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Golf Digest 2001
The World's Top Golf Instruction Magazine
Spot the (Rare) Putting Tips

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Jan 2001

Inside the January 2001 Issue

How To

Best new tips: A dozen game-saving ideas you've never seen before to help you hit the ball straighter, farther and less often
Tiger Woods: The complete package: America's No. 1 teacher, David Leadbetter, analyzes the world's best swing in our exclusive four-angle swing sequence

Tips

Tom Watson: How to hit long irons like Nicklaus
Mark Winkley: Extend yourself to hit it farther

Breaking 100-90-80

A guide to the scoring basics: by Brewster Bassett, Golf Digest Schools Instructor
Breaking 100: Use visual aids to feel good positions
Breaking 90: Become a student of the swing
Breaking 80: Strive to be target-oriented
My First Time: Kirk Triplett on breaking 40 for nine

Features

The year Tiger roared: An inside look at the 2000 golf year: A season to remember
On tour: In Tiger's shoes: Pros mull how they'd fare if they could play Tiger's tee ball
America's Best New Courses: Our annual look at the country's finest new Affordable Public, Upscale Public and Private courses, plus the best new designs in Canada
Webbmaster: Karrie and Kel: LPGA star Karrie Webb and her hometown teacher form a special long-distance relationship
Nonconforming golf clubs: The debate that's driving golf. We give the pro and con. Plus, how closely do you obey the rules and play by the book?
Golf Digest Record Book: Rosters of the main tour players for 2001, exclusive amateur rankings, and upcoming schedules
Golf Digest Interview: The Full Phil: Phil Mickelson on the major championships, money, trick shots, and what it takes to take on Tiger

The Digest

World Player of the Year: Tiger is a perfect 10
A critic's eye: Sugar Creek Canyon's bargain fee
Rub of the green: The luckiest man in all of golf
Fitness: Rounding into shape with exercise balls

Gamers: James Henry Clark, a caddie for all ages

Columnists

David Owen: The best golf movie ever made
Johnny Miller talks golf: Tiger's class act, wearing shades, the strong 3-wood and more
Frank Hannigan: The Tiger-PGA Tour conflict
Dan Jenkins: My Annual Quiz on 2000-2001
Dave Kindred: Golf's role in a Vietnam War rescue
Nick Seitz: Major championship courses for 2001
Bob Verdi: Grillroom interview, Bob Knight

Travel Digest

Now playing: Tot Hill Farm in North Carolina
Bandon Dunes: Second course to open in June
Stuffed Bear?: Nicklaus museum on the way

Equipment Digest

What's in my bag? Mike Weir
Callaway drivers: Ely's new one-two punch
Hot products: Going to extremities to stay warm
Golf balls: Faster than a speeding bullet?

Feb 2001

Inside the February 2001 Issue

How To

Cut your handicap in half: This month's cover package kicks off our 2001 campaign
Charting your goals: What you need to do, by the numbers
Control your ball: The surest way to lower your scores
Winter reading: Books that show you how to save strokes
Sweep away the rust: Use a broom to keep your swing in midseason shape
Most Improved Player tips: Our award winners' advice -- Robert Allenby on putting and Sophie Gustafson on the takeaway

Tips

David Leadbetter: Get it in the slot at the top
Tom Watson: How to hit it close in a crosswind
Brewster Bassett: Set the eyes to make more putts
Justin Leonard: What to do if you're between clubs
Tiger Woods: How to hit crisp chips every time
Jim Furyk: A left-to-right shot you can count on

Breaking 100-90-80

A guide to the scoring basics; this month by Randy Smith, Golf Digest Teaching Professional
Breaking 100: Start from a stable setup
Breaking 90: Perfect practice builds consistency
Breaking 80: Eliminate loose swings, big scores
My First Time: Harrison Frazar on breaking 80

Features

On Tour: One in a billion: What Tiger Woods is really worth, and how the tour's next TV deal will prove it
Golf Digest Awards for 2000: We honor Tiger, Karrie Webb and others who excelled last season. Plus, we pick Tiger's Fab Five shots of 2000
Golf Digest Interview: Frank Thomas: The former equipment chief of the USGA on myths, truths . . . and whether he'll play a nonconforming driver

Departments

Necrology 2000: Deaths of notable golf personalities

The Digest

Tour caddies: Carrying bags -- of money
Critic's eye: Best New International Course of 2000
The month in golf: TV highlights and special events
Golf jobs: Superintendent Nancy Dickens

The Advisor: Where to stand while others hit tee shots
Book reviews: Try one of these four historical tomes
Player to watch: Heather Zakhar of the LPGA Tour

Columnists

David Owen: The optimist's handicap
Jerry Tarde: The plan to break up Tiger
Johnny Miller Talks Golf: Playing in pain, why Tiger swears not to swear, starting a junior, and more
Tom Callahan: The rise of Carlos Franco
Dan Jenkins: My test results are in on the ERC
Nick Seitz: Gary Nicklaus continues his ascent
Bob Verdi: Grillroom interview with Davis Love III

Travel Digest

Now playing: The new Nicklaus-Palmer course
The price of fame: High fees at tour courses
Travel File: San Diego

Equipment Digest

What's in my bag? Karrie Webb
Should men play women's balls?: How the Precept MC Lady stacks up
The Putterball: A popular "toy" for tour pros
Ask the expert: Perimeter-weighting in ball

Mar 2001

Inside the March 2001 Issue

How To

Phil's five shot you gotta have: Some shots are a luxury. These are necessities

Six ways to make more putts: How to sink more than your share
Who's Who?: The swings of twins Aree and Naree Wongluekiet
How to use the new ironwoods: Highbrid clubs offer a bouquet of options
I can fix your yips: 'Knee putting' breaks the rules, but it's fullproof

Tips

David Leadbetter: How to hit it great under pressure
Jack Lumpkin: A cure for those inconsistent wedges
Tiger Woods: For power position, load your right side
Tom Watson: Find the slot at the top for solid shots

Breaking 100-90-80

A guide to the scoring basics: By Hank Haney, Golf Digest Teaching Professional
Breaking 100: Reduce risk by hitting smarter shots
Breaking 90: Learn new shots to get out of trouble
Breaking 80: Do the final touches to get below 80
My first time: Paul Azinger on breaking 70

Features

On Tour: The pro-am experience: What the pros see from their side, by John Hawkins

The ghost of Miracle Hill: The story behind golf's longest hole-in-one and the mysterious man who made it, by Ron Whitten
Deepdale scandal: 'Everybody cheats': Almost 50 years later, a key figure speaks out on the Deepdale Calcutta scandal, by Dave Anderson
Never to sleep, always to dream: Fatigue never sets in until after the round, by John Updike
Equipment: Irons or woods?: The new 'hybrids' are a blend of both, by John Strege
Hawaii travel: Rich man, poor man: Twin tales, by Tom Callahan and Dave Kindred
Golf Digest Interview: Butch Harmon Tiger Woods' main man, with Guy Yocom

The Digest

PGA Tour concept cars: Buick's Bengal prototype
A critic's eye: A case study in Tom Fazio design
This Month in Golf: The Hope, granddaddyof pro-ams
Golf jobs: Buy.com Tour rookie Mark Johnson
Rules of Golf: The penalty for hitting equipment
Environmental Leader Award: Ted Horton
Ball contest: We announce the winner

Columnists

David Owen: Golfers as ... fashion plates?
Johnny Miller talks golf: Recalling the small ball
Frank Hannigan: Golf goes to the Supreme Court
Tom Callahan: Remembering John Steadman
Dave Kindred: The Bobby Locke family tragedy
Nick Seitz: Rivalries -- real and relative
Bob Verdi: Grillroom interview -- Tom Watson

Travel Digest

Now playing: Texas courses pay homage to Scotland
Renewed enthusiasm: Grand golf in the Bahamas
Travel file: The Georgia coast

Equipment Digest

What's in my bag?: Lorie Kane
The scoring clubs: New wedge designs for 2001
Club designs: Moving the center of gravity
On the mark: The best in ball-marker option

Apr 2001

Inside the April 2001 Issue

2001 Masters Preview

It's Tiger's parade: If Tiger wins his fourth straight major, he should be feted in Grand Style, by Dave Kindred

New look at Augusta National: A view of some of the key holes in all their lavish color, by Ron Whitten, with photography by Stephen Szurlej
The Masters Digest: The field, TV times, books, and trivia, by Cliff Schrock
Three for the show: The game's top instructors assess Tiger's chief rivals, by John Hawkins
Lessons from the Masters: Tips from Tiger Woods, David Duval and Sam Snead
When things get pretty ugly: Augusta's 12th goes from beauty to beast when the wind kicks up and the pressure is on, by Pete McDaniel
Diary of a Masters rookie: Notah Begay III relishes his experience, with Pete McDaniel
Plimpton: A master's first look: More than 30 years after his first-hand plunge into life on the PGA Tour, the Bogey Man does Augusta
Golf Digest Interview: Vijay Singh: The defending Masters champion reflects on the good times and the bad old days, with Bob Verdi

How To

Tiger: I answer your questions: How to get 10 more yards, plus six other ways to improve your game

Tiger Tips: How to play the "bad-luck mudball"
The only 3 shots you really need: The drive, approach and lag putt are keys to lower scores
Hit it solid: How to cut the fat shots from your game

Tips

David Leadbetter: Hit crisp chips and pitches
Mark Winkley: Use a seat cane to beat early release
Chris DiMarco: How to make a turn for power

Breaking 100-90-80

A guide to the scoring basics: this month by Josh Zander, Golf Digest Schools Instructor
Breaking 100: A better preswing motion will improve your chances of making good swings
Breaking 90: Build precision into your game
Breaking 80: Gain control of strategy and emotions
My first time: Patty Berg's ace in the Women's Open

Features

On Tour: Mind over water: A low-handicapper, an NFL lineman and a tour pro hit 50 shots apiece ar TPC Sawgrass' diabolical island-green 17th, by John Hawkins

Fit to be tried: New high-tech tools and methods can help you find the perfect putter, by Barry Salberg
Junior camps: Kids on the course: Tips when choosing a summer camp for the junior player

The Digest

Collectibles: Tiger's rookie-card frenzy
A critic's eye: Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas
This Month in Golf: A month of majors
Golf jobs: Equipment guru/tour player Harry Taylor
Rules: Clearing away range balls without penalty
Architorture: The gimmicks at Meadows Farms
Player to watch: Per-Ulrik Johansson

Columnists

David Owen: Please, don't tell me you "golf"
Johnny Miller talks golf: Really Tigerproofing Augusta, partner strategy, the senior tour -- and more
Jerry Tarde: Compromise -- or else
Frank Hannigan: The USGA and equipment wars
Tom Callahan: People who actively despise golf
Dave Kindred: Joe Daley's confounding putt
Dan Jenkins: Tiger's fifth-year challenge
Nick Seitz: Shooting 63s in the majors
Bob Verdi: Grillroom interview: Jan Stephenson

Travel Digest

Now playing: Former TV backlot -- Lost Canyons
Furnace Creek: Playing "low" golf in Death Valley
Travel file: Los Cabos, Mexico

Equipment Digest

What's in my bag?: Tom Watson
Haute new putters: New designer-clad models
New balls: Trends in solid-core, multi-layer balls
Whassup with woods: Including a lefty driver
Cutting edge irons: Enhancing game-improvement feature

May 2001

Inside the May 2001 Issue

How To

Fire at the flag: By Chuck Cook, Golf Digest Teaching Professional. To knock it stiff, reduce your hand action.
Tiger Tips: Save par from short side: By Tiger Woods, Exclusive Golf Digest Playing Editor.
Classic Tips: Palmer, Player & Snead
Simple tips for the range:Five top PGA professionals show you how to make big improvements in in just 10 minutes.
Karrie Webb's solid-gold swing: Her teacher, Kelvin Haller, describes her repeatability
Spring training practice aids
A handful of tricks to fix your grip: By John Elliott Jr., Golf Digest Teaching Professional. With a pen and a little care, swing better than ever

Tips

Tom Watson: Crisp chips
Brewster Bassett: Stable body
David Leadbetter:"Feel the left side"

Breaking 100-90-80

A guide to the scoring basics: By Tom Ness, Golf Digest Teaching Professional
Breaking 100: Finish your swing
Breaking 90: Take control
Breaking 80: Building speed
Breaking 70: Make more putts

100 Greatest Courses

Features

On Tour: Pros giving autographs: It's become more trouble than it's worth
The Mask: What's on the other side of David Duval? What you see is what you get
Celebrity swingers: The handicaps of avid shooting stars.
Golf Digest Interview: Casey Martin: The decision that will rule his future

The Digest

Golf Digest Lab: Ball trauma to the head.
Critic's eye: Hawktree Golf Club.
The month in golf: Verizon Byron Nelson Classic
Golf jobs: Brad Nye
Rules of the game: Bent shafts
Player to watch: Justin Rose

Columnists

David Owen: The joys of mixed foursomes
Johnny Miller talks golf
Jerry Tarde: The miracle ball
Dave Kindred: On-course techno debate
Tom Callahan: The putting green stays
Dan Jenkins: Giving the ball the what for
Bob Verdi: Grillroom interview, Tom Lehman

Travel Digest

Now playing: Three divine nines outside Detroit
Eateries: Caddyshack restaurant in Florida
Renovation: Mid Pines Inn in North Carolina
Travel file: Atlantic City, N.J.

Equipment Digest

In my bag? Larry Nelson
Shoes: Alternative cleats, molded bottoms
Heel-toe weighting: Never Compromise putter
Frank Thomas: To spring or not to spring

Jun 2001

Inside the June 2001 Issue

2001 U.S. Open preview

Open and shut: Tiger will win: Why Southern Hills suits his game
Southern Hills, the club: A Tulsa oilman was key to its start
A classic course: Southern Hills is No. 15 in the 100 Greatest
Course architects: Perry Maxwell
Past championships: Charting previous majors at Southern Hills
Coverage: TV and the Web
Thomas Bjorn: Major development: Who played the majors almost as well as anyone last year? A guy by the name of Thomas Bjorn
Heat: Southern Discomfort: A hot-weather primer
The day golf lost its innocence: How Hubert Green won after a death threat
The nation and the Open: A map showing past and future Open sites, state by state
Total access: The insiders: Who are all those people inside the ropes?

How To

Seven deadly slices: What kind of slice is yours? Find out - and learn how to fix it.
Tiger Tips: Extend arms for power:Extending the arms on the takeaway will allow you to keep the proper width during the backswing.
How to drain them like Jack: To putt like a champion, learn to think like a Nicklaus

Tips

Tom Watson: A simple way to make short putts
Sandy LaBauve: Just turn, don't lift, going back
David Leadbetter: Nail your target more often

Breaking 100-90-80

A guide to the scoring basics: This month by Jane Frost, a Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher
Breaking 100: Take a grip that fits you best
Breaking 90:Posture influences your swing shape
Breaking 80: Have a routine of aiming and aligning
My First Time: Tommy Tolles in his first Masters

Features

Mortally wound-ed: Why hot, new solid-core balls have nearly KO'd their wound ball rivals
Golf Digest Interview: Dan Jenkins: "His Ownself" on pros, presidents, and when a funny line becomes a cheap shot
Jenkins at the Masters: Tiger Woods completes a version of the Grand Slam
Annika's 59: A hole-by-hole look at Annika Sorenstam's record 59.
Planet Golf: Fine China: The golf boom hits, and it's a future dynasty.
Planet Golf: International favorites: The top courses in 100 nations that love the game

The Digest

Record making: Tiger and Karrie play for history
Critic's eye: Nicklaus' The Bear's Club, Jupiter, Fla.
The month in golf: The U.S. Women's Open
Golf jobs: Course builder Sal Rodriguez
Rules: The penalty for kicking a ball in anger
The Advisor: Is it safe to buy used clubs online?
Classic clubs: The story behind Oliver Hardy's 5-iron
Then & Now: Honda Classic phenom Ty Tryon

Columnists

David Owen: Benefits of playing a "reverse scramble"
Johnny Miller: Tiger's lost power strategy, "shank" is still an ugly word, the vanashing club pro, and more
Jerry Tarde: Pebble Beach versus Pine Valley
Dave Kindred: A tragic "hit" at Southern Hills
Tom Callahan: A "Tommy" Bolt from the past, 43 years after his Open victory at Southern Hills
Nick Seitz: The great hobby of golf collecting, with architect Mike Hurdzan
Bob Verdi: Grillroom interview - New York Yankees manager Joe Torre

Travel Digest

Now playing: Purgatory Golf Club in Indiana
UK tourism: Foot-and-mouth disease precautions
Alaskan golf: Enjoying 20 hours of daylight in June
Travel file: Lake of the Ozarks

Jul 2001

Inside the
July 2001
Issue

How to

The Y Factor: New key to power: The key is the distance you move your left shoulder
Tiger Tips: Hit the 3-wood bomb: Get in square positions to nail your fairway woods
Weird putting works! Tour pros show there's more than one way to hole a putt
Advice for the ages: How to enjoy going from young pup to old dog

Tips

Tom Watson: Be smart when hitting over trouble
David Leadbetter: How to roll your long putts close
Scott Davenport: For power, get hands to do less
Mike LaBauve: A sure cure for loss of distance

Breaking 100-90-80

Breaking 100-90-80: A guide to the scoring basics; this month by John Elliott, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Features

On Tour: Trophy tales: Fire, dents and the occasional pub crawl
Travel test: Packing it in: Pick the right rental car for your trip
Mike Weir: Soul & ice: From a lefty hockey player to a force on tour
British Open Preview 2001: Five-time champion Peter Thomson tells why Royal Lytham is the oldest major's ultimate challenge
Travel: Dallas-Fort Worth: Growth in Big D finally includes golf
Armchair Architect 2001: Top talent is led by winner Jeff Kochevar
Junior Development Awards: Our annual winners in five divisions
Golf Digest Interview: Sam Torrance: Ryder Cup captain awaits the rematch

The Digest

Public golf: Waiting game in the big cities
Critic's eye: Pacific Dunes in Bandon, Ore.
Golf toys: Positive putting reinforcement
Defining the Grand Slam: Bobby Jones' opinion
Video reviews: Seven to consider for viewing
Golfers we like: NASCAR's Dale Jarrett

Columnists

David Owen: The games golfers play
Bob Verdi: Grillroom interview, Ernie Els
Johnny Miller Talks Golf
Dave Kindred: Laboring to fulfill a dream
Tom Callahan: Tee with Tiger
Dan Jenkins: 'And now we present the XGA'

Travel Digest

Now playing: Great River in Milford, Conn.
Happy Trails: Ohio parks offer more than picnics

Equipment Digest

What's in my bag? Brad Faxon
Aid for slicers: Seven ways designers help you
Frank Thomas: Straight talk about shafts
Practice balls: A selection for the backyard

Aug 2001

Inside the
August 2001
Issue

The 50 Greatest Teachers

The 50 Greatest Teachers: The top instructors, as voted by their peers, in our exclusive national survey. Also locate the best teachers in your state
Harmon: The last of the fundamentalists: A close look at Butch Harmon in action on the lesson tee reveals a man with a profound command of his craft
Advice from No. 1: Butch's basics: Eight secrets Butch Harmon taught Tiger Woods

How To

Tiger tips: Strong body, strong game: How becoming physically stronger helps your scores
Jim Furyk's swing: Better with age: As his father tells us, Jim Furyk has improved on one of the game's most unusualy swings

Tips

Tom Watson: Lofted woods -- long-iron substitutes
David Leadbetter: How to set your swing for power
Tim Mahoney: Let your lower body lead the way
Dean Reinmuth: Control speed to make sidehill putts

Breaking 100-90-80

A guide to the scoring basics: by Mike LaBauve, Golf Digest Schools Instructor
Breaking 100: Focus on a good swing, not the ball
Breaking 90:Eliminate mistakes in your swing path
Breaking 80: The short game is a key to consistency
My First Time: Keith Clearwater in the final group

Features

Casey Martin's Supreme decision: The court renders its judgement
Pace of play: Faster is better: A golf marathon shows how picking up the pace not only speeds play but improves it
PGA preview: John Daly -- Still afloat: A decade after his breakthrough victory at the PGA, the long hitter finds life isn't always easy
PGA preview: Hylands hybrid: The tournament course at Atlanta Athletic Club bears little resemblance to its former self
Golf Digest Interview: Jerry Pate: Twenty-five years after his U.S. Open victory, Pate replays his brush with greatness

The Digest

What's in a name?: Public courses with famous titles
Critic's eye: Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta
The Advisor: How do I find a good teacher?
Player to watch: College standout Lorena Ochoa

Columnists

David Owen: A cure for the over-analysis
Johnny Miller talks golf: The bottom line on luck
Dan Jenkins: The Big Three's farewell tour
Tom Callahan: The up-and-coming Australians
Dave Kindred: The power of charity golf
Bob Verdi: Grillroom interview, Bob May

Travel Digest

Now playing: Fox Harb'r Resort in Nova Scotia
Hearty Golf: Courses with some serious yardage
Travel file: Ocean City, Md.

Equipment Digest

What's in my bag? Vijay Singh
Right on the seam: The word is, you can increase distance by how you position a Pro V1 one the tee. True!

Sep 2001

Inside the September 2001 Issue

2001 Ryder Cup Preview

Civility versus hostility: The Ryder Cup has become golf's loudest event. Is it time to turn down the volume?
Team USA: Curtis Strange: With a little help from his friends, the U.S. captain has become a diplomat -- almost
Back to the Belfry: After a major renovation, does the former potato farm finally deserve our respect?
History at the Belfry's 18th: Pure theater: The stage is set for another grand show
Inside golf's greatest comeback: Behind the scenes of the final 24 hours at the Battle of Brookline

How to

Power tips from 23 pros: Top tour players--from Woods to Love to Park to Els--reveal their secrets for more distance
Tiger tips: Short-sided solution: A flop shot variation works when you've got little green to work with to get the ball close
How to make your woods work: Tap the magic in your fairway woods, those versatile clubs that are easier to hit than long irons

Tips

David Leadbetter: Set your wrists for power
Tom Watson: Get advice to help you read putts
Butch Harmon: Hit it consistently, your way
Rick Smith: A swing for greater accuracy
Sandy LaBauve: Stay relaxed to hit pure pitches

Breaking 100-90-80

A guide to the scoring basics: by Tim Mahoney, Golf Digest Schools Instructor
Breaking 100: Make sure the elements of your setup a