4-year-old hits the driving range cart, four times in a row.

While I don't condone the practise of aiming at the golf ball cart, this kid has the technique all wrapped up.

This video is doing the rounds at the moment. It is a 4-year old taking shots at the driving range golf ball cart and he nails it four times in a row.

I love his little shuffle to counter for the cart's movement before each shot. His reaction is fantastic and while you have to feel for the guy in the cart, it is pretty neat shooting.

We have a new world #1 golfer: Luke Donald

In case you missed it, here are the video highlights from the incredible finish at the BMW PGA Championship from Wentworth Golf Club.

Lee Westwood came home pretty shaky and Luke Donald came home strong to force a sudden-death playoff. He won with a superb approach shot to 18 for birdie. Westwood was desperately unlucky to suck his approach shot back into the water.

Luke Donald is now officially the world's number one golfer. The third golfer to assume the title this year, along with Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood.

And Tiger?

The official world golf rankings now lists Tiger Woods in 13th position. The highest ranked Aussie is now Jason Day who moved into the world's top 20 over the weekend.

Slumgolf Millionaire: Golf in the slums of Mumbai

"In Mumbai, there are two games of golf. One is played at my club, the other in the slum where Anil lives"

Here is a great, short documentary highlighting the wildly different forms of golf that are played in Mumbai, with the focus on a young golfer from the slums who has now joined the professional tour.

Video courtesy of E:60 and hat tip to Gorilla Golf.

What's up with Michael Sim?

Michael Sim has always been classed as "Australia's hottest young golf prospects", but its gone a little pear-shaped on the PGA Tour this year.

Michael Sim started his professional golf career in the US on the Nationwide Tour back in 2006. He earned himself a spot in the big time but a stress fracture in the spine, adjusting to the PGA Tour and a stuttering golf game saw him back in the Nationwide Tour in 2009, and facing the task of proving himself again. He did it in a record breaking season.

GolfLink Mates to be relaunched

GolfLink are about to launch an updated version of GolfLink Mates in early June, and Aussie Golfer will be giving away yearly subscriptions.

GolfLink is the official Australian handicapping network. By entering your official GolfLink handicap number you can access, among other things, your handicapping information.

GolfLink Mates is an additional subscription based ($30 a year) network that gives you more features than what you see in the regular GolfLink section, and news has filtered through that the site will soon be relaunched with a sleek new layout and design.

The Mates section gives your full handicap history (last 25 rounds), personalised results and charts, the ability to input your own stats and a way to monitor your position in your state or your club.

It also allows you to connect with your golf mates and compare scores, rankings and handicaps against each other - with the ability to 'brag' about your latest scores.

I've subscribed to GolfLink Mates for a few years now but found it a little frustrating. Checking out your mates latest scores and rankings has always been a little clunky. It has been an excellent idea in concept but badly needs an overhaul and I can't wait to see the changes in a few weeks.

The guys at GolfLink have provided Aussie Golfer with a few ‘1-year free membership passes’ for us to giveaway as part of the relaunch. Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for more details at Aussie Golfer.

Nearest the pin, from apartment rooftop

A golf shootout to take place at The Cut Golf Course in Perth will take a nearest the pin competition, literally to new levels. 

Five professional golfers will take to the rooftop of the Oceanique Apartments after a the Mandurah Mazda PGA Pro Am held at The Cut Golf Course to take a shot at a $2,000 nearest the pin prize. 

The golfers, including Wayne Smith, Jarrod Moseley and Glenn Joyner, will tee off from the fifth floor podium rooftop and aim at a flag on the practice green of The Cut Golf Course as seen in the image above. The Shootout will be held under lights in a stadium-like atmosphere with spectators gathered around the target area right in front of The Cut clubhouse.

This is a cool, fun concept to add a bit of flair to the pro-am event. It reminds me a little of the shot that Briny Baird and Annika Sorenstam made a few years ago. Except it was a little higher, from a New York City skyscraper.

10 tips for golf at Barnbougle

It's a special weekend if you're playing golf at Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm, and you don't want to get it all wrong.

Aussie Golfer spent a weekend at Barnbougle recently. The hype surrounding these golf courses seemed almost too good to be true, but if anything the courses were under-hyped and I've returned with an even greater desire to return.

I've already given a couple of pictorial reviews (A day at Barnbougle Dunes and A day at Lost Farm) but there were a few things that I learned on the trip which are worth recounting for future golf trips to this piece of golf paradise.

Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when travelling to Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm that you should keep in mind.

Peter Thomson speaks about The Presidents Cup

The only victory the International team have had over the USA in The Presidents Cup was in Melbourne in 1998. Played at Royal Melbourne, the International side beat the USA 20.5 to 12.5 when Peter Thomson was team captain.

Courtesy of The Golf Show on FoxSports, here Peter Thomson speaks of his memories of the event, including his surprising pick which paired the two Kiwi's, Greg Turner and Frank Nobilo together. His reason for sending them out first is priceless.

Seve's putting trick shot

In the week after the sad passing of Seve Ballesteros, there have been some wonderful old videos floating about. Last week Aussie Golfer showed some of the highlights of Seve Ballesteros at the majors but I just have to share one more with you all.

Here is Seve appearing on a TV show, reviewing a trick shot he played at an exhibition event in France. It gives you an idea of Seve's sense of humour.

What is foursomes?

Foursomes is played in both the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup but is often confused with ambrose. I think it is worthwhile just making the format clear. In addition, I've added a few variations on the foursomes format, Canadian Foursomes and American Foursomes which it also outlined below.

Sevens Golf proving a huge success

by Andrea Petrie
Struggling to fit in 18 holes of competition golf each week, or hate missing out when other commitments arise on your regular playing days? Maybe you’re a club official searching for new and inventive ways to counteract the slide in golf participation? 

Whatever the reason, a new competition being introduced at clubs across the country is definitely worth considering.

Known as Sevens Golf, the social nine-hole competition provides a flexible, seven-day schedule for players of all ages and levels of golfing experience that can be played individually or in teams of seven.

For individual competitors, a Stableford competition is run over seven days and allows players to enter as many times each week as they wish, with a maximum score per hole of double par.

Welcome Andrea Petrie to the Aussie Golfer team

Aussie Golfer welcomes Melbourne journalist Andrea Petrie to the team. Andrea will be adding her take on the latest golf news and adding a bit of a female perspective to Aussie Golfer.

When Andrea is not covering murder and manslaughter trials, she's generally not far from a golf course. While taking a break from covering police rounds at The Age newspaper, after covering Melbourne's bloody gangland war as well as plenty of other death and destruction stories, she spent a year as a sports reporter in 2009. 

Golf was among the many sports she covered, along with AFL, NBL and hockey to name a few. 

In addition to having a golf-obsessed father, Andrea soon began wondering what all the fuss was about, so booked in for golf lessons, bought some clubs and has never looked back.

She heads to Corowa Golf Club on the NSW border regularly, where she is a country member, and plays as often as she can at courses across Melbourne with anyone interested in having a hit.

Tiger on the endangered list

Tiger Woods withdrew from The PLAYERS Championship this weekend after only nine holes, the second time this year he has withdrawn from a golf tournament.

Tiger played some horrible golf while dealing with the injury leading some to speculate that he really should not have turned up and perhaps was pressured into making an appearance. He had made the turn with a 6-over 42, before withdrawing and making a hasty exit.

"Yeah, the knee acted up and then the Achilles followed after that and then the calf started cramping up. Everything started getting tight, so it's just a whole chain reaction ... I'm having a hard time walking", Woods said after the round.

Snapping putters, drowning drivers and diving turtles: Video highlights from the PLAYERS Championship

Image Chris Condon/PGA Tour

Three Australian golfers are in contention going into the final round of The PLAYERS Championship. Jason Day, Aaron Baddeley and Greg Chalmers all sit four shots behind leaders, Graeme McDowell and Nick Watney with 18 holes left to play.

The PLAYERS Championship always throws up some crazy golf highlights each year, and given the 17th hole is an island green it is never surprising.

But this year there have been a few more video highlights I just had to draw your attention to.

LoudMouth Golf giveaway: We have a winner!

Aussie Golfer and LoudMouth Golf are pleased to announce the winner of the LoudMouth Golf clothing giveaway.

The winner is... Grant Laing!

A pair of LoudMouth Golf pants and a shirt will soon be heading Grant's way! Look out for him on the golf course, he should be easy to spot.

Don't forget, if you weren't lucky this time, LoudMouth Golf have now set up in Australia and you can order from a huge range of very loud pants, skorts, shirts and lots more from their online store. LoudMouth Golf Online

Grant's name was drawn yesterday by Janelle at LoudMouth Golf from a very large number of entries we received. On behalf of LoudMouth Golf and Aussie Golfer, congratulations and thanks to everyone for entering.

The golf ball that won't slice

It's true, there is a golf ball that won't slice. But it's illegal.

Polara Golf have made a golf ball with a unique, but irregular dimple pattern that makes your golf ball go straight. The New York Times have reported that the ball reduces slices and hooks by 75% or more.

But there is a catch, it is illegal.

Win LoudMouth Golf clothing - last chance!

Last chance to enter to win over $180 of LoudMouth Golf clothing.

There is only one day left to enter the LoudMouth Golf clothing giveaway. You have until 5pm tomorrow to enter to win over $180 of LoudMouth Golf clothing

One lucky reader will win a pair of Loudmouth golf pants and shirt OR a Loudmouth golf skort and shirt for the ladies.

To enter the draw, click here for full details - but hurry!

5 must-play golf courses in Australia

Let's say you have some international guests on their way and they want to play five Australian golf courses that will leave a lasting impression. Not necessarily Australia's best golf courses, but Australia's "must-play" courses. Which courses would you take them to?

Here are Aussie Golfer's five must-play golf courses in Australia to get the ball rolling. What do you think? Any other courses that should be on the list?

Hamilton Island (Qld)

Hamilton Island Golf Club is Australia's only championship island golf course and is one of the newest golf courses in the country. The views here are spectacular. Peter Thomson designed this gem which is actually situated on Dent Island, a short boat ride from Hamilton Island. If you ever thought a holiday in the Whitsunday Island's was perfect last time, wait until you get a look at this golf course.

Golf Expo comes to Sydney

The golf expo has been postponed, and has been rescheduled to June 17 - 19.

The Golf Expo pops up around the country from time to time and this week it appears in Sydney at the Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.

If you're a golf nut it is worth checking out. Big golf brands will be there with an indoor driving range to test out the latest equipment. The latest golf gadgets will be there as will the latest in golf holidays.

In addition, there looks like there is a hole-in-one competition happening this year.

The Golf Expo will be open 10am - 4pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 13 - 15, 2011) each day.

The Golf Expo will also be in Melbourne in late November 2011, and then in the Gold Coast in March, 2012. Check out the Golf Expo website for all the details.

Remembering Seve - video highlights

The passing of Seve Ballesteros has shocked the golf world. Despite the Spaniard fighting a brain tumour for a few years, it was somehow assumed that one of the great fighters on the golf course would win the battle off the course.

Golf was, and always will be, better because of Seve.

If you aren't familiar with the magic of Seve Ballesteros or you'd like to rememeber what made him one of the most watchable golfers to ever play the game, here are a few videos of him in action.

RIP Seve Ballesteros

Seve Ballesteros has passed away.

Europe's most successful golfer, Seve Ballesteros has passed away at the age of 54 due to brain tumour complications. Ballesteros collapsed in 2008 and was soon after diagnosed with a brain tumour. He died yesterday surrounded by family in his home in northern Spain.

In a somewhat fitting coincidence, Ballesteros passed away the weekend of the European tour's Spanish Open, an event he won three times. Event organisers and golfers paid tribute to Seve by holding a minute silence during the third round.

Ballesteros inspired many golfers to play the game, including myself. He won three British Opens (1979, '84, '88) and two US Masters (1980, '83) and will always be remembered as one of the great improvisers in the game of golf. He could scramble as good as anyone and was won the of the most passionate, interesting golfers to ever play the game.

The game of golf has lost one of the its true champions.

Charles Barkeley breaks his driver on the first hole

If you haven't seen Charles Barkley's golf swing before the the video below is probably a good introduction. He was playing his opening shot of a pro-am during the week and he somehow managed to lose the clubhead from his driver. 

Now before you ask, yes that is his real swing. He has been through many coaches and many psychologists but this stuttering excuse for a golf swing persists. It is frightening to watch and I've given up wondering what is going through his mind.

He blames frozen clubs for the malfunction but with that sort of golf swing, it is hard to believe a word he says.

Brett Rumford's freak drive

This is one of the craziest things I've ever seen on a golf course.

Australia's Brett Rumford has been playing some great golf on the European Tour lately finishing top-25 in his last five starts. And it is no wonder with drives like this.

Here is his opening drive in round three of last week's Ballantine's Championship. I think we've all seen a shot or two hit the cart path before, but this is just ridiculous.

Golf exposed in a whole new way

The PGA of Australia have just launched a very different way of promoting the game of golf.

In a bid to attract a younger generation to golf, the Australian PGA have just launched a new "flat bellies" campaign featuring some of Australia's "hottest" young professionals. 

The campaign is very different to anything else the Australian PGA has done before. Each professional has been featured in a series of high fashion style photography shoots hoping to attract young Australians aged 18-30 and most importantly females which are at the top of the target list.

Ranking ranklings

Finally we have some movement at the top of the world golf rankings and everyone begins to question the validity of such a list.

Lee Westwood is currently ranked number one on the world golf rankings, thanks largely to being the world's best golfer across the last two years, but also two wins from his last two starts. The top 10 players have been moving up and down this list for weeks and it has been fun to keep an eye on this trivial index.

The current world golf rankings (4/5/2011):

1 Lee Westwood, Eng

2 Martin Kaymer, Deu

3 Luke Donald, Eng

4 Phil Mickelson, USA

5 Graeme McDowell, Nir

6 Rory McIlroy, Nir

7 Tiger Woods, USA

8 Paul Casey, Eng

9 Steve Stricker, USA

10 Bubba Watson, USA

So what's the problem?

There are huge discussions about the legitimacy of Lee Westwood's number one position given he has yet to win a major championship. Indeed the same applies to the positions of Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey, Steve Stricker and Bubba Watson too. But it is safe to say they are all better golfers than Ben Curtis for example, or Todd Hamilton or Rich Beem. According to this argument there are only 13 players in the top 50 who are qualified to assume the top position.

It is fun, that is all it is. If we didn't have a list of the best golfers in the world, we would all want one. Lee Westwood didn't make the list up. It is for us, for the bloke in the pub and for the chat on the first tee.

How does it work?

In summary, points for each event are generally based on the strength of the field with the four major championships weighted a little differently. Points are awarded over a two year 'rolling' period, so performances from two years ago drop off and recent ones get added to give an account of a golfer's current form.

The official world golf ranking website goes into far more detail if you're that way inclined. They also provide a pdf of the structure of the world golf ranking points across all tours. (Warning: contains lots of numbers).

Video: Wanna know more about Adam Scott?

The PGA Tour produce a series of videos titled "Outside The Ropes" in an attempt to reveal a little more about the tour players and their life outside golf.

Soon after Adam Scott's great performance at the US Masters this year, Adam Scott appeared in the series revealing his first car, his first concert and his favourite sporting event - aside from the US Masters.

St.Andrews may allow women into club

New equality laws are forcing all-male St.Andrew's golf club to admit women.

I was recently told by a non-golfing female how good Augusta National looks on television. She could understand the fascination with the golf course and loved how beautiful it looked. Not wanting to dispel the magic, the conversation turned when I mentioned that Augusta is a male only golf club. But alas, the illusion was shattered and it all didn't seem quite a rosy, or as azalea-ly.

Golf moves slowly. Kevin Na has been known to play a couple of holes in the time it takes for some golf clubs to ratify a new local rule. And life at St.Andrews Golf Club is no different.

Let's clarify one thing, St.Andrews Golf Club is not the Old Course. It is one of the handful of golf courses lying in the town of St.Andrews, the home of golf. St.Andrews has always been a strictly male domain with female membership prohibited and females only allowed into certain areas of the clubhouse, but a recent change to British equality laws may mean they policy must change.

A letter to members hinted that maintaining their current policy prohibiting female members may not just be seen as a 'retrograde' step but could result in a substantial lack of money.

Oh well, if there is money involved...

The more famous Royal & Ancient Golf Club nearby is home to the Old Course, the most famous golf course in the world. They also do not permit female members and it remains to be seen whether they will also be needing to change their membership policy.

In this case, the name Royal & Ancient seems entirely appropriate. 

Golf, with two flags on each green

There is a new form of golf in town called Powerplay Golf. The concept adds another flag to each green that rewards golfers with double points.

Powerplay Golf has been around for a while now with several golf courses in Australia getting on board. But the concept is seriously taking off with news of several professionals getting on board for a three tournament schedule broadcast live on television.