One my favorite holes to watch in professional golf is the 17th at Sawgrass. And I'm not alone. The attending fans swarm the 17th and rally around their favorite pro as he walks onto this infamous tee box. It's a real treat for the fans!

And as we watch each contestant step up, those clever programming pros at NBC split the screen with the standard trajectory shot and a static shot of the players reaction. And for one brief slice of time you get a real-time window into the heart and soul of some of these incredible athletes. And somehow I find a way to momentarily relate to some of these big strikers, even if it is with the unfortunate shots that find the drink.

I dig that story of Fred Couple's famous shot into the water followed by the hole-in-one. You know he was completely aligned with the universe when he penned that par on his scorecard.

Maybe you could give up a few of your own all-time favorite Sawgrass stories. Time to share... 

And now the bad news. Golf courses have been using and assortment of aggressive pesticides and herbicides for decades and although there is a definite trend toward more natural and organic forms of weed and pest control most groundskeepers use whatever is necessary to keep their course looking good. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSA) contends that properly used pesticides pose no health risk if used according to label instructions. But I'm certain there is no mention of direct ingestion on any labels.

Now I'm certain you would probably never dip your hand into a fertilizer bag in your garage as if it were a big bag of Cracker Jacks. Nor would you pour yourself a shot of Round Up in lieu of cool and refreshing lemonade. And yet I've witnessed the ball licking habit on more occasions that I'm comfortable with.

So tell me. Does proper golf etiquette dictate some gracious way to tell your friend he's working on a slow self-poison?

There is plenty of expert commentary on the subject. Mike Pedersen has a great post called The importance of water cannot be ignored. I am particularly fascinated with the digestive benefits of adding lemon to your drinking water. He has also done a bit of homework on which water brands are worth drinking.

So here we stand, at the beginning of the golf season and I find myself wondering how I will remain sufficiently hydrated on the course this summer. In years past I've guzzled randomly from the public water jugs placed throughout most courses. But the prank stories I've heard about those containers and what people do in them has me feeling a bit tenuous about continuing that practice.

Then, out of the blue, I received an email from a loyal golfnoise reader who has developed a nifty water bottle carrier system. It's called the Golfing Caddy. She expertly pointed out that most bags do not have a built in water carrier pocket. And, as I've been shopping for golf bags since my freaky golf club rip-off, I've noticed that she is absolutely correct.

She was kind enough to send me one and I'm quite pleased with it. It is a well-manufactured product that has a host of convenient features including a compartment that holds a 24 ounce bottle with a snuggly fitting insulation cooler sleeve. The study wrist strap is configured with a substantial metal clip that allows you to clip to your bag or carry it in hand. It also sports a nifty pleated pocket with a Velcro closure for sunglasses, a cell phone or some other quick access valuable. The attached micro fiber towel is perfect for wiping hands, golf balls or golf clubs.

In truth, I've haven't used my new Golfing Caddy on the course yet, but it was a welcome addition at my son's baseball game last week. It was also a perfect fit for a recent family hike through the park. I can't wait to load it up for the upcoming golf rounds. So if you're interested in improved hydration for the long and toasty summer ahead, jump over to BVT Products and check these carriers out. There are few models to choose from and the price is definitely right!

I tried on Callaways, Titleists, Nikes, Mizunos, Taylor Made, Bridgestones, Pings and Srixons. Each had it's own unique selling proposition as you might expect from these top brands. I sampled and assortment of drivers, 3 woods and utility clubs. I also managed to swing irons of every size and shape. It was really fun!

The bottom line is that I'm torn between the Ping I-10s and the Titleist AP2s. The Pings are familiar to me as my stolen clubs were i3s. But the feel and look of the AP2s were absolutely fantastic. Maybe a few wise and generous Golfnoise readers could help to push me in the right direction. I can use all the help I can get.

The Masters is all about the best of the best and Tiger Woods is never too far afield when the best is required. Will he win? Only the foolhardy would bet against him. Some would say it's his to lose. There's a nifty masters chat room over at the official Masters Tournament site. Just click on the "Chat Now" and jump into one of the many ongoing live discussions. I chatted with a few fellas about whether Tiger would win or not. Loads of good chatter. Don't miss it.

It's all very intimate, you see. It's about crispy new golf shirts, highly polished golf shoes and perfectly creased trousers. The grounds are... well... Augusta National after all. The pristinely manicured grounds look magnificent from every angle. Even the fans are better looking at The Masters. Go figure!

So as I lick my chops in anticipation of kicking back for the big event I suddenly realize that my service provider, Charter Cable, doesn't carry the CBS hi-definition feed. No worries though... I'm setting my DVR for the Golf Channel coverage and hitting my local pub for the big rounds! 

Is it safe to say your whole life changes after a serious golf club fitting?  Well, maybe not a major life change, but it's certainly an eye opening experience. My new found friend and master club fitter John Kelly at Midwest Golf Lab has twenty years of experience working with players of every size, shape and handicap. He definitely knows what he knows. And I believe that's a lot!

For my iron fitting I hit the range about an hour before to warm up a bit. John handed me a six iron once I arrived and we began. The session resulted in personal specifications and recommendations for length, shafts, grips, swingweight, lofts and lie angles. The Trackman Launch Monitor System rocks! This is the state of the art system that tells everything... and I mean everything about each shot! And for the club fitee, an ultra cool computer visual and voice over that reports on every shot.

I returned today for my driver fitting. Unfortunately, the past weeks have been consistently cold and rainy. I have found no real opportunity to get out and swing the big stick. I started the session pretty cold and just couldn't find the groove. Thankfully, John is a patient man. He gently suggested that the fitting could really only be as good as the swings I could put on the ball. I agreed. John saved my fledgling session and invited me back once I get a few rounds under my belt.

I'm wondering if perhaps I should shift my focus over to a lesson instead of a fitting. After all, I've never had any real driver instruction. Perhaps a few refreshment fundamentals might help me get a few steps closer to a serious t-ball.

So the big question... Is all this golf club fitting hubub worth the effort? I suppose it depends on your own golf depth. For me, it's all good. I've learned a bunch about what works and what doesn't. That alone is worth the price of the fitting. So, I suppose I am a changed man who has moved just a bit closer to good ...with a fresh set of weapons on the way.

I am forever on the hunt for really great golf gear and when I found these Tag Heuer sunglasses I just had to have a closer look. The frame and the temples of the Physics series are made out of a specific Titanium, Aluminum and Magnesium alloy which is twice as light as pure Titanium. This alloy offers the best ratio resistance/lightness in the eyewear industry. The hypoallergenic composite rubber nose-pad, patented strap and end-tips provide excellent adherence and no-skid. These guys are winning product design accolades for there hi-tech eyewear.

So pop on over to the Golfnoise Sunglasses store and have a look at the fantastic array of sun-protection eyewear by Tag Heuer. They even have models specifically suited for golf and tennis. And in case you were wondering... the prices have me reaching for my credit card. Don't miss it!

But things are about to change for the better. I'm scheduled for a complete club fitting session with local legend John Kelly tomorrow afternoon. And once I work through the jittery skank balls and misfires, I'm certain all the planets will once again align for the noisemaker.

I'm a bit torn about the whole hi-grade fitting process. On one hand, I'm not certain the premium fitting session is really going to make me feel any better about my game. But I'm totally curious about what it's like to strap on the K-Vest biofeedback equipment and rip a few for the dual video camera analysis. I'll try to control my emotions once the Trackman Launch Monitor reveals my true distance and accuracy. You know, it's the same system used on TV to analize the big dogs on the tour.

At this point my curiosity far outweighs my fear so I'm pressing into the unknown session with all the confidence I can muster. After everything is said and done I'll be completely retooled and that's going to be sweet!

Oh, and did I mention, the course pro where my clubs were lifted has agreed to let me buy everything through their proshop at cost! That should keep my wallet from too much pain and anguish.

I nailed a crisp nine iron pin high just left of the flag stick on the third hole. My opponent is about 30 feet in front. I grab the cart and head for the green. Once parked, I grab both putters from the bags and stroll over to the green. I miss the birdie by inches but I'm charged up and ready for the next hole.

Amidst some friendly banter I raise my arm to replace the putter in the bag. But there is no bag! My friend's bag is there but mine is gone... like vapor!

"What the F__k happened?" ...is my opponent's knee jerk reaction. We look around, but all is quiet. It's 10:00 AM, Sunday morning and my golf bag has been stolen right off of the back of the cart on the third hole.

Now if your weekend golfing ritual is anything like mine, then you're beginning to get the bigger picture here. Your bag is your personal locker adorned with plushy pockets for your assorted valuables. In my case... my wallet, watch, car keys and cell phone! Now let that little nugget of bad news sink in a bit.

We hi-tale it back to the pro-shop to call the police. I phone my wife who graciously and immediately cancels every one of my credit cards. I have a lively conversation with Officer Scott who regrettably advises me not to expect too much in terms of finding my stuff. FINE!

As it stands, my round of golf is over. I'm now mentally shifting my attention to my enormous lack of identity. I have no driver's license, credit cards, cash or insurance info. I have no car keys, house key or office keys. My watch is gone and my cell phone, with every important phone number, is history! It's not that everything can't be replaced, but when the impact of that notion initially takes hold, it can bring anyone's bright and shiny world to a grinding halt!

The week ahead proves to be a tricky and unexpected series of phone messages, call backs and one creepy visit to the DMV (The Dept. of Motor Vehicles). At present, my identity issues are nearly fully reinstalled. It's been one hell of an inconvenient process, but ultimately very doable.

And then there is the situation of the golf clubs. I will be completely retooling, which is an exciting thought, but my recently increased homeowners deductible dictates that I'll be digging deep into my own pocket for the whole shootin-match!

So lets hear it... all ye faithful golfnoise readers. I'm looking for any and all suggestions. Tell me about your favorite clubs, bags, drivers, wedges, rescue clubs, ditty bags and rain gear. I'm dropping the mother load!

And stay tuned, cause I'm going to lean into the general manager of the golf club to see if they're interested in doing noisemaker a solid!

I recently received an interesting request from a devoted southern California reader.

Hey. How about discussing some criteria for selecting a golf ball to match one's game. I am tempted to buy the name brands but my game is so not worth the 35 bucks, particularly since I am a woman and don't have the same swing speed as the male bigger hitters like you. So, I'm interested in your opinion before I lay my money down on new balls for the upcoming season. How's that for noise? 

First let me say... Forget the swing speed/male big hitter baloney. Everyone is entitled to there own game and getting a golf ball fitment can be as important for you as it is for the great Tiger Woods. As golf is a game built on confidence, I would submit that if it's important to play the ball that matches your game, then set your sites on finding it.

Ask at your next lesson. Any teacher worth his/her salt should be familiar with the latest golf ball technology. You may also want to inquire at your local golf discount store. Be advised that their motivation is to make a sale, however. And what about your regular golfing friends? Let them test the snazzy balls and you reap the benefits of their hard research.

When your ready to shop, start right here at Golfnoise's Top 5 Golf Balls. These babies are the cream of the crop. For an expanded list, hop over to Golf Digest's Hot List 2008. You'll find a tricked-up rating system with color-coded indicators for outstanding, very good and good. Included are actual user comments and a variety of price points. There's enough info to satisfy players at every level.

A few of my inside-the-ropes lady friend golfers swear by the Precept MC Lady, Callaway's HX Pearl and Volvik's Crystal Soft Pink. Nike's Karma is also gaining popularity with a few well-turned female players.

So there you go. Your mission now is to step up and test fly a few until you find one that works. Then, let me know if this golfnoise put you on the right path because, frankly, I think your game is worth a bit more than 35 bucks!

Stage 1. Paying no particular attention. This phase usually happens early on when our subject is chock full of novice declarative pronouncements like... "It'll never happen to me!" and "I don't understand why people get hooked on this!" Sure... he's had a little taste. Maybe a couple rounds at the local public links or an invitation to fill in a charity tournament foursome. But somehow, that phone call inviting him out for the round peaked his interest and our unsuspecting subject accepted an innocent invitation to play. And the dead giveaway comment predicting what is to come is that cordial mention after the round... "If you ever need a forth give me a call." And just like that our subject has opened the door to the magical and seductive game of golf without really paying much attention.

Phase 2. What a great shot I made!  Not only is our subject interested in filling in a foursome, he wants to put together a foursome! There was something about that last outing... the weather, the camaraderie, the cocktails or maybe even the crisply manicured course. It doesn't really matter. Our subject has been touched by some little piece of the magic and he's primed for another dose. The next round proves frustrating though. He imagines the crisp iron shots checking up on the green, putts dropping from twenty feet and massive tee balls down the center. Not a chance! He's mastered every skank shot it seems. He can't sink a two footer for triple bogey and every tee ball seems to find the deep woods. You see, after that initial taste he tuned into the Golf Channel and got a look the big game. "It looks so easy when they do it!" It's a frequent exclamation from the hungry phase 2 addict in training. But that 155 yard seven iron he flushed last week left him feeling that he's ready for the PGA. So after a heaping helping of self rationalization and consternation he moves to the next level. He's got to have more!

Phase 3. Dress in the 70s... talk in the 80s... shoot in the 90s. Our subject is full-on golf at this point. In one short golf season he's rapidly progressed to a gotta-have-it player. He craves the latest sticks, the coolest golf shoes, and the best stand bag. He's procured an array of the latest golf shirts, in multiple colors. He rummages around proshops and discount golf super centers. He's ripe for the picking of every trendy golf marketing ploy. He spends untold hours scouring the internet for the best golf deals. Our subject is now walking the walk and more importantly, talking the talk. He can't wait to book that first golf vacation with his new found cronies. The very thought of it gives him an adrenalin rush. He believes his dream round is now within reach!

Sound familiar? Take a look around you. You've no doubt witnessed similar scenarios with some of your own golf pals. Golf is an intoxicating mistress who holds universal powers over her victims. My advice is this. Go with the flow. It'll be the ride of your life!

I realize that every match has it's fierce rivalry and the competition can never be given an upper hand when there are a few dollars at stake. But consider the simple task of tending the flag. A true and loyal golf sportsman would never deliberately distract his opponent under this circumstance, no matter how easy it may seem. So suck it up... and do it right! Tending the flag is a common golf courtesy and should be performed cheerfully and without any alterial motive.

On the lighter side however, if you really want to scare the bejesus out of your opponent there is the tried and true flag-wave prank. And it's always good for a big yuk!

This is how it's done. The chatter has gone quiet as your opponent labors over how to sink that eight foot par put. Once he settles into position to execute, quietly step up behind and swing the flagstick, baseball style, about five or six feet over the top of his putting stance.

The resulting super-flutter sound will not only break the respectful silence on the green, but has been known to cause a soil-in-the-pants reaction! Be advised. This should only be performed within well-oiled and/or super friendly foursomes as in the heat of the moment, this player may lose his composure and wrap his putter around your neck!

But first... let's give credit where it's due. The eighteenth at Pebble is super famous, super beautiful and super exclusive. If you're looking for the top celebs, the best golfers and the finest TV coverage of the great game of golf, The Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is the place to be.

But what of the great unwashed multitudes who may never get the chance to visit Pebble? Are they denied the grandeur of golf's intersection with nature? I think not. I can name a few fabulous settings that I've witnessed that rev the golf/nature meter quite nicely. Kiawah Island, Kohler Wisconsin, and Cabo San Lucas immediately come to mind. And it didn't cost an arm and a leg to play. Well maybe just an arm and few fingers.

And if your any kind of an avid golfer you've more than likely had some fantastic natural outdoor experiences at your very own hometown golf links. It's one of the great pleasures that come with the game. And you only need to be aware of your surroundings to experience the natural wonders.  

So tell me. Have you experienced a perfect intersection of golf and nature? Or do you need to throw down that $450 greens fee at Pebble to attain golf/nature nirvana? 

I got a brief glimpse of Disney golf from the window of the speeding monorail today. And when I leaked an audible gasp, I inadvertently caught the attention of a fellow golfer/dad who just happened to do a golf trip here last year. I asked what he thought and like any true golf sportsman, he blathered on for several minutes about how much fun he and his cronies had doing the full Disney Golf package.

I must admit I was left with an empty, golfless kind of feeling. With snow on the ground in my hometown and all this delicious Florida sunshine, I'm definitely in the mood for golf.