Guan Tian-lang - Is Golf"s New Young Gun Too Young?

At Age 13, Many Feel Guan Tian-lang is too Young
Photo via GolfToday

One year ago, a 12-year-old by the name of Guan Tian-lang won the inaugural Mission Hills Nike Golf Junior Championship and proudly accepted the trophy from his long-time idol, Tiger Woods.

Both wore red as they stood on the stage together, surrounded by golf officials and Nike executives. Looking back at photos of that day, one gets the sense that the precocious, pubescent winner felt more than ready to assume his share of the stage.

Flash forward a few of hundred days and you'll find Guan Tian-lang, at 13, preparing to play in the Volvo China Open this week ...and poised to become the youngest player in European Tour history.

Having finished fourth in a qualifying event three weeks ago, the prodigious young player was put on a reserve list, and for a short while, feared he'd missed his chance at history. But his hopes were restored when it was announced that the player who won the qualifier already had a China Open exemption. So the Tiger trajectory... that began when Guan was introduced to golf at age four by his golf-obsessed, Woods worshiping Dad... remains solidly on course.

China golf expert, Dan Washburn wrote a piece for ESPN.com back in 2005 about huge impact Tiger Woods was beginning to have on golf in China. In the article Washburn introduces us to Guan Han Wen, an interior designer from Southern China, who spent a considerable amount of money to bring his wife and son up to Sheshan International Golf Club, outside of Shanghai for HSBC Champions tournament where Tiger would be playing. His son, you may have surmised, was Tian-lang who, at age 7 had just placed fourth in the 6-and-under division at the Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego.

The record Guan Tian-lang will break this week at age 13 years and 173 days is currently held by Lo Shik-kai who was about 100 days older when he played in the Hong Kong Open almost a decade ago, and as will be the case anytime such an age record is broken there are questions. It's a given that child prodigies are compelling to watch and young guns make headlines, but from an ethical standpoint, when is a young gun too young?

Guan Tian-lang on the front page of the European Tour site

"Are we fools?"

Writing in stellar Spanish golf blog Fuera de Límites Ovidiov Vidal asks that question, and it's clear from his post that when it comes to having children as young as 13... however talented and mature they may be... compete in professional tournaments against top tour players, we are, in fact, fools. ...and exploitative, self-interested fools at that.

As the father of young children himself the spaniard questions the purpose of encouraging such a young kid to play in a top level tournament. He points out when you put a 13-year-old in this kind of situation, he stands a chance of being unfairly compared to men who started playing before he was even born and as such this kind of test isn't even a good measure of potential.

What it definitely is... no matter what your opinion is on the ethics of encouraging youngsters to play in adult events... is a news story. Child prodigies are captivating; they grab ratings, sell tickets and generate buzz but as exciting as an ultra-young star like Guan may be, it's hard not to worry about the pressures that such an early entry into the top levels of any sport or dicipline may bring. After all there have been some epic flame outs that are hard to overlook.

Those stories won't stop Guan Tian-lang and his family from forging ahead this we. Nor will they stop the promoters from promoting him, the media from covering him or the fans from clamoring for him and hopefully this particular 13-year-old will be able to keep it all in perspective.

On the topic of child prodigies a couple of interesting links: The Downside of Being a Child Prodigy
presents Alyssa Quart whose own experiences inspired her to write "Hothouse Kids: The Dilemma of the Gifted Child" and 8 Child Prodigies so Amazing They'll Ruin Your Day and humorous look at prodigies both historical and contemporary who are amazing. And they did ruin my day.

International Women's Day - A Couple of Golf Blogs to Follow

Forest Hills Ladies Circle Photo: ©Monique A. Ignacio

If you've paid a visit to the worlds most popular search engine today you may have noticed a modern multi-chromatic rendering that features a flower and the female gender symbol.  That would be the  Google Doodle for March 8, 2012 decked out for International Women's Day.

More than thirty years ago,  March 8th officially became the UN Day for women's rights and world peace.  The occasion will be marked in various ways by women's groups around the world.

For the social media communicators among us, a twitter hashtag, #digitalheroines has been established as part of a viral campaign to promote the presence of women in technology fields where, as yet they're substantially underrepresented.

Tweeting with this hashtag is a way to sign on to the International Women's Day statement of Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission, and the woman in charge of digital policy for Europe.  Though originating in Europe, it's a message applicable across the globe. "The Digital World is for Everyone".

The empowerment of women and the recent rise of digital technology have changed our world for the better. Now it is time to bring these two revolutions together.
You may have heard of Moore's law, but what about a more women law?
Technology should not be a boy's and man's world. Our technology gurus and heroes cannot be limited to men. It's a digital world now and the digital world is for everyone. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 

In that vein, I'd like to tell you about a couple of golf blogs that inspire me with their support of women's golf (which is way underreported vs. men's golf) and their engaging female focus:

Tenerife Ladies Open ©DogLegMedia

Dog Leg Media is a media initiative from Poodle, the fashion forward golf apparel company we've written about here a couple of times in the past. In addition to their awesome clothing line, Poodle is a company with a real commitment to the women's game. They sponsor several professional golfers and Ladies European Tour events attending numerous tournaments each year, and have now established photo library of unique high quality images that they offer to media outlets, businesses and fans. Their aim is to encourage newspapers and magazines to write about womens golf and more fans to follow and support the girls.

The Dog Leg Media Blog is a great way to see the women LET in action... on some of the most beautiful courses in the world.

And speaking of beautiful courses... and gregarious golf girls... and stunning photography,  if you don't follow Girl Golfing! you're missing out on an ultra-vibrant glimpse of the exciting women's golf scene in the Philippines.

Throughout the weekend I'll add links to some of the unique other blogs that I feel reflect the International Women's Day mission. If you have any... please feel free to add them in a comment.

Ryo Ishikawa Will Soon Be Seen in Nike Casual Wear (updated)

Ryo Ishikawa With Nike Sportswear Creative Director (c) NIKE

Update: Ryo receives a Masters invite!...also check out his new comercial for Asahi Dry Zero a new 0.00% alcohol, beer-tasting beverage.
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Over the past couple of years we've watched Ryo Ishikawa become a truly global golfer. 

He's played all over the world, bringing his whimsical, multi-chromatic style... and an ever-growing gaggle of Japanese journalists... to the top tournaments on multiple contents. - To the extent that it's often hard to keep track of the young superstar. - Right now Mr. Ishikawa is in Puerto Rico for the PGA Tour's Puerto Rican Open,  he'll then head to Florida for the Transitions Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.  Currently ranked 54th, and four places short of qualifying for the Masters, Ryo will be playing these next few weeks for a spot in the field at Augusta.

Japan's number one golfer seems to have magical powers be able to turn on a dime... getting from one end of the earth to another in record time. His appeal seems to transcend boarders as well earning him avid fans everywhere he goes. It's therefore no surprise to hear he's been pursued by top global brands.

In fact, the Japanese phenom just signed a contract with Nike and will soon be wearing "casual shoes and sportswear" from the iconic brand as part of a global campaign designed to convey the importance of "realizing one's dreams through various challenges".  The tenacious 20 year-old golf champion... who's also known to excel on soccer fields and ski slopes... is clearly a perfect poster boy for this message.

As always, the intrepid Noriko Imano filled me in on this story. She also sent me a link to this exuberant Asahi ad. 
 

Sergio Garcia Seems to Have Found His Happy Place

Prowess at the poker table, talent on the tennis court and killer keepie uppy skills,  we've seen ample evidence of Sergio Garcia's alternate proficiencies.  But as we all know, the sometimes-tempestuous Spaniard plays golf for a living, though there were times these past couple of years, when he appeared to take little pleasure in the game. 

Today however, Señor Garcia seemed ready to handle whatever golf may throw at him as he raced up the leaderboard at Riviera Country Club with a best-of-the-week, seven-under-par 64 thatincluded two eagles.  And... it's looking like the "best player never to win a major" may lose that undistinguished honor before too long.

Back9 Network Brings a Postmodern Playbook to Golf

I'm guessing you're already onto this story, as it's being talked about all over the place: Golf's got a new network... and it's called Back9.

The Back9 Network has been in development for a while now - for those of us watching from behind the scenes the wait has sometimes seemed interminable - but creating a new network from the ground up is a massive undertaking, and now that the foundation's been methodically laid out for this multimedia golf lifestyle and entertainmentdestination, we're getting our first look at some of what's to come. 

With its mission, "to offer entertaining and edgy content that fuses the sport of golf with the exciting lifestyle that surrounds it",  Back9 is creating original content, a glimpse of which is presented in their launch video from the PGA Merchandise show a couple of weeks ago.  Clearly, it's the antithesis of elitist, stogy, sedate and other adjectives unflattering adjectives often associated with the game.

We the obsessive readers and writers of golf blogs... the passionate fans and players of a game we know has the potential to bring people together... have long lamented the lack of innovative golf media offerings.  In fact, it's precisely that "creative content deficit" that motivated many of the best independent golf bloggers to start writing about the game years ago.  Back9 Network is built upon that same motivation, and ready to take it to new level.  The network plans to be broadcasting by late spring, and delivery will be multi-platform, providing simultaneous distribution over the Internet and mobile devices. Follow Back9 on Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Of Spanish Golfers and an Oversized Arabian Coffee Pot

We've written about weird/wonderful golf trophies several times in the past, touching on the whimsicality of some and the creepiness of others.

One of the most impressive however, has got to be the massive Arabian coffee pot awarded to the winner of the Dubai Desert Classic.

This past week the gigantic carafe was on display again.  Throughout the week, it sat on the sidelines at Emirates Golf Club as a strong field of players battled it out on the course.

In the end it was Rafael Cabrera-Bello who won the pot trophy,  holding off a strong field that included Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer ...among others.  It was the third time... in three years... that a Spanish champion emerged victorious at this event.  You may remember our posts on the victories of Miguel Angel Jimenez and Alvaro Quiros who won in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

This year however, the win was Rafa's, and when the time came to kiss the trophy, he chose to bite it instead.  That's a Spanish thing too,  initiated by another athletic Rafa, tennis star Rafael Nadal.  Many have asked what the gesture signifies, and I don't really know the answer to that.  I just know it's caught on, and now professional and amateur athletes in various sports are doing it... all over the world.

The victory was undoubtedly a huge for Señor Cabrera-Bello who hasn't had a win since October 2009 at the Austrian Open.  It's a stellar start to his season... and the ginormous Arabian coffee pot looks like it was quite a mouthful.

Social Media Connections Facilitate Global Golf Tourism

Spain has so many beautiful coastal courses

The fact that social media has us all "so connected" can sometimes lead to...  awkwardness.  For example, the confidential DM that mistakenly goes out to everyone is actually fairly common, and the consequences can be... unpleasant, to say the least.  Or what about the "old flame" who suddenly finds you on Facebook and wants to become a "new flame".  That's another distressing possibility.

That being said, most would probably agree that such occasional vexations are a small price to pay for the benefits of an interconnected global network; a network that includes people from around the world who share your interests and enjoy exchanging ideas and information.   These days I find out what's new in golf - courses, resorts, equipment brands and apparel styles - almost exclusively through my golf contacts on social networks.  They share news of promotions and contests,  recommend (or warn against) golf products and offer golf tips. You've probably had similar experiences.

Back in dark ages... before the Facebooks and Twitters and such... this kind of info-exchange just didn't happen much, there was just no easy way for like-minded people to connect.  Particularly if you lived in a distant city or on a far-away continent.

...and so many fantastic golfers.

This came to mind recently when a friend told me she was thinking of taking an early summer trip to Spain... and hoped to play some golf while there... but didn't really know where to begin.  Not being a particularly adventurous type, she was vacillating, and asked me if I could recommend anything.  Now, I've never played golf in Spain and don't know much about the country's courses, but thanks to social media I know about a dozen people who have played in Spain... and who know first hand about Spanish courses.  I'd have no trouble deciding where to spend my time in Spain... and, in fact, I hope to make that trip some day myself.  As for my friend, at this point she "doesn't do social media", but I think I may have convinced her to give it a try.

Of course there are some great websites for planning golf holidays in Spain, but if you can get extra input from someone you know... all the better, right? You may even find a Spanish playing partner, and that's the amazing power of Social Media.

Of Davos, Golf and the Imperative Shift to Sustainable Growth

I've been in the snowy Swiss village of Davos for the past several days... feeling like a bit of an interloper... as the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum takes place around me.  It's been every bit as impressive... and just as quixotic... as I imagined it would be.

I'm not here as a delegate... obviously... nor am I  here with a media outlet, though I am writing.

For almost a year now I've been assisting a quietly brilliant Master of the Universe, Davos Man "world business leader" with a variety of writing projects.  I've taken to calling this my "day job" and that's what I've been doing this week... from the Swiss Alps. 

My access has been somewhat limited by the minion-ish badge I've been wearing, but the experience has been extraordinary.  I've gone to a numerous panels and met a lot of remarkable people and spent quite a bit of time doing last minute research and polishing for the"day job", but even though I'm not "reporting for anyone" or "covering anything",  I'll be taking a lot home with me,  much of it very pertinent to golf and the current focus on growing the game.

The theme of this year's WEF meeting is "The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models" and the conversations I've had here... in the conference hall, and on the frosty streets of town... all seemed to touch on the idea of an imperative shift towards sustainable growth.  What I find striking though, is that almost 5000 miles away, in balmy Orlando FL, the leaders of the golf industry seem to have been focusing on a similar agenda of transformation, and seriously looking at new models at their annual gathering this week during the PGA Merchandise Show. 

Regrettably,  Murphy's law once again intervened, dropping both of these two events (and the Sundance Film Festival and the Year of the Water Dragon celebrations) on the same block of late January days.

I missed the once yearly get-together with my golf writer and golf manufacturer friends and look forward to reading their reports and catching up with their news during the next couple of weeks.  The Farmers Insurance Open and the Abu Dhabi Championship are also taking place now and I've caught only fleeting snippets of each though I've heard latest rumblings (go Ryo / go Tiger).

I'll be back to my normal life... and regular-ish publishing schedule within a couple of days.  However,  the long journey home begins early tomorrow and it's time to pack up my yeti boots and attempt to sleep.

Ahmad Al Musharrakh - An Emirati Golf Star On The Rise

Ahmad Al Musharrakh                      Image Credit: Grace Paras/ANM

He was recently referred to as "the Emirati answer to Tiger Woods", however, when we wrote about Ahmad Al Musharrakh in 2010,  he was getting ready for his first Abu Dhabi Championship appearance, and as he tells it, "still very inexperienced".

Now, two years later, as the 2012 Abu Dhabi Championship gets underway, the 21 year-old is the UAE's top ranked national players, and determined to make history.

Al Musharrekh, who secured an invitation to the tournament from Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, is confident he can become the first Emirati to make the cut at this event... and from there he aims to "move up the leaderboard and really compete" ...with what may well be the strongest field ever assembled for a Middle East tournament; a field that includes Abu Dhabi debutante, Tiger Woods, who Al Musharrekh lists as his favorite player.

With its many spectacular courses, the UAE is considered to be at the forefront of golf development in the Middle East and tourists from all over the world flock to the area's stellar courses, but the question of whether the local population is embracing the sport continues to be asked.  This puts additional pressure on Al Musharrekh.  A good showing at a high profile event like the Abu Dhabi Championship would undoubtedly inspire people from all over the Middle East and North Africa to try their hands at the game.  Those who currently play would be motivated to take their games to the next level.

Drama at La Manga - A 6 Way Playoff Decides LET Q-School

Ladies European Tour Class of 2012

When the grueling "Q-School grind" (as it's known across tours and around the world) finally came to an end today on the pastoral fairways of La Manga Golf Club, thirty golfers from 15 countries had won full playing rights on the Ladies European Tour for the 2012 season.

England’s Jodi Ewart, who earned her LPGA card in December, claimed a two stroke victory, with Swiss amateur Anais Maggetti and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda taking second and third, but the real nail-biter... with so much is at stake... was the six-player playoff for the last two cards.

As it turns out, final card was won... with a six-foot birdie putt on the third playoff hole... by Sharmila Nicolette, the talented Bangalore beauty we wrote about earlier this week.  The LET website has all the dramatic details.

Sharmila Nicollet Shines in Spain at LET Qualifying School

Sharmila Nicollet...... walking    -    photo: Golf Digest Online

We first wrote about Sharmila Nicollet in December of 2007 when she won a challenge match, paired with Laura Davies, at the EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters, India's first ever LET event.

Just 16 at the time, the talented Bangalore beauty impressed Davies who told reporters, "I played with this 16-year-old girl and I can say from my experience she has the potential to become a really good player".

Four years later Nicollet is 20,  and she'll have "the whole of India" behind her as she enters the third round of the Ladies European Tour Qualifying School tomorrow in a three-way tie for second...  just one shot behind leader, Jodi Ewart (England).  

The 90-hole Q-School Final is being played on the two world-class courses at La Manga Club, in Murcia, Spain.

Golf is now the fastest growing sport in India... a country where cricket is revered... and to have this charismatic young golfer playing in global competitions at the highest level will surely be an  inspiration for other Indian women who aspire to play the game... either recreationally or professionally.

Oh, and FYI, if you're into following professional golfers on Twitter, @MissNicollet 's tweets are often remarkably drôle perceptive awesome.

Golf for Global Understanding & The Axis of Eagle Golf Circuit

A few weeks ago I told you about adventure travel entrepreneur, Dylan Harris, and the Inaugural Iranian Amateur Open.

The tournament is set to take place from the 20th through 22nd of April, when golfers from around the globe will meet at Teheran's Enghelab Golf Course for three days of competition.

Golf's rapidly growing global reach makes this possible, and the fact that The Iranian Amateur Open will allow a diverse group of international players to rise above the current cacophony of geopolitical saber rattling and get together on a golf course, makes the event exceptionally pertinent, laudable and uplifting.  Over the past year I've met many golfers who feel that the game has the power to unify and inspire, and many who share my belief that it can help overcome cultural barriers. 

As for Dylan Harris, the intrepid organizer of the Iranian Amateur Open recently announced that the Teheran tournament would be part of a circuit that will also include the 2012 North Korean Open.

Putting a positive turn on divisive term, he's calling it the Axis of Eagle Golf Circuit ...and rumor has it additional tournaments will be launched later this year, possibly in Cuba and Northern Iraq.

Harris' company Lupine

 Travel focuses on unusual destinations and Full packages, including tours of each country and entry to the tournaments can be arranged through Lupine Travel at www.lupinetravel.co.uk. or +44(0)1942 704525

French Golfer Joanna Klatten's Memorable Maiden Win

Joanna Klatten Women's Victoria Open          photo: via iseekgolf.com

A first professional win is probably always going to be memorable, but there were a couple of things about Joanna Klatten's maiden victory that really set it apart.

It was the French player's first trip down-under.  She was in Australia for the Women's Victoria Open, and after a rather amazing bogey-free final round that included three birdies and an eagle, the one-time Georgia State Panther headed to the clubhouse with a two shot lead... and little doubt that the win was hers.  After all, the only threat was Haeji Kang of South Korea, and she was trailing by two halfway up the par-four 18th. 

But in golf... as in life... one must always expect the unexpected, and the unexpected certainly did happened yesterday at Spring Valley Golf Club. It came in the form of a last minute eagle by Kang,  which interrupted the slightly premature celebration going on in the club house.  A tense playoff ensued before the slightly tipsy French golfer did, in fact, lift the Victoria Open trophy. 

I'd say that definitely qualifies as memorable.

2012 A Year of Hope ...and Golf for Global Understanding

Golf in Iran                                 (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2012!

If you put any credence in the Mayan calendar your New Years celebration was probably somewhat subdued last night.  After all, according to many interpretations of that document, this marks the year catastrophe and cataclysmic natural disaster will bring about end of the world... on December 21, 2012 to be exact ... Not exactly uplifting news.

Personally, I'm rather sceptical of the whole doomsday thing and... worst case scenario... we've got almost a full year left... to work on swings/putting, to help grow golf by introducing non-golfers the joys of the game, and to connect with golfers around the world.   There's a lot to look forward to.

As Rio 2016 Approaches, Some Tennis Lessons for US Golf

Golf may benefit by looking at tennis via wikia.com

Most professional and amateur golfers, as well as casual and advid fans, are delighted to see the sport return to the Olympics.

The 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro will welcome golfers for the first time in over a century, and inclusion is predicted to have a major impact on the game's reach, particularly in places where the sport has not previously had the opportunity to grow.

However, for the US, and other countries where the game is "mature", there's a lesson to be learned on the potential downside of Olympic inclusion.  It comes from the world of professional tennis, a world where an American male hasn't won a Grand Slam since 2003, and where for a period earlier this, year there wasn't a single American ranking in the world's top 10.  Some say the US tennis decline can, at least in part, be traced back to 1984, the year tennis became an Olympic Sport. 

"When it [tennis] became an Olympic sport, other countries got on the bandwagon, and smaller countries began developing players." That's how Angel Lopez, director of tennis operations at the San Diego Tennis & Racquet Club put it, and with that in mind it's easy to imagine that by the end of this decade the World Golf Ranking may feature fewer US players.

These young golfers in China get get elite instruction from Cindy Reid

Commitment to early and ambitious player development is clearly key when it comes to creating competitive athletes, and in an attempt to attract more young players to the game... and eventually hook the best of them... the USTA has invested more than $8 million this year on 10 and Under Tennis an initiative that includes smaller courts and less "bouncy" balls.  The idea is to encourage an entry level version of the game that will allow more children to start learning and playing from a younger age... and enable them to build confidence and avoid bad habits.

US Golf would seem to be in a perfect position to introduce an entry level version for it's beginners.  There are numerous organizations focused on bringing young players into the game, The First Tee, the USGA's Junior Links and the LPGA's Girl's Golf however thus far there seems to have been little interest in the establishment of a shorter format. 

US Kid's Golf has developed an excellent program with their Family Course Setup, that has the backing of the PGA of America and a partnership with Pinehurst.  It's the type of initiative that could really help to grow the game from the ground up should more courses, particularly public courses, decide to implement it.

2016 will come quickly... so will the end of the decade. Golf should start taking a cue from tennis right now.

Dr. Haruhisa Handa - The Quintessential Golf Ambassador

The following is an excerpt from the recent interview I did with golf author/publisher Christina Ricci. ~ The entire interview can be found on Christina's blog, Miss Par. ~ A number of Christina's questions dealt with the increasing urgent issue of "growing the game" including this one where she asked me, "...who, in your eyes, is the quintessential Golf Ambassador? In other words, who do you feel is making that extra effort to grow the game?"I answered her, without hesitation, as follows: 

 

These days just about everyone involved with golf is aware that we need to bring new people into the game… and keep current players playing.
Many professional golfers and golf organizations are now involved in  initiatives to grow the game.  As for the quintessential Golf Ambassador, without a doubt that would have to Dr. Haruhisa Handa.

This Japanese philanthropist has been dedicated to growing the game of golf for almost 25 years. His International Sports Promotion Society has fostered partnerships with golf’s governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level, advising professional tours, supporting their charitable efforts and sponsoring tournaments.

Dr. Handa is the Honorary Chairman of the Legends Tour and an advisor to the European Senior Tour. He’s also Chairman of the Women’s Senior Golf Association and an official Patron of Golf Australia.  In addition, Dr. Handa established the first Blind Golf Club in Japan, and is known to many there as the “Father of Blind Golf”. He serves as Honorary Chairman of the Japanese Blind Golf Association (NPO) and Honorary President of the International Blind Golf Association. He relentlessly promotes blind and disabled golf.

Long before “growing the game” became a cause célèbre, this extraordinary man was supporting organizations and efforts that allow young people, those in their senior years, and people with disabilities... from various backgrounds around the world... to be involved with, and inspired by, golf.  In my eyes, Dr. Handa is clearly a Golf Ambassador without equal.

How would you have answered Christina's question? Who do you see as the quintessential Golf Ambassador?

Past posts on the awesome Dr. Handa:
The Handa Cup and Dr. Haruhisa Handa 
International Showdown by the Sea - The Handa Cup

Momoko Ueda: Pearly Gates Golf Girl Wins Mizuno Classic

Momoko Ueda 2011 Mizuno Classic           Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images

Like other uplifting golf stories of the past weekend Momoko Ueda's emotional win at the Mizuno Classic was eclipsed by what's now known in polite circles as the "William's Flap".  Blame the golf media or the social networks... or human nature... for that, but it's the way things are these days:  bad behavior... ignorant, inflamatory outbursts and old fashioned drunken debauchery will always trump the feel-good narrative.  You don't have to be a Kardashian to know that.

For Momoko Ueda however, the weekend was about a long awaited win. Her first victory since the 2009 AXA Ladies Open and her first career win as LPGA member.  It was an emotional win that came with a 15-foot birdie putt in a playoff with China's Shanshan Feng.

"I was starting to think I'd never win again," said Ueda, who earned her LPGA Tour card victory at this same tournament in 2007.  "It's been a tough four years in America."  Rough, but worth it,  for the talented 25-year-old player the lad mags have labeled "hot golfer chick" and called "so cute it's painful".

As usual, the bloggers at Mostly Harmless covered the Mizuno Classic from start to finish... with insider's eyes.  Their posts are always a great way to get a feel of the Asian tournaments.  Then there's the exuberant Bankok Bobby, he has some great Mizuno Classic photos and video on his blog.

I just want to make a brief mention of Momoko Ueda's sartorial style, because as many around the world have noticed... it's awesome.  And this goes along with a recurring obsession theme here at Golf Girl's Diary: the Japanese are designing the most exciting golf apparel out there and the Asian players are wearing it in ways that transcend the sport.

Pearly Gates Autumn 2011

Pearly Gates, Momoko Ueda's apparel sponsor, is a golf brand from Sanei International,  one of the hippest fashion conglomerates in Japan.  You need only have a look at their 2011 Autumn catalog to appreciate the way this company manages to mix golf apparel traditions with both urban grit and runway chic. The result is... quite simply... golf fashion. Something we're just beginning to discover on this side of the Atlantic.

Granted, the fact that much of the golf played in Japan takes place in urban areas... at ubiquitous multi-tiered driving and in chic indoor centers... allows designers to push the envelope in ways that probably wouldn't fly at conservative suburban country clubs in this country,  but you've also got to look at the way Ueda, and other players, wear the brand in competition.  What you see are outfits that look professional, functional, comfortable and uber-stylish.  All at the same time... and I think that's what lot's of us US hackers recreational golfers are looking for. 

In any case we'll happily be seeing more of Momoko on these shores, among other things her move from outside the top 48 on the money list to #33 has secured her a 2012 Sybase Match Play spot.

For more on Momoko... and her singular style sense:

Momoko's multi-chromatic website
A Quick 18 with Momoko Ueda
Air Magazine - Interview with Momoko Ueda
Sunny Side Up Momoko's Very Cool PR People
Momoko Ueda - My Favorite Things
Momoko Ueda - Nail Art

Ryo Romance has golf journos "exceeding social norms"

Ryo At the Canon Open, Oct 2011  • • •  Photo by Sankei via Getty Images

At barely twenty, Ryo Ishikawa has already had more experience with the press than most players ever will, and he's often been praised for the grace with which he handles the throngs of reporters who track his every move.

Recently however things have been getting a bit out of hand. To the extent that the youthful golf champion's manager... who also happens to be his Mom... felt it necessary to release a statement yesterday.

The unusual statement got right to the point: "There exists a woman whom Ryo Ishikawa is going out with".

It seems the ultra-endearing "Bashful Prince" has a girlfriend.  She's actually a classmate from junior high school and the relationship's been going on for almost three years.  Rumor has it the lucky lass will be officially introduced at the Presidents Cup in Melbourne next month.  Meanwhile the story is creating a media frenzy in Japan.

It's gotten to the point where family, friends and sponsors of the superstar golfer have been bothered by "news-gathering activities exceeding social norms in the form of making surprise night-time visits and shadowing."

My good friend Norikio... always an excellent source for breaking golf news out of Japan... told me there were four security guards shadowing Ryo on the course recently,  which must be extremely distracting.  And there can be little doubt that fan frenzy, media madness and subsequent security needs will only increase as the President's Cup approaches and this story develops.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Tour heads to the ABC Golf Club this week for the Mynavi ABC Championship where Ryo Ishikawa has a stellar history.  He won the tournament in 2008, and was runner-up last year.  Right now Ryo is going for his first win of the season... and we're hoping he'll get it here. 

At Golf Girl's Diary, the self-proclaimed headquarters of the US Branch of the Ryo Ishikawa Fan Club, we wish Ryo... and his young fiancée... the best.

Of Golf Girls, Golf Refugees And The Perfect Golf Course

"Expectations have gotten totally out of control"

I've been a fan of Golf Refugees... and their elegant black balls... for years.

I first discovered the indie eco-golf brand several years ago and was immediately impressed by their passion for golf and their unwavering efforts to fostering a more sustainable game.

Cheeky British humor and killer design are the hallmarks of their awesomely eclectic line of products.  An unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality, organic cotton and a "greener" game are what sets them apart.  Earlier this year, as the world was celebrating Earth week, Golf Refugees submitted proposals to the governing bodies of golf to revise their Rules of Golf to incorporate "green" measures. 

As expected, the initial response from the "powers-that-be" has been... tepid.  However, encouragement has come from enlightened golfers across the globe and there's evidence that more courses are now using using recycled or reclaimed water and returning their tracks to a more natural state.

In a Facebook discussion on the topic of golf and sustainability, Golf Refugees' Peter Gourse asked for my thoughts on "the perception of the perfect golf course".  Here's what I told him.

Shop Golf Refugees Awesomeness here
The Most Awesomely Innovatice Golf Product Ever

Sergio Garcia In An Awesome Omega Olympics Ad

Sergio Garcia in a gorgeous setting... what more could one ask for on dismal Monday?

Thanks to my German friends at Hook & Slice, I discovered this breathtaking video earlier today. It's from watch maker ...and global golf sponsor... Omega and it promotes the 2016 Olympics.  As most know by now the games will be held in Rio in 2016 and will include golf for the first in over a century.   

In other Sergio news, guess who now holds the PGA Tour's three-putt-avoidance record?  Well, that would be El Niño at 131 consecutive holes, which is almost as impressive as his tee shot in this video.