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

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

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.

0 Beginning golfer shoots lower score

Beginning golfer shoots lower score

Golf is a great way to enjoy time with your family and friends. Whether you play a leisure round of nine holes or are able to enjoy a full round of eighteen holes, the game of golf is rewarding on many levels. The best news is every beginning golfer can shoot a resonable score.

A beginner only needs a handful of items to get started. A few lofted golf clubs, say a nine and seven iron, and a putter. If you want, grab a metal wood, but no more than a five wood. Gather some golf balls, tees, a towel, and throw your stuff in a golf bag. You are ready to play some golf! 

You are probably wondering about all the other clubs and why they were left out. They are for the golfer who is ready to mix playing golf with practicing golf. If it makes you feel less awkward, take the full set of clubs with you, just use the ones mentioned until you are comfortable with your golfing abilities. Let me explain myself.

Golf is a sport. Like all other sports a score determines the winner. In golf the lowest score or fewest strokes win. Most people who play sports enjoy competition. Why not learn how to play golf to win from the very beginning. After all an early success will bring you back to the golf course sooner. And I don’t know of a better place to be than on a golf course.

If you are playing with others of your same ability you need to learn how to score the lowest. This is why you are only using a few clubs for now. If you can keep the ball moving forward towards the target (the flag) instead of sideways (the direction most beginners hit towards) you will always score lower than you opponent. The clubs that are easiest to hit are the ones with the most loft, your seven and nine iron. These will never travel as far as your opponent’s big dog, (their driver or 1 metal) but they have a greater chance of moving the ball in the direction of your target. So it may take you six or seven shots down the fairway to reach the green, chances are your score will be less than your playing opponent when totaled.  

Making solid contact with the golf ball will always win the game. Using the higher lofted clubs will have you hitting the ball with precise contact faster than any other club in the bag, except your putter. When you can stand at address over a golf ball with a seven or nine iron and hit a good shot seven out of nine times you can expand your club selection to any other club. I use this technique when teaching beginners to play and they are my proof that it works. The confidence you gain from hitting good shots by making solid contact will show up with every other club once you master the higher lofted irons.

0 Golf Course Management

Golf Course Management

Playing a good round of golf comes with a lot of good golf course management. Sure it is great to know how to have a great golf swing, but if you haven’t got course management, then you haven’t got a game plan.

Have you ever noticed a professional golfer standing beside their caddie in a discussion about the next golf shot at hand? You can rest assured that they were not talking about Larry King live, unless he was in the pro-am the day before and he was leading the tournament. They are discussing the previous results and golf placement on where they hit their golf shot the prior hole before in the practice round or regulation round. Course management is what they are talking about. Every golf shot is tagged to the nearest yard. If you want to play a good golf shot, you have to know your distance and what type of situation you’re up against. This is where good golfers with a good course management excel over their competition. 

Taking all the great golfers and great golf swings into consideration, without the proper knowledge about distance, wind, uphill, downhill and all the great earthly weather that is always a surprise at times can be quite demanding to the best golfer at times. If you think that all you need is a great golf swing and a great set of golf clubs, you should rethink your game again. A lot of great golfers fall prey to a golfer with better course management. These same golfers with good course management do not need to out distance their competitor. They just need to place their ball where the next golf shot is a walk in the park.

If you haven’t got a clue about course management, your handicap is going to soar into the high double-digit figures. When you are talking about the shot at hand, you must take in consideration the prior distance and weather condition on your previous shot with the club selection at hand. Was the golf shot uphill with a wind behind you or against you? When choosing a golf club, one must ask a series of questions before making a formal decision. Do I want to play my next shot over a sand trap? Do I want to play my next golf shot with a pitching wedge or a 7 iron? In other words, do I want to fly the golf shot into the green, or place it where I can bump and run the next golf shot into the green?

Course management requires the golfer in paying attention to golf holes that are next to the hole that they are playing. They are constantly looking for good golf position for the next hole before they even tee up the golf ball. They are also checking out greens as far as slope and surrounding sand traps. Knowing where pin placement is, way before you’re sitting out in the middle of the fairway will definitely help on club selection. You may decide to play less club, because of the simple fact of a two-tier green and the pin is sitting on the bottom level. You would never have that knowledge at hand if you did not eye the situation on the prior hole unless you played it once before. It is called course management.

Take a good look at the golf terrain and conditions that you are playing in and pay attention to golf holes that you walk by. Knowing the golf terrain well in advance will make it a lot easier on golf club selection and help drive confidence going forward.

0 The Best Golf Courses In The World: A Top 10 Of Golf Courses Guaranteed To Challenge!

The Best Golf Courses In The World: A Top 10 Of Golf Courses Guaranteed To Challenge!

We all have tick-lists...Restaurants we have to eat at, hotels we have to stay in, things we have to do.  For golfers, it's the tick-list of "Courses I have to play before I die (and preferably whilst I can still get round a golf course under 100)".

 

I've been lucky enough to play golf on five of the six continents (Australasia here I come!) and have always travelled with my clubs since the age of nine. Over the years I have seen amazing variety in golf course design - I calculate that I've played circa 1,500 golf clubs and I don't want to know how many balls I've lost!  It was inevitable that I've played golf courses that would be better used as cow fields and others that I could play for the rest of my life.  Some of the golf courses’ architecture is flattering on the handicap and others make you think hard, struggle some more and eventually abandon all thoughts of posting a decent medal card.  Nevertheless, if the course can beat you up and still entice you back for more, it must be good.  Here's my top 10 golf courses that provide a difficult challenge.

 

Kingbarns

Wow, this golf course’s design is good.  Off the coast to the west of Saint Andrews, it's quite a new course but you certainly couldn't tell and the test is relentless.  Stunning links golf with large greens, thick wispy rough and views to take your breath away.  You need a good caddy, a strong drink and concentration.  Deservedly rated by many Pro's as their favourite course in that part of the world.

Ballybunion

Every time I've played here, it's blown a hoolie but it's the west coast of Ireland so what can I expect?  The golf courses’ architecture (both new and old) provides wonderful tests of golf with every shot in the bad needed.  Massive dunes, treacherous greens and wind coming from every direction.  You know you've played golf after 36 holes here.  The clubhouse is great but avoid buying waterproofs - it would be cheaper getting wet!  

 

Hunstanton

I actually prefer Royal West Norfolk just down the road but Hunstanton is a sterner test of nerves.  Particularly as I always seem to be playing it in scratch foursomes and I'm playing the evens.  The main difficulty here is the greens - many of which are below or above you and all of which are very well guarded.  The prevailing wind plays havoc with your drives but a good shot is rewarded and a bad shot is penalised so you can't complain.  Wonderful and traditional golf with a clubhouse to match, ensures this golf course’s design easily makes the list.

Les Bordes

Robert von Hagge is one of my favourite designers and he's created five courses in France that are rated in the European Top 50: Seignosse, Royal Mougins, Golf National and Kempferhof are the other four.  Les Bordes is his best and, as such, easily makes my top 10 golf courses.  With water on 14 of the holes and huge white bunkers and some very narrow fairways, you have to concentrate for the full four hours.  I can't think of one easy hole.  However, what von Hagge does do well is to offer an easier (albeit longer) route to the green but if you want to play to a decent handicap or just like taking risks then go for broke and rest easy (albeit with a few balls less) at night.  You can sleep and eat at this hideaway in the Loire Valley.

Chantilly Vineuil

A beautiful Tom Simpson gem.  This designer is probably my favourite and was incredibly prolific considering he was at his peak well before the age of aeroplane travel.  And not only did he work hard, he worked brilliantly and his creations have past the test of time to remain amongst the best golf courses in the world with effortless ease.  Chantilly, north of Paris, is a parkland course with thick rough and tricky greens.  The bunkers are perfectly-placed and every hole presents a challenge - whether it's the length, an oak tree overhanging the fairway corner, a triple-tiered green or a massive bunker in the middle of the fairway.  One of the best golf courses in the world, and definitely deserving of a place in my golf top 10!

 

Canouan Island

Having just come back from here and lost about five balls per round, I want to go back again better prepared.  Part of the Grenadine Islands, this is a corner of paradise and the Jim Fazio golf course fits in perfectly.  The front nine is demanding off the tee as the landing zones are quite narrow and the wind off the beach (just yards away) can really punish the ball.  The back nine is treacherous and wonderful at the same time...every shot has to be spot on.  The greens and fairways are immaculate but the rough is fluffy and the thick stuff is a no-go zone!  The best golf course architecture in the Caribbean by a long way.

 

Pebble Beach

I haven't played that much in the States but I have played some of their best.  For me, Pebble Beach is the tops.  There's the usual US-style slick service that sets you up nicely and the condition of the course is typical of the California climate.  Rated No.1 public USA golf course, it isn't the most difficult challenge you'll ever face but you know the green-keeper is being kind on you.  However, get a little bit of wind and let the history of the course affect you and there's a very nasty bite behind the beautiful fa็ade of the golf course’s design…  

The European

They say that tour pro's have walked off this course - but they only play for money and the rest of us can play for fun!  A simple clubhouse belies the genius of the design.  Quite long and with plenty of cunningly-placed bunkers, you have to be Gary Player and John Daly if you are going to beat this golf course’s design and score well here.  Again, the views are as distracting as a beautiful girl in a church and you need plenty of balls or a caddy with a long stick.  South of Dublin and better than the big-name courses of the area.

 

Le Touessrok

For a so-called holiday golf course, this one is tough!  Mauritius is now one of (if not the) best exotic golf destinations in the world with no less than six first-class courses.  Le Touessrok, though, takes the biscuit with tight fairways and tiny greens.  I've played this course several times, each with a different game plan...every time I've failed, but I've come back for more as the course does offer a birdie or two and a wonderful lunch.  This golf course’s architecture is unique as it is the only course in the world to take over an entire island, and to get there you take the private launch from the hotel. In fact, maybe that's why I never play well there as I’m too relaxed by the time I arrive!

 

Barbaroux

Designed by Pete Dye and located in the heart of Provence, this is a beast of a golf course with a charming three-star hotel and two restaurants.  Even by today's standards it's long off the back but I remember it being one of the very first courses that I had to hit a driver and a three-wood just to hit a par four in regulation...today's balls make it shorter but it's still one of the rare courses where you can play every shot, and every club, in your bag.  Plus, some of the greens are 80 yards long so clubbing is so important (unless you like four-putting).  Terrific target golf with scenery to take your breath away ensures this memorable golf course’s design was always going to sneak into my top 10!

0 Golf Course Jobs Provide Great Opportunities

Golf Course Jobs Provide Great Opportunities

In the past, most of us thought that the only possible career in the golf industry was joining the PGA tour. Since golf has since become a major industry, anyone with an interest in the sport can find gainful employment in the field. And you don’t even have to be a professional golfer.

Anyone who loves to golf has most likely wondered about golf course jobs and how to obtain one. But the reason many golfers view it as only a pipe dream is that they believe they need to be a professional golfer. In fact, that could not be further from the truth. Although it is important to have experience and knowledge of the game, anyone with an active interest can secure a great golf course job.

Depending on your level of experience and your interests, there are a variety of options to choose from. The most obvious of course is the golf instructor. Typically, these types of positions are reserved for those who have shown an increased ability in the sport. You will also need to have a natural knack for teaching as well as a lot of patience.

If you possess these skills, this could become an extremely rewarding job. Not only will you be able to help others to improve their game, but your game will improve as well. Since you will be showing your skills to others, this will naturally allow you to improve on your imperfections. And imagine how satisfying it would be replacing your office with a golf course.

If you are not interested in golf instruction, there are a variety of other ways that you can be employed in the golf industry. Golf businesses these days are not only looking for people who understand the game; they also want someone who understands the market. Golf is a booming industry and in order to make a successful career out of it, you need to understand every aspect.

If you are serious about working in the golf industry, your options are nearly unlimited. There are over 18,000 golf courses in the United States as well as thousands of golf related businesses. These include golf schools, manufacturers, resorts and even online businesses. The sky is the limit if you have the determination, the drive and the passion.

If you are not sure you have what it takes for a successful career in the golf industry, then you can enroll in a golf college. These types of institutions will hone your existing skills and prepare you for a wonderful and rewarding golf career. The instructors will be able to see by your talent and your personality just what sort of golf course jobs would be appropriate for you.

If you have the mind of a manager, then managing a golf course might be your best option. Or if you have the heart of a teacher, then golf instructor may be your calling. And if you are good at working with your hands and are very creative, perhaps a career in the manufacturing world would best suit your needs.

Any avid golfer has dreamed of making golf their life's work. Most never believed that it could one day become a reality. There are vast opportunities in the wonderful industry of golf and it's time that you fulfilled your dreams.

0 Golf Carts: An Evolution on the Golf Course

Golf Carts: An Evolution on the Golf Course

At one point in time, the use of a golf cart was something only the somewhat wealthy could enjoy on a golf course.  Those who were not able to afford the use of a golf cart often found themselves hauling their clubs over their shoulder as they walked the golf course.  Well, times have changed.

Golf carts are now the standard at almost all golf courses throughout the country.  Very seldom do golfers carry their clubs over their shoulder anymore.  Unfortunately, some recreational golfers like to treat the course golf cart like a toy rather than a purposeful mode of transportation.  Often times, you can witness wreckless behavior exchanged between recreational golfers and the use of their golf carts.  However, this is one minor annoyance as a result of the golf cart gaining popularity.

Typically, golf carts are available for rent from the course clubhouse.  Most golfers take advantage of this service.  An alternative, if you have the money, would be to buy your own golf cart.  However, this is costly, but you will not need to pay rent for a golf cart whenever you go to the course.

Golf carts are available for purchase either new or used.  New golf carts can be purchased from anywhere from about $4000 to $11,000 dollars.  Many factors attribute to the cost, such as model, seating capacity, and any additional options that may be available.  There are two types of golf cart engines, gas engine or electric engine.

An alternative to new golf carts would be to purchase a used golf cart.  Used golf carts are alot cheaper than new ones, and typically you can find a sufficient golf cart for less than $3000.  Buying a used golf cart can be alot like buying a used car.  You will need to thoroughly inspect it inside and out.  Make sure to ask the owner any questions you may have about the golf cart.  Always make sure to take it for a test drive before committing to a purchase.

0 Golf Carts Not Just For The Golf Course Anymore

Golf Carts Not Just For The Golf Course Anymore

In the market for a used golf cart? Did you know that they’re not just for driving around the course anymore? You can use them to haul yard gear and transport gardening supplies and tools. They can also be utilized simply as a way to get from point A to point B if you’ve got a large piece of property or just need a little assistance getting around. Also, a used golf cart can be a big help if you’re a family who likes to travel. They’re great to have on camping trips for tooling around the grounds, or getting to the store, showers and swimming hole. And of course, they still make your golfing experience more enjoyable when cruising around the course instead of walking, especially on those warm days.

Used golf carts are available in electric or gas power and range in price from around $1,500 to higher end versions priced at around $4,000 depending on the extras you choose. There’s also lots of online companies that also sell reconditioned carts for an even more economical approach. 

Another money-saving tactic is that if you’re mechanically inclined and have an old golf cart that may be out of commission due to worn out or broken parts, you can purchase a wide variety of replacement parts, either aftermarket, used, refurbished or new, from an online dealer.

One new and fun aspect of owning a used golf cart these days is that you can also get them custom painted! There are companies that will airbrush your name, boat name, or even a cartoon character or favorite scene and most places just need a picture or sketch of your idea to create original artwork for your cart which will make it uniquely yours!

What about cart stretching? Instead of purchasing a larger cart, this concept involves cutting an existing 2-seater golf cart in half and then combining it with another to ‘stretch’ your seating and space availability. It can also increase the safety and comfort of your passengers which is always a good idea.

Additionally, if you’ve got a used golf cart, or are planning on purchasing one and it may not come exactly the way you wanted, there’s lots of accessories and updates you can add to it. Some of these include heaters with 12 to 48 voltage capabilities that plug right into the cart’s power outlet. You can order custom-made seats in your choice of upholstery and color, a new canopy or even different floor mats.

Look around online to see all of the many options that are available to you. For all its uses, a used golf cart is a functional and fun way to get things done.