In general I think that YouTube is a fantastic new piece of consumer technology that is both fun, educational, and entertaining. I have wondered through it many times, mostly to view various golf swings of great players, commercials, and bits from upcoming movies.
There has been a rash of users however that are careless in their use of this new medium by posting copyright material without the permission or even the knowledge of the copyright owner. I have contacted some individuals that posted portions of The Ben Hogan Collection 3 pack DVD production to request that they remove those postings. Some have and some have not. I am in the process of contacting some other individuals to do the same and hope for good compliance with my request. It is one thing to make a post like that of a small portion of a copyrighted production for informational and educational purposes but not at all legal or morally correct to post large segments or an entire work.
In some respects these postings provide what they call viral advertising for the works. That sometimes is very beneficial to a producer and the production company. Recouping production costs is important on large budget works. Obviously it is not beneficial when the whole work is free for the viewing. In fact, I have posted on YouTube the advertisements, 3 one minute video spots that used to appear on The Golf Channel and Fox Sports Net. I intend to post some additional snippets as well. Eventually, I would like to have most of the videos from the production on the website: www.BenHoganCollection.com for viewing and allow for sponsorship to help support the effort.
Other works showing videos of Ben Hogan are on YouTube inappropriately. There are several bits from In Pursuit of Perfection, The Golf Channel's work on Ben Hogan, and the Shell's Wonderful World of Golfs production of the match between Hogan and Snead. Hogan went on to win that match quite nicely. He just plain hit every green and every fairway in regulation. Why is it so impossible for the PGA Tour professionals to do that now. Aren't they bigger, stronger, better instructed, videod, and analyzed, armed with space age equipment, etc. Maybe just not enough dirt under their grooves.
So, wish me luck!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Finding 'The Ben Hogan Collection'
A dedicated golfer recently asked me where he could purchase a copy of 'The Ben Hogan Collection' 3 DVD pack and Software CD.
I gave the usual answer that comes to me quickly and that is to visit the website and purchase a copy online. The site is listed as www.BenHoganCollection.com.
It occurred to me that there are quite a few retail shops that carry 'The Collection' since it was released in early part of 2007. Most of the online golf retailers carry it. They get their copies from our distributors including The Booklegger and Victory Multimedia. These online retailers include Sports Authority, Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, Golfsmith, Golf Universe, etc.
The store sites include Roger Dunn's, Golf Etc, Edwin Watts, Golfsmith, Nevada Bob's, Alf's, and many others around the country.
Many folks, actually more than half of all shoppers like to put their hands on products before they buy them. At the websites though, one can see some clips of what is included in the DVD pack for sample viewing.
Also, just to make note here for readers, everyone that has received a copy and viewed has liked 'The Collection' very much. The term 'fantastic' is often used. It's also very affordable and a great value at $59.95.
I gave the usual answer that comes to me quickly and that is to visit the website and purchase a copy online. The site is listed as www.BenHoganCollection.com.
It occurred to me that there are quite a few retail shops that carry 'The Collection' since it was released in early part of 2007. Most of the online golf retailers carry it. They get their copies from our distributors including The Booklegger and Victory Multimedia. These online retailers include Sports Authority, Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, Golfsmith, Golf Universe, etc.
The store sites include Roger Dunn's, Golf Etc, Edwin Watts, Golfsmith, Nevada Bob's, Alf's, and many others around the country.
Many folks, actually more than half of all shoppers like to put their hands on products before they buy them. At the websites though, one can see some clips of what is included in the DVD pack for sample viewing.
Also, just to make note here for readers, everyone that has received a copy and viewed has liked 'The Collection' very much. The term 'fantastic' is often used. It's also very affordable and a great value at $59.95.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Golf Swing Improvement
While at the driving range practicing to improve my swing fundamentals I met a fellow that had just started playing within the last year or so. He was in the stall next to me and kept saying what a good swing I had even though in my opinion it works well sometimes but is something I want to improve upon. At any rate, I was hitting some pretty decent golf shots.
After a couple of rest periods in the heat down here in Miami at 3 in the afternoon, I finally broke down and did what I typically don't do and that is to give advice to another golfer. I had never met this fellow before but it was obvious that he was surely afflicted with the great game. He wanted to improve.
So, I gave him three pieces of advice. Study the greats and spend a little time each day working on improving your fundamentals of the golf swing and take a series of lessons concentrating onputting and your short game from 60 yards to the pin. I told him to spend the $10-15 on 'The Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf" by Ben Hogan and spend the $60 or so to buy the 'Ben Hogan Collection' 3 DVD set and software CD. I told him he would not regret it and that it would be the best $$ he could spend on golf ever. Of course, he already had his matched set of clubs, etc. and was spending regularly on practice balls at the range. Not a real push on truth from my perspective, that's for sure.
I let him know that almost every golf professional marvels at Mr. Hogan's golf swing, tries to emulate it in some ways, and most assuredly has a copy of the 'Five Lessons'. They would have read it a lot of times in their search for improvement.
I might see him again some day at the range and maybe not. But, I am confident that I had done one of those good things and helped someone else play golf better in the future. If they buy the book, if they practice, and if they watch Mr. Hogan on the dvds. Not really a tall order for someone who looked like they loved the game.
After a couple of rest periods in the heat down here in Miami at 3 in the afternoon, I finally broke down and did what I typically don't do and that is to give advice to another golfer. I had never met this fellow before but it was obvious that he was surely afflicted with the great game. He wanted to improve.
So, I gave him three pieces of advice. Study the greats and spend a little time each day working on improving your fundamentals of the golf swing and take a series of lessons concentrating onputting and your short game from 60 yards to the pin. I told him to spend the $10-15 on 'The Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf" by Ben Hogan and spend the $60 or so to buy the 'Ben Hogan Collection' 3 DVD set and software CD. I told him he would not regret it and that it would be the best $$ he could spend on golf ever. Of course, he already had his matched set of clubs, etc. and was spending regularly on practice balls at the range. Not a real push on truth from my perspective, that's for sure.
I let him know that almost every golf professional marvels at Mr. Hogan's golf swing, tries to emulate it in some ways, and most assuredly has a copy of the 'Five Lessons'. They would have read it a lot of times in their search for improvement.
I might see him again some day at the range and maybe not. But, I am confident that I had done one of those good things and helped someone else play golf better in the future. If they buy the book, if they practice, and if they watch Mr. Hogan on the dvds. Not really a tall order for someone who looked like they loved the game.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Buy the Ben Hogan Company
This is an open appeal to Tiger Woods to make a much needed call and buy the Ben Hogan Company from Callaway. You can have Nike revitalize it as a great golf company producing golf products of the highest quality, something for which it was known for decades. I could do it myself but they would probably take your call and listen to your offer over my efforts. I would guess others have tried to do this but with little success. Its definitely a challenge.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Olympics in the future for golf?
The debate on golf in the Olympics is taking a more serious turn it seems now that China is showing some growth in facilities and people who enjoy golf. Golf in the Olympics seems like a natural. It is now a game that is truly enjoyed world wide in so many countries and seems to be growing at a rapid pace outside the US. There are some questions.
The biggest questions is when? 4, 8, 12 years from this summer's games?
What would the format be? Stroke play, match play, teams?
How does a country select its teams? World golf rankings, competitions as qualifiers?
Would they have to be amateurs or allow professionals to compete? Now there's an easy answer!
What about the ball? Will there be an Olympic ball with specific requirements that allows each manufacturer to produce it for their sponsored player? Logos on the ball? This one could be tricky as there are patents and legal issues to resolve. Maybe in 8 years the legal battles would be resolved. What about other equipment?
What will the governing rules be for the games? USGA or a special set of rules for the Olympics? They change a lot of rules for basketball. Will they need to do so for the Olympics?
Will Tiger Woods be there?
What country will Ernie Els play for?
Will the rules and venues be the same for women?
Will the top players in the world show up? Some players don't like to travel the world, others love it as a way of life. Kenny Perry comes to mind as does Ben Hogan. Perry sits out the British Open. Ben Hogan was finally convinced by his friends and legends of the game to play the Open Championship in 1953 before it was revived as a substantially well known and respected event in the US. Gary Player used to spend most of his sleeping time during any given day on a plane travelling the world to play and win his beloved game. Phil Mickelson is now becoming a globe trotter for the game. The fellows that play on the PGA Tour have not been heard yell a resounding yes to the Olympics even though the Commissioner has endorsed golf in the Olympics.
What will the role of the PGA, PGA Tour, USGA, LPGA, PGA sections, NCAA, etc. be in the selection and rules process?
Will there be 'official' Olympic training site(s)? Will they be selected based on the types of grass used, the types of greens, their championship venue characteristics? Bent or Bermuda?
Where will the competitions be held? A good guess would be a Jack Nicklaus design golf course and if not his, the Pete Dye will have his mark on it.
Who will be the coache(s)? What will the coaches teaching philosophy and technique? Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, Stack and Tilt, McLean's 8 Step Swing, Faults and Fixes?
And last but not least, will I get to go and see this wonderful event!?
The biggest questions is when? 4, 8, 12 years from this summer's games?
What would the format be? Stroke play, match play, teams?
How does a country select its teams? World golf rankings, competitions as qualifiers?
Would they have to be amateurs or allow professionals to compete? Now there's an easy answer!
What about the ball? Will there be an Olympic ball with specific requirements that allows each manufacturer to produce it for their sponsored player? Logos on the ball? This one could be tricky as there are patents and legal issues to resolve. Maybe in 8 years the legal battles would be resolved. What about other equipment?
What will the governing rules be for the games? USGA or a special set of rules for the Olympics? They change a lot of rules for basketball. Will they need to do so for the Olympics?
Will Tiger Woods be there?
What country will Ernie Els play for?
Will the rules and venues be the same for women?
Will the top players in the world show up? Some players don't like to travel the world, others love it as a way of life. Kenny Perry comes to mind as does Ben Hogan. Perry sits out the British Open. Ben Hogan was finally convinced by his friends and legends of the game to play the Open Championship in 1953 before it was revived as a substantially well known and respected event in the US. Gary Player used to spend most of his sleeping time during any given day on a plane travelling the world to play and win his beloved game. Phil Mickelson is now becoming a globe trotter for the game. The fellows that play on the PGA Tour have not been heard yell a resounding yes to the Olympics even though the Commissioner has endorsed golf in the Olympics.
What will the role of the PGA, PGA Tour, USGA, LPGA, PGA sections, NCAA, etc. be in the selection and rules process?
Will there be 'official' Olympic training site(s)? Will they be selected based on the types of grass used, the types of greens, their championship venue characteristics? Bent or Bermuda?
Where will the competitions be held? A good guess would be a Jack Nicklaus design golf course and if not his, the Pete Dye will have his mark on it.
Who will be the coache(s)? What will the coaches teaching philosophy and technique? Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, Stack and Tilt, McLean's 8 Step Swing, Faults and Fixes?
And last but not least, will I get to go and see this wonderful event!?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Asterisks
Must we look at tournament wins and other golf records with an asterisk? Why yes, because one of the greatest players that ever lived did not play in them. Even though the best golfers of the time played in them and one of them would win or set a new record we need to get our asterisk stamp pad and ink it up. I agree with the golf pundits who keep talking about this on air and in print and now in cyberspace. Any tournament that Ben Hogan did not play in should have an asterisk, woops, I mean Tiger Woods, woops, I mean Bobby Jones. Now I am all confused. Maybe all tournament wins should have asterisks and explain why it was or wasn't a 'normal' tournament. I guess that includes those tournaments that happened even before Tigber was born and at some point when he hangs up his spikes. Or should it be a double asterisk if Jack did not play? Heck, none of them can count unless we mention that Ben Hogan probably would have won it anyway.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Golf on TV, missing Tiger Woods, Five Lessons - The Modern Fundamentals of Golf dvd
Great golf on TV this weekend, from the Scottish Open with players getting a taste of golf in the old country, the John Deer Classic with a playoff won but a really hot player, Kenny Perry, and the LPGA Jamie Farr tournament. Mickelson looked like he was having fun out on the golf course as usual and hit a lot of nice shots. It looked like practice rounds for him.
Perry did a nice job of nailing the playoff on the birdie putt while everyone else went wet. He is playing spectacularly and will be a strong presence on our Ryder Cup Team. He definitely looked like he knows how to win. And, he probably won't take any guff or be intimidated by Azinger, his captain. That guy needs to lighten up.
Paula Creamer is a darling to watch in the hunt or out front. I did have to chuckle when she threw down her club yesterday and ended up on the green for a birdie putt. She has pretty high expections. The pink golf ball does look a little odd as another golf writer observed recently. She is getting to be a consistent leader board player and frequent winner. The LPGA is showing us some great golf overall and perfectly enjoyable on TV.
I did miss seeing Tiger out there but think that he also missed being out there playing those other guys as well. Maybe not this tournament per se but just the same, watching and knowing you can't play even though you want to must be tough. Being out for months like he will is a pretty severe sentence for over training during rehab!
I am pleased that The Ben Hogan Collection and BenHoganCollection.com will be producing and eventually carrying the Five Lessons dvd. Along with Classic Golf Brands and their original Ravielli drawings the production will be truly a symphony of modern computer graphics, motion capture technology, and classic golf instruction and golf art.
The pre production process is in full swing with an outline for the RFP for the technical production aspects completed. The RFP will be going out in the near future and expect that this great new golf classic will appeal those interested in movie making and golf. The very same technologies that is used to make the more recent blockbuster movies should fit very well with the Five Lessons story on dvd. I have great visions for this production.
Right now the extensive amount of new and archival video of Ben Hogan that can be found in 'The Ben Hogan Collection' gives any student of the game a great video model to observe and learn technique. Mr. Hogan was a master shotmaker and all round perfectionist and his golf swing is the very well displayed in these dvds.
Well, for now, back to working on my golf swing and shot making.
Perry did a nice job of nailing the playoff on the birdie putt while everyone else went wet. He is playing spectacularly and will be a strong presence on our Ryder Cup Team. He definitely looked like he knows how to win. And, he probably won't take any guff or be intimidated by Azinger, his captain. That guy needs to lighten up.
Paula Creamer is a darling to watch in the hunt or out front. I did have to chuckle when she threw down her club yesterday and ended up on the green for a birdie putt. She has pretty high expections. The pink golf ball does look a little odd as another golf writer observed recently. She is getting to be a consistent leader board player and frequent winner. The LPGA is showing us some great golf overall and perfectly enjoyable on TV.
I did miss seeing Tiger out there but think that he also missed being out there playing those other guys as well. Maybe not this tournament per se but just the same, watching and knowing you can't play even though you want to must be tough. Being out for months like he will is a pretty severe sentence for over training during rehab!
I am pleased that The Ben Hogan Collection and BenHoganCollection.com will be producing and eventually carrying the Five Lessons dvd. Along with Classic Golf Brands and their original Ravielli drawings the production will be truly a symphony of modern computer graphics, motion capture technology, and classic golf instruction and golf art.
The pre production process is in full swing with an outline for the RFP for the technical production aspects completed. The RFP will be going out in the near future and expect that this great new golf classic will appeal those interested in movie making and golf. The very same technologies that is used to make the more recent blockbuster movies should fit very well with the Five Lessons story on dvd. I have great visions for this production.
Right now the extensive amount of new and archival video of Ben Hogan that can be found in 'The Ben Hogan Collection' gives any student of the game a great video model to observe and learn technique. Mr. Hogan was a master shotmaker and all round perfectionist and his golf swing is the very well displayed in these dvds.
Well, for now, back to working on my golf swing and shot making.
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