May 14th, 2012
There’s no question when it comes to the Players Championship – Matt Kuchar was the biggest winner on Sunday. Not only did he pick up the biggest win of his career, but this victory may overturn the position that Kuchar’s been building over the last couple of as one of the most consistent players on Tour. For the last few years, Kuchar has established himself as a good player – not exactly a rising star of the PGA Tour, but a consistent all-around golfer. With a close call at the Masters and now a win at the Players Championship, Kuchar has transformed from “old faithful” to a guy who’s primed to take over the “best American in golf” title.
This recent turn of events has also earned Kuchar a few critics and skeptics. Yet Kuchar proves that, though he may sport a wide smile on the course, this golfer’s got some bite to him. After one media member delicately asked about how comparatively few times Kuchar had delivered a title despite contending seemingly every time he tees up, Kuchar had only one thing to say:
“Yeah, suck it big guy,” Kuchar retorted to the biggest round of applause from the weekend.
Kuchar shot a 2-under 70 on Sunday to win by two strokes, smiling all the way. The victory brought 33-year old Kuchar a $1.71 million check along with his fourth title, rocketing him up 11 spots to No. 5 in the world ranking – his highest position ever.
Though Kuchar was the big winner this past weekend, the Players Championship showcased a series of small victories. Martin Laird, for example, closed with a 5-under 67 that got him within shouting distance of Matt Kuchar late in the day. Besides, cashing a $627,000 second-place check is enough to make ya feel like ya came in first. Rickie Fowler was also a player to watch over the weekend. Though he ended up missing a birdie putt on the 72nd hole, Fowler somehow found a way to go birdie-for-birdie on the 16th and 17th that really spiced up the game. He may not have come in first, but he still deserves a lot of credit for his performance on the course.
As in life, there are two sides to every story. While the Players Championship had its share of outstanding winners, the Tour event showcased a few losers too. After a fairly solid and consistent performance throughout the week, Kevin Na dropped off the deep end when he reached the fifth hole on Sunday when he managed to bogey six of his next nine holes and dropped out of contention. However, even Na’s performance doesn’t take the cake for the worst showing on the course. The once great Tiger Woods didn’t necessarily play badly, but after claiming the Masters swing issues that he faced earlier had been resolved, Tiger’s performance on the course makes this caveman wonder if he isn’t just fooling himself. The putting was a major problem. With the U.S. Open les than a month away, unless Tiger pulls himself together (or pulls a miracle), it doesn’t look like Tiger’s going to be a problem for the competition.
What say you, Rockheads? Does the Players Championship mark the rise of Kuchar’s star or the final flicker of Tiger Woods? Perhaps both. As always, leave yer thoughts in the comment section!
Tags: Kevin Na, Martin Laird, Matt Kuchar, pga tour, players championship, tiger woods
Posted in Golfing News | No Comments »
May 14th, 2012
When it comes to shellin’ out clams for your fitness, smart shoppers want to get the best bang for their buck. If you’re in the market for some at-home gym equipment, it’s important to know what exactly it is that you’re buying. Fitness equipment can be very expensive, but it can also be worth it provided that you know what you’re gettin’ and you know how it’ll work for you. It’s an investment. So with this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best at-home fitness equipment out there. Whether yer lookin’ for cardio, weight loss, or muscle strength, good ol’ Scratch has got ya covered!
Best Equipment for Cardio: Treadmill
Even this caveman knows that running is pretty much the be-all-end-all of cardio exercise. If goin’ out for a jog outside isn’t really your thing for whatever reason (maybe you feel uncomfortable exercising in public, perhaps your neighborhood ain’t exactly somewhere you’d want to be alone at night, could be you just think it’s too dang hot out there today), then the Treadmill is your cardio solution. The high impact nature of running helps build strong bones and connective tissue. Treadmills also can provide a little extra challenge than your typical run around the block. A number of Treadmills let you set the incline as steep or flat as you like, allowin’ you to more effectively target your muscle groups. Bottom line: when it comes to your cardio routine, you can’t do much better than a good old-fashioned Treadmill.
Best for Equipment for Weight Loss: Elliptical
If you’ve ever been on one of these babies, you know that Elliptical machines are the best machines for cardio workouts if you’re lookin’ to lose weight. Unlike treadmills, this machine works out your entire body. The low-impact nature of Ellipticals means that it’s relatively easy for anyone to use – even if you’ve suffered a recent injury. The only downside of the Elliptical is that you’ve really got to push yourself. Switch up your routine by changing the settings to make it more challenging. If you really push yourself on the Elliptical, you’re guaranteed to maximize your weight loss.
Best for Equipment for Muscle Strength: Workout Bench and Weights
As tempting as those elaborate, spider-like weight-training machines may look, very few of these machines are actually designed for a good, full-body muscle workout. In order to maximize your muscles, you really need to go old school. Investin’ in a good set of free weights and an exercise bench is really all you need. Exercise machines often target only one group of muscles. With an exercise bench and a set of weights, you can work out every part of your body, from your lats to your shoulders, your pecs, your abs, triceps, legs – everythin’! Getting an exercise bench and a set of weights is the best bang for your buck and keeps ya from having to buy a separate machine for each muscle group (even a caveman can see that’d get very expensive very quickly).
So there ya have it – Scratch’s very own guide to smart fitness equipment shopping! Got your very own piece of equipment to add to the best buy list? Leave your suggestions in the comment section!
Tags: cardio workout, elliptical, exercise bench, fitness equipment, home gym, muscle, treadmill, Weight-loss, weights
Posted in Golf Club Advice | No Comments »
May 10th, 2012
With the Players Championship already underway, golfin’ enthusiasts are wonderin’ – who should I be puttin’ my money on? Well your favorite caveman, Scratch, is here ta give ya the Five Players to Watch accordin’ to the Boston Globe.
The Contenders:
Ben Crane
- Age: 36.
- World ranking: 48
- Players starts/cuts made: 7/6
- Scoring average/low round: 71.69/65
- Best finish: T4 (2010)
- Might win because: He’s one of four members of the “Golf Boys,” and the other three (Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler) have all won in the past six weeks. Crane’s the front man, too, so why not here, in the PGA Tour’s signature event? (Calm down, the four majors aren’t run by the tour.) Crane has a solid Players record (he went T6, T5, T4 in 2008-10), and already has three top-10s this year. They came in his first four starts, though, and just three of his past 22 rounds have been in the 60s.
Graeme McDowell
- Age: 32.
- World ranking: 18
- Players starts/cuts made: 4/4
- Scoring average/low round: 71.80/65
- Best finish: T26 (2010)
- Might win because: He’s been very solid in his biggest tournaments this season: T3 in Abu Dhabi, T13 at Doral, second to Tiger Woods at Bay Hill, T12 at the Masters. On the surface, his T33 in last year’s Players seems ordinary. But he was the 54-hole leader (67-69-68), then imploded with a final-round 79. You know he’d love another shot at being in contention here. Plus, he’s been posting a lot of practice videos on Twitter recently, and it’s cool seeing a tour pro pounding range balls in shorts.
Martin Kaymer
- Age: 27.
- World ranking: 8
- Players starts/cuts made: 3/3
- Scoring average/low round: 71.42/67
- Best finish: T19 (2011)
- Might win because: A non-American has finished first or second at the Players in each of the last six years, and he’s as good a choice as any. Has a decent record at TPC Sawgrass, but has been derailed in the final round (78, 76, 72 in his three trips). Kaymer hasn’t played all that much this year: Just three starts each on the PGA Tour and European Tour, with a T9 his best finish. He’s also a combined 8 over in his past five rounds on the PGA Tour, never breaking par. He’s due for a big week.
Aaron Baddeley
- Age: 31.
- World ranking: 45
- Players starts/cuts made: 8/5
- Scoring average/low round: 73.23/66
- Best finish: T6 (2011)
- Might win because: He’s too good a player to be sputtering along like he has the past few months: two missed cuts, T40 at the Masters, T65 last week in Charlotte. Maybe a return to a venue he likes will do the trick. He owns two top-10s at the Players, and they’ve come in two of the past three years: T9 in 2009, T6 last year. He’d be the fourth Australian to win the Players, joining Steve Elkington (1991, 1997), Greg Norman (1994), and Adam Scott (2004).
And finally, THE WINNER (accordin’ to the folks over at Boston)
Nick Watney
- Age: 31.
- World ranking: 23
- Players starts/cuts made: 5/3
- Scoring average/low round: 72.38/64
- Best finish: T4 (2011)
- Will win because: No American has won since Phil Mickelson in 2007, and Watney has the game to tackle TPC Sawgrass. He hits it long, keeps it straight, makes his share of birdies, and has gotten off to fast starts: 68-69-64 in his opening round at the Players the past three years. He led after 18 holes last year, but it was his only score below 71. Sluggish year so far, with just one top-10 showing in a stroke-play event. That came last week, when he led after 36 holes and settled for eighth. He’ll improve on that this week.
Only one way to find out who’s gonna come out on top! Watch the game and stay tuned with good ol’ Scratch!
Tags: Aaron Baddeley, ben crane, golf championships, golf player profiles, golf tour, Graeme McDowell, martin kaymer, Nick Watney, players championship, Players Championsihp predictions
Posted in Golfing News | 1 Comment »
May 10th, 2012
This here caveman’s been around practically since they invented steam. These days, ya don’t have ta go huntin’ for a nearby hot spring – you can just step into a sauna! A lot of gyms, country clubs, and spas offer saunas but before ya shell out them hard-earned clams, ya might wanna know what that money’s buyin’ you. Though it might not seem like it, saunas offer a number of great health benefits. That box of hot, damp air can go a long way towards:
1) Relieving Stress
The number one most cited benefit of sauna bathers is stress relief. It doesn’t take a genius to see that stress clearly affects our daily lives. If work, school, or family has gotcha stressed out, it can seriously affect you from your mental faculties to even your physical health. Sauna provides stress relief in a number of ways. The warm, quiet space is a perfect getaway without any distractions. The heat of that steam also relaxes yer body, improvin’ your circulation and stimulatin’ the release of endorphins (those are them chemicals that make ya all happy-like).
2) Relaxing Muscles and Soothing Aches and Pains in Your Joints
Like I said before, under high heat your body releases endorphins. These chemicals have a mild and enjoyable tranquilizin’ effect which can help to curb the pain of things like muscle soreness and arthritis. Since your body temperature rises from the sauna heat, your blood vessels dilate. What does this mean in caveman terms? Your blood flow accelerates so your circulation increases. This means soothin’ aches and pains and speedin’ up the healing of things like cuts and bruises.
3) Flushing Toxins
These days, even this huntin’ and gatherin’ caveman doesn’t always break a sweat on a daily basis (I don’t get out much on blog-writin’ days). Deep sweating has a number of great health benefits. If you’re not much for sweatin’ it out on a treadmill, head to the sauna! Regular sauna bathing provides you with the same benefits that a good workout sweat’ll get you. In the heat of the sauna, your body will start to sweat out some of the toxins (like trace levels of mercury, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, and other chemicals) that you pick up in your every day life. If you’re lookin’ to detoxify your body, then you need to step into a sauna.
4) Cleansing Your Skin
Saunas are one of the oldest and most famous beauty and health treatments for your skin. Once your deep sweating is induced, your skin is cleansed and dead skin cells are replaced, meaning that your skin is kept in great conditions. Sweat rinses bacteria out of your epidermal layer (your skin) and sweat ducts. This pore cleansing gives you a glowing and healthy appearance!
5) Inducing Deeper Sleep
Nowadays it seems like everyone’s havin’ trouble with their sleep schedules. Research slows that after sauna use, you can achieve a deeper level of sleep – meanin’ you’re more refreshed and rejuvenated when ya wake up!
So there ya have it, Rockheads. If you want to reap the benefits of sauna use, it ain’t that difficult – just step into one!
Tags: arthritis, circulation, detoxification, health, muscle aches, rejuvenation, relieving muscle pains, sauna, skin, steam, stress relief, toxins
Posted in Fitness | No Comments »
May 7th, 2012
This weekend saw Rickie Fowler, a risin’ star on the PGA Tour, winnin’ his first Tour event on Sunday after hittin’ a wedge to 4 feet in a playoff and makin’ birdie. As a thrill-seekin’ motorcross racer in his teens, Fowler is no stranger to high-pressure and adrenaline pumpin’ situations. This flair for the dramatics and attention was on full display on Sunday – it was impossible to miss the 23-year-old Fowler, decked out in the finest in ogle-worthy orange hues. The electrifying ensemble may be a far cry from Tiger’s more orthodox choice of red, but Fowler showed his true colors out on the course.
In a three-way playoff against U.S. Champion Rory McIlroy and D.A. Points, Fowler gambled with a 51-degree wedge that had yielded only four birdies all day. This shot had to be perfect and his club had to perform. Fowler played like a champion.
“I didn’t want to play it safe,” Fowler said of his victory. “I had a good number (133 yards) and I was aiming right of the hole with the wind coming out of the right, and if I hit a perfect shot, it comes down right on the stick. … I hit a perfect shot at the right time, and I was going for it.”
The young golfer stuffed his shot into 4 feet for a birdie on the first extra hole, soundly beating McIlroy and Points to win the Wells Fargo Championship. This first PGA win after his 67th start as a pro is sure to bring Fowler a breath of relief. It seems, more than anything, this dose of success has whetted Fowler’s fledgling appetite.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Rory for a long time,” said Fowler of his fellow 23-year-old competitor. “It’s awesome. It’s a long wait, but well worth it.”
Though Fowler and McIlroy make it seem like golf is quickly becomin’ a young man’s game, this here fossil of a caveman is still alive and swingin’ – and so was D.A. Points on Sunday. The 35-year-old had the tournament firmly in his grasp. Unfortunately, Points ended his sensational bogey-free streak (a 40 hole streak to be exact) by bogeying at the worst time. He had a one-shot lead going to the 18th in regulation, hit is approach in a bunker, and never recovered or even came close to par. His shot of 71 just couldn’t compete with Fowler’s 3-under 69.
Points had to admit that he was simply out-shot by Fowler on that final hole. “The shot he hit was spectacular,” Points graciously stated.
Only time’ll tell what the golfin’ world has in store for this new star. Stay tuned with Rock Bottom and good ol’ Scratch here for what’s next in Rickie Fowler’s golfin’ future!
Tags: D.A. Points, pga tour, Rickie Fowler, Rickie Fowler victory, rory mcilroy, Wells Fargo Championship
Posted in Golfing News | No Comments »
May 7th, 2012
While you may be a little hesitant to start takin’ yer fashion advice from a caveman, good ol’ Scratch here may not be able to tell the difference between a sling-back and a stiletto, but I know a thing or two about fitness apparel. When it comes to what to wear while workin’ out, there are a couple of things you need to take into consideration. It’s important to remember that the sweatpants of winter ain’t exactly gonna be comfortable while you’re sweatin’ it out in the sun. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what to wear as those sticky summer months roll around.
When it comes to wearin’ clothes to work out in, the main thing ya need to keep in mind is comfort. For women, this means findin’ a good, supportive sports bra. It’s also important to remember that most sports bras need to be replaced every so often (about every 72 washes) before the elasticity is lost. If you experience any significant weight change, it’s also probably high time to replace yer sports bra.
It’s also important to test your clothes before going to the gym. Clothes that chafe, ride up, slide down, or reveal more skin than your comfortable with aren’t going to be good to work out in. It’s all about comfort and confidence. If your clothes don’t provide those two key components, yer gonna be far less likely to get out there and exercise.
If yer gonna be workin’ out in the sun, there are a few other precautions that ya need to be takin’. Be sure to wear light-colored clothes and plenty of sunscreen if you’re plannin’ on takin’ yer jogs outside. Another great tip: invest in some moisture wicking fabrics. Moisture wicking or ClimaLite materials keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also quickly “wick” away moisture so that you don’t feel sweaty durin’ your exercise routine. If you plan on workin’ out at night, it’s also important to be safe. This means making sure that your clothes and shoes have reflective material that’ll help keep ya visible to passin’ cars.
Speakin’ of yer shoes, feet need love too when it comes to buyin’ good clothes for yer fitness regiment. It’s important to choose a pair of comfortable exercise shoes that are specific to your workout needs. For weight trainin’ and low impact activities, you can get away with a comfy pair of walking shoes. If you’re going to be runnin’ then you need a good pair of runnin’ shoes. For basketball, football, baseball, etc. you really need to invest in a sport-specific shoe so that you don’t hurt yourself. Also, every foot is different. If possible, go to your local running shop and get your foot tested for different shoes. Findin’ a shoe that works with your individual arches will go a long way towards makin’ sure you stay comfortable during yer routine.
Socks are also an important, though often overlooked, part of your workout wardrobe. If your socks are too thick or thin, you’re gonna be more susceptible to blisters. A bad blister is enough to ruin anyone’s workout, so be sure to think about what the best socks for your exercise will be.
So there ya have it, Rock Heads. Remember that you need to stay comfortable durin’ your workout. The same shorts that you wear to the gym may not be the kind of clothes that you need fer doin’ yoga so be sure to dress appropriately and comfortably no matter where your fitness fancy takes you!
Tags: exercise, exercise apparel, exercise socks, fitness apparel, moisture wicking, running shoes, spring exercise clothing, workout clothes, workout socks
Posted in Golf Club Advice | No Comments »
May 3rd, 2012
Hey there, Rockheads! Hopefully my Gift Guide for Golfin’ Mothers gave you a few ideas of what to get yer momma for Mother’s Day, but let’s say your number one lady ain’t exactly the golfin’ type. Scratch here still has you covered! Let’s take a look at some of the great fitness gifts you can give yer gal that are sure to please any health and exercise-minded momma!
1) Kettle Bells
As I wrote in earlier, kettle bell training is a great way to develop your strength and boost your overall tone. It’s also an extremely popular exercise for the ladies. If your mom is a fan of kettle bell trainin’ or if she’s lookin’ for a new way to get moving, then kettle bells would make a perfect Mother’s Day gift.
2) Yoga Accessories
Bein’ a mom is stressful. Sometimes even the best mom needs to have a little relaxin’ time for herself. With that in mind, yoga accessories make great gifts! Yoga is a perfect way to relax and calm your mind and body. Gettin’ yer mom a nice yoga mat or a set of yoga blocks makes a great way to show your mom that you appreciate her.
3) Exercise Shoes
Even this caveman’s smart enough to know that most women appreciate a good pair of shoes. Say your woman ain’t exactly a sucker for a stiletto and would appreciate some footwear she’ll actually get some use out of. For the woman on the go, try makin’ a gift out of a pair of great athletic shoes!
4) Monitors and Pedometers
If your lady is a fitness fan, gettin’ her a pedometer or a monitor is a great way to help her stay on top of her fitness goals. Also, pedometers aren’t exactly something that a lot of runners or walkers think about buying for themselves. This unique gift is a great way to treat the fitness fanatic female in your life.
5) Exercise Equipment
If you’re feelin’ a little ambitious this Mother’s Day, why not treat your lucky lady with some new fitness equipment. A new elliptical or a treadmill in the living room is sure to please the cardio-buff in your life. Plus, you’ll save a ton of money on gym fees!
So there ya have it, Scratch’s very own gift guide for the fitness mamma in your life. Got your own suggestions for Mother’s Day? Leave it in the comment section!
Tags: exercise equipment, Exercise Gifts, fitness gift ideas, kettle bells, Mother’s Day, mothers day gift ideas, yoga accessories, yoga mom
Posted in Golf Club Advice | No Comments »
May 3rd, 2012
Hey there, Rockheads! If you’re anything like this here caveman, sometimes ya need a few hints when it comes to buyin’ gifts for the fairer sex – especially when it comes to Mother’s Day. Even if I’m lucky enough to remember when Mother’s Day is (hint: it’s Sunday, May 13) I’m never quite sure what would make a good gift. Heck, I am a caveman after all, and gift givin’ ain’t so easy even a caveman can do it. So here’s your handy-dandy Rockhead-proof guide to gift givin’ for the golfin’ mom in your life!
1) New Clubs
Any golfin’ gal is sure to appreciate a new club, especially if her old sticks are startin’ to feel a little worn and need to be replaced. While we at Rock Bottom may have been a little light in the ladies club department in the past, I’m happy to say that good ol’ Scratch has dragged a few new clubs back to The Cave for you lucky ladies out there. If you’re lookin’ for more distance, we just got the new Cobra Golf Ladies Amp Offset Driver – a powerful boom stick that’s sure to give you an edge on the course. If you’re in the market for a new set of irons, we just got the Cobra Golf Ladies S3 Hybrid Combo – an advanced set of clubs that creates a larger Sweet Zone for increased distance, accuracy, and forgiveness. Our full set of ladies clubs can be viewed here.
2) New Golf Balls
Any golfin’ gal could always use a few extra golf balls. The new Ladies Burner golf balls from Taylor Made are sure to please any lady lookin’ to gain a little extra distance out on the links. Be sure to check out the Wilson Ladies Hope golf ball line while you’re at it. These pretty, pink golf balls are sure to please the lady in your life and better yet, a portion of each sale goes towards the fight against breast cancer!
3) New Golfin’ Apparel
Every lady likes lookin’ good out on the course. Why not get you’re gal a new skort or a snazzy windbreaker?
4) A New Golf Bag
What woman wouldn’t appreciate a new golf bag. Bags get tossed around for years. If it’s time for your best lady to upgrade her golf bag, why not do her a favor and get her a great gift at the same time?
5) Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a great gift for the woman who likes to be out on the course. Sunglasses can be expensive and it’s not exactly a purchase that a lot of women make for themselves. Buyin’ your best gal a pair of sweet frames to wear out on the course is a great gift idea. Plus, thanks to your pal Scratch here, you can buy your lady a great pair of sunglasses without breakin’ the bank!
So there ya have it – Scratch’s very own guide to survivin’ Mothers Day! Got a great golfin’ gift idea of your own? Leave it in the comment section!
Tags: gift ideas for mothers day, golf gifts, golf ideas for mothers day, ladies golf apparel, ladies golf bags, ladies golf balls, ladies golf clubs, ladies golf drivers, ladies golf gifts, mother's day, mothers day gift ideas, sunglasses
Posted in Golf Club Advice | No Comments »
April 30th, 2012
While ya may not be takin’ a hit like a football player or makin’ a dive for it like in baseball, golf is still a sport and, like any sport, there are a few injuries that come with the territory. So the question is, what types of aches and pains can ya watch out for and prevent, and how can you make the most out of your recovery if ya do happen to hurt yerself out on the course.
First off, let’s take a look at the top three most common golf injuries:
1. Back Pain
Since the golf swing puts a lot of stress on a golfer’s back, it’s no surprise that back pain is one o’the most common problems for golfers. Back pain in golfers can be mechanical, disc-related, arthritis related, or even caused by a stress fracture.
2. Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is an inflammation, soreness, or pain on the inside of the upper arm near the elbow.
3. Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain in golfers can be caused by a lot of different reasons – rotator cuff tendonitis, a tear in the rotator cuff, A-C joint arthritis, or instability in your joints.
So what causes most golf injuries and how can you prevent them? The majority of golf injuries are caused by overuse, mis-hits or duffs (hitting the ground during the swing), poor swing mechanics, over-swinging, skipping the warm-up, twisting the spine during your swing, or an incorrect golf grip. The easiest way to prevent injuries is to make sure that you have good technique. This means you practice proper swing mechanics and club grip, proper conditioning, and use the proper equipment. But let’s look at how to avoid and prevent the specific injuries good ol’ Scratch outlined earlier.
Preventin’ Back Pain:
When you swing a golf club, your lumbar spine goes through a variety of stresses and forces including compression and rotation. You can reduce the stress that swingin’ causes by:
1) Rotating the shoulder and hip the same amount durin’ the backswing
2) Keepin’ the spine vertical (meanin’ perpendicular to the ground) durin’ the follow-through (and avoidin’ hyperextension of the spine)
Alleviatin’ Golfer’s Elbow:
Preventin’ elbow injuries is easy when you follow these simple tips:
1) Selectin’ larger club grips
2) Usin’ softer grips
3) Usin’ a neutral grip
4) Selectin’ graphite shafts to lessen vibration
5) Selectin’ the correct club length (the end of the club should extend slightly beyond the palm of the leading hand)
6) Selecting irons with large heads and “sweet spots” to lessen vibration
7) Taking a lesson with a pro to select equipment and refine your swing
Avoidin’ Shoulder Pain:
Shoulder injuries in golfers are generally due to repetitive overuse syndromes of the rotator cuff muscles. The muscles of the shoulder joint undergo various forces durin’ yer swing. To reduce shoulder pain and injuries:
1) Shorten the backswing slightly (end with the club head at a 1 o’clock rather than 3 o’clock).
2) Strengthen your chest and back muscles to generate more power in your swing. More defined and stronger muscles are less prone to injury.
3) Strengthen your rotator cuff and scapular muscles to reduce the risk of injury
4) Take a swing lesson with a pro to refine your swing so it is more fluid and technically correct – a better swing reduces the risk of injury
You can also avoid injuries by following a good stretching regiment before you take to the course. If you find yourself facin’ a serious injury, it’s generally advisable to rest for a day or two, apply heat and/or ice alternatively, and take pain medication. Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help decrease inflammation and reduce your pain. If ya find that yer pain still ain’t going away, it might be time to treat yerself to a massage or even consult your doctor about your lingerin’ aches. Got a handy-dandy home remedy for yer golfin’ woes? Leave it in the comment section!
Tags: avoiding golf injuries, avoiding injury, back pain golfers, golf, golf aches, golf back pain, golf course injuries, golf injuries, golf pain, golf shoulder pain, golfer’s elbow, muscle soreness, shoulder pain
Posted in Fitness, Golfing News | No Comments »
April 26th, 2012

With the name “Ray Cook,” only one thing comes ta mind: quality. Good ol’ Ray’s been around for years, and while he ain’t quite the fossil that this here caveman is, Ray’s legacy of quality and performance has been a pillar of the golfin’ world since 1963. He introduced his first aluminum forged mallet putter (the popular M1 Mallet) that year. Since then, the Ray Cook name has dominated professional tours with over 500 tour wins, including all 4 major championships. With Ray Cook putters in the hands of professionals as well as celebrities – includin’ Bob Hope and Bing Crosby – it’s easy to see that Ray Cook is a force to be reckoned with out on the course. But enough about the past! Let’s take a gander at some of the products that Ray Cook has lined up in the not too distant future.
New for May 2012, Ray Cook is revamping and re-releasing the famous Billy Baroo Putter! For all you fans of Caddyshack out there (which hopefully means all of you), the Billy Baroo putter famously sunk the $40,000 putt for Judge Smails in the showdown against Rodney Dangerfield and Chevy Chase. While Smails and ol’ Billy Billy Billy Billy were eventually outmatched by caddy Danny Noonan, the famous Billy Baroo still won the putt and the hearts of golfers everywhere.
So what exactly is it about the Billy Baroo that makes it such a great asset to have in your golf bag? Featuring a TPU insert with grooves that promotes a quicker roll, this putter gives you unparalleled accuracy and exceptional feel out on the green. With precision investment casting and a soft 303 stainless steel alloy (the same material that gives the Austin and Blue Goose putters from Ray Cook that soft yet solid feel), this putter is exceptionally well-balanced and features clean lines and soft, blended edges. Top that all off with a classy cobalt/nickel plating, and it’s no wonder why these putters are such a sensation out on the course. With the release date of the newest Billy Baroo incarnation only a few short weeks away, be sure to stay tuned with RockBottom to get your hands on the club when it comes out!
But let’s say you can’t wait that long. You need the Ray Cook power in your golf bag and you ain’t about to wait for it. Heck, as a caveman you can’t always wait for lightnin’ to strike – sometimes you’ve gotta build a fire yourself. Fortunately, RockBottom’s gotcha covered. We offer a whole line of quality Ray Cook clubs at a fraction of the price. Save money in your wallet and save strokes off your score when you shop at Rock Bottom Golf!
Tags: Billy Baroo, caddyshack, golf putters, ray cook, ray cook golf, Ray Cook Golf Clubs, Ray Cook Putters
Posted in Golf Club Advice | No Comments »