Swinging and Sighing - The Hilarious Highs and Lows of Mastering Golf

In morning mist and golden light,

On rolling greens, we chase our flight.
Golf, a game of joy and pain,
Where struggle and success meet again.

The ball might drift, the putt might miss,
Frustration’s sting is hard to dismiss.
Yet every swing, though far from pure,
Holds the promise of a win, a cure.

We seek the perfect arc, the flawless drive,
In every round, we long to thrive.
With each lost shot, frustration may grow,
Lessons you may learn, and skill you may show.

Fairways wide and bunkers deep,
Test patience as the moments creep.
But oh, the joy of a well-placed shot,
The thrill of the hole-in-one we sought.

Golf mastery is a skill of heart and mind,
Where practice meets with courage kind.
Refine your grip, perfect your stance,
In every game, give finesse a chance.

Revel in the game’s sweet flow,
Where highs and lows together grow.
For in the struggle, and the joy we find,
The essence of the sport entwined.

So, golfers brave, embrace the chase,
For every round brings us a grace.
Through ups and downs, through joy and strife,
Golf mirrors the journey of our life.

Read our holiday poem: Christmas Golf Poem Scores a Hole-In-One

Mastering the Art of Putting: Tips to Sharpen Your Short Game – Chat GPT AI suggestions

I asked Chat GPT for tips to improve putting. Since AI is the future of the internet, maybe it can also help my golf game! Here is the response. Do you agree and would you add anything to these putting tips?

Written by Chat GPT

Putting is often considered the most crucial aspect of golf. It’s where the game is won or lost, and improving your putting can drastically lower your scores. Here are some key putting tips and techniques to help you become a more confident and consistent putter.

1. Focus on the Fundamentals

• Grip: Your grip should be light but firm enough to maintain control. Experiment with different grips (such as the conventional, cross-handed, or claw grip) to find what feels most comfortable and provides the best control for you.
• Stance and Alignment: Your stance should be balanced and comfortable. Position your eyes directly over the ball or slightly inside the line. Use alignment aids on the putter or practice with a chalk line to ensure your shoulders, hips, and feet are parallel to the target line.
• Ball Position: Place the ball slightly forward in your stance. This helps in achieving a slight upward strike, promoting a good roll.

2. Master Your Stroke

• Pendulum Motion: Imagine your arms and shoulders forming a pendulum, with your shoulders controlling the stroke. This motion helps to keep the putter on a consistent path and ensures a smooth, controlled strike.
• Maintain a Square Face: It’s crucial to keep the putter face square throughout the stroke. Practice with alignment rods or a putting mirror to ensure that your putter face stays square to the target line.
• Distance Control: Practice different length strokes to gauge how far the ball rolls. The key to good distance control is consistent rhythm and tempo, not necessarily the speed of your stroke.

3. Reading Greens

• Study the Slope: Before making your putt, walk around the hole to get a feel for the slope. Observe how water would flow across the green; this can help you understand how the ball will break.
• Visualize the Path: Imagine the ball’s journey from the putter to the hole, including the break. Some golfers find it helpful to pick an intermediate target, like a spot on the green that the ball needs to roll over to stay on line.
• Practice the Process: Spend time on the practice green, not just hitting putts but practicing reading greens. Set up drills where you have to read the break and hit putts to a certain spot.

4. Practice with Purpose

• Short Putts: Focus on mastering putts within six feet. These are the most common putts and can be a game-changer. Use drills like the "clock drill" where you set up balls around the hole at different angles and distances, and practice making each one.
• Lag Putting: For longer putts, work on your lag putting to ensure you leave yourself with easy tap-ins. Practice hitting putts to specific zones on the green rather than always trying to make the putt.
• Pressure Situations: Simulate the pressure of real rounds by setting up drills that require you to make a certain number of putts in a row before moving on. This helps build confidence under pressure.

5. Mental Approach

• Stay Positive: Putting can be frustrating, but maintaining a positive attitude is essential. Focus on the process rather than the result and trust your stroke.
• Routine is Key: Develop a pre-putt routine that you follow every time. This routine will help you stay focused and calm, especially under pressure.
• Visualization and Confidence: Before each putt, visualize the ball going into the hole. Positive imagery can enhance your confidence and increase the likelihood of making the putt.

6. Use Technology and Tools

• Putting Aids: Consider using tools like putting mirrors, alignment sticks, or even apps that analyze your stroke. These can provide valuable feedback and help you identify areas for improvement.
• Putter Fitting: Ensure your putter is suited to your stroke. A putter that fits your height, stroke type, and personal preferences can make a significant difference in your putting performance.

7. Continuous Improvement

• Keep Learning: Watch professional golfers and analyze their putting techniques. Pay attention to their routines, how they read greens, and their overall approach.
• Take Lessons: If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of your putting, consider taking a lesson with a golf professional. A fresh set of eyes can identify issues you might not be aware of.

Conclusion

Improving your putting is about more than just technique; it’s about confidence, consistency, and practice. By focusing on these key areas and dedicating time to practice, you’ll find yourself sinking more putts and lowering your scores. Remember, the best golfers are the ones who put in the work on the greens!

Top Golf Instructor Gives Masters Tips from Inside-the-Ropes

Almost every golf fan caught at least a glimpse of The Masters this past week and many of us had favorable weather where we could go out and imagine ourselves at Augusta National, fist-pumping as we rolled in birdie putts.

Mike Bender, top-five-ranked PGA teaching professional and director of instruction at The Mike Bender Golf Academy at Magnolia Plantation Golf Club (and Zach Johnson's instructor as well as many other greats of the game) was inside-the-ropes this week at the first major tournament of the year. 

Bender sat down for a Q and A Zoom video with V1 Sports’ Mandy Von See, host of “Tuesday Traces".

Golf for Beginners took a few snippets from the conversation that related to the way the average golfer can improve his or her game. We hope that you take away some lessons for the golf season!

Golf Questions and Answers with Mike Bender

How do you coach your players to deal with the nerves on the opening shot?

I will tell you a funny story. Back in the day, I remember Zach Johnson playing in (The Memorial Tournament) at Muirfield Village and tee times came out and he said he called his wife and he said, "Guess who we're playing with?" and she said "Tiger Woods?" He says, "No, bigger than that." After this long silence, she suddenly realizes it's Jack Nicklaus. Zach was paired with Jack Nicklaus at his own tournament, and they had like a 12 o'clock tee time with 10,000 people around the first tee. So anyway, I called Zach on Thursday night and asked, "How was that opening tee shot?" He said he was so nervous he couldn't swallow a BB. He said, "Well, I knew I couldn't pass. I had to play, so I visualized great shots I've had in the past, and I ran my routine." I striped it right down the middle. Everybody gets nervous but the players, you know, stick to the routine and they're OK. They've hit so many great shots under pressure and so forth and they're off to a great start."

What is the key to hitting irons consistently?

Everything comes down to the proper delivery of the club into the ball. You could say anybody who's very consistent in golf is delivering the club the same way into the ball. Being able to hit down on your shots and compress the ball - which helps to stabilize the clubface - and controlling that clubface is another key component to hitting good iron shots. I try to make sure people come in on the correct plane because that helps them produce more lag. Lag helps to get your hands more forward. That, in turn, helps you get down on the ball, so it's kind of a domino effect. I definitely want to hit down on the ball and control the clubface.

Read: How Much Does It Cost to Attend The Masters?

What one drill would you do to get a consistent downswing?

I look at things like one domino falling against the other and they run down the list. So many times, I see people with so much tension in their shoulders and their forearms and they start their downswing more with their upper body, and they start rotating a little early and that's where they can shift the plane and come in and have all kinds of different release habits. If that's the case, I have the drills I get people to do. We work on trying to accelerate and be more relaxed in their arms and get their hands moving toward the golf ball. We do a lot of things when we do a fold-up drill with an impact bag up against the wall that helps get people to do that. We have a handful of drills that we do to work on that particular aspect of the swing because it is such a big deal.

Where do you prefer to see a golfer’s weight in the putting stroke?

I like players that have more weight on their left side (for right-hand golfers). Primarily, it's so there isn't any transfer of weight during the stroke. Favoring the left side and keeping the weight, consistent, you can minimize any lower body motion and you can have a little bit more of a pure stroke with your shoulders, as opposed to having any kind of movement in the lower body.

Although Tiger Woods was noticeably invisible from this year's Masters, this was, as always, a terrific tournament as only Augusta National can offer. Congratulations to Hideki Matsuyama for his brilliant performance!

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Golf Etiquette During COVID-19

A certain level of etiquette is expected when playing a sport like golf. But with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic at play, an added layer of manners is required. Here’s how you can keep yourself safe and respect the safety of others while playing golf during the pandemic. 

Show up early. Generally, golfers will arrive 15 minutes before their tee-time. But with the coronavirus, each course has its own safety requirements. Depending on wh/ere you’re planning to play, you could be subject to a brief COVID-19 questionnaire or need to have your temperature taken before you hit the green. Arrive 20-30 minutes before your tee time to ensure you don’t delay your game or those scheduled to start after you. 

READ: Is Golf Becoming an Impolite Game?

Pay attention to your surroundings. It’s one thing to take your time practicing when the place is empty. But if you notice the course you’re golfing on appears to be crowded, limit yourself to two or three practice balls. As you’re moving throughout the clubhouse and golf course, maintain a distance of six feet from other golfers. Not only are you protecting yourself, but you’re respecting the boundaries of others, allowing everyone to enjoy their day on the links.

Avoid crowding on the course. Under normal circumstances, golf can be a fairly social game. With the threat of the coronavirus, socializing with others in a crowd isn’t a good idea. Maintain a distance of six feet from others outside of your golfing party. Walk around other groups if you need to pass them. And when it comes to using golf carts, limit yourself to one rider per car whenever possible. Most courses are mandating this policy unless you’re golfing with someone from your household.

Respect the course. The rules and safety restrictions at the golf course will vary depending on where you golf. Regardless of whether you’re playing at the golf resort in Pinehurst or somewhere in Monterey, it’s essential to follow the rules imposed by the location. Those rules exist to keep guests and the staff safe. Before you arrive, make sure you’re aware of that club’s COVID-19 guidelines as well as the guidelines in that county if you’re traveling out of state. Ultimately, doing your part and following said rules will help stop the spread of the coronavirus so that life can one day go back to normal. 

Get creative with your golf tradition. Typically, when a round of golf concludes, a ceremonial handshake occurs. In COVID-19 times, golfers have had to get creative with how they wrap up their game. Instead of shaking hands and risk transmitting the coronavirus, tap putters or do an air five. Any way you choose to celebrate the conclusion of your time on the course will work — as long as it doesn’t require physical touch.

Stay home if you’re sick. Most importantly, if you don’t feel well, reschedule your tee time until you’ve confirmed you aren’t ill or cancel it. You should also do the same if you’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus or has been exposed. Golf courses will always be around, and if you have to reschedule to prevent spreading the virus, it’s worth it! 

Golf is one of the few sports people have been able to enjoy during these unprecedented times. To keep that option available, follow these etiquette tips! 

#ChipShotChallenge for COVID relief...Will You Participate To Help Golf's Unsung Heroes?

While the PGA Tour is back, and many golf courses have reopened, thousands of golf industry workers and their families are still suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic. Vie, Inc., a new sports and entertainment philanthropy company, has invited golfers of all ages and skill levels to participate in the “Chip Shot Challenge” to support the Golf Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) and provide assistance to thousands of golf industry workers impacted by COVID-19. 

“We intend to launch the Vie brand and proprietary technology later this fall,” said Steven Schwartz, Vie CEO.  “But the increasing severity of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on golf-industry workers compelled us to act NOW.  So we fast-tracked Vie’s donation engine technology to power the ‘Chip Shot Challenge’ and help bridge the funding gap for these families.”       

Golfers ...your help is needed! TAKE THE CHIP SHOT CHALLENGE! Fuel the fund by sharing a video of your best chip shot, trick shot, or juggling a golf ball, and donating, of course! When you do, you have the chance to win big with great prizes while doing good.

Participation only takes four easy steps and automatically provides an entry for prizes including Titleist golf equipment and apparel with the Grand Prize including a private dinner and a round of golf for two with 2018 Ryder Cup Captain and PGA Legend Jim Furyk at TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

#ChipShotChallenge Steps 

1. Donate: at www.giveforgolf.com
2. Capture Your Chip: golfers set the challenge and take the shot, while capturing it on video (watch Suzy Whaley video - click on the link). Creativity and trick shots are encouraged.  

1. Just have fun, and be as creative as you want!
2. Chip in to a cup in your living room, nearby park, backyard trick shot, etc.
3. Or challenge your foursome to a “closest-to-the-pin” wager  – with the loser donating quadruple the bet!    

3. Challenge: someone to match or beat your shot and your donation  
4. Tag/Share: your video and challenge with #ChipShotChallenge and giveforgolf.com.  The best shots will be posted at giveforgolf.com/gallery.

 “On behalf of our 29,000 PGA professionals, and those individuals and families suffering physically and financially from COVID-19, we express our heartfelt thanks to Vie for powering the ‘Chip Shot Challenge,’ said Suzy Whaley, PGA of America President.  Whaley was the first to chip, post, and share a video offering the challenge of the world’s largest sports organization and their customers to participate.  

Suzy Whaley - #ChipShotChallenge

The good doesn’t stop there as your donation may be able to receive a corporate match, courtesy of Vie. And now for the best part, on top of Vie’s fund-matching efforts, the PGA of America has established a $2.5 Million matching pool meaning each donation will be matched dollar for dollar, to the extent funds are still available.

Golf for Beginners asks that you visit www.giveforgolf.com now to learn more and donate to the Golf Emergency Relief Fund.

How to Organize a Successful Golf Tournament Fundraiser

When it comes to raising money for an effort or an organization, there are all sorts of ideas out there for people to generate giving or loyalty through a golf tournament fundraiser.

Some fundraisers are spread over days, if not weeks. Others don’t sound like very much fun at all. Some fundraisers can be localized to just one day, can be a lot of fun and have the potential to generate some really amazing fundraising results. One that’s a favorite of ours, of course, is a golf fundraising event.

There are a lot of positive things to consider hosting a golf fundraising tournament. For starters, lots of people love to play golf, whether they are experts or simply just want to get out on the greens for a day of sun and fun.

And then there’s the money-raising potential.

Not only can you make remunerations by people who are donating to play, but there is a huge potential to generate donations from sponsorships by corporations who want to be associated with your efforts. Here are some pointers to use.

Thanks to givingassistant.org for this graphic.

The origination of this article can be found at GivingAssistant.org where you will find tips on how to plan a successful golf fundraiser in seven steps.

Thanks to Laura Newcomer for writing the introduction to this article.

Looking to Start a Fantasy Golf League? White Label Fantasy Sports Software 

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.

Picking Your Wedge With Confidence - guest #golf post

This guest post is courtesy of golf aficionado Brian Adams, whose bio is below. Thanks for giving Stacy Solomon this week off for some R-and-R (and golf, of course), for which she is grateful!

These golf tips are on the short game, from one-hundred yards and in...probably some of the most important tips you will read this year. Learning about your golf clubs is the first step to mastering them.

(Editors notes) Before "digging into" this article, let's address a few terms, specifically BOUNCE, which is, plainly put, where the bottom of the club, or sole, touches the ground and LOFT, the number of degrees that the face of your golf club is angled upward.

Bounce is a measurement of degrees; the higher the number, the more the leading edge of your golf club will be off the ground at address. Thoughtco.com discusses bounce as, "The more bounce a wedge has - the higher its bounce angle - the better it will resist digging. Another way of saying it: Higher bounce equals smaller, shallower divots."

Picking Your Wedge With Confidence

Not all wedges are created equal. Some fly high, some get you distance, and some are left in your golf bag for the rest of eternity, never again to see the light of day. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Let’s get you the basics on when to best utilize each wedge to your full advantage.

The Pitching Wedge

This is the old standby. Of the standard selection of wedges, the pitching wedge will get you the most distance but offers the least loft.

Recreational golfers are likely to be most familiar with their pitching wedge distance, using it for any and all occasions that call for a wedge. To that, I ask: would you use a fork to eat soup? And you might answer “Only if all the spoons are dirty and it’s not my turn to unload the dishwasher.” To which I would reply “I think we’ve lost the idea behind this analogy.” The point is that the pitching wedge is not your only option. There’s also...

The Gap Wedge

The Gap is not only the place where your little sister worked part-time during high school; it’s also a wedge that can help you form a more complete short game.

It’s called a gap wedge because it covers the yardage gap between your (longer) pitching wedge and (shorter) sand wedge. Not every beginner will necessarily have a gap wedge in their bag, as it’s not always included in a set of irons. As you begin to dial in your distances more accurately, a gap wedge may be worth adding to your bag to make sure any yardages are covered.

The Sand Wedge

For many beginners, the sand wedge doesn’t offer much distance for the average player, but it can provide some extra loft from the 40-70 yard range.

You’ve likely become acquainted with the sand wedge during some trying times in the greenside bunker.

Although the sand wedge is designed to hit out of the sand, it’s not the only time you can use it. The sand wedge can be just as effective for short distances from the rough or the fairway as well.

The Lob Wedge

You may have seen one of Phil Mickelson’s famous “flop” shots around the green, where he takes a full swing to get maximum height with within a short distance. This type of shot is typically executed with a lob wedge.

The lob wedge is perhaps the least common wedge for a beginner to carry and is arguably the most difficult of the wedges to hit as intended. To achieve the desired height, you’ve got to swing hard.

The main issue with the lob wedge is that, if you take a full swing and fail to get under the ball properly, your fellow golfers may be calling you Captain Sully Sullenberger. (As a reminder, golf balls don’t float on the Hudson River.) Overall, the lob wedge is a high risk/high reward club that you may want in your arsenal some day. Whether or not today is that day...I’ll leave up to you.

Watch Phil Mickelson's amazing golf flop shot at Deutsche Bank Championship: http://bit.ly/2B37E4c



READ: Improve Your Short Game in 2 Easy Steps


Brian Adams Bio:
Brian is a left-handed golfer who lives in the Greater Boston area with his wife and their adorable baby girl. He is a regular contributor to the comedy website RECYCULUS and, when not on the golf course, occasionally directs music videos and performs stand-up comedy. For more info, visit https://brianadamsmedia.wordpress.com/page/.


Add your comments to this Golf for Beginners golf blog below and @tag us with your thoughts on Twitter Golf4Beginners!

Golf Club loft chart: Golfalot.com
Golf Ball in bunker: PXHere.com

Ways to Improve Your #Golf Game During the Off-Season

This golf blog, "Ways to Improve Your Golf Game During the Off-Season" is a guest post by Matt Mascarenas (bio below). Thanks for the insight Matt!

The season is winding down and most golfers will be putting their clubs away for the winter but many players aren't considering the importance of off-season training. Sure, playing golf through the snow is next to impossible, however, if consistent progress is important to you, taking time off is not an option. 

Working on your game over the winter will give you the spring edge; you'll be ahead of where you let off in fall, you'll eliminate the early season slump, and your friends who took the winter off will be struggling to keep up!

Here are a few golf tips to keep you golf-ready when the fairways turn green again:

1. Set Goals

It's important to have a clear perspective on where your game stands at the end of the season. You'll need to be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses before you can set future goals. The first thing I do entering the off-season is to review last year's goals. 

• Did I meet the previous year's goals? 
• What did I do right? 
• What areas of my game was I performing poorly? 

Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be to identify the areas of your game that need improvement.

2. Exercise

Every new golf season starts with optimism and excitement; that fades once you get on the golf course and realize you're lacking in physical ability. You haven't fully lost your game, but the winter break has definitely taken its toll.

Exercising during the winter is extremely important — not just to stay in shape, but to get into better shape. Improving your fitness will benefit your golf swing, add distance to your hit, lower stress and improve thinking skills. We all know that the mental aspect of golf is just as important as the physical aspect — keeping a clear and healthy mind is key.

Set up a fitness plan for yourself and stick to it. Even exercising a couple times a week will put you ahead of the golf curve, assuring that your progress from the previous season doesn't go to waste.  

3. Practice Indoors

Putting is one of the easiest skills to improve during the winter. I keep a putting space set up at home and at the office and make a regular habit out of putting throughout the day. This will help improve putter face alignment, routine, and eye position — all critical techniques to master on your way to a better score.

Practicing your full swing in the house can be a little more challenging if you have low ceilings like I do. Many sports clubs now offer golf simulators to practice on while the green is covered in snow. Not only are they realistic, but they offer measured data on your swing speed, ball flight, trajectory and spin ratio. Golf simulators also allow you see the distance and shape of your shot so you can keep track of your progress leading up to the next season.

4. Book a Trip With Friends

Book a golf trip with your friends. This is a great opportunity to keep yourself practicing without having to practice discipline. My friends and I plan a trip every January to escape the snow and get back on a real course. This has helped me extend the season in my mind, knowing that the final game of my season is right before the next one begins. More importantly, it keeps golf alive for us during the off-season.

Guest Post Author Bio

This article is work of Matt Mascarenas from TruGolf.com. Matt is an avid Golf enthusiast and spends all of his time on the course. When he’s not working on his fairway shot, you will find Matt writing about his passion for the process of the game. 

How Do You Keep Your Golf Game in Shape During the Winter? 
Comment below in this golf blog and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

How NOT to Get Shafted With the Wrong Driver! #golf

Whether you are a golf beginner or have been playing the sport for years, the wrong shaft on your clubs, and on your driver in particular, can make you lose distance, accuracy and wreak havoc with your game.

Let's first consider the beginners' golf swing; awkward for sure, could be fast or slow speed and, most likely, with a considerable lack of proper tempo.

An amateur who has been playing golf for years can still have the same problems as the beginner but improper swing thoughts will already be ingrained. The shaft of the driver surely does have a lot of work to do, doesn't it?

Golfalot.com states that "the length, flex, torque, kick-point, weight and alignment of the shaft all have an effect on the performance of your golf club."

It is, therefore, important for all players to take lessons to understand the relationship between the driver and your swing as well as to be custom fit for golf clubs before making your purchase, avoiding an expensive mistake.

Which Driver Shaft is Right for Your Golf Swing?

Consider these notes before buying a new shaft for your driver:

1. Have you been measured for a new driver?

Going to a store such as PGA Tour Superstore or Golfsmith (a few stores will still remain open) will give you a wealth of information about your swing from speed to spin rate.

During my custom club fitting, I was told by the store rep that a "higher kickpoint shaft makes the ball go lower," News to me and, if you don't know what kickpoint is, I suggest you also question a professional - we are truly always learning!

2. Do you typically have a fast or slow swing speed? (Could vary depending upon your nerves!)

According to HittingTheGreen.com, "the faster your swing the more the shaft of the club is going to flex, so to help control the swing, if you have a fast swing speed you should always opt for clubs with a stiff flex."

3. The long and short about driver shaft length and flex:

Are you more interested in distance, control or both? Are you looking to correct a slice, hook...are you not launching the ball properly? Is your golf club so old that your mates laugh whenever you pull it out of the bag?

A shaft can be too long or too short - with longer shafts you should be able to hit the ball farther but you will probably suffer with diminished accuracy, which means you will probably be playing military golf (left, right, left, right...).

Instead of building a golf club to fix a problem, find a qualified PGA professional and take a few lessons; the problems in your golf swing will be addressed and corrected - then, visit a custom club fitter!

Driver Shaft Flex: Stiff, Regular, Senior, Ladies - which shaft flex is right for your game?

The flex of the shaft can directly affect the clubface's alignment at impact. Too stiff a shaft, you will probably lose most of your distance; too whippy and you are likely to slice or hook the ball.

How far do you currently drive your golf ball?

If the golf ball flies over 250 yards each time, you might look into a stiff shaft. Otherwise, to all of the ego-driven males out there, time to reconsider the flex on your club.

According to Golfsmith, stiff shafts are for mid to low handicappers with higher handicappers selecting regular shaft flex. Although ladies (especially beginner golfers) often opt for the ladies flex, golfers with faster swing speeds (like myself) should opt for a regular flex. This means getting fitted for the proper shaft as it may have to be cut down to proper size.

As your technique improves over time, it is more likely that your shaft will no longer suit you and you will need to be refitted until your swing stabilizes down the road.

Having the proper shaft on all of the golf clubs is important but, since the driver is usually the first club out of your bag, getting it set up correctly the first time can make or break those first tee jitters.

PS - Did you notice how many times I mentioned to take lessons and to go to qualified club fitters? That was not in error; I hope some of that subliminally-placed notes within this golf blog will take hold and instill in you the necessity of the right people for the right job - the goal being...to improve your swing and enjoyment on the golf course!

Share your golf driver experiences in the comments section of our golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.


photos: www.nextgolf.it

AT&T Calls Up Larry the Cable Guy for Laughs on Pebble Beach @ATTProAm #ATTProAm #ATTBlogger

What golf course is on the bucket list of celebrities and amateurs alike...a course which evokes images of untamed beauty; the stuff of legends, drama, thrills and wonder? If you said Pebble Beach Links, then you hit the golf ball on the sweet spot!

Celebrities are more than willing to discuss their game, the course and more leading up to this week's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament.

NCIS:Los Angeles actor and golfer Chris O'Donnell recently told ET Online that there is "nothing I want more than to win this tournament someday."

For stars like Larry the Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry), Chris O'Donnell and Bill Murray to pro golfers like David Duval joining in the fun with corporate amateurs like Jesse Singh (@JesseSingh), the excitement has just begun.

Event chatter, sunrise photos and golf course selfies are popping up all over Twitter, Facebook and Instagram like highly lofted lob wedge shots from the players and AT&T Fan’s Eye View Foursome members @KTHorsford, @Black Girls Golf, @TimLangGolf (taking this photo of @TheDanPlan) ...and why not? These are three of the most beautiful courses in the world and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many - expect the cameras to be clicking all weekend long!

Check this great swing out with matching scenery!! @thedanplan #ATTBLOGGER pic.twitter.com/y98eM3f11v

— Tim Lang (@TimLangGolf) February 10, 2015

Larry the Cable Guy says, "Hopefully I'll surprise Y'all and play good," and he's right on target.

Pebble Beach is not a golf course for beginners and a caddie is highly advisable as distances are confounding, the wind toys with your ball and the greens...well, the greens are undulating and deceptive and, although they will probably only run at only a "10" on the stimpmeter, they can run as high as "12" for the U.S. Open!

Having played Pebble Beach in November in the Legends Invitational, I would like to share a few tips that I took home with me - to make the Pebble Beach experience and score as rewarding as possible.

- Listen to your caddie - nothing is as frustrating as thinking you know your club distances or the yardages as stated on the markers. Distances are not always what they appear to be and bunkers or water may interfere with your shot. It is the caddie's job to inform and enhance your golf experience.

- Play it safe - although it is fun to go for the green, look for other avenues that might yield better returns. For example, on Hole #1, don't cut the dogleg on the right; Pebble Beach website says "it doesn't pay" - it plays longer than you think.

- Visit the Pebble Beach website and read the hole-by-hole course tour before you play! These tips are invaluable and will start you thinking about strategy instead of leaving your game and score up to chance.

- If possible, enjoy the majesty of Pebble Beach the day before you play the course. A friend of mine told me, if possible, I should walk the course in advance to get the nerves and breathtaking views out of the way so that I can concentrate on the game - it worked!

Get Ready for Hole #1: Spend time on the Pebble Beach driving range and on your short game before heading to the links and be prepared for a crowd to gather around you as you tee off. They will applaud if you crush it down the middle but the silence will be deadening if you top the ball. You will feel as if you are on Tour, which can make even the best amateurs a little weak-kneed!

Get ready for the 18th Hole! The iconic 18th hole is probably the one that fills most players with fear, anticipation, joy and amazement. It is easy to get swept up in the scenery or your score from previous holes and not concentrate on this 543-yard, par-5 finishing hole and, you want to finish strong, don't you?

Chris Dunbar, Head Pro at Pebble Beach, tells us to be very aware of swirling winds on 18. Aiming your shot to the right of the trees still leaves a right-to-left shot to about 100-yards. As for the green? Your putt will want to pull towards the ocean - "a one-putt could easily turn into a three-putt."


The goal is to have fun when you play golf and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am is the Candyland of Events so it should be interesting to see who else shows up on Twitter with the Foursome!

I will be engaging with the Foursome all weekend on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and sharing some of their greatest moments from celebrity sightings to what's new at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy (Sam Lab...Robots...?)

Follow along using hashtags #ATTProAm, #ATTBlogger, attpbgolf.com and, of course, visit @ATTProAm for videos, live interviews and more!


This post is in partnership with AT&T. All opinions are my own.

photo credit: ATTPBGolf.com, @BlackGirlsGolf, @TimLangGolf

Will Millennials Save or Squash #Golf?

According to news articles, golf course owners and even sports equipment manufacturers, a lack of golf popularity is caused by a drop in participation by Millennials. These eighteen to thirty-year old's seem to value iPhones and computer tech more than a good walk in the park.

Can kids from the Gen-Y generation find happiness playing the sport that lasts a lifetime while retaining some of its traditional elements?

Robin Williams must have had millennials on his mind when he created his comedic skit on golf, with the excerpt "go whacking away with a tire iron...and each time you miss you feel like you’ll have a stroke. That’s what we’ll call it, a stroke, cause each time you miss you feel like you’re gonna fracking die."

Millennials seem to want a more fun and reactive game and golf is a game that you play within yourself. Obviously Rory McIlroy is helping the game by bringing a fresh, young face to a new generation but is that enough?

Course rounds are showing the decline - according to TaylorMade President Mark King, rounds for the new generation are down thirty-five percent in the last ten years. With that, golf courses are falling upon hard times with closings totaling one every forty-eight hours! Should people blame Millennials for this affliction or should the golf course discussion be about the financial bubble which burst ten years earlier?

Nope, Gen Y'ers don't want that much of a challenge, the mindful struggle to get a small white ball into a tiny hole; they want fun and ease...no challenges that cause distress.

Enough talk about what they don't want...what do Millennials feel is necessary to enjoy golf? This enigma is what organizations are struggling to figure out; is it the end of having to "belong" to a golf club, is it too expensive, do they want more fun...or a quicker round?

Bryant Gumbel's commentary on HBO Real Sports discussed ways in which Gen-Y'ers are currently enjoying golf courses, driving ranges and, basically, making the sport their own.

Here are a few new ideas which are trending:
- 15 inch golf holes (as King said, "you can't miss with that" but, where is the challenge?)
- Foot golf - A mix of soccer and golf where folks kick the ball around into a larger hole.
- Top Golf - a blend of driving range with microchips in golf balls, night club entertainment and a bit of friendly digital competition.
- Easier scoring for golf beginners.
- Free beer on Saturday's?



Golf for Beginners has also come up with a few ideas to enhance the game for multi-generational sports fans - how about softball golf or hockey golf? They'll be tearing up the course with these blended sports but, if it brings players into the game, isn't it worth it?

Golf may be going through growing pains but, in my opinion, is not doomed to aged traditionalists who want to keep folks out, not bring them into the game.

I think the game of golf is safe because millennials will eventually get older and want to enjoy a more conventional sport - so many women enter the game as they mature and enjoy the cameraderie and challenge. The current concern with Generation Y is to get them interested early so that they are ready for the challenge when they have kids.

Are you a Millennial? Do You Play Golf? Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on our Golf for Beginners blog.

A Mother's Day Giveaway for Your #Golf Mom!

Has your mom taken you to compete in countless junior golf events, in spite of the fact that she has never picked up a golf club and might not know the difference between a "sandie" and a "bump-and-run?"

Does Mom hold a Sweet Spot in your heart? We know you are going to say YES! Now that you believe that you have the World's Greatest Golf Mom, it's time to enter into the World's Best Mom Contest being held on Instagram and Twitter by my associates, Crown Awards!

Crown Awards, the leading supplier of Awards and Trophies for over thirty-five years, is running a #CrownAwardsMom Contest which is simple and fun to enter - just Snap, Tag, Follow and Vote and you will be in the running to win this exclusive crystal filled with fresh flowers to give to the mover and shaker of your family. It's a beautiful memento that Mom will treasure forever!

- Snap a photo of you and your mom.
- Tag that photo with the hashtag #CrownAwardsMom and another hashtag that describes just how #wonderful she is!
- Follow Crown Awards on Instagram
- Vote for one of the other moms (isn't that what we do in golf anyway...be gracious to the other entrants?)

One lucky winner will be selected from the votes - read the Crown Awards blog with the full details.

Good Luck!

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on  our Golf for Beginners Blog.

And The Masters #Golf Hat Winners Are...

The 2014 Masters is now in the record books with Bubba Watson as a two-time winner - and the victory was well-deserved!

With his win over a stellar golf field, Watson takes home a $1.6 million payout, the coveted green jacket, a lifetime invite (which he already had from 2012) and probably more TV time than any other winner on Tour this year. That's a mighty fine bounty.


As you know, Golf for Beginners (and @Golf4Beginners on Twitter) were given two Masters Golf Hats as Giveaways to help spur on an already exciting first major tournament of 2014 and have chosen our winners of one women's and one men's Masters hat.

And the winners are...?

@Golf4Beginners #mastersladieshat I would love to win because it would be an honor to wear this hat on the course showing ladies love golf!
— Leeanna (@LeeannaF13) April 9, 2014

AND...

@Golf4Beginners #MastersMensHat I just lost my job and would love Masters hat! I am pretty sure it would cheer me up
— Mike Hallee⛳ (@HalleeGolfman) April 7, 2014

CONGRATULATIONS! I will be direct messaging you both on Twitter and announcing via this blog which will also go out to my social networks. Thanks to MMOGolf.com for supplying The Masters Golf Hats!

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on the Golf for Beginners blog.

Rickie Fowler and Puma add Summer Sizzle to Golf Clothing

When you watch Rickie Fowler playing in a professional golf tournament, what is the first thing you see? Most likely, aside from Rickie's boyish charm, you immediately notice his bright golf clothing from Puma Golf!

Hailed by some as the next generation of golf, former motocross racer Rick Yutaka Fowler was the number-one ranked amateur player in the world for much of the 2007-2008 season.

In addition to having four top-ten finishes on the PGA Tour so far in 2013, Rickie is one of the ambassadors for Puma Golf, a name synonymous with high performance and versatile sports and golf clothing.

There are other great, up-and-coming Tour players who sport the Puma label like recent tour winner Jonas Blixt but, when you think of edgy and memorable golf clothing, the spotlight shines brightly upon Rickie Fowler.

PGA.com has described Rickie's Masters PUMA outfits as "cool and colorful"; Golf.com has called Fowler "Flashy" and Fox Sports says Rickie has "golf chops" but is also known for his colorful style:

With a complete range of PUMA golf clothing available at Function18.com, it is easy for the amateur golfer to dress like Fowler, "bold yet classically sporty."

The Golf Spectrum Fitted Belt is a perfect example of how accessories can make the outfit. 

Leather with the embossed Puma cat and finished with a solid, enamel filled and removable Puma cat buckle, you don't have to wear orange in order to get noticed (although this belt, of course, is also available in Oklahoma State orange!)

If you like a colorful and super lightweight golf shoe, Puma's new FAAS Lite Golf Shoe is comfortable and waterproof with an Ortholite sockliner which keeps air circulating around the foot. 

After eighteen holes, you will probably feel like going another round!

Golfers usually play better when they look good and feel the part. Comfortable and stylish golf clothing will not only help you look better on the course, it will give you an appearance of success. Get off to a good start on your round and make your presence felt with Puma.


Comment below on this blog, voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend us 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.

Photo Credits: Puma.com, Function18.com.