Tiger Woods in the Ryder Cup? You Can Bet On It! #golf

In the game of golf and online sports betting in general, there is almost always a wager that warrants conversation. The latest golf events and odds that have caught our attention refer to whether or not Tiger Woods will be playing with Team USA in the 2016 Ryder Cup ...yes, you can bet there are odds on this!

The internet is a buzz with odds on winning the Ryder Cup, FedEx Cup and more and why not? Gambling on golf has been inherent in the game since it's beginnings. Whether you're betting a fun two dollar Nassau with your mates or selecting Fantasy picks for the Italian Open, golf is one of the sports in which gambling is accepted, welcomed and woven deep into the fabric of the sport.

In a recent article from BusinessDailyAfrica.com, "Golf and gambling go hand in hand under strict rules of the game."

Even "the USGA does not object to informal gambling or wagering among individual golfers or teams of golfers when the players in general know each other, participation in the wagering is optional and is limited to the players."

True, there are some inherent do's and don'ts <...Phil Mickelson> but it is everywhere online and has not been condemned (five million Google results online for golf gambling online) so, if you plan to make a wager, bet with your head, not over it.

That being said, let's take a look at the Ryder Cup odds as they currently stand.

Golf Digest has Tiger Woods as a long shot to be added to Team USA roster by Davis Love III, but he is still in the running. I believe that Jim Furyk would also be a great pick for the team.

As outright winners, which team will win The Ryder Cup?

According to Oddschecker.com, here are the betting odds to lift the Ryder Cup trophy:

As far as deciphering these odds, I only partake in on-course wagers so I am unfamiliar with these odds; please feel free to comment below in this golf blog to help explain!

It is rumored that the PGA Tour is considering permitting sports gambling on golf tournaments. Do you think this is a good idea? Tweet and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and comment below on our Golf for Beginners blog.



This golf blog does not promote or encourage gambling or betting to any individual under the age of 21 years. Please be thoughtful if gambling on any event and we urge you not to play over your limit.

New Ways to Mark Your #Golf Ball

Did you know that the USGA Rules of Golf state, "Each player should put an identification mark on his/her ball"? Although there is no limit on the amount or type of marking, it should be unique to you.

So, how do you mark your golf ball?

Does your mark have a psychological meaning behind it such as with Jordan Spieth who places a "Z" on the blank side of the ball to remind him to "zero in" on his target? Or, do you have a more artistic flair and draw a smiley face like me to remind you that golf is just a game and it is a beautiful day so have fun!

Marking your golf ball should probably have some sort of intent attached to it. Whether it is solely for recognition or brings your mind into focus, just like every shot should have a purpose, so should every marking on a ball offer your mind an objective.

TheGrint.com says to consider creating a golf mark for one of these three uses:

1. Alignment
2. Instruction
3. Inspiration

That being said, while walking the aisles at the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Golf Tournament's 19th hole, I came across companies that are offering players more choices when it comes to creating a unique look for that tiny orb which we hopefully will smack down the middle of the fairway.

GolfDotz is a type of transfer that bonds with the skin of the ball when pressure is applied.

According to the company, these "stickers" do not affect the flight or roll of the ball, have a long, sticky life (probably longer than your ball will stay with you) and have the USGA seal of approval.

If you are really creative, try adding a few dotz to your golf club too (as seen in the photo above). The average package costs approximately $5.99 and comes with twenty-four dotz on two sheets. 

Tin Cup Ball Markers are just what the name implies; these small, semi-circular, metal ball markers cradle your ball so that you can get a straight line (with your initial) or create custom designs and colors using a Sharpie; you are limited only by your imagination.

Tin Cup gives companies and tournaments free reign with their ability to engrave any design from logo to special sayings like "Low Gross Winner". Average price for a single Tin Cup is $19.95.

We once asked on Golf for Beginners, "Where Do You Place Your Golf Marker" when not in use. We now ask what special markings do you place on your golf ball to differentiate it from your playing partners?

Tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners with photos and feel free to comment below on our golf blog.

Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship - #Golf Major for the Rest of Us

It is the "granddaddy" of amateur tournaments and, each year, well over three thousand golfers turn out to play in the Myrtle Beach World Amateur wondering how their games compare to players from around the globe.

Anyone with a handicap can play in the World Am and many people return year after year to this tournament with a focus on fun. 

After speaking with several players, I learned that people come to this top South Carolina beach destination to play 72 holes of intense stroke play on amazing Myrtle Beach golf courses for the bonds that are formed and the ability to test oneself against others with similar handicaps.

One player and his wife in particular whom we met at the 19th hole told me that his wife first saw the event online, purchased entrance for him as a birthday present and are now here for their third annual tournament. He is a ten handicap and was very interested in sharing how he did during his rounds and how happy he was to be matched so evenly with his foursome. When I asked his wife if she played golf, she said yes and then we got into a conversation about how to get more power out of her driver.

In other words, the talk of the evening was all about golf, how to improve and about how to score low on some of the most pristine courses along the Grand Strand.

Top instructors were on hand to happily offer advice. Randy Joyner, who coaches players on both the Web.com and PGA Tour, took the stage and gave indispensable tips on ways to break 90, chipping and the full swing...I took notes during his lesson.

I was super stoked to receive a personal on-stage lesson from Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and PGA Master Professional in Instruction, Brad Redding, who showed me the benefits of improving my grip to increase my distance while maintaining accuracy (he also said I had great posture lol...thanks Brad!)

Several golf courses were represented in booths within the perimeter of the 19th hole; Caledonia, True Blue, Thistle and Legends to name a few and there were all kinds of new technology and fun giveaways to view, touch and play around with...for example...

I will be playing golf at Legends Golf Resort in a few weeks while trying out and reviewing their latest acquisition - the Golfboard (watch for my video and review).

Other companies showing off their wares at the 19th hole included gadgets such as Birdieball which is said to mimic the feel and flight path of a real golf ball but travel no more than forty yards, new ways to mark your ball from Golfdotz and Tin Cup and even nutritional energy bars...delicious snacks to help keep your hunger at bay on the course. PGA Tour Superstore had a large display of clothing to make sure attendees were dressed super-slick for the tournament.

Myrtle Beach is also a food-lovers destination. Visitors to the area can find every kind of delicacy that is available anywhere else in the country from sushi to ribs. At the 19th hole this week, delicious crab rangoons were served up by Black Thai Restaurant, awesome filet mignon was carved from Greg Norman’s Australian Grille and much, more including Barry's favorite...Chick-fil-A. Did I mention Friendly's ice-cream ...? Well, the Nuts over Caramel stole my heart...

Golf is the name of the game but the camaraderie, fun and sportsmanship found at the Myrtle Beach World Am is what keeps players coming back each year.

Did you attend this year's Myrtle Beach World Am? If not, do you plan to play golf in South Carolina sometime in the future? Send us a note either below in the comments section of this golf blog or on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

#Golf Tips for Breaking 90 - You're Almost There!

For golf beginners, there are certain milestones which, when achieved, make playing the game even more fun; breaking one-hundred is one of those moments. The satisfaction of knowing you can get from tee to green in double versus triple digits is the first goal of many to conquer for newbies.

To break 100, what is the best course of action?

PGA Pro Ron Labritz states that, "instead of going out to work on your full swing, work from the green backwards."

In other words, work on your putting, then chipping, until you get to your driver, which should come last in the rotation.

Once you can honestly say that your short game is getting into shape, get out onto the golf course and take stock of the positive results.

What about breaking 90? The next goal in golf is where the focus and attention turn more to improving your tempo and the execution of shots according to Lynn Marriot and Pia Nilsson.

Dean Reinmuth says that it's not necessarily about breaking 90, its celebration time whenever you shoot a score better than your current personal best. Also, play shots that have a high success rate, learn to manage your emotions and "use shots that you can perform with a high degree of consistency and will accomplish what you need."

My husband, Barry, has been working on his game and is now regularly in the 80's. I asked him how he did it; here are a few of his golf tips.

1. Stay focused on every shot
2. Always take the low risk, smart shot
3. Don't let an errant shot blow up the hole - get back in play and quickly forget the bad shot
4. Have fun and play the round with a light heart
5. Keep accurate score for the hole but don't total your score until the end of the round

Correct practice makes perfect...don't just hit golf balls at the driving range - have a purpose, play smart and you will see that score hit 89 and lower before you know it!

Comments for this golf blog are welcome below and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Three Reasons to Play #Golf as a Single

As a small business owner, if the opportunity arises and all bases are covered at work, the time may be perfect for a round of golf - you just might not have anyone to play with on such short notice.

Men may not have a problem with going out as a single but I have heard from several golf beginners and women that they feel uncomfortable walking over to the starter and getting paired up with a stranger. Well, fear not and get moving! Aside from the obvious benefits of exercise, fresh air and sunshine, being paired up has its advantages.

Here are three good reasons why you should go out and play golf as a single:

1. New Playing Partners: You never know who you may meet going out as a single golfer. Whether you are a business owner like me, a divorced dad, a single mom, or someone looking to make a new friend, a new group gets you socializing in one of the most pleasant and fun settings anywhere.

I have met several people throughout my years on the course whom I now consider a friend - I have even met a few people who have helped me in my career; it all started with a handshake and an introduction.

2. Competition: Having a handicap makes the game fun and even. The scoring system is designed to allow all level of player to compete. You can actually see where your game is in comparison to people you don't know and how you compete in a situation that is unlike your normal routine. This scenario also teaches you how to play your own game and maybe get in the zone.

3. Improves Your Confidence: If you are worried about what people think when they meet you at the tee or how you might perform during the round, think of the confidence boost you will receive after you take the plunge - this type of activity will take you out of your comfort zone where you know what to expect and give you the impetus to become more comfortable with taking risks.

Have you ever played golf as a single? Let us know about your experiences in the comments section of this golf blog or on Twitter tagging @Golf4Beginners.

Photo: Wikipedia

Should You Buy a #Golf Cart?

Whether it’s for getting around a gated community or for cruising from one golf hole to the next, there are plenty of reasons why people choose to buy golf carts. 

Many people have swapped their daily drive vehicles in favor of a more affordable golf cart. In fact, my family and I enjoy regular rides to the beach, to the store and to the dog park!

Places such as Myrtle Beach, Peachtree City, Georgia and Coachella Valley in Southern California are known for being golf-cart friendly and this trend continues to grow. 

If you are thinking about buying a golf cart, here are some important factors to consider:

What Are You Using It For?

It may come as a surprise to some people, but there are a surprising number of ways in which golf carts are used these days. Before you take any action, it’s best to consider for what purpose you will be using your golf cart. 

Here are some popular uses for golf carts these days:

Hunting:  Avid hunters seek out special golf carts to help them carry large game and get around rough terrain. If you are searching for a golf cart for this purpose, you will want to look into models that have a lot of pulling power and tires that have excellent traction.

Getting around gated communities:  Many people use golf carts as a way to get around gated communities or run quick errands. Golf carts take up little space and are easy to drive around, making them more practical than a regular vehicle.

Playing golf:  Of course, a popular reason for getting a golf cart is for golfing purposes. Carrying golf clubs around eighteen holes can be exhausting and golf carts allow you to get to the next hole quicker.  With self-driving golf carts in the works, you may not even need to drive yourself around in the future. More to follow on this new tech!

Work purposes:  Some companies use golf carts around their facilities to transport workers and other equipment easily and affordably; depending on the business, these golf carts may have cargo boxes attached to the back for easy hauling of equipment.

Gas Or Electric Golf Cart?

Another consideration is whether you want a gas-powered or electric golf cart. Weighing the pros and cons of each will help you make a decision.

Gas Golf Carts

Some people prefer gas-powered golf carts because they run longer on a single tank of gas than electric cars can on a single charge. They also tend to have higher horsepower, making it easier to tackle hills and other tricky terrain. Unfortunately, gas-powered carts are typically noisier than electric golf carts and are not good for the environment. They also may have higher maintenance fees compared to electric golf carts.

Electric Golf Carts

Electric golf carts are powered by an electric battery that can be recharged and do not need gasoline to run, which saves golf cart owners money. They are much quieter than gas-powered golf carts and don’t release harmful emissions into the environment. On the downside, replacement batteries are not cheap, and how often they need to be replaced will depend on how well you take care of them. Any accessories that you decide to use (fans, heaters, lights, etc.) will deplete the battery quicker.

Decisions, Decisions...Buy a New or Used Golf Cart?

Just like gas-powered and electric-powered golf carts have their pros and cons, so do new and used vehicles. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of both before making your decision.

New Golf Cart

With new golf carts, you get a golf cart that has no history with other owners, and this is especially nice with electric cars because you know the condition and age of the batteries. Newer cars also tend to come with a warranty. On the downside, they are much more expensive than used golf carts.

Used Golf Cart

One of the biggest advantages of a used golf cart is the price and some dealers may be willing to offer extended warranties to used golf cart buyers. On the other hand, you will not get as much peace of mind as you would with a new car in regards to its owner history. We were lucky as we purchased a used golf car in great condition from a neighbor.

It is therefore important that you do your research to ensure that you are not getting ripped off. This means that you should be aware of the going price for that particular brand and model and also have a full inspection done of the cart.

Electric Engines

With electric golf carts, you may also find it important to think about engine voltage. The majority of new golf carts today use a 48 volt system, while a few still have 36 volt systems.  The 36 volt engines have less power than 48 volt engines, and this is important if you are going to be driving on more than just flat surfaces. For hills and rough terrain, a 48 volt engine will supply you with more torque and pulling power for getting up those hills.

What Are the Best Brands and Models of Golf Carts?

There are plenty of different golf cart manufacturers and models to choose from; some of the most well-known brands include Yamaha, Club Car, and E-Z-Go. 

Selecting a well-known brand will make it easier for you to find golf cart parts and accessories when you need them. Which brand you decide on will depend on what you plan on using your golf cart. 

For instance, E-Z-Go is a brand that is known for handling rough terrain and built to be durable, making it a good choice for hunters and yardwork. E-Z-Go also offers golf carts that are powered by electric batteries or by gas. On the other hand, Club Cars have an aluminum frame that is lightweight, making them a good choice for driving around the beach or in the neighborhood. 

Conclusion

Purchasing a golf cart is a big decision and there are some important factors to take into consideration before you buy one and ride off into the sunset. The best way to make an informed decision is to think carefully about how you will be using your golf cart, as this will play a role in whether you should buy a golf cart that is new or used, gas-powered or electric and what brand fits your needs best.

Have questions? Ask me in the comments section of this Golf for Beginners blog; I bought one! Tweet me @Golf4Beginners.