The Rules of Golf

Golf Digest and Golf Magazine both have columns regarding the rules of golf. Golf Punk Magazine out of the UK takes it to a new level. Have a question about the rules of golf? Get a ruling here (WARNING: google has this site pegged as an attack site with security issues. Proceed with caution).

Mike Mo

Mike Mo Capaldi. Fully Flared. This kid is really good.

Adidas University II

Adidas has released several urban streetwear inspired golf shoes over the past several years. They had the Stanzonian (Stan Smith), the Brady (shell-toes) and now they have the University II, which to my eye resemble a Samba. I've owned the former two and I'm pretty sure the University II's are next. Sick looking golf shoe. For more views of the shoe, click here.

Big Dyrdek

Dyrdek in a big fat suit drops in on a mini ramp. Johan cameo. In Canada, view here.

Ebay for Golf Equipment

Ebay has gotta be the best thing ever created for the frugal golfer. If you don't need the latest and "greatest" clubs, you can find plenty of excellent new and used equipment deals on Ebay. Set up an Ebay account so you can bid on goodies, an eSnipe account for last second bidding (bid late to avoid bidding wars) and a Paypal account for easy money transfers. Make sure to ask lots of questions as a buyer if the auction doesn't have good photos or description. Always check that the seller has good feedback. I won't buy from a seller unless they have 98+% positive feedback. If you live in Canada and want something from a seller in the States, avoid UPS because if the value of the item is over $30, you will most likely get dinged with a $30+ brokerage fee in addition to Customs charge. Insist on USPS.

Sloping Fairways

When I play a course with lots of hills, slopes and mounds, I picture them made of concrete and think how great it would be to skate.

JB

I've always liked the way JB Gillet skates. Footage from, I believe, some old New Deal video.

Equitable Stroke Control

When you are entering scores for handicapping purposes, you must adjust your individual hole scores based on equitable stroke control. The RCGA and USGA have slightly different rules.

For the RCGA, a course handicap of 0 or plus = ESC 1 over par, 1 through 18 = ESC 2 over par, 19 through 32 = ESC 3 over par, and 33 and over = ESC 4 over par.

For the USGA, a course handicap of 9 or less = ESC 2 over par, 10 through 19 = ESC 7, 20 through 29 = ESC 8, 30 through 39 = ESC 9, and 40 or more = ESC 10.

Online Handicap

Whether you've been golfing a long time or just starting out, it's nice to know how your game progresses. This is where a handicap is useful. You enter your scores into a program and it spits out your handicap. If you live in the States or Canada, you can get an official USGA or RCGA handicap but you either have to be a member at a course or pay. There are websites that offer free handicap programs such as GameTrack. It's not an official handicap but it does use pretty much the same formulas as an official one. The Gametrack program also allows you to keep track of hole-by-hole statistics such as score, number of putts, green in regulation, fairway in regulation, penalty strokes, and driving distance.

Triple Bogey

Triple Bogey is a great new golf clothing company out of Ottawa. I have yet to see any of their gear in person but from what I've seen in the catalog, it's clean and original. You won't see your Grandpa rocking this gear. Also check out their blog.

Lakai Koston Bogey Shoe

Lakai has released a limited run of these Koston Select "Bogey" shoes with accompanying shirts and hat. Features include imitation golf spikes on the sole, vulcanized rubber golf ball dimpled wrap around the toe and scorecard insoles. For more views of the shoe, click here.

Guy

Guy Mariano. Fully Flared. Only his 3rd full length part in 18 years.

Skaters and Golf

Here's a great article from Nov 2004's Golf Magazine. A day on the course with Eric Koston, Tim Gavin, Adrian Lopez and Lee Dupont.

Grinders

Old-school work ethic. Anti-technology. Highly paid athletes. Passionate golfers. These are skateboarders?

By JOSH SENS

If Chi Chi Rodriguez's first round of golf was an act of trespassing, Tim Gavin's was that and more. Gavin's first round was an act of transgression, fueled by booze, marred by misdemeanors, notable only for its disregard for the Rules of Golf and basic human decency. But that was years ago, before Gavin gained respect for the royal and ancient game -- before he understood that golf carts were not made for driving through bunkers, and that the cups that hold flagsticks were not designed to double as ashtrays or, worse, port-o-potties.

So much has changed.

Gavin is 30 now, less crass and quite contrite. He regrets his youthful rambles, asks forgiveness, swears he has reformed. And it's hard to doubt him as he strides through the pro shop at Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine, California, a model of comportment in a collared shirt and slacks that cover many if not most of his tattoos.

"Titleists? Cool," he says, inspecting the merchandise at the counter. "I usually use range balls on the dog tracks I play."

Read more here.