Who would win the War

I decided to take a unique perspective with respect to golf equipment to make the decision a much easier one for you, the ever so gullible consumer. New toys are synonymous with golf which fortunately for the manufacturers is riddled with overpaid and underappreciated spouses who have little else to do but spend their fairly easily earned money in hopes that they may just suddenly figure it out. Every so often I'll put two different and popular products to battle and see whose left standing at the end. All of this is of course in my opinion only, which means it's 100% accurate.

THIS WEE - DRIVERS

Taylor Made R9 vs. Callaway FT-9

Taylor Made, the self-proclaimed king of the metal wood is back in 2009 with the R9. If you're one of the many who enjoy drivers that offer adjustability then this may be for you. Evidently it has more performance enhancing features than ever. Along with their standart weight movement technology, they've added new Flight Control Technology (FCT) that allows for eight different clubhead positions to fine tune face angle, lie and loft. It has a bunch of other shit that you'll love, and will make little difference to your game. If you decide this is the stick for you, don't lose the torque wrench or getting a new one will cost you.

Not to be outdone Callaway has introduced the new FT-9 this season. It did wonders for Phil Mickelson in last week's Buick Invitational. As a sneak peak, don't miss out on the FT-11 early next season, and the FT-13 the following spring. You heard it hear first. With Draw and Neutral options available the FT-9's Hyperbolic Face Technology have increased ball speeds over the entire face. This shit is space age. I could get into all the other jargon that Callaway spits at you on their website and in their marketing, but really who cares. It's new, so you should buy it.

Reverend says - The FT-5 kicked ass, so I'm putting my money on the FT-9, screw the torque wrench shit. FT-9 in a walk.

Catching Up

It's been a busy week and my microscopic corner of the interweb was unusually quiet. With that in mind, and not a lot of time it's important that note a few thoughts before coming back on the weekend with actual substance.

1. Daniel Chopra sucks. Yes it's true. Last year's Mercedes Champion and almost certain, "can't miss" rising star has lost it. He's withdrawn from this years Buick Invitational after posting a first round 76. This is coming off the heels of three missed cuts in four starts in 2009, and being cut in the last 6 of 7 events in 2008. Time for a swing change.

2. Phil Mickelson just doesn't give a fuck. He doesn't care what the safe play is. He doesn't care if driver off the deck is the wrong choice. He's going to hit it anyway. You know what, good for him.

3. Bring back Zinger! Nick Faldo is an idiot.

We'll talk more this weekend...

Big Names are Lackluster

On a weekend that saw one of the better Super Bowls of the past decade (so I hear) many of the big ticket names at the FBR were left to watch the game with the millions of others come Sunday.

Phil Mickelson who chose to make the FBR his first event of the season and was the odds-on favorite played like a complete hack on route to missing the cut emphatically. Mickelson looked completely out of sorts and struggled with his swing most of Thursday and Friday. Saying he thought he didn't hit the ball that badly made him seem all the more stupid. Just tell us how it is, you sucked.

Anthony Kim although not quite as bad, was still quite poor. One has to wonder if there is more to this shoulder thing than meets the eye, or if it was just one of those weeks. Kim seemed to spend more time looking for balls in the desert and seeking rules advice than he did making birdies. The next few events will tell us just how bad (or not) the shoulder is.

Camillo Villegas also spent Sunday hanging out and enjoying the eight hour Super Bowl pre-game shows. Villegas struggled most of Thursday and Friday, but managed to hold it together just enough to get to #18 Friday on the number. He then proceeded to vomit his way to a bogey thus missing the cut by one.

Defending champion J.B. Holmes came out of the gate strong and looked like he was poised to make a run at the title again. He came out on fire posting a five under 31 on his first nine. From there he played the last 27 holes in nine over on route to missing the cut. Great performance.

Other notables deciding not to show up included, Justin Leonard, Stephen Ames, Charles Howell, Brandt Snedeker, Ryuji Imada, Stewart Cink, Mike Weir, Stuart Appleby, Steve Stricker, Ken Duke and Steve Marino. Well, at least James Nitties, Scott Piercy and Charlie Hoffman had good weeks. Someone needs to tell Hoffman how much of a clown he looks like and do something about that mop. That's entirely why he lost the playoff, because his hair...is worthless.

An Important random thought

Hey, it's Superbowl Sunday this weekend. WHO GIVES A SHIT!?!?

I'm quite sure that half of the bozo's who host/throw idiot Super Bowl parties are marginal NFL fans at best. However, given the chance to throw a sausage fest of a party with beer, nachos and completely un-skilled poker who wouldn't jump at the chance?

Go Ryan Moore!

2009 Canadian Course Reviews - Part 3

#9 St. Georges Golf & Country Club

February is almost here. You know what that means? Only two more months until we'll be out there with no timing, feel or swing for that matter. I can't wait. In this installment of my course reviews I decided to review the Top three courses on the Score Golf's Top 100 list. Although they are pretty tough to get onto unless you know someone, I suggest you try your best. In my opinion these really are the best golf experiences our country has to offer.

Hamilton Golf and Country Club - Since 1894 Hamilton has been one of the very best private clubs in the country. Re-located and re-designed by Harry Colt in 1914 Hamilton re-opened in 1916 and hasn't looked back since. Construction on a new nine holes began in 1973 and was completed a year later. With the addition of the "new nine" some changes were made to the old course and the courses were renamed for playing purposes, East, West and South. Hamilton has held a variety of major events recently hosting the 2003 Canadian Open. The course received rave reviews by the players, and for good reason. It's one of the very best Parkland style golf course you'll ever play.

St. Georges Golf and Country Club - St. Georges is my favorite course in the country. I've played hundreds, and it still is the one I most enjoy. Opened in 1929 St. Georges has been host to the Canadian Open four times, and the LPGA Classic five. The Canadian Open will again be held at St. Georges again in 2010. I'm positive it will receive similar reviews from the players like those from Hamilton. It's a simply stunning Golf course, on a simply stunning piece of property. Playing 7025 yards from the tips at a par of 71, you're sure to be challenged here no matter your skill level. It's impossible for me to even pick a favorite hole as they're all so good. It's no wonder there is a seven year waiting list for a golf membership there. I'm often a fan of Stanley Thompson designs, but this one is pure genius. I'd rank it number one every year if I had a vote, though it being in the top three pretty much every year should tell you something. I've never met someone who didn't enjoy this track.

The National Golf Club of Canada - If you enjoy punishment, then you'll enjoy your round here. The National is one of the toughest courses I've ever played, period. True I played it from the back, but it just wears you down. Everything is placed exactly where it should be. Bunkers are in perfect spots. The greens are as true as anything I've ever putt on, and the condition of the course is always spectacular. Yes, it's difficult to get onto, but worth trying to just once. I don't think I'd have the stomach to play this course every day. Anyone who loves golf though, will appreciate this piece of land.

There's a reason these three gems are always at the top of the rankings. You can't find better courses anywhere in the country. There are dozens of amazing clubs, but these stand head and shoulders above the rest. If you haven't already, make the trip and see for yourself.