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Web site provides golf tips from pros

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By ERIC HORCHY

The Suncoast News

Published: November 13, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - If there is one thing avid golfers are notorious for, it's that insatiable desire to seek out and discover any and every potential stroke-shaving tip - to stay one step ahead of their fairway buddies.

Although magazines, full-length DVDs and Golf for Dummies-style books are industry stalwarts, Jason Romano - a former Tampa Bay Ray and 12-year major league utility man turned businessman - has taken a new spin on golf instruction in his newest online endeavor.

His Web site, eGolftip.com, went live six months ago. It offers golfers of all walks the ability to sign up and view daily tips from some of the most highly regarded professional golf instructors in the country.

"I was always used to reading these golf tip magazines and I just started thinking that there's got to be a better way," said Romano, a passionate golfer. "I was always more of a visual person, so I thought if I can deliver video golf tips through e-mail it would be a great way to learn."

Being an athlete who has competed at a game's highest level, Romano inherently knows a thing or two about the importance of - and desire for - gaining a competitive advantage to achieve maximum potential. He was drafted in the first round out of Hillsborough High School by the Texas Rangers in 1997 and played for five major league clubs.

"Golf's my second passion," he said. "I love the game, I love the challenge and skill involved, and how you always want to get better, make better shots and learn more about the game."

"That's the passion that drove me even more to create this site - for guys like myself that want any and every tip that comes along to help improve our game."

By signing up for eGolftip .com, members receive daily e-mails that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. With cell phone and other personal handheld device technology the way it is, that means a multitude of video tips can be accessed right there on the course.

"You could have a fried-egg lie in a bunker and pull out your phone, go into our archives and check out that bunker shot you remembered seeing before," Romano said.

The fact that tips are delivered by some of the Top 100 teaching pros in the country, as rated by established publications such as Golfer's Digest, adds to the site's allure and credibility, he said.

Mike Bender, personal coach of 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson; Brad Brewer; and Rick McCord are a few of the regular contributors.

Romano said other more interactive features are in the works. An "Ask the Pro" section where subscribers can communicate with pros is one near-future addition, and another will allow users to submit their swing and receive feedback after analysis.

Romano also is working on a deal with the Florida State Golf Association to partner with its members and allow them access to the site. He hopes to later expand that to other associations around the country.

One-year memberships are currently being offered for $25 and free one-week trial memberships are also available. With the holiday season right around the corner, the site has one-month, three-month or one-year gift cards, as well.

Reporter Eric Horchy can be reached at (727) 815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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