GolfStinks

A Golf Blog for the Rest of Us!

  • Home
  • About
  • Most Popular
  • Categories
    • Stinky Golfer Paradise
    • Golf Life
    • The Pro Tours
    • Reviews
    • The Economics of Golf
    • Golf Growth & Diversity
    • Health & Environment
    • Golf Destinations
  • Golf Terms
  • Newsletter

Reviews

From golf books to golf gadgets and products, we read, test and try 'em for you first!

Book Review: G.O.L.F.

February 1, 2012 | By Greg D'Andrea | Leave a Comment

golfstinks golf stinksDoes the acronym G.O.L.F. stand for “Greatest Of Life’s Frustrations” or “Game Of Limitless Fun?” Well, the author of G.O.L.F., Lane H. Luoma, will tell you it stands for both (and I think I agree).

I loved this book! I’m not sure how, but Mr. Luoma has figured out how to put down into words every single thought that’s ever crossed a golfer’s mind – it’s truly a rollocking read! What is more, he’s done a rather good job penning this book to appeal to the non-golfer too.

In the preface, Mr. Luoma states “you certainly don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy this book…” After reading that statement, I thought, “sure, what non-golfer is going to take the time to read this book?” But in all honesty, this book would greatly help those non-golfers understand the ups and downs their golfing buddies (or significant others) experience.

G.O.L.F. takes you on a journey of the game from those of us who experience it – from the pros to the Joes, the book levels the playing field, ignores handicaps and explains why everyone who’s ever played this game can be frustrated beyond imagination, yet still overwhelmingly smitten with it all at the same time.

For example, let’s take Chapter 8: “Warning! Hazardous to your Health (Mental).” The chapter takes you through an entire round, hole-by-hole, giving examples of what a terrible score you can end up with just because of strategicly-placed hazards (bunkers, lateral water, etc.). Yet after 17 nightmarish holes, you birdie the unbelievably difficult par 5, 18th-hole to finish on a high note and restore your love of the game. That, my friends, is golf.

From how luck (both good and bad) can affect your game; to being at the mercy of Mother Nature; to taking a look at some of the more interesting rules; G.O.L.F. lays-it-out as you’ve never read it before (oh, you may have thought it, but seeing on the printed page is a totally different experience).

Mr. Luoma takes golfers and non-golfers alike on a facinating voyage into what it really means to play this game – from chagrin to euphoria, it’s all in this book.

You can purchase Mr. Luoma’s book on the G.O.L.F. website, along with some other merchandise, including framed prints from the awesome artwork contained within its pages (I totally want that “Believe” print).

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: book review, G.O.L.F., game of limitless fun, golf book, greatest of life's frustrations, luoma

Hilarious Secret Santa Gifts For Golfers

December 19, 2011 | By Chris Chirico | 3 Comments

Is your Secret Santa recipient a golfer?

Well, it’s that time of year again…The time for last minute gift shopping. If you’re like me, then every year you wait until the last possible minute to finish up your holiday shopping. And someone who almost always comes within mere hours of being left out in the cold is the person I’ve pulled for my Secret Santa.

Even as I write this, I am less than two days from my company’s holiday party, and I have yet to purchase a gift for him. And to make it even a bit tougher on me…he’s not a golfer! So I have no idea where to even begin. Ah, who am I kidding – he’s getting a bottle of something. Only if this guy would take up golf, I’d have some great ideas for Secret Santa gifts.

If you’ve followed any of my previous posts regarding holiday gifts (A Few Golf Items Not Under My Tree and It’s Christmas in July for Golfers) you’ll see that some of my ideas were on the expensive side. But this time, I need to keep costs down due to our Secret Santa spending limit. Well that and I’m poor. But along with a gift from me comes a bit of my sense of humor. So lets just say, these gifts might not be for everyone. With that being said, lets start with this one:

199Ah, the Potty Putter. Now that’s a classic. For everyone who believes spending a little time on the ol’ porcelain throne is quite the waste of time, then here’s a great opportunity to turn it into quality time. Why not leave a scorecard along with it? Play a game with whoever follows you in? OK, maybe that’s pushing it a little bit. But you know what’s not? This:

What could go better with the potty putter than a roll of 19th hole bath tissue? I don’t know about you, but sometimes you just need a little something fresh for the reading room. After all, it’s called the reading room for a reason, no?

But what about something that your Secret Santa gift recipient could use out on the course? Well, how about this golf bag?

Now this looks like something quite convenient. A nice little pouch that could give you easy access to your balls. Sort of a ball bag for your golf bag. Nothing can intimidate another golfer more than carrying your balls on the outside. Why is everyone giggling? I don’t get it.

OK, so the guy I have to buy for isn’t a golfer, but maybe your stocking stuffer or Secret Santa recipient is. But not just a golfer – it has to be a golfer with a sense of humor. A golfer who would appreciate a bit of bathroom humor. Or someone who would just like the convenience of having a ball sack hanging off of their golf bag….oooohhhhh….I get it now. Funny stuff! In case anyone is reading this and has me for Secret Santa…see above.

Swing ’til you’re happy!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: christmas, holidays, Potty Putter, secret santa

Book Review: Little Balls Big Dreams

May 25, 2011 | By Golf Stinks | Leave a Comment

golfstinks golf stinksYou know that feeling you get when you hit a ball on the sweet spot of the club? When everything clicks – a smooth, fluid swing; perfect balance; solid contact…And, of course, the ball goes exactly where you intended it to go. You think to yourself; “If I could only hit it that way all the time.”

We all have those “perfect” shots inside us, we just need to work on hitting more than one a round (or season…or lifetime). But what if one perfect shot led to another and another and before you knew it, everything you ever learned about how to correctly swing a golf club connected both physically and mentally on a regular basis? Sounds a bit fantastical, doesn’t it? One shot and BAM! You’re a scratch golfer. Come on, that’s the stuff of fiction.

Well, actually, it is the stuff of fiction – in James Wolf’s novel “Little Balls Big Dreams” that’s exactly what happens to Matt True, the story’s lead character. Matt is your average guy in his 40s with a wife, kids and an 11 handicap. That is, until one day at his local club, he hits that “perfect” shot on the par 3, 6th hole. Everything connected – a smooth, fluid swing; perfect balance; solid contact…And, of course, the ball went exactly where he intended it to go…in this case, right in the hole for an ace.

But things didn’t end there for Matt. He knew deep down that the ace changed him. He was confident that he could reproduce that swing every time and with similar results…and he was correct – he finished his round at two under par (pretty impressive for an 11 handicap). After that, Matt continued to play scratch golf and he quickly began to resurrect his teenage dreams of becoming a pro golfer on tour. And that’s where the story really begins.

In Little Balls Big Dreams, Mr. Wolf takes you on an adventure of “what if.” What if you could become a scratch golfer after just one, game-changing shot? What would you do? Would you put yourself through Q-school when most of the players there are half your age? Would you sacrifice your family life and your stable job for a shot at life on the PGA Tour? Would your spouse even let you give it a go?

This short novel (167 pages) takes you on Matt’s journey to answer these questions and follow his dreams. I found myself seriously thinking about what I would do if I suddenly were a scratch golfer. And I could relate to the conversations Matt had with his wife over him pursuing his dream. And I could also relate to his concerns about being away from his children for long stretches of time. The only thing I couldn’t relate to was the feeling of being an awesome golfer – so until that happens, I guess I’m not really sure what I would do.

But in the book, you can sit back and enjoy how the story unfolds – how Matt’s decisions lead him to where he ends up when the last page is turned. Little Balls Big Dreams is a thought-provoking and entertaining story of golf, family, dreams and what really matters when you get right down to it.

You can purchase Little Balls Big Dreams HERE. Remember, Father’s Day is coming up!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: ace, book review, golf book, hole in one, james wolf, little balls big dreams, pya tour, q-school

Book Review: Golf List Mania!

May 20, 2011 | By Pete Girotto | Leave a Comment

golf list maniaAs soon as I found out I was getting a copy of Leonard Shapiro and Ed Sherman’s “Golf List Mania!” I began to schvitz in excitement. Besides it being a future 19th hole and coffee table staple, this book offers up (as they perfectly denote), “The Most Authoritative and Opinionated Rankings of the Best and Worst of the Game.” I personally enjoy reading stuff as interesting as this.

Included are lists by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as well as original stuff courtesy of Jim Nantz (who, by the way, offers up a great foreword) and one of America’s greatest sports writer, Dan Jenkins. Shapiro and Sherman delve into this with no holds barred. They have lists ranging from Arnie’s “My Five Most Important Victories” to a personal favorite – Shapiro’s; “Great Caddyshack Pick-Up Lines.”

Another great contribution to this book are the quotes that follow some of the lists. One that sticks out in my mind is Jimmy DeMaret’s, who said: “Golf and sex are the only things you can enjoy without being good at them.” Classic.

Fellow hacks, get out there and score yourself a copy for $15. I have lost more than that in golf balls after a round. At least there is a better chance of not losing this book. Good job fellas!

Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: arnold palmer caddyshack, book review, Dan Jenkins, Ed Sherman, golf book, golf list mania, jack nicklaus, Jim Nantz, Jimmy DeMaret, Leonard Shapiro

The Genius Continues: Golf Genie Practice Drills

February 2, 2011 | By Greg D'Andrea | 2 Comments

GolfGeniePracticeDrillsPocketGuide

When I was playing golf wretchedly competitively on my high school team, we used to practice every day of the week. Drills, drills and more drills. And then walk 9 holes. I have two points to make on that:

First, I always needed a reminder on how do the drills. I mean, I remembered two or three of them, but I would always forget the rest (and there were a bunch). Second, for some reason (perhaps it was the omnipotent teenager in me), I never thought to stretch. On that later point:

The summer after my senior year (golf season had just ended) my sciatic nerve decided to incapacitate me for two weeks straight. I couldn’t drive (mainly because I couldn’t get in the car), or even walk really. And I certainly couldn’t golf…for like two months! I blame the whole ordeal on not stretching before teeing-off on the first hole.

Nearly 19 years later, I received the one product that would have solved both my problems: The Golf Genie Practice Drills Pocket Guide. The first four pages? Pre-swing stretches. The rest of the book? All the golf drills you could possibly imagine – all in one place and conveniently located right in your golf bag.

I’ll tell you what; I like this Golf Genie company. Last summer, I had nothing but praise for its Tee to Green Pocket Guide; “a practical, quick reference guide to pulling-off all the different golf shots you may encounter out on the course.”

The Practice Drills Pocket Guide, the company’s second offering, is the perfect compliment to the Tee to Green Pocket Guide. Packed with more than 60 pages of stretches and drills, this guide will get you prepared for your round, tournament or just a Nassau with your golf buddies.

Not playing golf today? Even better – the Practice Drills Pocket Guide features plenty of practice routines that can be performed at home, at the range or on the putting green. And perhaps my favorite; There’s a quick guide for 45-, 30-, 15- and 5-minute pre-round routines that can get your muscles an mind focused on the task at hand (of course, knowing how late I show up at the course, I’ll probably only have time for the 5-minute routine)!

As with the Tee to Green Pocket Guide, the Practice Drills Pocket Guide is easy to use. Each drill features a few numbered steps with simple and fun diagrams to get you going through the proper motions in seconds flat. No gimmicks or gadgets – just “PGA-proven” drills that were contributed by top PGA instructors.

Ready to add one to your golf bag? The Golf Genie Practice Drills Pocket Guide retails for $15 in pro-shops all over the country or at golfhelptips.com. But in preparation for the upcoming season, we’ll be giving away 25 for free! Yep – five Practice Drills Pocket Guides a week for the next five weeks – all through our Facebook page. What do you have to do to get one? Just become a fan and wish yourself luck, because we’ll be choosing the winners at random!

Good luck Golfstinks fans! And remember: Practice makes perfect (or at least less wretched).

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: booklet, golf genie, golfgenie.com, PGA, pocket guide, practice drills, tee to green pocket guide

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • …
  • 14
  • Next Page »

Awards

Badges Badges Badges Best Mens Blogs Badges

Advertisements

GPI


 


Archives – Read all 1,000+ GolfStinks Posts!

Blogroll

  • Aussie Golfer
  • Black Girls Golf
  • Devil Ball Golf
  • Front9Back9 Golf Blog
  • Geoff Shackelford
  • Golf Blogger
  • Golf For Beginners
  • Golf Gear Geeks
  • Golf Girl's Diary
  • Golf News Net (GNN)
  • Golf Refugees
  • Golf State of Mind
  • Golfgal
  • My Daily Slice of Golf
  • Pillars of Golf
  • Ruthless Golf
  • The Breakfast Ball
  • The Grateful Golfer
  • UniqueGolfGears.com

Questions / Advertise

info@golfstinks.com

Disclaimers

See here

Privacy Policy

See here

Copyright © 2009-2024 GolfStinks.com - All rights reserved.