This Week's Video Golf Lesson - The Off-Green Putt

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Connecticut can be proud!

If you know Connecticut golf - the name JJ Henry pops up in many conversations.  Well, the Fairfield native will be popping up in many more after capturing the 2006 Buick Championship by a landslide over the weekend.  Not only did JJ get his first ever tour win, but also became the first ever Connecticut born winner to finish on top for the event.

Not to be overlooked was Annika Sorenstam's dramatic play-off win over Pat Hurst to capture the 2006 US Women's Open held at near-by Newport CC.   Rhode Island can also be proud of native Dana Quigley who captured yet another victory on the Champions Tour over the weekend. 

Weekly Golf Update for June 24, 2006  by Professional Golf Champion Mike Colandro

Newport Country Club

This week I visited the Newport Country Club, site of the U.S. Women’s Open.  The club was one of the five original clubs that made up the USGA in 1894.  The St. Andrew Club in New York; Newport Country Club; Shennecock Hills in Southampton, New York; The Country Club Brookline, Massachusetts; and Chicago Golf Club, Chicago, Illinois, were the five original clubs to start the United States Golf Association (USGA).

In 1895, the dates were set to play both the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open in the same week at Newport Country Club.  There were only 32 contestants for the Amateur Championship and Charles Blair McDonald won the match play Championship.  The U.S. Open for professionals was a 36 hole medal play event and was won by Horace Rawlins shooting 91-81-173 total.  He received $150.00, a $50 golf medal, and the Championship trophy.

Some 100 years later, the USGA returned to Newport, and after 100 years of not having a major event at Newport, the 1995 U.S. Amateur Championship proved to be a memorable one.  A young Afro-American teenager, Eldrick, Tiger, Woods, was back to defend his title from last year.  Woods eased his way into the final match and then faced Buddy Marraci, Jr. in the finals.  Buddy put up a great fight and took Tiger to the final 36^th hole but lost to the new phenom, Tiger.  After 100 years, Newport Country Club crowned one of the greatest players of our time, and this past week will host another great event.

Will Newport Country Club crown another great champion?  I am sure they will.  The course is a bit wet, but it is in great shape and it favors a long hitter of the ball.  My prediction is Michelle Wie, the 16 year old bright spot of not only women’s golf but the whole golf world.

This Week's Golf Tip by Professional Golf Champion Mike Colandro

This week’s tip is about how you can get the most out of your swing while watching the women at Newport.  I noticed that the women are not too big in size but very supple and make the most of their swing.  With the help of one of my students, Bernadette Cappellia, we took some photos to show just how some of the top players swing.

First, we looked at Birdie Kim, the defending champion, and she makes the most of her small build.  In the blue shirt and white hat, we took a great photo that shows how she starts her swing with a great extension and turn so that she gets well behind the ball.  This allows her to use that leverage and release her whole body strength at the ball.

 Next, we watched Se Ri Pak, record winner of the McDonalds Championship, and what a strong lower body.  Se Ri has recaptured her winning form by staying with her original swing that is utilizing her strong core and legs to, again, get behind the ball for a more consistent release.  Her take away is a one piece turn of her shoulder and upper body to wind up and then let go with great timing and tempo.  She also has great feel and touch as we experienced out of the long hay-like rough in her practice round.

Karrie Webb, the Aussie who won the Nabisco Championship this year is another example of getting behind the ball on the backswing.  In the yellow top and black shorts, she turns everything back and at the top of her swing, she has turned her shoulders, core, and lower body.  Karrie has great extension on her backswing which creates a superb angle of attack as she swings down to the ball.

Golf in the Business World  by Professional Golf Champion Mike Colandro

Part III

Client Golf Outings

Client Golf Outings are a day on the links with either business associates or customers.  I have performed at many Client Golf Outings, and since 1985, started a business in Australia offering my service to play with me.  To have a Pro on the course with your clients can really make a difference to that client.  For 3 VIP’s or clients to play alongside a professional golfer is an impressive aspect and can enhance your relationship with your guests.

Corporate Outings

Corporate Outings do a similar thing and most companies have one.  I have worked for companies such as:  BMW, IBM, Toshiba, Ford, Sheraton Hotels, Toyota, Genworth Financial, and many more.  Most Corporate Outings are a full day (18 holes) and a dinner with prizes and more.  The chance to bring many different people together for one day is now essential for most businesses.  One of my most interesting Corporate Outings I was involved in was in Adelaide, South Australia for Toshiba.  It was their annual sales meeting, and the night before, they had a gala dinner and awards presentation.  They even flew in from Japan a giant container of Saki and everyone had a drink or two.  The next day on the course there were a few heavy heads, but they all enjoyed both the evening and the golf.

Charity Golf Days

The Charity Golf Day is another very common event that many businesses get involved with.  Whatever the charity is, it is a good function to do for your company and it enhances your company’s image.  Each community has several Charity Golf Days to raise funds and have a good time doing it.  You can just play in it or you can be a sponsor.  As a sponsor, you usually receive a sign on a hole or a banner, and if you are a major sponsor, you get greater exposure.  The Charity Events are a great way to network in your local community and usually a tax write off. 

Networking on the Course

Being involved with a PGA Tour event is great, but it can be very expensive, and there are alternative ways to spend less money and still entertain clients.  Networking at the golf course is proving to be a great vehicle to acquire new business.  The key here is to become a golfer who can play a respectable game.  Whether you are new to the game or been playing a while, one needs to take some lessons.  Select an instructor who is similar in size and is someone who has been teaching for at least 5 years.  Professionals at practice ranges can be very productive because teaching is their main source of income and they need to get results.  Learning good golf etiquette is also important; business associates can tell how you handle yourself on the course and relate your actions to how you might handle a customer.  You should dress well and have a set of clubs that suit you.  Custom clubs are a big thing today, and I recommend getting clubs that fit you. 

Contact CTGolfTips for more information on how to use these events to your advantage