Golf Exercise And It's Value... Even In Your Office

Golf exercise is not necessarily done in a gym. Getting creative with what you have can make all the difference and have a very positive impact on your game.

Golf exercise is not necessarily done in a gym. Getting creative with what you have can make all the difference and have a very positive impact on your game.

Even extremely busy executives can get 15 seconds at a time while seated at their computer or work station in the office, for some golf exercise.

There are actually many different stretch golf exercises you can get done in your office, here is one. I call it the seated twist golf exercise. Sit upright in your chair with your chest high and back straight. Reach behind you with one arm, which will rotate your upper body. While staying erect, twist as far as you can go and hold. You can then twist the other way and repeat.

Go both sides 2-3 times, holding for 10 seconds. This is a very effective golf exercise for eliminating or even reducing back pain and at the same time tremendously improving your backswing and follow through range of motions. The result will be a much better swing, higher club head speed and much more distance.

There are numerous other golf exercises that can easily be done from the comfort of your office or home, which will have a major impact on your game because they help develop muscles and parts of your body that you need for various stages of the golf swing.

Other golf exercises involve the use of simple equipment or products designed specifically to help correct certain weaknesses in your golf game. So the best approach is to identify what your major weakness in the game currently is. An expert in golf conditioning can then recommend the best product that will give you the golf exercise most vital to correct the particular weakness you want to eliminate.

Golf exercise is a very important part of the modern golf game that cannot be ignored.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Golf As It Was

Golf- Don't Get Carried Away

You only need to watch golf for a few tournaments where the pros sweep the course to get the golf bug. Suddenly you decide you want to learn to play. How hard can it be right?

But you shall be in for shock. How hard can it be after all, all you do is put the ball on a small tee and hit in down the fairway. Simple! You might want to play around a bit before you go and spend loads of money on clubs and balls.

Anyone can learn to play golf and when someone does they generally enjoy it. The are learn to play centers everywhere now and for the most part it doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming considering you can hire a cart if you don't want to walk the course.

Beginners though usually have a tougher time than advanced golfers though because they have a harder time controlling the ball. Beginners spend more time walking the course and traversing across wooded areas, valleys, sand traps, water traps and hills looking for and retrieving a golf ball.

Golf is a great game but it is tiring for the beginning as there is a lot to learn and accomplish in a short space of time. But beginners have to play on a course some time as hitting at the range can be boring.

So what ever you do don't go buying expensive golf clubs, golf balls, golf bags, golf shoes, or even golf lessons until you know that you really love it. Borrow some from friends or buy inexpensive second hand items to use until you know you are going to stick with it.

When people give you tips and tricks take them all in and find the ones that work for you. Ultimately though the only thing you need to do is get the ball into the hole on the green in as few strokes as possible.

Gabe Vanonte is the creator of FNS Golf, the number one resource directory for golf. To learn more go to http://www.fnsgolf.com.

Golfing in the Algarve

Only two to three hours away by air from most of Europe's major airports is the sunny Algarve in Southern Portugal. Known for its spectacular coastline and rugged mountain scenery the Algarve is one of Europe's premier golfing destinations. There are no less than 24 golf courses spread out along this most southern province of Portugal, several of which are classified as championship golf courses hosting many international golfing events.

Most of the golf courses can be found to the west of Faro, including the famous San Lorenzo course - rated as the second-best course in Europe. Set in the splendid surroundings of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, the San Lorenzo course has become a 'must play' course for all those who come to visit the Algarve for its golf. There are some challenging holes and tricky water features to negotiate around the course, and when coupled with the amazing scenery, it makes for an epic round of golf.

Further along the Algarve coastline is the Royal Course at Val de Lobo. Incorporating fairways and greens set in an undulating landscape of pine trees, the Royal Course serves up a fine golfing experience for all who come here. The course includes the famous par 3 9th hole, which takes players over a beautiful lake and onto a semi-island green - it's a challenge for even the most experienced of golfers! But, if you fancy a sea view then you might be more at home at Val de Lobo's other course - the Ocean Course.

The Ocean Course is set along undulating cliffs that descend down to golden sandy beaches. Narrow fairways are a feature of this course, as are the ochre coloured rocks that line the cliff sides and snake along the course edge. Adding to the challenge golf players must compensate for sea breezes that regularly caress the course. All in all, it makes for a memorable round of golf.

Southwest Portugal

Eight of the Algarve's twenty-four courses are situated in the Southwest. Within 20-minutes of Faro is the Vale do Milho - an ideal practice course on which beginners can learn the game and holidaymakers can sharpen their golfing skills. A little further to the west is Quinta do Gramacho - Europe's first 'double-nine' designed course, with only 9 fairways but 18 holes. If you want a unique golfing experience, then Quinta do Gramacho is the perfect course on which to play.

For those on a tour of the golf courses in the Algarve, the Alto Golf course is sure worth a visit. Situated close to the coastline it offers fine views of the sea and the nearby mountains. The course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton - three-times British Open Champion - and takes in fairways and greens along some beautiful undulating terrain surrounded by vineyards.

Finally, no golfing visit to the Algarve is complete without playing a round of golf at Penina. Located close to the fishing village of Alvor, Penina was the first grass course in the Algarve. It is rated as one of Europe's finest and plays host to a range of international tournaments each year.

Visitor Information

Faro is the main international airport in the Algarve. Most of the golf courses are located to the west of the Algarve, Parque de Floresta golf course - the Algarve's most westerly course - being just under an hour's drive from the airport. Car hire is available from Faro airport.

Seb Jay is a professional copywriter specialising in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com.

Picking Your Golf Equipment

Looking for quality golf equipment but not sure you want to spend a ton on it? Are you new and starting out and need some new golf equipment but don't know where to begin? Finding the right golf equipment may seem like a challenge, but it really does not have to be. In fact, if you know what you need, your task could be quite easy. Looking for quality golf equipment but not sure you want to spend a ton on it? Are you new and starting out and need some new golf equipment but don't know where to begin? Finding the right golf equipment may seem like a challenge, but it really does not have to be. In fact, if you know what you need, your task could be quite easy.

The first step in purchasing golf equipment is to determine your budget. Once you get to that golf store and get the best club in your hand, you may just overspend. Knowing how much you can and should spend on golf equipment will keep your wallet as happy as you will be with your golf equipment. After determining this, you will need to begin looking. The basic equipment that all good golfers have is a set of clubs, tees, gloves, and golf balls. There is much speculation about which types of clubs you need and what material they should be made out of. The best bet to determining the right equipment for you is to try it out and get a feel for it. A basic set of golf clubs will include woods, irons, putters, and wedges. The types of these clubs that you end up purchasing will depend on how they feel in your hand and through your swing. Other golf equipment to consider includes shoes, balls, gloves, clothing and more.

Golf equipment is widely available. You can go into any sporting goods store and find quality merchandise. You can also go to some of the department stores and find golf equipment there. There are even golf equipment stores that can provide you with many choices. Still want a better selection? Are you looking for the best value for your money? Use the internet to search from site to site to find the right golf equipment at the right prices. The basic golf equipment should be the first order of business for you. Once you have these items you can move into getting the other golf equipment you may find.

Written by David Kunstek, webmaster and author of http://www.golf-web-tech.com. This article may be reproduced as long as a Live link back to http://www.golf-web-tech.com is present.
admin@golf-web-tech.com

Golf Course and Waterfront Living

With todays planned lifestyle communities, golf and boating enthusiasts have an opportunity to purchase the vacation and retirement home of their dreams just a chip shot away from the green or stones throw from the marina. In addition to an ideal home setting, golf and waterfront community residents enjoy an active and diversified lifestyle experience complete with first-class golf courses, marinas, beaches, spas, clubhouses, recreation areas, fine dining and countless other amenities.

Out of the 10,000 master planned communities across the United States, over 2,500 are built around golf courses and pristine waterfront property. Making sense of all the options can be mind boggling. If you are thinking about relocating to one of these golf and waterfront communities, it is imperative to be able to distinguish one community from the next and more importantly, know what to look for before you buy.

In the past, golf and waterfront master planned communities catered to distinct segments of the housing market, namely middle to upper income empty nesters and retirees. Things have changed. Today, golf course and waterfront developments are designed to accommodate budgets of all levels and generally fall into one of two categories: multi-generational and age restricted.

The construction of multi-generational communities represents a recent trend in planned community home building. The underlying idea is to attract a diverse population of families including retirees and young professionals of varying income levels and backgrounds in order to establish a robust and vibrant community. After decades of building age restricted communities, builders and developers have recognized that the traditional elements of planned community living such as security, on-site amenities and low maintenance housing appeal to home buyers of all ages.

Most new communities are multi-generational developments. Vistancia situated in the beautiful Sonoran desert outside of Peoria, Arizona is a recently opened golf community attracting individuals and families of all ages. Since home sales began in March 2004, almost 500 families have moved into this scenic development with 1,700 total acres of open space and a 900-acre mountain preserve.

Conversely, age restricted planned communities are developed for the +55 home owner with amenities and facilities for todays discerning empty nester and retiree. Typically, the age restriction requires one household resident to be at least 55 in order to qualify for home ownership. Over the last decade, an evolution has occurred with the age restricted community model of yesteryear making way for contemporary activity based developments complete with lavish amenities and world-class recreation areas, not to mention the conventional facilities required by the +55 demographic.

The undisputed leader in age restricted master planned community development is Del Webb. Since the 1960s, Del Webb has constructed numerous age restricted golf and waterfront communities across the United States. Del Webbs Sun City developments are arguably the most recognizable line of age restricted communities stretching from coast to coast with Sun City Hilton Head in North Carolina and Sun City Lincoln Hill in California.

The most important criterion in selecting a traditional home is location and the same is true when deciding on a golf and waterfront community. The old adage location, location, location aside, one has to consider whether the new property will serve as a primary residence, second home getaway or retirement abode. The final location decision is generally based on three primary factors: home use, surrounding area and local weather.

For most of us working folk, our primary residence is located within an hour or so of a major metropolitan center. Dont fret, there are hundreds of golf and waterfront communities centrally located within driving distance from most major metropolitan areas. If by chance you live near Dallas, you have several options to choose from including Stonebridge Ranch in north Dallas and Black Horse Ranch which is only 25 minutes from downtown. Washington D.C. commuters are also in luck with conveniently located golf and waterfront communities in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Belmont Country Club, a Toll Brothers property, is a mere 40 minutes from Washington D.C. in Ashburn, Virginia. These examples represent only a fraction of the actual number of suburban golf and waterfront developments.

The location decision is a bit more complicated and not as clear cut when one considers purchasing a second home retreat or retirement residence. In this situation, other factors come in to play such as the activity and cultural richness of the immediate area and of course, local weather. If you are looking for a second home, would you like to be nestled in the woods away from the hustle and bustle of the city, located in a more suburban area or some in between?

Climate is also an integral factor to take into consideration when purchasing a home particularly if you are feeling abused by recent harsh winters. This may clearly point to a direction that takes you out of your home state or even to another part of the country. Conversely, the summers never ending heat may drive you to consider the cooler climates up north. Fortunately, there are 2,500 golf and waterfront communities spread out across the United States from Minnesota to Texas and California to Massachusetts.

What is clear in the case of retirement homes is that good local health care and transportation facilities are a must. For most retirees, living over 60 miles away from the closest hospital or airport is just not an option. In the end, it comes down to striking a balance between modern necessities and the beauty of the great outdoors.

Once you have settled on a geographic location, the next area to focus on is amenities. These can vary greatly from one golf and waterfront development to the next. Typically, these expanded goodies fall into two categories: conveniences and lifestyle enhancements. Conveniences include such things as security services, home maintenance, gardening services, concierge service, on-site retail and office space, cable television and high-speed internet.

Lifestyle enhancements relate to recreation activities and rest and relaxation befitting an enhanced life of leisure. One can find a mix of facilities at planned communities which support numerous activities like tennis, hunting, boating, skiing, and hiking. To balance the rigors of recreation, planned communities provide residents with rest and relaxation amenities such as spas, clubhouses, wilderness preserves, pools, beaches and fine dining.

With real estate opportunities for every budget, isnt it about time you looked into moving to a golf and waterfront community that offers unbelievable vistas, year round activities, low maintenance living and first-class amenities?

Visit http://www.golfhomeconnect.com to find information on vacation and retirement homes.

Robert Flournoy is a staff writer for Golf Home Connect. For additional information on vacation and retirement homes visit http://www.golfhomeconnect.com.rflournoy@golfhomeconnect.com

Hilton Head Island is Golf Heaven - and the Ocean Too

Imagine, 42 square miles of golf and surf

Hilton Head Island is appropriately called Golf Island. Located just off the coast of South Carolina, the semi- tropical 12-mile barrier island is devoted to providing world-class golf, tennis or water-recreation activities to the 2.5 million visitors who arrive annually. The majority are seniors, who faithfully return each year during the balmy winter months.

Hilton Head Island was the first eco-planned destination in the United States, in the mid-1950s. Those early efforts to protect the unique, scenic ecosystem have served as historic models for contemporary land-use planning. Any visitor today encounters the same fertile salt marshes, forests of moss- draped oaks, and pristine beaches enjoyed by the islands early settlers.

Golf Islands total devotion to pleasing travelers didnt just happen on its own. It was painstakingly designed to create a first-class resort and recreational mecca. The island is warmed by the Gulf Stream (how about the golf stream?), which keeps average temperatures about 70 degrees. That assures a year-round golf season, with a million rounds of golf played annually in Hilton Head, SC.

Lets Talk some Serious Golf

There are 24 golf courses on the Hilton Head Island (10 of them private). Some of these are world-class championship courses (hosting major tournaments like the Heritage and the Celebrity Golf Tournament). And if thats not enough choices for you, theres easy access to another 40 courses conveniently reached off the island, in the Hilton Head, SC area.

But dont feel like youve got to be an outstanding golfer to get the most enjoyment out of the available courses. Facilities exist for every skill level. And the Golf Coordinator at Hilton Head Rentals & Golf can match your own personal style and skills to the best courses for you.

The range of packages offered keeps golfing holidays affordable. Theres no such thing as a charge for a golf cart. Theyre always included, along with guaranteed tee times and green fees.

Tennis also provides another major attraction for tourists. Tennis lovers can enjoy over 300 tennis courts, along with an abundance of tennis training professionals and tournaments.

No Interest in Golf or Tennis? Theres still the Ocean

Start with twelve miles of sandy, year-around beaches that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Add eight marinas. Youre ready for fishing and water sports. For a person hankering for something more strenuous than sightseeing, waterskiing, windsurfing, scuba diving,and crabbing beckon. Or just try stretching out on the sand. Theres a lot to be said for doing nothing but soaking up the sun and sand - as much as you can.

Capturing Memorable Experiences

A person cant play golf or tennis (or even fish) all the time - no matter how pleasant. So relaxation-seeking visitors are enticed by a huge selection of enjoyable amusements or cultural events. Start with the islands 250 plus restaurants that cater to every taste, ethnic cuisine, and price range. And dont overlook the array of freshly caught seafood.

Youre looking for a total experience, much like a symphony. All the parts (lodging, recreation, quality of service, dining) merge harmoniously together - without a single sour note. Thats what every visitor stores up and takes back home, once the vacation is over.

Enjoy a Symphony of Pleasures

If youre expecting the finest "symphony" of experiences, where you choose to stay needs to be just as unforgettable as the islands first-rate recreational offerings. Accommodations can be found to match every taste and price range.

Choose from:

• 6,000 villas
• 3,000 hotel or motel rooms
• 1,000 timeshare units
• 2 RV resorts
• 1 Campground (off-island)

But if you really want to pamper yourself, start at Hilton Head Rentals & Golf, with over 250 premier Hilton Head condos, villas and homes for rent on the island.

Picture this. Youre waking up with your sweetie beside you, languidly looking forward to a day on the golf course. And not just any golf course - a legendary one. You can smell the ocean, without even seeing it. Youll do that later, after your leisurely breakfast on the verandah. Theres not a thing that needs doing, except figuring out what amusement takes your fancy - and where you want to dine. No need to rush. Remember youre on holiday. One you wont soon forget.

Come join us at Hilton Head Rentals & Golf for an island vacation youll never forget! Visit us at http://www.hiltonheadvacation.com or call us toll free at 800-445-8664 for exciting golf packages and more.

Mark Ridgway, Hilton Head Island Golf Professional Voted Top 10 Golf Destinations in the World by Golf Digest toll free 800-445-8664 Largest selection of luxury condos on the island http://www.hiltonheadvacation.com mark@hiltonheadvacation.com

Who Invented The Game Of Golf ?

Well, who actually did invent the game of Golf? The question has been asked and argued for many years with no true winner. Many countries have a valid claim to an early game that resembles the game of golf. Some of the countries that make this claim are England. Scotland, China, Rome, France, The Netherlands, Belgium and Laos. The most heated debate over who invented golf definitely comes from Great Britain and Scotland.

The first area to look when deciding the answer to our question must be what actually determines when a game with sticks and balls is golf or another game. Most countries in the world have had games where you hit an object with a stick at some sort of target. Is this enough to be called golf, I don't think so. If so, then these early games could claim the origin of many sports played today. I think it takes more than just a game with some kind of object being hit by a stick to qualify as the origin of golf.

Holland is believed to be the origin of the name of golf but not the actual game itself. Holland played a game in the 1200s called Colf, which means clubs. This was a form of golf but once again the form of many other sports.

Colf has been traced back to Dec. 26, 1297, in the town of Loenen aan de Vecht in northern Holland. On that day, the local townsfolk played four holes of the game to commemorate the relieving of the Kronenburg Castle exactly one year before. The fact that colf was chosen to mark the occasion is proof that the game was already popular by that time.

Great Britain The earliest traces of golf history has golf being played are said to date back to 1340, where in a sketch from a stained glass window, the Great East Window, in the east wing of the Gloucester Cathedral, England, scenes of the Battle of Crecy in France showed a man apparently preparing to strike a ball in a golf-like manner.

One of the early forms of golf were all missing one important ingredient to their games to truly make the game golf and that was the hole. Scotland is widely believed to be the first country to put all the ingredients together and actually start a primitive form of the great game of golf.

Yes, this will always be a disputed point, who actually invented the game of golf. If you believe some of the claims that the game they were playing was golf and they didn't have a hole, then you could take this same game and turn it into the origin of many games we still play today. I believe the hole is what separates all the early claims to who originated the game of golf.

Look at our Golf History section at the World of Golf Handicap for more detailed information on the History of Golf.

http://www.dave-and-maggie-world-of-golf-handicap.com/golf-history.html

David Humphrey
World of Golf Handicap
http://www.dave-and-maggie-world-of-golf-handicap.com/index.html
daveandmaggie@dave-and-maggie-world-of-golf-handicap.com

Golf Tip - Mirror Image

How 10 Minutes in Front of a Mirror Can Improve Your Golf Fundamentals

Mirror, mirror on the wall, what do I really see after all? The truth is in what you see, not in what you feel.

It might be raining or snowing outside where you're at, or maybe you've been unable to play for a while for other reasons. But that doesn't mean you can't still work on your game. So here's what you do: get your clubs re-gripped and your loft and lies checked. When you get your clubs back with fresh new grips, get off to a fresh start with some basic fundamentals. You can work on them using nothing more than a mirror and a club.

Set up a mirror in a high-ceilinged room in your home (or the garage, or wherever). Bring or sneak, depending on your situation, a 6-iron into the room. The mirror will give you an observer's perspective on your swing and set-up. Practice the fundamentals outlined below in the mirror for 10 minutes a day.

Go slowly and observe what you are doing in the mirror. And every time you see something in the mirror you do not like, say, "Thank you, mirror, for showing me what I'm really doing." It's a kick! Especially for those of us easily entertained.

Grip

Find a good book and try to match your grip to the pictures in the book, based on what you see in the mirror.

Club Face

Take your grip and face the mirror. Look at the clubface in the mirror. Is it square, open or closed?

Stance

As you sole your 6-iron on the ground, your feet should be slightly wider than shoulder width and the left foot (for right-handed players) flared open about 20 degrees. Your right foot might also be flared depending on your flexibility. The less flexible you are, the more open your right foot should be. Your balance is 50-percent on each foot.

Ball Position

Place your club in the middle of your stance with the ball slightly forward. With your ball position slightly forward, your head should appear behind the ball.

Posture

Place your club behind you and along your spine. Touch your rear end and your upper back to the club. Keeping the club on your back, stick your butt out, and bend from the knees and hips until your belt buckle points at the ball. Balance on the middle of your feet (front to back, and right to left). Then, without moving your spine, hold the club in front of you and let your arms hang relaxed. Take your right hand off the club and let it hang to reinforce this concept.

Take Some Swings

Facing the mirror, take five swings (careful not to hit anything), starting with about 30-percent of your normal effort. Before each swing, go through your pre-shot routine and check your set-up in the mirror.

Then switch to a down-the-line view (swinging toward the mirror). Take five more swings at about 30-percent effort. Go through your routine and check your posture before each swing.

After five swings with each view, increase swing speed for several more swings. Make sure that as you swing, you maintain the same tension on the grip from start to finish. Are you able to swing without adjusting your grip each time, or is the club moving in your hands? Close your eyes: How's your balance? Do you feel in sequence? Can you tell where the clubhead is and whether it is open or closed through impact? Is your swing path on the correct swing plane or outside-in (a k a, over the top)?

Swing Path

Let's say you can't feel if your swing path is correct or incorrect ... hmmm. Maybe, just maybe, if you could see your path you could learn to feel it. And if you could feel it, you would be able to correct it.

Here's a great swing-path drill for those of you who swing outside-in: Set-up as if you are going to hit the ball through the mirror. Make a very, very slow swing and stop halfway through the follow-through. The clubhead should appear to cover your nose in the mirror (as in the photo). Try to accomplish this position with several slow swings, gently stopping your follow-through halfway through. Then, take swings watching the blur of the club pass through your eyes (in the mirror) on the follow-through. Note: If your head is down, you will have no chance of seeing the path of your swing.

Ten minutes a day in front of the mirror is time you'll be glad you spent. You'll be able to hit the ground running when you're ready to play golf again.

Perry Andrisen is a PGA Teaching Professional at The Bridges Golf Club in San Ramon, California. He teaches over 2,000 lessons a year. He has previously worked at Montreux Golf Club and Hazeltine National Golf Club. Perry has coached players from the PGA Tour, Nationwide, Hooters, Teardrop, Spanos, Pepsi, Dakotas, and Golden State golf tours. Among his PGA Tour clients is his former college teammate Aaron Barber. Perry has found a Profession that he absolutely loves, and it shows in every lesson he gives. For more information, visit Perry's Web site at www.perryandrisen.com.

pa@perryandrisen.com

Golf Course History - You Can Play The Oldest Golf Course In The World!

The oldest golf course in the world

If I asked you where the oldest golf course in the world was what would you say? Scotland yes, good guess so far. But where in Scotland?

When pressed most golfers eventually say St Andrews, but theyre wrong. Golf was played at Musselburgh near Edinburgh at least ten years before any recorded games at St Andrews. Local records suggest that golf was played on the links land near the shore at Musselburgh from around the year 1567.

The old course in Musselburgh is still there today and retains much of its original layout. It has nine holes and can be played by all comers. Seven of the holes were laid out before 1830 (and probably much earlier) and the two new holes were added in the mid 1800s.

The British Open golf tournament was held at Musselburgh on five occasions between 1874 and 1889 and the first ever golf competition for women was played on the course in 1811. The club members still compete for the Old Club Cup, which dates back to 1774.

Even the holes in the greens are significant at Musselburgh. In 1829 the members decided to buy a mechanical device from a local blacksmith to cut the holes on the green. By chance he made it with a diameter of exactly four and a half inches. Golf holes at the time could be any size that the members wanted there was no rule about it. In 1893 the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews who by this time wrote the rules of golf for the game worldwide decided that all golf holes should be the same size as the ones at Musselburgh and the decision has remained unchanged to this day.

For a course of such historical importance, access is remarkably easy. You can simply pay and play if you wish and there is a small shop selling special souvenirs. Memberships are available for both local and overseas members the latter might make a particularly unusual golf gift. Each overseas member receives a welcome pack with a history of the club, a special bag tag, special golf balls and tees and is welcome to join in any competitions if they come for a holiday in Scotland.

This truly is golf at its most authentic and in its most historical setting. Come try it you will really feel the history of the place.

Gary Hill lives and works near Edinburgh in Scotland.

You can visit his website at www.vacation2europe.com and read more about golf vacations to Scotland and Ireland at www.vacation2europe.com/ireland-golf-vacation.html

Myrtle Beach Golf - Quality & Quantity

Myrtle Beach is the best of both worlds for every golfer, QUALITY and QUANTITY. The Grand Strand has over 120 courses designed by the best in the game: Dye, Jones, Nicklaus, Palmer, and Fazio to name a few. Over 1 Million golfers played there in 2004. You will find the largest assortment of quality courses to test your game, both mentally and physically.

Ten years ago, our group of relatives, friends, and friends of friends, began our now yearly trek to this golf capital of the world. Although our line-up of players and courses alters slightly from year to year, one constant remains, that is the great golf bargains we have found in this golf mecca. Planning for the next years trip begins even before we putt out on the 18th hole of our final day. We don't want it to end, and we can't wait for the next trip to begin.

Living in the northeast, we play some great courses in PA, MD, and VA throughtout the year. But to us, it is all is just a warm-up to our late August mini-tour of this South Carolina beach town. With most of us approaching our late 40's or early 50's, it's the one time of year the wives let us indulge in a week of golf heaven, and we really get to be boys again (it pays to have picked the right mate). Since we have already fulfilled our families' summer vacation obligations, and the yard work is winding down, late August is the perfect time for our trip to paradise.

Playing Myrtle Beach in late August finds courses 1/2 to 1/3 of their premium peak season rates. Along with the lower hotel fees for this late season visit, we easily justify the trip. Crowds are low, most kids are back in school, and there are times when we are literally the only golfers on the course. Play is fast and cheap, so we have to go 36 holes!

We play combinations of "related" or "sister" courses like True Blue & Caledonia. Or, Tidewater & Grande Dunes. Many combinations like these provide substantional discounts for same day play, some even offer discounts for playing both in the same week. Complexes like the Legends or Wild Wing, have numerous courses on the same property where after a quick shower and lunch at their fantastic facilities, we are well tuned for a second 18 holes. Tee Times are in abundance for most of these top quality courses, we rarely run into a problem getting on a course. These are some of the best courses in the world. Where else can you play a TPC course for a replay rate of only $40-$50? The fee includes the same friendly accommodating staff, cart, practice range, full use of the facilities, locker room, restaurants, bar, and of course, the COURSE! All for a fraction of the peak season rates!

Private Membership courses are available for play as well. For example, stay at the "Caravelle", and Tee Times are available at "the Dunes" Golf & Beach Club. Newly renovated by Rees Jones, this course is a spectacular play, and former home of the PGA Senior Championship. Play it again the same day and pay less than you would for your regular muni-course back home. Intimidated by the courses? Don't be, 4 or 5 sets of tees are available on most courses to accomodate almost all levels of play. Still not sure? Call the course. We have found the staff at any of these facilities always willing to help in providing information on any of the courses in the Grand Strand.

Check the local paper daily, as specials and bargains on golf are advertised regularly. Most hotels even have their own golf coordinator to assist you with tee times, course selections, and even transportation.

When you are finished with your golf for the day, you will find the restaraunts and nightly attractions as equally accessible and outstanding as the golf courses.

Lose a few balls? Break a club? Run out of tees? No problem. There is more than an ample supply of quaint little golf shoppes and massive bargain golf stores up and down the Grand Strand.

Three things you need to consider when taking advantage of these great golf bargains this time of year, and we have experienced all of them at one time or another. First, is the heat an humidity. Although it is typically not bad in the morning rounds, we experienced a few afternoon rounds which were quite uncomfortable. Second, it is hurricane season. In the past 10 years we were only pulled off a course once to evacuate. However, most courses were open the next day. Third, the "Dupont Amateur", one of the largest amateur golf tournaments in the world. There are still more than enough courses, but you may have to avoid a few. The schedule of courses used for this tournament is listed daily in the local paper, (We simply plan our trip one week earlier. Although it really isn't necessary, we are just anxious to get there and "tee it up".)

Myrtle Beach in late August is a truly great golf bargain. A large quantity of quality courses to suit every golfers game and budget. We'll be there!

www.golfgodz.com

Ernie Horning is a Business Owner and avid golfer who writes articles for: http://www.golfgodz.com.EHBAI@aol.com

Golf For Beginners What Makes A Good Golfer?

A good golfer is a golfer who is happy with their own game and willing to listen to advice from experience. A good temperament is needed to play golf, expect bad days it happens everyone from low handicappers to full professionals. Having a hot head will only cause you more problems.

It can be daunting when starting as there is so much to remember but take time to practice and go to the driving range to help improve teeing off. Looking around the golf course you will see some players and think Will I ever get to that level? Remember everybody is different and we are not all made to be professionals, you should go out to do your best and bring in the best possible score and most of all, take home the enjoyment of the day.

Teeing Off:

How many times have we seen the big hitters hit the ball out of sight, if you are thinking that way starting, think again. You should be thinking of placement and keeping the ball in play. Hitting the ball a long way is one think, keeping it in play and well placed for the next shot is the way to think. The driver can be a difficult club to use of the tee when starting but practice will make it easier. If you are using the oversized drivers like most are remember to tee the ball up higher than normal to avoid knocking the ball down. If you find the 3 or 5 wood easier to hit then hit that until your game improves. On a par 4 or 5 many people hit a low iron from the tee. Whatever you are comfortable with, use.

A good swing:

In golf timing is everything. By swinging faster and harder you will not hit the ball any further, and most possibly will end up hitting a horrible shot anyway. A slow backswing and a good steady hit will make all the difference, rushing in golf gets you nowhere. Keep a steady head and do not raise it too quickly to see where the ball has gone, if you do you may find yourself going hard right if you are using right hand clubs and vice versa if using left handed clubs. Feet position is important; align your feet correctly to avoid an unwanted right to left or left to right shot.

Clubbing from the fairway:

If you find that you are looking from the fairway to the green you need to choose your next club carefully, under clubbing will leave you short and possible in the bunker or water hazard, over clubbing will leave you long and possibly in similar danger. Overtime you will become aware of all the clubs in your bag and the distance you can hit each one comfortably. You find yourself between clubs, meaning the next shot for example is neither an 8 or 9 iron. In a case like this do not hit the 9iron and try to force the shot, hit the 8 and go slightly down the shaft allowing you total control over the shot.

Good Golf Gear and Clubs:

Like in most cases it depends on the budget you have. Golf clubs can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. Are you brand orientated? As a keen golfer myself and off a handicap of four I play most of my golf in Ireland and in the US and from my travels I have seen beginners in both countries spending obscene money starting. We all want the best but the clubs will not do the work for you. You are not going to notice exceptional back spin or side spin starting so start with a sensible budget and build from there. Its you who needs the practice to improve the overall play. Clubs worth $3,000 dollars will not help you starting anymore than clubs worth $400. If you have extra cash to spend put it into golf shoes or waterproof clothing or spend it on travelling to other golf courses to gain experience.

Reducing handicaps:

There is no magic stick here, practice is the only way to improve and by improving you will automatically reduce your handicap either by observation from the golfing committee you belong to or by winning a prise or two. Listen to others and learn, you need to have an open mind playing golf and be willing to try new shots, different stances and even new equipment as time goes by.

Like all you will reach your peak and the best you will get out of golf is the enjoyment of getting out but for the elite few that next level could be pro.

Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Golf Equipment which includes Golf Apparel, Golf Bags, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Golf interests and needs. http://www.no1-in-golf.com.

One Out Of Two Golfers Will Have A Golf Swing Related Injury. Can You Prevent Yours?

I have a friend who blew out his ACL in his left knee while playing old man basketball. Old man being relative. A bunch of guys playing rec ball in their 30s. We all get out there and play hard, sometimes harder than we should. The mind says yes, the body says no way! Mikes ACL zigged when it should have zagged. Shortly after the surgery, he was visiting with his doctor on a routine check up when he asked the doctor if hed be able to dunk the basketball after he completes his rehab.

After a pause, the doctor said, Sure, you should be able to after you get released from recovery and rehab.

Mike said, Great! Ive never been able to dunk before, so Ill look forward to rehab.

Injuries are a part of every sport, and golf is no different. Injuries occur in golf and can result in many things.

What are the common parts of the body that become injured for golfers?

What are the common reasons why injuries occur?

And finally, what can you do to prevent injuries in the sport of golf?

Lets discuss what happens when you have an injury in relation to your golf swing. An injury to your body like a pulled muscle, strained tendon, or something as minimal as a hangnail can affect your swing. How? you ask. Your body is a finely tuned machine. This fined tune piece of equipment is also a great mechanism of compensation. What do I mean?

If you have a little pull of a muscle, a compensation pattern occurs in the body. This small compensation by your body has an affect on your golf swing. It might be so minimal that you dont even feel it, but your shots and scores show it. So what are you to do? Well, the obvious answer is to do everything to prevent an injury from occurring. We will discuss this point at the end of the article. At this time let us move on to answering the questions above.

Injuries: The Whys, Whats, and Hows

First off, realize that the majority of research I have read indicates that over 50% of recreational golfers will incur a golf-related injury during their playing career. Think about it. In your foursome you played with over the weekend, at least two of you will come up lame. Keep that idea in mind as we move to other statistics.

The common injuries in golfers are low back, wrist, and shoulder. A list I imagine most of you could probably have predicted.

How do these injuries to your low back, wrist, or shoulder occur?

The answer is twofold. There are two different types of injuries when it comes to golf or any other sport. Injuries are classified as either acute or chronic.

An acute injury is an injury that is the direct result of an external force at a specific point in time.

Let me explain. If you were walking down the street and fell, breaking your ankle, that type of injury is an acute injury. The injury occurred as a result of an external force (falling on concrete) at a specific point in time (walking down the street). The majority of golf injuries do not fall into the acute injury category. An occasional wrist injury can be an acute injury if you hit, say, a tree root in the downswing. Or maybe you trip while walking on the course and sprain your ankle. These are acute-type golf injuries. They are few and far between when discussing golf injuries in general.

The second type of injury category is what we call chronic injuries. Chronic injuries occur over time and are the most common type of injury in golf. How do chronic injuries occur? Probably the easiest way to explain it is the following: after time the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body become tired. Once they become tired, fatigue sets in, and when your brain tells the body to swing that club and its tired, what do you think is going to happen? Over time those muscles will get to a point of such fatigue that on one swing or in one round, the body gives up and something gets pulled, strained, or inflamed. At that point you now have a chronic golf injury. Its pretty simple when you think of the whole process of a golf swing.

A golf swing is a repetitive movement that places stresses on the same muscles over and over again. As a result, those muscles get tired. And you now know what eventually happens to those muscles when they get tired; they break down and become injured!

So the next question is: how can you prevent chronic injuries in golf? A couple viable answers exist. Probably the easiest way to combat chronic golf injuries is not to play. What do you mean not play! Simple, if you do not play a lot of golf, then the stresses you place on your body will be less than playing 36 each weekend. So your body will not get as tired, and your chances of a chronic golf injury are less.

The other option (which I imagine is the route most of you reading this article would like to take) is to develop what I term golf strength. Golf strength is developing the body in a manner that creates a foundation to support your swing. And when we talk about foundation, we are talking about the areas of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power in a manner that assists you in maintaining the correct swing mechanics swing to swing.

The development of golf strength will limit (not eliminate) the possibility of injury and enhance your golf swing. Again, if your body cant support the movement you are asking it to do, the brain will still make your body do it, but eventually the body will put on the brakes and come up injured.

So there you have it! How injuries occur in the sport of golf. What are the common injuries associated with the sport. And what are the specific types of injuries associated with golfers. In addition, you have been provided the key to limiting injuries in golf, and that key is what we call golf strength. To learn more about golf strength click on our web site at www.bioforcegolf.com.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. He has made many of his golf tips, golf instruction and golf swing improvement techniques available to amateur golfers on the website www.bioforcegolf.com. Check out his manual and DVD, Your Body & Your Swing, (www.bioforcegolf.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=93) on BioForceGolf.com. To contact Sean, you can email him at support@bioforcegolf.com.