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There are golf fans and then there are those who come out of the woodwork just to see Tiger Woods blast the ball. These “Tiger enthusiasts” would not think of missing an event with Woods in the field but what happens now that the world’s number-one player is out for the season?

In relation to the British Open, sports agent Andrew “Chubby” Chandler claims that there will be, “zero economic impact” and that “he would have been the biggest show in town, but he would not have been the only show. Besides, most of the people there watching will be rooting for a British winner.”

Ernie Els, who kissed the coveted Claret Jug in 2002, believes that the Open is bigger than any one golfer, including Tiger Woods. “Although we will miss him, the game of golf is there and the Open Championship will be played whether Tiger is there or not, and I think that’s what we’ve got to realize.”

Mickelson has smartly decided to focus his efforts not on the field but on Royal Birkdale. Learning how to take spin off, hit shots lower and play better in the wind has made Phil feel as if he is a solid contender at this year’s Open Championship.

And what about cocky Anthony Kim, the strutting response to the next Tiger Woods?

Kim acknowledged, “I know if I give it everything I’ve got, I’ll have a pretty good chance to contend.”

Besides discussion of our picks and pans for this year’s Open Championship, Barry and I discuss LaFresh travel golf packs wondering whether all golfers will find them useful on the course.

We also talk about Barry’s introduction to GolfTEC and what he learned from his experience.

Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@worldgolf.com.

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“Shiny Tech” courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)”

This podcast is supported by Grand Bahama Vacations, 1-800-422-7466.

Photo Credit: Tribune India, ClackamasReview.com