Golf drug testing is put on hold

Anti-doping bosses have backed the Open's organisers over the decision to delay introducing drugs tests, but want golf to go further in policing itself.

The R&A had to scrap plans to screen every player this year as some tours have not implemented drugs policies.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) agreed with the R&A's decision but warned the sport against complacency.

"No sport is immune to doping and anti-doping measures protect the game's integrity," a Wada spokesman said.

"It would be helpful for all golfers if each of the tours had the same rules, the same prohibited list and the same education activities.

"We expect the players themselves will see the sense in such harmony and look forward to its development."

The R&A had hoped the 2008 Open would be the first major to implement drugs tests but was forced to postpone them until 2009 when it realised players from tours without adequate doping education programmes had already qualified.

Drug testing on the PGA and European Tours, world golf's two richest circuits, starts in July. But the Asian, Australian and South African tours - who have all already held Open qualification events - have not yet agreed their anti-doping plans...

Read the complete article

Home Security

Yesterday I was watching a documentary about a man wanting to insure himself against being hit by a golf ball when walking his dog and the method the insurance company uses to decide the cost of the policy (it was a slow day). Whilst that example may seem a little extreme insurance is one of life's necessities and homeowners insurance is probably at the top of the list importance wise. It insures our things against burglary, fires and natural disasters (always check the policy). However, even with a good insurance policy it is still important to make sure we pay attention to home security as this can prevent anything bad from happening in the first place.

Adam Scott Wins the Byron Nelson Championship

Adam Scott felt he needed to make a statement by winning Sunday. He did, though, not quite the way he wanted to do it.

After blowing the three-stroke lead he carried into the final round, Scott made a 9-foot birdie putt on No. 18 to force a playoff, then made a 48-footer playing it again on the third playoff hole to beat Ryan Moore in the EDS Byron Nelson Championship.

"In the end, I think (the statement) was to myself, I could actually win it when things weren't going my way," Scott said. "But it wasn't quite the statement I had in mind. I would have liked to have gone out there and have played like Ryan played and won by a few."

Still, Scott made the clutch shots when he needed them for his sixth PGA Tour victory after cutting short his post-Masters trip home to Australia so not to waste his good play there.

Playing the 18th hole for the third time in less than an hour, the second time in the playoff, Scott hit his tee shot into a fairway bunker to the right. But he got his approach to the front of the green, then rolled the putt over two ridges and into the cup.

"I got away with one today," said Scott, at No. 10 in the world the highest-ranked player in the Nelson field. "A bit lucky."

This week in golf

LPGA TOUR

Ginn Open

Site: Reunion, Fla.

Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Ginn Reunion Resort (6,505 yards, par 72).

Last year: Brittany Lincicome beat Lorena Ochoa by a stroke for her second tour title, closing with an even-par 72 in windy conditions. Ochoa finished with a 77.

PGA TOUR

Verizon Heritage

Site: Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Harbour Town Golf Links (6,973 yards, par 71).

Purse: $5.5 million. Winner's share: $990,000.

FedEx Cup points: 25,000. Winner's share: 4,500.

Last year: Boo Weekley won his first PGA Tour title, chipping in on the final two holes to hold off Ernie Els by a stroke.

PGA EUROPEAN TOUR/ASIAN TOUR/CHINA GOLF ASSOCIATION

Volvo China Open

Site: Beijing.

Schedule: Thursday-Sunday.

Course: Beijing CBD International Golf Club (7,321 yards, par 72).

Purse: $2.2 million. Winner's share: $367,740.

Last year: Austria's Markus Brier won at Shanghai Silport, finishing with a 4-under 67 for a five-stroke victory.

Call your loved ones

When you are a long way from home and feeling a bit down there is nothing like making a call home to your friends and family. This is especially true if you happen to be living in a completely different country. Unfortunately international calls can be expensive and this often restricts the amount of time you can talk with your loved ones. However, there is a great site offering cheap international prepaid phone cards, which allow you to call your loved ones with much cheaper rates than the major phone companies like at&t, sprint etc. This means that you will be able to talk longer to your friends and family without being worried about the cost.

The prepaid phone cards website is well designed and easy to use and they offer many different cards for the many countries in the world. They also deliver the card and PIN instantly online after purchase. The site also lists the minutes you can talk to each country with certain cards so that you can find the best deal available. They also have a great page which explains how to use a prepaid phone card and how they work. If you have loved ones overseas and are looking for a great deal on a prepaid phone card then it is worth paying a visit to the website.

Another push for golf at the Olympics

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem offered his support Tuesday for golf to become an Olympic sport, an endorsement that could give golf its strongest chance since it was dropped from the Olympic program more than 100 years ago.

"While there remain questions to be answered and issues to be resolved, I believe the time is now right to move forward," Finchem said on a blog he posted on the tour's Web site.

Because the International Olympic Committee requires seven years for a sport to be added, the earliest golf could be part of the Olympics is 2016. The IOC will meet next year to vote on a host for the 2016 Games and decide whether to include additional sports.

Any bid would have to come through the International Golf Federation, which the IOC recognizes as golf's ruling body for the Olympics. It is run jointly by USGA executive director David Fay and Royal & Ancient Golf Club chief executive Peter Dawson.

Golf last was played in the Olympics in 1904, with Canadian George Lyon winning the gold medal.

It almost was part of the Atlanta Games in 1996 - at Augusta National, no less - until IOC member Anita DeFrantz and others criticized the club's all-male membership, and the fact it had only recently taken a black member.

The last attempt for Olympic golf came in 2005.

"It failed for a pragmatic reason," Fay said. "It's not going to succeed unless the professional tours are behind it. We haven't had the professional bodies express support for it since Atlanta."

Finchem said golf as an Olympic sport would promote growth around the world. And while he mentioned that golf already has four majors, three World Golf Championships and The Players Championship, he thought there was room for golf in the Olympics...

Click to read the complete article

Social networks

On the Internet social communities or networks are all the rage and the 3GB community is fairly new to the market. Once registered you can meet up with old friends, listen to MP3's of the latest chart toppers, share your photos, chat and make friends with other people from your area or around the world. If you are interested in social networking you can join 3gb community www.3gb.biz via the link.

Ochoa wins Corona Championship.

Lorena Ochoa didn't have much trouble with the course or the competition at the Corona Championship.

After entering the final round with a seven-stroke lead Ochoa carded a 4-under-par 69 for a total of 25-under-par 267 and an 11-stroke victory in the $1.3-million LPGA Tour event at Tres Marias Residential Golf Club.

Ochoa, who posted three consecutive 66s to start the tournament, easily her third consecutive victory and fourth in five events this year. Top prize was $195,000 U.S.

With the victory, Ochoa qualified for the LPGA Hall of Fame, though she can't be inducted until she finishes her 10th tour season in 2012.

"It was an amazing week," Ochoa said. "I did enjoy myself a lot.... I guess I can say I'm in the Hall of Fame now."

At 26 years four months 29 days, Ochoa is the second- youngest player to gain Hall of Fame honours.

Australia's Karrie Webb became the youngest, at 25 years seven months two days, when she qualified by winning the U.S. Women's Open in 2000.

Pure Air

There is nothing like the pure air of a country golf course, but when we come home to the city there are many air pollutants that can effect our health on the streets and inside our homes. When I had my first child I decided to get an air purifier and I have noticed an improvement in our health already. Air purifiers work by removing the pollutants and allergens (the things that cause allergies) from the air, which can lead to better health.

Trevor Immelman wins Masters

AS IF the nerves and pressure of securing the first major title of his career were not enough to contend with, the addition of a gusting wind and quickening greens at Augusta yesterday made life devilishly complicated for Trevor Immelman as he became the first South African in 30 years to win the Masters.

The slippery conditions were so treacherous that the 2008 tournament resembled a giant game of snakes and ladders in which every advance seemed to be countered by a calamity of tumbles. Immelman, who had coped with the lead or a share of the top spot since Thursday, was steadier than any of his rivals on a day when par was glorious.

Signing for 75 and 280, eight under par, Immelman even had enough leeway near the end to survive a few wobbles and close out the competition. His nearest rival, Tiger Woods, finished three shots adrift. The measure of the South African's achievement was that he became the first player since Seve Ballesteros in 1980 to lead the Masters from first to last.

"It was so tough," recalled the new champion. "I was trying to be tough myself and hang in there. There was a disaster waiting to happen around every corner. I got a message from Gary Player who told me to believe in myself. That meant so much."...
Read the complete article

Golf cart quotes

Once I asked my golfing partner about the greatest invention in golf expecting him to answer with something like graphite shafts, titanium drivers or on course toilets he answered with golf carts. Thinking about it myself they are an extremely useful invention with many advantages over the traditional way to get around the course (walking for those that are wondering). They have the ability to speed up play, allow older or injured persons to travel around the golf course and are usually run on battery power which is great for the environment! Of course golf cart type vehicles are not only used for transporting golfers, they can be used to traverse large campuses like a University, transporting cargo or people over short distances, towing and just about anything else where a small utility vehicle would be needed.

If you are looking for a golf cart, or have purchased one before, you will know it can sometimes be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for and at the price you want to pay. Unlike cars there are few choices when it comes to golf cart dealerships and this often means paying more for the golf cart than we would like. Fortunately, there is a great online resource that finds you the type of golf cart you are looking for at the right price.

Golf Carts price quotes offer a fantastic golf cart quotes service free of charge with absolutely no obligation to purchase after you receive the quotes. They will get quotes on new and used golf carts from a variety of dealers. To receive a quote on a golf cart you will need to fill in an easy form with 15 questions about your wants and needs so that the dealer can come to you with an accurate quote. You will be asked about the type of cart, whether you want a new or used, when you want to buy, what the vehicle will be used for, what terrain you are driving on, your choice between gas or electric golf carts and more similar easy questions. You are also given the opportunity to list any special features or additional needs you may have. Once you have completed this easy form, up to four dealers will call you via telephone with their best quotes.

The website also features some great golf cart buying advice and a guide to golf carts which will help you make the correct choice for your needs.

This is a fantastic service and if you are looking to purchase a golf cart or utility vehicle and want the best price available I would recommend visiting the golf carts price quotes website.

The Masters - Day 3 Wrap

Trevor Immelman and Brandt Snedeker were supposed to fade Saturday at the Masters, but instead they flourished.

Phil Mickelson was supposed to lurk on the leader board, but instead he limped almost entirely out of contention.

And Tiger Woods? Well, Tiger gave the fans at Augusta National something to roar about on a few occasions. He shot four-under-par 68 to climb within six shots of the lead and set the stage for today's final round.

Immelman birdied three of his last six holes and shot three-under-par 69. That put him at 11-under 205 and increased his lead to two shots over Snedeker, who rallied from potential disaster with three straight bogeys at Amen Corner. Snedeker birdied three of his last five holes for a 70.

Steve Flesch shot 69 and was in third at eight-under. Paul Casey shot 32 on the front nine but collapsed on the back nine with a 37 and was at seven-under.

Next was Woods, alone in fifth place at five-under. While Woods has never won a major while trailing after the third round, his competitors are far from comfortable.

"Who is the guy in fifth place?" joked Snedeker. "Oh, Tiger Woods. Yeah, that guy.

"Yeah, I'm sure he's going to be a factor. His name is going to be on the leader board somewhere tomorrow. It's going to be there on the back nine."

If Woods' back-nine charge Saturday was any indication, he could have a good chance. He made one birdie on his first nine holes, then stormed to three birdies on the back and made a big par save on the 18th hole, hitting an eight-iron off the pine straw and through the trees that reached the green.

"I got a lot of work to do tomorrow," Woods said. "Obviously, with the conditions are supposed to be pretty blustery tomorrow and a little cooler. And again you got to hang in there and be patient out there because it doesn't take much to make a high number out here."

Mickelson could attest to that. He began the round three shots off the lead and finished nine shots back at two-under after a 75...

Click to read the complete golf news story

American golf courses

Having a quality online golf resource can be a big advantage and offer some great features only available online. If you are an avid golfer like me the American golf website is one such website that should be on your bookmark list. They provide a really great service and offer tee times for many parts of the country including, but not limited to, San Diego tee times, New York tee times and la tee times.

The tee time booking service is available online and it is as simple as choosing an area, a course, the number of golfers and a time. Then the automated service will search for tee times within your selected parameters. If there is a tee time available you are shown the time and date together with the green fees. You are then able to book the tee time online after you have accepted their terms and conditions. This service is easy to use and you will never be charged a service fee for using the online tee time booking service.

The website also features information on many public golf courses and country clubs throughout the United States including many great california golf courses. This information covers a quality description of the course, green fees, course amenities, yardage and par details and much more. They even have directions so that you will never get lost on your way to a new golf course again. You can also sign up to receive golf course email specials which can save you a few dollars when playing your favorite courses. There is also a fantastic list of event venues and services offered by the golf courses and is perfect if you are looking to plan a wedding, tournament, social or corporate event.

You can also sign up for a golfers club through the website which offers discount green fees, early twilight access, merchandise discounts and more. If you are looking for golfing instruction you will also find listings of the golf learning centers including details of the courses and pricing information. Signing up for a golfers club or golf instruction at a learning center is easy and can be completed online.

The site also features a pro shop that offers gift cards that are accepted like cash throughout the listed courses. You can also order personalized Titleist golf balls with a three lines customizable message. Also included in the pro shop is some awesome looking Callaway eye wear and Titleist golfing accessories.

Whether you are looking for, golf course information, online tee time bookings, golf lessons or anything else golf related the American golf website should be on your bookmark list.

The Masters - Round 2 Wrap

Twelve months ago, Trevor Immelman left the Masters with an intestinal parasite that caused him to lose 20 pounds off his slender frame.
Now he's halfway to a possible green jacket.
Tiger Woods owns four Masters trophies, but no one would blame him for reaching for the antacid with the mountain left for him to scale this weekend.
Immelman's second consecutive 4-under-par 68 was good enough for a one-shot advantage Friday, grabbing the clubhouse lead even before Woods could be summoned to the first tee.
Back-to-back birdies to end his round left Immelman at 8-under 136, the lowest 36-hole Masters total in three years.
"Yeah, this year is special," said the South African, who has just one bogey through his two tours of Augusta National. "To shoot two 68s in the first two days is probably beyond my expectations, so I'm pretty thrilled right now."
Brandt Snedeker stayed one stroke off Immelman's pace after his own 68, also carding birdies on his final two holes. Two-time champion Phil Mickelson was another two shots back in a tie for third with England's Ian Poulter (69) and Steve Flesch, whose 67 was the week's best.
Woods found himself seven shots back after a 1-under 71, the 11th straight Masters round in which he's failed to break 70.

Photography

When I was younger I had a part time job taking photos in my local mall each Christmas (you know the ones where kids sit on Santa's lap). From this job I developed a love of photography and have been an avid photography enthusiast ever since. Photography can be a rewarding hobby, but if you are wanting to take it seriously it an be difficult to master and it has taken me a while to learn what I needed to know. Fortunately there are some fantastic resources online to help you with everything related to photography.

The Digital Photography Forum is one of the best resources available and their inner circle group has all your photography needs in one location. The forums are a friendly place to get some advice, ask some questions, find tutorials and tips or offer your expertise to help others in the wonderful world of photography. The testimonials page is an indication of the quality of the forums and there are many very happy members. They also have some great products to help photographers start and run a successful wedding a portrait studio. If you are looking for a great place with friendly members to help you with your photography then it is worth paying a visit to the Photography Forum.

Corona Championship - Round 1 Wrap

Lorena Ochoa maintained her recent fine form with a seven-under-par 66 in the first round of the Corona Championship in Mexico.

World number one Ochoa, who won her second major at the Kraft Nabisco Championship on Sunday, recorded a pair of eagles in her round at the Tres Marias Residential Golf Club.

Playing on home soil, the Mexican shares the lead with South Korea's Song-Hee Kim, who recorded six birdies in an eight-hole stretch to pull into contention.

"Playing here in my country is extra special," Ochoa said.

"I like it here very much, it's much easier than Mexico City. It looks like on Friday we'll have a great group and more spectators on Friday afternoon.

"I'm ready for it. I can't wait to get the feel of the big crowd and hopefully play good for all of them."

The 2006 champion here, Ochoa started on the back nine and overcame her lone blemish - a bogey on 14 - to finish with eagles on the fifth and the eighth.

"I don't think I've ever done that before, two eagles in nine holes," Ochoa said.

"It will be something that I'll remember for a long time."

Golf, police and greg norman

When I was growing up I either wanted to be a professional golfer (just like my childhood hero Greg Norman) or a big city police officer. Suffice to say I didn't achieve either of those dreams, but I still love to look around army surplus and police gear shops for all the latest and greatest gear. I enjoy looking at the latest flashlights, GPS units, tactical gear and all the rest. LA police gear have a great website for all these kinds of items and if you are interested it is worth paying a visit to their website.

The Masters - Round 1 Wrap

While pre-tournament favorite Tiger Woods plodded his way to an even-par 72, Rose and Immelman both fired 68s. The first round was delayed an hour because of fog, but the field finished just before dark.

"I think what (the trip) did was it took the pressure off the practice days this week," Rose said. "I was just trying to hold myself back and not get too excited."

Rose started 2 over after five holes before making birdie on six of the next eight. He holds a share of the first-round lead for the third time in four Masters appearances. He led last year and finished tied for fifth. He was also in the lead in 2004 but ended up tied for 22nd after a third-round 81.

"I have learned you can't count your chickens too early," Rose said.

Immelman, the last player to record a hole-in-one at the Masters in 2005, has just one top-50 finish in five previous Masters appearances. He shot a 34 on both sides.

"You know in major championships, you can't get too far ahead of yourself and you can't get too overconfident," Immelman said.

No first-round leader has won the Masters since Ben Crenshaw in 1984, and the two friends certainly have plenty of company.

On a course Woods said played tough as some U.S. Open courses, only 18 players broke par, but 42 are within six shots of the lead.

Brian Bateman, Brandt Snedeker and Lee Westwood are one shot back after carding 69. Poulter, Robert Karlsson, defending champion Zach Johnson, Stephen Ames and Jim Furyk fired 70s.

Among the eight players at 71 are two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen and former winner Mark O'Meara.

Consider a career in golf

Golf is a fantastic sport, makes great exercise and is one of the highest participation sports in the world. Golf can also make a fantastic career choice and there are many people making their living from the game they love. However, finding a job in the golf industry can be difficult as it is a competitive area and completing appropriate training can help you gain an advantage on the competition.

The San Diego Golf Academy (SDGA) is a renowned golf college that has an excellent curriculum to prepare you for a rewarding golf career. They offer a two year associate degree program and even allow students to complete a bachelors degree in golf through a partnership with Virginia College. The graduation rate of the academy is over 85% and the academy boasts over 90% placement rate. Many of the students who complete studies with the San Diego Golf Academy are either recruited directly from the academy or find a job within 3 months of completing their course. Their website is very easy to use and you will find heaps of information and you are even able to apply online. If you are interested in a career in golf and are looking for one of the best golf schools available then it is worth paying a visit to the SDGA website.

Ochoa leads Kraft Nabisco Championship

World No. 1 Lorena Ochoa tightened her grip on the opening women's major of the year, moving one stroke clear in the Kraft Nabisco Championship third round yesterday.

Co-leader overnight with American playing partner Heather Young, Mexican Ochoa eked out a one-under-par 71 in strengthening winds at Mission Hills Country Club.

The 26-year-old reeled off three consecutive birdies from the par-4 10th to shake off the chasing pack before ending a gruelling day with a three-putt bogey at the last.

hat left Ochoa at 6-under 210 in pursuit of her second major title.

South Korea's Han Hee-won carded a 70 to lie second at 5 under, a stroke in front of compatriot Lee Seon-hwa (68), American Cristie Kerr (66) and Swede Maria Hjorth (72).

Three-time champion Annika Sorenstam of Sweden, battling stomach pain for the second day in a row, ground out a 73 to share ninth spot at 2 under.

Ochoa is bidding for her third victory in four starts on the 2008 LPGA Tour.

Shopping comparison

I love shopping online, you could almost call it an addiction. I shop online for all kinds of things, but electronics and golf stuff are right at the top of my list. The only thing better than the shopping online itself, is discovering that I have made a good saving over the regular store price. Every time I shop online, without fail, I use an online shopping comparison website. To put it simply these websites collect prices from all over the Internet and provide you with the very best price available so you don't have to spend the time trawling the different online shops to find it.

Digxa.com is one of the newer shopping comparison sites I have stumbled across and they have a great range of stores and categories to compare prices in. Having a gadget addiction means that I was drawn to their categories for computers and if you dig a little deeper you can even find categories for each individual component, accessories and more. If you know exactly what you are looking for then simply type it in the search box and you will be presented with the different online stores selling the product and the best price available - brilliant! If you are wanting to make a shopping comparison or two then check out their website you wont be disappointed.

Shell Houston Open - Round 3 Wrap

Johnson Wagner, aiming for his first PGA Tour victory, shot a three-under-par 69 to take a one-stroke lead over fellow American Chad Campbell after the Houston Open third round on Saturday.

Wagner, ranked 313th in the world, finished with a 15-under total of 201 as he chased the first prize of $1 million and a win that would earn a spot at next week's U.S. Masters at Augusta.

Campbell, wielding a hot putter, was tied for the lead before a bogey at the par-four 17th prevented him registering a second successive 64. His 65 put him on 202 at the Redstone Golf Club.

Campbell birdied three of the first four holes and rolled in a 60-footer for birdie at the sixth. The 2003 Tour Championship winner added an eagle at the par-five eighth hole when he spun an 88-yard wedge shot back into the hole.

Americans Bob Estes, who fired a bogey-free 64, and Charley Hoffman (69) were tied for third on 204.

None of the top four have yet qualified for the Masters, the year's first major.

Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 U.S. Open champion, posted a 66 for 206 while fellow Australian Mathew Goggin carded a 72 for 207.

Structured Settlement

If you have been injured and have won a settlement in court, won the lottery or have an annuity you will, in most circumstances, be given structured settlement payments over a certain course of time until the complete amount is delivered. While this system is quite effective there are times when a lump sum payment is needed or may be of greater use. If this is the case you will need to find a quality, reliable service to offer a lump sum in exchange for your structured settlement payments.

Settlement quotes is a great service that offers this to people who are receiving structured settlement. They have a range of investors and funding companies that will compete to give you the best quote for your structured settlement payments. They work with the best companies to get you the best value quote available and they pride themselves on getting the most cash possible for their clients with a very fast delivery time frame. If you are looking for quality settlement purchasers then it is worth paying their website a visit.

Shell Houston Open - Round 2 Wrap

Johnson Wagner fired a three-under par 69 and has a three-shot lead after the rain-shortened second round at the 5.6 million dollar PGA Houston Open.

Wagner finished his round, something 36 others couldn't say as a storm blew over the Redstone Golf Club. His 12-under 132 total gave him a three-stroke cushion over Mathew Goggin and Charlie Hoffman. Chad Campbell shot a 64 and went from tied for 81st to fourth.

Play was stopped for two hours in the afternoon before the golfers returned to the course then halted for the day because of darkness.

The three dozen golfers will return to the course early Saturday morning to complete the second round and a cut will be established, then the third round will begin.

Chicago nightlife

I have only visited Chicago a couple of times during my visits to the US, but both times I have visited I have been very impressed with the nightlife of the city. To have a really good time though you need to be tuned in to the buzz of a city and the once the only real way to do that was to be a local or be friends with a local. Fortunately with the invention of the Internet you can find out all the local hotspots and upcoming events with the click of a button from anywhere in the world.

When I wanted to know about the chicago nightlife I used ExactEvents.com which has all the information about the nightclubs and upcoming events. You can also use the website to see pictures of the clubs which give you an idea about the quality of the entertainment and fun to be had. The website has heaps of great stuff and if you are looking for information about the best nightlife avaliable then I recommend a visit to their website.

Ochoa is the Woods of the womens tour?

Lorena Ochoa has quietly put herself in position to be the Tiger Woods the women’s tour — if she could only add some more major tournaments to her already sparkling resume.

Ochoa waited until the third tournament of the year to make her 2008 debut, then won by 11 shots. In what might be the strongest field of the year on the LPGA Tour last week, she missed a half-dozen putts inside 10 feet and still won by 7.

And the former No. 1 in the world, Annika Sorenstam says: “She’s playing some spectacular golf right now.”

Still, for all her good golf, she hasn’t won the Kraft Nabisco, played on one of her favorite courses.

She began playing Mission Hills as a teenager when she dominated college golf at Arizona. The support she feels in the Coachella Valley is second only to what she gets in her native Mexico, with so many family and friends in the gallery, along with fans from the area who make their presence known by waving the Mexican flag.

Credit Card Fraud Protection

I know many people who have had their credit card used illegally whether by stealing the card number, skimming the card or Internet fraud. In the UK alone it was estimated that 428 million pounds was lost to credit card fraud in 2006 and the amount is growing each year. It is really scary how vulnerable we are to this kind of theft. Fortunately for consumers most quality credit cards on the market have a strong fraud protection system with many security checks in place to keep your money safe. Whether you apply for a business credit card or a personal credit card you will find that most offer a good level of protection.

Shell Houston Open - Preview

The last PGA Tour stop before the Masters will have an Augusta-like feel to it this week at the Shell Houston Open.

First off is the quality of the field: Houston boasts four of the top 10 players in the world rankings, and six of the top 12: Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Adam Scott, K.J. Choi, Geoff Ogilvy and Padraig Harrington.

World No. 1 Tiger Woods is not playing this week, as he rarely does in the few weeks before a major, and No. 3 Ernie Els pulled out due to a virus.

In addition, the folks at Redstone Golf Club are tailoring their course as best they can to look and feel like Augusta next week. The greens are prepared to run at very fast speeds and there are areas around the greens where there is little rough in an attempt to recreate Augusta-like conditions.

This week’s winner qualifies is the final qualifier for the Masters - if he hasn’t already done so.

However, since 1934, only five players have won the week before they earned a green jacket.

Mickelson, in the field this week, was the latest to do so in 2006, when he won the BellSouth Classic. He is joined by Sandy Lyle (1988 Greater Greensboro Open), Art Wall (1959 Azalea Open), Sam Snead (1949 Greater Greensboro Open) and Ralph Guldahl (1939 Greater Greensboro Open).

This is Lefty’s fourth career start at the Shell Houston Open. He missed the cut in his first appearance in 1995, tied for 30th in 1998 and tied for 28th in 2003.

Adam Scott is the defending champion here, capped by a 48-foot putt to get up-and-down on the 18 th and secure the victory. He was the 6th Australian to win the Shell Houston Open and was the youngest champion this tourney had seen since David Duval's win in 1998. He played his final 36 holes at Redstone without a single bogey.

Players from outside the U.S. have won seven out of the last nine in this event, dating to 1999.

Aussies have won this event on four occasions in the last nine years with Stuart Appleby winning twice and Scott and Robert Allenby once each. So maybe that bodes well for Geoff Ogilvy, who is playing this week for the first time since ending Tiger’s win streak at Doral.

IP

Your IP address follows you wherever you go on the Internet and is an important part of all networking setups. There are some situations where you may need to know your IP address, change your IP address or want to hide it from prying eyes. Some of the best IP address tools can be found at the website whatismyipaddress.com.

My IP
This tool does what it says it does and tells you what your current IP address is. This is useful to know if you are playing games online or to allow remote access to your computer.

IP Lookup
This great tool allows you to search an IP address and find information about that IP address including; geographical location, country, state and city, postal code, area code, Latitude and Longitude and a visible map of the location.

Trace Email
This tool allows you to trace the IP address of an email that you have received based on the header information.

Blacklist Check
This tool checks to see if your IP address is listed with any anti spam databases which will show you if your emails will be intercepted by anti spam filters

Other IP address tools
IP Traceroute - This tool can provide a general location of an IP
Visual Traceroute - This tool provides a traceroute with a visual representation (map)
IP to Hostname lookup - Find the hostname of an IP address
Hostname to IP lookup - Check the IP address of a hostname (ie. google.com)
Advanced proxy check - If you use a proxy server this tool checks to see if you are exposing your sensitive information

The site also contains great information about IP addresses including changing your IP address and hiding your ip address. Whether you are performing a simple lookup ip or want to learn more about hiding or changing your ip address then I would recommend a visit to the website.

Putting tips video

I found this great little golf instructional video presenting short putts. Good Luck.

Credit crunch

Bad credit is a hard thing to have hanging over your head and in the current financial climate is no shame. However, anyone struggling with bad credit still needs some help to find a lender willing to give them a second chance. Fortunately there are great websites like BadCreditOffers out there to help you find products like bad credit loans and bad credit credit cards. If you are looking for bad credit products then it would be well worth paying a visit to their website.

This week in golf

PGA TOUR

SHELL HOUSTON OPEN,
Redstone Golf Club Tournament Course, Humble, Texas

Last Years Winner: Adam Scott

EUROPEAN TOUR

ESTORIL OPEN DE PORTUGAL,
Oitavos Dunes, Estoril, Portugal -

Last Years Winner: Pablo Martin

Nascar

Golf is obviously my number 1 sport, but I really get into a few others including motor sports, especially Nascar. The speed of the races got me hooked with some of the record speeds achieved being completely mind boggling. When I get into something I become a bit of a sucker for merchandise and just have to have the latest and greatest new piece.

If you are like me then you may be interested in the sports nut shop Nascar Merchandise section. It contains all of the Nascar Apparel you could possibly want including hats, shirts, clocks, cups, seats and heaps more all branded to your favorite team and driver. My favorite driver is Dale Earnhardt Jr. and they have heaps of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Merchandise available as well as all the other great drivers.

If you are into Nascar it is well worth checking out their website which is a pleasure to use. I was really amazed by the amount of merchandise and products that they offer and I would doubt you would find a better collection online anywhere else. Whether you are looking for Nascar Gifts for a loved one or a new nascar branded chair then look no further!

The biggest stories of the masters

1. Tiger Woods

Even with his high standards, Woods caused a stir when he said in January that the calendar Grand Slam was "easily within reason." Then he won his first four starts of the year, including a back-nine charge at Dubai on the European Tour. Along the way, he surpassed Arnold Palmer and caught Ben Hogan on the PGA Tour's career victories list.

2. Drug Testing

Golf does not begin drug testing until July, but mandatory meetings to outline the process was such an eye-opener that some players have begun asking about the need to form a union. Augusta National is part of the World Golf Foundation, meaning drug testing likely will take place at the Masters next year.

3. Slow Play

The PGA Tour has twice changed its cut policy to limit the size of fields on the weekend, particularly the final round, which has led to outrage among players who feel as though playing opportunities are being taken away. But it has renewed focus on the real problem - slow play - and more players are being singled out as the culprits. Two getting the most attention are J.B. Holmes and Sean O'Hair.

4. Phil Mickelson

He remains an enigma on the golf course. Mickelson appeared to hit his stride when he won at Riviera, giving him a victory at every PGA Tour stop in California and winning for the 16th time on the West Coast. But he didn't get out of the second round at Match Play, and he didn't finish inside the top 20 at Bay Hill or Doral.

5. The Golf Channel

It won't be a part of the Masters telecast, but it drew the wrong kind of attention in January when anchor Kelly Tilghman, responding to Nick Faldo's suggestion that players gang up on Tiger Woods, suggested they "lynch him in a back alley." It took four days for Golf Channel to act, suspending Tilghman for two weeks. The editor of Golfweek magazine lost his job for putting a noose on the cover. Woods forgave Tilghman, saying she meant no harm.

6. K.J. Choi

He emerged with a new title after winning the Sony Open - best Asian to have never won a major. Choi finished a career-high fifth on the money list last year after winning tournaments hosted by Jack Nicklaus (Memorial) and Tiger Woods (AT&T National), and his victory at the Sony Open was his seventh on the PGA Tour, and fifth since 2005. He comes to the Masters among the top 10 in the world.

7. Vijay Singh's meltdown at Pebble

It was only one tournament and it has happened to all great players, but it was no less shocking to see Singh blow a three-shot lead with five holes to play at Pebble Beach. He made two straight bogeys from the middle of the fairway and eventually lost to journeyman Steve Lowery in a playoff. Singh now has gone more than a year without winning, his longest drought since 2001.

8. Ernie Els

The Big Easy had gone 3 1/2 years and 47 tournaments without winning on the PGA Tour when he finally broke through at the Honda Classic, posting a score and letting everyone else tumble behind him. A week later, he revealed that his son has been coping with autism, and Els now has an "Autism Speaks" logo on his bag.

9. Masters criteria

The change back to awarding Masters invitations to PGA Tour winners has been a big hit. Daniel Chopra (Mercedes-Benz Championship) and Sean O'Hair (PODS Championship) were as thrilled about going to Augusta National as winning. Big-hitting J.B. Holmes earned his first trip to the Masters by winning in Phoenix.

10. Ryder Cup

There typically is more conversation about the Ryder Cup on the other side of the pond, but this year is different with the new selection criteria for Americans. It is based on money, leading to wild fluctuations in the standings. One point is awarded for every $1,000 earned on the PGA Tour, and the Masters will be the first time those points are doubled.

Associated Press

Break the vault

I am often found on the Internet playing the odd flash game when I have nothing else to do at work or am waiting for a conference call or a client to arrive. It can be a really good distraction and the little games can be quite addictive.

Recently I have discovered break the vault which not only allows you to participate in games and contests, but if you solve the game you win cash prizes! They launch a new contest each week with varying difficulty levels and each registered member can have unlimited amount of guesses to solve the puzzle. There are many games available and if you win you can expect a paypal payment or check with your winnings. Check their terms and conditions for the complete details. The site is really easy to use and signing up and playing the contests is a breeze. If you are interested in online contests and also be eligible to win a bit of money then I would recommend paying a visit to break the vault!