Golf Etiquette - 7 Dos and Don'ts

Golf is a pleasant way to spend your day whether playing your buddies or your boss, but, as laid back as the sport is, it still requires that we all follow some basic dos and don'ts to avoid earning a bad name amongst your fellow golfers. So, in order to keep the competition friendly, follow these tips and ensure the only reason they aren't talking to you, is because they lost.

Be punctual

Golf is a lengthy game and tardiness will not make you popular, so, unless you are seeking to surpass Marilyn Monroe's reputation at timekeeping, ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes early, even if playing with friends, and especially if playing with your boss.

Playing Order

It is commonly acknowledged that for the first hole, the player with the lowest handicap tees off first and for subsequent shots the player whose ball landed farthest from the green goes first. With each new hole the winner of the previous one goes first.

Don't take endless practice shots

Avoid the temptation to practice your swings repeatedly before actually taking the shot, one practice swing is plenty and not lingering in this fashion will avoid slowing down others player's game.

Be ready for your shots

Prepare for your shots before it is your turn wherever possible, have your club to hand and remove the cover beforehand. Remain as close as is practical to your ball without disrupting other peoples shots so as to avoid unnecessary delays in the game.

Be considerate of the course

Other people want to use the course as well so be mindful of any damage you do to it. Replace chunks of disturbed grass and gently press it back into place and rake the bunker you just left your footprints in. Caring for the course in this fashion will ensure everyone gets to enjoy it at its best.

Scoring

Be sure you don't use your scorecard on the green you have just played, the commonly accepted time to update it is on the way to the next course, it is considered bad form to update it whilst still on the same green.

Clothing

Now, appropriate clothing isn't exactly a necessity for playing golf, but you'll look a bit out of place if you turn up in jogging bottoms and a t-shirt and everyone else has their best golfing jumper on. Plus, proper golfing shoes can be great for upping your game.

5 Basics of Golf Etiquette

For a relaxing day of sport with some healthy competition and strategy, you can't beat golf. Whether playing with friends or with your work colleagues there are still a number of rules that need to be followed if you wish to be invited back for another game. Not the actual rules of play you understand, but rather informal rules of etiquette that keep the game moving, pleasant and enjoyable. What follows are a number of examples that, if followed, will keep the invites coming.

Punctuality

Golf can be a leisurely activity, but being late and keeping people waiting is still undesirable amongst friends and almost unforgivable when playing your boss. A full round can take long enough out of your day without unnecessary waiting around, so why not give yourself plenty of time to warm up and maybe even get in a few practice swings beforehand, but, be careful not to get carried away and leave your best game at the practice tee.

Order of play

It is generally accepted that the player with the lowest handicap is the first to tee off on the first hole After teeing off, the player whose ball lands the farthest from the green is next and on all subsequent holes the person who won the last hole is allowed to tee off first.

Only one practice shot

Ideally you will have warmed up beforehand and had the chance to take a few practice shots, if you arrived late (tut tut) and absolutely must practice, just take a single practice shot so as to avoid delaying play, even when putting. Even then this should ideally be avoided and developing a good pre shot routine will help you avoid the needless worrying and over thinking.

Be prepared

When you approach the ball to take the shot, be ready, have your chosen club ready and the head cover removed. Avoid wandering too far away from your ball but consider safety when others are playing, remember other groups are following you and waiting to play. If you are not ready to play it is polite to offer the chance to another player instead to keep up the pace of play.

Caring for the course

Always repair any damage you do to the course and any you find along the way, this can be done either by retrieving and replacing the divot and stepping upon it to press it back into place or using the seed mixtures commonly stored nearby for just such an occasion. If you are unfortunate enough to end up in a sand bunker, take the rake provided with you and rake over your footprints after your shot as other player will have to play the ball, from wherever it lands, even from your footprints.

3 Steps to Perfecting Your Draw Shots

The draw shot is a very powerful method to lower your score and create confidence in your game. To hit a successful draw the ball travels in the air from right to left. If the ball travels from left to right, this is a fade. It is a hook if the ball travels right to left in an uncontrollable manner. The draw shot is useful to get around obstacles in front of you or on fairway with a dogleg. Since the ball is rotating right to left when it lands on the ground the draw shot will give you some extra distance.

We have three simple steps that you can quickly use to start perfecting your draw shot.

The following steps are for right-handed golfers. If you are a leftie, simple reverse it.

Let's review the 3 simple steps that you can make to your current swing to get the ball traveling from right to left.

Step#1 - Begin by closing your stance. People confuse a closed stance with the distance between their feet. This is not the case. A closed stance is where your back is facing the target area. In a normal stance your feet are aligned to face the target. In other words, if we draw a line connecting the toe of your right foot to the toe of your left foot, and then continue this line it would go directly to target area. This means your left shoulder is also pointing directly at the target. With a closed stance your feet are aligned in such a way that if we draw a line connecting the toe of your right foot to the toe of your left foot, and then continue this line it would go directly to the right of the target. This means your left shoulder is also facing to the right of the target.

It is important to note that the amount of draw on the ball varies by the amount you close your stance. To fully understand this, spend some time on the practice range, varying your stance.

Step#2 - Now, while in your closed stance aim the clubface at directly at the target.

Step# 3 - Once you have your feet and shoulders aligned to the right of the target and aim the club face at the target, the just make your normal swing.

To most people this will feel odd. It certainly did for me! Your first several shots using a closed stance will feel awkward. Spending time on perfecting your draw shots develops confidence and you will lower your score accordingly.

The reason you must close your stance is this allows your swing to have a slight in-to-out path which gives the ball the left to right rotation.. Your hands will try to align with your shoulders and defeat the required mechanics of this shot. You will end up hitting the ball straight but to the right of the target. This is not a draw it is a misaligned shot.

As with any new shot, practice is the key to build confidence when you are out on the course. Develop a draw using the club that you have the most confidence with. If you have no preference I suggest starting with a 3 or 5 iron or fairway wood. On most courses you will have more opportunities to use a draw off the fairway or on par 3 holes. You will need to work with each club to get a feel for the stance required to get a draw.

In your practice sessions, remember to make note how much of a draw you get with each degree of closed stance, with each club. Write it down and keep it with you. The information will come in handy when you are on the course.

5 Basics of Golf Etiquette

For a relaxing day of sport with some healthy competition and strategy, you can't beat golf. Whether playing with friends or with your work colleagues there are still a number of rules that need to be followed if you wish to be invited back for another game. Not the actual rules of play you understand, but rather informal rules of etiquette that keep the game moving, pleasant and enjoyable. What follows are a number of examples that, if followed, will keep the invites coming.

Punctuality

Golf can be a leisurely activity, but being late and keeping people waiting is still undesirable amongst friends and almost unforgivable when playing your boss. A full round can take long enough out of your day without unnecessary waiting around, so why not give yourself plenty of time to warm up and maybe even get in a few practice swings beforehand, but, be careful not to get carried away and leave your best game at the practice tee.

Order of play

It is generally accepted that the player with the lowest handicap is the first to tee off on the first hole After teeing off, the player whose ball lands the farthest from the green is next and on all subsequent holes the person who won the last hole is allowed to tee off first.

Only one practice shot

Ideally you will have warmed up beforehand and had the chance to take a few practice shots, if you arrived late (tut tut) and absolutely must practice, just take a single practice shot so as to avoid delaying play, even when putting. Even then this should ideally be avoided and developing a good pre shot routine will help you avoid the needless worrying and over thinking.

Be prepared

When you approach the ball to take the shot, be ready, have your chosen club ready and the head cover removed. Avoid wandering too far away from your ball but consider safety when others are playing, remember other groups are following you and waiting to play. If you are not ready to play it is polite to offer the chance to another player instead to keep up the pace of play.

Caring for the course

Always repair any damage you do to the course and any you find along the way, this can be done either by retrieving and replacing the divot and stepping upon it to press it back into place or using the seed mixtures commonly stored nearby for just such an occasion. If you are unfortunate enough to end up in a sand bunker, take the rake provided with you and rake over your footprints after your shot as other player will have to play the ball, from wherever it lands, even from your footprints.

The Golf Channel and A Country Club's Reputation

The other day, I was watching the golf channel, and I know you are laughing because that's not a very exciting sport to watch, but there is one player who I often like to watch, a well-known golfer and he was doing quite well during this latest championship match. Because there was a drought situation in the area the greens were not exactly as pristine as they should have been. The golfer made a comment about the rough grass, and bad patches. Now mind you they were playing at a very well-known country club, one with a long history and a good reputation.

Of course, if one of the top golfers in the world starts stating matter-of-factly when interviewed about his game, and the course overall and starts stating the reality of the situation in a negative light that has to hurt the country club's reputation. That means it will hurt property values because this country club also had some very exotic looking in fine homes surrounding the fairways. It seems to be a Catch-22 having the golf channel play on all the cable networks for all to see during these championship rounds.

Of course, in this particular case it wasn't the country clubs fault because the weather had been very harsh and dry. These events are scheduled in advance, and no one knows if the weather will be perfect that day, however they do try to schedule them during the best part of the season for that particular region. Even a very harsh windy day, or cold weather where all the golfers are wearing jackets probably doesn't play well for the reputation of the club, or the surrounding real estate values.

Now then, when everything is great, it can provide a major amount of in flowing money to the local economy and increase the status of the course and the club. Perhaps you've seen the great pictures of Pebble Beach, and the golf channel always tries to get in the best shot of the vistas in the background, and the ocean below. Indeed, I live out in a golfing community with over 150 golf courses out here in the California desert. The PGA Tour event comes by each year, and it brings tons of visitors and tourist dollars into our city.

However, I can remember they had to switch golf courses when the wind kicked up in excess of 70 miles per hour, blowing over tables, chairs, and canopies all of which not only made the major media, but it was all over the golf channel that they had to switch courses. That's not very good for business. Do you see my point? Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on.

Golf Beginner Tips: How and Where to Properly Tee Up a Golf Ball

Being able to place your golf ball on a tee provides a distinct advantage over hitting the ball off the ground. Players new to golf often find it difficult to get the ball airborne. By teeing the ball up and lifting it off the ground, you are able to get the ball airborne much easier. You also are able to greatly reduce the possibility of grass getting between the club face and the ball, promoting more solid contact with the ball, i.e. better ball-striking.

If you're new to golf, here's one of the most simple golf beginner tips you can use: Always use a tee! You should always take advantage of hitting from a tee when you are allowed. To do this, you need to know the "how" and "where" of teeing up a ball.

How to tee up the ball. To tee up a golf ball, start by placing the tee between your index finger and middle finger or between the middle finger and ring finger. Place the ball on the top, or head, of the tee and hold it in place with your palm. Place the pointed end of the tee on the ground and apply pressure with your palm, which will force the tee into the ground. You can use your thumb or fingers to push the tee into the ground, but this is harder to do, especially on ground that is hard and dry, and can hurt your thumb or fingers. Make sure the tee is as straight up and down as possible when it's in the ground, as your ball will need to balance on the head of the tee. Place the ball on the head of the tee and prepare to take your shot.

Where to tee up the ball. Under the rules of golf, the only place on the course where you are allowed to tee up the ball is the tee box. The tee box on each hole is denoted by a set of two markers, one on each side, spread perpendicular to the direction of the fairway and/or green. The tee box is the rpace between the two markers and extends two club lengths back from there, forming an "imaginary" rectangle. You must tee the ball within this rectangle, never in front of our outside of the markers, in order to play your shot within the rules. It is OK for your feet and body to be outside the imaginary rectangle that defines the tee box as long as the ball is within it when you make contact to put it in play.

How to Survive Your First Round With a New Golf Rangefinder

You've done all your homework and found the best golf GPS for your style of play. It finally arrives, so you charge it up and head out to the course confident that it's going to help you knock the pins out of the hole. You get to the first tee, turn it on and it doesn't find your golf course right away. You press buttons hoping for something, anything. You even turn it off and back on again. Distracted, you rush up and hit your first shot of the day... into the trees.

Here are three keys to surviving your first round of golf with your brand new golf GPS:

    Prepare ahead of time. While the device is charging, look at the instructions. If none came with it, go online to the manufacturer's website and you should find them under the "Support" section. Get familiar with which buttons do what. Turn on the device and see if you can do a demo or preview mode. Make sure you know where to look for the distance to the middle of the green. That's the most important information on any golf GPS. It will really pay off if you know how to navigate from one screen or view to another. Make sure you always know how to get back to the default screen.

    As soon as you arrive at the golf course, power it up and let the satellites get locked in. Sometimes this can take a little while, especially if the last time it was shut down, it was in a different state. On your first day, make sure you get to the course a little early, so that when you get to the first tee, it's ready to go. You don't want to be fighting your GPS before you even start your day.

    Don't try to do too much with it during the first round. Stay away from the buttons as much as possible. Most golf GPS rangefinders will auto-advance from hole to hole and you might not even need to touch them during the round. There will be temptation to try all the bells and whistles, but while you're getting used to having it, don't let it distract you from playing your game. Remember, distance to the middle of the green is your friend!

Some golfers like and can handle lots of detailed information during their rounds and others, just want the basics. Know what works best for you and allow your golf GPS to help your game, rather than become a distraction.

Don't Miss the 2012 Ryder Cup - It's the Best Theater You'll Watch in Golf

For golf fans who have never watched a Ryder Cup competition I strongly recommend that you watch this year's competition. The Ryder Cup began in 1927 and was created with the intention of being a friendly golf match played between Europe and America with the qualities of sportsmanship, honesty and integrity being upheld throughout the competition.

From 1927 to 1985 the American side dominated the competition. From 1985 to 1995 Europe and America were about equal. While from 1995 forward, Europe has dominated. Europe won the last Ryder Cup in 2010, held at Celtic Manor in Wales. This year the Ryder Cup is being played at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, IL, USA. The Americans will have home field advantage with loyal fans encouraging them on.

I am not partisan to either team but thoroughly enjoy the partisanship demonstrated by members of both sides. The players take a great deal of pride in representing their team and they place a great deal of pressure on themselves to win for their side. Such pride and desire is the foundation that will generate great theater during the competition. Any of the players who have played the Ryder Cup walk away from the competition with life time memories. In later years, many of them captain a Ryder Cup team with the same pride, determination, sportsmanship and dedication that they played with during their playing days. In so doing, the spirit of the Ryder Cup passes from one generation of golfers to another.

This year's European team is captained by Jose Maria Olazabal. His vice captains are: Miguel Angel Jimenez, Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke, and Paul McGinley. No doubt the memories of Seve Ballesteros will influence the passion and be a source of motivation for the European team. Seve loved this competition and was a formidable advocate of its form. With Darren Clarke as a vice captain, can you imagine what the victory party will be like if they win? I bet they will see the sun come up, if they win!

The American team is captained by Davis Love III. His assistants are: Fred Couples, Jeff Sluman, Scott Verplank and Mike Hulbert. The American team, no doubt, are in good hands as well.

The Ryder Cup will be played at the Medinah Country Club, Medinah, IL, USA. I particularly enjoy watching golf played on golf courses from north eastern locations of the USA. The broad leaf trees adds a nice character to TV broadcast. The Medinah Country Club golf holes are well lined with broad leaf trees. So I am positive the event will be visually pleasing to watch.

Golf Clubs, Should I Buy Steel Shafts or Graphite Shafts?

When buying golf clubs is there a big difference between Steel shafted golf clubs and Graphite shafted clubs, and if so what are they. If you are new to the game of golf or have a low handicap, these are the questions you will be asking yourself before buying a new set of golf clubs.

Golf sets usually comprise of 8 irons, 4 iron right down to your Sand Wedge and 3-4 Woods. The woods will be fitted with graphite shafts as standard, as the shafts are much longer than shafts fitted to the irons, this will reduce the weight of the club and reduce the vibration through the shaft on impact when striking the ball.

Keypoints to look out for.

    Steel shafts are usually at least 10% cheaper than graphite shafts
    Steel shafts are more durable than shafts made from graphite. Although that said graphite composites have improved so much over the years, this gap is narrowing.

Feel and Distance

Graphite shafts are lighter than steel so the swing speed can be increased, thus adding extra yards to your shot, so for more yardage do you buy the graphite? Well this depends on your swing speed.

Golfers who have a fast swing speed do not need any more speed that might be generated by using graphite shafts, as they will lose feel and control during the swing due to the extra flexibility of the shaft. Steel shafted clubs will give the golfer much more feel and control through the swing and on impact with the ball. So if you have a fast swing speed and distance is not the main priority and you want more control over your shots, then steel is the better option.

Golfers who have a slower swing speed and yardage is one of the main factors should contemplate buying graphite shafts.

Graphite shafts are very popular amongst the senior golf players of today. As we get older are swing speed decreases we may not be as physically strong as we used to be, we may not be able to make a full back swing due to back or shoulder problems.

So if you have a slow swing speed and your back swing is only goes back half or three quarters, graphite would benefit your game. Another benefit graphite shafts have over steel shafts is vibration on miss hit shots, the vibration is not transmitted up the shaft to your hands as much if you use graphite.

6 Must-Have Cool Golf Items in 2012

Either you are a beginner or a professional golfer; you need tools to help you in your golf play. Fortunately, the bright minds spent some time thinking about your concerns to produce the following tools. Here are 6 cool golf items that are a must-have in 2012.

Speed Whoosh

This speed and timing training gadget is equipped with a Magnetic Timing Ball that slides down the shaft. It activates your fast-twitch muscle fibers, which lie semi-dormant until activated by an action, and prepares them for action. With the magnetic timing ball at the end of the shaft, you can boost your club head speed by swinging it as fast as you can 6 times in a row. Switching back to your favorite golf club, you will notice an increase in club head speed up to 7 mph right away. The help in boosting speed in can provide makes a tool used by many PGA TOUR Top Players.

EEZ-Read Green Reader

This tool, pronounced as Easy Read, can help you quickly read green's contours. It's very compact that it can easily be stored in your pocket during play. Sometimes putts characterize subtle and confusing breaks. With this tool, you have a way to determine the overall break and from there draw your putting strategy. It is also a great way to trim down the time spent on analyzing the break in the green.

Softspikes Cyclone

Adding an extra control on your golf swing is just a matter of equipping your golf shoes with small pieces of metal, like the Cyclone by Softspikes. This golf cleat features an innovative circling design engineered to neutralize the forces seen during impact. Thus, it allows you greater traction than that offered by typical shoes. During golf swing if the feet are not anchored securely can slip and produce undesirable results, not to mention spikes protect you from slipping on hilly terrain or during wet conditions.

Hybrid Laser GPS

Talking about a gadget that is a rangefinder and GPS in one is no other than the constantly accurate Hybrid Laser GPS by Bushnell. It's the first ever laser rangefinder equipped with GPS for golfers' convenience. It's the game-changer you need featuring PinSeeker Technology used by more than 90% of PGA professionals, not to mention the 25,000+ pre-loaded golf courses in North America offered in the GPS function.

Swingbyte

If you are concerned with your golf swing like any other golfers, there is one gadget that empowers your game with instantaneous swing data, the Swingbyte. This little gadget can easily be attached to your golf club to capture valuable swing data with 3D imagery, which you can analyze in real-time on your mobile device. It's a perfect tool to evaluate your swing for further improvement or to keep track simply of your swing with its advanced analytics.

Boccieri Secret Grip

How would you like to dress up your golf clubs with a grip that helps improve your consistency, control and distance on the green? Yes, you can, with Boccieri's Secret Grip. This tool enhances the back weight of your club, allowing you a balance point which promotes better body mechanics. With this in your golf club, you can set your hands more quickly, allow you smoother transition, square face at impact and balanced finish. If you are not sure how the back weighting system does the magic, see Byron Shultz, a PGA Master Professional, talking about it on YouTube.

Golf Training To Improve Your Game

There are many ways to use golf training to play a stronger game. A competitive golfer must have flexibility, core stability, and an awareness of their body, as well as strength and muscular endurance. While it is possible to become a good golfer by simply playing rounds of golf, to become a stronger player, focus on each of these areas separately.

Adding cardiovascular workouts and weight training will build strength and endurance. Pilates and yoga workouts increase flexibility and core strength. All of these workouts have a positive affect on the golf game without investing more time and money on the golf course. Once on the golf course, the golfer will be stronger and more flexible, making it easier to concentrate on instructions.

The time invested with a golf pro taking lessons can focus on specific weakness in the golf game or general work. A good golf pro will be able to observe the student and determine what areas of the game need the most work. Common trouble areas include help with the swing and set-up.

There are many different problems that can develop with the swing, and, without dedicated work, these bad habits become difficult to eradicate. The golf pro will work with the student to adjust the position and speed of the swing, and help him or her develop an eye for distance.

Work with the set-up typically concentrates on the student's grip, alignment and stance. Many individuals find it difficult to maintain balance for the best possible set-up, and quickly revert to old patterns unless they have someone nearby to critique their form.

Physical issues are not the only concerns when working to improve the golf game. Golf relies heavily on a strong mental game. Working with a golf pro can help strengthen that mental edge needed to successfully sink a key putt or stay focused on the game when performing poorly. Developing mental toughness requires a different set of skills than improving the physical game, however, and not all golf pros focus on this skill. Anyone having trouble with the mental aspect of their game should speak with the potential instructor before signing up for lessons to make sure this is something the instructor focuses on.

Aside from working with a golf pro and becoming more physically fit, working on the all-important golf swing by hitting into a net and practicing the short game on a putting green will improve anyone's golf game. The key component of improving the golf game is to practice consistently. Once weekly lessons or trips to the putting green will not result in improvements, and may actually lead to injury. Perform strength training and cardio between lessons, set up a net in the backyard to work on swing, and talk to the golf pro about the best way to improve between sessions.

Buying Golf Clothing and Accessories - Tips for Beginners

Getting into the game of golf? Whether it's for fun and exercise or out of necessity for work purposes, you might be wondering what you really need for getting started. Yes, you can rent clubs and you don't need to own a golf cart but what about golf clothes?

Some golf clubs require specific golf clothing. Wearing the right attire looks good, yes, but it also helps you with your game, too. If you're playing golf with boss, a client, or potential client, you'll want to dress to impress and to be sure you know what's expected for a dress code at the club you are playing at.

It's not necessary to spend a fortune buying golf clothing and accessories when you are new to the game. It's best to see if you fall in love with the sport before spending a lot of money. But a few basics will help you ensure you aren't shunned from the golf course due to lack of proper attire and will help you with comfort on the course, as well.

Polo Shirts

Many golf clubs require a collared shirt. A polo t-shirt, commonly called a golf shirt, is wise and doesn't have to cost a lot of money. It's also wise to have some sort of sweater or sweater jacket to help you in case of cool weather or rain. (There are a variety of golf rain jackets that let you stay drier).

Trousers

In terms of trousers, you don't have to wear tartan golf pants (unless you want to). A pair of khaki trousers or golfing shorts can work well (just be sure they're close to your knees in length).

Golf Gloves

Many players find golf gloves to be helpful for gripping.

Golf Shoes

If you have golf shoes, that's great. But if you don't, most courses don't make them a requirement. If you do begin to play more regularly, you'll likely want to invest as many golfers say they make a great difference.

Golf Accessories

There is a wide array of golf accessories available. Some are great for beginners and others are fine to wait to purchase for later. You don't need a golf watch or special golf GPS straight away but be sure to wear a hat in case it's a sunny day.

Get Some Help Perfecting Your Game

If you are new to the sport, you might want a few lessons to help you out. They can give you a good idea of proper form and techniques plus some of the basics including the best clubs in your golf bag for certain scenarios. A golf trainer may also recommend specific golf clothing or accessories to help you with your game, too.

Most of all, when starting to dig into the sport, have fun; that's really what it's all about!

Golf Beginner Tips: How to Tee a Golf Ball at the Proper Height

If you're new to golf then, like any other player, you're probably asking, "How do I get better at golf?" Getting better in this game requires improvement in striking the ball - meaning your club makes solid contact with the ball on a more consistent basis so that the ball's flight carries it toward your intended target.

Consistent ball-striking on the tee box is important to any golfer because your tee shot sets the tone for each hole of golf you play. If you have a bad tee shot, your chances of scoring well on a hole are greatly reduced. If you string together a bunch of bad tee shots, then you will probably not score well for the round.

Knowing how to properly tee up a ball is one of the easiest golf beginner tips to learn for achieving consistent ball-striking. To do this, you need to know the proper height at which to place the ball for each type of club - driver, fairway wood, hybrid or iron - you hit off the tee. The longer the club, the higher you will need to tee the ball.

Driver. When hitting a driver, you want to "sweep" the ball off the tee by making contact with the ball slightly on the upswing. This will help to get the ball airborne and provide maximum distance. To do this, you'll need to tee the ball high. A general rule of thumb when hitting your driver is to have half your ball above the clubface when it's on the tee. You might even want to tee it a little higher, but no more than having the bottom of the ball level with the top of your driver's clubface. Otherwise, you run the risk of "popping-up" the ball on contact.

Fairway woods and hybrids. With these clubs, you still want to sweep the ball off the tee. However, because their clubfaces aren't as deep, you don't need to tee the ball as high as when using a driver. You will want to set your tee so the ball rests about one-half inch off the ground. A good rule of thumb for these clubs is to have one-half to a one-third of your ball resting above the clubface.

Long and mid irons. To achieve solid contact with one of these clubs (2-, 3-, 4- and 5-iron), less of the tee will be above ground than with a wood or hybrid. To make solid contact, you want to impact the ball closer to the bottom of the swing. Therefore, you should set the tee in the ground so the ball is about one-quarter inch off the ground.

Short irons. When using a short iron (any iron shorter than a 5-iron), you should press the tee all the way into the ground so only the head is above ground. This will allow your ball to sit just above the ground. This will help ensure you get the same height and distance as if you were hitting the ball off the ground, which is usually where the ball lies when hitting these clubs (usually anywhere other than the tee box). However, you give yourself a much better chance of solid contact with the ball on a tee.

If you're new to golf and asking, "How do I get better at golf?", follow these golf beginner tips to promote more solid contact off the tee. It leads to better ball-striking and lower scores, which is what every golfer wants!

4 Tips to Help You Score Well on a Wet Golf Course

Most golfers prefer a dry course, but inevitably you'll find yourself facing wet conditions.

Perhaps you are playing in a tournament or on a special out-of-town course and a quick shower passes through the course. It a special day and you don't want to pass up the opportunity. Whatever the reason, playing a wet course requires some special techniques and skills.

For those old and new to golf, here's a quick safety tip.

Never play golf during a thunderstorm. Being struck by lightning is no laughing matter. Standing out in the open, unprotected, or under a tree or near water, and holding a metal shaft in your hands, puts you at a drastically higher risk. Don't wait to hear the thunder or see the first lightning strike, as the first strike might be close to you. Be smart. Mark your ball and get to the clubhouse at the first sign of any inclement weather.

After the storm has passed and it is safe to return to the course, here are some tips to help you get through a wet course without sacrificing your score:

1. When you are playing a course that is truly wet, and not just damp, you may notice your feet sinking into the turf. Choke down on the club shaft, up to one inch to prevent making fat shots.

2. The first hole you play on a wet course should be considered a course evaluation hole. Many inexperienced golfers assume they can play the same club on a wet course as they would on a dry course, but this is almost never the case.

As you hit your first series of shots on the first hole, pay close attention to how your ball reacts when it lands. You'll most likely find that it will not roll anywhere near as much on wet turf as it would on dry.

If this is the case, don't be afraid to add more club to your future shots. You may find that you can add one, two, or even three clubs depending on how wet the course is and how far or little your ball rolls.

3. If you find yourself in the rough on a wet course, you may need to adjust your swing. Raining your hands slightly at address will make the club shaft more vertical. A more vertical swing will get through wet grass easier than a horizontal club shaft.

Playing out of the rough also requires more power to compensate for the sticky grass that slows down club head speed. Try not to swat at the ball on the downswing. Just add a little more power throughout the swing to increase club head speed.

When playing on a dry course in the rough, we are told not to grip the club too tightly. On a wet course, the deeper grass provides opposition. Make sure you are holding the club tight enough to keep the face of the club from flying open upon impact with the ball.

Take a couple of practice swings in the rough to get a feel for the amount of resistance the club head is getting from the wet grass.

4. Putting on a wet green is almost always slower than normal. Little rooster tails of water indicate increased drag on the ball. Take this into account when judging the pace of a putt. If you are starting your round after the rain, then get to the practice green quickly to get a feel for the break and resistance on the ball.

You will also find that balls do not break as much on a wet green (with the exception of a crnss-grain). You may find that your ball actually "slides" down the grain on very wet greens as it goes with the water flow.

In general, it is best to be more aggressive when playing on a wet course. Try to make more solid hits on a straighter target path to compensate for the drag caused by the water. This may not work in every case, but the odds are with you in these conditions.

Always repair the ball marks on the green. With wet play the ball generally hits and sticks. Repairing the ball mark on a wet green will allow the green to be in better shape after it dries.

Playing a wet course requires you to adjust your course management skills and play modified shots that work with the water rather than trying to fight it.

Be patient, be mindful of your shots, and don't be afraid to change your tactics as you move from hole to hole.

Golfing in Monroe, North Carolina

Golfing is popular in the Monroe, North Carolina area, which is just 30 minutes south of Uptown Charlotte. The area's moderate climate allows for outdoor recreational activities most of the year. Golfers can enjoy several great public and semi-private courses near Monroe.

Monroe Country Club is one of the older municipal golf clubs in the area. The back nine holes were designed by the legendary Donald Ross. The par 72 course plays 6,759 yards from the championship tees. Fairways are Bermuda grass. The club is located on US Hwy 601 South.

The Divide Golf Club, at 6803 Stevens Mill Road in nearby Stallings, North Carolina is another public course. The traditional 18-hole, par 72 course has Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens. The course is 6,922 yards long. Club facilities include a fully stocked pro shop, driving range, and a grill that serves breakfast and lunch. Greens fees on Monday-Thursday are $42 (after 2pm $37). Friday rates are $47 (after 2pm $39). Saturday and Sunday rates are $57 (after 2pm $44).

Pebble Creek Executive Course is a walkable par 3 course in nearby Indian Trail, North Carolina. The course provides a great opportunity for golfers to develop their short iron game. The course is Bermuda with water hazards on several holes. Tee times are not required. Greens fees on weekdays are $12 for 9 holes and $18 for 18 holes. Weekend greens fees are $14 for 9 holes and $20 for 18 holes. The course is located at 6709 US Hwy 74E.

Stonebridge Golf Club is a semi-private club in Monroe. The course is considered one of the best conditioned courses in the greater Charlotte area, and it recently received a 4 star rating from Golf Digest. The par 72 course plays 6,963 yards from the championship tees. Other club facilities include a pro shop, practice facilities, and a grill that serves breakfast and lunch. Greens fees on Monday-Thursday are $39 (after 2pm $34). Rates on Fridays are $49 (after 2pm $37). Weekend rates are $59 (after 2pm $39). Stonebridge Golf Club is located at 2721 Swilcan Burn Drive.

Emerald Lake Golf Club is another good semi-private course in the area. The club is located at 9750 Tournament Drive in nearby Stallings, North Carolina. Emerald Lake is a par 71 course, measuring 6,820 yards long. There is a fully stocked pro shop, and the Lakeside Grille serves breakfast and lunch. Greens fees on Monday-Friday are $39 (after 2pm $32). Rates on Saturday and Sunday are $52 (after 2pm $37).

Things You Should Look for When Choosing a Golf Glove

Although a few people choose to play golf without a golf glove, you will not find it happening much anymore. Professional golfer Fred Couples is one, saying that it decreases the feel he has for the golf club. But he is a rare exception. It is a key piece of equipment to your golf game, and is the connection between you and your swing and your precious golf clubs that we give advice on all the time.

They offer protection for the hands, plus they give the golfer a better grip on the club, which is always important but imperative when the weather is damp or the hands get sweaty.

Protection. In everyone's golf swing there is some friction between the hands and the club, and the fingers moving against each other. The golf glove will prevent the hands and fingers from blistering, particularly if you haven't played for some time and the hands have yet to callous. Normally a right-handed golfer would wear a golf glove on his left hand, but you may opt for one on each hand if your hands are still soft from not playing.

Grip. Not only do you not want the club to slip out of your hands, but you don't want to be compensating with the slippage to have to clutch the club too tightly. Many amateur golfers do this, and it diminishes the suppleness in the hands necessary to generate maximum power. As golfing great Sam Snead once said, "If a lot of people gripped a knife and fork the way they do a golf club, they'd starve to death". The traction on a golf glove will allow you to loosen your grip.

Now that you know why you need a golf glove, what should you be looking for in purchasing a glove? First, it has to fit on your hand snuggly. If it's loose, it will allow the club to twist in your hand, taking away a main advantage. Plus it will loosen and stretch some with use. But it should still feel comfortable on your hand. The best ones will have plenty of ventilation between the fingers to allow moisture to vent.

The best gloves in the United States are Brazilian sheepskin, and they have a great feel and will last longer. On the other end of the quality spectrum are synthetic fabrics, which will do the job fine but will probably wear out quicker. It also will not have the nice, soft feel of the more expensive varieties will. Not only will quality vary, but there are those that perform better in rain as well as those which are heavier and will protect the hands against the elements.

I usually go with the moderately priced glove, and prefer to get a new one a little more often. You can prolong their life by keeping them dry when you are finished with a round, but don't dry them on direct heat or they'll become brittle.

Top Golf Shoes

Footwear is a key part of the serious golfer's game. The right, or wrong, shoes can make a major difference. And in recent years, many courses have shifted away from metal spikes and to soft spikes. It's possible you may need to update your shoes.

The problem is, there are many options for golf footwear. Perhaps too many options. It can be overwhelming, when you step into the pro shop or sporting goods store and start browsing row after row of shoes.

Here are some pairs that every serious, committed golfer should at least consider before their next trip to the links.

>>Adidas Adicros

Price: $90

These shoes are spikeless and light weight. They have great resistance to slipping and strong flexibility. You'll love the 124 traction nodules that will really change the way you swing. Comfortable and light weight, you can do much worse than these. Adidas, while not the typical brand you think about when you think about golf, has years and years and years of experience making shoes for all different kinds of sports. That experience shows through. They are also available in several different colors if you're interested in some fashion coordination as you golf.

>>Footjoy Contour Casuals

Price: $100

Much like the Adidas Adicros, these shoes are spikeless with great slip resistance and the perfect amount of flexibility. They're understand and classy looking. In fact, you can wear these shoes on our off the course - they'll fit in almost anywhere. The shoe is waterproof with a rubber-nub outsole, which designers have used to enhance both comfort and traction. These shoes are highly customizable with a total of 47 possible size and width combinations. This company, Footjoy, is definitely accurately named.

>>Callaway Razr

Price: $185

These athletic shoes have perfect slip resistance with high flexibility. This is a higher-end shoe with full-grain leather. Callaway, one of the most well-known and reliable names in golf, offers a two-year waterproof guarantee. The Razr features a low-profile cleat receptacle developed by Softspikes. The goal is to improve feel and decrease the overall spike pressure. Designers of this piece of high quality footwear have also added a special layer inside the shoe is designed to mitigate any and all temperatures. Players rave about the comfortable yet secure feel of these shoes.

>>Nike Dunk NG

Price: $130

Hard to imagine that golf, with all its classic tradition, could have anything at all in common with skateboarding, an upstart sport for kids in baggy clothes with blaring headphones. Yet these shoes prove that it's possible. Nike Dunks, originally a classic basketball shoe, have seen popularity among the skateboard crowd. And now you can also get a pair perfect for the golf course. This shoe comes with a rubber cupsole with seven cleats and full-grain leather upper with a two-year waterproof warranty. A full-length, contoured sock liner brings it to a whole new level of comfort. Available in many colors and designs, these could be the ideal choice for the golfer who wants to maintain hipness and style on the course.

North Wales James Braid Golf Trail: Bangor St Deiniol Golf Club

Famous Scottish golf course architect James Braid (1870-1950) is remembered for his work in designing many well-known golf courses during his lifetime, including work at Gleneagles and Carnoustie. He also won the Open Championship five times, so he was as celebrated a player as he was a designer.

Braid designed a number of excellent golf courses throughout North Wales, and in 2012 these have been linked together as the North Wales James Braid Golf Trail, which comprises ten of Braid's golf courses in the North Wales area.

While all of Braid's courses were different in layout and design, they shared several common features. For instance, the 'lie of the land' was an integral part of each course's design, with natural features and obstacles being incorporated into the course to provide satisfying rewards for accurate play. And while at a typical James Braid golf course each hole varies in length and character, dog legs are a common feature - a shape which encourages playing for position.

Bangor St Deiniol Golf Course was opened in 1906 and re-designed by James Braid in 1909, and has been extended several times since. The mature 18-hole course covers 120 acres of grassland overlooking the city of Bangor, and boasts outstanding views of Snowdonia from almost every hole.

With the rise and fall of the land at Bangor St Deiniol, forget about brute force - it's control and course management that you'll need here. With so much greenery, gorse and woodland at Bangor St Deiniol, it's a course that is best suited to golfers that can exercise control. Most fairways offer risks and there are blind holes to provide some very satisfying challenges.

Despite advances in golf technology, with Bangor St Deiniol's tight fairways, hidden greens and strategic hazards good ball placement is essential. Although today's equipment provides extra length, this is no substitute for accurate play!

Only snow stops play at Bangor St Deiniol, where the course is playable virtually all year round. The course dries very quickly after rainfall, and winter greens are unheard of.
Notable holes

Bangor St Deiniol's signature hole is the third, which boasts several typical James Braid course features such as slopes, gorse bushes, a dog leg and a narrow fairway - and an elevated green to challenge players even further. This hole plays tough against the prevailing westerly wind, and when you take on the elevated green you'll need to be into or through the gap; if you're short of the gap, you risk taking on the bank 70 yards short of the green.

The view from the 16th tee is fantastic; it looks out to Llandudno, with Puffin Island and the Great Orme prominent. This par 4 hole is the easiest at Bangor St Deiniol, but it still offers both risk and reward, and a shot that slips down the back of the green will leave a difficult recovery.

The 12th is a firm favourite - all downhill, with a blind tee shot and gorse to both left and right, a large oak tree guarding the green, and a grass bunker.

The par 5 14th has two bunkers short of the green, but these don't draw the ball in. The shot from the top of the bank provides a good challenge, and the views are excellent too - this is the highest point in Bangor, offering a great view of Bangor Cathedral.

Bangor St Deiniol also has six par 3 holes, at least one in each direction - north, south, east and west - requiring the golfer to play downwind, upwind, and in both side winds.

Facts and figures

Size: 18 Holes - 5652 yards par 68

Address: Pen y Bryn, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1PX
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 353098
Fax: +44 (0) 1248 370792

In the area

Bangor St Deiniol Golf Club is on the outskirts of the historic cathedral city of Bangor. On days when you're not golfing - or if there are members of your party that prefer not to play golf - there is plenty to see and do in the area. Bangor has an excellent high street shopping centre and there are several retail parks nearby. Bangor is within easy reach of other Snowdonia towns and villages such as Llanberis and Caernarfon, where there are many excellent attractions and activities to be enjoyed.

Where to Buy Golf Equipments in Florida

Florida is one of the hotspots of the golf sport where gorgeous vistas of golf courses can be found. But the beautiful courses are not the only thing you can find in Florida. If you have decided recently to visit the State to play golf yet wondering where you could possibly buy some items to help you in your eighteen holes play, here are a couple golf store recommendations in Florida.

Edwin Watts Golf

Edwin Watts Golf Shops, LLC is one of the world's premier specialty golf retailers headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. They have been in the business for over 44 years now, earning them the tag as America's Golf Club. They offer a wide variety of golf products, including clubs, apparel, shoes, balls, bags and carts, GPS and Rangefinders, accessories, training aids and even personalized items. They have several price drop offers, including discounts in Taylormade, Nike, Callaways and Adam's clubs. Edwin Watts Golf is available in 32 different locations in Florida.

Alf's Golf Shop

Alf's Golf Shop sells new and used equipment, and accepts trade-ins. They continue to satisfy the needs of the patrons who come their way for over 20 years now. They have clubs, balls, shoes, bags and accessories available in store for golf enthusiasts. They have gift certificates available as well as E-Certificates that you can purchase as a gift to your golfing buddies. Your buddies then can redeem the items at their physical retail stores using GC or online using EC. Alf's Golf Shop is available in three different locations in Florida. They have two retails stores in Miami, and the other one is located in Coral Gables.

Dick's Sporting Goods

Dick's Sporting Goods started from a hard-earned $300 savings. From there, it has evolved tremendously to over 450 stores operated by Dick's family, offering the finest quality products, including golf equipments. They have in store golf clubs, apparel, shoes, electronics, bags, carts, gloves and accessories. They are currently offering Callaway GC wherein you get up to $50 worth of free goods on purchase of Callaway items. Another promotion they offer is a saving on purchase of complete golf sets. And for those looking for golf memorabilia, they have a clearance sale on golf shoes, apparel and accessories. In Florida, they are accessible in 18 different store locations.

Golf Galaxy

Golf Galaxy just started its first store in 1997, but the enormous demands in golf-related products lead them to expand rapidly and to become the world's first and only interactive golf store providing world-class selection of branded golf items. They have lines of authentic golf equipment, apparel, shoes and accessories. They also offer custom club fitting, full service club repair, lessons and club trade-ins. They provide different advantages to patrons, including the Advantage Club, flat-rate shipping, price guarantee and free returns. Golf Galaxy is available in Fort Myers, Orlando and Pembroke Pines in Florida.

An Enjoyable Time at the Golf Course

Golf is game of leisure. When most other sports turn out to have nail-biting finishes and edge-of-the-seat final moments, Golf is a gentleman's game with no such frills and frivolities. It is remarkable that so many people choose this game to while away their time. Golf is indeed the game if you want to relax!

It is a good exercise to keep oneself fit as a fiddle. An eighteen-hole golf course will ensure that the golfers spend a few hours breathing fresh air and basking in the sun. Golf is a good option for people who do not have the scope to exercise due to work constraints. It is indeed an interesting sport that allows you some pleasant time outdoors!

Hardcore golfers do make it to the golf courses just for the love of the game. They simply enjoy the challenge it throws on them. Golfing indirectly helps you to meet the challenges faced in life just as you negotiate the swing in the golf course. Other than the sheer love for this sport, golf also offers various other advantages and let us check them out:

Did you know that golfing could get you in touch with other businessmen and professionals? Golf courses have always acted as a medium to forge business deals and contracts. Apart from this, it is a way to develop your social contacts too. Too many golfers have benefited by gaining clients and business proposals at the golf club. Treating your clients at a golf course will ensure that your business reaches a new height because a happy client means more business.

In the personal front too, golf plays a pivotal role. Having a troubled relationship with your spouse? Why not take a break to the golf course, try a hand on the game and enjoy the scenic beauty there? This is sure to have a soothing effect on the couples and things would certainly work out in the domestic front.

Schedule a meeting with friends at a golf course every now and then. This ensures that you are in touch with them despite your busy schedules and also helps in strengthening the bond.

If you are looking to spend your time leisurely with no worries, head to a golf course right away. It is the place that offers you relaxation and tranquility. Charge yourself up emotionally after a great game of golf and spread the message to your buddies too!