Say Ahh to Aching Golf Feet with New Massaging Flip Flops

Today was a great time to receive my new ahhsoles in the mail! I just finished a round of golf at Burning Ridge Golf Club and, although my Footjoys are amazingly comfortable, for me there is nothing quite like slipping off the golf shoes and putting on a pair of flip-flops.

Most golf shoes come out of the box ready for wear but there is usually a breaking-in period; it takes a bit of time to soften them up! Players could use a bit of a "massage" after a round.

If you find yourself rubbing your feet after taking off your shoes or, if you are a die-hard flip-flop fan as I am, a pair of these "peculiar" toe-wiggling, ripple or massaging open-toed, soothing sandals may be just what your tootsies need.

I received two pair of ahhsoles - one had a foot bed made of cushioned "grass" and the other pair had ridges built into the foot bed for a massaging feel. I quickly tried on both pair and chose the Green Coral...all I could say was ahhh, perfectly named! The flip-flops are spongy and tingly - the fake grass sole is soft and cushiony - I happily wore them all afternoon.

The second pair of ahhsoles had a "ripple" effect on the bottom of my feet. I get the idea of the knobs providing my feet with a massage but am still trying to understand the sensation; the pads felt a little hard on my soles. I found myself continually gravitating to the Seagrass Model (above) so I am happy to report that I found a new, after-golf, pair of flip-flops to keep in my car right next to my set of golf clubs.

The ahhsoles tagline on their site says that these flip-flops are "offensively comfortable"; quite frankly, I find nothing "offensive about them. The styling is Gen Y/ Millennial - the colors are bright and refreshing and would also be great to take with you on a beach vacation!

Thanks to Ahhsoles for sending me the flip-flops for review; opinions are my own.

Have you tried ahhsoles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section of Golf for Beginners blog and send us a tweet @Golf4Beginners.

How to Choose Your New Year's Golf Equipment

Rory McIlroy has decided not to commit to a golf equipment company for the 2017 golf season. The freedom to "have a little look around" is easy to do if you are one of the top golfers in the world but, how do you decide which golf clubs are right for you if you are an amateur player itching for a new adjustable driver, wedge or putter?

Testing golf clubs to find the one that suits you can be an ordeal; professionals live in an entirely different world as golf clubs are mixed, matched and custom-fitted for each players' swing from changing lofts on clubheads to switching out top-of-the-line shafts for their swing speeds.

No endorsements for the average player means we have to take a different route to get to the right clubs for our golf game!

How does the average consumer choose the best golf clubs for his or her amateur status? Here are a few tips compiled by Golf for Beginners to get you off to a good start so that you are game ready for the new year!

1. Demo Days: It is always a good idea to try golf clubs before you hone in on a brand you are comfortable with; demo days at your local driving range and/or course allow you to hit different clubs in a compatible setting. Pick up several different brands and experiment with loft, clubheads and more - a blade might feel better at point of impact than a hybrid.

1. Custom Club Fitting: No matter which golf club you decide upon, you need to be properly measured before leaving the store with that brand new Callaway driver or set of Ping irons.

One size does NOT fit all! Get measured for:

a.  Lie
b.  Length
c.  Swing speed (flex of the shaft).

2. Grip it...then rip it! Grip size and comfort is as important as the golf club you are swinging so make sure it fits just right in your hands.

3. Golf Ball - just as important as the club. Do you need more distance? Do you need more feel and want a softer impact? Don't forget to get fitted to the correct golf ball for your swing speed.

4. Shoes are part of your equipment! Where you may think that all you need is the right golf club, whether or not you walk nine or eighteen holes, the shoes make all the difference so make comfort your top priority.

a. Size Does Matter! Footjoy states that "more than 70% of people are wearing the wrong size." Too narrow or too wide and your feet could be swimming or crumbled up for four hours (or more) of torture forcing you to concentrate on the wrong part of your game.

What golf tips can you add to this golf blog? Feel free to comment in the section below and tag @Golf4Beginners on Twitter with your tips!



photo: wikipedia

Women’s #Golf Fashion- A Style Guide for You!

Golf Fashion is as much a part of the sport as the right equipment. If you don't feel good about yourself, or if you don't like the look of your driver or irons, you might just develop a mental hitch that prevents you from playing and scoring your best. Women especially, feel more confident when wearing clothes that are more than just comfortable. Style, color and the "smile effect" (yes, I do believe I just made that up!) all come into play when selecting golf attire to take a lady through eighteen holes with her playing partners.

Looking through the many blogs that comprise Golf for Beginners, I noticed that we discuss men's golf clothing much more than we chat about women's golf fashion. Perhaps it's because women have an innate sense of style whereas men could use a bit more help? You know who I am talking about...Mr. Mismatched pants and shirt...)

So this post is dedicated to the ladies on the golf course! Whether you are going out with the EWGA, playing in a business event or simply out to enjoy a beautiful summer day, below are a few outfit suggestions to make the most of your round. This post was contributed by Sarah Thomas.

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Going out to a golf tournament and need some outfit ideas?

Usually women are more conscious about their clothing styles than men. So we always strive to find some fashionable clothing that offers both comfort and style. It’s really imperative to pick the right golf clothing that look good and makes us feel better, as well. Women’s golf clothing makes a classic statement that can sum up our overall personality and boost up our confidence level. Yes, such a true statement...

Whenever you pick the right style of clothing you feel better, but, if you pick the frumpy and dull shirt or shorts, you feel uncomfortable and it impacts your overall performance. I have listed below a few women’s golf clothing basics that will keep us trendy and fashion-forward this season.

Short and Cap Sleeve Shirts

Let’s start with golf shirts. Picking a quality of golf shirt is a matter of personal preference, but usually golf courses will require you to pick a collared style shirt. There is a huge selection of women’s golf shirts available that can make you look classy yet trendy on the green.

You can pick golf shirts in both short and long sleeves that fit your needs for almost all weather conditions. Women usually prefer to go with two style of shirts; short sleeves and cap sleeves as anything longer may impact on the golf swing.

When it comes to colors, consider light colors like pink, light blue, white and yellow. Light colors help reflect the extreme rays of the sun while keeping you cool on the golf course. For the fabric, choose one that is lightweight and breathable - a wicking material works well  - as this will help you to feel better during different weather situations that you will encounter.

Classic Bottom Choices

In addition to the classic golf shirts, you have to choose quality bottoms that will ensure you looking great and stylish.

Usually khaki pants are the perfect option but if you want to look more daring and classy, you have a variety of options out there. You can opt for Capri pants, patterned skorts and knee-length shorts. Yes, fashion doesn’t mean breaking all the rules. Sometimes, it’s fine to create some mix and match styling. You can pair your favorite cap sleeve collared shirt with a patterned skirt to create a classy sporty style.

Golf Footwear

Last but not the least, and probably the most important part of any golf outfit is footwear. Sneakers or tennis shoes are not a great option out on the green unless you want the look of this type of footwear which is available through many of the larger manufacturers.

You will most likely have to choose to spend a few dollars for your golf shoes. Quality shoes are designed to offer balance while swinging the golf club and will protect from slipping and any injury in muddy conditions as well . Sneakers that you wear on pavement simply won’t give you the traction you need.

While playing any game, you need to make sure that your personality will truly shine both in your overall performance and in your outfit. So ladies, let’s start shopping for functional and stylish golf clothing that’s comfortable enough for all your sports needs!

If you don’t want to shop at a golf store and would rather view great new looks on from your computer, you can shop online at BuyTriMountain, where you’ll have endless options from which to choose. Tri Mountain golf shirts are available in numerous designs, different colors and true sizes at reasonable prices.


Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on this golf blog!

Put Your Best Foot Forward: Top Five Picks for Women's Golf Shoes

Enjoy this informative guest golf blog post on selecting the right golf shoes for your walk along the fairway, written by Guest Golf Blog by Melinda Bailey, 9 & Dine Women’s Golf Apparel.

The days of "one-style-fits-all" golf shoes are long behind us. Today's women's golf shoes offer an unparalleled selection of designs to please even the most style-savvy fashionistas, with comfort technology that makes a five mile, 18-hole course feel like a walk in the park. Say goodbye to blisters and hello to bliss with our top five picks for women's golf shoes, all of which offer no sacrifice of style for substance. Your feet--and your stroke--will thank you.

Adidas adizero Tour Shoe

A longtime leader in the woman's golf footwear industry, Adidas's roster offers a competitive field of contenders. At the front of the pack is the Women's adizero Tour. Featuring all the great elements of the men's adizero Tour,  these have a distinctly feminine flair that is at once sporty and stylish. 

Cutting-edge technology like stability-enhancing internal SPRINTWEB and a six-spike configuration enhanced by THINTCH ensure optimal traction and stability. At only 9.2 ounces, the Women's adizero Tour is  Adidas's most lightweight cleated tour shoe yet, and is guaranteed to spare you foot fatigue in the home stretch.  Our favorite? The white/passion-fruit combination: this eye-catching pop of color will put just the right lift in your step. 

Nike Ace Golf Shoe 

The aptly named Women's Nike Ace Golf Shoes deliver groundbreaking innovation that supports the needs of players ranging from amateur to elite.  

Balance-enhancing and weight transfer technology are just a few of the ergonomic design elements that support walking comfort and foot health in this sporty shoe.  A little rain never hurt anyone, and it won't hurt the Nike Ace Golf Shoe, either, thanks to water-resistant features which will keep your feet dry in the greens. 

FootJoy LoPro Collection

FootJoy lives up to its name and more with the popular LoPro Collection golf shoes. Designed to contour to the natural shape of your foot, these shoes provide maximum comfort, breathability and durability under the most rigorous conditions. Advanced engineering features like PU Fit-Beds, Dri-Lex covers and Softspikes cleats--the industry leader and favorite of tour professionals--round out the reasons why these tough togs are a top pick. 

PUMAGolf Cat 2 Shoes

While "golf" and "cute" aren't typically words that go together, the Golf Cat 2 defies the odds, delivering an irresistibly appealing look with intelligent design features like traction-enhancing SmartQuill Technology rubber clusters. Lacking cleats, these fit like a sneaker, and do the work of one, as well.   For head-turning clubhouse-to-street style, look no further than the PUMA Golf Cat 2.

ECCO Golf Street Sport Shoe

Another choice that can take you from the course to whatever comes next, this European shoe not only promotes walking comfort, but also features environmentally friendly elements. 

The hybrid design ensures that you'll look and feel great--thanks to supersoft calfskin and innovative water-resisting Hydromax treatment--while promoting optimal traction and durability on all surfaces. This good-looking shoe transitions easily from the golf course to a variety of other walks of life. 

The right footwear can mean the difference between average and extraordinary when it comes to your golf game. By choosing a comfortable shoe, you guarantee optimal performance. By choosing a stylish shoe, you guarantee that you'll feel great along the way. Luckily, today's golf shoes for women offer both options--truly the best of both worlds!

Melinda Bailey is an avid golfer and the Executive Editor of 9 & Dine Women’s Golf Apparel blog.  You can connect with Melinda via Twitter @9Dine.

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and Like Golf for Beginners on Facebook.

Can the Right Golf Shoes Really Improve Your Game?

Do golfers take their golf shoes for granted? Players may opt for style in a "tried-and-true" shoe but, what if a golfer could have it all...and more? The line of Adidas Golf Shoes promises function, style and comfort for a more natural movement.

Walking eighteen holes can take a toll on any golfer but with proper cushioning, flexibility and support, the stroll - and the recovery shots - become more bearable. Bill Price, VP of adidas Golf Footwear claims that a player will not only be comfortable out on the golf course but will walk more naturally with the new adicross design. “With this revolutionary new shoe, a golfer can freely flex and rotate from the ground up to the shoulders, resulting in a more efficient, natural swing.” 

The Adidas adicross Tour Spikeless Golf shoes promise a new ripstop nylon saddle for improved upper flexibility and lightweight FITFOAM™ PU insole which is said to provide everlasting cushioning, support and comfort. 

The limited edition Adidas adizero Tour, says TaylorMadeGolf.com, is "specially-engineered to include only what’s essential to perform, and deliver everything a golfer needs to finish strong when it’s needed most."

Here is a picture of the new adiCross Tour Golf Shoe in White/Uni Red/Aluminium found on the Function18 website. Enhanced stability, flexibility and, in my opinion (as I found was needed while playing a round of golf this weekend), improved ground contact throughout the swing, are probably three of the most important reasons to compare this shoe to what you are currently wearing out on the golf course.

The red spikeless sole also makes quite a fashion statement, don't you think?

If you think the adiCross is a winner, take a look at the new Adidas AdiZero Tour Golf Shoes. The AdiZero is said to be thirty-eight percent lighter than its predecessor with technology that is used to create football shoes. 'SprintWeb' helps with swing support with a durable outer layer.

Looking for a bold look that is waterproof? Rainy days make these golf shoes a must! Adidas AdiZero Sport TRAXION Golf Shoes come in a stylish yellow with features such as a Triangular spikeless configuration for optimum traction, control and stability, removing heel lift for overall comfort and a 'Cloudfoam' sock liner insole for additional lightweight cushioning...ahhh.

With these selections, it's easy to look good and feel good on the golf course! One (or more) of these Adidas golf shoes would be PERFECT to add to your list of Father's Day golf gifts.

Another great golf gift idea? To celebrate the U.S. Open, designer golf clothing specialists Function 18 are now offering 15% off all orders online at www.function18.co.uk. To receive your 15% off, simply visit Function 18 during the US Open (13th - 16th June) and enter voucher code USOPEN15 at checkout. 

Voice your opinion right here on our golf blog, on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on Facebook.




Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Golf Gifts Your Dad Will Use

With so many golf blogs coming out with lists of Father's Day golf gifts, Golf for Beginners has also compiled several items which dad will love to use.


1. Quick Spikes:
I love ingenious ideas that serve a purpose and improve the game of golf in some way. I first saw Quick Spikes at the Westchester County Golf Show this year and was enamored with the thought of not having to change into my golf shoes every time I visited the driving range, or if I was at the putting/chipping area and needed some extra grip. Although I would not use Quick Spikes for 18 holes as I found I had to occasionally adjust them, they were great as a casual solution.


2. SlingerGolf InsideMove:
Perfecting two basic swing functions - correct swing plane and release of the golf club - can be a daunting task without an instructor to help guide the student. Although I just received the InsideMove golf training aid, I can see how, through simplicity of design, this easy-to-use tool can improve your swing path so that it becomes ingrained when you play a round.

I also received the Velcro Target so that Barry and I can practice our swing on the road (next stop, Mount Airy Casino.)



3. Mobitee GPS Golf Assistant - The Golf App that Settles the Score:
I use Mobitee when I am walking on the golf course and, aside from the (obvious) accuracy of the GPS, I find that it helps me to avoid bunkers and to find the front, middle and back of the green. The Father's Day promotion from Mobitee is in the form of a cute 13-year-old girl who "settles the score" with her dad during a round of golf.

The Mobitee video is original with a clear-cut message: even a technologically narrow-minded guy like Dad can learn something from his kids, in this case, his 13-year old daughter Emily. The commercial spot helps to humanize the Mobitee brand, communicates well with women and kids while proving that a golf app can be a cross-generational tool that is to be enjoyed by all.



**Mobitee Father's Day Twitter Giveaway: Tweet the hashtag #MobiteeDad to @Golf4Beginners with a funny golf story you shared with dad for YOUR dad to win a Mobitee GPS Golf App for his smart phone!** one app to give away...promotion good through Father's Day...winner will be notified via Twitter.

4. Have you walked through a sporting goods store only to see Dad drooling over the latest golf clubs? Here's your chance to show that you have listened to his by getting him one of the latest golf drivers (or wedge perhaps?) on the market. I'm not making any suggestions here...it's YOUR job to listen to your dad!

5. This is probably the most important gift you can give your dad ...SUNSCREEN! Your dad spends four to five hours out in the sun so, chances are, he will get a pretty dark tan (except of course, on his golf glove hand) and, chances are, he will never go out and buy it for himself. That being said, show dad how much you care, read these facts about skin cancer and include a bottle of SPF 50 on your list!

For more golf gift ideas, take a look through this list of putters and accessories to remember the dad in your life!

Voice your opinions on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on Facebook.

Wie joins Woods in media circus, Tiger hated by Esquire writer, golf ball trivia, Taylor Made Adidas golf shoes

Click here to listen.

Step right up! The circus is in town and is performing at a golf course near you! Watch as Henrik Stenson performs his schluoss to the delight of sighing maidens. Be mystified as IMG jumps through hoops to insure maximum visibility for Michelle Wie! Delight as unimaginable trick shots made by Phil Mickelson inspire awe!

For the piece de resistance, you might even catch Tiger Woods juggling golf balls just before the Masters Tournament!

Ringling Brothers Circus claims to be "The Greatest Show on Earth" but both the PGA and LPGA Tour players are stepping up efforts to entertain in addition to playing golf just for the "sport" of it.

"Golfers" are now being renamed "stars", NBC News sent a reporter to cover Woods' return and, according to Bob Verdi, "the gathering of writers, broadcasters, and photographers around Tiger was substantial." Even sponsors such as Northern Trust are jumping on the bandwagon, creating a more carnival gala within their sponsorships by integrating the world of entertainment with golf.

Certain LPGA golfers have struck out on their own, searching for popularity through alternative means. Natalie Gulbis is a headliner on Celebrity Apprentice, Michelle Wie is now the new media darling of IMG, whose clients include Woods, Sorenstam, Creamer and Pressel and let's not forget the introduction of the Wilhelmina 7!

The Golf Channel and J Golf (Korea) have also joined forces with the LPGA, envisioning a merge of talent and sport. Carolyn Bivens mentioned, "JBC provides the LPGA with a progressive, creative partner prepared to showcase our golfers and tournaments across an array of platforms."

But are the Tours drawing the attention or are professional golfers yearning to step out of anonymity to become more relevant?

Golf for Beginners offers up some golf ball trivia this week with the help of David Feherty and talks about new golf shoes available from Taylor-Made Adidas which can actually help improve the distance of your shots!

We also wonder if Chris Jones from Esquire magazine has any validity in his hatred toward Tiger Woods.


Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

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