Learning the Ins and Outs of Golf Etiquette
Etiquette and golf go together like ham and cheese. No other sport in the world of gaming seems to offer so much to people interested in a nice, polite, and quiet time on the course than the sport of golf. This is because the foundations of the game are ground in, quite simply, being polite. What prompts this is the desire to win and the desire to keep the game of golf around the upper classes; however with newer players coming around, the challenge of etiquette begins to lose its inherent grip on the game.
Why does golf have so many etiquette rules? Most of the rules of etiquette surrounding the game of golf lend to the prestige of the game. The rules keep players and courses safe, and keep the pace of the game steady. Most golfers learn the rules of etiquette as they play the game, but newbies can do well to know a little of the unwritten rules of golf before beginning the sport.
Some of the rules in golf are, quite frankly, really obvious. You do not want to do anything that will impede your opponent’s right to play a good game of golf. Do not smoke if they ask you not to, do not start blurting out expletives as it suits you, and do not dress up in a chicken suit and cluck around trying to distract them as they line up their shots. This is, really, just common sense and doesn’t deserve much credence in the realm of this discussion.
There are several common rules for golfing etiquette that are designed to keep the play on the course moving. Slower parties are asked to step aside and let faster groups play through. If you lose your ball you are only given five minutes to search for it. After that time, you take a penalty and get a new ball. One of the worst things a golfing party can do is allow a build up of waiting groups behind them. If you find that your group is moving slower than everyone else, consider ways to save time, such as taking more than one club with you to the putting green, to save a trip back to the golf cart should you need a different club.
Golfing is a sport that requires intense concentration. For this reason the atmosphere is almost always quiet on the golf course. If another player is making a put or taking a swing, it is one of the biggest taboos of the game to talk or make noise of any kind. This is the reason that even pro golfers do not react in a jubilant manner after a particularly good swing. When playing golf, the golfer never knows what the other participants within earshot might be doing, and messing up someone’s shot because of excited behavior is frowned upon. Also, players need to watch their shadows when playing on a sunny day. It is very rude to allow your shadow to cross someone else’s line of play.
The simple rules of etiquette are important, especially if you are new to the game. It is a great way to get started to be understood as a great player, especially if you are overly polite to some of the seasoned pros. Sometimes, in golf especially, a little politeness can cover up great lapses in skill or talent.
Graham Johns owns and writes regularly for http://GolfingLife.net where you can read many more articles on this often difficult but all consuming sport. Also go to http://www.wellspokenaudio.com for entertaining and informative audiobooks on golf, it’s rules and personalities.
Electric Golf Trolley - No More Pulling Around
The electric golf trolleys have successfully replaced the old style golf trolleys that need to be tugged around, and more and more players and golf clubs are using electric golf trolleys today. An electric golf trolley is no longer a luxury and is considered as an indispensable item for the regular golfer. Even if you are a keen amateur, these trolleys can actually improve your performance by helping you to conserve your energy and focus more on your game.
Golf in the main is a gentle and, most of all, a very good sport for our bodies. Playing regularly provides the body with an overall work out, which in a short space of time is evident in our physical appearance. A number of health benefits from playing golf are discussed briefly in this article.
Combating the stresses and strains, Golf in the main is not too physically demanding on the body, but it does require the concentration levels to be high. This provides a great outlet from the everyday challenges we are faced with and can often be very therapeutic, with surrounding scenery and the fresh air helping to relieve tension.
In most places electric golf trolleys are fairly common and are almost the norm. These days you hardly ever see people walking the course, pulling on their traditional trolleys filled with golf accessories. However, over the years as golf has gained increasing popularity, now more and more people play golf. These electric golf trolleys are relatively fast and help to cover the course faster, thereby substantially reducing the wait time on the tee.
An electric golf trolley also contributes to your performance by helping you to maintain muscle control, balance and body symmetry throughout the entire game. Pushing or pulling a heavy trolley strains your muscles and people who pull their carts have the maximum chance of getting a back sprain. The ultimate result is that you fail to make the best strokes that might have got you a birdie.
If you want to give your best when you are on the greens then you definitely need an electric golf trolley. Golf is a game that requires players to constantly pay attention to the smallest detail and maintain high level of fitness. Wasting energy pulling your golf clubs can seriously affect your game.
These electric golf trolleys definitely help you to keep your strokes above par and out perform your competitors as it saves valuable energy and stress caused by walking the course and pulling your clubs along. . An electric Golf trolley, as the name suggests, is a battery operated automatic cart that could be either manual or remote control. It provides easy transportation of clubs from tee to green and allows a normal upright posture while walking. This reduces the risk of strains and injuries. This also provides added comfort and helps the golfer to concentrate on his swing.
Fortunately for us, these electric golf trolleys no longer cost you the earth and are actually affordable. There are many websites that sell electric golf trolleys, however you should always ensure that the trolley is safe and reliable and the buyer you are buying from is reputable.
This article is written by a marketing expert with years of experience in different industries and specialized knowledge on branding and Internet Marketing. A wide range of electric golf trolleys is available at http://www.protrolley.com
Is Golf and Corporate America A Match Made in Heaven?
America’s top executives love the game of golf! What is it about the game of golf that makes it s appealing to the corporate world? Why do so many multi million dollar deals happen over a round of golf?
Golf and corporate American have been linked for close to a hundred years. Many believe the romance began with Rockefeller’s love for the game. The golfing world has been the backdrop for corporate decisions and business deals since the first exclusive country club opened its doors in the late nineteenth century. It has become so important that playing a good game of golf can help clench some of the best corporate jobs!
One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the pace of the game of golf. It is considered a relaxing game with plenty of downtime. While playing the game there is plenty of time to discuss business propositions. Not only that, but since all players are working at a common goal, a sense of camaraderie develops while on the course. When you play a round of golf with a potential business associate, you will spend four hours with the same person. This allows quite an opportunity to get to know someone!
Golfing tests the abilities of the players against several sets of obstacles. When golfing with potential business partners or clients, you get the opportunity to see how they strategize to accomplish their goals. You also get to observe the way they handle difficulties. These two skills come into play in the business world every day. By watching how someone plays golf, businessmen can determine whether or not they want to build a working relationship with their fellow golfers.
Golf shows you the character of the person you are golfing with. You can quickly determine whether or not the person has the patience, fortitude, and drive needed to succeed in a business endeavor. You can also start building the relationship around a common bond other than a business deal. And after the game, deals can be sealed over drinks in the country club.
When golfing with a potential business partner, the timing of bringing up business discussions can be tricky. You do not want to appear over eager by bringing the subject up too quickly, but at the same time, you are there to discuss the business proposition. One rule of thumb that seems to work well is to wait until after the first five holes to even consider talking business. This gives you time to get to know your comrades and gauge their moods. If the atmosphere seems right, go ahead and start talking work after five holes.
If you are looking to move your way up in the world of business, it might not be a bad idea to take a golf lesson or two. Golf and American business are joined at the hip, and the appeals of the game will probably keep it that way for a long time to come.
Graham Johns owns and writes regularly for http://GolfingLife.net where you can read many more articles on this often difficult but all consuming sport. Also go to http://www.wellspokenaudio.com for entertaining and informative audiobooks on golf, it’s rules and personalities.
A Guide To Golf Club Selection
When learning how to play a sport, one of the essential components is learning what equipment you need in order to play. Golf is no different, and choosing the right clubs for you may be an overwhelming task. The first thing to understand is that purchasing a standard set of golf clubs is not the first things to do. In fact, for someone serious about learning how to play, it is highly recommended that you hold off on purchasing golf clubs until you have tried a few sets out.
The reason that you won’t want to purchase a “standard” set of clubs is that they are designed for a person of average build. Of course, since everyone is built slightly differently, even though you may feel that you are of an average height, your arm or leg length may differ. There variations will cause your swing to vary. It’s not far fetched to state that a set of golf clubs are as unique as the individual carrying them.
So, where to begin then? Generally speaking you should be looking for a club that is the runs the length of your navel to the floor. This will be an estimate of the size of the club you are seeking. The good news is that you don’t have to purchase multiple sets of clubs to find the set that fits you best. Most golf courses have a wide range of clubs available for rental purposes.
The reason they have these rentals available is for the beginner who is looking to find their swing, so to speak. Not only should you rent various sizes of clubs; you should also rent different brands of equipment. Again, remember that while the length of the club will matter, perhaps there is a brand that makes a club that is more comfortable than another.
First, test your swing. Rent a set of clubs and set out to the driving range. Once you find a club that allows you to swing comfortably and confidently, take that set onto the course and play a few rounds. This is the time that you will want to evaluate whether you simply purchase that brand in the length that suits you, or if you want to have a set of clubs custom built.
If you are a novice, and don’t have a strong game, it may be slightly premature to have clubs customized. You need to at least have the basics down and be seeking improvement in your game to invest in custom clubs.
Customized clubs are unique to your size and your body type. Build affects swing, so if the clubs are made with your build and swing in mind, you will inevitably end up with the best possible clubs for your style.
Customized clubs don’t magically make you into a better golfer, though, so ensure that you are still keeping your eye on training and not expecting your club type to change the game. Customized clubs can improve what is already in place, however.
Professionals know about the decision making process better than anyone, so talking to them about what clubs will work best specifically for your body type is one of the best ways to make it happen. Make sure you get the equipment selection process right, as it is the primary element to getting the sport down pat and the best way to discover how to become a better golfer.
Graham Johns owns and writes regularly for http://GolfingLife.net where you can read many more articles on this often difficult but all consuming sport. Also go to http://www.wellspokenaudio.com for entertaining and informative audiobooks on golf, it’s rules and personalities.
How To Select The Right Golf Clubs For Beginners
Golf beginners looking for their first set of clubs can often rush the purchase stage before taking on board proper advice and really getting a feel for the most suitable clubs which will suit their game.
Quite often, new players will take an interest in golf with the intention of playing the game regularly but after several rounds, the interest starts to wane and in many cases, they’re left with an expensive set of golf clubs that gather dust in the basement or in the trunk of a car.
How Serious Are You About Golf?
If you are in the beginners stage and showing an interest in making golf a regular past time then hold back on purchasing your first set of clubs. Why? Well, firstly, as mentioned, make sure golf is going to be a regular routine for you. Regular could mean playing a round at least once a week. Secondly, once you feel you want to continue to pursue the game, then you can start to think about buying your own set of clubs.
In the initial process, either borrow a set of clubs from friends or hire them. Hiring facilities are available at most golf courses with a pro shop on site and while you won’t have the best looking bag or buggy to cart around the course, you’ll be gaining valuable experience and getting an idea of the type of clubs that will suit your game. Asking the local golf shop pro for advice will pay good dividends. They will be only too happy to help you identify the correct golf clubs to include in your armoury. Usually, golf shop pros will make time for you by appointment and a fee is usually involved but it’s well woth the cost considering you are on the verge of making a major investment.
Choosing A Beginners Set Of Clubs
Be careful not to get too carried away about the number of clubs that will make up your starting set. Golf is a game of skill and patience and as a beginner, your initial foray into the game will be all about mastering the art of the golf swing and mastering individual clubs. As your game improves and you need to go up a level, then you can start to think about adding an extra club or two. Again, clubs should be added only after receiving proper advice.
There are lots of brands to choose from such as Wilson, King Cobra, Titliest, Callaway, Nike, Ping, Slazenger and the list goes on. In fact, as a beginner, you’ll be slightly overwhelmed about which brand is best. Don’t get too hung up on what brand you should buy. Quite often, new golfers will buy a brand of clubs simply because they are in fashion or because they received rash advice from friends. In the end, most brands have excellent quality clubs; what you need to decide is not which brand to buy but which club to buy.
Try Before You Buy
An excellent way of finding the most suitable clubs for you is to venture into a major golf store and try them out. Many golf superstores will have inside driving ranges where prospective buyers can try before they buy. It’s much like a clothing store where you try the clothes on to see if they fit right. The same concept applies to swinging a club before buying it: you want to make sure it’s the right fit. Does it feel right; does it grip right, how well does it swing and how much flexibility does it have? Doing it this way gives you the best chance of selecting the clubs that feel right to you.
Remember, purchasing golf clubs can be an expensive experience. By showing initial patience in the selection process, you’ll come up with a set of clubs you can mold your game around and when you reach a competent level, then you can think about an upgrade.
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. If you are a golf beginner, you need to read this report on selecting the right golf clubs. Also, read the latest news and reviews in golf swing techniques at:http://www.golfinfoline.com
Guaranteed Basic Golf Swing Tips To Improve Your Game!
I can remember the first time I ventured out onto a golf course and tried to hit the cover off the ball on the first tee. My memory of that inauspicious debut was a skewed shot which disappeared into the bushes to the right and became just another lost ball statistic. My basic golf swing technique for starters was crappy but more importantly, I didn’t really understand the mechanics of the golf swing.
The end result of that very first game was a large triple figure score and about fifteen golf balls which never saw the light of day again. Oh, I can laugh about it now but if you want to know what epitomised embarrassment I’m here to tell you it was yours truly on that fateful day.
Can you as a novice draw similar comparisons? Well, if you haven’t mastered the basic golf swing yet and you plan on improving your driving, chipping and putting then read the rest of this article.
Physics And The Basic Golf Swing
Before you can even think about using brute strength in you swing you need to understand golf isn’t really a game about power. It’s more timing and that’s why it’s a good idea to examine your clubs closely. Notice how each one is designed just a little differently than the other. The three iron has a more flatter blade than the nine iron. The three iron is designed for hitting the ball longer distances while the nine iron is designed for more up and under.
Getting into the habit of using the appropriate club for the appropriate play will get you forming good basic golf swing habits. It’s a similar story with the driving woods. In most cases, you’ll have a selection to choose from. I have four and my favorite is the fairway wood. It’s designed to be used as the follow up to the tee shot on a long range hole and used correctly, is very effective in getting a clean, crisp shot away without forcing the shot with unnecessary power.
Golf Exercise
Believe it or not, one of the keys to maintaining a good basic golf swing is fitness, or being golf fit if you like. Identifying your golfing muscles is important and if you are not sure, ask an experienced golfer. No, it doesn’t mean you need to spend five days in a gym building up to Mr. Universe levels. Simple golf stretch exercises; some involving use of a club and others just basic body stretches. You’ll be surprised how effective muscle conditioning will help your basic golf swing movement.
Enlisting the services of a short term coach is a great way to learn the basic skills. It’s like building a house; get the foundation right and you have something to build on. A coach will quickly pin point your problem areas and address them quickly. Ask at your favorite clubhouse the next time you’re there.
The basic golf swing in many ways is like a player’s “holy grail.” Once it’s mastered, you can then plan for bigger and better things, including the odd power drive off the tee!
Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. If you are a golf novice then you need to read this report on the basic golf swing before you play another shot! Also, read the latest news and reviews in golf swing techniques at:http://www.golfinfoline.com
Golf and Your Kids
If you think your child may be the next Vijay Singh or that they have the predisposition for the game of golf, you need to learn how to best teach them the game without crowding their plate with development expectations. You need to be able to learn that they are ready and willing to learn and how to find out if you child has what it takes to become a quality player in the world of golf.
Golf is an extremely detailed sport, and even those who are naturals at the sport must spend years and years practicing before they head to the professional circuit. Because of this, the earlier you start your child learning the game, the better chance you have of developing an avid golfer.
Once a child is walking well independently and able to hold a child-sized golf club, he or she is probably ready for the first introduction to the sport. This can happen when the child is as young as two or three years old. Preschool children will not be ready to play golf as a game, but they can be given small putters and practice swinging the club correctly.
Children at this age learn almost everything through imitation. The best way to teach them proper swinging and putting techniques is to demonstrate, and then have them imitate the motions. But use caution that you do not make this tedious for the child. These imitation sessions should be short and fun. Try having the child hit a small balloon. Not only will this be fun, but the child will also have success in hitting the balloon, which will keep the frustration at bay. To make it even more fun, try filling the balloons with water for added resistance! This is a great summer time activity for you and for your child!
Once the child has entered school and has a good handle on the swinging and putting techniques learned through observation, it is time to start teaching the game of golf. School aged children are accustomed to verbal instruction and can listen to explanations about the game better than their preschool counterparts. You need to keep in mind, however, that they are still children! They will thrive on encouragement, and all teaching sessions should be kept upbeat!
Start by taking your child to the driving range. Show your son or daughter how to hit the ball correctly, aiming for distance. The driving range is a good place to start since there is not a specific target they must reach, so the child is less likely to get frustrated. After the child demonstrates aptitude on the driving range, you can head to the course. By this point you should be able to tell whether or not your child is going to share your love for the game of golf.
The most important factor to remember is that not all children like the same things that parents like. Do not push your child into the game of golf if it is not their thing as they will resent you forever for doing so. Instead, give them experience and opportunity and allow them to reach their own conclusions about golf and any other opportunity that you present in their path.
Graham Johns owns and writes regularly for http://GolfingLife.net where you can read many more articles on this often difficult but all consuming sport. Also go to http://www.wellspokenaudio.com for entertaining and informative audiobooks on golf, it’s rules and personalities.
The Negative Consequences Of Golf
Most people know all about the great things golf does for a person, like exercise and stress relief. But the dark side of golf is often something that people choose to be rather selective about and choose to ignore. This dark side can include a lot of aspects that can cause a normal person to be driven quite insane by the game, leading to some serious conclusions about the game of golf that need to be aptly considered.
One of the cons of golf is the possible medical problems that can result from playing the game intensely. Those who play the game of golf incorrectly may injure their arms. Golfer’s elbow is a common condition found among avid golfers. Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow is characterized by a pain in the elbow, particularly in the medial area of the joint.
The pain can be present at rest, but is intensified when the flexor muscles are activated. The pain is caused by an inflammation of the tendon that attaches the flexor muscles to the elbow. The flexor muscles are the muscles in the forearm that cause the fingers and thumb to bend. Golfer’s elbow is particularly painful when the fist is clenched.
Golf easily can become an excessively expensive hobby! Not only does the golfer need to have all of types of golfing equipment to be successful in the game, but he or she will also need to pay the green fees to play on golf courses. Typical greens fees on quality courses can run around fifty dollars or more to play in the peak time of day. Of course, those golfing on a budget can golf in the later evening hours for closer to twenty dollars, but many people find that they have other ways to spend their money than on a round of golf. And this does not even consider the cost of golf lessons and golf cart rental, as well as the food you will eat while you are out golfing. There is no way around it: golf is a very expensive hobby!
Golf is not an easy sport to teach a child. In order to teach your son or daughter to golf, you will need to invest considerable amounts of money, time, and energy just to get your child on the golf course! You have to pay the greens fee, buy or rent the equipment, and pay for lessons, all before your little golfer decides whether or not he likes the game.
In order to be exceptionally good at golf, potential pros really should start as children. Unlike other sports like basketball and football, a group of kids cannot start a pick up game of golf in the back yard. If a kid is going to learn to play golf, it will take a level of commitment and dedication that most kids are not ready for.
The proof is in the inherent substance of the game. With expenses and other negative aspects of golf in the way, the sport has a definite negative influence on a lot of society. But this influence isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It is a stark reality, bright with the contrast of money making and the impossibility of teaching golf to kids. With this type of negativity, it’s a wonder that they hired Tiger Woods to become really good at it and then sell it to children. But it is what it is and we need to realize that before it’s too late and our world is swallowed up by holes in the green.
Graham Johns owns and writes regularly for http://GolfingLife.net where you can read many more articles on this often difficult but all consuming sport. Also go to http://www.wellspokenaudio.com for entertaining and informative audiobooks on golf, it’s rules and personalities.
Golf and Health go Hand in Hand
Golf in the main is a gentle and, most of all, a very good sport for our bodies. Playing regularly provides the body with an overall work out, which in a short space of time is evident in our physical appearance. A number of health benefits from playing golf are discussed briefly in this article.
Combating the stresses and strains, Golf in the main is not too physically demanding on the body, but it does require the concentration levels to be high. This provides a great outlet from the everyday challenges we are faced with and can often be very therapeutic, with surrounding scenery and the fresh air helping to relieve tension.
Keeping fit. The positive benefits of making a repetitive swing between 70 and 100 times around, along with the distances covered on foot, all combine to eat up in excess of 1000 calories. This amount of activity controlled over 4 hours and 10Km, amounts to a very controlled gentle workout.
Children. Today, children as young as 4 are being taught how to play golf in Saturday and Sunday classes, by young aspiring professionals. It is now very common to see young men playing off single figure handicaps, and regularly competing for the major honours available throughout the season. Helping to suggest that the younger generation are keeping fit and enjoying the benefits of an out door activity.
Adults. Which other sport allows such a wide range of ages and genders to compete on a level playing field, and for us all to feel the benefits or regular exercise. For the over 40 adult, it is important to warm up before playing golf to prevent pulled muscles. A correct golf swig will not cause the body an injury, but it is wise to strengthen the torso, back and thigh muscles in order to further prevent injury.
Equipment, Golfing equipment has moved on a tremendous amount since the games inception, as has the accessories that are now available. Perhaps the most important of these accessories to your enjoyment of the game, both in term of game improvement and the overall benefits to your health is the golf trolley. An electric golf trolley also contributes to your performance by helping you to maintain muscle control, balance and body symmetry throughout the entire game. Pushing or pulling a heavy trolley strains your muscles and people who pull their carts have the maximum chance of getting a back sprain. The ultimate result is that you fail to make the best strokes that might have got you a birdie. An electric Golf trolley, as the name suggests, is a battery operated automatic cart that could be either manual or remote control. It provides easy transportation of clubs from tee to green and allows a normal upright posture while walking. This reduces the risk of strains and injuries. This also provides added comfort and helps the golfer to concentrate on his swing.
There are many benefits of using a powered caddy over a traditional pull trolley. With the manual option, you are required to walk around in a bent forward and twisted position. Which after a while can in my experience cause back and shoulder pain, thus negating the benefit of a trolley?
This article is written by a marketing expert with years of experience in different industries and specialized knowledge on branding and Internet Marketing. A wide range of electric golf trolleys is available at http://www.protrolley.com
6 Things You Have to Do When Teaching Golf
For a golf enthusiast, teaching golf might seem like the perfect career. In fact, it is a very logical career choice from someone who is particularly skilled at golf and has the requisite golf education. However, teaching golf also requires a special kind of person: someone who is patient, who knows how to teach to their students’ individual needs, and can build a strong relationship them. Below are a few reminders of the things you will need to be able to do when working as a golf instructor.
Be the expert. As a golf instructor, both your students and your employer will expect you to have all the answers about the sport. Your employer is hiring you as an expert, and your students are trusting your expertise to give them a respectable education. In order to fill this tall order, you should have either a solid education in the sport, or a great deal of experience as a golfer.
Be patient with recreational students. Not every student wants to be a golf pro. For some golf enthusiasts, teaching golf can be difficult when they know their students only want to be able to play because it is a fashionable sport, or because they are afraid of embarrassing themselves when they are on the green with their friends or coworkers. However, as a teacher it is important to be able to tailor your instruction to the individual students’ needs.
Have the knowledge to instruct ambitious students. Truly ambitious golf students may be the minority, but as a golf instructor you will still need to be prepared to instruct them. When teaching golf to exceptionally ambitious students, make sure you customize your instruction with their individual goals in mind.
Be patient with beginning or challenged students. Everyone was a beginner once, or so the saying goes. Being able to maintain your patience when teaching golf to a “newbie” is a definite requirement for an instructor. Also, remember that golf does not come easily to everyone, and strive to be as patient as possible with those students who have a more difficult time mastering the techniques you teach.
Provide sufficient challenges for advanced students. Your quick learners and more experienced students need your attention just as much as your beginners. If you noticed that a particular student is mastering a skill more quickly than you expect him or her too, be sure to provide a new skill to learn before boredom sets in. Students who face a healthy challenge are more likely to be happy, and happy students are more likely to continue their lessons with you.
Walk the fine line between your employer’s needs and your students’ needs. Your employer pays you, of course, so you owe him or her a certain degree of loyalty. However, don’t forget that it is your students who make your job possible, not your employer. Of course, you should still care about making your employer happy and promoting his or her business, but making sure your students are happy should be your first concern.
If these reminders seem like common sense to you, teaching golf may be an ideal career for you. As a golf instructor, remember that your students’ needs must always come first, and that meeting those needs requires that you are an expert in both golf and relating to your students.
Andy West is a freelance writer for SDGA. San Diego Golf Academy is a premier golf school with five locations across the United States. For more information on teaching golf, please visit http://www.sdgagolf.com .
