Welcome back to In The Rough

I hope you had the chance to visit our last blog and read Tiger's golf tip. ("hit the inside of the ball") I forget to mention that the tip only applies to shots taken from the driver to wedge, it does not work so well with the putter as a member here at True Blue so eloquently pointed out to me on the putting green the other day.

"Great tip pro, I keep missing all my *&^%$# putts way right, what the *&^% do you and Tiger know about golf any way."

I know, I know, I have obviously embellished the above story, afterall Sister Mary Catherine is a left-hander..

From the fashion file:

If you are like me and you tend to put on a "little winter weight," wear solid colors top and bottom and please, no contrasting colors if possible. Save the stripes for the summer when you are "lean and mean."

My wife and kids were wondering when I hibernate for the winter and why I used the term "winter weight" when the average temperature here this winter has been in the high 60's. They thought it might aptly be called a "little poker and football weight" as those fall and winter get-togethers with friends and neighbors are the highlight of every week from October, to the saddest day of the year, the day after the Superbowl.

Back to Golf:

Tiger will win 2 majors this year. Phil will win 1. The fourth will be won by a player under the age of 30.

Tiger will barely edge Phil in Player of the Year honors in the closest vote in many years.

Annika Sorenstam will win Comeback Player of the Year and Player of the year honors on the LPGA tour in 2008.

Bet on it!

Tip of the Day:

Solid Bunker play in 3 easy steps, by Tom Kite

1. Take your normal full swing stance in bunker.

2. Open the clubface of your wedge.

3. Pull your left foot straight back 6 to 8 inches. Swing and don't hit the ball.

Breaking it down "step by step"

1. By taking your normal stance you will be aimed toward the target.

2. By opening the clubface you will allow the sand to push the ball out of the bunker. If you are not sure what "opening" the clubface means please ask the pro at your course. Don't worry you will not be in the minority with that question.

3. By opening your stance it allows your clubface to swing on an out to in path allowing the clubface to slide under the ball and impart spin on the ball.

30 minutes of practice and experimentation with this method, will have you saying to your playing partners....

"Man I'd rather be in that bunker than that nasty bermuda rough any day."

Don't forget to reserve your spring tee times today. The golf courses are and will be in fantastic shape with the mild winter this year in the Southeast. I already have 8 rounds under my belt for 2008, well ahead of my target of 50 for the year.

Email us anytime with thoughts about this blog, your golf trip or anything else you would like to know about Myrtle Beach and the Pawleys Island area in particular at truebluegolf@sccoast.net.

Go Play Golf!

Bob Seganti

Head Golf Professional

True Blue Plantation Golf Club