One of our local ranges had a demo day recently and while I'm not looking to add to my bag I did go check it out. I hit several clubs - mostly 7 irons and wedges but a couple drivers too. Nothing stood out and shouted that I HAD TO HAVE THIS CLUB.

After scarfing down some hot wings and a bottle of water I strolled over to the ECCO shoes tent. They have quite a line up and it would be quite easy to spend $300 on a nice pair of all leather golf shoes (I didn't!). I had one thought in mind when I saw the Street Premiere shoe... Freddy Couples wears 'em and swears by them. So I sat myself down and tried on a pair of black ones.

Now I have to be clear about this. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. For anyone who doesn't know that those maladies are, they're not fun. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by arch problems and that changes your gait which causes problems to the metatarsal area of the foot. It feels like a knife being inserted into your heel and arch. Metarsalgia feels like your sock is rolled up and bruising your metarsals. Both injuries make walking 18 holes nearly impossible. Arch supports and gel padding help as of exercises and cortisone shots (I've had two).

I've been searching for years for THE PERFECT GOLF SHOE. Two years ago I wore a golf shoe made by (of all companies) CROCS. They are an amazing shoe - very comfortable and light. But not much to look at. Alas, they wore out. Sadly, CROCS no longer makes their Ace Golf Shoe. So I was back to searching...

I've tried Foot Joys, Adidas, Nike, Bite, Oakley, Dexter. All had quality and are great looking but none came even remotely close to the comfort of the ECCO Sreet Premiere!

Not only are they the most comfortable shoe I've worn or tried, they're also seemingly immediately "broken-in!" And they look great with a relaxed, almost retro look! Plus you can wear them on or off the course. They don't have traditional spikes - rather they have a pattern of star-like nubs which provide plenty of traction.

ECCO had a great deal on them at the demo days which included no sales tax (the shoes cost me $100 flat). I picked up a pair and now wish I'd gotten two.

The next day I walked 18 holes for the first time in well over a year. I had no issues with my feet and was pleasantly surprised to not have any soreness the next day either.

Freddy Couples wore these same shoes at last year's Master's and the internet was full of comments about them. After playing in them, it's easy to see why ECCO couldn't keep up with demand. But they're available now and I suggest you get yours now.

One more thing, I know that when the next opportunity presents itself, I'm going to get another pair! As long as they don't sell out in the meantime!

I recently downloaded the Tiger Woods GolfShot app for iPhone 4. It's available for the Android Market too.

In a word, awesome!

If you're not familiar with the app, it features videos of Tiger's swing from the side and behind. For each club! And, you can film your own swing and compare to his side-by-side. It isn't pretty. But it's informational. At $14.95 it's a bargain and it can be used over and over again. I'd heartily recommend it.

More info here

Another app worthy to download is ViewTi Golf GPS. I got the free version and it's very good. It can be used at nearly every course in the U.S. and some overseas. The courses reviewed on AverageJoeGolf.net are included. It is a true golf course GPS and provides detailed information. You can do worse by purchasing a stand alone golf GPS unit and ViewTi is a lot more friendly on your budget!

More info here

I purchased this iPad app after watching the Master's EA Sports game on a big screen TV.

While there is no comparison, this is a a very entertaining app.

A warning though, it does get addicting. I find myself playing it when I should be doing something else - like better articles for this site! Even now I'm only half-heartedly paying attention to my duties. "The Force is strong..."

If you buy it - and I do recommend doing so - my suggestion is play as many "Tiger Challenges" as you can. It's a way to earn dollars without spending any and improving your skill. The purses can be saved until you're ready to "purchase" improved skill in your profile.

Once you feel you're ready for the show, go ahead and attempt it. It'll bring you back to earth pretty quickly... but not to worry all you need to do is practice more and play. Eventually, you'll progress tio intermediate level and one day, the pros!