Crane winner at Torrey/Mickelson called a "cheat"

It has been one crazy weekend in golf. So lets break it down. First things first...Ben Crane won his 3rd PGA Tour title today after a five year drought, his last being in '05 at Milwaukee. Crane won by one at 13-under, beating two tour rookies (Michael Sim, Marc Leishman), and "Opie Griffith" look alike Brandt Snedeker all at 12-under. Other notables include Ernie Els and Rickie Fowler, both finishing T5 at 11-under. Matt Every, who I was tracking finished T15 after weekend rounds of 72-72.

Phil Mickelson looked off all day and couldn't get the driver to behave. He shot a disappointing +1, 73 to finish solo 19th. I can't help but think that the allegations of him being called a "cheater" had something to do with his performance. OK so what is going on here. World's number one is in sex rehab after multiple "transgressions" and world's number two has been labeled a cheat.

What's next...John Daly going to retire only to retract his statement via twitter a day later. No wait, that did happen. Apparently John had a heart to heart with Bud Light, looked at his bank statement and figured playing golf was better then selling headcovers outside of Hooters. Welcome back John, we missed you.

OK so here's the Mickelson story... Apparently since the new groove rule took effect Jan. 1st, Phil and a few other players, most notably John Daly and Hunter Mahan have gone to an old wedge that many say doesn't conform to the new rule.

"It’s cheating and I’m appalled Phil has put [the club] into play," said Scott McCarron, a three-times winner on the PGA Tour. "All those guys should be ashamed of themselves for doing that. As one of our premier players, [Mickelson] should be one of the guys who steps up and says, ‘This is wrong.’"

The club in question is a Ping wedge that has wide, square grooves that are now non-conforming. There's a loophole however. Ping filed and won a lawsuit back in '93 against the USGA when it attempted to outlaw the club. So as part of the settlement, any Ping Eye 2 club made before April 1, 1990 was to remain "legal" under the rules of golf. A ruling that still stands. Oops...

Many in golf circles, including fellow pros say it's the spirit of the law and the integrity of the game that's being brought into question. "If you are going to win, you win fairly," Lee Westwood, Europe’s No 1, said. "It is not breaking the rules, but it is bending them. I wouldn’t use them."

Phil insists he's done nothing wrong and spewed venom back stating, "I don’t appreciate the governing bodies putting me or any other player in this position, calling into question our integrity over a rule that they made [and] a club that they approved." "Don’t put the blame on a player. Put the blame on the governing body." Phil also did state that he didn't find much of a difference between the old Ping and the new conforming V-shaped grooved wedges, and that he'll probably switch back but not because he feels he's done anything wrong.

I'd love to hear your take on this issue...send a comment and we'll post the best ones.

Cheers,

Mickelson poised for weekend run/Daly says he's done

The PGA Tour's golden boy didn't take long to shake off some winter rust. Phil Mickelson shot a 5-under 67 today on the South Course at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, site of the Farmers' Insurance Open. He is only four strokes off the lead heading into the weekend with a two day total of 7-under.

D.A. Points and Ryuji Imada share the lead at 11-under. Matt Every, who most will recognize from the Big Break series on the Golf Channel is T3 at 9-under.

The most shocking news of the day however came from the mouth of John Daly. In a post round interview with the Golf Channel after Daly missed the cut with rounds of 79-71, said on camera that he's "done." "I just can't do it anymore," Daly continued. "I can't keep taking spots from guys out here playing this bad." Daly retiring? That would be a shock. I mean he's been suspended, came back, lost his card, came back, suspended again, came back, now retirement. What a roller coaster career from someone that many say, including me, has the most natural talent of anyone in golf. Stay posted in days to come as this story unfolds.

Cheers, and John we love ya...

Mickelson makes 2k10 debut at Farmers'

Fan favourite Phil Mickelson made his 2010 PGA Tour debut today playing the Farmers' Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. Phil shot a respectable 2-under 70 on the South Course. Phil didn't hit an approach shot inside of 10 feet all day, and stated in a post round interview that "the greens are fast and bumpy, not because they're not in great shape. They're so soft that every step is leaving a bunch of impressions." He also said coming into the 2010 season that he feels ready to come out a shot lower scores then he ever has. That's a good sign from the world's number two.

Scott Piercy, playing the easier North Course is leading the field by one posting a 8-under 64. Scott will go the the harder South Course for his second round, so it will be interesting to see where he stands after day two.

Also Little John (John Daly) made his second start of 2010 with a sponsors exemption. John, who missed the cut at the Sony, played dismal in round one with score of plus 7, 79.

Another guy to watch this week is Big Break alum Matt Every who shot a 7-under 65. Matt is PGA Tour rookie this year after placing top 25 on the Nationwide's 2009 money list.

Stay posted to see how the boys do in round two.

Cheers,

Bill Haas wins first title at the Hope

Bill Haas, son of multiple PGA Tour winner Jay Haas, wins his first PGA Tour title at the Bob Hope Classic. Haas made a short birdie putt after a great second shot on the par 5 18th, beating Bubba Watson, Tim Clark and Matt Kuchar by one with a 8-under 64.

"I'd been wanting to win from the first tournament I played, but it's a process, and there's a lot to it," said Haas, a rookie in 2006. "It's special, but I don't know if it's a monkey off my back. I know how hard it was to win, and I'm grateful. It was the most nervous I've ever been."

I was rooting for Bubba Watson to win his first tour title, because I love the way he approaches the game, but this is a great victory for Haas who has been a stead player since his rookie year. Its just nice to see some young stars finally emerge in what has been a Tiger fueled tour for more then a decade.

Mike Weir finished his first tournament of the year with a 6-under 66 and a very respectable 6th place finish. Look for Mike to have a big year and get his name back with the elite of the game.

Cheers,

PGA Rookie has 54-hole lead at the Hope

Alex Prugh has carded rounds of 64-66-65, 21-under to lead titan hitter Bubba Watson by one shot going into round 4 on Sunday. Because of some intense weather the five round Bob Hope will have a Monday finish.

Exactly who is Alex Prugh anyway? A PGA Tour rookie that got his 2010 card by finishing 16th on the Nationwide Tour money list in '09, that included a win in New Zealand. A high finish this week could go a long way to help Prugh secure a 2011 PGA Tour card as well.

Mike Weir continues to make a quiet move up the leaderboard shooting three consecutive 67's to move into 8th only 6 back with two rounds to go.

One surprise however is the missed cut by young phenom Rickie Fowler. Fowler shot unimpressive rounds of 74-70-75 to miss the 54-hole cut. In a post interview Fowler stated that his swing feels "terrible, it doesn't feel very good." He said he'll go work on some things and figure it out before his next start. And what happened to first round leader Shane Bertsch? He followed his 10-under 62 with rounds of 69, and 77 to fall into a tie for 56th.

Stay posted for updates.

Cheers,

Shane Bertsch shots 62 to lead at Bob Hope

I have no idea who this dude is, but boy can he go low. Shane Bertsch shot a career low round of 62 Wednesday to lead by two at the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta, Calif. Bertsch was the last player to register for the five-day event yet lights it up even through rain and wind that plagued players the first day.

Bertsch had 10 birdies, without carding a bogey. All this and still helping pro-am partners line up putts. "I was just comfortable," Bertsch said. "I always like these formats, because I help the guys out, and it keeps me maybe not so focused on myself until it's time to hit, and then I just go and hit."

Canada's own Mike Weir started his 2010 season this week carding a 5-under 67 in round one to trail by 5. Stay posted to see how Mike plays this week.

Cheers,

Faddy Golf - PGA Tour Schedule

Here at Faddy Golf we aim to be your hub to Golf Central, and what better way to stay in touch with the tournaments then a constant reminder of the PGA tour events on your computer screen. Naturally, an addition of some shamless self-promo doesn't hurt either.

**BONUS** We've included a big moose for our Canadian viewers!!!

If your computer screen is a different size than the ones listed below, send us a comment and we'll be sure to get your size included.

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Team Faddy

Palmer wins at Sony

Ryan Palmer posted a final round 66, 15-under total to win the Sony Open in Hawaii beating Robert Allenby by one. The victory is Palmer's third of his career. He has also won the 2004 FUNAI Classic, and the 2008 Ginn Sur Mer Classic.

Other notables include Steve Stricker (3rd, -13), Davis Love III (T5, -11), and Ernie Els (T12, -8). Canada's adopted Steven Ames finished T16, -7.

Cheers,

Daly misses cut at Sony/Federer speaks to Tiger

Looks like John Daly won't be playing the weekend at The Sony Open in Hawaii. Daly shot rounds of 73, 71 to miss the cut by 3. You can see Daly tee it up again at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Feb. 8-14th. Ryan Palmer is leading the way at Sony with rounds of 65, 66 (-9).

In other news, Roger Federer has been one of few to speak to Tiger Woods since his scandal broke a month ago. Federer said that he spoke to Tiger on the phone and predicts he'll be back soon "as the wonderful golfer we know."

Federer told the French sports paper L'Equipe that he expressed his support, and said that Tiger's troubles were "instructive."

"The tabloids are going crazy, sponsor contracts are falling apart. ... I've always been aware that the image you patiently construct for an entire career can be ruined in a minute," Federer said. "It scares you a bit, but that's the way things are."

Also check out our FADDY SHIRT GIVEAWAY above this post. We are giving away 10 FREE Faddy polos, no strings attached. Check below for more details.

Cheers,

LAST CHANCE - Faddy Shirt Giveaway!!!

Faddy Shirt Giveaway - 10 minutes to a FREE polo shirt.



Loyal Faddy bloggers, to kick off 2010 we are giving away 10 free polos to 10 respondents. The Faddy Shirt Giveaway will run from Friday, January 15th to January 22nd and will close at midnight, eastern standard time. All we require is that you answer the 5 questions below and e-mail your responses to blog@faddygolf.com


**Shirt Selection**
View online at our store Faddy Store
Click on Photobucket Slideshow (left hand side of blog)

**Contest Rules**
Winners will be drawn at random, shirt selection is subject to availability so please list a second option. E-mails received after midnight on January 22nd eastern standard time will not be eligible for the giveaway. However your answers will be passed on to Herb in market research, and by Herb we mean a hamster, and by market research we mean the trash.


1. What do you like about the blog, and what would you like to see featured in 2010?
2. Have you thought about purchasing a Faddy shirt online, if so, what has prevented you?
3. What colour is your favourite golf polo?
4. What golf polo do you want, what colour, and what size? (List a second option)
5. What's 3+7 = ????

**Please include shipping address... SHIPPING IS FREE... We can't be doing this all day!

John Daly tees it up at Sony

It looks like the PGA Tour may get some help in the rating this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Fan favourite John Daly was given a sponsor's exemption into the event and agreed to host the pro-am party Tuesday night with Rich Beem. Story is he was late though. Apparently security wouldn't let him in. Why? They didn't recognize him because of all the weight he has lost. Reportedly 100 pounds so far.

"They wouldn't let me in," he said. "If I weighed 300 pounds and had four chins, I'd have no problem getting in. No one recognized me."

John has a new look, question is will a new game come with it?

"I feel a tremendous amount of pressure, not from my sponsors, but from myself," said Daly, whose only status comes from being a past champion. "My goal is to get my card. If I make enough money, fine. If I win, fine. Just so I can finally set up 2011with a schedule."

Having met John last year I can see the confusion. He really is a shadow of his former self. Still the nicest guy in the world though. He played nine holes at the golf club I'm an assistant pro at. And what did John have for lunch? A cheeseburger (no bun),fries and a large coke.

John will also be playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Feb. 8-14th.

Stay posted on how Little-Big John does this week

Cheers,

Equipment Guide: What’s hot for 2010.

Here you are my loyal readers, the Faddy Golf equipment guide 2010. To be fair I used the info from my Golf Digest. I’m sure not all of you have a subscription to the mag though, so like Robin Hood I find it my duty to take from the rich and give to the…well you get the point. Enjoy.

The categories are as follows: Drivers, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Game-Improvement Irons, Players Irons, Wedges, Mallet Putters, and Blade Putters.

I listed only the top clubs from each category based on performance, innovation, look/sound/feel, and demand.

Drivers

Performance
Ping G15
Price (CAN) $360
Lofts 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5; Draw: 9, 10.5, 12
Players Comment: “Very stout and strong at address. Big head, but not overdone. Easy to look at.”

Innovation
Callaway FT-IZ
Price (CAN) $450
Lofts 9, 10, 11, 13; Tour: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5
Players Comment: “Looks like Darth Vader’s helmet. But don’t judge it by its looks. It can play.”

Look/Sound/Feel
Cobra ZL
Price (CAN) $400
Lofts 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5
Players Comment: “It’s like a punch in the mouth – a lot of straight power.”

Demand
Taylormade R9 460
Price (CAN) $400
Lofts 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 (also in TP)
Players Comment: “Consistently high, far and forgiving…I like the ease of changing the head around.”

Fairway Woods

Performance, Innovation, Look/Sound/Feel
Taylormade R9
Price (CAN) $280
Lofts 13, 15, 17, 19
Players Comment: “It sits flush on the ground. The muted triangle shape is perfect.”

Demand
Callaway Diablo Edge/Edge Tour
Price (CAN) around $250
Lofts 15, 17, 19, 21, 24; Tour: 13, 15, 18
Players Comments: “Forgiving: This club is tough to hit a bad shot with.”

Hybrids

Performance
Callaway Diablo Edge/Edge Tour
Price (CAN) around $200
Lofts 20, 23, 26, 29; Tour: 17, 20, 23
Players Comment: “A really penetrating, high ball flight. I crushed it.”

Innovation
Adams Idea A7/A7 OS
Price (CAN) $170
Lofts 17, 19, 22, 25; OS: 17, 19, 22, 25, 28
Players Comments: “Impact is really smooth with a solid sound. Super easy to get in the air.”

Game-Improvement Irons

Performance, Look/Sound/Feel
Callaway Diablo Forged
Price (CAN) around $1000
Lofts 6-iron: 28, PW: 45
Players Comments: “This is like jet fuel in your hands. It stays in the air forever.”

Innovation
Taylormade R9
Price (CAN) $1000
Lofts 6-iron: 28, PW: 46
Players Comment: “This is a winner. Smooth, long and not a crazy amount of offset.”

Demand
Taylormade Burner
Price (CAN) $850
Lofts 6-iron: 27, PW: 45
Players Comment: “More fun then recess at school. These are ridiculously long.”

Players Irons

Performance, Demand
Titleist AP2
Price (CAN) $1200
Lofts 6-iron: 31, PW: 47
Players Comment: “It’s more then an iron. It’s a piece of jewelry.”

Innovation, Look/Sound/Feel
Mizuno MP-58
Price (CAN) $1050
Lofts 6-iron: 31, PW: 47
Players Comment: “The epitome of this category: great feel, trajectory and more then enough distance.”

Wedges

Performance, Look/Sound/Feel, Demand
Titleist Vokey Spin Milled
Price (CAN) $140
Lofts 48-64, come in black nickel, tour chrome, oil can
Players Comment: “If you don’t like this you need to call your doctor and have your head examined.”

Innovation
Cleveland CG15
Price (CAN) $140
Lofts 46-64, come in oil-quench, black pearl, satin chrome
Players Comment: “It exceeded every expectation I have for a wedge.”

Mallet Putters

Performance, Innovation, Demand
Odyssey White Ice Series
Price (CAN) $200
Styles: eleven
Players Comment: “Pure roll.”

Look/Sound/Feel
Titleist Scotty Cameron Kombi
Price (CAN) $350
Styles: one
Players Comment: “This sweet spot is really sweet.”

Blade Putters

Performance, Demand
Titleist Scotty Cameron California Series
Price (CAN) $350
Styles: four
Players Comment: “Very pure, very beautiful.”

Look/Sound/Feel
Titleist Scotty Cameron Studio Select
Price (CAN) $350
Styles: seven
Players Comment: “I set up with one of these and expect to make every putt.”

So there you have it. Hope you enjoyed the info. Any questions or comments just hit me up.

Cheers,

PGA Tour 2K10 underway... Who knew?

Well the first official PGA Tour event kicked off yesterday at the SBS Championship in Maui, Hawaii. Lucas Glover leads the way with a 66 in round one. However the real news wasn't about the season starting but how long Tiger would stay away and the obvious effects it will have on viewership this season.

It was reported that when Tiger was absent following knee surgery halfway through the '08 season, viewership declined a staggering 46 percent compared to '07 during the same stretch. That hurts.

Alot of PGA pro's are declaring that Tiger Woods isn't golf, and that no matter how long he stays away the game will move forward. They're right it will, just not at the same pace it has been, or with the same intrigue.

The PGA Tour will be looking for someone, anyone to hang their corporate hats on until Tigers return. Phil perhaps, maybe the young phenom Anthony Kim...Tim Finchem may have already swallowed some pride and rang up John Daly to see what he was up to for the next few months. John who has been the poster child for misconduct and suspensions on the tour now looks like a choir boy compared to the Tiger headlines.

And who really knew that the PGA Tour season started this week anyway? The real question...who really cared?

Let me know your thoughts as the season starts minus Tiger.

Cheers,