Golg Beginner Basics

What to keep in your golf bag.

There are many golf bags available, some designed for
fashion, some for utility and some that combine both
features. There are big bags, bigger bags and bags so
big that they would keep everything you need for a long
weekend vacation in one of the side pockets!

Generally speaking, you need a bag just large enough
to hold your clubs, extra balls, your glove, tees, car
keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever,
sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large umbrella.

It is also a good idea to have a packet of tissues, a
band-aid or two, and if you play courses where insects
are a problem, a can of bug repellent comes in very
handy.

A small pack of baby wipes come in very handy; in your
bag they get warmed by the heat, so when you get
sweaty or a sand trap covered you with sand, a nice
warm wipe can be very refreshing.

If you happen to be allergic to bees, hornets and wasps, keep your
Epipen as an important addition to your bag. Also if you are
hypoglycemic so carry Lifesavers, which have to be replaced
several times throughout the year because they tend to melt.

One item that doesn’t need to be in your golf bag is
your cell phone. If you must carry it, turn off the
ringer as a courtesy to other players. If you must use
it, be aware of others who might be taking a swing or
putting their ball. Be considerate!

Having these items in your golf bag should provide
everything you will need, even in a minor emergency
(like a blister) or a major inconvenience, like a
sudden rainstorm. Being prepared makes the game a
great deal more fun.

To your golfing success

Fran Watson

Golf Carts

While many people think that golf isn’t really golf unless you walk the course, the reality is that some people just can’t do that.  That’s where golf carts come in handy. 

The new golf carts that are out today really can make golf a little more enjoyable.  Besides not having to haul your golf bag around with you, the golf cart can also help you avoid fatigue and carry along a cooler of snacks, soda, or beer along with you if that’s what you like to do when you golf.  You can also get a good rest on a hot day when you use a golf cart to navigate the course.

There are basically three big golf cart manufacturers that dominate the golf cart market:
* Yamaha
* EZ Go
* Club Car

Some golf carts are powered with small gas engines while others are electrically powered.  The electric golf carts were the first mass-produced electric vehicles for private consumer use.  Modern golf carts may have car-like styling despite being no bigger than a traditional golf cart.  Accessories such as audio entertainment systems, custom wheels, and custom body panels in an assortment of colors are now being offered as choices for the personal golf cart.

Golf carts aren’t just used on the golf course.  Some small communities or neighborhoods will use a golf cart where their lack of pollutants, lack of noise, and safety for pedestrians and other cars are beneficial.  While purpose-built for general transportation, these are called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles and they have various operating limitations such as top speed and heavy regulation on street use.  They do resemble traditional golf carts in style, but some are enclosed to accommodate for use in all types of weather.

There is a huge market for aftermarket parts on golf carts.  Each major manufacturing company has their own line of aftermarket parts to enhance off-road capabilities.  Because golf carts can have a long life, people often buy used golf carts making these aftermarket parts very valuable to people who need to fix broken parts of their golf cart.

Golf carts are considered by many golfers to be an essential part of the golf game.  Others just think the golf cart make a golf course more dangerous.  Either way, the truth is golf carts can really help make the game more enjoyable by leaps and bounds.

To your golfing success...cart or no cart

Fran Watson

Golf Secrets Revealed

People from various walks of life have played golf, for many years. Initially golf was known as a game of the male elite. Today many tournaments are held to attract and encourage more people to join the game. Not only men, but women too take equal pride in swinging their clubs to hit the ball and display a great performance. If you look around, you will see golf clubs emerging in all the nooks and corners of the globe, proving the love for the game is increasing day by day.

 

Many golfers constantly keep working to better their performance. You would find them practicing hard and playing the game with complete dedication to come out as a star performer.

 

There are also many who keep looking for ways to improve their game, but fail to get the desired result. Though these golfers may have been playing for years, they have failed to understand the real secret of golf that can make them a champion.

 

Golf is all about having the correct posture and swinging the club accurately. You need to position your body properly in order to swing the club well. Hence, it is important to tone your body and keep it flexible to be able to let you swing well.

 

It is important to tone your muscles to avoid straining during the various swings and moves. Remember playing golf needs lot of patience and practice. Nobody has learned to play this special game well completely on his/her own.

You need to help your body get used to the correct positions. Your body acquires the correct position by constantly following the instructions from the very beginning. Thus, it is very important that even your first position is perfect. A good instructor will always take care that you place every bit of your body well in position. You need to get so used to the right position that even by mistake if you have taken a wrong posture, you should instantly realize it.

 

Always exercise with warm-up sessions before you play golf. Let your body get stretched and flexible, before you take the actual swings. Do some stretching exercises and let your body realize that it needs to get ready for the game. Warming up will also help the body temperature to rise and help to avoid any injury to the body. Many golfers face injuries, as they never warm up their bodies before they get onto the course.

As your arms are important in the game of golf, you need to stretch them well in order to let your shoulder joints get flexible. Do not forget to concentrate on your muscles. Your muscles should be able to take the strain, so that you do not feel tired during the course of the game and can put all your energy in every swing.

 

By understanding this simple warm up secret, you can transform your game to a much higher level and keep performing well. So, do not ignore your body, since it is very important to maintain stability in your game. Take the time to stretch and walk a bit before every game.

 

Yours to a successful game

 

Fran Watson

 

P.S.  Click Here! for more tips

 

 

 

 

Putting Video

Click Here! to view a video on putting.

To your putting success

Fran

Putting Tip

Here's a simple technique to improve your putting.

Before you can expect to putt well on greens with a slope, you need to learn to putt well on the flat.
This tip will train you to swing your putter through a straight line and hit the ball squarely on the face of the putter.

To begin get a putter that has a line on it that you can see clearly, as this will be the line that you will follow through to the center of the ball.

On the practice green (preferably one that you have at home, as this technique might not be appreciated) mark straight lines with a builders chalk line in several directions from the center of the hole spanning out around the green.  (Getting someone to hold the chalk line at the center of the cup will make the process easier.)

Now move around the green flicking the line to leave chalk marks along the ground.

Next - place your golf ball on the line leaving some of the line on the ground visible behind the ball.
This will help you to guide your swing.

You will then be able to swing your putter using the line on the ground as a guide and the line on the putter itself to connect with the center of the ball.

In a very short time you should find that you are managing to putt from a relatively good distance and get the ball in the hole most of the time.

This will help you to develop the correct posture and consistency to putt well.

After doing this for a while from different positions on the green, move the ball off the line and visualize that there is still a line on the ground by creating it in your mind, looking from the ball to the cup and back again several times.

Line up your putter as before and look at the line on your putter to hit the center of the ball with this spot on your club.

You are now retraining yourself to see an invisible line from the ball to the cup that you can use on any green you play on.

To your putting success

Fran

P.S.  For more tips Click Here!

Add Variety to Your Practice (Golf)

Many golfers practice the same shots over and over again. That's Ok if it is an area that needs concentrated attention, as the more you practice a shot the better you will become at it.

If you practice a shot enough you will virtually do it on autopilot when you get to the course, but you must also remember that variety will make you a better all round golfer.  The more techniques that you can master the better you will be on competition day.

You can do this by trying new techniques when you practice.  Observe the results you get when you use different clubs or try different techniques. Try adding some spin to the ball and see how this affects the flight. Use different types of golf balls to see whether your level of expertise has changed and allowed you to get more benefit from the different ball compressions.  Even consider testing new golf clubs.

As your game progresses, so will your need to change equipment accordingly. You won't want to be using the same clubs you had when you started playing and you will probably not want to be using the same golf balls either.

Better equipment will allow you to make shots that weren't possible before, and practice will help get you to the next level where you can take advantage of this equipment.

Try adding more backspin to your shots and see if this helps position the ball better for the next shot and offer more control on faster courses.

Your practice time should also be a time where you allow yourself the opportunity to experiment and try to broaden your game.

Having the ability to add spin to the ball might be the difference between hitting a tree and landing on the green.

You can never learn too much in the game of golf.

To your golfing success

Fran Watson

Putting is about Feeling

Getting the Right Feel for Putting

Putting is all about 'feel' and there is no better way to get the feel of your putter than by blocking out all other outside distracting factors.

You are probably wondering how you might be able to do this.

Try closing your eyes for a moment and see how you can focus more easily something.  Just the action of closing your eyes will eliminate more than half of the distraction that we encounter constantly throughout the day.

So this is a lesson in playing golf with your eyes closed.  Seriously - this is a great way to perfect your putting by getting the right 'feel'. You won't need the ball initially - just the putter and you standing on the green.

Get into your normal putting stance and visualize a ball on the ground and line it up with the hole.
Swing your putter, as you would do if you were to hit a ball. Now do it again with your eyes closed and become aware of the pressure of your hands on the grip.

Feel the lightness of your grip and the weight of the putter hanging in your hands.  As you swing gently, be aware of the club as it grazes the grass on the green.  You should be able to feel the pressure of the grass dragging lightly on your club.

You can continue to swing backwards and forwards in a fluid motion making slight adjustments to eliminate the drag on your putter and more importantly you will be able to focus on the lightness of touch you have on the grip of your club. This is the important part of this exercise.

This will allow you to swing your putter while retaining the same light grip throughout the movement not squeezing tighter on the club at any point through your swing. Once you have done this a few times with and without your eyes closed, place a ball on the ground and concentrate more on the 'feel' of the club in your hands than the ball you are hitting.

This is also excellent training for getting the right distance on the green, as you will begin to have a better feel for what your putter will do

To your putting success

Fran Watson

Problems with your back swing?

Tips to improve your back swing

The key to a natural back swing is to focus on your shoulders turning back and letting your arms go back naturally. You shouldn’t worry about your arms in a back swing too much.  The arms and hands job is to only hold onto the club and the body does the rest. Something to keep in mind while approaching the ball is: turn the shoulders, swing the arms, and cock the wrists. Then swing down and through the swing, turn the hips, swing the arms down and un-cock the wrists. You want the arms and golf club to start their movement back before the shoulders start turning. The club head has a much longer distance to travel to the top of the back swing then do the shoulders. If you start turning the shoulders with the club, hands and arms you won't have anywhere for them to go once the shoulders have reached their max turn. Once the club, hands and arms reached your knees (or so) then it's time for the shoulders to catch up and start turning to the top. Keep the left arm straight (right handed players) during the backswing and go back as far as you can. Your tempo is dictated really by your personality, some people are naturally slow movers so will have a slower tempo while others tend to move faster. The important thing is to do what is most comfortable for you.

 

To your golfing success

 

Fran Watson
P.S.  For more info, click here

Habits

UNCONSCIOUSLY we are forming habits every moment of our lives. Some are habits of a desirable nature; some are those of a most undesirable nature. Some, though not so bad in themselves, are exceedingly bad in their cumulative effects, and cause us at times much loss, much pain and anguish, while their opposites would, on the contrary, bring as much peace and joy, as well as a continually increasing power. 

Have we it within our power to determine at all times what types of habits shall take form in our lives? In other words, is habit-forming, character-building, a matter of mere chance, or have we it within our own control? We have, entirely and absolutely. "I will be what I will to be," can be said and should be said by every human soul.

There is nothing more true in connection with human life than that we grow into the likeness of those things we contemplate. Literally and scientifically and necessarily true is it that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." The "is" part is his character. His character is the sum total of his habits. His habits have been formed by· his conscious acts; but every conscious act is, as we have found, preceded by a thought. And so we have it - thought on the one hand, character, life, and destiny on the other. And simple it becomes when we bear in mind that it is simply the thought of the present moment, and the next moment when it is upon us, and then the next, and so on through all time.

One can in this way attain to whatever ideals he would attain to. Two steps are necessary: first, as the days pass, to form one's ideals; and second, to follow them continually, whatever may arise, wherever they may lead him. Always remember that the great and strong character is the one who is ever ready to sacrifice the present pleasure for the future good.

So how does this relate to golf

When we golf we develop habits, good and bad, and sometimes it takes concentrated effort as well as the help of a pro in order to change bad habits to good habits.  But we have to be prepared to make the changes.  If we continually fight against what the pro is telling us, thinking we know better, we won`t play any better.  It is only when we truly believe that what they are telling us is true and we follow their instructions that we become better.

So if you want to be a great golfer (your ideal), you must work towards that every day, practicing what will get you there and eliminating those bad habits that keep you from reaching your ideal.

To your golfing success

Fran

Spring is Coming

Well, at least that's what the calendar says.  For many people in the northern hemisphere the golf courses are still covered with snow or water.  So what to do to get ready for the golf season?

There are now many indoor practice centres where you can practice your swing, your putting, where you can evaluate what you are doing right and/or incorrectly before you step onto the golf course.

Many courses are offering special deals if you sign up now, so it's a good time to take advantage of these opportunities.  You might also want to think about taking some lessons to improve your game.

Getting the Most from Golf Lessons

It’s never easy asking for help, but in golf, it is almost a necessity. Unfortunately, we often ask our buddies and partners, when in reality we should take a lesson or two.

We think that a Pro would critique harshly, but they are honest, positive and very helpful.  Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you might think and they are worth it because your game will improve rapidly and cause you less frustration, making the game much more enjoyable for you.

Of utmost importance, is being honest about your game. The Pro will ask you what you want to start with; driving, chipping, putting or whatever you feel you need help with.  Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may have doubts if the Pro changes your stance, your grip or your swing; but remember - the Pro knows best.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t worry about if the question or concern in stupid-they’ve heard it all before and will not make you feel like an idiot for asking. If you don’t "get it", tell him/her that you’re not getting it. You should never walk away from a lesson with unanswered questions.

You can concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or several. You might start with a lesson in driving; get the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, the right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice it. Next time, you might work on your short game, or putting.

You’ve invested in the equipment, doesn’t it make sense to learn how to use them to their advantage and improve your abilities?

To your golfing success

Fran

Left Handed Golfer?

Golf Tips For Left Handed Golfers


Most golfers are right handed, so it is difficult to find tips that can help left handed golfers to improve their game. If you are a left handed golfer in need of tips to improve your game, here are some tips that can help you put your game back on track and lower your scores.

The first thing for a left handed golfer is to get his/her club fitted. This will improve swing as fitting takes care of the various adjustments required to give effect to better swinging. Fitting your golf club will include adjustments to the shaft length, its flex and the size of the grip. In fact your grip on the club is the only way, in which you control your club. Your grip pressure should be firm, but not rigid and should allow the club to rotate as you swing to make a hit.

Many left handed golfers make a mistake of attempting to play right handed golf. Why is this?  Although it sounds confusing, it is really easy to understand. In the beginning everyone plays with borrowed clubs (unless they can afford to buy their own set of expensive clubs). Since most players are right handed, a beginner 'lefty' usually borrows clubs that are unsuitable for his individual game. This leads to a bad situation, which does not allow a left-handed player to learn to play properly. So, always make sure that you play with clubs meant for left handed players.

Many left handed players continue to play with right handed clubs, even when they learn that those clubs are not right for them, for the simple reason that they have been playing with them for a long time. Thus they have difficulty improving their game.  The best thing to do is to switch over to golf equipment specifically designed for left handed golfers to suit their natural swing.

When choosing golf clubs a left handed golfer should be cautious and make a careful selection as the options in left handed clubs are not as wide as they are in clubs designed for right handed players. If the right equipment is not readily available at a local store, it is better to wait for some time till it becomes available or try to visit a professional shop or a big retail outlet dealing in golfing equipment to make your purchase.

If you are unable to buy the right equipment for left handed golfers directly from stores, you can always use mail order catalogue services to place your order. The Internet is an excellent resource to locate companies, which sell the right stuff that fits the needs of left-handed golfers.

Most importantly, left handed golfers should endeavor to seek good quality professional instruction. It is an undisputable fact that a good pro can greatly help you to learn and play successful golf. You receive invaluable tips to correct your swing and tailored instructions to fit your individual style and game. The trick here is to choose the right pro. You need to inquire, whether the instructor is qualified to teach left handed golfers. You must note that most right handed instructors face a difficult time teaching golfers, who are left handed.

To your golfing success

Fran
P.S.  Looking for a place to play?

Golf Beginners - Keep These Things In Your Golf Bag

Golf - Beginner Basics II What to keep in your golf bag.

There are many golf bags available, some designed for fashion, some for utility and some that combine both features. There are big bags, bigger bags and bags so big that they would keep everything you need for a long weekend vacation in one of the side pockets!

Generally speaking, you need a bag just large enough to hold your clubs, extra balls, your glove, tees, car keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever, sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large umbrella.

It is also a good idea to have a packet of tissues, a band-aid or two, and if you play courses where insects are a problem, a can of bug repellent comes in very handy.

A small pack of baby wipes also come in very handy; in your bag they get warmed by the heat, so when you get sweaty or a sand trap covered you with sand, a nice warm wipe can be very refreshing.

If you happen to be allergic to bees, hornets and wasps, an Epipen is an important addition to your bag. If you are also hypoglycemic carry Lifesavers, which have to be replaced several times throughout the year because they tend to melt.

One item that doesn’t need to be in your golf bag is your cell phone. If you must carry it, turn off the ringer as a courtesy to other players. If you must use it, be aware of others who might be taking a swing or putting their ball. Be considerate!

Having these items in your golf bag should provide everything you will need, even in a minor emergency (like a blister) or a major inconvenience, like a sudden rainstorm. Being prepared makes the game a great deal more fun.

To your golfing success

Fran

P.S. Here are some more tips to help you become a better golfer - Click here

Beginning Golfer?

Golf-Beginner Basics I

The popularity of golf has increased tremendously over the past forty five years, giving us champions like Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods, and world-renowned courses like Pinehurst, Augusta National and the Blue Monster at Doral.

Why has golf become so popular? It’s the opportunity to be outside, to get a good whole body workout, network with friends or business colleagues at a leisurely pace, and to play a game that you can never perfect.

Your scorecard, over time, shows your improvement, which keeps you playing again and again.

Here is a very basic lesson in golf for the person who has no clue about the game.

Golf is played on an eighteen-hole course; each hole has its "par", which is the number of tee shots (drives), fairway shots, chips (short hits as you approach the green), and putts.

The par number is based on the length and difficulty of the hole. Pars range from 3 to 6. If you get the ball in the hole in five shots on a par five hole, you "made par." If it took you six shots, it’s called a bogie, if you made it in four, it’s a birdie.

There are usually "hazards" of some sort on all the holes. Bodies of water, sand traps, and trees are strategically placed to make the hole more challenging. Beginner golfers should seek to find courses to play that are easier to play, with fewer hazards.

Each player keeps their own score, marking the number of total number of shots for each hole. At the end, each person adds their scores-the lowest number is the winner.

It is important for beginner golfers to not take themselves too seriously. It takes a long time to get good at this game; even though the professionals make it look so easy.

Take a lesson or two at the onset; it will help you develop a proper swing and help you get off to a good start.

Remember that it’s just a game. Have fun and look at the big picture-you’re outside and you’re not at work!

To your successful golfing!

Fran

P.S. Here are some more tips to help you become a better golfer - Click here

Golf Channel

Did You Know?

With the ever-rising popularity of the game of golf, mainstream television decided they needed to cash in on the golf craze and founded The Golf Channel. The history of this cable phenomenon is really a storied one.

In 1990, cable and cellular entrepreneur Joseph Gibbs of Birmingham, Alabama, offered to host a professional golfer for the 1990 PGA Championship. Mr. Gibbs was ecstatic to learn he would be hosting Arnold and Winnie Palmer during the week of the tournament. A friendship was instantly born and as the friendship blossomed so did the discussion of a 24-hour cable network devoted entirely to golf.

After conducting a Gallup survey to determine public interest, Joe Gibbs was pleased to realize that there was a strong interest for a golf channel among the general public. The successful entrepreneur and the golf legend were convince that The Golf Channel would flourish with offerings for the golf-loving viewer.

By 1995, the new corporation had raised over $80 million to finance and launch The Golf Channel. It debuted with less than 1,000 cable subscribers. The Golf Channel’s first live televised tournament was the Dubai Desert Classic which debuted on January 19, 1995.

Since then, The Golf Channel has grown by leaps and bounds in popularity. Many cable and satellite dish systems now carry The Golf Channel as part of their regular lineup of channels. It is now broadcast in Japan and Canada and in 1999, reached a “break even” status on their financial statements.

Today, The Golf Channel is considered the place to go for golf news and programming. They have a daily golf news show called “Golf Central” along with “College Central” which is dedicated to college golf. They air highlight shows of past tournaments and have many programs with professionals handing out golf tips to the eager viewer.

Not to be left behind with the reality TV phenomenon, The Golf Channel has joined in with their reality-based program called “The Big Break”. This program was designed to help aspiring professionals gain exemptions into PGA Tour and LPGA events. It has proven to be wildly successful.

In 2005, The Golf Channel helped set up a special match play event called Big Stakes Golf, in which teams of two paid a $100,000 entry fee to play in a special tournament where the winning team split a $3,000,000 first-place prize, the largest in golf history. In the end, mini-tour professionals Garth Mulroy and David Ping won the grand prize.

Two guys had a dream – one with business savvy, and one with golf savvy – and when The Golf Channel was born, that dream became a reality. Many households depend on The Golf Channel for their daily golf news and for those living in the northern climate where the winter snow has covered the golf courses and a golf game is a distant memory, the Golf Channel can keep their minds focused on how they can be better next year. Or they can plan their winter vacation and choose which courses they would like to play.

Happy golfing and Merry Christmas - may you find the clubs of your dreams under your tree this year.

Fran

P.S. If you are a new golfer, click here for some tips

If you are a more experienced golfer and want to break 80, click here

P.P.S. No matter what level of golfer you are, fitness is important. Click here for some tips

Common Golf Problems

The Most Common Golf Problem Is?


The most common problem beginners have playing golf would surely be the slice shot.  This is where the ball curves through the air from left to right assuming the player is right-handed.

The flight of the golf ball is determined by the spin of the ball and a slice is caused by the ball spinning clockwise thereby causing it to travel in a clockwise arch.

The most common reason why this happens is people tend to lift their head when they strike the ball.  The action of lifting the head causes the face of the club to hit across the ball and not through it.  By hitting across the ball, you are essentially hitting the ball from the outside in and this is the action that causes the ball to spin clockwise.

If you tend to slice the ball try to keep your head down until after you have hit the ball. By keeping your head down, and your eye on the ball to the point of contact you will play through the ball and your swing will remain straight, which will cause the ball to follow a straight path.  Keep your head down until after the ball has taken flight keeping your head and shoulders solid.

Another reason why you will get slice shots is by trying to hit the ball too hard.  In doing so you could be using your arms to pull the club in and this will also cause it to spin.  By hitting for less distance you can concentrate on getting the correct swing and playing for accuracy rather than length.  Try reducing your swing with these smaller shots to see if this starts to correct the problem.

As you begin to hit straighter you can begin to increase the length of your back swing and go for more distance.  Concentrate on accuracy first and distance follows. That is a good rule to always play by.

To successful shots

Fran

P.S.  Check out these golf specials

Time for a Golf Vacation?

Planning A Senior Golf Vacation

Here in northern Ontario the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are falling from the trees and many of our seniors are thinking of heading south.

Many senior golf players enjoy getting away by planning a golfing vacation. Whether you play golf regularly or just once and awhile, a golf vacation is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors just like the pros. The senior golf pros play golf for many of the same reasons the amateurs do, they love the game and enjoy traveling to new golf courses. The more you play and learn, the better you become at playing. Understanding what clubs to use and when is also important.

A travel agent or an online travel site will be a good place to start if you are planning a senior golf vacation. You want to find a course that offers a challenge as well as some great people to meet. You might even consider playing a game at some the courses where the pros give lessons or play a leisurely round of golf just like you. You can look through brochures or websites to see exactly where to plan your next golfing vacation.

When you plan a golfing vacation, you usually find a package deal that includes hotel accommodations, golfing and other related rewards to your vacation. You might even enjoy a day of lessons from some pros. Senior golf is an enjoyable sport that sees no age limit as do some other sports. This sport is for all ages, the more you play the better you get, and with a few good tips, you gradually improve your game. If you plan your senior golf outing at the right time, you might even find that the weather is just right for playing. After all that is why the pros use these courses to stay in the game. You could find yourself right in front or behind some of the most reputable players in the world. This sure would enhance the golfing vacation.

You can choose where and when to travel, but if it happens to be in an area where the Senior Open is going on, you could also spend a day watching how they perform. Some golf courses even have their own resort hotels, which makes tee time no problem. You will find many opportunities to experience playing golf away from home on a new course. This is the most exciting part about planning a golf vacation.

You might consider a senior golf outing to the Jack Nicholas Golf Course down in Florida. This course is considered a prime golf course that offers a challenge for any player. If you find yourself intrigued with the course and need more time, you might even consider a condominium right by the course so your vacation can become permanent. You are going to see many different courses you can plan a vacation around looking for information about the top courses is found on the Internet. Start your search with "Championship Golf Courses" and see where the pros keep up with their game and stay in shape.

To your golfing success

Fran

Golf Training

Golf Training for Success


How does anyone become better at what they do?

Anyone knows that get to the top of your game you need practice and the more you want to succeed the more you will need to practice.

Vijay Singh has been known as the golfer who practices more than any other.  He has stated that he might not be the most talented golfer in the world but his dedication to practice more often and longer than most others enabled him to succeed beyond the expectations of many people.

Vijay got to the top of his game by practicing from morning until night.  Before tournaments here would be practicing for hours.

Michael Campbell won the US Open and in his early years when he was a youngster he would practice so much in his yard he would literally wear the clubs out and have to replace them for more practice.

The more you practice the higher the probability that you will naturally make the right moves without having to think about the actions you are taking.

And the less you have to think about your stance, swing and so on, the more likely you are to hit the sweet spot more often and get the ball sailing through the air as though Tiger has just hit it.

Practice can be both cheap and convenient with driving ranges allowing you to hit a bucket full of golf balls to naturally program your mind and body to perform better once you hit the course in the weekend.

Here's the fun part - while your mates are watching television during the week you can sneak off to the driving range and sharpen your skills and then trounce them on the weekend and they will be none the wiser where your newfound skills have been honed.

To your golfing success

Fran

Golf Tips

Golf is good for you!


There’s no doubt about it that the game of golf is one that is massively popular all over the world. Golf is a low-impact sport that can provide participants of all ages not only a fun recreational activity but also some type of exercise. Golf is good for the body, it’s good for the mind, it’s good for social activities, and it’s good for business.

There has been a renewed interest in golf lately among the younger generations with the rise in popularity of golf phenomenon Tiger Woods. These days, golf is enjoyed by young and old alike. It gives fathers time to spend with sons and daughters, brothers with sisters, and friends with other friends.

The game of golf is played on both the amateur and professional levels with notoriety coming to good players locally and nationally. The professional golfers who are most famous are well-known world-wide, and often people strive to emulate them and their amazing play styles.

Of course, golf isn’t without its stressors. It’s nice to be out on the course when it’s a sunny spring day with a mild breeze, but it can be spoiled by bad shots, horrible lies, water hazards, and missed putts. You see, golf isn’t an exact science. There are many variables that go into a good golf swing, and it’s nearly impossible to perfect them all – all at the same time.

Even so, golf can become an obsession with some people as they strive to lower their scores and beat their friends. Millions of dollars is spent every year on golf lessons, magazines, how-to videos, and programs that purport to improve your golf swing and lower your score.

Golf equipment is also big business as clubs are always evolving with new technologies and equipment to build them. Big head drivers, graphite shafts, and other equipment advancements are touted as being the new best things in golf. They are advertised heavily and make claims that you just have to have these products if you want to play good golf.

If you’re not a golfer, you might wonder what’s so wonderful about this game. After all, taking a stick and hitting a little ball into a hole doesn’t sound like very much fun. But golf is challenging and involves much more than just physical ability. It requires thinking skills, deduction skills, and mental clarity. Because it’s nearly impossible to perfect a golf game, it’s a great way to challenge yourself as well as others.

We highly suggest you take up golf if you want a ways to meet new people, connect with old friends, and enjoy a fun, challenging activity. The golf course is also a great place to conduct business. There’s so much we can say about golf, but nothing extols the virtues of this sport like getting out on the links and just doing it!   Happy golfing   Fran

Getting The Most From Golf Lessons

We think that a Pro would critique harshly, but they are honest, positive and very helpful.

Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you might think and they are worth it because your game will improve rapidly and cause you less frustration, making the game much more enjoyable for you.   Of utmost importance, is being honest about your game. The Pro will ask you what you want to start with; driving, chipping, putting or whatever you feel you need help with.   Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may have doubts if the Pro changes your stance, your grip or your swing; the Pro knows best.   Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t worry about if the question or concern in stupid-they’ve heard it all before and will not make you feel like an idiot for asking. If you don’t "get it", tell him/her that you’re not getting it. You should never walk away from a lesson with unanswered questions.   You can concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or several. You might start with a lesson in driving; get the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, the right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice it. Next time, you might work on your short game, or putting.   You’ve invested in the equipment, doesn’t it make sense to learn how to use them to their advantage and improve your abilities?   Happy Golfing
Fran

Add Variety To Your Practice

Many golfers practicing the same shots over and over again. That's Ok if it is an area that needs concentrated attention, and the more you practice a shot the better you will become at it. If you practice a shot enough you will virtually do it on autopilot when you get to the course, but you must also remember that variety will make you a better all round golfer.

The more techniques that you can master, the better you will be on competition day. You can do this by trying new techniques when you practice.

Observe the results you get when you use different clubs or try different techniques. Try adding some spin to the ball and see how this affects the flight. Use different types of golf balls to see whether your level of expertise has changed and allowed you to get more benefit from the different ball compressions.

You may even want to consider testing new golf clubs. As your game progresses, so will your need to change equipment accordingly. You won't want to be using the same clubs you had when you started playing and you will probably not want to be using the same golf balls either. Better equipment will allow you to make shots that weren't possible before, and practice will help get you to the next level where you can take advantage of this equipment.

Try adding more backspin to your shots and see if this helps position the ball better for the next shot and offer more control on faster courses. Your practice time should also be a time where you allow yourself the opportunity to experiment and try to broaden your game. Having the ability to add spin to the ball might be the difference between hitting a tree and landing on the green.

You can never learn too much in the game of golf.

To your golfing success
Fran