A few weeks ago we received a call at the golf shop at Riverside Golf and Country club in Portland, Oregon. Little did we know it was Phil Hellmuth's assistant requesting a couple of tee times for him and his poker buddies. Out of respect I wasn't going to blurt this around the twitter world or even the internet until after they had played. After checking in it seems as if Mr. Hellmuth's golf ball of choice is the Titleist Pro V1 (Good choice as they are my sponsor). The member services staff said that Hellmuth and his buddies played yesterday at Pumpkin Ridge's Ghost Creek in North Plains, Oregon (My Home Town). Hellmuth said it was a nice pay day after that round. Everyone seemed to agree that Riverside is a much tougher course due to the tight driving it requires. 

After looking at Phil's Twitter Page it seems he was able to play the Olympic Club as well in the last week. Now I am jealous. It will be interesting to see where Phil plays next. Glad that he takes a few days off and enjoys the green grass instead of the green felt.

 Thanks again for playing at Riverside Phil. Feel free to come back!

Matt Hauth
Assistant Golf Professional
Riverside Golf & Country Club
Twitter: @EvolutionofGolf

Yes, you heard that correct. President Obama is shown below using a Nike Unitized putter. I can't figure out exactly which model it is, but if you know feel free to comment and let us know! Our personal favorite is that Biden is using some type of putter that you would find at a second hand store. Come on President Obama share a bit of the wealth with Biden and have the putting green brushed off for you next time, I mean you are the freakin President for God sake.

Photo Source: Whitehouse on Flickr

Confidence has a lot to do with how well you putt.  But how do you practice confidence?  When most golfers go to the practice putting green they hit a lot of putts from 8 feet and further from the hole.  From 8 feet and out, you would be lucky to make 30% of your putts.