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Golf Digest 2005
The World's Top Golf Instruction Magazine
Spot the Putting Tips

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Jan 2005

HOW TO
How to be a complete player
Focus on the fundamentals from tee to green.
By Vijay Singh, with Matthew Rudy

The truth about Tiger
Why the most dominant player in the game's history
decided to change his swing.
By Jaime Diaz

How TV is hurting your game
Don't be misled by what you think the pros are doing.
By Butch Harmon, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Ernie Els
The Big Easy's 5-iron swing highlights his
wrist-setting action and metronomic rhythm.
Analysis by David Leadbetter, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Jim Flick
How to sharpen your up-and-down skills

Johnny Miller
How to tweak the AT&T; a refresher
on "backboards" and "fault lines"

Tom Watson
To improve your touch, play more

The Golf Digest School
Get steep to get out of rough; hit up on your drives;
putting left-hand low

Rick Smith
The benefits of post-round practice

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
Contact is everything
By Wendy Ward, Golf Digest Playing Editor

Breaking 100
Par-3 strategies; the feel of impact

Breaking 90
Par-4 strategies; playing from rough

Breaking 80
Par-5 strategies; hitting the high draw

Breaking 70
Get the most out of your driver

FEATURES
America's Best New Courses
This year's top new tracks are remarkable in many ways,
starting with the stories of how they came to be.
By Ron Whitten

My Shot: Gary McCord
A golf game vanishes! A TV career materializes out of thin air!
Life lessons from storage bins, bikini wax and dented lockers.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

Golf Digest Interview: Ian Baker-Finch
He won the British Open, then suffered the most devastating
slump in the game's history. Well, guess what? Finchy's doing just fine.
By Pete McDaniel

Match Play: Rocky vs. Sonny Corleone
Hollywood heavyweights Sylvester Stallone
and James Caan go toe to toe.
With Craig Bestrom

THE DIGEST
On The Tee: Hunter Mahan
Golf Guru: A fun match for a foursome
Rules: Time for a pop quiz, hotshot
Style: Versatile duffel bags
The Year in Golf: From caribou dinners to swarms
of cicadas, it was a crazy season

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
Dave Kindred: The power of charity golf
Tom Callahan: Tribute to Colin Montgomerie

EQUIPMENT
Latest Gear: The clubs that won the majors
Inside Looks: New Callaway iron, Adams driver
What's in my bag: Zach Johnson


Feb 2005

COVER STORY
The Golf Digest Hot list
Our second annual ranking of the clubs
and balls you should be playing

The right stuff: How we picked it
Drivers: The hottest technology in the game
Fairway woods: Easier than ever to hit
Hybrids: The most important club in golf
Irons: Game-improvement, Player's sets
Wedges: Old standbys, "emergency" clubs
Putters: Super mallets, Traditional
Balls: Tour Performance, Value Performance

HOW TO
Follow the Leaders
What you can learn from the statistical standouts on the tours.
By Ron Kaspriske

How to use the right shoulder
Fix common swing flaws with three drills.
By Chuck Cook, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

5 habits of effective practicers
How to make the most of your range time.
By Gregg Steinberg, Ph.D.

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: The Slice
Anatomy of a classic pull-slice, and how to fix it.
Analysis by Shelby Futch, Golf Digest Schools

Tom Watson
Aim for the fat of the green

David Leadbetter
How to use a hybrid

Jim Flick
Developing short-game feel

Butch Harmon
Make your grip automatic

Tiger Woods
How to cope from the rough

The Golf Digest School
Playing the low runner; how to tell if your swing is on plane

Jim McLean
Use a light grip on bunker shots

Johnny Miller
The perfect standardized ball; why older players, like Jay Haas, excel

BREAKING 100-90=80-70
Reach your goal with my drills
By Josh Zander, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

FEATURES
Travel file: Louisiana
Cajun country offers a menu of new courses
and some of the best dining anywhere.
By Ron Whitten

The Golf Digest 50
Our annual ranking of the tours' top earners.
By Ron Sirak

Players of the year: 2004
Golf Digest's 50th annual awards honor the best.

2005 Preview
Why the new season could be historic.
By Jaime Diaz

My Shot: Curtis Strange
A former shoe salesman, two-time U.S. Open champion
and soon-to-be senior reflects on pranks, polish and pain.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

Golf Cruises: Ocean's 18
Looking for a great golf trip that's a little out of the ordinary?
Your ship has come in.
By Ron Kaspriske

2004 Passings
Time claims icons of the game.
By Cliff Schrock

Match Play: Pro-Am Pards
TV celeb Carson Daly takes his swings against
big-league pitcher Roger Clemens.
With Craig Bestrom

THE DIGEST
On The Tee: Bill Haas
Golf Guru: Giving advice on and off the course
Black History Month: Charles Sifford
Rules: Using the teeing ground to your advantage
Style: Colorful shirts for spring
Health: Play more, live longer

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
Dave Owen: Filling the void on weekdays
Dan Jenkins: Mourning the death of golf
Tom Callahan: Letting bygones be bygones?


Mar 2005

HOW TO
'Jack, Let's Begin ... '
Each year I start the season pretending I've never played before.
By Jack Nicklaus and Jim Flick, Golf Digest Professionals

Golf primer: Rebuild Your Game
We'll provide the tools to make you a better player.
By Dave Maga, Jim Gregory and Dodie Mazzuca of the
Golf Digest Schools

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Mu Hu
Can this teen phenom become China's Tiger?
Analysis by David Leadbetter, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Butch Harmon
Chin up to facilitate a full turn

Tiger Woods
Controlling the ball out of the rough

Tom Watson
Don't rush your downswing

Ernie Els
How to be a consistent putter

Johnny Miller
Tall guys are ruling golf; why tour pros keep the media
at arm's length; specialists wanted

REAKING 100-90-80-70
Practice tips you can do indoors
By Tom Ness, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

EQUIPMENT
Latest Gear: New footwear for spring
Inside Looks: Putters and long tees
What's in My Bag: Grace Park
Frank Thomas: The benefits of bulge and roll

FEATURES
Hawaii: Postcards from the Edge
We showcase the most picturesque golf course
on each island.
By Ron Whitten

Greg Norman at 50
The Shark hits a milestone and just keeps moving.
By Bob Verdi

What ever happened to Calvin Peete?
Twenty years after winning the Players Championship,
a man of mystery finds some answers and gets back his life
By Pete McDaniel

Looking for laughs in all the wrong places
Despite rumors of its demise, the golf joke,
it turns out, is alive and well.
By Turk Pipkin

My Shot: Hubert Green
Overcoming chemo, death threats and giving bad advice to the
President of the United States.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

The Golf Digest Interview: The Commish
Ten years after leaving the PGA Tour,
Deane Beman is still on the ball.
By Peter McCleery

Match Play: March Madness
We quiz Jim Calhoun and Billy Packer on Augusta,
Bobby Knight, Tiger and Jordan. With Craig Bestrom

THE DIGEST
On the Tee: Arron Oberholser
Golf Guru: Tips for speeding up play
Rules: A quick reference guide
Health: Improving your balance
Style: Techy clothes and watch
Book Review: Men behaving badly
Advice: Tread lightly with kids and golf

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
David Owen: Don't screw up
Dave Kindred: Kevin Hall's quiet confidence
Dan Jenkins: Strangers among us


Apr 2005

HOW TO
THE GOALS ISSUE

Are you ready to improve?
Make this the year you play your best. We'll show you how.
Plus, success stories from average golfers to inspire you.
Introduction by Bob Carney

Reach new highs
Set goals like a tour player, and watch your scores drop.
By Ernie Els, Golf Digest Playing Editor

How to own your swing
Follow my 4 principles for solid ball striking.
By David Leadbetter, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Play without fear
Conquer anxiety on the course by making 'mastery golf' your goal.
By Gio Valiante, Ph.D.

Meet your scoring goals
Try my 12-week plan for rapid-fire improvement.
By Jim McLean, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Phil Mickelson
Improve your move by being more like Phil

Tom Watson
Make every shot count, just like Byron Nelson did

Tiger Woods
Train your weaker muscles to improve ball striking

Jim Flick
Like Trevino, hit and hold for stronger shots

Butch Harmon
How your setup differs from wedge to driver

The Golf Digest School
Tips for longer, straighter drives

Rick Smith
The right and wrong ways to firm up your pitching

Jim McLean
Stroke true putts

Johnny Miller
Annika, Stadler and azaleas at Augusta National

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
Lower your scores through home schooling
By Dean Reinmuth, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

EQUIPMENT
Latest Gear
The real treasures are the latest equipment

New Looks
New equipment from the PGA Merchandise Show

What's in My Bag
Steve Flesch

Frank Thomas
Defining kick point in shafts; rating practice balls

FEATURES
Golf on the fly
Got a little time before your flight?
Here are the top public courses near America's busiest airports.
By Ron Kaspriske

Match Play: Double Jeopardy!
Phil Mickelson challenges the quiz show's
all-time champ, Ken Jennings.
With Craig Bestrom

MASTERS PREVIEW
Augusta, 1 through 18
Take a guided tour of Augusta National from start to finish

Masters Notebook
Viewer's Guide; where players never want to hit it during the tournament; handicapping the field; the Big Five; the 'Who am I?' Masters quiz; our online survey results

Skippin' It
A practice-round tradition at
the 16th hole causes more than a ripple.
By Nick Seitz

What's up with Seve?
A quarter-century after winning his first Masters,
a legendary figure struggles to find peace on and off the course.
By Jaime Diaz

Phil, by the book
The Masters champion-turned-author shares
favorite memories of life on tour

More from Moore
After the greatest amateur season of the modern era,
UNLV's Ryan Moore thinks he can win the Masters.
By Ryan Herrington

My Shot: Billy Casper
The 1970 Masters champion and winner of 51 tour events speaks out on putting in the dark, and why he always wanted to be known as The Gorilla.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

'The right word can work wonders'
A decade later, Harvey Penick's gospel lives on.
By Bud Shrake

The Golf Digest Interview: Jim Nantz
CBS' voice of the Masters has 20 years' worth of stories to tell
(and he's shooting for an even 50).
Interviewed by Craig Bestrom

THE DIGEST
On the Tee: How Tiger remade his video-game swing
Golf Guru: The origin of the golf glove
Rules: Test your rules knowledge
Junior Golf: Tips on how to have fun on the golf course
Fitness: Advice for springtime allergy sufferers; three abdominal exercises
Environment: The Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards for 2004
Style: Good (and bad) fashion statements from past Masters

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
David Owen: Getting my winter golf fix at the bowling alley
Dave Kindred: A caddie's tale of survival during the tsunami
Dan Jenkins: Comparing the slumps of Woods and Nicklaus
Tom Callahan: There's practice. Then there's Vijay Singh's practice


May 2005

TUNE UP
COVER STORIES:

Tiger Tips: Take command of your scoring clubs
Conquer the wedge, driver and putter

Got 10 minutes?
Fast-acting tips from three PGA Teachers of the Year

How to score from the sand
By Randy Smith

How to hit the big stick
By Mike McGetrick

How to find your putting line
By Hank Johnson

Lessons for free
How to sign up for your free PGA 10-minute lesson

HOW TO
One plane vs. two plane
An exclusive, 16-page book excerpt about a
controversial new swing theory.
By Jim Hardy

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Ryan Moore
His swing might be unorthodox, but it led to an amateur season
for the ages

Rick Smith
To chip like Phil, think "hinge and hold"

Ernie Els
Release your power by involving your entire body

David Leadbetter
For more stability, hit full shots from sand

Tom Watson
Set your stance to the putter for better aim

Jim Flick
Brush your side with the right elbow for consistency

Butch Harmon
Stay low after impact to control your ball flight

Golf Digest School
Improve your tee shots and short game

Johnny Miller
Grading the nonmajors; what if the hole were wider;
rethinking the USGA's policy on holes-in-one

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
To score your best, master the three scoring clubs
By Jim McLean

EQUIPMENT
Latest Gear
The newest hybrids

Inside Looks
Wide-sole irons

Let's make a deal
Before you make that set of irons
part of a tag sale, consider a trade-in.
By Caroline Stetler and Isaac Gruber

What's in my bag
Adam Scott

Frank Thomas
Center-shafted putters versus heel-shafted;
why closed-face drivers reduce loft

FEATURES
Travel file: Austin
The Texas state capital is a hotbed of live music—and golf.
By Peter Finch

Bettin' on the hosses
Would you wager $100,000 for a shot at $3 million?
By Jaime Diaz

Commitment to kids
We honor five worthy junior programs.
By Topsy Siderowf

My Shot: Hank Haney
Tips for your game (and insight into Tiger's).
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

Match Play: Fun among friends
Veterans Nick Price and Vijay Singh face off.
With Craig Bestrom

100 GREATEST
Breaking with tradition
Our list undergoes the biggest turnover in its history.
By Ron Whitten

The rankings
America's 100 Greatest Courses and America's 100 Greatest Public Courses

Breaking down the numbers
How the 100 Greatest scored

How our panel rated them
Our 800-plus experts evaluate the courses using seven criteria

Can you buy your way onto our list?
No, our rankings are not for sale. But money does matter
when it comes to creating today's super courses.
By Ron Whitten

Is Tom Fazio good for the game?
Golf's leading designer is beloved by many, yet his courses have lifted expectations—and costs—to troubling levels.
By Ron Whitten

PLANET GOLF
Spanning the globe
Where the best golf is played.
By John Barton

The 100 Best Courses outside the U.S.

Tee time in the Alps
We take the game to new heights among
the mountains of France and Switzerland.
Photographs by Dom Furore

Golfing in the heart of darkness
A strange journey, with clubs, to North Korea.
By John Barton

THE DIGEST
On the Tee: Se Ri Pak
Leader board: News and notes
Golf guru: What causes a shank?
Rules: Brushing up on what's allowed in bunkers
Fitness: The benefits of sports drinks and vitamin-enriched water
Style: A summer ensemble

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
David Owen: An ode to our club's favorite uncle
Sally Jenkins: Another side of my dad, Dan Jenkins
Tom Callahan: Tom Kite returns to the PGA Tour


Jun 2005

FEEL ISSUE
COVER STORIES

All about feel
Are you a feel player? Take our quiz.

Be a feel player like me
Use my techniques to improve your touch.
By Sergio Garcia

The touch system--2005
The secret to a better golf swing is in your hands.
By Bob Toski

The search for feel
You know it when you've got it, but what is feel?
By Peter Morrice

Teaching feel to tour players
The lessons I gave four tour pros apply to you, too.
By Stan Utley

How it feels to ...
The scoop from people who have experienced
bizarre things on the golf course.
By Ron Kaspriske

Turn feel into real
Develop all your golf senses, and learn to trust them on the course.
By Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
More drills for finding feel
By Jim Gregory, Golf Digest Schools

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Vijay Singh
Swing analysis by Golf Digest Professional Advisor Byron Nelson

Hank Haney
Working with Tiger

David Leadbetter
Practice hitting off downhill lies for better contact

Tiger Woods
The high, soft lob

Butch Harmon
Find your balance

Ernie Els
Shots from waste areas

Golf Digest School
Chet Nowak

Tom Watson
Learn to hit three clubs the same distance

Rick Smith
Phil's putting drill

Jim McLean
Limit forward press

Jim Flick
Draw it like Zinger

Johnny Miller
To play or not to play before the majors?

EQUIPMENT
Latest gear
The newest putters

New looks
Callaway comp-ti driver, SeeMore putter

Hot List
Cart and carry bags

What's in my bag
Phil Mickelson

Frank Thomas
How shortening the shaft changes performance

FEATURES
Travel file: Orlando
The theme-park capital enjoys a burst of golf-course development.
By Pete McDaniel

Bandon's third act
Bandon Trails makes a dazzling addition to the Northwest's
most decorated golf resort.
By Frank (Sandy) Tatum

US OPEN PREVIEW
Back to Pinehurst
Universally praised as the U.S. Open venue in 1999,
No. 2 gets its second shot at the national championship.
By Ron Whitten

A repeat by the Goose
Here's what the stats, and my gut, tell me about my seven Open favorites.
By Johnny Miller

Over the Edge
To conduct Opens that are tough but fair, the USGA too often gets it
only half right. That's why changes are on the way.
By Jaime Diaz

Memories in the Mist
From a dramatic finish to an all-night celebration,
we revisit the wild final day of 1999's Open classic.
By Peter McCleery

Prepping Payne
How I helped my friend and longtime student make a game plan
for taming Pinehurst's diabolical greens.
By Chuck Cook

All or Nothing
A first at Pinehurst: How I played 1 through 8 in only two days.
By Tom Chiarella

Donald Ross wouldn't recognize these greens
The truth about Pinehurst's special surfaces:
Not much of the old master's work remains.
By Ron Whitten

Slim and None
What are the odds when Bobby Joe takes on 15-year-old
Tricia Hurt in the U.S. Open at Pinehurst
A novel by Dan Jenkins

The Art of Instruction
Anthony Ravielli's never-before-seen sketches of Bobby Jones.
Commentary by Jack Nicklaus

My Shot: Jack Fleck
Why was Ben Hogan drawn to the man who denied him
a record fifth U.S. Open 50 years ago?
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

THE DIGEST
On the tee: Spencer Levin
Leader board: News and notes
Golf Guru: What does it take to be one of the world's best golfers?
Rules: The putting line
Travel: Good golf on the cheap
Fitness: Skin protection
Style: Cool Father's Day gifts
Special report: The USGA explores research that could
lead to new rules controlling balls and drivers
Dan Jenkins: Our man reports from the Masters

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
David Owen: Betting that golf is better with money on the line
Dan Jenkins: Golf scribe for hire
Tom Callahan: The lessons of a boy named Padraig
John Feinstein: Six years after Payne Stewart's victory
and tragedy, Tracey Stewart remembers
Dave Kindred: Three brothers from war-torn
Congo find refuge on the golf course


Jul 2005

HOW TO
COVER STORY
Killer faults--and how to fix them
Take a mid-season mulligan with these fast-acting cures.
By Rick Smith, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Retief Goosen
The two-time U.S. Open champion is technically sound
but all about rhythm

David Leadbetter
How to make your pitch shots land softly

Tiger Woods
Holing that clutch shot on Augusta's 16th; my new go-to shot: the 'holder' fade

Jim Flick
Let the arms swing for a proper shoulder turn

Hank Haney
Staying connected at the top; hitting a fade or draw

Ernie Els
Understanding course design can help your game

Jim McLean
Use the bounce on your wedge to get out of bunkers

Golf Digest School
How to play from golf's toughest lie

Tom Watson
Ball position is key to hitting your long irons flush

Johnny Miller
The USGA's new course set-up policy; one hot (literally) British Open

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
Change your mind-set, not your swing
By Dr. Joe Parent, a Golf Digest Top-10 Mental-side Expert

EQUIPMENT
Latest gear
Fairway woods

The Buzz
The gotta-have-it equipment golfers are talking about (or soon will be)

New Looks
Is springlike effect in irons the next hot issue?

What's in my bag
Stuart Appleby

Frank Thomas
Why the pros hit their irons so far

FEATURES
The slice is dead
Attention, choppers: Technology has banished the banana ball forever.
By Mike Stachura

My Shot: Kathy Whitworth
How to win 88 tournaments, change a flat tire in 20 minutes
and cash in on S&H Green Stamps.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

The Golf Digest interview: Peter Jacobsen
One of the game's funniest characters has a unique take on life,
family, TV, streakers and the PGA Tour.
By Jaime Diaz

BRITISH OPEN
Viewer & Visitor Guide
From TV coverage to player odds – here's everything you need to
know about this year's British Open.


St. Andrews, Scotland
A photo essay of the history, the land and the town

A New Look at the Old Course
The antique links has been stretched to the max for this year's Open.
By Ron Whitten

My Last Major
After more than 40 years of trips across the pond and my 163rd major,
it'll be time to say farewell at St. Andrews.
By Jack Nicklaus

A Scalping at St. Andrews
Playing the Old Course is one of the greatest thrills in golf. But if you don't know what you're doing, it can be outrageously expensive.
By Peter Finch and Dean Knuth

THE DIGEST
On the tee: Annika Sorenstam
Leader board: News and notes
Golf Guru: The origin of the nassau golf bet
Rules: Take our penalty quiz
Fitness: Pre-round stretches
Travel: St. Kitts and Nevis
Style: Revisiting the '70s

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
David Owen: Mower-free advice for working in the yard
Tom Callahan: Darren Clarke has a style fit for St. Andrews
Dan Jenkins: Remembering Byron Nelson's win streak
Bob Verdi: Phil's backward wedge


Aug 2005

ALL AMERICAN

A day in the life of golf
A photo essay of golf in America

America's 50 Greatest Teachers
The country's best instructors as ranked by their peers

Best teachers in your state
The No. 1 teachers, plus a pull-out pocket guide of honor rolls for all 50 states

What America gave golf
We might have burned the edges, but the good outweighs the bad.
By Dan Jenkins

Ten things every American should do before dying
By David Owen

My All-time All-American Team
By Jack Nicklaus

Best in State
Our list of the greatest golfers from each state--male and female.
By Cliff Schrock

My shot: Evel Knievel
For America's greatest living daredevil, golf was the most dangerous game.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

America's worst swing
California's Brian Weir takes the title. See his swing for yourself.
By Peter Morrice

America's Best Golf Cities
We ranked all of the metro areas for golf.
By Mike Stachura

America's Invention
Evolution of the golf cart.
Story and illustrations by Bruce McCall

PGA Championship Preview
Baltusrol beefs up for the year's final major.
By Ron Whitten

Golf Digest interview: John Daly
Ten years after his last major victory, Long John is the
character America loves to root for.
By Bob Verdi

HOW TO
Firm lie, fluffy lie
America's best wedge player shows how to sharpen your sand shots.
By Phil Mickelson, Golf Digest Playing Editor

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
Use the right tools
By Randy Smith, Golf Digest
Teaching Professional

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Paula Creamer
This super-teen has arrived on the LPGA Tour

Tiger Woods
Adhere to a strict pre-shot routine

Golf Digest School
Widen your putting stance on windy days

Tom Watson
How to find a four-ball partner

Johnny Miller
The pluperfect playoff; through-lines; and why some players like certain weather

EQUIPMENT
Latest gear
Made in the USA

New Looks: Score lines
Tiny grooves are the next big thing in putter design

The Buzz
The gotta-have-it gear golfers are talking about

Hot List
Junior sets

What's in my bag
Justin Leonard

Frank Thomas
How the center of gravity affects ball flight

THE DIGEST
On the tee: Vintage Jack
Leader board: News and stats
Golf Guru: Standards of dress
Rules: The fundamentals
Style: West Coast vs. East Coast
Travel: Take your sticks on Route 66.
By John Strege

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
Charles McGrath: Remembering Herbert Warren Wind
Dave Kindred: American troops in Iraq catch the golf bug
Tom Callahan: The country's First Golfer, Dwight Eisenhower
Thomas L. Friedman: The new national pastime
Dan Jenkins: Our man reports from the U.S. Open
Bob Verdi: Davis Love III's Pet Shot: the high cut under pressure


Sep 2005

HOW TO
Hop, Hop & Stop
How to hit the pro wedge, my low-flying "skipper."
By David Toms, Golf Digest Playing Editor

Search for the secret of golf
No sport has had more innovators (and imitators)
when it comes to playing better.
By George Peper

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
Gambling on golf
How the risk-and-reward techniques used in Vegas
can apply to your game.
By Mike Davis

COLLEGE GOLF

Our first-ever college golf guide
In this 18-page special report, we provide advice
on how to find the best college for you.
By Hunki Yun

The right school for you (or your kid)
The best college courses
Advice from the tours, teachers, coaches ...
Our exclusive rankings of the best colleges for golf
Inside the numbers


LESSON TEE
Cover story: Swing sequence
Consistent driving:
Michael Campbell's swing keys
to winning the U.S. Open

Ernie Els
My craziest lesson helped me shoot 62

Hank Haney
The feet drive the swing; a case for a tour ball

Tom Watson
Be like Arnie: Stay fit and keep up with the game

Jim McLean
Lean left for crisp contact on chip shots

Butch Harmon
Hold your finish until the ball is on the ground

Tiger Woods
My new driving key; escaping deep rough

David Leadbetter
One simple rule for making short putts

Jim Flick
How to hit it low like a five-time British Open champ

Golf Digest School
Drills for driving, ball-striking and putting

Johnny Miller
No more lift, clean and place; tour pros should dread the sand

FEATURES
Travel file: Hilton Head
Whether you want tranquility or hustle and bustle,
Hilton Head has you covered.
By Pete McDaniel

My shot: Bob Wilson
It's a balancing act for a double-amputee golfer.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

A hole-in-one primer
What are the odds? And the records? The answers are here,
plus tips to help you make a 1.

A tribute to a man's art
Mike Strantz will live on through the courses he designed.
By Ron Whitten

Add 15 yards with the right shaft
Six big questions, and the answers to help you fly it farther.
By Andy Brumer

EQUIPMENT
Latest gear
New wedges

New looks
Golf balls with feel

What's in my bag
Luke Donald

Frank Thomas
How spin, lift and drag affect carry distance

THE DIGEST
On the tee: The new LPGA commissioner, Carolyn Bivens
Rules: Team matches
Travel: Courses near America's most famous attractions
Style: Getting that fall feeling
Golf Guru: How to mark your ball

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
David Owen: Golf carousing
Jaime Diaz: Flaws and all, the LPGA is better ... and younger
Tom Callahan: U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell
Dan Jenkins: Our man reports from the British Open
Bob Verdi: Vijay Singh's Pet Shot: advancing the ball left-handed


Oct 2005

HOW TO
Cover story: Fix your game in a weekend
Two rounds and three practice sessions are all you need.
By Hank Haney, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Do you have the wrong swing thoughts?
What you're working on could be detrimental to your game.
By Jim Flick, Golf DigestTeaching Professional

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
Take aim at great putting
By Todd Sones, PGA professional

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Sean O'Hair
The PGA Tour rookie has an usual story and a sweet swing

Tiger Woods
Your putter can be a weapon from off the green

Butch Harmon
Don't waste your waggle

Ernie Els
Dial in your chips

David Leadbetter
Keep your elbows together to cure a slice

Tom Watson
Downhill sand shots

Rick Smith
Stop the reverse pivot

Johnny Miller
My era had fewer back injuries; putt out or wait?

Golf Digest School
By Tom Perkins

FEATURES
Portraits of inspiration
Distinguished golfers who are regular folks.
By Topsy Siderowf

Ernie Els: Laying low in London
At home with a season-ending knee injury.
By Tom Callahan

My shot: Tom Doak
Building a golf course involves heavy lifting and a conscience.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

Desert Toppings
Palm Springs enjoys a rebirth.
By Pete McDaniel

PRESIDENT'S CUP
The best golfers in D.C.
No matter your political leaning, golf is Capitol Hill's bipartisan game.
By Lisa Furlong

Why the Presidents Cup is better than the Ryder Cup
It's pure golf, and it's hard to beat.
By Jaime Diaz

The Bush Golf Dynasty
Presidents 41 and 43 weren't the first golfers
in the White House--or in their family.
By Dan Jenkins

EQUIPMENT
Latest Gear
New irons

Hot List
Training aids

New Looks
Mizuno, Nike

What's in my bag
Paula Creamer

THE DIGEST
On the tee: Long-drive champion
Leader board: News and notes
Golf Guru: Tipping your caddie
Long weekend: Marco Island
Rules: Test your knowledge
Style: Who wears the pants?
Golfers We Like: Shia LaBeouf

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
David Owen: My moment to shine
Tom Callahan: Slow play on tour
Dan Jenkins: PGA Championship
Bob Verdi: Mike Weir's Pet Shot


Nov 2005

HOW TO
Cover story: How to beat your buddy
Winning "friendly" matches comes down to focus and strategy.
By Randy Smith, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Take one side out of play
By Phil Mickelson, Golf Digest Playing Editor

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
Practice with a buddy
By Jay and Jack Lumpkin

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Michelle Wie
Analysis by David Leadbetter

Butch Harmon
Increase your wrist hinge for a full backswing

Tiger Woods
Stinger; short putts

Ernie Els
Take a smooth swing

Tom Watson
Escape trouble

Jim Flick
Fairway bunkers

Hank Haney
The proper release

Jim McLean
Grip fundamentals

Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott
Take your game to the next level

Johnny Miller
Diggers versus pickers; playing with nine clubs

Golf Digest School
By Dave Maga

FEATURES
My Shot: Miller Barber
Precious insight from Mr. X.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

Luxe 2005
Cool stuff you'd like to have.

The Buddies Issue
Pals on tour
Even at the highest levels, the game is best enjoyed with friends.
By Jaime Diaz

The best in Myrtle Beach
Two buddies go looking for a "Top-Shelf" trip in the home of budget golf.
By Tom Chiarella

Myrtle Beach's top 50 courses
Our inaugural ranking

Ladies first
A group of women golfers visits Myrtle Beach--and lives to tell the tale.
By Sarah Turcotte

What she really thinks about your golf
A revealing round-table discussion with golfers' wives.
By Peter Finch

Of Friends and foes
Five writers reveal what on-course friendships have in common.

The Benevolent Dictator
The key to a successful buddies trip? Putting one guy in charge.
By Peter Finch

The Essentials
Don't go on a golf getaway without these 19 items.
By Ron Kaspriske

Death in Scotland
Suppose you took a golf trip and a fellow traveler passed away.
What would you do?
By Peter Morrice

The Main Event
There's nothing bigger than the member-guest.
By David Owen

Name your price
Six great buddies destinations, for a little or a lot.
By Hunki Yun

EQUIPMENT
Latest Gear
New drivers

New Looks
Nike's SasQuatch

The Buzz
The gotta-have-it equipment golfers
are talking about (or soon will be)

Shoes
A step up in technology

What's in my bag
Sean O'Hair

Frank Talk
Multilayer balls

THE DIGEST
On the tee: Jason Gore
Leader board: News and notes
Golf Guru: More pet peeves
Rules: Red and yellow hazards

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
Dave Kindred: 50 states in 30 days
Tom Callahan: Michelle Wie
Bob Verdi: Adam Scott's Pet Shot


Dec 2005

HOW TO
Keys for solid contact
Master these moves, and you'll start hitting it pure.
By Butch Harmon, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

What's killing your short game
Survive these death traps around the greens
with good technique and feel.
By Don Hurter

How I went 351 holes without a three-putt
By Stewart Cink

BREAKING 100-90-80-70
Brush the rust off your game
By Mike McGetrick, Golf Digest Teaching Professional

LESSON TEE
Swing sequence: Fredrik Jacobson
I don't need to see statistics to know I'm driving the ball better

Tom Watson
Hit it hard downwind

Tiger Woods
How I stopped getting stuck on the downswing

David Leadbetter
Keep your elbows in to stop slicing putts

Ernie Els
Practice hitting drives with a small clubhead

Jim Flick
Lighten your grip

Hank Haney
Improve your chipping and putting

Rick Smith
How to keep it low

Johnny Miller
Why the Vardon Trophy has lost some of its luster

FEATURES
Our 55th anniversary
A tribute to Hollywood

The best of Hollywood
Dennis Quaid's 1.1 handicap makes him tops among
today's golf-loving celebrities.
By Tom Cunneff

Top 100 golfers
From Clint to Cruise to Connery, we rank stars from TV and film

Legends of Hollywood
The game and the industry have always been made for each other.
By Tom Callahan

My Shot: Samuel L. Jackson
One of today's most acclaimed actors talks about drivers to the face,
shanks to the back and Darth Vader's taste in golf clothes.
Interviewed by Guy Yocom

Other features
Travel File: Hawaii
If time and money are short, visit Oahu and Kauai. By Pete McDaniel

Head to Head in the Hamptons
Inside Sebonack, the new Jack Nicklaus/Tom Doak design on Long Island.
By Ron Whitten

The price of fame
Golf's Hall of Fame doesn't have the magic of its counterpart
in baseball and football.
By Nick Seitz

EQUIPMENT
Latest Gear: The major winners
Putters: Time to get custom-fit
Gift guide: Our holiday picks
New Looks: Cobra, TaylorMade
What's in my bag: Chris DiMarco
Frank Talk: Angle of attack

THE DIGEST
On the tee: Christina Kim
Architecture: Two new courses coming to the New York City area
Leader board: News and notes
Golf Guru: Cavity-back vs. blade
Rules: New rules explained
Style: The latest raingear
Fitness: Golfer's elbow

COLUMNISTS
Jerry Tarde: Editor's letter
David Owen: Practice makes putrid
Dave Kindred: After Katrina
Dan Jenkins: Nights at the Crosby
Bob Verdi: Sergio Garcia's Pet Shot

Standard Golf Instruction is 95% Full Swing, but Golf is 45% Putting.
Shhssssh. Don't tell the guys you play with.

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© 2006 Geoff Mangum
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