August Newsletter

The 2011 PGA Championship: Welcome to Hotlanta

Martin Kaymer returns to the United States this month to defend his PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club. That’s his immediate goal but like so many golfers he fast forwards to 2016. That’s when golf will become an Olympic sport again at the Summer Games in Brazil.
“I think for me to represent Germany in the Olympics in 2016, it doesn't really get bigger than that, to travel there with all the other German athletes and live in the village with them,” Kaymer said in the build-up to the PGA Championship.
“I think for an athlete it doesn't get better than being up there on the stand and having the Gold Medal in your hand because that is something you achieve not only for yourself but it's what you did for your country.”
Kaymer captured the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in a playoff against Bubba Watson after Dustin Johnson was penalized for grounding his club in a sand bunker. Kaymer’s first victory catapulted the young German to No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking for a short time before Lee Westwood and, later, Luke Donald eclipsed him. And being passed is quite all right for Kaymer.
“I think it's great for the game of golf to have worldwide players up there,” said Kaymer, who is ready for the searing summer temperatures in Hotlanta. “There used to be only Tiger and Phil, No. 1 and 2, for many, many years, and now it's changing kind of like every week, every month.
“Everything started when Padraig Harrington won in America (at the 2008 PGA Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club’s South Course, a.k.a The Monster). When he won a couple majors, I think he started (the Europeans) believing that we can win even the big tournaments in America. That was kind of like the start for us to trust in ourselves and to believe in our abilities.”
Allen Wronowski, president of the PGA of America, played a practice round with Kaymer at Atlanta Athletic Club, where David Toms won the 2001 PGA Championship by 1 shot over Phil Mickelson.
“It was pretty doggone impressive,” Wronowski said. “(Kaymer) drives it eight miles. Pound per yard he's got to be one of the longest players ever because he can't weigh but about 155 and he hits it 320. And he's got the touch of a surgeon around the greens, he's solid, he's zoned in, he's got great control of the irons.
“I really am impressed with players that control the trajectory of the ball, and one of the things I was watching Martin, he's really good at controlling the ball flight. He did a great job of that. So if you're looking for a chink, I couldn't find that, and I would say there's a good chance of defending. He was a couple under par today and it was a cake walk.”

The Cream of the (Young) American Crop

Only one of the past seven major champions has been an American. What’s going on? When will an American win another major? And who will it be?
Y.E. Yang began the international domination by beating Tiger Woods at the 2009 PGA Championship. Then came Phil Mickelson’s victory at the Masters to begin 2010. It’s been five straight international golfers since – Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland/U.S. Open), Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer (Germany/PGA Championship), Schwartzel and, most recently, Rory McIlroy ( Northern Ireland) at last month’s U.S. Open.
Here are five Americans who are being counted on to end the international dominance:
Dustin Johnson – Came close at the 2010 U.S. Open and again at the 2010 PGA Championship but hasn’t played nearly as well since. He’s got the game. Now he needs to execute it.
Bubba Watson – His reputation as monster long isn’t overstated. He’s very long and very talented. He’s a player who loves to shape shots and create shots.
Rickie Fowler – Touted as a “can’t miss” prospect, Fowler has shown flashes of brilliance – like his extraordinary finish in the singles matches at the Ryder Cup last year (four straight birdies to earn a halve). But he still hasn’t won on the PGA Tour.
Hunter Mahan – A U.S. Amateur runner-up (to Ricky Barnes, 2002), Mahan has the most complete game and he has won. Now he has to step up his game in the majors.
Matt Kuchar – A former U.S. Amateur champion, he’s become a money machine and a top 10 machine the past couple of years. A great putter. Needs to make some money putts in the majors.

The Putter Issue: Different Folks, Different Strokes

And, yes, different putters. Something many recreational golfers struggle with is what style of putter best suits their game. For most golfers, finding the right driver always seems to be a prevailing consideration. Finding the proper putter is often less pressing but it shouldn’t be.
It’s absolutely true that different putter styles optimize different putting strokes.
For example, if you have an inside-to-square-to-inside swing path, as many do (including a majority of professionals), a toe-balanced, or blade, putter is a better choice.
If you have a straight-back, straight-through stroke, a face-balanced or mallet will serve you better. One thing you absolutely do not want to encounter is a putter that works against the shape of your stroke. That will impact just about everything in the stroke, including the most important thing of all, alignment.
Also, don’t underestimate the significance of aesthetics. A putter needs to look good to you when you put it down and it needs to convey a feeling of both comfort and confidence.
For more information and help in finding the perfect putter, see the folks at a Golf Headquarters store near you.

These Blade Putters Cut a Wide Swath on the Greens

TaylorMade Daytona Ghost: It’s white. TaylorMade believes the white putterhead offers a contrast and enables golfers to better focus and align. It’s easy to spot the putter. There are three 5-gram weights for optimal stability in the heel and toe. A 9-gram insert uses a soft titanium alloy to save weight which is relocated to deepen the center of gravity. More technology: 14 polymer-filled grooves for immediate roll off contact.
Titleist Scotty Cameron Select: Five blade models in the line are milled from 303 stainless steel and offer plenty of hosel choices and head shapes based on the Newport style. Distinguishable by the circular weight ports in the heel and toe for stability, those are factory-adjusted for different shaft lengths. Smooth, crisp, delightful lines and feels.
Cleveland Classic BRZ Series: Three models are available in this hand-polished putter with a bronze finish to help reduce glare. A low-density material comprises the face insert, enabling the designers to relocate the putter’s mass in the heel and toe for improved stability. A simple, single white sightline aids alignment on all three models. Nice feel, nice sound.
Nike Method Core: The Method Core is designed to impart topspin using the same groove pattern as the original Method models but does so with different materials. The three models have a face insert of alternating polymer and aluminum grooves for a slightly firmer feel. The design and composition is aimed at reducing skid off impact.
Odyssey Black Series: A premium-priced blade constructed from three materials – a tungsten flange and 1025 carbon steel body sandwiching a thin urethane dampening layer. The tungsten gets the ball rolling quickly. Several popular numbered designs to choose from, all with relatively heavy feel which could well suit senior golfers who are looking for a little more stability in the stroke.
Ping Scottsdale Series: Four models with a two-piece thermoplastic-elastomer insert in the 17-4 stainless steel heads. The Anser 2, B60 and Tomcat models have plumber’s neck hosels and the ZB has a flare tip. Classic looks with the stepped flange. Plenty of options available for length, lie, loft and grip fit.

A Matter of Fact and Fit

The majority of putters are sold off the rack with little regard for custom fit considerations. It doesn’t have to be a problem as long as you seek the help of the knowledgeable folks at Golf Headquarters. Here are five areas they will focus on in setting you up with a putter that works best for you.
1. Correct length. We’re not talking about broomstick or belly putters. We’re talking about the proper length of a conventional putter, anywhere between 32- and 36-inches.
What you will learn, if you don’t already know it, is that the proper length allows you to have your eyes directly over the ball. A putter that’s too long will cause you to stand further from the ball, putting your eyeline well inside the correct path. A putter that is too short will put the eyes outside the line. Both will lead to path errors, alignment problems and mis-directed putts.
2. Correct lie angle is necessary for solid contact. Your putter should rest flat on the ground, with neither the toe nor the heel up. What you’re thinking is: But Steve Stricker, the best putter on the PGA Tour, putts with his toe down. But what’s best for Stricker isn’t necessarily best for the rest of us. At the same time, never underestimate the importance of personal preference. Find what’s right for YOU. What you’re seeing here is the conventional approach and a baseline from which you can begin your testing, experimenting and fitting.
3. Let the arms hang comfortably, with no manipulation, from the shoulders.
4. Grip size. The hands connect you to the putter, making the relationship with the grip a key ingredient. Generally, a smaller grip will lead to a handsy stroke. Larger grips put the grip more in the lifeline of the hands, take the wrists and hands out of the stroke, and promote more of a pendulum stroke.
5. Head weight. For a jittery stroke, or one that can’t hold the path, try a putter with a heavier head. It might very well allow you to swing slower and more consistently. If you want more touch and are capable of smooth strokes, a lighter weight probably would work best for you.

The Calendar

August 4-7 Reno-Tahoe Open, Montreux G&CC, Reno, NV Defending champion: Matt Bettencourt
August 4-7 World Golf Championship-Bridgestone Invitational, Firestone CC (South Course), Akron, Ohio Defending champion: Steve Stricker
August 11-14 PGA Championship, Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, GA Defending champion: Martin Kaymer
August 18-21 Wyndham Championship, Sedgefield CC, Greensboro, NC Defending champion: Arjun Atwal
August 25-28 The Barclays, Plainfield Country Club, Edison, NJ Defending champion: Matt Kuchar
If you attend any of these events, be sure to visit Golf Headquarters stores in the area for club testing or simply to browse the many products available.

Parting Shot

“When I started we still played with wooden clubs. That's how long ago I started playing professional golf. So obviously technology has changed a lot. Driving, a lot of these young guys it's like a duck to water. The guys just pick up a driver and hit it 320. So I feel that the art form of driving has gone out the window. Technology has taken over so much. Some of these guys are hitting their 3-woods as long as I hit my driver.” – Ernie Els, three-time major champion

Articles provided by Vartan Kupelian.
Vartan Kupelian spent 40 years writing sports for daily newspapers, 37 of those at The Detroit News before he left that distinguished newspaper in August, 2008. He is currently president of the Golf Writers Association of America. You can reach him at: golfstix@vartangolflive.com.