Clubs and Courses

I was listening to “Mike & Mike in the Morning” on the radio today discuss Tiger's win of the U.S. Open. One of the Mike's commented that athletes who win much of the time enjoy their wins much less than they regret their losses. He mentioned Michael Jordan as an example and pointed out how much happier Rocco Mediate looked taking second place than Tiger did winning first. The trophy kiss may have been one of relief than joy.

Around our shop we were all rooting for Rocco. I may be the only Tiger fan in the group, but even I was hoping Rocco would win. His determination, simple approach to the game and grace under pressure were terrific. As the underdog in age, skill and experience Rocco's performance was truly amazing.

I saw Tiger's last 9 holes on Saturday and Sunday, as well as the final four on Monday. He made some incredible shots, but his woods got him in trouble as often as not. Rocco's focus on staying out of trouble kept him in the game and almost won him the Open. I understand that kind of golf and appreciate seeing it work.

Tiger is expected to win and each win is a notch toward beating Jack Nicklas' record. Does a good shot feel as good as a bad shot feels bad? Is a tournament win as thrilling as a loss is painful? Tiger isn't playing for money anymore and playing with the kind of pain his knee was causing him may have cost him the rest of the season. He's got another U.S. Open trophy cup in his collection. May it not be filled with bittersweet regrets.

On another note: Titleist got some great exposure on the staff bag that Tiger's Saturday co-player, Robert Karlsson, used. Karlsson also played a very respectable round that day. Ping was represented by some strong players, the young Hunter Mahan and the Spaniard, Miguel Jimenez, both fun to watch. Plus Lee Westwood was playing with Ping clubs and Lee makes those clubs look like musical instruments with his swing.

But the best advertising was Rocco for Callaway Golf, Phil M. notwithstanding. Roc Solid, is right (especially with the Claw putter).

TaylorMade may have coined the word ‘Rescue' for hybrids clubs, but the Cobra Baffler DWS is probably the best selling ‘rescue' club at our shop. (Customers routinely ask for a ‘rescue' club with a brand name attached. Kind of like asking for a Band-Aid when any small bandage will work).

I'm not surprised to see that Golf Magazine used the Baffler to compare with other Cobra 4-irons as an overall example for its readers. Cobra has irons for a whole range of golfers, along with two versions of the Baffler (DWS and Pro).

The Baffler DWS and 4-irons from the ProCB, FP and S9 models were struck from a fairway lie and recorded using a launch monitor. All clubs had stiff flex shafts. The Baffler DWS went 171 yards (carry) and generated the fastest ball speed (118.7mph). These scores were as much as 10% better than the S9 and 7.5% better than the ProCB. The FP was in between.

In other words, the Baffler could gain you as much as 15 yards over your current 4-iron if you're playing – or plan to play with – Cobra clubs. But whether you play with Cobra irons or not, if you don't use any iron above a 5-iron it really makes sense to try a hybrid.

Facing the end of one's career, future--or life--can work like heat on steel: strengthening a person in ways not imaginable unless experienced. Today, Trevor Immelman won The Masters tournament after an exhausting year struggling with what looked like career ending illnesses. I saw him win the last Western Open in 2006, which was one of only two events Mr. Immelman played successfully until today.

Granted, no one expected much from Immelman given his 2007 season, so he didn't have the pressure that the fans and media put on Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson or some of the other top seeded players. However, he had his own psyche to deal with, one that was certainly affected by what he has gone through.

History is filled with stories of people like Ben Hogan, Lance Armstrong or Jackie Speier, who finally won a seat in Congress this week. These people have put their lives back together after suffering major catastrophes and have gone on to win tournaments, races or elections. (In the case of Jackie Speier, she survived getting shot multiple times during her visit to Jonestown back in 1979, as well as personal traumas that would keep some people from getting out of bed in the morning.)

Immelman was able to prove to himself today that he has overcome the physical challenges that dogged his game last year. His Sunday game was up and down, but he held on to the lead and won the Green Jacket. Maybe his final round would have been different if he had been paired with Tiger Woods. And maybe he'll find out.