Nationwide Tour players weigh in with their NCAA Final Four picks

On the eve of the Final Four tournament this article just came across my desk from the PGA Tour. Thought you might find it interesting. I guess it is just funny how far the Tour will go to get their members' names in the press...

Nationwide Tour players weigh in with their NCAA Final Four picks

Mar. 29, 2007

John Bush
PGA TOUR Staff

LIVERMORE, Calif. -- Even while focusing on the task at hand at the Livermore Wine Country Championship, many of the Nationwide Tour players have a rooting interest in the NCAA Final Four. Here are some of their predictions for the games featuring Florida, Ohio State, Georgetown and UCLA:

GUY BOROS (attended University of Iowa)

GT/OSU: I'm a Big 10 guy, so I'll say Ohio State.

UF/UCLA: I live in Florida so I'll pick the Gators. Plus, (Joakim) Noah is awfully good.

Finals: I hate to say it, but I'll go with Florida. The Big 10 is an overrated conference for one, plus Florida is just too good of a team all the way around. Greg Oden will get in foul trouble and that will not help their chances.


TOM CARTER (attended Temple University)

GT/OSU: Ohio State has an edge because they have played in more close games and are ready for a breakout game. Their guards are better too and that gives them an edge.

UF/UCLA: Experience and big men win out. Florida wins.

Finals: I'm going with Florida. Ohio State is too young this year and Florida has experience on their side.




MATT JONES (attended Arizona State University)

GT/OSU: Ohio State. Their backcourt is better than Georgetown's and Oden is a better big man than (Roy) Hibbert.

UF/UCLA: I'm a PAC-10 guy, so I'm picking UCLA. After losing to Florida last year, the Bruins will be ready for revenge.

Finals: As much as I want a PAC-10 team to win it all, I don't think UCLA has a big man that can contain Greg Oden. Ohio State is very young, but they are athletic enough to get it done.




GREG KRAFT (attended University of Tampa)

GT/OSU: Georgetown is faster. They run and never seem to get tired. Greg Oden's tongue will be hanging out before the game is over.

UF/UCLA: I'm a Florida State guy, so I don't pull for the Gators in anything.

Finals: Making free throws down the stretch will determine the game and I think UCLA is a better free throw-shooting team than Georgetown.




JOEL KRIBEL (attended Stanford University)

GT/OSU: I'd like to see Georgetown because I picked them to win it in all of my brackets, but I'm starting to think Ohio State has an angel on their shoulder after some of the close games they have pulled out. Still, I'll say the Hoyas.

UF/UCLA: I played in the PAC-10, so I'll be rooting for UCLA. They'll also have extra motivation after losing to Florida last year.

Finals: I'll stick with the West Coast and pick UCLA over Georgetown.


JIM MCGOVERN (attended Old Dominion University)

GT/OSU: For no particular reason, I'll pick Ohio State.

UF/UCLA: The Gators are just too strong and experienced this year.

Finals: I'll pick Florida over Ohio State because they have been there and done that.




TIM O'NEAL (attended Jackson State University)

GT/OSU: It will be a close game, but Ohio State will pull it out in the end.

UF/UCLA: UCLA will get revenge for last year's loss.

Finals: Experience from last year's championship game will be the key and the Bruins will come out on top.


SCOTT STERLING (attended Louisiana State University)

GT/OSU: This game is a toss-up. But Greg Oden will be the difference, with Ohio State winning a close one.

UF/UCLA: I'm a Southeastern Conference guy, so I'm going for the Gators.

Finals: SEC (Florida) all the way. This will be a repeat of the National Championship game in football.

OMAR URESTI (attended University of Texas)

GT/OSU: I'm picking OSU because two of their initials are the same as mine. Too bad Old Dominion University didn't go deeper in the tournament.

UF/UCLA: I don't care for Florida. UCLA was the hotter team down the stretch.

Finals: I'm pulling for UCLA over Ohio State because the Buckeyes beat Texas this year in football.

Copyright 2007 PGATOUR.com. All rights reserved.

Get This Driver on Your Radar!

-Alpha V5 Gets New Customizable Version-

A half decade go when I first hit a few drivers from Alpha Golf (they were founded in 2000) I was immediately impressed. Still not widely known outside long drive circles, the reputation of the company grows with each new product introduction.

Long before the TaylorMade SuperQuad arrived with it’s “Darth Vader-like” look, Alpha sported the signature Titanium Nitride (TiCn) “Black face” coating on several of their drivers.

The version of the Alpha V5 introduced officially today sports the distinctive coloring but boasts more than looks alone for uncommon characteristics.

The redesigned V5 brings with it two weight-customizable ports combined with a 460cc titanium club head and 15-3-3-3 Beta Ti clubface. That allows for numerous weight configurations, maximum Moment of Inertia for the head and aids the golfer in shaping their ball flight for optimal results based on their swing profile.

“As a part of our ongoing commitment to excellence, the V5 will be the first Alpha driver to feature optimization selections for both center of gravity placement and length balancing,” says Dr. Jim Yeh, President and Founder of Alpha Golf. “We wanted to give players the best of both worlds. Customizing the weight of a driver is nothing new. Thus we took it a step further and ensured the enhanced weight range is combined with the essential driving elements of high MOI and maximum swing speed to benefit players of all levels and types.”

Two standard 6-gram weight screws are included, while additional screws from 2 grams to 16 grams (in 2 gram increments) are also available. This allows a weight range variation of up to 32 grams for a better fit.

Like previous Alpha drivers, golfers will find a handsome club head with minimal distractions and solid feel at impact. All club heads are designed to set up square for a better look and easier alignment.

The stock shaft option is the proprietary Alpha Platinum shafts in weights of 55, 68, and 78 grams. A variety of custom shafts from Aldila, Alpha, Grafalloy, and Graphite ensure a wide range of options to match each player’s launch and swing conditions.

Lofts offered in right hand include 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees with left handed lofts yet to be announced.

You may have not heard of Alpha Golf, but don’t let that stop you from trying one. It is better to lead the charge than to get left behind. When it comes to drivers it should be all about performance, not just brand recognition and in my experience, Alpha Golf clubs deliver nicely.

Visit www.alphagolfclubs.com for more information.

Nike R&D Facility "The Oven" Photos Below

Pictures now posted at the bottom of the page of my quick trip to Ft. Worth, Texas last week to check out Nike Golf's Research and Development Facility. Enjoy.

Ross Out At RCGA - Official Release

This politely worded release just arrived from the RCGA. Lots still left to be explained...

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STEPHEN ROSS TO STEP DOWN AS RCGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oakville, Ont. (RCGA) – The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) announced today that Stephen Ross will be stepping down as the Association’s Executive Director.

Ross’s departure from Canadian golf’s governing body follows over 30 years of dedicated service with the RCGA including the past 18 as Executive Director.

The decision was made following a recent meeting with members of the RCGA’s Executive Committee, after which it was recommended by the Committee and mutually agreed upon by Ross that he steps down as Executive Director.

“The RCGA has been my passion for so many years but I just felt that at this stage in my life and my family’s life that it was time for me to step aside, said Ross. “It has been an honour to be a part of this wonderful organization over the past 30 years and as such, I’ve tried to always represent myself in keeping with the integrity and tradition that is the RCGA. As the association continues to grow and I look ahead to my own future endeavors, it gives me great pride in knowing that I’ve played a role in helping to shape the future of golf in Canada.”

In guiding the RCGA over the past 18 years, Ross helped elevate the association to great heights in the Canadian golf industry while raising the association’s profile on both the national and international stage. He played a significant role in the growth of the Canadian Open while helping to architect the RCGA’s 1999 sale of Glen Abbey Golf Course, the longtime host venue for the Canadian Open. Prior to becoming the Association’s Executive Director in 1988, Ross worked as Director of Amateur Competitions as well as Director of Rules and Amateur Status. One of world’s foremost experts on the Rules of Golf, Ross was also instrumental in creating the RCGA’s Rules of Golf certification program. During his tenure, the association underwent incredible growth as he helped to create such programs and services as the Player Development Program, the RCGA Foundation, and CN Future Links, Canada’s junior golf program in partnership with the Canadian Professional Golf Association (CPGA) and the provincial golf associations. In 2005, Ross was a driving force behind the RCGA’s historic amalgamation with the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association (CLGA).

“While we understand that change plays a significant role in any successful organization, I can say whole-heartedly that it is difficult to see Stephen leave the RCGA,” said RCGA President Garry West. “His passion for golf and tireless commitment in both leading the RCGA and helping to grow the game in this country is unparalleled. As we prepare to embark on the next chapter of the RCGA’s storied history, we thank Stephen for his many contributions and wish him the best of success in his future endeavors.”

Ross will assist the RCGA in its transition to new leadership. Rick Desrochers, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director Championship Division has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and will take over the RCGA’s leadership and assist the Executive Committee in the search for a new Executive Director, which will begin immediately.

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Ross and Desrochers will speak with the media via conference call this afternoon at 3:30 EST.

Ross To Step Down at RCGA?

Things have not been so rosy of late for Royal Canadian Golf Association Executive Director Stephen Ross. The long-time RCGA rudder has faced a great deal of heat over the lack of a title sponsor for the Canadian Open, and has been the target of great criticism in the press.

Internally, sources have mentioned growing discord within the RCGA concerning the direction and plans for the organization.

But will this actually lead to Ross leaving the RCGA? Word is that is a great possibility and that we may hear a more definitive angle on this story as early as today.

Stay tuned for a follow up.

Edit: A Press Release is said to be imminent regarding this subject.

Nike Talk Is Coming

I have had a few emails in the last couple of days from people looking for follow up details from my trip to the Nike Golf R&D facility in Texas last week.

Don't fret, I am just organizing my thoughts to provide more interesting posts. It was a great adventure and I have whole new respect for the craftsman that create the golf designs that Nike brings to market.

For those in the Ottawa, Canada area or willing to listen online, I will be a guest on Tee It Up with Kevin Haime on Team 1200 (Sports Radio) this Satruday, March 10th, shortly after 10 a.m. The topic will be Nike Golf and my Texas visit including a round of golf at the famed Shady Oaks Country Club.

This Just In From Callaway...

Callaway Golf Canada and Golf Links PEI Form Strategic Partnership

- Callaway Golf Performance Centre to be introduced at Brudenell River Golf Resort in May –

Callaway Golf Canada and Golf Links Prince Edward Island have partnered to launch the Callaway Golf Performance Centre of Atlantic Canada at Brudenell River Golf Resort, one of the leading golf destinations on the east coast.

Visitors to the Callaway Golf Performance Centre will have access to a custom fitting experience and - for the first time ever - will also be able to test their preferred specifications right away. Callaway Golf will provide players access to fitted clubs where they can swing away at Brudenell's "Callaway Golf Divine Nine" 9-hole course.

"This represents a significant milestone for Callaway Golf in Canada, so it's appropriate that it falls on the 25th anniversary of our company," says Scott Reid, Managing Director at Callaway Golf Canada. "Golf Links PEI - and all of the premier courses it represents - is an ideal fit with the Callaway Golf brand. It's clear they are committed to promoting Prince Edward Island as a leading golf destination and we are now able to elevate that experience for golfers."

Golf Links PEI, which is managed by the Prince Edward Island Department of Tourism, has made a significant commitment to promoting its golf destinations in recent years. "This partnership represents another way to add value to the golfing experience at Brudenell," noted Philip Brown, Minister of Tourism. "The Callaway name is synonymous with excellent golf product and our affiliation with them will assist us in promoting the Island's outstanding golf experience, thereby benefiting the Island's tourism industry. We are very pleased to see the Callaway Golf Performance Centre of Atlantic Canada locate at Brudenell River Golf Resort and look forward to a great working relationship to grow our reputation as Canada's number one golf destination."

The May long weekend launch (Friday, May 18th) of the Callaway Golf Performance Centre of Atlantic Canada will represent the fourth Performance Centre launched by Callaway in Canada since the introduction of the flagship custom fitting operation at its headquarters in Concord, Ontario in 2005.

The Performance Centre - one of only 11 in the world - combines cutting-edge technology and hands-on expertise from professionals to help custom fit golf clubs. The system analyzes a number of important swing factors, including: clubhead speed, ball speed, angle of attack, launch angle, ball spin rate, carry distance and total distance. This provides a wealth of information to assist in the fitting process.

"Until recently, this technology was only available to touring pros, but these fitting sessions can improve the games of a wide range of golfers - from the occasional player to the serious amateur," explains Barry Wallis, Performance and Education Manager at Callaway Golf Canada. "The proper fit, whether it's for golf clubs or a pair of shoes, is key to performing better on the course."

Callaway Golf Canada will be launching Performance Centres in Western Canada in the coming weeks, including in Calgary in late March and in Vancouver in early April.

Tour Demand Helps Shape Nickent Retail Product Line

Ten years ago you would have been hard pressed to find even an avid golfer who recognized the Nickent Golf brand name. Today that has changed greatly - most significantly on the professional golf tours where their product is making an impact in a major way.

First it was their 3DX hybrid clubs that gained a strong market share despite an obvious lack of paid player contracts – and now the gamut is starting to run to fairway woods.

By turning their attention from the hybrids that brought them success on the PGA Tour, to take on the fairway wood segment, seems like a strange departure for Nickent. In fact, it is simply a renewed focus on their roots.

“Before the hybrid explosion, Nickent was always known as a driver and fairway wood company,” said Nickent CEO Michael Lee. “John Hoeflich and I decided to get back to our roots and this time design fairway woods exclusively with the PGA Tour player in mind.”

Their first weapon to use in the PGA Tour player fairway club pursuit? The 3DX Pro FW.

Nickent calls the 3DX Pro FW a “straight off the Tour van” product. A club developed specifically for the high demands of the tour player will be brought directly to the consumer – intended for use by accomplished players looking for particular playing characteristics. This hot, low launch, low spin prototype fairway wood will be available in limited quantities.

At the tail end of the 2006 PGA Tour, the 3DX Pro FW was put into play by multiple PGA Tour winners, and that popularity has carried over into 2007.

“This club was put into play by several PGA Tour players at the last couple of events on the PGA Tour and the buzz among players spread quickly,” said Lee. “In fact, many players said it was one of the finest looking fairway woods they have laid their eyes on. Then they hit it and immediately put it into play.”

The company says that designer John Hoeflich (who created some of the greatest club designs in history for companies like Tommy Armour and TaylorMade) made sure the tour players would take notice of the new design with both good looks and one-of-a kind technology.

The 3DX Pro FW actually features a .082 COR, equal to the hottest driver faces in the market today. Hoeflich also added two Tungsten Polymer XW inserts into the back of the club head to improve stability by way of a higher MOI. The inserts also act to reduce vibration for better feel sensation. They claim it is the first fairway wood to utilize Tungsten Polymer, which is the driving material behind the XW Insert technology Nickent now utilizes in irons, hybrids, and drivers.

To drive the trajectory of shots with this club down, more weight was built into the crown for a higher centre of gravity. This equates to a club that is most effective for higher swing speed players who desire a lower launch and spin to help create their preferred ball flight.

Another tour-like quality is that the 3DX Pro FW is one of the few tour shaped fairway woods that can be bent up to 4-degrees of loft and lie. This combined with the fact that it can be adjusted for directional control with its adjustable XW Inserts, and you have one of the most customized and tour spec fairway woods on the market.

The head cover that comes with the 3DX FW Pro will be stitched prototype, and the premium Aldila VS Prototype shaft that it will come standard with the club. The VS shaft was one of the most popular shafts on the PGA Tour last year and was in the bag of the US Open winner. The shaft weighs 81 grams and will be available in R, S and X flexes.

www.nickentgolf.com