Evidence suggests that the game of golf was played as early as 1354. Though unlike our current understanding of golf, this earliest version was modeled more in the style of hockey. This form of golf is suggested to have appeared in Flanders (versus most attributing golf to Scotland).
In 1421 it is noted that three individuals brought golf to Scotland. Hugh Kennedy, Robert Steward, and John Smale are identified and credited with this honor.
However, because golf threatened the skill and sport of archery, in 1457 the Scots Parliament of James II banned it (along with the European version of football) on certain days of the week. Gowf (as it was known) could no longer be played on Sundays since, even way back when, it interfered with military training. Scotland was at war, on and off, with the English, and soldiers apparently were skipping military practice for a quick game.
This Sunday ban stayed in place, and in fact was "reaffirmed" by the next two monarchs all the way up to the early 1500s. However, finally, when the Scottish and English signed the Treaty of Glasgow in 1502, the ban on golf was lifted. It is interesting to note that upon the lifting of that ban, James IV is reported to have made the first purchase of golf equipment - a set of golf clubs.
Though golf remained mostly a game for the elite, by 1527 the common man took up the game. Sir Robert Maule is attributed as the first "commoner" to play a round of golf on Barry Links, Angus.
The first female golfer is said to have been Mary Queen of Scots. Her first golf game was played in 1567 shortly after the death of her husband.
Even way back when, nothing inferred with that round of golf. In 1641, Charles I while playing a round of golf at Leith, received word of the Irish rebellion (which marked the beginning of the English Civil War). True to form, he finishes his game before heading off to plan his military strategy.
Fast forward to the New World. Apparently, it did not take long for golf to become popular. As early as 1656 it was necessary to enact a law banning the playing of golf from the streets of Albany, New York. You just can't keep a good golfer down.
To round out this early history of golf and bring us to the end of the 1700s, it is worth noting that in 1767, James Durham scored a 94 in his round of golf at St. Andrews during the Silver Cup competition. This record remained unbroken for 86 years!
I hope you enjoyed this early look at golf.
======================================
About the Author:
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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
How to Choose a Golf Fitness Trainer
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve been asked this question during my travels around the country and world on the golf circuit; “Sean, I am looking for a golf fitness trainer in my area, what do you suggest?”
Finding a golf fitness trainer for you, simply takes a little knowledge and time on your part.
Bottom line there are thousands of fitness experts, personal trainer, instructors, and conditioning coaches available to you. Some are more qualified than others to help you improve your golf game. Lets first off take a look at some general qualifications to look for in candidates.
The golf trainer’s education would be the first thing I would consider. In the world of personal training and fitness, there are no educational requirements, governing bodies, or state boards. Essentially, anyone can hang a sign on their front door and call themselves a “personal golf fitness trainer”. It’s unfortunate, but unqualified people are training people every day.
A highly qualified golf fitness trainer will likely have a college degree in the field of kinesiology, biomechanics, health sciences or a related field. There are many other organizations that accredit trainers too. These organizations provide intense educational programs providing the trainer with certifications. Accreditations from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and American Council of Exercise are highly regarded within the field. I would suggest looking for a golf fitness trainer with a degree in the field and at least one additional certification from the above organizations. This tells us that they have taken the time to become more specialized and better educated.
The Proof is in the Pudding
Experience within the field is absolutely critical. First look at the trainer’s general experience and dig deeper. In general, I am talking about how long they have been in the industry. Are they just starting out or are they a seasoned veteran in the field? What areas of the industry have they worked? Have they worked only in the health club setting, have they worked in a collegiate or professional athletic environment, or experience directly related to the golf industry?
I would look for a golf fitness trainer with some experience in athletics. A trainer with experience in competitive athletics understands the demands on your body under competition, whether it’s the weekend round with your friends, the club tournament, or the Masters for that matter.
Go to the Right Mechanic to Get Your Car Fixed
Now I don’t know about you, but if I had an engine problem with my car, I probably wouldn’t go to a motorcycle mechanic to get it fixed.
Would you look for a personal trainer that specialized in let’s say, youth football, to help your golf game?
Most trainers in the industry usually have a repeat client base. The client base can tell you a lot about the trainer’s area of expertise. The trainer’s cliental base could be very specific, for example working with elderly individuals or with athletes only. Other trainers may work with numerous types of individuals from young children, homemakers, to the budding collegiate star. More than anything a trainer’s client base gives you an idea if they have experience working with someone like you, and if they fit your individual needs.
I would suggest looking for a golf fitness trainer that has some experience working with someone like you. For example, if you are Nationwide Tour player, I would probably suggest looking for a golf fitness trainer who has experience working with professional athletes. The experience of working with professional athletes is only going to help with the interaction between the two of you.
Can’t We Just Get Along
Outside of education and experience, the final area to consider is the trainer’s personality. Some personalities will work well with you and others will not.
To get the best results for you, you must find a trainer that you are comfortable with on a professional and personal level. This will allow for the training sessions, development of your program, and the relationship to be a positive experience for both. Remember, you must trust the golf fitness trainer and this requires a level of comfort with them.
Overall, I suggest taking some time on the front end and interviewing a series of trainers. This will allow you to compare and contrast all of the criteria we’ve discussed, and help you make a decision you feel good about.
Remember, choosing the right golf fitness trainer for you can mean the difference between reaching your goals on the golf course or not.
Sean Cochran
Monday, April 29, 2013
Golf Swing Tips to Teach Tiny Golf Tots
golf Swing Tips to Teach Tiny golf Tots
I am often asked at what age do I start teaching children?
The youngest recommend is six, but you can help them younger if you like, I find that the parent usually knows best when to start their child playing and learning sports. If you want to take your children golfing earlier that's awesome but let them ride in the cart, hit a few shots into a lake, play in the bunker and just generally have fun on the course. This will build a positive relationship with golf and going golfing.
Here are the four critical things I consider when starting a 'tots' in golf, swinging the golf club and golf instruction:
1. Can they comfortably stand and hold a golf club?
2. Can they make there hands grip the club in the proper order?
The correct hand on top and bottom. I don't worry about hand position or separation of hands, they can hold the club like a baseball bat if it's comfortable and allows for a free swing.
This article appearing at eHow.com by Joe White tells us the reasons to build a good grip but remember to let your child hold the golf clubs comfortably then later in their golf life, it will be easy to adjust them to good grip mechanics.
3. Can they swing a golf club and make a 'swishing' sound?
When the young future golfer swings his or hers club, I try and encourage them to make a swish sound, the idea being swing the club from the beginning to the end instead of directing the club head into the ball. If your a parent and working with your young golfer, if you hear a swish sound give them lots of positive reinforce and praise.
4. Can they stand after finishing their golf swing - the finish?
The 'swish' is beginning to be generated work on finishing well. For a right handed golfer the junior golfer should finish by standing on the left foot looking out in the direction the ball is traveling with the right toe sticking in the ground.
Here is an example of a good finish to use as a model for your junior. This is the more difficult step to master but with practice you should master it.
This article appearing at About.com, "How to Get Your Child Started in Golf" by Frank Mantua, Director of Golf, US Golf Camps has excellent material and great recommendations. Check it out.
Good luck with your new golfer! Let us know if you need anything, we're always available: 571-275-1707
Thanks, Mike of Legends Custom Clubs & Golf located in Vienna, VA
571-275-1707
info@legendscustomclubs.com - email contact
www.legendscustomclubs.com - main site
www.legends-customgolf.com - blog
I am often asked at what age do I start teaching children?
The youngest recommend is six, but you can help them younger if you like, I find that the parent usually knows best when to start their child playing and learning sports. If you want to take your children golfing earlier that's awesome but let them ride in the cart, hit a few shots into a lake, play in the bunker and just generally have fun on the course. This will build a positive relationship with golf and going golfing.
Here are the four critical things I consider when starting a 'tots' in golf, swinging the golf club and golf instruction:
1. Can they comfortably stand and hold a golf club?
2. Can they make there hands grip the club in the proper order?
The correct hand on top and bottom. I don't worry about hand position or separation of hands, they can hold the club like a baseball bat if it's comfortable and allows for a free swing.
This article appearing at eHow.com by Joe White tells us the reasons to build a good grip but remember to let your child hold the golf clubs comfortably then later in their golf life, it will be easy to adjust them to good grip mechanics.
3. Can they swing a golf club and make a 'swishing' sound?
When the young future golfer swings his or hers club, I try and encourage them to make a swish sound, the idea being swing the club from the beginning to the end instead of directing the club head into the ball. If your a parent and working with your young golfer, if you hear a swish sound give them lots of positive reinforce and praise.
4. Can they stand after finishing their golf swing - the finish?
The 'swish' is beginning to be generated work on finishing well. For a right handed golfer the junior golfer should finish by standing on the left foot looking out in the direction the ball is traveling with the right toe sticking in the ground.
Here is an example of a good finish to use as a model for your junior. This is the more difficult step to master but with practice you should master it.
This article appearing at About.com, "How to Get Your Child Started in Golf" by Frank Mantua, Director of Golf, US Golf Camps has excellent material and great recommendations. Check it out.
Good luck with your new golfer! Let us know if you need anything, we're always available: 571-275-1707
Thanks, Mike of Legends Custom Clubs & Golf located in Vienna, VA
571-275-1707
info@legendscustomclubs.com - email contact
www.legendscustomclubs.com - main site
www.legends-customgolf.com - blog
Lag - The Secret Move to Longer Drives in Golf!
If you hit a good drive and it goes about 225 yards and you weigh over 150 pounds, I can pretty much assure you, that you are casting the club on the downswing. I weigh 155 pounds, I'm 5'9", and can hit the ball 290-310 yards. So can you! (Sorry if that sounded like a cheesy infomercial off the golf Channel)
Casting the club on the downswing is still the leading swing fault that leads to shorter drives and iron shots. Don't know what casting means? Casting refers to the pre-mature wrist release on the downswing. The move starts from the very top of the swing where the wrists are cocked, then, on the way down the player will release their wrist cock early. This move looks like a fisherman trying to cast his line into a lake (hence the name). This move completely eliminates your wrists in your golf swing. This alone is a huge power drain.
Casting turns your golf swing into an armsy motion that lacks power. How does this move kill power? Think about it this way, what part of your body can you move the faster, your wrist or your arm? Since you can snap your wrists faster than you can move your arm, your wrists play a huge part in creating more power.
The opposite of casting, known as creating lag, is more efficient in creating power because it uses the power in the larger muscles, and then transfers it to the smaller quicker muscles right before impact. The proper motion looks like an “L” position
Why Golfers Need Rangefinders
The recent Bushnell golf Rangefinder commercial with the slow motion shot of Sergio Garcia hitting a tee shot over water while a Bushnell Rangefinder reticle is targeting the flag, sand trap, and the wooden water embankment in front of the hole is great. It’s a great commercial because it’s about time Bushnell started getting high profile golfers to promote golf equipment that actually help golfers lower their scores. While Titleist, TaylorMade, and the other golf club manufacturers focus on promoting the latest drivers, putters, and gimmicky clubs; rarely does a new club or new putter actually help an average golfer lower his or her score like a rangefinder can. This article lists 3 great reasons why the average golfer (handi-cap of 8 or higher) should always have a good rangefinder in the bag.
Good rangefinders are relatively inexpensive. I say relatively inexpensive because $200 to $400 may seem like a lot of money to spend on another golf gadget. Consider this: most golfers change drivers every three years, and buy new sets of irons every seven years. A $299 Bushnell Pinseeker Rangefinder should hold up for ten years. And for ten years, you get the benefit of accurate distance measurements to flags and other objects on golf courses that will help you play golf holes more intelligently. New drivers can run you anywhere from $200 to $500, while a new set of irons cost anywhere from $400 to $1500. If you do the math, these costs add up and make rangefinders a relatively inexpensive investment over the course of a ten year span. And remember that without a good golf swing, golfing intuition, and hand-eye coordination, those expensive hi-tech clubs won’t help you any more than a Spaulding starter set that goes for $199.
Golf Rangefinders can absolutely lower your score. Average golfers don’t have caddies. USGA rules also do not allow Rangefinders and other electronic measurement devices to be utilized during official tournament play. Sergio’s caddy, however, is allowed to walk the course each morning and pace off distances from the tees to anywhere he wants to and then write them all down. Caddies even use rangefinders to record these distances to save time while they are preparing for an event. By the time a PGA tour event starts, every golfer’s caddy has all distance measurements needed so that both he and the golfer are extremely prepared. In reality, Sergio Garcia wouldn’t even need a rangefinder if they were allowed. The rest of the golfing world (us) barely has time to squeeze in a round or two each week, and if we do-the only preparation we may have time for is studying the scorecard that includes tee yardages and distance measurements to holes, hazards, and dog legs. When we begin play, we rely on yardage markers. When you’re in between markers, however, a rangefinder will give you the exact yardage measurement so that you are not guessing between an 8 iron and 9 iron. It is these precise moments in a golf round where golf rangefinders can make the difference between coming up short and blasting it over the green. These area also the moments that that pars become bogeys, bogeys become double bogeys, etc.
Golf Rangefinders ARE allowed. USGA Rule 14-3 stipulates that under local rules, scores can be posted for rounds played while using a device that measures only distance; but NOT wind speed or ground slope. Take advantage of the rules. Golfing is both beautiful and unique in that imposes character on players by forcing them to be honest by adding penalty strokes and to not improve bad lies, etc. In this case, USGA rules recognize the difficulty that average golfers may have in measuring distances by allowing such instruments to assist them during a round. If the USGA says you are allowed to use golf rangefinders, you should use them. Putting it another way, if your ball ends up in casual water, would you NOT move it to drier ground? Of course not, because everyone knows that USGA rules allow you a free drop to dry ground provided your ball is no closer to hole. Knowing the rules and using them to your advantage is an integral part of golf.
Finally, good golf rangefinders really do work. They accurately range flags, trees, and other targets from up to 1,000 yards away; and to within +/- 1 yard of your targeted objects. They are also easy to use and are small enough to be kept in your pocket. I recommend trying the Bushnell Golf Medalist or the Bushnell Tour V2. Leupold’s Gx-1 and Gx-2 models have also received very good reviews by golfers. For a step up in price and performance, the Bushnell 1500 Pinseeker with up and down slope measurement is a great instrument. And if you and your friends can live with the USGA rule infraction, I recommend it; especially for courses being played for the first time.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
sanjay
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When it comes to golf, attire is at all times a big aspect. And though you can put on any shirt while playing your game, it is always sensible to wear a shirt specially intended for playing golf. There are golf shirts that are tailored to wear while playi... Read >Retirement Planning For Better Life After Retirement
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Who doesn’t want to pound the golf ball 300-plus yards? We see PGA Tour players all the time ripping it down the middle of the fairway, and we would all love to do it too.
Take a look at the long drive champions pounding it well over 400 yards. Amazing if you ask me.
How do they do it? Everyone’s got an opinion on that question, but lets take a look at one part of the equation. The shoulder turn is an integral part of what allows these guys to crank on their drivers.
Take a look at Tiger, Phil, or Vijay on tour. Watch what they do with their driver on the backswing.
All these guys take a monster of a shoulder turn, coiling their bodies, and just waiting to unload it on the downswing.
This allows them to flat out rip the golf ball off the tee!
So how can the amateur emulate such a swing, increasing the distance of their drives, and feeling pretty good about themselves and their game?
There are two concepts to focus on:
§ Increases in distance are related to increased Clubhead Speed.
§ Clubhead speed is contingent upon Developing more Power in Your Golf Swing.
Developing more power in your swing is directly related too:
1. Your Golf Swing Mechanics
2. Your Body
Efficient golf swing mechanics will allow for the greatest amount of power to be transferred to your clubhead.
The generation of this power lies within your body.
It is your body swinging the golf club, not the other way around. Your body develops the power that is transferred into clubhead speed during the swing.
In order to develop more power in your swing you must develop more;
§ Flexibility
§ Strength
§ Endurance
§ Power
Improving in all of these areas will translate it into a much more powerful and athletic golf swing (if they are efficient), and end up with more clubhead speed.
Like I said, a little more complex than first thought, but very doable.
Developing more power in your golf swing begins with your flexibility. Increasing your flexibility will improve your power.
This is where the idea of a larger shoulder turn comes into play. Increasing your flexibility allows you to take a larger shoulder turn.
A bigger shoulder turn (resulting from your improved flexibility) allows the body to coil more, store more energy, and translate it into clubhead speed.
Increasing your shoulder turn is a result of improving your flexibility. In the bigger picture flexibility adds to your entire swing.
In addition to an increased shoulder turn, improving your flexibility allows you to take the golf club through a larger range of motion.
Why is this relevant too more power in your golf swing?
It becomes a simple equation in physics.
If you are able to draw the club through a larger range of motion in an efficient manner, the ability to generate more power will be available.
Simple!
Next question; how do you develop more flexibility relative to your golf swing?
Golf Specific Flexibility Exercises are the Answer!
Golf specific flexibility exercises develop your flexibility around the golf swing.
This will enhance your ability of your body to take the golf club through a greater range of motion, and take a bigger shoulder turn allowing you to generate PGA Tour like clubhead speed.
Now understand, developing flexibility for golf is not simply performing a toe touch stretch. That is not going to get it done.
You must develop flexibility in the areas of the body that are integral in swinging the golf club.
In addition, you must develop flexibility through the ranges of motion that are required for the golf swing.
These are the reasons it is necessary to use;
Golf Specific Flexibility Exercises
Golf specific flexibility exercises develop your body around the golf swing. Focusing on the muscles incorporated in the golf swing. Developing the ranges of motion required of the golf swing. Improving the shoulder turn in your swing, and increasing the power in your golf swing. Take a look at Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Vijay Singh. They will all show you the same in their golf swings. Flexibility and a full shoulder turn are needed to develop power.
Sean
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Golf Flexibility Exercises Can Improve Your Shoulder Turn
I had a very interesting conversation during my workout this morning at the gym. I was performing a series of golf flexibility drills (Tops, Windmills, & Spiders to be exact) and a friend and very good golfer approached me.
My friend, local club champion and a scratch golfer, was asking me about the series of flexibility exercises I was working on.
He said; “Sean, I have watched your workouts and they seem to be very athletically oriented.
I know you work on the PGA Tour and with Phil.
Those exercises you were just doing, what are they exactly for, and how can they help my golf swing?”
I get quite a few of these questions like this and my reply to him was as follows:
“First off the golf swing is an athletic movement (if you disagree with me on that point, go play 4 rounds of golf in four 4 days and get back to me).
It requires a high level of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute the swing correctly.
Knowing this you need to develop these physical characteristics (Flexibility, Balance, Strength, Endurance, and Power) within your body.
This will create the foundation upon which you can build an efficient and powerful golf swing.
Lets take a quick a look at these concepts before moving onto some specifics.
Flexibility, in relation to the golf swing, is the ability to draw the club through the proper range of motion. A full golf swing requires you to draw the club through a long range of motion. In order to perform this action correctly the muscles within your body must be flexible.
If your muscles are inflexible the ability to draw the club through the correct range of motion will be compromised, resulting in compensations in your golf swing.
Secondly, the golf swing requires a high level of balance. Balance is often thought of as a responsibility of golf swing mechanics only. The reality of the situation is balance is a component of both efficient golf swing mechanics and the body.
The interaction of the muscular and nervous systems is responsible for your balancing capacities. These two systems regulate center of gravity, proprioception, and limb movement. If you have poor balancing capacities a directly negative effect will be seen in your golf swing.
Introducing balance exercises can improve the ability of your body to regulate its’ center of gravity, know where it is in “space” (proprioception), and regulate limb movement. This will have a direct benefit upon your golf swing.
Thirdly, the golf swing requires you to maintain a fixed spine angle, and rotate around this spine angle during the swing. In order to perform the swing correctly and maintain a fixed spine angle it is necessary to have high levels of muscular strength.
Muscular strength in relation to the golf swing is the ability of your muscles to maintain a fixed spine angle during each swing. If you are lacking muscular strength, the ability to maintain a fixed spine angle will be compromised.
Fourth in our order of merit is endurance. The golf swing is a repetitive athletic movement, meaning you are performing the same athletic action (i.e. the golf swing) over and over again. Repetitive athletic movements over time cause fatigue within the muscular system. Once the muscular system is fatigued (i.e. tired) the ability to perform the intricate biomechanical movements of the golf swing will be compromised.
In order to combat such a situation it is necessary for the golfer to develop high levels of muscular endurance. Muscular endurance can be defined as the ability to perform a repetitive movement over and over again without becoming fatigued.
Finally, the golf swing encompasses power. Power is the ability to generate clubhead speed. Clubhead speed equates to greater distance on all your shots. Developing clubhead speed is a combination of both your swing mechanics and body.
In relation to the body it is the ability to generate the greatest amount of force within the golf swing. To increase the force outputs within the body it is necessary to develop high levels of muscular power. Developing muscular power relative to the golf swing increases the possibility of greater clubhead speed.
Quite often the amateur golfer does not have the flexibility, strength, balance, or power in the body to swing the golf club correctly.
The result is that sloppy, ineffective swing with a lot of body compensations.
Any serious amateur must spend some time on developing the body for the swing.
It does not need to be a substantial amount of time, but a little each day.
This will over time develop the body for the golf swing.”
My friend shook his head in definitive agreement and said he has lost some distance over the years and directly relates it to losing some of his flexibility.
I said “exactly! That is what happens, the body becomes deficient in one area or another and the golf swing is affected.
In addition, to developing the body for the golf swing a certain order must be followed.”
He asked; “What do you mean exactly?”
I replied; “The physical parameters of the body must be developed in a specific order to get the greatest benefit.
For example, if you try to develop more power but are not flexible enough to execute a full shoulder turn.
The power in your body you develop will be worthless.
Start with flexibility graduate to balance and then look at getting stronger and more powerful.
The exercises I was just performing are golf specific flexibility exercises to help the shoulder turn.
Remember, follow the logic; flexibility first, balance second, and then develop strength and power.”
Sean Cochran
The Best Beaches near Anaheim
For visitors and residents of Anaheim, California, two of the major attractions here are the fabulous weather and the equally fabulous beaches. So, where are the best beaches near Anaheim?
Certainly Seal Beach will make anyone's list of the best beaches around Anaheim. This is not just because of the actual beach but also the great facilities and area around it. Seal Beach is a family-friendly place with great shopping, excellent restaurants, and activities such as fishing from the charming pier area.
Huntington Beach is great for families with older teenagers. The long pier is a great "hang out" place, with shopping and plenty of activities, as well as some of the best al fresco dining.
For over 100 years, the seven miles of Laguna Beach has attracted visitors. That is no surprise; it has some of the most beautiful scenery along the Southern California coast. It is a great beach for children, with the best tide pools for exploring and excellent diving. It also sees some of the best sunsets so it is worth staying a little longer.
Along the Laguna Beach area, you will find a variety of smaller, beautiful beaches, such as Sleepy Hollow, near the center of downtown Laguna Beach. There is an ocean shelf here that is popular with swimmers; the reef at the south end makes excellent waves for body boarding.
If you enjoy South Laguna, the 1,000 Steps Beach is another fantastic beach. It is not really 1,000 steps; it just looks like it! This hidden gem is a great body surfing and volleyball beach, as well as a haven for surfers.
North of Laguna is the coastal cliffs and beaches of Crystal Cove. It is well known as a rural setting without the urban build-up of other areas. The area is also a haven for hiking, biking and horse riding. Just off-shore is an underwater park for snorkeling and scuba diving. At the Crystal Cove State Park, visitors will find an excellent, rustic campsite.
The Laguna area has many more great local beaches. To the north are Irvine Cove, Shaw's Cove, Boat Canyon, Crescent Bay, Rockpile, Picnic Beach and Diver's Cove. In the center of Laguna Beach are Main Beach, Sleepy Hollow, Thalia Street, St Ann's Street, Oak Street, Brook's Street and Mountain Road Beach. South Laguna Beach includes Pearl Street, Bluebird Canyon, Moss Point, Rockledge, Treasure Island, Wood's Cove and Victoria Beach. It's easy to get around the area by walking. The downtown area is great for shopping, art galleries and restaurants and it's within an easy stroll of the beach. You'll have so much fun exploring Laguna! Visitors find perfect beaches, no matter what they are seeking.
From small quiet, sandy beaches to "The Wedge" where the surfers hang out, Newport Beach is 22 square miles of great beach. It offers two piers, ferry trips, cruises around the harbor, boat rentals and trips to Catalina Island. There are several public golf courses and the opportunity to "star spot" as many celebrities have homes there.
Near Newport Beach is Balboa Island, a man-made island that was created just prior to World War I. It has its own unique identity and a charm all its own.
For a romantic setting, Dana Point is where people head. Its panoramic views and natural cover are why people call it "the only romantic spot on the coast." The harbor and marina offer whale watching trips during the migration season. It is home to the Orange County Marine Institute, a fascinating educational visit with display tanks and exhibits. February here is "Festival of the Whales" with plenty of scheduled events and activities.
Dana Point is where visitors will also find Doheny State Beach with five acres of picnic facilities, volleyball courts, restaurants, food concessions and showers. It is a popular beach with the local residents and dolphins! If you want to enjoy a few hours watching for these delightful creatures, Dana Point is a great place to spot them.
Next to Doheny Beach are the glorious sands of Capistrano Beach, with its hilly backdrop and friendly atmosphere. The beaches here are narrower than other beaches. This is the perfect sand for beach sports, and visitors are likely to find several volleyball games going on. There are a variety of shops offering fishing gear for rent or sale.
When it comes to beaches to explore, Anaheim is ideally located and visitors are spoiled for choice.BookIt.com is an online travel company determined and dedicated to becoming the leader in providing travelers with the most intuitive online booking experience full of relevant information, helpful guides and travel tips. Looking for a punta cana all inclusive suitable for your family vacation? Visit online today for more information.Check out what our customers are saying about Bookit.com on YouTube.
Video Source: Youtube
FootPower for Golf
Although the ankle is the most injured body part of an athlete, very little is ever done to strengthen the stabilizing muscles that prevent rolling in and out. golfers are no exception in neglecting ankle strengthening. They seldom sprain their ankle swinging the golf club, but strength of ankle muscles is very significant to maintaining positions that establish balance, and create a powerful and efficient golf swing.
During the backswing, the moment a golfer allows body weight to move outside the neutral position of the ankle that was established at address a power leak is created. It then becomes a challenge to transfer weight in the forward swing with any consistency.
Although this lateral displacement of weight often occurs as a compensatory move due to hip inflexibility, it may be accentuated (or even caused) by weakness of the ankle evertors (or muscles that tilt your ankle up on the little toe side).
The ankle position of the forward foot (closest to your target) is a major factor in successful delivery of power at impact. At this “moment of truth” when tremendous force is created from the feet upward your ankle should hold fast to its neutral position. Strength of the ankle evertors becomes a major factor at this point as the body mass is quickly rotating and moving toward the target.
If your weight has moved outside the “power zone” and your ankle has rolled to the outside, you have once again created a power leak. The stronger and better trained your ankles are:
- The more power you can deliver at impact
- The better your ability to maintain proper spine angles
- You can more effectively resist compensatory moves in the swing
Perform this as an exercise and hitting drill. You will gain strength, improve footwork, establish better golf balance and increase swing power as you move from the backswing, into your forward swing, to impact and to the finish position.
The exercise---
Take your normal address position. Contract the outside muscles of each lower leg in order to flare up the outside of each foot slightly. Strive to maintain this “flared up” position with each foot as you hit a golf ball with a shortened half swing. As you move toward impact the back foot ( R foot of right handed golfer ) will naturally move out of the starting position as the heel leaves the ground to establish the normal follow through position. Just beyond impact the forward foot (L foot of right handed golfer ) will flatten but do not allow your weight to transfer to the outside of the foot. Your follow through is shortened to parallel to the ground for this drill/exercise. Repeat with 10 to 20 swings or until your leg muscles fatigue to the point of not being able to adequately hold your feet in the proper flared positions.
Remember: During your swing keep proper spine angles, maintain a good solid position of the back knee during your backswing, rotate your center of gravity within the balance zone, and accelerate through impact just as you would in a normal swing.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Notepad Golf
Notepad golf is thinking your way to better golf. If you have ever been at a golf tournament or watched closely when golf tournaments are on television you will probably notice or have noticed something just about all of the pros do as they play their round of golf. They keep a small notepad which they read at the start of the hole prior to teeing off and as they are getting ready for their shots to the green.
For those golfers who are serious about their games or for those golfers who are interested in getting better and lowering their handicap we have some suggestions that will help their games without even hitting the ball in anger. When golfers retire to the 19th hole to recount their battle with the course they almost always remember the very good and very bad shots, the lucky and unlucky shots and mistakes they made during the round. However, a week or two later those memories are faded and useless so far as improving their golf game.
To improve your golf game we strongly suggest you do the following during this upcoming golfing season:
Take a small notebook with you when you playa round of golf and keep it in your back pocket or attached to your golf cart. Put down the date of the round and the name of the golf course. Note the clubs you are using because many golfers have multiple sets of irons, drivers and putters and tend to switch periodically even during the course of a year. This note pad will eventually be a historical account of that day’s round of golf and will yield significant and valuable information to you about how you play the game.
This point goes for most of the shots you play and it is the fact that your golf shots are largely determined by your grip, grip pressure, stance, swing speed, tempo, weather and course conditions, and mental attitude. Although we do not address it in every point below, in your notes you should note these different factors if you are not hitting your shots, be they drives or iron shots the way you visualize them or thought you would execute them.
On each hole where a wood of some kind is required, note if you used a driver, fairway wood, long iron, or utility wood. Notepad golf is critical here. There may be some holes that are par fours or par fives but because of woods on either side of the fairway, traps on the edges of the fairway in the driving area, out of bounds hazards, or water hazards you may have used a utility wood rather than a driver. Besides showing the end result of whatever wood or long iron is used, your notes will show how you were thinking that day, whether aggressively or conservatively, and how that thinking paid off with the result.
When using a driver off the tee, note where the drive went, and how far it went. Was the placement of the drive approximately where you planned it to go in your mind. As the driver is the most aggressive weapon in a golfer’s arsenal how the day goes with the driver plays an important part on the psyche of the golfer that day and can influence his play over the balance of that hole and future holes. For example, if on a given round you observe looking back from your notes, that you were constantly pulling or pull hooking your driver shots, in practice or future rounds you should consider examining your grip, stance, swing tempo and attitude towards the particular hole or holes where you had these pulls or pull hooks. If this pattern shows up consistently over much of the summer or a number of months, it should help you to evaluate making some kind of change in every aspect of how you use your driver and when you use it. You may have to consider changing to a lighter driver or a driver which has a longer shaft or you may have to switch for a while to a three wood.
Record at the end of each hole where each of your iron shots went directionally and distance wise. This is potentially very important to improving your game as we all have swing tendencies that tend to produce repetitive results, depending on whether we have warmed up properly, or are under stress or perhaps fatigue. Noting the direction of our iron shots, whether fades, slices, or draws and hooks should be noted against the type of iron shot we were attempting as well as the weather condition at the time, and which iron it was we were hitting. A seven iron can for example be hit many ways from 150 to 160 yards off level and hard ground to 180 yards on a downhill lie or 125 to 150 yards if the wind is blowing against you and a lower trajectory shot is in order. All these things should be noted for the golfer to see how he is hitting his irons and where reevaluation or practice is in order. Also, note if your iron shots are always to the left of the green or hole or right, whether you are usually short of the green by 5 to 15 yards as most amateurs are rarely long. Note if you are choking up on your iron shots to get better control or gripping the club as close to the end as you can. Note that most pros tend to choke up a bit on most full iron shots. Note your grip in relation to the end result of your shot. Maybe you are using a hook grip all the time or a slice grip and you do not even know it. Note your stance as this can significantly effect the direction of your iron shots.
On chip shots around the green or close to the green, write down whether you were short or long, left or right. Chip shots are usually not too hard but they tend to produce increased grip pressure for instance, and bad thinking as well. Too many times golfers stay with the same club (i.e. it may be a pitching wedge or it could be a seven iron as examples) regardless of the type and distance of the chip. Trying to hit consistently low running shots on wet greens early in a morning round, or high flop shots all the time even though are no impediments or undulations in the way can show if your thinking is good as well as whether your shot execution is good as well. Chipping is one area where practice can be used to correct both bad thinking on different chip shots as well as weak execution or improper club selection.
On sand or bunker shots around the green, note how the shot turned out in terms of distance from the hole, and accuracy. Your notes should indicate whether there was a lip and you exploded or whether there was no lip (i.e. a flat trap) and you tried to chip the ball off the sand and run it to the hole. Your notes should note if the bunker or sand shot was from a perfect lie or buried lie and if it was a buried lie whether you used a pitching wedge or nine iron to extricate the ball from the sand or you stayed with your sand wedge. You should note if you are consistently short of the hole on normal sand shots with some type of lip or whether you are always way long. You should note the sand conditions such as whether the sand was wet from a previous night’s rain or from the green-side sprinklers or if the sand is soft but dry or hard packed and dry. All this data will help you to become a better sand player around the greens if you are willing to take the time to make good notes. You should also note whether you are putting any back spin on your sand shots and whether you are opening the clubhead or keeping the clubhead square to the ball all the time.
On putts, notepad golf is critical because you need to reflect in your notes, if you were long or short, right or left of the hole. Here is another area where good notes are critical. As putting is not a physical strength issue, keys in note taking are what are your putting tendencies, under different weather, green type, and competitive conditions. Pressure is always an issue so you should note if you are always pulling or pushing your puts particularly if you are under pressure, and whether you are frequently short or long on most of your putts. You should note if you are choking up on some puts but not choking up on other puts, whether you putt differently on very long putts versus three to five footers. Most golfers have many putters be they mallets or blades and good note taking can help assess if a change in putter is needed.
Note what kind of golf ball you played during the round and if you changed balls, record what change in ball you made. Noting how you are playing with a particular golf ball is important because these days there are all kinds of golf balls including hard balls, soft balls, high spin, low spin balls, solid core and liquid core, number of dimples, shape of dimples and other variations. Should you change balls during the round for some reason you should note what impact it is having on your game from your drives, to iron shots to putts, especially on putts. Many of us play the wrong balls either because we do not have enough of the same balls if we should lose one in the woods or water, or because we do not care, or because we find a new ball in the woods and it is newer and whiter than the ball we were playing. We should try to use golf balls that fit our games including our club speed, not what the top pros use. Remember take notes.
Note at the start of the round what kind of prevailing weather conditions existed such as was it raining, misting, cold, hot, mild, windy etc. Note if it is raining during the entire round, or if you have to stop for a half hour for a thunderstorm. Note if there is a frost on the greens for the first five or six holes if you usually start early in the morning even in the fall/early winter period. Note if it is cold or damp when you are playing especially at the start of the round, and if the greens and fairways are always wet either due to the sprinkler system or from overnight rains. Note if it was a windy day and if you played poorly into the wind but a bit better with the wind. If you are always short on shots into the green when playing into the wind you should rethink your iron selection.
There are other issues that can and may effect how you play on a given day and these might include, the composition and playing styles of your playing partners, your mental outlook or mood as you come to the course, illness, some family issue that is on your mind, and other factors that can influence you such as having a real slow group in front of you for example. At least you should note these so you can try to avoid them if possible the next time.
You may think this is significant and perhaps difficult work to do and will detract from your enjoyment from the game. You are correct to a degree, it is work, but not that difficult once you get used to doing it. If you take good notes during your round you will find tendencies in each part of your game, some good and some bad. The point of all this is so that you will become a better planner and thinker around the golf course. For example, if you know from your notes as well as experience that you may pull your putts or push your irons and wood shots when under greater than normal pressure, you should be able to compensate in the future when under pressure and take those kind of shot tendencies into account. These notes should also help you if you are a golfer who has the time, desire, and facilities to practice so as to correct swing errors and build better swing and or putting patterns and habits.
A seasoned note pad of your game over the course of a golf season will also help you if you visit a new and different course as it can help you navigate the course perhaps without taking penalties for errant shots especially if you are not completely familiar with the lay of the land. Your notes can also be used to help you practice before your weekday or weekend round if you have the practice facilities. With respect to your use of golf balls, for example, you can see if you are using a golf ball that is too hard and not giving your the best playability and distance due to your swing tempo or swing speed, or if you are playing a ball which is too susceptible to scuffing and nicks and cuts due to the thickness and type of cover.
You may say after reading this that this is too much work and it may be, but it will work if you work hard at taking good notes, reading and thinking about the notes following the round, perhaps a few days later, and trying to correct poor or unsatisfactory swing, shot execution and thinking tendencies you may see from you notes. Remember that notepad golf is thinking your way to playing better golf!
You'll find even more guides and information on Golf Club Reviews at http://www.chipsandyips.com
For those golfers who are serious about their games or for those golfers who are interested in getting better and lowering their handicap we have some suggestions that will help their games without even hitting the ball in anger. When golfers retire to the 19th hole to recount their battle with the course they almost always remember the very good and very bad shots, the lucky and unlucky shots and mistakes they made during the round. However, a week or two later those memories are faded and useless so far as improving their golf game.
To improve your golf game we strongly suggest you do the following during this upcoming golfing season:
Take a small notebook with you when you playa round of golf and keep it in your back pocket or attached to your golf cart. Put down the date of the round and the name of the golf course. Note the clubs you are using because many golfers have multiple sets of irons, drivers and putters and tend to switch periodically even during the course of a year. This note pad will eventually be a historical account of that day’s round of golf and will yield significant and valuable information to you about how you play the game.
This point goes for most of the shots you play and it is the fact that your golf shots are largely determined by your grip, grip pressure, stance, swing speed, tempo, weather and course conditions, and mental attitude. Although we do not address it in every point below, in your notes you should note these different factors if you are not hitting your shots, be they drives or iron shots the way you visualize them or thought you would execute them.
On each hole where a wood of some kind is required, note if you used a driver, fairway wood, long iron, or utility wood. Notepad golf is critical here. There may be some holes that are par fours or par fives but because of woods on either side of the fairway, traps on the edges of the fairway in the driving area, out of bounds hazards, or water hazards you may have used a utility wood rather than a driver. Besides showing the end result of whatever wood or long iron is used, your notes will show how you were thinking that day, whether aggressively or conservatively, and how that thinking paid off with the result.
When using a driver off the tee, note where the drive went, and how far it went. Was the placement of the drive approximately where you planned it to go in your mind. As the driver is the most aggressive weapon in a golfer’s arsenal how the day goes with the driver plays an important part on the psyche of the golfer that day and can influence his play over the balance of that hole and future holes. For example, if on a given round you observe looking back from your notes, that you were constantly pulling or pull hooking your driver shots, in practice or future rounds you should consider examining your grip, stance, swing tempo and attitude towards the particular hole or holes where you had these pulls or pull hooks. If this pattern shows up consistently over much of the summer or a number of months, it should help you to evaluate making some kind of change in every aspect of how you use your driver and when you use it. You may have to consider changing to a lighter driver or a driver which has a longer shaft or you may have to switch for a while to a three wood.
Record at the end of each hole where each of your iron shots went directionally and distance wise. This is potentially very important to improving your game as we all have swing tendencies that tend to produce repetitive results, depending on whether we have warmed up properly, or are under stress or perhaps fatigue. Noting the direction of our iron shots, whether fades, slices, or draws and hooks should be noted against the type of iron shot we were attempting as well as the weather condition at the time, and which iron it was we were hitting. A seven iron can for example be hit many ways from 150 to 160 yards off level and hard ground to 180 yards on a downhill lie or 125 to 150 yards if the wind is blowing against you and a lower trajectory shot is in order. All these things should be noted for the golfer to see how he is hitting his irons and where reevaluation or practice is in order. Also, note if your iron shots are always to the left of the green or hole or right, whether you are usually short of the green by 5 to 15 yards as most amateurs are rarely long. Note if you are choking up on your iron shots to get better control or gripping the club as close to the end as you can. Note that most pros tend to choke up a bit on most full iron shots. Note your grip in relation to the end result of your shot. Maybe you are using a hook grip all the time or a slice grip and you do not even know it. Note your stance as this can significantly effect the direction of your iron shots.
On chip shots around the green or close to the green, write down whether you were short or long, left or right. Chip shots are usually not too hard but they tend to produce increased grip pressure for instance, and bad thinking as well. Too many times golfers stay with the same club (i.e. it may be a pitching wedge or it could be a seven iron as examples) regardless of the type and distance of the chip. Trying to hit consistently low running shots on wet greens early in a morning round, or high flop shots all the time even though are no impediments or undulations in the way can show if your thinking is good as well as whether your shot execution is good as well. Chipping is one area where practice can be used to correct both bad thinking on different chip shots as well as weak execution or improper club selection.
On sand or bunker shots around the green, note how the shot turned out in terms of distance from the hole, and accuracy. Your notes should indicate whether there was a lip and you exploded or whether there was no lip (i.e. a flat trap) and you tried to chip the ball off the sand and run it to the hole. Your notes should note if the bunker or sand shot was from a perfect lie or buried lie and if it was a buried lie whether you used a pitching wedge or nine iron to extricate the ball from the sand or you stayed with your sand wedge. You should note if you are consistently short of the hole on normal sand shots with some type of lip or whether you are always way long. You should note the sand conditions such as whether the sand was wet from a previous night’s rain or from the green-side sprinklers or if the sand is soft but dry or hard packed and dry. All this data will help you to become a better sand player around the greens if you are willing to take the time to make good notes. You should also note whether you are putting any back spin on your sand shots and whether you are opening the clubhead or keeping the clubhead square to the ball all the time.
On putts, notepad golf is critical because you need to reflect in your notes, if you were long or short, right or left of the hole. Here is another area where good notes are critical. As putting is not a physical strength issue, keys in note taking are what are your putting tendencies, under different weather, green type, and competitive conditions. Pressure is always an issue so you should note if you are always pulling or pushing your puts particularly if you are under pressure, and whether you are frequently short or long on most of your putts. You should note if you are choking up on some puts but not choking up on other puts, whether you putt differently on very long putts versus three to five footers. Most golfers have many putters be they mallets or blades and good note taking can help assess if a change in putter is needed.
Note what kind of golf ball you played during the round and if you changed balls, record what change in ball you made. Noting how you are playing with a particular golf ball is important because these days there are all kinds of golf balls including hard balls, soft balls, high spin, low spin balls, solid core and liquid core, number of dimples, shape of dimples and other variations. Should you change balls during the round for some reason you should note what impact it is having on your game from your drives, to iron shots to putts, especially on putts. Many of us play the wrong balls either because we do not have enough of the same balls if we should lose one in the woods or water, or because we do not care, or because we find a new ball in the woods and it is newer and whiter than the ball we were playing. We should try to use golf balls that fit our games including our club speed, not what the top pros use. Remember take notes.
Note at the start of the round what kind of prevailing weather conditions existed such as was it raining, misting, cold, hot, mild, windy etc. Note if it is raining during the entire round, or if you have to stop for a half hour for a thunderstorm. Note if there is a frost on the greens for the first five or six holes if you usually start early in the morning even in the fall/early winter period. Note if it is cold or damp when you are playing especially at the start of the round, and if the greens and fairways are always wet either due to the sprinkler system or from overnight rains. Note if it was a windy day and if you played poorly into the wind but a bit better with the wind. If you are always short on shots into the green when playing into the wind you should rethink your iron selection.
There are other issues that can and may effect how you play on a given day and these might include, the composition and playing styles of your playing partners, your mental outlook or mood as you come to the course, illness, some family issue that is on your mind, and other factors that can influence you such as having a real slow group in front of you for example. At least you should note these so you can try to avoid them if possible the next time.
You may think this is significant and perhaps difficult work to do and will detract from your enjoyment from the game. You are correct to a degree, it is work, but not that difficult once you get used to doing it. If you take good notes during your round you will find tendencies in each part of your game, some good and some bad. The point of all this is so that you will become a better planner and thinker around the golf course. For example, if you know from your notes as well as experience that you may pull your putts or push your irons and wood shots when under greater than normal pressure, you should be able to compensate in the future when under pressure and take those kind of shot tendencies into account. These notes should also help you if you are a golfer who has the time, desire, and facilities to practice so as to correct swing errors and build better swing and or putting patterns and habits.
A seasoned note pad of your game over the course of a golf season will also help you if you visit a new and different course as it can help you navigate the course perhaps without taking penalties for errant shots especially if you are not completely familiar with the lay of the land. Your notes can also be used to help you practice before your weekday or weekend round if you have the practice facilities. With respect to your use of golf balls, for example, you can see if you are using a golf ball that is too hard and not giving your the best playability and distance due to your swing tempo or swing speed, or if you are playing a ball which is too susceptible to scuffing and nicks and cuts due to the thickness and type of cover.
You may say after reading this that this is too much work and it may be, but it will work if you work hard at taking good notes, reading and thinking about the notes following the round, perhaps a few days later, and trying to correct poor or unsatisfactory swing, shot execution and thinking tendencies you may see from you notes. Remember that notepad golf is thinking your way to playing better golf!
You'll find even more guides and information on Golf Club Reviews at http://www.chipsandyips.com
mygolfwholesale
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Callaway FT-IQ Driver VS TaylorMade R9 Driver Callaway FT-IQ Driver= http://www.mygolfwholesale.com/goods.php?id=75 The Callaway FT-iQ Driver=( http://www.mygolfwholesale.com/goods.php?id=75 ) features the best combination of distance and accuracy i... Read >Taylormade R9 Driver + Fairway Wood
Taylormade R9 Driver + Fairway Wood Taylormade R9 Driver= http://www.mygolfwholesale.com/goods.php?id=929 Taylor Made Flight Control Technology (FCT) Change the face angle, lie angle and loft to affect side-to-side flight by up to 40 yards - 8 diff... Read >TaylorMade R9 460 Driver VS TaylorMade R9 Max driver
This Taylormade R9 460 Driver features TaylorMade's Flight Control Technology (FCT), which lets you change the face angle, loft and lie. This means total adjustability to promote up to 40 yards of side-to-side trajectory change. In addition, this classica... Read >Odyssey Crimson 550 Left Putter——Hot Sale in Golf wholesale
Odyssey Crimson 550 Left Putter--Hot Sale in Golf wholesale Odyssey Crimson 550 Left Putter Odyssey Crimson 550 Left Putter on sale in Golf wholesale Sporting a tour-inspired head shape and Odyssey's patented insert technology, the Crimson Series 55... Read >TaylorMade R7 Draw Iron Set ----Hot in the Golf Course
The new r7 Draw irons are the latest distance innovation from TaylorMade. Engineered with the same Inverted Cone Technology that has made their drivers #1 on Tour, these irons feature Draw Weighted Technology to remove weight from the cavity area ... Read >Ping G10 Iron Set --Worth Your Money
The Ping 17-4 stainless steel Ping G10 irons are engineered with extreme low toe-weighting to increase the MOI (moment of inertia) for added forgiveness and consistency. The large, perimeter-weighted head features a new cavity shape and wider sole. The... Read >Thursday, April 25, 2013
Deciding On Golf Clubs
When you decide on a set of golf clubs to use, it can be quite simple as you desire. There are the few individuals however, that make it difficult. You can either go to a store with a golf pro or go to a garage sale for used clubs. You can even check with the pro at a local municipal course, but your chances of choosing a set of golf clubs with the most suitable size of grip, loft lie and the other accessories involved in golf club fitting are very slim.
If you’re a golf novice, then it’s good to keep in mind that you may find that this game is not your cup of tea. You ought to start out with rental clubs at the local driving range. Most driving ranges have rental clubs. Therefore you should go out and hit golf balls with the rental clubs. Once you make the decision that you still enjoy the game of golf after hitting a few golf balls, then you’re ready to purchase your own golf clubs.
As a novice, you should find inexpensive clubs to use as an interim set during the adjustment period. You’re learning the game of golf, so you don’t want to make any big decisions on the type of golf clubs to purchase yet. If you stay attuned to what’s going on around the golf course or driving range, you may hear of an individual who has a set that he or even she is willing to sell. You may even ask if the individual has any information on golf clubs that could be sold cheaply. You can try classified ads of the weekend newspaper or take a look at garage sales that may have golf clubs for sale. Of course, you can even check the Internet, which is by far the fastest-growing market in golf. You may even desire to become your very own private investigator as you hunt down the best purchase you can discover. If you purchase inexpensive golf clubs now, then you’ll allow plenty of time for the big purchase.
It’s advisable to try out all of golf clubs. Golf clubs consist of ones with steel shafts, graphite shafts, big-headed clubs, investment-cast golf clubs, forge golf clubs, cavity-backed golf clubs and others. This is your experimental stage, so it’s best to try different ones and have fun. You can even ask your friends if you can try out their golf clubs on the range.
Golf - What You Need To Play
I would like to offer some tips on equipment purchase and what would be required to get started playing golf. Beside club purchase, there are additional items necessary to prepare yourself for play. The next most obvious items are a golf bag and golf balls. If you are purchasing a starter set of clubs many come with a golf bag included. If you like to walk and enjoy a little workout as you play there are carry bags, which are light weight and are slung over your shoulders. There are other bag options for you to choose from and I would suggest that you speak to the sales representative in your local pro shop or golf store (ie; Dick's Sporting Goods and Golfsmith would provide this service) and ask him to explain the different types and price range to best suit your needs. Golf balls can also vary dramatically in price - from about $9.99 /dozen to $45.99 for the best balls on the market - Titleist Pro V and Pro V1x.
As a beginner I would recommend that you buy the more economically priced balls. The difference in performance will be negligible and you will have a tendency to lose more balls as a novice so why waste money? As you improve, you can always upgrade the type of ball that you use - I would recommend purchasing about two dozen balls to get started. There are also different compression golf balls made. 80, 90 and 100. The compression selected is directly proportionate to how fast you swing and your golf mechanics. I will not elaborate on this right now but an 80 or 90 compression ball should be more than adequate for now. If you have some power and a fairly quick swing, I would opt for the 90 which may give you a bit more distance. NOTE: The professionals and low handicap players use the higher compression balls because their impact speed and swing mechanics will allow the ball to compress properly, thus attaining the maximum result in distance. Some other equipment I would strongly recommend would be as follows:
A golf towel, golf shoes ( though not absolutely necessary it will assist with stability as you swing), Golf tees ( Note: there are different height golf tees made for different drivers, woods and irons - I would recommend that you pick up an assortment of sizes - 2 1/8" for woods and irons & 2 3/4" or 3 1/4" for Drivers depending on type and size. Check with golf pro or sales person for recommendations if not sure), a golf glove ( not required but it will give you a definite advantage in gripping and holding the club more effectively), ball markers ( used on the green to mark your ball so you will not to block the path of your fellow player - a rule of golf etiquette), and a divot repair tool ( used to repair the indentation made in the green when the golf ball lands - one of the rules of etiquette to be addressed in a future writing ). Although not required to play golf, you may want to consider packing the following ancillary items : Band-aids, sunscreen and insect repellent. You never know when you may need them and it's better to be prepared to allow for maximum comfort while you play. I think we've covered most of the essentials and if you have any questions please feel free to submit them to me. Now you've got the Desire, you've got your equipment, next step is to learn how to play- "The Right Way".
There are a number of different options available to learn how to play golf. You can self teach ( read books and watch instructional videos), ask a relative or friend who knows how to play to teach you, if you are in a high school or college that offers a golf program - enroll in the program, take lessons from the golf pro at your local driving range, take golf lessons from the professional at your local golf course, golf store, private club or pro shop or enroll in a golf school. The method you choose can greatly effect your results so be sure to make the right decision for you.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Hello From Orlando - Golf's Ultimate Theme Park
My husband loves playing golf and I am myself am pretty decent at the sport. So it was a given that we would be playing a few rounds in Orlando. We had a chance to sample a number of golf courses first-hand and got a personal appreciation of the great number and variety of golf courses in the Orlando area.
I had a chance to talk with Mike Jamison from Golf Orlando to get a better overview of the extensive golf facilities that the Orlando area has to offer.
1. Orlando is not only the world's No. 1 vacation destination, but it is also called "Golf's Ultimate Theme Park". Please tell us more about that.
Isn’t it interesting how sometimes the most obvious answer to a tough question is sitting right before your eyes, yet it takes you days, months, even years to see it?
Officials of the marketing co-op GolfOrlando realized that recently when they finally nailed the perfect marketing tag line for their 25-course organization.
For years the group had wrestled with various themes that might set Orlando apart from its competition in the golf destination wars. Then one day a member asked a question – “What is Orlando known for?”
The obvious answer? Theme parks. Orlando is the world’s No. 1 vacation destination, and the incredible collection of theme parks plays the leading role.
It was at that moment that the perfect theme line crystallized – “GolfOrlando – Golf’s Ultimate Theme Park.”
It is a nice fit not only because of the foundation of Orlando’s vacation pitch – theme parks - but also because it reflects the incredible diversity of the Central Florida golf landscape. Golf in Orlando provides its own type of outdoor adventure.
2. Please tell us about the types of golf courses that are available in the Orlando area.
Looking for a taste of the U.K.? How about Royal St. Cloud, where every hole transfers you to the fabled courses of the British Isles, and where the 2004 and 2005 British Junior Amateur was conducted? Try a couple of very popular Ron Garl designs for a Scottish touch. Eagle Creek, located near the Orlando International Airport, offers open, rolling fairways, large, undulating greens and those dangerous revetted bunkers that dot the landscape in Scotland. Eagle Creek was recently ranked among the top 10 new courses of the decade in Florida by Golf Travel & Leisure, and is the first par 73 course in Orlando and the first to use Mini Verde greens.
On the north side of Orlando is Timacuan Golf & Country Club, ranked as high as No. 14 in Florida by one statewide publication. Its front side offers up a true taste of Scotland, while the back 9 takes on a more Carolinas low Country feel. Hole 2, a long water-dominated par 4, was recently named the 2nd most difficult hole in Central Florida by an area publication. Timacuan is a locals’ favorite.
A very similar routing by Arnold Palmer awaits you on the south side of town. The Legends at Orange Lake opened in 1998 and features a Scottish style front nine (The Links) and a tree-lined back nine (The Pines). The feature holes are the 610-yard 4th on the Links nine and the 432-yard 13th, called the Island Oak.
In need of drama? How about Diamond Players Club in Clermont, where the elevation changes are so spectacular that the track is often referred to as “Florida’s mountain course.” You’ll need to buckle up when tackling Mystic Dunes’ green complexes. They offer up slopes that drop as much as 10 feet, and you might find an elephant’s trunk poking out of a few serious mounds. Also, several of the fairways feature whiskey barrel bunkers as guideposts. This Gary Koch-designed course personifies the word “adventure,” as does Highlands Reserve, a roller coaster-like golf experience with elevation changes of 120 feet and dramatic scenery. Further south on Highway 27 is Steve Smyers’ Southern Dunes, another course that features elevation change uncommon in Central Florida. Combined with the abundance and creativity of the bunkering, it is easy to understand while Southern Dunes is ranked among the To 100 Modern Day Courses” by Golfweek.
Excitement? Falcon’s Fire by Rees Jones has a couple of thrillers, especially its cape hole, the par 4 13th. This one dares you to bite off more than you can chew, and while it is tempting to rip a big tee shot toward the green, the money play is to safely land your ball into the slender fairway utilizing a more forgiving angle and a fairway wood.
If you are a traditionalist, the options are boundless. Shingle Creek is the newest of the traditional Florida layouts, bordered by dense oaks and pines in a backdrop along historic Shingle Creek. Location is another benefit as it rests near the major tourist areas. Harmony is a Johnny Miller design that falls into this category. Its’ strength lies in the greens complexes that feature angular bunkering creating a variety of challenging pin placements. Ridgewood Lakes provides a beautiful cruise through the hardwoods off Highway 27, and tops off the journey with an awesome finishing hole.
How about a stroll though nature? Stonegate Golf Club, designed by Ron Garl, rests upon 3,300 acres of pristine wetlands, woodlands and 100-year-old oak hammocks, and places the emphasis on the short game. Mike Dasher’s North Shore looks as if it should be located deep in the country as it sits comfortably amidst lush surroundings, yet it is conveniently located seven miles from Orlando International Airport. Diamondback, a Joe Lee design located in Haines City, was carved from 240 acres of virgin forest and offers dramatically rolling fairways bordered by dense trees, pristine natural wetlands, and well-positioned water hazards.
If convenience is important, MetroWest could be the perfect choice, as it is located near Universal Studios and the International Drive tourist section. It is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece that features wide fairways and challenging approach shots. Nearby just off International Drive next to Sea World is Grande Pines, a recently renovated Smyers design that features a number of outstanding risk/reward holes. Celebration Golf Club, located near Walt Disney World, was designed by father Robert Trent Jones Sr. and son Robert Trent Jones Jr. and places emphasis on approach shots.
Is notoriety important to you? ChampionGate’s two courses play host annually to the Office Depot Father/Son Classic, a favorite among dozens of PGA and Senior PGA Tour players. Orange County National has twice hosted the PGA Tour Qualifying School Finals on its two tracks, Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, They offer diverse tests that are good enough to challenge and determine tomorrow’s professional stars.
Some folks enjoy walking out their hotel door straight to the first tee. Orlando offers several choices for stay-and-play buffs, including Hawk’s Landing. Attached to the spectacular Marriott World Center, Hawk’s Landing recently underwent a complete renovation by Robert Cupp. It has water on 15 of the 18 holes and it features its own version of “Amen Corner” – holes 12, 13 and 14.
That small taste gives you an idea of the diversity available through GolfOrlando, truly “Golf’s Ultimate Theme Park.”
3. Please inform us about the golf practice facilities and the teaching professionals that are available in the Orlando area.
Some of the game's most respected teachers - David Leadbetter, Mike Bender, Rina Ritson, Bill Madonna, Brad Brewer and Fred Griffin to name a few - do their magic in Central Florida.
Orlando is home to some of the nation's finest practice facilities. The Faldo Institute and Orange County National offer more than just practice tees and greens. The landing areas on their driving ranges resemble true targets and hazards that are found on courses. Tremendous short-game practice areas help better players fine-tune that key part of their games. But the crowning jewel in Orlando are the courses. From top to bottom, Orlando offers the best quality golf of any destination in the world. Nearly every exit off I-4 leads directly to a memorable golf experience, regardless of which side of Orlando you are on.
4. Some of the Orlando area golf courses have achieved top ratings from various golf publications. Please tell us more about that.
Orange County National, host of the 2003 & 2005 PGA TOUR Q-School Finals, was the recipient of Golf Digest's 4 1/2 Stars for 2000 to 2005. Southern Dunes is rated among the top 100 contemporary courses in America by Golfweek. Orange County National's Panther Lake is rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. Award-winning Southern Dunes was voted "Top 100 courses in America" by Golfweek 1997 - 2001. Celebration Golf Club was rated 4 1/2 stars and in the top three in Central Florida for service and in the top two for course conditioning by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play" 2004 - 2005.
Diamondback Golf Club was recently awarded four stars by Golf Digest's "Places To Play". Victoria Hills Golf Cub open end in 2002, and was recently named by Golf Magazine as a "Top 10 You Can Play." Royal St. Cloud Golf Links was rated in the Top 5 Most Underrated Golf Courses in the Orlando area and hosted the 2004 and 2005 British Junior Amateur. Eagle Creek Golf Club was recently named among the Top 10 New Courses since 2000 by Travel & Leisure Magazine.
5. What major golfing events are held in the Orlando area?
The region hosts its share of major competitions – two PGA Tour stops annually (the Bay Hill Invitational in March, hosted by Arnold Palmer; and the Disney Classic at Walt Disney World in October), one LPGA Tour tournament, the PGA Tour Qualifying School Finals, the Buick Scramble National Finals, The Office Depot Father/Son, and a variety of mini tours. A
6. Please tell us about some of the famous golf architects that have put their mark on Orlando golf courses.
The group’s 25 layouts boast the names of a majority of the world’s leading architects – Tom Fazio, Rees and Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Ron Garl, Steve Smyers.
7. What about affordable golf in Orlando?
8. Who are some of the famous golf professionals who have made the Orlando area their home?
Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Annika Sorenstam, Sergio Garcia, Se Ri Pak, Arnold Palmer, Jim Thorpe, Chris Di Marco, Mark O'Meara, Scott Hoch, Nick Faldo, John Cook, Stuart Appleby, Charles Howell III and dozens of others have planted their roots in Central Florida. There is a reason for that, beyond tax implications.
9. In addition to golf, what else does the Orlando area have to offer?
Let’s face it – no region in the country does adventure as well and with as much diversity as Orlando, the world’s No. 1 vacation destination. Theme parks, theme parks and more theme parks. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Kennedy Space Center and others have created the face that smiles upon the vacationing world from Central Florida.
The nightlife and restaurants rival those of any other region in the country. Tourists gather at various pockets around Orlando – Universal City Walk, Pleasure Island and International Drive among them. But if you want a feel for how the locals entertain themselves, take a trip to Winter Park Village on the north side of town, where terrific restaurants and clubs will fill your tummy and your night.
10. What about the weather year-round? What about getting to Orlando?
The weather is conducive to golf year-round. Average high daytime temperatures range from 72 in January to 89 in July. Golf can be played and practiced 365 days a year, many of those days featuring clear blue skies, lazy breezes and cool, comfortable nights.
Another significant reason is the ease of travel. Orlando International Airport welcomes direct flights from most major airports around this country and the world. And it is quite simple to drive to Orlando from in or out of state, thanks to a well-planned series of major highways.
11. What accommodation options do golfers have in Orlando?
12. Please tell us a bit more about the golf vacation packages that are offered in Orlando.
13. Some key golf organizations make Orlando their home, please tell us more about that.
The one and only television network devoted 100% to the sport - The Golf Channel - is based in Orlando. Golfweek, a leading trade publication, moved to Orlando about 11 years ago. Meadowbrook Golf, one of the largest golf course management companies, is located here, as is the industry's leading golf travel company, Golfpac. The industry's only media/ business networking organization, the International Network of Golf, is also based in Orlando.
Thank you, Mike, for providing a great practical overview of Orlando as a first-rate golf destination.
This entire article including photos is located at http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_golf.htm
The Pros and Cons of Electric Golf Carts
The electric golf cart has gained global momentum as they have been recognized and glorified for their environmental friendly ways. However, there is a lot more to buying electric golf carts and making a sure choose between electric and gas powered. As environmentally friendly as electric golf carts are, they do not work for everyone. To help you decide if an electric golf cart is the right choice for you, we've compiled this list of pros and cons of electric golf carts.
Pro 1: Running Price
While they are more expensive to purchase, running an electric golf cart once you buy it is much cheaper than a gas powered one.
Con 1: Buying Price
Electric Golf carts are more expensive. While they're great for the environment and always a great investment, people looking for a more affordable deal often purchase a gas cart simply because it's what they can afford. However, a good thing about the newer electric carts is they come in many more shapes, colors and styles than the older gas powered ones do.
Pro 2: Environmentally Friendly
Buying an electric golf cart is a great way to decrease your carbon footprint. You can use it on the golf course, in your neighborhood, or just down the street to run to the store and never use a drop of gas.
Con 2: Time Consuming
The biggest con of an electric golf cart is the long and annoying re-charge process. Charging it overnight is easy enough, but if you use a lot of your power in a morning outing and want to go out again that afternoon then you will have to wait until you have enough power.
Pro 3: Quiet
The engines on electric golf carts are much quieter and softer than that of a gas powered one. They also drive much more smoothly, and repairs tend to be much cleaner to do than gas powered. The parts are probably newer and better mad, however, the parts are also often more pricey.
Con 3: Terrain
When going downhill, a gas powered golf cart fares much better than n electric one. This happens with a lot of electric vehicles because they lack the same compression that a gas vehicle does. The same goes for any rough terrain; while an electric cart will be a smoother ride, it may be a slower one as well.
Looking for a new or used golf cart? Search no further. Points West Argo is your Northern California source for golf cart sales, rentals, and accessories. Or if you are looking for ARGO Amphibious ATV or all terrain vehicle check out 8x8Argo.com.
Pro 1: Running Price
While they are more expensive to purchase, running an electric golf cart once you buy it is much cheaper than a gas powered one.
Con 1: Buying Price
Electric Golf carts are more expensive. While they're great for the environment and always a great investment, people looking for a more affordable deal often purchase a gas cart simply because it's what they can afford. However, a good thing about the newer electric carts is they come in many more shapes, colors and styles than the older gas powered ones do.
Pro 2: Environmentally Friendly
Buying an electric golf cart is a great way to decrease your carbon footprint. You can use it on the golf course, in your neighborhood, or just down the street to run to the store and never use a drop of gas.
Con 2: Time Consuming
The biggest con of an electric golf cart is the long and annoying re-charge process. Charging it overnight is easy enough, but if you use a lot of your power in a morning outing and want to go out again that afternoon then you will have to wait until you have enough power.
Pro 3: Quiet
The engines on electric golf carts are much quieter and softer than that of a gas powered one. They also drive much more smoothly, and repairs tend to be much cleaner to do than gas powered. The parts are probably newer and better mad, however, the parts are also often more pricey.
Con 3: Terrain
When going downhill, a gas powered golf cart fares much better than n electric one. This happens with a lot of electric vehicles because they lack the same compression that a gas vehicle does. The same goes for any rough terrain; while an electric cart will be a smoother ride, it may be a slower one as well.
Looking for a new or used golf cart? Search no further. Points West Argo is your Northern California source for golf cart sales, rentals, and accessories. Or if you are looking for ARGO Amphibious ATV or all terrain vehicle check out 8x8Argo.com.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Scramble Your Way To A Fun Golf Time
This article addresses the subject of using the golf scramble format to get more people involved in the wonderful game of golf.
Studies show that the number of golfers has remained fairly stagnant over the last few years. No doubt the cost of golfing is a major factor.
But another factor has to be the difficulty of playing the game to a reasonable level. People are embarrassed when their scores sour into the stratosphere. Some people overcome this by being a casual golfer - that is, a golfer who doesn't even keep score. They just go out and hit the golf ball around the course. That way they don't have to report a high golf score.
Let me suggest a way to get low-level golfers more involved in the game of golf. Consider the scramble.
A scramble isn't a formal golf format approved by the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland (R&A). It's a more informal way of playing golf much in use these days for more informal and relaxed golf tournaments.
The scramble format calls for each golfer to hit the golf ball from the tee box as usual. Then a decision is made among those playing in the group as to which is the best shot. The best shot could be the longest or the one that has a direct shot into the green. Once the decision is made as to which is the best shot (or lie), each player hits the golf ball from that spot (or roughly close to the spot).
This holds true on every shot - from the tee box, on the fairway, in the rough, or on the green.
The great thing about a scramble format is that each golfer doesn't have to worry about each shot. If they shank a shot, hopefully someone else will get a good shot where they can have an opportunity to get another good shot. In other words, every golfer in the group can contribute to the final score.
Here are two additional suggestions for using the scramble format:
1. When playing for fun, try TeeGolf in addition to using the scramble format.
TeeGolf (www.playteegolf.com) is a new golf game where you can place your golf ball on a tee anywhere on the golf course except the green. (This allows the novice golfer the opportunity to get a good stroke at the golf ball.)
TeeGolf also allows you to improve the lie of the golf ball. You can also take 3 Mulligans per round of golf.
Thus, combining the scramble format with TeeGolf makes the game of golf easier and less frustrating for the recreational golfer.
2. When playing a non-competitive round of golf with family and friends, using the scramble makes the game of golf more fun. Since you each will be hitting the golf ball from the same locations on the golf course, there will be more togetherness. Consequently, you will be able to enjoy each other's company more during the round of golf.
Playing the scramble, keeping one score (and using TeeGolf, if you wish), makes the game of golf more enjoyable for the average or less-than-average golfer because it is more forgiving.
Give the scramble format a try and invite your family and friends, who may be leery about playing golf, to play golf in a format that is less demanding where everybody can contribute.
Author Joe Smithson is the manager of the golf instruction website that offers great golf technique and instructions products online. Joe is presently offering great discount golf products on his website.
Studies show that the number of golfers has remained fairly stagnant over the last few years. No doubt the cost of golfing is a major factor.
But another factor has to be the difficulty of playing the game to a reasonable level. People are embarrassed when their scores sour into the stratosphere. Some people overcome this by being a casual golfer - that is, a golfer who doesn't even keep score. They just go out and hit the golf ball around the course. That way they don't have to report a high golf score.
Let me suggest a way to get low-level golfers more involved in the game of golf. Consider the scramble.
A scramble isn't a formal golf format approved by the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland (R&A). It's a more informal way of playing golf much in use these days for more informal and relaxed golf tournaments.
The scramble format calls for each golfer to hit the golf ball from the tee box as usual. Then a decision is made among those playing in the group as to which is the best shot. The best shot could be the longest or the one that has a direct shot into the green. Once the decision is made as to which is the best shot (or lie), each player hits the golf ball from that spot (or roughly close to the spot).
This holds true on every shot - from the tee box, on the fairway, in the rough, or on the green.
The great thing about a scramble format is that each golfer doesn't have to worry about each shot. If they shank a shot, hopefully someone else will get a good shot where they can have an opportunity to get another good shot. In other words, every golfer in the group can contribute to the final score.
Here are two additional suggestions for using the scramble format:
1. When playing for fun, try TeeGolf in addition to using the scramble format.
TeeGolf (www.playteegolf.com) is a new golf game where you can place your golf ball on a tee anywhere on the golf course except the green. (This allows the novice golfer the opportunity to get a good stroke at the golf ball.)
TeeGolf also allows you to improve the lie of the golf ball. You can also take 3 Mulligans per round of golf.
Thus, combining the scramble format with TeeGolf makes the game of golf easier and less frustrating for the recreational golfer.
2. When playing a non-competitive round of golf with family and friends, using the scramble makes the game of golf more fun. Since you each will be hitting the golf ball from the same locations on the golf course, there will be more togetherness. Consequently, you will be able to enjoy each other's company more during the round of golf.
Playing the scramble, keeping one score (and using TeeGolf, if you wish), makes the game of golf more enjoyable for the average or less-than-average golfer because it is more forgiving.
Give the scramble format a try and invite your family and friends, who may be leery about playing golf, to play golf in a format that is less demanding where everybody can contribute.
Author Joe Smithson is the manager of the golf instruction website that offers great golf technique and instructions products online. Joe is presently offering great discount golf products on his website.
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