Happy Birthday Tiger Woods: A look back in pictures at Tiger's 14 Major victories

Tiger Woods is coming off his worst season as a professional in 2014.  And Woods hasn't won a major since his legendary 2008 U.S. Open victory on one leg. 

  

But today Tiger is happy.  Not just because it's his 39th birthday.  Tiger is happy because he's healthy again.  And he's excited about what that could mean in 2015 as he continues his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record 18 major championships.

1st Annual PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway

This post will be a little different than my other posts.  Of course it's about my 1st Annual PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway. 

But it's also about thanks. 

 

Golf has given me much to be thankful for.  I earn my living as a golf writer, and absolutely love what I do.  I meet wonderful people every day.  I learn something new every day.  And have become good friends with many of you. 

Fujikura Speeder Evolution Golf Cap Giveaway - TWO Winners

A few months back I previewed the new Fujikura Speeder Evolution shaft, and couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  I was genuinely curious to see if the Evolution really is a quantum leap over the original Speeder. 

Since then I've been testing the Speeder Evolution 757 in the new Titleist 915 D2 driver.  And let's just say I'm not curious anymore.  I'm a true believer. 

 

Compared to the original Speeder, the Evolution has a smoother, more powerful kick.  And quite honestly, that "smoked it again" feeling after almost every shot just might put a permanent smile on my face. 

I'll have an in-depth review on both after the holidays. But this week I'm giving away a couple of new Fujikura Speeder Tour caps to TWO lucky winners. 

Ben Hogan Golf returns in 2015

Legendary homecomings in sports don't happen very often.  And next year the golf world is bracing for what's already the most anticipated return of the season. 

 

Ben Hogan Golf comes home to Fort Worth in 2015, and will introduce new Hogan clubs on the market for the first time in seven years. 

Nike Golf reveals the new Lunar Control 3 golf shoes

How do you make one of the most stable and comfortable golf shoes on the market even more stable and comfortable?  You incorporate feedback from the No. 1 player in golf of course. 

 

Nike Golf is unveiling the new Lunar Control 3 golf shoes this week at the DP World Golf Championship in Dubai.  And Rory McIlroy is obviously excited. 

Congratulations to my Piretti Golf Fine Putters Magnetic Ball Marker Giveaway Winners!

Everyone had a lot of fun with my Piretti Golf Fine Putters Ball Marker Giveaway. 

 

Here are the FIVE winners. 

Piretti Golf Fine Putters Magnetic Ball Marker Giveaway - FIVE Winners

Piretti Fine Putters has quietly established itself as one of the golf world's leading custom milled putter companies. 

And I can attest to the artisan's touch and exceptional feel of their putters. Here's a picture of my Piretti Bosa. 

 

But Piretti's craftsmanship doesn't end with their putters.  Their magnetic ball markers are smart and sophisticated.  And I have an assortment to give away to FIVE lucky winners. 

Johnny Manziel to appear on Golf Digest December cover

As part of their "Golfers Who Give Back" issue, Golf Digest has decided to go with Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel as the 2014 December cover boy. 

 

Manziel describes himself a "7 or 8" handicap, and poses in orange and brown striped socks on the cover, looking like he came straight out of a "Johnny Jam Boogie" commercial.

Ian Poulter switches to Titleist and Footjoy

Ian Poulter is many things to many people.  He's a Ryder Cup hero.  He's the tartan spartan of IJP Design.  He's a hilarious trickster on twitter.  And now Poulter is also Titleist's newest superstar. 

 

Poulter announced on twitter today he'll begin playing Titleist equipment and wearing Footjoy golf shoes in 2015.  His bag will likely include Titleist's new 915 woods, 714 MB and CB irons, and Vokey SM5 wedges.  Poulter already plays the Titleist Pro V1 ball.

New Fujikura Speeder Evolution Shafts for 2015

We've all done it.  Obsessed about finding the perfect shaft for our driver. Unfortunately even when we find that magical combination of flex, weight, and feel, shaft performance can remain inconsistent or inefficient.  And so we keep searching. 

Enter the new Fujikura Speeder Evolution shaft, due out in 2015.  As the name suggests, it's an evolution of Fujikura's wildly popular Speeder shaft. 

 

But the Speeder Evolution isn't merely about improvement.  It's about Fujikura's pursuit of perfection, and desire to bring you closer to that holy grail of shafts. 

PGAPappas October Free Golf Giveaway

Every month all year long I've been giving one of my twitter followers a FREE ROUND of GOLF for FOUR to some of the best courses in the United States and Canada. 

 

And for October I decided "Trick or Treat" is out, and "Treat and Treat" is in.  So I'm giving away a free round for four to TWO of my twitter followers. 

Tommy Hilfiger Golf Spring 2015 Collection

The Spring 2015 Tommy Hilfiger Golf collection embraces the "Heartland" of Middle America, where the great outdoors mix with small town charm in some of the most picturesque and interesting places the country has to offer. 

The exploration of America's midland begins at the Gallatin River in Montana.  Time-honored classics are reinvented with a modern palette of bold blues and greens, punctuated by pops of black and white. 

  

Stripes are the predominant pattern, juxtaposed against color blocking, ombre gradients, and subtle plaids.  The aesthetic exudes a relaxed, summertime feel with an adventurous spirit.

Sneak Peek: Wilson Staff D200 Driver Woods Hybrids and Irons

You're probably starting to notice Wilson Staff has quickly become a favorite brand for golfers of all types and abilities.  That's because Wilson understands that giving golfers the particular results they want, means giving golfers the distinctive equipment they need. 

 

And for golfers who crave distance and forgiveness above all else, the new Wilson D200 family of clubs promises to be intoxicating. 

IJP Design wears pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in support of the initiative IJP Design is donating 50% of all profits from sales of the men’s and ladies’ pink collections to Breast Cancer Care. 

  

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a worldwide annual campaign to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness, education and research.

The new 2014 Miura Golf Tour Bag is here

The new 2014 Miura Golf tour bag is finally out, and it was definitely worth the wait.  Fans are going to be lining up for this beauty. 

  

The bag features a large top opening, sturdy sit on bottom, and plenty of well made pockets, making it perfect for the course, or to display your Miura clubs at home.

New Nike Golf apparel and footwear protect the golf athlete from the elements

The Fall/Holiday 2014 Nike Golf collection inspires the golf athlete to not only brave the elements, but also embrace them. 

Nike Hyperadapt Storm-Fit Jacket 

Blending flexibility and waterproof protection, the Nike Hyperadapt Storm-FIT jacket combines sweater-like stretch and an impenetrable outer layer to keep athletes comfortable and focused on their game.

Sam Snead Wilson Golf Driver Up For Auction

It's not uncommon for professional golfers to change equipment every year, sometimes even a few times every year. 

But back in the day, Sam Snead relied on just one driver... for 17 years.

 

And Snead's historic driver is now up for auction at Heritage Auction House.

Congratulations to my August FREE GOLF winners!
Every month this year I've been giving one of my twitter followers a FREE ROUND of GOLF for FOUR to some of the best courses in the United States and Canada. 

 

The winners and three of his or her friends have played for free (green fees and cart all included) at fantastic courses close to their homes. 

To enter, follow me on twitter @PGAPappas and look for my FREE GOLF Contest tweet.  Then just retweet it and you're automatically entered. 

Nike Golf Lunar Control II Golf Shoes Review
Play in your comfort zone. 

 

Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

VictRory at Valhalla
Imagine being three shots off the lead starting the back-9 on Sunday at the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla. 

Imagine chasing Rickie Fowler, the hottest player on Tour in majors this season, and Phil Mickelson, one of the greatest players of all time. 

And imagine you're not even close to having your best stuff. 

Rory McIlroy, the baby face killer from Northern Ireland, showed sometimes you can win just with heart. 

 

 

Rory McIlroy.  2014 PGA Champion.  All heart. 

 

Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

2014 WBC-Bridgestone Invitational Round 3
Click the title link for pictures and videos from Saturday's round 3 at Firestone Country Club 

 

Watch Rory McIlroy bomb his Nike Covert driver on the range 

Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

2014 WBC-Bridgestone Invitational Practice Round
Click the title link for pictures from Wednesday's practice round at Firestone Country Club 

 

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The PGA Championship Giveaway: A One Year Subscription to Golf Digest, Golfweek, or Golf Tips Magazine

Golf's final major, the PGA Championship, is underway. But when a new champion is crowed on Sunday at Valhalla, it's going to be a long eight months until the next major. 

To help you with your major championship withdrawal, and because this is the fourth major of the season, I'm giving away a free 1-year subscription to FOUR of my followers on twitter. 



The winners can choose from Golf Digest, Golfweek, or Golf Tips Magazine. 

  

Entering is easy.  Look for my PGA Championship subscription giveaway announcement.  Then just retweet and follow me @PGAPappas to be automatically entered. 

Four winners will be announced Monday morning following the conclusion of the PGA Championship.  Good luck! 

Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Giveaway: WGC Caps or Visors Anyone?

The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational is in the books, and it had just about everything a golf fan could want.  Excitement, drama, and a star-studded leaderboard on Sunday. 

Rory McIlroy came from behind to overtake Sergio Garcia for his first World Golf Championships title.  Tiger Woods future once again plunged into uncertainty re-injuring his back.  And of course Dustin Johnson was an early withdrawal for personal reasons that still has the golfing world talking. 

It was a memorable WGC-Bridgestone to say the least.  And so I picked up a few things I think you're going to love. 

    

Every day this week I'll be giving away WGC-Bridgestone caps or visors to one my twitter followers.  We'll have four total winners, one each day Monday through Thursday. 

Look for my WGC-Bridgestone giveaway announcement.  Then just retweet and follow me @PGAPappas, and say "cap" or "visor" to be automatically entered. 

    

One of the four winners will also go home with an autographed cap from Graham DeLaet.  And I might even include some WGC-Bridgestone practice balls the players actually used for all the winners. 

Have fun with this one.  Winners will be announced every morning at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.  Good luck! 

Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

Meeting Kevin Streelman

Everyone roots for the big names on Tour.  Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, they all move the needle.  They're major champions.  And they have millions of fans. 

But as easy as it is to root for these players, it's even easier to root for Wilson Golf staff pro Kevin Streelman. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Streelman at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational this week.  And I can tell you assuredly, Streelman's as down-to-earth and real a person as you'll ever meet. 

A lot of players don't really speak with you when signing autographs.  That's understandable.  They usually won't shake hands.  And you can't blame them, they're often tired and only have so much time.  But Streelman is different. 

                 

As Streelman signed my Wilson Staff 8802 putter headcover, we exchanged a few words, like old friends, and also shook hands before he went back to practice. 

I barely had enough time to wish Streelman good luck, before a group of strangers approached me and asked what we talked about.  So I told them I won a new Wilson Staff 8802 putter in a contest that celebrated Streelman's victory at the Traveler's Championship this year. 

And that Streelman came from behind to win the Traveler's by making seven-consective birdies on the final seven holes, the only player in Tour history to ever do that. 

Streelman's victory celebration at the Traveler's was wild.  He ran through the crowd slapping hands with everyone in the gallery.  It was the kind of scene you only see in the movies. 

So Wilson Golf decided it'd be fun to have a contest asking golfers, "How would you celebrate seven consecutive birdies?"  And my celebration was "The Streelman Splash."  

       

It made me chuckle when everyone then followed Streelman back to the putting green to watch him practice. 

Streelman had a rough week at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, beginning in the opening round when his ball somehow stuck to the side of a tree, about eye-level, embedding under some bark.  How does that even happen? 

                

But when I saw Streelman again a few days later, during the rain delay on Saturday, he still smiled, waved, and said, "Hi Pete." 

Streelman's story is compelling.  He's guided by wholehearted love for family, unwavering and steadfast faith, and an iron-will that only comes from rugged persistence and dedication. 

And after 12 years of caddying, grinding on mini-tours, and plugging away on Tour, Streelman earned his first PGA Tour victory in 2013. 

Let's face it, we're often fans of professional athletes simply because they're professional athletes. 

I'm a fan of Kevin Streelman, just because he's Kevin Streelman. 


Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

It's time for my July FREE GOLF giveaway!

As you might already know, every month for the rest of the year I'm giving one of my twitter followers a FREE ROUND of GOLF for FOUR to some of the best courses in the United States and Canada. 

The winner and three of his or her friends will play 18 holes for free (green fees and cart all included) at a fantastic course close to his or her home. 

To enter, follow me on twitter @PGAPappas and look for my FREE GOLF Contest tweet.  Then just retweet it and you're automatically entered. 

This month I'm giving away TWO free golf winners.  One winner will be from my home state of Ohio. 

The May free golf winner was @marvgsan, who played with three of his friends at the beautiful, Donald Ross designed Biltmore Golf Course in Coral Gables, Florida. 

 

In June, @cTown_WUJU and @golfingfool99 were the winners.  cTown's foursome chose to tee it up at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course, one of Northeast Ohio's best courses. 

While golfingfool and three of his buddies decided to play the beautiful Glen Ivy Golf Club in Corona, California.

Good luck to all who enter.  Winners will be announced this Monday. 


Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

Wilson Staff Revives Classic 8802 Putter
Wilson Staff is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and has reintroduced the putter that's won more majors than any other putter in history.  The classic 8802 is back. 

 

The 8802 has been used by the best players in the world, including Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, Greg Norman and Phil Mickelson. And has been a favorite of amateur golfers around the world. 

 

The classic heel-shafted head features a double milled face for a perfectly true roll.  And as you can see it's as beautiful as ever.

   

Check back for a full review soon.  And in the meantime if you'd like to learn more about the centennial celebration check out Wilson Golf and on twitter @WilsonGolf. 

Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

Ian Poulter 2014 Open Championship IJP Design Script
The Open Championship returns to Hoylake, Liverpool for the first time since 2006.  And this year the competition for the Claret Jug is wide open. 

IJP Design Ambassador Ian Poulter would love to capture his first major championship at Royal Liverpool, and to that end Poulter will be dressed to kill. 

Here's a breakdown of Poulter's four British Open outfits this week, comprised of the IJP Design Rubix and Resort Collections. 

 

If you'd like to learn more about these particular designs, check out IJP Design and on twitter @IJPDesign.  And as Ian himself likes to say, "Look good.  Play great." 

Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas

The Open Championship Giveaway: A One Year Subscription to Golf Tips Magazine

Because it's links golf.  Because it's The Open Championship.  I'm giving away a 1-year subscription of Golf Tips Magazine to one of my followers on twitter. 

 

Golf Tips Magazine is the foremost authority on golf instruction, equipment, and travel.  And here's how you can win your very own 1-year subscription. 

Look for my Open Championship Golf Tips Magazine giveaway announcement.  Then just retweet and follow me @PGAPappas to be automatically entered. 

 

The winner will be announced Sunday when the sun sets at Royal Liverpool and the 143rd Open Champion is crowned.  Good luck! 

Follow Pete on twitter @PGAPappas