The CME Titleholders starts TODAY!

It is here.... the inaugural CME Group Titleholders, being held at the Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando Florida. The tournament will run beginning today Nov. 17th through Nov. 20th. Located at One North Jacaranda, Orlando, Florida. Just a few minutes from Orlando's  major theme parks, the Jack Nicklaus signature design course also features top notch instruction at their Grand Cypress Academy of Golf.

It is the season finale for the official LPGA events. The field is made up from 3 qualifiers from every official LPGA tournament this season. 66 players qualified for this prestigious tournament. The event not only showcases the best players of the season, it also pays its respect for each sponsor on the LPGA Tour. The event will offer a $500,000 purse for the winner.

To see the review of the top 3 qualifiers from each tournament this year, follow this link; Qualifiers .

TV coverage for this season finale event will be via the Golf Channel as follows:
Nov. 17th  1:30-4:00 PM ET, Nov. 18th  12:30-3:00 PM ET,  Nov. 19th  1:30-4:00 PM ET, and final round Sunday from 1:30-4:00 PM ET.

As always, you can follow real time scoring via this link; REAL TIME SCORING . Today's pairings presented by Mirassou Wines can be seen here; PAIRINGS . If you're a TWITTERER, you can follow the tourney via @CMEGroupLPGA . Of course you can as always follow the LPGA's mobile app also.

Already noted as the site for the 2012 CME Titleholders event, is TwinEagles in Naples, Florida. The Eagle course has been completely redesigned at TwinEagles. It will also host the LPGA's 5th major "The Evian" beginning in 2013.

So Tune IN and enjoy this inaugural event! Support our Ladies of The LPGA!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls..............

Congrats to Europe's Solheim Cup Win

First, let me say Congrats to the ladies European Solheim Cup 2011 Team! A great win for them after a long drought, since 2003 to be exact. While the weather was brisk and windy for friday and saturday, nothing could compare to the ridiculous rains that suspended play twice during the final round of individual matches on Sunday.

I have to say that an MVP for the European Team was Melissa Reid. Born in Derby, England and making her current residence there, this was her first Solheim Cup. She turned pro in December of 2007 and began her professional career with a handicap of plus 5; which was also the lowest handicap in Europe at the time. She's won twice on the LET this year; with a victory at the Deloitte Dutch Ladies Open in June and more recently, the Open de Espana Femenino on Sept. 15th. She had one win in 2010, giving her 3 career wins. She's posted her lowest round of 65 twice and had 24 top ten finishes. To me, she shows strength, talent and determination. She plays with a tigress demeanor poised on only the shot at hand. Would it surprise anyone that one of her interests is playing football along with snowboarding?

A big surprise to most fans, was the withdrawal from Cristie Kerr due to a wrist issue. While Dottie Pepper was rather firm against the fact that Cristie should have told Captain Rosie Jones and crew just how much her wrist was hurting. Dottie states that it is part of being a leader and in her position. Now on the other hand, Cristie wasn't sure what the issue was and had taken anti-inflammatories which seemed to quiet things down, thus giving her the feeling that she could play friday and saturday when that discussion arose with Rosie Jones.
I know one thing, Cristie is a competitor and a very focused and highly detailed one at that. For her to have to bow out because her wrist was not able to withstand gripping the clubs on the practice range Sunday morning, had to be her last resort. There's no question that she would have played if this was just an occasional pain, etc. When something like a tendonitis is acute/traumatic from injury or overuse, one doesn't always know when that "breaking point" will occur. Like most professional golfers, you play with aches and pains sometimes throughout the entire season. I wish Cristie some down time and time to heal both physically and emotionally.

Now, let's dabble in the strong opinions of who I feel should have been played. First of all, when you have a duo such as Christina Kim and Michelle Wie who went 4-0 at Rich Harvest Farms in 2009, one would think you would pair them. To me, that is a no-brainer! Christina Kim played friday afternoon and then not again until Sunday individuals. Shut the front door, but that seems ridiculous to me! I completely mean no disrespect to Stacy Lewis however, when she was having a disastrous saturday morning, one surely would not put her back out in the afternoon. Why take that chance when the Cup is at stake? She struggled with both of her foursome matches (friday and saturday). Go with some of your veteran Solheim Players that have solid proven records! And yes, Stacy played well on Sunday but that doesn't make "what could have been a very different scoring for saturday" any easier to swallow had there been solid players with proven records out there!  Christina Kim is not only a great Solheim Cup player, she is a FAN FAVORITE and she can get the fans and other team members fired up like a grand cheerleader. Those attributes along with an outstanding duo record with Michelle Wie speak for themselves or at least SHOULD HAVE! Now, while I know there are many who agree with me and that was evident via Twitter feeds throughout the Solheim Cup; Christina has done nothing but display class and respect for the decisions that Captain Rosie Jones made. She is a remarkable woman and athlete and I for one hope, that 2013 find Christina & Michelle back together in foursomes as they should have been this past week!

While I'm tipping my hat to Christina for her class and respect, another player comes to mind. That player is Karen Stupples of England and also well known as Cristie Kerr's individual match opponent for Sunday. Karen displayed exemplary respect for Cristie during her interview after finding out that she will win the point for Europe under this well stated rule. Karen Stupples was back playing in the Solheim Cup, only her second after being on the 2005 roster. She had some great chips and putting during her play and was great fun to watch.

For those that questioned Rosie's Captain Pick of Ryann O'Toole, shut the front door and take a seat. Ryann showed both talent and maturity in what was her first Solheim during her Rookie year! Ryann, who has played in 9 LPGA tourneys had 2 top ten finishes, 5 rounds in the 60's and earned over $165,000 thus far this season. She tied for 5th at the Safeway Classic this year, and was a two-time winner on the Futures Tour in 2010. Her collegiate accolades include 12 Top Ten finishes and 2007 Pac-10 Conference Honorable Mention selection. This young lady is going to have a great career ahead of her.

One thing is for sure, the job of being Captain during the Solheim Cup is at the least, trying and difficult. It requires making choices that some will and some won't agree with. It means taking chances on some players and being ready for the backlash on both picks for the Team as well as some matches. The statement that I want to ring solid, is that ALL of these athletes on both Team USA an Team EUROPE deserve a huge round of applause. The captains and assistant captains I'm sure are due for a much needed rest. While my opinions are just that, I mean no offense to anyone in any way. They are merely "my opinions" on this blog. I am a true and blue golf fan and supporter of our ladies on the LPGA & LET Tours. Everyone involved in the 2011 Solheim Cup should stand proud and be thanked for another outstanding job and some great competition that we the fans were able to enjoy!

This photo of Euro Team Captain Alisson Nichols says it all. As she said early in the competition, "if we can't win here, where can we?".

Well done ladies, well done!






Now, Go Hit Some Balls...............

Remembering Sept. 11th, 2001

It was May 2003 and going to NYC was something I'd always wanted to do and yet now I found there was so much more meaning with my desire to go. And while the four of us who went reveled in the hustle and bustle of Times Square, there was another task we would plan for one of our days. From being in Times Square at any given hour, the people were plenty. The streets were always full and bustling. Coffee vendors and their little carts had the best coffee ever! Also in carts were the Nuts-4-you vendors, which I became addicted to. The four of us had a good friend who lives in NYC, whom we spent a lot of time with and who was a great tour guide in letting us know the places to visit. Yes, we went to the Today show in Rockefeller Ctr, the museums, the eateries, etc. The Statue of Liberty was off limits to visitors still.

Then, came the day we planned to visit Ground Zero.........


I still remember the chills and then the tears that filled my eyes and rolled down my cheeks as I stood in that place. That place was the now empty site except for debri, of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, that no longer stood as glistening buildings in the sun along the skyline of New York but rather a mess of rubble that was cordoned off by very tall linked fence. Along the top, were slate black plaques. I soon found out what each and every plaque stated.

At first, I took a deep breathe as we got closer. I could feel my heart beginning to feel heavy and a sadness that was steadily creeping up into my very being. Would I cry, would I let myself? I started with the dedication plaque and then the real tears began as I started looking at names that were displayed on plaques up above. Those plaques held the name of every single person who died on that awful day, Sept 11th, 2001.

The site was a steady flow of people coming to pay their respects, just as I had done. I can say that every eye I looked into, was  a tear-filled one. It was a moment that I will never forget, the physical feelings I cannot describe with due justice. The minutes turned to hours as I stood there amongst the rubble, amongst others just like me to pay respects to what use to be. We didn't wonder where each other was in our group of four, and we didn't care. We were all lost in the moment and this was a day to pay respects, to mourn for those innocent lives, a day to realize that our freedom does not come without cost, a day to feel resentment for the horrendous massacre that had taken place on this very ground. A day that brought back resentment feelings like the day I visited Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona. A day that changes how you think about terrorism, our military, our policemen and women and the firemen and women who risk their lives every single day.

Other days consisted of visiting Central Park and other well known landmarks in New York. It was 2nd nature to Thank every policeman or fireman we saw, as were hundreds of others. And while being in New York City for just over a week and enjoying staying in the new W hotel in times square was fun and action packed; I left New York with a lesson that would stay with me the rest of my life.

While it is not always on everyone's mind, we must continue to Thank the men & women of our armed services who have devoted their lives for us, our freedom, and to protect us against terrorists that changed America 9/11/01. And although it's been 10 years, I can close my eyes or look at those photos and feel that same emotion that I felt while standing there in a sadness, in complete disbelief. I have just a few photos in the video below; I hope they bring to life, just a little of what I saw that day.

Our lives become busy and hectic and we struggle to find the time to do all that we want to, but the one thing that we can do, is truly Never Forget! I know I never could.

God Bless the USA..............

3 Days, 2 Continents, 1 Cup.....Solheim Cup 2011

That's right, 19 days, 15 hours, 34 minutes and 34 seconds away from the 2011 Solheim Cup! The event is taking place at Killeen Castle in Meath, Ireland.

This is a match-play format over the course of 3 days. The prior event was in 2009 at Rich Harvest Farms outside of Chicago in Sugar Grove. The USA took the Cup for those that weren't there or didn't tune in. I was fortunate enough to be there in person and watch this victory.
This year, a spectacular time will be had at Killeen Castle in Ireland. All of the pictures I'm sure, do not do it justice as being there in person would. I did have the opportunity to win a trip to the Solheim via a contest at this year's StateFarm Classic. I just needed Brittany Lincicome to finish ahead of Cristie Kerr. Everyone thought I had the win and then Brittany unfortunately started dropping strokes once she hit hole #16. The momentum that Kerr is known to bring on Sunday, was enough to propel her above Brittany but not to win the tourney. I already had picked my dear friend MaryAnn (@Ouchieee) to accompany me if I won. She is such a golf fanatic and we had a great time at the past two StateFarm Classics together. The winner of the tournament was Yani Tseng and Cristie finished ahead of Brittany. So, I won't be there live for this years Solheim Cup, but I will be there in Spirit & Heart!

For those that haven't downloaded the 2011 Solheim Cup app, you need to! This app is awesome! There are so many ways that you'll be able to follow the action, if you can't be there in person.

You can also bookmark the tourney website which is; SolheimCup.com . Then, there is the LPGA.COM . There's no reason to not follow the ladies and your team, whether that be USA or Europe! The TV schedule for the Solheim is via the Golf Channel as follows;

SEPT. 23 2:30 AM-1:00 PM GC

SEPT. 24 2:30 AM-1:00 PM GC

SEPT. 25 5:00-11:30 AM GC

Now, your Team USA Players with 9 returning members from '09 are; Cristie Kerr, Stacey Lewis, Morgan Pressel, Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Brittany Lincicome, Brittany Lang, Juli Inkster and Christina Kim. Finishing off the dozen are captains picks Vicky Hurst and Ryan O'Toole. As most of you know, Juli Inkster was chosen to be the assistant captain to Rosie Jones along with Sherri Steinhauer however, she earned her way into a spot and will be the first player/captain ever to play on either team USA or team Europe. While they are also touting her as the oldest player to participate in the Solheim Cup, this has little significance considering she plays to the level of those many years younger and earned her spot on the team just as anyone else has, regardless of her age! Team USA takes the top ten qualifiers and then has the two captains picks to round round out the USA Dozen.

Team Europe is Captained by Allison Nicholas. Her assistant captains are Joanne Morley and Annika Sorentam. While deriving at the European Dozen is slightly different that Team USA, Allison had 4 captains picks after the top 8 qualifiers. Her team consists of: Melissa Reid, Laura Davies, Suzann Pettersen, Christel Boeljon, Maria Hjorth, Anna Nordqvist, Catriona Matthew, Sophie Gustafson. Her 4 wildcard picks were Azahara Munoz, Caroline Hedwall, Karen Stupples and Sandra Gal. Captain Nicholas was also the captain for the 2009 European Team, at Rich Harvest Farms.

I for one, was ecstatic to see one of my favorites Karen Stupples be chosen for Team Europe. She was also on the European Team in 2005, when played at Crooked Stick. She has had victories at the Women's British Open in '04 as well as the Welch Fry's Championship in '04 and most recently the '09 Wales Ladies Championship. She's a sweet gal and always a pleasure to watch and/or tweet with.

Another favorite Christina Kim, has been a returning member of Team USA and very well known to The Solheim Cup for getting the crowd pumped. They love Christina and she is always a pleasure to watch and a crowd favorite. I expect no less in Ireland.

Before the ladies travel to Co. Meath, Ireland for The Solheim Cup, the LPGA will have 2 tournaments; the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship from Rogers Arkansas Sept. 9011 and also the Navistar LPGA Classic in Prattville Alabama. I will have additional postings on those tourneys as they near.

Now, Go Hit Some Balls...........

The Wyndham Championship

This week on the PGA Tour currently sitting atop the leader board with a 3 stroke advantage at -12 is Tommy Two-Gloves Gainey. Tommy got that name from a habit he picked up playing baseball and wearing 2 gloves. Well, it stuck and he still wears 2 gloves but he swings a different stick. Sitting in a tie for 2nd are 5 players; Petterson, W. Simpson, S. Appleby, D. Summerhays and Ernie Els at -9.

Are the days gone, of just one or two players being in the top spots every weekend? I think that it's great to see some of the new talent of these "young guns" if you will. I like the fact that the talent is so widespread throughout the PGA Tour and European Tour, that week to week it's anyone's trophy to take!

Don't get me wrong, there are still the talent of some of the veterans such as Els, Furyk, Goosen, Toms, etc. that continue to show they still have what it takes to contend and possibly win tournaments just the same. I think the excitement that this widespread talent brings to the PGA, is just one more facet that makes it exciting for the fans to watch!

Currently, Tommy "two-gloves" Gainey is the leader. Tommy has posted rounds of 63 and 65 respectively. He has not yet tee'd off for his 3rd round today. Thursday Tommy captured 5 birdies and 1 eagle, while friday netted him 6 birdies and 1 bogey. He will be teeing off at 2:05 PM today in Greensboro, NC at the Sedgefield Country Club alongside Webb Simpson. Now I personally think Webb has a great chance to grab his 1st win. Webb turned pro in 2008. He's had two 2nd place finishes this year and 6 top tens. He came in 2nd at the Transistions Championship and was in a playoff at the Zurich Classic. I think it is only a matter of time before he puts a win under his belt!

It will be a great Championship to watch. After all, there's no S.Williams caddying to take all the media interviews. Tournaments are about the "players" and it's their talent that will get them their result. I'm not knocking caddies, as they have an important task as well however, without a talented player, the team will not have that optimal finish.

Just like on several of the golf tours, the age and talent of the up and coming talented golfers are getting younger and younger. With the high tech equipment and the dedication to the fitness level required, it is truly a chance for anyone to win from week to week. It is however, a sport that one can play for decades if they choose. I find it awesome to see a veteran of the sport, grab a win when everyone has somewhat set them aside. Like many things in life; age does not have to be a factor. Like Dara Torres says; "age is just a number"!

Best of Luck to Webb as well as the rest of the golfers. Will we have another play-off finish? It is certainly a possibility. I love to see a tournament go to a playoff. This puts the talent against the pressure and the result can leave you wondering "how did that happen"?

Now, Go Hit Some Balls.........

Will Na Yeon Choi capture her 1st LPGA win of the season?

NYC doesn't just stand for New York City; it is the initials of a very talented young lady from South Korea, Na Yeon Choi. She started playing golf at the age of 11. She gives credit to her father, for being her biggest influence. As an amateur, she was a member of the Korean National Team and won the 2004 ADT CAPS Invitational on the KPLGA. Following that victory, Na tourned Pro. Na also likes to shoot pool and watch the sport of Volleyball.

 At Pumpkin Ridge in Oregon this week for the Safeway Classic, Na had a great opening round with 8 birdies and 1 double bogey for a 65! Her stats were 9/13 fairways hit, 12/18 greens in regulation, 25 putts and a driving distance averaging 245. She sits atop the leader board at -6, just two strokes ahead of Grace Park.

Na's 2011 season thus far, has netted her just over $500,000. She has had 21 of 41 rounds under par, which puts her in a tie at 13th. She's ranked 12th in her birdies, at 148. Her overall driving average is just over 255 and her sand saves rank her at 13th, with 25.000. Na has had 4 wins in her career, 2 of which came in 2009 and 2 in 2010. She's also had 4 international victories. She's had 5 top ten finishes thus far this year after 16 in 2010, 11 in 2009 and 10 in 2008. Na's career low round is a 63 and she's had 1 hole in one on the LPGA Tour. Career earnings have topped slightly over $4,800.000; with having her 2008 rookie year earning her over $1 million. She's like a race horse out of the gates. She has come out strong in her career and I believe will have many many more wins on the LPGA Tour!

She's been starring at a victory this season, with a T3rd at the Avnet LPGA Classic and a T5 at the Kia Classic, a 6th place finish at the HSBC Women's Championship, T7 at the RICOH Women's British Open to name a few. She is ready to capture her 1st win of the 2011 LPGA Season this weekend. She will be teeing off at 2:21 PM. Today could be a different story with performance on the greens, with her afternoon start time. Yesterday, the greens became somewhat burnt and were very firm for those finishing their back nine in the afternoon hours.

Now, Go Hit Some Balls..............

Adam Scott and "his" talent

If you're like most out there, you're sick and tired of hearing about Steve Williams and him taking over the press last week instead of the talented player Adam Scott, who WON!

Some things about Adam you may not know....
Adam Scott turned pro in 2000. Born in Adelaide, Austrailia on July 16,1980. Adam attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He's won 4 tournaments in the past 5 years, and placed 2nd in 3. This year, Adam has 4 Top ten finishes and 7 Top 25. In 2007, he finished with 6 Top Ten finishes and earned $3,413,185. This year, he's just shy of $3 million in earnings. Currently, he's ranked 15th in the Fed-Ex Standings with 1,232 pts.

In the Golf Bag....
Adam plays Titleist MB forged irons, KB tour stiff. He plays the Titleist 910 woods and a 910H hybrid. He also uses Vokey Design wedges. His putter is a Scotty Camerom Kombi Long Putter. As I mentioned on twitter today, he started using the long putter after his Coach had him try it. And last but not least, the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball.

His Foundation....
Adam established the "Adam Scott Foundation" whose mission statement is to provide support to disadvantaged and underprivileged youth by providing the help to overcome difficulties or to offer opportunities that they otherwise would not have. I think like most people, it is best when we see those in the position to, give to those charities that are less fortunate. And for that to be to our youth of today, is doubly great!

At this week's 93rd PGA Championship, Adam currently sits in a tie for 7th. He's moved up the ladder 4 positions today and he has 5 holes to play! He's captured 2 birdies and 1 bogey thus far today. Friday's round consisted of 4 birdies, 1 bogey and 1 double bogey. His first round on thursday, he had 5 birdies and 4 bogeys. He has consistently started to trim those bogeys off of his card. If he keeps his focus and keeps the bogeys away, Adam Scott will be in the Top 5 to finish this tournament, if not have a back to back WIN.

I think that Adam has proven that he has the talent, just as he's had long before Steve Williams. And Adam will himself admit that Steve does bring out the good in him. Whether Steve's a good guy to have on his bag is aside from how Steve looked after his interviews last week. I won't  inject too much of my personal opinion, as I don't wish to slam Williams. I just think everything was handled poorly, that's all. I believe Adam Scott deserved much more attention that an "ex-caddie" of Tiger Woods. I think that players today have the discipline and talent as well as the best of equipment, to improve their games. I think technology will continue to improve as well. After all, everything that doesn't change, gets left behind.

Now, Go Hit Some Balls.........