A Western Rush to Judgment on Tiger Woods Dubai?

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The story's been seized upon by western scribes of every stripe ... and it's still being rehashed and retweeted with surprising regularity.

It started with a piece by Lawrence Donegan which appeared Sunday,  in the Observer and on guardian.co.uk.  ~ Donegan writes of his visit to the site of the Tiger Woods Dubai golf course development, and in multiple, metaphorically-rich paragraphs, draws parallels between the current condition of the project and that of it's beleaguered designer.  The timing of events certainly lends itself to such parallels; Exactly one year ago Dubai's debt crisis and the Tiger Woods scandal came to light within 48 hours of each other. Both shocked the world, and in each case the ensuing year has been a tough one. 

As Donegan tells it, Tiger Woods Dubai is currently stalled.  The clubhouse remains a hollow facade and few of the planned luxury homes have even broken ground.  A six hole section of the course has reportedly been completed and requires massive amounts of water each month to sustain.  Several stark photos from Donegan's yfrog stream clearly testify to the lack of progress. 

However,  here's the thing: prosaic and engaging as the Lawrence Donegan's story is, it still strikes me as somewhat facile.  At times the tone is judgmental... almost sanctimonious... with undertones of "how the mighty have fallen" directed at both the golfer and the emirate.  One could almost come away with the impression that the struggling Tiger Woods Dubai is an anomaly cause by the irresponsible behavior of a few when in fact it's just one of a multitude of overly ambitious golf projects all over the world - conceived during "the bubble" and now on hold.

Like luxury golf development projects across the US and Europe, Tiger Woods Dubai may be stalled for a while... perhaps it'll be scaled back or maybe it will actually fall by the wayside.  We got no definitive answer from the Donegan story, because as yet, there isn't one.  What we did get was a trite retelling of "Tiger's demise" and multiple swipes at Dubai's unbridled excesses... as though the desert kingdom had the market cornered on conspicuous consumption. 

Perhaps I've just grown ultra-cynical but I can't help but think that this particular spin just made the most buzz-worthy retweetable marketable story.  As a writer myself, I know that's what I look for and I certainly don't reproach the talented Mr. Donegan.  What I found unsettling was the way this story was relentlessly rehashed, repeated and retweeted.  While Europe and the US face their own debt and unsustainability issues, it seems some are taking solace in the much more distant reversal of fortune happening in post-boom Dubai.

But I think it's important to keep things in perspective. To that end, have a look at this recent video taken by a tourist a week or so ago in downtown Dubai.  Despite the stagnation of certain projects, the city appears vital and exciting.  The country's commitment to golf is ongoing and effective as well, judging from last week's Dubai World Championship anid the impressive tournaments coming up.  And as far as Tiger Woods Dubai, I think it's premature to write it off just yet.

The Dubai World Championship Golf Shoe Statement

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Hip, street-inspired footwear like PUMA's Cell Fusion Golf Shoes and Ecco's Golf Streets have been infiltrating the sea of traditional saddle shoes for a while now,  however when the affable Oliver Wilson appeared in his glove shoes at the Dubai World Championship, there was considerable curiosity...  and some consternation from the media.

Golf 24 Seven called them "horrible" while The Press Association suggested that they were "probably the strangest golf shoes ever seen".  

What the former Ryder Cup player had on his feet were Vibram FiveFingers and they do in fact resemble gloves... for the feet... as each toe has its own individual pocket.  The resulting look is slightly reptilian... with a cartoonish quality. More whimsical than horrible in my opinion.   

Addressing questions about his curious kicks, Wilson explained that he'd been wearing the FiveFingers for about three weeks, inspired by his coach.  "I practice barefoot sometimes and swing it better... he revealed.  FiveFingers are said to allow the "sensation and freedom of going barefoot."

The engaging Englishman tweeted on Friday evening that he "had to resort back to the monkey shoes" ... and on Saturday he carded an impressive 68.

Personally, I'm quite intrigued with the barefooting concept.  Not necessarily for golf,  but definitely for kayaking and sailing, maybe the gym too.

In any case Oliver Wilson's Vibram FiveFingers will almost certainly be the strongest style statement to come out of the 2010 Dubai World Championship.

Photo: Ross Kinnaird / Getty Images Europe
Photo: Vibramfivefingers.com

Musings of a Golf Newbie - Frustration and Elation

By Jordan Farr
Over the past several weeks, I’ve become a true cheerleader for golf.

However, even though I’ve been playing more often, and spending hours at the range, I still... by most standards... suck.

Denying golf’s frustration is like... let’s see... it’s like denying a huge elephant which happens to be sitting in a barn with a bunch of small horses. Okay, that made absolutely no sense. What I’m saying is that I’ve discovered it’s useless to deny the frustrations of golf.

Speaking of frustration, it surprised me to see a number of brilliant … and seemingly established.... PGA and LPGA players heading back to Q School in hopes of regaining their tour cards. What could be more frustrating than that?

On a more... humble... level, I sometimes feel like my own frustration is nearly as epic that of the beleaguered Q School returnees, simply for because I allow it to get there.

When the swing I’ve (supposedly) been perfecting at the range produces only a series of awkward, ugly worm-burners on the golf course ...and the putts I focus on so intently just refuse to ever roll in.... I have an emotional response that involves anger and disappointment... and on occasion... a major meltdown.

Then, when I begin to play well, I get all nervous, “How will my next shot be? What if I can’t get past that damn sand trap and it ruins my best round ever!!!" Which inevitably leads to my classic newbie dilemma “WHAT CLUB DO I USE AGAIN?” All of these questions and concerns distract me from my game… and sometimes I feel like they’re ruining it... slowly and painfully.

Fortunately, there's a bright side. As in: I’m learning to marvel in my strengths and take joy in the good shots... however rare those may be at such an early stage in my golf love-affair. This naturally lowers my frustrations for when something does go awry. Setting small goals that will hopefully lead to my bigger ones, is another thing I’m trying to do.

And I’ve got to admit, by the end of each round or practice session... despite some inevitable frustration... I always seem to have a huge smile on my face because I got out there and worked on the game I’m growing to love.

Thanksgiving Outtakes and Hot Rickie Fowler

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My last few days have included nine holes of golf,  a modicum of writing and an inhabitual amount of time spent in the kitchen.  I made four pies and a massive amount of cranberry sauce.  I also rediscovered my amazing  collection of antique French silverware... and actually remembered why I collected it in the first place.



We're having Thanksgiving at our house for the first time in years... for a dozen people... and it's a  bigger deal than I remember.  Clearly, I've lost the Martha Stewart mojo I once had.

Anyway, we told you on Monday about Hot Rickie Fowler,  the drink we'd invented for our chilly days at the golf course.  Based on the celebrated "Arnold Palmer", this hot variation is inspired by one of our favorite new golfers: rookie star Rickie Fowler... and his predilection for the color orange.

To make a long story short,  Jordan and I planned to make a video about this awesome drink...and we attempted to do so... however my idiosyncratic assistant was having trouble pronouncing Rickie Fowler's name, if you can believe that concentrating, which resulted in  multiple takes.  Ultimately we ran out of time and the exhausted "Golf Girl Junior" had to head home.

So I made my own video which you can find on our Golf Girl Media facebook page with the recipe... and history.   In the meantime Jordan thought you might find our "blooper reel" um...pathetically amusing funny. 

Best wishes to all for a Happy Thanksgiving.

Rickie Fowler is Hot, Justin Bieber is Cool

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A few week's ago As you probably heard,  Justin Timberlake gave a unique shout-out to Rickie Fowler at his Shriners Hospitals for Children Open when he declared "Rickie Fowler is like -- I don't know, I think he's cooler than Justin Bieber." 

Well we beg to differ... somewhat... with that assessment.  As far as we're concerned Justin Bieber can keep "cool".  After all he won four awards at last night's AMAs including "Artist of the Year".

Rickie Fowler, on the other hand, is "hot".   With six top-10 finishes in 27 starts he's a leading contender for the PGA Tour's Rookie of the Year honors.  He's also universally regarded as one of the most charismatic players to come along in years decades. 

As if further proof was needed,  yesterday on the chilly fairways of Richter Park we warmed up with "Hot Rickie Fowler" and despite the extreme iciness had one of our best rounds of the season.

OK... as you probably surmised. "Hot Rickie Fowler" is a drink... a perfect one for a cold day on the golf course... show you how to make one in a video later today.  In the meantime, here's an awesome little clip that may appeal to fans of both the golf star and the pop star.

Musings of a Golf Newbie - Life & the Game

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By Jordan Farr

We've all heard that golf is a great metaphor for life.

At its most basic, it's the highs and the lows... and the ups and the downs... that can be compared. ~ And a bad break sometimes leads to a good outcome, both on the course and off.

Though there are choices in the way one proceeds... through the years, or down the fairway... in both golf and life there comes a time when you've got to play it from where it falls... and make the best of it. Then you hope like hell heck for the best possible outcome.

The most significant difference I see between golf and life is that in life, you only have one round to get it right... at least on this earth.

Sensationalist Story Surrounds Beirut Golf Course

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 When I was in Beirut for two weeks in the summer of 2005,  I spent each day on the beaches, basking in the Mediterranean sun and swimming in a swirling sea so blue it melded with the azure sky.

Our evenings were spent at outdoor eateries where, night after night, dozens of small dishes were delivered to our table, marking the start of another amazingly sumptuous feast.

I'd never played golf at that time, so had no reason to make my way to the Golf Club of Lebanon in the southern suburbs of the city.  Since I've become a golfer however,  I've often thought it would be awesome to go back to Beirut and play golf at the sun-drenched course adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea.

The 15 year long Lebanese Civil War ended in the early nineties, and though there have been conflicts since then, the country and it's warm resilient people have rebuilt... quite fabulously.  Not long ago The New York Times actually named Beirut the number one place to visit in the world. and a few days ago Forbes magazine noted that the city was "increasingly hip".  Myriad other pieces on tourism in and around the Lebanese capitol have similar things to say.

So this morning I was surprised to see articles concerning The Golf Club of Lebanon ... and suggesting that it's harboring a dark secret.  ~ The stories stem from a piece in The Independent by Middle East correspondent and author Robert Fisk, claiming that as many as 1,000 Palestinian civilians may have been buried under the course.  In a subsequent CNN report James Montague traveled to Beirut and The Golf Club of Lebanon and heard varying opinions on the veracity of the story.

 I'm in no way disputing these facts nor am minimising the tragedy of the lives lost during the fifteen year Lebanese civil war however I was dismayed at the tone of the reporting, which to me emphasised the sensational, and painted a picture of the golf course as an elitist enclave with little regard for the loss of life that occurred in it's shadow.

Meanwhile tourism is a vital industry for Lebanon and the Lebanese people as they work to maintain peace in a n area that's seen more than its share of strife.  Golf could someday figure into the picture.

As the club's president,  Jihad Husseini explained golf is still a tiny sport in Lebanon but one that's growing, thanks to $40 green fees and free lessons.  "We are teaching children free of charge in some schools, free lessons in the summer. This year we have more than 95 young people playing. Golf is gaining popularity slowly but surely."

Only Two Things - Who Wears the Golf Pants?

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...on BlogTalkRadio

Are women the new men?  It's a question being asked quite frequently these days.

Earlier this year women became the majority of the workforce for the first time in U.S. history.  Most managers are now women too. And for every two men who get a college degree this year, three women will do the same. 

Consulting firm 20 First recently reported the following data regarding upper income families:

• In 61 percent of wealthy households, the wife makes the family’s vacation decision, reports a Luxury Institute survey of women from households with annual income of at least $150,000

• Health care decisions, including choice of plans and providers,
  are the domain of women in 48 percent of wealthy households; a like share decide on home improvement purchases.

• 22 percent of married wealthy women make all of the family’s investment decisions on their own, with two-thirds saying such decisions are made on a couple basis

• Women choose automobiles and consumer electronics in 40 percent of wealthy households

• Women control family real estate decisions in 31 percent of households

So what were asking is, does this translate to golf... and is it connected in any way to  what's going on with the game today.



That's what we'll be talking about tonight on "Only Two Thing". We'll be broadcasting from 9:30 - 10:30PM ET. And you can weigh in on-air by using call-in number 917-889-9592. Or join the conversation in the chat room or on Twitter... or just listen at BlogTalkRadio. Talk to you tonight.

John Daly - Globetrotting US Golf Ambassador

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The past few weeks have brought us compelling golf... and entertaining golf stories... from all corners of the earth.

China inaugurated the celebrity-studded Mission Hills Star Trophy in Hainan and welcomed a stellar field of the world's top players to Shanghai, for the WGC- HSBC Champions.  Many of those stars then went on to play in Singapore or Australia, and some are now enroute to Hong Kong. Tiger Woods even squeezed in a charity event in Thailand along the way.

The top women golfers have been traveling as well. They've traversed Asia for competitions in South Korea, Malaysia and Japan.  This past week some headed to India while others jetted to Mexico.

Looking forward, the Middle East beckons, with the European Tour's Dubai World Championship and the LET's Dubai Ladies Masters both upcoming. 

"Global Golf" has officially become a buzz-phrase, and top players are making unexpected choices as to where they'll play in the future. Talk of an all-inclusive global golf tour is being heard more frequently as well.  Which brings me to John Daly... and a young man by the name of Alihan Afşar.

Like other professional golfers JD is traveling extensively these days.  While many US golfers played in Singapore, Australia and Orlando last week, Daly took his multi-chromatic, LoudMouth trousers to Antalya, Turkey for 2010 Beko Classic Pro-Am.

As usual, John kept his massive fan base informed throughout the trip with regular dispatches on Facebook and Twitter, often illustrated with shared snapshots.  And as always fans reacted on JD's Facebook wall... often by the hundreds... with question, comments and suggestions.   That's where I saw Mr. Afşar... who appears to be a golf-obsessed Turkish student... and his comment: "It was a great game, Mr. Daly".  Short and succinct,  yet heartfelt... and I definitely get the sense that the unconventional American golfer with the great, flowing swing and two majors under his belt, made an unforgettable impression on the young Turkish golf fan.  ~ Alihan Afşar's facebook status is currently set at "antalya walked with john daly".

John Daly is enormously popular in the US. To many American fans, he'll always be the "Wild Thing"; the one who plays by his own rules and isn't afraid to shake things up with the establishment.  ~ but his popularity overseas is also huge. From Scotland to Turkey... from Spain to Australia to South Korea... John Daly is seen as a "typical American" in the old-fashioned sense: consistently friendly, relaxed and down-to-earth... quick to smile, often self-effacing and always ready to help out with a cause. 

John Daly's two major victories are universally impressive, while his struggles with the game... and a couple of popular vices... are universally relate-able. The perfect balance of greatness and fallibility.

His delightful girlfriend Anna is almost always with him.  She's beautiful, has an amazing sense of humor and takes care of most of the photography duties on their global golf adventures. Anna is an awesome Ambassadoress.

The couple is in Hong Kong now where John will play in the  Hong Kong Open then it's on to Australia for the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship.   Meanwhile back in Turkey Alihan Afşar will be inspired by his memories of a day spent on the golf course with the affable golf ambassador.

Photos: via @PGA_JohnDaly

Laura Davies Shines in a Thrilling Indian Open Win

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2010 has turned out to be quite the year for Laura Davies.

In early September we saw her win the UNIQUA Open in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, becoming the oldest female player to win a professional tournament. On any tour, ever... then a couple of weeks later she broke her own record at the Open de España, her 76th career win... and this week, at the DLF Golf and Country Club, she proved what many golf fans suspected: that those September wins would by no means be her last.
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An electrifying eagle on the final hole put Ms. Davies into a four-way playoff at the HERO HONDA Women's Indian Open yesterday, which she won at the first hole. The duel involved Thailand's Nontaya Srisawang, South Africa's Tandi Cuningham and Sweden's Louise Friberg  and was described succinctly in India's Deccan Herald: 

Davies was two-on on the par-five 18th and two-putted for a birdie that gave her the title. Incidentally it was the same hole that resurrected her title hopes during regulation play when she eagled to keep herself afloat.


Nontaya was three-on and two putted for a par while the two other players Cuningham and Friberg hit their ball into the water.

The win came after a roller coaster week that toyed with the English champion in a number of ways.  From clubs that went AWOL en route to an ensuing customs conundrum and subsequent mad dash to make her opening tee time.  It an unsettling series of events and Davies' - 7 on Friday followed by a + 6 on Saturday seemingly reflected that.  The fact that she was able to pull together the goods to get into Sunday's playoff what makes her Laura Davies... and an inspiration to fans and aspiring golfers everywhere.

This is particularly true in India, where Davies played for the first time almost three years ago in the EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters.  Prior that the tournament she teamed up with one of India's rising stars Sharmila Nicollet... only 16 at the time... for a challenge match, which they won.  Back then the young Indian player spoke about how inspiring it was to play with the iconic English champion.

Yesterday in New Delhi, a more mature Nicollet returned a three-under 69, the best score of the day, to emerge as the best Indian player with a tied-23 finish.

Photo: via gulfnews.com - Laura Davies and Sharmilla Nicollet at the EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters in December 2007

Australian Masters - Sergio Garcia Girlfriend/Golf Update

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Sergio Garcia experienced quite a reversal of fortunes on the golf course yesterday.  A rain-soaked third round at Australian Masters resulted in a six-over 77, mirroring... and effectively nullifying... his six-under of Friday.

Hopefully what's happening off the course (romantically speaking) will be enough to erase all images of the inauspicious, water-logged round.

So... here's what I found out about the brunette beauty whose been seen on the Spaniard's arm these past several days:  Her name is Silvia.  Silvia... get this... Garcia.  - Yes, I know... if she happens to marry El Nino, she won't even have to change the name on her drivers licence... nor will she need to replace her monogrammed hand towels.

Anyway,  word has it she's studying for a Masters in Art and lives in the US.  And she's supposedly been dating Sergio for several months.  And... well...  that's about all I know as yet.

According to heraldsun.com sport's columnist Ron Reed, El Nino became increasingly testy as the ill-fated round progressed, and took off immediately after signing his card:

Garcia emerged from the scorer's hut saying, "I'm freezing", ignoring would-be interviewers and autograph hunters, and was in a courtesy car and on the way to somewhere warmer and drier barely a minute later. No other comment on his day was necessary.

Let's hope Silvia was waiting in the courtesy car, ready to help her sodden sweetheart forget about his hard day at the office.

Sergio Garcia - A Bogey Free Round & A Beautiful New Girlfriend

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Sergio is smiling again  ... and it's the exuberant, unrestrained smile we haven't seen on Señor Garcia for well over a year.

But, it was clearly back today at the The Australian Masters.  So much so that all my Aussie friends were talking about it. ~ They were also talking about his bogey-free round... and his gorgeous new girlfriend.

Round One... it has to be said... wasn't a great one for El Nino.  To the extent that, immediately after it, my friend Imre wrote, "the most excitement Sergio Garcia (+4) generated centered on his girlfriend, who strolled the fairways"

Well yes, as you can imagine, I was extremely mildly curious.   So I started looking around.  Before I got too far however, another friend, David Williams from Willow Golf, sent me some photos he'd taken, including the one at left... which certainly qualifies as cute.

I haven't found any additional details on the beautiful brunette yet, however as soon as I do I'll share them with you, and in the mean time, you can find another photo or two of her, in a more formal setting here.

Meanwhile Sergio's bogey-free 6-under 65... in brutal, ultra-windy conditions... was his lowest score this year and has him in contention as the weekend begins.

It alsp indicates to me that this sexy new "partner" may be just what the struggling Spaniard needed.

A Veteran's Day Salute to Bunkers in Baghdad

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Bunkers in Baghdad has been working for over two years to bring a recreational outlet and a taste of home to our our armed forces stationed around the world and veterans here in the United States.

To that end they've provided more than 1,000,000 golf balls and over 35,000 golf clubs. Recently they expanded their mission to include Wounded Warriors.

On veteran's day we'd like to thank Bunkers in Baghdad president Joe Hanna and his team... as well as their supporters and sponsors... for their dedication to this wonderful mission.

You can find out more about Bunkers in Baghdad and/or contribute to their cause here.

Awesome Abu Dhabi Attracts American Golfers

When talk turns to golf's global future...  which it often does these days... I immediately think of the 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. 

An amazing seventeen different nationalities were represented within the top twenty on the final round leaderboard... a group that included at least one player from every continent except... Antarctica! I wrote about the awesome event at length, because to me there was just so much about it that was exciting;  the sparkling desert venue, the unique events taking place in conjunction with the tournament and of course, the stellar field.  I wrote about the Middle Eastern golfers who were playing in the championship for the first time...  I also wrote about the tensions that had arisen when Anthony Kim and other PGA Tour players opted to play in Abu Dhabi rather than at the Bob Hope Classic.  ~ It looks like that particular issue might be back again in 2011.

Yesterday  Phil Mickelson declared that he'd be making his first competitive appearance in the Middle East to play in the Abu Dhabi Championship in January.  There'll probably be other US players making the same decision.

I'll keep you posted on that and on other events leading up to this fabulous tournament.   I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Azahara Munoz - Just the Latest Spanish Winner

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Sports-wise, Spain is on a roll.  So much so that some are calling the past few years a "Spanish sports Golden Age",  and there are solid reasons for such enthusiasm: A Spanish tennis player is number one in the world,  Spanish cyclists have won the past 5 Tours de France and Spain's team won the the 2010 FIFA World Cup... to name a few.  And now there's an impressive new Spanish winner in golf.

With two events left on the LPGA Tour 2010 schedule,  Spain’s Azahara Munoz has clinched Rookie of the Year.  The ASU grad... who happens to be ultra-pretty... has also been ultra-consistent on the golf course.  Her rookie campaign thus far includes two top-10 finishes and10 in the top 25, giving her an insurmountable 313-point lead for the title of "Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year".

The fact that Munoz was one of three Spanish rookies in contention for the title is a testament to the depth of women's golf talent coming out of Spain. Beatriz Recari, who won the CVS pharmacy LPGA Challenge, and Maria Hernandez are currently 3rd and 5th in the standings. 

It sounds to me like the "Spanish sports Golden Age" is in good hands.

Only Two Things - Of Women's Golf & The L Word

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Even in today's fast-paced, ever changing world, old perceptions sometimes linger long after they've been debunked.  This is never more apparent than when such perceptions reinforce a way of thinking that certain segments of our society are reluctant to abandon.

The perception I'm talking about here is that of the "mannish woman golfer" and beyond that, the idea that femininity and athletic excellence are mutually exclusive.

Today girls and young women who are just entering the game ... as players or as fans... may not even be aware of the reputation women's golf had in earlier decades.  This was made clear to me when I asked Jordan... my talented and versatile assistant... to research the topic for tonight's show. 

Jordan is new to golf and described her perception of professional women golfers as "a group of talented athletes who are for the most part quite glamorous and very feminine".  She'd never heard the expression "dykes on spikes" and said it never occurred to her that the L in LPGA stood for anything other than... Ladies.  When she began her research however,  she came upon a slew of articles, posts and forum conversations that seem to indicate those old perceptions are still around.

What to you think? Is women's professional golf still affected by a gay stereotype? Do old perceptions have an effect on today's sponsorships? Are these stereotypes being perpetuated by a certain "salaciousness-seeking" male media?

That's what we'll be talking about tonight on "Only Two Things". We'll be broadcasting from 9:30 - 10:30PM ET. And you can weigh in on-air by using call-in number 917-889-9592. Or join the conversation in the chat room or on Twitter... or just listen at BlogTalkRadio. Talk to you tonight.

My Top 5 Golf Trophies - Weird & Wonderful

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By Jordan Farr aka Golf Girl Junior

Golf Girl, has been on the road a bit recently, so I’ve spent the past few days manning the Golf Girl Media offices. ~ My responsibilities have consisted of Facebook um, work (insert reminder to “like” our page here), singing, and of course...Golf Girl Media-related research. During that feverish research I happened upon an article on The 5 worst golf tournament prizes.

Number one on the list was “Anything Tartan”
Damn!
Darn! I was going to make Golf Girl's Little Tartan Book a prize for my next golf related contest! ~ The funniest prize of the five is a forlorn looking trophy some sadistic organization gives to the losing team. For a consolation prize, it doesn’t look very consoling.

Anyway, this rouges gallery of tournament prizes got me to thinking of the sometimes... um...idiosyncratic trophies awarded at professional tournaments. And I thought it might be a good idea to do my own "top five list" of those. Brent Kelly, one of our favorite golf bloggers, has already created a full gallery of unusual golf trophies over at About.com:GOLF. I took my choices from there:

Golf Girl Junior’s Top 5 Most Awesome Golf Trophies
1. On the top of my list is a trophy that probably looks quite familiar to you. That’s because it was recently awarded to the youngest golfer ever to win a European Tour event. Yep, that’s Matteo Manassero proudly posing with Mr. Potato Head...oh, I mean with the Castello Masters trophy. ~ The adorable little guy (the trophy, I mean) is perpetually giving us the “thumbs up” sign, and as one observer noticed, looks kind of like “an m&m in drag”. In any case, it’s so wild, cute, and fun... it always makes me smile, and that’s what earned it the top spot on my list.

2. Jovial Jason Gore scored an extra birdie with his first and only PGA Tour win. It was at the 2005 84 Lumber Classic, a tournament which is no more. ~ And you know how they say that dog owners sometimes tend to resemble their dogs? Could that also be true with PGA tour winners and their trophies? I don’t know, in any case, the portly pigeon looks to be ready and waiting for the customary kiss from Jason.

3. Here’s a little known fact: I had the same gym teacher as the awesome Meghan Francella. Unfortunately, I didn’t have half the athletic abiltity, thus Ms. F is playing golf... while I’m writing about it. My “player envy” doest’t stop me from being a huge fan however, and I remember being delighted when I heard she’d won the LPGA MasterCard Classic in 2007. The trophy doesn’t look very trophy-like though. In fact, it looks like a 3-wood with two undulating shafts... and it looks like it’s trying to take Meghan’s hat off. Maybe it’s just getting ready to assume its new life as a hat rack? I love trophies that multi-task.

4. Golf Girl keeps saying we’ve got to do some more video for our website. Well, the look on my face when I saw Austrian Markus Brier holding the BC-CA Golf Open trophy would have been perfect for our behind the scenes footage! He won it in his own country, in 2006, and I don’t know what you think, but I’m convinced the trophy is meant to come out of the tube... thing. ~ Pssst: Marcus, the plastic stuff is packaging - just throw it away.


5. Now... THAT is a TROPHY! I’ll bet Rory Mcilroy had to expand his trophy cabinet when he won it, wouldn’t you say? It was at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic and when I go pro I am SO going to try to win that one... and I too will expand my very small trophy cabinet... OK, my non-existent trophy cabinet.

Well, those are my personal favorites, however there are many more, and they’re all very... unique. So definitely check out the gallery of Unusual Golf Trophies at About.com:GOLF. Also, stop by our Golf Girl Media Facebook page later this week for our amazing “Design Your Own Golf Trophy” contest. BTW, the prizes are going to be awesome.

Photos: Getty Images via About.com:GOLF

Also of note trophy-wise: Each of the World Golf Classic events boasts its own distinctive Wedgwood trophy and each cup is named after a famous golfer.

Francesco Molinari's Cool Tramples Italian Stereotypes

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The stereotypes are well known, thanks to myriad films and a host of television shows.  

They suggest that Italians are overly-emotional, ultra-demonstrative and flamboyantly melodramatic; likely to celebrate the smallest victory with a conspicuous show of bravado... and just as likely to melt down at the mere hint of defeat.

Francesco Molinari didn't get much of chance to disprove the cliche about defeat at WGC-HSBC Championship... he spent the entire weekend in the lead, culminating in a bogey-free final round yesterday.  However,  he sure put a dent in the myth of the Italian drama llama. 

The younger Molinari brother... today's his 28th birthday... won the tournament in an amazing battle with world number one,  Lee Westwood,  and he did so without so much as a vigorous fist pump.

Westwood kept the pressure on throughout, too... till the bitter end... matching Molinari's score yesterday, with a bogey-free 67 of his own.  But the Italian hardly seemed to notice as he pressed on calmly.  Not everyone appreciated the supreme Molinari cool.  At the par four 13th hole on Saturday,   he used his seven-iron from 155 yards out and ended up in the hole for an eagle two.  His reaction to the feat was understated to say the least, provoking Shane Bacon, (one of my all-time favorite golf writers to tweet), "Does no PGA Tour player celebrate hole outs anymore? Francesco Molinari just looked like someone gave him a toothpick, not an eagle." 

Then there was the post at sports betting blog, SportsUntapped.com, entitled Success for Francesco Molinari is Bad for Golf.  There the premise was that Molinari's lack of visible emotion made his spectacular game quite dull, and added to golf's reputation as a most boring sport.  The day's trophy winner was then equated with a zombie.

Of course Mr. Molinari isn't the first golf champion to be criticized for not being responsive enough.  I've heard people say Cristie Kerr is "too focused" ... and prior to his scandal, Tiger Woods was often described as boring and robotic. But they're not Italian.

Italian golf champion Constantino Rocca's awesome celebration of the 65-foot birdie put that forced an Open Championship play off with John Daly in 1995 is remembered as one of the most memorable displays of emotion in golf history,  and perhaps there was an expectation that Mr. Molinari's "Italian demonstrativeness" would light up the course as he battled towards his first European Tour win since the 2006 Italian Open.  Instead his superlative golf that did... without so much as a double fist pump, a high five or a "Boom Baby" to mark the high points.

Stereotypes, one must remember, are just standardized, simplified generalizations about certain groups of people, based on prior assumptions.  In the same way Irish aren't all big drinkers, Blondes aren't uniformly dumb and cops don't always like doughnuts,  Italians can be very reserved on the golf course.  Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing the understated Mr. Molinari win again soon.

Photos: Getty Images

Golf Refugees - Black Balls, BinBags & Bathing Suits

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With just a passing reference to the brass monkey weather that's descended on much of the Northern Hemisphere, the fine gentlemen at Golf Refugees are presenting... bathing costumes.

Yes... swimsuits.  They've done just two designs so far, and each is quite awesome. One is based on graffiti, the kind you find on... old abandoned subway cars?  The other features symmetrical rows of Golf Refugee's distinctive black balls.  Both are one piece, classic, and the kind of suit you can swim in. While the styling is edgy and urban, the suits are infinitely wearable. How perfect is that?

Personally though, I'm not surprised.  I've been following Golf Refugees for a while now and have long admired their innovative, unapologetic, alternative approach to golf apparel and accessories.

Their binbag, in fact,  is one of the most awesome and innovative golf inventions ever.  In history.  It's an ultra-light, disposable  Sunday bag,  and it's what I'll be using... from now till the CT courses close for winter...  to carry my reduced arsenal of three woods, two irons, wedge and putter.

I love the Golf Refugees shirt designs too.  Both T-Shirts and Polo Shirts are available  in 100% organic cotton.  Check out their site, in addition to their awesome products they've got a great back story.

Right now however, I've got to admit,  those bathing costumes have me looking forward to warm weather before the winter's even begun.

Golf Giving - October is Over but Golf Gives On

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By Jordan Farr aka Golf Girl Junior

OK, what happened to October?

I just looked at the calendar noticed it was gone. Over. Finito. And it took four November days with it.

I guess I'm getting old because I'm thinking: it seems like the days just flew off the calender ...and I'm sure I remember my grandmother saying stuff just like that. ~ Actually, you certainly remember may remember I celebrated my 23rd birthday back on the 14th. Belated thanks for all the warm well-wishes. That was an early highlight.

Then there were multiple visits to NYC, for previews of some amazing golf fashion lines, and afternoons spent at Winged Foot, Quaker Ridge and The Norfolk Country Club getting acquainted with the aesthetics and idiosyncrasies of A.W.Tillinghast.  Yes, October was a blur, but a pretty wonderful one.

Also, October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and that too flew by, but fortunately, the mission behind it goes on all year and to that end here at GGM... and throughout the golf world... efforts will continue to raise funds and awareness for this cause. Some of the things we'll be involved with throughout the coming twelve months are:

Cristie Kerr's Birdies for Breast Cancer

Sweet Spot Golf's Breast Cancer Initiatives

G Women Magazine's Breast Cancer Initiatives 

There are all sorts of ways to give through golf, and all kinds of causes too.  You can find many of them listed at GolfCharity.net .  October may be over but it still feels great to give.

Only Two Things - Short Hitters, Big Drivers & Sexism

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The photo's been confronting me for a couple of weeks now and I'm getting a bit really tired of it.

Now if you know me, you've probably noticed that I'm not particularly sensitive to many images and ideas that are deemed to be "sexist".  

I readily acknowledge that many sexual stereotypes are based on actual behavior, and whether the behavior is culturally imposed or genetically dictated, the results can be endlessly funny.  The fact is, as much as I hate housework,  I've been know to laugh at jokes that compare women with washing machines as long as they're told with a modicum of cleverness, class or taste.

And perhaps that's what I find so annoying, obnoxious, unfunny about "Tired of being a short hitter?" and the accompanying photo, in Golf Digest's November issue. 
    
Let me be clear there are lots of things I love about Golf Digest: their superlative travel stories... like Dom Furor's about playing golf in the Himalayas...  and their uniquely informed articles on golf history come immediately to mind.  ~ And because the readership of Golf Digest is approximately 94% male,  I understand that the editorial content... instructional articles, equipment reviews, news from the professional tours... as well as the flavor... design, humor, writing style... will naturally reflect a male sensibility. 

However, I feel that this particular piece, goes beyond "typical male humor" and veers perilously close to degrading, desperate and mean-spirited.  And I'm guessing it was at least mildly offensive to most men as well as to women. The article is not available online at this point, but I've spoken to a wide cross-section of golf acquaintences, male and female, who receive the print publication, and they all concurred (except for the one we affectionately call "Neanderthal Ned").

Numerous bloggers... including the awesome Emily Kay... weighed-in on the... um... tone-deaf, awkwardness of the story, and letter's to editor reflected a collective incredulity and disappointment, which brings us to the subject of tonight's show: Golf Digest's dude in pink and pearls: does anyone find it funny?   And was the editor's response to the criticism somewhat dismissive... or is this all just a typical Venus-to-Mars overreaction?  That's what we'll be talking about tonight Only Two Things.  You can join the conversation too... on-air... by using our call-in number, which is: 917-889-9592.  Or weigh in at the chat room or on Twitter... or just have a listen at Blog Talk Radio. We'll be live from 9:30 - 10:30 ET.

Joakim Noah's Double-Double Golf Fashion Faux Pas

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In basketball news the Bulls beat the Blazers last night, in a game highlighted by Luol Deng's career-high 40 points and Derrick Rose's 13 assists.  Also of note within the impressive team effort were Joakim Noah's 10 points, 10 rebounds; his third straight double-double.

Off the court Mr. Noah is a colorful and controversial figure who's had a couple of run-ins with the law.  In fact several weeks ago the sartorially singular young man made the Golf Fashion Police Blotter with a double-double golf fashion faux-pas of epic proportions.

Below, courtesy of the awesome and award-winning GolfChicagoTV, is a glimpse of the action at the Chicago Bulls - Verizon Wireless Charity Golf Outing, where Joakim Noah's dubious golf outfit was proudly displayed.

And I'll leave it to you to do the double-double break-down to you.

Global Golf - France & Denmark Shine in Argentina

Any doubts about golf's global reach have got to be fading fast.

In a week that saw the international stars of the game playing in events across Asia, what was probably the week's most remarkable event from a global golf standpoint, was the World Amateur Team Championship which took place on the southeastern coast of the South American continent in Argentina.

With a 50 foot birdie putt on the 17th hole at Buenos Aires Golf Club,  French amateur champion Alexander Levy sealed the deal on his country's first World Amateur Team Championship.  It was a spectacular way for France to claim their maiden gold medal and the Eisenhower Trophy.

Also impressive was the performance of Denmark who held the 36 hole lead but ultimately finished four shots back, earning their first WATC medal, a silver. In addition, the individual competition was dominated by Denmark's Joachim Hansen.

The US team placed third, one shot behind Denmark, after a valiant final nine charge.  GolfWeek's Sean Martin  provides the exciting details.

Treacherous spring weather caused play to be suspended twice on Friday.  This shortened the tournament... which is played over two different courses... to 54 holes, and led to some controversy regarding the best way to handle such delays, however I'm quite certain it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the French team and their fans.

The French bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup will undoubtedly sweetened by their World Amateur Team Championship victory... and the 50 foot putt that clinched it.  

Photos: USGA via iseekgolf.com