Playing Chopin for Julie Delpy

The always entertaining and eternally frustrated Larry David has written a great a piece in The New Yorker - 'Fore' about his love hate relationship with golf. He has realised he has gone through the same stages of grief that terminal patients experience before dying, except as a golfer.

Then I drifted into the next stage, Depression. I was never going to be good. Never. Think what I could’ve done with all that time. Learned French. Piano. I’d be playing Chopin now if it weren’t for golf. Playing Chopin for Julie Delpy. But instead I wasted my life on this game. It looked so easy. The ball just sits there. Any idiot could do it. But every instinct I had was wrong. You’re supposed to hit the ball down to make it go up. That’s absurd. I want to hit it up to make it go up. When I try to hit down, it’s like I’m splitting a log with an axe. All I do is chop up the course. And then there’s this one: the easier you swing, the farther the ball goes. How can that be? So you hit down to make it go up and swing easy to make it go far?

Read full article at The New Yorker

H/T Geoff Shackleford

Which golf magazine should I buy?

If you're anything like me, you have at least one golf magazine within reach at any point in time. But with more than one to choose from, which one is best for you?

One may be forgiven for not noticing the photo of a golfer on the front of golf magazines. They are shrinking beneath big, small and medium size text claiming you can win a set of clubs, improve your putting and and gain 40 metres, all by simply turning the page.

Is Yani Tseng becoming the world's best ever female golfer?

Most of us know the modern names Karrie Webb, Annika Sorenstam and even Lorena Ochoa, but we should also know Yani Tseng too. She is dominating women's golf. 

On the weekend, Yani Tseng won her fourth major championship in incredible fashion. She blitzed the field and won the LPGA Championship by 10 shots and became the youngest woman to ever win four majors.

At only 22 years old, the Taiwanese-born Tseng is without doubt the world's best female golfer right now. She is streets ahead of her nearest rival Christie Kerr in the Official Rolex Rankings and has been the #1 golfer for 19 consecutive weeks.

Tseng assumed the number one position earlier this year when she won the Women's Australian Open and then the ANZ Ladies Masters in consecutive weeks.

Tseng has now won the LPGA Championship twice and last year's Kraft Nabisco and Women's British Open. She is now 15th on the list most majors won by female golfers which is headed by American Patty Berg who won 15 majors from 1937 - 1958.

At the rate Tseng is going, she may have 15 majors under her belt before she's 30.

Photo: AP

Video: Tiger's swing scares baby

Missing Tiger?

In one of the more bizarre videos I've ever stumbled upon, Tiger Woods is seen here playing a golf shot in the Dubai Desert Classic pro-am held earlier this year. A baby sleeps suspiciously close to Tiger's shot in the foreground and...well, see for yourself.

ECCO Shoe giveaway!

This competition has now closed.

Thanks to ECCO Shoes, we have $250 to spend on ECCO shoes to give away!

The good folk at ECCO Shoes have kindly passed on a voucher to be given away at Aussie Golfer. One lucky reader will receive a $250 voucher to spend on any ECCO shoes of their choice.

If we were going to suggest a pair, the ECCO Street Golf Shoe as worn by Fred Couples, and the ladies ECCO Casual Cool Golf shoe were both recently reviewed by Aussie Golfer and are both are fantastic golf shoes. But it is totally up to you if you win!

Check out the full ECCO shoe collection.

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The winner will be randomly drawn from all entries and will be announced here at Aussie Golfer on Saturday July 16, 2011.

Good luck!

*Open to Australian residents only

Golf myth: Call-up holes speed up play

As the time to play a round of golf gets longer and longer, GOLF Magazine have a nice little spotlight on slow play and they've commented on those nasty little call-up holes.

In the July issue of GOLF Magazine, there is a close look at the problem of slow play including a report on the slow players on the PGA Tour, a historical look at how the speed of play as evolved and a few comments on myths concerning slow golf.

A pet hate of mine is call-up holes. The idea that it can speed up play makes no sense and GOLF Magazine staff writer Josh Sens has also taken a swipe at them;

Myth: You should "wave up" the group behind you on a backed-up par-3

Reality: “The wave-up only slows play even more,” says pace guru Bill Yates. “In fact, the groups are now physically closer to one another, and, ironically, even more congested than before.” Worse yet, Yates says, the groups are brought within close proximity of one another, which can create tension.

The story also spotlights the fastest and slowest players on the PGA Tour as measured in a recent study of a sample of players. The study reported that pros averaged 107 seconds between shots, while everyday players averaged 90 seconds.

The full article should be in the July edition of GOLF Magazine.

Rory McIlroy as a 9-year-old

Here's a video doing the rounds of Rory McIlroy at just 9 years old, being interviewed on a Northern Ireland talk show.

There's a lesson here. If you've got a good line in at your front loading washing machine, get practising.

Donald, Poulter tee up for rescheduled JBWere Australian Masters

After months of speculation, IMG have announced that the JBWere Australian Masters will go ahead in 2011 with world #1 Luke Donald, Ian Poulter and Stuart Appleby set to play.

World #1 golfer Luke Donald will be teeing it up at The Victoria Golf Club from 15-18 December. Fellow countryman and world #14, Ian Poulter and defending champion Australian Stuart Appleby have also confirmed their spots in the field.

Young Kiwi living the dream

In the aftermath of US Open week, we've come across this great video of a young Kiwi lad who is working on a greenkeeper program in the US, and ended up at Congressional Country Club.

In doing so, he has ended up in a position to be mowing the greens for the US Open. Not bad at all!

It is tempting to make a comment which looks at the relationship between Michael Campbell's woe's since winning the US Open, and the current dreams of young Kiwi's in the golf world. But I won't.

H/T Golf Industry Central and PitchCare.

Has Rory shown us the short game is overrated?

Golf coaches, tragics and 'straighty-180' old-timers choked on their porridge when McIlroy spoke out against the importance of the short game. But after a dominant iron display to win the US Open, maybe he's right.

Earlier this year, Rory McIlroy was quoted as saying that the short game was not the most important part of golf. 

"I don't care what anyone says about the short game being the most important, it's not." 

"The long game puts you in position to have putts to win tournaments. Guys say you have to have short game to win tournaments and it is not the case. Not at all."

What at first appeared to be claptrap, was then taken a little more seriously when the great Jack Nicklaus defended McIlroy's statement.

Aussie Golfer turns four

We're celebrating a little this week at Aussie Golfer as we've just turned four.

It all seems a lot of golf and a long way from the say I stuck up for Badds after the 2007 US Open, but it is still just as much fun.

We've got a pretty nice giveaway over the next few weeks which coincides nicely with the small (and somewhat personal) milestone. Keep an eye out.

Thanks for the comments and feedback over the four year. Let's head into another four.

2011 US Open: Final round video highlights

In case you missed it.

Courtesy of the US Open Championship website.

Magnificent McIlroy

We haven't seen a performance like this since the days of Tiger Woods.

Roory McIlroy's complete domination over the field at the 2011 US Open was nothing short of magnificent. His eight-stroke victory made him the youngest Us Open winner in 88 years and was the eighth first-time major winner out of the last nine.

Anyone who watched would it agree it was stunning to watch and the performance is only underlined when you consider Australian Jason Day's position.

For the second straight major championship, Jason Day has again finished in second spot with an fantastic bogey-free weekend of golf. His score of 8-under par would have won or made a playoff in every previous US Open except for two; Tiger Woods' win in 2000 (12-under) and this year's win by McIlroy.

The was a day when a major missing Tiger was disastrous for golf. Watching Rory on the weekend, you'd be forgiven for forgetting he wasn't even there.

2011 US Open: The dark horses

We've looked at Australia's best chances to win the US Open and yesterday pitched the Top-10 favourites to win but today we offer five dark horses who may just be in with a silly chance of winning.

The US Open is a real grinding golf tournament and foreign-born players tend to perform better in events in the United States when scoring is low. With this in mind the majority of the dark horses to win the US Open are from outside the US.

2011 US Open: Top 10 Favourites

The US Open is always a severe test of golf. The course is always brutal with only the most patient golfers prevailing. And before you go rushing off to pick the winner or tell your friends who will win, you may want to consider a few facts.

Over the last ten years, six US Open's have been won by foreign players. In addition, the winning score has been par or worse on four occasions with 8-under-par being the highest winning score by Jim Furyk in 2003.

The last time the US Open was held at the Congressional Country Club, Ernie Els won with a winning score of 4-under par, beating Colin Montgomerie by a shot.

We've already had a look at Australia's Top-5 chances at the US Open, but who are the favourites to win?

2011 US Open: TV Times

The live broadcast of the 2011 US Open from Congressional Country Club in Maryland can be seen on OneHD and Network Ten this year with plenty of repeat viewings on FoxSports.

Friday: 5am - 9am

Saturday : 5am - 9am

Sunday: 4am - 10am

Monday: 3:30am - 9:30am

Golf Boys go clubbing

Sweet fancy Moses. This has to be seen to believed.

As you watch the US Open this weekend, just keep in mind these calm, self-assured, well dressed golfers aren't all that they appear to be.

PGA Tour players Ben Crane, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan have teamed up to release this video for charity.

Can you imagine the backlash if Westwood, Poulter, Kaymer and McIlroy did this? Forget that, I don't want to give them ideas.

H/T Wei Under Par

ECCO Women's Golf Shoe review

If first impression are anything to go by, ECCO’s ladies range of golf shoes are certainly on to a winner.

by Andrea Petrie

"Nice wheels" and "You certainly look the part wearing those", were among the many comments I received from my golf buddies when I rolled up wearing them during a recent round. And I’d have to agree — they look great!

While Michael at Aussie Golfer, tested the Street Golf of men’s shoes (which are also available in a women’s golf shoe in several funky colours), I opted for the Ecco Casual Cool golf shoe, which are aptly named in my opinion.

2011 US Open: Australia's Top 5 chances

It has been a while since we've been this excited about Australian chances at a major golf championship. Could we see a winner at this week's US Open?

Only two Australians have ever won the US Open, which is two more than have won the US Masters. David Graham won in 1981 and of course, Geoff Ogilvy won in 2006. Ogilvy's win is nice to have in the minds of the current generation of young Aussie golfers, but it is beginning to feel like a long time ago.

Ogilvy's victory was expected to push the floodgates open for many more Australian victories at majors. Instead, we've had very little to get excited about, aside from this year's US Masters.

But maybe the (near) success of Jason Day and Adam Scott at the Augusta this year was the floodgates opening, or at least a small break in the dam. One can hardly expect a torrent of victories in majors but we hope for at least one Aussie to cheer for come Sunday afternoon (Monday morning).

So what are the chances of an Australian being in contention at the 2011 US Open?

Well, there are 11 Aussies in the 156 man field this year and will all things being equal, that is about 1 in 14; which isn't real good. But luckily things aren't equal and we have a few Australian golfers in some pretty good form right now.

Let's take a look at the top 5 best Australian chances at this year's US Open at Congressional.

Steve Williams to caddy for Adam Scott at US Open

Photo by John Mummert (Source)

Tiger Woods missing the 2011 US Open has meant his regular caddy, Steve Williams is left with no work this week. Tiger's given the all clear for Williams to carry the bag for Adam Scott but has lead many to wonder if it means a permanent split from Woods.

Young Aussie on winning NCAA golf team, again

Augusta State has succeeded in defending its NCAA Division I Golf Championship, and a young Aussie is once again part of the celebrations.

Mitch Mrywulycz (second left) with the winning Augusta State team. Photo by Tracy Wilcox, courtesy of GolfWeek.

Australian Mitch Krywulycz has once again shown he is a young golfer to keep an eye on after helping his college team win the biggest team event in American college golf.

The NCAA Division I Championships are a huge deal in the US and the golf championships are no different. In past years they have featured players such as Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, but until last year Augusta State had never won the title.

ECCO Golf Street Shoe review

Fred Couples appears comfortable on any golf course but he does look extra cool in the Ecco Golf street shoes he has been wearing. Ecco provided Aussie Golfer with a pair to check out and as you'll read below, we found them just as comfortable as they look.

Click to see ECCO Women's Golf shoe review

Streaks end as US Open missing Woods, Singh and Weir

Record streaks are coming to an end at next week's US Open, with some big names not appearing.

For the first time since 1994, Tiger Woods will miss a US Open. He injured his Achilles tendon and knee during the US Masters and they have not fully healed. On advice from his doctors he has withdrawn from next week's major championship.

"I am extremely disappointed that I won't be playing in the US Open, but it's time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future," Woods said.

"I was hopeful that I could play but, if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed."

This is the third major championship Woods has withdrawn from since 2008.

Vijay Singh also looks set to miss the US Open, bringing an end to his streak of 67 consecutive appearances at majors. He didn't bother to turn up for US Open qualifying on Monday. In fact, he didn't even bother to tell anyone he wasn't turning up. He can still make the field by finishing in the top two spots this week at the St.Jude Classic.

Mike Weir will also miss the US Open. His streak of 47 consecutive majors is the second longest behind Singh but he failed to earn a spot at Monday's US Open qualifying tournament.

The #1 most used ball in golf: video

It is best to just watch this video without any introduction.

Nice to see Peterman, Lloyd Braun and Puddy again. Courtesy of The O'Hurley Rangé Ball website.

My problem with trees on a golf course

I've secretly held a grudge against trees on a golf course. But not every tree.

I'm talking about the trees that get in the way of making a good, clean regular golf shot. I know many golf holes where it is almost impossible to play a draw or fade from the tee. I'm not referring to a hook or severe slice, just a controlled natural ball flight.

I am aware of what the first reaction to this rage against large fauna often is; "Hit it straight!" or "You should be able to shape the ball both ways!".

Firstly, it is a rare golfer whose natural ball flight is straight. And secondly, a golf hole is entitled to have a preferred "line-in", but you should at least have the option to shape it either way and should not be punished before you've even begun the hole.

I've silently held this frustration for a long time but often wondered if the God of Trees is aware of my bugbear given the luck I've had with these woody beasts. Recently, I was pleased to hear I'm not the only one who holds these views.

Pros take longer over golf shots than amateurs, especially Nick O'Hern

With slow play unarguably the biggest blight on the game of golf, pros and amateurs were set against the clock.

A recent study by Peter Kostis at Golf.com timed a sample of pro golfers in a  recent PGA Tour event to determine how long they took to play a shot. They also timed a whole bunch of amateur golfers at a local golf course and did the same thing. The results are fascinating.

The somewhat short and not particularly random study, timed every shot 45 professional golfers took over nine holes during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. They picked some golfers at random but also some golfers who are known to be either a slow or fast golfers.

The stop-clock started as soon as they were at their golf ball and it was their turn to hit, excluding tap-in putts.

Bubba, Dustin to join Ogilvy at Australian Open

Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson and Geoff Ogilvy are confirmed starters for the 2011 Australian Open at The Lakes in Sydney in November.

Bubba Watson

After a controversial decision to grant the Australian Open the week ahead the Presidents Cup, many wondered if the big names may take the week off to practice. It seems as though tournament organisers are on the front foot by announcing these big names early and justifying the scheduling decision.

World Number 11 Bubba Watson and World Number 13 Dustin Johnson have confirmed they will be playing in the $1.5 million 2011 Australian Open, along with defending champion Geoff Ogilvy and Presidents Cup captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples.

Video: Golf cart driven into tree during pro event

Straight from the book of "WTF incidents on a golf course" comes this bizarre video.

Apparently, this occurred on the Ladies European Tour recently. A player needed a ruling for relief from a golf cart parked on the path. The ball was marked and the cart was moved, extremely violently, out of the way.

H/T Dogs That Chase Cars

Handicapping formula changes to "best 8 of 20" rounds

Golf Australia has announced a changes to the way your handicap will be calculated, starting in September 2011.

The criticism of the current Australian golf handicapping system has been heard by Golf Australia and they are making changes. As of September 21 this year, the current "Best 10 of 20" rolling method of calculating handicaps will be changed to a "Best 8 of 20" formula.