Hello Friends of Stanford Men's Golf!
I hope this posting finds all of you dreaming of birdies in 2009 and doing what it takes this time of year to make that a reality this spring and summer. We have been working hard as a team to prepare for our first event of the new year at the Mauni Lani North Course on the Big Island during the first week of February. The guys can't wait to get started!
The weather for us here on the Farm has been very mild so far and of course we are expecting sunshine in Hawaii. However, if you are reading this and looking outside your window and the snow is blowing and temperatures are below zero here are a few things that might help you get a leg up on your competition when the greens finally thaw out.
1) Stretch! One of the biggest things I see good college players and golfers of all levels struggle with after an extended lay off is keeping their golf muscles in shape. As a team we are spending 4 hours a week just on our fitness this time of year and I know it will pay off for us come NCAA time. I would encourage you to spend 15 to 20 minutes a day stretching to stay limber and fluid. Pay extra attention to your hamstrings, core, back and shoulders. A little time this time of year can really help with the time it takes to knock the rust off.
2) Get your clubs professionally fitted! It is amazing to me how many people play golf without ever taking the time to have their lie and loft angles checked or even better yet find someone in their area that is a professional club fitter to spend some time with. Most of the time, a set of clubs that you buy off the rack will not be set up to you specifications. With growing popularity of launch monitors, better technology in shafts and heads, and the ease by which the fitting process can be done, to me this should be a "no brainer" for the better player. You will be amazed what a few degrees of lie angle one way or another can make a huge difference in the dispersions of your shots. You won't be disappointed.
3) Putt! Putt! Putt! Almost everyone I know has room in their house where the carpeting rolls like a good day at Augusta. This is a great opportunity to work on your stroke. Putt your balls to a small target like a quarter or golf tee. Work on different distances and make up games for yourself. I promise that if you rolled 100 putts a day on a smooth surface indoors until the snow melted your handicap will show the work you put in. Putting is the name of the game ... especially inside of 6ft and now is your chance to make 2009 the year of the 1 putt!
Dedication is all it takes! Go Cardinal!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Fall is in the Rear View Mirror!
Hello Friends of Stanford Men's Golf:
It has been a few months since I have checked in but I wanted to send over my thoughts on the fall and highlight a few of the good things going on with the program as move move towards the holidays.
This is a great time of year because the kids and coaches finally have some time to catch their breath and assess how the fall campaign went and what areas were good as well as the areas that still need work. As a team I was happy with our results the fall. We didn't bust into the winner's circle but we had some close calls and not being out of the top 8 in any event is a great accomplishment considering the strength of the fields we competed in. At our last event of the fall season, at CordeValle in early November, we played very well finishing second. Hats off to the week the Trojans had. It always stings a bit to get beat by USC but we played some solid golf and with a few saved shots here and there we will be right on track. All in all the results from the fall tell me we can definitely contend for another National Championship in May.
The next few weeks the team will be on their own for practice and workout finishing up fall quarter with Dead Week and Finals. They assure me that there will be nothing but straight A's so I have my fingers crossed!
We will crank up again with practice in mid-January and begin preparing for our first event on the Big Island at Mauni Lani in early February. I think by then we will all be excited about a little of that warm sunshine.
On the recruiting front you may have read that we signed two top prospects for the 2009 class to National Letters of Intent. We will also be adding one more freshman for a total of three to the incoming class of 2009. I believe these three players will part of one of the strongest freshmen classes in the country and excited to see their immediate impact.
I wish all of you a very healthy and happy holiday season and I look forward to keeping you up to date on our climb to a another national title.
Go Cardinal!!!
It has been a few months since I have checked in but I wanted to send over my thoughts on the fall and highlight a few of the good things going on with the program as move move towards the holidays.
This is a great time of year because the kids and coaches finally have some time to catch their breath and assess how the fall campaign went and what areas were good as well as the areas that still need work. As a team I was happy with our results the fall. We didn't bust into the winner's circle but we had some close calls and not being out of the top 8 in any event is a great accomplishment considering the strength of the fields we competed in. At our last event of the fall season, at CordeValle in early November, we played very well finishing second. Hats off to the week the Trojans had. It always stings a bit to get beat by USC but we played some solid golf and with a few saved shots here and there we will be right on track. All in all the results from the fall tell me we can definitely contend for another National Championship in May.
The next few weeks the team will be on their own for practice and workout finishing up fall quarter with Dead Week and Finals. They assure me that there will be nothing but straight A's so I have my fingers crossed!
We will crank up again with practice in mid-January and begin preparing for our first event on the Big Island at Mauni Lani in early February. I think by then we will all be excited about a little of that warm sunshine.
On the recruiting front you may have read that we signed two top prospects for the 2009 class to National Letters of Intent. We will also be adding one more freshman for a total of three to the incoming class of 2009. I believe these three players will part of one of the strongest freshmen classes in the country and excited to see their immediate impact.
I wish all of you a very healthy and happy holiday season and I look forward to keeping you up to date on our climb to a another national title.
Go Cardinal!!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Two Down and Two to Go
Hello Friends of Stanford Men's Golf!
It is crazy how fast time flies. We have returned this past week from our second event, the Prestige at PGA West, and are leaving for Orlando to play in the Isleworth Collegiate Invitational on Friday. We have been making great progress as a team and I think we are right in the spot we want to be as we head off to the biggest event of the season aside from NCAA's. The field is top notch and the Florida grasses and wind will create a great challenge for our guys. We can't wait. The website for more information is http://isleworthcollegiate.com.
We have had some great qualifying rounds in the last few weeks to see who gets to go to Florida and this internal team competition is a big asset for everyone. Our depth is going to be a key for our success in June and it is fun to see the guys compete for those top five spots now which will only lend itself to better things come spring.
In the desert at the Prestige we played the Norman Course at PGA West. Hats off to the entire staff at PGA West for making us feel very welcome and the course was in magnificent shape. With 4 of our top 5 players in the top 15 individually in the event there was much to be positive about. Third place is not as fun as winning but the guys deserve a ton of credit for their hard work and fight.
After Isleworth, we will be back on home soil for the CordeValle Collegiate. CordeValle is just south of San Jose so if any of you that are local would like to watch us play this fall we will be close to home. The course down there gets better every year. We are thankful for all of the support Jack and Rhodine Gifford give the event to make it so special. UCLA hosts at CordeValle but for me it feels like our own event because it is so close and because the kids are so familiar with CordeValle.
I look forward to checking back with you after CordeValle with a few victories in hand. As I tell my guys ... good golf is a lot more about managing mistakes than it is about hitting it close to the pin. Keep this in mind during your next practice session. Thanks for all of your support and Go Cardinal!
It is crazy how fast time flies. We have returned this past week from our second event, the Prestige at PGA West, and are leaving for Orlando to play in the Isleworth Collegiate Invitational on Friday. We have been making great progress as a team and I think we are right in the spot we want to be as we head off to the biggest event of the season aside from NCAA's. The field is top notch and the Florida grasses and wind will create a great challenge for our guys. We can't wait. The website for more information is http://isleworthcollegiate.com.
We have had some great qualifying rounds in the last few weeks to see who gets to go to Florida and this internal team competition is a big asset for everyone. Our depth is going to be a key for our success in June and it is fun to see the guys compete for those top five spots now which will only lend itself to better things come spring.
In the desert at the Prestige we played the Norman Course at PGA West. Hats off to the entire staff at PGA West for making us feel very welcome and the course was in magnificent shape. With 4 of our top 5 players in the top 15 individually in the event there was much to be positive about. Third place is not as fun as winning but the guys deserve a ton of credit for their hard work and fight.
After Isleworth, we will be back on home soil for the CordeValle Collegiate. CordeValle is just south of San Jose so if any of you that are local would like to watch us play this fall we will be close to home. The course down there gets better every year. We are thankful for all of the support Jack and Rhodine Gifford give the event to make it so special. UCLA hosts at CordeValle but for me it feels like our own event because it is so close and because the kids are so familiar with CordeValle.
I look forward to checking back with you after CordeValle with a few victories in hand. As I tell my guys ... good golf is a lot more about managing mistakes than it is about hitting it close to the pin. Keep this in mind during your next practice session. Thanks for all of your support and Go Cardinal!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Cardinal Golf Classic Recap and Here we Go!!!
The Cardinal Golf Classic for 2008 is in the books. We had a great day on the Farm last Friday afternoon and were able to make some very valuable dollars that help our team along the way. Thanks to everyone who participated and for all of your support. A special congratulations to the team of Jack and Rhodine Gifford, Daryl Donovan, and Rick Disney for their scorching hot round of 41 net. That was good enough to be crowned our champions for 2008 and win the crystal. Tremendous golf!
One person that we should take some time out to remember when we talk about the Cardinal Golf Classic is Kent winton who was one of the original founders of the Watson Tournament years ago (now named the Cardinal Golf Classic). Kent passed away earlier in the year and I have to admit the event on Friday felt like we were missing something. The only thing I can think of was Kent's presence. Kent loved the Watson, fighting for 1st place, and all of the fun to be had on our great day. He will be missed.
I also failed to thank Dr. Doug Yarris for his generous donation of all the wine we enjoyed for dinner and tee prizes. "Hope and Grace" is the label you need to look for! We really appreciate the gesture Doc!
The team is off tomorrow to the Chicago area for our first event of the new season at Olympia Fields, site of the 2003 US Open. Come back and visit for results. We are all hoping for good things. Also, one of our freshmen David Chung will be posting a few paragraphs when we get home about his experiences during his first collegiate event so please keep a look out for that.
Until then... here is to birdies and a Cardinal win. Fairways and Greens!
One person that we should take some time out to remember when we talk about the Cardinal Golf Classic is Kent winton who was one of the original founders of the Watson Tournament years ago (now named the Cardinal Golf Classic). Kent passed away earlier in the year and I have to admit the event on Friday felt like we were missing something. The only thing I can think of was Kent's presence. Kent loved the Watson, fighting for 1st place, and all of the fun to be had on our great day. He will be missed.
I also failed to thank Dr. Doug Yarris for his generous donation of all the wine we enjoyed for dinner and tee prizes. "Hope and Grace" is the label you need to look for! We really appreciate the gesture Doc!
The team is off tomorrow to the Chicago area for our first event of the new season at Olympia Fields, site of the 2003 US Open. Come back and visit for results. We are all hoping for good things. Also, one of our freshmen David Chung will be posting a few paragraphs when we get home about his experiences during his first collegiate event so please keep a look out for that.
Until then... here is to birdies and a Cardinal win. Fairways and Greens!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Let The Games Begin!
It is hard to believe the summer is winding down and the new season is upon us. The guys check back in Monday the 8th and will will dive into the season. I am really eager to see the guys, the level of their improvement over the summer, and who ultimately qualifies for the first trip to Olympia Fields in the Chicago area in a few weeks. If you look at the summer that most of the team had, I think there is a lot to look forward to. Sihwan Kim finished in strong fashion with a great showing at the US Amateur to go along with three other qualifying to play as well. Jordan Cox, Steve Ziegler, and incoming freshman David Chung all competed and it was great to have such a strong Stanford contingent at Pinehurst. Well done boys! Also, Joseph Bramlett is back playing and healthy so we are really looking forward to his contributions and presence in the line-up.
Speaking of USGA events, good luck to golf alums Sandy McCall, Denny Alexander, and Van Salmans as they have all qualified to play in the US Senior Amateur. Well done boys! Make us old guys proud! On the alumni front as well, if you have not heard, we recently lost one of our most devoted Stanford golfers, Art Shroeder. We all send our best to his loved ones and family. Please take a minute to read the great tribute to Art that Bob Stevens has written on our site.
Besides the team goings-on and alumni news we are all looking forward to a great day Friday the 12th during our third annual Cardinal Golf Classic. We have 24 groups signed up and still have room for a few more but the day promises to be an awesome day celebrating the program. If you have not signed up please do!
The Siebel Varisty Golf Training Complex has been a huge hit on all fronts. Recruiting is going well and I think the verbal commitments we have gotten for the fall of 2009 will not disappoint. I look forward to sharing these names with you when the NCAA allows. The complex was a huge factor n their decisions. This month we will be over-seeding the 30 acre space so it will look great throughout the winter and spring.
Best of luck to all of you as the summer golf season winds down and please look us up if you back on the Farm this fall. More updates coming soon!
Go Cardinal!
Speaking of USGA events, good luck to golf alums Sandy McCall, Denny Alexander, and Van Salmans as they have all qualified to play in the US Senior Amateur. Well done boys! Make us old guys proud! On the alumni front as well, if you have not heard, we recently lost one of our most devoted Stanford golfers, Art Shroeder. We all send our best to his loved ones and family. Please take a minute to read the great tribute to Art that Bob Stevens has written on our site.
Besides the team goings-on and alumni news we are all looking forward to a great day Friday the 12th during our third annual Cardinal Golf Classic. We have 24 groups signed up and still have room for a few more but the day promises to be an awesome day celebrating the program. If you have not signed up please do!
The Siebel Varisty Golf Training Complex has been a huge hit on all fronts. Recruiting is going well and I think the verbal commitments we have gotten for the fall of 2009 will not disappoint. I look forward to sharing these names with you when the NCAA allows. The complex was a huge factor n their decisions. This month we will be over-seeding the 30 acre space so it will look great throughout the winter and spring.
Best of luck to all of you as the summer golf season winds down and please look us up if you back on the Farm this fall. More updates coming soon!
Go Cardinal!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Summer Update!
With the days of July upon us there is a ton to update you on from the world of Stanford Men's Golf. It is hard to believe that we are into July already but much has been happening and many of the Stanford players are well into their schedules filled with amateur golf.
Most if not all of the current team has seen some good action this summer already. Jordan Cox has returned from the US Open where he got a chance to hook up with Tiger Woods for a few practice rounds and then take his best shot during the event but coming up a bit short of the cut. An amazing experience nonetheless and a big confidence boost for Jordan who we will look for big things from in the fall. Sihwan Kim is playing well recording solid finishes in the Northeast Amateur and Sahallee Players Championship where Daniel Lim recently competed as well. Dodge Kemmer and Steve Ziegler just finished up in the North South Amateur where Steve made it to the first round of Match Play before being defeated. Many of the team will compete next week in the Players Amateur near Hilton Head South Carolina so keep an eye out for those scores as well.
On the Alumni front -- a huge congrats to Tiger on another major and for making all of us even more impressed with what he can accomplish... even on a bad knee. Notah Begay played in the PGA Tour event this week in DC and Rob Grube is tied for first in his pro debut on the Canadian Tour in Saskatchewan. Lets hope the putts drop for Rob over the next few days!
I recently have returned form the Palmer Cup in Irvine, Scotland where I had the honor to coach the U.S. side of the Palmer Cup. What a great trip we had... a ton of fun to see the top US players in action and experience links style golf. In the end the U.S. came up a few matches short to the Europeans but a trip we will not forget. I want to go back! Between golf camps running at full steam, a trip to Scotland, and recruiting trips at a yearly peak there has been little time to catch up but much to be excited about. Next season will be here before we know it and I can't wait.
I hope everyone has a great summer and I will be sure to post an update soon.
Go Cardinal!!!
Most if not all of the current team has seen some good action this summer already. Jordan Cox has returned from the US Open where he got a chance to hook up with Tiger Woods for a few practice rounds and then take his best shot during the event but coming up a bit short of the cut. An amazing experience nonetheless and a big confidence boost for Jordan who we will look for big things from in the fall. Sihwan Kim is playing well recording solid finishes in the Northeast Amateur and Sahallee Players Championship where Daniel Lim recently competed as well. Dodge Kemmer and Steve Ziegler just finished up in the North South Amateur where Steve made it to the first round of Match Play before being defeated. Many of the team will compete next week in the Players Amateur near Hilton Head South Carolina so keep an eye out for those scores as well.
On the Alumni front -- a huge congrats to Tiger on another major and for making all of us even more impressed with what he can accomplish... even on a bad knee. Notah Begay played in the PGA Tour event this week in DC and Rob Grube is tied for first in his pro debut on the Canadian Tour in Saskatchewan. Lets hope the putts drop for Rob over the next few days!
I recently have returned form the Palmer Cup in Irvine, Scotland where I had the honor to coach the U.S. side of the Palmer Cup. What a great trip we had... a ton of fun to see the top US players in action and experience links style golf. In the end the U.S. came up a few matches short to the Europeans but a trip we will not forget. I want to go back! Between golf camps running at full steam, a trip to Scotland, and recruiting trips at a yearly peak there has been little time to catch up but much to be excited about. Next season will be here before we know it and I can't wait.
I hope everyone has a great summer and I will be sure to post an update soon.
Go Cardinal!!!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Close Call!!!
Dear Friends of Stanford Men’s Golf,
We are back on the Farm after a bittersweet visit to Purdue University and the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, site of the 2008 NCAA Championships. After 4 rounds, 1149 total shots, and one of the most difficult courses we have played, we came up one shot short and took 2nd place in the field of 30. It’s been 23 years since a team has won back to back titles and we came very close. Our hats go off to the UCLA Bruins and Kevin Chappell for their dramatic win and a great week of golf. All in all our guys played their hearts out and as disappointing as the outcome was, we held our heads high knowing that we played as best as we had all year as a team and gave ourselves a true chance to win. Congrats to Sihwan, Rob, Dodge, Jordan and Steve for a memorable week of golf!
A few more congratulations are in order and I will list them below:
Sihwan Kim finished 4th at the NCAA Championships and was named to both College Golf Coaches Association's (CGCA) All-America First Team as well as to the All-America Freshman Team.
Rob Grube was named a Ping Third Team All-American. His selection as a Third Team All-American adds another honor to his decorated career at Stanford, which he recently completed at the NCAA Championships in May. This is the second time he has been bestowed Third Team honors, and the fourth year he has received All-American honors. In his freshman season he was an honorable mention, and in his junior year he was named to the Second Team.
Three Stanford men's golfers were honored with Pac-10 All-Academic awards, announced today by Commissioner Tom Hansen. Senior Rob Grube earned First Team honors, while juniors Dodge Kemmer and Daniel Lim were named to the Second Team.
Some more exciting news. Sophomore Jordan Cox qualified the U.S. Open being played at Torrey Pines in San Diego beginning this Thursday. We are definitely looking forward to watching him play. He should be ready for the tall rough at Torrey after a week at Purdue where the tall stuff was upwards of 8 to 10 inches. Good luck Jordan!
It’s sad to say that the 2008 season has come to an end. It’s been a great ride and I couldn't’t be any more proud of our guys. We have a young team with two great players coming in as freshman so the future is extremely bright for the Cardinal. Once again, thank you for all your continued support and generosity. It’s exciting to think about what lies ahead for Stanford Men’s Golf and continuing the winning tradition. Our best to you this summer and we look forward to getting back at it in the fall.
GO CARD!
We are back on the Farm after a bittersweet visit to Purdue University and the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, site of the 2008 NCAA Championships. After 4 rounds, 1149 total shots, and one of the most difficult courses we have played, we came up one shot short and took 2nd place in the field of 30. It’s been 23 years since a team has won back to back titles and we came very close. Our hats go off to the UCLA Bruins and Kevin Chappell for their dramatic win and a great week of golf. All in all our guys played their hearts out and as disappointing as the outcome was, we held our heads high knowing that we played as best as we had all year as a team and gave ourselves a true chance to win. Congrats to Sihwan, Rob, Dodge, Jordan and Steve for a memorable week of golf!
A few more congratulations are in order and I will list them below:
Sihwan Kim finished 4th at the NCAA Championships and was named to both College Golf Coaches Association's (CGCA) All-America First Team as well as to the All-America Freshman Team.
Rob Grube was named a Ping Third Team All-American. His selection as a Third Team All-American adds another honor to his decorated career at Stanford, which he recently completed at the NCAA Championships in May. This is the second time he has been bestowed Third Team honors, and the fourth year he has received All-American honors. In his freshman season he was an honorable mention, and in his junior year he was named to the Second Team.
Three Stanford men's golfers were honored with Pac-10 All-Academic awards, announced today by Commissioner Tom Hansen. Senior Rob Grube earned First Team honors, while juniors Dodge Kemmer and Daniel Lim were named to the Second Team.
Some more exciting news. Sophomore Jordan Cox qualified the U.S. Open being played at Torrey Pines in San Diego beginning this Thursday. We are definitely looking forward to watching him play. He should be ready for the tall rough at Torrey after a week at Purdue where the tall stuff was upwards of 8 to 10 inches. Good luck Jordan!
It’s sad to say that the 2008 season has come to an end. It’s been a great ride and I couldn't’t be any more proud of our guys. We have a young team with two great players coming in as freshman so the future is extremely bright for the Cardinal. Once again, thank you for all your continued support and generosity. It’s exciting to think about what lies ahead for Stanford Men’s Golf and continuing the winning tradition. Our best to you this summer and we look forward to getting back at it in the fall.
GO CARD!
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