We are very happy to have Michael Hebron on board! This is a great day for OnCore! I am copying the press release below;

April 13, 2012 (Buffalo, NY) – OnCore Golf is very pleased to announce that it has added Master PGA Professional, Michael Hebron, to its growing Advisory Board. Michael has the distinguished honor of being named PGA of America Teacher of the Year in 1991 and is consistently ranked one of America’s Top 50 Instructors by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. OnCore brought Michael on board for his deep technical expertise and understanding regarding the relationship between golfers and their equipment.

OnCore’s VP, Steve Coulton, discussed Michael’s impact on the game of golf, “One could argue that there is no other instructor in the world who has done more to advance the science of how golfers acquire skills and learn the game of golf than Michael. We are excited to tap into his creative thought process and apply it to our mission of enhancing golfers’ enjoyment potential.”
Michael Hebron discussed his decision to join OnCore’s advisory board. “The team at OnCore is passionate about making the game more enjoyable and fun again. Their mission is in line with what I do on a daily basis, and their golf ball technology is out of this world!”

In addition to the Omen™, their first generation ball which was targeted at amateur and higher handicap golfers, OnCore plans to develop and release a tour version ball which it hopes will become the standard by which other balls are measured with respect to both distance and accuracy.
About Michael Hebron (http://michaelhebron.com/schoolpages/instructors.html)

Michael is highly respected throughout the international golf community.  He consults on golf instruction to PGA Switzerland, Italy, France, Finland, Canada, Japan and Sweden. He has given instruction clinics at 30 PGA of America sections.  Through his dedication Michael earned the honored
status of becoming the 24th PGA of America Master Professional.
About OnCore Golf (http://oncoregolf.com/)

Based in Buffalo, NY, OnCore will increase the enjoyment of the game of golf through the development and sale of new technology based products that conform to the rules of golf.  Their patented hollow metal core golf ball design offers a 30% improvement in accuracy over traditional golf balls. By having a hollow core, the ball’s weight is shifted to the perimeter and there is a reduction in sidespin, resulting in straighter drives and more accurate putts.

Not only are we trying to make a difference on the golf course with the first ever hollow-metal golf ball, but we are also trying to find new ways to change the game, off the golf course.  One way we are changing how people think about the game off the course is with artist, Brian Kirhagis.  Many people would question what a painter has to do with golfing.  But here at OnCore, we see it as just another way to make the game, that much better.

Originally from Baltimore, New York based artist Brian Kirhagis discovered his calling when he was still in high school. In 2001, he attended Hofstra University and it was evident that he possessed a unique style and natural ability to capture the world around him.  Largely self  taught, Brian  developed  his  technique  through  countless  hours  of experimentation  in  the  studio.  Inspired  by Salvador Dali  and  the  surrealists, Kirhagis began  using  double images  and  hidden  elements  in  his  work,  allowing for multiple interpretations, to get the viewers thinking.

Kirhagis has had the opportunity to showcase his work as part of the release party for John Legend and the Root’s collaborative album.  At the party, he painted a live interactive piece with the help of red carpet VIP’s, and turned heads with an exhibition of original paintings.  His work has also been featured on MTV’s Spring Break with the cast of the Jersey Shore, was published in a theology textbook for Cambridge University, and was highlighted at the 2011 DUBMO Arts Festival.  You can find his work at restaurants in New York City and Miami.  Now, he is bringing his talent to OnCore Golf.

From here on out, Brian will be accompanying OnCore at various golf tournaments to create a more interactive atmosphere for the players and fans. He will make his OnCore debut at the BMW Tournament next May and will reveal his own OnCore piece that is in the works. Similar to the John Legend and the Root’s release party, Kirhagis will be painting live interactive pieces with the help of players and guests.  As players sign in and guests arrive they will “leave their mark” on the canvass for Kirhagis to work with.  During the tournament, he will turn the canvas into a work of art that will later be auctioned off for charity at the end of the tournament.  We hope to make the game more interactive between the players and fans  and believe the addition of Brian is a big step forward in that direction.

For more information on Brian Kirhagis visit his website athttp://www.brikart.net/ and check out his Facebook page where he is constantly added new pieces of art! http://www.facebook.com/brikart

Someone leaving their mark

Kirhagis turns it into art!

February 29, 2012 (Buffalo, NY) OnCore Golf announced today the addition of Jeffrey Herold to its growing Board of Advisors. Jeffrey is the founder and CEO of Club Glove, a company whose products are used by more touring professionals than any other product in golf. Jeff was recently nominated alongside Annika Sorenstam and legendary club designer Jim Flood for the 2012 ING Business Achievement award. Jeff had this to say; “Bringing a new golf ball into this world is like stepping into the ring with not one, but three heavyweights. It’s going to take hard work and careful consideration to generate success. The beauty is they have the technology that the best players in the world will soon demand so I am very optimistic about their chances. I imagine that people didn’t give me very good odds either when I started Club Glove in 1990. But today, our travel golf bags are used by more than 90% of PGA Tour players and were named one of the top 10 innovations in golf in the last 20 years by Golf Digest!”

Herold comes with 22 years of industry knowledge and relationships. OnCore plans to utilize his expertise in the areas of marketing, sales, advertising, and licensing. OnCore’s president Bret Blakely discussed the implications of Jeff’s advisory position; “We think the addition of Jeff shows OnCore’s commitment to building a world class team in preparation for our national launch of the Omen™ this spring. A next generation ball currently in development will be released later this year.” Steve Coulton, OnCore’s vice president remarked; “When I learned about Jeff’s journey in the industry that began with the 1991 PGA Merchandise Show I was immediately impressed with the entrepreneurism that has brought him to the level that the Club Glove brand has become today. We look forward to learning from Jeff’s experiences and are very excited about the immediate value he adds to our company.”

About OnCore Golf: Based in Buffalo, NY, OnCore is dedicated to becoming the highest quality product in their category. OnCore will increase the enjoyment of the game of golf through the development and sale of new technology based products that conform to the rules of golf (www.oncoregolf.com). Their first product, the Omen(TM) is the world’s only hollow-metal core (HMC) golf ball, designed to be straighter off the tee by reducing sidespin, increasing moment of inertia, and adding perimeter weighting.

Contact:

Bret Blakely, President 716-536-3763 bret@oncoregolf.com

Could what you eat, help you play a better round of golf?

When we think of ways to improve our golf game we think of getting the best clubs money can buy or working on our swing at the driving range.  However, what if what we eat can help improve our golf game?  Here are some tips for a better diet, and a better round of golf.

Before Heading Out to the Golf Course

Your game starts before you even lace up your golf shoes.  You will be spending about 4 hours out on there and you will need sustained energy.  You can get these by eating a low glycamemic meal.   This includes eating dairy foods, lentils, fruits, high-fiber bran that are all easily digested.  By doing so, you will have sustained energy to prevent that mental & physical low we get with hunger pangs.

While out there.

When you are packing your golf bag with extra tees and golf balls, add some extra snacks to it.  While out on the golf course, eat every two hours.  Nuts or raisins are a great energy source and are easy to pack in your golf bag!

Raisins are a great source of energy while out on the course!

Make sure you have enough water or sports drinks like Powerade or Energade to quench your thirst. Sports drinks are better than water, because they contain fluids, carbohydrates and electrolytes. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your round. Otherwise, have a good healthy breakfast before your tee-off.

Make sure to stay hydrated out there!

After the round of golf

Before drinking alcoholic drinks after your round, make sure you’ve recovered your sugar levels by eating a sandwich and drinking a non-caffeinated soft drink. Alcohol reduces your blood sugar level and dehydrates you. It also delays the healing process, so if you’re injured, rather stay away from the 19th hole.

What are some healthy diet tips you follow? Feel free to share in the comment section!

PGA Show 2012

As an intern at a golf company, you may think I go golfing every chance I get.  That is far from the truth. I do enjoy the sport of golf, however, I have only been golfing a handful of times in my  life (you don’t need to worry about what my score was). What you need to worry about is how to act.  Are you like me and heading out to the golf course for the first time?  Don’t know what to wear? How to act?  Don’t worry, I got you covered.  Here are my top 5 golf etiquettes to follow:

1.  Dress the Part

Before heading out to the course, I did not know what to wear. It was probably the first time in my life that I struggled with deciding what to wear.  I think I stood in front of my empty closet looking for the appropriate golf attire. I even Googled “What to wear golfing”.  After deciphering between my clean and dirty clothes I went with a pair of khakis and a polo with a spring jacket.  It was early September and an early tee time so it was still chilly out on the course.  Most golf courses may have a dress code so it is always important to check beforehand.  Also, regardless of dress code, leave the sandals, ripped jeans, and crazy patterned pants at home.

     2.  Make a Tee Time, then Make the Tee Time

7:00am wake up call.  On a Sunday.  Rough (no pun intended). However, we wanted to make sure we got back in time for the Patriots Bills game so an early tee time was necessary.  Not all golf courses require a tee time.  However, if you do not reserve a tee time, you are taking a risk of waiting for other groups before you get to go.  If you do make a tee time, make sure you are there on time.  If you miss your time, you are more than likely to have to wait for a new tee time, which could take hours.  It is also a good idea to make sure the course is not hosting a tournament.  When we went, we did not check and had to drive an extra 45-60mins to another golf course.

     3.  Equipment

First and foremost, make sure you bring plenty of tees and balls.  Out on the course for the first time, it is not about what your final score is, but how many balls you manage to bring home with you (I think I lost a total of 5 balls my first time).  Next, the clubs.  There are a lot of them.  All I knew was when to use the driver and the putter.  After that, I did not know when to use the 5-iron, 9-iron, or a wedge.  If you have patient playing partners, don’t be afraid to ask them which club to use.  Some golf courses even have rules on the amount of clubs you can have.  The rules place a limit of 14 clubs in each golfer’s bag.  In fact, I learned that sharing clubs is against the rules too.  So much for sharing is caring.

     4.  Keep Up the Pace

We have all been miniature golfing before and got stuck behind a slow party in front of us and had to wait at each hole.  It can get frustrating.  It can also happen on the real golf course.  When out there, keep the round moving by being ready to hit your ball when it is your turn.  Do not wait until it is your shot to sit there and figure out what club you should use.  Do not spend too much time looking for a lost ball.  Not only will you get frustrated, but you should have plenty of extra balls you can use.  If you are in no rush to get home, allow a faster group to move ahead of you.

5.  Course Care and Safety

If you’re like me, you will be doing a lot of whacking at the golf ball.  For me, I think grass divots went farther than my ball did.  When this happens,  pick up the sod that you’ve chopped up and place it back in the resulting scrape. I don’t know whose idea it was to put pits of sand in the middle of golf courses.  But they are there, and for some, they are unavoidable.  If, more like when, you land in the bunker there are just some proper etiquette rules to follow.  After you take your hacks at the ball, make sure you rake the bunkers to smooth out the sand.  Most golf courses have a rake handy and only takes a few seconds to do.  This ensures other golfers are not playing in your footprints. Too many golfers are hit in the head by a golf ball because somebody did not yell the four letter word (no not that one), “fore”.  If you see your ball is slicing and heading for a group of golfers, yell ‘fore’ to give them a warning a projectile missile is heading their way.

Golfing was meant to be enjoyable.  On your first time out on the course do not worry about your score.  Follow these tips and it will ensure you have a good time out there and you’ll be hooked.  Lastly, have fun!

Regards,

Mike

Last week we discussed indoor exercises to strengthen your golf game during the off-season months. This week we are going to give you 3 rock solid drills that if performed correctly will drastically improve your golf scores. And remember these can be performed all from the comfort of your living room, as the snow piles up around you.

The Putter

Work on your distance control. Often when you ask golfers on a putting green what’s more important in putting- distance or direction? They tend to answer direction. Although direction is important, distance is far more important. To demonstrate why distance is the correct answer, my old golf pro would hit a put so hard, with perfect direction mind you, straight over the cup. Now he was left with a five footer coming back, not exactly ideal.

Drill #1 – Balance a golf ball on a penny, take a second golf ball from varying distances and using your putter try to get the two balls to “kiss”, without knocking the ball off the penny. This is very difficult, but its also very effective in getting you to think about distance control.

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The Wedge 

For most golfers, myself included, the short game is the first part of our games to go when we take a few months off from golf. Chipping around the greens requires so much feel and touch (essentially control over all those tiny muscles in our hands)

Drill #2- 

You will need roughly 10 feet of open space, preferably more. Now place a small towel on the floor about ten feet away from you. Take your pitching wedge  and chip 50 balls trying to land them on the towel. Not before the towel, or after, but right on it- so you work on chipping into a target zone. The more you practice the better feel you will develop around the greens.

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The Driver

No, we are not asking you to tee up a driver in your living room and blow a ball through your drywall. Although that might make for an interesting youtube video it will probably not help your golf game.  Adding more backswing torque to your swing generates distance and can be accomplished with one simple drill.

Drill #3

Sit in a chair with your feet spread out wide apart and flat on the ground.  Take your driver with one hand and grab the head of the club, with your other hand grab the grip. Now raise the club above your head and rest the shaft on your neck.  Turn your shoulders to the right and hold this position for a few seconds…you should feel the torque along your left side. Now turn your shoulders back to the starting address and relax. Repeat this several times.

Enjoy these 3 simple drills all from the comfort of your home, and stay tuned for our next post on how to master snow golf…we get a lot of that in Buffalo.

Sources;

“Simple Indoor Golf Drills To Keep Your game In Shape During Winter” Click the link http://www.howtobreak80.com/blog/2006/01/30/simple-indoor-golf-drills-to-keep-your-game-in-shape-during-winter/

Tiger Woods once stood atop the rankings of the PGA.  He was once untouchable on the golf course, winning 14 Major Championships, 3^rd all time in PGA Tour Wins with 71, and 3^rd all time in European Tour Wins. It seemed like Tiger was unhuman.  We worshipped him, idolized him, and tried to emulate his signature fist pump out on the golf course. But as the saying goes “what goes up, must come down” and boy did Tiger come down. On the night before Thanksgiving in 2009 he crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant, and well, we all know what happened after that.  It has been a long  very long time since Tigers won a tournament.  All the waiting ended on Sunday.

It has been an ugly 2 years for Tiger Woods

Trailing by one shot with two holes to play on Sunday, Tiger came up with two clutch putts. He holed a 15-footer for birdie on the par-3 17th to pull into a tie with Zach Johnson, then hit a 9-iron from 158 yards that landed on the ridge behind the hole and rolled down to 6 feet. Tiger closed with a 3-under 69, sweeping his arm when the final putt dropped, then slamming down his fist in a celebration that was a long time coming.  It was as if everything he has endured for the last two years, from his divorce, a winless 2010 season, caddy controversy, and injuries, has been lifted off his shoulders.

Can we expect more of this in 2012?

749 days and 26 Major Championships later, Tiger  finally won a tournament. The win improved his world ranking from No. 52 to No.21.   Now that Tiger has his first win in over two years, can we expect him to return to the top of the rankings in 2012? What do you expect from Tiger in 2012? Post your thoughts in the comment section!

Yours Truly,

Michael

# 1 OnCore Golf Intern!

Unfortunately, we all do not have the luxury to be able to play golf year round.  For most of us, it’s that time of year again where we put our clubs away until the spring.  Just because the clubs collect dust in your basement or garage during the winter months does not mean your golf game has to either.  As we battle through the withdrawals of not being out on the golf course, here are 7 great tips on how you can keep up your golf game, without stepping foot on a golf course.

The gym is no longer for those who think they should be on the Jersey Shore.  Only 30 minutes a day 3 days a week will put you on the path to lower scores.

(1) Every muscle in your back is used on every swing. After time, we have all experienced some back pain out on the course.  Try the seated row to give your back the extra strength it needs.

Seated Row

This is one of the best exercises for golfers. Sit tall and upright. Keep your shoulders back. Now pull the handles toward you as if you were rowing. If the machine you’re using allows you to work one arm at a time, do that.

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(2) You find yourself on a Par 3 and think you can hit the green.  Only to come up short.  Way short. There’s an exercise to help that. Strengthening your arms will help you increase your clubhead speed, which will increase the length off the tee.  These exercises will do the trick:

Triceps Dips

Using a flat bench, go from a straight-arm position to having your arms bent at the elbow at a 90-degree angle, then push back up. Keep the back straight.

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(3) 18-holes in sunny warm weather sounds like a great day to any golfer.  However, by the 15^th hole you may find yourself tired from walking and your swing starts to suffer because of it.  By doing leg exercises you can have a more powerful swing late onto the course.

 Seated-Leg Extension 

From a seated position, extend the legs away from the body and then back down to work the thighs.

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(4) You do not need a six pack (of abs) to be a good golfer. The rotation of the torso is enhanced by strong abs. Strong abs increase the speed with which the body unwinds, adding distance to your shots. They also provide stamina to repeat the rotation and increase accuracy.

Abdominal Machines

On the first machine, start in the upright position and bring the elbows down to the knees.

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(5) Don’t have a gym membership? No problem.  There are exercises you can do from the comfort of your own living room while you watch TV.

Stay loose.  Your swing can take a hit if you are not flexible. The less flexible you are, the shorter your swing is. All you have to do is lie on your back, pull one leg into your chest while keeping the other leg extended and hold for 30 seconds.

Then repeat with the other leg for two sets.  For only 4 minutes a day you can help improve your flexibility.  Not too bad right?

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(6) Want to do abs but don’t have an ab machine?  Two Hundred Sit Ups allow you to get an ab workout without leaving your house.  You can do them in the morning before getting ready for work or after work while you watch the evening news.  It will keep you motivated throughout the winter with a day-to-day program.

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(7) Watch what you eat.  As the holiday season vastly approaches, we may lose sight on how much we eat (or when dealing with the in-laws, drink) and quickly add on a few extra pounds that will hinder your golf game. It is important to watch what you eat (I suggest buying smaller plates).  During the offseason, the average golfer can put on additional 5-10 pounds.

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Bonus Round- Create your own driving range at home!  Instead of freezing on the golf course, you can improve your swing inside your basement or in your own backyard.

• The Net Returner sets are a 7’6” x 8’ net that allows golfers to practice their golf swing and returns their ball to them.  Price: $395(www.thereturn.com)
•  3 in 1 Golf Practice Set Mat Driving Net Chipping Net and Bag.  10’ x 7’ allows you to practice on your chip shots. Price: $79.99(www.amazon.com).
• The Home Golf Net is 7’ x 9’ that allows you to practice your swing either indoor or outdoor. Price: $264 (nettingmasters.com)

With these tips, you can help improve your game during the offseason and gain an advantage over your friends come the spring time.  So what are you waiting for? There are only 110 days left until spring!

For more info visit these sites:

http://www.pgatour.com/2007/mygame/05/10/golfgym_workout/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-cardiello/off-season-golf-training-_b_1003489.html

Yours Truly,

Michael

# 1 OnCore Golf Intern!