Rub of the green refers to good luck or bad luck on the golf course. Rub of the green can be relative as well. For example, this past Sunday when Arjun Atwal chipped to 6 feet and had that putt left to win the Wyndham Championship, Scott McCarron conveniently putted his 1st putt to within a foot of where Atwal's ball was. McCarron was also away, so Arjun was guaranteed a free read for the biggest putt of his PGA Tour career. McCarron, armed with his long putter made the perfect read and drained his insignificant putt. Well played Scotty! Flash to the clubhouse where David Toms was visibly shocked and laughing at the unbelievable "rub of the green" that was rubbing him the wrong way.

Like a pro armed with a free read, Arjun did what he was supposed to do, stepped up to his putt and holed his Titleist for the win. According to David Pelz, touring pros are 50% from 6 feet, but when they have the read, the percentage skyrockets. To read more David Pelz stats, consider buying Dave Pelz's Putting Bible. It is full of ah-hah tidbits.

Congratulations Arjun Atwal, so while your fellow competitor rubbed the green your way, you put yourself in the best position to win all week long, controlling what you could.

Dustin Johnson was penalized for grounding his club in a bunker (a hazard) when the rules don't allow it. The standard penalty is 2 strokes and this penalty pushed him ot of the playoff so he wasn't disqualified.

What makes this situation unique is that the crowd was standing in the bunker and trampled it down beyond all recognition. Thus just like everyone else, Dustin assumed it was just a junky piece of turf.

The Committee has the authority to invoke rule 1-4 and in equity rule that under the circumstances this particular penalty would not apply. However, my guess is that since it is the PGA championship and run by the PGA, everyone was too busy patting themselves on the back over a great tournament and when the time came for a tough decision they were ill-prepared to make a good one. As expected, the stodgy always err on the conservative side which was unfortunate for Johnson.

When the rules don't align with common sense, there is a problem. In this case, the rules disappointed golf and cost Dustin Johnson dearly as well as robbing golf fans of what was lining up to be one of the greatest golf tournaments in recent history.

My 2010 PGA Championship Picks

What a year in golf!!! The guard is changing and it is exciting to see the young guns to the front. Therefore, while I may be pronouncing the transition to soon, I feel comfortable saying the next generations golfers have arrived.

Westwood's calf is hurt, Phils body is attacking his tendons, Els hasn't had the same fire in years, Toms is good but hasn't been near the top, Goosen seems to lurk but not lead, and golf seems to be the last thing on Tiger's mind as it probably should be.

So this bunch has too much baggage and I'm taken the young bucks who have some swagger. Sign me up for some Fowler, Overton, Mahan, McIlroy and... well I'll take one vet named Harrington. Only cause I have to believe the old guard will have one representative on the board. Attack young guns and put those vets on their heels.

Why should I Change my grips?

When your grips on your clubs are too slick, the forearm muscles and hands tighten to avoid losing control of the golf club. This tightening, reduces flow and clubhead speed as well as your natural athletic ability. If you don't tighten your grip, then the golf club slips and it usually equals a bad shot. Even worse, it can slip out of your hand and hit your buddies or land in a pond. Change em before they affect your game.

How much does it cost to get golf clubs re-gripped?

Figure $8-$12 per club. The typical set has 14 clubs, so 112-168. I have 16 clubs and rotate the 60 degree wedge and 5 wood in and out of play depending on the course I am playing. Bottom Line, think twice before buying used clubs online or from a buddy when the first thing you have to do is buy $125 worth of grips to get them playable. You are better off emailing us and getting a brand new starter set, bag and lifetime warranty, all for under $500.

When should I change your golf grips?

It depends on how much golf you play...

1) Once a year - Change the grips only when they get really slick and lose all their tack. Consider washing the grips with soapy water and a brush to remove the sunscreen and dirt. That should help liven up the tack. Once that doesn't work anymore, swap those babies out. If you play once a year, there is no need to spend $100-150 on grips if you are spending $60 on golf annually. Unless you dislike your money, that dog won't hunt.

2) Golf Often - Change your grips coming into every golf season. April or May for Northern Folk. Then if you don't play a ton, then should be good til the end of the season. Periodically check and change the grips on the clubs you use the most. The Driver, Wedge and Putter typically wear down the fastest. Also if you always practice with your 7 iron, then change that grip too.

3) Diehard Golfer -

I recommend regripping your golf clubs at the beginning of every season. Then change them every 3 months. Some clubs like the 4 iron may not need to be swapped out every time, but your core golf clubs should get some fresh rubber on them. While your at it, why don't you take the time and get your grips fit by a PGA professional. If you are going to spend this much time at the course, you might as well have the right grip on your golf club.

Hope this helps!!! By the way, my favorite grip is still the Golf Pride Tour Wrap Round with an extra wrap of tape.

Glen Ellyn Golf Pro Jim Lazarko Finishes 4th
In the 2010 Illinois Senior Championship, local Glen Ellyn PGA Professional Jim Lazarko, finished 4th qualifying for the 2010 Senior PGA Professional National Championship, held October 7-10, 2010 at Toscana Country Club (Indian Wells, CA) and Rancho La Quinta Country Club (La Quinta, CA).
Under pristine weather conditions on Aug 2-3rd, Jim fired a 76-71 at the Biltmore Country Club and Barrington Country Club. When asked about his preparation, Lazarko indicated "As usual I always prepare extra hard for a special tournament. For this one, the focus was on my short game, especially sand play and putting."
It obviously paid off in the second round when Lazarko got off to a blazing start with 3 quick birdies and only 27 putts. Twice he hit the flagstick on his approach, leading to tap in birdies. On the back nine, he struggled a bit as he claims he "was not used to being so many under par and started to steer the club." So pro's even get nervous on the odd occasion.
Jim's next tournament appearance will be at Onwentsia, on Aug 16, 2010. While Jim is not playing in golf tournaments, he teaches golf for golfers of all ages and skill levels at The Village Links of Glen Ellyn. For those looking to schedule a golf lesson with Jim, email contactus@glenellyngolf.com.