Three Ways To Recover After Playing Too Much Golf

Your focus is gone, your strength has waned and your muscles have left you sore to the core. What can the average golfer do to recover after playing too much golf?

Some golfers say, no matter how much golf they play it is never enough! Recently, the Myrtle Beach Patriots attempted to play one-hundred holes of golf to benefit disabled veteran and their families - a noble cause.

After a long, and tiring, golf season, Phil Mickelson mentioned after the Ryder Cup, that he believed he "made a bit of a mistake" by playing too many events in a row. As amateur golfers, we may not play in tournament after tournament, but the same might be said if we decide on another nine holes after a grueling eighteen comes to a close.

Golf for Beginners tends to agree with Mickelson...twenty-four golf starts in a row for a PGA Tour pro are way too many rounds...especially for a more seasoned player who is no longer in his twenties and who quietly suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis. In this article, we give you three ways to stay in good health and bounce back when your body says no.

1. Hydration and Food: Sounds simple enough but most golfers don't drink enough water and don't grab snacks that will energize them during a round. Try a drink that has low sugar content and electrolytes like Vitamin Water Zero. I also keep healthy snacks in my golf bag - a snack at around the tenth hole is a fruit and nut bar or a 10th Tee Golf Nutrition bar.

2. Get Loose: Make sure you stretch your muscles before you hit your first shot of the day and keep loose throughout the day. If you are playing golf several days in a row, follow the same routine and don't overwork yourself on the driving range. Practice correctly with most of your shots being chips, pitches, and putts.

3. Rest: No matter how many holes of golf you will be playing, take time to rest both body and mind in between shots and rounds - you need both to function well for your best chances of success.

Feel free to comment at the bottom of our Golf for Beginners blog.

Tiger Woods' Tour Championship Game Plan Can Help You Win at Golf

There was always a mystique that surrounded Tiger Woods; whether he won or not in golf, throngs of fans have followed his progress (and decline) through a five-year winless streak on the PGA Tour. The influence Woods has had in over the past twenty years has changed the face of golf.

The outcome of the Tour Championship changed both our perception of the former number one player in the world as well as his own self-esteem as he smiled broadly during his round knowing he also had the slim possibility of a FedEx Cup victory.

Tiger Woods' Strategy for Tour Championship victory

Woods looked like the Tiger of old as he proceeded to implement his plan for victory and he could not hide his joy as he stepped out onto the 18th green, sunk a par putt, and accepted his reward for a job well done.

"The game plan was to shoot under par, and I birdied the first hole right out of the gate,'' Tiger Woods said after winning the Tour Championship. "I just had to suck it up and hit shots."

But there was more to Tiger Woods' plan than to shoot under par and "suck it up" on the course. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced amateur, creating a strategy before playing your round will benefit you by lowering your score.

Below are three golf tips which Tiger Woods implemented at the Tour Championship.

1. Leave your ball below the hole - an uphill putt is better than a downhill slide as you can give the ball a good, solid roll as opposed to tenderly judging your speed.

2. View putt from behind the hole. Tiger Woods looked at the green from several angles to determine the lie and angle of his putt.

3. Place your tee shot on the correct side of the fairway to give yourself the right approach onto the green. Take trouble out of play and visualize your next shot.

Tiger Woods went back to the basics to win after a five-year drought - if he can do it, so can you.

Although Justin Rose struggled to a FedEx Cup victory while Tiger Woods dominated at the Tour Championship, Golf for Beginners wishes hearty congratulations to both the current and former world number-one golfers in the world.

Why Play the 2018 South Beach International Amateur Golf Tournament - Guest Post

A few weeks ago, quite possibly the largest, and most fun, annual golf tournament in the United States was played; the Myrtle Beach World Golf Amateur Tournament #MBWorldAm.

There are many amateur golf tournaments for players to show their skills but, after the MB Am was played, a reader wrote in to tell us about the 2018 South Beach International Amateur Golf Tournament. 

Although we cannot bring all of these events to light, Golf for Beginners would like to share this guest post with our readers.

The South Beach International Amateur (SBIA) is held in Miami, Florida and is the world’s 5^th-ranked amateur golf tournament. 

Every December, more than two hundred of the best amateur golfers across the globe come to The Sunshine State to compete. The amateur golf competition takes place at the Miami Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Club - is a great experience for amateur golfers and their families, thanks to a warm ocean, the finest beaches, and the world-class nightlife.

Who Can Compete in the SBIA? 

The SBIA is an open tournament. Registration opened July 1, 2018, and closes officially on December 7, 2018. 

The requirements to compete in this amateur golf tournament for non-exempt men age 14 thru 60 is as follows:

·       All Players who have at least a 1 handicap

·       The top 150 ranked worldwide Junior golfers

·       All 2018 US Open amateur Section qualifiers

·       All 2018 British Amateur Championship qualifiers

·       Players recommended by their prospective collegiate coach or their nation’s Association or Federation

·       All NAIA players and Division I, II, and III players

A full playing resume must accompany the application of any player who is not exempt. 

The tournament website is the source for full details (see above SBIA link).

About the South Beach Golf Courses

Golf course architect Arthur Hills increased the challenge and classic nature of both Miami Beach Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Club using modern, masterful design tactics. 

For the seven years since the inception of the amateur event, these golf courses have been the home of the SBIA Championships. The courses are recognized as stern tests for the world’s top golf amateurs. 

Miami Beach Golf Club is a par 71, for the tournament and Normandy Shores Golf Club is a par 70 (both at about 6,800 yards).

Prizes Awarded at the South Beach Amateur Golf Tournament

The following prizes will be awarded to the Champion of the SBIA:

·       The winner of the South Beach International Amateur will win the Champions Trophy, a Lifetime Champions Exemption, Merchandise, world amateur ranking points, and invitations/exemptions to most of the major amateur events in the world.

     SBIA Ranking and International Participation

The only amateur golf tournaments that rank higher than this amateur golf competition in Florida in only its seventh year are the NCAA Division I Championship, the Western Amateur, The Amateur, and the United States Amateur. Each of these four tournaments is historic and have an average of 120 years in existence. 

Almost half of the field in the 2017 SBIA was from outside its host country, representing 30 countries, placing it 2^nd in international participation.

Opportunities for amateur golfers abound, fortunately, but few can compare to playing on these Florida golf courses on Miami Beach used for the annual South Beach International Amateur Tournament!

A Golfer’s Ultimate Guide to Strength Training - Guest Post

Just as with any sport, your performance on the golf course can improve by building your strength. 

However, as a golfer, you must be careful to develop the strength of your bones as well as your muscles. For that reason, golfers should follow a full-body approach to strength training.

Playing golf involves control over the entire body. Each movement requires the contraction of some muscles combined with the relaxation of others and the deployment of others to give stability.

A natural full-body approach will give golfers more endurance, so reducing fatigue and lessening the risk of injury while building strength. Concentrating on just certain muscles could cause a muscle imbalance and actually deteriorate your game by interfering with the natural ability of your body to play good golf.

Most weightlifting programs just concentrate on building bulk; however, mass and strength are not directly related.

For a golfer, bulk is not an asset, and, in fact, it could interfere with the style and smoothness of your swing. One of the best exercises for building full-body strength is lifting a heavy weight from the ground, then to above your waist, shoulders and finally above the head. Get down to the gym and learn how to do this correctly under the guidance of a qualified weight trainer.


When done right, this lifting motion causes muscle contractions throughout the entire body, as well as providing gravitational stimulus to strengthen your bones. You don’t need to repeat the lift many times, but you should increase the weight gradually.


Repeating a movement until you feel fatigue can cause bone, joint, tendon, and ligament problems and increase the risk of injury. Fatigue can also cause bad posture and gait which a golfer definitely does not want.

So, aim to do a maximum of six repetitions with a weight to safely build muscle and bone strength without bulking and fatigue. 

You should use a bar with about 80-percent of your maximum one-time lift weight. Aim to do four sets, but do not over-stress your body. Allow your muscles time to recover- at least three minutes, between each set. Lift quickly, smoothly and correctly, always thinking about your technique and safety, and stop before significant fatigue develops.

While down at the gym, don’t bother with the high-tech machines you see there. These are designed to build muscle mass by concentrating on certain muscles groups at a time and have little use for a golfer unless you need to rehabilitate a particular area following an injury.


The treadmill, however, can be a useful way to get some aerobic exercise. Aim to raise your heart-rate, but not too dramatically. Increasing your aerobic activity will improve your stamina and help you to maintain a healthy weight. The treadmill is a good way to warm up before doing some weights. Then do two to four sets of deadlifts with the barbell and repeat five times. Follow this with the same number of squats. Round-off your workout with another short stint on the treadmill. 

READ: Golf Tips for Warming Up and Increasing Power If You Have an Injury

A kettlebell workout is a great exercise option for golfers who want to increase their strength and endurance. 

Kettlebells offer a serious full-body workout, especially the all-important shoulders and lower back muscles as well as the legs. It also increases grip strength. Kettlebells offer a convenient way to get some strength training with a safe, simple-to-use, and relatively inexpensive piece of equipment which you can use at home.

To increase the benefits of your strength training, eat a well-balanced diet, take daily walks, and get a good night’s sleep of between 7-8 hours every night. 

Johanna Cider is a New Zealand-based writer who is passionate about anything related to fitness and healthy living. She usually includes running and yoga in her daily workouts. See more of Johanna’s work here.

Image Source: Unsplash

Why You Need to Play in the Myrtle Beach World Golf Amateur Tournament #MBWorldAm

Let the good times roll...on the golf courses in Myrtle Beach!

For the 35th year, more than fifty golf courses (and hotels) in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (and North Carolina border) welcomed over three thousand golfers to the annual World Amateur Tournament this year. What was on the menu?

Fun, food and golf, of course!

The Myrtle Beach World Amateur Tournament is one of my favorites to cover every year. Although golf is the main attraction, some could argue that the "19th hole" is a separate event, as there are putting and short game contests with big money (up to $25,000!) on the line.

The food is an affair in itself, with some of the best restaurants on the Grand Strand putting out their best and most delicious snacks for all to enjoy.

From Greg Norman's Australian Grill and Antonios with their exceptional steak and seafood dishes to Big Mike's Soul Food (delectable ribs) and Sticky Fingers' fried catfish, I didn't know which station to head to first!!

Entertainment kept the Myrtle Beach Convention Center rocking each night, with top-shelf bands keeping the crowds dancing and one of the finest pocket billiard players in the country, Ewa Mataya Laurance, showing her finesse around the table. With 100,000 square feet to cover, the 19th hole is the place to be after a tournament day in the Myrtle Beach sun.

The focus is on the golf, as this is a Tournament, with the most beautiful courses at the beach glistening in the morning sky as players set out for a day of stroke play. From Aberdeen Country Club with its serene "Meadows", "Highlands" and "Woodlands" nines to Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, with its decidedly southern feel, golfers who play in the Myrtle Beach World Am get to play golf on the choicest courses!

Companies peddling their products lined up in booths at the Convention Center as in past years; from magnetized wrist bracelets to help you improve balance to an auction house which had signed footballs, golfers were trying, buying and talking sports, food and the current player rankings.

One very interesting display which I came across was of the history of the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Tournament, "World Am Through The Ages", which allowed golfers a look back at some of its finest moments...as well as the trophy being awarded to the winner.

In my opinion, the spirit of the game is what this tournament is all about - choose to attend to be a part of history and to have a great time, both on, and off, the golf course!

Have you played golf in the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Golf Tournament? Tell us about your experience in the comments section of this golf blog and tag us on Twitter @Golf4beginners!

How a Caddie Can Help You During a Golf Tournament

"Caddies don't win championships, golfers do." What are your thoughts on this statement?

If you were to review the commentary made by C.T. Pan after the Wyndham Championship, basically that caddies should "show up, keep up and shut up", you would be missing out on an opportunity to learn a great deal about the game of golf. Pan was joking, of course, but, having his wife (an inexperienced caddie) on the bag was probably not the best idea when it came to winning or losing the tournament.

Been asked by many questions about my caddie (wife) last week. Would like to answer them all in this post 1. She is retired from caddying 😆 and ended her career on a high note. 2. I have a caddy for the next couple events. Thank you for all the offering. pic.twitter.com/HFFLrWT9Rd

— C.T. Pan (@ctpangolf) August 20, 2018

There are mixed thoughts on the roles that caddies should play in the game of golf. Bobby Jones, one of my favorite golfers, was not a proponent of caddies being a major part of his round, saying, "If I needed advice from my caddie, he'd be hitting the shots and I'd be carrying the bag."

Video producer Dan Jenkins was quoted with a similar sentiment about caddies, "If a caddie can help you, you don't know how to play golf."

Lawrence Donegan, a Guardian newspaper golf correspondent, admits that some caddies are good, "and some are bad." Good caddies are like psychologists during a tournament, helping with mood, club selection and reading the greens.

Caddies must have some worth to a golfer (aside from carrying clubs) as some make as much as ten percent of a player's purse!

Caddies are a breed of their own. If you shoot 66, they say, "Man, we shot 66!" But go out and shoot 77, and they say "Hell, he shot 77!"  ...Lee Trevino

From counseling on the mental game to advising which golf club is best to use in different situations, a caddie who knows your game can go a long way during eighteen holes of a tournament.

James Y. Bartlett, author of the book, "Think Like a Caddie, Play Like a Pro", believes that caddies "serve as a valuable team member to help them make better decisions and achieve the lowest possible score."

If you are offered a caddie during your company event or during an amateur tournament, here are three things to ask before accepting his or her looping ability:

- How often do you play this golf course? If you have never played the course, your caddie will know where the doglegs, and trouble lies!

- How well can you read greens? You may not see where the break is, but, if your caddie regularly plays the course, he/she will know!

- If I give you an idea as to how far I hit my 7-iron (for example...and no fibs on distance as the caddie needs to know the true distance), can you help with proper club selection?

You should know your distances better than a caddie who meets you for the first time but if you are unsure, ask for advice.

When I was invited to play Pebble Beach with the Navy Seals at the Legends Invitational Tournament, I was given a caddie who played the course often and gave me invaluable advice. On the 8th hole at PB, my caddie told me to hit my second shot (over a deep water divide) to the left of where the rest of the group was aiming (because they wanted to make the shot onto the green). I landed safely on the fairway and wound up with a bogey on this very difficult hole while my group's golf balls landed in the ravine.

Final thoughts: Caddies don't judge you - they've seen it all, from bad swings to stressful fits of rage, so asking for advice might be just what you need to improve your round during a golf tournament!

Have you ever employed a caddie? How did he/she help your round? Comments welcome below on this golf blog and tag us with your answers on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Could Tiger Woods Have Done Anything Better to Win the Golf PGA Championship?

During the final round of the PGA Championship, golf fans could not help but watch Tiger Woods and conjecture that his old form has returned; his putting was terrific and his confidence was high...he was even smiling!

There were a few mistakes which Woods made, however, which we all could learn from to make Tiger, and the rest of us, better golfers.

Many of my golf blogs emphasize the overall importance of putting in scoring low - well, Tiger Woods had that part of his game under control, rolling one-putts on Sunday from both near and far.

What Tiger could have done better to edge out a win was to keep his ball in the short grass. Woods made his Sunday round much more difficult than it had to be - whether he pitched out from under trees, or navigated to every bunker with his ball, Tiger had the shot needed to get that ball out of trouble and back into play but he missed a few opportunities to get onto the green and close to the pin.

What the amateur golfer needs to remember is that we are NOT Tiger Woods - we cannot get our golf balls out of deep rough and onto the putting surface with the same strength and finesse as the former number one golfer in the world  - we are lucky if we can get our ball out from behind a tree and back into play! What can we do? We can play smarter golf, picking our targets using the right club for the job.

Although I am writing about his Sunday round, Tiger Woods could have putt better earlier in the tournament; he didn't convert his short putts on Saturday, which ultimately cost him the PGA Championship.

ESPN stated, "Woods had six putts of 20 feet or shorter for birdie on the back nine (Saturday) and made none. That includes a 4-foot miss after missing a 20-footer for eagle on No. 17. It was a massively squandered opportunity, one that could easily have seen him grouped with Koepka in the final pairing."

For Tiger Woods (and for the rest of us), the lesson learned is to make every shot count; a four-foot putt on Saturday is as important as an approach shot onto the green on Sunday.

One final thought which comes from the above golf tip comes from Brooks Koepka, winner of the 2018 PGA Championship. "To duel it out with him, I don't think I ever dreamed of that situation today." If Tiger would have made it into the final group with Koepka and played his game, would Koepka have maintained a mentally strong attitude and won? Tiger Woods' mental game seems to be as strong as in the past so these two golfers would make an interesting pairing, don't you agree?

Follow Golf4Beginners on Twitter and feel free to add your thoughts into the comments section of this golf blog.

5 Golf Fundamentals Every Beginner Should Know - Guest Post

This week, Golf for Beginners is excited to have Justin Kuehn, Hampton Golf's V.P. of Marketing, write a guest post on golf fundamentals. Enjoy!
!*****

Golf is a game of fine motor skills and discipline. If you don't have the basics mastered, you'll never succeed. Here are 5 golf fundamentals which every beginner should become acquainted.

Are you ready to get serious about the game of golf? If so, you are joining one of the most popular clubs in the world. In fact, nearly 1 million new golfers entered the ranks from 2015 and 2016. What a world awaits you on this journey.

There are over 33,000 golf courses in 209 different nations across the globe. Now is the time to master the basics so that you can compete on any golf course in the world.

Read on to learn more about golf fundamentals. Explore 5 golf fundamentals that every beginner should master.

1. Golf Fundamentals Start With Knowing the Rules

Before hitting the green, you need to read up on the rules of the game. There are far too many rules to learn in just one sitting. Also, each different course may have its own specific rules regarding the field of play.

The Rules of Golf are very particular and you are penalized for not following them. There is a rule for everything from the number of clubs in your bag to moving items that are obstructing your swing.

2. Learn How to Score the Game

After reading up on the rules, you have to learn how to score a game. A term called par is assigned to each hole on the course.

This is the number of strokes that it will take a skilled player to complete the hole. Par is determined based on the length of the course and its difficulty level. If you complete the hole in one or two strokes less than par, it is called a birdie or eagle, respectively. If you finish in one or two strokes more than par, it is called a bogey or double bogey.

3. Develop Your Stance

Golf is a game of fine motor skills and rigid discipline. Mastering stance is one of the first things to develop in your golf game.

You want to set your feet about shoulder-width apart. This allows for an even weight distribution on each foot.

The next step is to slightly bend your knees to allow for flexible lower body movements. The final step is adjusting your hips. Set your hips slightly back to generate momentum for your swing.

4. Keep Your Head Down

Now that your stance is set, it is time to swing. Even the professionals continue to work on their swing throughout their career.

A fundamental tip for your golf swing is to keep your head down from start to finish. This will help you hit the ball squarely and avoid shanking the ball off target.

5. Follow Through

Many beginners suddenly stop their swing after contact. This is a mistake and greatly reduces the forward momentum that propels the ball.

Instead, you should follow through after making contact. Continue your swing upwards after contact until you reach the back of your opposite shoulder.

Wrapping It Up

Golf is a popular and competitive game with worldwide appeal. While the game is complex and requires a fundamental understanding of rules and scoring, you can quickly become passionate about all things golf-related! If you’re ready to start learning this rewarding and enjoyable sport, start by reaching out to golf pros in your area and schedule some lessons.

Justin Kuehn is VP of Marketing for Hampton Golf, one of the top Golf Course Management companies in the United States. When he’s not working he can be found on a golf course getting his swings in.

Want more golf beginner tips? Comment below and @Golf4Begnners!

Frustration Led DeChambeau to do This on the Golf Course

Bryson DeChambeau's finish at the 2018 Porsche European Open will quite possibly replace Jean Van De Velde's 1999 British Open historical debacle in future reels after this Sunday collapse:

"Bogey-bogey-par-triple bogey – putting two balls in the water on 18 – while his playing competitor McEvoy made a lengthy birdie putt on the 72nd to claim his first European Tour title by a single stroke." via Golf Channel

An obviously frustrated DeChambeau quickly exited from the 18th green with barely a congratulatory handshake to the winner - a tirade of social media fervor soon followed. An apology was issued by the young, American golfer through his social channel but this apparent lack of golf etiquette has been called everything from disgraceful to a lack of sportsmanship. Sure there was money at stake, as well as ranking and position but...

Can an Instagram post make up for this breach of protocol? What can DeChambeau, and amateur golfers learn from this?

Great Read: Is Golf Becoming an Impolite Game?

After posting the Golf Channel article onto a Facebook group, most of the commentary was negative, however, one commenter stated the following, "We’ve all been there."

Yes, many golfers have played to the point of frustration whether there is a $2 Nassau, $20 or $100 on the line ...golf can be a baffling game, especially when you are racking up double bogeys and things aren't going your way; it is all in how we handle the pressure when facing the public, whether it's to your buddies or to the world.

Reacting to pressure rarely gives you desired results - the key to overcoming pressure on the golf course when your round is falling to bits is to realize that it is a game and that your overreaction will only spiral causing you to sink deeper, and to lose more strokes.

Golf for Beginners wants you to consider these three tips to help control frustrating situations:

1. You Hit a Really Bad Shot: Instead of negative self-talk, as you are traveling to the point of relief, plan your next shot, what club you are going to use and how you are going to properly execute to get back in play.

2.  You Flub the Very Next Shot: Okay, so this hole isn't going as you planned...lucky this is only one of 18 you have to face during a round! Try a few deep breaths to help calm you. "Stay in the present and focus on the shot at hand," says PGA Professional Rob Labritz.

3. You Really Need to Vent: STOP! Before you throw a hissy fit or throw a golf club - take it out on the golf ball instead! Try squeezing your golf ball to release some tension.

No one likes to play golf with partners who have temper tantrums or show their negative emotions on their sleeves. If you are the person who wins that day, you should be congratulated, as you would like the same respect given to you.

Special note to a friend reading this blog...

"We’ve all been in a group where the atmosphere has been soured by someone’s temper, and it does affect the mood. Respect your playing partners by keeping things convivial. They have come for a fun day out, not to play in silence." (courtesy of golf-monthly.co.uk).

It is easy to become frustrated when the golf course doesn't offer you any member's bounces and the water becomes a magnet on almost every hole but, managing your temper and putting the game in perspective will help put you back on track.

I hope that Bryson took something positive away from this tournament. As the great Bobby Jones once said, "I never learned anything from a match that I won."

Add to the conversation in the comments section of this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Golf Takeaways for Amateurs from The Open Championship

During Jordan Spieth's final round at The Open Championship, there were wayward shots and missed putts - disappointing for the young PGA professional seeking a back-to-back win.

On the flip side, Francesco Molinari was sure and steady, plodding along with sixteen pars and two birdies to clinch his victory.

Congratulations go to Molinari, however, for not allowing the pressure of playing golf with Tiger Woods to dictate his swing or his confidence.

Golf for Beginners has compiled this short list of golf takeaways that amateurs should consider, based on the conditions at Carnoustie and the trials and tribulations overcome by players during the 147th British Open Championship.

Play It Safe:

Keep calm in the face of adversity - golf is a game of recovery, as Francesco Molinari showed the rest of The Open field on Sunday. Think about each hole and plan your strategy to keep the ball in play, going into the hole in the least number of strokes.

Play the Wind: 

Jordan Spieth complained stated about the windy conditions, "I felt like I had really good control of the ball. I didn't play the wind the right way on those two holes. I was trying to fight it instead of accepting that the wind is going to win out here."

What can an amateur golfer do to combat the wind?

Butch Harmon golf tip for playing the wind: "Keep the ball low to neutralize the conditions. Take a couple extra clubs, and swing at 75 percent. Fast swings create more backspin and send the ball higher, so resist the urge to smash it."

Putt to Win:

Putting far outweighed being in tough lies off of the tee - Molinari was listed as fourth in putting for the week at Carnoustie, a statistic which helped him win The Open Championship. Molinari has been working with a coach to improve his putting, once said to be a "weakness" in his game.

Coach Denis Pugh stated, "He isn’t giving away strokes gained elsewhere on the course, on the greens now." For amateurs, don't give away strokes. Practice your long putts too...at least to snug the golf ball up to the hole so it's an easy two-putt.

What golf lessons did you learn from watching The Open Championship? Comments welcome below and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

5 Unique Golf Facts About The Open

The 2018 Open Championship will be hosted at Carnoustie, not far from St. Andrews which is considered by some to be the home of golf.

Most fans of the sport know golf facts but how many of us are aware of these tidbits?

Golf for Beginners presents five interesting, and unique, facts about The Open Championship.

1. Jordan Spieth will defend his win but, did you know that Gary Player is the only golfer to have won The Open in three different decades (1959, '68, and 1974)?

2. Jordan Spieth's win was exciting but now it is bittersweet - tradition dictates that he (as well as all winners of The Open) must return the Claret Jug before The 2018 Open starts - Spieth said,

"The traditions of The Open are very special, even if you’re on the wrong end of that one. It’s the coolest trophy that our sport has to offer, so having to return that was certainly difficult. Kind of hit me a little bit there on the tee box."

3. The Claret Jug given to the winner of The Open is a replica. The original was mistakenly given to Tom Watson in 1982.

4. Harry Vardon is the golfer with the most British Open wins - six in total, while Bobby Jones and Tiger Woods each have three wins under their belts. Vardon is also the inventor of the overlapping grip, used today by many golfers!

5. The winner of the 2018 British Open will receive almost two million dollars in prize money.

Have more British Open facts to add to this list? Feel free to add to the comments section of this golf blog or tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.


Logo By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56368271

Three Golf Tips to Keep Your Attitude in Check

When your golf game is losing steam, how do you adjust your attitude to compensate for the downward spiral?

Golf for Beginners has a few golf tips to keep you in the groove.

The average golfer has both good and bad rounds...and so do professionals on Tour. Where it may be easier for a Tour player to bring their minds back from double bogeys, it isn't as easy for the rest of us.

I have my bad days as well, and I play golf with a youth who shares the same dilemma so I recently asked Dale Ketola, the professional golf instructor from Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center, how to handle the pressure when having a bad round of golf.

His answer? Keep a "poker face" throughout your round.

Need help with this? Watch the tour professionals. No matter how their round goes, their expression rarely changes. Try to maintain a poker face, no matter what the situation - no highs, no lows. I am curious to see how many of our readers can successfully sustain this type of composure!

Another golf tip (not suggested by Dale):

When your golf game is carding doubles, step up to your ball and try to remember the last time you hit a similar good shot - visualization is one of the main keys to hitting solid shots.

Dr. Bob Rotella, in a Golf Digest article, suggested this third golf tip which, if you can do it, will help you whether you play a good or not so good round.

Don't think about the result...instead, think of the process during your round.

Process goals, according to Rotella include:
Executing your pre-shot routine on every shot.
Trusting your swing on every shot.
Staying in the present, which boils down to...not thinking about what your score might be and taking each shot as it comes.

Golf for Beginners is not stating that, if you follow these three golf tips that your rounds will miraculously improve but we believe that you will be able to move forward in your study and appreciation of the game and not focus too much on negativity when your attitude takes over.

Golf tips are welcome in the comments section of this blog. Tag Golf4Beginners on Twitter with your comments.

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pexels

Is Winning or Losing in Golf in the Putting?

Two golf tournaments ran simultaneously recently, the Quicken Loans National and the U.S. Senior Open - for both winners, it all boiled down to putting skills.

Both Francesco Molinari and David Toms were rolling phenomenal putts; Molinari's 50-footer for eagle at the 10th hole made putting look easy.

The AP article on PGA Tour website said about Toms, "On a course where the greens perplexed the entire field for four straight days, Toms rolled in a 15-footer for a go-ahead birdie on No. 16, then coaxed in a downhill, 20-foot slider to save par after driving into a fairway bunker on the 530-yard, par-4 17th." 

In a previous Golf for Beginners blog, we discussed Golf Shots You Need To Practice to Score Low; golf gurus such as Ben Hogan thought the tee shot was the most important while "PGAProfessional " thought that putting was of top priority. After both tournaments, I think we can concur that, without a solid putting game, most golfers can not score low.

Using Tiger Woods' performance at The National as an example, although a tie for 4th place is worthy of accolades, his inconsistent putting game is what stopped him from gaining momentum...you just can't miss four-footers! As Tiger concurred after his defeat, "Those are things I can't afford to do and expect to win a golf tournament."

David Toms is 5th in putting average on the Champions Tour with a 1.734 putting average while Molinari's putts per greens-in-regulation are at 1.8...similar statistics gaining similar results although, as GolfWorld states, "putting has kept him from raising a few trophies in America previously", further provides evidence that it is the flat stick which wins tournaments.

So, how can the average player putt to win against his or her mates? Golf for Beginners have a few putting tips:

In the blog, "Easy Golf Tips to Inspire Confidence on the Putting Green", the one golf tip which resonates is that "touch is one thing very good putters have in common. Touch is the core ingredient for long-term success."

And, as a simple reminder from Tom Watson's book "Getting Up and Down", "Aim the putter, then align your body. Just like a golfer sets up at the tee box, the same is true when standing over a putt. Proper set-up is the beginning of a solid putt."

We encourage you to add to golf putting tips in the comments section below and tag us with your tips on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Photo by tyler hendy from Pexels

10 Tips for Playing Golf in the Summer Heat

The dog days of summer have arrived and, if you are as passionate about the sport as I am, you will be out on the golf course no matter how hot it gets!

Whether you are a beginner to the game or a die-hard amateur, you need to remember to bring the essentials with you so that the round doesn't become a harrowing experience.

Golf for Beginners has compiled are a few tips for playing golf in the summer heat. Review this checklist before your next round:

1. Hydrate! Freeze a bottle of water - it will usually last for the round.
2. Stash extra gloves for perspiration.
3. Sunscreen: How many times have you gotten beet red because you forgot to apply SPF?
Consumer Reports advises sun worshippers to apply sunscreen before bug spray, letting it absorb into the skin and then spray on a separate bug killer - try not to use a combination spray as you will need to reapply the sunscreen but not necessarily the bug spray.
4. Bug Spray: There is nothing worse than a swarming bunch of no-see-ums pinching at your skin as you are trying to make your 150-yard approach shot to the green. Look for a sunscreen that provides you with enough protection so that you are not constantly reapplying it.
5. Sunglasses: Blinding sunlight can have an impact on your eyes, causing blurriness - even if you take them off to look at the dimples on your golf ball, put them back on when walking or riding around in the golf cart.
6. Face towel - place a frozen, wet towel in a baggie and wipe down your face often. When the towel gets warm, refresh with ice at the turn.
7. Hat: Always bring along a hat with visor - the hat protects your skin and the visor protects your eyes.
8. Golf Clothing: Wear moisture-wicking materials which breathe and stay away from black and dark colors as they absorb heat (basic science - white and lighter colors reflect light and heat, dark colors absorb heat).
9. Find Shade: When you are waiting for your turn at the tee box, find a spot of shade to stand in - you will be amazed at how cool you are when approaching your shot.
10. Try for an early morning tee time. It's cooler during AM hours, so why not have an early morning cup of joe and enjoy the sunrise!

Have a golf tip you would like to add to our list of summer heat quenchers? List it in the comments section of this golf blog or tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Three Golf Lessons Learned from U.S. Open Mistakes

For those fans who stayed glued to their television sets during the 118th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, the golf tournament proved exciting with lessons to be learned...if you paid attention!

Professional golfers make errors, albeit fewer than the average player; ball striking is much crisper but nerves can still wreak havoc, with golfers dropping like flies down the home stretch.

Brooks Koepka kept his cool throughout the U.S. Open and, although he physically played golf better than the pack, it was his mental strength which led him to victory, which leads this week's Golf for Beginners blog to the three lessons learned from U.S. Open mistakes.

1. Golf Tip #1: Don't let nerves get the best of you.

There weren't enough deep breaths to be had as Tony Finau, Patrick Reed and even Koepka (on 18) yanked shots and  3-putted down the back nine on Sunday. A steady mind won the U.S. Open for Koepka.

2. Golf Tip #2: Don't let the round get away from you.

Not caring how the hole will turn out when you are spiraling into double or triple bogey territory is probably one of the worst ways to play a round of golf. Take time with your golf shots, make each shot count and stop the bleeding. Move on after a bad hole and make each hole its own adventure.

Case in point - Phil Mickelson striking his ball on the green while it was rolling - bad and good move - he knew that he was going to score high so he stopped the bleeding but, did he really care about his round after his two-stroke penalty? Phil finished his Saturday round with an 81...good for most amateurs but bad for one of the top players in the world.

3. Golf Tip #3: Take responsibility for your round.

It's not the course, it's not the wind...it's YOU! Yes, even at Shinnecock Hills...
Once you stop criticizing, stop the negative self-talk and replace it with positive comments, your round will improve. An angry golfer makes mistakes. Your entire group is playing in the same conditions...deal with it.

Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello tweeted after a 76, "It was not a fair test of golf. Greens were unplayable, with unnecessary pin positions. USGA found a way to make us look like fools on the golf course. A pity they managed to destroy a beautiful golf course."

Best advice for a golfer facing problems during his or her round?

Stay focused in the present and stay flexible in case of surprises...that's golf!

What lessons did you learn from the 2018 U.S. Open? Comments welcome below and tag us with your thoughts on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Video: Youtube.com - GOLF TALK CANADA TV & RADIO

Golf Tips for Warming Up and Increasing Power If You Have an Injury

There are a plethora of golf tips floating around on the internet - some are worthy of a read and others, well, they can be a bit ridiculous... and put you into positions that can really hurt you!

This week, Golf for Beginners has found a few, simple golf tips that shouldn't cause golf injuries during practice and should help better prepare you for course play.

Golfworld has reported that PGA Tour injuries are on the rise, from back and spine problems to sore wrists, hips, and knees; why are these injuries becoming more commonplace?

When you watch Tiger Woods swing a golf club, you will see that his motions are not necessarily natural - these sustained actions over time have forced Woods to have an orthopedist on-hand for multiple surgeries. His recent comment during the pre- U.S. Open press conference says it all, "I had no expectation or thought that I actually could be here again...It was about my standard of life, forget golf...".

Warming up before practice and before a round of golf can greatly reduce injury and allow you to swing more smoothly.  The Mayo Clinic advises that taking just ten minutes to limber up with "a brisk walk or jumping jacks" will help prepare you, as well as stretching hands, spine, shoulders, pelvis, and legs before you try to take any swing...yes, even before chipping and putting.

Another important warm-up to add to your routine, if you do not already do it, is to swing your golf club a few times at a slow, easy speed to loosen up as well as encourage proper motion.

Even if you have been previously injured, there are ways to increase power in your golf swing.

An article in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) maintains that there are ways to enhance performance through proper training programs. Physical therapist, Erik P. Meira, found that "injuries may be associated with lack of warm-up, poor trunk flexibility and strength, faulty swing technique, and overuse."Skitterphoto.com

In order to combat injury, Meira suggests simple fixes to not further damage already tender areas. One common sense idea is, f you carry your bag and have a shoulder injury, take a cart instead.

As for increasing power, "a warm-up of windmills, trunk twists, static stretching, and air swings with a club for 7 weeks increased the golfers’ clubhead speed by 24% when compared with that of the control group."

Older folks benefitted from "flexibility, core stability, balance, and basic resistance exercises."

Play it safe when going out onto the golf course or when practicing your swing. Don't overswing, stretch before a round and get out and exercise on a regular basis to keep your body strong and limber. Remember, golf is a game but it is also a sport!


IMPORTANT NOTE: Golf for Beginners is not saying that you won't get injured during practice; the simple tips above can help your warm-up routine but should not be tried if you have an injury if you are ill or have any physical issues - ALWAYS consult a qualified doctor, professional or golf instructor before taking any risks or playing a sport.

Give us your golf tips for warming up and increasing energy either below, in the comments section of this golf blog or on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Photo: Pexels.com, Skitterphoto.com

How to Overcome Irritating Golf Partners and Keep Your Sanity

Have you ever been paired with golf partners who irritate you?

Is there a member of your regular foursome who consistently disturbs you in your backswing?

If you are a golfer who enjoys connecting with new players you are probably nodding your head right now, picturing the most recent disturbing golf course event.

Golf is a social game so going out as a solo is only an occasional occurrence for many players. In this blog, Golf for Beginners will offer ideas on how to ignore annoyances from members of your group and to identify if you may be part of the problem!

Scenario #1: You are standing tall to the ball, you feel confident that your drive is going to land safely on the fairway and, in your backswing, you hear a ringing sound - it's your playing partner's cell phone playing the macarena...again. You tense up and your golf ball heads for the woods instead of its intended target.

What could have been done to prevent this outcome?

Most likely, you have not learned how to stop your backswing in mid-flight, so learning this technique might help for future outbursts.

This is one occurrence where you just have to bite the bullet but it would be wise to let the golfer know that his or her cell phone should be on mute and, if you have a smartphone of your own, check it before your round so you don't disturb others on the course.

Irritating golfer #2:  The golfer who lacks golf course etiquette.

Whether that annoying partner steps on your putting line or stands directly in front of you as you are trying to take your shot, this lack of golf course etiquette can result in internalized anger, topped shots and an overall drop in score.

What can you do about it?

Focus on your own game! Yes, you should politely let the offending golfer know the proper etiquette, but golf is not a team event (in most cases) and your score is based upon how well you get out of trouble and how you handle pressure. Don't let someone else's ignorance or lack of golf etiquette spoil your round- strengthen your mental resolve and concentrate on making par.

“The real test of good manners is to be able to put up with bad manners pleasantly.”  

― Kahlil Gibran

Read: Should Golfers Have to Pass an Etiquette Test?

Irritating golfer # 3: Talks in your backswing, alerting you to the hazards you should avoid.

When another player is quick to point out that bunker or water hazard in direct view as you are ready to hit your tee shot, quickly focus (and say out loud) the direction you are going to send the ball, for example, "I am placing this ball in the middle of the fairway by the 150 marker." This takes the negative thought and replaces it immediately with the last thing you heard, namely, the positive outcome. Visualize your shot and hit away.

It is also a good idea to make mention that you prefer not to receive tips of any kind during a round but will be happy to discuss it afterward, perhaps on the 19th hole.

Pro golfers have had to learn how to deal with disturbances; for golfers who have played alongside Tiger Woods, it can be "exhausting" being in the same group. Imagine throngs of folks following you and the sights and sounds which accompany hundreds - or thousands - of fans!

Final note: Golf is a friendly sport - I don't believe that players are intentionally and willfully causing you grief...you are just dealing with a lot of personalities! If something bothers you, be firm yet polite and handle the situation early in the round so that it doesn't escalate and ruin your good time on the course.

How do you overcome annoying people on the golf course? Let us know in the comments section of this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners!

Photo by Fancycrave from Pexels

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses Which Favor Accuracy Over Driver

There are seventy-eight Myrtle Beach golf courses which offer a multitude of experiences for the local and traveler alike. Some are grip-it-and-rip-it courses and others favor accuracy and planning over bombing drives.

In a previous golf blog, Golf for Beginners examined several golf shots players need to score low, from the approach shot to the putt, which accounts for about half of your score. Now that you are mastering the shots which will help lower your score, it is time to put it all together on the golf course.

This blog will help you select the best Myrtle Beach golf courses that benefit from the exactness of skill.

Read: 3 Smart Ways to Lower Your Golf Score

Before I begin, let me ask your thoughts on this...is the drive overrated?

The legendary Ben Hogan said no and maintained that the first shot you take will determine what is to follow on each hole but a drive doesn't necessarily commence with a driver. There are par 3's as well as dogleg holes where a driver would be ineffective or a deterrent for most golfers.

Blackmoor, a Gary Player signature golf course in Myrtle Beach, is probably one of the most well-known dogleg courses;  it delights players with six angled doglegs, so a driver is not necessarily your friend. Hole 5, a par-4, is the first dogleg hole you will attack at Blackmoor and, although you may need a driver off of the tee, you have to plan your strategy well so that you are in a position to get onto the green.

Litchfield Golf and Country Club is another course where you will use most clubs in your bag. Eight (some say twelve ?) doglegs span this track and accuracy off of the tee is most important to scoring well. This low country favorite also features tight fairways so sharpen up those irons as you will be playing target golf for most of this round.

Southcreek Golf Course, one of three Myrtle Beach National courses, is a shorter, shotmaker's course.  Waste bunkers are also in play here in addition to the doglegs so you have to navigate through a variety of challenges, considering all clubs in your bag. Short doesn't necessarily mean easy!

So now that we have given you a few golf courses with doglegs which favor accuracy, it is time to dust off those irons and start planning your shots to get on the green in the least number of strokes. That is the way to score better in golf!

Do you prefer doglegs or grip-it-and-rip-it golf courses? Let us know on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and in the comments section of this golf blog.

photo: LitchfieldGolf.com