Wednesday 5 December 2007

Mallorca: The Ticket to the Ultimate Sports 2008 Golf Vacation

If you're planning a European vacation and you also happen to be a golf enthusiast, then Mallorca, Spain should be on your itinerary is an absolute "must do." Festive night life, year-round sunshine and great shopping aside, Mallorca has made a name for itself in the tourism industry as a "paradise for golf enthusiasts." So just what is it about Mallorca that makes it the perfect European golf vacation?

Alcudia, Mallorca is home to Pula, one of the world's finest golf resorts. Founded in 1995, Pula has become an internationally acclaimed golf course. Thanks to a world-class upgrade which began in 2005, Pula is now ranked number one in Alcudia out of 14 golf courses, boasting the longest and most demanding links and a par 70. Nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain range, golfers of all skill levels will get a thrill out of playing the scenic course at Pula. Pula also features a stunning driving range and two putting greens for golfers who want to fine tune their skills at one of the world's most astounding golf courses.

The upgrades that were made in 2005 were undertaken in part to bring Pula up to professional golf standards and now Pula has been put on the map for one more reason: the Mallorca Classic. The last of the European PGA tour stops on the circuit before the Volvo Masters, The Mallorca Classic draws the best PGA players from Europe every October. In fact, the Mallorca Classic at Pula is the last chance for PGA players to make the top 115 on the Order of Merit and hold onto their spot for the next season's tour.

The 2007 Mallorca classic wrapped up in October and those who were lucky enough to hold a ticket were able to see Gregory Bourdy of France win his first Mallorca Classic title. It appeared as though Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands would edge Bourdy out the few days. Perhaps the fact that play was suspended for several days in a row due to uncharacteristically inclement weather threw Derksen's game off. Bourdy managed to slip ahead for a 3-under par win, becoming the 18th first time winner on the tour and setting a new record for the European PGA for the most maiden tournament winners in a single season.

Bourdy's maiden win at the Mallorca Classic in October only served to boost the image of Pula even more. Golfers from Europe and elsewhere can count themselves in an elitist class when they make a round at Pula a part of their vacation itinerary. While in Mallorca, tourists would also do well to take in as many of the other thirteen local golf resorts as they can, too. Although many of them have not had the exposure of Pula, they are still well worth including in a European golf vacation.

Golf aside; there are many other reasons to visit Mallorca. Mallorca is rich with cultural heritage, rife with top-notch night clubs and restaurants and has plenty of family-oriented destinations for those who are traveling with kids. However, for the avid golfer, nothing could make a European vacation finer than playing the links at the world-renowned Pula Club.

Golf Clubs - The Truths The Beginners Need To Know

Each set of clubs in the bag is different, yet with similar uses. It's vital that golfers get a clear understanding of the purpose of each club. After all, it would take you a bit of effort and time to get round just using a putter now, wouldn't it.

Driving Down The Fairway

First, you have to know that there are the woods. These are called the driver, the two wood, three wood, four wood, and the five wood. There is a six wood and seven wood but they are rare. The number describes the angle of the face of the head, with driver being the most upright and the lower numbers angled more, to give loft to the ball when it is hit.

Woods are used for getting the golf ball the farthest distance possible and do so by the weight they have behind the head. It's shape is bulky and weighty, so that when you swing you have all the meat of that weight built into the momentum of the swing, then POW - down the fairway you go!

If you want to hit the golf ball over two hundred yards off the tee then you may well use a wood. Incidentally and confusingly, they are nowadays made of metal!

Distance With Control

Second, you have to understand that there are the irons. These clubs are meant for greater accuracy and are most commonly, though not exclusively, used for short distance shots.

You see, you can use irons for distance too and especially with a tricky hole, or when the weather is a bit challenging, you will see pros using irons.

There are several types of irons. These are numbered one to nine, with an increasing loft, which also reduces the distance possible. These standard iron golf clubs are essential in getting the golf ball as close as possible to the pin, using loft and flight as the main tools.

Special Golf Clubs

Third, there are the special golf clubs, most of which are very specific in nature.

The first of the special golf clubs that you have to understand is the wedge. The wedge is used to get the golf ball as high as possible. If you want to go over
a tree, or if you want the ball to drop like a stone with little forward bounce, like on the green, then this may be the golf club of choice.

The second of the special golf clubs is the sand wedge. Do you see the sand bunkers all over the golf course? When you get stuck in these sand bunkers, you need to use the sand wedge to get out of them. Due to the loft this club will, when used with the right technique, slice through the sand beneath the ball and lift it onto the grass.

The fourth of the special golf clubs is the pitching wedge. This pitching wedge is used so that you can get an accurate shot to the green. The pitching wedge is the second most accurate golf club in your golf bag.

The last of the special golf clubs is the putter. The putter is the most accurate of the golf clubs because this is what you use in order to get the golf ball into the hole. It's a very specialized club that you use nowhere else on the course.

What To Buy?

Now that you are familiar with all these types of golf club in your bag, you have to understand that aside from the types of golf clubs, there are also many, many brands out there. This is where your headaches really begin!

From used golf clubs to new ones, from clones to personalized fit clubs, you have the world of a choice to make. Whilst it's true to say that your performance should only be about your swing and skill, most manufacturers will say that their clubs make the difference.

It's for you to decide which golf clubs you buy and use. The fun begins!

Lower Golf Handicap – Learn Some Tips and Strategies to Help you Shoot Lower Scores

Golf is one of the most challenging games out there however it is not impossible to learn how to become a lower handicap player. It does however require a commitment on your part to learn the basics of the game. If you think that you can become a scratch golfer just practicing once a week or once a month then you may be chasing an illusion. Here are a few keys to reducing your handicap and becoming the best player you can be:

- Practice the right way

It is no secret that practice is critical in order for you to get better at this game. However practice alone will only get you so far. Practice does not make perfect. ‘Perfect practice’ makes perfect. If you are practicing the wrong way then your progress will plateau and you will be left scratching your head as to how to get better.

- Practice tips for the higher handicap player

If you are a high handicap player then you obviously need to work on sharpening your swing mechanics and short game skills. Make sure to take a lesson or two on the ideal golf swing mechanics and then practice them a few times a week. You do not need to spend hours practicing each day. However you do need to be consistent and do it at least 3 to 5 times a week.

Also if you are a higher handicap player then you will want to spend a lot of time of chipping, bunker play and wedge shots as these shorter shots can make a huge difference in lowering your handicap. Take a lesson from a local golf pro on the short game including putting. When it comes to putting you will want to pick a mechanical approach you feel comfortable with and then stick with that.

- Practice tips for the lower handicap player

If your handicap is under 10 then you have a fairly solid understanding of the golf swing mechanics. You need to focus on the short game and the mental game to bring your handicap down to scratch.

Make sure you are spending a lot of time on the wedge game and shots close to and around the green. Putting may be the greatest opportunity to lower your handicap to a scratch level. However never forget that putting is all about confidence and that it is primarily a mental game so do not get caught up in trying to develop the perfect putting stroke.

Make it a habit to think only about the best putts you have ever made and forget about your misses. Practice a lot of short putts because they will help to build up your confidence levels since you will make the majority of these. You focus must shift to the mental game in order to take your game to the next level.

- Mental game tips for all players

The mental game is what separates the best golfers in the world from all the amateurs. Even at the highest level it is the mindset of the number one ranked player in the world that makes them number one and it is that mindset that separates them from the rest of the players.

You must believe in your game and you have to think of yourself as a great player. You have to believe that when you are competing that you are good enough to beat anyone out there. This is particularly important for tournament players of all levels and is especially important the higher up you go in your golfing career.

An important tip to keep in mind is your mindset just before you are about to hit the ball. You must learn to develop a quiet mind that is sharply focused on the target only. Do not allow other thoughts to enter your head as you are about to strike the ball, instead you need to trust that you have trained your swing and that the ball will go where you want it to regardless of what happened with the previous shot. Good luck on your quest to become a lower handicap player.

The Joy of a Golf Holiday Tour

While you might always enjoy a good game of golf on your favorite golf course, take a golf holiday tour if you want to expand your horizons to other places that you might enjoy. If you are a golfing enthusiast, golf holiday tours give you the chance to get out and check out other golf courses all over the world.

There's no shortage of golf courses for you to visit, with places like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Myrtle Beach often catering exclusivily to golfers.

Orlando is popular because of it being the home of Disney World, but you can also find a wide variety of golf courses to enjoy. After you enjoy the roller coasters, you'll love golfing in sunny Orlando, Florida. There's plenty of opportunities for the golfing enthusiast to enjoy.

While Las Vegas is wildly popular for its gambling opportunities, there's also plenty of places for you to golf after you're done at the poker tables. Las Vegas is not only the perfect place to improve your poker hand, but also your golf swing.

Myrtle Beach is quickly becoming a super popular resort get-away for golfers across the world. It plays host to miles and miles of gorgeous beaches, as well as 100+ different golf courses. There's a huge variety of different golf courses for you to check out in Myrtle Beach. After you're done golfing during the day, you'll be suprised to find out that this place also has a great nightlife.

Take care when planning your next golf holiday tour – not just any place has a good number of high quality golf courses for you to visit. If you don't plan on golfing all day, also make sure that the place your visiting has other activities for you to enjoy. If you love the excitement of a good theme park, head for Orlando. If you love sun, relaxation, and the beach head for Myrtle Beach. If you enjoy the rush of gambling, check out Las Vegas.

When it comes to golf vacations, locations are really just the tip of the iceberg!

Where Is The Top Of Your Golf Swing?

Where the top of the golf swing is has been debated for a long time. A question we address all of the time is "Where is the top of the swing?" It is not unusual to hear the answer from most amateurs is: the top of the swing is when the club is at parallel to the ground. Really? Have you thought that answer out or is that what you have been told for years? See if you agree with this logic.....

The first question I would ask is: what club is being used? Swinging a driver to parallel at the top of the swing is a different ball game from swinging your nine iron to parallel. Think about it or go to the garage and grab both and try to do it. With the shaft of the nine iron being shorter, the club does not need to get to parallel to achieve maximum results.

The second question would be: are you getting properly coiled or loaded in your golf swing? ON YOUR BACKSWING, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU NEED TO BE PROPERLY COILED OR LOADED. Coiled? Loaded? What does that mean? It simply means that you are stretching muscles away from the target so they will want to move in the opposite direction which should be at your target. Imagine stretching a rubber band. If you do not pull it tight enough, it could go anywhere and not very fast. If you pull it correctly, it moves where you are aiming it and fairly quickly. Finally, if you pull it too far, the rubber band can not handle the tension and breaks. OUCH!

The third question that gets asked is: where do you think the top of your swing is? Ninety plus percent of the time, the student will take the club to parallel. In order to do this, the student will over turn their hips or move their right knee to allow their body to turn far enough to get to parallel. Is this a powerful move? NO! Think about pushing something heavy like a golf cart. Stand away from the cart and attempt to push the cart with your arm(s) extended. Now get closer to the cart and put your weight into it. Is this not easier? It makes it easier to hit a golf ball as well.

So with this info have we answered where the top of your swing should be? YES! It should be when your muscles are stretched away from your target and you are coiled and/or loaded. This should leave your left arm and club shaft in the shape of an "L" in the spirit of the illustration above. The new top of your swing means an extended left arm to create the base of the "L" and not a broken arm at the elbow. A broken arm at the elbow results in us creating a "J" and losing power and accuracy. Yes, I have gotten some funny looks when people think they are going to need to "shorten" their full swing but let me explain further....

This "L" position will more than likely be a position in your "Mind's Eye" or in your head. Everyone has seen someone, maybe even you, look at video of their swing and have a gap between the reality of what is happening and what they are feeling. Depending on the length of the club you are using, going to the "L" in your "mind's eye" will take the club back to the proper position and more importantly allow you to stay loaded. You will not look silly, you will look much better as your shots will greatly improve with YOUR TOP OF THE SWING!

What You Must Take To Golf School

So, you are going to go to a golf school!!! No matter whether it will be part of your vacation or the golf school is local, everybody has the same question. What should you expect while at your golf school? As you are very excited to get your golf game on track, you stop and think. Now what do I do? Below are some things to expect and some tips to enjoy your decision.

1. You should consider another golf school, if the school you're interested in, doesn't have at least a four to one student/teacher ratio.

2. You will hit more golf balls in one day than you ever have in your entire life.

3. Take a note pad to jot down notes before, during and after an instructor is speaking. You will be receiving more information on golf than you have ever heard before as well. In turn do not be afraid to take notes and ask questions. This is why you are there, right?

4. The golf school you attend should include at least one playing lesson with an instructor in the group. It is one thing to practice by hitting golf balls but another step up onto a tee and play the golf course and put your golf tips into practice.

5. The golf school should offer video analysis of your golf game as part of the schedule. This should not be an extra expense to you.

6. In your free time what other activities are available? You may want to play golf however you will be hitting more golf balls than usual and may be ready to do something else before the sun goes down.

What should you do prior to your arrival to your golf school? Depending on how much time you have until you depart for your trip, begin to stretch on a daily basis as soon as possible. Many people will find themselves sore as they will be hitting more golf balls than you typically do. Also be sure to pack the following:

Sun block
Comfortable hat with proper sun protection
Sun Glasses - polarized
Band-Aids or athletic tape
At least a dozen golf balls
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Rain jacket and rain pants
Umbrella
Comfortable golf shoes

How much should you improve over a three or four day golf school? Do not expect to extremely cut your handicap after attending a 3 day school. This is just an unrealistic goal after such a short period of instruction. Remember the adage if it sounds to good to be true, it usually is. If the golf school is guaranteeing you to cut your handicap in half, be wary.

A golf school is a good beginning to start your improvement. When you leave the golf school you should have a plan to sustain your strengths and improve your weaknesses. This should be a comprehensive plan for all aspects of your game. Upon you return, you will have a good base or plan to go to work on with your local PGA Professional.

Golf Swing Instruction - are you Looking for the Perfect Golf Swing?

Are you still looking for the perfect golf swing? If you answered yes, you may want to stop for a minute and consider what golf professionals and instructors all over the world say; there is no one golf swing that is perfect for all golfers. With that said though, here is what will help you the most in your golf swing.

We all have our own unique golf swings. What works well for you may not work at all for me. Perhaps the best example of this is Jim Furyk. Who do you know that has a swing like that? And how could anyone learn that swing? But, he's a champion on the PGA Tour, so his swing works great for him.

The key to developing your perfect golf swing is to work on the fundamentals and build a strong repeating golf swing that becomes second nature in your mind. Here are some tips to help you build this type of swing.

1. Relax

As you step up to the tee box and get positioned over your ball, take a couple of deep breaths and relax. Tense muscles produce bad golf shots.

2. Backswing

Take the club back wit a one piece takeaway. You want your shoulders and lower body to turn naturally. Your weight will gradually transfer to the right side as the club comes back.

Set your wrists when the club comes back to the halfway point. Then, continue to take the club back until your left hand is up to being even with your ear.

3. Downswing

As you begin your downswing, you always want to lead with your hips and then let your shoulders and arms follow. It's your lower body that develops the power, not your arms. When you watch professional golfers on TV you will always notice this is how they swing the club.

4. Follow Through

Be sure to finish with a high follow through with your weight on your left side and your right knee pointing toward the target.

While there may never be a "perfect golf swing", these tips will help you build a repeating golf swing that will lead to lower scores on the course and having a more enjoyable time.

Tee Time Spain - Golf Holiday Spain

The Costa del Sol in southern Spain is the perfect and most popular destination for a wonderful golf holiday. A golfer’s paradise, it has become the “Costa del Golf” for golfers from around the world. It prides itself on having the highest density of golf courses in all of Europe with over 70 golf courses new courses coming up by the day. Four of the golf courses in Costa del sol, Spain are ranked among the top 10 European courses.

One of the major reasons for the popularity of the region is the pleasant Mediterranean climate which remains mild and welcoming all year. The tourist from northern Europe always finds the sun up in the blue skies and the weather just right for a wonderful round of golf no matter what time of the year.
Another reason would be the fact that most of the courses here are designed by celebrated names such as Gray Players or Severiano Ballestros. Many of the golf courses here are championship courses and have been host to prestigious events like the Ryder Cup, Volvo Masters and many more.

Golf holidays in Spain are a rage among northern Europeans as it is an ideal winter golfing destination away from the harsh cold weather back home. The tourism department has ensured that everyone gets the best of golfing experience and there is top class infrastructure on every course to provide for all the requirements of golfers.

Accommodation facilities are available near all the courses and there are some world class golf resorts like the La Cala Golf Resort and many more like it. There are also 5 star accommodation facilities available in hotels surrounding the golf courses. Given all this, it is only natural that the summer months see the highest number of golfers in Spain and it is virtually impossible to find any tee times or accommodation during the peak season.

So take into consideration the following tips to enjoy a hassle free golf holiday in Spain:

Book in advance:
It helps you to weigh all your options and you get to play on the course of your choice. Also you can avail of the lower rates when you book early.

Conduct an online research
Check out all the option in terms of golf courses, tee times, costs, accommodation facilities and car hire. There are pictures, maps & detailed course descriptions on the golf sites.
Golf lessons
By a resident golf pro are offered by most of the golf booking services, and many of the courses. There are even lessons for children. Group bookings are always economical as there are discounts. See what all you need and which booking company offers you all these services.

Choose a golf holiday company which offers you all services under one roof from car hire to golf bookings, hotel bookings, advice and information about the courses, difficulty levels, and golf lessons.

Other Activities in a Golf Holiday
In Spain, when you are not playing golf, there is so much more that you can do. Go exploring the beautiful Spanish cities and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Go shopping, explore the quaint villages of Andalucia, and visit the typical museums…and when the sun sets go clubbing and party the night away in the wonderful nightlife of Spain. If you’ve rented a car have a hired car at your disposal, this isn’t as critical, since you’re free to drive where you’d like.

All About Golf Game

The game of golf is no ordinary game. It is the only sport that has special attire that involves so many different clubs and the game that comes with accessories that outrun any other sport accessories. Golf asks for elegance and dignity. It makes you want to have a solid and bold character and personality that makes you stand out in the sports world. All sports have rules and these rules are necessary. But not all games have etiquettes but golf does. Golf etiquettes are no rules, they are mere manners or behavior of golfers that they need to be careful about when they enter the golf course, make their way through the game and finally step out of the golf course. These etiquettes, if followed can help a golfer play a perfect game.

The player should always try to arrive as early as possible on the course to have enough time to find out a few things. Not everyone can do that but it is very convenient if you can grab hold of a caddie. These caddies can be of great support and help to you. They not carry your clubs they can provide you with guidelines, they can give you pointers. They can give you tips that you may be ignoring while you play. They can do readings for you and so on. It's always good to have someone by your side to support your game.

Why you need to arrive early is because it can give you time to check the score boards, because courses may have different rules of scoring and if you don't already know that it can have a bad affect on your game. You can simply roam about and mingle up with the other players, have small talk so that you feel comfortable with the opponents.

Something very important before you start your game is that you get a proper warm up. You should at least give half an hour to 15 minutes to warming up. This little exercise before golf or any other games is very important. It gives you confidence and makes you feel at ease. You get to feel that you are ready to play otherwise you will probably feel stiff and uncomfortable and your swings will definitely disappoint you.

You should always play heartily, never be rigid. Never offend your opponent. Stay calm and never leave a bad impression on the other players. Take care of the tee and never leave prints and even if you do make a mark; remove it before leaving. Encourage others, watch your steps, plan ahead and play for fun and enjoy!

Coverage Of Golf Tournaments

Some golfing enthusiasts will turn to the major television networks when they need up-to-date information and coverage about certain golf tournaments. The information that they see might be offered on the hour or in increments that could be fifteen minutes apart. People know that there is a good chance that they can keep up-to-date at work because many networks post the golf action through their internet websites.

Other people interested whose interest in golf tournaments is keen will arrange to be notified of golf tournament action through much slower means. These golf fans are more patient in learning about the golf coverage for that day and choose to receive that coverage through internet email systems which are typically slower than any other means available to them. They might even exude a certain degree of patience because they will wait until late evening to read the emails of the updated golf action for their favorite player.

Golf fans can get extremely organized in the way that they receive their golf coverage. While they may join the email notification lists provided through many websites that are devoted solely to golf, they might choose to get their notifications through the email systems at work and double up with a notification that is sent methodically to their PDA's, cellular telephones, or through RSS feeds that they download to their personal computer each night.

For fans that are more technologically advanced, they might prefer to get notified of the results of the latest golf tournaments held throughout the world by using Bluetooth technologies and the browser programs installed on their personal digital assistants. With these devices, they can gain access to their email programs and log the scores that they need to a document file.

Some fans might be in the gallery watching the golf action up close and personal but still choose to use their personal digital assistants to find out what another golfer is doing who may be several holes ahead of their favorite player on the golf course. They know that most of the golf action will have ended by the time they reach the final green on the 18-hole golf course and they want to keep abreast of all of the action around them even if they can not see it personally.

For those who choose to watch the television broadcasts of golf tournaments at home, there are still other ways that they can keep abreast of the golf action that is occurring on another network. Some people form friendship circles and converse on the telephone with their friends and find out all the information that they need to satisfy their zest for golf that particular day.

A Pro Golf Career Takes Much More than Just Skill

Golf may not be as bone crushing as football or as fast-paced as basketball, but it is a sport that requires skill and practice to master. Only the patient and gifted can play at an advanced level. If you feel you are part of this elite group of aficionados, perhaps it is time to consider a pro golf career.

Making it in this industry may not be as easy as one would expect. Sure, you should be knowledgeable about the game itself; however, it takes much more than golfing skills to excel in the industry. Here are some things you must have in order to become successful in the business and advance your career.

A Passion for the game: You may find yourself at work or in class continuously daydreaming about golf. Or, you may feel the need to read and absorb every single article you come across. You might even find yourself watching the Golf Channel into the wee hours of the night, viewing same episodes of shows you have already seen time and time again. If you have found yourself in most of these situations or thoughts, you are officially a golf fanatic, and may just have the passion and aspiration for a professional career.

Ambition: In order to become successful, you must have a driving sense of ambition. There are thousands, perhaps millions, of people who want to work in the business, just like you. So, you need to not only spend time working on your craft, you also have to work hard at landing that employment opportunity of your choice. Make connections on the course, send out those resumes, and think positively. Ambition will help you find the necessary ideas and experiences that will place you above your competition.

Golf school: The first physical step to the sport career of your dreams is to attend an accredited golf academy that offers a certified associates degree. A good school will teach its students not only the fundamentals of golf, but also the various components of the business itself, such as management, operations, marketing, profitability, etc. The curriculum of a high-quality school will be up to date and the education will be top notch. And, after you graduate, an accredited golf school will not forget about you. Many schools offer their alumni exclusive employment opportunities on an ongoing basis.

To become a success in this business takes more than great swings and a good eye. It takes patience, time and persistence. In other words, you may have to eat, sleep and breathe golf, which is most likely not a problem for all of you enthusiasts out there.

Golf Careers to Suit Your Personality

According to a 2005 study by Golf Digest magazine, there are over 35,000 golf courses currently operating worldwide, and over half of these courses are located in the United States. This means the golf industry is a booming job market filled with seamless opportunities for enthusiastic golf-lovers, like you.

And, best of all, there are many different kinds of golf careers in this lucrative industry. If you are wondering which career will suit you best, simply allow your personality to guide you in the right direction. For example, if you are a people-person, always ready to help a fellow golf enthusiast improve his or her swing, then maybe a golf instructor is the job for you. Or, perhaps you are more of a quiet artist. Maybe you would enjoy a career in golf coarse design rather than out on the playing field. Below are some golf careers, which may interest you as a trained golf professional.

Professional golfer: Many golfers dream about being the next Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam. Anything is possible. With time, patience, and a boatload of skill, you can also become one of the golfing elite. However, don't think this is something that is instantaneous. Most professional golfers have paid their dues, and have worked their way up the career ladder by starting as assistants.

Sales and marketing: No doubt about it, golf is a huge business. Courses and resorts are always in competition to draw players. This is why they need the best sales and marketing team they can acquire. If you have sales or marketing skills and a strong passion for golf, consider incorporating both your interests into a sales or marketing golf position.

Golf course design: If it weren't for the visual conceptions of artists and architects, the beautiful golf courses located around the world would not exist. If you are an artist who happens to love golf, put your skills to the test and study for a golf career in golf course design.

Equipment specialist: Even the big guns, like Camilo Villegas or Vijay Singh rely on equipment specialists to help them with their game. After all, if a golfer's equipment is not suited flawlessly to the individual, his or her game will suffer noticeably. As an equipment specialist, you will fit golfers in the proper equipment using a fitting system and a PGA-recognized golf range. You will be the go to guy for fixing and perfecting golf equipment.

But before you can pursue your dream of working in the golf industry, you must choose an accredited golf school to attend. A golf academy will not only show you how to master your golf skills, but it will also train you on the fundamentals and artistry of the game. Plus, this is the best way to learn much more about all of the different golf careers at your fingertips.

6 Essentials of the Golf Swing

To conquer the correct swing in golf, there must be constant repetition of the correct movements. We do not know just where in the system it resides, but whether it is muscular memory, or the wearing of certain grooves or channels in the mind, or - as is probable - a combination of the two, it is obvious that the more often the same succession of movements can be repeated the clearer the memory will be.

It is mainly for this reason that I teach and preach and practice that every shot from the full drive to the putt should be played with the same movement. Of course in the drive the movement is both more extensive and bolder than for the shorter shots, but fundamentally it is the same. The result must be a feeling of "in-to-out" stroking across the face of the ball - played not at the ball, but through it. The "in-to-out" refers to the relation of the feel of the path of the club head to the desired line of flight of the ball.

The only shots in golf which I have been unable to play or to teach as sections of the fundamental "in-to-out" swing are certain shots which call for cut pulled under and across the ball.

But for ninety-nine out of every hundred shots a golfer must play, the swing is the movement necessary. So to clear the ground I will list what I consider to be the essentials of the swing:

1. It is essential to turn the body round to the right and then back and round to the left, without moving either way. In other words this turning movement must be from a fixed pivot.

2. It is essential to keep the arms at full stretch through out the swing - through the back swing, the down swing, and the follow through.

3. It is essential to allow the wrists to break fully back at the top of the swing.

4. It is essential to delay the actual hitting of the ball until as late in the swing as possible.

5. It is essential not to tighten any muscle concerned in the reactive part of the swing (movement above the waist).

6. It is essential to feel and control the swing as a whole and not to concentrate upon any part of it.

In a sense this last point is the most vital. The swing must be considered and felt as a single unity, not as a succession of positions or even a succession of movements. The swing is one and indivisible.

If you have these six essentials well embedded in your system and if you have developed some conscious control of your swing by getting the feel of the right movements - your game will rarely or never desert you.

Of course the comfortable, reliable, right feel is not a thing that comes all at once. For instance, it takes years - though not if your teacher teaches by feel - to feel nicely set and comfortable before the ball; weight between the feet, perfectly free and active and yet firmly planted.

There is no check anywhere in a good swing. There is no such thing as the "dead top" of a swing - there are four points each one of which might be so considered if it were not for the other three! They are: (1) When the pivot (feet to shoulders) has reached its top, the arms are still going up. (2) When the arms have reached their top, the body is on its way down. (3) When the arms begin to come down, the wrists have still to break back, and (4) When the wrists break.

There is of course a great deal more to be said about the swing than I have said here, which is intended simply as an outline of the fundamentals as I see them. Practice your swing along these guidelines, and you will improve.

Golf Travel Bags Make Lovely Gifts

Golf travel bags make excellent gifts for anyone who enjoys golfing. They allow you to transport your golf clubs safely and without you having to worry about damaging them. They also come in a variety of styles, shapes and colors. So how do you know which one you need? It really depends on who the golf travel bag is for.

Like I said before, golf travel bags come in a variety of styles, shapes and colors. However, the look of the bag is not the only thing you should consider when buying one - especially for a gift. Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is what kind of distances will the person travel that you are purchasing the gift for.

If they travel fairly substantial distances with their golf clubs, then you will definitely want to get something sturdy and strong. In this case, I would suggest buying a hard sided golf travel bag which is also known as a golf travel case. This is particularly true if the person travels on airplanes on a regular basis. An advantage of using golf travel cases while flying is airlines will often pickup the cost of replacing any damaged golf clubs if your golf clubs were in one of these protective cases during the flight.

Another advantage is of course the peace-of-mind knowing that your golf clubs should be well protected from any damage during the trip. If you are confident that the person you are buying this gift for does not frequently travel long distances with their golf clubs, then you should be able to get by with purchasing a soft sided golf travel bag. In fact, I would strongly suggest going this route in this case.

An advantage of using a soft sided golf travel bag is that the bags themselves typically include several pockets for you to put gloves, shoes, etc. into. They are also less bulky and can fit easier into the trunk of a car. Soft sided golf travel bags also typically come with wheels that make it easier to transport the clubs from place to place.

Again, knowing what features the golf travel bag would need would depend on who the bag is for. If they use golfing shoes, then they would probably appreciate the fact there is a place to put them in the bag.

In addition to the sturdiness of the golf travel bag, cost is obviously going to be a factor that you will want to consider. Not surprisingly, golf travel cases are typically more expensive than soft sided golf travel bags. However, the difference in cost is not massive and there are some golf travel bags that are more expensive than the cases.

Most golf travel cases will cost you around $150 while the average golf travel bag will cost around $75. However, some golf travel bags can cost you well over $200. Of course the differences in prices are often a reflection of the differences in name brand, quality and features.

Golf Holidays Algarve: Great Golfing Experience and Much More

Algarve is a premier golfing destination in Europe. The brilliant sunny weather and grand golf courses make Algarve a golfing paradise. There are over twenty world class golf courses in Algarve and the number is steadily rising. All the golf courses are complete with faultless infrastructure to afford you an unforgettable golfing experience. Not to mention the stunning scenery of the Algarve region and coastline that only adds to the appeal of the courses. There are so many top courses here in the Algarve, you will be spoilt for choice when you have to decide on a golf course among them. The by now famous names of some of the courses are Parque da Floresta, Palmares, Boavista, Penina, Morgado do Requengo, and many more.
The Algarve region enjoys 300 days of glorious sunshine coupled with very pleasant weather. Tourists from the UK, Germany and Holland especially come to the region to enjoy days of winter golf away from the freezing conditions back home. That is why Algarve is the top European golfing destination for golfers.
Accommodation facilities are available near all the courses as classy golf resorts have come up all along the course routes. There are also 5 star accommodation facilities available in hotels surrounding the golf courses. Given all this, it is only natural that the summer months see the highest number of golfers in Algarve and it is virtually impossible to find any tee times or accommodation during the peak season. So take into consideration the following tips to enjoy a hassle free golf holiday in Algarve.

Book in advance:
It helps you to weigh all your options and you get to play on the course of your choice. Also you can avail of the lower rates when you book early.

Conduct an online research
Check out all the option in terms of golf courses, tee times, costs, accommodation facilities and car hire. There are pictures, maps & detailed course descriptions on the golf sites.
Golf lessons
By a resident golf pro are offered by most of the golf booking services, and many of the courses. There are even lessons for children. Group bookings are always economical as there are discounts. See what all you need and which booking company offers you all these services.

Choose a golf holiday company which offers you all services under one roof from car hire to golf bookings, hotel bookings, advice and information about the courses, difficulty levels, and golf lessons.

Other Activities in a Golf Holiday
In Algarve, there is so much more to enjoy and explore when you are not playing golf. Soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere: go shopping, savour the quaint countryside…and when the sun sets go clubbing and party the night away in the wonderful nightlife of scene in Algarve.

Choosing the Ideal Golf Travel Bag

Golf travel bags are a delight to any golfer and they serve many purposes. The golf travel bag is a piece of equipment that is necessary for every golfer. It is wise to buy these bags from authorized dealers. This would be a more sensible decision, especially if you want to make a quality purchase. Golf bags for travel are available in various designs. When choosing such a bag, make sure that the design you choose will help in storing all your golf items.

You can pick up bags with wheels if you so desire. These are especially great for outdoor purposes. When choosing a bag you have to make sure that it is going to be worth your investment. The best place to visit to get these bags would be online shopping sites. The best of these sites, will allow you to get a glimpse of all the latest stuff available in the markets. You can also choose from among the various brands that are available. Some of the more popular brands are D and D and Golfsmith. Choosing a good brand will also speak volumes about your position in your team.

Most online shopping sites have golf travel bags listed according to prices. This is a great thing as it makes the process of selection easier for the buyer. It even makes it easier for a buyer to find some exciting discounts. If you do not have sufficient money to pay for that super-expensive bag outright, you can also buy the bags on installments. At least you won't be feeling like a pauper by the end of it.

When choosing a golf travel bag, you need to pick good designs. Some of the most basic and popular golf travel bag styles are quick trip and caravan, among others. Which style you choose would vary according to the type of tournament you are choosing to attend. Expect to be spoilt for choice when it comes to colors. Overall there is much to choose from.

You would also have to purchase good covers for your travel bag. Again, this would have to be selected according to your specific requirements. A lot of designer wear is available for golf travel bags. Although much of this is very expensive, if you look around extensively you should find some with reasonable price tags.

You can pick up good golf travel bags for prices ranging from 100 USD to 400 USD. It will all depend on how often you play the game. Also, remember that when you need to pick one, it should be on par with the bags of the other players that you play with. If you do not have an idea as to what kind of a bag you should choose, take the help of someone who is a well-versed golfer.

Get a bag that is ideal for all sessions. You may use have to use it extensively for practice sessions, games, and tournaments of all kinds. A good bag could go a long way in making your game more comfortable. A good golf travel bag would be essential in a game like golf.

Proper Golf Grip- How To Grip The Club To Make An Effective Swing

What is the proper golf grip? Simply, having the right golf grip is probably one of the most important aspects of the golf technique because if you get this part wrong, the rest of your swing is already shot.

Very simply, if you do get the golf grip right, even if you do a lot of things wrong during the golf swing, you still have a chance at hitting a decent shot. Here are some golf tips for beginners and more advanced players to help you get the proper golf grip for your swing, and help you play a lifetime of good golf.

First of all, remember that there are three different ways to grip a golf club when swinging. No one is necessarily the most effective, so here they are: the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip, and the baseball grip.

Again, no one of these grips is the exact right way, and you will have to experiment to find out which one works for you. Keep in mind, the overlapping grip is the one that most of the PGA Tour pros use, and you very well might find that works the best for you.

For the overlapping golf grip, you simply put your little finger of one hand over your index finger. For the interlocking grip, it is very similar to overlapping, but the two fingers simply interlocked instead of overlap. It is notable that Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus both used the interlocking golf grip, although most PGA pros don't. You certainly can't do much better than these two.

With the baseball grip, the set of fingers are not overlapped or interlock, but basically meet together like with a baseball grip. Very few PGA pros use this golf grip, but if you find works good for you, you might want to give it a shot.

No matter which grip you decide to use, however, make absolutely sure that your hands are relaxed because this is the most important part of the golf swing. If your hands are tight and tense, this will add tension to the rest of your body, and therefore will slow your swing down and hurt your golf swing. The only way you can make a proper golf swing is when you are completely relaxed; if you tense up over the ball, this will cause you to mis-hit it.

Hopefully these proper golf grip tips will help you get the right golf grip for your swing, and to start playing golf as effectively as you can possibly play. Again, as I said earlier, no matter how good your golf swing, if you don't have the right grip, you can never play as effectively as you otherwise might.

Simply experiment with these three different grips, find out which one works the best for you, and then start practicing with it every single day. The only way to really master anything is to practice it quite a bit, so find the proper golf grip that works for you, and practice until you master it.

Also, there are many great golf tips and lessons on the web that might help you out as well. Hopefully these tips will help you improve your game quickly and effortlessly.

Golf And The Art Of Concentration

Concentration is the root of human performance. It is much more than the ability of not being distracted or even visualizing the shot.

Granted, hardly any of the authors of ANY golf training book have comprehensive training in golf psychology, so let me give you some tips for peak concentration on the golf course. I'm not talking about "grinding" out on the course...this will burn you out early in the round and mentally deplete you.

First off, dance with which you brought to the course...in other words, don't try to fix your swing out on the course. There is plenty of time to fix your swing on the range after the round. Your job on the course is to play golf, not play swing...you need to score!

Your thoughts need to be focused on getting the ball into the cup in the least amount of strokes possible...the object of the game! (How soon we forget this fact) The only things you should be thinking about while you plan your shot is the target, distance, direction, wind speed, your lie...and any other factor that comes into play.

Forget about your last shot and what score you might shoot...

Concentrate on the shot at hand...

You need to discipline yourself to stay in the moment...this takes time to master...if you want to become an accomplished golfer you MUST master this skill.

Once upon a time your ability to concentrate was incredible. Before you could think or understand what words are. This was when you were a baby. Your brain was a sponge. As a baby you could hold your attention on anything in your field of vision without any distracting thoughts.

As you got older and learned how to talk and to think you soon became aware of that little voice inside your head that seems to be with you during every waking moment.

It is that little voice that you can't quiet no matter how hard you try. It is always telling you that the golf shot is too hard, or the other guy is better than you.

Zen master Dogen-Zenji teaches not to stop negative thoughts in your mind...let them stop by themselves. If some negative thought comes into your mind, let it come in, let it go out. It will not stay long if you are not attached to the thought. When you TRY to stop your thinking of a negative thought, it means you are bothered by it. Do not be bothered by anything.

It may appear as if negative thoughts come from outside your mind, but actually they are only waves of your mind, and if you are not bothered by the waves, gradually they will become calmer and calmer. In five or ten minutes your mind will be completely serene and calm. At this time your breathing will become quite slow.

Now that your breathing is slow and your mind is calm, you can nourish your mind with positive thoughts. Your mind follows your breathing, if you are breathing slowly; your mind is ready to focus on only the thoughts that will allow you to play the shot at hand.

If your ego gets in the way and you are thinking of how to impress someone, this thought will get in the way of your objective to play the shot at hand. Let the thought come and let it pass...do not try to get rid of it, let it pass on its own, like a wave on the ocean!

Hit 'em Long & Straight!

Choosing Golf Clubs For The Kids

It has been a bonding activity for the family to indulge in sport. But for some sports, it may be too rough or stressful for kids to join in. Like basketball, kids tend to force themselves to take a shot on a ten foot rim when they are just barely 3 feet tall. Kids that cannot get the job done gets discouraged and may hate the sport and drift away from it due to the frustrating experience.

Golf is a low impact sport that can be enjoyed by the family as a group playing against each other or by teams. Manufacturers of golf clubs have realized the business potential of kids being trained to take a swing at a golf ball as early as two years old and so they came up with golf clubs for kids. These clubs are shorter, lighter, and a little bit smaller.

More and more parents are indulging their kids to play golf since just recently universities offer golf scholarships to potential student athletes that could excel in the field.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right golf clubs for your kids.

When choosing the length of the golf club, try to choose a length that he or she won't out grow easily. Kids may have growth spurts and may outgrow their clubs in just a couple of months. Try to anticipate the growth against the shaft's height. For kids, it is ok to choke down on the grips as long as it does not exceed 2 inches. If the choking exceeds 2 inches this can change their form and may result to a bad swing.

The next thing to check on is the golf club's weight. Though many manufacturers have made golf clubs for kids lighter some of them are still heavy for the kids to take a backswing. Make sure that the golf club's head is weighed just right so as not to put any strain on the kid's shoulder.

There are golfers that cut the shaft of an old golf club so that it can fit the height of their kid. But cutting down the shafts means cutting down flexibility and this will stiffen the golf club. This could hurt the shoulder and upper back of the kid once the club gets into contact with the ball and turf. There are shorter clubs for kids that have the same flexibility with the regular golf clubs.

The last and certainly the one thing that shouldn't be overlooked are the grips. Kids have smaller hands than that of adults so it would be advisable to have a core of 0.50. This can give him a tight grip of the club since it is just right for their hands. It can also be a determining factor for a perfect swing.

Retire To The Golf Course

Retiring to the golf course doesn't need to be just a dream. It also doesn't have to mean retiring to Florida or Arizona either. For that matter, it doesn't mean that you need to wait until you're ready to retire to start looking into golf club homes like those at the Anderson Creek Club in North Carolina.

With a year round temperate climate, easy access to both beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and to mountain ranges on the Western side of the state, the Anderson Creek Club is in an ideal location. For those of you who are thinking toward the future but are still working, the Anderson Creek Club is just a short trip from Fayetteville, Pinehurst and Raleigh. Overall, what that means is this: you'll find that you're able to be in the middle of everything - cultural centers, shopping, great restaurants and even colleges and universities.

Being able to get to wherever you want to be is nice, but it doesn't address the two primary concerns of those who want to retire to the golf course. One of those concerns is the golf itself. The other is the home.

The Anderson Creek Club golf course, in order to address the first of those concerns, will prove to be challenging regardless of your experience on the course. An eighteen hole course designed by Davis Love III - the 1997 PGA champion - features tree-line fairways and rolling greens that wind through 7, 180 yards for a 72 par. The course was determined to be the best new course in North Carolina in 2001, and lives up to the championship reputation of its designer.

What could be better than being able to play the Anderson Creek Club course whenever time allowed? What about living in a patio home, condominium, townhouse or single family home that abuts the course?

All of the homes that are available at the Anderson Creek Club will give you easy access to 14 ponds that are stocked for fishing and suitable for canoing and kayaking. You'll be able to go swimming, play tennis or volleyball, and have family picnics without having to leave the neighborhood. Walk along nature trails. You'll be able to have the active lifestyle that you have always enjoyed, but you'll be able to relax and unwind - even if, for you, that means indulging in spa services like a massage before heading back to your home.

Whether you're looking for a smaller home, a condo where you won't have to worry about maintaining the property or a larger home - an estate home at the Anderson Creek Club - that will allow you to have all the space you need, you'll find that it's easy to find a great property that suits all of your needs. Of course, if you've always wanted to design a home of your own, don't think that retiring to the Anderson Creek Club is out of the question. Wooded home sites are also available and you'll be able to have your dream home built for you.

The Anderson Creek Club makes retiring to the golf course even more appealing.

Exercises to Help with the Golf Backswing

Before you properly set up alongside the ball in a position from which to commence the first operation in swinging the club, you would do well to get started with some excellent exercises which will help with your backswing.

Obviously if you are gripping the club correctly and standing ideally to the ball you are giving yourself a real chance at the outset to shape a sound backswing. That being so, try not to rush into anything further, but give yourself a better chance by conquering these exercises first.

Exercises which can help

Here are two exercises which will help you to master the main essentials of the backswing.

The whole art of swinging the club back from the ball to a position in which you are poised to deliver a solid and powerful blow is largely governed by a system of control running diagonally down the body from the left shoulder to the right foot.

First, the shoulder, and with it that priceless knack which may seem elusive at first but which you must work to acquire upper-left-arm-leverage.

Unless you keep that left shoulder UP you cannot hope to achieve upper-arm-leverage, which comes as near to being a secret formula for success as anything in the golf technique. More than any other factor it made Hogan a phenomenal player of all the shots in the bag. Among the lesser men it can make a good player into a very, very good one.

This simple exercise should give you the feeling more readily than any other I know. You do not need a club for this exercise. Just take up the address position and with the left shoulder up grasp the extended left arm with the right hand at the point where the left hand joins the wrist.

Now perform the backswing by turning the shoulders and chest over the stomach and carrying the hands to the top. Do this a number of times daily and keep doing it until you develop the feeling of how the upper left arm is operating.

The second exercise (it could more properly be termed an expedient) is an aid to those who have trouble in keeping the weight on the inside of the right foot as the backswing develops, and the body turn takes place under the control of the right knee and right hip.

Many fine golfers have to fight against a sway creeping into the movement. One such is Guy Wolstenholme, British Walker Cup player and now a professional.

To counter the tendency to sway and to maintain the weight on the inside of the right foot he practiced with a golf ball wedged between the outside edge of the right foot and the ground. This not only acted as a buttress but helped to train the muscles as he required them to be set. In this way the right hip was prevented from riding too high and the right knee was held in the same position as at address.

Practice these exercises, and you will have a much better chance at a great backswing.

Go out on to the practice ground and try it yourself.

Arizona Golf Schools Give You The Upper Hand

If you live in the Southwest United States and are an avid golfer, you are in luck. Arizona is known for its golf courses and golf academies. Arizona golf schools are fun, educational and great exercise for both children and adults. They provide a unique learning experience using modern and interesting curriculum. Students will not only learn the proper rules of golf etiquette, they will also learn new golf skills and about the business of golf itself.

Most of the golf schools across the nation and particularly at Arizona golf schools offer two-year programs that will take your golf skills to the next level and provide you with the education for a rewarding career in the exciting industry of golf. Most 16-month programs offer up-to-date courses, which will both enthrall and stimulate students' minds and skills. Before you know it, you will be teaching other golf enthusiasts how to improve their games.

There are many careers you can have after obtaining your associate degree in Golf. The golf industry is filled with other golf-lovers, just like you, who want a carrier in the fast-paced world of professional golf. This is why attending one of the Arizona golf schools is so important to your future. Well-known, prestigious golf courses only want the best; and the best is what you will become after you graduate and earn your associate degree in golf. Some of your exciting golf career options include becoming a teaching professional, a general manager of a golf course, or perhaps a career in golf course maintenance. There are other career options such as becoming a tournament director, equipment specialist, working in golf retail or golf course development. Many that choose a career in the golf field become golf writers.

Getting started on your way to a professional career in golf may be easier than you think. Hop online and check out some of the Arizona golf schools. Read about their programs and teaching techniques. Compare these schools with others across the United States. Then, when you are ready, register online or call the schools that interest you, and request a campus tour. Or, simply speak with one of their advisors. They will be happy to address your questions and concerns.

The popularity of golf continues to soar each and every year. And, lucky for us golf aficionados, the golfing industry offers many various and exciting career opportunities. As a golf professional, one may have the chance to travel, meet other talented golfers, and make a living playing and educating others about their favorite pastime. For most passionate golfers, this is a dream come true.

However, to make it in this dream world of golf, one must have the upper hand above his or her competition. This is why attending an accredited golf school is so crucial to your future. A certified golf academy practically assures you success in this expanding field. Check out the many golf colleges across the nations, including Arizona golf schools to launch your thrilling career in golf today.

Replacing Your Golf Cart Engine With A Kohler Command-11 Saves Money

Small engines, like those in your standard golf cart or mower, can receive excessive wear when they aren't properly maintained, and this wear can result in both a loss of power and an increased likelihood of electrical systems failing when attempting to use an electric starter. You can eliminate the potential problem by replacing your engine using a small engine rebuild kit that replaces your older flat head engine to a Kohler small engine.

There are dramatic improvements that can be made should you choose to install a Kohler Command-11 in your golf cart instead of some of the other small engine options that are available on the market today. To better understand the advantage of choosing the Kohler engine for your upgrade, consider the following information.

Improved Power

By choosing a Kohler Command-11 small engine rebuild kit, you can experience an increase in power over what you received from your old flat head side valve engine. This increase is due to a variety of features, including the 11-horsepower overhead valve on the single-cylinder engine. Overhead valve engines tend to have a longer life, lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, and even less noise than their side valve counterparts. They also experience a reduced amount of carbon buildup which could reduce your cart engine's power. In addition, this Kohler small engine will stay cooler than some older engines due to its two-quart oil capacity and its pressure lubrication system which is designed to ensure superior cooling of engine components as well as providing ample lubrication to help prevent engine wear. The Command-11 also features a disposable oil filter much like you would find on many larger engines.

Manual Start Features

In addition to offering an increase in power, the Command-11 features a manual start option in addition to the standard electric starter available on your Club Car Carryall. This manual start recoil system serves as a useful backup to your standard equipment, allowing you to be able to get your cart's small engine running even if the electric startup system is malfunctioning or beginning to fail. Having a manual backup available on your engine could mean the difference between being able to get back to where you started from and having to call for help.

Full Conversion Materials Available

If you're considering purchasing a Kohler small engine then you are going to want to use the easiest process possible. Kohler had this in mind when developing the Command-11 upgrade for the Club Car Carryall I and II. The conversion kit includes a variety of new components, including the engine itself, a muffler system, the mounting plate for the engine, a drive belt, a starter generator belt, and even a choke cable so that you won't have to worry about having older parts that might wear out before the core small engine components do. The repower kit has been designed with ease of installation in mind, allowing you to essentially drop the new engine in and have it ready to go in record time. After all, you want to be able to spend your time using your cart and not having to toil away endlessly at getting a new engine installed.

The Green And Fairways Golf Fashion

For every sport there are certain equipments designated for it. Gears like body hugging spandex are good for biking since it lessens the drag brought by loose clothing. For volleyball, the players should wear shorts that do not touch the knee so it would be easier for them to dive and dig spikes. Golf like any other sport also has its proper dress codes. Though golf maybe an expensive sport, this does not mean that you would go out on a limb and starve yourself to death because all the money you've got was used for buying designer clothes for golfing.

Golf is dubbed as an executive sport so it is a sport that requires casual wear. Most golf courses require a dress code for golfers and even their caddies. Printed and plain t-shirts as well as jeans are a common no-no in golf courses. Golfers are required to wear collared shirts when playing and this includes the women.

Since there are a lot of collared shirts in the market and there is no specified material of cloth so any would do. But be wary of silky shirts since this does not absorb sweat and it tends to stick unto the body; this might cause discomfort and can alter your form and swing. A good material for the right golf shirt is cotton, since cotton is light and cool. It can also absorb sweat so it will not stick to the body.

Since jeans are not allowed on golf courses, pants that are polyester in material are a good choice. Loose fitting comfortable pants are the best choices since these give you the freedom to move and twist around without restricting your body. Wear pants that have deep pockets so you could keep the tee pegs inside and they won't keep on falling.

Another alternative to pants are polyester shorts. This can be very comfortable in hot weather because it gives a lot of breathing room for the legs. For the ladies an alternative for pants is the skort (short and skirt in one) and dress skirts. Shorts that are too short are a big no-no.

Most people perceive to buy rubber shoes that could be used for all types of sports. But there is no such thing as an all sports shoes. Cross-trainers, running and tennis shoes are never the best shoes to wear on golf courses. These types of shoes tend to be slippery on the damp turf. This might be the cause of an injured back or a slip while taking a swing at the ball. Only use reliable golf shoes that are comfortable to walk with since this pair will be worn for about 3-4 hours. Now, that is a lot of walking.

Methods Used To Improve A Golf Game

Golfers that are truly committed to their chosen sport will often find that they need to take extreme measures to improve their golf game. They will naturally proceed to the local golf course and use the putting green for hours to perfect the strokes they need to get the ball into a hole during a regular game of golf that is scheduled to be played with friends every weekend. Some golfers build a putting green in their back yard so that they can practice their putting skills as much as they like.

Some local stores have putting machines on the shelf that can be used anywhere, and a golfer will own one of them as one of the first tools that they can use to improve their golf game. A putting machine will require the golfer to have enough space to go the distance because not every golf ball will land within 9 feet of the flag. Some golfers will convert their garage into a putting green and park their luxury sedan outside. This method works well in metropolitan areas that are buried deep in snow during the winter.

Some golfers are even willing to invest in chipping kits just so they can use their backyards for golf practice. Of course, the chipping might cause some holes to form in the grass in the backyard but avid golfers do the customary pat down after every chip shot they make and hope for the best when spring rolls around. These golfers are more intense on lowering their golf score than how their lawn looks.

There are many golfers who feel that if they improve their knowledge about the course that they play on week after week, that they will have a better chance of getting the golf ball into the hole with fewer strokes needed. Certain golf courses will have special hills and valley that can be used to get the ball closer to the hole and on a much faster schedule. Knowing where those hills and valleys are is why some golfers will study overview maps of the golf course before they tee off.

Many golfers that play in amateur tournaments throughout the year will be guided by the professional advice that they receive from the local golf pro. They can invest a certain amount of money each month to improve the game of golf that they love so much. The golf pro will probably recommend a certain set of golf clubs that the player can use to improve their swing and lower their score after 18-holes of golf have been played.

There is no substitute for practice when a golfer is trying to improve their golf game. The golfer might choose to work on the distance that the ball goes when hit for the first time by visiting a driving range. After several buckets of balls, a golfer might be reassured that they have a fighting chance of besting a friend on the golf course the following weekend. With enough practice under their belt, an amateur golfer might feel confident enough to sign up for a golf tournament.

When Would It Be The Right Time To Buy Golf Clubs

Golf is dubbed as a rich man's sport. This may hold true to some golfers who tend to spend a lot on golf club membership shares and top of the line golf equipments plus hiring a pro trainer. But for those who really love the game of golf, there are ways to beat around the bush. Golf as a sport is not for everyone, since it is demanding psychologically as well as physically.

Before investing a lot of money on the equipments, it is better first to take a feel for the game and borrow equipments such as golf clubs from friends or fellow players. Another option for this is buying second hand golf clubs.

If you are really that serious and may have thought about buying a set of your own, try to research thoroughly on which brands and models are the best to use for your playing style. There are various types of golf clubs that are out in the market, which starts with the aluminum shafted clubs which can be entry level equipment. Other materials which are the graphite, alloy and the titanium are more of the high-end level equipments. Though these types have roughly the same form as the ordinary aluminum ones, it can be lighter and can transmit more power to the head of the club when taking a strong swing. Being lighter means more consistency in the form and swing of the golfer since it's less tiresome to swing a light club than a heavy one. Having a budget can help the selection process because the models can be narrowed down to fewer models and brands.

Before committing to buy the clubs, test the grip first and feel the equipment if it is really the one you're looking for. Take a couple of swings inside the sport shop. Most of these shops allow there prospective buyers to take swings inside an artificial practice turf.

Since you have been playing for quiet some time now, it would be easier to determine which shaft height to buy and what shaft length is comfortable with your stance and form since this varies with each player.

Bladed clubs can be a great aide to a golfer if he or she knows how to harness its power and feature. This can put better control on the ball curve and spin when the ball is hit correctly. But for golfers who haven't tried this equipment it's better to stick to what is regularly used.

Selecting The Best Golf Courses

It is easy for an amateur golfer to select which golf course is best to hone their skills because the golf course that is close to home will be used more often and serve the needs of the new golfer best. A new golfer will have to learn about the rules of golf, and might select the golf course that has a golf pro on staff so that he can learn which golf clubs to use on various shots during a golf game and which stance to use to tee off for their first game.

The golf pro is always at the golf course to help all golfers improve their golf game. The golf course where he works may be a professional course that sanctioned by the Pro Golfers Association. If so, it will undoubtedly be used as a tournament course at some time during the year and the local golfer will be sure to buy tickets to see the golfing action that occurs during those tournaments.

This type of exposure to the professional world of golf is a good way for a new golfer to select the type of golf course that they want to use to improve their game. Some courses are notably harder than others because the designers have configured them with sand holes and bits of forest that tend to block the view to the area where the flag is standing. Some golfers practice on these difficult courses more than any other because it gives them the best opportunities to hone their skills to be able to overcome those obstacles.

The avid golfers that want to go on vacation and use their free time to hit a few balls for relaxation purposes might prefer to find golf courses that have all of the amenities they need to have a good time. These golfers will be centered on improving their golf game during daylight hours, and will expect the golf course to present them with many challenging holes of golf to play so that they can improve their game.

More than 1000 golf courses throughout the United States are fashioned to be posh resorts and golfers can dine in elegant surroundings that border around some of the prettiest golf courses in the world. Golfers have access to weight rooms, saunas and massage therapists to ease tensions while they are not on the golf course. All of these amenities will require hefty fees but golfers on vacation think that improving their golf game is worth the price they pay for such indulgences.

Some golfers will select the East Coast to play golf, and follow a winding trail of golf courses throughout the South. They become accustomed to playing golf in rainy weather and enjoy the hospitality that Southerners are famous for immensely. Some golfers rely on recommendations for the best golf courses that they find listed in golfing magazines. The four-star ratings can be deceptive at times and new golfers will have to find golf courses that do not present such a challenge to their skills.

How to Grip the Golf Club

Good iron play requires a good grip. Without such a grip it is virtually impossible to control your shots to the green and score with any degree of consistency. Most golfers, particularly beginners, fail to appreciate the importance of the grip and its influence on the over-all swing.

After some 20 years of playing golf, both for fun and as a profession, spending countless hours of thinking about the swing and how it should function, and hundreds of other hours on the practice tee, I have reached one emphatic conclusion: No one who aspires to become a good golfer can do so without a correct grip. It is as simple as that.

I experienced trouble with my grip for years before I finally made a major change in 1958. Prior to that time, I had been fortunate enough to win a number of tournaments, but I always had a tendency to hook the ball. The reason was that I had carried my right hand under the shaft too much, invariably resulting in a closed face at the top of the swing.

In the fall of 1958, Paul Runyan, La Jolla Country Club professional, advised me to change my grip. He suggested that I move my right hand slightly counterclockwise, or more on top of the shaft, to have the clubface more open at the top of the swing. These changes were related, and it took me a month or more to become accustomed to this new right-hand position.

By moving my right hand more on top of the shaft, there were fewer tendencies to have the right hand exert initial control during the backswing. The right hand merely rides on the shaft, thus allowing the clubface to remain square, or slightly open, as the body is turned away from the ball. Also, this new grip prevented my right hand from taking over too soon at the start of the downswing.

In the golf swing, the body movements generate the power and the hands apply it through the shaft and clubhead with a terrific lashing action of the right forearm and right hand. This movement can be likened to cracking a whip underhanded. A tremendous amount of clubhead speed can be generated this way, provided you have a proper grip on the club and are on the proper swing plane coming into the ball.

On the other hand, if the club is not gripped properly, you lose control at some critical juncture in the swing and the clubhead cannot be accelerated to its maximum speed.

The Overlapping Grip. Although there are many ways to grip the club, the most effective and widely accepted one is the overlapping grip. This grip promotes excellent unity of the hands, allowing them to function as a one-piece unit throughout the swing. The overlapping grip places initial control in the left hand and keeps it there throughout the backswing and early in the downswing. The right hand then takes over and applies the power through the clubshaft and clubhead.

Positioning your left hand on the club correctly is the first step toward building a good grip. To obtain this position, place the open palm against the left side of the shaft and then close the palm and fingers around the shaft This puts the shaft under the muscular pad and slightly above the roots of the last three fingers of the left hand.

It is a little more difficult to position your right hand on the club, because it is the overlapping hand. With your left hand affixed on the shaft in the correct manner, extend your right hand down to meet the left hand. The palm faces toward the target, and the center of the palm fits snugly against, and over, the thumb of the left hand. Now close the fingers around the shaft allowing the little finger to overlap between the forefinger and middle finger. Actually, the little finger sort of hooks around the middle knuckle of the forefinger, creating a firm yet flexible union of the hands.

Now it is just necessary for you to go out and practice.

How to Play Golf Without Paying Any Green Fees

The answer is really very simple, and you’re going to kick yourself when you realise what it is. Not that you’re losing any money by reading this and finding out what the answer is: in fact I am going to save you heaps of money and give you an opportunity to make a great deal yourself.

A few months ago I found myself tired, and burnt-out. I phoned my best friend and organised to spend some time with him and his family. Everyone should have a good buddy that lifts them up!

Within hours of landing at the airport, I was whisked away to the premier golf resort in the country: Pinnacle Point, near Mossel Bay, South Africa. Players from around the world consistently vote it the most spectacular golf course internationally.

We played two rounds of 18 holes of golf a day, and did not pay one cent for green fees. How is this possible, when the normal fee for anyone staying there is around $115 for one round?

Here is the answer: my friend owns timeshare with golf resort options.

But wait a moment you say, the more I visit YouTube and read articles, I see a plethora of disillusioned people speaking out against timeshare! You might be right, but I am not one to knock something for the sake of doing so. I do feel that if you have around $50 000 for a top week, you stand a good chance of being able to visit golf resorts around the world and enjoy the game without the fees.

But then you have only one week. And you will be paying monthly maintenance fees and annual fees on top of this. You don’t have the money up front? Don’t worry about money, they tell you at the timeshare presentation when they have your back up against the wall, we’ll finance it. Yes, they do, but at around 17 per cent, which is horrendous even for countries with questionable economies! When you come to swap, you pay to upgrade, pay a booking fee, and the swap itself is often not to your liking because school holidays differ entirely from country to country.

Many problems. What if I told you, you could sidestep all of these major disadvantages. Would you be interested?

There is a way to play at many resorts around the world, with a http://luxuryresortsmember.info”\">lifetime membership that is a fraction of any timeshare cost. And this option does away with every single one of the major disadvantages I mentioned above: every one. You have access to 5000 resorts worldwide, all year round. That’s right, not just one week. And you will pay no annual fees or levy, ever.

Stop right now is you’re thinking about buying timeshare. There is an http://luxuryresortsmember.info”\">alternative that everyone is talking about and that many people have been waiting for.

You can guess what my friend did once he researched the facts. We’re now planning a trip to North America and know that we can play every single day without paying any green fees.

Simple, isn’t it?

Lower Golf Handicap - Discover Some Tips To Help You Shoot Lower Golf Scores

Golf is a tough game to master and you need all the help you can get to learn how to lower your handicap. It is possible to reduce your golf scores but there is no magic shortcut. You will need to put the time and effort in to practice and learn the skills necessary to play better. Here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Tip 1: Focus on the short game

The short game is most likely the best way for you to be able to take strokes off your scorecard very quickly. Spend more time hitting wedge shots from 120 yards and in and also spend more time around the greens chipping and hitting bunker shots.

These shots can really add up very quickly so if you can master them then you will well on your way to shooting lower scores. When it comes to putting you want to spend a little time working on mechanics and then hit a lot of short putts.

Short putts are great to practice because you will make a lot of them which means that it will also boost your confidence levels. Confidence is a key factor to great putting so make sure that you are always thinking positively about your putting and your golf game in general.

When you are putting always try to make the putt and never lay up short of the hole. See the putt dying into the hole in your mind before you strike the ball. This will ensure that even if you miss your ball will still end up much closer to the hole.

Tip 2: Practice regularly

I know we are all busy with all the other aspects of our lives so getting enough practice can be difficult. It is not necessary to spend hours and hours practicing but rather hit a few balls, chip and putt at least 3 to 5 times a week to learn the game. Each practice session may take an hour total which is not that much time but it is important to be consistent and do it regularly.

Tip 3: Exercise

While golf is not the most physical sport on the planet it still does require a good level of fitness. If you are trying to become a professional player then being strong is a must which is why it is often a good idea to take part is some sort of weight training program.

You want to focus on exercises that strengthen the wrists and the core muscles like the abdominals. Doing wrist curls is a great way to build your wrist muscles and crunches can help to build your abdominal strength.

Tip 4: Master course management

Many golfers throw away a lot of shots during their rounds because they do not do a very good job of managing their game on the course. They will take very risky shots or pick the wrong clubs for a particular shot.

It is far better to be a little conservative and not go for the big shot especially if you are a high handicap player. You need to look at the hazards around the course and you also need to take a look at your game and hit the shots that give you the greatest chance of shooting a low score on that hole.

Sometimes laying up short even on a par 4 hole may be the best idea because you can then rely on good chipping and putting to put the ball in the hole. This is why working on short shots during practice is important because it gives you the ability to be a little conservative and not always go for the pin. Perhaps the most important key to lowering your golfing handicap is to be consistent so keep at it and maintain good practice habits.

Golf Training Aids - Can They Really Improve your Game

Looking to improve or maintain a respectable golf handicap, who isn’t? A low golf handicap is difficult to achieve and especially difficult to keep up if you’re not lucky enough to play on a regular basis. One proven solution is the use of golf training aids. What training aids work best? Each golfer should look at what part of their golf game needs improvement, putting, chipping, ball striking, distance, swing, or overall inconsistencies. While I love the game, overall inconsistencies is my problem.

If putting is your area of weakness you can choose from a large selection of indoor/outdoor putting greens to use at home, or depending on your situation, the office. Indoor putting greens may not have the contours of real golf course greens, however they allow you to practice any time. Outdoor putting greens are a little more like the real thing. While outdoor putting greens are a synthetic surface, you can give them some contour and slope. Artificial putting greens will assist you in developing a consistent, smooth putting stroke enabling you to sink putts in fewer strokes.

Chipping can be improved with the use of on target chipping nets and backyard flagstick poles. Land a chip in one of the nets or hit one of the flagsticks and you are on target. Chipping from a golf mat is suggested to simulate golf course conditions as much as possible. Chipping into nets or at flagsticks will improve your accuracy and contact with the ball. Using different wedges from multiple distances will also teach you which club to use for that distance and striking speeds necessary for the ball to land perfectly, without undershooting or overshooting your target.

Ball striking is always difficult to master. The pro's make it look so easy. Just remember the pro's have hit thousands of golf balls to develop and maintain that great swing. If you can’t make it to the driving range you can practice your swing with a golf cage or net. You will improve swing consistency, strengthen your swing, and learn to make superior ball contact every time. Golf cages or nets are convenient for practice and can be used outdoors or indoors enabling you to practice in foul weather. Most cages and golf nets sell for less than $100.00, making them more cost effective training aids then the driving range. Practice golf balls are also useful in developing and maintaining the perfect swing. Practice balls simulate the spin, trajectory, and accuracy of a real golf ball, but only travel a short distance. This is another convenient training aid that will permit you to practice anytime in your own backyard.

Golf training videos, books, CD’s, and DVD’s are also available from golf professionals such as Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter, and Jim McLean. These types of training aids will teach you the fundamentals of correctly playing the game, while demonstrating proper technique. If you are thinking of taking up golf these tools are cheap and will give you an idea of whether or not this is a sport for you, prior to investing money in very costly equipment.

Given the time and dedication golf training aids will continue to improve, develop, and maintain all areas of golf play. Granted nothing will ever be as good as the real thing, but you know what they say about practice making perfect.

Extensive Range of Golf Gadgets

golf equipment comes in various sizes, shapes and prices and while they cannot give you the perfect swing, they can be used to make the game of golf more interesting and convenient and less strenuous.

Different types of golf equipment can really add to the enjoyment of your sport. Here is just a selection of the golf equipment which can benefit your game:

Club Cleaning Product

This is helpful in cleaning your clubs and other golf equipment before you bring them home after playing, which will help to keep your home cleaner. It works by removing the grass and soil from the grooves in your clubs.

The Golf GPS

The golf GPS is a very interesting piece of golf equipment. It works by reporting its position on a map and can be used for several purposes, some common ones being GPS distances, shot by shot tracking, an electronic scorecard, etc.

The Suction Cap on the Grip

This is something that is really worth buying for those who play a lot of golf and want it to be less strenuous. It has a suction cup on your grip of the putter that makes it possible for you to easily pick up the ball from the hole without the need to bend down.

The Brush Tee

This golf equipment is different from a normal wooden Tee in that it makes a less contact with the ball. A good quality Brush Tee surface acts just like a layer of premium grass and hence makes the play more realistic.

Golfbuyitonline offers an interesting array of brands along with an amazing variety of golfing equipment and accessories for the avid golfer. There are many types of golf gadgets to choose from on the user friendly website. These products make the sport more interesting and less strenuous for you.

San Diego Golf-have the Fires Hurt the Courses?

With the headlines about the wildfires around San Diego, many phone calls have come into our offices at the Golf Guys recently about San Diego and, of course, the golf courses.

If you are planning a golf trip to San Diego, don’t let the fires stop you. We’re happy to report that all of the courses we’re affiliated with were hardly touched by the fires.

True, it affected a lot of land, but all of the courses are looking great and playing better. In fact, the area of greater concern in San Diego is what the maintenance schedules look like.

Steele Canyon Golf Club is open and ready for the challenge of the Canyon 9 or the meander through the Meadows 9. This is one of Gary Player’s Signature golf courses and one he deserves to be very proud of.

The course that was probably the most affected was Maderas Golf Club. They actually closed on October 22 when the community around the course was evacuated. They quickly reopened by October 27. They lost a couple of bridges, but they report, “The Clubhouse, Del Lago Ballroom, cart fleet, maintenance building and all on-course restrooms at Maderas are fine and intact.” We’re glad to hear that.

Maderas is one of the premier clubs in the San Diego area. If you are looking for a top-notch daily fee course that serves you like a country club member, this is it.

Another course that experienced a fire threat was Salt Creek Golf Club. The surrounding brush is a little charred but will be cleared in no time. The greens are probably in the best shape they’ve ever been in. This course is very convenient, only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, sitting up on a hill overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

Several courses were a quite a ways from the fires but are in the midst of their annual maintenance. Mt. Woodson Golf Club completed their overseeding project and is cart-path-only right now, but were ready for you to play as of the weekend of November 17.

If you want to play a newer course in Southern California, include Arrowood on your golf agenda. With large greens, Arrowood aerates half of their greens at a time, so you can still play smooth, flawless greens on one side while the other side recovers. They’re also working on the rough and tee boxes, so they’ll be ready for your game by the end of November.

Carlton Oaks recently aerated their greens and Aviara Golf Resort overseeded their rough areas. Both will be ready for your Thanksgiving round.

Hopefully, this puts your concerns to rest. Makes plans to visit San Diego to give a boost to a community that has been through a lot this past fall. And also play some great golf.

Hit ‘em long and straight.

Hole in One in Bali

Holiday and sport is a good combination.
Works are for people who don’t play golf. Play golf is for people who don’t go to work. Are you a free this weekend or at the end of this year? If yes, you invited to play golf in Bali. There are many beautiful and challenging golf courses in Bali.

You can play in Nusa Dua Resort area, Kuta beach, Jimbaran or Uluwatu. All of them are located in the south of Bali. There is another golf course in Pecatu Graha, a real estate complex not far from Nusa Dua. Sanur, near Denpasar also provide a nice golf course. BaliBeach golf course at the Grand Hotel Bali Beach is very unique golf course in Sanur area.

If you want to play in high place, just go to Bedugul, you will play in Bali Handara, the world champion type golf course, located between three beautiful lakes, Buyan, Tamblingan and Beratan. The climate in Bedugul is cold and calm weather.
If you a sunset lovers, go to a golf course near Pura Tanah Lot, located in Tabanan, so you can enjoy a beautiful a romantic sunset from the green.

Play golf in Bali is not just an ordinary sport because you will enjoy beautiful view such as beach, hill, a unique Balinese terraced rice field, lakes and nice weather. Most of the golf courses are located in hotel or resort area. So, you don’t have to worry about your lunch, dinner or breakfast. They have well trained caddy. You can enjoy 18 holes with international standard golf courses.

Bring your family and friends to Bali, and ask them to play with you. All of you will earn a very unique prize: happy and healthy, all together.

Gold Mind Play: When Over-thinking Becomes a Hazard

There are few games where you actually hit a stationary ball. Beginners often assume that golf must be an easy game because a carefully contrived formula is used when teeing off, using irons, chipping or putting, as opposed to reacting to a ball that is coming in your direction. Unfortunately, in the time you have to stand over the ball your brain gets in the way. When you're engaged in a tennis game for example, as you run to hit that forehand top spin, you don't think about where to exactly place your hands and how you're going to exactly position your feet each time the ball is coming at you. It happens at such a rapid pace - you don't have time to think an awful lot about it during play. After learning how to swing the racquet to hit the ball effectively, the movements you carry out during the tennis game become instinctive, natural reactions. Golf is different in that you are given an opportunity to take time before each shot to narrow your focus and to think about what you're actually going to do. Although time to think may seem to make the game more elementary, it actually creates an opening for a series of diversions that contribute to the complexity of the game. As you are standing over the ball, the slightest distraction, whether it be a sound, or a thought in your head, has the potential to seriously affect the outcome of your shot. In turn, one bad shot can then affect how you perform for the remainder of the game, simply because it has the ability to alter your state of mind.

What are the thoughts in your head?

Thoughts of your grip position and over-thinking your stance are diversions that take you away from the task at hand. Although having a pre-shot routine during practice is instrumental in the execution of your golf swing, over-thinking the mechanical processes during the actual game is detrimental to the flow of the action. It is this uninterrupted flowing movement and a relaxed mental state that is essential to achieving consistent, positive results on the golf course. So the question is, how can you eliminate distractions such as nagging thoughts or other negative influences to improve your game? There are several approaches to taking charge of your own mind game, but the first and most important is learning to accept what you can and cannot control.

Tips

1. Avoid over-thinking your shots, clear the mind of all the technicalities and concentrate on achieving a relaxed mental state each time you address the ball.
2. Don't let the discouragement of one bad shot carry through to the rest of your game. Think only of your present shot, not what lies ahead, or what has already occurred.