Alan L. Hammond's Blog

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

I have reviewed several golf clubs and sets of golf clubs, but none of them stood head and shoulders above their peers. That is, until I tried Alpha's C830.4. The driver blew me away from the first drive. Well, the first drive wasn't the best, I wasn't warmed up enough. But, thereafter it was fantastic in distance, accuracy, forgiveness, everything. In my reviews, I try to be even handed and not too critical or overly positive, but the driver was explosive!

Although they're really just getting started with trying to break into the "everyman" golfer market, I'm surprised Alpha hasn't been getting more attention.

In thinking back over my years as a golfer, I can't think of an occassion when a newcomer manufacturer immediately broke into the golf market and was a quick success. Well, Nike did it, but they had their name to get things rolling. That's all they had, because their clubs were substandard, not so now. But, Alpha has a truly superior product and one that needs to be experienced by more people.

I hope the golf industry as relates to manufacturing isn't a "closed shop," and Alpha doesn't get shut out of he chance to succeed. Then again, if the Callaways and Pings of the world are smart, they'll do what they can to keep Alpha where they are. The coming months will begin to tell the tale. Find Alpha clubs, give them a try and you'll see how great they are.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Her career has been nothing short of a train wreck for some time. Disqualification, injury, maybe even alienation from her peers, have combined to take a toll on her. Recently, however, she seems to be playing much better than in the not-so-distant past, even having a high finish or two.

As soon as her game began coming around and we began to again look forward to seeing how far her potential could take her, she's trying again to make the cut on the PGA Tour.

If that's the way she wants to go, so be it. It's her career. It's her life. But, as good as she is, she isn't going to be successful. Sure, she may eventually make a cut or two. She may be able to say she was the first female to make a PGA Tour cut. If that happens, what difference will it make? She's simply not going to make a lasting impact and a career there.

She has shown many of the signs of being an impact player in the LPGA, minus consistency and maturity. She's still very young, so much of what she hasn't shown isn't her fault (maybe the fault of her parents).

Which would you choose: the Golf Hall of Fame or the equivalent of the Guiness Book of World Records, if she makes a PGA Tour cut, of course?

Here's hoping she makes a wise choice for her legacy.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Not quite on par with a major championship, but recognition of his obvious dedication to becoming and remaining fit. If more pro and amateur golfers would do the same, they would, no doubt, enjoy more success.

There's no denying Tiger's level of fitness. Just take a look at him a few years back; fit, but nothing like today. Given his current "buffness," why would anyone take issue with his Fittest Guy in America selection? That's exactly what many in the blogosphere, online magazines and traditional media have done.

It's most likely due to his being a golfer. Even Men's Fitness, the magazine that gave him the honor, slighted golfers everywhere, possibly unknowingly (but probably not), by stating they didn't care about golf before Tiger.

It shouldn't matter whether or not he's a golfer, boxer or olympic athlete. Fitness is fitness and Tiger's the picture of it. There may be a legitimate argument of whether he's as fit as some olympic athletes, but don't base the disagreement on disdain for golf.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Unlike the large companies, Heavy Putter manufacturer Boccieri Golf is making an impact on virtually every tour on the globe without paying for hefty endorsement contracts. They simply make a great product that provides results.

The latest offering, the C2T-DF, is handcrafted and 100-percent CNC milled from a forged billet of 303 Stainless Steel, it has a unique PVD finish for a distinctly rich, black appearance, decorative gold lettering, a custom headcover, and specially-designed Winn Midsize grip. "We designed this for players seeking a high-end putter of unparalleled performance and beauty," says Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO of Boccieri Golf. "The C2T-DF Tour, as with all the Heavy Putters, improves the consistency of the golfer's stroke, resulting in fewer putts per round."

The Heavy Putter lineup is a departure from traditional putters, in that the weight and weight-distribution engage the large muscle groups of the upper body, which results in smoother stroke, less wrist action and more made putts.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Just as when he lost to Tiger Woods at the WGC World Match Play Championship a few weeks ago, as soon Sean O'Hair won the tournament, it began. "How big of a setback is this for Cink?" "How long will it take him to recover?" "Can he overcome this loss?'

Sure, he some shots went awry. He got a bit out of synch (no pun intended) and found himself down the leaderboard at days end. Word has it that Cink, at age 35, is concerned that he has only two wins on tour. He's been pleased with the progress he's been making, but he wants more wins. Rightly so.

There are times when a blown tournament should cause some reflection, even embarassment, but not this week and not ordinarily. Cink should Look at the bigger picture:

• How many people didn't even make the cut?
• What did you do to get yourself into contention?
• How many players didn't have a legitimate shot at winning?
• This loss can provide either negative or positive feedback, it's your choice.

Yes. Easier said than done, but not impossible. In fact, it's essential to take a positive mental position.

Stewart Cink is a fantastic player and, by all accounts, a fantastic person. He has nothing to recover from, only a bright next decade or so on the PGA Tour to look forward too.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

It appears that if there's a chance at beating Tiger Woods at the World Golf Championships (WGC) Match Play Championship, it would be in the first round. On that first day, the smell of victory hasn't replaced his lack of enthusiasm for the match play format. As the week progresses, he begins to set his sights on winning. Nothing against J.B. Holmes, who fought more valiantly than Tiger's other competitors.

By the time Stewart Cink got his turn, he didn't have much of a chance, at least this week. Tiger, of course, won in convincing fashion, 8 and 7. Cink, a great player in by any standard, didn't play poorly, but it likely wouldn't have mattered. As Tiger has a particularly keen sense of history, he knew the WGC match play would be a good stage to pass Arnold Palmer in the all-time wins category. He did so and now sits at 63 in fourth place.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

O, The Oprah Magazine's monthly column, The O List, highlights two of keri golf’s vividly-patterned trademark cart bags and is devoted to items that Oprah Winfrey has designated as must-haves.

keri golf is known for golf bags with practical features. Each of their golf bags feature spacious storage, external tee holders, interior pockets for balls, cell phones and wallets, and a unique, patent-pending shoulder strap system with a recessed well on the cart bags for a streamlined look. Combine those features with their trademark chic designs and it's only a matter of time before a product is noticed, which is what happened for keri golf.

Congratulations to Keri Murschel and her company for what may prove to be a watershed moment in her company's history. Just as Oprah's Book List means "best seller" for books, being featured in O, The Oprah Magazine is nearly as good for company's like keri golf.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

The LPGA season starts this week, February 14-17, with SBS Open at Turtle Bay in Kahuku, Hawaii. Paula Creamer is the defending champion.

Creamer will continue to rise up the star chart. She closed out the 2007 season in good fashion, finishing no lower than 12th in her final eight starts and a win at the Mitchell Company LPGA Tournament of Champions in November.

Following an off-season that included a physical training program and practice on her game, Suzan Petterson looks to improve upon a great 2007, where she finished second on the money list behind Ochoa. She also garnered five wins in 2007, placing her second; again, behind Ochoa’s eight wins. Her third-place scoring average, behind Ochoa (1st) and Creamer (2nd) will need to improve, because they won’t be giving up any ground.

Lorena Ochoa certainly exorcized the Major demons with her win at the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews; not that she felt as much pressure to win as some in the media thought she should have, or wanted her to. She ran away with the money list title, scoring average, top-10 finishes, birdies and other titles. With her attitude, outlook and youth, there’s no reason for her not to continue her great play. Petterson, Creamer and others, however, will have something to say about her overall success.

Annika Sorenstam is the real wild-card this year. Her lack of wins last year called into question whether she's on the back side of her career. At this point, that doesn't seem like a good call. She battled a back problem last year, which derailed her season. Whether she again reaches her former greatness is not certain, especially with the rise of the three mentioned above.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

I always hate when a "cool" saying gets used so much that it looses it's appeal. During this drawn-out presidential race, the term "fire in the belly" fell into that category. But, it is still applicable to presidential candidates and anyone else seeking whatever goal they're after.

American Captain Paul Azinger has always seemed like a fighter who has that fire. Most of his team will be decided for him, but he'll still have two picks. They need to have that burning to win.

After watching J.B. Holmes' enthusiastic reaction after he sank the winning putt in the first playoff hole against Phil Mickelson at the FBR Open, he seems to a have a lot of fire. If he keeps up that type of play, he should be a Captain's Pick if he doesn't make it in on points.

Same goes for Kenny Perry. He and Holmes are both Kentuckians and playing great golf. They both want to be a part of this Ryder Cup team, since it will be played at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville.

Being a Kentuckian myself, I want to see them there, too. There, I've shown my bias.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Driver: Nike SQ Tour

Fairway Wood: Nike SasQuatch 2 (15 and 19 degrees)

Irons (3-PW): Nike Blades

Wedges: Nike Pro Combo (56 degrees) and Nike SV (60 degrees)

Putter: Scotty Cameron by Titleist Studio Stainless Newport 2

Ball: New Nike ONE Platinum featuring Nike Power Transfer Technology

Footwear: Air Tour TW 8.5

Glove: Nike Golf's Dri-FIT Tour

Apparel: Nike Golf Tiger Woods Collection Apparel

Source: The Tour Van: Your Equipment Guide to Professional Golf, January 28, 2008, Golf Press Association.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

“The PCS (Professional Clubmakers Society) Hall of Fame identifies and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the craft of clubmaking, clubfitting and the game of golf,” says Carol Huff, manager of membership and partner relations for the Professional Clubmakers’ Society. “This year’s inductees (Nicklaus, Richard Bogdan, Seymour Dunn, and Robert Roseburg) are among the most worthy individuals to ever receive the award, and we are honored to acknowledge each as an outstanding member of the golfing and golf equipment professional community.”

The PCS also annually hosts the 2008 Golf Equipment Professional Technology Conference, which features seminars approved by the PGA and LPGA, hands-on equipment testing, and workshops for golf equipment professionals. Perhaps the most valuable service offered by the PCS is its Certification Program, which signifies a golf equipment professional has met the highest standard of academic proficiency, applied technology, and excellence in craftsmanship in the areas of clubmaking, club fitting, and club repair.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

Although Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson elected not to play at the Mercedes-Benz Championship, even though it is one of the toughest fields of the year, the leaderboard contained some relatively "big-names" behind Chopra and Stricker.

In positions three and four were Canadians Stephen Ames and former Masters Champion Mike Weir. Weir, who opened Sunday's play in first, posted a final-round 70, which put him two shots back of the winner. Ames' 66 nearly put him in the playoff; he was only one shot back at days end.

Other notables in the top-10 included Jim Furyk, Nick Watney, Charles Howell, III, Justin Leonard and Mark Calcavecchia.

The Tour's next stop is the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.

Oh, one more thing. Daniel Chopra is the Fedex Cup leader.

Posted by Alan L. Hammond

The first round is on the books at Kapalua with Nick Watney as the early round leader. Most of the field is within striking distance of Watney's five-under par opening round. K.J. Choi, Boo Weekley and Paul Goydos are bringing up the rear of the 31-man field at 6-, 7- and 8-over par.

One good thing about such a short break is that some of the players who were enjoying a good late-season have carried it over to very early 2008. Mike Weir, Steve Flesch, and Stephen Ames are among the leaders at the Mercedes.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson decided not to make the trip to Hawaii for the exclusive first tournament of the year.