Tiger Woods
In August of 1996, the face of golf was forever changed when a very successful amateur player named Tiger Woods officially became a professional golfer. Tiger has been credited with renewing interest in the game of golf. At just twenty-one years old, he brought youth and vitality to the game of golf with his great game and his outgoing attitude.
Woods was a child prodigy who began to play golf at the age of two. In 1978, he putted against comedian Bob Hope in a television appearance on The Mike Douglas Show. At age three, Woods shot a 48 over nine holes at the Navy Golf Club in Cypress, California, and at age five, he appeared in Golf Digest and on ABC's That's Incredible.
At the age of 15 Tiger Woods became the youngest U.S. Junior Amateur Open Champion in golf history. He would go on to win the tournament three more times making him the event’s only multiple winner as well as the youngest. Continuing his record breaking career, Woods was the youngest to win the U.S. Amateur Championship which bought him a ticket into the PGA Masters. He tied for 41st making him the only amateur to make the cut.
His professional career has been just as prolific. Immediately upon turn pro, Tiger signed endorsement deals worth $60 million with Nike and Titleist. He played his first round of professional golf at the Greater Milwaukee Open. He tied for 60th place in his pro debut, but would go on to win two events in the next three months, and qualify for the Tour Championship.
Tiger Woods is the only golfer to win the PGA Player of the Year award in the year following his rookie season. The following April, Woods won his first golf major, The Masters, by a record margin of 12 strokes, became the youngest Masters winner, and the first winner of African or Asian descent.
He eventually set a total of 20 Masters records and tied 6 others, and has been the highest-profile golfer in the world ever since. He would go on to win an additional three PGA Tour events that year, and on June 15, 1997, Woods rose to the number one spot in the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time. Tiger Woods achieved this in only his 42nd week as a professional — the fastest ever ascent to the No. 1 ranking.
Currently ranked #1 in the world, there’s no doubt about it that Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time. He has made the game of golf fun again as we all watch to see him continue to break records and win tournaments.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Business on the Golf Course
Business on the Golf Course
There’s probably no better place in the world to conduct business than on the golf course. Business executive all over the world know that sharing a common frustration with their golf game promotes the perfect environment for business talk. More partnerships and businesses have been changed on the golf course than you could ever imagine.
When you are conducting business on the golf course, you have the luxury of sharing a common goal – to beat each other. Yet at the same time, when you are playing with business associates on the golf course, you really need to practice some decorum when playing golf with a potential business affiliate.
So how do you balance business with sport on the golf course? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Just as with any decision in business, you have to weigh the outcome with what is happening. If you are trying to land a big account, you probably won’t want to make fun of your potential client’s missed chip shot.
However, you won’t want to gain a reputation as a suck-up either. If your potential client makes a 7 on a par 3 hole, you really don’t want to whoop and holler because it will be obvious you are just trying to stroke his (or her) ego. Conducting business on the golf course is a delicate proposition, so start with a plan in mind.
DO NOT – and we stress this a lot – DO NOT begin your golf match with a declaration of what you hope to accomplish by the end of the round. If you want to insure that you will be landing that big account, don’t put on your golf glove on tee #1 and declare your intention. The idea behind conducting business on the golf course is to make friends first and then do your business.
As you are playing, keep in mind that you will want to bring your “A” game as much as is humanly possible. Sure, you might be playing against a person who is head and shoulders above you, but if you are the better player, DON’T let them win just because you want to gain their business. Play golf like you mean it and gain that prospect’s respect.
There is much business that is done on the golf course every day of every week. You won’t find a better place to make a business deal than on the links. However, you will want to use some form of decorum to insure that your business goals will come to reality. Taking business on the golf course could be the best business decision you ever make!
There’s probably no better place in the world to conduct business than on the golf course. Business executive all over the world know that sharing a common frustration with their golf game promotes the perfect environment for business talk. More partnerships and businesses have been changed on the golf course than you could ever imagine.
When you are conducting business on the golf course, you have the luxury of sharing a common goal – to beat each other. Yet at the same time, when you are playing with business associates on the golf course, you really need to practice some decorum when playing golf with a potential business affiliate.
So how do you balance business with sport on the golf course? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Just as with any decision in business, you have to weigh the outcome with what is happening. If you are trying to land a big account, you probably won’t want to make fun of your potential client’s missed chip shot.
However, you won’t want to gain a reputation as a suck-up either. If your potential client makes a 7 on a par 3 hole, you really don’t want to whoop and holler because it will be obvious you are just trying to stroke his (or her) ego. Conducting business on the golf course is a delicate proposition, so start with a plan in mind.
DO NOT – and we stress this a lot – DO NOT begin your golf match with a declaration of what you hope to accomplish by the end of the round. If you want to insure that you will be landing that big account, don’t put on your golf glove on tee #1 and declare your intention. The idea behind conducting business on the golf course is to make friends first and then do your business.
As you are playing, keep in mind that you will want to bring your “A” game as much as is humanly possible. Sure, you might be playing against a person who is head and shoulders above you, but if you are the better player, DON’T let them win just because you want to gain their business. Play golf like you mean it and gain that prospect’s respect.
There is much business that is done on the golf course every day of every week. You won’t find a better place to make a business deal than on the links. However, you will want to use some form of decorum to insure that your business goals will come to reality. Taking business on the golf course could be the best business decision you ever make!
Golf Trip
Golf Trip
There can’t be anything better for the avid golfer than to take a golf trip someplace other than your home course. A golf trip is a great way to get out of the norm, see the country, bond with friends, and play golf courses that are more amazing than you ever thought possible. Of course, if you live within driving distance of some of the better courses, you may not think a golf trip isn’t necessary, but you couldn’t be more wrong.
When you are planning a golf trip, it’s always best to take along a few friends for the ultimate fun golfing vacation. Your wife (or husband) might not be happy about it, but we guarantee, you’ll have a wonderful time when you have some buddies along for a ride to the ultimate links!
A great place to plan a golf trip to is Alabama. Robert Trent Jones was a golf architect who designed over 500 golf courses and is known as one of the foremost golf course designers in the world. In Alabama, they offer the Robert Trent Jones golf trail which consists of 11 different golf courses throughout the state that offer up some of the best golf in the country.
When you travel to play golf on the RTJ golf trail, you will find challenging and fun courses that will provide for hours of enjoyment and camaraderie. This man was a genius when it came to designing golf courses, so be prepared to be amazed and perhaps a little frustrated.
If you want to travel for golf, you can’t go wrong by going to the home of golf – Scotland. St. Andrews Golf Club is one of the most beautiful places you can travel to and provides two different courses you can play including “the old one” which is where the game of golf originated.
If you are looking for a real challenge, travel to Georgia for your next golf trip. Augusta is home to the Augusta National Golf Club which is home to the Master golf tournament. You will get challenge and beautiful scenery as well as knowing that you are playing on a course where many of the “great ones” have struck their balls.
A golf trip is a great way to get away on a short vacation while doing what you love – golfing. When you bring along people who also love golf on your golf trip, you will find that this can be one of the most satisfying vacations you have – or will ever have!
There can’t be anything better for the avid golfer than to take a golf trip someplace other than your home course. A golf trip is a great way to get out of the norm, see the country, bond with friends, and play golf courses that are more amazing than you ever thought possible. Of course, if you live within driving distance of some of the better courses, you may not think a golf trip isn’t necessary, but you couldn’t be more wrong.
When you are planning a golf trip, it’s always best to take along a few friends for the ultimate fun golfing vacation. Your wife (or husband) might not be happy about it, but we guarantee, you’ll have a wonderful time when you have some buddies along for a ride to the ultimate links!
A great place to plan a golf trip to is Alabama. Robert Trent Jones was a golf architect who designed over 500 golf courses and is known as one of the foremost golf course designers in the world. In Alabama, they offer the Robert Trent Jones golf trail which consists of 11 different golf courses throughout the state that offer up some of the best golf in the country.
When you travel to play golf on the RTJ golf trail, you will find challenging and fun courses that will provide for hours of enjoyment and camaraderie. This man was a genius when it came to designing golf courses, so be prepared to be amazed and perhaps a little frustrated.
If you want to travel for golf, you can’t go wrong by going to the home of golf – Scotland. St. Andrews Golf Club is one of the most beautiful places you can travel to and provides two different courses you can play including “the old one” which is where the game of golf originated.
If you are looking for a real challenge, travel to Georgia for your next golf trip. Augusta is home to the Augusta National Golf Club which is home to the Master golf tournament. You will get challenge and beautiful scenery as well as knowing that you are playing on a course where many of the “great ones” have struck their balls.
A golf trip is a great way to get away on a short vacation while doing what you love – golfing. When you bring along people who also love golf on your golf trip, you will find that this can be one of the most satisfying vacations you have – or will ever have!
Golf Memberships
Golf Memberships
Most golf club offer memberships to players making them part of the club. Having a membership in a golf club can be very advantageous both monetarily as well as socially!
A golf membership will give you access to certain things non-members won’t have. Your greens fees may be reduced or, more often, included in the membership. That means you can play as much as you want and not have to pay greens fees. Most golf memberships don’t include the use of a cart, so you’ll probably pay extra for that.
Having access to programs with your golf membership is another great perk. That might mean reduced fees for league play, free entry into tournaments, and access to the club’s facilities for other events like meetings, dinners, and more.
There are a lot of golf courses that won’t let you play unless you have membership with them. These are called private clubs and allow members and their guests only to play. That means without a golf membership to that club, you have to know someone who is a member in order to get on the course.
Even small, public courses offer golf memberships. This is a great way for them to generate more play as well as make some guaranteed money. They will offer up some of the other advantages that private clubs do in the form of free or reduced greens fees, etc.
Sometimes, golf memberships can be quite steep. For example, one of this author’s local golf clubs sets membership fees at $700 per year for a single membership. The course is run by a Senior PGA pro and it is a beautiful place to play. When you consider the amount of golfing we do, we have paid for our membership in just a few weeks just by saving on greens fees since we don’t pay to play as a member of the club.
When we speak of a golf membership, we can also refer to membership in a golfing organization. You have to be a pro to join the PGA, but amateurs can join amateur organizations. Most areas have regional golf organizations where you can buy a membership to become part of them. These associations often hold sanctioned tournaments and can really help get your name known at least locally as a good golfer.
If you’re an avid golfer, you really should consider buying a membership in your local golf club. It can be a very good move and can save you tons and tons of money while allowing you to enjoy the game you love!
Most golf club offer memberships to players making them part of the club. Having a membership in a golf club can be very advantageous both monetarily as well as socially!
A golf membership will give you access to certain things non-members won’t have. Your greens fees may be reduced or, more often, included in the membership. That means you can play as much as you want and not have to pay greens fees. Most golf memberships don’t include the use of a cart, so you’ll probably pay extra for that.
Having access to programs with your golf membership is another great perk. That might mean reduced fees for league play, free entry into tournaments, and access to the club’s facilities for other events like meetings, dinners, and more.
There are a lot of golf courses that won’t let you play unless you have membership with them. These are called private clubs and allow members and their guests only to play. That means without a golf membership to that club, you have to know someone who is a member in order to get on the course.
Even small, public courses offer golf memberships. This is a great way for them to generate more play as well as make some guaranteed money. They will offer up some of the other advantages that private clubs do in the form of free or reduced greens fees, etc.
Sometimes, golf memberships can be quite steep. For example, one of this author’s local golf clubs sets membership fees at $700 per year for a single membership. The course is run by a Senior PGA pro and it is a beautiful place to play. When you consider the amount of golfing we do, we have paid for our membership in just a few weeks just by saving on greens fees since we don’t pay to play as a member of the club.
When we speak of a golf membership, we can also refer to membership in a golfing organization. You have to be a pro to join the PGA, but amateurs can join amateur organizations. Most areas have regional golf organizations where you can buy a membership to become part of them. These associations often hold sanctioned tournaments and can really help get your name known at least locally as a good golfer.
If you’re an avid golfer, you really should consider buying a membership in your local golf club. It can be a very good move and can save you tons and tons of money while allowing you to enjoy the game you love!
Golf Galaxy
Golf Galaxy
Golf Galaxy, which opened its first store in 1997, quickly and easily differentiated itself from other golf retailers by becoming the world's first and only interactive golf store. By offering superstore selection and pricing with pro shop knowledge and service, Golf Galaxy became the “Everything for the Game” golf retailer.
Today, Golf Galaxy prides itself on its world-class selection of brand name golf equipment, golf apparel, golf accessories, and golf gifts for golfers of all ages and abilities. Premier merchandise brands include Callaway Golf, TaylorMade, Cobra, Cleveland, PING, Titleist, Ashworth, Greg Norman, Nike Golf, Adidas, and FootJoy. The retailer also sells pre-owned clubs and offers club trade-ins good toward any in-store purchase.
But it's more than merchandise that sets Golf Galaxy apart from other golf retailers. Golf Galaxy also offers a comprehensive array of golf services and interactive golf features. Some of these features include:
* on-staff PGA and LPGA professionals who offer lessons and computer video swing analysis and answer questions about equipment and club fitting;
* on-site certified club technicians who use hi-tech ball launch monitor technology to ensure a proper club fit and who re-grip, re-shaft or simply adjust existing club loft, lie and swing-weight to give customers custom-fitted brand name clubs;
* an electronic, state-of-the-art golf course simulator that allows players to test their skills on the world's most famous courses;
* an indoor driving bay that enables customers to test merchandise so as to make the best purchase possible;
* an on-site, full-sized bent-grass putting green featuring elaborate contours to create the pace and feel of a real golf course.
With 65 stores in 24 states, each averaging 17,000-square feet in size, Golf Galaxy is serving an ever growing golf market and is continuing to grow itself to meet the increasing demand. Recent statistics from the National Golf Foundation indicate there are currently an estimated 26.2 million golfers in the United States who spend approximately $24.3 billion on golf equipment and fees annually.
Golf Galaxy is an innovative, state-of-the-art interactive golf retailer. Designed to contain everything for the game, the stores boast comprehensive collections of golf equipment, apparel, accessories, and novelties for all ages and skill levels, as well as a host of interactive features.
Golf Galaxy also has an amazing website at www.golfgalaxy.com that offers visitors all sorts of information about the game of golf, golf equipment, and even online seminars. You can even order equipment online if there isn’t a Golf Galaxy store near you. For everything golf, be sure to check out Golf Galaxy.
Golf Galaxy, which opened its first store in 1997, quickly and easily differentiated itself from other golf retailers by becoming the world's first and only interactive golf store. By offering superstore selection and pricing with pro shop knowledge and service, Golf Galaxy became the “Everything for the Game” golf retailer.
Today, Golf Galaxy prides itself on its world-class selection of brand name golf equipment, golf apparel, golf accessories, and golf gifts for golfers of all ages and abilities. Premier merchandise brands include Callaway Golf, TaylorMade, Cobra, Cleveland, PING, Titleist, Ashworth, Greg Norman, Nike Golf, Adidas, and FootJoy. The retailer also sells pre-owned clubs and offers club trade-ins good toward any in-store purchase.
But it's more than merchandise that sets Golf Galaxy apart from other golf retailers. Golf Galaxy also offers a comprehensive array of golf services and interactive golf features. Some of these features include:
* on-staff PGA and LPGA professionals who offer lessons and computer video swing analysis and answer questions about equipment and club fitting;
* on-site certified club technicians who use hi-tech ball launch monitor technology to ensure a proper club fit and who re-grip, re-shaft or simply adjust existing club loft, lie and swing-weight to give customers custom-fitted brand name clubs;
* an electronic, state-of-the-art golf course simulator that allows players to test their skills on the world's most famous courses;
* an indoor driving bay that enables customers to test merchandise so as to make the best purchase possible;
* an on-site, full-sized bent-grass putting green featuring elaborate contours to create the pace and feel of a real golf course.
With 65 stores in 24 states, each averaging 17,000-square feet in size, Golf Galaxy is serving an ever growing golf market and is continuing to grow itself to meet the increasing demand. Recent statistics from the National Golf Foundation indicate there are currently an estimated 26.2 million golfers in the United States who spend approximately $24.3 billion on golf equipment and fees annually.
Golf Galaxy is an innovative, state-of-the-art interactive golf retailer. Designed to contain everything for the game, the stores boast comprehensive collections of golf equipment, apparel, accessories, and novelties for all ages and skill levels, as well as a host of interactive features.
Golf Galaxy also has an amazing website at www.golfgalaxy.com that offers visitors all sorts of information about the game of golf, golf equipment, and even online seminars. You can even order equipment online if there isn’t a Golf Galaxy store near you. For everything golf, be sure to check out Golf Galaxy.
Palm Springs Golf
Palm Springs Golf
There’s probably no better place in the United States to play golf than in Palm Springs, California. This beautiful location is host to many, many golf courses that give amateurs and pros the chance to best the course while basking in the beautiful California weather. There are more than a hundred golf courses in the Palm Springs area, and most of them are of a professional quality that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.
Palm Springs is located on the Northwestern boundary of the Coachella Valley, which also includes several other rapidly growing communities including Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Indio.
Discovered in the early 1920s by some of Hollywood's elite, it is no longer the group of sleepy little villages it once was. While the area has changed over the years, the one thing that has not is the magnificent clear blue sky and the mild climate. It's a great feeling to be soaking your body in a warm outdoor pool or playing a round of golf on a manicured course while the rest of the country is slipping and sliding behind a snow plow.
The Palm Springs region, with its world-class golf courses and destination golf resorts, while not as large, is rapidly becoming the West Coast version of the Myrtle Beach golf scene.
You have your choice of several different professional level courses when you travel to Palm Springs to golf. The great California weather makes it a premier, year-round vacation destination for golfers.
While we strive to remain unbiased in our review of Palm Springs golf destinations, we have found some of the more popular courses and feel compelled to pass these on to you.
* Indian Springs Golf and Country Club - The 18-hole "Indian Springs" course at the Indian Springs Golf & Country Club facility in Indio, California features 6,404 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 69.8 and it has a slope rating of 112. Designed by John Gurley, Sr., the Indian Springs golf course opened in 1962. Neil Finch manages the course as the Director of Golf.
* Indian Wells Country Club - The 18-hole "Classic" course at the Indian Wells Country Club facility in Indian Wells, California features 6,478 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Designed by David A. Rainville, ASGCA/Harry Rainville, the Classic golf course opened in 1955. ClubCorp USA, Inc. manages this facility, with Mark Neneman as the General Manager.
* Desert Dunes Golf Club - Desert Dunes Golf Course was the first desert course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Voted as one of the best public courses in Southern California. Laid out among large dunes and mature desert trees, Desert Dunes has a unique Scottish links flavor.
There’s no doubt that golf in Palm Springs is a golfer’s paradise. When you golf Palm Springs, you are surely in for a trip that you will remember for years to come!
There’s probably no better place in the United States to play golf than in Palm Springs, California. This beautiful location is host to many, many golf courses that give amateurs and pros the chance to best the course while basking in the beautiful California weather. There are more than a hundred golf courses in the Palm Springs area, and most of them are of a professional quality that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.
Palm Springs is located on the Northwestern boundary of the Coachella Valley, which also includes several other rapidly growing communities including Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Indio.
Discovered in the early 1920s by some of Hollywood's elite, it is no longer the group of sleepy little villages it once was. While the area has changed over the years, the one thing that has not is the magnificent clear blue sky and the mild climate. It's a great feeling to be soaking your body in a warm outdoor pool or playing a round of golf on a manicured course while the rest of the country is slipping and sliding behind a snow plow.
The Palm Springs region, with its world-class golf courses and destination golf resorts, while not as large, is rapidly becoming the West Coast version of the Myrtle Beach golf scene.
You have your choice of several different professional level courses when you travel to Palm Springs to golf. The great California weather makes it a premier, year-round vacation destination for golfers.
While we strive to remain unbiased in our review of Palm Springs golf destinations, we have found some of the more popular courses and feel compelled to pass these on to you.
* Indian Springs Golf and Country Club - The 18-hole "Indian Springs" course at the Indian Springs Golf & Country Club facility in Indio, California features 6,404 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 69.8 and it has a slope rating of 112. Designed by John Gurley, Sr., the Indian Springs golf course opened in 1962. Neil Finch manages the course as the Director of Golf.
* Indian Wells Country Club - The 18-hole "Classic" course at the Indian Wells Country Club facility in Indian Wells, California features 6,478 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Designed by David A. Rainville, ASGCA/Harry Rainville, the Classic golf course opened in 1955. ClubCorp USA, Inc. manages this facility, with Mark Neneman as the General Manager.
* Desert Dunes Golf Club - Desert Dunes Golf Course was the first desert course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Voted as one of the best public courses in Southern California. Laid out among large dunes and mature desert trees, Desert Dunes has a unique Scottish links flavor.
There’s no doubt that golf in Palm Springs is a golfer’s paradise. When you golf Palm Springs, you are surely in for a trip that you will remember for years to come!
Wilson Golf
Wilson Golf
Wilson Sporting Goods has long been known for supplying people with quality sports equipment. Since 1914, Wilson has been selling basketballs, baseballs, and footballs to the general public as well as organized sports. Wilson also recognized that golf was a very popular activity in the world and they wanted to present their unique products to the world that they felt would change the face of golf forever.
Wilson Golf knew they needed the backing of a professional golfer of the time to add credibility to their products, so they contacted one of the best. Gene Sarazen was the first golfer to become a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff and would have a 75-year relationship with the company, the longest-running contract in sports history. His career would earn him 39 PGA titles including two U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, a British Open title, and a Masters victory on his way into the PGA Hall of Fame in 1974.
Over the years Sarazen was joined by such golfing greats as Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Payne Stewart, John Daly and Vijay Singh to name a few of the Wilson Advisory Staff over the years. This type of professional endorsement made Wilson Golf a household name.
Wilson golf was instrumental in participating in the introduction of some new concepts in the game of golf. They provided the financial backing for Patty Berg and “Babe” Didrickson Zaharias to found the new Women’s PGA, now known as the LPGA.
Wilson Golf helped introduce the modern era of power golf with the introduction of the Wilson Staff ball, the famous ‘long ball’ that springs off the club face 40% faster than the speed of the club head. From 1954 the Wilson Staff ball has helped win more Masters and U.S. Open Championships than any other ball.
In the 1980’s, Wilson Golf’s Staff irons were #1 on Tour. The Staff Tour Blade was introduced, as well as the Staff persimmon woods with an aluminum face insert. Wilson launched another landmark golf ball – the Ultra – and advanced sales far surpass any previous ball in the company’s history.
Over the years, Wilson Golf has continued to pioneer the industry in club design as well as golf ball design. They have introduced some amazing new golf clubs along with long range balls that can increase the distance a golfer can hit the ball.
Their use of nanotechnology in manufacture of their clubs make Wilson Golf clubs some of the lightest and most reliable in the golf industry today. With ninety years in the business, they remain a powerhouse when it comes to golf equipment and supplies.
Wilson Sporting Goods has long been known for supplying people with quality sports equipment. Since 1914, Wilson has been selling basketballs, baseballs, and footballs to the general public as well as organized sports. Wilson also recognized that golf was a very popular activity in the world and they wanted to present their unique products to the world that they felt would change the face of golf forever.
Wilson Golf knew they needed the backing of a professional golfer of the time to add credibility to their products, so they contacted one of the best. Gene Sarazen was the first golfer to become a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff and would have a 75-year relationship with the company, the longest-running contract in sports history. His career would earn him 39 PGA titles including two U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, a British Open title, and a Masters victory on his way into the PGA Hall of Fame in 1974.
Over the years Sarazen was joined by such golfing greats as Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Payne Stewart, John Daly and Vijay Singh to name a few of the Wilson Advisory Staff over the years. This type of professional endorsement made Wilson Golf a household name.
Wilson golf was instrumental in participating in the introduction of some new concepts in the game of golf. They provided the financial backing for Patty Berg and “Babe” Didrickson Zaharias to found the new Women’s PGA, now known as the LPGA.
Wilson Golf helped introduce the modern era of power golf with the introduction of the Wilson Staff ball, the famous ‘long ball’ that springs off the club face 40% faster than the speed of the club head. From 1954 the Wilson Staff ball has helped win more Masters and U.S. Open Championships than any other ball.
In the 1980’s, Wilson Golf’s Staff irons were #1 on Tour. The Staff Tour Blade was introduced, as well as the Staff persimmon woods with an aluminum face insert. Wilson launched another landmark golf ball – the Ultra – and advanced sales far surpass any previous ball in the company’s history.
Over the years, Wilson Golf has continued to pioneer the industry in club design as well as golf ball design. They have introduced some amazing new golf clubs along with long range balls that can increase the distance a golfer can hit the ball.
Their use of nanotechnology in manufacture of their clubs make Wilson Golf clubs some of the lightest and most reliable in the golf industry today. With ninety years in the business, they remain a powerhouse when it comes to golf equipment and supplies.
St. Andrews
St. Andrews
St. Andrews is located in Scotland and is commonly thought of as the birthplace of golf as we know it today. St. Andrews is home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, who exercises legislative authority over the game worldwide except in the U.S. and Mexico.
The beautiful golf links in St. Andrews (acquired by the town in 1894) is the most frequent venue for The Open Championship, the oldest of golf's four major championships. Visitors travel to St Andrews in great numbers for several courses ranked amongst the finest in the world, as well as for the sandy beaches.
The St Andrews Links occupy a narrow strip of land along the sea. As early as the 15th century, golfers at St. Andrews established a customary route through the undulating terrain, playing to holes whose locations were dictated by topography.
The course that emerged featured eleven holes, laid out end to end from the clubhouse to the far end of the property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes.
There are six golf courses in St. Andrews including The Old Course which is where the game was first played. The clubs are open to the public as are the courses, but be prepared to wait! The Old Course has over 40,000 rounds of golf played on it every year. In fact, as of this writing, the official St. Andrews website reports that tee times for April through October of 2007 are completely booked.
You may have the best luck on one of the other courses, but you will need to make reservations well in advance. St. Andrews allow you to book tee times online, so check out their website and make a reservation as soon as you know when you’ll be there.
Be prepared to pay to play St. Andrews, however. Greens fees during the prime season between April and October are $235 for an adult on the Old Course. Of course, the other courses are slightly cheaper and you’ll save some money in the off-season as well.
There are plenty of places to stay when you want to golf at St. Andrews. There are over 500 hotels and numerous dining places nearby. There is easy access from local airstrips, so you won’t have much problem actually getting to the links on your scheduled day to play. In the meantime, you’ll enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside in the world complete with old castles and historical sites!
You can visit the official St. Andrews Link website at www.standrews.org.uk.
St. Andrews is located in Scotland and is commonly thought of as the birthplace of golf as we know it today. St. Andrews is home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, who exercises legislative authority over the game worldwide except in the U.S. and Mexico.
The beautiful golf links in St. Andrews (acquired by the town in 1894) is the most frequent venue for The Open Championship, the oldest of golf's four major championships. Visitors travel to St Andrews in great numbers for several courses ranked amongst the finest in the world, as well as for the sandy beaches.
The St Andrews Links occupy a narrow strip of land along the sea. As early as the 15th century, golfers at St. Andrews established a customary route through the undulating terrain, playing to holes whose locations were dictated by topography.
The course that emerged featured eleven holes, laid out end to end from the clubhouse to the far end of the property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes.
There are six golf courses in St. Andrews including The Old Course which is where the game was first played. The clubs are open to the public as are the courses, but be prepared to wait! The Old Course has over 40,000 rounds of golf played on it every year. In fact, as of this writing, the official St. Andrews website reports that tee times for April through October of 2007 are completely booked.
You may have the best luck on one of the other courses, but you will need to make reservations well in advance. St. Andrews allow you to book tee times online, so check out their website and make a reservation as soon as you know when you’ll be there.
Be prepared to pay to play St. Andrews, however. Greens fees during the prime season between April and October are $235 for an adult on the Old Course. Of course, the other courses are slightly cheaper and you’ll save some money in the off-season as well.
There are plenty of places to stay when you want to golf at St. Andrews. There are over 500 hotels and numerous dining places nearby. There is easy access from local airstrips, so you won’t have much problem actually getting to the links on your scheduled day to play. In the meantime, you’ll enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside in the world complete with old castles and historical sites!
You can visit the official St. Andrews Link website at www.standrews.org.uk.
Ryder Cup
Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is a golf trophy contest held every other year matching a team of players from Europe and a team of players from the United States. The name of the tournament came from Samuel Ryder who had watched the first casual match of this format and though it would be good to make the match official. He donated the first gold cup prize and they named the contest after him. The first official Ryder Cup match was played in 1927 in Massachusetts.
Each Ryder Cup team is captained by an experienced golfer. They will get to choose some of the golfers who will play on the team, but most of the team is chosen according to how well they have played since the last Ryder Cup. There is a point system that is in place and their position on the team is dependent on their points.
The matches in the Ryder cup involve various match play matches. Currently, the matches consist of eight foursome matches, eight four ball matches, and twelve singles matches. The winner of each match scores a point for their team with ½ point each for any match that is tied after 18 holes.
A foursome match is competition between two teams of two golfers. The golfers on the same team take alternate shots throughout the match with the same ball. A team takes the hole when it completes the hole with the fewest shots.
A four ball match in the Ryder Cup is also a competition between two teams of two golfers, but all four golfers play their own ball throughout the round rather than alternating shots. Whichever golfer completes the hole with the lowest score wins the hole.
A singles match is a standard match play competition between two golfers.
Many changes have been made to the Ryder Cup over the years, but it still remains one of the most exciting and competitive tournaments in the golf world. The next Ryder Cup competition will be held in 2008 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
While teams have yet to be officially picked, we do know that the United States Ryder Cup team will be captained by Paul Azinger. Right now, it appears we’ll probably see Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, and Davis Love III as team members based on their points they have accumulated.
The European Ryder Cup team will be captained by Nick Faldo. Expect to see names like Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, and Luke Donald as probably team members.
The Ryder Cup is a golf trophy contest held every other year matching a team of players from Europe and a team of players from the United States. The name of the tournament came from Samuel Ryder who had watched the first casual match of this format and though it would be good to make the match official. He donated the first gold cup prize and they named the contest after him. The first official Ryder Cup match was played in 1927 in Massachusetts.
Each Ryder Cup team is captained by an experienced golfer. They will get to choose some of the golfers who will play on the team, but most of the team is chosen according to how well they have played since the last Ryder Cup. There is a point system that is in place and their position on the team is dependent on their points.
The matches in the Ryder cup involve various match play matches. Currently, the matches consist of eight foursome matches, eight four ball matches, and twelve singles matches. The winner of each match scores a point for their team with ½ point each for any match that is tied after 18 holes.
A foursome match is competition between two teams of two golfers. The golfers on the same team take alternate shots throughout the match with the same ball. A team takes the hole when it completes the hole with the fewest shots.
A four ball match in the Ryder Cup is also a competition between two teams of two golfers, but all four golfers play their own ball throughout the round rather than alternating shots. Whichever golfer completes the hole with the lowest score wins the hole.
A singles match is a standard match play competition between two golfers.
Many changes have been made to the Ryder Cup over the years, but it still remains one of the most exciting and competitive tournaments in the golf world. The next Ryder Cup competition will be held in 2008 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
While teams have yet to be officially picked, we do know that the United States Ryder Cup team will be captained by Paul Azinger. Right now, it appears we’ll probably see Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, and Davis Love III as team members based on their points they have accumulated.
The European Ryder Cup team will be captained by Nick Faldo. Expect to see names like Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, and Luke Donald as probably team members.
The British Open
The British Open
For amateur golfers, having an “open” tournament is a great opportunity to break into the world of professional golf. But the U.S. Open isn’t the only open tournament – there’s also the British Open for the golfers “across the pond”. Open tournaments were designed to allow amateur golfers to perhaps break into the pro pool by winning one of these contests.
Many people think that the U.S. Open was the first open championship to be founded, but that just isn’t true. The British Open was being played 35 years before the United States got in on the open tournament phenomenon. Since the turn of the century, the British Open has included amateurs from all countries. The U.S. Open is currently trying to make a move towards this trend, but for years, The British Open has been known as “The World Open”.
Originally designed as a way for unknown golfers to make a name for themselves, the “opens” have long been touted as the greatest chance an amateur has for worldwide fame and fortune as a professional golfer. The British Open was the first tournament to bring forth this amazing idea, and golfers all over the world became excited at the prospect of becoming a pro.
The British Open is one of the four major golf tournaments of the year and winning it is a great honor. Just as with the U.S. Open, it is one of the championships that tournament professionals strive to achieve and wear the honor with pride. However, amateurs should beware. Because the British Open is an open event, the pros can play too.
The last time an amateur won a British Open was back in 1930 when American legend Bobby Jones won with an overall score of 291. Since that time, there have been many amateurs who have made good showings, but as far as winning the open, that hasn’t happened in quite some time.
To qualify for the British Open, you must strive for one of the 156 places that are available. Most of the field of players has achieved entry into the open through exemptions by playing well throughout the year on the tour. The rest of the field has won qualifying rounds in local events that lead them to the “big show” and perhaps the chance of the lifetime!
The British Open – just like the U.S. Open – is a wonderful way for excellent amateur golfers to break into the professional circuit by doing what they love – playing the game of golf. The British Open has a long and storied history and while considered one of the major events in the PGA, still holds a bit of mystery and hope for those who dream of a life as a PGA professional.
For amateur golfers, having an “open” tournament is a great opportunity to break into the world of professional golf. But the U.S. Open isn’t the only open tournament – there’s also the British Open for the golfers “across the pond”. Open tournaments were designed to allow amateur golfers to perhaps break into the pro pool by winning one of these contests.
Many people think that the U.S. Open was the first open championship to be founded, but that just isn’t true. The British Open was being played 35 years before the United States got in on the open tournament phenomenon. Since the turn of the century, the British Open has included amateurs from all countries. The U.S. Open is currently trying to make a move towards this trend, but for years, The British Open has been known as “The World Open”.
Originally designed as a way for unknown golfers to make a name for themselves, the “opens” have long been touted as the greatest chance an amateur has for worldwide fame and fortune as a professional golfer. The British Open was the first tournament to bring forth this amazing idea, and golfers all over the world became excited at the prospect of becoming a pro.
The British Open is one of the four major golf tournaments of the year and winning it is a great honor. Just as with the U.S. Open, it is one of the championships that tournament professionals strive to achieve and wear the honor with pride. However, amateurs should beware. Because the British Open is an open event, the pros can play too.
The last time an amateur won a British Open was back in 1930 when American legend Bobby Jones won with an overall score of 291. Since that time, there have been many amateurs who have made good showings, but as far as winning the open, that hasn’t happened in quite some time.
To qualify for the British Open, you must strive for one of the 156 places that are available. Most of the field of players has achieved entry into the open through exemptions by playing well throughout the year on the tour. The rest of the field has won qualifying rounds in local events that lead them to the “big show” and perhaps the chance of the lifetime!
The British Open – just like the U.S. Open – is a wonderful way for excellent amateur golfers to break into the professional circuit by doing what they love – playing the game of golf. The British Open has a long and storied history and while considered one of the major events in the PGA, still holds a bit of mystery and hope for those who dream of a life as a PGA professional.
The Masters
The Masters
The Masters golf tournament has long been known as “the big show” for many golfers. It’s the BIG one – the one everyone wants to win - the one that can really define a career as a professional golfer. It has a long and storied history – one steeped in golf tradition.
In 1934 Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts wanted to provide a service to golf by hosting an annual golf tournament. Roberts proposed the event be called the Masters Tournament, but Jones objected thinking it sounded too presumptuous. The name Augusta National Invitation Tournament was adopted and that title was used for five years until 1939 when Jones relented and the name was officially changed.
The tournament is held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA, where it is still hosted today. Many decisions made in the early days of the Masters still remain today. Among these are
* The four-day stroke playing of 18 holes each day instead of the then customary 36 holes on the third day
* Eliminating qualifying rounds
* Denying permission for anyone except the player and the caddie to be in the playing area
* Commercialization in any form of the tournament was limited.
The first Masters Tournament was held on March 22, 1934, and beginning in 1940, the Masters was scheduled each year during the first full week in April. That first tournament was won by Horton Smith. In 1935 Gene Sarazen hit “the shot heard ‘round the world” scoring a double eagle on the par five 15th hole tying Craig Wood and forcing a playoff. Sarazen won the 36-hole playoff the following day winning by five strokes.
In 1942, Ben Hogan lost to Byron Nelson by one stroke in an 18-hole playoff and the tournament was not played the following three years: 1943, 1944, and 1945 during World War II. To assist the war efforts, cattle and turkeys were raised on the Augusta National grounds.
Many milestones have occurred throughout the history of the Masters. In 1965 and 1966, Jack Nicklaus became the first Masters champion to defend his title successfully. Many others would have consecutive wins, but The Golden Bear was the first. Tiger Woods broke the four-day scoring record that has stood for 32 years in 1997.
The Masters is characterized by offering the winner a green jacket and having that jacket is considered a great honor in the golfing world. The previous year’s winner would always present the jacket to the current year’s winner and it is done with great flourish.
The Masters is one of golf’s greatest tournaments. The best part is that amateurs can gain entry into the tournament by invitation only giving them dreams of winning the big prize against the best in the field!
The Masters golf tournament has long been known as “the big show” for many golfers. It’s the BIG one – the one everyone wants to win - the one that can really define a career as a professional golfer. It has a long and storied history – one steeped in golf tradition.
In 1934 Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts wanted to provide a service to golf by hosting an annual golf tournament. Roberts proposed the event be called the Masters Tournament, but Jones objected thinking it sounded too presumptuous. The name Augusta National Invitation Tournament was adopted and that title was used for five years until 1939 when Jones relented and the name was officially changed.
The tournament is held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA, where it is still hosted today. Many decisions made in the early days of the Masters still remain today. Among these are
* The four-day stroke playing of 18 holes each day instead of the then customary 36 holes on the third day
* Eliminating qualifying rounds
* Denying permission for anyone except the player and the caddie to be in the playing area
* Commercialization in any form of the tournament was limited.
The first Masters Tournament was held on March 22, 1934, and beginning in 1940, the Masters was scheduled each year during the first full week in April. That first tournament was won by Horton Smith. In 1935 Gene Sarazen hit “the shot heard ‘round the world” scoring a double eagle on the par five 15th hole tying Craig Wood and forcing a playoff. Sarazen won the 36-hole playoff the following day winning by five strokes.
In 1942, Ben Hogan lost to Byron Nelson by one stroke in an 18-hole playoff and the tournament was not played the following three years: 1943, 1944, and 1945 during World War II. To assist the war efforts, cattle and turkeys were raised on the Augusta National grounds.
Many milestones have occurred throughout the history of the Masters. In 1965 and 1966, Jack Nicklaus became the first Masters champion to defend his title successfully. Many others would have consecutive wins, but The Golden Bear was the first. Tiger Woods broke the four-day scoring record that has stood for 32 years in 1997.
The Masters is characterized by offering the winner a green jacket and having that jacket is considered a great honor in the golfing world. The previous year’s winner would always present the jacket to the current year’s winner and it is done with great flourish.
The Masters is one of golf’s greatest tournaments. The best part is that amateurs can gain entry into the tournament by invitation only giving them dreams of winning the big prize against the best in the field!
Used Golf Clubs
Used Golf Clubs
Golf clubs can be very expensive; so many people are starting to buy used golf clubs instead of new ones. The cost is the main reason people give for buying used golf clubs. Plus, recycling anything is good for the environment! What should you know before you buy a set of used golf clubs?
First, you need to check the club heads for face wear. Clubs that have been used for a long time might have a shiny worn spot in the center. This is not good because the club face won’t hold the ball as well as it should. Make sure the grooves still have well-defined edges and stay away from used golf clubs that show indentations in the club face as these can affect the ball flight.
Another important thing to look for in used golf clubs is the shafts. Make sure graphite shafts don’t have worn areas or indentations that could cause weakness. Twist the grip and the head in opposite directions. If there isn’t great resistance, it’s a sign of weakness in the shaft. This test is for graphite shafts. With steel shafts, just look down the shaft to make sure it hasn’t been bent back into shape.
You will also need to make sure the grips in used golf clubs are good. You will be looking for cracks, splits, and worn areas. You can re-grip used golf clubs, but this will run between $6 and $15 per club adding to your cost.
Does the set have consistency? Line them up and compare them. Make sure they all appear to have been in the original set. You don’t want a set of used golf clubs with different shaft types or model from club to club. Mixing and matching can throw off the progression of lofts throughout the set.
Compare prices for new clubs versus what you will be paying for your used clubs. Sometimes you can get a new set for less than what the used set is selling for. You can also find some great discounts at golf stores, so don’t jump in too quickly to buy your used golf club.
You can’t really tell how well a set of used golf clubs will perform unless you are able to test drive them. Find a place to take a few test swings and see how they feel to you.
Buying a set of used golf clubs is a great way to save some money on one of the most expensive parts of the golf game. However, be careful and know what you are doing before you buy. It can make a world of difference!
Golf clubs can be very expensive; so many people are starting to buy used golf clubs instead of new ones. The cost is the main reason people give for buying used golf clubs. Plus, recycling anything is good for the environment! What should you know before you buy a set of used golf clubs?
First, you need to check the club heads for face wear. Clubs that have been used for a long time might have a shiny worn spot in the center. This is not good because the club face won’t hold the ball as well as it should. Make sure the grooves still have well-defined edges and stay away from used golf clubs that show indentations in the club face as these can affect the ball flight.
Another important thing to look for in used golf clubs is the shafts. Make sure graphite shafts don’t have worn areas or indentations that could cause weakness. Twist the grip and the head in opposite directions. If there isn’t great resistance, it’s a sign of weakness in the shaft. This test is for graphite shafts. With steel shafts, just look down the shaft to make sure it hasn’t been bent back into shape.
You will also need to make sure the grips in used golf clubs are good. You will be looking for cracks, splits, and worn areas. You can re-grip used golf clubs, but this will run between $6 and $15 per club adding to your cost.
Does the set have consistency? Line them up and compare them. Make sure they all appear to have been in the original set. You don’t want a set of used golf clubs with different shaft types or model from club to club. Mixing and matching can throw off the progression of lofts throughout the set.
Compare prices for new clubs versus what you will be paying for your used clubs. Sometimes you can get a new set for less than what the used set is selling for. You can also find some great discounts at golf stores, so don’t jump in too quickly to buy your used golf club.
You can’t really tell how well a set of used golf clubs will perform unless you are able to test drive them. Find a place to take a few test swings and see how they feel to you.
Buying a set of used golf clubs is a great way to save some money on one of the most expensive parts of the golf game. However, be careful and know what you are doing before you buy. It can make a world of difference!
Jobs in the Golf Industry
Jobs in the Golf Industry
There are many job possibilities for you to find in the golf industry. If you have a love of golf and want to work closely with the industry, it’s easy to find a job that involves golf every single day. For some people, working in the golf industry is a dream job. What kinds of positions are available?
* Club Pro – this golf job requires that you are a very good golfer with consistently high scores. Usually a golf pro job is held by someone who has been to golf teaching school and is a member of various professional organizations.
* Greenskeeper – some people this is the most important golf job at a golf course. A greenskeeper is responsible for taking care of the greens (obviously). This person must have a knowledge of chemicals and know how to apply them so that the greens are lush and – well – green. The greenskeeper is also responsible for mowing the greens and taking care of the fringe.
* Course manager – this job can be one of the most intense jobs at a golf club. This individual is responsible for directing and overseeing all operations of the golf course including management of personnel.
* Golf shop staff – the people with this job assists and registers customers for play. They oversee merchandise control, take money for greens fees, and often assist with running of tournaments.
* Starter - The starter maintains the starting times and tee sheet, and ensures that golfers get off the first tee in a prompt and orderly manner. This job is crucial in keeping the tee times on time. The starter also helps golfers find a game if they are by themselves. The starter is an important part of making sure customers will have a pleasant golfing experience.
* Equipment mechanic - Golf courses use many different types of hand tools, cutting devices and motorized vehicles. This mechanic’s job would be responsible for keeping everything in working order is crucial to the facility's smooth operation.
* Golf course maintenance - People most suited to work on the golf course maintenance team are those especially fond of nature and working with the land. This position usually reports early in the morning and is off work by 2:00 or 3:00 pm. This outside position could be responsible for cutting grass, irrigation, sodding, trimming, applying fertilizer and pesticides and much more.
Having a job where you work at a golf course is a great way to get out on the links as an insider at the golf club. When you pursue a job at a golf course, be sure you are qualified and then enjoy your new position!
There are many job possibilities for you to find in the golf industry. If you have a love of golf and want to work closely with the industry, it’s easy to find a job that involves golf every single day. For some people, working in the golf industry is a dream job. What kinds of positions are available?
* Club Pro – this golf job requires that you are a very good golfer with consistently high scores. Usually a golf pro job is held by someone who has been to golf teaching school and is a member of various professional organizations.
* Greenskeeper – some people this is the most important golf job at a golf course. A greenskeeper is responsible for taking care of the greens (obviously). This person must have a knowledge of chemicals and know how to apply them so that the greens are lush and – well – green. The greenskeeper is also responsible for mowing the greens and taking care of the fringe.
* Course manager – this job can be one of the most intense jobs at a golf club. This individual is responsible for directing and overseeing all operations of the golf course including management of personnel.
* Golf shop staff – the people with this job assists and registers customers for play. They oversee merchandise control, take money for greens fees, and often assist with running of tournaments.
* Starter - The starter maintains the starting times and tee sheet, and ensures that golfers get off the first tee in a prompt and orderly manner. This job is crucial in keeping the tee times on time. The starter also helps golfers find a game if they are by themselves. The starter is an important part of making sure customers will have a pleasant golfing experience.
* Equipment mechanic - Golf courses use many different types of hand tools, cutting devices and motorized vehicles. This mechanic’s job would be responsible for keeping everything in working order is crucial to the facility's smooth operation.
* Golf course maintenance - People most suited to work on the golf course maintenance team are those especially fond of nature and working with the land. This position usually reports early in the morning and is off work by 2:00 or 3:00 pm. This outside position could be responsible for cutting grass, irrigation, sodding, trimming, applying fertilizer and pesticides and much more.
Having a job where you work at a golf course is a great way to get out on the links as an insider at the golf club. When you pursue a job at a golf course, be sure you are qualified and then enjoy your new position!
Golf Statistics
Golf Statistics
Just as in other sports, golf statistics are easy to come by. But statistics can really tell a lot about the game of golf. They can predict the growing popularity of this great game and give golfers something to strive for as they attempt to meet or best the statistics set by the pros.
For example, there are 57 million people all over the world who call themselves golfers. In the last ten years, there have been 7,800 new golf courses open up all over the globe. The average male golfer can drive the golf ball 195 yards while the average drive by women is 145 yards. The record for longest drive is 415 yards.
Golf statistics are especially important for the professional golfer as well. They are ranked according to their showing in various tournaments and assigned points that determine who is the best golfer. These golf statistics are especially important in years when the Ryder Cup is played as their point totals determine who will play in this prestigious tournament.
There are also golf statistics that keep track of how much money a player has made which is another way of ranking their abilities. As of the writing of this article, Vijay Singh is the worldwide money leader with Tiger Woods following closely behind.
Because there are many, many golf leagues at golf clubs all over the world, keeping track of player statistics is essential in the running of these leagues. Often players will also want to keep track of their own statistics to track their progress. Luckily, there are a lot of software programs that can help with this. Many of them are even free for download on the Internet.
Here are a few programs we’ve found that seem to be pretty comprehensive for keeping track of golf statistics:
* Stat Doctor – keeps track of handicap, golf statistics, and overall game performance in an easy-to-use program. Available for download at www.golfstatdoctor.com
* Keep My Golf Score – this is an online golf statistic software program where you join for free and input your playing information. The program will then compute your golf statistics and keep track of your performance. www.keepmygolfscore.com
* Golf Tracker – their website states simply, “You golf. We keep score”. This is also an online golf statistics program that is free to use. You input your information and they will keep track of them. www.golftracker.com
Some people think that statistics are dry and boring – especially golf statistics, but if you are a golfer who is interested in improving your game, you will want to keep track of your golf statistics and then watch as your golf game improves!
Just as in other sports, golf statistics are easy to come by. But statistics can really tell a lot about the game of golf. They can predict the growing popularity of this great game and give golfers something to strive for as they attempt to meet or best the statistics set by the pros.
For example, there are 57 million people all over the world who call themselves golfers. In the last ten years, there have been 7,800 new golf courses open up all over the globe. The average male golfer can drive the golf ball 195 yards while the average drive by women is 145 yards. The record for longest drive is 415 yards.
Golf statistics are especially important for the professional golfer as well. They are ranked according to their showing in various tournaments and assigned points that determine who is the best golfer. These golf statistics are especially important in years when the Ryder Cup is played as their point totals determine who will play in this prestigious tournament.
There are also golf statistics that keep track of how much money a player has made which is another way of ranking their abilities. As of the writing of this article, Vijay Singh is the worldwide money leader with Tiger Woods following closely behind.
Because there are many, many golf leagues at golf clubs all over the world, keeping track of player statistics is essential in the running of these leagues. Often players will also want to keep track of their own statistics to track their progress. Luckily, there are a lot of software programs that can help with this. Many of them are even free for download on the Internet.
Here are a few programs we’ve found that seem to be pretty comprehensive for keeping track of golf statistics:
* Stat Doctor – keeps track of handicap, golf statistics, and overall game performance in an easy-to-use program. Available for download at www.golfstatdoctor.com
* Keep My Golf Score – this is an online golf statistic software program where you join for free and input your playing information. The program will then compute your golf statistics and keep track of your performance. www.keepmygolfscore.com
* Golf Tracker – their website states simply, “You golf. We keep score”. This is also an online golf statistics program that is free to use. You input your information and they will keep track of them. www.golftracker.com
Some people think that statistics are dry and boring – especially golf statistics, but if you are a golfer who is interested in improving your game, you will want to keep track of your golf statistics and then watch as your golf game improves!
Golf Tournaments
Golf Tournaments
Golf tournaments are great competitive events where you can both have fun as well as challenge your golf game along with others. There are hundreds and hundreds of golf tournaments held all over the world both for professionals as well as amateurs. Even local organizations have golf tournaments.
For male professionals, there are four major golf tournaments that are held each year. They are:
1. The Masters
2. The U.S. Open
3. The British Open
4. PGA Championship
Female professionals have their own four major golf tournament each year. They are:
1. Kraft Nabisco Championship (formerly the Dinah Shore Tournament)
2. LPGA Championship
3. U.S. Women’s Open
4. Women’s British Open
Of course, amateur golfers will have golf tournaments as well including the U.S. Amateur Championship for men and women as well as juniors. Amateur seniors and amateur professionals also have specific golf tournaments they participate in to gain experience and even notoriety.
Professional golf tournaments are almost all held the same way. There are two days of qualifying rounds after which the bottom players are cut. Then there are two more days of competition. Each round is 18 holes.
Open golf tournaments, such as the U.S. Open, are held to try and give amateurs the chance to break into the field of professional golf. Golfers participate in a series of smaller tournaments to qualify for the Open where they proceed to the big tournament where they compete against professionals. The last amateur to win a U.S. Open was back in 1933.
Amateurs also get the chance to play in the big golf tournaments. The Masters Golf tournament invites the winners of several prestigious events to participate in the big one. That includes the winner of the U.S. and British Amateur Championships.
Most local golf tournaments are held to raise money for specific organizations or for charities. Anyone can participate and they can be quite fun. Most of the local golf tournaments are one, maybe two, day events and consist of one 18 hole round. Prizes maybe awarded for skins, long drive, and long putt, to name a few. A lot of local golf tournaments are flighted – meaning that participants are separated into classes according to ability. Many are also scramble or best ball format.
When you are a regular participant in golf tournaments, you can see why the pros love them so much. Although you won’t be receiving the same big paycheck that they do, you can sure have a lot of fun!
Golf tournaments are great competitive events where you can both have fun as well as challenge your golf game along with others. There are hundreds and hundreds of golf tournaments held all over the world both for professionals as well as amateurs. Even local organizations have golf tournaments.
For male professionals, there are four major golf tournaments that are held each year. They are:
1. The Masters
2. The U.S. Open
3. The British Open
4. PGA Championship
Female professionals have their own four major golf tournament each year. They are:
1. Kraft Nabisco Championship (formerly the Dinah Shore Tournament)
2. LPGA Championship
3. U.S. Women’s Open
4. Women’s British Open
Of course, amateur golfers will have golf tournaments as well including the U.S. Amateur Championship for men and women as well as juniors. Amateur seniors and amateur professionals also have specific golf tournaments they participate in to gain experience and even notoriety.
Professional golf tournaments are almost all held the same way. There are two days of qualifying rounds after which the bottom players are cut. Then there are two more days of competition. Each round is 18 holes.
Open golf tournaments, such as the U.S. Open, are held to try and give amateurs the chance to break into the field of professional golf. Golfers participate in a series of smaller tournaments to qualify for the Open where they proceed to the big tournament where they compete against professionals. The last amateur to win a U.S. Open was back in 1933.
Amateurs also get the chance to play in the big golf tournaments. The Masters Golf tournament invites the winners of several prestigious events to participate in the big one. That includes the winner of the U.S. and British Amateur Championships.
Most local golf tournaments are held to raise money for specific organizations or for charities. Anyone can participate and they can be quite fun. Most of the local golf tournaments are one, maybe two, day events and consist of one 18 hole round. Prizes maybe awarded for skins, long drive, and long putt, to name a few. A lot of local golf tournaments are flighted – meaning that participants are separated into classes according to ability. Many are also scramble or best ball format.
When you are a regular participant in golf tournaments, you can see why the pros love them so much. Although you won’t be receiving the same big paycheck that they do, you can sure have a lot of fun!
Golf Clubs
Golf Clubs
Your golf clubs can really make a difference in how well you play the game of golf. New advancements in golf club technologies make lighter, bigger, and better golf clubs available to the experienced as well as inexperienced golfer. How do you know what to look for in golf clubs?
For the novice golfer, the basic set of golf clubs consists of drivers, wedges, putters and irons. Using the proper type of golf club will help the beginner learn quickly and achieve results. Each different type of club is designed to help with swing speed and to correct faults to improve your game – and your score.
You must take into consideration the style, size, and type of material used to make the golf club shaft. One of the less expensive materials is steel. Golf clubs with a steel shaft weigh more but can be longer-lasting than other types. The steel shaft may also give you more control over those fast swings. If you choose a graphite shaft, it will be lighter than steel but will be more costly. This type of club is used for long distance shots or for slower swingers. Most golf clubs are available with both steel and graphite shafts.
Keep in mind that graphite shafts will not only be lighter and easier to handle, they will also be more forgiving if you have a bad shot. They absorb vibration and allow for a much better feeling shot. Plus, you will pick up some distance because the speed of the swing will be greater due to the lighter materials.
The flexibility of a shaft is referred to as flex, or bend. The less the bend in a shaft, the more control the powerful swinger will have. On the other hand, beginners and those with less powerful swings generally use a shaft with greater flexibility. The average swing speed is from 65 miles per hour for the beginner up to over 100 miles per hour for powerful swingers.
When it comes to selecting a golf club driver, especially as a beginner, you will probably want one with a head made out of titanium. Titanium is stronger, denser, and lighter than steel so the club head can be made larger with the same amount of materials. The advantage to having a large head driver is there is a larger “sweet spot” giving you more area to hit the ball with. With this type of golf club head, the club will be much more forgiving if you miss hit the ball or have a bad shot.
The goal when buying golf clubs should be to own the best golf clubs you can afford, whether they are name brands, used, or a reproduction of one of the name brands.
Your golf clubs can really make a difference in how well you play the game of golf. New advancements in golf club technologies make lighter, bigger, and better golf clubs available to the experienced as well as inexperienced golfer. How do you know what to look for in golf clubs?
For the novice golfer, the basic set of golf clubs consists of drivers, wedges, putters and irons. Using the proper type of golf club will help the beginner learn quickly and achieve results. Each different type of club is designed to help with swing speed and to correct faults to improve your game – and your score.
You must take into consideration the style, size, and type of material used to make the golf club shaft. One of the less expensive materials is steel. Golf clubs with a steel shaft weigh more but can be longer-lasting than other types. The steel shaft may also give you more control over those fast swings. If you choose a graphite shaft, it will be lighter than steel but will be more costly. This type of club is used for long distance shots or for slower swingers. Most golf clubs are available with both steel and graphite shafts.
Keep in mind that graphite shafts will not only be lighter and easier to handle, they will also be more forgiving if you have a bad shot. They absorb vibration and allow for a much better feeling shot. Plus, you will pick up some distance because the speed of the swing will be greater due to the lighter materials.
The flexibility of a shaft is referred to as flex, or bend. The less the bend in a shaft, the more control the powerful swinger will have. On the other hand, beginners and those with less powerful swings generally use a shaft with greater flexibility. The average swing speed is from 65 miles per hour for the beginner up to over 100 miles per hour for powerful swingers.
When it comes to selecting a golf club driver, especially as a beginner, you will probably want one with a head made out of titanium. Titanium is stronger, denser, and lighter than steel so the club head can be made larger with the same amount of materials. The advantage to having a large head driver is there is a larger “sweet spot” giving you more area to hit the ball with. With this type of golf club head, the club will be much more forgiving if you miss hit the ball or have a bad shot.
The goal when buying golf clubs should be to own the best golf clubs you can afford, whether they are name brands, used, or a reproduction of one of the name brands.
Golf Instruction
Golf Instruction
There are many ways you can go about receiving instruction for your golf game. Many of use – even those who have been golfing for a long time – can benefit from some type of golf instruction. The good news is that there are all sorts of options you can pursue to get effective teaching on the golf game.
There are many different ways you can go about receiving golf instruction. Most golf clubs have club pros on staff who are more than happy to offer lessons for a fee. The advantage to instruction like this is that you get one on one advice as well as specific fixes to your swing tailored to how your body moves.
Golf seminars and schools are often found in many places around the country. Professional instructors often travel around the country holding week long golf schools on local courses. This type of golf instruction is also advantageous because you are utilizing the skills and knowledge of a golf professional.
A student’s success comes from having an instructor that that he or she can relate to, understand, and can ultimately see improvement in their own game. In some cases students enjoy instructors who are rigorous and demanding while others enjoy an instructor who is patient and pushes the student at a slower rate.
Find an instructor that you are comfortable with and who has the credentials and experience to effectively provide the golf instruction you need. Ask questions before you sign up. Where did the instructor get his or her training? What kind of scores does he or she make on a consistent basis? You will want someone who knows what he or she is talking about so you don’t get bad advice and training.
Believe it or not, you can find some great golf instruction online at various websites in articles published by professionals in the game. These articles address specific parts of the golf game, so if you are looking for a way to improve your stance or get more distance from your drive, you can certainly find it online!
If you want to get better at the game of golf, you can’t go wrong when you seek out golf instruction. There are a lot of people who have learned about the game both in seminars as well as through playing. Above all, the most important part of golf instruction is to get out on the course and test out what you’ve been told. Learning through doing might be the best instructor of all.
There are many ways you can go about receiving instruction for your golf game. Many of use – even those who have been golfing for a long time – can benefit from some type of golf instruction. The good news is that there are all sorts of options you can pursue to get effective teaching on the golf game.
There are many different ways you can go about receiving golf instruction. Most golf clubs have club pros on staff who are more than happy to offer lessons for a fee. The advantage to instruction like this is that you get one on one advice as well as specific fixes to your swing tailored to how your body moves.
Golf seminars and schools are often found in many places around the country. Professional instructors often travel around the country holding week long golf schools on local courses. This type of golf instruction is also advantageous because you are utilizing the skills and knowledge of a golf professional.
A student’s success comes from having an instructor that that he or she can relate to, understand, and can ultimately see improvement in their own game. In some cases students enjoy instructors who are rigorous and demanding while others enjoy an instructor who is patient and pushes the student at a slower rate.
Find an instructor that you are comfortable with and who has the credentials and experience to effectively provide the golf instruction you need. Ask questions before you sign up. Where did the instructor get his or her training? What kind of scores does he or she make on a consistent basis? You will want someone who knows what he or she is talking about so you don’t get bad advice and training.
Believe it or not, you can find some great golf instruction online at various websites in articles published by professionals in the game. These articles address specific parts of the golf game, so if you are looking for a way to improve your stance or get more distance from your drive, you can certainly find it online!
If you want to get better at the game of golf, you can’t go wrong when you seek out golf instruction. There are a lot of people who have learned about the game both in seminars as well as through playing. Above all, the most important part of golf instruction is to get out on the course and test out what you’ve been told. Learning through doing might be the best instructor of all.
Golf Grip
Golf Grip
A good golf grip is essential to playing a good game of golf. If you are gripping the club incorrectly or too hard, you will end up with shots that go places you don’t want them to go. There is no one exact science to the golf grip, but there are three basic golf grips that golfers use today:
* The overlapping grip is the most common golf grip used. It is used mostly by male golfers and those with strong wrists and forearms. The little finger of the right hand lies on top of or overlaps the index finger on the left hand.
* The baseball grip is most commonly used by younger golfers, females, seniors, and those with weaker wrists and arms. The index finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand meet but do not overlap or interlock.
* An interlocking grip will be used by golfers with shorter hands and fingers, those with thicker or chunkier palms, and golfers who have difficulty with the overlapping grip. The index finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand overlap each other and interlock.
Here is the basic way to grip a golf club no matter which grip you use. Start by holding the club directly in front of you with your right hand with the club head pointing away from you at about a 45 degree angle.
Next grip the club with your left hand. The club will be mainly in the palm across the pads at the base of the fingers. However, the club will lie across the first section of the index finger. The thumb will be positioned straight on top of the golf club shaft. Relative to the golf club, the thumb will be in the twelve o’clock position.
Now, with your right hand, grip the golf club just above your left hand with the fingers, not the palm, of your right hand. The thumb will be positioned slightly off to the left. Relative to the golf club, the thumb will be in an eleven o’clock position.
If you have gripped the golf club correctly, only the first two knuckles of your left hand will be visible. Also, your left thumb should be completely hidden under your right hand. The index finger position of your right hand will look and feel like a gun trigger finger.
If your golf grip pressure is right, the club could almost be pulled out of your hands, but not quite. A correct golf grip will make you feel as if you are holding the club mostly in the palm and last three fingers of your left hand. Regardless, both hands should hold the club with equal pressure. A correct golf grip doesn’t guarantee a successful golf swing; however, a defective golf grip will almost always result in a failed golf swing.
A good golf grip is essential to playing a good game of golf. If you are gripping the club incorrectly or too hard, you will end up with shots that go places you don’t want them to go. There is no one exact science to the golf grip, but there are three basic golf grips that golfers use today:
* The overlapping grip is the most common golf grip used. It is used mostly by male golfers and those with strong wrists and forearms. The little finger of the right hand lies on top of or overlaps the index finger on the left hand.
* The baseball grip is most commonly used by younger golfers, females, seniors, and those with weaker wrists and arms. The index finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand meet but do not overlap or interlock.
* An interlocking grip will be used by golfers with shorter hands and fingers, those with thicker or chunkier palms, and golfers who have difficulty with the overlapping grip. The index finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand overlap each other and interlock.
Here is the basic way to grip a golf club no matter which grip you use. Start by holding the club directly in front of you with your right hand with the club head pointing away from you at about a 45 degree angle.
Next grip the club with your left hand. The club will be mainly in the palm across the pads at the base of the fingers. However, the club will lie across the first section of the index finger. The thumb will be positioned straight on top of the golf club shaft. Relative to the golf club, the thumb will be in the twelve o’clock position.
Now, with your right hand, grip the golf club just above your left hand with the fingers, not the palm, of your right hand. The thumb will be positioned slightly off to the left. Relative to the golf club, the thumb will be in an eleven o’clock position.
If you have gripped the golf club correctly, only the first two knuckles of your left hand will be visible. Also, your left thumb should be completely hidden under your right hand. The index finger position of your right hand will look and feel like a gun trigger finger.
If your golf grip pressure is right, the club could almost be pulled out of your hands, but not quite. A correct golf grip will make you feel as if you are holding the club mostly in the palm and last three fingers of your left hand. Regardless, both hands should hold the club with equal pressure. A correct golf grip doesn’t guarantee a successful golf swing; however, a defective golf grip will almost always result in a failed golf swing.
Skins Game
Skins Game
In golf, a skins game has players competing for prize money on each individual hole. There is an annual skins game for male professional golfers that takes place near the end of the year after the end of the official PGA Tour season. It is recognized by the PGA Tour, but it does not count towards the official money list. It is currently played at La Quinta Golf Course in La Quinta, California.
The Skins Game differs from most PGA tour golf tournaments for several reasons. First, only four golfers are invited to the tournament and the golfers play to win individual holes or “skins” in a match play format.
Each hole is assigned a different monetary value and the golfer who has the lowest score on the hole wins the money for that hole. In the event that two or more golfers tie (which is called “halving) on a hole, the skin money carries over to the next hole. If two or more golfers would happen to halve the final hole, a playoff begins until one golfer wins the hole outright.
The Skins Game has a long tradition for being highly competitive, but also very fun both to play and to watch. In 2001, the player winning a hole outright had to tie or win the next hole to collect his skins from the previous hole. This was very tough to do. Greg Norman was the only golfer that could back up his win on the previous hole. He won the 17th and tied for low on the 18th to collect $800,000 which was the largest skin ever collected for one hole. He would go on to win $200,000 in a playoff to win the entire $1 million dollar prize money.
In the 2004 Skins Game, the first six holes were worth $25,000 a piece. Holes 7 through 12 were worth $50,000 each. 13 through 17 were valued at $70,000 a pop, and the 18th hole – known as the Super Skin – carried a value of $200,000.
Fred Couples is given the nickname of “Mr. Skins” because of his dominance in the Skins Game. He has won $3,515,000 and 77 skins in 11 appearances. He has won five of the Skins Games overall.
You can conduct your own skins game when playing golf. Of course, your holes won’t be valued quite as high as the pros are, but you can sure have a blast as you compete to see who can become your own club’s “Mr” or “Ms” Skins.
In golf, a skins game has players competing for prize money on each individual hole. There is an annual skins game for male professional golfers that takes place near the end of the year after the end of the official PGA Tour season. It is recognized by the PGA Tour, but it does not count towards the official money list. It is currently played at La Quinta Golf Course in La Quinta, California.
The Skins Game differs from most PGA tour golf tournaments for several reasons. First, only four golfers are invited to the tournament and the golfers play to win individual holes or “skins” in a match play format.
Each hole is assigned a different monetary value and the golfer who has the lowest score on the hole wins the money for that hole. In the event that two or more golfers tie (which is called “halving) on a hole, the skin money carries over to the next hole. If two or more golfers would happen to halve the final hole, a playoff begins until one golfer wins the hole outright.
The Skins Game has a long tradition for being highly competitive, but also very fun both to play and to watch. In 2001, the player winning a hole outright had to tie or win the next hole to collect his skins from the previous hole. This was very tough to do. Greg Norman was the only golfer that could back up his win on the previous hole. He won the 17th and tied for low on the 18th to collect $800,000 which was the largest skin ever collected for one hole. He would go on to win $200,000 in a playoff to win the entire $1 million dollar prize money.
In the 2004 Skins Game, the first six holes were worth $25,000 a piece. Holes 7 through 12 were worth $50,000 each. 13 through 17 were valued at $70,000 a pop, and the 18th hole – known as the Super Skin – carried a value of $200,000.
Fred Couples is given the nickname of “Mr. Skins” because of his dominance in the Skins Game. He has won $3,515,000 and 77 skins in 11 appearances. He has won five of the Skins Games overall.
You can conduct your own skins game when playing golf. Of course, your holes won’t be valued quite as high as the pros are, but you can sure have a blast as you compete to see who can become your own club’s “Mr” or “Ms” Skins.
PowaKaddy
PowaKaddy
The PowaKaddy Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of powered golf carts. All carts made by PowaKaddy are designed by golfers for golfers. That means you are getting a cart that will meet your needs because the advice from avid golfers goes into the design of every single cart. It’s best to have a product designed by people who use that product. PowaKaddy knows this all too well.
PowaKaddy golf carts are pull carts on which you put your club so you can easily walk your round of golf. Most are run by small batteries that are on the cart. Here are some of their products along with a brief description of each:
* Freeway Titanium Compact and All-Terrain – These carts break down for easy transportation. In just two simple clicks, it opens and closes making these carts very easy to use. PowaKaddy has made these carts from an AMST alloy chassis which makes them light and strong. These are their best selling power carts. The compact version is easily transportable, and the all-terrain version is designed for rugged, hilly courses.
* Freeway Titanium Sport – This cart is similar to the Compact, but PowaKaddy has added some touches of refinement. The chassis is also made with AMST alloy steel, but it also has low profile sport wheels and a nearly noiseless engine. It also has an Electronic Distance Function which will automatically drive your cart forward.
* Robokaddy – This cart is touted as the neatest, lightest powered cart that obeys your every command by remote control. You direct operations via a small pocket sized transmitter. The motors are very quiet and it easily folds up for convenient transportation and storage.
* Classic Legend – This new cart combines all the best features of the Classic with the PowaKaddy Freeway. It has a removable handle, and is made with AMST steel just like the other PowaKaddy carts.
PowaKaddy also sells state-of-the-art regular pull carts for golfers who don’t mind providing their own power to transport their clubs. Their extensive line of golf bags fit perfectly on any of their carts as well as any other pull cart. PowaKaddy provides a large line of golf accessories as well for golfers to choose from.
This amazing company has great products for the avid golfer. If you’ve never considered the possibility of a motorized pull cart, go to the PowaKaddy website and find out everything you need to know about these exciting new innovations! Find them at www.powakaddyusa.com.
The PowaKaddy Company is the world’s leading manufacturer of powered golf carts. All carts made by PowaKaddy are designed by golfers for golfers. That means you are getting a cart that will meet your needs because the advice from avid golfers goes into the design of every single cart. It’s best to have a product designed by people who use that product. PowaKaddy knows this all too well.
PowaKaddy golf carts are pull carts on which you put your club so you can easily walk your round of golf. Most are run by small batteries that are on the cart. Here are some of their products along with a brief description of each:
* Freeway Titanium Compact and All-Terrain – These carts break down for easy transportation. In just two simple clicks, it opens and closes making these carts very easy to use. PowaKaddy has made these carts from an AMST alloy chassis which makes them light and strong. These are their best selling power carts. The compact version is easily transportable, and the all-terrain version is designed for rugged, hilly courses.
* Freeway Titanium Sport – This cart is similar to the Compact, but PowaKaddy has added some touches of refinement. The chassis is also made with AMST alloy steel, but it also has low profile sport wheels and a nearly noiseless engine. It also has an Electronic Distance Function which will automatically drive your cart forward.
* Robokaddy – This cart is touted as the neatest, lightest powered cart that obeys your every command by remote control. You direct operations via a small pocket sized transmitter. The motors are very quiet and it easily folds up for convenient transportation and storage.
* Classic Legend – This new cart combines all the best features of the Classic with the PowaKaddy Freeway. It has a removable handle, and is made with AMST steel just like the other PowaKaddy carts.
PowaKaddy also sells state-of-the-art regular pull carts for golfers who don’t mind providing their own power to transport their clubs. Their extensive line of golf bags fit perfectly on any of their carts as well as any other pull cart. PowaKaddy provides a large line of golf accessories as well for golfers to choose from.
This amazing company has great products for the avid golfer. If you’ve never considered the possibility of a motorized pull cart, go to the PowaKaddy website and find out everything you need to know about these exciting new innovations! Find them at www.powakaddyusa.com.
Professional Golf
Professional Golf
As with any other sport golf also does have a professional level. The difference between playing professional golf and amateur golf, however, can be a very fine line. There are a lot of amateur golfers that can score at the professional level, however, they are unable to do it consistently and often miss out on the tournaments that can qualify them to get on the tour.
Nonetheless, it is a dream of many golfers to play professional golf one day and make a living doing something that they truly, truly love. Your office is the course, and your co-workers are people who love the game just as much as you do. You share common interests at the professional level of golf and it can be a very satisfying career. But isn’t that obvious?
Qualifying to play professional golf is another story altogether. The field is very competitive and it can be extremely difficult to break through. Some people try their whole lives to qualify and always come up short. It takes a lot of practice, a lot of dedication, and an ability to take a lot of disappointment to play professional golf, so know what you’re in for!
To get started playing professional golf, you will first have to qualify for “Q School” or Qualifying School. Q Schools are annual qualifying tournament for leading golf tours like the PGA and the LPGA. In Q School, a fixed number of players win membership to the tour for the following season. In professional golf, this is referred to as your “tour card”. You will then be able to play in most of the tour’s events without having to qualify.
Getting through the Q school is very competitive and most professional golfers never achieve it. There can be up to four stages to negotiate each of them like a regular golf tournament with only a small number of players going on to the next state. The final qualifying school may be played over up to six rounds compared with the standard four rounds in a professional golf tournament. However, players who are successful at Q school can reach the elite level of competition very quickly.
You can also qualify to play professional golf in other ways. Finishing near the top of the money list on the tour’s developmental tour, winning a tournament on the tour after qualifying or as a sponsor’s invitee, or winning enough money on multiple events on the tour to meet whatever criteria the tour may lay down for promotion to full membership. This last one was how Tiger Woods gained his first tour card.
Playing professional golf is not an easy career to pursue, but it is a great way to make a living! Persistence, patience, and a great game of golf can all get you on your way to playing professional golf, but be realistic and know that it will take time.
As with any other sport golf also does have a professional level. The difference between playing professional golf and amateur golf, however, can be a very fine line. There are a lot of amateur golfers that can score at the professional level, however, they are unable to do it consistently and often miss out on the tournaments that can qualify them to get on the tour.
Nonetheless, it is a dream of many golfers to play professional golf one day and make a living doing something that they truly, truly love. Your office is the course, and your co-workers are people who love the game just as much as you do. You share common interests at the professional level of golf and it can be a very satisfying career. But isn’t that obvious?
Qualifying to play professional golf is another story altogether. The field is very competitive and it can be extremely difficult to break through. Some people try their whole lives to qualify and always come up short. It takes a lot of practice, a lot of dedication, and an ability to take a lot of disappointment to play professional golf, so know what you’re in for!
To get started playing professional golf, you will first have to qualify for “Q School” or Qualifying School. Q Schools are annual qualifying tournament for leading golf tours like the PGA and the LPGA. In Q School, a fixed number of players win membership to the tour for the following season. In professional golf, this is referred to as your “tour card”. You will then be able to play in most of the tour’s events without having to qualify.
Getting through the Q school is very competitive and most professional golfers never achieve it. There can be up to four stages to negotiate each of them like a regular golf tournament with only a small number of players going on to the next state. The final qualifying school may be played over up to six rounds compared with the standard four rounds in a professional golf tournament. However, players who are successful at Q school can reach the elite level of competition very quickly.
You can also qualify to play professional golf in other ways. Finishing near the top of the money list on the tour’s developmental tour, winning a tournament on the tour after qualifying or as a sponsor’s invitee, or winning enough money on multiple events on the tour to meet whatever criteria the tour may lay down for promotion to full membership. This last one was how Tiger Woods gained his first tour card.
Playing professional golf is not an easy career to pursue, but it is a great way to make a living! Persistence, patience, and a great game of golf can all get you on your way to playing professional golf, but be realistic and know that it will take time.
Golf Weather
Golf Weather
Weather certainly plays a huge role in a good golf game. Obviously, if it is raining, you aren’t going to be able to golf as easily as if the sun was shining. While summer golf provides great weather conditions, you also won’t want to be on the course when it’s 110 degrees in the shade (which makes it hotter on the fairway!)
Monitoring the weather is something avid golfers do faithfully. Ideal golf weather is about 70 degrees with clear skies and a soft breeze. Sometimes you’ll get this kind of golf weather and enjoy it when you do. But you can golf in other weather as well.
I know one golfer who is so obsessed with the game; he played on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Of course, it was unseasonably warm that winter, but it was still cold enough to keep normal people off the links. Most people won’t go to that extreme, but there are many who do, believe it or not!
What do you need to know about playing golf in certain weather conditions? The answer is more than you know! Different weather conditions should be approached differently when it comes to your golf game.
If you are playing golf in cold weather, you need to remember to take extra time to warm up and stretch. You are more prone to injury in cold weather, so take the time to stretch out. Wear layers of clothing with cold weather golf. You will also want to keep your head and hands covered as those are the two places where we lose our heat the quickest.
In extremely hot weather, your approach to the golf game should also be tended to. Most golf clubs have dress codes that you will have to adhere to and tank tops are usually not on that list. Wear clothing that is made of lightweight, breathable fabric. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect your eyes. Have plenty of water on hand and take time to rest in the shade of a tree.
Under no circumstances should you play golf in weather where it is thundering and lightning. More people are struck by lightning on the golf course than in any other place. It’s alright to play in a light rain – although it probably won’t be much fun – but if you heard the thunder roll or see light in the sky, vacate the course immediately.
While the weather can have an affect on your golf game, you can still play when you want to as long as you take proper precautions.
Weather certainly plays a huge role in a good golf game. Obviously, if it is raining, you aren’t going to be able to golf as easily as if the sun was shining. While summer golf provides great weather conditions, you also won’t want to be on the course when it’s 110 degrees in the shade (which makes it hotter on the fairway!)
Monitoring the weather is something avid golfers do faithfully. Ideal golf weather is about 70 degrees with clear skies and a soft breeze. Sometimes you’ll get this kind of golf weather and enjoy it when you do. But you can golf in other weather as well.
I know one golfer who is so obsessed with the game; he played on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Of course, it was unseasonably warm that winter, but it was still cold enough to keep normal people off the links. Most people won’t go to that extreme, but there are many who do, believe it or not!
What do you need to know about playing golf in certain weather conditions? The answer is more than you know! Different weather conditions should be approached differently when it comes to your golf game.
If you are playing golf in cold weather, you need to remember to take extra time to warm up and stretch. You are more prone to injury in cold weather, so take the time to stretch out. Wear layers of clothing with cold weather golf. You will also want to keep your head and hands covered as those are the two places where we lose our heat the quickest.
In extremely hot weather, your approach to the golf game should also be tended to. Most golf clubs have dress codes that you will have to adhere to and tank tops are usually not on that list. Wear clothing that is made of lightweight, breathable fabric. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect your eyes. Have plenty of water on hand and take time to rest in the shade of a tree.
Under no circumstances should you play golf in weather where it is thundering and lightning. More people are struck by lightning on the golf course than in any other place. It’s alright to play in a light rain – although it probably won’t be much fun – but if you heard the thunder roll or see light in the sky, vacate the course immediately.
While the weather can have an affect on your golf game, you can still play when you want to as long as you take proper precautions.
Golfers
Golfers
We are a unique breed of person; we are obsessive; we are passionate; we are golfers. Golfers are different than other sportspeople because we often take the sport way more seriously than we really should. But golfers don’t care. Golfers love the game of golf and we won’t apologize for it.
Golfers constantly monitor the weather and if the temperature is over 50 degrees, we wonder what shape the course is in. We have The Weather Channel website as number one on our favorites list and check it daily. The ten day forecast is our friend as we plan out our golfing days based on the weather.
We wear the label of golfers with pride and it is reflected in our clothing, our vehicles, and the items we use to decorate our desks. Golfers want the world to know that they love golf and they are not ashamed to admit it and put it out there for everyone to see.
The Golf Channel is a necessary part of television for all golfers. If our cable package doesn’t contain The Golf Channel, we switch cable carriers. If they charge for The Golf Channel, we gladly shell out whatever price they ask with no questions.
On Saturdays and Sundays during golf season, golfers are watching whatever tournament is on television that week. That is, after we’ve already played a round or two. We know that the Masters is one of the most important PGA Tour events, but we also know that it’s just as much fun to watch the Pebble Beach Celebrity Pro-Am as well.
Golfers always know what the new driver is that has been released by Callaway and we often have heated conversations about whether to use a balata ball or a noodle. Golfers always have golf tees in their pockets and we don’t often take them out before the clothes are washed thus wreaking havoc with our washers and dryers.
Golfers know how Freddie Couples swings through on his chip shot. We know that Jim Furyk has a great back swing and that John Daly can drive the ball 400 yards pretty consistently. Golfers can tell you what year Arnold Palmer won his first major and how old Tiger was when he turned pro.
Yes, golfers are a specific breed with their own quirks and personalities. But golfers are proud of who they are and will never apologize for their obsession with golf. Golfers know that golf is a way of life – not just something you do.
We are a unique breed of person; we are obsessive; we are passionate; we are golfers. Golfers are different than other sportspeople because we often take the sport way more seriously than we really should. But golfers don’t care. Golfers love the game of golf and we won’t apologize for it.
Golfers constantly monitor the weather and if the temperature is over 50 degrees, we wonder what shape the course is in. We have The Weather Channel website as number one on our favorites list and check it daily. The ten day forecast is our friend as we plan out our golfing days based on the weather.
We wear the label of golfers with pride and it is reflected in our clothing, our vehicles, and the items we use to decorate our desks. Golfers want the world to know that they love golf and they are not ashamed to admit it and put it out there for everyone to see.
The Golf Channel is a necessary part of television for all golfers. If our cable package doesn’t contain The Golf Channel, we switch cable carriers. If they charge for The Golf Channel, we gladly shell out whatever price they ask with no questions.
On Saturdays and Sundays during golf season, golfers are watching whatever tournament is on television that week. That is, after we’ve already played a round or two. We know that the Masters is one of the most important PGA Tour events, but we also know that it’s just as much fun to watch the Pebble Beach Celebrity Pro-Am as well.
Golfers always know what the new driver is that has been released by Callaway and we often have heated conversations about whether to use a balata ball or a noodle. Golfers always have golf tees in their pockets and we don’t often take them out before the clothes are washed thus wreaking havoc with our washers and dryers.
Golfers know how Freddie Couples swings through on his chip shot. We know that Jim Furyk has a great back swing and that John Daly can drive the ball 400 yards pretty consistently. Golfers can tell you what year Arnold Palmer won his first major and how old Tiger was when he turned pro.
Yes, golfers are a specific breed with their own quirks and personalities. But golfers are proud of who they are and will never apologize for their obsession with golf. Golfers know that golf is a way of life – not just something you do.
Golf School
Golf School
So you’ve decided to take up golf and think that you may want to attend a golf school to learn about the game and the mechanics of the game. There are many, many golf schools to choose from that you may find yourself overwhelmed and unsure which way to turn. How do you find the best golf school for your needs?
First, consider the cost. Obviously, you won’t want to “break the bank” on a golf school that you can’t afford. See what they charge and compare that cost to what they offer as well as what’s included in the price. The more perks included in the package, the more valuable the golf school will be for you.
You may want to find a golf school that caters to your specific situation. They do have specific schools that teach only women, only seniors, or only youth. These types of golf schools are located all over the country and can be great if you want someone to specifically address the problems or limitations that your situation might include.
What type of credentials does a particular golf school have? Are they sanctioned by one of the major golf associations? How are their instructors taught? A good golf school doesn’t have to be run by a famous golfer, but it should have instructors who have taken accredited courses on the effective teaching strategies that they need to know.
Class size, practice time, and techniques taught should also be considerations when you choose a golf school. If you will be put into a class of a hundred students, you won’t get as much one on one time with the instructor as if you were put in a class of 5.
Golf schools are often affiliated with country clubs and run through them. Some are resort based where students stay at the resort in a vacation setting and receive daily lessons. Some instructors will travel the country making stops at various country clubs where they will conduct week long schools for instruction.
There are many places you can go to when you are looking for a golf school. Many golf publications will feature golf schools prominently in their advertisements and they generally list the itineraries of the traveling instructors. Your local golf club will probably have information about golf schools in the area and even out of the area. Of course, you can also utilize the Internet when you are looking for a golf school. There are all sorts of websites that can guide you toward a golf school that will fit your needs and get you well on the way to a great golf game.
So you’ve decided to take up golf and think that you may want to attend a golf school to learn about the game and the mechanics of the game. There are many, many golf schools to choose from that you may find yourself overwhelmed and unsure which way to turn. How do you find the best golf school for your needs?
First, consider the cost. Obviously, you won’t want to “break the bank” on a golf school that you can’t afford. See what they charge and compare that cost to what they offer as well as what’s included in the price. The more perks included in the package, the more valuable the golf school will be for you.
You may want to find a golf school that caters to your specific situation. They do have specific schools that teach only women, only seniors, or only youth. These types of golf schools are located all over the country and can be great if you want someone to specifically address the problems or limitations that your situation might include.
What type of credentials does a particular golf school have? Are they sanctioned by one of the major golf associations? How are their instructors taught? A good golf school doesn’t have to be run by a famous golfer, but it should have instructors who have taken accredited courses on the effective teaching strategies that they need to know.
Class size, practice time, and techniques taught should also be considerations when you choose a golf school. If you will be put into a class of a hundred students, you won’t get as much one on one time with the instructor as if you were put in a class of 5.
Golf schools are often affiliated with country clubs and run through them. Some are resort based where students stay at the resort in a vacation setting and receive daily lessons. Some instructors will travel the country making stops at various country clubs where they will conduct week long schools for instruction.
There are many places you can go to when you are looking for a golf school. Many golf publications will feature golf schools prominently in their advertisements and they generally list the itineraries of the traveling instructors. Your local golf club will probably have information about golf schools in the area and even out of the area. Of course, you can also utilize the Internet when you are looking for a golf school. There are all sorts of websites that can guide you toward a golf school that will fit your needs and get you well on the way to a great golf game.
Golf Training Aids
Golf Training Aids
There are literally hundreds and hundreds of different golf training aids on the market these days. Golfers will spend hundreds of dollars on the latest golf gadgets in hopes for a better golf game. Do these golf training aids work the way they are advertised? Perhaps.
There are more golf swing training aids now than ever before. They are rampant and golfers chomp at the bit when a new one comes out. The only problem is are they effective at curing your swing fault. Here are a couple of golf swing training aids:
* The Medicus Golf Club is a swing trainer that is specific to many swing faults and can give you immediate feedback. It has been around for a very long time and has been endorsed by Davis Love III for many years.
* Golf swing plane training aids can specifically help you get a feel for the proper swing plane for your body size. These also have stood the test of time and are used on many driving ranges as a teaching tool.
Putting is no doubt one of the most important parts of the golf game. That’s why another essential golf training aid that will benefit your golf game is some type of putting trainer. There certainly many to choose from, but pick one that specifically addresses your putting flaws.
* A putting track is a great golf training aid. This contraption helps keep your putter in a straight motion and really can improve your putting skills by giving stability to your putting stroke.
* Many people have seen golf putting mats, and they can be good training aids for your putting game. These are just mats – usually made of astro turf with holes or cups at the end that simulate a putting green. The golf putting mat is a great way to work on your putting game in the cold months when you can’t get on the course!
Finally, you may want to use a golf training aid to improve your golf swing speed. There are also many of these out on the market, but keep in mind that swing speed isn’t everything. A good, effective golf stroke is smooth and calculated and doesn’t necessarily depend wholly on the speed of your stroke so much as your form and strength.
There are many, many golf training aids available to help what’s ailing in your golf game. Some of them really do help, but others prove ultimately to be a waste of money as well as time when using them. Do some research on golf training aids and choose wisely. Then, hopefully, watch your golf game improve!
There are literally hundreds and hundreds of different golf training aids on the market these days. Golfers will spend hundreds of dollars on the latest golf gadgets in hopes for a better golf game. Do these golf training aids work the way they are advertised? Perhaps.
There are more golf swing training aids now than ever before. They are rampant and golfers chomp at the bit when a new one comes out. The only problem is are they effective at curing your swing fault. Here are a couple of golf swing training aids:
* The Medicus Golf Club is a swing trainer that is specific to many swing faults and can give you immediate feedback. It has been around for a very long time and has been endorsed by Davis Love III for many years.
* Golf swing plane training aids can specifically help you get a feel for the proper swing plane for your body size. These also have stood the test of time and are used on many driving ranges as a teaching tool.
Putting is no doubt one of the most important parts of the golf game. That’s why another essential golf training aid that will benefit your golf game is some type of putting trainer. There certainly many to choose from, but pick one that specifically addresses your putting flaws.
* A putting track is a great golf training aid. This contraption helps keep your putter in a straight motion and really can improve your putting skills by giving stability to your putting stroke.
* Many people have seen golf putting mats, and they can be good training aids for your putting game. These are just mats – usually made of astro turf with holes or cups at the end that simulate a putting green. The golf putting mat is a great way to work on your putting game in the cold months when you can’t get on the course!
Finally, you may want to use a golf training aid to improve your golf swing speed. There are also many of these out on the market, but keep in mind that swing speed isn’t everything. A good, effective golf stroke is smooth and calculated and doesn’t necessarily depend wholly on the speed of your stroke so much as your form and strength.
There are many, many golf training aids available to help what’s ailing in your golf game. Some of them really do help, but others prove ultimately to be a waste of money as well as time when using them. Do some research on golf training aids and choose wisely. Then, hopefully, watch your golf game improve!
Golf Swing
Golf Swing
The golf swing is probably one of the most frustrating parts of the game of golf. People are constantly modifying their swing to get more distance or to correct problems like a slice or a hook. Really, though, the golf swing is just a matter of mechanics and putting body motions together in the right way to be consistent. But experienced golfers know this is easier said than done. What are the basics of a good golf swing?
* Your stance should be about shoulder width apart and your feet should be pointing slightly out – but not too much!
* Let your arms hang naturally down from your body and place the club behind the ball. If your shoulders hunch or you have tension in your arms, you are probably too close to the ball. Stand back a little bit.
* Place about 70 percent of your body weight on your back leg.
* Straighten your spine and have a bit of bend in your knees.
* Keep your eye on the ball during your entire swing
* Grip the club as if you are holding a small, delicate bird. You want to keep the bird in your hands, but you don’t want to crush it either. That’s how you should hold your club.
* A good golf swing will be a fluid, easy motion with your shoulders turning slightly in the backswing and your follow-through complete.
* Make sure you keep your feet planted and slow down in your backswing. Most problems with a golf swing are cause by swinging too quickly in the back swing and then not accelerating through the ball.
* You will want to hit the ball in the “sweet spot” or the center of the club. Hitting it anyplace else will cause your ball to travel in directions that you really don’t want it to go in.
* Then grip it and rip it!
It might help for you to take a lesson or two on the golf swing or even watch the way the pros do it on television. There are numerous articles that exist on the Internet that can help you with your golf swing, so always look for information and take as much advice as you can get.
Learning to swing a golf club takes years of practice as any avid golfer will tell you. There are “a hundred” things to know and they all have to be working in exactly the right ways at exactly the right time to a have a good, consistent golf swing. Sometimes this just doesn’t happen, but when it does, it certainly is a great feeling!
The golf swing is probably one of the most frustrating parts of the game of golf. People are constantly modifying their swing to get more distance or to correct problems like a slice or a hook. Really, though, the golf swing is just a matter of mechanics and putting body motions together in the right way to be consistent. But experienced golfers know this is easier said than done. What are the basics of a good golf swing?
* Your stance should be about shoulder width apart and your feet should be pointing slightly out – but not too much!
* Let your arms hang naturally down from your body and place the club behind the ball. If your shoulders hunch or you have tension in your arms, you are probably too close to the ball. Stand back a little bit.
* Place about 70 percent of your body weight on your back leg.
* Straighten your spine and have a bit of bend in your knees.
* Keep your eye on the ball during your entire swing
* Grip the club as if you are holding a small, delicate bird. You want to keep the bird in your hands, but you don’t want to crush it either. That’s how you should hold your club.
* A good golf swing will be a fluid, easy motion with your shoulders turning slightly in the backswing and your follow-through complete.
* Make sure you keep your feet planted and slow down in your backswing. Most problems with a golf swing are cause by swinging too quickly in the back swing and then not accelerating through the ball.
* You will want to hit the ball in the “sweet spot” or the center of the club. Hitting it anyplace else will cause your ball to travel in directions that you really don’t want it to go in.
* Then grip it and rip it!
It might help for you to take a lesson or two on the golf swing or even watch the way the pros do it on television. There are numerous articles that exist on the Internet that can help you with your golf swing, so always look for information and take as much advice as you can get.
Learning to swing a golf club takes years of practice as any avid golfer will tell you. There are “a hundred” things to know and they all have to be working in exactly the right ways at exactly the right time to a have a good, consistent golf swing. Sometimes this just doesn’t happen, but when it does, it certainly is a great feeling!
Golf Shoes
Golf Shoes
Many golfers don’t give much thought to their golf shoes. After all, they’re just footwear, right? No, that’s wrong. Actually, your golf shoes can make the difference between a good golf swing and a great golf swing. You will also want to pick a golf shoe that is healthy for you and your feet. I bet you’ve never really thought about how to pick a healthy golf shoe. Neither have I – until now.
First and foremost, take your time when shopping for golf shoes. Put them on and walk around in them to make sure they feel good on your feet and that you can move about without any restraints or discomfort.
Feet do expand, so when you go to shop for your golf shoes, do so after walking for about 20 minutes or so. It’s for this reason specifically that it’s better to shop for golf shoes – or any shoes for that matter – in the afternoon rather than in the morning.
When you shop for your golf shoes, you should wear the style of socks that you would normally wear on the golf course. This way, you will know you will be comfortable on the golf course while wearing your golf shoes and not have to worry about discomfort during your backswing.
There are all types of golf shoes available these days. No longer are you restricted to oxford-style. Manufacturers are now making golf sandals, golf boots, and even golf shoes that really resemble tennis shoes. The cleats on these types of shoes can be quite different so be sure that when you buy a golf shoe, it’s going to give you the results that you are looking for.
Depending on your budget, you will be able to find golf shoes in all sorts of different price ranges. The general rule of thumb is that you should buy the best pair of golf shoes that you can possibly afford. If you go for the cheapest pair, you will probably have to replace them within a short period of time. However, if you can afford the extra twenty dollars, go ahead and upgrade just a bit and have them last just a bit longer.
Golf shoes may not be first and foremost on your mind when you are thinking about what you need to be a good golfer, but the right pair of golf shoes can really make a difference in your golf game. You want to be comfortable, you want to have stability, but most of all, you want to look good – now don’t you? Seriously, though, find a good pair of golf shoes and then put them to use on the links. Then see how much they make a difference when you are swinging your club on the first tee!
Many golfers don’t give much thought to their golf shoes. After all, they’re just footwear, right? No, that’s wrong. Actually, your golf shoes can make the difference between a good golf swing and a great golf swing. You will also want to pick a golf shoe that is healthy for you and your feet. I bet you’ve never really thought about how to pick a healthy golf shoe. Neither have I – until now.
First and foremost, take your time when shopping for golf shoes. Put them on and walk around in them to make sure they feel good on your feet and that you can move about without any restraints or discomfort.
Feet do expand, so when you go to shop for your golf shoes, do so after walking for about 20 minutes or so. It’s for this reason specifically that it’s better to shop for golf shoes – or any shoes for that matter – in the afternoon rather than in the morning.
When you shop for your golf shoes, you should wear the style of socks that you would normally wear on the golf course. This way, you will know you will be comfortable on the golf course while wearing your golf shoes and not have to worry about discomfort during your backswing.
There are all types of golf shoes available these days. No longer are you restricted to oxford-style. Manufacturers are now making golf sandals, golf boots, and even golf shoes that really resemble tennis shoes. The cleats on these types of shoes can be quite different so be sure that when you buy a golf shoe, it’s going to give you the results that you are looking for.
Depending on your budget, you will be able to find golf shoes in all sorts of different price ranges. The general rule of thumb is that you should buy the best pair of golf shoes that you can possibly afford. If you go for the cheapest pair, you will probably have to replace them within a short period of time. However, if you can afford the extra twenty dollars, go ahead and upgrade just a bit and have them last just a bit longer.
Golf shoes may not be first and foremost on your mind when you are thinking about what you need to be a good golfer, but the right pair of golf shoes can really make a difference in your golf game. You want to be comfortable, you want to have stability, but most of all, you want to look good – now don’t you? Seriously, though, find a good pair of golf shoes and then put them to use on the links. Then see how much they make a difference when you are swinging your club on the first tee!
Golf Score
Golf Score
When you are playing the great game of golf, your golf scores become both your best friends as well as your worst enemies. Many players live by their golf scores and judge their progress according to what the score card says. While you might think that your golf scores are the best gauge of how you are coming along as a golfer, that isn’t necessarily the case.
The way golf scores are tallied can mean so many things. Just because you shoot an 8 on a par 4 doesn’t necessarily mean you are a bad golfer. It might mean that you had a bad drive and a mis-aimed chip – but it doesn’t make you a bad golfer. So don’t put too much stock into what the scorecard says. Judge your golf game by how you play rather than what your scores are.
Golf scores are only meant to help you keep track of the strokes you take to get from tee box to the hole. They don’t ever take into consideration things like hazards, weather conditions, or anxiety. Sure, you can’t keep track of how you are doing without paying attention to your golf scores, but you still need to keep in mind that there are a million variables that can make your score fluctuate.
Of course, if you’re a golfer, you know all the terminology – birdie, eagle, bogey, double eagle (if you’re really lucky) – but the real story in golf scores lies in how you played the course and navigated the hole. Instead of keeping track of scores, why don’t you keep track of where you were for a particular shot and how that shot came out?
Let’s say, you make a horrible drive on a par 4 and only end up 100 yards off the tee box. Let’s hope it’s past the women’s tee – if you know what I mean! So now you are faced with a long fairway shot. You pick up your favorite club and smack a beautiful flyer right on the green. Who’s going to say that wasn’t a good golf shot? You end up with a par on the hole, but your score doesn’t really reflect that amazing shot now does it?
The point is, don’t put too much emphasis on the amount of strokes on your scorecard. Think about your golf score as a reflection of the amazing shots you’ve made as well as the flubbers you’ve had to live through as well. Then you can find out what kind of a golfer you are and not have to live by the golf score alone.
When you are playing the great game of golf, your golf scores become both your best friends as well as your worst enemies. Many players live by their golf scores and judge their progress according to what the score card says. While you might think that your golf scores are the best gauge of how you are coming along as a golfer, that isn’t necessarily the case.
The way golf scores are tallied can mean so many things. Just because you shoot an 8 on a par 4 doesn’t necessarily mean you are a bad golfer. It might mean that you had a bad drive and a mis-aimed chip – but it doesn’t make you a bad golfer. So don’t put too much stock into what the scorecard says. Judge your golf game by how you play rather than what your scores are.
Golf scores are only meant to help you keep track of the strokes you take to get from tee box to the hole. They don’t ever take into consideration things like hazards, weather conditions, or anxiety. Sure, you can’t keep track of how you are doing without paying attention to your golf scores, but you still need to keep in mind that there are a million variables that can make your score fluctuate.
Of course, if you’re a golfer, you know all the terminology – birdie, eagle, bogey, double eagle (if you’re really lucky) – but the real story in golf scores lies in how you played the course and navigated the hole. Instead of keeping track of scores, why don’t you keep track of where you were for a particular shot and how that shot came out?
Let’s say, you make a horrible drive on a par 4 and only end up 100 yards off the tee box. Let’s hope it’s past the women’s tee – if you know what I mean! So now you are faced with a long fairway shot. You pick up your favorite club and smack a beautiful flyer right on the green. Who’s going to say that wasn’t a good golf shot? You end up with a par on the hole, but your score doesn’t really reflect that amazing shot now does it?
The point is, don’t put too much emphasis on the amount of strokes on your scorecard. Think about your golf score as a reflection of the amazing shots you’ve made as well as the flubbers you’ve had to live through as well. Then you can find out what kind of a golfer you are and not have to live by the golf score alone.
Golf Instruction
Golf Instruction
There are many ways you can go about receiving instruction for your golf game. Many of use – even those who have been golfing for a long time – can benefit from some type of golf instruction. The good news is that there are all sorts of options you can pursue to get effective teaching on the golf game.
There are many different ways you can go about receiving golf instruction. Most golf clubs have club pros on staff who are more than happy to offer lessons for a fee. The advantage to instruction like this is that you get one on one advice as well as specific fixes to your swing tailored to how your body moves.
Golf seminars and schools are often found in many places around the country. Professional instructors often travel around the country holding week long golf schools on local courses. This type of golf instruction is also advantageous because you are utilizing the skills and knowledge of a golf professional.
A student’s success comes from having an instructor that that he or she can relate to, understand, and can ultimately see improvement in their own game. In some cases students enjoy instructors who are rigorous and demanding while others enjoy an instructor who is patient and pushes the student at a slower rate.
Find an instructor that you are comfortable with and who has the credentials and experience to effectively provide the golf instruction you need. Ask questions before you sign up. Where did the instructor get his or her training? What kind of scores does he or she make on a consistent basis? You will want someone who knows what he or she is talking about so you don’t get bad advice and training.
Believe it or not, you can find some great golf instruction online at various websites in articles published by professionals in the game. These articles address specific parts of the golf game, so if you are looking for a way to improve your stance or get more distance from your drive, you can certainly find it online!
If you want to get better at the game of golf, you can’t go wrong when you seek out golf instruction. There are a lot of people who have learned about the game both in seminars as well as through playing. Above all, the most important part of golf instruction is to get out on the course and test out what you’ve been told. Learning through doing might be the best instructor of all.
There are many ways you can go about receiving instruction for your golf game. Many of use – even those who have been golfing for a long time – can benefit from some type of golf instruction. The good news is that there are all sorts of options you can pursue to get effective teaching on the golf game.
There are many different ways you can go about receiving golf instruction. Most golf clubs have club pros on staff who are more than happy to offer lessons for a fee. The advantage to instruction like this is that you get one on one advice as well as specific fixes to your swing tailored to how your body moves.
Golf seminars and schools are often found in many places around the country. Professional instructors often travel around the country holding week long golf schools on local courses. This type of golf instruction is also advantageous because you are utilizing the skills and knowledge of a golf professional.
A student’s success comes from having an instructor that that he or she can relate to, understand, and can ultimately see improvement in their own game. In some cases students enjoy instructors who are rigorous and demanding while others enjoy an instructor who is patient and pushes the student at a slower rate.
Find an instructor that you are comfortable with and who has the credentials and experience to effectively provide the golf instruction you need. Ask questions before you sign up. Where did the instructor get his or her training? What kind of scores does he or she make on a consistent basis? You will want someone who knows what he or she is talking about so you don’t get bad advice and training.
Believe it or not, you can find some great golf instruction online at various websites in articles published by professionals in the game. These articles address specific parts of the golf game, so if you are looking for a way to improve your stance or get more distance from your drive, you can certainly find it online!
If you want to get better at the game of golf, you can’t go wrong when you seek out golf instruction. There are a lot of people who have learned about the game both in seminars as well as through playing. Above all, the most important part of golf instruction is to get out on the course and test out what you’ve been told. Learning through doing might be the best instructor of all.
Golf for Entertainment
Golf for Entertainment
We live in a stressful world, so it’s only natural that we look for new venues of entertainment to ease our minds. You can get a lot of entertainment when you play the game of golf. Especially if you’re willing to have a little fun with it!
Some people get plenty of entertainment when they simply play the game of golf. But it can be made so much more fun when you put twists on regular games. You can modify the way you play and get a lot more enjoyment from the game.
For example, why not play a game of “monkey golf”. For this game, you put slips of paper in a hat that bears the name of each club in a normal bag. Players pick out a slip of paper and they have to use only that club for the entire round. The entertainment possibilities here are endless as you can imagine a person driving off the tee with a putter or chipping with a driver!
You can find great entertainment in the golf game when you play a little night golf. Golf courses aren’t lighted, but you can get glow in the dark balls and have grease pots on the greens so you can see where you’re going – well, sort of. It’s great fun to drive your ball and then have to navigate in the dark to see where it went! Let’s hope you didn’t slice into the woods!
A friendly game of Wolf is hilarious entertainment. With this game, you have the option of picking players to be on your team based on how they hit the ball. Teams can change often. But the most fun of this game is when a player is putting to win the hole. The other players are allowed to do anything they want as long as they don’t touch the ball. That leaves the field wide open. You can cover the player’s eyes, place obstacles in front of the hole – the possibilities are endless – and great fun!
Some friendly side bets can also increase the entertainment value of the golf game. Try making these bets with dares instead of money. Wouldn’t it be funny to make your opponent play with his or clothes turned inside out if they don’t make that putt? Use your imagination and be creative – however, keep it G-rated. The golf course is, after all, a public place!
Finding entertainment on the golf course is actually quite easy when you think outside of the proverbial box. Just remember that the whole point of a friendly game is to have fun. So go out and do it!
We live in a stressful world, so it’s only natural that we look for new venues of entertainment to ease our minds. You can get a lot of entertainment when you play the game of golf. Especially if you’re willing to have a little fun with it!
Some people get plenty of entertainment when they simply play the game of golf. But it can be made so much more fun when you put twists on regular games. You can modify the way you play and get a lot more enjoyment from the game.
For example, why not play a game of “monkey golf”. For this game, you put slips of paper in a hat that bears the name of each club in a normal bag. Players pick out a slip of paper and they have to use only that club for the entire round. The entertainment possibilities here are endless as you can imagine a person driving off the tee with a putter or chipping with a driver!
You can find great entertainment in the golf game when you play a little night golf. Golf courses aren’t lighted, but you can get glow in the dark balls and have grease pots on the greens so you can see where you’re going – well, sort of. It’s great fun to drive your ball and then have to navigate in the dark to see where it went! Let’s hope you didn’t slice into the woods!
A friendly game of Wolf is hilarious entertainment. With this game, you have the option of picking players to be on your team based on how they hit the ball. Teams can change often. But the most fun of this game is when a player is putting to win the hole. The other players are allowed to do anything they want as long as they don’t touch the ball. That leaves the field wide open. You can cover the player’s eyes, place obstacles in front of the hole – the possibilities are endless – and great fun!
Some friendly side bets can also increase the entertainment value of the golf game. Try making these bets with dares instead of money. Wouldn’t it be funny to make your opponent play with his or clothes turned inside out if they don’t make that putt? Use your imagination and be creative – however, keep it G-rated. The golf course is, after all, a public place!
Finding entertainment on the golf course is actually quite easy when you think outside of the proverbial box. Just remember that the whole point of a friendly game is to have fun. So go out and do it!
Golf Equipment
Golf Equipment
When it comes to golf equipment, you have a lot of choices. There are multiple brands and styles of golf equipment that you can use, but it can be confusing as to what you really need to play a good game of golf. Let’s take a look at some of the equipment that most golfers consider essential.
Of course, your most important pieces of golf equipment are your clubs. You will want to take care to choose clubs that are suited to your style of golf. They should be easy to handle and designed toward your height. Beginners and experts alike should lean towards the lighter graphite shafts and titanium heads so that you have maximum forgiveness in the event of a bad shot.
You will want to have a full set of clubs. That means you’ll need a driver, a 3 wood, a 5 wood, a full set of irons (from 3 to 9), a sand wedge, and a putter. That’s the minimum. You can also add other clubs to your arsenal as you become more proficient at the game. You can include a 1 iron for fairway shots as well as a lob wedge for getting out of the deep rough.
The golf ball really can be a very important piece of golf equipment. Depending on what you are looking for, you can find balls that will improve your distance, your spin, or your performance. Look for balls that are a bit softer – like a balata. Also find a ball with lower compression – especially if you are a beginner.
If you’ve never given thought to your golf tees as part of your golf equipment, now’s the time to start. There are actually many types of tees that you can choose from – each with their own advantages. There are long tees when you need to have the ball teed up high, short tees for those tee box iron shots, and even three-pronged tees for stability. In fact, the three-pronged tee was the first type of golf tee that was used in the early years of golf.
If you like the idea of carrying your clubs around in one bundle, I guess you can just go ahead. However, a golf bag sure makes carrying your clubs around much easier. Plus, with a good golf bag, you can also carry your tees, your balls, some hand sanitizer, snacks, your cell phone, and anything else you think is necessary.
Because the golf swing requires a certain amount of stability, you will also want to add some golf shoes to your golf equipment list. Golf shoes have cleats on the bottom that allow you to maintain your footing while swinging. This can be so very important as you are moving your body to hit the ball. Golf shoes help you stay balanced and keep your feet “grounded” if you will.
There are definitely all sorts of golf equipment that you can buy and use when playing the wonderful game of golf. Just don’t go overboard and concentrate on the basics to begin with. Then when you get better, you can add all of the newest gadgets to your bag and see if that golf equipment will help you lower your score!
When it comes to golf equipment, you have a lot of choices. There are multiple brands and styles of golf equipment that you can use, but it can be confusing as to what you really need to play a good game of golf. Let’s take a look at some of the equipment that most golfers consider essential.
Of course, your most important pieces of golf equipment are your clubs. You will want to take care to choose clubs that are suited to your style of golf. They should be easy to handle and designed toward your height. Beginners and experts alike should lean towards the lighter graphite shafts and titanium heads so that you have maximum forgiveness in the event of a bad shot.
You will want to have a full set of clubs. That means you’ll need a driver, a 3 wood, a 5 wood, a full set of irons (from 3 to 9), a sand wedge, and a putter. That’s the minimum. You can also add other clubs to your arsenal as you become more proficient at the game. You can include a 1 iron for fairway shots as well as a lob wedge for getting out of the deep rough.
The golf ball really can be a very important piece of golf equipment. Depending on what you are looking for, you can find balls that will improve your distance, your spin, or your performance. Look for balls that are a bit softer – like a balata. Also find a ball with lower compression – especially if you are a beginner.
If you’ve never given thought to your golf tees as part of your golf equipment, now’s the time to start. There are actually many types of tees that you can choose from – each with their own advantages. There are long tees when you need to have the ball teed up high, short tees for those tee box iron shots, and even three-pronged tees for stability. In fact, the three-pronged tee was the first type of golf tee that was used in the early years of golf.
If you like the idea of carrying your clubs around in one bundle, I guess you can just go ahead. However, a golf bag sure makes carrying your clubs around much easier. Plus, with a good golf bag, you can also carry your tees, your balls, some hand sanitizer, snacks, your cell phone, and anything else you think is necessary.
Because the golf swing requires a certain amount of stability, you will also want to add some golf shoes to your golf equipment list. Golf shoes have cleats on the bottom that allow you to maintain your footing while swinging. This can be so very important as you are moving your body to hit the ball. Golf shoes help you stay balanced and keep your feet “grounded” if you will.
There are definitely all sorts of golf equipment that you can buy and use when playing the wonderful game of golf. Just don’t go overboard and concentrate on the basics to begin with. Then when you get better, you can add all of the newest gadgets to your bag and see if that golf equipment will help you lower your score!
Golf Driving Range
Golf Driving Range
Many golf courses have driving ranges. These driving ranges are instrumental in helping you improve your game, and you should use them as much as you possibly can. Even though it’s called a driving range, you can practice all of your golf shots on the range. By taking advantage of this valuable tool offered by your golf course, you are sure to improve your game.
In the game of golf, it’s essential to know how far you are able to hit your clubs on a consistent basis. By taking advantage of the golf driving range, you will get a great idea of how far your driver can go as well as your 9 iron. Once you know how far you can hit your clubs, you will be able to practice some great course management skills when you are out on the course.
Start out with a bucket of balls and your driver. Try out various stances and see which ones help you drive the ball farther. Hit a lot of balls and pay close attention to what works and what doesn’t. When you find a shot you are pleased with, hit several more balls using that same technique to see if it was just a fluke or if you can replicate it over and over again.
Then you should move to your fairway woods or your irons. Practice the same technique with these clubs. You may have to buy another bucket – or bag on some courses – of balls, but believe me, it will be well worth the money when you are able to effectively know what clubs will give you the yardage you need and want.
Many golf courses have lighted driving ranges, so even if you can’t play the course, you can still work on your swing in the evening hours. Many people find that having a lighted driving range can help them work on their swing at inconvenient hours when daylight has left but they still feel the desire to swing a club.
One point you need to keep in mind when on the golf driving range is that you are playing in perfect conditions. There are no hills, there are no hazards, and you are concentrating to the best of your ability. Just because you can hit a 300 yard drive on the range doesn’t necessarily mean you can do the same on the course.
However, you can certainly learn a lot about your golf game when you are on the driving range. Don’t pass up the chance to practice as much as you can. Practicing is best done on the golf driving range, so buy a bucket of balls and whack away. You never know what you’ll find out!
Many golf courses have driving ranges. These driving ranges are instrumental in helping you improve your game, and you should use them as much as you possibly can. Even though it’s called a driving range, you can practice all of your golf shots on the range. By taking advantage of this valuable tool offered by your golf course, you are sure to improve your game.
In the game of golf, it’s essential to know how far you are able to hit your clubs on a consistent basis. By taking advantage of the golf driving range, you will get a great idea of how far your driver can go as well as your 9 iron. Once you know how far you can hit your clubs, you will be able to practice some great course management skills when you are out on the course.
Start out with a bucket of balls and your driver. Try out various stances and see which ones help you drive the ball farther. Hit a lot of balls and pay close attention to what works and what doesn’t. When you find a shot you are pleased with, hit several more balls using that same technique to see if it was just a fluke or if you can replicate it over and over again.
Then you should move to your fairway woods or your irons. Practice the same technique with these clubs. You may have to buy another bucket – or bag on some courses – of balls, but believe me, it will be well worth the money when you are able to effectively know what clubs will give you the yardage you need and want.
Many golf courses have lighted driving ranges, so even if you can’t play the course, you can still work on your swing in the evening hours. Many people find that having a lighted driving range can help them work on their swing at inconvenient hours when daylight has left but they still feel the desire to swing a club.
One point you need to keep in mind when on the golf driving range is that you are playing in perfect conditions. There are no hills, there are no hazards, and you are concentrating to the best of your ability. Just because you can hit a 300 yard drive on the range doesn’t necessarily mean you can do the same on the course.
However, you can certainly learn a lot about your golf game when you are on the driving range. Don’t pass up the chance to practice as much as you can. Practicing is best done on the golf driving range, so buy a bucket of balls and whack away. You never know what you’ll find out!
Golf Course
Golf Course
The game of golf is played on a golf course – obviously. But have you ever thought what goes into making a good golf course? I mean, what makes a good golf course, and what makes a not-so-good golf course? While we don’t have the space to go through specific design layouts, we can touch on some of the aspects of a golf course that makes it fun to play yet challenging too.
Like the miniature golf course, a regular golf course should be fun. You really can’t add the fun windmills or other hazards on a regular golf course, but you can use the natural elements of the land to help build challenges into the layout.
Obviously, the first thing you’re going to need is land. I mean, you’re going to need A LOT of land! The golf course must have some long yardage holes as well as some shorter yardage holes. However, most golfers will agree that having mostly longer holes is a great challenge. But they also need those short par 3s for a little ego boost!
Having several sand bunkers is a great way to present challenge on the golf course. Most bunkers are located around the hole, but they can also be placed in the fairway for added headaches! Having to hit out of the sand provides for all sorts of stroke modifications, and golfers love to have the challenge at hand!
Water hazards are another great way to give golfers a challenge on the golf course. Natural lakes and rivers can be found all over the place, but you can also create man-made water hazards by digging out a large area and filling it with water – obviously! Water hazards make a player have to use finesse to avoid them and make a golf course fun to navigate.
The golf course that we play most often used to be a cow pasture. The rolling hills that used to have Holstein’s instead of golf carts make this particular golf course a lot of fun to try and get “up and down” on. Rolling hills cause a golf ball to – take a guess here – roll! You may have a great drive, but if your ball lands on the side of a hill, it will either stick there making your shot hard or it will roll off the side. Either way, this is another way to make a golf course challenging.
Natural trees and woods are also part of the golf course environment. There’s nothing worse to hear on a golf course than the sound of your ball hitting a tree. Then you have the fun task of trying to find out where the ball landed. Did it go further in or did the tree propel it out into the fairway? Either way, you have another great way to challenge yourself with natural elements.
Designing a golf course can be great fun – for both the designer as well as the player. Take in the natural elements of your favorite golf course and then navigate through those hazards with a positive attitude. Then you’ll be having fun!
The game of golf is played on a golf course – obviously. But have you ever thought what goes into making a good golf course? I mean, what makes a good golf course, and what makes a not-so-good golf course? While we don’t have the space to go through specific design layouts, we can touch on some of the aspects of a golf course that makes it fun to play yet challenging too.
Like the miniature golf course, a regular golf course should be fun. You really can’t add the fun windmills or other hazards on a regular golf course, but you can use the natural elements of the land to help build challenges into the layout.
Obviously, the first thing you’re going to need is land. I mean, you’re going to need A LOT of land! The golf course must have some long yardage holes as well as some shorter yardage holes. However, most golfers will agree that having mostly longer holes is a great challenge. But they also need those short par 3s for a little ego boost!
Having several sand bunkers is a great way to present challenge on the golf course. Most bunkers are located around the hole, but they can also be placed in the fairway for added headaches! Having to hit out of the sand provides for all sorts of stroke modifications, and golfers love to have the challenge at hand!
Water hazards are another great way to give golfers a challenge on the golf course. Natural lakes and rivers can be found all over the place, but you can also create man-made water hazards by digging out a large area and filling it with water – obviously! Water hazards make a player have to use finesse to avoid them and make a golf course fun to navigate.
The golf course that we play most often used to be a cow pasture. The rolling hills that used to have Holstein’s instead of golf carts make this particular golf course a lot of fun to try and get “up and down” on. Rolling hills cause a golf ball to – take a guess here – roll! You may have a great drive, but if your ball lands on the side of a hill, it will either stick there making your shot hard or it will roll off the side. Either way, this is another way to make a golf course challenging.
Natural trees and woods are also part of the golf course environment. There’s nothing worse to hear on a golf course than the sound of your ball hitting a tree. Then you have the fun task of trying to find out where the ball landed. Did it go further in or did the tree propel it out into the fairway? Either way, you have another great way to challenge yourself with natural elements.
Designing a golf course can be great fun – for both the designer as well as the player. Take in the natural elements of your favorite golf course and then navigate through those hazards with a positive attitude. Then you’ll be having fun!
Golf Channel
Golf Channel
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 this author’s household is no different. We love The Golf Channel – and you will too!
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 this author’s household is no different. We love The Golf Channel – and you will too!
Golf Carts
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. This author personally won’t play golf very often without the benefit of a golf cart, but that’s just my preference – I tend to be a little lazy. But with the new golf carts that are out today, they 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.
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. This author personally won’t play golf very often without the benefit of a golf cart, but that’s just my preference – I tend to be a little lazy. But with the new golf carts that are out today, they 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.
Golf Ball
Golf Ball
Casual golfers don’t give a lot of thought to choosing the right golf ball. They think of the golf ball as simply a tool that really isn’t important. After all, you’re just whacking it around the course, right? Wrong! Having the right golf ball can gain you distance in your drives, make it easier to pull off finesse shots, and so much more!
Basically, there are three types of balls: balata, two-piece, or a combination of both. Golf balls are constructed with three types of purposes in mind as well: distance, spin, and control. Choosing an appropriate golf ball really depends on what you are looking for in your golf game.
Are you a low handicap player looking for great spin and control? If so, choose a balata golf ball. This is just a softer ball that has a softer cover and allows for more spin. This is the ball that most professionals choose. They are also more expensive than other balls.
Perhaps you have a higher handicap and are looking for more distance and durability. This is where a good two-piece ball will be best. This golf ball has a harder cover which creates less backspin allowing you to hit it further.
Some golf balls are designed for slower swing speeds with a lightweight construction that catches air. They are generally marketed for women or seniors, but plenty of men will play these balls because it gets them extra distance.
Believe it or not the weather you are playing in can make a difference in which golf ball you use. Course conditions can also dictate golf ball choice. Let’s say the course has been deluged with rain. In this case, you will need a ball that will travel father and produces less spin. If you are playing on a rock hard, sun-scorched track, choose something softer that will land soft and spin.
Look at the temperature as well. Balls for men come in two compressions – 90 and 100. When you hit the ball, the ball compresses. Therefore the 90 compression ball will be softer than the 100. If it’s cold, the ball will not compress as much so you will want to play a 90 compression golf ball. If it’s hot out, you will want to opt for the 100 compression.
In general, two piece balls are going to give you more distance and they will be more durable so they will last longer. Solid core golf balls will offer less trajectory and can spin for better accuracy. Even the dimples on the ball can have an effect on your game. Smaller dimples lessen trajectory while larger dimples increase it.
Choosing the right golf ball really is important to playing a good game. There are many, many choices on the market. Explore which golf ball you may want to use and then try it out. Experiment and in time, you’ll find exactly the right golf ball for you.
Casual golfers don’t give a lot of thought to choosing the right golf ball. They think of the golf ball as simply a tool that really isn’t important. After all, you’re just whacking it around the course, right? Wrong! Having the right golf ball can gain you distance in your drives, make it easier to pull off finesse shots, and so much more!
Basically, there are three types of balls: balata, two-piece, or a combination of both. Golf balls are constructed with three types of purposes in mind as well: distance, spin, and control. Choosing an appropriate golf ball really depends on what you are looking for in your golf game.
Are you a low handicap player looking for great spin and control? If so, choose a balata golf ball. This is just a softer ball that has a softer cover and allows for more spin. This is the ball that most professionals choose. They are also more expensive than other balls.
Perhaps you have a higher handicap and are looking for more distance and durability. This is where a good two-piece ball will be best. This golf ball has a harder cover which creates less backspin allowing you to hit it further.
Some golf balls are designed for slower swing speeds with a lightweight construction that catches air. They are generally marketed for women or seniors, but plenty of men will play these balls because it gets them extra distance.
Believe it or not the weather you are playing in can make a difference in which golf ball you use. Course conditions can also dictate golf ball choice. Let’s say the course has been deluged with rain. In this case, you will need a ball that will travel father and produces less spin. If you are playing on a rock hard, sun-scorched track, choose something softer that will land soft and spin.
Look at the temperature as well. Balls for men come in two compressions – 90 and 100. When you hit the ball, the ball compresses. Therefore the 90 compression ball will be softer than the 100. If it’s cold, the ball will not compress as much so you will want to play a 90 compression golf ball. If it’s hot out, you will want to opt for the 100 compression.
In general, two piece balls are going to give you more distance and they will be more durable so they will last longer. Solid core golf balls will offer less trajectory and can spin for better accuracy. Even the dimples on the ball can have an effect on your game. Smaller dimples lessen trajectory while larger dimples increase it.
Choosing the right golf ball really is important to playing a good game. There are many, many choices on the market. Explore which golf ball you may want to use and then try it out. Experiment and in time, you’ll find exactly the right golf ball for you.
Golf Apparel
Golf Apparel
When it comes to golf apparel, you really have many choices available. What to wear isn’t always first on the golfer’s mind, but choosing the right golf apparel can make a difference in playing well and playing not so well. It’s true!
Many golf clubs have rules as to what golf apparel is acceptable on their course. This usually means no tank tops or short shorts, all players must wear shirts with collars, and no jeans are allowed. Other courses are less restrictive in their clothing and you can choose what you want to wear as long as it is tasteful.
Generally male golfers will wear khaki pants and a collared polo shirt. In warm weather, fitted shorts are generally permitted as part of the golf apparel. Most men will also opt for a hat to keep the sun out of their eyes.
Golf apparel for women, however, can run the gamut. Golf skirts are very popular for female golfers because they are less restrictive, but others opt for shorts or loose pants. Polo shirts are also worn by women – some sleeveless polos are also allowed on upscale courses. Women tend to opt for visors to keep the sun away although hats are another option.
When choosing your golf apparel, you should take care that the clothing is not too restrictive. You will want plenty of room to move around because your golf swing depends on your body moving in a fluid, smooth motion. There’s nothing worse than clothing that is too tight – especially on the golf course.
When choosing pants or shorts, it’s convenient to have pockets. Many golfers like to have pockets so they can carry golf tees, divot fixers, ball markers, and even extra balls, although we don’t recommend the latter as it can throw off your swing quite a bit.
You will want to choose clothes that are made of lightweight, breathable fabrics – especially if you golf primarily in cold weather. Many manufacturers of golf apparel know this and keep it mind during production, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find clothing like this.
You can find adequate golf apparel in many places. Golf course pro shops will carry specific lines of golf clothing that will conform to their dress code, but they will be a bit more expensive than buying them in a store. Find a golf store and you will find a great selection of golf apparel to choose from. Finally, you can get some great deal on golf apparel on the Internet in many, many places, often at discount prices.
When it comes to golf apparel, you really have many choices available. What to wear isn’t always first on the golfer’s mind, but choosing the right golf apparel can make a difference in playing well and playing not so well. It’s true!
Many golf clubs have rules as to what golf apparel is acceptable on their course. This usually means no tank tops or short shorts, all players must wear shirts with collars, and no jeans are allowed. Other courses are less restrictive in their clothing and you can choose what you want to wear as long as it is tasteful.
Generally male golfers will wear khaki pants and a collared polo shirt. In warm weather, fitted shorts are generally permitted as part of the golf apparel. Most men will also opt for a hat to keep the sun out of their eyes.
Golf apparel for women, however, can run the gamut. Golf skirts are very popular for female golfers because they are less restrictive, but others opt for shorts or loose pants. Polo shirts are also worn by women – some sleeveless polos are also allowed on upscale courses. Women tend to opt for visors to keep the sun away although hats are another option.
When choosing your golf apparel, you should take care that the clothing is not too restrictive. You will want plenty of room to move around because your golf swing depends on your body moving in a fluid, smooth motion. There’s nothing worse than clothing that is too tight – especially on the golf course.
When choosing pants or shorts, it’s convenient to have pockets. Many golfers like to have pockets so they can carry golf tees, divot fixers, ball markers, and even extra balls, although we don’t recommend the latter as it can throw off your swing quite a bit.
You will want to choose clothes that are made of lightweight, breathable fabrics – especially if you golf primarily in cold weather. Many manufacturers of golf apparel know this and keep it mind during production, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find clothing like this.
You can find adequate golf apparel in many places. Golf course pro shops will carry specific lines of golf clothing that will conform to their dress code, but they will be a bit more expensive than buying them in a store. Find a golf store and you will find a great selection of golf apparel to choose from. Finally, you can get some great deal on golf apparel on the Internet in many, many places, often at discount prices.
PGA
PGA
PGA stands for Professional Golf Association and is a generic term referring to the professional organization that most pro golfers belong to. There are several PGAs around the world including the British Isles PGA and the Ladies PGA. Many of these PGAs will have an indication of the territory they belong to such as LPGA of Japan, etc.
Dedicated to the promotion of the game of golf everywhere, the American Professional Golfers Association (PGA) can trace its origins back to 1916 when a group of New York area golf professionals, accompanied by several prominent amateur golfers attended a luncheon hosted by department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker. The purpose of the gather was to discuss forming a national organization to promote interest in the game of golf.
The PGA’s first order of business was to establish the organization’s objectives. The members agreed to the following:
* Promote interest in the game of golf
* Elevate the standards of the golf professional’s vocation
* Protect the mutual interest of its members
* Hold meetings and tournaments for the benefit of members
* Assist desesrving unemployed members to obtain positions
* Establish a benevolent relief fund for deserving members
* Accomplish any other objective which may be determined by the Association from time to time
The first PGA Championship tournament was held in October of 1916 at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. Jim Barnes defeated Jock Hutchison. Wanamaker honored his pledge and donated a prize purse of $2,580 and the trophy which today still bears his name.
When the PGA of America was formed, there was no distinction between club and touring professionals. As the PGA began to develop and promote tournaments, it became easier for the touring professionals to devote their efforts to just playing toumaments and exhibitions. In 1968, PGA tournament players, who comprised a small percentage of the membership, broke away from the Association to form a Tournament Players Division and acquire more control of the tournament schedule.
In 1975, the Tournament Players Division was renamed the PGA Tour. Today, the PGA Tour is headquartered in Ponte Vedra, Fla. The PGA Tour and the PGA of America maintain a close working relationship, and most professional golfers maintain dual membership in the organizations.
The PGA of America conducts more than 30 tournaments for its members and apprentices. Through a network of 41 section offices, the Association maintains a total commitment to the club professional, helping the membership meet the demands of today's marketplace and addressing vital issues such as pace of play, environmental concerns and accessibility.
Since 1916, the PGA of America has established new standards of excellence by expanding educational opportunities, programs and services for its members. However, the Association stands firm and continues to flourish on the principles that were set down by its founders.
PGA stands for Professional Golf Association and is a generic term referring to the professional organization that most pro golfers belong to. There are several PGAs around the world including the British Isles PGA and the Ladies PGA. Many of these PGAs will have an indication of the territory they belong to such as LPGA of Japan, etc.
Dedicated to the promotion of the game of golf everywhere, the American Professional Golfers Association (PGA) can trace its origins back to 1916 when a group of New York area golf professionals, accompanied by several prominent amateur golfers attended a luncheon hosted by department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker. The purpose of the gather was to discuss forming a national organization to promote interest in the game of golf.
The PGA’s first order of business was to establish the organization’s objectives. The members agreed to the following:
* Promote interest in the game of golf
* Elevate the standards of the golf professional’s vocation
* Protect the mutual interest of its members
* Hold meetings and tournaments for the benefit of members
* Assist desesrving unemployed members to obtain positions
* Establish a benevolent relief fund for deserving members
* Accomplish any other objective which may be determined by the Association from time to time
The first PGA Championship tournament was held in October of 1916 at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY. Jim Barnes defeated Jock Hutchison. Wanamaker honored his pledge and donated a prize purse of $2,580 and the trophy which today still bears his name.
When the PGA of America was formed, there was no distinction between club and touring professionals. As the PGA began to develop and promote tournaments, it became easier for the touring professionals to devote their efforts to just playing toumaments and exhibitions. In 1968, PGA tournament players, who comprised a small percentage of the membership, broke away from the Association to form a Tournament Players Division and acquire more control of the tournament schedule.
In 1975, the Tournament Players Division was renamed the PGA Tour. Today, the PGA Tour is headquartered in Ponte Vedra, Fla. The PGA Tour and the PGA of America maintain a close working relationship, and most professional golfers maintain dual membership in the organizations.
The PGA of America conducts more than 30 tournaments for its members and apprentices. Through a network of 41 section offices, the Association maintains a total commitment to the club professional, helping the membership meet the demands of today's marketplace and addressing vital issues such as pace of play, environmental concerns and accessibility.
Since 1916, the PGA of America has established new standards of excellence by expanding educational opportunities, programs and services for its members. However, the Association stands firm and continues to flourish on the principles that were set down by its founders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
