GNN Waggle Room

February 26, 2010

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.)

This week's 19th Hole Golf Show features discussion of the party at TPC Scottsdale known as the Wasted Open. Also, we talk about our new Tiger-only blog and his statement. Finally, we touch on the LPGA Tour season to date and the making of LPGACam on Waggle Room.

January 29, 2010: Jason Sobel

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.)

This week's 19th Hole Golf Show features one of my favorite golf writers, Jason Sobel from ESPN. I recap my visit to the PGA Show in Orlando: the good and the bad. Also, we touch on the Doug Barron situation and the Desert Swing event in Doha, Qatar this weekend.

January 21, 2010: Season Premiere

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.)

We begin the season by recapping the action of the first two weeks on the PGA Tour with Golf Channel's Jerry Foltz and Alan Shipnuck from Sports Illustrated - including news on Pavingate!

December 14, 2009: Season Finale

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.)

In our finale episode for 2009, we talk about the Tiger Woods situation, interview Global Golf Post's Jim Nugent, and 2009 Masters runner-up Kenny Perry about the season that was and his future.

November 4, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.)

We start the show by discussing the HSBC Champions and LPGA Mizuno Classic. Then we talk with top 100 teacher Charlie King about how he plans to change golf instruction. And, finally, we talk with legendary golfer Tom Watson about a host of subjects, including Turnberry.

October 7, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.)

We start the show by talking about the vote for Olympic golf and the potential end of the Race to Dubai. Tiger's swing coach Hank Haney joins me to talk Pres Cup, v grooves, and Olympic golf. Finally, we update you on the LPGA Tour Commish search - someone is out - and the unfortunate timing of the PGA and LPGA Tour events last weekend.

August 27, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:16:59 +0000

We talk about the first leg of the PGA Tour Playoffs at The Barclays, Liberty National, and the field. Jordan Thomas joins me to talk about his advocacy and fundrasising for issues facing child amputees and his connection to golf. Finally, Golfweek's Sean Martin pops in from Tulsa to speak with Ryan about the US Amateur and who to look out for at Southern Hills.

August 12, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:16:59 +0000

We preview the PGA Championship by first talking about Hazeltine and its lack of natural defenses. It brings many more players into contention than you think. TNT course reporter Billy Kratzert then stops by to give us his thoughts on the championship and slow play. Finally, we talk about Michelle Wie's positive summer of '09, the loss of another LPGA event, and how the Euro Tour may be in even worse shape than they are.

August 6, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:16:59 +0000

Ryan kicks off the show by highlighting what the major storylines are on day one of the WGC Bridgestone Invitational - namely Phil and Tiger. We then turn to the subject of the Solheim Cup picks, buzz around Michelle Wie, and if some of that is lost by having an empty schedule this week. Finally, AmEx VP Courtney Kelso joins me to talk about the ways they're partnering with the PGA of America to enhance the fan experience with free stuff at Hazeltine.

July 23, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:16:59 +0000

We discuss the RBC Canadian Open and Mike Weir's chances to win his national title. Then we replay the Stewart Cink PGA Tour teleconference so you can hear from the Open Champion in his own words about winning the Open and the playoff with Tom Watson. Finally, we touch on two majors tournaments overseas this weekend - the Senior British Open with Tom Watson and the Evian Masters on the LPGA Tour.

July 16, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:16:59 +0000

Ryan talks about Tom Watson, Ben Curtis, and Tiger Woods to review round one of the Open at Turnberry. SBJ's golf reporter Jon Show joins to discuss the LPGA's future with Marsha Evans at the helm. And Golf Digest's fashion guru Marty Hackel joins me to talk scripting, new trends, and we invent a golf shoe that will tell you when youre tempo is off.

June 26, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:16:59 +0000

Ryan talks with author Eric Adelson about his new book on Michelle Wie. We discuss Wie's career, the influence of her family on her career, where she is today, and how Twitter has allowed Michelle to open up and display her personality.

June 16, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:16:59 +0000

We go over the results of the LPGA Championship and talk about how Anna Nordqvist calmed her nerves to win her first title and major. Golf Channel's Rich Lerner and I sit down to talk about the US Open, USGA, and all kinds of golf topics. Champ Tour legend Jim Colbert joins me to preview the US Open and talk about his work with Jim Kelly at the US Open for DirecTV.

June 11, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 06:16:59 +0000

Ryan kicks off the show by talking about the St. Jude Classic and the returns of Phil Mickelson and John Daly, and just how different they are. Golf World Senior Writer Ryan Herrington (ha, another Ryan!) joins me to preview the field of the US Open and the players most likely to win at Bethpage. Finally, we talk about day one of the McDonald's LPGA Championship - the action on the course and off of it.

June 4, 2009

the19thholeshow@hotmail.com (Broadcastmonsters.com Inc.) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:16:59 +0000

We talk about the two great events this week in the Memorial and the State Farm Classic. Also, we touch on just how cool the Memorial Skins Game was. Ryan talks with USGA setup chief Mike Davis about the Open, his influences, and V grooves. Finally, PGA Tour pro Billy Andrade joins us to talk about he and Brad Faxon's CVS Charity Classic.

Test Driving a Lamborghini in Augusta, Ga.

rballengee — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:21:09 +0000

I took a test driver in a Lamborghini on the Wednesday of the 2011 Masters.

Dottie barking in her sleep.

rballengee — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:27:39 +0000

Ian Poulter presents: Ben Crane & Ryan Palmer doing karaoke

rballengee — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:51:05 +0000

Video shot by Ian Poulter: www.twitvid.com

Graeme McDowell was robbed

rballengee — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:35:34 +0000

Graeme McDowell was robbed

Waggle Room on Versus' The Daily Line

rballengee — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:30:27 +0000

Waggle Room made the Jenny From the Blogs segment for finding the Tiger Woods-Ben Roethlisberger T-shirt in Pittsburgh.

Tiger Woods: "What the hell was that?!"

rballengee — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:20:52 +0000

On his 11th hole of his first round at the PGA Championship, Tiger Woods hit a questionable third shot.

Tim Rosaforte on Golf World Monday

rballengee — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:14:47 +0000

Waggle Room's Ryan Ballengee speaks with Golf World's Tim Rosaforte about their new digital publication, Golf World Monday.

Tom Watson on Johnny Miller Criticism

rballengee — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:03:04 +0000

Tom Watson responds to Johnny Miller's remark that Jack Nicklaus played "chicken golf."

Tom Watson Compares Today's Players to His Era

rballengee — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:03:59 +0000

Tom Watson talks about the big change in how modern PGA Tour players prepare for tournaments.

A Video Tour of Pebble Beach's 7th Hole

rballengee — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:18:50 +0000

Waggle Room's Ryan Ballengee takes a look at the iconic par 3 7th hole at Pebble Beach in the 110th US Open.

LPGACam with Beatriz Recari from Springfield, IL

rballengee — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:05:01 +0000

On this week's LPGACam from the State Farm Classic, Beatriz Recari joins Ryan Ballengee to talk about her game, beating stronger players, and making the transition to America.

Checkin' in with Stephanie Connelly

rballengee — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:54:18 +0000

Waggle Room's Futures Tour correspondent Stephanie Connelly catches up with us in her home state of Maryland.

LPGA Cam from Mobile with Angela Stanford

rballengee — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:20:23 +0000

Ryan Ballengee chats with defending champion of the Bell Micro LPGA, Angela Stanford, from Mobile, AL on LPGA Cam

Michelle Wie McDonald's Commercial

rballengee — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 04:25:59 +0000

Michelle Wie's new McDonald's commercial.

If Gus Johnson Called the Masters

rballengee — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:32:05 +0000

Waggle Room takes a look at some of the biggest shots of the 2010 Masters as though Gus Johnson were calling them.

David Duval Skips the Ball Across Augusta National 16th Pond

rballengee — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:20:25 +0000

In the Wednesday practice round at the 2010 Masters, David Duval tries to skip his ball across the pond at the par 3 16th.

LPGA Cam with Suzann Pettersen from Kraft Nabisco Championship

rballengee — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:41:49 +0000

Waggle Room's Ryan Ballengee speaks with Nike Golf staff member Suzann Pettersen as she prepares for the LPGA Tour's first major of the year at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

LPGA Cam from Singapore with Sandra Gal

rballengee — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:58:25 +0000

On this week's LPGA Cam, we're joined by Sandra Gal live from the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore. We talk about the start to her season, how her game suit this week's course, and her plea to get into the Mojo 6.

LPGACam Premiere: Wendy Ward at Honda PTT LPGA Thailand

rballengee — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:47:43 +0000

In the premiere of LPGACam, Waggle Room's Ryan Ballengee interviews Wendy Ward live from Thailand as she prepares to tee it up in the first event of the 2010 LPGA Tour season.

Interview with Christina Kim and John Raser

rballengee — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:31:58 +0000

Christina Kim and John Raser speak with Ryan Ballengee about their match on Superbowl Sunday in Orlando!

iPad & Golf Digest: How It'll Work Together

rballengee — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:53 +0000

Last Thursday at the PGA Show, Golf Digest unveiled their vision of Golf Digest and Golf World magazines on the newly-announced iPad or other similar tablet technology.

The Callaway Performance Center at the Leadbetter Academy

rballengee — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:03:23 +0000

On January 27, 2010, a small group gathered for the opening of the Callaway Performance Center at the Leadbetter Academy in Orlando, FL. It is the tenth such center that Callaway has produced. And David Leadbetter himself takes the equipment in the center for a spin.

David Leadbetter on Custom Club Fitting

rballengee — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:56:10 +0000

At the opening of the Callaway Performance Center at the Leadbetter Academy at Champions Gate, Ryan Ballengee speaks with David Leadbetter about how the center's equipment can help players use equipment to perform their best on the course.

A Conversation Between Tiger and His Headcover Frank

rballengee — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:40:31 +0000

Tiger Woods and his headcover Frank have a heart to heart talk in light of his affairs.

Reviewing the Slotline SSi 600 Series in a Blizzard

rballengee — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:47:15 +0000

Waggle Room's Ryan Ballengee didn't let a blizzard stop him from reviewing Slotline Golf's new SSi 600 series of putters.

Waggleroom.com Transitioning To SBNation.com's Golf Section

Adam Fonseca — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:33:21 +0000

To our faithful Waggleroom.com readers,

I have been asked by SBNation.com's leadership to inform all of you that this blog, Waggleroom.com, will be fully transitioning to the SB Nation Golf section, effective immediately. (For real this time; I swear)

As a result of this transition, there will no longer be any new golf coverage found on Waggleroom. However, fresh new content from myself, Emily Kay, and the entire team of golf writers at SB Nation can be found daily in the general golf section.

The reasoning behind this transition is simple: we at SB Nation would like to focus on providing the highest quality of timely golf coverage possible, and keeping that content in one place is vital to achieving that goal. We realized that having two main golf blogs/sections dedicated to golf through the website became confusing at times, so this transition will hopefully clear things up for both writers and readers alike.

As a result, we ask that all former Waggleroom.com readers visit the SB Nation Golf section for up-to-the-minute golf coverage as we continue to work toward making that site the go-to destination for all your golf news.

On behalf of Charles, Emily and myself, I would like to thank all of our readers for your support, comments, FanPosts, and discussion throughout the years. As with any blog, your contributions helped make this a meeting ground for many readers to discuss the game we all know and love.

Hit'm straight,

Adam

Would You Use Non-Conforming Golf Equipment For Lower Scores?

Adam Fonseca — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:29:38 +0000

Let's face it; most of us will never play golf well enough to win a tournament, or play on an amateur golf tour, let alone the PGA TOUR. Speaking for myself, playing golf has become less frequent over the years as other responsibilities have taken "golf-time" out of my week. When I do have the opportunity to go out and play a round of golf, I want to score well and have fun while doing it.

So basically, I want to score better than I do now despite being able to practice less. Makes a lot of sense, right? Not so much.

Many golf equipment manufacturers have pinpointed people like me to market their latest 'quick fix' products and are making a financial killing in the process. And why shouldn't they? After all, nobody really cares howyou got to break 100, 90, or 80 this past weekend. What's the harm in using a product that provides... a bit of a lift to your game?

Products like the Polara golf ball, for example, advertise that not only will they help keep your ball in the fairway, but you will enjoy the game of golf more in the end because of lower golf scores. Fun is a good thing last time anyone checked, and the folks at companies like Polara know how to market toward that cause.

But then that pesky little thing called a conscience sneaks up in the back of the player's mind. How in the world will you know if your golf game is improving if the equipment you use is literally designed to keep the ball in play? Golf is a game for gentlemen and ladies; who are we to sully tradition by using doo-hickeys and widgets that disallow our golf balls to find the bottom of a lake instead of the bottom of the cup? Golf's forefathers are spinning in their graves!

Yet... hold on just a second. What is really at stake here? Do I not have the right to the pursuit of golf happiness? Am I not inclined to spend my hard-earned money in healthy ways to make myself happy while playing a game I enjoy?

It is a question less of etiquette and more of personal preference. Nobody is going to jail because they used a 500cc driver, but they also aren't really improving their game by doing so, either.

What say you, fellow golf enthusiasts?

Even More Opinions on Tiger Woods' Swing

Adam Fonseca — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:50:51 +0000

Seems like everyone is throwing their opinions around on Tiger Woods' swing trials and tribulations nowadays, including your's truly. Should he ditch swing coach Sean Foley? Should he go back to Butch Harmon or Hank Haney? Does he even need a swing coach at this point in his development? Everyone seems to have a thought, but nobody has the answer.

Not even Tiger himself, it seems.

Let's get something straight first: the only thing anyone would be missing out on if Tiger doesn't get his game back on a consistent track is seeing history by breaking Jack's major record. In order to do so, Woods really only has to win a handful of more tournaments in his career. He doesn't have to win every week, and nobody (besides Tiger) cares how many PGA TOUR victories he ends up with when he retires. Majors are the only thing that matter now.

So how does Tiger get back to his major-winning form? The talking heads have their theories.

Nick Faldo believes Tiger's confidence is completely shot despite having won at Bay Hill earlier this season. "The real bottom line is for me, (Woods) just doesn't have the self-belief, the self-confidence that he obviously had, the Tiger of old, simple as that," Faldo said during a recent media call prior to The Players Championship. Tiger didn't seem to like that very much, claiming that he found it "interesting, since (Faldo and others) aren't in my head".

Brandel Chamblee thinks Sean Foley is to blame for Tiger's swinging woes (no pun intended) and that a return to Butch Harmon is the answer: "Simply, he needs to fire Sean (Foley), call Butch (Harmon)," Chamblee said Tuesday during the same media call. "I think that would get it done right there."

Even Woods' long-time friend and mentor Mark O'Meara had a few thoughts on what he believes will benefit Tiger the most.

"I just think he needs to just play the game and quit over-thinking, quit over-reacting," O'Meara stated on Monday. "I think he's definitely got a lot on his plate and he needs to get out there and just play.

“I just don’t know if he can ever dominate like he once did because...the intimidation factor’s probably not as great as it once was,” O’Meara said about the perception that Woods’ mere presence on the leader board would cause his opponents to wilt. “I don’t know if he’ll ever get to where I think he could have gotten.”

At this point it appears that Tiger can do nothing right in the eyes of many despite maintaining a spoken confidence in himself during media events and prior to tournaments. His actions and body-language on the course may appear to contradict that confidence most of the time, but as Woods said himself, we're "not in his head".

Maybe being too much in his own head is the problem, afterall?

Mickelson, Golf Greats Inducted into Hall of Fame

Adam Fonseca — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:37:59 +0000

Phil Mickelson has been called a modern-day Arnold Palmer by many for his contributions to the game of golf both on and off the course. Last night, he joined two-time major champion Sandy Lyle of Scotland, writer Dan Jenkins, British player-turned-broadcaster Peter Alliss, and four-time LPGA major champion Hollis Stacy on stage as all were formally inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Unique to the sport, golf's Hall of Fame allows currently-competing players to be inducted (as was the case last year with Ernie Els, also). Mickelson is certainly still able to perform at an extremely high level and seems to be a favorite for any tournament he plays. He currently sits in the top-20 of the Official World Golf Rankings.

Mickelson's rise to greatness was the result of both highs and lows in his career, as the man himself acknowledged during his heartfelt induction speech last night in Florida. Every golf fan remembers the amazing shots he has crafted throughout his career - perhaps none more amazing than one particular effort at Augusta National - and even a few of the man's failures on the course. Regardless, Mickelson remains a fan-favorite for his charitable efforts, his attention to fans, and his unwavering ability to create spectacular golf memories more often than not.

On Monday night Mickelson shared a few stories about his family and how his children would react to various moments in his golf career:

There were memories of his oldest daughter born after the first of his record five runner-up finishes in the U.S. Open, the blonde curls of his second daughter, Sophia, whom he told, "Daddy won!" after his first major at the Masters. He told of the 2005 PGA Championship win, how son Evan was high-fiving the New Jersey state troopers.

However, the main topic of his speech was more on following one's dreams and allow one's self todream. Referring to his fellow-inductees on stage that evening, Mickelson stated, "They can attest that you can’t start fulfilling your dreams until you dream big."

Indeed, Phil. You have dreamed bigger than most, and have succeed more than most in the process. Congratulations on an honor well-deserved.

Warren Buffett: Let Ladies into Augusta!

Adam Fonseca — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:13:54 +0000

Seems like everyone is throwing their opinions around regarding whether Augusta National should open their doors to female members. And when I say "everyone", I mean everyone. Next up? Billionaire investor Warren Buffett.

According to various sources, the 81-year old Buffett is all for allowing female members at Augusta National, saying he would have it no other way if he had a say in membership committee proceedings.

"I'm not telling the group at Augusta what to do, but if I were running the club I'd have plenty of women," Buffett said in an interview with Bloomberg Television.

"I might prefer having female members, but I'm not on the (membership) committee."

Warren, you old fox! We all know you would love to see the addition of female members donning the Green Jacket if you were in charge. Heck, that was never even a question with you, Mr. Buffett.

But in all seriousness, the dub-dub-dubya-bee has a point. Somebody just needs to knock some sense into Augusta Head Chairman Billy Payne first.

Is it really that big of a damn deal to allow female members, Billy? I mean really; what's the worst that can happen? A bunch of old coots frowning at you for allowing women into membership locker rooms and other club functions? Big flippin' deal. Those guys will get over it soon enough, or die of old age in the process.

Show off some of that southern gentleman charm, Billy, and do the right thing. If nothing else, you'll get some of the negative attention off your back for awhile.

Rickie Fowler Breaks Through

Adam Fonseca — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:41:16 +0000

Let's face it; the United States is still looking for a dominant golfer to stand up to the competition offered by some of Europe's best players. With his first PGA TOUR victory this afternoon at the Wells Fargo Championship, Rickie Fowler through his (orange) hat in the proverbial ring as a new hope for American golf.

Fowler accomplished his career milestone while in the midst of Europe's best, including superstar Rory McIlroy (who once again took over the top-spot in the Official World Golf Rankings with another strong finish). Fowler and McIlroy would ultimately face-off in a playoff to determine today's winner.

In his 67th start as a professional, Fowler was able to finally silence his critics while holding off one of the best players on the planet.

"It's a good feeling right now," Fowler said. "There's definitely some relief, satisfaction. I'm definitely happy. It's not a bad thing, winning. It's kind of fun.

"I definitely knew I was good enough, and it was just getting everything to come together and stay patient. It's been a wait, but I'm definitely still young, and hopefully this opens the door to many more. Obviously there were a lot of people that have doubted me or said I'll never win.

"So it's nice to kind of shut them up a little bit."

Tiger Woods Misses Cut at Wells Fargo

Adam Fonseca — Sat, 05 May 2012 00:16:06 +0000

Just a quick note before the Bulls game tips off on TV:

According to my friends on Twitter, Tiger Woods has officially missed the cut at the Wells Fargo Championship. Why is this news? Because this is only the eighth time in Tiger's career that he hasn't made it to the weekend in a golf tournament. I wonder what he'll have to say about this in his next fan question segment. (Note: Don't worry, it likely won't come up.)

Tiger had the following to say after his round:

"I figured I needed to get to 3 under to be safe, 2 under for sure," Woods said before departing. "It's frustration. I'm not playing a weekend where I have a chance to compete for a title. I've missed my share of cuts in the past, and none of them feel good."

Woods' next stop will likely be The Players Championship next week. Maybe golf swing guru Sean Foley will come up with another band-aid solution for his prized pupil. (Note: Don't worry, not likely)

Rickie Fowler One Shot Back at Quail Hollow; Moore Tied For Lead

Adam Fonseca — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:45:09 +0000

Rickie Fowler is among a group of players tied for second place after the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship, placing him in a situation the young PGA TOUR star has not found himself often in his career. Fowler is joined by four others at 6-under par for the tournament.

Fowler was actually tied for the lead upon the completion of his opening round, however a late-afternoon surge from Stewart Cink, Webb Simpson and Ryan Moore catapulted the trio to a tie for the lead by day's end, currently at 7-under.

While each of the leaders has a win to his credit on tour, Fowler - and others tied for second - hope to break the seal on their first career victory this week. Fowler certainly has the talent to be a multiple-time winner on the PGA TOUR, however he has routinely fallen short whenever near the top of the leaderboard.

"I wouldn't be surprised if a win is right around the corner," Fowler told reporters following a flawless round that included an eagle on Quail Hollow's par-5 seventh. "Once it does, hopefully the doors open and we'll go from there."

This is not to say Rickie hasn't won a professional tournament before. In fact, his win at the Kolon Korea Open last season came in a tournament that also featured oft-World #1 Rory McIlory.

In other news, Tiger Woods shot a 1-under 71 in his opening round. Whoop dee doo.