Langer: It's The Ball!

Someone (not me!) teed Bernhard Langer up for a technology discussion at the Toshiba Classic and the normally controversy-resistant dared to suggest the ball has the biggest influence on the distance explosion of late.

BERNHARD LANGER: I am definitely surprised. I watch it on TV and know some of these courses. And, you know, was it Bradley last week at the 8th hole into the wind at Doral, he had like 251 into the wind, and he hit a 3 wood and flew it over the green. So he flew it 260 into the wind, so he carried it probably 275 or 280, if there had been no wind, with a 3 wood. That's just unheard of. Or used to be. But it's a common thing nowadays.

I think what happened is when we switched from the balata round ball to the two or three piece balls, whatever they are now. If you swing the club 10 miles faster than the other guy, you used to get about 10 yards for every mile about a yard.

Now if you swing it 10 miles faster, you get about 20 to 25. So you get a lot more out of the equipment than we used to.

So the guys who swing it faster or harder have, you know, even more of an advantage and that's where these tremendous distances come from.

He went on to mention better athletes too. But coming from a guy who looks just like he did 20 years ago and who clearly takes care of himself, I'm thinking he places athleticism a distant second to advancing technology. Just a guess.

Not A Peep From Sirius/XM Re: Kessler

It just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy as a satellite radio subscriber to get no reply to a simple question: why was Peter Kessler's "Making The Turn" cancelled? 

I've written to two press representatives and now Kessler's boss who cancelled the show. Next on the list, the boss of Kessler's (now) former boss.

Update on 2012-03-15 20:34 by Geoff

**Not long after I posted this, Kessler sent out an email to friends and show guests from over the years and included a place to write for those wishing to express their feelings about this:

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your consistent support and involvement in our show over the past 7 years, you well know it's deeply appreciated. Sirius XM  is not renewing our contract and our last show will be Friday, March 23rd from 11am-12pm ET.  

It has been a great run and a very long one as these things go and we're so happy you were a part of it.  You've always said "yes" when we've asked you to join us and we'll never forget that or how pleasant it is to work with all of you, on and off the air.

If you'd like to reach out to the Director of Talk Programming at Sirius XM in support of the show, below please find his contact information.

Email : brian.hamilton@siriusxm.com

Thank you again and know that we will find you when the next gig comes around!   Can't do these shows successfully without you, and they've been quite successful because of you. 

Where's Marty Hackel When You Need Him? Rory Pocket Square Edition

Shane Bacon shares Rory McIlroy's upbeat Tweets following the White House State Dinner and the reigning U.S. Open champion is looking dapper in a tux.

Now about that pocket square...what say you Marty Hackel?

Meet Pine Valley's Newest Dues-Payer: Darren Clarke

From Doug Ferguson's AP notes column:

Clarke said he was waiting for official word, though "it would be a huge honor and privilege."

"I've been going since 1993," he said. "I know a lot of the members, and it's always a treat."

The golf course? The turtle soup? The Par 3 course?

"It's everything to do with Pine Valley," he said.

"When he returned to golf at the 2010 Masters, Tiger Woods broke par all four rounds. He has not done that at any tournament since then."

From Doug Ferguson's AP notes column. Oddly, I have to marvel more at the notion that he broke par all four rounds in his first event back. It really was an amazing performance.

Kessler's "Making The Turn" Ending 7-Year Run; No Comment From Sirius/XM

Over the last year, I've become a huge fan of Sirius/XM satellite radio in large part because of the PGA Tour Radio Network's excellent tournament coverage and their even more excellent morning talk shows. Sadly, Peter Kessler has quietly noted on Twitter that his final shows are coming up over the next week after 7 years of swing tips, historical perspective and overall celebration of this great game.

"Stunned," was how Kessler put it when I messaged him on Twitter. He has been given "No reason at all" and has struggled to even get confirmation that the show has been cancelled. I can relate, I penned multiple emails to Sirius/XM's press representatives asking for comment along with an email address for subscribers to share their views on the move. I've yet to receive a reply.  Twitter users can voice their feelings about the move at Sirius/XM's PGA Tour Twitter account.

Onion: "Rory McIlroy: 'If I Am The Most Exciting Thing That Could Happen In Golf, You Should Probably Stop Watching'"

No story, just one of their fun headlines suggesting someone there is getting a big kick out of the Rory hype. Thanks to reader Tom for the tip.

"The world is wasting water on a truly colossal scale, according to the United Nations."

Sarah Morrison in the Independent shares details from a new United Nations report to be presented at the World Water Forum on the future of water usage. The good news? Golf didn't get mentioned. The bad news? Well, just read the story...

Demand for water is expected to increase by 55 per cent over the next four decades, according to a new study to be presented at the forum in France. Framing the Water Reform Challenge, from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), points out that rapid urbanisation, climate change and the altering global economy are putting growing pressures on water supplies. In around 40 years' time, more than 40 per cent of the world's population – 3.9 billion people – are likely to be living in river areas in the grip of severe "water-stress". The UN warns this could also be felt in parts of Europe, affecting up to 44 million people by 2070.