Cleveland Golf Blog

After two week and over 350 photo submissions, we want to congratulate Dustin Strickland of Mt. Airy, NC on being the winner of our What’s #MyAugusta Contest! With so many great entries, it was a very difficult decision but Dustin’s photo perfectly epitomized the idea of this contest and the feeling that people have for Augusta. Here is the winning photo (you can also see it on our Instagram):

“Madelyn’s first Masters with Daddy. #MyAugusta.”

His prize is a set of three Custom Augusta-themed wedges (52, 56, and 60 degrees), courtesy of MyCustomWedge. These were complete with KBS Tour Custom White shafts and Green Lamkin 3GEN grips (Pictured below). Thank you to everyone who participated and keep an eye out for more exciting contests from us.

Last Monday, PGA Tour player Charlie Beljan made his way out to Orange County National in Orlando, FL to conduct a clinic for some avid golfers. He spoke on a multitude of subjects including how he got into golf, what is in his bag, his favorite golf shots, and tips to help improve your game. He answered questions from the crowd, displayed his ability to hit booming drive of 320+ yards, and even signed autographs and posed for pictures. Charlie has always been a man of the people and really enjoyed getting to interact with the group.

You can see some pictures from the event and a video of him talking about his new favorite clubs: the 588 MT irons. He said about these irons “…I’d really like to have them throughout my whole set, but they just go too far and I wouldn’t want to embarrass everyone out there.”

G-Mac is back in the winner’s circle!

Congratulations to Cleveland Golf/Srixon staffer Graeme McDowell for capturing the World Challenge Presented by Northwestern Mutual over the weekend at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif. McDowell locked up the title in style with birdies on two of his last three holes for a
4-under-par 68 and a 17-under total.

After coming so close so many times over the last two years, McDowell, the 33-year-old native of Portrush, Northern Ireland, notches his first victory since winning the same event in 2010.

“This event has been incredibly good to me. This one feels even more amazing,” said McDowell. “It just puts me in a nicer frame of mind going into the offseason.”

The win caps an eventful end of 2012 for McDowell, as he recently became engaged to girlfriend Kristin Stape. He popped the question last month on the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, about 700 feet above ground.

Fellow Cleveland Golf/Srixon staffer Keegan Bradley, who was paired with McDowell in the final round, finished three strokes behind in second. The 26-year-old Bradley shot a 3-under 69, ensuring he and his playing partner were the only ones in the elite 18-player field to post all four rounds
in the 60s.

Both players trusted their Cleveland/Srixon equipment to own the top two spots — McDowell earned $1,000,000, while Bradley took home $500,000.

McDowell and Bradley have each recorded wins with their prototype Srixon Z-STAR golf balls. Bradley plays the Z-STAR, and McDowell plays the Z-STAR XV. Both also game Cleveland 588 Forged wedges and a Cleveland Classic 290 driver.

See a full list of the Cleveland/Srixon equipment below.

So, who’s going to win more in 2013: GMac or Keegan? Tell us!

In Graeme McDowell’s bag:

Driver: Cleveland Classic 290 (9.0°)

3-Wood: Cleveland Launcher FL (14.0°) with Miyazaki Dromos 83X shaft

Irons: Srixon Z-TX II, 4-9

Wedges: Cleveland 588 Forged (48°, 52° and 58°)

Ball: Srixon Z-STAR XV Prototype

In Keegan Bradley’s bag:

Driver: Cleveland Classic 290 (9.0°) with Miyazaki Kusala
Indigo 61X shaft

3-Wood: Cleveland Launcher FL (14.0°) with Miyazaki Kusala
Black 83X shaft

Hybrids: Cleveland Launcher DST (18°) and Cleveland Mashie
(20.5°) with Miyazaki C. Kua Hybrid 83X shaft

Irons: Cleveland CG7 Tour, 4-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 Forged (54° and 58°)

Ball: Srixon Z-STAR Prototype

Readers,

Today we are pleased to announce to you the latest addition to the Never Compromise family: The Connoisseur.  The Connoisseur series is inspired by the world’s best cigars, made from the finest ingredients, embodying premium taste.

Similar to the Dinero and Gambler Limited putter lines, the Connoisseur line features four classic designs named and individually machined with artwork reminiscent of traditional cigars. All models are forged from 303 Stainless Steel, and the combination of the soft material and the forged grain structure provides unprecedented feel at impact. Machined to perfection, these putters have some of the tightest manufacturing tolerances in the industry to inspire confidence over every putt.

Never Compromise offers a unique customization feature with their Connoisseur, Dinero and Gambler Limited putter lines. The “MY CUSTOM PUTTER” website gives consumers unprecedented customization and personalization options, allowing them the opportunity to transform any of the Connoisseur, Dinero or Gambler Limited putter models into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Custom options consist of multiple paint fills, length, lie, grip, a text inscription and more.  My Custom Putter is the most comprehensive putter customization website in the world.

“Both our new website and putter lines have attitude”, said Adam Sheldon, Master Craftsman for Never Compromise. “Our 2011 putter lines will continue to be modern in design but will also display craftsmanship and uniqueness. We’ve spared no expense to make sure that each putter is truly a masterpiece.”

The Connoisseur will come in four different models; Rubusto, Culebra, Perfecto, Portofino (as seen below)

With seemingly endless options for customization, do you know how you will customize your new putter?

Readers, I am happy to tell you that Staffer, Chris Wilson has Qualified for the U.S. Open at Congressional next week!  I was able to catch up with Chris earlier this week to talk about his qualifying experience, and to look ahead just a little bit to the week ahead.

Tell us about the Qualifier?

Well you know it is going to be long at 36 holes in one day.  So I went in just trying to stay patient because so much can happen in such a long day.  You know, I was just trying to keep my energy up but stay patient at the same time.  Luckily I was able to make a lot of pars.  When you make a lot of pars the birdies just follow.

How did you feel coming into yesterday based on recent success?

I have been playing really well.  Recently I have had two 2nd place finishes on the Hooters Tour so I feel pretty good right now.  I played in the Qualifying the last three years, so I think that helped with my confidence.

What is the main thing you are focused on, heading into Congressional?

First and foremost, just to enjoy the week.  I think I just need to put myself in a position where I am comfortable.  If I get comfortable then I can play my best golf.  Everyone will be dealing with nerves.  I mean, it is our National Championship, everyone is going to be nervous.  I just hope I can stifle the nerves and play good golf.

They say it is the longest U.S. Open course ever, how does that fit your game?

Well, I don’t hit it super long, but I’m not a short hitter either.  I guess it is better to be straight than long, so that is where my focus will be.  There will be guys hitting it longer and guys hitting it shorter than me, so I can’t really worry about that.  I just need to get it in play off the tee and go from there.

Do you have a specific goal for the week?

Simple answer: No.  I know that isn’t the best answer for an interview (laughs). But, I really just don’t have anything specific.  I guess I would say my goal would be to prepare well.  If I prepare as well as I can prepare, the scores will come.  Also, to enjoy it.  (Laughs) New goal: Enjoy it.

Hey Readers!

Just wanted to congratulate all of you on your submissions to Jrae’s Brainteaser Contest!  We were thrilled with the responses we got, and it is good to know that our readers are extremely intelligent.  We drew the winner and we are happy to say congratulations to Brian W. for being the first ever blog contest winner.  Brian will receive a First Run, Limited Edition CG15; one of 250 that were made!

Keep those brains sharp readers!  You never know when we might post another brainteaser for you!

Hey there, readers.  I just wanted to get on here and share some really exciting news with you all… Will Wilcox has been named the Hooter’s Tour Rookie Of The Year!  This marks the fourth time in the last five years that a Cleveland Golf staffer has been named ROY on the Hooter’s Tour!  Here is what Wilcox had to say… more

Hello there readers.  Today I want to take a minute to talk about an issue that is sweeping the golf community.  It is not a new issue by any stretch of the imagination, it has been around for decades, centauries perhaps.  It is becoming an epidemic, a force that cannot be tamed, it can effect anyone at any time.  Most commonly found on first tees, or the 18^th hole, this little devil can sneak up on even the most experienced golfer.  I am talking about nerves, of course.  Every golfer has experienced nerves at one point in their life; be it at your first day of golf tryouts for your high school team, a Club Championship, or just the first time out with a new golf partner.  While some people take the edge off with an adult beverage or three, I thought I would show you a tip from Cleveland Staffer, Kevin Streelman.

We have a special treat for you today, Readers!  This week was our Sales Meeting out here in sunny Southern California and a few of the International brass came over to check up on our American operations.  The three representatives were: Leslie Hepsworth (President of Cleveland Golf/Srixon – Europe), Martin Wright (President of Cleveland Golf/Srixon – Australia) and Mike Powell (President of Cleveland Golf/Srixon – South Africa).   I was able to take them away from their busy schedules running global companies and talk a little bit about world-wide topics.  As you can imagine, I was keen to ask about hot political topics such as… GOLF!

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Vijay finished T-9 last week at the AT&T with rounds of 71-70-67-69. Looking at his play in both the 2000 (T-11) & 2005 (T-5) Open Championships at St. Andrews I think he has a good shot at having a great week! All he needs is a little spark with the flat stick and watch out…..