How Good Are You As A Golfer?

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Somewhere around 106 is the apparent average golf score. It can be concluded that a great many number of men and women are shooting in the 110s, 120s and above, when you consider that numerous players are having scores in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Does this sound regular?

Whatever the case may be, we must admit that no matter what they score, most golfers are in search of that best dynamic – the sole thing –that will easily leave them with much lower scores. Many industries labor to produce countless DVDs, gadgets, and gizmos that promise the best tips for perfection. We have all probably invested in them; some have turned to be bad, and some good. But we are never satisfied. We watch the current infomercial of the Golf Channel making ourselves believe that investing some extra dollars on the credit card would not hurt that much.

There are no easy ways out if you diligently want to improve your game. Perseverance and dedication are required to practice the right things. Some instructions on golf and enough first hand experience would go a long way. Visit the range at least once every week and play one or two games per month. You will have to get a long-term evaluation of your golf game. Realize that it is bound to take some time before you hit low scores.

But are you a good golfer? I do not want to know what your score is on an average. It may give a glimpse of your game but it fails to give a general overview.

Let’s assume that you play the same golf course, or courses daily and I hope that you do have some scorecards stuffed in your golf bag or locked inside your drawer. It’s time to take them out. Start doing this from now on, if you have not done it so far. It’s time to get started on the game.

Take a look at the scoreboard and note down the best you have scored on each hole. You will see that the addition for 18 holes is better than anything you have ever scored before. Anyways, the hip thing is that this is how nice you can be. Perhaps you generally shoot a 6 on that tricky par 4, but you made par two times – and you can notice over every hole just what your potential is. Obviously it is a different ball game to put it all together in a single round. But you can see how far you can go if you follow your current game.

At times we may criticize our own game so vehemently and be hard on ourselves, that we overlook the fact that we do play some pretty good golf. This leads us to the second part of our game, and we go to the next step.

What I am now going to suggest has the capability to bring about a major change in the way you perceive your golf. We know that the scoreboard never lies. But we must delve deeper into what is taking place in your rounds. The way is to keep an additional golf score.

Here we begin to record the shots that are good. The record would also include appreciable management of the course.

Reggie Dunn
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What Makes A Great Golf Swing

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Think about the following questions. What makes a good golf swing and why are some people able to do it while others cannot? The major part of the answer lies in how you engage yourself off the golf course. It may surprise you to know what a little effort it can take to bring your golf swing to the next stage. What follows now are some easy to do tips that are sure to improve your golf swing and make you score big time. They could show the dissimilarity between shooting three digits and shooting in the 90s or for that matter, even 80s.

1. Do warm up exercises to stretch your muscles before you go off to tee

In case you have been to a live pro golf event, you will know that the golfers do not just make an arrival at the course and then run off to the tee box. On the contrary they head off to the driving range, stretch for sometime and then hit some balls. We know that warming up positively effects your body and you do better at your golf swing. You will thank yourself if you make it a point to reach the golf course a little earlier, relax your muscles and take a few swings.

2. At times when you are off the course exercise your golfing muscles

You need to carve out a simple workout routine for the muscles utilized during your golf swing so that you become a good player. You can expect a huge impact on your game if you get into the habit of doing this even 10 minutes every day.

3. Don’t swing for the fences just yet

It is a known fact that for good golf you absolutely need to have mental strength and holding back the temptation to give your swing the extra push is a difficult task. But the truth is you must have that control to have a good golf swing. If you can successfully control it then giving that little extra is great. But if you cannot, perhaps you will never lay your eyes on that ball again. The thing that you need to understand is that you can uniformly hit the ball more than 200 yards with a good, smooth and controlled swing.

4. Take suggestions from the veterans

In contemporary times you do not need to pay exorbitant amounts for a personal golf instructor to help you out with the game. At a negligible cost you can get your hands on plenty of good golf instruction material available through the web. When managing your deficiencies, internet-based golf lessons can be really fruitful.

Reggie Dunn
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Golfing Instructions For Beginners

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This is one guide that can make all the difference in the world for beginners. Perhaps you cannot get your golf swing in gear nor can you afford to spend a thousand or more bucks for an instructor or buy a costly golf aid. Read on further to combat these difficulties.

This may sound too simple, but firstly, you have just got to let your hair down and relax to get a good swing in motion. You may have acquired already the knack to swing the best motion, but you need to get it better and be as comfortable as you can be. You have to forget that anyone is near you at all. Pretend that you are all alone. At the end of the day, no one is going to care about your swings, keep on concentrating on your game and then see the results. It’s a process of trial and error.

If your golf grip is the cause of your troubles then there are different kinds of golfing grips. You should go for the one that feels right for you and then always practice with that grip. Again, hitting on the correct grip for you can be a simple case of trial and error, but eventually you will hit the ones that complement your swing the best. It may take some time, but it may be worth it in the long run when you acquire that smooth, easy and effortless swing that you have wanted to have for such a long time.

You are more than likely to end up with an ungainly swing and a bad follow-through in case you do not have a nice stance. There is nothing to be tense about though; you can get yourself set in the right way. It is only a question of time before you can get the right motion, more so if you have been playing with that bad stance for some time. But it also may be a bit tough to come out of it and pass into a neat swinging motion if you have practiced in a bad form.

There is always space for doing better and better. So clearly, once you hit the correct golf swing, hold on to it and work with it. You may not be the most sought after golf player in the whole wide world, but if your swinging motions work for you and shows your scores coming down, then I am sure you will not give two hoots for being the very best on the planet! For a start it will make you feel good just to beat your friends on the field.

You can also browse through the many books and videos that are sold on the market to improve your swings and mechanics more. If you know what it is exactly that you are looking for then go do it without the aid of an instructor or expensive trainer. Have fun!

Reggie Dunn
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Golf Fitness Exercises For The Woman Golfer

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It is well known in professional golf how integral golf fitness exercises are for success at the highest level of golf. Men on the PGA Tour and women on the LPGA Tour understand the benefits of golf fitness exercises in achieving success. Outside the circles of professional golf many questions exist about golf fitness exercises. Questions such as; what are the best exercises to improve golf fitness levels, are flexibility exercises and stretches better than other forms of golf fitness exercises, and what are the benefits of golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer?

These and many questions surround the topic of golf fitness. This article is to provide some answers for you on the topic of golf fitness exercises for woman. It has been well documented in magazines and television how LPGA women such as Annika Sorenstam utilize golf fitness programs to benefit their play on the golf course. Is there a difference between the LPGA player and the amateur woman golfer in relation to golf fitness training? The answer is no. Yes, the women on the LPGA Tour are the best women golfers in the world, but the physiology of the LPGA player and amateur are the same. The skeletal, muscular, and neural systems are the same. The professional golfer has the same number of muscles in their bodies as the amateur. The woman’s professional golfer has the same skeletal structure as the female amateur, and nervous system as well. Granted the LPGA player has more refined and efficient swing mechanics, but the body is the same.

As a result of the body being the same, the principles and structure of a golf fitness program for any woman is similar. Before discussing the specifics of a golf fitness program for women it is necessary to understand a few important principles. The first principle to understand about a golf fitness program is sports specific. Sports specific is a term describing the type of training utilized in a golf fitness program. Sport specific training simply states the program utilized by the woman athlete is geared towards improving them in their chosen sport.

A second principle closely related to sports specific training is cross specificity training. Cross specificity training is the utilization of exercises to develop the woman golfer in the positions, movements, and actions incorporated in the golf swing. The goal of cross specificity training is a transfer of training effect to the field of competition. Simply stated, a transfer of training effect is the ability of exercises utilized to train the female golfer having a direct benefit on their performance during a round of golf.

For example, golf fitness flexibility exercises will attempt to improve the flexibility within the woman golfer. As the woman golfer improves her flexibility parameters in relation to the golf swing. She may be able to create a bigger shoulder turn, which may increase the distance of her drives. This benefit is an example of a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. In summary, the three principles that assist in the development of a golf fitness program for women are; sports specific, cross specificity training, and transfer of training effect. Many additional principles exist that are used as guidelines in the development of a golf fitness program, but these are three essential ones.

Outside of the guidelines governing the development of a golf fitness program for woman. Specific physical components within the body are needed within the body to execute the golf swing correctly. Remember, it is the body performing the biomechanics of the golf swing. In order for the golf swing to be executed correctly and efficiently certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power are required. These are the actual physical components within the woman golfer a golf specific fitness program looks to develop and enhance in relation to the golf swing.

The golf swing requires the body to move through a long range of motion for an efficient movement to occur. Much of this is contingent upon the ability of the core to coil and uncoil during the swing. In order for these two biomechanical actions to occur efficiently, the development of proper flexibility in the core is necessary.

We utilize flexibility exercises that are cross-specific to the movements in the golf swing to develop flexibility. The majority of these flexibility exercises are rotational and dynamic.

The golf swing is a dynamic movement, indicating that the body is in constant motion. It is crucial to develop a range of motion for the swing in a dynamic rather than a static (not moving) method. The goal of these exercises is to create a range of motion in the core for the golf swing. Flexibility is the first physical component requiring development within the woman golfer.

One needs to maintain, dynamically, a stable body throughout the entire swing. We have all hit balls at the range and know what happens when we do not stay balanced during the swing. Improving the balance and stabilization capabilities of the core translates into a better golf swing. Better Balance equals a Better Swing. Even subtle movements are consistency killers; thus we need to develop and maintain balance for a consistent swing.

Balance is connected to the efficiency of the nervous system and strength of the muscular system working together. The development of greater balance in the core and swing is the result of two types of specific exercise. The first challenges the nervous system creating greater efficiency. The second are exercises that create increased strength in the core. The combination of these two types of exercises permit for the body to maintain posture, promote efficient weight transfer, and create power in the swing. The result is a more consistent, accurate, and powerful swing. This is the second component included with a golf fitness program for women

Remember that the golf swing is a repetitive movement. The mechanics of the swing repeat with each stroke. This process can be repeated hundreds of times in a round of golf. Ever go to the range and hit two buckets of balls? At some point the body starts to tire, and shots scatter.

Proper endurance training enables us to repeat a sound swing. We produce this through a series of exercises developing endurance in the entire body. This nets us a consistent swing through eighteen holes. Increasing endurance leads to lower scores. This is the third physical component of the golf fitness program for women.

Club head speed is a function of power. The more power generated by the body, the greater speed at which a club head impacts the ball. More power to the ball equals longer drives. Developing higher levels of power within the muscular system of the body is achieved through the implementation of power exercises. These types of exercise assist in creating higher power outputs of the muscles involved in the golf swing. Power training is the final component found in a golf fitness program for women.

In summary a golf fitness program for the LPGA or amateur woman golfer is relatively the same. Golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer are sports specific. The exercises contained within the golf fitness program are cross-specific to the movements, positions, and requirements of the golf swing. The exercises within a woman’s golf fitness program induce a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. The golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. A golf fitness program for women will look to enhance these physical components of the body. The end result is an improved golf swing equating to lower scores and more enjoyment on the golf course.

Sean Cochran
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Woods or Irons? Or Both? Get The Right Type Of Golf Clubs!

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The basic golf equipment that a golfer needs includes a good set of golf clubs. You could say that these 14 sticks are the most important things in your golf bag. It’s the basic set of golf equipment that every golfer needs. To start with, there are two types of golf clubs - the woods and the irons. Their names suggest their distinct characteristics and they cannot be used interchangeably.

Woods
When they were first created, wood golf clubs were actually made out of wood. Recently though, it’s been modified and steel is now used for the club head. Woods are generally used to achieve more distant hits starting with the drive (the starting shot of every hole).

Irons
Irons look very different from woods. So it’s really easy to tell the two different types of clubs apart. They have smaller heads, are made out of steel and are designed for short-distanced shots. They are also shorter and more often than not easier to use than woods.

A good golf player doesn’t stick to one type of golf club. Instead, you will want to use different clubs to achieve different desired height, distance and ball placement. For example, when you’re taking your first shot through the fairway, you should pull out your 1 wood (also known as the driver). The number 2 to 4 wood can then be used for long, low shots on the fairway and the 5 to 9 woods are used to hit higher and shorter shots.

For irons, you will have a selection from the 1 iron to the 9 iron. Each number refers to the angle of the clubface and the length of the club. The average golfer will stick to the 4 iron and below. Unless you’re a professional, there is no point wasting money on the 1 to 3 irons. They’re too difficult to use and for the results that they can produce, you’re much better off spending your money on other golf equipment.

Buying a good set of golf clubs has been known to cost a fair bit. In fact, out of all the different types of golf equipment, golf clubs may be the most expensive of them all. However, there is a solution and a way of getting cheaper golf clubs. If you’re new at the game, a set of second-hand or used golf clubs can serve you well until you get use to the game. If you decide that you like playing golf, then you can consider buying a brand new set of golf clubs.

John Lim
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The Top 3 Pieces of Golf Equipment You N

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Like any other sport, the game of golf has specific pieces of equipment that you’ll need. Unlike other sports though, the golf equipment that you will find are many, and they aren’t always immediately clear what they are for. Because there are so many items, I’ll only be focusing on the three main pieces of golf equipment you’ll need to play the game. They are golf clubs, golf balls and golf shoes.

The first thing to introduce to any golfer is the golf club. There are two kinds of golf clubs - the woods and the irons. The woods are named as such because when golf equipment was first developed, the heads of these clubs were actually made out of real wood. In time and technology, metals such as titanium are used to craft these clubs. The woods have a rounded head and are generally used to hit longer shots.

Irons are golf clubs that are easy to tell from the woods. They are shorter in length and are used to hit mid-length to short shots. The club face is sharper than that of a wood and varying club numbers have varying lofts. This is to give the golfer more control over their shots.

Next up on your golf equipment list would be the golf ball. Once made out of compacted feathers covered with leather, the latest form of the modern golf ball has a rubber core and a covering of Surlyn (a type of plastic). Standard golf balls must weigh not more the 45.93 g or 1.62 oz and must have a diameter of no less than 4.27 cm or 1.68 inches. As with golf clubs though, different brands of golf balls do produce different shots. Certain manufacturers choose to focus on tougher, longer lasting balls, others on distance, some on accuracy and so on. If you’re new at the game, then you’re better off getting used golf balls. This is because you might lose them during the game and used golf balls are that much cheaper.

One of the last things you’ll need to shop for when it comes to golf equipment is golf shoes. Similar to other sporting shoes, the difference of a golf shoe comes from the sole of the shoe. Instead of having normal grips the bottom of the shoe is filled with spikes. Now this might sound dangerous but they really aren’t at all. The spikes are there to help you get a better grip on the course. This is especially important because it’s easy to slip and injure yourself when playing on wet grass.

Apart from these three items, there are of course other golf equipment. Examples of these items are bags, hats, clothes, club head covers, tags and other accessories. These items can be used to enhance your game and make it more fun. But golf clubs, golf balls and golf shoes will always be the main items you need to enjoy a golf game.

John Lim
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Golf Exercises For A Better Body And Better Scores

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You don’t have to be at the peak of your physical fitness to enjoy golf. But if you want to play competitively or if your goal is to achieve the lowest score possible, then having a fit body helps greatly. The mistake that most golfers make when they hit the gym is build the wrong kind of muscles for golf. Don’t fall into that trap! Instead, read on and find some low impact golf exercises that will have you feeling healthier and scoring better.

Low Impact Golf Exercises

• Hip Internal Rotation - Sit on a chair with your knees pointed straight in front of you. Rotate your ankles outward keeping your knees and thighs pointed straight ahead.

• Hip External Rotation - Same position. Now, cross the left ankle in front of the right and, keeping the thighs and knees pointed straight, hold for one second. Repeat, reversing ankles.

• Hip Abduction - On your left side bend the left knee slightly and straighten your right. Raise your right leg straight up, keeping it in the plane of your body. Hold for one second and count to two as you lower the leg. Repeat on the other side.

• Hamstring - Extend your left leg, knee straight on a low bench. Keep your back straight and chin up as you slowly reach toward the toes. Hold for two seconds, then repeat on your right leg.

• Lower Back - Sit with head erect, shoulders squared on a low bench. Slowly turn to your left, to slightly less than maximum. Reach hands around as if reaching for a seat back. Remember to keep your feet nearly flat on the floor. Hold for two seconds, then repeat on right side.

• Forearms - Extending your left arm straight out with the palm face-up, use your right hand to pull back the fingers of your left hand. Then turn your palm down and again use your right hand to gently pull back the fingers of your left. Hold each position for 10 to 20 seconds, then repeat, switching arms.

As the weeks progress and you feel yourself getting stronger, feel free to add some weights on your angles and wrists. They will help provide more resistance and a tougher workout.

Those are some golf exercises you can do to strengthen and tone your muscles to achieve better golf fitness. But what’s also important is stretching and warming up before the game to avoid injury.

Stretching
Good putting requires relaxed concentration and a good drive strength and limber joints. So start your stretches by rotating all the 'golf' joints. This means your hands and fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. Once you’re done with the minor parts of your body, loosen up the main area, your neck and spine, by rotating the head gently counter then clockwise. Remember, the following instructions are just general golf exercises you can use. Keep in mind of your age and fitness before trying out awkward angles and extensions.

• Starting slowly, stretch yourself just less than the maximum possible. Hold each stretch for several seconds and repeat until you work smoothly out to the maximum extension.

• Standing straight, stretch the arms straight up, rotate the forearms, then wrists, then flex the finger joints. Follow by rotating the entire arm, first one then the other then both together. Reverse directions and repeat.

• With elbows bent and hands clasped above the head, use the right hand to pull the body right, followed by the left hand to pull the body left. That stretches those major muscles called the latissimus dorsi. (The long ones running from the shoulder blades down to the waist.)

• Separate the feet to about shoulder width and bend side to side, front to back. Remember to keep pressure off the lower back, by keeping the angles shallow until you've achieved athletic golf fitness.

John Lim
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Mastering the Golf Swing

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You don't have to understand all the ins and outs of the golf swing in order to play well, but it certainly will help.

A person usually cannot pick up a golf club for the first time and swing it with perfection.

But, the body can learn the correct way to swing a golf club.

One gotcha is to be sure to NOT lift your head to view the alignment of the club face during the back swing and/or downswing.

The best focusing points for a consistent swing are:

1) efficient golf swing mechanics and
2) the body.

By keeping your joints supple and flexible, you could help ensure the length of your golf swing and even your club head speed.

Golf Swing Mechanics and Your Body

In order to learn efficient golf swing mechanics, the golf swing has to match your body's ability.

The ability to maintain your body in the correct "balanced" position, while going through your golf swing, requires intense neuromuscular control.

Training muscles involved in the golf swing, particularly the lower body and torso muscles, helps to hit the ball a greater distance.

The key is to play with optimal golf swing mechanics to reduce stress on your spine. If you ignore either the body or the mechanics, it would be safe to say that your golf swing and game will suffer.

It is also important to mention that the motion of a golf swing, if done incorrectly, can cause injuries in many parts of the body.

Injuries to the key muscle groups used in the golf swing can be significantly lowered by improving flexibility.

Remember Your Posture

Your posture sets the tone for an unobstructed, free-flowing and uncomplicated golf swing.

Every error in your posture magnifies itself throughout your golf swing, and nowhere is that more amplified than on the backswing.

Look at your posture.

Proper posture allows you to make the golf swing and protect your back. You should focus to physically try to stay in your golf posture until the end of your swing.

Finally, The Swing

Without question the golf swing is one of the most important aspects about the game of golf.

Timing is the key to a great swing.

The set-up is the first crucial part of golf swing timing. If your swing is off, the golf ball could fall too short or go too far.

Allow your eyes to go to the ball to begin your swing. Remember your posture and your stance.

Now the backswing. The backswing does not hit the golf ball, but this does not mean that executing a good backswing is not important.

All of the motion ties into one another. It can be hard to master, as the golf swing is not a natural motion for most people.

But practicing and focusing on key aspects will go a long way to improving your swing.

Remember your body is one of these key aspects.

A strong lower back is critical to making an effective turning motion in the golf swing. And don't rush into it. Never try to hit a golf ball until your swing is second nature.

Now that We Have the Basics, How to Improve

Practice, practice and more practice. This doesn't necessarily mean time spent every day, but it does mean to focus on all the key aspects each time you do practice.

Two aspects require tuning and development of you wish to improve the power in your golf swing; timing and form.

You can work on drills to improve your golf swing timing, always remembering to start with a solid setup. In regard to form, powerful abdominals will improve posture at the address and help to prevent lower-back pain associated with the golf swing.

Also, by working on your stance and finishing position, your golf swing is on its way to giving you a perfect game.

Maintaining Power

As time goes on you may be losing your ability to produce power in your golf swing.

An inefficient golf swing decreases the amount of power delivered to golf swing. Great players attest that focussing on proper body stance and a smooth, focused swing maximizes your power and develops an athletic golf swing with perfect balance.

Many things go into playing a great game of golf, none as important as having the proper golf swing and body form.

This will not just increase your ability in the game, but also your enjoyment.

Lee Collins
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Stay Relaxed To Achieve Your Desired Golf Swing

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The golf swing is something that really affects your golf shots and golfers spend so much time thinking about it and working it out. That’s actually the greatest mistake and the best kind of golf swing is one that feels natural and relaxed. Relax during your swing? It’s easier said than done, of course. So let’s try taking things one step at a time.

The first step to your golf swing is actually your stance. You need to stand comfortably and get balanced. Worrying about whether you’re going to fall down obviously won’t help you get better. So move your heels apart, shoulder width, and don't be afraid to stick your butt out. Next take a firm grip on your golf club, but don't squeeze the life out of it. Remember to relax your arms and to avoid tension. If you’re tensed, chances are you’ll be hitting poor golf shots no matter how good your swing is.

Now we go to the two components of the golf swing starting off with your backswing.

Backswing – The backswing is exactly what it sounds like. It is the part where you take the club back in a smooth arc with your thumb knuckle above your right ear. When you draw it back your club head traces out a circle. Think of that circle as the rim of a round table tipped on edge.

Basically keeping your left elbow straight, take the club straight back and up. Have your wrists cocked at a 90 degree angle by the time your left arm is parallel to the ground and you feel anchored to the ground. At the end of your backswing your chest should be pointed away from the target.

Downswing – The downswing is where you swing the club down and through the ball. At this stage you want to let nature take its course. Let your natural body motion carry the club head through the ball's position, toward the target. Swing down in the same plane as your back swing. (Try visualizing the rim of that round table.)

To get this part of your golf swing right, you must first remember not to start your downswing with your shoulders. Instead start your downswing with your lower body and as you bring the club down, turn your belt buckle toward the target. Then turn your hips as fast and as powerfully as you can, while retaining control. At the bottom of the arc, your wrists 'snap' and you follow through, as if the ball weren't there and have your left arm swung across your body near the right armpit.

When you’re done with your downswing here’s what you should look like:
• Weight balanced on your front hip,

• Back toe on the ground,

• Hands should be up above your front shoulder and your chest, and

• Back knee should be facing the hole.

And there’s all there is to it! So if you’re having problems with your golf swing, just remember these tips and head to the practice range. In this case, practice doesn’t just make perfect, it also helps the golf swing feel more natural and smooth. When you’re swinging without thinking that’s when great golf shots will start happening.

John Lim
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5 Basic Steps To The Perfect Golf Grip

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A few things factor into a good golf shot and amongst them are your grip, posture and swing. While all these things come into play, some consider the golf grip the most important one of all. If you don’t have a good golf grip, you can forget about your swing because no matter how hard you try to train or fix it, it will still be broken until you nail the perfect grip.

To get the perfect golf grip just, follow the 5 simple steps listed below:

1. With the golf head down, grip using only the last three fingers and the pad of your left hand. Grasp with your left hand and adjust the club so the grip is in your fingers, not your palm.

2. Make sure your left hand’s thumb is straight down. The point where your thumb meets your hand should be near the top of club.

3. Next, grip with the fingers of your right hand. Note the small vertical crease in your right palm near the wrist. Overlap the creases of your hands.

4. Grab the pinky of your right hand with the index finger of your left. Note the index finger and thumb of right hand. You should see a 'V' where they meet. That vertex (the point where they meet) should point to your right shoulder.

5. Make sure your right thumb is not running straight down the club but instead is pointed slightly toward your right shoulder.

If you follow these instructions, you should be able to obtain a solid golf grip. The following golf tips will also help you improve your grip and help you feel more comfortable and confident with it.

• The best way to double-check whether your golf grip is correct is to look at the amount of knuckles you can see on your left hand. If you can see three of them, it means that you’re in good shape. 2 or 4 means that your club’s face is either too open or too closed.

• An important golf tip to remember is that your grip needs to be firm yet relaxed. Holding the club lightly but firmly is what you should do. Don’t try to choke it because tenseness in your golf grip will lead to a poor swing. Remember, the more relaxed your grip, the straighter and farther you'll hit the ball.

• There is a golf tip to avoid gripping too tightly. Extend your target arm and hold the club at an angle in front of you with the heel pad of your left hand on top of the handle. This puts the club across the top joints of the fingers (where the fingers meet the hand). The heel pad supports and traps the club. Hopefully relieving you of the need to hold it in a death grip.

• A common error golfers have is a weak lead-hand grip (left hand for the right-handed golfer). A weak lead-hand tends to produce slices and your shots will lack power. So take note of this golf tip if you have slicing problems.

• Practicing your golf grip isn’t crucial but it can help in the long run. If you know your grip by heart, you’ll settle into it easily without much thought. For golf, the less you need to think about and the more natural your grip and swing feels, the better the shot.

John Lim
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Beginning Golf Instruction tips: Getting a feel for the approach shot

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After mastering the concept of the tee shot, the next step as a golf instruction beginner is to move on to the short game and what are known as approach shots.
For most people, these shots will be increasingly more difficult because they require more skill & patience than a simple tee shot.

There are a variety of approach shots, all of which are used in different situations depending on where your initial shot lands on the course. However, your intention with these shots is always to land on the green.

The pitch shot is an approach shot that is played from farther away than the other shots. Using a wedge, the ideal pitch shot is the perfect combination of enough swing momentum to carry your shot through, but not enough to send it sailing over the green. Trajectory will be low to average depending on how far you are from the cup and you want to make sure the ball doesn't roll too far.

You must start off with a slightly open stance, positioning your right foot directly across from the ball. When following through on a pitch shot, always make sure to keep your backswing as short as you possibly can. Failure to keep your backswing in check will usually cause you to instinctively put the brakes on your shot while accelerating, which is a definite no-no. You want to have enough confidence in your wedge to let the club do the work for you: don't think you have to assist the ball through the air.

Another approach shot is known as the chip shot. You'll need to use a chip shot once you're within about 30 yards from the green, usually after a fairway drive or tee shot. The idea is for this shot to have a much shorter trajectory, so you will need to use a less lofted club. Proper weight distribution is paramount to getting off a decent chip shot. If you're a right handed golfer, you want to put the majority of your weight on the left side and hold this position through the duration of your shot.

There are generally two kinds of chip shots that we want to concern ourselves with. The first one is what's known as the bump-and-run shot, and the second is a flop shot. The Bump And Run is usually taken with an 8, 7 or 6 iron club and with the clubface hooded. That way your shot will have have less loft. You also want to have just enough power in your backswing to follow through. The flop shot is used when you want to get over an obstacle like a rough patch or a sand trap, so you're going to want to have a much higher trajectory in order to push the ball over. Open up your stance and follow through as far under the ball as possible to try and pop it up, and you'll keep your ball away from the danger zones with a good position for a subsequent shot.

Blair MacGregor
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Stance and swing 6 tips for better golf

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The perfect stroke is that elusive thing we all strive for, asleep in our beds at night with a smile on our faces as we dream of that drive going straight and true down the middle of the fairway or that putt dropping in to the cup at the end of its smooth 50 yard run.

Unfortunately reality bites when we get to the tee and make our shot, those niggling worries start in the back of out minds, are my feet too far apart, is my eye on the ball, is my chin too far in is my back swing too shallow, this indecision and doubt might be throwing you off your game, so take a little time and read through these tips to improving your swing and stance, if you do not learn anything at least you now know you were doing the right things all along and that doubt can be lifted and replaced by the dream stroke you always had inside of you.

1. Is your stance too narrow? A narrow stance can cause balance problems for a golfer, it also causes an unstable base and this can lead to more balance problems and so the vicious cycle continues. To solve the problem of poor balance you should take a slightly wider stance should be used, your toes should be slightly splayed out. The lead foot should be splayed out around 30 degrees, make these adjustments and you break the cycle, your base is stabilised and your balance restored.

2. When the club addresses the ball are your hands too close to your body?
This can limit the arc of the club and can cause it to be too narrow, to improve your arc you should reach a little more this produces a wider arc and improves distance.

3. Avoid swaying during the back swing, if you have a tendency to sway backwards this can seriously impair your swing, this is because you are not turning about your pivot point and the weight becomes too much for your rear leg, you should feel free to move your weight to your rear leg but only to the inside, you should concentrate more on turning than swaying to solve this problem.

4. One thing that will loose you power when you are playing golf is keeping your club too close to your body on take away, the way to correct this problem and get that power back is to extend your arms away from your body, like you were going to hand your club to somebody on your right had side, you must maintain your balance throughout.

5. To get a wider arc and more power you need to ensure that your right
elbow stays out from your body, too many golfers keep the elbow too close into their body and this causes a loss of power and severely limits your game.

6. Concentrate on not moving your weight on to your front foot during the back swing, this can cause a reverse pivot, that will lead to a loss of power, you must ensure that you move your weight to your back leg but not so much that you risk a loss of balance.

Dave Smith
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Avoiding the Golf Traps

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It’s every golfer’s worst-case scenario – You’re golfing great, you’ve got a perfect swing, the perfect stance, and you were able to get rid of that slice that’s been on your back. NO matter how well everything goes, even the best golfer can find himself (or herself) occasionally stuck in a sand trap, stuck in the grass or trapped behind a giant tree on the golf course. Unfortunately, the traps are what make the game interesting. Without them, the game would probably become boring for even the most devoted golfer. Obstructions help to make golf a more interesting and challenging game, and you’ll learn to appreciate the traps when you find the best ways to get out of them.

The odds that your golf ball will roll to a stop right behind a tree are slim, but it does happen. There are ways out of this situation. You could chop down the tree, or drill a hole in the tree large enough to hit your ball through, but that’s probably not going to make the maintenance crew of the golf course very happy.

A lot of golfers just sacrifice one putt so that they can place the golf ball in a more favorable position. How well this works depends on your ability as a golfer, and what you’re willing to risk on one play. If there is another tree close by, you can try a ricochet shot, but it’s not very reliable. You can’t judge where the ball will go once it hits the rough bark of the tree.

A good solution is to practice a curve ball before you get into this situation, so that you’ll know what to do when the time comes.

Sand is a whole other problem completely on the golf course. Many golfers opt for the “whack and see” technique. To do this, pull a sand wedge from your golf bag, hit the general vicinity of the ball, then watch the sand to see if your golf ball takes flight as well.

Consistency is the crucial to your golfing game on the whole, and getting out of a sand trap is not exclusive to this. It is hard to control a golf ball in the sand. Golf balls don’t really roll in sand and difficult to control a putt from a sand trap. In addition, you are probably going to be dealing with an upward slope of the trap before you’re out on the course again. Therefore, the only really dependable way to get out of a sand trap is to use the wedge and try to get enough lift on the ball to clear the sand.

Make sure that you choose your wedge cautiously. Keep in mind that you want enough lift to clear the sand. However, less lift is usually easier to manage.

No matter what obstacle you’re facing on the golf course, having good control of the ball, choosing the right club for the job, and setting up your shot just right are the ways that you will be able to get out of those sticky situations on the golf course.

Ken Snowie
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Warming up For a Round of Golf

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When it comes to warming up for a golf game, a lot of golfers think that hitting the driving range is enough. Actually, working on your different swings and getting familiar with the weather conditions will help to make your golf game the best it can be.

Golfing on a windy day is much different than if the air is calm. Your golf game is also affected on days when the temperature is hot than when it’s more moderate. Here are a few warm-up tips from those who hit the golf courses regularly.

Starting out by driving is fine, but make sure that you start slowly. By choosing a short iron for the first few drives, you are allowing your muscles to loosen up. Gradually work up to longer drives, but keep in mind that the goal isn’t only to see how far out you can drive the ball – control is more important than distance and this is your chance to gather your skills to exercise that control.

Just driving the ball is not enough. Some people think an adequate warm up is simply making a few good drives. Practice a little chipping and putting as well. Try to make the most of your swing, especially if you’ve had lessons recently. A round of golf means more than just teeing off.

Getting your mood under control is a vital warm-up tip in golf. The goal is not to take your frustrations out on a golf ball; it won’t help your game at all. Take time to focus on your game, get calm, and forget about your troubles. A bad mood can greatly affect your golf game.

A warm-up session is not the place to try out new clubs, swings, or try new techniques at all. This is the time you make the effort to play your best game, as if you were at the first tee. It’s fine to try a few practice swings if have been practicing them already, and you want to try it in your first game, but don’t get carried away during your practice session. The point of the warm-up session is to loosen your muscles and build your confidence. You can’t do that if you are trying something totally new, and you keep making mistakes. By using the techniques you’re used to, you will be ready to congratulate yourself on your triumph during your warm-up and your game.

If you think that you don’t need a good warm up session before your golf game, think about how you typically play if you don’t warm up. How is your first tee? How are the subsequent tees? Did you have to spend most of the game making up for poor strokes in the beginning? The warm up is your chance to make your mistakes before they end up on your scorecard. By taking the time to warm your muscles and mind up, you’ll play a more confident game of golf.

Ken Snowie
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GOLF INSTRUCTIONS

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The objective of golf is to hit balls into each of the 9 or 18 successive holes on the course, in as few strokes as possible. Every sport calls for appropriate equipment; golf is no different. A good technique, coupled with the right clubs will bring success. Try different clubs before deciding the right set for you. Please avoid the common blunder of buying expensive and flashy golf clubs, for starters. Instead, look out for crucial features such as length, shaft, flex, grip-thickness and swing weight in your club.

Two basic forms of playing golf are match play and stroke play with individual players or as a team. We begin by addressing the ball, taking a swing and striking it with a side stance. The full golf swing is an art and mastering it, requires constant practice and diligence. It is elementary to align your body and club to the target you are aiming. A dynamic balance as it is known in golfing parlance will insure the club strikes the ball at the desired angle, imparting right spin and trajectory. Invariably, it is your swing that will make it or break it. So, watch your balance!

An approach shot is played into the green and consists of pitch, flop and chip.

A tee shot is the first shot played from the teeing ground. Depending on the hole, tee shots have either a shallow flight and long roll or a higher flight and minimal roll of the ball. Fairway shots are similar to drives, but executed without the tee, once the ball has been brought into play. Irons or wedges are used when playing from the fairway and the rough, not to mention "hazards". A bunker shot is played when the ball is in a bunker (sand trap). Sand wedges come into play, allowing the club to skid in the sand. On the green a putter comes in handy to "putt the ball". In this case, the ball rolls on the ground, never becoming air borne.

Golf is governed by rules and etiquettes regularly published by the R&A and USGA, covering matters such as safety, fair play, players' obligation etc. Whether playing on a link course or a parkland course, golf is a great game, replete with fun and frustration, ups and downs! (pun intended).

Dave Smith
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Golf Clubs – Getting The Perfect Fit

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When it comes to golfing, not any old golf club will do for you. You know this if you have ever been on the golf course having make up for a club that is too long or not long enough. Besides adversely affecting you game, using golf clubs that do not fit your body can cause aches and pains after using them for a while. And if you are concentrating on making up for the poor fit of your clubs, then you probably aren’t focused on playing your best gold game.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to spend a lot of cash on custom-fit golf clubs, though. While custom golf clubs are one way to go, you can probably find what you are looking for at a good golf store. But there are some things think about.

Though the length of the club is important, it’s not all you need to consider. Professionals say that the size of the grip of your club should be comfortable in your hands. For this reason, clubs for younger players and women usually have a smaller grip.

If you decide that a set of custom-fit golf clubs is the way to go, there are some things to know. The aim is not just to make sure that the golf club reaches from your outstretched hand down to the ground, but also to make the most of your body and build as well. Getting a set of golf clubs custom fit is a process that takes some time.

A proper fitting session should occur both indoors and out. The best custom-fit golf clubs should be tailored so that the way swing is considered. This can become a costly endeavor.

Although many golf club manufacturers will charge a high fee for the fitting session, many offer this service on a complementary, if you buy a set of golf clubs from them. While custom clubs are more expensive than a general set purchased from a shop or elsewhere, the cost will be worth it when you see the immediate improvement in your golf game.

Think about the shots that you have been making since you started playing golf. If you’re taller or shorter than the average golfer, custom clubs can make all the difference.

You might be wondering how long it takes to get a set of custom golf clubs in your bag. Many manufacturers of custom golf clubs can offer delivery within a few days, or often no more than a few weeks.

There are few negative aspects of getting custom-fit golf clubs. If you want to buy them for someone as a gift, or resell them someday, custom clubs are probably not the way to go. More than likely, the golfer who is going to receive the custom clubs will be surprised enough to get the fitting session, and most who go to this expense and trouble don’t usually sell them.

Investing in custom-fit golf clubs is entirely up to you. If you want to perfect your swing and are planning to buy a new set of clubs, custom clubs might be the best investment you can make!

Ken Snowie -
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Golfing During Vacations – Get The Best Of Both Worlds At A Golf Resort!

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Looking to get away for a while but don’t know where to go or what to do? Why not plan a golf vacation? Get out of town for a while, take a break from the norm and enjoy your favorite sport.

Golf vacations or golf holidays are getting more and more popular these days. Of course it helps that the sport is now more famous and you have more golf courses to pick from. Apart from having a good selection of golf courses, golf vacations are also popular because of the growing number of golf resorts. They are really your one-stop destination for a great holiday. They’ve got all the luxuries of a hotel with a golf course attached to it. Sounds like a match made in heaven doesn’t it.

As with other holidays, you’ll need to consider your budget for the golf vacation. It’s best to find out how much you can spend early on to avoid disappointment later. Knowing your budget also helps when you’re looking for the right golf holiday package with a travel agent.

Speaking of travel agents, paying them a visit should be the next thing you should do. After all, they will provide you with lots of information and help you make the necessary arrangements. When you visit them to plan your golf vacation, you’ll save time, money and a whole bunch of hassles. When you visit a travel agent, keep in mind that you are organizing a golf holiday and you’ll want to prioritize golf courses over accommodation.

One of the ways to pick a golf resort is to firstly decide where you want to go and then locate a nearby resort. For example, the Caribbean is a great place for a holiday and you can actually head there for a golf vacation as well! There are plenty of golf resorts to choose from. Plus a golf resort in this part of the world is going to offer you amazing courses along with friendly and knowledgeable staff that will be able to help you with anything that you might during your stay. You will also be able to find plenty for the rest of your family to do while you are out on the links if they do not enjoy golf as you do.

To get even more information on your golf vacation, you could also get magazines like Golf Digest and Golf & Travel for additional travel data and golf vacation destinations. Some may even provide detailed descriptions of golf courses.

The best part about heading to a golf resort for a vacation is that you won’t have to leave your clubs behind. You can still enjoy the game while on holiday, and there will still be plenty for your family and friends (who are non-golfers) to do. Get the best of both worlds and a lovely vacation at a golf resort of your choice.

John Lim
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Avoiding "Golf Overload" - Your Guide To Finding The Right Golf Instruction Tutorials

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I'm sure you've been made familiar with the popular golf instruction aids & tutorials that you've seen in the pro shops, online at bookstores like Amazon and on specialty sites all over the web. You might even be suffering from golf overload! While your first inclination might be to give that new product a try, you need to keep certain things in mind before making an impulse purchase.

First of all, let's keep something in mind. My goal here isn't to bring you down to earth or to try and stifle your dream of playing exceptional golf. However, the odds of a certain golf instruction program suddenly transforming your game from part-time amateur to a full-time golf virtuoso is somewhere between slim and none.

There are many programs and aids available that can help you improve your game in one form or another, but nothing is a substitute for good old-fashioned practice, whether that be on the course, at the driving range, or simply in your backyard. Anywhere where you can be free to make mistakes and learn from them is a good place to practice, and eventually, your game will thank you for it.

I would liken it to learning to play a musical instrument. If you've ever learned how to play piano, guitar, violin or another instrument, you'd know that even though you might have had a stellar teacher, failure to practice on a consistent basis means the lessons you're being taught will be completely meaningless. The same can be said for golf instruction. You can spend hundreds of dollars on professional golf instruction or $47 for an e-book and DVD set, but without the proper amount of practice, you will not improve your game. Period. That said, here are some things to look at when researching the latest golf instruction products & tutorials:

1. What ails your game the most?

What is it about your game that you think is the most lacking? I'm sure you can think of one thing you're consistently doing wrong on the course, whether it be slicing the golf ball, or not getting enough power on your drives, etc. Jot down one or two of these problems that you'd like solved and look for specific products to help those elements of your game the most. And since many problems in golf tend to stem from one underlying issue, odds are you will correct a number of parts to your game just by implementing a strategy or unlearning a bad habit that you might have unknowingly picked up on.

2. What credentials does the author/manufacturer have?

Does the author of that book teach amateur golfers on a regular basis? How have his students done? Do a Google search for his or her name and try to track down some of the individuals that they've tutored. People are always willing to give out reviews & opinions, and the golf world is no different. If the instructor has experience or connections with some of the PGA professionals or has a successful track record teaching amateurs, then its likely that you've found someone you can trust.

3. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

If their product is worth checking out, the author or instructor will always be readily available to answer any questions you might have about the product before you make a purchase. Never hesitate asking questions directly to the source up front before making your decision.

Taking the time to thoroughly research the web before purchasing a golf instruction tutorial or aid will save yourself a great deal of frustration and should help your golf game moving back in the right direction.

Blair MacGregor
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Discount Myrtle Beach Golf Packages

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One of the most popular activities while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is golfing. In fact that area has become very well known for it, with some people planning vacations specifically around golf. The Myrtle Beach area consists of over sixty miles of sunny beaches, and is nicknamed the Grand Strand. An easy and affordable way to book a golf trip in this area is by booking it through a package deal.

The lodging in packages covers many different options. There is everything from golf resorts to villas specifically meant for golfers, to hotel suites, to chain hotels, to beachfront condos, to luxury homes. This allows you to travel individually, as a family, with a friend, or within a group. No matter who your traveling companions will be, you will have adequate accommodations, with whichever amenities you are desiring.

Rounds of golf are included with all of the different golf packages you will find for Myrtle Beach. Different packages obviously offer different courses. Just some of the courses offered are P. B. Dyes' Founders Club at St James, George Cobb's Bald Head Island Course, Freddy Couples Carolina National, The Eagles Nest, The Meadowlands, Tigers Eye, Thistle, The Witch, Shaftesbury Glen, Arrowhead, Byrd, Maples, Jones, Lion's Paw, Panther's Eye, Heather Glen, Glen Dornoch, and The Wild Wing Courses. Given all these choices, you could come back to the area often, and enjoy different courses every time.

The prices of the golf packages in Myrtle Beach vary, with most packages including accommodations for three or four nights, with three or four days of golfing, and in most cases including three different golf courses. The time of year can also vary the price of a package, looking at off-season and in-season golfing for Myrtle Beach. The prices range anywhere from $169 to $605 depending on the package length, location and time.

Golf is just one of the things that can be done in this well-traveled vacation area. There are amusement parks, water parks, shopping, theaters, and other night life, making enough things to do to fill your time when off the green, as well as offering your other traveling companions choices in activities if they don't choose to golf along with you.

A package deal can be the best way to go for any golfer, serious in his pursuit or just pursuing a casual hobby. With so many different choices, it can be the best option, especially considering you can have all your traveling secured with just one phone call.

Charles & Susan Truett
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Your Perfect Golf Vacation – Conclusion

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Your perfect golf vacation with your friends starts and stops with you. Toss the vacation package brochures in a heap and design your own ideal golf getaway. This is the final of four articles to assist you in providing an outing for yourself and your friends that will make you want to do it every year (as we have for 19 years running).

From the last article, you are now at the minus one month point. So far you have rallied the troops, picked the dates, selected the lodging and golf courses and are in the final preparation stage. You will soon see your friends smiling faces at the airport baggage claim. The final preps and smoothly running the whole show are child's play. The tough part was getting your bunch of friends to buy the tickets to enjoy the event. Here are a few things you will want to do before the scream of the aircraft's tires on the tarmac.

1. Transportation. The limiting factor is arrival and departure from the airport due to clubs AND suitcases. If you can just barely stuff everyone in the vehicles at this point, the rest of the week is gravy. From your experience, you know that when you pack up four guys to go golfing locally, you will entirely fill the trunk of a full sized car. With that in mind, you should plan on a full sized car for every three people. We use one minivan/SUV augmented with cars for our adventures. Just make sure you allow for the limiting case.

You need to arrange these rental vehicles ahead of time, but you can only drive one yourself. Here is the minus one-month mandatory. When you figure out your vehicle requirements, contact the group to arrange among them and you who will contact and rent the remaining vehicles. There will probably be some in your group that have existing discounts and can score a great rate. Hash this one out via email.

2. Entertainment. Unless you are going to the deserts in Arizona or get exceedingly lucky, you will have a rain day or two. You will also have a bunch of time at night after golf (after you have all told your lies). We suck that time up pretty effectively watching the golf channel, ESPN, playing cards, or watching videos. The latter is what you can address ahead of time. We have a guy that is pretty good at selecting movies to watch and we task him to bring them with him. Movies like "Gladiator", "Miracle", etc. are big. Some of your group may even have an adult video you may want to avail yourselves of. On severe rain days, we also have gone bowling (a real hoot), done the local movie theater, and toured the area.

3. Checklists. After about ten years of being asked twenty times per day where we were playing the next day, or when we had to leave, or what was for supper, or who stole my teddy bear, I finally started typing out these things. I make a copy of each and post sporadically throughout the house. I make individual laminated cards and hand to each golfer. Know what? It reduced the questions to half and now when asked, I say that I can't remember, let me walk over to the frig and read it for you. Here are the things I prepare ahead of time.

- Listing of course, tee times, course contact number, and departure time. I base departure time on MapBlast directions and factor in a stop for ice for the coolers and if we will need to hit range balls.

- Listing of the menu for the evening meals. If this is your first time, keep the menu simple and make sure you have the recipes in hand. With any size group, you are going to have a chef or two and this won't be a big deal.

- Multiple copies of the "order sheet" for sandwiches. For most of our noon meals between rounds, we dine on our self-prepared, gourmet sandwiches prepared the night before. As you saw from the previous articles, I solicit what the group wants and have that on the shopping list. What winds up being the least confusing way is to have some sheet for people to circle or fill in to specify what sandwiches they want for the next day. You rotate the preparers (two is best) every night and with that sheet, they manufacture the gourmet feast. (Don't discount this! The sandwiches you make will be superior to anything short of the full meal at the course AND you will not have to wait on it if you are pressed for time between your rounds.)

- Biggy! We did not keep a record of our scores for our first few years. Big mistake. What great history we tossed out. Keep a record! I prepare a hard copy sheet to fill in as we go. It allows us to follow who is the overall stroke leader and gives us all ammo to use in negotiating the next day's bets. I take this home and plant it permanently on our golf website.

- Expenses. I pay for everything with minor exceptions. That keeps it simple. I currently use a spreadsheet to administer this. It works great. I would provide this for you, but this article format doesn't allow. Before that, I simply used pen and paper and got it to within a penny. My point is that from the minute you start your adventure, keep a tally of what you have spent! Streamline course check in by paying for everyone, buy all the food and drink, buy all the gas, etc. If someone pays for anything, log it in immediately. If you are religious in this, you will have no complaints, only praise.

4. Things nobody else will bring but you.

- Several decks of cards, poker chips
- Cribbage boards
- Screw driver and pliers (you never know)
- Pens, pencils and permanent markers (you will need all)
- Over the counter pain killers
- Band-Aids
- Game

5. Arrival. So here you have a rambunctious group of friends descending on the Mecca of golf. You have motored to the house your staying in and it is the mad dash to the best room to be found. NOT. To avoid any hard feelings between the lodger that got the queen bed and the lodger that got the twin bed, simply set up a quick draw out of the hat. For subsequent years, do the same, but use the seniority system. Once a person misses, he goes to the end of the list.

6. Once you have dumped your bags in the drawn rooms, it is time to go shopping. With the template I gave you in the last article, and with your modifications based on menu and orders, grab one or two volunteers and get what you need.

This is the conclusion of my recommendations on how you can have the best golf outing or outings you have ever had. Since I have folks coming to enjoy my preparations for 19 years should be testimony to you. At least give it a shot once. It won't be perfect, but my guess is that it will be superior and more remembered than anything you can buy as a package. Go for it!

Randall Ulbricht
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