roundup of cool summer tech gear

For this year's roundup of cool summer tech gear, I dived into a local pool to snap photos, played a round of golf and grilled up some tasty steaks. Yes, I have a tough job. But it was all for a good cause: finding the best equipment for gear-heads to enjoy the great outdoors. This well-tested summer gear is perfect for adventurous techies who like to run, swim, camp, hike, play golf and more. ut the real highlights are the included apps -- there's one that shows a compass that rotated accurately as I moved, a temperature indicator and one for checking ocean tide conditions. There's even one that counts your steps on a hike.

Watson overcame a six-stroke

Watson overcame a six-stroke deficit during the final round to force a playoff with Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank and won on the second playoff hole. Watson is hoping to become the first back-to-back champion since Phil Mickelson in 2001 and 2002. Since that victory, Watson has won twice more: at Torrey Pines in January and New Orleans in May. He is second in the FedEx cup standings, and credits his recent success to the confidence that came with winning in Connecticut. "It showed me that I can play the game of golf," he said. "It showed me that by winning here I can play with the guys. I belonged out here, I guess. It just gave me confidence, going forward the rest of my career, no matter how long or how short." Mickelson isn't here this year. U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy also is skipping the tournament, and the injured Tiger Woods has never played in the event. The field includes Padraig Harrington, Zach Johnson and Anthony Kim along with players who are looking to make a name for themselves— just as Watson, Mahan and Henry did before them. "There's nothing like accomplishing a big goal, and that's the goal of every PGA Tour player is to win, especially when you're just coming out of college or the Nationwide Tour," Mahan said. "There is no better feeling."

Components Of An Effective Pre-Shot Routine

Developing consistency isn't easy. It's especially difficult for golfers whose practice time is limited by their work and/or their families. But there are some things that these golfers can do to help themselves develop consistency, even when they're unable to get to a range or are on the road traveling. One is practicing their pre-shot routine-- something my golf tips often discuss. Unfortunately, many golfers don't have a pre-shot routine. If they do have a routine, they don't always use it. And when they use it, it's disorganized. Their method of ball alignment is haphazard; they spend too much time over the ball; and/or they line up off-target, among other things. If they're interrupted, they look up to see what caused the noise--then hit away, as if nothing happened. Using a pre-shot routine is helpful, whether on the tee or in the fairway. It encourages consistency, guarantees correct alignment, and helps you make the transition to the right frame of mind. It also helps you focus on the job at hand, which my golf tips constantly advocate. In short, a good pre-shot routine prepares you both physically and mentally for a shot. My golf lessons review the individual components of a good routine. Of course, everyone's routine will differ to a degree, but most will be pretty consistent in terms of their key components. If you're striving for a lower golf handicap, work these components into your routine.

What You Should Know About Plyometrics And How It Will Help You Get Longer Golf Drives

One of the main problems for golfers is power. Yep, good old power. It seems simple enough but power can be elusive to most golfers. How could this be? simply everyone is unique in an anatomical sense. Everybody has different muscle tone, muscle development and even bone structure. This could lead to multiple factors that affect power. Having power in your strokes is a desirable asset. Longer drives, lower scores and lets not forget, bragging rights. As I said, there are many factors that contribute to the development of power. And each one is unique as you are unique to the rest of the people of the world. But sit tight co'z I'll be introducing you to a breakthrough research that may be the factor your lacking to improve you’re golf power thus having longer tees. One word, Plyometrics! If you haven’t heart of if, then you should. And no it's not rocket science or some new name for a synthetic fiber, which by the way what I thought when I first heard about it. In a nutshell, Plyometric is any exercise that where the muscle is contracted eccentrically then immediately, concentrically. Simply put, the muscle is stretched before it is contracted. Why should you care about Plyometric? its because its one of the best way to improve you're power. Common knowledge says that you can gain power by performing resistance exercises. But recent study shows that it is equally important that you factor in the speed on how you contract you're muscle. So what you should look for is not just contraction of muscles, but also how fast you're muscle contracts. Such exercises could improve you're golf power in less time.

Golf Shops

Golf is a game that one can learn easily if one has enough determination and can invest in the right equipment. Beginners or professionals in the sport of golf should always use the best that is available which can be purchased from a reputable store and the best place to get it is in golf specialty shop. Places like these have everything from golf clubs, to balls, to shoes and clothes which are the essentials when one is an enthusiast of walking the green. If one is not sure where to find one, that person can check the local directory or go online since there are many websites that offer brand new and second equipment that a person who is just a beginner or an expert can choose from and buy. All it takes is putting it in ones shopping basket, giving some credit card details then after a few days, it will be delivered so the person can bring it to the club and start having fun. Should the person still have a hard time in looking for a specialty shop, one can ask people for directions on how to get there. Some of these places can be a bit more expensive than others so before buying anything, one should check out the other stores and look for bargains before making any decisions. There are many brands in the sport of golf and if the person has a hard time picking a certain item, one can ask the assistance of the sales person who will be able to tell which are the best selling items and the benefits and features of each. Having the right set of clubs is the determining factor which will tell whether a person will do well in a tournament or not. Since this is very important, one should take the time to feel the grip of each model available first in the store so one will be able to choose the right set that the person can use and will feel comfortable with when playing in the green.

What You Should Know Before Buying Your First Set of Golf Clubs

Before buying your very first set of golf clubs, there are a few things you should take into consideration. First, you must decide how often you will play the game.If you only intend to play a couple of times each year, then it is probably best to stick with a cheaper set of clubs, rather than spending a fortune on brand new clubs. But if you're in this for the long haul, then you should do your research and determine which clubs are best for you. Your level of interest and dedication will be an important factor. If you aren't sure whether or not you will continueto golf, then you should probably look for a cheaper set of clubs or even some second-hand clubs. They will best suit a new player who is testing out the sporting world of golf.If your interest continues to strengthen, you can always buy a new set of clubs in the future. If you are out of ideas for which set of clubs you should buy, then you can ask around and see what other people think will suit you best. Try asking some friends who like to play golf; they may be able to help. Or ask at a pro shop and see what they would recommend for you. Asking people is the best way to get ideas for which set of clubs could be the best for you. There is always the option to test drive the golf clubs to get a feel for them and to see if they are the best possible clubs for your swing. After you make your decision, hunt around at pro shops andeven garage sales. These places will cater to the first time golfer. If you play your cards right, you could very well end up with a bargain bag of golf clubs.

Golf Channel has the U.S. Open

Your brain knows what to do…and wants to do it, but your body CAN’T perform it! Your heard it right here! Your BODY can’t do it! This is the missing link to your best golf ever! Work on the machine (you) and the golf swing tips or mechanics you so yearn to do will magically happen. I’ve seen it hundreds of times with the golfers I’ve worked with. I have literally taken someone off the practice tee, given them a stretch and they step right up and nail the ball long and right in the middle of the range. They become instant believers! There is no magical golf swing tip that’s going to change your game! Golf swing mechanics are critical, and the “only” way to achieve them is to reduce your own personal physical limitations. This is not an overnight fix, but one that will last the rest of your golfing career. Wouldn’t it be nice to step up to the tee and know without a doubt you’re going to be the longest (and straightest) hitter in your foursome? How about shooting the lowest score and taking all the money?  This is a reality if…you work on your machine (body), ‘off the course’ to play better on the course.  Then…and only then will all those golf swing tips work!

Mickelson knows the numbers

“I know it’s not far off because I’ve been hitting it well coming in, but today it sure looked far off,” he said. “A little change here and there, I’ll come out tomorrow playing a little freer, a little more aggressive. It happens for me when I take a week off before a major. I swing tight, play tentative.” Mickelson knows the numbers were out there on Thursday, but is not creating a sense of urgency. With his record in this championship it is clear Mickelson has theright temperament. “Good scores are out there, there were a lot of rounds under par and a lot of over par rounds, too. Although mine was high, it could’ve been a lot higher,” he said. In his five U.S. Open second-place finishes, Mickelson was not without an abnormal round. Mickelson acknowledged it, saying, “I don’t normally play four days perfectly, so this was my bad round, and hopefully I’ll get it turned around tomorrow.” In all but one of those close calls, he has a round of 73 or higher. Five years ago, Mickelson even had a 74 –unfortunately, it came in the final round at Winged Foot.

Golf Channel has the U.S. Open

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Golf Channel is primed to deliver nearly 50 hours of comprehensive news coverage of this week’s U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., featuring live news reports, inside analysis, player interviews, special guest appearances and compelling features of the men’s second major championship of 2011. Nearly 50 Hours of On-Site Coverage: Golf Channel’s news coverage will begin Monday with live news reports and updates throughout the day from Congressional, leading into an hour-long Golf Central at 6 p.m. ET. Tuesday and Wednesday, Live From the U.S. Open will begin with pre-tournament news conference shows, followed by two-hour shows in prime time each evening. Thursday-Sunday, Live From the U.S. Open will deliver wrap-around news coverage before and after tournament play. Morning Drive, the network’s live, weekday morning show, will air bonus shows and expand to seven days next week, featuring daily special guests from Congressional. The Grey Goose 19th Hole will broadcast live from Congressional, Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET, featuring PGA TOUR Professional Steve Flesch as a guest panelist, and Monday at 7 p.m. ET, Michael Breed will host a special The Golf Fix from the Congressional driving range.

Middle Smithfield Supervisor Spano: Golf course is bleeding us

Middle Smithfield Township is headed for bankruptcy if officials don't curb persistent losses at the golf course, Supervisor Bob Spano Sr. warned Thursday. Yet supervisors remain trapped in the sand when it comes to a solution. There appears to be no majority support on the three-member board for any immediate action, whether closing the course or leasing it to a golf management firm. Supervisors Scott Schaller and Mitchell Marcus constantly traded charges Thursday that the other was responsible for inaction and inconsistency. Spano, who once supported Schaller's vision of converting the financially troubled private course and clubhouse at Country Club of the Poconos home development into a township gem, wants to close it immediately. "Do you want bankruptcy or do you want to sell it?" Spano asked, saying township Budget Director Sherry Predmore told him the course could drive Middle Smithfield into bankruptcy next year. "Mrs. Predmore has said to me over and over, 'We can't sustain these losses next year.'" Spano backed away from the bankruptcy statement following the meeting, but repeated that the course is hurting the township's bottom line. Predmore declined comment.

Highview, Nortel, GSC, Madoff, DBSD, Innkeepers: Bankruptcy

Highview Point Partners LLC, accused by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of having a role in an alleged Ponzi scheme involving Kenwood Capital Management LLC, is proposing to hire Louis J. Freeh as its chief restructuring officer. Freeh was a U.S. district judge before being appointed director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under President Bill Clinton. A hearing to approve Freeh’s retention is scheduled in bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 3, the same day as a hearing where the receiver for Kenwood will seek the dismissal of Highview’s Chapter 11 case. (This report contains items about companies both in bankruptcy and not in bankruptcy. Adds GSC, Madoff, Innkeepers, DBSD, Washington Mutual and Harry & David in Updates; Jackson Hewitt in New Filing; Sears and WCA Waste in Downgrades and Trailer Bridge in Watch List.) The SEC had a receiver appointed for Kenwood in February, about the time Highview received redemption requests from investors and decided to wind up the funds. Highview intended to distribute 75 percent of the $230 million in the funds in March. At the requests of the SEC, Highview agreed to delay the payments, the company said in a court filing.

Davis earns master's from FAU

Joshua Hunter Davis of Palm City received a master's degree May 5 in fine arts from Florida Atlantic University. He is a graduate of Martin County High School and Savannah College of Art and Design, where he received his bachelor's degree. Davis is teaching at Digital Media Arts College and FAU. Golf event benefits afterschool program Willoughby Golf Club announces that this year's City of Stuart Four Ball Championship, which took place April 1 at Willoughby Golf Club, raised almost $10,000 for the 10th Street Recreational Complex in Stuart. Funds raised will be directed to the East Stuart Youth Initiative, which collaborates with several local agencies to provide afterschool programming where children are exposed to a multitude of activities and experiences that they would otherwise not be able afford or participate in. The charity golf event drew a crowd of 62 participants, including former Major League Baseball player and announcer for the New York Yankees, Jim Kaat. Format for the tournament included a two-person best ball partner tournament with two divisions, Championship and Handicap. Wills Reardon and Donnie Smith shot a score of 68 to win the Championship Division, which was open to players with Amateur status. Jane Donahue and Kathy de Windt took first place in the Handicap Division with a score of 63.

Clubs will meet balls if U.S. approves planned sale

The Top-Flite Golf Co., the world's largest golf ball producer, is filing for bankruptcy and plans to sell its assets to club maker Callaway Golf. Top-Flite CEO Jim Craigie said Monday that the company's $250 million in sales in 2002 were being crushed by its $530 million debt in a market that was too competitive. Under the deal, which needs government approval, Callaway would buy Top-Flite for $125 million, free and clear of debt. "You have a great marriage between the companies," Craigie said. "We're a top golf ball company; they're a top golf club company. We've got technology that they could benefit from in the golf ball industry, and we can benefit from the financial strength they can bring to our company." Top-Flite, a private company, was formerly Spalding Sports Worldwide. The name was changed after the company sold the Spalding brand and its entire line of inflatable balls to athletic wear maker Russell Corp. in April. Craigie said he doesn't expect any interruption in supply, production or distribution of Top-Flite golf products. He said Callaway plans to continue making Top-Flite, Ben Hogan and Strata golf products, which account for about 70 percent of Top-Flite's sales.