By KrisF on 5/30/2009

When golfers have fewer dollars to play with, golf courses compete more and more to get business.  This year has been very interesting when it comes to specials at golf courses around the region. Another great offer came across my desk just the other day.  This time, the special was for Eagle's Landing (in Clackamas, Oregon). The 27-hole executive course has become a favorite of those looking to get out and play a few quick holes or to practice their short games.  There's also a nice little miniature golf course to enjoy. In addition to adding longer summer hours, the course is offering greens fees of $5 per nine before noon (Monday thru Thursday).  That's a pretty darn good price to get out and hit the sticks and putt on some nice greens. So if  you don't have the time to get out and play a full round, sneak out of work for a bit one morning and take in the breathtaking views from Eagles Landing Golf Course.  If you don't live in the Portland area, look around and you're sure to find great specials...

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By KrisF on 5/28/2009

I read an article the other day about tournament preparation.  It was interesting in that it focused on the fact that there's no difference between competitive and recreation golf, the only thing that changes is your mental outlook. Very true. That got me thinking about all the tour professionals out there that spend a lot of time working on the mental aspects of their game.  It's not quite like Roy McIlvoy in Tin Cup; the world's best work with sport specific doctors to make sure they're in the right frame of mind when the money's on the line. At this week's Colonial, one of the top names in sports psychology is working the driving range.  Dr. Lanny Bassham works with guys like Rory Sabbatini (last week's TOUR winner), Justin Leonard, Ben Crane and Jerry Kelly to prepare them for the rigors of tournament golf.  The funny thing is that he doesn't play the game. That's right, Dr. Bassham says that playing golf would destory his ability to coach professionals in the mental aspects of the game.  He'd be too close to it.  So your next question is, 'what does he know.'...

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By KrisF on 5/26/2009

Since I've been unable to get out and swing a club over the last few days, I've spent a little bit of time catching up on email.  I recently received an email from Cleveland Golf inviting me to check out their new social network, Team Red Golf. Normally, I'd ignore such a request. Since I'm such a Cleveland fan, though, I used some of my spare time to check the site out.  For once, I'm actually glad I joined. The site is dedicated to fans of Cleveland, Srixon, Never Compromise and Cleveland Classics.  It's chock full of special announcements and news that only members can get to.  There are lessons from Cleveland-Srixon professionals and even special contests.  Not bad for a new site. As with any good social networking site, there are also blogs and forums so users can interact with one another. If you're partial at all to any of the brands listed above or you're a fan of guys like Vijay Singh or Jim Furyk, TeamRedGolf.com is worth a look. ...

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By KrisF on 5/24/2009

Throughout the Northwest, the weather forecast for Memorial Weekend was incredible.  Three straight days of sunshine and warm temperatures.  Needless to say, I had plenty of golf lined up with a tournament over the weekend and a round with friends on Monday. I realize that it's only Sunday, but all those golf dreams were dashed in a brief instant Friday night.  Indoor soccer never seemed like a bad idea to me.  I play every Friday night with my wife and some friends.  No big deal.  This Friday, though, I took a shot on goal and went down to a torn hip flexor.  Believe me, it hurt, a lot. Oddly enough, I wasn't that upset by the pain.  The first thing that went through my mind -- after I dragged myself off the field --  was that I had just wasted three days of golf.  It wasn't until I was sitting in the emergency room that I was upset over potentially wasting an entire Summer of golf. Fortunately, it looks like I'm only going to be out for a couple of weeks, provided I stick to the recommended rehabilition...

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By KrisF on 5/22/2009

I got the opportunity to play in NewsRadio 750 KXL's Golfing for the Guard tournament yesterday.  It's the Portland radio station's annual event to benefit the scholarship fund for the Oregon National Guard. Normally, I avoid charity scrambles like the plague.  I'm more than happy to donate to them, but I just don't really enjoy playing.  As a sponsor this year, I was convinced to play by a friend of mine at the station.  I'm happy to say that we had a great time. The unique thing about Golfing for the Guard is that four-man team is given a fifth player who's a member of the Guard.  We had a really good time talking about his duties in the Guard and about the ways people have been supporting them.  I'm not ready to say that this year's event entirely changed my outlook on scrambles, but it did show me that, given the right combination of players, the occasional charity event could be a lot of fun.  I know I'll be back again next year as both a sponsor and a player. ...

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