Showing posts with label New York golf courses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York golf courses. Show all posts

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Resolutions for a Happy Golf New Year

In what seems to be a lifetime ago, I considered what Tiger Woods might have added to his New Year's wish list for the 2011 season. Woods accomplished to check a few big items off of that list including making a comeback in Australia, snagging new endorsement deals and completing with a season-ending win.

Where I do not make my living from playing professional golf on the PGA Tour, my business does revolve around the sport in the realm of SEO and social media.

With the weather turning colder and twilight coming much too early each day to get in (at the very least) nine holes of golf, I turn my attention to my New Year's resolutions. I'll offer up these initiatives to get you started:

1. Play more golf! This past year, work became the center of my attention. Whereas it is important to concentrate on business, I have to admit that all work and no play makes Stacy a dull girl!

2. Help new golfers get involved and stay in the game. Of course, that is the whole reason that Golf for Beginners is in existence and since we're always learning, let's all take a suggestion from the USGA and Tee It Forward; basically pick the right tee box for your game. Your scores will drop and you'll have much more fun!

3. Practice, practice, practice! Even though I could not play as much golf as I would have liked, I should have made a more eager attempt to get to the driving range. A large bucket of balls for $6 is quite a good deal too! NO EXCUSES!

4. Play golf on at least one new course. It is easy to get into the routine of playing at the local publinks but it is also good to broaden your horizons. That being said, I intend to pick at least one new golf course within fifty miles that I have always wanted to play and get in a round. In 2011 made it to several great courses, including Bethpage Black (playing a yearly round with the MGWA) and meeting up with a few Twitter friends at Putnam National. More to come!

5. Must work on the mental game!! The mental game of golf is not only played on the course, it must also be practiced in real life situations. Not having too many highs and lows during the day, keeping steady as she goes, will certainly help me keep my head about me when the pressure is on, when Nassaus are being waged and when competition is the name of the game.

6. Go through my golf bag...out with the old, in with the new! I'm sure I'm not the only golfer who stuffs way too many golf balls, tees, markers, accessories, etc. into my golf bag. I resolve to go through my Adidas aG Strike stand bag and only keep what is necessary for that day's round. The threesome I played golf with during my last nine holes at Sprain Lake golf course all carried their bags and I felt compelled to do so (I use a push cart). Although my golf bag weighs in at just over 4 lbs, with all of the extras in my bag, I struggled to keep up.

Will I succeed? Only time will tell but resolutions are for the making, not necessarily for the fulfilling. All I can do is try.

What are your golf-related New Year's resolutions?
Voice your opinions on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook.

Happy New Year to all my golf friends!

photo credit: FreakingNews.com

 

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Golf Tips for making the most out of your Bethpage Black round

After playing Bethpage Black Golf Course yesterday, we have composed a few golf tips to get the most out of your first round.

Bethpage Black Golf course is a grueling test of a golfers' composure, stamina and ability to strategize.  When you come upon the WARNING sign at the first tee at Bethpage Black, do not shrug it off...believe it.


You must be in good physical condition to take on the Black Course. If your legs are no longer as sturdy as they used to be, choose the Red or Green Course.


Golf carts are not allowed on The Black Course so be prepared to walk your way though it's undulating dirt and sand strewn pathways. After taking pushcarts, we suggest that you carry your golf bag and be sure to make it as light as possible.


Ladies should be aware that the difference between playing the forward versus the white tees is only about 461 yards (forward tees=6,223 yards, white tees=6,684 yards). There was only one hole on which I felt I had an advantage but wound up with a bogey. We could not even see where the tournament tees were placed on some holes so guys (ahem) should not try to let their testoterone get the better of them.


A drive onto the fairways on any golf course is important but at Bethpage Black it is a necessity. Landing your golf ball in the fescue or in the second cut of rough could easily have you searching for a few minutes where you'll probably wind up losing balls and racking up strokes.


If your approach shot is beyond your comfort zone, lay-up and pitch it onto the green. Taking a bogey is a much better scenario than what can happen.


The rough is still heavy and the greens are very quick even though Bethpage Black is not US Open ready.


When in the rough (as will invariably happen), concentrate on one thing; that is, getting the golf ball back onto the fairway. Take your penalty stroke and move on.


Although the sand is very playable, practice long greenside bunker shots and deep bunker shots before you take on The Black Course. You will undoubtedly find yourself in these two positions more than once.


Bring water as there are no water jugs on Bethpage Black. There is a snack house open between the 5th and 6th holes but you can get very thirsty on the Back 9. Remember that your brain is 75% water and clear decisions will come from hydration and keeping healthy snacks on hand.


Don't forget to stop and look around as Bethpage Black is a beautiful and most memorable golf course! Take your camera too as it is a premier picture taking opportunity and a way to prove to your golfing buddies that you played, and survived, the Black Course!


 

Although my golf ball landed safely onto the 18th fairway at Bethpage Black, the approach to a raised green is difficult to complete in one shot (unless you're Phil Mickelson).