Y.E. Yang shocked the world and probably himself by beating the world’s best golfer, and maybe the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger Woods, by coming back from 2 strokes down Sunday to win the PGA Championship. Yang is the first Asian player to win a Major, the first player to beat Tiger Woods when Woods was tied or all alone in the lead after 54 holes of golf. Golf enthusiasts cheered, David took down Goliath, 12 never struck for Cinderella, No. 110 took down No. 1.

Is this good? I don’t really think so. The PGA heavily relies on Tiger Woods and the sentiment on the street is that Woods simply isn’t effective as he was, and may never be again.

Tiger hasn’t lost it, he’s won 5 tournaments this year, coming from 5 strokes back on Sunday to win one, and coming back from 8 shots down Thursday to win by 3 strokes on Sunday. But, as I said, casual golf fans don’t get that. In fact, most sports fans probably don’t get that because he hasn’t performed in the biggest events, the Majors, the moneymakers, the events that pull in the biggest ratings.

For the short-term, Yang’s victory makes for an interesting story and may feed the media with some fuel for now. But the 2009 PGA season is devoid of stories. A lack of a Tiger win, and Tom Watson’s falling short at the British Open both make for some major disappointments compared to what could have been.

This one is another story in its own though. Yang is very unlikely to win another tournament of this scope, and will probably fade right back into obscurity. And for the time being, Woods’ pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ record is in doubt.

While there are a few more months of golf left, there are no majors, and only serious golf enthusiasts will track these events. Fringe fans will go back to watching other sports, and will be far from enthused about the 2010 golf season.

Golf needs Tiger Woods just as much as he needs more majors. Tiger has given a face to golf, a sport that’s sorely lacked one for so many years. Tiger is golf’s Michael Jordan, and needs to return to this status in 2010.

Let’s hope that 2010 brings us the return of Tiger Woods, just as the 2009 tennis season has done for Roger Federer after a disappointing 2008. While fans may have cheered on Yang as he defeated Tiger today, you can be sure they’re pulling for Tiger over the long run.

In a very interesting and atypical twist today, Tiger Woods blew a lead entering the final round of the PGA Championships, losing to Y.E. Yang, a relatively unknown golfer. Woods had simply never lost a major after leading or being tied for the lead, and the world was shocked after witnessing today’s events.

Is this good? I don’t really think so. The PGA heavily relies on Tiger Woods and the sentiment on the street is that Woods simply isn’t effective as he was, and may never be again.

Woods is by no means past his prime. After returning from an injury that ended his 2008 campaign, Woods has bounced back with wins at five tournaments. Some of these involved some vintage Woods Sunday comebacks. Unfortunately, the majors are far more watched than the other tournaments, so the typical sports fan doesn’t realize that all’s not lost in Tiger’s corner.

For the short-term, Yang’s victory makes for an interesting story and may feed the media with some fuel for now. But the 2009 PGA season is devoid of stories. A lack of a Tiger win, and Tom Watson’s falling short at the British Open both make for some major disappointments compared to what could have been.

Yang will probably make few headlines anytime soon, and the once “sure prospect” of Woods beating Jack Nicklaus’ record for majors one is suddenly not such a sure thing anymore.

What do people get to look to now? “Oh, I can’t wait to see Tiger take revenge in the exciting series of FedEx cup event”? No! They are looking to, “Hey, Anthony Kim or Rory McIllroy are ready to take the torch next year.”

We need the Tiger, the best golfer, to be well, the best golfer. He needs to hold leads on Sunday. He needs people to be scared on the last few holes with Tiger on the prowl. We need Tiger Woods to dominate everybody and ask questions later. If he’s labeled the best, he needs to start performing in the biggest and best events.

Here’s to hoping that 2010 brings us a Tiger resurgence, and most notably, a major or two. The sport really needs it.

Much about the seemingly hard aspect of golf roots from misread beliefs about the game. If these fallacies are explained, golf will be a drastically easier game.

These are some philosophies that will enlighten neophytes in the game and put a brighter picture of the game that has turn into a habit to millions of individuals all over the world.

You have to bear in mind that golf has 3 games. Many beginning golfers believe that golf is all about hitting the ball towards where it needs to be in agreement with the design of a particular way. This belief is, in the end, their weakness. Golf is more than only that. Golf is really three levels of obstacles. Succeeding in this sport requires a mastery of all the 3 games IN golf.

1. The aforementioned physical game. Golf, certainly, demands right execution of physical needs. Whacking the ball, either by means of swing, stroke, putt, or simple tap-in, necessitates sound tempo, correct balance, appropriate shifting of the load, the right grip, and the precise application of power, among others. Though golf is not as physically demanding as other games, it is never wanting in challenges.

2. The tactical game. Golf includes technique , many and many technique. The goal, after all, is to place the ball in the hole in as few shots necessary. To do this, a practical knowledge of the course itself is necessary. More importantly, good appreciation of prevailing factors that affect the game – like terrain, wind velocity and angle, and slices along the course, just to name a few – is also necessary to come up with a plan of action that will lead to a magnificent score.

3. The mental game. Countless golf enthusiasts that 80% of a game of golf is played in the player’s mind. This should come as no surprise, golf is a game that is waged against one’s self, first and foremost. The physical tolls of this game require prior mental training, and these mental hurdles are frequently more enticing than the physical aspect of golf.

Learning these 3 games of golf will significantly improve your game. Just by considering them, you will enjoy instant results and it will show with your scores and the way you will enjoy your next rounds of golf.

I picked up one of those ‘Golfing for Women’ type magazines the other day and got to asking myself where these women actually live, who wear the golf attire shown in women’s golfing magazines? I have never seen women, not even the pros, dressed in such expensive and flamboyant clothes.

It’s easy to spend lots of money kitting yourself out for golf. What with hats, sunglasses, gloves, shirts, shorts, socks, windbreakers and shoes, the costs add up very quickly, even if you do your shopping at the sales. Then factor in the cost of clubs, balls, bag, cart and fees and you have to play very often to keep the “CPU” (cost per use) down to a reasonable level.

One half-page advertisement showed a beautiful young ‘golfing lady’ in really tiny shorts (like that’s permitted on golf courses!) that cost nearly $300, a golf shirt at almost $600, a jacket by Ralph Lauren at almost $200 and two-toned Utuser shoes costing $400 plus.

That comes to almost $1,500! I know that I could never hope to get the CPU on that outfit down to anywhere near a normal limit in my lifetime! Don’t get me wrong – I love clothes and I really love shoes, but could never afford, or even want, golf shoes or pants that cost more than most people’s weekly wage.

OK, you want comfortable golfing shoes that don’t look like a pair of clogs, but really, you can find cheaper and still fashionable golf shoes.

I have bought several really trendy golfing outfits, even though none of them are famous brand names. If I were to total up the cost of all of those articles of clothing, it would not add up to the cost of a Tse golf shirt. Personally, I would rather have a few stylish outfits than one that is priced way too much.

If I were to wear a $1,500 outfit to play golf in, I would just be too worried about getting it dirty or sweating in it to play a proper round of golf.

Believe it or not, countless golfing enthusiasts never encounter problems with their swings. With the entire golfing field being gigantic as it is, the golfer is entitled to a lot of leeway for mistakes and appropriate adjustments, and this thought gives a lot of confidence for the player.

But, it’s the putt that separates the men from the boys, as many golfers say.

As a matter of fact, once a golfer is confronted with the game of putting, the once humongous field of the golf course is minimized to a few meters of green grass. The measurement between the ball and the flag may be quite short – oh so very short – but the pressure to drive the ball home will be big – of so very big indeed.

If you wish to improve in golf, you don’t only have to learn your driving shot, you have to learn your putting skills too.

The problem that many golf players meet is that their putting game really suck.

Let’s straighten things up – and I mean that literally.

Putts are meant travel a straight line. A ball that is putt is meant to travel in a straight line. Because of this, expert golfers ensure that they hit the ball with their shot swinging like a pendulum. This necessitates the usage of strong grips that curtail the function of the wrists. Extra wrist movements will only result in a curved shot for the ball, which isn’t really what putting is all about.

Veteran golfers find their rhythm by facing the ball, distancing their feet by about a foot to a foot and a half, and practicing their swing so that they’d get a feel of how the ball will break. This is done regardless of how near or far a distance the putt needs to build a routine that will aid them in discovering their money shot.

Perfecting your putting game is an essential portion when it comes to succeeding in golf. It is an aspect of the sport that should never be neglected.

Practice your grip. Experienced players will tell you that the might of your swivel banks on the power of your grip. A feeble grip will, more often than not, result in a feeble turn. A feeble grip during a powerful turn will result ina wayward angle for the ball in action. Practice the proper grip and you will have better manipulation over the ball.

Warm-ups are significant. “But it’s only golf,” you may utter, “all the actions I will do are limited to hitting the ball, marching to its new location, and hitting it once more.” Unfortunately, golf if more than that. Trust it or not, though golf is predominantly a psychological sport, it is also a sport that needs precise actions of the nerves. Only during preparations will you be able to loosen up your nerves for the challenges that lies ahead. Do some preliminary workouts- like brisk, stationary walks, stretches, and even plain joint rotations- prior to a game of golf and you’ll instantly see that the features of your body that ordinarily tenses up during stress-packed moments of the game will be gentler, more relaxed, and set to perform better.

Determine the stroke required for each swing. Tempo refers to the evenness of the shot needed by a particular shot. It involves the application of the right amount of power by right shifting of your load, as well as the steadiness of the movement minus unnecessary tugs or yanks. No golfer is initially with the proper pace. Tempo is developed and completed through practice.

Blame the iron. Believe it or not, neophytes in the sport expereince a bad game not because of the inadequacies of their tactics solely, but also because of their selection of the improper irons for particular shots. There is a discipline in choosing the proper club for a particular turn or putt. Learn this discipline and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better golfer.

Don’t fail to remember the follow through. You see basketball enthusiasts with their follow through after letting go of a shot. It’s not that actions following the shot affect the course of the same. It’s because thinking about the follow through before it takes place can actually improve one’s rhythm. Golf, much the same as basketball and other sports, is a game of rhythm as well, and enhancing your own follow through can considerably improve your technique.

Practice your grip. Experienced players will tell you that the might of your swivel banks on the power of your grip. A feeble grip will, more often than not, result in a feeble turn. A feeble grip during a powerful turn will result ina wayward angle for the ball in action. Practice the proper grip and you will have better manipulation over the ball.

Warm-ups are significant. “But it’s just golf,” you might say, “all the activities I will do are confined to whacking the ball, walking to its new location, and whacking it once more.” Sadly, golf if more than that. Believe it or not, though golf is mostly a psychological game, it is also a game that needs accurate motions of the muscles. Only during preparations will you be able to loosen up your muscles for the tests that are approaching. Do some preliminary exercises- like fast, stationary walks, stretches, and even simple joint motions- prior to a game of golf and you’ll immediately notice that the parts of your body that usually tightens up throughout pressure-packed moments of the game will be gentler, more comfortable, and set to function better.

Determine the pace needed for every shot. Tempo refers to the steadiness of the shot needed by a specific shot. It involves the use of the correct amount of force through right shifting of your load, as well as the steadiness of the motion without unnecessary pulls or trembles. No golfer is born with the proper tempo. Tempo is acquired and perfected with practice.

Blame the iron. Believe it or not, neophytes in the sport expereince a bad game not because of the inadequacies of their tactics solely, but also because of their selection of the improper irons for particular shots. There is a discipline in choosing the proper club for a particular turn or putt. Learn this discipline and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better golfer.

Don’t fail to remember the follow up. You see basketball players with their follow up after releasing a shot. It’s not that actions after the shot influence the course of the same. It’s because considering about the follow up before it happens can actually enhance one’s pace. Golf, much the same as basketball and other sports, is a game of pace as well, and developing your own follow up can vastly improve your technique.

A refillable lighter represents an investment. These devices can offer many years of reliable service but, like any product designed to last, they must be maintained and, of course, cleaned from time to time. This process is quite easy and, depending on what type of lighter one has opted to buy, it usually takes no more than a few minutes.

If one’s lighter happens to have sensitive finishes, it is advisable to ask the vendor what types of cleaning solutions are best for the exterior. Cleaning the actual mechanical components of the lighter, however, is how one goes about ensuring a long service life.

A lighter, whether it be butane or liquid-fueled, is an enormously simple device. There is a fuel reservoir, an ignition mechanism and either a wick or a fuel jet. All of these elements have to be kept clean if the lighter is expected to function properly. The reservoir on a butane lighter requires no cleaning at all. It is a sealed environment designed to hold pressurized gas. A liquid-fueled lighter’s reservoir is usually simple cotton balls help in place by a piece of felt. When these become dirty, they can simply be taken out and replaced.

Butane lighters produce almost no fouling elements when they are lit. This fuel burns with incredible efficiency. Add to that the fact that most high-end lighters are of the torch variety which burn very hot and there is little residue left behind from the flame. Liquid-fueled lighters will leave carbon and, sometimes, an oily residue behind on the windscreen, around the wick and, sometimes near the flint wheel. This may be wiped away with a cotton swab soaked in a little lighter fluid. Most often, it wipes away very easily and the lighter fluid evaporates away quickly.

On a butane-fueled lighter, there is a receptacle which is designed to accept a butane canister. This area must be kept clean. Generally, anything that may be obstructing this area can simply be brushed away. If anything should happen to become lodged in the jet area of the lighter, invert the lighter and tap it, gently, on a hard surface. This should dislodge any debris. If it doesn’t, one can use a thin piece of metal to gently lift away the obstruction. Anything that is stubbornly-lodged in the workings of such a lighter should be removed by a professional to avoid damage.

Some cigar smokers enjoy nothing more than getting out on the water, in the woods or to the campground and lighting up their favorite brand of cigar. Being outside, there are no concerns about the aroma and one is free to puff to their heart’s content. Of course, lighting a cigar is a particularly intricate affair and doing it incorrectly can ruin a fine smoking session. There are several ways in which one may overcome this though some of them carry some concerns about influencing the taste of the cigar in a negative way.

Lighting a cigar with a Zippo has been a debate in the cigar aficionado community for a long time. These lighters have been around since World War 1 when they were offered to soldiers as a way of generating light without the position-betraying flare characteristic of a match. While matches may have been a liability in the trenches, many cigar smokers prefer them for lighting up in modern times, claiming that it is the best way to get a cigar burning without adding any unpleasant taste.

The reason Zippos remain popular for outdoor use is that they are an inherently windproof lighter. The lighter fluid used to fuel them is slow to evaporate and is thick enough that it will stick to the wick and ignite even in very windy conditions. This makes them popular with sailors and fishermen.

There are new butane lighters on the market which rival Zippos where wind resistance is concerned, however, and these may be a less-objectionable option for those who find the taste of lighter fluid something which they cannot tolerate. These windproof butane torches are available from higher-end tobacconists and lighter shops.

Cigars are a very personal thing. If one wishes to use their Zippo then, by all means, they should do so. While some smokers may wince at the sight, a cigar is meant to be enjoyed in a way that offers the best experience possible and, given some people’s attachment to their Zippos, there is no reason that they should feel that using those lighters is out of bounds when enjoying a fine cigar.

Golfing is a past time of many, and a way of life for famous professionals such as Art Wall, Tiger Woods, and Arnold Palmer among others. As you look around the world, you can see that golf courses can have many surprises that you could only dream of one day playing on.

There are plenty of golf courses in the United States to take advantage of. One is Massachusetts, for instance, boasts the longest golf course in the world. Also check into key locations such as Disney World, where golfing is considered a serious business. Other locales such as Las Vegas have great golf courses if you can stand the high temperatures that the Summer brings.

Playing golf at high altitudes is possible by traveling to South America. In the location of Morochocha is a golf course that is one of the highest elevated golf courses in the entire world. The high elevation has been known to making breathing hard; senior citizens and those who have trouble breathing should ask a physician before proceeding.

Golf courses that stick around through the years are seen as successful and a joy to play through. Following that ideology, you could say India has some of the best courses as one course is well over a century old. For over 150 years, a famous course in India has been allowing golfers to get their fix on the green grasses of the age-old field. You will experience more than just a good game of golf, but perhaps even a history lesson.

The Japanese always have a great array of products, ideas, and a way of thinking that makes the culture an interesting one to discover. The golf courses in Japan are a real treat, allowing for many traps and beautiful scenery around complex golf courses. You can participate in world-famous fairways that the professionals have all played through with a look of euphoria on their face. For some there is no better accomplishment.

You can do some sight seeing in China and also get your game of golf in by going to a famous golf course located near The Great Wall. The golf course does deviate away from The Great Wall, but the beginning fairway gives you a clear cut view of one of the Earth’s great wonders. There is no better way to enjoy a sunny China afternoon than killing two birds with one stone.

Final Thoughts

Golf courses around the world have a lot to offer. If you don’t have the money to travel, you can usually get your fix by simply visiting Las Vegas or Florida to view the many different types of golf courses they have built and maintain.