This best ball for a slow swing speed is one that will give you the highest launch angle. The slower you swing the more you need a ball with a higher spin rate as this will keep the ball in the air as long as possible for greater distance

I would definitly use a ladies ball. Lady balls are designed for slower swings and Nike ladies or precept ladies are pretty popular choices. The precept Laddie is also designed for slower swings. If you are worried about your buddies making fun of you just get a black marker and make a straight line over the word lady on the ball. your buds won't be able to tell the difference and as a plus is you will have a line for aligning your putts.

When my swing speed was slow, back in the day, I used softer balls, specifically:

Titleist SF

Here's some details on golf balls different compression rates, and spin ratings etc…

There are a number of these. The most likely are the ladies balls but I think that the Maxfli Noodle was designed for this as well.

You should use a lower compression golf ball. Women's and Jr. balls are usually lower compression. Here is a list of some.
Maxfli Noodle
Loco
Precept Laddie
The Fuzz
and almost any women's ball.

no there isnt. a golf ball is a golf ball.

and it's not good if you have a slow swing. a fast swing is what makes the ball go far and flying. maybe you should work on your swing more?

I am not super slow but I don't hit the ball as fast or as hard as others. one of my golf instructors recommended Callaway Pearl golf balls. I do like them and I seem to be hitting further and more consistently.

I have a slow golf swing.what ball should i hit? is there such a ball for a slower swing?

 Improve Putting & Swing better With the New Lazer Link Golf Training Tool While Introducing Consistency into Golf With New E-Book- Golf-The Twenty second Game.

The Lazer Link golf tool provides visualization with immediate feedback improving putting and ball striking. This new product acts more like a complete golf training system, then a single golf gadget providing excellent results by delivering quick feedback and visualization, as you steady your head and keeping your eyes on the ball. 

This effective low technology connects your eyes to the golf ball and provides instant feedback to what your head and eyes are doing during the putting stroke. It also works well for the full swing and promotes correct body posture each time you use it. Once set up correctly to the ball, the lazer’s light is on the ball only when you are back in the correct position.

The Lazer Link is for indoor practice only, includes two specialized tips, batteries and comes complete with directions for awareness exercises, putting and full swing drills. This simple product slides on the brim of any hat or visor, is fully adjustable, easy to use. Practice for only minutes a day for best results. 

When it comes to learning and improving, feedback and visualization are the two most effective strategies promoting peak performance and this golf device delivers on both counts- making it easy to use for improve scoring.

The product retails for $17 online and includes free E-Book called: Golf, the 20 second Game ©- $7 value.

Golf-The twenty second game uses six Sigma as a blue print to improve the time it takes to actually focus when you play the game, more importantly, what to concentrate on- in the 20 seconds it actually takes play the game. the key is properly sequencing key golf fundamentals, using simple recall strategies with cues and triggers for each component that makes up the 20 seconds it takes to address the ball, set up, and hit a shot. 

The book uses the wisdom of three for an easy recall strategy for their- ready, set, go model. Proper sequencing introduces consistency into the game, making it easy to learn, improve and score better. 

To learn more or buy, visit www.thelazerlink.com.

<a href="http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=520938&Itemid=29tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content”>PR-USA.net – The Lazer Link Introduces New Golf Tool and Golf Training E-Book: Golf- The 20 Second Game

    if a Teacher can not explain the golf swing in one hour that Teacher has much more to learn.  We spend a short time learning the fundamentals of the swing and a lifetime chasing the perfection of them.  yes we need guidance from time to time but the true Mastery of the swing comes from enjoying the journey in practice and play. 

  If you are taking lessons and not getting on video for most of your sessions from beginner to tour player how in the world are you going to learn what to do in the golf swing?  I have been lucky to have taught some of the best players and teachers in the game and if they have no idea what there doing in the golf swing (what the video shows and what they say there doing is always different) how can the rest of us have a chance without video and good sound advice?  A Teacher MUST show you great players when they are playing well and when they are playing poorly and easily show you why and explain the differences.  Once you know how simple the golf swing really is you can be your own teacher and help correct yourself when things go wrong.  yes we do need guidance from time to time but you can not run to a teacher every time you hit a bad shot, you must know why you hit it that way and how to quickly correct it.  this is where every student of mine gets if they stick with the simple fundamentals that I have shown them.  I have literally had students that come in just to show off there new found ball striking ability and let me tell you this is sure a fun lesson.  Instructors that do not use video or if your not getting better and they are, need help.  Let’s talk about two examples of how easy or hard the swing can be. Angel Cabrera this years U. S. Open champion had two of the only eight rounds under par from the entire field in the tournament.  he has probably had ten lessons his entire life, just a natural athlete that keeps the swing simple because it is!  he shifts into his braced right leg with both elbows pointing down to the ground and then goes to the target with both elbows pointing down at the finish.  Do you really think he try’s to do anything but hit his ball to a target?  he is EXACTLY where Nicklaus, Hogan, Snead, Sorenstam, Palmer, Player and all greats are when playing well and I prove it every day.  Michelle Wie used to be there as well when she first came out.  she had one of the best swings I have ever seen.  now look at her, she can’t keep the ball in the fairway because she is working on things that nobody should her arms are going one way the body the other and it is a shame because she seems to be such a nice gal.  she could easily be fixed in one afternoon given the proper information, so there is hope for her.  and the video camera does not have to be the latest marvel, it can be an old VHS you bought at a garage sale for twenty bucks!!  But YOU need to see what your doing. 

Keep the golf swing simple, because it is!! « Steve Wozeniak on Golf

most best of "The Simple Golf Swing" is that it is a system. Golfers swing the ball, but never think about what they did wrong, or more importantly, what they did right. Reflection on possible corrections, in general, not work, because there is a little wrist cock, or a certain turning angle that could have influenced the outcome good or bad. What is a system for your game is that you can analyze proactively each shot after playing and achieve the results, good or bad. for example, hit the ball and slices. Now, most golfers hit and sliced the ball again. Maybe hit a ball and, sometimes, but you never know what hit the right shot DONE. with this system you with 5 easy steps to change for every hit you get the ball. Now you begin to see the development trends and these trends can always tie back to one of the 5 steps are more likely to forget what is behind the negative trend. so in my example, I hit a piece. Now, because I have this system in place, I automatically know what focus on the decision table below. I know you do one of two things. I let my body go forward with the hands, or have failed to begin the descent with your arms. if above the ball, I know that automatically to keep the shoulder down on the ball. so the fact is that having simple but effective controls in place really help your game will be very surprised how much you learn about your own game, and how easy it is to develop and maintain good habits once you understand how recognize. He is David full Swing DVD Negovt I mean. The number 1 rated golf instruction DVD on the internet.

This DVD is designed to help all golfers under 80 â € "â €" regardless of their ability.

The same DVD that has helped golfers in 36 countries affected more than ever … July-December court blows to their disadvantages … and take their games to a whole new level. A success rate of 95%

That is correct. Better than nine out of ten players who have tested the DVD say it has improved his game and not months or years either.

started hitting the ball farther and systematic in two weeks or less.

Now No need to say why the distance and consistency are the keys, if you want to go beyond being just another average golfer and start to play the kind of golf, you can feel good.

you already know that without a good swing, to dispose of motions by the completion, connecting slicing the ball. And the accumulated penalty shots in each round.

The truth is that if you do not have a good swing, your readers will be brief, vague and … honestly … regrettable.

That said, I did this DVD to help develop a â € € œgoodâ swing.

I did it to teach a big plus. The swing I'll show you that your flight plans longer and straighter than you ever imagined possible … amazing consistency to his readers … and reach to be as easy and natural, it falls into this over and over again without even thinking.

if you know my other videos, you know what you can do with a little practice on your part and some simple instructions on mine. for this first class DVD to a very special price for a limited time only .. if you have questions about this, please please send an e-mail to http://www.purepointgolf.com/af/?p=John07 This is what you learn in my full Swing DVD.

In my video, I I will teach how to overcome three major problems facing average golfer's swing.

I will give you control points to ensure that it is in the correct position during the swing. Soon, you can control your own swing and the party mechanics, I show.

but that's not all. I will ensure that is learned â € ¢ Establish which automatically gives the correct swing plan. Once you get it, everything else falls into place all the time. â € ¢ The backswing is radically different than 99% of all golfers € â € œaverageâ use and why is the key to consistency and distance. â € ¢ simple solution that automatically allows your timing is perfect all the time. â € ¢ The trick that allows forget the balance and send the perfect balance almost like cheating. â € ¢ The key to ensure you always hit the ball you want to go. (Ie Golfers that learning this little tidbit alone was worth the price of the DVD many times. And it was the regular price of $ 97!) â € ¢ The two articles clothing that will help you get your swing style fair. â € ¢ What not to think about your swing and the right attitude of mind which can make all the difference in your game â € ¢ instant cures for difficult lies. Even the toughest stains, does not prevent a perfect record. â € ¢ How to lose fat … and fine. (Hint: it has nothing to do with his diet.)

Even I am going to share with you how a garbage helped me get my swing down. And many others.

I will also show that's not what you do. other programs do not teach that way and I think it is a mistake. I think it is easier learn and recognize the right moves if you know what to watch.

Ready to see for yourself? Swing To order a copy of my own DVD, just .. if you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to send an email to http://www.purepointgolf.com/af/?p=John07 About the AuthorThe golf swing is a part of the game of golf. No matter how good you are, it can always have room for improvement. it is perfect practice that makes perfect.

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Longridge Balls Wood Cabinet 25 Ball£16.99…Golf Ball display Cabinet – Holds 49 golf balls£24.99A must for every golf ball collector. Holds 49 golf balls….SORA Acrylic Golf Ball display Case with black back-panel£44.00With this golf ball case by SORA you will have a modern storage for your golf ball collection. it provides room for 64 golf balls resting safely on small perforations in the shelves. of course it is wall-mountable and comes with a front-panel for dust protection. all SORA products are made in Germany and only consist of high quality acrylic glass. Make sure to check for the other version of this c… Share and enjoy:

Ball Golf Rack

Good golf starts by having a good strategy, choosing the right club, taking your medicine from poor shots, and paying attention to a few things. none of these aspects of golf involves making a perfect swing. Use your head to save a few strokes instead of trying to overpower the golf course.

Start your round by lightening the load. Put your wallet, watch, keys, cell phone, etc. in a pouch in your golf bag. Carry a couple of tees, coins or ball markers in your right pocket within easy reach. Use your cell phone for emergency only; leave your work at the office.

Take advantage on the teeing ground. The Rules of Golf allow us to use an area that extends two club lengths back from the tee markers. Find the most level lie possible, so you won’t have to make posture adjustments. Pick out a divot between the markers and use it for an intermediate target to help aim your clubface.

The wind generally blows from a prevailing direction. The top of the trees will tell what the wind is doing at the ball flight’s apex. The flag will tell what the wind is on the putting surface. If there is water, watch the wave action. Grass thrown in the air tells how strong the wind is blowing. it is important to know what the wind will do to your ball in the air and near the landing point.

Add yards from the fairway to the green when your ball is not in the middle. you might need to use one more club from the side of the fairway. Use your GPS device to get the yardage to the front and to the back of the green from your angle. clean your spikes, especially when playing from uneven slopes. Aim for the center of the green for tight hole locations.

Take your medicine to recover from a poor shot. If you don’t have a clear shot or have a distance you can’t reach the green safely, play a shot to an area where you have a clear approach shot and have a comfortable yardage to play your next shot from. If you play a good shot into the green from your recovery spot, you have a chance to sink a putt for a good score.

Use your brain to save strokes. getting ready to play with the right preparation will save more strokes that using your brawn.

If you need help with your game, see your local PGA Golf Professional.

Bob Miller is the PGA Dir of Instruction at Blue Rock Springs GC, bmiller@bluerockspringsgolf.com , (707) 643-8476.

Save strokes between the ears

GRAND ISLAND — Aaron Schauger doesn’t say much, but his work ethic speaks for itself.

In less than two years the sophomore has rocketed to the top of the heap on the Grand Island golf team, and his head coach says his constant fine-tuning has everything to do with his success.

“Every day he’s playing or practicing,” Vikings golf coach Craig Warthling said. 

The 17-year coach saw his sophomore golfer at River Oaks, the Vikings’ home course, almost every day over the summer, and the extra rounds have clearly paid off. Schauger is now Grand Island’s no. 1 golfer, and it doesn’t look like he’s giving that title up anytime soon.

“He was no. 7 last year and moved right up past some of the guys he was behind last year,” Warthling said. “He moved right up the rung.”

Warthling said he’s played in the top spot for seven out of 10 matches this fall, and he’s handled the role well. His experience over the summer practicing and playing in tournaments helped Schauger’s game grow.

“I prepared for a lot of tournaments and for our season,” Schauger said. “I played a lot over the summer.”

Schauger said he played in almost 30 golf tournaments over the summer on top of his rounds at River Oaks. That’s a lot of high-pressure golf for a sophomore, but he did well, winning at Lancaster Country Club and Ravenwood in July. 

Focusing on golf before the high school season started was a big step for his game. Schauger stopped playing baseball over the summer and said he wanted to concentrate on the links during the summer months.

“He still plays hockey,” Warthling said, “but he’s really putting his head into golf and concentrating on it, which is nice.”

Schauger said he can see the improvement in his game after a summer of hard work.

“Yeah, definitely,” he said. “my putting and my short game have improved.”

His coach noted a growth spurt has given him a bigger drive off the tee, but Schauger addressed an area that needed improvement when working on his short game .

“last year, he couldn’t sink a two-foot putt,” Warthling said. “This year, I’ve seen him sink some long putts straight in.”

His confidence has improved with all those rounds as well.

“last year he took a lot of time over the ball and I think it got to his head,” Warthling said. “This year he’s getting to the ball, he plans out his shots, takes a couple practice swings and he’s hitting the ball. He’s got confidence in his swing.”

despite some stiff competition throughout the Niagara Frontier League, Warthling said he’s confident in his ace heading into the NFL tournament on Tuesday.

“The league is loaded this year,” Warthling said. “there are a lot of good golfers and he’s going against seniors. He’s only a sophomore and he’s done pretty good.”

Warthling said Schauger and fellow Viking golfer Kevin Borowicz practiced together a lot, and despite a disappointing season the future is bright for Grand Island golf.

“him and Kevin, they were together all summer,” Warthling said. “It looks good for the team for the future.”

Schauger a quiet force for Vikings »
Sports »
Niagara Gazette

the Pro Batter has been adapted and expanded by England from technology used by leading clubs in Major League Baseball. Source: the Australian

MITCHELL Johnson turns at the top of his run and bounds towards the crease. he leaps into his delivery stride and unleashes a 92mph bouncer from that familiar low left arm.

The batsman ducks at the last split second, breathes a sigh of relief and prepares for the next ball.

This is not the opening skirmish of the Ashes in Brisbane on November 25. In fact, we are inside the National Cricket Centre at Loughborough on a crisp English afternoon. But Mitchell Johnson is real … almost.

A device known as Pro Batter is giving the England squad an edge in preparation before leaving for Australia a week today.

It takes the time-honoured process of netting to another level, a bowling machine that reproduces the balls of actual bowlers and screens their run-up as well. think of Wii, but with real balls.

That ball is delivered as though from the hand through a hole in a screen that hides the high-tech machinery, adapted and expanded by the ECB from technology used by leading clubs in Major League Baseball, including the new York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

Whereas the American versions rely on generic pitchers for batsmen to hit, the model at Loughborough incorporates Hawk-Eye reports into software to allow batsmen to set up against the very bowlers they are due to face.

Yesterday, for example, Steven Davies, the wicketkeeper, spent a session against Johnson and Doug Bollinger.

"I must admit that I nicked one from Johnson, but otherwise I was OK once I got used to it," he said.

"we will all be preparing with it this week. it must be a big help if you are facing the equivalent of actual bowlers."

Not having played for many years, and with my only half-century compiled against the Nottingham Blind, I was a little less ambitious when the ECB invited hacks to have a go.

Marcus North was just about manageable and if my combined score against his occasional spin was about 12 for three, then he did take six wickets against Pakistan at Lord’s this year.

Nobody – not even the two former England players in our ranks – opted to line up against that Johnson bouncer, although we all watched from a safe distance behind the back of the net.

It looked fearsomely realistic; all that was missing was for Johnson to follow through and shout: "G’day, you Pommie b*****d."

Dene Hills, the ECB batting coach who is returning to work for Australia in December, took charge of the programming.

He believes that the technology has scope to become even more realistic.

"Our blue-sky thinking is that one day you can have crowd noise, wind conditions and floodlighting in there, too," he said.

Pro Batter is one of three state-of-the-art gadgets being used by England.

They also have an improved version of the Merlyn spin machine used during the 2005 Ashes to replicate the threat of Shane Warne.

The former Australia spinner took 40 wickets in the series and described Merlyn as "my best buddy" as batsmen fell one by one.

Since then, the invention of Henry Pryor has been taken on by Stuart & Williams, which makes the more orthodox BOLA bowling machines.

The ECB has spent close to pounds 200,000 on the product to send one to every first-class county.

Unlike Pro Batter, one of them will be with England through their time in Australia.

The other addition, TrackMan, uses radar to measure the rotation that spin bowlers put on the ball as well as release-height, swing, bounce and speed.

It is produced by a company in Denmark and based on military tracking technology. a similar gadget is used in golf to determine stroke trajectory.

It has already shown that of slow bowlers in the broad England system, Adil Rashid, the only wrist spinner, generates most revolutions per minute (an average of 2,312) ahead of Graeme Swann (2,083), Monty Panesar (1,750), James Tredwell (1,682) and Mike Yardy (1,350), the one-day specialist.

David Parsons, the ECB performance director based at Loughborough, said: "it is the problem that drives the technology, not the other way around. This is not technology for the sake of it. as far as I am aware, we are the only country in the world that has these three bits of kit."

<a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/poms-hope-machine-will-help-them-win-ashes/story-e6frg7rx-1225941680359tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/poms-hope-machine-will-help-them-win-ashes/story-e6frg7rx-1225941680359Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:41:03 GMT 00:00″>Poms hope innovative machine will help them retain the Ashes

The following golf instruction tips will help you with your overall swing.you must set-up correctly, if you are going to have a chance of hitting a respectable golf shot. if you are not in the correct position at address, you will more than likely hit a poor shot.

Many golfers overlook this fact when trying to correct a swing concern. your address, is fundamental to your success as a golfer, and should not be ignored.it is one of the most crucial golf instruction tips you should follow.

When you address the ball properly you allow yourself to be able to coil and uncoil, due to the fact that you are more balanced. When you begin and end your swing in balance, you will be able to produce more power. more power equals longer shot.

So, how do you know if your set-up is correct? The next important golf instruction tip is stance width.you will learn the proper set-up in the next few paragraphs. your stance should be 2″ wider than your shoulders, when hitting your driver or long irons. for mid irons your feet should be shoulder width apart. for short irons you want to narrow your stance a couple of inches than shoulder width apart. Although these are great tips, all golfers are not equal, you should use these as a place to start. you may need to modify your stance slightly to get the proper feel.

Your front foot should angle a little towards your target. This will encourage proper coiling of the shoulders and hips. The back foot should be straight to the target. your knees need to be flexed and you should be bent over slightly from the hips. in this position, your shoulders and arms will form a triangle, with your elbows pointing at your hips.

As you set-up, be sure that your shoulders and hips are in line with the target. This will give you the best chance to hit the golf ball where you are aiming.

Placing the ball correctly in your stance, will improve your ball striking ability. Ball position will be different, due to the different shaft lengths. The shorter the club, the further back in your stance the ball will be.

For the driver you want to place the ball about 5″ forward of center in your stance.

The ball should be positioned 2 ball widths forward in your stance, when using your fairway woods and long irons.

The ball should be placed 2″ forward in your stance, when using your middle irons.

When using your short irons or wedges you should place the ball in the middle of your stance.

You may need to play with these ball placements, to find the right position for your game. finding the ball positions that work for you, may take some time and practice. The chief thing is, find what works for you and your stance.

You need to make sure your weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels. To stay balanced during your swing, you need to stay off of your heels. you need to be balanced throughout your swing to strike the ball firmly and drive it in the direction and distance you are striving for.

If you have perfected this golf instruction tips, your swing will start to come together and your scores will begin show it.To truly perfect your golf stance you can work with your local golf pro. you can also film your set-up, this is a great way to learn what is holding your swing back.

See you on the green!

Looking for the best golf instruction tips, then visit www.maxprogolf.com to find the best advice on how-to-fix-a-golf-slice for you. Check here for free reprint licence: The Importance of The Set-Up.

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The Importance Of The Set-Up

Soquel’s Nate Smith, 26, is seeing his golf career rise faster and higher than any ball that launches off his pitching wedge.

A former standout at Stevenson School in Pebble Beach and Duke University, Smith is defying the odds at the professional level.

In two weeks, the Soquel native will learn whether his successful rookie season on the Nationwide Tour will end in heartache or jubilation. He sits in 22nd place on the tour’s season money list. the top 25 players at season’s end earn their PGA Tour cards for the 2011 campaign.

“I don’t want to be on the Nationwide Tour, I want to be on the PGA Tour,” Smith said. “I didn’t set myself a time frame. I was just going to play until I didn’t enjoy it anymore or until my growth became stagnant.”

Professional golf, at any level, isn’t for the faint of heart. the failure rate dwarfs the success stories. Work ethic, drive and talent are attributes held by thousands of professional golfers. Consistency, luck and money are the difference makers.

Because the sport is saturated with talent, many pro golfers toil at the mini tour level and attempt PGA Tour Qualifying School several times, waiting for their big break. While doing so, players seemingly spend as much time soliciting sponsorship money as they do playing golf.

Even then, most of them won’t get the opportunity that Smith is close to having.

Today, Smith will earn another paycheck to solidify his bid to make the PGA. He sits in fourth place at Nationwide Tour’s Miccosukee Championship in Miami, five strokes behind leader Jason Gore.

Making it to the PGA is a plume in the hat of any golfer. but it doesn’t guarantee a paycheck. It’s one thing to get there and another to stay there. Only the top 125 money winners at the end of each year on the PGA Tour retain their tour card for the following season. Player Nos. 126-150 hold conditional tour cards, which limits the number of events in which they compete. Most of those players fill the void by competing on other tours run similarly to the PGA, like the Nationwide Tour, Canadian Tour and European Tour — if they can gain entrance. Players Nos. 151 and beyond go back to Q-School, or they just call it quits.

It’s a heartless game of Chutes and Ladders. Players are at one level one year and gone the next.

Smith competed in the PGA Tour Qualifying school last year and finished in 72nd place with a 2-under-par 430 total. that gave him status on the Nationwide Tour. Smith has made the cut in 15 of the 26 events he has played in this season, posting three top-10 finishes. On Sept. 26, he cashed in with some luck. thanks to a hot putter he calls “Black Magic,” he drained a 35-foot birdie putt on no. 18 for a two-stroke victory at the WNB Golf Classic in Texas. the $94,500 in prize money he won vaulted him from no. 78 to no. 25 on the money list.

“I don’t know whether to cry or just scream: I’m just flooded with emotion right now,” the 2006 Duke graduate told the media after the win. “The first thing that comes to mind is all of the hard work and everything I’ve done to get to this point.”

If he earns his PGA Tour card, his will be an almost direct path to the top. Most take a more circuitous route.

Several local players are trying to get to the PGA Tour. None are as close as Smith.

Santa Cruz’s Isaac Weintraub, a former Canadian Tour player, qualified for the PGA’s Fry’s.com Open this weekend but failed to make the cut. later this month, he’ll attempt PGA Tour Q-School for a fourth time.

Aptos’ Eddie Olson failed to reach the field after competing in a qualifier for the Fry’s event on Monday in Seaside. This Monday, he’ll compete at another qualifier in Las Vegas for the PGA’s Justin Timberlake Shriners Open.

Earning a card is only part of the journey. it takes money to win money, and the wins aren’t easy to come by. the key to success, most mini-tour players say, is to receive adequate financial backing to set them up for a worry-free experience. Most acquire sponsorships for their journeys.

On July 23 at Seascape Golf Club — a little more than a month after Olson carded a course-record 12-under-par 59 at the 6,034-yard Aptos course — Olson met with his fans and prospective sponsors. He hoped they would donate $2,000 apiece to ease the financial burden as he attempts to join the PGA.

“There’s definitely more pressure to perform,” said Olson, a standout on UNLV’s nationally ranked team the past four years. “You’re playing for money and your livelihood. but there’s no one pushing me anymore [like in college], it’s just me. I’ve got to go find a way to get that much closer to my dream.”

Olson’s close friend, Aptos’ Marc Lawless, played professionally for six years on multiple tours before quitting his career as a touring pro. He now works as a club pro, a fallback plan for many players who want to stay involved in the game in a less stressful capacity.

Lawless holds a plus-5.2 index, meaning he, on average, should shoot that number below par. He said there are thousands of golfer with equal ability.

“I pulled $250,000 in five years,” Lawless said of his winnings and sponsorships combined, “and I didn’t come out with a profit. All six years, at no years did I start with enough money to get through the season.”

Players pay hefty fees to qualify for a tour and subsequent fees to get into individual events.

The PGA charges $2,500 to $4,000 for Qualifying School, depending on what stage a player competes in. Then there are travel expenses, food and housing to consider.

Lawless played on several mini tours before playing on the Canadian Tour for three years. his pro career fizzled out last year at the age of 31.

“It’s definitely not glamorous in any way,” Lawless said of mini-tour golf. “We’d split hotel rooms two and three ways. in order to play your best golf, you have to have enough money to start with. you have to assume you’re not going to make one single cut your first year. It’s all a learning experience. in hindsight, I wish I had done it differently. I was living week-to-week in a way.”

Lawless sold $1,000 shares to 26 people annually. He earned small paydays here and there, but that money typically funneled back to paying expenses, rather than sponsors.

“I didn’t have a work ethic or a swing coach,” Lawless said. “That’s what kept me from the next level. I ran out of money and desire. I knew I was over it when it wasn’t fun anymore. it was kind of a grind, kind of a job. in my heart, it wasn’t for me anymore.”

Lawless said he hated asking for sponsorships, and often said forget it when potential client’s first questions involved payback.

“You can expect to spend $40,000 a year minimum,” Lawless said before reiterating, “Minimum. I was shy and not good at [selling shares]. but you can’t succeed without it.”

Smith and Weintraub have sought $5,000 per share from investors.

Smith, following a business model set up by fellow Duke alum and PGA Tour player Joe Ogilvie, turned himself into a limited liability company and raised $60,000 for his first year on the NGA Hooters Pro Tour.

“I paid back my investors based on my earnings, 80-20. They all got their money back the first year, something I’m proud of,” Smith said. “But the next year I was in the same boat because I hadn’t advanced anywhere.”

After two years on Hooter’s Tour and occasional Monday qualifiers for the Nationwide Tour, Smith competed in European Tour Q-School. He narrowly missed gaining full exempt status by one stroke, but earned an exemption to compete on the European Challenge Tour.

“It was great,” Smith said. “Week in and week out I was getting to play on a full tour and travel. I had to manage my life off the course. There’s so much more to being a pro golfer than being on the course. if you’re mentally weak, you don’t make it. People get lonely and want to come home.”

Weintraub gained Canadian Tour status immediately after graduating from San Jose State in 2005. He also played in the European Challenge Tour in 2007 and ‘08, but did so with an irritating groin injury. the left-hander struggled to adapt on the Canadian Tour early on. When he finally gained comfort in his game last year, he injured his right ankle.

In may, he participated in Canadian Qualifying School again, which carries a $2,850 entry fee, and missed gaining tour status by two strokes. now, for the first time in five years, he doesn’t have any tour status. He’s hoping that changes after competing in Qualifying School this month.

“I’m playing the best I ever have,” he said.

Weintraub majored in political science in college, but it turns out communication skills are most valuable when seeking sponsors — especially after his struggles on tour.

“You have to convince people to be part of something great,” he said. “It’s not necessarily something that’s going to help them [financially]. It’s more that it’s going to be fun for them to watch your progress. It’s the appeal of being part of something — the success. You’re selling the idea of what the possibilities are. It’s knowing one of my players is on the PGA or going to the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. They get to say, Hey, I know this kid.’ They want to watch you on TV in 10 years and say, I helped you get there.’ that, to me, is worth [the price of a $5,000 share.]“

Weintraub initially gathered 30 financial backers. each month, he sent e-mails to his supporters documenting his experiences and golf game. it was a nice touch, but some of his backers — lifelong acquaintances and family friends — wanted him to make more cuts. several dropped off after the season expired.

“They did it in respectful ways,” Weintraub said. “I wasn’t hurt. I have to run it like a business since money is involved. That’s how friendships can be ruined. I simply say, Can you help me out this year?’”

He’s had to alter his game plan, though. now, he’s asking for fewer sponsors but more money. When he’s back in town, he plays rounds of golf with them, shares stories and helps them with their golf games, if they want.

“I felt better about giving them time,” he said. “Hopefully, they appreciate it more. I felt like I could really connect with them more.”

Despite his injured ankle, Weintraub kept his head up.

“You never know who you’re going to run into,” he said. “Maybe he likes you, is generous and has lots of money. That’s a good combination.”

Smith, with his consistent play this season, no longer has to seek sponsorships.

Tour life for him, thus far at least, has been rewarding.

“The desire to succeed and be one of the best in the world keeps me going,” he said.

<a href="http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports/ci_16361004tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports/ci_16361004Sun, 17 Oct 2010 08:37:26 GMT 00:00″>Related Content

By A.J. Carr

DURHAM, N.C. - bright October sunlight filtered through the gym windows, further illuminating a basketball court in Duke’s practice facility that was already aglow with sparkling veterans and future stars.  Along with returning players from last season’s 30-6 women’s team was the nation’s No. 1 ranked recruiting class, perspiring purposefully in a preseason workout.  Ultimately, these freshly minted rookies will be measured by their production. But the potential of McDonald All-Americas Chelsea Gray, Richa Jackson, and Haley Peters, plus highly regarded Tricia Liston and Chloe Wells, heighten Duke’s hopes for immediate and more long-term success.  The diverse group brings varied perimeter and post skills, yet all possess one needed element: good shooting strokes.  “They give us more ability to score and we needed that,” said fourth-year coach Joanne P.  McCallie, whose 2010 ACC champs thrived on defense, but at times lacked offensive clout.  Selective and relentless in recruiting, McCallie and her staff signed every player they targeted, several of whom had long aspired to play at Duke. The result  is a “really balanced class” with multiple assets.  “They are quick, athletic, good shooters, confident … with a higher basketball IQ as well,” said McCallie, yet cognizant the transition from high school hoops to Division I’s highest level requires an adjustment.  now the game is quicker. now it is faster, more intense, more physical and the schemes are sophisticated. Adapting to McCallie’s man-to-man, presses, and matchup zone, in particular, demand discipline, toughness, and must be learned rapidly — or a player will see greater pine time than playing time. YOUNG AND EAGER  These rookies seemed eager, determined, and looked comfortable in the recent drills.  take a closer look at them, starting with Gray, the 2010 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year.  A 5-11 guard considering a pre-law curriculum, Gray averaged 16 points, 6-1 assists and 5.1 steals as a senior in Stockton, California.  “Strong, one of the best passers in the open court, wonderful IQ, attack artist and can hit the three,” McCallie said.  Ranked the No. 4 prospect by ESPN HoopGuriz, Gray exudes California cool and flashes a a passion for passing, getting teammates involved. Simply put, she has come to play and from a long distance.  “I made (other) official visits,” Gray said. “I came here and felt something different between the coaches and team. something in my heart told me this is where I was supposed to be.”   Richa Jackson, No. 6 on ESPN Hoopguriz’ recruiting list, left her native Oklahoma to play for her “dream” team.  She had watched former Blue Devils stars like Lindsay Harding, her favorite Duke player, Alana Beard, Monique Currie and others on TV. She also saw the Blue Devils battle for national titles, only to fall short, at times in heartbreaking fashion.  “Hopefully, we can accomplish that goal,” said Jackson, her eyes already set on bringing the missing NCAA championship trophy to the women’s program.  “Quicker than a cat; athletic, can score, attack, play off the bounce,” McCallie said of action Jackson, who averaged 17.6 points as a high school senior and can play the No. 3 or No. 4 positions.   Haley Peters, a 6-3 swing player from Red Bank, N.J., also had her sights set on playing for Duke since childhood.  She had the basketball skills and smarts — valedictorian of her senior class — to get that opportunity. now she’s on the same campus with her brother, Casey, who plays for the Blue Devil men’s team.  “I loved Duke when I was little because it’s a great school and because of basketball,” Peters said. “But I loved Coach P, what she is trying to do, the attitude around the program, what they are looking to accomplish and thought I would fit in.”  Peters, who was rated the 19th top recruit by ESPN HoopGuriz, averaged 19.8 points and 8.1 boards at Red Bank last year.   McCallie revels in her versatility, strength, aggressiveness, competitive fervor and touch from 3-point distance.  Speaking of the three, Tricia Liston can light it up behind the arc, which she demonstrated during practice. on the other hand, play her tight and she’ll take a defender off the dribble.  A 6-1 guard from River Forest, Ill., Liston torched high school opponents for 28.8 points per game as a senior, connected on 55.6 percent of all her field goal attempts, and was the No. 33rd ranked recruit in the country.   “A pure three-point shooter,” said McCallie.  Chloe Wells is a 5-7 guard from Colton, Calif., and all-around athlete. in high school, she earned letters in golf and excelled in track as a triple jumper as well as attracting recruiters with her flair on the basketball court.  “She’s a pure point guard, sets the tempo, distributes the ball, and is an excellent three-point shooter,” McCallie said, noting that Wells and Gray assure her of two sharp ball handlers now and in the future.  there are uncertainties, of course. for example, these newcomers don’t have an official nickname yet. Jackson hinted that she likes “Fab five,” which also was the label long ago placed on a men’s freshman class at Michigan.   regardless of the name, it’s really all about their game, achieving at a higher level, producing the deeds to equal the promise.   How the frosh might blend, mix and match on the court this year with returning starters led by All-America Jasmine Thomas, hasn’t been determined.   But McCallie relishes the opportunity to put this basketball puzzle together, blend the old with the new and perhaps create an even brighter hue around the  traditionally powerful women’s program.           

<a href="http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&ATCLID=205012304&DB_OEM_ID=4200tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?”>Duke Athletics Teams