The PGA Tour is on the second half of the North Texas swing at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. The players will need to move the ball around if they want to score that plaid jacket.

What: Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial
When: Thursday May 23 – Sunday May 26
Where: The Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas

Purse: $6,400,000
Winning Share: $1,152,000.00
FedExCup Winner’s Points: 500

Par: 70
Yardage: 7,204
Champion: Zach Johnson

Website: http://www.crowneplazainvitational.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#%21/crowneplazainv
What It Online: http://www.pgatour.com/news/2013/05/20/live-video-crowne-plaza-invitational.html
Live Leaderboard: http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html

TV Schedule (Initial Airings)

Thursday: The Golf Channel 3-6pm ET
Friday: The Golf Channel 3-6pm ET
Saturday: The Golf Channel 1-2:30pm ET, CBS Sports 3-6pm ET
Sunday: The Golf Channel 1-2:30pm ET, CBS Sports 3-6pm ET

Great Links
PGATour.com’s Live Shotracker
PGATour.com’s Report
Course Map(PDF Warning)

Scratch’s Thoughts:
Zach Johnson is the defending champ and has won this even twice in the last three years, so keep your eye on him. Last year he just squeaked out a win over Jason Dufner – fingers crossed for another exciting ending! But Johnson also had a pretty disappointing week last week.

Matt Kuchar – he’s made 16 straight cuts and counting. He’s made the cut at Colonial the last six times. The question is if he can back those cuts up.

Jim Furyuk – He was the runner-up in 1998, tied for second 2007, and has finished in the top-10 in seven total Colonials with a fourth-place last year. His game also really suits this course.

Check out this video for ESPN’s picks!

If you’re concerned about losing weight, READ THIS! Fitness nuts have long debated whether cardio or weight training is better for weight loss. Well, now we have science to answer that question.

Researchers at Duke University found that in a study of 119 overweight or obese adults, aerobic exercise beat out resistance training and a combination of aerobic and resistance training in terms of losing fat mass.

Researchers gave subjects three different workouts: either just cardio, just weight training, or a combination. Before and after the exercise, they tested the body compositions of each person.

They found that aerobic activity alone was the best for losing fat mass and overall body mass. Those in that test group lost the most weight and the most fat. Those who did a combination of strength training and cardio also lost weight and fat, but not as must as the cardio-only group. Finally, the strength training group did not lose much weight or fat. They actually gained weight because they gained lean body mass.

Leslie H. Willis, MS, an exercise physiologist at Duke Medicine and the study’s lead author said, “Given that approximately two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight due to excess body fat, we want to offer clear, evidence-based exercise recommendations that will truly help people lose weight and body fat.”

Want more cardio? Check out the great boot camp style workout video below!

Or are you  more into bulking up? Try the strength training video below!

So, Rockheads, does this change how you’ll exercise? Have you seen similar results yourself? Let me know in the comments below!

Ask people what one thing you most need on the course and you’ll get answers from balls to booze. Ask a dermatologist, though, and you’ll get this answer: sun protection. For most of us, sun protection is the last thing on our minds before a round. But, Rockheads, it shouldn’t be. And your favorite Caveman is here is tell you why.

What are UV rays?
UV stands for ultraviolet which are the type of sun rays that fall in the middle of the magnetic spectrum. These rays are shorter than visible light but longer than X rays. Ultraviolet rays include UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. We can’t see UV rays, but they are dangerous and potentially deadly. When they hit the skin, most are absorbed by chromosomes and cell proteins. This causes damage to DNA which can lead to cancer or eye damage. How dangerous are they? Well, in 2000 the National Institutes of Health added UV rays from the sun and tanning beds to the list of identified carcinogens. Two years late, the Institute went so far as to specifically stated each component of broad-spectrum ultraviolet radiation, UVA, UVB, and UVC, were anticipated to be carcinogens.

Why are they dangerous?
You’re probably most familiar with the effects of UVB rays – they cause the sun damage known as sunburn. You may think that a suntan looks healthy, but it’s the exact opposite. Tans and sunburns are forms of radiation burns and are the leading cause of non-malignant skin tumors. When skin cells’ DNA is damaged by UV radiation you can end up with a sunburn or an increase in melanin production – aka a tan. The only cure is to wait for the DNA to repair itself.

UVA rays also cause DNA damage to cells, but these increase the risk of malignant melanomas, the most lethal form of skin cancer.

Exposure to UV rays also generates free radicals, which cause cell damage and increase the risk for malignant melanoma.

Sun exposure also prematurely ages you by damaging your skin and increasing wrinkles. How do you think I look so good for being multiple millenia old?

How do I protect myself?
Sunscreen. Look for a broad spectrum spectrum to block UVA and UVB rays. For good UVA protection, make sure your sunscreen contains zinc oxide, avobenzone, or ecamsule. Choose a spectrum with a SPF rating of 30 or higher – that’s the minimum that dermatologists recommend. You’ll need about a nickel’s worth for your face and two shot glasses’ worth for you whole body. But sunscreen only lasts about 2 hours so remember to reapply! I’d recommend sunscreens by either Neutrogena or La Roche-Posay. If you’re going to be sweatin’, grab yourself waterproof sunscreen.

Grab shades and a hat. Make sure your sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block rays from sneaking in the side.

I’ve got lots of shades at “rock bottom” prices that’ll keep your peepers protected! Check out my shades at the Cave!

Since Tuesday’s announcement by the USGA and R&A against anchored putting, opinions have started to pour in from all over the golf world. Here are some of the Caveman’s favorites!

We all knew that the PGA of America would not be happy with this ruling. PGA of America president Ted Bishop released this statement following the anchoring decision:

Over the past few months The PGA of America has taken a vocal and active position which reflected the strong viewpoint of our PGA Professionals in opposing the USGA and R&A’s proposed Rule 14-1b that would ban the anchored stroke. Today, the governing bodies indicated that they will proceed with the formal adoption of the rule.

We are disappointed with this outcome. As we have said publicly and repeatedly during the comment period, we do not believe 14-1b is in the best interest of recreational golfers and we are concerned about the negative impact it may have on both the enjoyment and growth of the game. Growing the game is one of the fundamental purposes of The PGA of America.

Although we do not agree with the decision, we applaud the USGA for its willingness to listen to our concerns and engage in meaningful discussions. In our opinion and based on our experience, the USGA treated the comment period for what it was intended to be — a time to exchange opinions, concerns and potential solutions.

The LPGA has agreed with the two rule-making bodies since they proposed the ban. They released the following:

The LPGA has consistently conducted our official events in accordance with the Rules of Golf as established by the USGA and the R&A. We recognize the need for an independent governing body to maintain the rules of the game. We trust in the ability and expertise of both the USGA and R&A to make the decisions that are in the best interests of the game.

The USGA provided ample time and opportunity for us to not only educate our players, but also to solicit input, concerns and feedback surrounding Rule 14-1b. While we know that not every one of our members is in favor of the rule change, the LPGA will continue to respect and follow the Rules of Golf which includes the implementation of Rule 14-1b in January of 2016.

Golfweek rounded up player and company opinions at their site including:

Bernhard Langer, two-time Masters winner and current Champions Tour player who has used a long putter since the mid-1990s

It’s disappointing . . . very disappointing. It’s the same thing I’ve said for months: I don’t know why they couldn’t come to the same conclusion 40 years ago that they did today. Why does it take 40 years? Just because we have major winners, that’s what it comes down to.

Greg Norman, PGA Tour legend

In response to a post by Gary Player on the social-media site Twitter, Norman said from his account, @sharkgregnorman: “@garyplayer the right decision on the anchored putter. It will be interesting to see what the @PGATOUR decides or implements.”

David Feherty, broadcaster and former player

Horrible decision. Professional golfers need to make the rules for professional golf. Not rocket science.

After months of deliberation, it looks like we’ll finally get an answer on the anchoring debate. The United States Golf Association and the R&A will jointly announce its final decision on the legality of anchoring putting at a news conference Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. The two rules-making bodies have promised a final decision this spring after a 90-day comment period ended on Feb. 28. The USGA will provide a live webcast of the press conference here. Expect to see the conference broadcast live on sports channels.

We’ve heard opinions from among players, golf writers, and really anyone at all interested in the game after the USGA and R&A proposed a ban to anchored putting strokes starting 2016. The real drama of this decision occurred when the PGA Tour and the PGA of America came out against the ban, pitting themselves against the European Tour, LPGA Tour, and other golf organizations that have said they are in favor of a ban. This also puts the the organizations that run the various majors, the USGA the U.S. Open, the R&A the Open Championship, and the PGA the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship, at odds.

Now, remember that the USGA and R&A proposed the ban after three of the previous five majors champs used either belly putters or long putters -  Keegan Bradley (2011 PGA), Webb Simpson (2012 U.S. Open) and Ernie Els (2012 Open Championship). After the ban was proposed, Adam Scott then won the Masters in April using a long putter. Unsurprisingly, Scott is not in favor of the ban. “There just seems to be no logic to the whole issue and golf’s ruling bodies are going about this whole issue on a whim,” Scott claimed. Supporters of anchoring point out that the rule change is not fair to players who use anchoring, as it has been legal for 30 years. The also argue that it would limit recreational players and that anchored putting does not provide an advantage

Of course, the USGA sees it differently. “One of the most fundamental things about the game of golf is we believe the player should hold the club away from his body and swing it freely,” said Mike Davis, the executive director of the United States Golf Association, at the time the proposal was announced. “We think this is integral to the traditions of the game. Golf is a game of skill and challenge, and we think that is an important part of it.”

“The player’s challenge is to control the movement of the entire club in striking the ball, and anchoring the club alters the nature of that challenge. Our conclusion is that the Rules of Golf should be amended to preserve the traditional character of the golf swing by eliminating the growing practice of anchoring the club.”

The PGA of America argues that the ban would hurt their efforts to grow the game. Even though only 15% of Tour players use an anchored stroke, PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem also came out against the ban in order to support his players.

If the USGA and R&A do adopt the ban, it will most likely take effect in the next scheduled rule update on Jan 1. 2016. No one looks keen to have two separate set of rules, but Finchem has declined to say whether the PGA Tour would enforce the ban.

Keep your eyes here Rock Heads for the any updates come Tuesday!

……UPDATE AS OF TUESDAY MORNING!…..

The USGA and R&A this morning announced that the anchored stroke will no longer be allowed, beginning in 2016. They released this press statement:

USGA AND THE R&A ANNOUNCE FINAL APPROVAL OF RULE 14-1B  THAT PROHIBITS USE OF ANCHORED STROKES 

Governing Bodies Issue Report Explaining Their Decision Following Comment Process New Rule to Take Effect on January 1, 2016, Allowing for Transitional Period Belly-Length and Long Putters Remain as Conforming Clubs

Far Hills, N.J., USA and St Andrews, Scotland (May 21, 2013) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A, golf’s governing bodies, today announced the adoption of Rule 14-1b of the Rules of Golf that prohibits anchoring the club in making a stroke. The new Rule will take effect on January 1, 2016, in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf.

Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on November 28, 2012, has now been given final approval by the USGA and The R&A following an extensive review by both organizations. The decision to adopt the new Rule came after a comprehensive process in which comments and suggestions from across the golf community were collected and thoroughly considered.

The USGA and The R&A have prepared a detailed report to explain the reasons for the decision to adopt Rule 14-1b. The report explains the principles on which the Rules of Golf are founded, why freely swinging the entire club is the essence of the traditional method of stroke, and why anchoring is a substantially different form of stroke that may alter and diminish the fundamental challenges of the game. It points out that the Rule will still allow the use of belly-length and long putters and that a wide variety of types of strokes remain for players to use. The report concludes that the new Rule should not adversely affect participation in the game, that it is not too late or unfair to require players to comply with it and that it will remove concerns about any potential advantage that anchoring provides. It also makes clear that one set of Rules is essential to the future health of the game. The report, entitled Explanation of Decision to Adopt Rule 14-1b of the Rules of Golf, can be found at www.usga.org/anchoring or at www.RandA.org/anchoring.

“Having considered all of the input that we received, both before and after the proposed Rule was announced, our best judgment is that Rule 14-1b is necessary to preserve one of the important traditions and challenges of the game – that the player freely swing the entire club,” said USGA President Glen D. Nager. “The new Rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf.”

Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A said: “We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game. The report published today gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new Rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised. We recognise this has been a divisive issue but after thorough consideration we remain convinced that this is the right decision for golf.”

The current Rule 14-1 of the Rules of Golf will be re-numbered as Rule 14-1a, and new Rule 14-1b will be established as follows:

14-1b Anchoring the Club

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.”

Note 1:  The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2:  An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

Rule 14-1b will not alter current equipment rules and allows for the continued use of all conforming golf clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke. The new Rule narrowly targets only a few types of strokes, while preserving a golfer’s ability to play a wide variety of strokes in his or her individual style.

The January 1, 2016, timetable for implementation also provides an extended period in which golfers may, if necessary, adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the new Rule.

David Rickman, Executive Director of Rules and Equipment Standards at The R&A, said: “This Rule change addresses the future and not the past. Everyone who has used an anchored stroke in the past, or who does so between now and January 1, 2016, will have played entirely within the Rules and their achievements will in no way be diminished.”

“The discussion around the Rule has been very helpful, and we appreciate that so many different perspectives were offered,” said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. “We know that not everyone will agree with the new Rule, but it is our hope that all golfers will accept that this decision is reasoned and motivated by our best judgment in defining the sport and serving the best interests of the game.”

 

Image from Fit4life Sisters

Lookin’ to tone your core and bum? Try adding the bridge exercise to your regular workout! Check out how to do this great tonin’ move below!

1. Lay on your back with your hands by your sides, your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Your feet should be about hip distance apart.Make sure your feet are under your knees.
2. Inhale: Take a deep breath in, expanding into your back and lungs.
3. Exhale: Keeping your torso in one flat piece, press your feet into the mat and tighten your abdominal and buttock muscles as you lift your hips up off the mat.
4. Raise your hips up to create a straight line from your knees to shoulders.
5. Squeeze your core and try to pull your belly button back toward your spine. Remember to breath.
6. If your hips sag or drop, lower yourself back on the floor.
7. The goal is to maintain a straight line from your shoulders to your knees and hold for 20 to 30 seconds. You may need to begin by holding the bridge position for a few seconds as you build your strength. It’s better to hold the correct position for a shorter time than to go longer in the incorrect position.

Mastered the basic bridge? Try the advanced bridge featured in the video below from FitSugar!

We all want a fat, toned stomach. I mean check out those abs to right. So how exactly do you go about it? In the interest of improving your exercise regimen and getting the rock-hard results you crave, here are seven pro-tips for getting better, well-defined abs:

1. Start off by losing fat. A good target is losing a pound of a week. Sadly, spot-reducing body fat (meaning targeting your stomach area) isn’t really possible. As such, you’ll have to reduce your overall body fat. A good fact to remember: for every pound of body fat you hope to lose, you’re going to have to burn off approximately 3,500 calories more than what you’re eating. If 3,500 sounds like a scary number, good. Recognize that this will be challenging and it will be time-consuming. Fortunately, you can make things easier on yourself by starting off slow. Start by burning 500 more calories a day than you consume. By the end of seven days, you will have lost 1 lb. of unwanted body fat. A pound of week is a good, healthy goal. You don’t want to set unrealistic goals that will cause more damage to your body than good, and you don’t want to set goals that don’t challenge you and don’t produce results.
2. Aim to do at least an hour of aerobic exercise per day at your optimal zone. What exactly is your optimal zone? Your optimal zone is essentially at what heart rate you burn the most stored body fat. A good formula to figure out your optimal zone is 220 – your age. Your optimal heart rate is unique to you. Work for your optimal zone and don’t compare it to your friends or workout buddies. Aim to keep your heart rate constant rate to maximize your weight loss potential. If you can manage to do this right after you wake up before you eat, this will also aid your results in drawing from fat stores instead of glycogen.
3. Towards the end of the day, strive to reduce (or better yet, eliminate) your complex carbohydrate intake towards the end of your day. This means no rice, breads, or pastas for dinner. You can still keep them on your grocery list and eat carbohydrates for lunch or breakfast. In fact, you should keep them in your diet to give you more energy for your exercise routine.
4. Do your best to eat your last meal 3 hours or more before you go to bed. This will give your body more time to burn off those calories.
5. Put in some good hard work on those abs. Even though you won’t see any real improvement until you’ve worked your body fat percentage down, this doesn’t mean your abs aren’t getting stronger underneath your belly fat. If you continue to work your abs, even though you can’t see any improvement yet, once you melt away that body fat, your abs will appear defined and toned.
6. Since more muscle means a faster metabolism, work on weight training to build more muscles. Though you may be working out your arms, the muscles you build in other areas of your body actually help you in the long run to better define your abs.
7. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water!

Follow these simple steps and watch your abs improve! Just keep in mind: this metamorphosis will not happen overnight. That being said, those hard-earned abs will be all the more satisfying when you think back on the work it took for you to achieve your bathing-suit-ready body.

Here are some core strengthening exercises that are Caveman Approved!

1. The Pilates Hundred

2. Mountain Climbers

3. Three New Mat Exercises

4. The Russian Twist – a personal favorite!

5. Flutter Kicks

6. Crunches & Planks With An Exercise Ball

Ever want to caddie for a pro? Well one lucky fan got to this week. Ben Crane decided to give his usual caddie the day off Wednesday at the HP Byron Nelson Championship Pro-Am in Texas. Where did he go for a replacement? Why, to Twitter of course! And it seems like it worked quite well!

Ben Crane is no stranger to the Interwebs. He’s teamed up with three other pro golfers, to form the “Golf Boys,” a parody rap group with a pair of YouTube hits. Remember those?

Crane challenged his 100,000 followers on Tuesday in a series of tweets

Thinking of giving my caddy @joelstock the day off tomorrow at the HP Byron Nelson Champ ProAm. Anyone want to carry my bag for the day?

— Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) May 14, 2013

If you’re interested hit me back on Twitter w the reason why it should be you. Use #caddyforcrane. I’ll try to pick the best good one. — Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) May 14, 2013

You don’t need to know anything about golf, but have to be able to carry a 50 lb bag for 18 holes. Tee off at 12:20 at TPC Four Seasons

— Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) May 14, 2013

Tournament is in Irving, TX so probably have to be in DFW area. Most creative “resume” in a tweet wins. #caddyforcrane — Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) May 14, 2013

He immediately got some pretty straight forward responses and, this being the Internet, some weird ones as well:

@bencranegolf was Portland Golf Club caddy of the year in 2010. 6 years of experience. Now a Duck at the U of O. #caddyforcrane

 

— Joseph ‘Bunko’ Kelly (@kevin_goff) May 14, 2013

 

Amazed/scared RT @nullusordo: I have a rough tongue, like a cat, and can clean the grooves of a wedge in seconds.My tics are mostly silent

— Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) May 14, 2013

But one fan had a pretty strong case for winning:

@bencranegolf former acu golfer. Just graduated from college and live in Rowlett. Oh and my birthday is tomorrow. #caddyforcrane

— Morgan Johnson (@MojoGolfNG360) May 14, 2013

Crane thanked everyone for their submissions:

Thanks for all the submissions. They were funny, humbling, insulting, terrifying & generous. I think I found my caddy. Will announce shortly

— Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) May 15, 2013

Introducing my @hpbnc ProAm caddy, @mojogolfng360. Tomorrow is his birthday. Thought caddying would be a fun gift. Let’s go low, buddy!

— Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) May 15, 2013

And Mr. Crane was good on his word. On Wednesday, he tweeted out a picture of himself and and his new caddie:

New tagline for @twitter: “Instantly connect to what’s most important to you…& hire a ProAm caddy” @mojogolfng360 twitter.com/bencranegolf/s…

— Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) May 15, 2013

If you could caddie for anyone Rock Heads, who would it be? Let me know in the comments below!

Sunglass songs:
“Cheap Sunglasses”, ZZ Top, Deguello, 1979, Billboard #89
“Sunglasses At Night”, Corey Hart, First Offense, 1983, Billboard #7
“The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades”, Greetings From Timbuk 3, 1986, Billboard #19

 

It’s no, well, secret that restaurants will often have an unlisted menu. In-N-Out Burger has had one for years. Now Panera has joined in. While it’s not listed in stores, Panera has been promoting it via social media. You’ll have to ask an employee to see it; employees will either pull out the secret menu card or scan a code that’ll put the menu on a customer’s mobile device. But only if you ask. You can also check it out online here at Panera’s website. If you’re cutting carbs,avoiding gluten or managing diabetes, you’ll want to take a look at the new “secret” items. The new menu includes two power breakfast egg bowls, two salads, a chicken hummus bowl, and a steak lettuce wrap. Scott Davis, who oversees menus for Panera Bread, explains, “This is probably the most extreme anti-kind of Panera diet you can have, right? It doesn’t include bread and flour and that sort of stuff.” This menu is a way for Panera to appeal to the growing population of health conscious diners. Check out the new healthy options and get their nutritional information below!

• Power Breakfast Egg White Bowl with Roasted Turkey: Roasted all-natural, antibiotic-free turkey, egg whites, warm baby spinach, roasted peppers, and basil pesto. (The Skinny: 180 calories, 7g carbs, 25g protein)
• Power Breakfast Egg Bowl with Steak: Two all-natural eggs, seared top sirloin, sliced avocado and tomatoes. (The Skinny: 230 calories, 5g carbs, 20g protein)
• Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad: All-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, baby spinach, romaine, tomatoes, apple-wood smoked bacon, diced eggs, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. (The Skinny: 360 calories, 12g carbs, 35g protein)
• Power Mediterranean Roasted Turkey Salad: All-natural, antibiotic-free roasted turkey, baby spinach, romaine, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, fresh squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. (The Skinny: 320 calories, 12g carbs, 22g protein)
• Power Chicken Hummus Bowl: All-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, with cilantro jalapeno hummus, baby spinach, cucumbers, diced tomatoes & red onions finished with fresh squeezed lemon & fresh chopped cilantro. (The Skinny: 330 calories, 23g carbs, 33g protein)
• Power Steak Lettuce Wrap: Seared top-sirloin, leaf lettuce, cucumbers, diced tomatoes, red onions, basil pesto and finished with fresh lemon juice. (The Skinny: 280 calories, 7g carbs, 28g protein)