wines. I believe Reisling from the Franconian region is among the finest.

Wuerzburg is a very old city. Records show
there was a Celtic settlement here as early as 1000 BC. In the 18th century it was ruled by
a series prince bishops who were both the
head of the provincial government and head of the Catholic Church here.

Wuerzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an impressive complex of buildings on the eastern edge of the city, It was commissioned by two prince bishops and built between 1720 and 1744. Although some of it destroyed during World War II, it has been completely rebuilt. It is widely known for its spectacular Baroque staircase decorated by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo with one of the biggest ceiling frescos in the world, showing an allegory of the four continents.

As the story goes, the prince bishop(s) would greet arriving guests from the staircase. For important guests, they would descend the stairs fully or partially depending on the guest’s status. Guests with not standing, were greeted at the very top. The main portico at the Residence was large enough for a six-horse carriage to enter and turn around. When Napoleon Bonaparte visited here, arriving in his eight-horse carriage, it was necessary for him to get out and walk in. A social/political “faux pas” no doubt.

For 90 years Germany’s oldest Mozart festival has taken place here. Actually, Mozart had no personal association with the city, but for four weeks each summer thousands of visitors from Germany and all over the world enjoy the intimate festival atmosphere and the unique architecture of the Residence for 50 classical concerts. The Residence has one of the largest wine cellars in Europe. Remember, this is wine country.

My venture into Franconian vineyards took me to the neighboring city of Volkach. On a hilltop on the edge of town is the historic Chapel of St. Maria of the Vineyard A favorite pilgrimage site
in past centuries, there is a series of shrines (in small stone buildings) along the steep pathway leading to the church. There is a very old and much revered wooden sculpture of the Madonna suspended above the alter. In the 1960s, it was stolen and remained missing for several years. It eventually turned up at an antique market where it was recognized and return to the church.

Volkach holds an annual wine festival each summer that draws thousands of wine lovers from all over Germany and beyond who enjoy great Franconian wines. Many local wines are bottled in a destintive style bottle - short and
onion shaped. Some say in achient times the wine was stored in goat scrotums, thus the shape.

The Max Mueller wine estate is housed in a farm building built by the prince bishops of Würzburg in 1692. The estate has been run by Rainer and Monika Mueller since 1991. The vineyard is planted with the white grape varieties Silvaner, Mueller-Thurgau, Riesling and Bacchus, and red varieties Pinot Noir, Domina and Pinot Meunier. The white wines are fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation the red wines are matured in large oak barrels. At the 2011 London International Wine Fair, Mueller Riesling won the gold medal (first place) in the International Wine Challenge. Max Mueller has an attractive tasting room and retail shop just off the town square in Volkach. See for further information.

Divino Winery is located in nearby Nordheim. One of the leading vineyard cooperatives in Germany (250 growers), Divino wines have received many awards at various international competitions. Many Divino wines are exported, and I was interested to learn that most go to China, Japan, and Mexico. The winery has a attractive tasting room and retail shop, a museum tracing the history of wine production in Franconia, and a lovely restaurant. Learn more at .

I had my first taste of Silvener wine at the noon meal a short time after arriving in Wurtsburg. It was very pleasing and I had more at dinner. I have enjoyed German Reisling wine for many years and find it unmatched for flavor among white wines. I believe Reisling from the Franconian region is among the finest.

Wurtsberg is a very old city. Records show
there was a Celtic settlement here as early as 1000 BC. In the 18th century it was ruled by
a series prince bishops who were both the
head of the provincial government and head of the Catholic Church here.

Wurtsburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an impressive complex of buildings on the eastern edge of the city, It was commissioned by two prince bishops and built between 1720 and 1744. Although some of it destroyed during World War II, it has been completely rebuilt. It is widely known for its spectacular Baroque staircase decorated by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo with one of the biggest ceiling frescos in the world, showing an allegory of the four continents.

As the story goes, the prince bishop(s) would greet arriving guests from the staircase. For important guests, they would descend the stairs fully or partially depending on the guest’s status. Guests with not standing, were greeted at the very top. The main portico at the Residence was large enough for a six-horse carriage to enter and turn around. When Napoleon Bonaparte visited here, arriving in his eight-horse carriage, it was necessary for him to get out and walk in. A social/political “faux pas” no doubt.

For 90 years Germany’s oldest Mozart festival has taken place here. Actually, Mozart had no personal association with the city, but for four weeks each summer thousands of visitors from Germany and all over the world enjoy the intimate festival atmosphere and the unique architecture of the Residence for 50 classical concerts. The Residence has one of the largest wine cellars in Europe. Remember, this is wine country.

My venture into Franconian vineyards took me to the neighboring city of Volkach. On a hilltop on the edge of town is the historic Chapel of St. Maria of the Vineyard A favorite pilgrimage site
in past centuries, there is a series of shrines (in small stone buildings) along the steep pathway leading to the church. There is a very old and much revered wooden sculpture of the Madonna suspended above the alter. In the 1960s, it was stolen and remained missing for several years. It eventually turned up at an antique market where it was recognized and return to the church.

Volkach holds an annual wine festival each summer that draws thousands of wine lovers from all over Germany and beyond who enjoy great Franconian wines. Many local wines are bottled in a destintive style bottle - short and
onion shaped. Some say in achient times the wine was stored in goat scrotums, thus the shape.

The Max Mueller wine estate is housed in a farm building built by the prince bishops of Würzburg in 1692. The estate has been run by Rainer and Monika Mueller since 1991. The vineyard is planted with the white grape varieties Silvaner, Mueller-Thurgau, Riesling and Bacchus, and red varieties Pinot Noir, Domina and Pinot Meunier. The white wines are fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation the red wines are matured in large oak barrels. At the 2011 London International Wine Fair, Mueller Riesling won the gold medal (first place) in the International Wine Challenge. Max Mueller has an attractive tasting room and retail shop just off the town square in Volkach. See for further information.

Divino Winery is located in nearby Nordheim. One of the leading vineyard cooperatives in Germany (250 growers), Divino wines have received many awards at various international competitions. Many Divino wines are exported, and I was interested to learn that most go to China, Japan, and Mexico. The winery has a attractive tasting room and retail shop, a museum tracing the history of wine production in Franconia, and a lovely restaurant. Learn more at .

To learn more about Wurtsberg and the Franconian Wine Country of Germany, view www.wuerzburg.de/en/index and www.germany-tourism.de/ENG/culture_and_events/german_wine_country_franconia Planning a trip to Germany should begin at www.germany-tourism.de/ENG

James Weaver
GolfWiz Blog
Senior Travel Writer

New Product: Adidas 360 ATV

2011-08-11T12:57:00.004-04:00

Elevating the highly-successful TOUR360 franchise, TOUR360 ATV utilizes unrivaled forefoot flexibility and zonal traction elements to provide All-Terrain Versatility, comfort and grip that adapts to any surface, lie or angle.

Featuring a dual-density outsole with 10-spike configuration, its unibody construction connects a 5-pod decoupled heel for adaptability, a strengthened midfoot TPU for support and aggressive TRAXION secondary lugs in the forefoot for enhanced grip.

- Premium full-grain leather upper provides a rich look and feel

- 360WRAP locks in and supports the foot for enhanced stability and a secure fit

- FitFOAMTM insole provides ever-lasting cushioning, support and comfort

- 10-Spike configuration with THINTECH™ low-profile technology for improved traction and stability

- Ground-adapting outsole provides All-Terrain Versatility

for more info contact:

christa mcnamara
director public relations
christa.mcnamara@tmag.com
o: 760.918.6466 c: 760.207.9333
taylormade-adidas golf 5545 fermi court carlsbad, ca 92008

Review Coming soon !

Edward Wanambwa
http://www.thegolfwriter.com/

Conversation With Bob Vokey: Wedges and your game

2011-08-11T12:49:00.005-04:00

I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with Titleist Master Clubmaker Bob Vokey on the practice range at the 2011 PGA Championship. Bob Vokey is worldly renowned as one of the top wedge crafters in the business and we discussed how proper wedge selection can benefit players of all levels.
The rules of golf allow a player to have a total of 14 clubs in their bag for tournament play and according to Bob Vokey 4 of those should be wedges. That might seems like a lot but when you really look at it over 70% of players shots come from 125 yards and in; so having a good selection of wedges can really help lower your score. “There are 3 key points in selecting the proper wedges for your golf bag and your game” says Vokey.

1. Know your Gap Distances:
Each wedge should have at least 4 to 6 degrees separation in loft. For example, if you have a 48 degree Pitch Wedge, your gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge should be 52, 56 and 60 degrees. This gives you enough separation to create a wide variety of shot options and distances with each club.

2. Know you wedge options:
Knowing your wedge option relate to the bounce and degree of your club. High bounce works better for longer fairways and soft sand, while lower bounce works for tight lies and hard sand. Your local club fitter or golf professional can assist you in selecting the proper bounce and degree for your wedges.

3. Do I need a Lob Wedge:
Many golfers see tour players hit amazing flop shots with a 60 or even a 64 degree wedge and run out and put one in their bags hoping to duplicate what they see. But in reality it’s not as easy as it looks to effectively use a Lob wedge. According to Vokey, “it takes a lot of hard work and practice to use a Lob wedge in the right way. A player needs to realize that it is a great club for high shots around the green and out of bunker, but you have to really practice with it to hit quality shots”.

If you want to lower your score and improve you game look at the wedges that in your bag and select a combination that works for you. Shooting better scores makes for more enjoyable rounds and wedges are a great place to start.

Titleist Vokey Wedges: http://www.bobvokey.com/

Bob Vokey is a true master craftsman and has developed relationships with some of the world’s greatest players by watching and listening to what they seek in wedge performance, looks and feel. By combining the feedback he receives from these players with years of research and experience, Bob creates wedges that perform under the most challenging course conditions

Edward Wanambwa
http://www.thegolfwriter.com/

My Day at the 2011 PGA Championship

2011-08-10T23:05:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of spending the day with my close friend and golfing buddy Ron House at the 2011 PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club:

Steve Williams: Takes the Low Road

2011-08-08T15:22:00.010-04:00

(getty images)

Steve Williams became the focal point of the week’s WGC Bridgestone Invitational after Adam Scott claimed the winner’s trophy and his first World Golf Championship title on Sunday. Williams was fired by former world number one Tiger Woods amid a storm of controversy and speculation as to how and why it happened. Williams was quick to point out that he was far from happy with his dismissal and remind the audience that he is a world class caddie and that his record speaks for itself.

I have no problem with a Steve Williams and I think that he is one of the best caddies in the game but to say that this week’s win on Adam Scott’s bag was the “greatest win” of his career is a joke! It was clear that his comment was a not so subtle dig at Tiger Woods made by a disgruntled employee. Williams made sure that he took full advantage of his newfound fame and in front of the cameras he went on and on about his 145 career wins and his 31 years of caddying for the best players in the game. However, he failed to mention that 72 of those wins were with one player, Tiger Woods. That equates to 49 percent of his wins including 13 majors.

Anyone in the golf business knows that the caddie player relationship can be a unique and dynamic one. Most players and caddies have a verbal agreement as it relates to their tenure on the bag. So if things aren’t working out a caddie knows that he can be let go at any time and Steve Williams is no different. During his time with Tiger, Steve became a very popular and wealthy man and Woods benefited from his experience and knowledge as a caddie and as a friend. However, launching verbal jabs in the media is poor way of showing his displeasure with his firing.

I walked inside the ropes for the entire 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines with Williams and Woods and in my mind it stands out as one the greatest performance by a single athlete in any sport. So it’s inconceivable that Williams actually considers this week’s win with Adam Scott as the greatest of his career. I spoke to several caddies and players alike at the PGA Championship and almost everyone I spoke to agreed that Steve William’s comments are completely without foundation.

I can't ever remember Williams ever granting a post round interview while he was Tiger’s caddie. The unwritten but well known rule is that Tiger is the only person that speaks publicly in his world about his affairs. But now that Steve has some breathing room,he has decided to make up for lost time by throwing Tiger Woods under the bus. I guess the best time to kick a man is when he is down and this is a perfect example of that.

The sad part of this entire story is that Adam Scott got lost in the shuffle. Scott played a brilliant round of golf on Sunday and won the tournament by 4 shots. Scott was reduced to a footnote on Sunday by his caddie and I don’t remember Steve hitting a single shot or draining a crucial putt.

Adam Scott is one of the nicest and most mild mannered players on tour and I am sure that the media attention directed to Steve Williams doesn’t really bother him, but I will be the first to say that I don’t think that having a star caddy is a good thing in the long run. Steve’s post round comments were classless and rude plain and simple.

Edward Wanambwa
http://www.golfwriter.com/

2011-08-08T14:06:00.001-04:00

(GETTY IMAGES)

Tiger Woods made his return to competitive golf this week at the Bridgestone WGC in Akron, Ohio. Woods had a roller coaster tournament and managed to finish with a T-37 at 1-over par for the championship. Tiger said after the round that he was encouraged heading into the 2011 PGA Championship in Atlanta this week. “ I had my game in spurts this week” said Woods after the round on Sunday “ It came and went and I found my putting stroke towards the end of the round”.

Woods heads in the PGA Championship this week having slipped to # 30 in the world rankings and with questions lurking about the state of his game. Hopefully Woods can shake of the rust from his 12 week layoff and contend this week at Atlanta Athletic Club against the 2nd toughest field of the year. Based on last weeks performance that might be wishful thinking but after all we are taking about Tiger Woods and when it comes to Tiger making predications is a foolish man’s game.

Woods Returns to Action

2011-08-04T17:22:00.005-04:00

Getty Images

Tiger Woods made his much awaited comeback to professional golf today at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Golf Club in Akron, Ohio. Despite driving the ball poorly Woods shot a 2-under par 7o and finds himself 5 shots back of day one leader Australia’s Jason Day (-7).

Tiger Woods Returns to Golf after 3 Month Layoff

2011-07-29T15:30:00.002-04:00

http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,2085841,00.html

Tiger Woods: Falls below # 20 in World Rankings

2011-07-26T15:13:00.003-04:00

(Getty Images)

Yahoo Golf Story:
http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/blog/devil_ball_golf/post/The-freefall-continues-Tiger-Woods-drops-out-of?urn=golf-wp4024

Bamberg, Germany's Beer Capitol

2011-07-25T15:12:00.008-04:00

Many Americans associate German bier (beer) with Octoberfest and Munich, however many outstanding brews can be found throughout the year in different locations in this great beer drinking country.

Bamberg, is situated in the heart of Franconia, a region in northern Bavaria. The ancient city is known for its smoked Rauchbier. The most famous is Schlenkerla's Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier from the Heller brewery; it can be enjoyed at the Schlenkerla tavern on the Dominikaner Strasse in the Old Town.

Bamberg is home to eight breweries, Brauerei Fässla, Brauerei Greifenklau, Brauerei Heller-Trum (Schlenkerla), Brauerei Kaiserdom, Keesmann Bräu, Klosterbräu, Mahrs Bräu and Brauerei Spezial, and one brewpub, Ambräusianum, an unusually high number for a city of 70,000.

Here the standard German draught Export or Pils is frequently replaced by one or more of the traditional beers produced by local brewers:

Rauchbier (smoke beer), is a speciality of the Bamberg area, its characteristic taste is achieved by kilning the malt over a beechwood fire. I
found it very smooth and pleasant tasting.

Vollbier, can vary from light gold to almost black in color. Malty with a dry finish, it bears no resemblance to mass-produced lagers found elsewhere.

Lagerbier or Kellerbier, often brewed as an alternative to vollbier. It is unfiltered and is often dispensed straight from the barrel in Franconia’s beergardens. It is less malty and more hoppy than Vollbier.

Bockbier is a seasonal beer, similar to Vollbier, but significantly stronger. The Bamberg Bockbiers appear around Mid-October and lasts until Christmas.

Weissbier/Weizenbier (wheat beer), from Southern Bavaria is finding its way into the portfolios of many breweries in Franconia. Top-fermented, it's usually available in bottles rather than on draught, unfiltered and sedimented.

Schwarzbier (Black beer). Bamberg always had its own “little black beer” in Klosterbräu’s Schwärzla, but "black" beer is becoming popular nationally and others are now following the style. The darkest malts are used but the beer is dark brown rather than black!

The local brews are of the bottom-fermenting, lager type and are filtered at the brewery and sent out ready to serve. A variety of dispense systems is used, but it is often possible to find beer dispensed straight from the barrel, particularly at the beergardens.

You’ll be surprised to learn that Germans are drinking less beer. Beer consumption per capita actually fell by a third during the last quarter century. According to the European Beer Guide, the average German beer consumption per capita in 1985 was 153 liters for every man, woman, and child. In 2010, the average German drank around 100 liters of beer. Perhaps its the great German wine, but that’s another story.

The Franconian Brewery Museum was established by a group of professional brewers
in 1984 "out of love for the brewing tradition". It occupies the renovated historical vaults of the former Benedictine Abbey on the Michaelsberg in Bamberg, where brewing was taking place as early as 1122. Besides historical equipment acquired from local breweries, maltings and equipment manufacturers, there are displays covering the malting and brewing processes. View

Bamberg extends over seven hills, each crowned by a beautiful church. This has led to Bamberg being called the "Franconian Rome." However, a running joke among Bamberg's tour guides is to refer to Rome instead as the "Italian Bamberg".

Learn more at http://www.germany-tourism.de/ and www.bamberg.de/english.

James Weaver

Golfwiz Blog

Senior Travel Writer

2011 Open Championship Update: Round 3

2011-07-16T14:29:00.002-04:00

Northern Irelands Darren Clarke finds himself atop the leaderboard at -5 with American Dustin Johnson in a familar place 1-shot behind Clarke at -4. Clarke a crowd favorite took the lead today in tough conditions and despite missing several close putts that could have put him at least 3 to 5 shots ahead.

The 2011 Open Championship is wide open in 2011 and if a player in red numbers get hot then we might have a great finsih ahead on sunday. Tune in to 2011 Open Championship ocverage Sunday Morning at 6 AM EST on ESPN/ABC.

Edward Wanambwa
www.thegolfwriter.com

2011 Round 2 Leaderboard

2011-07-16T11:21:00.001-04:00

2011 Open Championship 2nd Round Scores:

http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/leaderboard

Tiger Woods Commits to Play In Charity Event Aug 31

2011-07-15T17:49:00.003-04:00

Tiger Woods to play in Notah Begay Charity Tournamnet Aug 31

Link: Tiger Woods

Banff Golf Course Centennial

2011-07-15T15:03:00.000-04:00

If you thought the only sorts in western Canada were ice hockey, skiing, and rodeo, you don’t know the whole story. This year the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, will celebrate 100 Years of Golf with season-long celebration.

This July 13 marks the 100th Anniversary of organized golf here, noting the first time golf was played and membership organized in Banff. On that date, The Fairmont Banff Springs will have a day-long celebration open to the community and the public. The celebration will include free junior golf clinics, playing opportunities on the Tunnel Nine, demo days of the driving range, a cake-cutting ceremony, and the initiation of its 100 Trees Program to replant trees in Banff National Park, in which the resort and its golf courses are located.

Among the many activities and plans was creation of a 100th Anniversary logo and select merchandise including commemorative pin flags and apparel.

The anniversary event includes a display of historic memorabilia and photography from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. In addition, members of its Golf Club have created a commemorative 100th Anniversary coffee table book.

As part of its Centennial year, Fairmont Banff Springs will host the Telus World Skins Game featuring Anthony Kim, Stephen Ames and three other professionals on the Stanley Thompson 18 course on July 25-26.

In September, members of the Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Club will play members of Canmore Golf and Curling Club as both clubs reinvigorate the Banff-Canmore Golf Shield, a match-play event between clubs that dates back to the 1920s between the two rival towns. Canmore will celebrate its 85th anniversary this year, and issued the challenge to the Banff Golf Club members earlier this year. The friendly rivalry pits the upscale resort town against the blue-collar mining town in a classic battle of skill on the golf course.

Stanley Thompson, Canada's master golf course architect, used his expert talent when he designed the original 18 holes in 1928. The course winds along the Bow River under the snowcapped peaks of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle. In 1989, the course was complemented with the construction of an adjoining 9 holes, designed by Cornish and Robinson, resulting in 27 holes of championship Alberta golf.

The Resort is offering the Golf For Free Package throughout the season, starting at $299 Canadian per person per night for overnight accommodations in its Baronial-style castle hotel. a free round of golf on the Stanley Thompson 18.

See canadianrockiesgolf.ca for this and other golf packages in Alberta, Canada.

James Weaver

Golfwiz Blog

Senior Travel Writer

2011 Open Championship Leaderboard Round 1

2011-07-14T23:58:00.002-04:00

104th Open Championship Round 1

http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/leaderboard

Bjorn Again at the 2011 Open Championship

2011-07-14T23:40:00.012-04:00

Paul Childs/Zuma Press

The big story at the 104th Open Championship was all about redemption for Denmark's Thomas Bjorn. Eight years ago Bjon had suffered a catastrophic collapase on the 16th hole at Royal St. Georges that gave American Ben Curtis his first and only Major Win. Today Thomas Bjorn got some payback and now finds himself atop the leaderboard at the 2011 Open Championship.

Bjorn's Father died after along illness eight weeks ago and an emotional Bjorn broke down in the press cdenter after his round and it was clearly visible that his father dseath is still fresh on his mind.

Maybe this year Bjorn will overcome the heartbreak he suffered in 2003 and raise the Calret Jug as the 104th Open Champion.

Edward Wanambwa

http://www.thegolfwriter.com/

Twin Warriors: Two of the Southwest's most prestigious golf facilities can in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

2011-07-05T14:50:00.000-04:00

Two of the Southwest's most prestigious golf facilities can in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Here you can play the legendary Twin Warriors Golf Club and experience the tradition that is Santa Ana Golf Club. Both golf courses are ranked within the Top 100 Public Golf Courses by Golf Digest. As sister courses, they offer a rare opportunity to play two of the nation’s best while remaining in the desert retreat of Albuquerque.

The Santa Ana Golf Club offers golf the way it was meant to be played. The New York Times calls Santa Ana "one of America's three best true links-style golf courses." The course follows in the tradition of golf's first and finest links-style courses and was highly rated by both Golf Week and Golf Digest.

You'll enjoy a 27-hole championship links-style golf course, five sets of tees on every hole, play from 5,500 yards to 7,400 yards (depending on which tee you play from), a 22,000-square-foot Club House, eight lakes, a full-service Pro Shop, excellent practice facilities, hospitality quarters, and a four-star restaurant, a casual bar and grille.

Twin Warriors Golf Club (Architect: Gary Panks Established: May 2001) is eighteen holes of high desert, championship golf routed in and around 20 ancient cultural sites of previous habitation and activity. The course has beautiful grassy knolls and ridges dotted with Juniper and Pinon Pine. Wonderful dry washes known as arroyos and eroded land features, along with the sacred butte known as Tuyuna or "Snakehead" complete a picture framed by spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains.

Twin Warriors Golf Club, designed and developed with meticulous care and cultural sensitivity, provides both the championship golfer and the resort-style golfer a unique golfing adventure. Its 18 holes of championship golf, including the largest golf course water feature in the state with a cascading waterfall, an ancient cave dwelling and an abandoned horse corral.
The GPS-equipped golf carts, with illustrations of each hole, accurate yardage to the pin, key hazards, playing tips, and even score keeping and food/beverage ordering capabilities.

The Santa Ana Golf Club is a daily fee golf course - only one fee for the entire day! The golf course offers the glorious natural splendor of the Santa Ana Pueblo. Located north of Albuquerque, NM and woven through the desert along the Rio Grande, it is surrounded by the grandeur of the Jemez Mountains to the west, the Sangre de Cristos to the north, and the Sandia Mountains immediately east, offering a spectacular view of the 10,000-foot Sandia Peak. Native grasses, subtle mounding and eight crystal-blue lakes inspire and challenge your best play.

Learn more at http://www.mynewmexicogolf.com/ and http://www.itsatrip.org/

James Weaver
Golfwiz Blog

Senior Travel Writer

Tiger Woods withdraws from Players Championship for second consecutive year - Tours & News - Golf.com

2011-05-12T12:01:00.000-04:00

Tiger Woods withdraws from Players Championship for second consecutive year - Tours & News - Golf.com

RE: Seve Ballesteros of Spain Dead at 54

2011-05-07T14:42:00.003-04:00

Golf lost a legend with the passing of Spainiard Seve Ballesteros. Ballesteros died saturday of complications from a brain tumor at the age of 54.

Seve will always be remembered for his flamboyant and swashbuckliking playing sytle. Seve will truly be missed.

Pittsburgh: Negro Baseball Flourished Here

2011-04-17T15:21:00.002-04:00

Heinz Histroy Center

A recent visit to the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offered a welcome look into the city’s past sports glories. A permanent exhibit features the two Negro League Baseball teams that were the nation’s very best during the 1930s and 40s. Barred from playing in the white Major Leagues, Black players competed in their own leagues with teams that featured some of the greatest baseball talents of all time.

Pittsburgh had two teams -- the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. During the half-century that sport in America was divided by race, African Americans created a baseball world of their own. With Cool Papa Bell flying around the base-paths, Josh Gibson hitting balls farther than anyone had before, and Satchel Paige striking out the side, this city became the center of black baseball in the Americas.

Pittsburgh alone had two Negro League franchises. In 1900, steelworkers in Homestead formed a club that became known as the Homestead Grays. Native son Cumberland Posey Jr. joined them as a player in 1911. Posey made them the best black club in the region and ultimately one of the greatest anywhere. In 1925, youth on the Hill (the Hill District is located just East of Downtown) formed a rival team, sponsored by the Crawford Bath House. The Crawfords battled the Grays for local supremacy. After numbers baron (illegal lottery) Gus Greenlee took them on, the Crawfords joined the Negro National League, and fielded a club that ranks among baseball’s best ever.

The Pittsburgh teams won more than a dozen Negro League Championships, with the Grays winning nine straight (1937—1945). Most of the Negro Leaguers in the Baseball Hall of Fame played for one or both of these teams.

Denied the chance to play in the white Major Leagues until 1947 (when Jackie Robinson was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers), these Negro Leaguers were also excluded from baseball’s Hall of Fame until 1971.

Founded in 1912, the Homestead Grays team was made up of “Old Pittsburghers,” as the migrants from the upper South and their descendants were known. Many of the Grays held skilled jobs at the Homestead Steel Works.

The team came into its own during the late 1930s. Playing in Pittsburgh and Washington D.C., they won nine Negro National League pennants in a row (1937-1945), as well as the last Negro League World Series ever played, in 1948. With Buck Leonard and Josh Gibson anchoring their feared lineup, the Grays became a black baseball dynasty.

The Crawfords team was formed in 1925. City league champs, they became known on the Hill as the “little” Homestead Grays. After Josh Gibson and several players from the Edgar Thomson Steel Works team joined them, the Crawfords rivaled the Grays.

In 1930, Gus Greenlee took on the team and signed Oscar Charleston, Satchel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, and other stars. He re-formed the Negro National League and built Greenlee Field, the first and finest black-controlled ballpark in the nation, on the Hill.

The Crawfords might have been baseball’s best
team ever, but the club fell apart after many of its players jumped to teams in the Dominican Republic in 1937.

During the late 1930s through the 1940s the Grays played their home games at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field, then home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, during this same period the club adopted the Washington, D.C. area as its "home away from home" and scheduled many of its "home" games at Washington's Griffith Stadium, then home park of the Washington Senators. The Grays disbanded after the 1950 season.

In 1972, Josh Gibson, catcher and power hitter, who played for both the Crawfords and Grays,
and Buck Leonard, first baseman for the Grays were both inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 2002, the Homestead High-Level Bridge which crosses the Monongahela River at Homestead was renamed the Homestead Grays Bridge in honor of the team. On June 26, 2009, in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Pirates played the Kansas City Royals in an inter league game. The Pittsburgh Pirates wore uniforms of the Homestead Grays, while the Royals wore the uniforms of the Kansas City Monarchs. The Pirates won the game, 5-3.
Satchell Paiges Glove

Plan to visit Pittsburgh and the Senator John Heinz History Center. View these websites for more information:

http://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/ and http://www.visitpittburgh.com/

James Weaver
Golfwiz Blog

Senior Travel Editor

Charl Schwartzel Wins 2011 Masters

2011-04-10T20:09:00.000-04:00

Getty Images

South African Charl Schwartzel biride his last four holes to win the 2011 Masters. Schwartzel weathered a charge from 4-time Tiger Woods and a host of other world class players including Adam Scott, Jason Day, and Luke Donald.

Schwartzel won the 75th Masters on the 50th anniversary of Gary Players first Masters victory.

2011-04-10T16:34:00.002-04:00

The saying is that the Masters doesn't start until the back 9 on sunday and that's is exactly the casde at the 2011 Masters Tournament. Woods is chasing leader Rory Mcilroy currently 2-shots back along with 2009 Masters Champion Angel Cabrera, Aussie adam Scott, Luke Donald and K.J Choi.

Has there every been a 5 way playoff at the Masters? I don't think so But stay tuned folks this tournament is far from over !

2011-04-09T11:42:00.004-04:00

The second week in April is a special time for all golf fans. It marks the first Major Championship of the golf season and in my opinion the most special event of the entire year. The sleepy town of Augusta Georgia blossoms into a vibrant Mecca of the golf world.

Patrons as the National likes to call them, assembly along Washington Road to experience the splender and granduer of the Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. A few steps away from the National as locals like to call it; rests the Lodge on Magnolia. In order to truly experience the Masters a visit to the lodge is must.

This local institution is the epitome of class and offers visitors the true Masters experience. With a rustic feel combined with top notch service and amenties the lodge on Magnolia is the ultimate Masters experience. The staff is friendly, the food is best in the Augusta and the experience is unforgettable.

To call the Lodge on Magnolia Corporate Hospitality is diservice. Regardless of wether you are the CEO of a major corporation or just a fan of the Masters; the Lodge on Magnolia is the best place to experience the majesty of the best tournament that golf has to offer.

If you come to Augusta Georgia to view the splendor of the Augusta National, book a spot at he Lodge on Magnolia, take a shuttle or make the short walk across Washintgton Road and enjoy the Masters Tournament, knowing after the gates close you can reflect and still experience your special day at the most relaxing venue in Augusta. The Lodge on Magnolia is a true gem and a must for anyone that truly wants the Masters experience.

For more information about the Lodge on Magnolia please visit: http://www.sportsevents.com/

Edward S. Wanambwa

Senior Editor,African American Golfers Digest

http://www.thegolfwriter.com

Real Time 2011 Masters Updates

2011-04-08T15:10:00.001-04:00

Edward Wanambwa Senior Editor of the African American Golfers Digest is live at the 75th Masters. www.golfwiz.blogspot.com

2011-04-07T21:14:00.002-04:00

On an absolutely beautiful day at Augusat National the 75th Masters Tournament got underway. All of the pre round speculation was about how Tiger Woods would fare in this years event, but Northern Ireland's Rory Mcilroy stole the headlines charging up the leaderboard with a blistering 7-under par 65. Mcilroy played an amazing bogey free round that included five missed birdie putts. One can only imagine how low he could have gone had a few more putts rolled in. Long hitting Spainard Alvaro Qiuros macthed Mcilory with a 7-under par 65. Quiors absolutley smasehed the golf ball around Augusta National carding his best round at Augusta NAtional Defending Champion Phil Mickelson finished with a 2-under par 70 and is still int contention despite and up and dwon round. 4-time champion Tiger Woods dinished one shot back of mickelson finnishing with a 1-under 71. I amsure that isn't the score Wooods washoping for, but he finished the opening round under par with plenty of golf left to play.

Tiger Woods on # 12 Tee Box today

2011-04-06T15:28:00.000-04:00

yfrog Photo : http://yfrog.com/gy585uixj Shared by nikegolf

RE: Tree Uprooted by Storm at Augusta National

2011-04-06T14:51:00.004-04:00

A sudden and forceful storm swept through the Augusta, GA area late Tueday night, early Wednesday morning causing monor damage and even uprooting a famous tree on Magnolia Lane.

Augusta National, Chairman Billy Payne said that the everything is under control, ground crews and Augusta National staff were on top of the situation and there will be no delay in the beginning of the 75th Masters Tournament on Thursday.

The world famous Magnolia Lane is down one tree from 61 to 60, however I amsure the view is still great.

Edward S. Wanambwa

Senior Editor

African American Golfers Digest

www.thegolfwriter.com

2011-04-06T14:41:00.003-04:00

Getty Images

As the beginning of the 75th Masters Tournament arrives, the golf world is in disarray. Former World # 1 currently # 7 and 4-times Masters champion find himself an questionable favorite to win this years, first major. Even after a 4th place finish in last year’s Masters, Woods is still surrounded by doubters and naysayers. Tiger Woods has publicly struggled in 2011 to try and regain the form he once mastered and almost imposed on the rest of the field at will.

In 2011 Woods best finish is a tie for 10th at the WGC Cadillac Championship. His play has been erratic at best. Woods has struggled to hit fairways and greens, while attempting to rely on his spotty short game and streaky putting to save much needed pars. It just doesn’t look like Woods has his golf feet under him at this point in the season. Working with swing coach Sean Foley, Woods simply says “ I am close” and seems content to let that phrase speak for his inconsistent play up until this point.

Defending Champion Phil Mickelson is coming the Masters fresh off a victory at the 2011 Shell Houston Open last week. Lefty is in the perfect position to repeat as Masters Champion and ultimately take control of the golf universe. With a win at Augusta National this year Mickelson will eliminate any discussion as to who the best player in the world should be.

My pick to win the 2011 Masters is (drumroll) Martin Kaymer with Nick Watney a close second. Of course I would be remised to not mention defending champion Phil Mickelson or that old guy Tiger Woods. Remember him? Maybe he can get out of his slump and win Major # 15 this week. Who Knows?

Ed Wanambwa

Senior Editor

African American Golfers Digest

www.thegolfwriter.com

75th Masters Tournament Tee Times

2011-04-06T14:04:00.002-04:00

Getty Images 2011 Masters Tournament Tee Times Thursday April 7th 2011

Tiger Woods One Year Later

2011-02-18T13:59:00.005-05:00

Getty Images

Last year on this date I was in the television studio appearing on ESPN to discuss the much anticipated press conference by Tiger Woods addressing his off the course transgressions. The golf world took a collective gasp as a pale and weary looking Tiger Woods approached the podium and delivered one of the most scripted and uninspired apologies I have ever heard. It was a public relations disaster to say the least. Tiger left everyone asking the question “what did he say?” It was just the beginning of a year that Tiger Woods probably wants to lock away in vault somewhere forever.

Now that the storm has passed and Tiger is back on the golf course the question that looms more than ever is when will see the Tiger of old? When will we see Tiger make that Sunday charge up the leaderboard and bring the rest of the field to their knees? I wish I had the answer to those questions. Tiger displayed a glimpse of his old self at the 2010 Chevron Challenge. He lost a playoff to 2010 U.S. Open Champion Gramae McDowell in one of the most exciting displays of shot making and putting I had seen all year. I'm sure that golf fans couldn’t wait until his first start of 2011 to see if Tiger could pick up where he left off in 2010. Sadly, we are still waiting. Tiger Woods has been anything but the golfer we grew accustomed to seeing over the past 16 seasons.

When he is asked about his game Tiger points to the fact that he feels that his swing is coming into form and that his swing change will begin to produce the results he wants soon. However, the golf world wonders if Tiger will ever regain the form that earned him 14 major championships. At times he looks lost out on the golf course making practice swing after practice swing as if he is desperately searching for the missing link in his game. Despite a few rounds in the 60’s in 2011 Tiger seems to always find a way to shoot over par with loose shots and poor putting so far this year. Tiger fans and golf fans alike sit glued to the television waiting anxiously to see the old Tiger will some how pop out his shell and play the type of golf we are all used to.

Maybe I am sounding the alarm too soon or maybe I am jumping the gun a bit, but I too want to see Tiger contend on Sunday afternoon. I have to admit that I am spoiled and I want to see the miraculous shots and the spirited fist pumps after he drains a crucial putt. I want the Bob May Tiger Woods showdown at Valhalla golf. I want the Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods blow for blow showdown type of golf.

Hopefully Tiger can get his game back on track and give us want we want. WINS!

Edward S. Wanambwa
Senior Editor
GolfWiz Blog
http://www.thegolfwriter.com/

2011 Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival Set For Early April

2011-02-17T17:33:00.005-05:00

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe, a Native American, was one of the best athletes (quite possibly the very best in some people’s judgment) of the 20th century, but that’s a different story. When he died, his destitute widow offered to have his body buried anywhere that would pay her. Some enterprising folks in coal mining town of Mauch Chunk, in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, took her up on the offer
and Jim Thorpe is buried there. They even renamed their town to capitalize on his fame.

Today, the town is a tourist destination. The Mauch Chunk Opera House here was built in 1881 as a farm market (first floor) and concert hall (above). Eventually, the Opera House became a regular stop on the old Vaudeville Circuit. Al Jolsen performed here regularly as well as John Phillips Sousa who delighted audiences with an annual show.

In 1927, the building was purchased and renovated extensively. For the next three decades the it was known as the Capitol Theater, a movie house. It closed in 1959, a victim of television. Later it was used as a warehouse and then stood empty for many years. Finally, the Opera House was acquired by the Mauch Chunk Historical Society and a program to restore it to its former glory was begun.

To raise funds for the restoration efforts various events are held throughout the year. On the weekend of April 1-3, Dragontown Corsets, a local retail business, will present the second annual Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival here. It will feature an exciting line up of performances, classes, symposiums, and plenty of Burlesque-oriented shopping.

Jacqueline Hyde

This year, Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival has added a Friday night "Fundraiser Gala" show headlined by Jacqueline Hyde, winner of last year’s festival Crystal Corset Award and a recent BOOLESQUE (an Opera House Halloween show) performer. Saturday night, April 2, is "The Big Reveal," at which Burlesque entertainers will thrill the audience while they compete for cash prizes and the "Crystal Corset Award," presented by show hostess Madame Corsetiere of Dragontown Corsets. "The Big Reveal" is headlined by Chicago's impeccable Red Hot Annie.

In addition to the great stage shows this year’s Burlesque Festival includes a number of classes, lectures, and workshops for women. Regardless of age, experience level, or personal style there are classes to help every woman cultivate her inner “Burlesque Diva”. The weekend celebrates the allure and beauty that resides in every woman, in an environment that is friendly, exciting, and enjoyable. Classes, including dance and movement, will be held Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3 at Jim Thorpe's Memorial Hall.

Red Hot Annie

Burlesque has been widely misunderstood over the past fifty years. Movies and television captured audiences and venues that once featured burlesque turned to strip shows and porno films. But that’s not what burlesque was or is today in its revival. In its heyday it was the major live entertainment in many cities and town across the nation. Many singers, dancers, comics, and entertainers of the early decades of the past century including comedy stars Jackie Gleason, Fanny Brice, Leon Errol, Bert Lahr, W.C. Fields, Bobby Clark, Red Skelton, Phil Silvers, Joey Faye and Bob Hope found their fame on the stages of burlesque theaters. Burlesque is about beautiful women in elegant, elaborate costumes who sing, dance, and tease their audience as they slowly and tantalizingly disrobe before quickly disappearing offstage.

When I was just fifteen, I attended a burlesque show at the Park Theater in Youngstown, Ohio, with a group of my high school friends. The headliner was Rose La Rose. I did no know it then, but she was one of the all-time greats of the burlesque stage right up there with Gipsy Rose Lee. Both women had performed at the famous Minsky’s Theater in New York City. It was a memorable experience.

For more information on Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival 2011 held April 1-3 view this website: http://www.jimthorpeburlesque.org/ or Planning to visit the Jim Thorpe and Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains see http://www.800poconos.com/.

James Weaver
Senior Travel Writer
GolfWiz Blog

The 2011 U.S. Open Returns To Congressional Country Club

2011-02-17T17:10:00.006-05:00

Congressional Clubhouse

Bethesda, Maryland, outside the nation’s capital, will be the site of the 111th United States Open Championship held June 13-19. If there are no weather delays, the final round will be played on Father's Day the third Sunday in June. For this year’s tournament, the United States Golf Association has chosen to return to the Congressional Country Club for the third time. Officials from the club and the USGA, have been at work for the past several years to assure the course is in perfect condition and it will provide a challenging championship tournament for the world’s very best golfers. 18th Hole Congressional Golf Club

The first U.S. Open was played on October 4, 1895, on a nine-hole course at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island. It was a 36-hole competition played in a single day. Ten professionals and one amateur entered. The winner was a 21-year-old Englishman named Horace Rawlins who received $150 cash out of a prize fund of $335, plus a $50 gold medal.

About half of the field of 156 players is made up of persons who are fully exempt from qualifying. There are 17 full exemption categories, including winners of the U.S. Open for the last ten years and the other three majors for the last five years, the top 30 from the previous year's PGA Tour money list, the top 15 from the previous year's European Tour money list, and the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings as of two weeks before the tournament. Starting in 2011, the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings as of the tournament date will also be exempt.

The U.S. Open is the only one of the four major championships which does not go immediately to a playoff if two or more players are tied at the end of the four rounds. Instead, the players play a fifth 18-hole round the following day (Monday). If a tie still exists after that round, a sudden death playoff is held. Only three times has the U.S. Open gone to sudden death after the playoff round, most recently in 2008 when Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate on the first playoff hole.

U.S. Open Trophy
U.S. Open Records:
4-Time Winners
• Willie Anderson (1901, 1903, 1904, 1905)
• Bobby Jones (1923, 1926, 1929, 1930)
• Ben Hogan (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953)
• Jack Nicklaus (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980)

3-Time Winners
• Hale Irwin (1974, 1979, 1990)
• Tiger Woods (2000, 2002, 2008)

2-Time Winners
• Alex Smith (1906, 1910)
• John J. McDermott (1911, 1912)
• Walter Hagen (1914, 1919)
• Gene Sarazen (1922, 1932)
• Ralph Guldahl (1937, 1938)
• Cary Middlecoff (1949, 1956)
• Julius Boros (1952, 1963)
• Billy Casper (1959, 1966)
• Lee Trevino (1969, 1971)
• Andy North (1978, 1985)
• Curtis Strange (1988, 1989)
• Ernie Els (1994, 1997)
• Lee Janzen (1993, 1998)
• Payne Stewart (1991, 1999)
• Retief Goosen (2001, 2004)

Lowest Score, 72 Holes
• 272 - Jack Nicklaus (63-71-70-68), 1980
• 272 - Lee Janzen (67-67-69-69), 1993
• 272 - Tiger Woods (65-69-71-67), 2000
• 272 — Jim Furyk (67-66-67-72), 2003
• 273 - David Graham (68-68-70-67), 1981

Largest Margin of Victory
• 15 Strokes - Tiger Woods (272), 2000
• 11 strokes - Willie Smith (315), 1899

Learn More at:

http://www.usopen.com/en_US/index

James Weaver
Senior Travel Writer
GolfWiz Blog

Black History Pioneer" Mr. James Black

2011-02-17T16:46:00.003-05:00

The Legendary Mr. James Black

ESPN: Scoop Jackson - When Fairways Weren't Fair

2011-02-17T16:41:00.006-05:00

Bill Spiller
Lead the Los Angeles open in 1948
He would later find out the hard truth about the pro tour.

Jackson: Foul Fairways

Copper Canyon Grill, Orlando Florida

2011-02-02T14:21:00.004-05:00

The Copper Canyon Grill is the GOLD standard in fine dining in Orlando. After a long day at the 2011 Merchandise Show I found myself looking for a good meal and a relaxing atmosphere and I found it at the Copper Canyon Grill. The wonderful and welcoming atmosphere was only upstaged by the great food.

The staff was courteous and friendly, my every need and want was addressed in a prompt and attentive manner. I had the Smoked Salmon and a delightful Ceasar salad topped off with three wonderful deserts. No I didn’t eat all three, but I had the Key Lime pie all to myself. When you visit Orlando, ask for Amy and Have a great meal at the Copper Canyon Grill. A meal fit for a king!

Copper Canyon Grill

9101 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-3933
WEBSITE: WWW.CCGRILL.COM

The 2011 Merchandise Show

2011-02-02T13:46:00.001-05:00

The Good:

The 2011 PGA Merchandise Show will be remembered as the year of the driver. Taylormade and Cleveland Golf stand out in my mind. I had an opportunity to hit both drivers on the indoor driving range and I loved them both. Watch out for these drivers next month at your local golf stores.

The Bad:

The lack of minority participation at the 2011 PGA Merchandise show. Again I had a flash back of 2004. I didn’t see enough minority faces in the place and that needs to change.

The Ugly:

The PGA of American needs to help reestablish the African American Golfers Digest Diversity Pavilion. In order to bring true parity and growth to this show the diversity pavilion is a must and I would hope that the PGA of America will partner with the African American Golfers Digest to help bridge the gap of diversity in the golf business.

Tiger Woods Is Bogey Free in 1st Round at Torrey Pines

2011-01-27T16:47:00.004-05:00

Photo: AP

Tiger Woods carded a first round 3-under par 69 in the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Club. Woods had a bogey free round and seemed to have his game in control despite a few errant tee shots and some spotty putting, but overall the 14-time major champion winner had a solid start to his 2011 PGA Tour season.

Edward S. Wanambwa

Senior Golf Writer

GolfWiz Blog

www.the.golfwriter.com

GolfWiz Blog: Top 10 Golf Predictions for 2011

2011-01-26T13:25:00.008-05:00

GolfWiz Predictions for 2011 Golf Season:

Tiger Woods will have between 4 and 6 wins this year on the PGA Tour including 1 Major.
Tiger Woods will reclaim his # 1 spot in the world in 2011.
Phil Mickelson will return to form and claim 3 wins including a major.
European players will continue to shine, winning at least 3 titles on the PGA Tour this season.
The Fedex Cup points system will finally get fixed and stop resembling the College Football BCS system.
Lorena Ochoa and/or Annika Sorenstam will return golf and give the LPGA Tour a much needed boost.
The PGA Tour Will BAN “Rules Geeks” from calling from their recliners and causing players to get disqualified during tournament play. Come on Tim Finchem, penalize player 2 strokes for an unintentional rules infraction and stop Bubba from changing the outcome of tournaments from his couch at home.
Someone will shoot 57 on the PGA Tour this year, Naw just kidding, but someone will shoot a 59 or even a 58 this year.
Dustin Johnson will win a major this year. He deserves it. The only question is will Natalie Gulbis be there to congratulate him?
The GolfWiz will play at least 200 Rounds of golf in 2011 and have 20 of them in the 70’s! Yeah Right!

Enjoy the 2011 Golf Season. Hit ‘em straight and Have Fun!

Edward. S. Wanambwa
Senior Golf Writer
GolfWiz Blog
www.thegolfwriter.com

Tiger Makes 2011 PGA Tour Debut This Week

2011-01-26T13:17:00.004-05:00

Getty Images

The golf world is buzzing about the long awaited return of Tiger Woods to the PGA Tour in 2011. Last Wednesday, Woods office ally entered the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Club, in La Jolla California. Torrey pines is the site of Tiger’s historic win at the 2008 U.S. Open when battled a torn ACL and stress fractures in his leg to out duel Rocco Mediate in 91 holes to win his 14 professional major championship. Tiger’s win in 2008 is arguably his greatest victory ever and ranks as one of the greatest displays of courage and determination by an athlete in any sport.

Tiger woods will be paired with his rival and friend at the 2008 U.S. Open Rocco Mediate and PGA Tour Bad Boy Anthony Kim. The threesome will tee off at noon ET Thursday on Torrey Pines' North course. They play at 1 p.m. ET Friday on the South course. Torrey Pines has been Tiger’s home course of sorts. He has 7 wins in last 12 tournaments at Torrey Pines and he has an amazing 58% wining percentage at this venue. It appears that if the past is any indication of what will happen this week, we might tiger hoisting up a championship trophy come Sunday afternoon.

The major question that lingers in the minds of all golf fans is how will Tiger perform? At the end of 2010 Tiger showed flashes of greatness by his play at the Chevron World Championship that he lost in a thrilling playoff to 2008 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell.

If his play towards the end of 2010 is any indication of the Tiger we might see at Torrey Pines this week, then I am sure golf fans are in for a very special week of golf at the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open.

Television Coverage of the 2001 Famers Insurance Open will begin at 3:00 PM EST of Golf Channel and weekend Coverage will be broadcast on CBS.

Edward S. Wanambwa

Senior Golf Writer

GolfWiz Blog

www.thegolfwriter.com

Casa de Campo: Caribbean Golf At Its Finest

2011-01-26T11:51:00.006-05:00

Casa De Campo

Most tourists visit the Caribbean to enjoy the beaches, but some (in the know) also head there to play golf. And the most beautiful and challenging golf course in the entire Caribbean is at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. Built on 7,000 acres of ocean front property in the 1970s as a private retreat, it is today a welcoming golf resort of the unmatched beauty

and gracious amenities.

The resort is located in La Romana on the southeast coast of the country. Casa de Campo (Spanish for "Country House") is a Ponderosa-style, tropical seaside resort. Built by the late Charles Bluhdorn, Gulf+Western’s founder and CEO, the interior design is by one of his Dominican friends, Oscar de la Renta. After Bluhdorn's death, the Cuban-American Fanjul family (one of the world’s leading sugar merchants), bought Casa de Campo and opened it to paying guests. Without compromising the feeling of exclusivity, they’ve developed it into one of the most complete resorts in the region.

Casa de Campo’s golf has been internationally recognized for more than three decades. Golf architects Pete and Alice Dye have had a home at Casa de Campo since the early 1970s, when they guided 300 local laborers with machetes to blaze the Diente del Perro, (Teeth of the Dog, opened in 1971) through the jungle and along a rocky coast. The world's golfers flocked to the course after it served as a backdrop for the 1971 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. It remains the only Caribbean course consistently in the world’s top 100 courses (often in the top 50). The Links Course (opened in 1974) and the members-only La Romana Country Club (opened in 1990) are inland layouts spiced with lakes. Dye’s newest course, the much-acclaimed Dye Fore (opened in 2000), skirts cliffs 300 feet (91 m) above the Chavón River, with views of the village of Altos de Chavón, distant mountains and the new marina. Dye is at work on another course on the plateau next to Dye Fore.

Casa de Campo has a modern, new 400-berth marina, complete with a shipyard with a 120-ton TraveLift designed by Italian architect, Gianfranco Fini to resemble Portofino. Surrounding this harbor are restaurants, shops, bars, and homes.

Located in two-story clusters surrounded by colorful gardens in the main area of the resort, is the oversized, newly remodeled chic hotel. Rooms offer private balconies, splendid views, and provide guests with easy access to the lobby, main pool and deck, Cygalle Healing Spa, golf pro shop and the Teeth of the Dog and Links golf courses.

A stay in a Casa de Campo villa is like having your own private hideaway, with the amenities of a world-class resort at your doorstep. Here is the perfect option to share time and space with family and friends, great for golf buddy escapes, and outstanding for business retreats. This taste of the high life can be surprisingly affordable. When you estimate the cost per person in your villa, you’ll find the price is similar to a regular room at many luxury resorts.

Learn more at www.casadecamporesort.com and plan a great golf excursion to the Caribbean.

Jim Weaver

GolfWiz Blog

Senior Travel Writer

Jhonattan Vegas wins Hope Classic in playoff

2011-01-25T10:46:00.004-05:00

Getty Images

Jhonattan Vegas, yes I spelled that correctly, earned his first PGA Tour win Sunday at the Bob Hope Classic. The explosive and long hitting Vegas held off Gary Woodland to claim the title. Congratulations to Jhonattan Vegas.

African American Golfers Digest Releases Fall Edition

2011-01-24T16:35:00.004-05:00

Ginger Howard is a 16-year-old golf phenom and she graces the cover of our Fall edition--the first teenager to ever do so

Sweet Apparel Exciting New Products for 2011

2011-01-21T13:07:00.005-05:00

Sweet Sport Apparel 2011 Product line: Visit www.seetspotapparel.com

Sweet Spot Apparel Promo Video

2011-01-20T02:08:00.002-05:00

Sweet Spot Golf Promotional Video

Sweet Spot Apparel is a privately held full service manufacturer of fine golf and corporate apparel for men and women. Established in 2001, the Company designs and markets upscale sportswear and outerwear under the Sweet Spot brand. Its products are sold primarily through golf pro shops, the internet, school athletic departments, corporate sales accounts and specialty retailers. Sweet Spot Apparel features distinctive, comfortable designs, high-quality materials and extremely competitive pricing through its entire apparel line.

Sweet Spot Apparel Launches New Products for 2011

2011-01-20T01:34:00.015-05:00

LP101 (Cascade) White, Red, Navy, Gold, Purple, Green $49

These sporty functional polo shirts offer a reglan design that is combined with ultra modern fabric technology that makes this golf shirt a great all-around addition to any athlete's wardrobe. An added feature is the vented mesh inserts in same or contrasting colors. These shirts have SweetDry, UV protection, and anti-microbial finishes to help maximize your performance.

LPO502 V-Neck Vest Charcoal Grey/Blk, Navy/Grey,

Purple/Cream $49

100% Peruvian Pima Cotton stylish sweater vest with large contrast diamond color print on front of vest.

To Find out More About Sweet Spot Apparel Visit:

http://sweetspotapparel.com/index.htm

Announcement of the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain

2011-01-20T01:16:00.002-05:00

RyderCup.com to carry live coverage of unveiling of U.S. captain for 2012 at 11:00 a.m. ET on Thursday

The PGA of America's announcement of the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup captain will be shown live on RyderCup.com. Be sure to tune in for the revelation and news conference.

(images courtesy of www.rydercup.com)

Joseph Bramlett Journey to the Tour

2011-01-20T00:52:00.001-05:00

Visit CSI Golf at 2011 PGA Merchandise Show

2011-01-19T14:10:00.003-05:00

Visit CIS Golf at booth # 1811.

CSI Golf will be exhibiting their innovative and groundbreaking Putter technology at the 20011 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida Jan 26-29 at the Orange county Convention Center.

CSI Golf will be participating in the awards ceremony of Little Linksters "The Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in America" as one of the sponsors where Annika Sorenstam will be presenting the Award to the winner. This will happen at the Little Linksters Booth 5285 on Thursday Jan 27, 2011 at 3 PM.

CSI GOLF

9100 W National Av.

West Allis, WI 53227

Ph/Fax: (o)414-328-GOLF(4653)

CSI Golf Introduces New Line of BMR² Putters

2011-01-19T13:57:00.005-05:00

BMR² Putters: For Photos and more information visit: www.csigolf.com

BMR²- Putter, Standard Features & Benefits:

303 Stainless Steel Construction

2.5D Face Balanced Loft - eliminates Forward Press wrist hinge adjustment - Required to De-Loft putter face, prior to stroke impact.

BMR²- Putter, Exclusive Features & Benefits:

Diamond Impact Zone™ for a Polymer Soft Feel with the Control of Steel, producing a True Roll, keep your putts on line, eliminating the trampoline affect that causes ball skipping.

I.M.D.C.™ Perimeter Weighting produces HMOI / LCOG (High Moment of Inertia / Low Center of Gravity) for smooth, balanced stroke transition fromtake-away thru impact.

One or Two Ball, P.T.T. (Putting Tempo Tuning) Technology™, Gradu-Weighted Training Ball System Promotes development of a Pure Pendulum Putting stroke, by manipulating the Large Muscles of the upper torso, intuitively causing the mind and body to work in harmony.

T.P.P. (Triangle of Putting Plains) Training Technique™ - assist golfers with Proper putting posture setup.

Putter for Life Program™ CSI Golf is going Green on the Greens withJunior Golf, re-shaft and fitting option every 2 -3 years as golfer develops.

BMR²- Putter Benefits:

Practice to Play™ functionality, combines Tour Quality Performance with, the

Most Effective Putting Training Aid available in the golf industry today.

USGA / R & A Compliant for tournament play under the Rule of Golf.

Designed to help golfers of every skill level, Develop, Improve or Perfect the mechanics and tempo of a consistent tuned putting stroke.

CSI Golf's PTT Technology has the endorsement of "Debbie O'Connell" a 2010 Golf Digest Top 50 LPGA Women's Teaching Prof's for our PTT Technology, Gradu-Weighted Training Ball System. This putting training aid system is being called the Best, Most Effective Putting Training Aid in the game.

Golfer of every skill level, who are serious about Improving their Putting Performance and Overall Game, needs to be practicing with CSI Golf's PTT Technology, Gradu-Weighted Training Ball Putting Performance System

"More Than A Training Aid System, It's Your Personal Putting Instructor"

About CSI Golf:

CSI Golf a division of C S Innovation, LLC established in June of 2004 by Craig L. Stingley to address the need for convenient methods of improving the putting stroke for golfers of every skill level with our exclusive P.T.T. Technology (Putting Tempo Tuning) our built-in putting training aid.

Tiger Woods to start 2011 at Torrey Pines

2011-01-19T12:35:00.003-05:00

Tiger Woods entered the Farmers Insurance Open on Wednesday. Woods has won the last v times he has played at Torrey Pines including the 2008 U.S. Open. Woods said on Twitter: “I’ve been working hard on my game, it’s game time hooah!!

The Farmers Insurance Open will be played on Jan 27-30 at Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA.

1968 - Martin Luther King's Prophetic Last speech - Remember

2011-01-17T04:03:00.000-05:00

2011-01-17T03:55:00.002-05:00

From the staff at the GolfWiz Blog. We would like to wish everyone a happy Martin Luther King Holiday.

The world is a better place because of his selfless dedciation to the fight for civil rights and equality for all.

Pocono Mountains to Host 20th Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament

2011-01-13T14:40:00.005-05:00

Pocono Mountains to Host 20th Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament at Lake Wallenpaupack on Sunday, January 30

The golf season returns from winter hiatus in the Pocono Mountains (800poconos.com) on Sunday, January 30 when the 20th Annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament takes place on the frozen fairways of Lake Wallenpaupack in Hawley, Pa.

The event -- which was started by local restaurant owners and is hosted by Ehrhardt's Waterfront Restaurant overlooking the lake -- has become a favorite of the many winter events held in the Pocono Mountains region.

For the golf enthusiast who can’t get away to somewhere warm, the Ice Tee Golf Tournament makes for a fun, great alternative,” said President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Carl Wilgus. “We’re very proud to see this special event reach its 20th anniversary. It’s a credit to the local organizing committee and community that participate in making it happen and continue to grow.”

Two nine-hole courses are created in the center of the lake, complete with Christmas-tree lined fairways and makeshift greens, water traps, obstacles and rough. Holes can be up to 130 yards long and golfers receive a colored golf ball, plus a scorecard and map illustrating the course layout. Each player is restricted to using two clubs and a putter for the event.

Golfers can also take their shot to win prizes in the "Closest to Wally the Snowman" long-drive contest as well as win awards for Wackiest Hat, Best Sled and others. The awards ceremony is held at Ehrhardt's Waterfront at 3 p.m., complete 50/50 raffles, giveaways and prize packages that will include accommodations at local resorts. There will also be an ice-carved bar that will offer full bar service.

Tee times run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and "green fees" are a non-refundable donation of $15 per person in advance or $20 on the day of the event. Hawley is less than 90 minutes from New York City, located in the northern region of the Poconos, near Scranton, Pa. The event is open to the public for both players and spectators, who are encouraged to take photos and videos of the event and post them at http://www.facebook.com/poconotourism.

A field of more than 200 golfers entered the tournament the last time it was held. Interested participants of any age are encouraged to secure registration forms, tee times at their earliest opportunity. Information and reservations can be made by calling the Pocono Lake Region Chamber at 570-226-3191 or visit www.lakeregioncc.com. For a complete list of activities throughout the Pocono Mountain region, please visit www.800poconos.com.

Story by:

James Weaver

Senior Travel Editor

GolfWiz Blog

RE: Sony Open in Hawaii Round !

2011-01-13T13:10:00.001-05:00

Sony Open plan is to play 1st rd on Friday, 2nd rd on Saturday, 36 holes on Sunday.

RE: Round 1 of the Sony Open In Hawaii Cancelled

2011-01-13T13:04:00.001-05:00

The First Round of the Sony Open in Hawaii has been cancelled due to rain. The course has been deemed "Unplayable". More updates later.

RE: Nike Golf Signs Joseph Bramlett

2011-01-12T13:16:00.004-05:00

Story Courtesy of Golf Press Association:

Bramlett makes his professional PGA Tour debut this week at the Sony Open
BEAVERTON, Ore. (January 10, 2011) - Nike Golf announced today the signing of Stanford alum and PGA Tour school graduate Joseph Bramlett. Bramlett finished tied for 16th at the grueling, six-round final stage of qualifying school and will make his professional debut as a Nike Golf athlete when he tees it up in the first round of the PGA Tour's Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Bramlett, a 22-year-old from Saratoga, California, has signed a multi-year agreement to represent Nike Golf in clubs, ball, footwear, glove, bag, apparel, headwear and accessories.

"I am very excited to begin my professional golf career as a Nike athlete," said Bramlett. "Nike equipment has been in my bag throughout my amateur and collegiate career and I believe strongly in its technology and performance."

Bramlett enjoyed an impressive career as an amateur; he became the youngest player to qualify for the US Amateur in 2002 at the age of 14 and was a member of the US team that participated in the 2002 World Junior Golf Cup. He was an all-American his freshman year at Stanford, where he helped lead the team to an NCAA title. He overcame two injuries to his wrist that nearly derailed his college career. Bramlett graduated from Stanford in less than four years and turned professional in the fall of 2010, earning his PGA Tour card this past December. He becomes the first athlete of African-American heritage to graduate from PGA Tour Qualifying school in 25 years.

On earning his PGA Tour card Bramlett stated, "This has been my dream since I was a little kid. Although I always had faith that this would happen, I am deeply humbled by the opportunity and challenges ahead."

"Joseph is a fine example of determination and will," said Mark Thaxton, Global Sports Marketing Director of Operations for Nike Golf. "We look forward to having Joseph on the PGA Tour this year representing Nike Golf."

Bramlett's Nike Golf Arsenal

* Driver: Nike Victory Red Tour 10.5 degrees
* Fairway Wood: Nike SQ II 3-wood/15 degree
* Hybrid: Nike SQ SUMO #2 hybrid/18 degree
* Irons: Nike VR Split Cavity (3 - PW)
* Wedges: Nike VR Forged 54 degree
* Ball: Nike ONE Tour D
* Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Collection
* Footwear: Nike Golf

2011-01-11T16:51:00.005-05:00

Jeff Rude of Golfweek reports that Professional Golfer Jim Thorpe will be granted an early release from a federal prison after being convicted and sentenced to 1-year in prison for tax evasion.

The Champions Tour has already cleared Thorpe to play after his release. The GolfWiz Blog wished Jim Thorpe the best in his future endeavors.

Bay Creek Golf Resort: Golfing Beside The Chesapeake Bay

2011-01-11T16:40:00.007-05:00

Bay Creek Nicklaus Course # 8

When two of the greatest golfers of the 20th century design courses side by side, its certain to offer players one the very best golfing experience to be had. That is exactly what Bay Creek Golf Resort in Cape Charles, Virginia, has -- an Arnold Palmer course and a Jack Nicholas course and they are spectacular.

Bay Creek is being developed by the award-winning Baymark Construction Corp., headed by Richard Foster. Foster has established a reputation for uncompromising quality and demanding standards. His communities balance the human need for "quality of life" with respect for the sensitivities of the natural environment of the Chesapeake Bay region.

Since its inception in 1980, Foster and Baymark Construction have received numerous awards for outstanding residential designs. In 2003, Bay Creek was chosen as one of "America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities" by Where to Retire magazine.

Located in the charming bay side community of Cape Charles, Virginia (just 10 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel Bridge) Bay Creek features a world class, full service marina, a fine restaurant, and shops. Kings Bay, a gated community overlooking the water (near the marina), is a colorful group of homes designed for vacation or year-round living. “Our architect wanted to create a West Indies’ look,” said Linda Buskey, Sales Manager, “and I believe he did just that.”

Adjacent to the golf courses is another established resort community, The Hollies. Property sales and construction has begun on a new development called Bayside Village near the golf courses. It will eventually have 135 homes, plus a community center, and direct access to over 2 miles of pristine beach. Eventually, Bay Creek plans to have 2,500 homes located at nine prime locations on the 1,700 plus acre property.

“It is highly unusual to have two signature courses at the same resort,” said Mark Wesolek,

General Manager. “but it offers players the very best options for an outstanding golfing experience.” “Actually, its four nine hole courses. Palmer and Nicholas were each invited to design one course on the water (bay) side and one on the land side. It gave each of these great players an opportunity to use their talents on entirely different landscapes and the results are amazing,” he said.

Great care has been taken to preserve the natural beauty of the area and the important habitat it provides for wildlife. In addition, Bay Creek’s developer Foster’s influence can be seen throughout. A avocational gardener, he was interested in introducing flowering plants so 50,000 roses, azaleas, and hydrangeas have been planted along cart paths and roadways.

An additional 5,000 new trees were planted anda full scale replica of a local lighthouse (long gone) was built. A smaller version of the lighthouse is located on a bridge over a large water hazard named the “Jack Nicholas Bridge.”

Palmer Course # 1

Arnold Palmer, puts the setting appropriately, "There's not a better place in the world to put a golf course and have it work as well as it has ... Bay Creek is a fantastic layout, one you'd never get tired of playing -- and that's the true measure of a great golf course."

Palmer's longtime design partner, Ed Seay. says, "Bay Creek's site was unusual for a couple reasons. First, because it's got a seaside location, which is extremely difficult to find these days--due to extensive development of prime coastal areas. Second, it gave us some natural sand dunes to work with -- and placing golf holes in between the natural dunes is, to me, the most ideal site in the world. Our biggest challenge was the protection and enhancement of the wetlands -- we had over a hundred acres to preserve at Bay Creek, and we were very careful with it." The Palmer course opened in 2005 and the Nicholas course a year later.

As Palmer said, “There’s not a better place in the world to put a golf course and have it work as well as it has … Bay Creek is a fantastic layout, one you’d never get tired of playing — and that’s the true measure of a great golf course.”

Bay Creek Marina

Story by:

James weaver

Golfwiz Blog

Senior Travel Writer

2011-01-04T14:07:00.010-05:00

Shawnee Inn

My first recollections of Shawnee Inn were the 1950’s CBS radio (and later television) broadcasts from there. Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians, a professional chorus, presented a live music variety show from the Pocono Mountain resort. Waring purchased Shawnee Inn in 1943 and used his broadcasts to help promote it. In addition to his music career and resort management, Waring was inventor of the Waring Blender, still a fixture in many bars, restaurants, and home kitchens.

This year Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort celebrates its 100th anniversary. A full schedule of centennial events are planned. Opened in 1911, it has seen many changes, but it has retained all its charm and beauty throughout the decades. Located on the banks of the Delaware River within easy reach of both New York City and Philadelphia it has been a favorite vacation

destination for thousands over the generations.

In the early years of the last century both the automobile and golf were both in their infancy.C.C. Worthington, a wealthy engineer and inventor, loved the Delaware River and the pristine natural beauty along its banks. He purchased a large parcel of land boarding the river and built a vacation home. An avid golfer, he established the Shawnee Country Club, a nine hole course (the first to be designed by famed golfer A. W. Tillinghast) nearby where he and his friends could play. In 1910, Worthington decided to build an inn to accommodate vacationing guests and a year later the Buckwood Inn opened. Fred Waring renamed it Shawnee Inn after he purchased the property. Originally it was just a summer resort, but later, with the growing popularity of winter sports, the Inn became a year round operation.

There are now three golf courses at Shawnee.The original nine hole, now called the Approach Course, is lighted for night golfing. There are also two 18 hole courses located on an island in the middle of the Delaware River which are accessed by a wooden bridge. Interestingly, the bridge is removed doing the winter, when the river sometimes freezes and the course is closed, to prevent damage. The Inn offers golf lessons at its Golf Academy and there is a driving range and, in front of the main entrance to the Inn, a practice putting green.

Worthington tried using a flock of sheep tokeep his fairways and greens trim, but the experiment failed. He solved the problem by inventing the first golf course mowing machine.

Worthington was a friend of many of the top golfers of the day and was instrumental in helping arrange a meeting in 1916 at which the Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA) was founded. Robert Wood, then superintendent at the Shawnee Country Club, was elected first president of the PGA and served until 1919.

In 1938, Shawnee Inn hosted a PGA championship tournament. Over the decades Shawnee has welcomed manygolf celebrities such as Sam Snead (once golf pro at Shawnee) and Arnold Palmer. Also, many popular entertainment icons including Jackie Gleason and Bob Hope have golfed here. Even President Dwight D. Eisenhower enjoyed a round or two at Shawnee.

Today, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort offers a great deal more. There is fine dining at the beautiful River Room where entrees include featured fish of the day, pork spare ribs, and grilled free-range chicken. The River Room Piano Bar & Lounge is another popular guest amenity. The Inn’s Gem & Keystone Brewpub offers delicious food and it’s own ShawneeCraft micro-brew beers and ales. Brewed at the resort they are “True to Nature and True to the Craft.” Arnold Palmer and Jackie Gleason

The name ShawneeCraft is also given an exclusive line of craftsmen style wooden furniture the Inn has developed. Handcrafted by Amish artisans, the furniture is on sale at the Shawnee Gallery or by mail or internet. The Inn’s Gallery also features a wide selection of creations by area artists and craftsmen. The Spa at Shawnee Inn is one of the finest in the Pocono Mountains offering a full range of treatments for relaxation and restoration.

The Shawnee Playhouse, located adjacent to the Inn, offers outstanding professional theater productions and musicals throughout the year. For a 2011 program schedule view their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.comDuring the winter months guests at the Innare only minutes away from Shawnee Mountain ski area. With 23 slopes and trails, plus two terrain parks, and a snowtubing park, it has lots to offer. Its longest trail is 5,100 feet and highest vertical drop 700 feet. Learn more at www. shawneemt.com

The Delaware River offers a full range of recreational activities for guests at the Inn.

Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, plus rafting and tubing are all possibilities. Shawnee River Adventures an outfitter located near the Inn can provide for all your needs. Swimming is available at a large outdoor pool (in season) and year-round at an indoor pool next to the Inn’s fitness center.

A full schedule of events are planned for the centennial year and can be viewed on line.

Learn more about the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort at www.shawneeinn.com and Pocono Mountain attractions at www.800poconos.com

Shawnee Ale

Jim Weaver

GolfWiz Blog

Senior Travel Writer

Where Are the Black Golfers

2010-12-16T17:50:00.002-05:00

Joseph Bramlett made a putt during the final stage on PGA Tour Qualifying School to become the 1^st African American golfer since Tiger Woods to earn a PGA Tour card. When Tiger Woods won the 1997 Masters Tournament there was speculation that professional golf would be flooded with African American golfers following in Tiger’s footsteps, but nothing could have been further from the truth. In reality, it has taken 13 years for a black golfer to earn a PGA Tour card since Tiger’s historic win at Augusta.

There is quite a bit of speculation as to why this invasion of black golfers failed to materialize. The answer is very simple. Young black golfers who possess the talent to play on the PGA and LPGA Tour lack access to the advanced training and instruction required to play golf on the highest level. Unless these talented black golfers receive the best training, top notch instruction, and get the opportunity to compete against the best competition, it might be 13 more years before a black golfer follows Joseph Bramlett on the PGA Tour.

The biggest misnomer about black golfers and professional golf is that the First Tee Program was established as a training ground for professional black golfers. Nothing could be further from the truth. The First Tee Program is a wonderful program that introduces youth of all races and backgrounds to the game of golf. The program also uses golf as a way to teach participants important life skills that will benefit them in the future. At its’ core the First Tee strives to create productive, responsible and well-rounded citizens, not professional golfers.

In order to see more black golfers out on the PGA and LPGA Tour, they must be provided with access to the best instruction and training available. A local teaching professional or golf coach doesn’t have the resources to help take a talented golfer to the level required to play professional golf. I have always been a proponent of supporting our own and the African American community should take a hard look at itself and look for a solution to this problem. Before we ask for help from other sources, let’s start by helping each other and making a commitment to get more black golfers into professional golf.

Edward Wanambwa

GolfWiz Blog

Editor

www.golfwriter.com

Buffalo Trace: The Hallmark Of Kentucky Bourbon

2010-12-16T16:24:00.005-05:00

If you think Kentucky is famous only for its horse racing and college basketball, you’ve missed a lot. It’s most famous product is Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. Known the world over for its fine quality, 95% of all bourbon is made in the Lexington, Kentucky, area. Here, a half dozen distilleries (all within an easy drive) have formed a “Kentucky Bourbon Trail” where visitors can spend a day or more visiting various facilities and learning about (and taste) Kentucky Bourbon. The trail consists of six well-known bourbon distilleries., Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve. See .

Buffalo Trace, a bourbon maker located near the state capital city of Frankfort, is the oldest continually distillery operating in the United States. Just a short distance from Lexington, it offers daily (except Sunday and holidays) tours of its operations. Buffalo Trace Distillery welcomes visitors for tours and shopping in our Visitor Center year-round. Gift Shop hours are

Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.Saturday: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tour hours are

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. departing every hour. For further information see: www.buffalotrace.com

According to historians whiskey and other distilled spirits, such as rum, played an important role in both the American colonies and in the new democratic union. As early as 1657, a rum distillery was operating in Boston. It was highly successful and within a generation the production of rum became colonial New England's largest and most prosperous industry.

Even before the American Revolution, whiskey had become the preferred way to use surplus grains in the frontier settlements west of the Appalachian Mountains. The expansion of a corn belt in Kentucky and Ohio had created a corn glut. It cost more to transport corn or grain than it could bring on the eastern markets, so farmers distilled it into "liquid assets" that could easily be shipped or bartered. Practically every farmer made whiskey.

A whiskey tax led to the first test of federal power, the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. It was put down by federal troops ordered in by President Washington. After serving as president, George Washington became probably the new nation's largest whiskey distiller.

Its believed by 1810 there were at least 2,000 distillers producing more than 1.76 million gallons of whiskey. Annual alcohol consumption (including wine, beer, etc.) may have been as high as 8 gallons per person. I’ll drink to that.

Story by:

James Weaver

GolfWiz Blog

Senior Travel Writer

Joseph Bramlett earns PGA Tour 2011 Card

2010-12-10T17:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Joseph Bramlett for his historic accomplishment.

Jason Sobel Story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=5892269

Arnie’s Hometown

2010-11-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

Latrobe Country Club

Someone once asked world famous golfer Arnold Palmer if he could choose anywhere he would want to live, where would it be. “That’s easy,” Palmer replied, “in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.” While many celebrity athletes choose to live far from the place of their childhood and youth, not Palmer. And the widely acclaimed champion golfer has defiantly left his mark on this modest steel town just 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh along U.S. Route 30, the old Lincoln Highway.

Set in the beautiful mountains of the Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, it’s the home of Latrobe Speciality Steel Company that produces high quality steel for the aerospace and technology markets. Saint Vincent College, a Benedictine school where the Pittsburgh Steelers hold their preseason training each summer, is located here, and its not far from Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater.

Latrobe was once home to Rolling Rock Beerbefore it was sold and moved to New Jersey, and the banana split (ice cream sundae) was invented here in 1904.In 1920, a group of local industrialists, bankers, and professional men formed the Latrobe Country Club and built a nine hole golf courseon 63 acres of rough, hilly terrain. Helping with the construction project was a local teenager Milfred J. Deacon “Deke” Palmer, who would later be hired as club superintendent in charge of keeping the course in good condition. When the club professional left a few years later, he is given this position as well.

Deacon’s young son Arnold would help his dad around the club and after members had finished for the day they would play a few holes of golf. Deacon had cut off a set of clubs to fit the youngster. The young Palmer plays golf at Latrobe High School losing only one match in four years and wins the Pennsylvania State Championship at age 17. He receives a golf scholarship to Wake Forest College in North Carolina winning a number of championships there.

After three years service with the U.S. Coast Guard, the talented young golfer wins his first the U.S. Amateur Championship at the Country Club of Detroit at Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, in 1954. In November of that year, Palmer turns professional and one month later marries Winnie Walzer. Soon the young couple acquire a pleasant six-room ranch house near the Latrobe Country Club.

Over the next few years he wins numerous professional tournaments and becomes one of the tour’s top money earners. Palmer wins The Masters Championship at Augusta, Georgia, (his first of four wins here) in 1958. Following his first Masters win he meets President Dwight D. Eisenhower who invites Palmer to golf with him. This begins a long series of friendly personal relationships with U.S. Presidents. One wall in his office reception area is devoted to photos and letters he has received from presidents over the years.

For Palmer’s 37th birthday his wife Winnie surprised him by secretly inviting the Eisenhowers (then retired in Gettysburg, PA) to visit for a weekend. The President with small suitcase in hand rings the doorbell and Winne sends her husband to answer it. Palmer is speachless as Eisenhower says, “Coulod you put up an old man for the night.”

In the early 1960s the Latrobe Country Club purchases additional adjacent land and Arnold Palmer and his father design and supervise construction of an additional nine hole course and improvements to the old course. In 1971, Palmer acquires full ownership of the Club. Many more improvements are made to the course and Club facilities and the 6,407 yard, par 72 course matures into a beautiful and challenging test of golf. Today Amy Saunders (Palmer’s daughter) and her husband Roy manage the Latrobe property as well as the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida, also owned by Palmer.

The greens are particularly difficult at the Latrobe Country Club. “Just the way Mr. Palmer likes them,” says Doc Giffin, Palmer’s long time assistant (a former sports writer for the Pittsburgh Press and later PGA tour media director). “They roll the greens here every day and they are exceptionally smooth and fast.”Palmer’s name can be seen in various locations

around Latrobe. There’s Arnold Palmer Drive, Arnold Palmer Motors (Buick and Cadillac), and Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. He owns and still flies a Cessna Citation X the fastest business jet.

Another place his name appears is at the Arnold Palmer Pavilion of the University of Pittsburgh Health Systems cancer hospital and research facility here. Palmer successfully battled cancer in the late 1990s and his first wife Winne died from cancer in 1999. Since then he has contributed millions toward research and treatment of the disease.

Near his home is a small white frame building with Palmer's familiar golf umbrella logo above the door. His office is located here along with displays of dozens of trophies, photos, awards, and letters. An oil portrait of Palmer by Norman Rockwell is here along with 15 covers from Sports Illustrated featuring the champion golfer. Mulligan, Palmer’s Golden Labrador, is a familiar sight around the building and grounds. Next to his office is a workshop where he works on his clubs for an hour or two almost every day.While the Latrobe Country Club is a private facility, there is plenty to do and see in the area.

Persons planning to visit here, should begin at http://www.laurelhighlandscvb.

Arnold Palmers Office

Reception Room Presidential Display

James Weaver

GolfWiz Blog

Senior Travel Writer

Ybor City, Tampa: Where Cigars Are Still King

2010-10-09T13:13:00.001-04:00

Story by: Jim Weaver

Travel Editor, New York Trend

At the turn of the 20th century, Tampa, Florida,was the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Ybor City, a section of Tampa located near the port,was the center of cigar manufacturing. High quality cigar tobacco was imported from Cuba and thousands of skilled workers hand rolled millions of fine cigars. Cigar smoking was popular and it was not until after the First World War that cigarettes became more fashionable. Gradually, over the decades, the cigar industrydeclined and what was once a prosperous part of the city declined with it.

One by one the cigar companies closed and the community, once a vibrant center of ethnic culture (Italian, German, Spanish, and Cuban), deteriorated. Then came the interstate highway. In the 1960s, Route I-4 (connecting Tampa with Orlando and Daytona) was built through Ybor City eliminating much of its residential housing.

In the past 20 years, however, Ybor City has made a spectacular comeback, and today it is once again an attractive, lively, welcoming community where locals and visitors can find a great mix of history, ethnic charm, and modern amenities. Today its a popular dining and night life destination. Most famous is the Columbia Restaurant, in business since 1905, and featuring fine Spanish cuisine and Flamenco dancers. The food and service here are exceptional. For authentic Cuban food visitors will want to try the popular La Tropicana. There are many other fine restaurants including the Acropolis Greek Tavern and Samurai Blue Sushi & Sake Bar.

While there are now three hotels in Ybor City,only one offers a taste of the Ybor’s glorious past. The Don Vincente de Ybor Historic Inn is a favorite for weddings, and many guests enjoy its charm and beauty, something often missing in modern hotels. Built in 1895, it was originally housed a land development company. It stood empty for several decades, before a multimillion dollar restoration brought back to its original glory. Today, the charming boutique hotel offers 16 guest rooms with elegant oriental rugs, ornate furniture, four-poster canopied beds, and white cast iron balconies. It is well located within an easy walk of restaurants, shops, and historic attractions and there is free parking on site.

While Ybor is an interesting place throughout the year, Aficionado Days celebrates Ybor’s

history as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Cigar smokers from all parts converge on Ybor to enjoy some of the finest hand rolled tobaccoavailable anywhere. Cigar making demonstrations are held and there are opportunities to learn about the finer points of cigar selection and smoking.

The upscale, two day event begins Saturday afternoon with a Tapas Trail visiting more than a dozen of Ybor’s fine dining establishments. This is followed by a PartySmoker at the historic Italian Club. Sunday brunch is held at the world famous Columbia Restaurant. There are a number of fine cigar shops in Ybor including King Carona, Tampa Sweathearts, El Sol, and Stogie Castillo, all offering a wide selection of fine cigars and smoking accessories.

Learn more at www.ybor.org and http://www.visittampabay.com

Tampa, Florida: Bern’s Winefest Is Florida’s Premier Wine Tasting Experience

2010-09-09T13:25:00.000-04:00

Story by:

James weaver

Travel Editor

New York Trends

Have you eaten a truly great steak lately? Or had a suburb glass of wine? What about a truly memorable dining experience? Sometimes you find the greatest things in unlikely places. Who would have thought that Tampa, Florida, would be home to one of the finest steak restaurants in America? Bern’s Steak House, in my mind, is the very best you’ll find anywhere. But Bern’s may be just as famous for its wine. With a wine cellar of a tens of thousands of bottles, it offers one of the largest and most extensive selection in the world. The wine list is bigger than a old family bible.

Each Spring for the past 13 years, Bern’s has hosted a wine festival to treat its guests to an extensive and remarkable selection of fine wines from across America and the world. The multi-day event draws thousands of guests both wine aficionados and those who simply enjoy an occasional glass of wine with dinner. There are many dozens of wineries presenting their finest vintage and hundreds of exceptional wines to choose from at the tastings and other festival events. The Winefest features several ticketed events including dinners, parties, and grand tasting.

Internationally recognized wine experts explain the qualities of each vintage and describe the range of perceived flavor, aroma and general characteristics. The five basic steps of tasting wine -- color, swirl, smell, taste, and savor are employed. During this process, the guests look for clarity, character, expressiveness, and complexity in each wine. When a wine is well balanced, it is said to have achieved a harmonious fusion. Its music to your palate.

A silent auction is held during Winefest where guests can bid on a fine selection of unusual and often rare wines. The proceeds go to the Bern’s Scholarship Fund. All wines served at the Winefest are available for purchase at Bern’sWine & Spirits, the restaurant’s retail outlet.

Known throughout the country for its extensive wine collection, perfectly aged and prepared steaks and famous dessert room, Bern’s offers its guests a world-class, incomparable dining experience. When Bern Laxer opened the restaurant in 1956, he envisioned Bern’s as Art in Steaks. It still is.

Today, son David Laxer and Chef de Cuisine Habteab Hamde continue Bern’s tradition of excellence with a gastronomic adventure that includes prime steaks cut-to-order, numerous choices of caviar, fresh seafood and organic vegetables grown on the Bern’s farm. The menu also boasts a weekly specials page offering fresh oysters, seasonal delights and entrees with suggested wine pairings.

For oenophiles (wine connoisseurs), the 6,500 label wine collection, a perennial Wine Spectator Grand Award winner, provides ample opportunity for exploration. After dinner, guests can relax and enjoy a Bern’s signature dessert or one of more than a thousand after-dinner spirits, wines, and cordial served in the unique dessert room constructed from old wine barrels. When you dine here be sure to ask for a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar (amazing).

Learn more at www.bernssteakhouse.com

Travelers to Tampa, Florida, should also view ww w.vis ittampabay.com

Sarasota, Florida: Home Of The Oldest Golf Course in America

2010-05-20T13:07:00.005-04:00

Several communities across

America

have claimed they were first to provide a golfing facility. The most popular of these claims comes from Yonkers, New York , where two gentlemen from Dunfermline,

Scotland

, Robert Lockhart and John Reid, constructed a three hole golfing ground in 1888. However, many Sarasotans disagree with the Yonkers claim and local historical records support their position.

In December 1885, John Hamilton Gillespie arrived in the southwest Florida fishing village of Sarasota. Gillespie brought his hickory golf sticks with him from

Scotland

and by May 1886 he had constructed a two hole golfing ground between what is now Main Street and Ringling Boulevard. By 1888 the number of golf holes increased to four and a practice range was added to the mix. This course increased to 9 holes and a clubhouse by 1901 and by 1906 a full 18 hole course was in operation two years before the Yonkers course.

Today, Bobby Jones Golf Club is a 45 hole municipal facility named for the legendary Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., who personally dedicated the course on Sunday, February 13, 1927.

The original 18 holes were designed in 1926 by the famed course architect Donald Ross. Nine additional holes were constructed in 1952 and another nine were added in 1967. The John H. Gillespie Executive Course was completed in 1977.

In 1930, Bobby Jones accomplished one of the most amazing feats in sports history, the Grand Slam of Golf. In honor of these championships the British Course front nine is named for his British Amateur victory at St. Andrews and the back nine for his British Open success at Hoylake. The American Course honors Jones' championships in the U.S. Amateur at Merion and the U.S. Open at Interlachen. Jones is the

During its eighty three years Bobby Jones courses have challenged such immortals as Walter Hagen, Tommy Armour, Gene Sarazen and even the "Babe", George Herman Ruth. In 1940 the longest playoff for a PGA event was held at both the Bobby Jones Course and nearby Sarabay C.C. when the PGA Seniors Championship tournament needed 36 playoff holes before Otto Hackbarth bested Jack Hutchinson 294 to 295. Past LPGA greats including Patty Berg, Babe Dedrickson Zaharias and Louise Suggs made Bobby Jones a regular tour stop in the mid 1950's. The current British Course record is 62 set by Sarasotan, Paul Azinger, in 1980.

Sarasota’s Bobby Jones Golf Complex attracts visitors from around the world who come to play the fairways and greens steeped in golfing history.

Learn more at www.bobbyjonesgolfclub.com and www.sarasotafl.org if you plan to visit the area.

James C. Weaver
jweaver35@comcast.net

Travel Editor
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