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Watson's New Website
- by14STIX on22nd April, 2010 inBlog
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My all-time favorite golfer (and fellow Kansas Citian), Tom Watson, launched his new website along with a 2-DVD set entitled "Lessons of a Lifetime". The site features information about Tom's career, photo galleries, instructional articles and a memorabilia pro shop (where you can get your hands on some really cool autographed Watson items - here's my favorite). Here's a bit of advice, don't skip the intro on the main page when you visit the site. It's incredible and I've watched it at least 4 times today.
The DVD is full of important lessons that Tom learned from his father growing up, from playing competitive golf and from other great instructors. There are lessons for players of all skill levels so if you're just starting out there's a wealth of information to get you the proper fundamentals and if you're an accomplished player there's plenty of tips for advanced shot making that can help hone deficient areas in your game. You can watch some clips from the DVD here.
I learned a lot from watching Tom play and even more from his books that I read growing up and continue to flip back through today. "Getting Up and Down" is superb and is a must-own for every golfer. In fact, the DVD reminds me of a live version of that book. Tom's other book that I highly recommend is "Strategic Golf". The foreword is written by his close friend, Fred Couples, which is pretty cool when you consider the success these two continue to have in major championships and on the Champions Tour.
So, check out the site and the DVD's or go buy one of Tom's book. The lessons are worth every penny. 
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2010 Masters Wrapup
- by14STIX on13th April, 2010 inBlog
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Photo courtesy of nydailynews.com
The 2010 Masters was freaking incredible. I won't spend much time trying to recap it because A) it's now Tuesday and I'm late getting to this and B) there are other writers out there that are much better at this sort of thing. Here are some of my favorite recaps of the weekend. Take a look.
GeoffSchackelford.com - Shackelford ponders what Augusta National's next revision should be in light of Fred Ridley's brilliant move to tweak the course set up on Thursday and throughout the weekend.
ChapeauNoirGolf.com - Our friend in the black hat gives a great day-by-day run down of The Masters' fashion scene. My personal Golden Hanger winner? Shingo Katayama. He pretty much get's my vote every year he plays.
DevilBallGolf.com - Jay Busbee succinctly recaps one of most poignant Masters moments in recent memory and also check out Shane Bacon's post-Masters power rankings.
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The Sweet Taste of Victory
- by14STIX on13th April, 2010 inBlog
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I've never been a big Phil fan, but his stock shot way up after winning The Masters by playing one of the best final rounds in a major that I can remember - and more importantly - because he rolled up to the Krispy Kreme drive through the next morning still rocking his Green Jacket. This is awesome on a couple of levels. Even though this is the third time he's won a Green Jacket, Phil makes it clear that it's every bit as important to him as the first. I mean, look at the smile on his face. The other reason this is such a great pic is that we all know that hitting up Krispy Kreme was as much a reward for him as it was a treat for his girls. Enjoy it, Phil. You've earned it.
(Hat Tip: Devil Ball Golf)
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Nike's New Tiger Woods Ad - "Earl and Tiger"
- by14STIX on8th April, 2010 inBlog
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So, here's Nike's first 'post-transgressions' ad featuring Tiger Woods. The general public has held the opinion that Tiger owes them an explanation as a penance of sorts, which in my opinion isn't really necessary and meaningful given how guarded Tiger has been and will continue to be. Sure, Tiger will try to be more accessible to the public, flash more smiles, sign more autographs but that doesn't really reveal all that much about what Tiger has learned from all of this and how (or if) he has really changed going forward. What would be really interesting to know, and this is where the brilliance of Nike's ad becomes evident, is how exactly would Tiger explain his actions to Earl. We all know that Earl was Tiger's best friend and had a heavy hand in molding the person that Tiger is today. Clearly, telling his mother was difficult and certainly telling Elin and begging for understanding and possibly forgiveness was incredibly humiliating - but I have no doubt that the most difficult task for Tiger in all of this would have been facing his father and seeing the hurt, disbelief and disappointment in Earl's eyes.
Nike hit the nail right on the head with this ad. In fact, the more I watch it the more perfect I think it is. Yes, it's an attempt to sell Nike product - and there's little doubt that Nike will continue to do so - but what's better is that they've found a way to put us in the middle of the single conversation that everyone really wanted to hear but never will, not even Tiger.
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Golfweek's New SmartPhone App
- by14STIX on7th April, 2010 inBlog
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My favorite golf publication, Golfweek launched a new iPhone/BlackBerry/Windows app. It's a really slick and easy to navigate app featuring access to stories from Golfweek's writers before they hit the newsstand, pictures from tournaments, blogs (be sure to check out Toy Box and Blog U) and all the pro, college and amateur coverage that you handle. You can even tweet your favorite stories and pics straight from the app to your tweeps on Twitter.
Don't get me wrong, I love reading Golfweek when it arrives at my house each Thursday, but most of the coverage is old news (hate to say it, but it's true) by the time the magazine arrives. So, if you're like me and you like Golfweek but don't like waiting 'til the end of the week to read it, check out their new app. You can download a version for your phone here.
[Hat Tip to Handmark for the nice design work on the app. You can check out their other apps here.]
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Masters Contest Central
- by14STIX on6th April, 2010 inBlog
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Like The Masters? Like winning free stuff? Here's a list of links to some of the best contests for free Masters-related swag we've come across this week. Your chances of winning The Masters: 0. Your odds of winning one of these contests are much better.
Check back throughout the week. We'll add more to the list as we come across them.
TRAVIS MATHEW: WIN 30% OFF TM GEAR FOR LIFE!
KIKKOR GOLF: WIN A KIKKOR GOLF GIFT CARD
TAYLORMADE GOLF: WIN A 'SEASON OPENER' STAFF BAG OR CAP
ADIDAS GOLF: WIN SPECIAL EDITION GREEN STRIPE ADIPURE MASTERS SHOE
TRENDY GOLF: WIN £500 IN J LINDEBERG GEAR
FAIRWAYSTYLES.COM: WIN A SPECIAL EDITION PUMA GOLF BAG
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Two Words That Could Improve The Masters and March Madness
- by14STIX on5th April, 2010 inBlog
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Monday's aren't usually that great, but today is different. This Monday is different because two of the best events in all of sports converge - one coming to an end and one just beginning to bloom. Of course, I'm talking about college basketball's National Championship and The Masters. Both events are nearly perfect sporting spectacles, but even the nearly flawless can be improved. In fact, two little words could significantly improve both events simultaneously: Gus Johnson.
That's right. Gus Johnson. Imagine how incredible it would be to have Gus calling the NCAA title game and the final round at The Masters instead of the Human Snooze Button, Jim Nance, with his Ambiein-laced, scripted calls. Tonight's basketball game doesn't have the marquee matchup that CBS was probably hoping for, but if Gus was calling the game it would be about 43% more exciting based on his voice alone. And if CBS really wanted a ratings boost they'd pair Johnson with the best color guy in any sport, Bill "Uncle One More" Raftery. I'd watch a fifth-grade girls basketball game if Gus and Raf had the call. If they actually called a National Championship together my head might explode.
With the modifications made to Augusta National to defend itself against longer-hitting players some of the excitement has dissipated from the final nine at The Masters. The Sunday roars that the back nine used to produce aren't quite as loud as they've been in the past. But rest assured that Gus would change all of that - at least for the at home audience. No disrespect to Verne Lundquist because his call here is an all-time great, but I think we all can agree that Gus would have taken it to another level. Trust me, the guy that coined "THE SLIPPER STILL FITS!!!!!" would no doubt come up with something as perfectly tailored for The Masters - perhaps "THE JACKET STILL FITS!!!!!". Ha Ha! (Gus Johnson voice)
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St. Patrick's Day Sweepstakes Winners Announced
- by14STIX on18th March, 2010 inBlog
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St. Patrick's Day has past, but for those who might have over-indulged on green beer the after-affect is probably still lingering. If you woke up this morning and didn't feel a little green, consider yourself lucky. If you're one of our St. Patrick's Day Sweepstakes winners your even luckier (what, do you walk around with horseshoes and four leaf clovers in your pocket?). Let's all give our sponsors, RJB Collector and Bettinardi LTD, a big thank you for hooking us up with some really great Bettinardi stuff. And from all of us at FOURTEEN STIX (ok, that's me) a big thank you to all of you who helped spread the word about us this week. We're lucky to have such great fans. So, without further ado let's announce our sweepstakes winners.
FOURTEEN STIX / RJB COLLECTOR / BETTINARDI LTD ST. PATRICK'S DAY SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS:
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS - LIMITED EDITION ST. PATRICK'S DAY 2010 PUTTER COVER
Tom K., Ogdensburg NY
James N., Cary, IL
2ND PLACE WINNERS - LIMITED EDITION BETTINARDI PLAYERS TOWEL
Ted F., Hendersonville, NC
Ed R., Austin, TX
LIMITED EDITION BETTINARDI T-SHIRT
John B., Virginia Beach, VA
Dave W., Sacramento, CA
LIMITED EDITION BETTINARDI DIVOT TOOL
Chris C., Ada, OK
Sean D., Dedham, MA
Mike B., Kansas City, MO
Luke P., Philadelphia, PA
Congrats again to all of our winners. We know it's no pot of gold, but it's way better than a green beer hangover!
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ST. PATRICK'S DAY SWEEPSTAKES With RJB Collector and Bettinardi LTD - WIN GREAT PRIZES!
- by14STIX on14th March, 2010 inBlog
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St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner which means it's time for green beer, green grass and, hopefully, more greens in regulation. It's been a long winter for those of us who aren't lucky enough to live in year-round golf climates, so St. Patrick's Day is a yearly reminder that golf season that it's time to get the clubs out of the closet, knock the dust off the headcovers and the rust off the swing. And if that rust seems to be a little bit more stubborn this year you might just need just need a shot of Irish luck - after all, as the saying goes, it's better to be lucky than good! Lucky for you, FOURTEEN STIX and our friends at RJB Collector and Bettinardi LTD just so happen to have a few lucky charms that could cure your winter golf woes. Starting at 12:00 a.m. Central Time (CT) on Monday, March 15, 2010 you can enter to WIN GREAT PRIZES from RJB Collector and Bettinardi LTD. So what's up for grabs?
FOURTEEN STIX / RJB COLLECTOR / BETTINARDI LTD
PRIZES
ST. PATRICK'S DAY SWEEPSTAKES
TWO (2) GRAND PRIZE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE ONE (1) LIMITED EDITION ST. PATRICK'S DAY 2010 PUTTER COVER
TWO (2) SECOND PLACE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE ONE (1) LIMITED EDITION BETTINARDI PLAYERS TOWEL
TWO (2) THIRD PLACE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE ONE (1) LIMITED EDITION BETTINARDI T-SHIRT
FOUR (4) FOURTH PLACE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE ONE (1) LIMITED EDITION BETTINARDI DIVOT TOOL
HOW TO ENTER
Entering to win is simple. Here's all you have to do:
A. Sign up for RJB COLLECTOR'S email mailing list at www.rjbcollector.com.
B. Write about FOURTEEN STIX, RJB COLLECTOR and BETTINARDI LTD on your website, blog or Facebook page or Tweet about FOURTEEN STIX, RJB COLLECTOR and BETTINARDI LTD on twitter.com. Postings must include a hyperlink to this contest page. Postings without a hyperlink to the contest page are not eligible and will be disqualified.
C. Send an email to info@14stix.com with your name, email address and mailing address, a link to (or screenshot of) your Posting about FOURTEEN STIX, RJB COLLECTOR and BETTINARDI LTD, and (if your Posting appears on twitter.com) your Twitter username.This is IMPORTANT, so pay attention. Only entries that have ALL of the aforementioned criteria will be qualified for entry into the sweepstakes. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
PRIVACY
14 STIX and RJB Collector/Bettinardi LTD are serious about protecting your privacy. Your email and address info will not be used for SPAM and will not be sold to other outside parties.
DEADLINE
All entries must be 11:59 PM on Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 (i.e. St. Patrick's Day). No fee or purchase of any kind is required to enter or win. Winner's will be announced the following day.
OFFICIAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES
Please read the official sweepstakes rules here before completing your entry.
ABOUT RJB COLLECTOR AND BETTINARDI LTD
So, who are these guys you ask? Well, you might remember RJB Collector from our 2010 PGA Show recap post. They, along with Bettinardi LTD are the only two authorized distributors of Tour, prototype and limited edition Bettinardi putters, collectibles, and accessories - ANYWHERE! Their mission is to build you a custom, one of a kind piece of putting artwork that will not only incite jealousy among your friends because of how it looks but also because of how it performs. See, to them looking good is only half of the equation. The putter has to fit you perfectly - both in style and in function. That's why they'll run you through thousands of possible set up and aesthetic combinations from loft, lie angle, putter shape, head weight, hosel type, stampings, finish color, paint scheme and grip type (just to mention a few) before building your flatstick. If you think you have OCD when it comes to your equipment, just wait until you go through their fitting process. They will not rest until your are completely satisfied with you putter. Other putter companies claim to offer customized putters, but is stamping your initials and slapping a new paintfill on something you bough off the rack really unique? If you said yes then you probably drive a Honda Accord, wear Dockers and list Olive Garden among your favorite restaurants. RJB Collector and Bettinardi LTD offer you truly one of a kind creations. Consider them your concierge in the putter creation process. You want it done, they'll find a way to make it happen. If your interested in owning one of your own but need a little inspiration for your design check out some of their unbelievable custom creations here and here.
Not only do these guys offer fantastic putters, but they're also your hookup for custom belt buckles, exotic leather goods, divot tools and limited edition headcovers (like the one we're giving away...). These accessories are the perfect compliment to your newly created custom putter or just a great way to stand out from the rest of your foursome. But let's talk a little bit about the star of this Sweepstakes.The St. Patrick's Day 2010 putter cover sold out on both websites in less than 24 hours, but two Grand Prize Winners with the luck of the Irish will get their hands on the limited edition cover. Here's what's cool about this Bettinardi designed headcover, well, besides being our favorite color. It features a giant embroidered Hex B on top surrounded by gold Hex B coins, which are said to bring generous amounts of luck to any putter it sits upon. It also has a patented, non-Velcro enclosure which is cool for a couple of reasons: One, the covers don't need to be replaced due to Velcro wearing out and, two, the neoprene enclosure system eliminates potentially noisy distractions that opening a Velcro cover causes. You can learn more about the evolution of the headcover here. It's a pretty cool story and has some great pics of other limited edition Bettinardi cover creations.
Take a look at some of our favorite RJB Collector / Bettinardi LTD creations below and don't forget to enter the Sweepstakes before midnight on St. Paddy's Day!
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Puma Pounces On Cobra
- by14STIX on11th March, 2010 inBlog
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It's been no secret in the golf biz that up-and-coming golf apparel company PUMA has been in search of an equipment company to buy much like younger brother (yes, the founders of Adidas and PUMA are brothers) Adidas did with TaylorMade. Initial speculation had PUMA looking at buying then struggling and now defunct Nickent, but I never really saw a connection between the two. Yesterday, Acushnet, through a release from parent company Fortune Brands, announced that it had sold the Cobra brand, related inventory, intellectual property and endorsement contracts to, you guessed it, PUMA.
PUMA was very quiet, in fact silent, about the acquisition until today. A post appeared on their blog today voicing their excitement about the deal and telling customer to "Look out for PUMA golf clubs in the near future." It sounds like Cobra as we know it might not be long for this world with PUMA hinting that they might re-brand the equipment under their name (a la Nike). It's hard to say at this point whether re-branding is a good idea or if there's more value in keeping the brands separate but closely tied like Adidas has done with TaylorMade and Titleist with FootJoy. Nike has had some success with a unified brand but equipment sales have never measured up to Phil Knight's expectations. Personally, I think that Nike has struggled to achieve acceptance among high-level amateurs and accomplished players because of it's lack of history in the golf business. To me Nike clubs have always seemed cheap and gimmicky and I tend to think that PUMA branded clubs might be perceived similarly.
Notice too that the acquisition of Cobra also included their existing endorsement contracts. That means the likes of Camillo Villegas, JB Holmes, Ian Poulter could be wearing PUMA apparel and playing PUMA clubs. Camillo has an apparel contract with J. Lindeberg and Poulter has his own clothing label. In terms of style, Villeags and Poulter fit the PUMA brand quite well, especially alongside PUMA's poster boy Rickie Fowler. JB Holmes, uhh, not so much. To make things more complicated, Fowler has a multi-year deal to play Titlieist equipment (and has said that he sees himself as a "Titleist guy"). PUMA is going to do whatever it takes to make this acquisition succeed (i.e. shell out cash) so I expect that they'll likely try to buy out Rickie's equipment contract with Titleist and Villegas's apparel deal with JL. Fowler and Villegas as PUMA frontmen is a pretty dynamic and compelling tandem. As for Poulter and Holmes I expect that their deals won't be renewed at the end of their term if PUMA doesn't receive a buy-out offer from another Company. It makes sense for Poulter to end up on Titleist staff considering his footwear deal with FootJoy and the growth of his personal apparel line. Holmes also has a deal with FootJoy, so he too could end up with Titleist and would be free to continue his apparel deal with Sunice.
According to PUMA the transaction will be finalized sometime this Spring so expect more detailed plans on PUMA go-forward strategy in the coming weeks.
How do you see things shaking out? Drop us a comment and let us know.
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