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April 16, 2008

OGIO signs first sponsored PGA Tour player

By definition, authenticity cannot be manufactured; you are either born with it, or you're not. In action sports, authenticity is motocross superstar Travis Pastrana attempting, and miraculously landing, the world's first double backflip on a motorcycle - a feat that today would be likened to beating the THREE minute mile. It just isn't done.

In golf, that same authenticity has a face: Frank Lickliter II. The Hummer-driving-bear-hunting-Q- School-dominating PGA Tour Player stays true to himself, to his sport, and to his country in a way that cannot be duplicated. Only celebrated.

Today, Pastrana and Lickliter share something beyond their authenticity. They share OGIO. The company that has stayed true to its core - making the ultimate performance-driven golf and gear bags - today celebrates pro golfer and committed philanthropist Lickliter as its first sponsored PGA Tour player.

"Frank, like so many of the athletes OGIO sponsors, lives his life out loud," says OGIO Global Director of Golf Tom Gocke. "His enthusiasm for his sport walks that fine line between passion and obsession. But he strikes a balance by throwing as much energy into his charitable work as he does into his work on the course. It is this kind of passion and authenticity that made him such an ideal match for OGIO."

Under terms of the agreement, Lickliter will sport the OGIO logo on his custom-made OGIO tour bag, as well as on his cap. Additionally, he will carry OGIO's durable travel gear to all of his golf events worldwide in an official capacity, though he has been a long-time OGIO fan and customer, having used the company's luggage for many years.

"I like everything about OGIO, but what I love are the people behind it and the thought that goes into every piece," Lickliter says. "I started noticing OGIO Bags where I practice: different, stylish, noticeable, compared to other golf bags over the last 25 years. With all of the freebie's we receive, I started seeing Tour players carrying OGIO gear that they paid for, which was a real testament to its quality."

In 1996, Lickliter II qualified for the PGA Tour in its Q School, and has been a full member since. He has won two PGA Tour events including the 2001 Kemper Insurance Open and the 2003 Chrysler Classic of Tucson. In December 2005 at TPC Sawgrass, he set THE PLAYERS Stadium Course record with a 62, including the first double eagle on the par-5 11th hole. Lickliter II also holds 12 course records across the United States and currently ranks 70th on the PGA Tour All-Time Career Money List.

Off course, Lickliter is deeply involved in charitable work, having helped raise more than $3M for military foundations. As the spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Project, as well as the Naval Special Warfare Foundation and the Florida National Guard Foundation, he has traveled to Cuba, Korea, and Iraq to visit and play golf with troops at special golf clinics held in their honor.

"It is a genuine honor to have someone of Frank's talent and deep convictions represent OGIO on the PGA Tour," says Tom Gocke, the company's global director of golf. "We look forward to supporting Frank both on and off course, as he reaches for professional goals - such as securing a spot on the Ryder Cup team - as well as personal goals to help support our troops."

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April 9, 2008

Woods will again skip the Par 3 Tournament

Tiger Woods said Tuesday that he would, once again, skip the Par Three Tournament.

In a press conference, Woods said the Wednesday event had "changed over the years," making it harder to prepare for the tournament and participate in the Par Three Tournament. Is that that right move for Woods.

With Tiger chasing only himself and Jack Nicklaus' 18 majors, I would argue that Tiger's making the right call. If the course really is playing longer and slower than in years past, taking an extra day to practice and prepare is probably a good call.

All that might change when Tiger's daughter is old enough to be out on the course with him during the Par Three Tournament. Until then, expect Woods to continue focusing on the four days that really count at Augusta.

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Pairings Released

The pairings for the first two rounds at Augusta are out. So which would be the best ones to watch? Here are my top five:

1. Tiger Woods, Angel Cabrera and Stuart Appleby: This should be a fun match-up because you know Tiger will be looking for a little revenge after coming up short against Cabrera in last year's US Open.

2. Phil Mickelson, Andreas Romero and KJ Choi: In this group, you've got a player with two green jackets, an up-and-coming star and one of the most consistent players on tour. You know at least one of these guys is going to have a good day Thursday or Friday.

3. Zach Johnson, Geoff Ogilvy and Luke Donald: With last year's defending champion, and a US Open champion, this group has three great golfers who should play well in the soft conditions at Augusta.

4. Boo Weekly, Sean O'Hair and Trevor Immelman: These are all guys who have played well on the tour in the last year. Any of them could be a potential first time winner that no one will see coming.

5. Aaron Baddeley, Camillo Villegas and Lee Westwood: I'm just a fan of all three of these guys. Baddeley has shown a lot of promise (last year's US Open), Villegas is a crowd favorite and Westwood has enough experience to find himself near the top of the leaderboard Sunday.

April 7, 2008

Does Augusta's invite system need fixing?

Last week, Colin Montgomery criticized the invitation system used for The Masters. Needless to say, Monty didn't make the cut and was a little upset about it. Rightfully so?

Montgomery said the tournament pandered to Asian players, with foreign invitations being extended to three players (one from Thailand, one from China and one from India) ranked below him in the World Rankings. The same thing happened in 2005, he said, because of television rights in Japan.

From my point of view, it's all sour grapes from Monty. His world ranking of 75 isn't great and he's never performed well at Augusta. Since 1990, his best (and only top 10) finish was a tie for eighth in 1998. The last decade has been a series of cuts. Is this really in the best interest of the tournament.

I don't think so.

So Monty, buck up. Play a little better over the course of the next year and climb the rankings to exempt status and you won't have to worry about a snub again next year.

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It's here: Masters Week 2008

The first major of the year has arrived and NW Golf Adventures will keep you up-to-date all week long. Come back each day for the latest news and commentary from Augusta!

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