golf Tag

As the Augusta National finished hosting the Women’s amateur tournament this past weekend, my thoughts are about the continuing growth of women’s sports and women's golf, and also about the women that have lead the sport throughout history.

I remember seeing the name Patty Berg for the first time on the clubs in my mother’s golf bag. From her first clubs when she was a teen, all the way through her adulthood, my mom's clubs were Patty Berg’s woods and irons. I started golfing when I was 3 years old and even before I was big enough, I was obsessed with those Patty Berg’s! I was convinced my little kid clubs were holding back my game.

In the summertime, I golfed every week with grandparents and recall being told numerous times by them that Patty Berg was the greatest female golfer in history. She was a founding member of the LPGA, and from 1937 to 1961, she dominated the game with 57 LPGA and WPGA tournament wins. She won 15 majors during her career

When you think of Augusta, Georgia, you almost automatically think of The Masters and the historic Augusta National Golf Club. Despite visiting Augusta numerous times to host Masters Golf Tours, I admit, I had barely explored beyond the street that the Augusta National is located on, Washington Road.

A few years back, during one of my long weeks of working during Masters Week, I decided to escape to the Augusta Museum of History and eventually found myself on a trolley tour hosted by local historian and author, Stan Byrdy. Stan is the author of two great books that every golfer and golf fan should own, The Augusta National Golf Club: Alister MacKenzie's Masterpiece, and Augusta and Aiken in Golf's Golden Age.

As we toured around, Stan talked about the Revolutionary War and Civil War history of the city. We explored neighborhoods with stately homes and the homes of famous city residents, including Ty Cobb and Woodrow Wilson. Then Stan began tracing the history of golf and how the players

I recently traveled to Ireland and Northern Ireland to see exactly where I come from. I ended up in the little coastal town in Northern Ireland called Annalong located an hour north of Dublin, right at the base of the Mourne Mountains. 

I walked the shores of the Irish Sea on a gravel-like sand, visited the church where my great-grandfather worshipped, and hiked The Kingdom of Mourne, a place my cousin described as the ‘Center of the Universe’. Here you can see the mountains, the sea, and the green earth all in one glance. Incredible.

Every other year we get the chance to see the best golfers in the world compete in the Ryder Cup and this year the tournament blows through the Windy City.  The 2012 Ryder Cup will be hosted by Medinah Country Club in Medinah, IL.  Medinah is a small suburb of Chicago that is located about 15 minutes west of O'Hare airport.

The regularly scheduled alternating bid for the Ryder Cup brings international competition back to the Midwest in September.  The last Ryder Cup on U.S. soil was hosted by Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, KY.  The 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla also marks the last victory for the U.S. and the only yankee victory in the last 5 Ryder Cup competitions.

The British Open is the oldest tournament of the four major golf championships. Established in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, the Open Championship (more commonly called), has become a fan favorite for years. The design of each course used during the Open always excites and baffles fans, as well as the players. The golfers have to battle with strong winds, deep bunkers, high grass in the fairways, and exceptionally strong rough.

The first round of the US Open Golf Tournament begins today at Congressional Golf Course in Bethesda, Maryland.   For many of the people who are traveling to Bethesda, this is the first time they are attending the US Open or a golf tournament.

Before you get to the course this weekend or plan your future trip, here are a few suggestions on how to spend your day at the US Open.

The 2012 Players Championship will be held from May 10-13 at the famous TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The Players Championship has been called lately as the PGA's unofficial 5th major.

Low Deposits on 2012 Players Championship Packages

2012 Players Championship Travel Packages are now available for the Opening, Final, & All Rounds of the tournament. Players Championship packages include:

The 2011 US Open Golf Tournament moves to Bethesda, Maryland at  historic Congressional Golf Course.  The tournament will take place over  Father's Day weekend (June 16-19).  Make this a Father's Day gift your dad will always remember.

2011 US Open Golf Packages are available during the Opening, Final, & All Rounds of the tournament.  Purchase your package today with the following inclusions:

- Hotel accommodations in the Betheda area
- Guaranteed Grounds Passes to the US Open
- Roundtrip Transportation to the course each day
- Official Gift
- On-site staff for assistance
- Options on US Open Hospitality

2011 US Open Golf Tickets can also be purchased for any day during the tournament.  All tickets are guaranteed and can be purchased securely online.

View 2011 US Open Golf Tickets & Packages

The Masters Golf Tournament will be held next year from April 2-8 at the famous Augusta National Golf Course. Here's your chance to experience the Masters for the first time or relive your memories.

Masters Golf Tickets are On-Sale Today!

2012 Masters Golf Tickets are now available for the Practice Rounds (Monday-Wednesday) and the Tournament Rounds (Thursday-Sunday). All tickets are general admission allowing you access to the entire course for that day.

Daily Masters Hospitality Passes are also available to enhance your Masters experience. Sit back and relax in this private club while you enjoy the following amenities:

- Unlimited food, drinks, & premium liquor served the entire day
- Large screen tv's to watch the Masters
- Live Entertainment
- Daily Massages
- Valet Parking
- Secure lockers for daily storage of your phones, gifts, & luggage
- Private Business Center
- Wi-Fi internet access
- Putting Greens