Congratulations USA Team!

My favorite tournaments include The Masters, Ryder Cup, and Presidents Cup. After the loss in Wales of the Ryder Cup, I was thrilled to see the Americans win the Presidents Cup.

Even though I like Greg Norman, Adam Scott, Ernie Els, and others on the International team, I will always cheer on the Americans. Frankly I know golf fans that seem to always choose the other team, whether the Europeans or Internationals. I've never understood if you were born in America, why you wouldn't root for the Americans? This victory is especially needed during our country's economic tumult, involvement in wars, and general malaise.

It was nice to see the Americans' fighting spirit and the closeness among the team.
Both the rookies and veterans alike did well. Tiger certainly had to make everyone pause and think he might break Jack's record of 18 Majors. Maybe still too soon to say that, but his game certainly looks better than we've seen in quite awhile.

Congrats Freddie, John Cook, proud father Jay Haas, and the members of the US team!!!

The Swinger

Two Sports Illustrated writers, Michael Bamberger and Alan Shipnuck, have written "The Swinger" based on Tiger Woods' life since hitting the fire hydrant nearly two years ago.

It's fiction, yet it makes you wonder how much is based on truth, such as the drug test results and the number of women that Tiger considered his conquests. Given who they have offended, I wonder if writing it was worth losing access to those people and various places.

For a winter golf read, it's mindless entertainment. Keeps your head in the game of golf at least.

My peeve though is the ending. If someone can tell me what the last sentence is referring to, I'd appreciate it. As it stands now, I'm just annoyed that I have no idea what it's referencing.

Enjoy!

Changes to Several Rules

The USGA announced a couple of changes to the Rules. http://bit.ly/sfMRFi

One change makes a lot of sense, which is if you address the ball (take your stance and touch your club on the ground behind or in front of the ball) and the ball slightly moves without you touching it with your club, then that's no longer a penalty. You now just hit it where it settles.

They also changed the definition of address. It's now just when you place your club in front or behind the ball. You no longer need to take a stance to be considered addressing the club.

Ready Golf - What It Is and What It Isn't

I know it's been a while since I last wrote. I've had the stuffing kicked out of me with things going on in my life. I'm coming out of it now and had to share this story.

Yesterday a friend and her group were behind the field of a tournament. Because the course wanted the tournament to have a head start, there was about a hole in between her foursome and the last group of the field. As her group was putting out, she saw a twosome in a cart cut in front of her group and tee off on her next hole a par-3.

She drove up to them as they were approaching their balls on the green, and asked what they were doing. She explained that they went off behind the tournament and they weren't holding up the field. She asked them to either mark or pick up, but her group would be teeing off and finishing the hole first.

The twosome of 20-somethings defended their rudeness by saying they were playing ready golf. As you can imagine, that didn't work for my friend.

So to be clear, ready golf is among members of your foursome. Whomever is ready to hit next, should hit, rather than wait for the player farthest from the hole to hit. It is certainly NOT a concept to be applied between foursomes, like these youths tried to pull.

It's simply rude to cut in front of a group that is keeping up. And, to use a concept of golf incorrectly, shows their ignorance or a dismal attempt to bluff my friend.

Hope you can get out and play more golf before the change in the seasons!

Power Broker-Golfers in DC

Check out the latest ranking of power golfers in D.C.: http://bitURL.net/bjsu

Congratulations to two women who are on this list: Linda Divall, 7th, and Jean Statler, T-43. Wish there were more women, but at least two made it.

I can only imagine the stories they have about playing golf for business as a women. And, I wonder what they'd say about how golf has helped their careers.

Ladies, get golfing!

Get Ready for a Great 2011!

Hi Everyone,

This post will be the most personal one I've ever written. I know I've disappeared for most of the year. As a member of a country club in the Bay Area, I took up the challenge in mid-May to stop the Board of the club from making some foolish mistakes in renovating the beautiful, classic "Golden Age" course I've played for the last 20 years. The list of mistakes are numerous, and the fight to save the club has become futile.

Because I no longer wish to contribute to the destruction of the club, I have decided to leave the club at the end of this year. I do so with sadness because I have so many fond memories on the course: three separate holes-in-ones, countless rounds with my father, my niece, and my nephew, and countless rounds with friends that I'll miss and hope we'll continue playing together elsewhere.

It's been a tough year staying focused on business (although I did launch my Golf to the Green Celebrity Interviews) and this coming year looks like a tough one as well given that my nearly 13-year old Cocker Spaniel, Reggie, has been initially diagnosed with cancer. I learned yesterday, on my birthday no less.

I can't tell you the tail spin it has put me in. The sadness, feeling of helplessness, and fear for my Reggie. We'll know more on Wednesday or Thursday when his biopsy results come in. If you believe in the power of prayers and positive thoughts, please send some his way. Reggie and I thank you for doing so. My friend, who was helping me prepare the book proposal for my business golf book, On Course for Business, found Reg darting across a busy street near the golf course and took an hour to catch him. She brought him to my house, and we had a bumpy start, but the rest is history.

I was online this morning and saw a post for a vision board software. Don't know if you have ever created a vision board where you cut out magazine pictures and post them on a board. I've done it in the past, and was amazed when I looked at how many of the pictures became a reality in my life... including Reggie.

Check it out: http://bit.ly/g7AcJA I know with what's going to go on with Reg, I'm going to need help staying focused on my goals for 2011. I have several exciting projects in the works that I look forward to sharing next year, and will need to keep moving forward. What I like about this software is you can play the video of your vision board on your computer, iPad, smartphone, or post a copy of your vision board on the wall of your office. I plan to play my vision board video on my iPhone when I wake up and before I go to sleep. If you want to lower your handicap, put it on your vision board.

I hope you have a joyful Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy 2011! Tell those you love that you do so, and stay healthy.

Best regards and pars,
Suzanne

Nicklaus and Annika versus Norman and Ochoa

Wouldn't that be a great match to watch in some Skins format or some other tournament? Unfortunately it's not a match on the golf course that is happening any time soon.

It is about a golf course though in Rio de Janerio, the host of the 2016 Olympics. The two pairs are competing for the design of the golf course to be played when golf is officially back in the Olympics. The Olympic committee though hasn't decided whether it will use an existing course or decide to build a new course.

Annika and I spoke about the 2016 Olympics when I interviewed her in my Golf to the Green Celebrity Interviews. I enjoyed talking with her about what she thinks about playing golf for business (rather than as her business) and what she's been doing since leaving golf. I invite you to listen in to our interview!

GM as Tournament Sponsor

There are rumblings that GM is going to be named as sponsor of the Doral tournament. Last year was the first year that GM wasn't a sponsor of a golf tournament in decades.

GM will be using its Cadillac brand, which makes sense as it markets to high worth folks, and those folks play golf.

It's good to see a few companies coming back to golf as sponsors. Good for the game and I hope it means a positive outlook for the US economy.

Nick Watney Star Struck

Nick Watney must have people asking for his autograph all of the time now that he's won twice on the PGA Tour. At Justin Timberlake's Shriner Hospital Open tournament in Vegas though, Watney is the one that's star struck.

Nick was seen getting Jerry Rice's autograph on his cap and golf ball. As a native Northern Californian, Watney thinks Rice is the greatest wide receiver (won't get many arguments) and was thrilled to get Rice's autograph.

After speaking with Jerry for my Golf to the Green Celebrity Interviews, I'm sure Jerry was thrilled to give Watney his autograph. Rice is a golf addict and respects the athleticism that golf requires. I found him humble and a delight to talk with.

Check out the four short videos that I give you on business golf, and then you'll get a chance to hear what Jerry has to say about playing golf.

Golf Travel Bag Alert

If you're flying to play some golf, you use a golf travel bag and check-in you bag. You have your clubs, GPS, golf balls, shoes, umbrella possibly, tees, and other golf paraphernalia. If you have room, you might put in a pair of tennis shoes and other items to fill your bag.

If you put in non-golf shoes though, you'll be breaking airline rules about what can be in a golf bag. You can only have one pair of golf shoes apparently. And, if you won a driver and now have 15 clubs in your golf bag, that's also breaking the rules. So much for winning... I suppose you'd need to send the club home separately or be charged extra by the airline.

Let's hope most agents don't check our golf bags so carefully. It's sure getting difficult to fly unfortunately.

Fore Warning!

During my presentations to golfers, especially new golfers, I emphasize the importance of yelling, "FORE!!!" if an errant shot may hit someone.

A 69-year old man in Southern California was hit on the head with a golf ball, and nine days later he died of the injury. It's a serious matter to yell fore if someone may possibly get hit, and it's important to protect your head if others are yelling fore near you.

If you're part of a foursome and the player doesn't yell fore when he or she should, then you should shout it if you think someone is in danger. And, remember, to really shout. It does the folks in danger no good, if only those on the tee can hear you.

Be careful and play smart!

Start Your Own Business Golf Networking Group

I read a story about a Florida-based financial advisor who started her own business golf networking group. What a great idea! Get other passionate golfers to play golf together to build their business relationships and increase their bottom line. As we go into end-of-year planning, think about whether you can do this, and start planting the seeds for a spring event. Let me know if you decide to do this. It could be lots of fun!

Golf Channel's Rymer's Ideas to Improve Golf

Charlie Rymer has come up with his ten ways to change the game of golf. You can find it here.

I like some of them, such as simplifying the rules for amateurs, preventing sandbaggers, having 3-, 6-, and 12-hole loops, and some other ideas. He thought amateurs should also have different size holes, like a 10" hole. I'm not sure if I can along with that size hole. I understand where he's coming from though, but that seems a bit much.

What do you think of Rymer's ideas?

Are You America's Greatest Putter?

On September 24-30, 2011 at The Crossings at Carlsbad, in sunny Carlsbad, California, you can compete for the title of America's Greatest Putter. It's going to be held on the practice putting green of The Crossings at Carlsbad, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

So it's a little less than a year away, and if you're a great putter, why not?! It's a $100 entry fee only. Invite a client, and prepare for a fun time. Combine it with a trip to TaylorMade or Callaway's fitting centers as well.

Catching Up and Boxgroove.com

Where have I been these last few months? I became very involved with my golf club and fighting against the board's selection of a golf course architect and the scope of renovations to the club. I can go on, but let's just say it's amazing how people think (or don't think), and what people are willing to fight for (or not fight for). I'll be glad to see my club in existence in several years. Several members and I are not too optimistic.

On another note about private clubs, there is a company, called Boxgroove (http://www.boxgroove.com). It's an interesting service where private clubs join its network. So, even though you're not a member of the private club, you can play it as a member of Boxgroove. In this economy, it makes sense for private clubs to open some play to the public. Who knows someone playing the course may like it so much, they'll join as a result.

Phil's Advice to Less Experienced Players

Phil Mickelson gives great advice to less experienced players. Play with better players to improve your game. Don't be afraid. http://budurl.com/5djn

I'm not a great golfer, and my handicap is lower than most of the women at my club. I have said to several of them that we should play together. They usually reply that they wouldn't play with me because "I'm too good." Or, I'll make them nervous.

I tell them I don't care how you play as long as you can keep up, know your etiquette, and are fun. I instead tell them it's better for their game because they'll see a different tempo or might learn from watching what I or another better player do on the course.

I like it that Phil admits he plays better with Tiger in the field. Should be a good Memorial tournament.

Rice DQ-ed

Jerry Rice was disqualified today because his caddie used a rangefinder. http://budurl.com/sevq. I'm disappointed for him and am not surprised at his comments. He took ownership for the error, "a rookie mistake that I made." I'm glad he didn't blame it on his caddie or say his caddie should have known better.

It also sounds like he's no longer going to play on the Nationwide Tour. "Because I can't commit to golf the way I want to, this is probably my last Nationwide Tour event," Rice said. "These guys, they're working their butts off and they deserve to be out here."

I worked with his agent for three months to find time to do our interview. I knew where each of them were by following their Twitter posts. During that time, he was going to the Super Bowl, going to a DeBartolo wedding, getting inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, doing an event for Gillette, practicing for his first tournament, and I'm sure many other events that I didn't know about. I certainly understand why he doesn't have the time to commit to the game.

And he was well aware that he was taking another pro player's spot in the field. He wanted to do well because of it. As I said yesterday, I have no doubt if he had the time to commit to golf, he'd make the cut on the Nationwide Tour at some point. Remember that this is the guy that dropped so many balls in his rookie year and was seen crying in front of his bench after a game. He works hard and after speaking with him, I can see why he broke so many records on the NFL.

Jerry, I hope you finish this weekend and play as a celebrity.

Pebble Beach is Ready for the US Open

The US Open is going to be played at Pebble Beach on June 14-20th. I've played Pebble twice and look forward to seeing the course and all of its changes. Check out the changes and the beautiful pics: http://budurl.com/4wt2

Are you going to Pebble to watch the tournament? I have gone to Pebble and Olympic to watch the big tournaments. Everyone should see the pros hit balls live... it's so different than on t.v.. You get to hear the sound of a sweet shot and see how fast the ball comes off the clubface. But it's hard to follow your favorite player and get a good view. There's an excitement in the air though that's like no other. Can only imagine what it's like at The Masters.

Mark your calendars!

Jerry Rice's Woes on the Course

Living in the Bay Area, I was a fan of Jerry Rice's when he played for both the 49ers and the Raiders. He was amazing to watch as he caught balls and then ran for more yards after the catch than any other receiver. Some say he's the best football player ever and who can argue with that? In August, he's going to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility.

Jerry has gone pro as a golfer. He played locally in the Fresh Express Classic, a Nationwide Tournament, and finished second to last. This weekend he's playing in South Carolina, and shot a 92 in the opening round of the BMW Charity Pro-Am.

He's gotten some criticism about taking a burgeoning, hard-working pro's spot in tournaments. When I spoke to him for my latest product, he was aware that people might feel that way, and was sincere in his desire to make the cut. A friend played with him at the Fresh Express Pro-Am, and said he can work the ball, hits shots pretty pure, but his putter isn't quite at the pro level.


After talking with him, I have no doubt that he'll make the cut of a pro tournament eventually. He's on a steep learning curve; yet with his dedication, work ethic, determination, and pure love of the game, I know he can do it.

If you're wondering how it was to talk with him, there was not an ounce of ego or arrogance. We met a few weeks after we talked, and he gave me a kiss and a hug at the Pairings Party. He's a gentleman and a self-avowed addict of the game! Keep positive, Jerry!

Tips to Avoid Slow Play

I found an article about how to speed up your play. Check it out at: http://budurl.com/lkk6

I have a couple of additional tips. First, limit your practice swings to 1-2. I've stood and watched people take 3-4 practice swings and I'm sure one of those would have been a better shot than their actual (and eventual) swing.

Second, don't stand over the ball at address for too long. I played behind a guy who stood over the ball and took the term "address" to a whole other level. My playing partners started counting how long his address was and it was 20-30 seconds before he hit the ball. You're familiar with that saying, "Paralysis by analysis." It doesn't help you stay relaxed and have a smooth swing, if you're standing like a statue before you take your swing.

Slow play is very detrimental to the game. When people complain they don't have time to play golf, slow play is a contributing factor. It's unnecessary and you really don't make friends with your playing partners if you play slowly and hold your group up.

I'm not saying you have to run through the course, but if you follow these tips, you should speed up your play. Play well and play more!