Golf is Hard TV

I’ve been waiting for months to finally get my chance to interview the mysterious Sheila, aka “Pink Diva” after reading her blog and trading messages with her on Twitter. I’m thrilled to unleash the Pink Diva Golf on Golf is Hard TV. We love Pink Diva Golf not only because we love female golfers, but because we are both proud dads who have our own golf girls.

Q: Pink Diva’s Motto: Girls Golf, Get Over It! – talk to me… who needs to get over what, and why?
Let’s face it – golf is still a male-dominated sport. The motto is simply a light-hearted way to say girls are passionate about golfing too!

Q: What is Pink Diva Golf and what is the inspiration behind it?
Pink Diva Golf is an online golf boutique that offers women’s golf t-shirts, jewelry, and accessories with a hip, trendy golf theme. I was inspired to start Pink Diva because I couldn’t find fun, girly golf shirts to wear on or off the golf course. And when I say girly, that’s code for pink golf wear! Our golf boutique is unique because we carry one-of-kind items, exclusive to Pink Diva Golf and not the usual big-name golf brands.

Q: Does the Diva got game? How often do you play?
The Diva is working on her golf game – no handicap yet. But I found a fantastic local LPGA golf instructor who has really helped me improve in the past year and I recently joined my local Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) chapter. My biggest challenge is finding people to golf with, so joining my local EWGA will be a great way to start playing more often. Right now I usually play two or three times a month.

Q: What’s one message you would love to give the next guy who plays a golf round with you?
I am a pretty competitive person, so you may think it’s a casual round of golf – but I’m really trying to figure out how to beat you! (Golf is Hard TV note: Bring it any time Pink Diva!)

Q: Do guys like playing golf with women? Why/why not?
That’s a trick question, right? I think it depends on the player! There are many men who love to play golf with women and others who are more comfortable playing only with the “boys.” Regardless of the sport, I think players should learn and follow the rules of the game and do their best. In golf, players should make sure they’re keeping up with the pace of play and following etiquette. I’ve seen both men and women not follow the rules at times, but it seems women golfers get a bad rap for this – and that’s not always true!

Q: Can you tell us about the new Pink Diva website and the “Golf Bling” line of apparel?
Yes. We have redesigned the Pink Diva Golf website with a new look and feel, including an easier to use online store! The website still offers a golf boutique shopping experience with one-of-kind t-shirts, jewelry and accessories, but also a new line of Golf Bling shirts! What is Golf Bling you ask? Take a high quality ladies t-shirt, add Swarovski crystals, and arrange them into a stylish golf design and you got Golf Bling! The jeweled shirts are available in five styles, including Kiss My Putt, Par-Tee, I “Heart” Golf, Golfer Girl and our classic Pink Diva logo.

For more info, visit Pink Diva’s newly redesigned site and her terrific Pink Diva Golf blog.

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I spent some time with Rob from Sandbox8.com, the terrific golf equipment review site he started a few years ago. Rob’s a great guy and we had a fun conversation via Skype. I recorded the chat, but unfortunately, all you hear is me and my heavy breathing. For one reason or another, I didn’t capture Rob’s half of our chat.

That said, I wanted to talk a bit about Sandbox8.com and some of what Rob has been up to. Let’s start with an example of why his site is so good – check out this video:

What really resonated with me is how closely related our goals are – we both want to appeal to the “average golfer” and have built video based sites to really connect with as many golfers as possible. Sandbox8.com’s traffic is skyrocketing and because of Rob’s terrific reviews, it’s easy to see why folks keep coming back to hear him talk about golf equipment.

We spent a few minutes talking about the idea of emerging sites like ours that cover golf in a new and non-traditional way, and I think we both agree that we’re on to something big!

We also talked about Rob’s game – he’s a mid-handicapper who has been taking quite a few lessons. It sounds like he’s improved quite a bit which is terrific – but more importantly he’s got a real passion for the game which makes him someone that both Dave and I can really relate to. Be sure to check out Sandbox8.com if you haven’t already – Rob’s got a few great new posts up including one on the Masters.

I apologize that the audio didn’t work out, I continue to look for software that will allow me to conduct online video interviews and chats with interesting folks from in and around the world of golf.

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I recently join a terrific new online golf community called “Business Golf Country Club,” which is hosted by Scot Duke. The site is a terrific social networkwith the tagline “Where golf and business merge….” It’s definitely worth checking out if you are interested in the world of business golf.

Scot hosts a weekly podcast called “The Clambake Cafe” where he talks about different issues around golf and does an interview with a different golf business owner or personality. This week, yours truly is the guest. I’m talking about Golf is Hard TV, giving you my ultimate business foursome (Gates, Buffett and Obama!) and much more. I had a great time chatting with Scot and encourage you to check out the podcast and everything Scot is up to as well.

Links:

• My podcast interview
• Business Golf Country Club
• Clambake Cafe
• Follow Scot on Twitter!

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One of the best things about the Internet is meeting new and interesting people from around the world. Andy, from Home of Golf TV seems like a great guy and is producing some terrific online videos that I wanted to share.

I’m reposting his first episode because it really sets the stage for what he’s up to but would mention that he managed to snag some time with Nick Faldo recently.

Keep up the great work Andy – we ALWAYS need more great golf shows!

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Find the Fairways.com is giving away some great golf freebies… to enter the contest write a blog post (that’s what this is) about “What’s in your golf bag?” And you can also tag another golfer! I’ve been tagged by two bloggers… Scott from Swing Reminders and Pink Diva Golf. How lucky am I to have been tagged twice! Yes!

What kind of golf bag?

• Black Slazenger Stand Bag

What clubs?

• Driver: Nike 4450 I think… ($99 bucks with stiff shaft straight out of the used bin at Golf Galaxy!). Can’t wait to play it for the first time soon.
• TaylorMade R5 3 Wood
• Tommy Armour 855 – love these hybrids!
• TaylorMade rac OS2 Irons
• Odyssey White Hot blade putter
• Warrior (beware of spam) wedges

What else is in Marc’s bag?

• Tees
• Various pencils, ball markers and more
• Swing reminders
• Tape (for my fingers)
• 2 or 3 gloves (no particular brand, whatever is cheap)
• Tons of balls
• A few sleeves of RAW balls
• Old bag of chips
• Half full water bottle

What’s the most important piece of kit in the bag that’s not a club, ball, glove or towel?
Tape for my fingers. Makes me feel like Tiger.

Do you carry a lucky charm?
Not really… if anything it’s my FSU ball marker.

What’s the oldest thing in your golf bag?
Probably a bag of chips or a water bottle that I forget about

Which is your favorite club?
My 5 hybrid.

Ok… I am supposed to “Bag Tag” four others.

Coach Dave (he can post here!)
http://www.golfishardtv.com

Carlos at Itaara Golf
http://www.itaaragolf.com/

Brian and Chuck at Sweet Spot Golf
http://www.sweetspotgolf.net/

Coach Joey or Ken at Golf Gym
http://www.golfgymblog.blogspot.com/

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We are crazy about our home course here in Trumbull, CT – Tashua Knolls. “TK” is public (it’s a GREAT VALUE for residents) and is a 27-hole facility that features an original par 72 golf course and a terrific 9 hole, kid friendly course. Bobby Brown is the GM and runs a fantastic program. Coach Dave spends a few minutes with Bobby catching up on old times and talks about the golf course, getting it ready for the season and youth golf. Learn more, and play Tashua Knolls this year!

Tags: GIH Interview, Golf is Hard TV, tashuaknolls by Marc
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I want to start this blog post off with some trivia:

What is the only movie that I’ve cried watching, and that makes me cry more every time I watch it? I’ll give you the answer below after talking about inspiration in golf, and in life.

This week has been filled with some amazing moments and terrific conversations. It started out on Monday, when my 4th grade, 6th out of 7th ranked daughter’s basketball team (I’m the coach) upset the #3 ranked team in the playoffs. If that wasn’t enough, we went on to shock the #2 team on Wednesday night after jumping out to a 10-0 lead. At the end of that game, I found myself standing center court watching my girls jump up and down with each other in pure celebration and joy. I got the chills just thinking about this week as I was typing this blog post. You can follow my coaching journey on my “other blog” about coaching youth sports.

Last night, I had the pleasure of spending more than an hour on the phone with Phil Bundy. If you haven’t yet heard about him, get ready. Phil is on a personal quest to play on the PGA Tour. More importantly is why he’s on that quest. Phil takes his own inspiration from his son Charlie. Phil’s quest really, if you think about it hard is about showing Charlie that life is all about dreaming big and having the clarity and guts to go for it.

As a parent, Phil has reminds us all of what is really important in life. As an entrepreneur, he’s given me the inspiration to push forward with Golf is Hard TV. As a golf fan, he’s given me hope that I’ll have a new favorite to root for on Sundays. As a parent, he’s pure validation that I’m on the right track.

One more story before I tell you what movie makes me cry. This one is best delivered via video (see below). I heard about D.J. Gregory a few months ago and chose to ignore it. But like all great stories and all great leaders, D.J.’s story is not going away. I heard about him again this morning on sports talk radio and raced to my computer to find this video:

I’m not a good enough writer to add anything else to D.J.’s story.

As for what movie gets me every time… Rudy of course. Not only is Rudy’s story amazing and inspirational, but Sean Astin will forever in my heart be one of my favorite actors because of it.

Where do you take your inspiration from? Who inspires you to get out of bed every day? Tell me, tell me!

Tags: GIH Interview by Marc
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Golf is Hard is expanding… ever since I wondered out loud about what this blog was good for, I have been wondering if GIH could be something bigger, better or hell, even more useful.

For now though, I want to introduce you to a friend, co-conspirator and former PGA pro Dave Vitols. He’ll be helping me realize the true potential of this blog (lots of people reading and joining us in our love of golf). We both have a passion for the game and a rapidly expanding vision that we can both entertain and help people become better golfers.

So even though it stings to no longer be the best golfer on GIH, I am thrilled to have Dave to help provide some actual insights and help for us “average” golfers.

Look for Dave’s posts (coming soon)!

For now, Dave, this is everyone… everyone, this is Dave.

GIH Marc: Hey Dave, and welcome to your new home on Golf is Hard! What’s your golf background?

GIH Pro Dave Vitols:
I always had a passion for golf since I was a little kid. My Dad would take my brother and I to the local courses to look for balls in the woods. I would then clean ‘em up and sell them to the players on Sunday mornings. One time, when I was 9 or 10, I remember making about $11. The best ones were the Titleists, I sold them for $.50 each. One day the golf pro saw me and was pissed because I was taking his business…he kicked me off the course. I ended up playing for my high school and college teams and got better every year. I played baseball too, otherwise I might have really gotten to be a good player.

GIH: How did you end up a pro, and why’d you stop?

Dave Vitols:
It was the passion that drove me into the golf business and the dream that I would play on tour (yeah…right). Anyway, after working for about 2 years in a suit and tie, during which time my game steadily improved, I decided to quit my job and pursue the dream. I got to know some of the local club pros, which were sort of mentors, and they hooked me up with a job at a 54 holed private club in Florida. Packed up everything I owned in my car and drove down for a $6/hr ranger job. This place was awesome, practiced everyday and really improved. I landed a great assistant pro job back in MA at a private club and for the next 3 years lived in MA in the summer and Florida in the winter. Worked through the PGA program and landed a great year-round job at a Nicklaus facility in AZ. Spent about four years there, ended up the head pro at one of the courses on property. AZ was the best, played or practiced just about every day, worked with the Nicklaus/Flick golf schools and really learned how to teach well. Played with quite a few tour players…got to be pretty good myself. My most fun round ever was playing with Alice Cooper and Paul Westphal in the same 4-some. Who would expect them to be friends, but that’s what golf does, it brings people together. “Coop” shot a 78 I believe, not bad…

Eventually I got a little burned out…working seven days a week…got married, had kids and decided I needed to not be working every weekend. Still miss teaching…and playing competitively but some day I’ll get back to playing competitively, maybe when the kids go to college…

GIH: What’s your best round played?

Dave Vitols:
Shot 67 a few times…but my “best” round was qualifying for the Mass Open, low 70’s but just remember the feeling of qualifying for a great tournament.

(GIH Marc’s note): 67! My best is slightly higher.

GIH: What’s your favorite golf course?

Dave Vitols:
Desert Mountain’s Geronimo course. Pine Valley is a close second, the caddies there have their own language

GIH: What’s your favorite club in the bag?

Dave Vitols:
Used to be the Taylor Made 13 degree burner (fairway metal), made a double eagle hitting it twice on a par 5 on the 12th at Desert Mountain. Always loved the putter too, believed I could make every putt.

GIH: What’s your favorite shot to make?

Dave Vitols:
I got to be really good out of the sand while in AZ. Nicklaus designs are usually elevated greens and deep bunkers, so you had to be good. However, there is still nothing like blasting a long straight drive, exactly where you aim it.

GIH: What’s your favorite drill when practicing or teaching?

Dave Vitols:
I actually hated doing drills, but the most effective one for almost anyone is hitting shots either with both feet together or balancing on one foot. This really helps promote feeling the weight in the club and helps keep the body relaxed while swinging. Most people are amazed when they see the ball fly more than 80% of their typical distance on a “normal” shot.

When I practiced, I would spend hours on my short game…wedges, etc. of all distances.

GIH: As a golf teacher, what was your favorite type of student?

Dave Vitols:
First, the student that was really passionate about the game, about learning it and about having fun while improving…they were the most fun to teach. As far as seeing the quickest results…the easiest to teach were those that played other sports, especially tennis, baseball, hockey, etc. I say that only because they may have better understood the concept of using their hands to move an object. It is quite easy to teach a baseball player how to hit a golfball…but really…anyone can do it. While in AZ, I gave a few lessons to former Red Sox player Dwight Evans…not only my favorite team growing up…but one of my favorite players…what a blast. Or course I made him swing the golf club like a baseball bat, I had to see the old sweet swing up close.

Folks… this is a new day for Golf is Hard… strap in because it’s going to get interesting from here on out.

If you have specific questions for Dave, please leave them here in the comments!

Tags: GIH Interview by Marc
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Getting in better shape has been a priority for me for a few months. I recently added an occasional pilates workout my other routines in an effort to focus on my core a bit more. Everything I read tells me that I’ll get some great golf benefits with a stronger, more flexible core.

To that end, I stumbled on to a company called GolfGym (or follow on Twitter) and decided to reach out to them to learn more and do a quick interview. I was thrilled that Ken responded so quickly and played along with my interview questions. He’s partnered with PGA Coach Joey D who works with Pat Perez, Tom Pernice, Jr., Ryuji Imada and Tim Wilkinson. I wanted to learn a little more about Ken, his business and getting fit for better golf.

I enjoyed doing this interview and plan to do more… so if you run a golf business, own a golf course, are a coach or just want to chat, drop me a note!

Golf is Hard:
Let’s start with golf… How often do you play, and what’s your handicap?

Ken/GolfGym:
It is a running joke that everyone in the golf business must play golf all the time…Actually we are busy running our golf businesses. So, I play as much as I can in the summer when the light is longer after I leave the office. I get out occasionally in the winter, given that we live in California. My handicap is about 15. I haven’t posted lately. I go out as a single most times and really enjoy just walking 18 holes with different partners and hitting good shots and generally don’t think so much about the final score.

GIH:
Let’s talk favorites… ho is your favorite current PGA and/or LPGA pro? Favorite all-time golfer?

Ken/GolfGym:
Favorite PGA Player is currently Ryuji Imada (he is highlighted on our new DVD’s and is a great guy and a very hard worker). I admire Morgan Pressel on the LPGA Tour.

GIH:
I’m fascinated by entrepreneurs who are able to carve a successful golf business for themselves, briefly tell me the story behind GolfGym.

Ken/GolfGym:
I created the Original GolfGym PowerSwing Trainer in 1987. I could go on for days. Better you go to: www.golfgym.com/story. Bottom line….tenacity.

GIH:
I’m a high handicapper and in decent shape (at least good enogh shape to walk 18), what should I be focused on during the winter to get myself into shape to play better golf this spring?

Ken/GolfGym:
Cardio is always good, but resistance training is the best. Go to my blog and view the last large post from December. It focuses on exactly what you are talking about.

GIH:
What are the key differences that amateurs and hackers should focus on that is different than training pro golfers?

Ken/GolfGym:
There really are no differences in the techniques you should use in your training. The difference is that the Pros hit so many balls every day and are so “Golf Fit” that they don’t necessarily have to concentrate on what their body is doing in their swing. They concentrate more on the tiny nuances that will make the ball go exactly where they want it to. If we would work more on our bodies and become stronger, we wouldn’t have to think so much about swinging harder only smoother. A firm base and strong core would help us develop a more consistent swing which would result in more consistent ball contact and better shots.

GIH:
My daughters are both lucky enough to play a bit of golf through the Girls Scouts but they are still very young (11 and 9). Can you share any tips for young female golfers?

Ken/GolfGym:
Most women, especially young women lack the strength necessary to generate enough club head speed to hit the ball farther consistently. Women for the most part are very flexible, that’s not the issue. It is the strength in the legs and core to hold a firm stance and control their upper body in the swing. Once again, golf specific resistance training is the answer. We recommend very light resistance with more golf specific repetitions to train the neurotransmitters in the body to fire more consistently.

Ken emailed me back a day after to clarify one thing on fitness:

Ken/GolfGym:
I did say that women are generally more flexible than men, but failed to make the point that both men and women have to make stretching (properly) a part of their regular routine.

Tags: GIH Interview, Golf Lesson: Golf Fitness by Marc
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