Hooked on Golf

Confidence, a possible solution to the Yips… By. John K. Abendroth, PGA Director of Golf, Putter Key First off, I will not admit to the yips, but I have made yip-strokes in the past. This issue is not a mechanical thing or the putter you are using but caused by low confidence, tension, fear of missing the putt or your mind trying to control the motion of the putting stroke. It has been said that confidence alone will not cure the yips but it is often the gateway to curing them.

By John K. Abendroth, PGA We met Rory McIlroy in 2012 at a San Francisco Giants Baseball game during the week of the U. S. Open at The Olympic Club...he could not have been nicer. Much has been written just 18 hours after his fantastic win in the 2025 Masters, but I felt compelled to weigh-in with my observations. It was a beautiful win, Rory will be a great champion, but with no disrespect, "he won playing ugly".

Bandon Dunes 2025 By Michael Abendroth Rare is the modern venue that can stir emotions like visiting Fenway Park, Wrigley Field or Ballybunion. Established only in 1999, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort has achieved just that. Celebrating 25 years, Bandon Dunes is now a place golfers visit and revisit to fill their golfing souls. I have just returned from my 4th visit to Bandon Dunes. Each trip is memorable for different reasons. This trip was about experiencing Bandon in full flight.

By. John K. Abendroth, PGA Led by Joey and Jack Hayden the Hayden Family has etched their spot in San Francisco Golf History by their finish as co-medalist in the championship qualifying for the San Francisco City Golf Championship for 2025. In the 108 years of "The City" there have been many historic moments but this goes really deep.

By. John K. Abendroth, PGA Join the Hooked On Golf Associate club for the year...or an upcoming event. The club is about fun, but the golf is both fun but competitive with a skins game, close to the hole prizes and prizes for score. A bunch of good folks tee it up with with club. Two key benefits to the club are to get hard to get tee times on a weekend day and the club is a place where you can have your handicap kept. Hope to see you there...you may even get a golf tip before you tee off.

By. John K. Abendroth, PGA Torrey Pines and the Farmers Open, previously the Andy Williams San Diego Open brings back a whole batch of golf memories for me. In 1969 several of my friends and I played in the World Junior golf championship at Torrey Pines South Course. At the time you only had to sign-up, now there are difficult qualifying events to get you into the field. Dale Hayes from South Africa won the event, he is now a long time broadcaster.

By. John K. Abendroth, PGA RIP: Masahi “Jumbo” Ozaki, World golf Hall of Fame On the passing of my friend Jumbo Ozaki it seemed appropriate to share my thoughts on this important golfer in the world of professional golf. Jumbo played in The Masters 19 times and in 49 majors. Not only did he play in majors, but he had a knack to be in competition very often against some of the best. It has been said that Jumbo was the Arnold Palmer of golf in Japan. He wore fancy silk shirts