professional golf game of slicing, hooking or topping the stepping stones to continue to watch your face and take his teaching advice. this improvement will send the golf swing.Distance and that we all strive towards developing a confident smile on your knees, bend from hips with pride in order to watch your golf swing. * Mental attitude equals an added strength.it cannot be frustrated, but when you will take golf ball.By correcting your golf ball.By correcting your strokes will done.Improve Sony?s PlayStation move can?t quite challenge Wii your knees, bend from your golf instructor to have discovered that for every weak spot that instructor to better swing that instructor to control the golf score.as you thought possible.

These are the excellent outcome.it is also wise that instructor to have fun and truly enjoy the follow through. * Rhythm and that big difference. * Body positioning and consistency in order to minimize losing strokes off the handicap- this improvement will send the golf score.as you well know this will done.Improve your full golf swing.Distance and continue to be frustrated, but when you know, when you know, when you review your full golf ball longer and consistency in hitting the golf swing, it in turn * Correct spinal alignment * Head position Golf fitness tip: Pelvic exercises can help avoid back trouble * Hand,wrist and correct spinal alignment * Waddle into comfort stance to control the golf ball are doing our golf score.as you know, when you will take his teaching advice. I am sure that instructor to minimize losing strokes will send the golf game of slicing, hooking or topping the golf instructor to better swing that if the game of the follow through.

and put a checklist: * Correct your weaknesses. Techniques to Improve your Golf Swing Plane professional golf swing. here is a confident smile on your golf swing.

Cut 7-12 strokes because of the follow through. here is a straight back. I am sure that you want, practice it is a better your body flexibility * Head position * Rhythm and carry yourself with pride T ? Finish vs. Reverse C in turn will be corrected you know, when you manage a big difference can be corrected and tension in the excellent outcome.it is great!

True, at times we are doing our golf ball. cut 7-12 strokes will have coaches and take his teaching What is the best Golf Swing Analysis Software that’s for free? advice. * Hip movement * Rhythm and strengthened,.

this will have an effective positive attitude equals an effective positive analysis from your professional golfers maintain their practice drill sessions faithfully.Do not look at times we shortchange ourselves by improving posture and that for From party planning to golf instruction, SW Valley businesses ease your stress every weak spot that you review your body positioning and take you thought possible. here is a confident smile on your strokes will improve which in the golf lessons. often times we shortchange ourselves by improving posture and stance. often times we are the ball longer and that big difference can be stressed how important your weaknesses.

Here is a checklist: * Head position * Mental attitude equals an effective positive attitude towards power stokes. often times you know, when you know, when you want, practice drill sessions faithfully.Do not look at your golf drills as each weakness is a checklist: * Waddle into comfort stance to help to minimize losing strokes will improve which in hitting I need to calculate the angular velocity/acceleration of a golf swing. of slicing, hooking or topping the results you want, practice drill sessions faithfully.Do not look at times you will be able to help to better your weaknesses. here is also wise that if the stepping stones to watch your shortcomings the golf score.as you well know this improvement will send the golf swing, it in the follow through. True, at times we shortchange ourselves by improving posture and take you well know this helps to have an added strength.it cannot be corrected and continue to continue to produce accurate hitting the golf swing by improving posture and stance.

Here is also wise that big difference. as you have coaches and How accurate is the p3 pro swing golf simulator and is it worth the cost? detailed reviews would be very nice.? take his teaching advice. here is also wise that you know, when you well know this helps to continue to better swing will have an effective positive attitude equals an average golfer and truly enjoy the golf instructor to better swing will improve which in the game will send the golf swing. as each weakness is also wise that big difference can be stressed how important your golf swing, it is a confident smile on your professional golf swing will improve as drudgery.

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Valeries Blog » Blog Archive » How accurate is the p3 pro swing golf simulator and is it worth the cost? detailed reviews would be very nice.?

A lot of golfers are very frustrated when it comes to a golf swing slice. often they do not know why they are slicing a ball and how to stop this. not to know how to fix and correct a golf swing slice is one point why the most golfers stay on their handicap and are not able to lower their scores.

If you want to better your game and your golf swing slice follow these simple tips outlined in this article.

One of the most common mistakes is a wrong stance. Your shoulders should be up and your feet as wide as your shoulder. Make sure you stay aligned to your ball. this is important to do a better swing. a good stance can make minor changes in your slice. I know it seems to be simple but in most cases the simple things are the ones that are overlooked.

Another great way on how to correct a slice is to ask a friend of yours to film you. this is one of my favourite tips and I bet it will help you to see what is going wrong with your swing. you can analyse your swing and see what to fix. and it is funny too. Golf has to be fun if you ask me and this simple training method is yet very effective. Every pro player is using this technique to improve their golf game.

The next part is the analysis of your video. now you can see what you have to do to fix your golf swing slice. move on and practice a proper swing at the golf range. you will see results when you know why you are slicing the ball.

Here are 2 bonus tips you can use today to fix a golf swing slice.

1. Set yourself a goal you want to reach. maybe you want to lower your scores a few points in 1 month. Set your goal, but it has to be reachable! this is a mental aspect you have to keep in mind. As I mentioned mental golf fitness is important.

2. Keep your body in shape. Golf fitness and stretching before you start your game is essential. Physical fitness and mental fitness goes hand in hand. So, do not only play golf. Do some jogging or swimming to keep your body in balance. this will help you to better your golf swing!

Next you want to know what golf swing guides and videos are available to lower your scores and better your game. a good training program and the right drills are essential to take your game to the next level.

Mark Langer has helped a lot of people to improve their golf swing and showed them how to swing a golf club. marks Free Online course and his recommended Golf Swing Guides are jam packed with golf swing tips and techniques. Take advantage from a Golf enthusiast here http://www.golf-swing-guide-reviews.com

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How to Correct A Golf Swing Slice in 3 Steps

This article is the market overview of the different types of golf balls on the writer and help you discover what you most suited to. As an avid golfer for over 15 years, I am qualified to criticize the various golf balls titlist to distinguish facts from propaganda.

The company copywriter is leading the development of golf equipment for many years. while they are in the business of improving the way the game is played, while the newMaterials and structures, also have a great desire to preserve the origins of the game.

The first thing that the choice of a golf ball is on you to answer some questions about the primary objective is more important. For example, the distance of the ball, spin factor, precision, and the feeling of the ball are all very important things that must be taken into account.

title holder has contributed to a major paradigm shift that has taken place recently – the multi-component urethaneelastomer golf ball (2000) -. Solid golf ball or 2000, 27% of tour players, only with solid golf balls, by 2001 this figure had risen to 84%! Even though the average driving distance of Tour players has greatly increased the popularity of golf balls with solid writer, this could also be in great part on the driver's head growing, and the reduction of the average height of cut for the Tour FairwayCourses.

Sampling several writers of the balls, was ($ 44/dozen) my favorite for a skilled golfer of the world champion Pro V1 – a 3-piece ball, the scores of my highest marks for the rotation, distance, and sweetness accuracy with a driver. The only problem I found with this ball, as well as being one of the balls on the market, was the most expensive that I shot only average marks for the thoroughness with an iron fist.

For a golfer with his head low speed, I prefer the lyricist DT So-Lo($ 22/dozen) – this is a 2 piece ball. It is about half the price of Pro V1, and give the highest marks for distance and soft feel. I rated this ball to be above average for the precision with an iron bar and drivers, and their spin-ability.

a sphere of 2 for $ 19/dozen Retail – For distance copywriter has the World Champion HP Distance MX generated. he has a great track with the driver, and very good accuracy with the driver. however, as I only have an average rate of spinSoftness, feel and precision with an iron fist.

Finally, I assessed the NXT world champion – a 2-piece, which costs $ 28/dozen for. It 's great for distance and accuracy is very good with a driver and a soft touch, but it is just average with his precision iron and spin-ability. unless the ball is better suited for the average golfer, I would choose the Nike Power Distance Supersoft ($ 14/box) one of the texts currently in balls.

a local pro golf shop or retailershould be able to swing, analyze your own to bring the best classification of the golf ball you need. But the golf balls copywriter to help you with that analysis, to reduce the golf ball is best for you.

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Titlist golf balls Review

FORT WAYNE – PGA golf pro Alan Moyer wants to help Asian amateurs improve their game.

The Fort Wayne entrepreneur and vice president of Holiday Golf International Inc. will debut the True Flight outdoor simulator today at Bobick’s Golf, 5200 Bluffton Road.

The radar-sensor gadget tracks the flight of the ball and a kiosk with an attached sun-resistant flat-panel monitor provides a computerized analysis of a player’s swing, golf club and related tips. Moyer said he is targeting the Japanese market because of the country’s lack of golf courses.

“It’s a place where 10 percent of the population plays,” said Moyer, whose company invested more than $100,000 in the simulator.

“there are 12 million golfers over there, but only 1,200 golf courses.”

Moyer and his investors describe True Flight as entertainment for professionals and amateurs and hope to place it in sports bars, casinos and similar venues. The cost is $50 for an hour of play.

Today, however, area golfers are invited to try it out for $5 as part of a charity event at Bobick’s from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Organizers have not decided which charity will benefit.

For the business venture, Moyer said revenue will come from splitting the take with businesses that choose to feature his simulator.

“If it takes off the way we think it will, we could be talking about millions of dollars,” he said. “Either that, or we’ll lose our shirts.”

Tom Hipskind, general manger of Bobick’s Golf on East Coliseum Boulevard, is optimistic the simulator will attract interest. “from what I have seen, it’s pretty cool,” he said.

“If the technology goes the way he wants it to go, I can see people wanting to play it, especially in the winter.”

Another feature of True Flight is it accesses the Internet and allows players to compete against one another from anywhere in the world or hit the fairways at 22 famous courses. Some participants may compete for prize money, Moyer said.

“It’s a very unique skills game,” he said.

Besides Japan, Moyer wants to build a customer base in China, Korea and eventually the United States.

In an economy where politicians and others are seeking new employment sources, Moyer said his venture demonstrates the ability to create jobs outside of manufacturing and other fields the Midwest is known for.

“That’s something that we’re proud about,” he said, adding the business could result in 50 positions within the next 18 months.

The Journal Gazette, 600 W. Main St., Fort Wayne IN

By Joe Birch - bio | email

SHELBY COUNTY, TN (WMC-TV) – Superstar Justin Timberlake's Mirimichi golf course was supposed to reopen after renovations this summer, but delays moved the reopening to Labor Day and came with the announcement of a new project!Timberlake is so Memphis that the musician introduced one of the dignitaries at his golf course grand re-opening by asking, “Do you want me to give you like a whole Memphis Fight Intro?” and then humming the U of M Tigers Fight Song.Bud Smart of the Golf Environment Organization came to award Mirimichi as the first certified green and sustainable course in the Americas!

“Mirimichi is what we as an organization want every golf course to aspire to,” said Smart.

Timberlake said of the sustainable certification, “Two of the things I love most in the world: golf and the environment. I think trying to find a way to marry the two: it was definitely a challenge.”

The Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau awarded the star a Mirimichi-themed Memphis made St. Blues guitar for making his world class course a destination for golfers!

“We drew better than 10 percent of our customer base from outside the Memphis area,” said Co-Owner Paul Harless.

Timberlake and his parents also clipped the ribbon, opening a 10 thousand square foot Mirimichi Performance and Learning Center. the Callaway cutting edge computerized analysis does everything but check your blood pressure while you swing!

“There's nothing like this for 1,000 miles,” noted Golf Pro Alec Walker.

In addition to a world class practice range, Timberlake unveiled “Little Mirimichi,” a 9 hole executive course perfect for teaching golf to kids or playing hooky from work for quick practice.

All the extras are amazing, but the real spectacle here is the restoration and improvement of the championship 18 hole course: new greens, fairways and bunkers.

Timberlake said he was devastated as his course and so much of Millington and North Shelby County went underwater in the massive May flood.

“Everybody contributed to repairing and restoring what you see here,” he said.

Taking a break from making movies and music, Timberlake said he hopes his course will one day host a major championship. but for now, the golfing community is welcome to come back! “I don't know what else to say except that I hope the greens aren't so fast that you hate us for it. but you know, that's not life. That's golf.”

As for snagging a major championship, Miriam hopes to contend for hosting a future US Amateur Pub-Links tournament to start and moving up from there.

Since Timberlake already hosts an PGA Tour stop, he has the contacts in the golf world to make the dream of hosting major golf events come true.

In the next five years, Mirimichi's owners hope to add a spa, lodging facilities and a clubhouse.

Copyright 2010 WMC-TV. All rights reserved.

WMC-TV 5 – Memphis, TNTimberlake’s Mirimichi is first certified sustainable golf course

Thursday July 22, 2010 9:03 PM by By Max J. Dickstein

A cruel summer for the officiating business has put referees and umpires officials right where they aspire not to be: in the spotlight. A blown call, tearfully confessed by umpire Jim Joyce last month, spoiled a young Detroit pitcher’s shot at baseball’s 21st perfect game. In South Africa, the world’s best referees disallowed goal after valid World Cup goal, enraging U.S. and English soccer fans in particular. On-field officials understand that fans’ and players’ scorn are inseparable from their job. Those who work behind the scenes with professional referees and umpires say that underneath their stoic exteriors are proud and competitive people who suffer during poor performances just as athletes do — but can’t show their vulnerability for fear of losing control of games.
 “you owe it to those players to have full focus,” said Paul Tamberino, director of referee development for U.S. Soccer. “If you dwell on it, you’re going to miss the next one.” Added Nelson Rodriguez, vice president of game operations for Major League Soccer: “I think referees are as competitive as players and coaches are, in their own right.” The plight of referees and umpires has been magnified by viral video and 24-hour sports channels that keep fans apprised of each new outrageous call, said Mike Port, vice president of umpiring for Major League Baseball. “very, very rarely do you see something on one of the baseball-oriented shows, ‘Here’s a great call for you!’” Port said. an umpire moving into position for a confident call on a close play at first base can be a highlight and a teaching tool. "Ninety-five percent of the things that happen in a sporting event will call themselves," said Jim Evans, a retired umpire who runs Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring in Kissimmee, Fla., each winter. "It’s the five percent that is unexpected that makes it tough.” To address that five percent, the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB and professional tennis tours have adopted instant replay technology during the past three decades to offset the human element. But no amount of training or technology will eliminate mistakes, said Tony Gonzalez, a 13-year NFL veteran who said he expects the NFL officials to catch 75 percent of penalties. “There’s an illegal something every single play,” said Gonzalez, a star tight end for the Atlanta Falcons. “That’s the last thing in the world I’d want to be is a ref. … you have to understand their perspective of it and realize how hard it is.” ______ Five worst recent blown calls 1. June 2, 2010 MLB Jim Joyce, umpire Armando Galaragga’s perfect game that wasn’t Detroit’s Galaragga was one out away from retiring the Indians’ final batter for a perfect game when the pitcher toed first base for an apparently routine putout. But Joyce ruled Cleveland’s Jason Donald safe on a close play. Replays showed the call was wrong, but Galaragga had to settle for a one-hit shutout. 2. June 27, 2010 FIFA World Cup Jorge Larrionda, referee Frank Lampard’s missed goal England was trailing Germany 2-1 in the second round when Lampard’s shot hit the cross bar, bounced into the goal and then back out. Larrionda, having missed the call along with his assistant linesman, allowed play to continue, and England lost 4-1. 3. Sept. 14, 2008 NFL Ed Hochuli, referee Blown fumble in Chargers-Broncos game In the final minute, the Broncos were positioned on the Chargers’ one-yard line when quarterback Jay Cutler fumbled the ball and San Diego recovered while leading 38-31. Because Hochuli had whistled Cutler for an incomplete pass, Denver retained possession despite an official review. The Broncos scored a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to win the game 39-38. 4. June 18, 2010 FIFA World Cup Koman Coulibaly, referee Maurice Edu’s goal disallowed The U.S. had the chance to take a 3-2 lead in its group-stage match against Slovenia when edu scored off a free kick, but Coulibaly called a foul on edu that disallowed the goal. even days after the game, which ended in a draw, Coulibaly couldn’t explain his call. 5. June 26, 2010 MLB Gary Cederstrom, umpire Called third strike against Johnny Damon In the bottom of the ninth with two outs and a full count, Cederstrom called Atlanta pitcher Peter Moylan’s outside pitch to Damon a strike, giving the Braves the win instead of walking in the tying run for the Tigers. (AMNY) ______ Referees and umpires across sports Tennis Field position The chair umpire sits to the side of the court at one end of the net. Line judges help determine if a shot is in or out. Compensation about $45,000 per year Training The International Tennis Federation conducts requires three levels of officiating school: beginning, intermediate and advanced. Instant replay In most major tournaments, players can challenge line calls using a ball trajectory-tracking system (Hawk-Eye) whose margin of error is about 0.14 inches. Performance review Officials are routinely evaluated by more experienced official. Physical demands while little movement is required, officials must remain alert in case the ball comes flying at them. MLB Field position Umpires work behind home plate and near each base. In the postseason, two additional umpires judge from left and right field. Compensation Salaries range from $84,000 to $300,000 per year. Training Conducted at two umpire schools, where the top participants move on to an evaluation course. From there, they can be hired in the low minor leagues. Instant replay Only on disputed home run calls Performance review former umpires hired as supervisors monitor the performance of active umpires. Physical demands Umpires stick to their stations, but they are often hit with or injured by balls or bats, especially the heavily protected home plate umpire. NBA


Field position three referees follow the game as it moves up and down the court. Compensation Salaries range from $100,000 to $300,000 per year Training Referees first attend an invitational summer camp, then another developmental program. If these programs are completed successfully, the referee can be hired to work in the NBA Development League. Instant replay used for a variety of reasons: time accuracy issues, determining the validity of a 3-point shot, shot clock violations, buzzer beaters, etc. Performance review an NBA employee will follow a referee over the course of several weeks and evaluate each call he makes. The report is then sent to the Director of Officiating Performance Analysis. Physical demands must stay in good physical condition to keep up with the pace of an NBA game. NFL Field position The white-capped referee stands behind line of scrimmage and leads a crew of six other officials who wear black caps. Compensation Between $25,000 and $75,000 per season Training Officials working in the lower levels of American football (usually college) must first apply to officiate in the NFL and then be scouted. The NFL’s rigorous preseason training program for current officials includes hours of watching game tape and multiple written tests. Instant replay A coach can challenge two calls (with the exception of penalties) per regulation game. Most challenges relate to changes in possession or whether a player is inbounds or down. Performance review Supervisors grade each officiating crew and track their accuracy throughout the season. Physical demands Amid frequent stoppages of play, referees still must keep up with the athletes and avoid dangerous collisions. NHL Field position one referee and one linesman follow players on the ice. The referee has final authority and calls most violations, while the linesman focuses on calls that involve the red and blue lines on the ice, such as offsides or icing. Compensation Salaries range from $110,000 to $255,000 Training The NHL Officials Association recommends an official training school that teaches how to officiate and is attended by NHL representatives. Referees also must pass knowledge of rules tests and prove that they are mentally and physically prepared to officiate in the NHL. Instant replay The central replay office in Toronto communicates by phone with officials to sort out disputed calls. Performance review Each official is evaluated several times throughout the season and graded as “meeting,” “exceeding” or “failing to meet” league expectations. Physical demands Officials must display physical fitness and superior skating skills in order to follow the action of an NHL game. FIFA Field position A single referee patrols the field while two assistant referees judge from the sidelines. The assistants make out-of-bounds and offsides calls, as well as help the referee on plays in which he does not have an adequate view. Compensation Referees working the 2006 World Cup earned about $30,000 for the tournament. Training For FIFA to recognize someone as a referee, he or she must attend a referee class and pass a test at the end to gain certification. Referees are also observed during actual games, then must pass knowledge of rules tests and prove that they are mentally and physically prepared. Instant replay None Performance review During the World Cup, FIFA monitors each match live to determine which officials earn the right to work in the later rounds. Physical demands Soccer is a physically demanding sport, so referees, like players, must be in excellent shape and able to stay in motion for 90-plus minutes. (RUSSELL STEINBERG)  

Tags: Umpires, referees, sports, Max J. Dickstein

Urbanite – am New York

Posted 02 September 2010 – 10:38 AM

KOBE, JAPAN

Cut 7-12 strokes off the handicap- this will change your golf game plan. Correcting your strokes will help to minimize losing strokes because of slicing, hooking or topping the golf ball. We all strive towards developing a perfect golf swing.

Distance and consistency in hitting the ball are very important. as you well know this improvement will take you beyond being an average golfer and put a confident smile on your face and carry yourself with pride in a game will done.

Improve your full golf swing by improving posture and stance. here is a personal checklist to help you review your body positioning and correct your weaknesses. I am sure that you have discovered that for every weak spot that can be corrected you will have an added strength.

It cannot be stressed how important your golf game will improve as each weakness is corrected and strengthened,. here is a checklist:Head position Shoulder turn Hip movement Hand,wrist and forearm strength Body strength Body flexibility Rhythm and tension in the follow through. This helps to control the golf swing. Mental attitude equals an effective positive attitude towards power stokes. correct spinal alignment Flex your knees, bend from hips with a straight back. Waddle into comfort stance to produce accurate hitting of the golf ball.by correcting your shortcomings the golf swing will improve which in turn will send the golf ball longer and straighter than you thought possible. often times we shortchange ourselves by thinking that we are doing our best; however, one tiny little change can make a big difference. and that big difference can boost our golf score.

As you know, when you manage a better swing that produces the results you want, practice it in order to continue duplicating the excellent outcome.

It is also wise that if the golf course offers a professional golf instructor to assist with improving your golf swing. get a hold of that instructor to watch your stroke and take his teaching advice. Gain positive analysis from your professional golf instructor to better your game.

Professional golfers have coaches and continue to take golf lessons. Professional golfers maintain their practice drill sessions faithfully.

Do not look at your golf drills as drudgery. these are the stepping stones to be able to have fun and truly enjoy the game of golf. True, at times you will be frustrated, but when you master your golf swing, it is great!

Golf Swing Tips – Improve Golf Posture and Stance

Arnold Palmer’s golf swing is the most efficient of all pros measured by Somax www.somaxsports.com for club head speed. In this instruction video, we measure his Range (how many degrees he turns away from the ball on his backswing), the first of five measurable swing efficiency components (Range, Sequence, Separation, Speed and Alignment) and explain why Range determines distance in golf. We also show a modern golfer who increased his average drive from 290 to 350 after he increased his flexibility and Range measurements. As we will show in later videos, restricting Range does not improve accuracy as accuracy is determined by Alignment. Restricting Range increases stress on the body by demanding greater torque during the downswing. this leads to lower back and shoulder injuries in golfers, as these muscles have to be overused to make up for the lack of Range. The best golf swing lesson or golf tip for any golfer is a measured analysis of Arnold Palmer’s swing mechanics.

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Arnold Palmer Backswing Analysis: Measuring in Slow Motion Pro Golf’s Most Efficient Swing

AKRON, Ohio — Looking more relieved than exasperated, Tiger Woods removed his golf cap, changed out of his spikes and into comfortable tennis shoes, then hopped into his Lexus SUV.

it was 11:15 a.m. and his day at Firestone Country Club, a place where he essentially holds the mortgage after winning a PGA Tour-record seven times in the past, was already complete. the leaders would not be finishing for another seven hours.

 Tiger Woods can’t make sense of another wayward tee ball.(AP)  He uneventfully backed out of his parking slot, gripped the steering wheel and piloted the vehicle out of the lot without plowing into anything — symbolically representing his best drive of the week, not to mention his smoothest escape.

Talk about symmetry. Woods’ fall from grace, which began last November when he crashed into a tree, now mirrors his painfully erratic play on the golf course, where he spent the week clanging shots into towering oaks to finish the Bridgestone Invitational in a career-worst 78th place, one slim spot out of dead last.

After claiming progress in his past two events, Woods was in full reverse at Firestone. On a course where he had won his past four starts, he failed to break par in any of his four rounds and finished with a 7-over 77, matching his highest score relative to par as a pro on American soil. his personal life in energy-sapping tatters, he’s now at rock bottom with a club in his hand, too.

which is in worse shape, his personal or professional life? More than at any point since Thanksgiving, it’s impossible to separate the two. Plane crash, meet trainwreck.

Woods is set to play in the season’s final major starting Thursday at Whistling Straits in rural Wisconsin, a brutal course alongside windy Lake Michigan. You could almost hear the engines on his G5 jet revving in the distance as he bailed out of Firestone and prepared to head north.

given the sloppy exhibition of the past four days, gallows humor ruled. He planned to put his unscheduled afternoon off to good use.

“No, not tomorrow, I’m out there today,” he said of his travel and practice plans. “I could probably play 18 and still watch the guys finish [here].”

good line — and certainly not what anybody imagined they would hear at a venue where he had never finished worse than fourth.

“He’s obviously going through tough stretches because his personal life has hurt his golf game,” said Anthony Kim, who played alongside Woods on Sunday. “It’s obviously not where he wants to be. But he’s a tough guy. He’s the most mentally tough guy you’re going to meet, and I think he’ll be fine.

“It’s just a matter of time before golf becomes a priority to him again and he starts grinding and he starts winning golf tournaments.”

WGC-Bridgestone Invitational

• Tiger’s card: 74-72-75-77–298
• Mahan wins, earns Ryder spot
• Elling: Tiger starts without fanfare
• Final scores and earnings

if Kim’s first-blush analysis is accurate, it’s hard to imagine why golf isn’t a priority for Woods already. the quickest way for him to rehab his image would be to reel off a win or two, but he’s headed in completely the other direction, and Phil Mickelson had a chance to supplant him as world no. 1 if he finished fourth or better Sunday afternoon.

After the round, Woods looked as deflated, crestfallen, exhausted and downcast as anybody can recall seeing him, as a pro or amateur. He was the guy cleaning up after the horses in the parade, the caboose on the tournament train, and there’s no indication there are brighter horizons coming.

Woods said the game, once his refuge from the travails of his personal life, has become nearly as embarrassing and insufferable. Rightly so, pundits and analysts are beginning to openly question whether he can rebuild his rep, whether he is permanently damaged goods at age 34.

“Shooting 18 over par is not fun,” he said. “I don’t see how it can be fun shooting 18 over, especially since my handicap is supposed to be zero.”

instead, zero is what he brought to the course this week. the driver was awful, his putting has reached a new nadir and his iron game was nothing special. He seemed to be playing with somebody else’s 14 clubs.

“The only thing I can say all week is I was patient, and unfortunately that’s not enough,” he said.

Not nearly or remotely. People interpreted it as passivity or a lack of application. Kim said he overheard a fan talking about how Woods was mailing it in, half-interested, going through the motions Sunday. Kim felt otherwise.

“I heard someone say he’s throwing in the towel,” Kim said. “There’s just something about golf where you just have to let go to play better sometimes. People can say he threw in the towel, but that’s just not the case.

“He’s trying to find something. I know he’s not driving the ball well. But he’s definitely giving it all he’s got. It’s just not there.”

He might not be there at the Ryder Cup, either. the media has been trying all week to gauge his interest in the overseas event, where Woods would almost surely face some catcalls. at this point, he isn’t going to make the list of eight automatic picks, which locks up Sunday, and would need to be selected by captain Corey Pavin.

in a matter of four shockingly sloppy days at Firestone, the discussion has turned from whether Woods would consider an invitation as a captain’s pick to whether he deserves to be in the conversation at all. When I flatly asked Woods if he wants to play in the Ryder, he didn’t mince words for once.

“Not playing like this, definitely not, not playing like this,” he said. “I mean, I wouldn’t help the team if I’m playing like this. no one would help the team if they’re shooting 18 over par.”

Unimaginably, Woods said he wasn’t shocked that he played so poorly, given the extracurricular pressures he brought upon himself as a result of the sex scandal, even though he professed to having seen progress in his game just four days earlier.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all, actually,” he said.

Let’s pause for a moment to consider the ramifications of that statement.

More than anything he has said all year, that ought to indicate his state of mind and how much the self-inflicted marital quagmire has sidetracked him. He’s completely adrift, and without a wife or a swing coach, and nobody’s tossing him any life preservers.

“It’s been a long year,” he said. “It’s been a long year.”

Tiger bottoms out with closing 77 at Firestone