Hooked On Golf Blog

Being a hack golfer and a rock & roll drummer means my hands and forearms need to be in good shape.  The last couple PGA Tour rounds I’ve watched on TV I’ve made sure to keep my Prohands PRO handy, doing some exercises to build up my strength for the upcoming golf season.

Gripmaster’s Prohands is a hand exerciser, much better than squeezing a tennis ball or one of those two handled v-shaped devices.  The PRO model is the one I have, because… I’m a pro.  Ahem.  The unit has individual finger springs for working each finger as well as the muscles and ligaments in the hand and arm.

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Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Reviews, Instruction Hank Haney, Prohands

Anyone who has read my golf posts for more than a few weeks at a time knows I suffer from back problems.  I have scoliosis, a birth defect where the spine is curved or angled.  My case of scoliosis is on the minor side according to doctors, but when I tweak my back the pain isn’t minor.  It can be completely debilitating.  I’ve had sharp pains so bad that I can’t get out of a chair or push on the brake of my car, put my socks on…  The sharp muscle spasms when my back is thrown out is best described “like having someone jab an ice pick in my spine.”  One time, possibly the worst time, I remember hitting the ground in a parking lot in a snow storm.  I was laying by my car in the snow and I could not move.  I was alone.  I had to crawl to my office and even reaching up to unlock the office door was unbearable.

When my back goes out all of the muscles around my spine spasm.  They’re tighter than a marching band snare drum.  The spasms are like clockwork.  They happen for exactly one week.  On the 7th day the muscles finally give out due to fatigue.  At least that’s my theory.  When they finally release I feel like dancing around singing The Sound Of Music. But there are still a few days of pain and stiffness to go before I’m fully recovered.  When I tweak it really bad, like two times ago, it can be as long as 14 days in excruciating pain.  I’m literally laying on the floor for days, unable to move.  The last time I threw it out, I had to miss a golf tournament I’d been waiting three years to play in, on my home course.

Treatments which haven’t helped

What have I tried for my bad back?  Pain pills, muscle relaxers, pills which block nervous system transmissions, stretching, hot baths, icing, deep tissue massage, electric shock of the muscles, chiropractors, acupuncture, miracle balls and even heavy alcohol.  None of those things worked, in fact the massages and chiropractic treatments only seemed to exacerbate the spasms and pain, extending the misery.  The pain pills and alcohol may make you not care that you are in pain, but the pain remains.

Teeter Hangups Inversion Table

One day my friends at Teeter Inversion contacted me.  They’d read about my back pain and wanted me to try one of their inversion tables to see if it would help.  I put the inversion table next on my list, in front of witch doctors and being blessed by a Shaman princess.

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Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Reviews, Miscellaneous back pain, Inversion Table, Teeter Hangups

There’s quite a story behind this four wheeled Sun Mountain Micro Cart getting to me.  The unit I have is the fourth one which was sent to me.  Unit #1 I received months ago, but FedEx had trashed the box and broke the mount for the valuables tray.  Unit #2 was shipped as a replacement but I never saw it.  The box was never found and FedEx couldn’t tell us where it went.  I’ll tell you where it went.  It went to a golfing FedEx employee’s garage.  Unit #3 was tracked closely but never delivered.  FedEx told us that they actually had the unit, but they didn’t know exactly where it was.  They searched for over two months, me calling them every week, but nothing ever happened.  So after months and months of dealing with shipping issues, my Micro Cart finally made it.

Sun Mountain Micro Cart Overview

The Micro Cart basically is a four wheel push cart.  But that simple description doesn’t do it justice.  The cart has many cool bells and whistles which make it fun to use and very functional.  The coolest feature perhaps other than that it has four wheels, is that the thing folds up into a little ball and barely takes up any trunk or garage space.  As much as I love my Sun Mountain Speed Cart, folded up it takes up probably over 2x the space the micro cart does.

Features

As mentioned, the four wheel setup makes the cart very stable and easy to push.  Despite having one more wheel than a typical push cart, the unit is very light since it is made out of anodized aluminum.

The Micro Cart folds up in a very small space and is easily carried.  I carry the thing with one hand and my bag in the other and it is easy.  I leave the MC in my trunk because it doesn’t take up too much space.  I always have it just in case an emergency happens and I have to play a quick round of golf.  Below I shot a short video showing how the unit folds and unfolds.

The handle is designed very well, right where your hands want to be positioned.  Some push cart handles were obviously not tested by real golfers but the Micro Cart was.  The handle also has two options as far as positioning goes.  One high and one low, for those who have different preferences on where they like to push from.  The adjustment is easy, no tightening of wing nuts.

Adjustable smart brackets clamp onto the golf bag at the top to hold it in place, without using straps.  The brackets are tightened by two small screws.  This is probably the one critique I have on this unit.  I’m not a fan of this design, especially with a small bag like the one I typically use.

The valuables tray is perhaps the coolest one I’ve seen on any golf cart.  First, the casing is transparent.  So I can see what is inside.  If my iPhone is in there I can see text messages or info from my GPS through the lid.  There is a very strong magnet which holds the scorecard to the top of the lid (also in the video above).  It looks weak, but it is very strong and would hold the scorecard down even in very high winds.  The inside of the tray is padded too, so valuables like glasses, GPS or phones won’t get scratched.

A built in umbrella holder is terrific.  This helps not only in rain (or snow around here), but can help keep you cool in the hot summer by providing shade.

Speaking of the hot summer, a swiveling drink holder is located right beneath the handle for easy access of water, sports drinks or beer on those rough days.

Critiques

As mentioned, the way the cart clamps onto the bag with the smart brackets could probably have some improvements.  My bag is so small that I have to screw the screws down almost all the way.  Sometimes the bag can rotate if there’s a lot of weight on one side.  I imagine some kind of lock, like the handle height adjustment, would be better at securing the bag.

Final thoughts

I’ve logged about 50 rounds with my Sun Mountain Micro Cart now.  Had I not had all the problems with FedEx it would probably be 80.   The cart is fun to use.  It folds easily and takes up very little space.  Clubs are easily accessed.  Playing golf with the Micro Cart is enjoyable and easy.  I can worry about my game and not fussing with my cart or accessing my belongings.  I have FIVE push carts to choose from in my garage.  The Micro Cart has earned a starting position, which is saying something.

Related links

I have more Sun Mountain Micro Cart images in the HOG Sun Mountain gallery.

My review of the Sun Mountain Speed Cart, clear back in 2005!

Sun Mountain web site.

Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Equipment, Golf Reviews Golf Cart, Micro Cart, Sun Mountain

I finally got to meet my pals from Tattoo Golf in person at this year’s PGA Show!

Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Apparel, Golf Balls, Golf Videos Tattoo Golf

I’ve finished uploading all of my 2010 PGA Merchandise Show Photos. I’ve got shots from many booths, after hours, tear down and demo day.  Below are a few samples.

Above: Tail Of The Tiger Golf Balls which have the first 12 Tiger Woods mistresses on them

Above: Demo Day… Taping up the hands during the world record attempt at most golf balls hit in 12 hours.

Above: Titleist booth (with hot chick walking through)

Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Apparel, Golf Balls, Golf Clubs, Golf Equipment PGA Merchandise Show

Last year during the PGA Show my last product interview was with Sumi-g, a very hip golf accessory company which had just launched.  As I talked to the president of the company Marius, I’d found out that we had a lot in common.  First, we’re both golf junkies with similar handicap levels.  Second, we lived in the same town.  Third, we’d been playing the same course every Thursday for years, our tee times about 45 minutes apart.

Over the last year I’ve done numerous posts and product reviews about Sumi-g head covers, belts and other accessories.  I’ve played dozens of rounds of golf with Marius, and our friendship developed over the year.

Toward the end of 2009 I’d started looking for a new gig, as my other business world, the media duplication industry, was on life support.  Technological advances (digital downloads etc) and the economy were putting that business model to sleep.  I knew I had to jump ship before the boat sank.  Then one day Marius approached me and asked if I’d join Sumi-g.  I guess he’d gotten to know me well enough and through seeing how excited I was about the product line in person and on my web sites, saw some value in what I could offer.  I decided to take a leap of faith and jump from my sinking ship into a new position as national sales manager for the company.

Not To Worry

My web ventures like Hooked On Golf Blog and The Golf Space are happy and healthy and it aren’t going anywhere.

As far as a conflict of interest goes that is an interesting thing to ponder.  If some company who competes with Sumi-g sends me a head cover or a belt or accessory to review, what will I say?  I’ve gone over that in my head for a while.  It really comes down to what I’ve always done, which is call ‘em like I see ‘em.  If the thing is awesome, I’ll write about it.  If it sucks, then I’ll write that too.

2010 PGA Show

Yes I’ll be at this year’s PGA Show.  But most of that time will be spent working the booth.  I’ll throw my press credential on a run a round a bit, but this year I won’t be able to do the massive coverage I’ve done in previous years.  I will be blogging about the show regardless so there will be plenty of info to chomp on.  I’ll also have other insights on what it is like behind the scenes and what is up at the Wednesday demo day.  I’ll be attending that for the first time.

So if you want to come by and say hello, ask for me me in booth #3629.  That’s where I’ll be most of the show.

Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Golf Accessories, Golf Apparel, Golf Equipment, Life

When FootJoy announced the end of their Classic shoe line, I knew people on suicide watch.  They were stocking up, like back when Coke changed their formula.  Well fear not those of you standing on the ledge, the new FootJoy Icons are worth living for.

Icon Leathers

The Icons are made from fine calfskin and full grain leather.  Calfskin leather is attractive and is highly resistant to stretching.  Full grain leather is breathable, durable and is highly waterproof.  FootJoy is so confident in the waterproofing that they warrant it for two years.

The leather “fit bed” (what your foot rests on) morphs to the shape of your foot and provides comfort.

Last but not least in the leather department are the linings, which provide padding and more comfort.

Memory Foam

“Memory foam” (can I get some for my brain?) in the tongue and collar of the shoe produce shaping and custom fit.

Other Technologies

Other technologies the FJ Icons employ include the “Dual Optiflex Zones” which produce walking comfort and the “Torque Bar” (the silver dotted thing pictured right, in the bottom of the shoe between the heel and front of the foot) which increases stability and just plain looks cool.

I could go on and on with all the tech stuff but I’m going to just move to the next and most important heading…

On The Course

My Icons are so good looking I don’t even want to wear them for fear of scuffing them up or getting them dirty.  But I was a trooper this past season and did manage to play about 40 rounds with them.  After 40 rounds, they look the same as new when I clean them up.

I still remember the first few rounds I played with the Icons.  The pros and hot players around were all drooling over my shoes.  “Are those the new Icons?!?!”  Yup, they are.  “Ohhhhh.”

I’m not much of a “dress shoe” guy.  I prefer Vans.  Actually I’ll take that a step farther.  I’m not much of a shoe guy.  In the summer the ONLY shoes I wear are golf shoes.  Other than that it is typically bare feet or sandals. Yes I have FJ sandals.

The Icons took a few rounds to really break in, and for the memory foam to gain consciousness I suppose.  But after that I’ve hardly been aware that I’m wearing golf shoes.  They’re molded right to my feet and comfortable.  Walking a full 18 holes is no big deal.  I do need to air them out though, as my feet can get sweaty.  Thats a good reason to own two pairs Icons, so you can alternate them every other day. 

Conclusion

Though I’ve typically been more of a fan of the cushier types of golf shoes like the Contour series I reviewed here, I’m thrilled with the comfort and performance of my Icons.  Most surprising of all perhaps, is their durability and the way they look so great even after so many rounds.

Related Links

FootJoy Web Site

FootJoy Gallery (Icon gallery inside)

MyJoy Contour Review

Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Apparel, Golf Equipment, Golf Reviews FootJoy, Icon

I’m icing right now.  My well documented golfer’s bad back has been pretty tweaked for the last few days.  Before I got my Moji Back icing and compression wrap, I used to get frozen guacamole or steaks out of my freezer and lay on them to ice my back.  While the icing part worked to help reduce pain, it really hurt my skin.

Moji Back Overview

The Moji Back is an icing method as well as a compression wrap or brace to help the back out.  During healing from times when my back goes out I’ll put a back brace on.  If I want to ice it too, once again it is guacamole.   The Moji Back combines back braces and guacamole into one excellent package.

Compression Wrap

The compression wrap molds to my back, and has a thicker area right where the spine is.  This helps get the cooling effect on the spine better.  The flat steak or guacamole missed that part.

Moji Cold Cell

This is very cool.  The “Cold Cell” is the icing component.  It is made out of a Dri-Lex Fabric which keeps moisture away from the skin and really helps prevent that painful sting direct icing can give me.  The Cold Cell pack has individual cells/pads with proprietary cooling gel in them.  They are soft and comfortable, once again unlike frozen guacamole.

The cell is kept in the freezer in a zippered plastic bag so it is ready for use.  The zippered bag keeps freezer moisture off the cell.

Comfort

I put my Moji Back on just when I started writing this piece and I’m quite comfortable in my chair.  The fabric is soft and the cells provide even cooling without any irritation.  I’m feeling much better with less pain already.

Ease Of Use

The system couldn’t be easier to use.  Just freeze the Cell pack for four hours, put the pack on the velcro area of the brace and put the brace on.  Putting the brace on via the hand pockets on the front is very easy and easy to insure even pressure.

Moji Images

I usually like to use my own images, being a bit of a photography nut.  But in the case of Moji, their model is much better looking than me so I’m using her.  For more Moji images, click here for the HOG Moji Gallery.

Conclusion

Don’t quote me on this number, but I’d bet 3-4 out of ever five golfers has back issues.  Whenever I hear of a pal with back problems I really feel for them.  I know what it is like to not be able to put my socks on without feeling like someone is stabbing an ice pic in my spine.  The Moji Back system, while more expensive (but less tasty) than guacamole at a list of $129, is a great way to treat back pain and give the back support, even without the cooling.

The Moji web site is awesome.  There is plenty of info on this and their other products, plus a wealth of information about various forms of pain, prevention and treatment.  They also have a blog, videos and a store.

Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Golf Reviews

As 2009 comes to a close it is time for my annual HOG SPACE awards. For those new readers, HOG is short for my blog Hooked On Golf Blog. SPACE is short for my golf networking site called The Golf Space. The awards come in no particular order. Just how they leak out of my cranium. Drum roll please…
Player of the year & “Playa” of the year	Tiger Woods
Best golf course I played in 2009	Black Mesa in New Mexico, pictured below. And yes I played TPC Sawgrass this year and like Black Mesa better…
Black Mesa, New Mexico
Best new driver	TaylorMade r9. I would have picked the Nike STR8-Fit, but since my STR8-Fit head caved in and Nike wouldn’t replace it, I’m awarding the best new driver to TaylorMade’s r9.
Best new golf accessory	Sumi-G Head Covers
Best putter I played in 2009	Rife Hybrid Tour Mallet
Best irons	Titleist AP2
Best new golf ball	Bridgestone B330-RX
Best golf shoe (tie)	FootJoy Icon and Puma Swing GTX tie for best golf shoe of 2009. Tough choice.
Best resort, mud bath and spa I reviewed	Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs
Best new golf apparel item	Sumi-g Dormy Belt
Best new golf company	Winner of the best new apparel item and best new accessory, SUMI-G is hands down the best new golf company for 2009!
Funniest, yet useful golf gag item	MySack
Best new golf site	Home of Golf by Andy Brown. Andy is great and does great video interviews from Scotland.
Best golf site for women	The Golf Girl (needs new URL)
Best golf blog (tie)	This is a tie between Geoff Shackelford and Armchair Golf Blog
Shot of the year	I hole out a 5-iron for eagle on a par-4.

Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf, Golf Accessories, Golf Apparel, Golf Balls, Golf Clubs, Golf Courses, Golf Equipment, Golf For Women, Golf Life, Golf Lifestyle, Golf Media, Hackers, Site News, Travel

Play It As It Lies

What does the biggest golf geek in our solar system, the self proclaimed world’s #1 golf blogger (me) give his golf addict dad for Christmas?   What does a guy who has about a million clubs, bags, balls, books and about four billion golf accessories and gadgets laying around his house give his dad?  A new driver?  ProV1’s?  No way man.  I’m going to give my dad what his golf game truly calls for, a “golf ball turd thingy” gag gift.

Thanks to my friends at “Golfun” for this golf gag gift.

Tony Korologos a.k.a. mediaguru Equipment & Accessories, Golf Accessories, Miscellaneous