Stuart Appleby

The Professional Golfers' Association of America (with or without the apostrophe and also known as the PGA of America) is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 27,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Although the PGA logo is a registered trademark and cannot be used on promotional products or decorated apparel without permission from the organization, there are many unscrupulous companies that traffic in counterfeit PGA merchandise. The most counterfeited PGA apparel item is golf shirts (also known as polo shirts). In addition, the top golf shirt brands are counterfeited such as Nike, Adidas, Ping, Greg Norman, Tiger Woods, Izod and Arnold Palmer. The second most counterfeited PGA apparel item is t-shirts, with printed t-shirts being the most popular followed by embroidered t-shirts. Tied for third place are embroidered patches and hats. The least counterfeited PGA apparel items are sweatshirts and hooded sweatshirts (hoodies). The mission of The PGA of America is to promote enjoyment and involvement in golf among the general public, as well as to contribute to the game’s growth by producing services to golf Professionals and the industry. The PGA seeks to accomplish this mission by enhancing the skills of the PGA Professionals and expanding playing opportunities for the general public, employers and manufactures. Through these efforts, The PGA elevates the standards of the PGA Professional’s vocation, enhances the economic well-being of the individuals PGA member, stimulates interest in the game of golf and promotes the overall vitality of the game.

Can anyone tell be what has happened to Stuart's game in the last four months? His Australian campaign was abysmal by his standards; two missed cuts and a mediocre finish in the PGA. Likewise, his play in the US for the first two months of the season has been equally unimpresssive with a missed cut, two well down the leaderboard finishes and a first round knockout at the World Match Play Championship. Therefore, his world ranking has plummeted to 46th at this time with his chances of making his fifth straight Presidents' Cup becoming more and more remote.

I know he has consulted a mind guru, changed from Bridgestone to Callaway and has welcomed his first son into the world so perhaps these changes have had a negative impact on his golf. Do you think he might benefit from a new coach (he has been with Steve Bann for over twenty years and/or a new caddy (Joey has carried his bag for over ten years)?

Does anyone at this forum have any suggestions?

A suffering, but still loyal, Appleby fan

I was looking for a way to get an email to Stuart.  On the eve of the 2008 Master's I'm sure he is not interested in checking emails, but I wanted to which him the absolute best of luck.

I took my 11 year old daughter to the Shell Houston Open last Saturday.  Stuart's caddy gave my daughter a signature Appleby Pro V, which Stuart later autographed.

I just want to tell Stuart that although I know he was not happy with his performance in Houston (where he has a large following) his dedication to the kid's in signing autographs is extremely appreciated.  My daughter will remember the day and Stuart for a long, long time.

She hits a nice golf ball now and this my inspire her to greater golfing achievements.

Thanks Stuart!