Nike's New Prototype Putter

My money was on Tom Watson to win the 2009 British Open but at the last hole my investment was looking like it hit the rocks and was sinking fast.

Stewart Cink, the new Open champion took the lead after a four-hole play off after they tied on a two-under-par.

Cink was packing some serious heat on the green and I can't help to think that Stewart's winning putt was partially due to his new top secret Nike Prototype Putter.
From the images we have seen the putter features heel-toe weighting, high tech red grooves to reduce skipping and skids, and also looks like to a touch of carbon on the bumpers.

We also heard that the bottom of Cink's putter there is reference to "The Oven", Nike's club building and testing facility in Ft. Worth, Texas.

It sounds like this putter is just a sample but nothing has officially announced by Nike Golf yet and I would not be surprised if I saw this putter on the shelf sooner than later.

We also read on TheGolfSpace that Nike is attempting to confiscate all of the video footage of Tiger Woods to save him from future embarrassment since he played so poorly at Turnberry.

6 things you didn't know about TaylorMade’s Commemorative 2009 British Open Staff Bag

1). The four red jewels embedded in the crown represent the years that the Open Championship has been (and will be) played at Turnberry's Ailsa Course: 1977, 1986, 1994 and 2009

2). The initials RB on the crown stand for Robert the Bruce, who was born in Turnberry Castle on the Scottish coast in 1274. Two years before Robert's birth, King Edward I of England, known as the Hammer of the Scots, ascended to his country's throne and embarked upon a ruthless effort to conquer Scotland. While the nations warred in the ensuing years, Bruce was crowned King of Scots in 1306. Eight years later, at Bannockburn, his army shocked and defeated the larger forces of King Edward II, an astonishing victory that vanquished the English, won Scotland's freedom and ensured Bruce's greatness.

3). The image of the sun with rays outstretched and the number 77 near the top of the orb is a nod to Tom Watson's victory in the 1977 Open, the first held at Turnberry. The victory was earned in a thrilling Saturday and Sunday battle with Jack Nicklaus under uncommonly sunny skies that is known as the "Dual in the Sun" in Open golf lore. The two rivals played together on Saturday and separated themselves from the field, setting up a head-to-head battle symbolized by the crossed swords. In the final round, Watson, a shot ahead of Nicklaus as they teed off on the final hole, put his approach to three feet. Nicklaus, who had driven in the rough, scraped his onto the green 50 feet away from the cup, then holed the putt for a birdie. Watson, needing his three-footer to win, rolled it home.

4). The dark mound emerging from the water at the center of the logo represents the Ailsa Craig, a volcanic island 11 miles off the coast of Turnberry in the Irish Sea.

5). The white stripes crossed against a blue background at the logo's bottom refers to the national flag of Scotland, birthplace of golf. According to legend, the first golfers hit pebbles around sand dunes using sticks or clubs during the 15th century, then began to evolve into the game we know today at round 1750.

6). The image on the cloth tag attached to the back of the cap is that of three pointed tines of a gate, which allude to the ancient portcullis that stood guard at the entrance of Turnberry Castle, and which is still found among the old structure's ruins.

Mickelson skips the British Open

Phil Mickelson will end the longest active run of 61 majors played so he can be with his wife Amy Mickelson as she starts her recovery from breast cancer.

Mickelson released a statement on his website expressing “But I’ve always said family is my No. 1 priority. For that reason, I won’t be playing the British Open at Turnberry next week.”

Not much was revealed about how the surgery went but he did say “It’s a trying time for us as we await more test results, but we have excellent medical attention and care,” and “We’ve received wonderful support from so many people, many of whom have gone through the same battle, and we’re optimistic, as always.”

After Mickelson missed the 1994 Masters when he broke his leg in a skiing accident he has competed in every major since the 94 U.S. Open.

Can you guess who holds the record for the most consecutive majors won? From 1962 to 1998 Jack Nicklaus holds the title of 146.