#Golf Tips to Help Your Team Win a Best-Ball Competition

Scenario: You have been invited by your regular group to enter into a best ball golf competition. How do you ensure that you will be prepared and help your foursome to score low?

First, a basic description of a best-ball competition: a group (two or foursome) hit their own golf ball off of their respective tees (usually, men are at the whites, seniors and juniors are one tee forward and ladies hit from the reds).

The foursome then decides which ball represents their best chance of getting on the green, or into scoring position for their next shot (on a par-5 for example). The group then hits their next shot on the spot (or as close to) the area on which that tee shot landed (no cheating...if the ball is not on the fairway but close, you cannot improve your chances by placing the ball on the fairway). The team is basically looking to score birdies and eagles...at the finish of the round, the winning team has the lowest score under par.

So, now that you understand the basics, how can you score?

Best-ball golf is a thinking man's (and women's) game...a mental game.

Consider the abilities of four golfers in your group and determine who should play the safe tee shot, in order to help get you into proper position for your next shot.

A woman who can hit long and straight is an asset to the team as she will usually get to play from the forward tees and, in some cases, can stick the ball close to the green (yes, I am talking from experience).

Want to really make this competition really fun? Go as a TEAM! Dress in similar colors and get into team spirit! All shirts in orange, all hats in black....feeling like a team can really improve your foursome's resolve and enthusiasm.

Let the player who is draining the putts take the last shot (if needed) so that he or she can watch how the ball rolls.

Manage your expectations! Just because your team made three birdies in a row doesn't necessarily mean that you will be the low scoring team. Definitely high-five each other for the great score and then move on to the next hole.

Do you really want to win? Plan ahead. Look at the scorecard before you go, check the stimp meter and practice on both the driving range and putting green. Execute shots from 100 yards and in (chips, pitches and lob shots).


Share your golf tips on how to win a best-ball competition in the comments section of this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

The REAL Reason You Need Head Covers on Your Golf Clubs!

When golf clubs were made of wood, the importance of the head cover was undeniable; wood is delicate and could be dented by other clubs in the bag, damaged by the elements and through careless tosses into the back seat of your buggy.

Time has progressed, with clubs being constructed from tougher and more durable materials, so the likelihood of a club head being made of wood is slim (unless you're going for a certain look over performance). Not only is the head of your golf club in danger of being scraped; the shaft is also delicate and can be damaged, hence the need for the material on the head cover and a nicely cushioned bag.

Your golf clubs are an investment, not only in dollars but in the way you feel out on the course. Golf club head covers serve as more than just a way to brighten up your bag. If you don't have coverage, it's time to look into your bag, and determine what you need in order to protect your precious set.

A recent golf club headcover giveaway in association with CraftsmanGolf.com forced me to look into my own bag.

My golf clubs are all properly protected but, since it's the season for giving, I also looked into my husband's bag.

Geez, his bag was a shambles...his driver had an old, ratty head cover, the covers on his woods were mismatched

...well, not anymore!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Barry...you have just hit the golf club headcover lottery! Barry's bag went from drab to FAB with the help of CraftsmanGolf.com.

Barry is very patriotic so his driver, three and five-wood are now cheerfully draped and protected in red, white and blue: the "USA Flag Long Neck Golf Head Cover set"!

Made of durable materials and stain/water-resistant, with interchangeable tag numbers and long neck socks to protect the shafts, these headcovers are impressive, combining great looks with functional design. Thanks for your help, Craftsman Golf!

Now, onto the real reasons why golfers need to use head covers on their golf clubs.

Do head covers affect performance? A head cover won't provide you with a better physical game (call your PGA teaching pro for help) but the act of looking at something that brings you joy during a round, might just improve your mental game!

Reasons to Use a Head Cover

Identification: It's easier to easily find your club by looking at the tag in a bag filled with clubs than trying to find the number or degree of loft.

Protection: Keep Clubs newer longer, from head to shaft

Visual Appeal: It's the same reason you dress better, look better and feel better playing golf - psychologically speaking, it's uplifting to feel good when you play! Show your team or American spirit!  U.S.A., U.S.A.!!

A putter can be one of the more expensive purchases you make and can also suffer the wear and tear of being banged about next to the wedges, so be sure to protect your "putt-for-dough" club as well.

Show us your headcovers! Tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and tell us about it in the comments section of this golf blog.