I wanted to again provide notice that now the Ben Hogan Foundation, a not for profit organization, founded to keep Ben Hogan's legacy current in the world of golf, can receive direct donations on sales through Ebay listings.
Sellers have a choice to include a portion of their proceeds from a sale to automatically be sent to the foundation with a partial match from Ebay from their fees. Its an easy way to contribute but alternatively one can contribute to the Foundation by calling them or going to their website at http://www.benhoganfoundation.org/. There are contact numbers there and a direct donation link.
The Foundation is also accepting donations of Ben Hogan memorabilia that it can display or use to generate additional funds for its charitable work. The website also provides information on its charitable initiatives including the funding of the Ben Hogan Center in Fort Worth, Texas. This will operate in conjunction with the area's First Tee Program located at a local municipal golf course complex.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Ben Hogan Collection, Golf Swing Instruction, Coffee Table Book
The most visually stunning collection of articles, photos, and career information is contained in the new 2006 printing of this beautiful coffee table size treasure, 'The Man Behind the Mystique'. Many color and black and white photos of Ben Hogan including several excellent previously unpublished golf swing sequences. Family photos and wonderful stories from family and friends as well as extensive historical information about Ben Hogan's championship career.
This is a must have for any golf professional or player who appreciates the history of the game and what Mr. Hogan contributed to the understanding of the golf swing and the tradition of tournament golf. If golf had been in the Olympics during his career I would bet that part of his legacy would have included a gold medal listed next to all of his career wins in tournaments and in the majors tallies included in this book.
One of the special ingredients to the book was the participation and review by Valerie Hogan, Ben's beloved wife.
There are so many unique photos in the book that one should put aside time to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. Its so full of information and history.
The following is a summary of the contents:
Articles
The Gold Standard by Martin Davis
The Ben Hogan I Knew by Valerie Hogan
Hogan Lore Strikes Again by Dan Jenkins
Swing Analysis by Jim McLean
Photography and Commentary
1940 North & South Open
1942 Masters
1942 Hale America Open
1946 Masters
1946 PGA Championship
1947 Ryder Cup
1948 PGA Championship
1948 United States Open
The Accident
1949 Masters Get-Well
1949 Ryder Cup
Los Angeles Open
1950 United States Open
1951 Masters
1951 United States Open
1951 Ryder Cup
1952 Masters Club
'Follow the Sun'
1953 Masters
1953 United States Open
1953 British Open
New York Celebrates
The Ben Hogan Award
'The Caddy'
1954 Masters
1955 Masters
1955 United States Open
1956 United States Open
1956 Canada Cup
'Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf'
1958 Masters Bridge Dedication
Colonial National Invitational
1965 Shell's Wonderful World of Golf
1967 Masters
1967 Ryder Cup
The Complete Hogan Record
I bet Tiger Woods has a copy as does Phil Mickelson. If not they can get a copy at the Ben Hogan Collection website: http://www.benhogancollection.com/ or on http://www.amazon.com/.
This is a must have for any golf professional or player who appreciates the history of the game and what Mr. Hogan contributed to the understanding of the golf swing and the tradition of tournament golf. If golf had been in the Olympics during his career I would bet that part of his legacy would have included a gold medal listed next to all of his career wins in tournaments and in the majors tallies included in this book.
One of the special ingredients to the book was the participation and review by Valerie Hogan, Ben's beloved wife.
There are so many unique photos in the book that one should put aside time to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. Its so full of information and history.
The following is a summary of the contents:
Articles
The Gold Standard by Martin Davis
The Ben Hogan I Knew by Valerie Hogan
Hogan Lore Strikes Again by Dan Jenkins
Swing Analysis by Jim McLean
Photography and Commentary
1940 North & South Open
1942 Masters
1942 Hale America Open
1946 Masters
1946 PGA Championship
1947 Ryder Cup
1948 PGA Championship
1948 United States Open
The Accident
1949 Masters Get-Well
1949 Ryder Cup
Los Angeles Open
1950 United States Open
1951 Masters
1951 United States Open
1951 Ryder Cup
1952 Masters Club
'Follow the Sun'
1953 Masters
1953 United States Open
1953 British Open
New York Celebrates
The Ben Hogan Award
'The Caddy'
1954 Masters
1955 Masters
1955 United States Open
1956 United States Open
1956 Canada Cup
'Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf'
1958 Masters Bridge Dedication
Colonial National Invitational
1965 Shell's Wonderful World of Golf
1967 Masters
1967 Ryder Cup
The Complete Hogan Record
I bet Tiger Woods has a copy as does Phil Mickelson. If not they can get a copy at the Ben Hogan Collection website: http://www.benhogancollection.com/ or on http://www.amazon.com/.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Ben Hogan Golf Swing Instruction Software
Here is something much more fun for golfers to do than search for information on Hurrican Gustav or watching the Democratic National Convention.
The software titled 'The Swing Interactive' is part of the Ben Hogan Collection 3 DVD set as a Bonus feature. For anyone who wants to simply study Mr. Hogan's golf swing for instructional purposes or to improve their own method this is a great tool. One of the PGA Senior Tour pros called it brilliant after he received and used his copy. We the producers really enjoyed that comment for sure.
We took 4 swings from different views with different clubs performed by Mr. Hogan. The software allows the user to run it as a video slideshow or screensaver whereby the different swings are sequenced through after 5 repetitions of each. There are motion control buttons on the screen that allows the user to have a particular swing loop continuously at regular speed, run in slow motion, or even a click by click action that causes a still frame by still frame sequential viewing. This applies to all 4 swings. It is really a great tool.
I won't go into a discussion about what can be seen in Mr. Hogan's swing. Each golfer will be looking at different areas of his swing in order to learn something about his secrets. One can view this over and over and never get tired of it. It is mesmerizing in its effortless fluidity, grace, and power. Mr. Hogan could turn it on at 147 lbs in his prime and launch the old 1940's ball with his wooden headed driver 300 yards or more. When coming up through the caddy ranks the young Ben Hogan would win the long drive contests using a draw trajectory which he eventually abandoned for tournament play. Hogan favored a power fade for maximum control without giving up much in distance.
The software can be purchased separately or as part of the dvd set at http://www.benhogancollection.com/.
More about the 'Collection' in a later post.
Tom
The software titled 'The Swing Interactive' is part of the Ben Hogan Collection 3 DVD set as a Bonus feature. For anyone who wants to simply study Mr. Hogan's golf swing for instructional purposes or to improve their own method this is a great tool. One of the PGA Senior Tour pros called it brilliant after he received and used his copy. We the producers really enjoyed that comment for sure.
We took 4 swings from different views with different clubs performed by Mr. Hogan. The software allows the user to run it as a video slideshow or screensaver whereby the different swings are sequenced through after 5 repetitions of each. There are motion control buttons on the screen that allows the user to have a particular swing loop continuously at regular speed, run in slow motion, or even a click by click action that causes a still frame by still frame sequential viewing. This applies to all 4 swings. It is really a great tool.
I won't go into a discussion about what can be seen in Mr. Hogan's swing. Each golfer will be looking at different areas of his swing in order to learn something about his secrets. One can view this over and over and never get tired of it. It is mesmerizing in its effortless fluidity, grace, and power. Mr. Hogan could turn it on at 147 lbs in his prime and launch the old 1940's ball with his wooden headed driver 300 yards or more. When coming up through the caddy ranks the young Ben Hogan would win the long drive contests using a draw trajectory which he eventually abandoned for tournament play. Hogan favored a power fade for maximum control without giving up much in distance.
The software can be purchased separately or as part of the dvd set at http://www.benhogancollection.com/.
More about the 'Collection' in a later post.
Tom
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Ben Hogan Quotes
Golf is full of tradition reaching back 500 years or so. That is one of the things of beauty about this sport that far surpasses most others in the media. As in most histories what is being done or said today most likely has been done or said countless times in the past 10,000 years.
Saying that, we tend to listen very closely to what certain individuals in history said or wrote as it somehow became part of our global memory for the ages.
Ben Hogan was one of those special people. When he spoke, people listened, not only because of the carefully crafted content, but because it was considered a rare occurrence throughout his career. When Hogan was playing or practicing people would just feel privileged to be able to watch him swing the golf club. That is one main reason we preserved so much for current and future generations of golfers in 'The Ben Hogan Collection' 3 DVD set and in the 'Swing Interactive Software.
During the research phase and production of the dvd set I managed to compile an extensive list of quotations attributed to Ben Hogan. I am hoping and assuming most are accurate but having to rely on 30 to 40 years of golf and sportswriters output can give one a bit of a cautious approach to verifying accuracy. That said, the quotes are classic and part of our wonderful golf lore. Here they are:
Hogan’s Famous Quotes
1. “There isn’t enough daylight in any one day to practice all the shots you need to.”
2. “Every day that I missed practicing takes me one day longer to be good.”
3. “I try to hit it on the third groove.”
4. “There are no seven iron shots at Merion.”
5. “Managing the Mystique.”
6. “You’ve got no friends out here”.
7. “… a well hit golf shot as a feeling that goes up the shaft, right into your hands-and into your heart.”
8. After hitting out of the water at the U.S. Open on #17 at Cherry Hills an official was worried about calling a penalty on Hogan if he had to pull out of the water and take a drop. “You wouldn’t have had to call a penalty on me, I would’ve called I on myself’.
9. “I’m the sole judge of my standards”.
10. “I always outworked everybody. Work never bothered me like it bothers some people. You can outwork the best player in the world.”
11. “Your away.”
12. “I didn’t know the yardage. I didn’t want to know the yardage. There are too many variables - the wind, the air density, how you’re playing that day. I would remember if I had been beside a certain tree or trap or something like that and what I hit and how I played that shot. I don’t think I could play by yardge.”
13. “They’re not good clubs. Throw them away.”
14. “Some of them (balls) have a little too much paint in the dimples.”
15. “He must be good (Jack Fleck), he uses Hogan clubs.”
16. “Merion meant the most because I proved I could still win.”
17. “I’m glad that I brought this course (Oakland Hills), this monster, to its knees.”
18. “If all the players had to qualify, I’d try to qualify with them, but as a four-time champion, if I’m not qualified to play in the Open by now, I never will be.” (About qualifying for the 1962 U.S. Open)
19. “Well, that’s why they make 18 holes” after double bogeying the first hole at the Colonial National Invitational
20. “Your name is the most important thing you own. Don’t ever do anything to disgrace or cheapen it.”
21. “I need it at Oakland Hills” (to Dan Jenkins about a punched choked down 3 iron of 155 yards).
22. “You always overclub downwind” (after hitting a downwind, bump-and-run 7 iron onto a green)
23. “You can probably swing a little faster if you try hard enough.”
24. “You never fight your eye when you look at a hole. If it looks one way, play it that way. Don’t make a big deal out of an easy shot.”
25. It’s a black and white thing. If it looks like it falls left to right, let it go left to right; if it looks like it falls right to left, let it go right to left.”
26. On a dogleg right, you don’t try to hook it, on a dogleg left don’t try to fade it.”
27. “When you practice try to find a situation to fit the shot you’re trying to practice
28. “I didn’t need a three” when asked why he didn’t go for the green in two on a reachable par five.
29. “If you have trajectory, you can get accuracy.”
30. “… the more I practice, the luckier I get.”
31. “If you don’t use it in your swing, don’t use it in your waggle. Why practice something you’re not going to use. Only use things that fit your golf swing.”
32. “I was a much better golfer before the accident than I ever was afterward.”
33. About Jack Nicklaus in 1960 at the U.S. Open, “Don’t feel sorry for me, I played with a kid today who could have won this Open by 10 shots.”
34. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Hogan would answer, “As a gentleman.”
35. “There is no reason why a golfer can’t birdie every hole.”
36. After the accident, “Golf was my life. I didn’t want to give it up. So I went to work!”
37. “ I guess that takes care of this ‘Mr. Golf’ business” after posting 27 under par in the Portland Open and beating his friend Byron Nelson by 17 shots.
38. “Carefully replace the divot, son, because I plan to be here every round,” to his caddy during practice rounds at Merion in 1950.
39. “When I practiced, I practiced to get it right.”
40. “I don’t believe there is anything like a natural golf swing. A golf swing is an unnatural thing, and it has to be developed.”
41. “I am trying to play myself back in shape. I just haven’t had enough competition. I’m hitting the ball as well as I ever did, but I’ve lost the knack of scoring.”
42. ‘The basics of the swing remain the same, but I’m always experimenting, looking for better ways to hit finesse shots.’
43. ‘I never hit a shot on the course that I haven’t practiced.’
44. ‘I’m a curious person. Experimenting is my enjoyment. If something doesn’t work, some part of my swing or a club, I throw it out.’
45. ‘…I did dedicate myself to the game. And I loved every minute of it.’
46. ‘A lot of people don’t understand modesty. Not everybody wants publicity, you know.’
47. ‘It seems to me like we used ot have a more gracious life playing tournaments in those days. In many places we dressed for dinner, in dinner jackets. I cringe when I see fellas today walking into nice restaurants in golf clothes.’
48. ‘Competition improves people. Fifteen years from now the competition will be better still. You have to beat the competition. To do that you have to find a way. You have to have an edge.’
49. ‘The fundamentals of swinging are the same, but the technique of hitting the ball has improved, and the equipment is slightly better… not as much better as the individual and his technique.’
50. ‘All golf shots are missed to a degree. Today fewer are missed’
51. ‘The fella who starts today has a better chance to be a real good player than I did. The facts are all laid out for him. All you have to do is read and apply what you read through hard work.’
52. ‘I had to dig it out for myself. It took me from age 12 to 35, trying things, proving and disproving. But maybe that made me a better player, a better competitor. Most of the enjoyment in life is in improving.’
53. ‘I think all sports have to have leaders. One leader, with half the crowds coming to see him win and half to see him get beat. It’s hard to find that type of person. He’ll have to be an awful dedicated man.’
54. ‘I used to go in on my left leg as much as anybody, or more. …I used to play the ball up and go forward to catch it.’
55. ‘Golf and tournament golf are as different as baseball and hockey. I can’t describe the tournament feel you have to have… Call it toughness’‘I enjoy practicing and playing in tournaments. Besides, I haven’t really done what I wanted to do. I haven’t won enough tournaments.’
Enjoy the show!
Saying that, we tend to listen very closely to what certain individuals in history said or wrote as it somehow became part of our global memory for the ages.
Ben Hogan was one of those special people. When he spoke, people listened, not only because of the carefully crafted content, but because it was considered a rare occurrence throughout his career. When Hogan was playing or practicing people would just feel privileged to be able to watch him swing the golf club. That is one main reason we preserved so much for current and future generations of golfers in 'The Ben Hogan Collection' 3 DVD set and in the 'Swing Interactive Software.
During the research phase and production of the dvd set I managed to compile an extensive list of quotations attributed to Ben Hogan. I am hoping and assuming most are accurate but having to rely on 30 to 40 years of golf and sportswriters output can give one a bit of a cautious approach to verifying accuracy. That said, the quotes are classic and part of our wonderful golf lore. Here they are:
Hogan’s Famous Quotes
1. “There isn’t enough daylight in any one day to practice all the shots you need to.”
2. “Every day that I missed practicing takes me one day longer to be good.”
3. “I try to hit it on the third groove.”
4. “There are no seven iron shots at Merion.”
5. “Managing the Mystique.”
6. “You’ve got no friends out here”.
7. “… a well hit golf shot as a feeling that goes up the shaft, right into your hands-and into your heart.”
8. After hitting out of the water at the U.S. Open on #17 at Cherry Hills an official was worried about calling a penalty on Hogan if he had to pull out of the water and take a drop. “You wouldn’t have had to call a penalty on me, I would’ve called I on myself’.
9. “I’m the sole judge of my standards”.
10. “I always outworked everybody. Work never bothered me like it bothers some people. You can outwork the best player in the world.”
11. “Your away.”
12. “I didn’t know the yardage. I didn’t want to know the yardage. There are too many variables - the wind, the air density, how you’re playing that day. I would remember if I had been beside a certain tree or trap or something like that and what I hit and how I played that shot. I don’t think I could play by yardge.”
13. “They’re not good clubs. Throw them away.”
14. “Some of them (balls) have a little too much paint in the dimples.”
15. “He must be good (Jack Fleck), he uses Hogan clubs.”
16. “Merion meant the most because I proved I could still win.”
17. “I’m glad that I brought this course (Oakland Hills), this monster, to its knees.”
18. “If all the players had to qualify, I’d try to qualify with them, but as a four-time champion, if I’m not qualified to play in the Open by now, I never will be.” (About qualifying for the 1962 U.S. Open)
19. “Well, that’s why they make 18 holes” after double bogeying the first hole at the Colonial National Invitational
20. “Your name is the most important thing you own. Don’t ever do anything to disgrace or cheapen it.”
21. “I need it at Oakland Hills” (to Dan Jenkins about a punched choked down 3 iron of 155 yards).
22. “You always overclub downwind” (after hitting a downwind, bump-and-run 7 iron onto a green)
23. “You can probably swing a little faster if you try hard enough.”
24. “You never fight your eye when you look at a hole. If it looks one way, play it that way. Don’t make a big deal out of an easy shot.”
25. It’s a black and white thing. If it looks like it falls left to right, let it go left to right; if it looks like it falls right to left, let it go right to left.”
26. On a dogleg right, you don’t try to hook it, on a dogleg left don’t try to fade it.”
27. “When you practice try to find a situation to fit the shot you’re trying to practice
28. “I didn’t need a three” when asked why he didn’t go for the green in two on a reachable par five.
29. “If you have trajectory, you can get accuracy.”
30. “… the more I practice, the luckier I get.”
31. “If you don’t use it in your swing, don’t use it in your waggle. Why practice something you’re not going to use. Only use things that fit your golf swing.”
32. “I was a much better golfer before the accident than I ever was afterward.”
33. About Jack Nicklaus in 1960 at the U.S. Open, “Don’t feel sorry for me, I played with a kid today who could have won this Open by 10 shots.”
34. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Hogan would answer, “As a gentleman.”
35. “There is no reason why a golfer can’t birdie every hole.”
36. After the accident, “Golf was my life. I didn’t want to give it up. So I went to work!”
37. “ I guess that takes care of this ‘Mr. Golf’ business” after posting 27 under par in the Portland Open and beating his friend Byron Nelson by 17 shots.
38. “Carefully replace the divot, son, because I plan to be here every round,” to his caddy during practice rounds at Merion in 1950.
39. “When I practiced, I practiced to get it right.”
40. “I don’t believe there is anything like a natural golf swing. A golf swing is an unnatural thing, and it has to be developed.”
41. “I am trying to play myself back in shape. I just haven’t had enough competition. I’m hitting the ball as well as I ever did, but I’ve lost the knack of scoring.”
42. ‘The basics of the swing remain the same, but I’m always experimenting, looking for better ways to hit finesse shots.’
43. ‘I never hit a shot on the course that I haven’t practiced.’
44. ‘I’m a curious person. Experimenting is my enjoyment. If something doesn’t work, some part of my swing or a club, I throw it out.’
45. ‘…I did dedicate myself to the game. And I loved every minute of it.’
46. ‘A lot of people don’t understand modesty. Not everybody wants publicity, you know.’
47. ‘It seems to me like we used ot have a more gracious life playing tournaments in those days. In many places we dressed for dinner, in dinner jackets. I cringe when I see fellas today walking into nice restaurants in golf clothes.’
48. ‘Competition improves people. Fifteen years from now the competition will be better still. You have to beat the competition. To do that you have to find a way. You have to have an edge.’
49. ‘The fundamentals of swinging are the same, but the technique of hitting the ball has improved, and the equipment is slightly better… not as much better as the individual and his technique.’
50. ‘All golf shots are missed to a degree. Today fewer are missed’
51. ‘The fella who starts today has a better chance to be a real good player than I did. The facts are all laid out for him. All you have to do is read and apply what you read through hard work.’
52. ‘I had to dig it out for myself. It took me from age 12 to 35, trying things, proving and disproving. But maybe that made me a better player, a better competitor. Most of the enjoyment in life is in improving.’
53. ‘I think all sports have to have leaders. One leader, with half the crowds coming to see him win and half to see him get beat. It’s hard to find that type of person. He’ll have to be an awful dedicated man.’
54. ‘I used to go in on my left leg as much as anybody, or more. …I used to play the ball up and go forward to catch it.’
55. ‘Golf and tournament golf are as different as baseball and hockey. I can’t describe the tournament feel you have to have… Call it toughness’‘I enjoy practicing and playing in tournaments. Besides, I haven’t really done what I wanted to do. I haven’t won enough tournaments.’
Enjoy the show!
Friday, August 22, 2008
The Ben Hogan Foundation Charity Donation on Ebay
The Ben Hogan Collection, with its host company McTee's Champions LLC, has designated The Ben Hogan Foundation as a recipient charity for donations from sales on Ebay. A seller can identify a charity such as the Foundation to automatically receive a percentage of each sale, with some credits from Ebay, on each sale. There is a minimum of $5.00 but a percentage can be designated if that is more appropriate for the seller.
The Foundation's information can be found at www.BenHoganFoundation.org or to make a separate donation by contacting the Executive Director at 817.301.9934.
The Foundation is supporting various health and recreation charities as well as organizing funds for a new Ben Hogan Learning Center in Fort Worth Texas.
The Foundation's information can be found at www.BenHoganFoundation.org or to make a separate donation by contacting the Executive Director at 817.301.9934.
The Foundation is supporting various health and recreation charities as well as organizing funds for a new Ben Hogan Learning Center in Fort Worth Texas.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
U.S. Amateur Championship, Tiger Woods, Ricky Fowler, PGA Tour, Olympics
I actually cringed when I read a quote from Tiger Woods stating generally that he was not watching much golf on TV during his rehab time. The ratings for all those televised tournaments and championships worldwide have taken a plunge since his leave of absence and it probably would not have hurt to hear him say something supportive and positive about golf on TV. It might have spurred some interest from Tiger fans everywhere to know what he was watching and interested in besides the Ryder Cup. I am guessing that the PGA Tour would have loved to hear a better quote for their tour product.
Ricky Fowler is a heck of a player and sure looks like he has one of those world class short games. Watching him today on the Golf Channel showed what a great touch he had around the greens, savings pars from the rough behind a greenside bunker more than once in his strong showing for the match play win. So happens Golf Week had a nice pictorial on him as well this week. He was the winner of this years's Ben Hogan Award given to the best college player for the year. The presentation was at the Colonial Country Club right before the Colonial Tournament. Yours truly was there and saw to it that Mr. Fowler and the runner's up to the award each received a copy of 'The Ben Hogan Collection' 3 dvd pack and Interactive Software along with a copy of the book, 'The Man Behind the Mystique'. Its a sure bet he gets on tour and is successful pretty quick. At any rate I hope he watches the dvd's and reads the book. It will surely help him in his golfing career. Who best to learn from thatn Mr. Hogan!
Still watching the Olympics and really loving it as they say at McDonalds. I stopped dead in my tracks this morning when the floor dance routines came on and this beautiful woman working with a doggone hula-hoop put on the most dazzling dance routine. It was mesmerizing, athletic, and so graceful. A truly complete work of art in motion. I applaud her and hope she goes on to put on more performances for all the world to enjoy. I did not catch her name and I was too engrossed in the sheer pleasure of watching to remember to hit the record button on the Tivo device on the HD digital cable box. I surely wish I had. Maybe she will make a dvd or allow me to make it for her?
More soon!
Ricky Fowler is a heck of a player and sure looks like he has one of those world class short games. Watching him today on the Golf Channel showed what a great touch he had around the greens, savings pars from the rough behind a greenside bunker more than once in his strong showing for the match play win. So happens Golf Week had a nice pictorial on him as well this week. He was the winner of this years's Ben Hogan Award given to the best college player for the year. The presentation was at the Colonial Country Club right before the Colonial Tournament. Yours truly was there and saw to it that Mr. Fowler and the runner's up to the award each received a copy of 'The Ben Hogan Collection' 3 dvd pack and Interactive Software along with a copy of the book, 'The Man Behind the Mystique'. Its a sure bet he gets on tour and is successful pretty quick. At any rate I hope he watches the dvd's and reads the book. It will surely help him in his golfing career. Who best to learn from thatn Mr. Hogan!
Still watching the Olympics and really loving it as they say at McDonalds. I stopped dead in my tracks this morning when the floor dance routines came on and this beautiful woman working with a doggone hula-hoop put on the most dazzling dance routine. It was mesmerizing, athletic, and so graceful. A truly complete work of art in motion. I applaud her and hope she goes on to put on more performances for all the world to enjoy. I did not catch her name and I was too engrossed in the sheer pleasure of watching to remember to hit the record button on the Tivo device on the HD digital cable box. I surely wish I had. Maybe she will make a dvd or allow me to make it for her?
More soon!
Ben Hogan Collection to College Golf Coaches
We have put together a very special offer for the college golf coaches for their golf teams. Its very affordable and probably the best piece of instructional information a coach can give each of their team members. The letter sent to the women's golf team coaches is inserted below. A similar letter will be sent to the men's golf team coaches over the next month.
August 2008
Dear Golf Coach,
The Ben Hogan Collection wants to help your golf team WIN!
The legendary Ben Hogan conducted intensive research the golf swing for over 20 years before he was satisfied with the techniques he identified and used in tournament play. He then became the best golfer on the planet after WWII and a true champion. Mr. Hogan was, and still is, one of the most respected ball strikers in the history of the game. In 1957 he compiled his research findings in a book intended for all golfers titled, ‘Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf’. The book is still in print and has sold over 10 million copies. These timeless fundamentals continue to be the basis for modern golf instruction and used by Tour pros today.
‘The Ben Hogan Collection’ DVDs, authorized by the Hogan family and praised by Golf Digest, compiles extensive new and archival film of Mr. Hogan demonstrating his golf swing fundamentals. A detailed description and analysis of what Mr. Hogan did in his golf swing by Jim McLean is coupled with multiple, repetitive views using different clubs. Golfers learn and improve by watching excellent golf swings and from practicing, with guidance, what they see. Mr. Hogan wanted to help all golfers enjoy the game more by writing the ‘Five Lessons’ and he had a special fondness for helping younger players improve their games. Now your players can see the legendary master perform his golf swing skills on these films.
Now as a tribute to Ben Hogan’s legacy, work ethic and core life values, I have developed this SPECIAL OFFER to bring these visual images of Mr. Hogan to younger players that enjoy the game. This special affordable offer for your team and players is an outstanding value.
Get 3 copies of the Ben Hogan Collection DVD pack & Software for:
$99 with FREE shipping
(Normally $59.95 each)
The DVD pack includes: The Swing Revealed, The Swing Revealed 2, The Ben Hogan Legacy, and The Swing Interactive Software CD. Order by email, fax, or phone.
Cordially, Tom McCarthy, Producer
(See more product information at www.BenHoganCollection.com)
Get 3 copies of the Ben Hogan Collection DVD pack & Software for:
$99 with FREE shipping
(Normally $59.95 each)
The DVD pack includes: The Swing Revealed, The Swing Revealed 2, The Ben Hogan Legacy, and The Swing Interactive Software CD. Order by email, fax, or phone.
Cordially, Tom McCarthy, Producer
(See more product information at http://www.benhogancollection.com/)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and now Michael Phelps
One of the interesting stories in the Ben Hogan 'Legacy' dvd, part of 'The Ben Hogan Collection' 3 dvd pack concerns Mr. Hogan's role in establishing the legal basis for the fair use of an athlete's name and image in sports marketing and advertising.
Back in the mid 1950's so the story goes from Mr. Hogan's attorney there was no legal basis for protecting the rights of athletes and other person's of fame from having their image and name used by other entities for marketing and advertising purposes without the benefit of permission or compensation. Well, a book publisher, who happened to have previously published one of Mr. Hogan's golf instruction books, went on to publish another golf book using Mr. Hogan's name in the book and in marketing activities. They did not seek or receive Mr. Hogan's permission resulting in a lawsuit against the publisher. The basis for the suit was a person's rights to privacy. Mr. Hogan won the suit and a modest settlement.
However, the real benefit was that now there was a legal basis for requiring permission and/or compensation to the individual for the use of their name and likeness. Mr. Hogan went on to endorse many products in his lifetime and was compensated for them fairly. Even to this day, his name and likeness is protected by this legal finding, benefitting the Hogan Estate, family members, and endorsed charities.
Probably no one endorsed more products during his career than Arnold Palmer. If one visits the Palmer exhibit at the World Golf Hall of Fame or at the new museum at the USGA's Golf House one can only marvel at the extent and number and diversity of products that the golf's King endorsed.
Tiger Woods may not endorse as many at this point but his financial endorsement deals are marvelous and quite selective. He may eventually catch up to Palmer but he has a long way to go. I just wish he would give his regal nod to our 'Collection'! I would be glad to give him a free copy for himself and those he designates to receive one!
Now, Michael Phelps, the wonder of the Olympics is about to embark on this lucrative path of endorsements and appearance fees. His dedication and achievements in his sport truly supports his earning it. I hope he thinks to thank his lucky stars and Ben Hogan!
And on another note, I am not clear why all the sports writers and some golf announcers are so against golf at the Olympics. It will increase their travel budgets every four years. I do think the best players in the world world in golf would love to win an Olympic Golf medal. I know I would and I bet Ben Hogan would have given it a go. He would have put it in a place of honor in the trophy case next to his 5 US Open medals and his Open trophy. The term 'the best golfer on the planet' was something Mr. Hogan liked to hear in the next breath after the name 'Mr. Golf'.
Back in the mid 1950's so the story goes from Mr. Hogan's attorney there was no legal basis for protecting the rights of athletes and other person's of fame from having their image and name used by other entities for marketing and advertising purposes without the benefit of permission or compensation. Well, a book publisher, who happened to have previously published one of Mr. Hogan's golf instruction books, went on to publish another golf book using Mr. Hogan's name in the book and in marketing activities. They did not seek or receive Mr. Hogan's permission resulting in a lawsuit against the publisher. The basis for the suit was a person's rights to privacy. Mr. Hogan won the suit and a modest settlement.
However, the real benefit was that now there was a legal basis for requiring permission and/or compensation to the individual for the use of their name and likeness. Mr. Hogan went on to endorse many products in his lifetime and was compensated for them fairly. Even to this day, his name and likeness is protected by this legal finding, benefitting the Hogan Estate, family members, and endorsed charities.
Probably no one endorsed more products during his career than Arnold Palmer. If one visits the Palmer exhibit at the World Golf Hall of Fame or at the new museum at the USGA's Golf House one can only marvel at the extent and number and diversity of products that the golf's King endorsed.
Tiger Woods may not endorse as many at this point but his financial endorsement deals are marvelous and quite selective. He may eventually catch up to Palmer but he has a long way to go. I just wish he would give his regal nod to our 'Collection'! I would be glad to give him a free copy for himself and those he designates to receive one!
Now, Michael Phelps, the wonder of the Olympics is about to embark on this lucrative path of endorsements and appearance fees. His dedication and achievements in his sport truly supports his earning it. I hope he thinks to thank his lucky stars and Ben Hogan!
And on another note, I am not clear why all the sports writers and some golf announcers are so against golf at the Olympics. It will increase their travel budgets every four years. I do think the best players in the world world in golf would love to win an Olympic Golf medal. I know I would and I bet Ben Hogan would have given it a go. He would have put it in a place of honor in the trophy case next to his 5 US Open medals and his Open trophy. The term 'the best golfer on the planet' was something Mr. Hogan liked to hear in the next breath after the name 'Mr. Golf'.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Ben Hogan Collection Video Vault
The Ben Hogan Collection has a video vault on its website. The vault is open for inspection on a free two week trial basis before a reguest for payment of a subscription fee is sent to the customer. The vault is competing with YouTube for containing the most viewable film clip images of Mr. Hogan swinging various golf clubs in various settings from differerent years in his career. Many of the clips are also found the in the 3 DVD pack 'The Ben Hogan Collection' that includes the Swing Interactive Software that features Mr. Hogan.
Web traffic is consistent at the site and there are a significant number of customers of the vault that signed on over the past year since it went active on the website.
The idea of getting a site sponsorship has been discussed. The producers are open to turning the video vault into a free web service when sponsorship arrangements can be made allowing extensive enhancements to the content of the site. Contact should be made with the producer at sales@thebenhogancollection.com.
Currently the producers are in the pre-production phase of developing the new dvd from 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf', by Ben Hogan and Anthony Ravielli and Herbert Warren Wind. The 3D computer graphics to be employed in the production will include motion capture technology for a truly exciting, instructional, and entertaining experience. A Ben Hogan Avatar will be created that demonstrates Mr. Hogan's golf swing from unlimited points of view using Ravielli's pen and ink drawings as a basis for the renderings. Additional high definition art work on some renderings will make the various renderings truly life-like.
Mr. Hogan's Avatar will be able to show in detail his 'Secret' and all the fundamentals he describes in his book. Production will begin once a suitable production company is selected by the parent companies, Classic Sports Brands and McTee's Champions LLC.
More on these topics later.
Web traffic is consistent at the site and there are a significant number of customers of the vault that signed on over the past year since it went active on the website.
The idea of getting a site sponsorship has been discussed. The producers are open to turning the video vault into a free web service when sponsorship arrangements can be made allowing extensive enhancements to the content of the site. Contact should be made with the producer at sales@thebenhogancollection.com.
Currently the producers are in the pre-production phase of developing the new dvd from 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf', by Ben Hogan and Anthony Ravielli and Herbert Warren Wind. The 3D computer graphics to be employed in the production will include motion capture technology for a truly exciting, instructional, and entertaining experience. A Ben Hogan Avatar will be created that demonstrates Mr. Hogan's golf swing from unlimited points of view using Ravielli's pen and ink drawings as a basis for the renderings. Additional high definition art work on some renderings will make the various renderings truly life-like.
Mr. Hogan's Avatar will be able to show in detail his 'Secret' and all the fundamentals he describes in his book. Production will begin once a suitable production company is selected by the parent companies, Classic Sports Brands and McTee's Champions LLC.
More on these topics later.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Left Handed Golfers - National Left Handers Day
Today is National Left Handers Day I am told by the media folks. I guess us right handers get the rest of the days of the year? Just kidding with you.
I would like to point out a couple of great video resources for those left handed golfers out there that would like to see THE GOLF SWING ROLE MODEL, instead of Phil or Steve who are on the PGA Tour now.
I have posted a video of Ben Hogan swinging the a driver in a left handed view courtesy of some computer software magic. It is on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5swNm6SofQ.
I have also included several left handed versions of the video clips of Mr. Hogan in the 'Video Vault' located on our website. There is a free trial period so it won't cost anything to view them for a couple of weeks. You can then opt out of the credit card payment at that time and you won't be charged if you choose not to continue the service.
The left handed version is nice if you are able to look in a mirror at the same time as your reflection looks just like Mr. Hogan on the video clip. Pretty neat instructional perspective.
I wonder who looks like Mr. Hogan from the left hand side that is on tour now?
I would like to point out a couple of great video resources for those left handed golfers out there that would like to see THE GOLF SWING ROLE MODEL, instead of Phil or Steve who are on the PGA Tour now.
I have posted a video of Ben Hogan swinging the a driver in a left handed view courtesy of some computer software magic. It is on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5swNm6SofQ.
I have also included several left handed versions of the video clips of Mr. Hogan in the 'Video Vault' located on our website. There is a free trial period so it won't cost anything to view them for a couple of weeks. You can then opt out of the credit card payment at that time and you won't be charged if you choose not to continue the service.
The left handed version is nice if you are able to look in a mirror at the same time as your reflection looks just like Mr. Hogan on the video clip. Pretty neat instructional perspective.
I wonder who looks like Mr. Hogan from the left hand side that is on tour now?
Anniversary of Ben Hogan's Birthday
Today is the anniversary of Ben Hogan's Birthday. Mr. Hogan came from very modest roots and transformed his life through hard work, perserverence, and focus. His Legacy goes beyond his accomplishments in golf and is a true model for the humans that live and will be born on this earth in the future. And, for all of his accomplishments, he would most like to be remembered as a 'gentleman'. Thank you Mr. Hogan.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
YouTube and The Ben Hogan Collection
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!
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!
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.
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