When I started to reflect on choosing golf balls, I couldn't help but laugh because I realized that when I really think about the process - its a little bit of a love story! My first love was Top Flite. Before I found Top Flite, I looked around, and tried a lot of different brands; who could blame me? I was young, and free, and there were so many exciting brands available on the market! I tried a lot of them; but it wasn't until I played a Top Flite that it just felt "right" for me. Sure, there were some bad days with Top Flite. I hit some shanks; I duffed a few shots, but overall - I was committed to Top Flite - my first true love!
My love affair with Top Flite lasted about 7 years until I was playing a course that did not sell my brand! I'm a bit surprised actually, that my relationship with Top Flite lasted as long as it did, because I started to play at much nicer golf clubs where Top Flites don't really "fit in", but I was committed. At that course that fateful day though, I was introduced to Titleist DT Solos and I never looked back! Last year was a bit rocky as Titleist decided to break DT Solo into two different brands - DT Roll and DT Carry, so I will admit that I strayed briefly and gave Taylor Made a chance. This year though, DT Solo is back on the market, so Taylor Made is just my back-up ball if my DT Solo can't be there for me! I'm in love again!
So what should you do to find the golf ball that you love? Well, I would recommend just playing the field! Try out a lot of balls and you'll eventually find the one that is right for you! Just don't get too frustrated by the process - remember that you might have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Equipment guide - your first set of clubs
So you've taken a few lessons, or maybe you've just been to the driving range a couple of times - and you're convinced - this is the game for you!!! You're ready to invest in your own set of clubs... so how do you get started?
Well, first, remember the ever-present golf intimidation factor is probably going to come into play again when you decide to buy your own clubs. Do a quick search on golfsmith.com for women's clubs, and the first full set you'll probably find is around $800. Yikes! $800 for clubs, add another $100 for shoes (because let's face it - you've got to have cute golf shoes!!), and another $100 for a bag. Plus I have to warn you that you'll be investing a lot of money in golf balls (because you'll be losing a lot of them at first). Add all of these up and it gets expensive very quickly.
My first set of clubs were no name brand, and cost me about $150 - $200. This was for irons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 9 and pitching wedge, plus a driver, 3 wood and 5 wood. Now-a-days, (because 10 years ago was SO long ago in terms of golf technology) you can get a set that includes a 6, 7, 8, 9 iron, Pitching wedge, Driver, 3 wood, 5 wood and even a 5 hybrid included for about the same price of $150 - $200. (Check it out as an example at Golfsmith in case you think its too good to be true: http://www.golfsmith.com/products/NX147/Nextt_Golf/Ladies_Z_One_14_Piece_Full_Set) You can also probably find a good set on eBay for a great price.
Once you've played for awhile, and you're committed to the game - then I would consider investing in more expensive clubs, or even a club fitting session if you're really serious. When you're just starting out though - trust me - that $600 savings on clubs can buy you about 600 golf balls - which could come in reeeeally handy your first couple of seasons... Have fun!
Well, first, remember the ever-present golf intimidation factor is probably going to come into play again when you decide to buy your own clubs. Do a quick search on golfsmith.com for women's clubs, and the first full set you'll probably find is around $800. Yikes! $800 for clubs, add another $100 for shoes (because let's face it - you've got to have cute golf shoes!!), and another $100 for a bag. Plus I have to warn you that you'll be investing a lot of money in golf balls (because you'll be losing a lot of them at first). Add all of these up and it gets expensive very quickly.
My first set of clubs were no name brand, and cost me about $150 - $200. This was for irons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 9 and pitching wedge, plus a driver, 3 wood and 5 wood. Now-a-days, (because 10 years ago was SO long ago in terms of golf technology) you can get a set that includes a 6, 7, 8, 9 iron, Pitching wedge, Driver, 3 wood, 5 wood and even a 5 hybrid included for about the same price of $150 - $200. (Check it out as an example at Golfsmith in case you think its too good to be true: http://www.golfsmith.com/products/NX147/Nextt_Golf/Ladies_Z_One_14_Piece_Full_Set) You can also probably find a good set on eBay for a great price.
Once you've played for awhile, and you're committed to the game - then I would consider investing in more expensive clubs, or even a club fitting session if you're really serious. When you're just starting out though - trust me - that $600 savings on clubs can buy you about 600 golf balls - which could come in reeeeally handy your first couple of seasons... Have fun!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Getting Started, Step 1: Take Lessons
There is no better advice that anyone can offer you when you’re getting started with golf than to take lessons! It makes sense right? If you had never skied or snowboarded a day in your life, it is probably not the smartest move to hop on the chairlift and head down a steep, cold, and potentially icy mountainside without at least a little bit of instruction. Granted, the chance of serious bodily injury is drastically less on the slopes – you have to remember that a typical golf round is going to last anywhere from 4 – 5 ½ hours. Do you really want to commit to that much time on a golf course if you don’t know what you’re doing?
When you take lessons when you start golf, the other advantage is that you start out with the right swing. Every golfer has issues with their swing at some point; it could just be something that affects one round, or it could last an entire season!! Take it from me though – it is much easier to fix a swing that started “right”, than to fix a swing that never really was “right”. Whenever I take lessons (which I continue to do on a regular basis!), the instructor usually has to make a small tweak to my swing to either fix whatever issue I am experiencing, or to give me more power in my swing. I credit this to the fact that I went out on the golf course only once or twice before taking a 6-week lesson package at my local driving range.
I wish I could say that the logical arguments above are what convinced me to take lessons in the first place, but it would not really be true. Sheer stubbornness is what convinced me. You see, one of the characteristics that many golfers seem to share is that they mistakenly think they have all of the answers for fixing your swing. (Which I would say is true of only the top 5% of all golfers – so if you are planning to golf with scratch – 5 handicap players, I strongly encourage you to listen to their tips, otherwise, keep reading!) For me – it was my Mom (who meant really well!) and my friends (who were also just learning so what the heck did they know?!?) who seemed to know what I was doing wrong with every swing. I just could not take 4 – 5 ½ hours of another complete amateur telling me what to do to fix my swing. For-get-a-bout-it!!! I could not take it!! Now, I am thankful for it because, although my swing is far from perfect, and I have a lot of improving to do, fundamentally – I know I have a good swing!
To find golf lessons near you, I recommend calling a local driving range or public golf course to see what they offer. To offset costs, you can grab a couple of girlfriends and sign up for group lessons, which drastically reduces the costs. By the way – if you do not have golf clubs, and you do not want to spend money on them right now, just ask the course or driving range if they have rentals. That way if you hate the game, you’ve only lost your investment in the lessons! (My guess though is that you’re going to love it and buy clubs in time for your 3rd lesson)
When you take lessons when you start golf, the other advantage is that you start out with the right swing. Every golfer has issues with their swing at some point; it could just be something that affects one round, or it could last an entire season!! Take it from me though – it is much easier to fix a swing that started “right”, than to fix a swing that never really was “right”. Whenever I take lessons (which I continue to do on a regular basis!), the instructor usually has to make a small tweak to my swing to either fix whatever issue I am experiencing, or to give me more power in my swing. I credit this to the fact that I went out on the golf course only once or twice before taking a 6-week lesson package at my local driving range.
I wish I could say that the logical arguments above are what convinced me to take lessons in the first place, but it would not really be true. Sheer stubbornness is what convinced me. You see, one of the characteristics that many golfers seem to share is that they mistakenly think they have all of the answers for fixing your swing. (Which I would say is true of only the top 5% of all golfers – so if you are planning to golf with scratch – 5 handicap players, I strongly encourage you to listen to their tips, otherwise, keep reading!) For me – it was my Mom (who meant really well!) and my friends (who were also just learning so what the heck did they know?!?) who seemed to know what I was doing wrong with every swing. I just could not take 4 – 5 ½ hours of another complete amateur telling me what to do to fix my swing. For-get-a-bout-it!!! I could not take it!! Now, I am thankful for it because, although my swing is far from perfect, and I have a lot of improving to do, fundamentally – I know I have a good swing!
To find golf lessons near you, I recommend calling a local driving range or public golf course to see what they offer. To offset costs, you can grab a couple of girlfriends and sign up for group lessons, which drastically reduces the costs. By the way – if you do not have golf clubs, and you do not want to spend money on them right now, just ask the course or driving range if they have rentals. That way if you hate the game, you’ve only lost your investment in the lessons! (My guess though is that you’re going to love it and buy clubs in time for your 3rd lesson)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Golf Defintions - Intermediate
So now that you've learned the easy golf terminology, here are some additional terms in golf that are useful to know:
Shank – Unfortunately this is going to happen to you once in awhile; in particular when you are just starting out. A shank is when you mis-hit a ball and it immediately veers off in any direction except straight!
Duff – A duff is the most common type of mis-hit when you are starting out playing golf; you hit the ball, but it barely moves forward at all.
Worm-burner - A worm-burner describes a golf shot that screams along the ground (thereby “burning worms” as it goes) rather than becoming air-borne!
Mulligan – One of the greatest assets to an amateur golfer but by no means are mulligans “officially” part of the game; a mulligan is essentially a “free shot” that you can use if you have agreed in advance with your playing partner that is! If you mis-hit (ie shank, or duff for example) your drive, you may hit a mulligan which is a second chance at your drive from the tee without taking a penalty stroke. A mulligan on the first hole is sometimes also called a “breakfast ball”. Let's be clear though - taking a mulligan is just a very nice way of saying that you are knowlingly cheating!! (And for the record - I've taken several of them myself)
Breakfast ball – A breakfast ball is another name for a mulligan. A breakfast ball is essentially a “free shot” that amateur golfers may take in the morning after a mis-hit tee shot.
Gimme – When your ball is approximately within one putter length of the hole, most casual golfers will tell you the putt is a “gimme” which means you do not have to putt, and instead you can just assume you would have made the putt, and score as if you did. Example: on a par 4, if your 5th shot is within one putter length of the hole, and your golfing partner says it’s a gimme, you pick up your ball and your score for the hole is a 6. (ie It's as if you sunk your 6th shot - your putt)
The beach – Also known as a bunker, sandtrap/trap or simply, the sand. This is a place on the course that you do not want to be in – particularly when you are just starting out. There are two types of sand traps – fairway bunkers and green-side bunkers. The best confidence-booster for getting out of bunkers is to practice shots out of the sand regularly before your round, and remember to finish your swing when you’re hitting from the sand!
Water Hazard – Also known as “the drink” – This is worst place to be on a golf course – in the water. Once you’re in the water, your only option is to take a drop at the point where your ball went into the water and to take a penalty stroke. To make it easy to count the strokes - think of it this way - 1 shot into the water, 1 shot to take it out of the water and so your next shot is your 3rd shot.
There are so many other terms to learn, but this will have to do for now - the Hyundai Tournament of Champions is still on - time to see who wins!
Shank – Unfortunately this is going to happen to you once in awhile; in particular when you are just starting out. A shank is when you mis-hit a ball and it immediately veers off in any direction except straight!
Duff – A duff is the most common type of mis-hit when you are starting out playing golf; you hit the ball, but it barely moves forward at all.
Worm-burner - A worm-burner describes a golf shot that screams along the ground (thereby “burning worms” as it goes) rather than becoming air-borne!
Mulligan – One of the greatest assets to an amateur golfer but by no means are mulligans “officially” part of the game; a mulligan is essentially a “free shot” that you can use if you have agreed in advance with your playing partner that is! If you mis-hit (ie shank, or duff for example) your drive, you may hit a mulligan which is a second chance at your drive from the tee without taking a penalty stroke. A mulligan on the first hole is sometimes also called a “breakfast ball”. Let's be clear though - taking a mulligan is just a very nice way of saying that you are knowlingly cheating!! (And for the record - I've taken several of them myself)
Breakfast ball – A breakfast ball is another name for a mulligan. A breakfast ball is essentially a “free shot” that amateur golfers may take in the morning after a mis-hit tee shot.
Gimme – When your ball is approximately within one putter length of the hole, most casual golfers will tell you the putt is a “gimme” which means you do not have to putt, and instead you can just assume you would have made the putt, and score as if you did. Example: on a par 4, if your 5th shot is within one putter length of the hole, and your golfing partner says it’s a gimme, you pick up your ball and your score for the hole is a 6. (ie It's as if you sunk your 6th shot - your putt)
The beach – Also known as a bunker, sandtrap/trap or simply, the sand. This is a place on the course that you do not want to be in – particularly when you are just starting out. There are two types of sand traps – fairway bunkers and green-side bunkers. The best confidence-booster for getting out of bunkers is to practice shots out of the sand regularly before your round, and remember to finish your swing when you’re hitting from the sand!
Water Hazard – Also known as “the drink” – This is worst place to be on a golf course – in the water. Once you’re in the water, your only option is to take a drop at the point where your ball went into the water and to take a penalty stroke. To make it easy to count the strokes - think of it this way - 1 shot into the water, 1 shot to take it out of the water and so your next shot is your 3rd shot.
There are so many other terms to learn, but this will have to do for now - the Hyundai Tournament of Champions is still on - time to see who wins!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Golf Definitions - Beginner Level
There is so much golf specific lingo to learn, so here are some basic definitions to get you started:
Ace – a hole in one! This is when your tee shot on a par 3 goes into the hole. You should also know that the person who gets a hole-in-one traditionally buys a round in the clubhouse after the round. In 1999, Golf Digest reported, "One insurance company puts a PGA Tour pro's chances at 1 in 3,756 and an amateur's at 1 in 12,750."
Clubhouse – This is where you find the pro shop where you check in for your round. You’ll also usually find a restaurant and/or bar a the clubhouse and locker rooms/bathrooms
Bag drop – When you drive into the golf course entrance, you’ll often see a sign for a “Bag drop”. This is where you can drop off your golf bag so that you don’t have to lug it all the way from your parked car!!
Pro shop – Check-in for your round in the pro shop when you arrive at the course. The pro shop is also where you can buy anything and everything you could ever need (and a lot of things you do not need) to play a round of golf.
Tee shot – Your tee shot is your first shot on every hole from the tee box. Remember you must tee-up your ball on or behind the markers on the tee box. If you’re lined up ahead of the markers – it’s a 2 stroke penalty!!
Round – A round has two definitions in the game of golf. First, a round is what you call playing 18 holes of golf. Second, and perhaps more importantly, a round is what you buy when you get an ace!
Par – Every hole has a par associated with it. This is the standard number of strokes for each hole on the golf course. Generally, there are only 3 values for par – Par 3s, Par 4s and Par 5s. You should know that sometimes the par for a hole is different for different tee boxes. For example, you may find a hole that is a par 5 for the front tee but a par 4 from the other tees (eg white, blue or black tee)
Front tee – Also known as the forward tee, ladies tee, or red tee. This is the furthest forward tee (ie. the tee box closest to the hole) Generally speaking, women and juniors play from this tee; there is no rule however that says women can not play a different tee. There is also no rule that men can not play the front tee!
Ready golf – This is a really important definition for beginners to know but it’s also very difficult to understand until you play, so when you’re on the course it will make more sense! Traditionally while playing golf, there is very strict etiquette around who hits their ball when. (The furthest player away from the hole hits first) With ready golf however, generally you can hit your ball before someone who is further from the green than you who is not ready to hit their ball. Ready golf is commonly played by amateurs to keep the speed of the round moving quickly. Usually at the first tee, or somewhere on the first hole, someone in your group will suggest playing ready golf – that’s how you know it is okay to hit your ball before someone else.
Ace – a hole in one! This is when your tee shot on a par 3 goes into the hole. You should also know that the person who gets a hole-in-one traditionally buys a round in the clubhouse after the round. In 1999, Golf Digest reported, "One insurance company puts a PGA Tour pro's chances at 1 in 3,756 and an amateur's at 1 in 12,750."
Clubhouse – This is where you find the pro shop where you check in for your round. You’ll also usually find a restaurant and/or bar a the clubhouse and locker rooms/bathrooms
Bag drop – When you drive into the golf course entrance, you’ll often see a sign for a “Bag drop”. This is where you can drop off your golf bag so that you don’t have to lug it all the way from your parked car!!
Pro shop – Check-in for your round in the pro shop when you arrive at the course. The pro shop is also where you can buy anything and everything you could ever need (and a lot of things you do not need) to play a round of golf.
Tee shot – Your tee shot is your first shot on every hole from the tee box. Remember you must tee-up your ball on or behind the markers on the tee box. If you’re lined up ahead of the markers – it’s a 2 stroke penalty!!
Round – A round has two definitions in the game of golf. First, a round is what you call playing 18 holes of golf. Second, and perhaps more importantly, a round is what you buy when you get an ace!
Par – Every hole has a par associated with it. This is the standard number of strokes for each hole on the golf course. Generally, there are only 3 values for par – Par 3s, Par 4s and Par 5s. You should know that sometimes the par for a hole is different for different tee boxes. For example, you may find a hole that is a par 5 for the front tee but a par 4 from the other tees (eg white, blue or black tee)
Front tee – Also known as the forward tee, ladies tee, or red tee. This is the furthest forward tee (ie. the tee box closest to the hole) Generally speaking, women and juniors play from this tee; there is no rule however that says women can not play a different tee. There is also no rule that men can not play the front tee!
Ready golf – This is a really important definition for beginners to know but it’s also very difficult to understand until you play, so when you’re on the course it will make more sense! Traditionally while playing golf, there is very strict etiquette around who hits their ball when. (The furthest player away from the hole hits first) With ready golf however, generally you can hit your ball before someone who is further from the green than you who is not ready to hit their ball. Ready golf is commonly played by amateurs to keep the speed of the round moving quickly. Usually at the first tee, or somewhere on the first hole, someone in your group will suggest playing ready golf – that’s how you know it is okay to hit your ball before someone else.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The PGA Season Kicks off at Kapalua
Today's entry is intended to serve two purposes - first, to convince you that golf is a wonderful excuse to travel to incredible places. Second, I'll try my best to get you interested in watching golf on television! Kapalua Golf Resort in Maui, Hawaii, I hope will help me in accomplishing both of these goals!
Kapalua Golf Resort in Maui has two courses - the Bay Course and the Plantation Course. Both courses are absolutely beautiful to play - but it is the Plantation Course where the PGA Tour kicks off each season with its tournament - this year, the "Hyundai Tournament of Champions," which kicked off yesterday. So, in case you haven't watched any tournament highlights from yesterday yet, have a look at some photos I took at these courses earlier this year to familiarize yourself with Kapalua:
Here's the Bay Course - which people may tell you, "isn't really worth playing" if you go to Kapalua. How wrong those people are!!
(In case you're wondering by now - yes, I find myself in a lot of bunkers!)
Here's the 18th hole at the Plantation Course:
And The Plantation Course at sunset...
One great swing on the back 9 at the Plantation Course...
So now back to the task at hand - first, convincing you that golf is a great excuse to travel. Well, I'll be honest... the pictures were really supposed to do it! If that didn't work, look at them again and think about the fact that Kapalua weather is pretty much 80's all year round! I will understand, however, if you're looking at the pictures and saying, "sure, that looks great, but I can't play golf yet!!" Fear not - just keep visiting this blog because soon I'll give you tips on how to actually get started with the game, and how to play incredible courses quickly and within the rules of the game so that you aren't intimidated and so that you're not slowing down your group, or the groups around you.
I haven't forgotten about my second goal - of convincing you that golf is great to watch on television! So here's why the first tournament of the year is particularly fun to watch. First, its called the "Tournament of Champions" because you have to win to get in. Every player in the tournament this weekend, won a tournament in 2010. What you're getting as a result is a relatively small field, of relatively amazing golfers! This tournament is a great opportunity for you to learn who some of the top players of the game are without being totally overwhelmed. The other reason that this tournament is particularly entertaining to watch is because the course has a few holes that are super fun to play. Turn on the tournament, and you're sure to see footage of the 6th hole - a 398 par 4 that the pros will regularly drive the ball to the green (or even past it). The 18th hole is another fun one that is long on paper, but is set-up with such a strong slope downhill that I even hit a 250 yard drive down it. (For the record my average is more like 190yards!) Then there are the entertaining stories that seem to accompany any golf tournament. Yesterday, Stuart Appleby arrived at the tournament only to discover his putter was missing. His caddie had to buy a new one from the pro shop which he played his round with! Are you convinced yet that this is a fun game? When even the pros make silly mistakes, its even easier to believe
The Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua will be on:
Friday and Saturday: 5:30pm - 10pm on the Golf Channel, AND
Sunday: 6pm - 10pm on the Golf Channel
Or if you're just willing to try to looking at highlights as a start, visit the PGA Tour website: www.pgatour.com
Enjoy!
Kapalua Golf Resort in Maui has two courses - the Bay Course and the Plantation Course. Both courses are absolutely beautiful to play - but it is the Plantation Course where the PGA Tour kicks off each season with its tournament - this year, the "Hyundai Tournament of Champions," which kicked off yesterday. So, in case you haven't watched any tournament highlights from yesterday yet, have a look at some photos I took at these courses earlier this year to familiarize yourself with Kapalua:
Here's the Bay Course - which people may tell you, "isn't really worth playing" if you go to Kapalua. How wrong those people are!!
Here's the 18th hole at the Plantation Course:
And The Plantation Course at sunset...
One great swing on the back 9 at the Plantation Course...
So now back to the task at hand - first, convincing you that golf is a great excuse to travel. Well, I'll be honest... the pictures were really supposed to do it! If that didn't work, look at them again and think about the fact that Kapalua weather is pretty much 80's all year round! I will understand, however, if you're looking at the pictures and saying, "sure, that looks great, but I can't play golf yet!!" Fear not - just keep visiting this blog because soon I'll give you tips on how to actually get started with the game, and how to play incredible courses quickly and within the rules of the game so that you aren't intimidated and so that you're not slowing down your group, or the groups around you.
I haven't forgotten about my second goal - of convincing you that golf is great to watch on television! So here's why the first tournament of the year is particularly fun to watch. First, its called the "Tournament of Champions" because you have to win to get in. Every player in the tournament this weekend, won a tournament in 2010. What you're getting as a result is a relatively small field, of relatively amazing golfers! This tournament is a great opportunity for you to learn who some of the top players of the game are without being totally overwhelmed. The other reason that this tournament is particularly entertaining to watch is because the course has a few holes that are super fun to play. Turn on the tournament, and you're sure to see footage of the 6th hole - a 398 par 4 that the pros will regularly drive the ball to the green (or even past it). The 18th hole is another fun one that is long on paper, but is set-up with such a strong slope downhill that I even hit a 250 yard drive down it. (For the record my average is more like 190yards!) Then there are the entertaining stories that seem to accompany any golf tournament. Yesterday, Stuart Appleby arrived at the tournament only to discover his putter was missing. His caddie had to buy a new one from the pro shop which he played his round with! Are you convinced yet that this is a fun game? When even the pros make silly mistakes, its even easier to believe
The Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua will be on:
Friday and Saturday: 5:30pm - 10pm on the Golf Channel, AND
Sunday: 6pm - 10pm on the Golf Channel
Or if you're just willing to try to looking at highlights as a start, visit the PGA Tour website: www.pgatour.com
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
First thing’s first – lose the fear factor!
When you think of the sport of golf, and picture in your head visiting a course for the first time – it is intimidating! Look around and you expect to see that most of the people (mostly men) around you are wearing stylish collared shirts, crisply creased trousers, sparkling clean golf shoes; they’re sporting the newest clubs in their Taylor Made, Nike and Titleist bags that are adorned with shiny and jingly bag tags from the plethora of courses they have played in the past. If you’re like me, you then think about the last golf tournament you heard about or watched where the winner finished at -5, -10, or even -15. Where do you even begin to fit in here – and do you even want to??
Now – let’s change tunes and think about going to the beach in the summer. Once again, if you’re anything like me your first thought is of the latest Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, and then of yourself in your own bikini or bathing suit. Ugh. In my books, the intimidation factor is similar.
Now fast forward to your actual trip to the beach. How many supermodels in bikinis do you find? None likely; at best 20% of sunbathers out there are even likely to draw attention – and even that is generous. A trip to the golf course is a similar experience. Sure – you’ll still see the stylish clothing and shiny new clubs – but what you’ll also find is that there is a very small percentage of golfers who play to the level that their outfits and equipment would suggest they play at. Par at a standard golf course is usually 72. According to Golf Digest – half of all golfers in America have broken 100. On average, only 5% shoot in the 70s, 20% shoot in the 80s and 27% in the 90s.
Read More http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2009-04/golfguru#ixzz1AHDqamrW
In short – my advice is to think of your trip to the golf course like a trip to the beach. Do not let the fear factor get in the way … because a lot of the people there are just like you!
Now – let’s change tunes and think about going to the beach in the summer. Once again, if you’re anything like me your first thought is of the latest Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, and then of yourself in your own bikini or bathing suit. Ugh. In my books, the intimidation factor is similar.
Now fast forward to your actual trip to the beach. How many supermodels in bikinis do you find? None likely; at best 20% of sunbathers out there are even likely to draw attention – and even that is generous. A trip to the golf course is a similar experience. Sure – you’ll still see the stylish clothing and shiny new clubs – but what you’ll also find is that there is a very small percentage of golfers who play to the level that their outfits and equipment would suggest they play at. Par at a standard golf course is usually 72. According to Golf Digest – half of all golfers in America have broken 100. On average, only 5% shoot in the 70s, 20% shoot in the 80s and 27% in the 90s.
Read More http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2009-04/golfguru#ixzz1AHDqamrW
In short – my advice is to think of your trip to the golf course like a trip to the beach. Do not let the fear factor get in the way … because a lot of the people there are just like you!
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