Sports Then and Now

Golf’s popularity continues to surge, with participation increasing globally. In the United States alone, over 28 million people engaged in on-course golf in 2024, marking the seventh consecutive annual increase. 

More people than ever are discovering the sport’s appeal, whether as a social hobby, a competitive pursuit, or a way to stay active. The growing interest is also reflected in the rise of golf opens, aka competitions that are open to join, giving both seasoned players and newcomers a chance to put their skills to the test in a structured environment.

To truly excel in golf, consistent practice is essential. However, integrating modern technology can significantly enhance performance. From high-tech clubs to advanced tracking systems and environmental analysis tools, tech-driven innovations are helping golfers improve their game faster than ever before. Here’s how the latest advancements in equipment, performance tracking, and environmental monitoring can help you become a better golfer in 2025.

Advanced Equipment

Modern golf equipment has undergone significant transformations due to technological advancements. Contemporary clubs are designed with materials like carbon fiber and titanium, offering enhanced strength and reduced weight. These innovations provide better control and increased swing speed. Additionally, adjustable clubheads and customizable shafts allow players to fine-tune their equipment to match their unique swing characteristics, leading to improved accuracy and distance.

There may be moments when you find yourself sitting around with a little extra free time on your hands. You may not be feeling social but also don’t want to end up getting lost in your own thoughts and twiddling your thumbs. 

Boredom can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Therefore, it’s important and healthy to find ways to keep yourself engaged in life and have some fun when you get the chance. Here you can review six ways to entertain yourself when you’re feeling bored. 

1. Experiment with A New Recipe

You may want to consider applying your creativity and testing out your cooking skills if you’re feeling bored. Challenge yourself to make a new recipe that sounds good and you want to try. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare the meal and go slow so you can execute the recipe properly and have a positive outcome. It will be rewarding to prepare your own food and be able to sit down to a home-cooked meal. Another idea, if you have a sweet tooth, is to take on a baking challenge where you make a mix of delicious and tasty treats. You can always bake extra and share them with friends, family, or co-workers. 

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As the NFL wraps up another remarkable season, Episode 18 of the COACH Podcast offers a heartfelt reflection on the year, highlighting its standout moments, growth, and future prospects. Hosted by Matt Patricia, Mike Lombardi, and Bill Belichick, this special episode dives into the evolution of the league, the Hall of Fame debate, and the dynamics of managing change in the NFL. It’s a masterclass for fans who love the game’s depth and intricacies.

COACH Podcast: A Look Back at 2024

Growth on a Global Stage
One of the key takeaways from this NFL season was its international expansion. From games in Brazil to fan-packed stadiums in Munich, the league has embraced a global audience like never before. “The UN of fans,” Patricia observed, describing the vibrant, jersey-filled crowds. As the podcast reflected on this development, Belichick highlighted how these international games are more than spectacles—they are integral to growing the league, expanding the salary cap, and investing in players.

Streaming platforms and new game schedules also brought fresh accessibility to the sport. Lombardi humorously noted his own struggles with streaming but praised how technology has made the NFL omnipresent. With discussions of future expansions to an 18-game schedule and international franchises, the league’s growth seems unstoppable.

The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month was one of the most respected and accomplished drivers in NASCAR history, known for his fearless driving style and dominance on superspeedways. Towering at 6-foot-6, Buddy Baker was an imposing figure both on and off the track, earning the nickname “The Gentle Giant” for his friendly demeanor despite his aggressive racing. Over a career spanning three decades, Baker achieved legendary status, winning some of the sport’s biggest races, setting records, and later transitioning into a successful broadcasting career.

Early Life and NASCAR Beginnings

Elzie Wylie “Buddy” Baker Jr. was born on January 25, 1941, in Florence, South Carolina, into a racing family. His father, Buck Baker, was a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, and Buddy followed in his footsteps. He made his NASCAR debut in 1959 at the Southern 500 in Darlington, driving for his father’s team. Though his early years in the sport were marked by struggles and inconsistency, Baker showed flashes of talent that hinted at his future success.

NFL trades are a high-stakes gamble. Teams risk future draft picks, established players, or hefty financial commitments, all in pursuit of a championship or a franchise-defining player. While some trades flop spectacularly, others deliver results that far exceed expectations.

Here are five trades that seemed risky at the time but proved to be transformative for the teams involved.

1.    Raiders’ Trade for Davante Adams in 2022

The Raiders made headlines in 2022 when they traded two premium draft picks for wide receiver Davante Adams. At the time, critics questioned whether investing so heavily in one player was wise, especially given the team’s other roster needs. Though undeniably talented, Adams joined a team that wasn’t viewed as an immediate contender.

Expectations surrounding the team’s potential immediately shifted, and discussions about their playoff chances dominated the conversation.

Even the NFL Vegas line reflected the growing optimism, with odds adjusting to account for the game-changing impact Adams was expected to bring.

Adams wasted no time proving his value. He finished his debut season with some of the best numbers of his career, leading the league in receiving touchdowns and setting multiple franchise records. His presence also elevated the entire offense, creating opportunities for other players and forcing defenses to adapt their game plans.