Could YOU Play 100 Holes of #Golf In One Day?

This Golf for Beginners blog not only provides readers with reviews of new equipment and training aids, travel updates and opinionated arguments, but we also are very interested in people making a difference in their golf communities through charitable means. 

With that said, please read the following blog written by Neil Johnston and, if you can, help him to support Misericordia through his Hundred Hole Hike , which "offers a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged."

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Guest Blog Written by Neil Johnston:

The Hundred Hole Hike (HHH) is a national-network of golf marathons where participants plan to walk 100 or more holes of golf in one day in order to raise money for various worthwhile charitable causes. The Hundred Hole Hike includes events at some of the top golf courses in the country, including many courses listed in the Top 100 by the various golf publications. In its inaugural year, the HHH raised $270,000 for a wide range of charities.

100 golf holes? 1 day? No mulligans?

Among those who have seen me play golf, the feedback is unanimous: Optimistic. Impossible. Ridiculous. Dude, lose some weight.

While caddying for a friend in last year’s inaugural Hundred Hole Hike, I watched a handful of similarly skilled (and in some cases, unskilled) hikers overcome physical and mental challenges to complete 100 holes. And I thought…hey I could do that. No, I should do that.

I live in the West Rogers Park area of Chicago within a lob wedge of Misericordia’s main campus. Misericordia supports individuals in Chicago with developmental disabilities by maximizing their level of independence and self-determination. Put simply, Misericordia believes that people with developmental disabilities not only have a right to life, but to one worth living. Currently, Misericordia supports more than 600 children and adults in Chicago, from all backgrounds, with developmental disabilities.

www.misericordia.com

Misericordia makes my neighborhood a better place. Hacking my way around 100 holes seems like the least I can do to thank them. As a slightly overweight, 12 handicapper, it’s going to take a lot of help to complete the hike! Please consider supporting my hike and one of Chicago’s most worthy charities, using the following link:

hundredholehike.com/golfers/neil-johnston

All Golf4Beginners on Twitter readers who make a $25 pledge will receive a signed, unwashed sock of mine from the Hundred Hole Hike....just mention that you saw my blog. This is truly a one of a kind souvenir. Alternatively, if you would prefer a hearty thank you and a tax receipt, then that can also be arranged. 

Your comments are welcome on this blog, on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and Facebook...or wherever you happento see Golf for Beginners!

Golf Training Aids for the Beginner AND Serious Golfer

Golf for Beginners believes in the importance of going back to the basics in order to refresh the fundamentals of the golf swing. Most players don't have time to continually visit their teaching pro whenever they feel their swing getting "out-of-sorts" so we rely on golf training aids in order to maintain a repeatable swing.

The guest post below is written by Bruce Hubley, single-digit handicap golfer and inventor of The Slinger Golf Improvement System.

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You wouldn’t take a road trip without a map…

Yet most golfers attempt to learn a golf swing with little or no knowledge of critical golf swing fundamentals.

The pros I work with tell me that the percentage of golfers who take lessons is around six percent.  Of those six percent, about fifty percent spend more time telling the pro what they are doing wrong then listening to what the pro has to say.

That leaves around ninety-four percent of all golfers that have chosen to learn the game by watching TV, videos, DVD’s and reading magazines, etc.  

Good luck to that idea!

At this point you need to ask yourself …Are You a Social Golfer Or a Serious Golfer?

The Social Golfer plays golf to get out of the house, have fun and socialize with friends, with little regard to improving their golf game.

The Serious Golfer wants to play better and will take the time, spend the money, and make the effort to become a better golfer.  

You know which one you are.     

Okay, you’re a serious golfer.  Now what?

You have probably heard that the best way to learn a complicated body motion...and golf has plenty of them... is by repetitions…hundreds of them.

But, repetitions are only beneficial if it is done correctly, otherwise they can be counter productive ….even harmful.

So, how do you manage to make hundreds, even thousands, of correct swing repetitions without going broke at the local driving range and also be able to improve your golf swing, stay fit and “golf ready” year round, anywhere-anytime?

Pull out the Golf Training Aids

There are many golf training aids on the market, so how do you know which one(s) to try?

Portablility, the ability to use indoors, simplicity and feedback are most important when choosing a golf training device.

One excellent way to hit hundreds, even thousands, of correct repetitions is with a portable, indoor-outdoor Swing Practice System.  

The Slinger Golf Swing Practice System includes a Velcro Target and six Velcro balls and the InsideMove.  

The Target has a Velcro stripe sewn down its center. This is what you try to hit, the same as a flag on the green.   

The portable Velcro Practice Target comes with six Velcro golf balls.   Hang it on a wall at home, office, school, fire station, penthouse, anywhere.  Grab your trusty wedge, or any iron and you’re ready to take charge of your swing and finally “Get It Right”.

The InsideMove is an amazingly simple device that teaches a very counter-intuitive golf swing fundamental; how to swing “on plane” correctly.  The InsideMove is placed on the floor and aimed at the vertical stripe on the target: it is a remarkable device that teaches you how to swing “on plane” like all the great pros and is the perfect partner for the Velcro Practice Target.  

Once the nickel drops, and you understand what it take to approach impact with the ball from “inside” the target line, a very counter-intuitive move…nothing will ever be the same for you and your golf game.  It’s a true “Game Changer”.


The Slinger is our most revolutionary product.  It’s designed to be used indoors, it’s only 27” long, it fits in your luggage and goes where you go.  It doesn’t touch the ground and never impacts a ball.  It’s the perfect way to learn and master golf’s swing fundamentals.  It’s a pure training tool, and by far your most important golf club.

Now you have your own portable personal practice area that’s quick and easy to setup and use anywhere you go.  More importantly, the visual feedback of the ball trajectory will tell you if each swing was done correctly or not.  With this precise visual feedback you can self improve yourself to an excellent golf swing.


At Slinger Golf we’re all about swing fundamentals the “road map” to a winning swing. With these products you will have the knowledge, and “knowledge is power”, to become the golfer you always dreamed you could be.

You’re now a charter member of the five percent of all golfers who know what is takes to swing a golf club correctly.  Yahoo!




Bruce Hubley Bio:
Bruce Hubley was raised in San Francisco and began playing golf at the tender age of twelve at Harding Golf Course, producer of many a great player including Venturi, Miller, Archer, and Lema. 

He caddied and was Captain of his High School and College Golf Teams. Soon after retirement as General Foreman of the San Francisco Water Department, Bruce decided to approach the game as an inventor, creating a golf training system that would teach fundamentals of swing plane and proper release. 

Seven years after visualizing his product and working with professional golfers and engineers, Hubley developed the patented “Slinger” training club and formed Slingergolf, Inc. Bruce also invented the patented “InsideMove”, to address the swing plane training issue. Together with Velcro Target System, all three training aids are a complete portable, indoor-outdoor, 24/7, Swing Practice System.


Do you have questions for Bruce about The Slinger Swing Practice System? 
Bruce Hubley and SlingerGolf,com can be reached at:

Website: SlingerGolf.com
Twitter: SlingerGolf
Facebook: SlingerGolf ...and check out customer reviews of The Slinger on Amazon.com.

As always, feel free to share your comments and questions on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on our Facebook page too!


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.

Links Between #Golf and Skin Cancer-Which Tour Players Had It?

After receiving a golf press release about "Melanoma May" I realized that the probability of skin cancer during this season merited another blog which will probably sound more like a public service announcement!


Here are the latest stats about skin cancer and the necessity of athletes, especially golfers, using a serious, water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen.

 ACCORDING TO RECENT STUDIES from SkinCancer.org:

·         65% of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

·         Men over age 40 have the highest annual exposure to UV radiation.

·         The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age 50.

·         Melanoma is one of only three cancers with an increasing mortality rate for men.



WHY ARE GOLFERS AT A HIGHER RISK?

·         Getting four to six hours of sun exposure from a round of golf
·         Not wearing or reapplying sunscreen
·         Teeing off mid-morning when the sun’s rays are at their strongest
·         Having little or no shade if you stay on the fairways



GOLFERS WHO HAVE SURVIVED SKIN CANCER:

·         Fred Couples, a former golf world number one and US Masters winner, has had numerous cancerous lesions removed from his hands
·         Texan PGA player, Tom Kite
·         US Open winner, Andy North
·         English golfer, Brian Davis
Other famous people who have had a brush with skin cancer include Senator John McCain, former President Ronald Reagan, Ewan McGregor and Bob Marley.

To help prevent skin cancer, performance golf clothing is not enough! Doctors recommend applying a generous amount of water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas thirty minutes before heading outside to play any sport. Look for a sports sunscreen formula that is designed to stay put if you sweat and won’t run into the eyes and sting, like the SkinCeuticals. No, I have not tried this particular sunscreen so I cannot recommend it personally. If my readers have tried it, I would appreciate your comments below.

SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50

Bottom line is to protect yourself. 

Have a safe, healthy and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Voice your opinion on Golf for Beginners, on Twitter @Golf4Beginners or on Facebook.

Performance Golf Clothing that Keeps You Dry and Concentrating on Your Game!

Spring weather can be very fickle for golfers who play in the rain; hence golf clothing must be functional and, yes, fashionable. Designed by golfers for golfers, Galvin Green waterproofs found at Function18.com can take care of the elements allowing you to concentrate on your game.

Players are always looking for that extra performance tech "edge", whether it's in the golf clubs or training equipment, so why not utilize clothing to your advantage?

Golf clothing now has to be functional, "providing exceptional comfort, freedom of movement and protection from the elements." GORE-TEX highly breathable and waterproof Tech Fabric with stretch, tabs with easy touch and close fasteners, front and chest pockets with water-repellant zippers and even extra-abrasion resistant material if you carry your golf bag helps to turn golf clothing into necessary equipment during your round.

Every year I have the opportunity to play Bethpage Black Golf Course and every year, like clockwork, it pours for the entire 18 holes...and I am unprepared. This year, according to the weather forecast, is no exception.

I wish I would have seen the numerous accolades given to the Galvin Green line of golf clothing before I opted out this year. Today's Golfer, in their January 2012 edition, said Galvin Green was the “Best Waterproof Brand and Best Apparel Brand of the Year" with National Club Golfer (NCG) giving Galvin Green two thumbs up as "The Ultimate All-Purpose Suit."

The "Alice" (above) in the Ladies Collection is waterproof and highly breathable and the "Beyonce" shell layer is a lightweight, windproof outer garment with temperature regulation. Warm, cool and base layers will keep your body comfortable during that all-important golf tournament.


Here are a few pieces I picked out from the men's line:

Mens Galvin Green Acton GORE-TEX® Golf Jacket. A waterproof, full zip golf jacket in GORE-TEX® Paclite® stretch fabric. Extremely hard wearing and long lasting, easy to wash and maintain.

Mens Galvin Green August GORE-TEX® Paclite® Waterproof Golf Trousers. Waterproof golf trousers constructed from GORE-TEX® Paclite® Technology fabric, an ultralight fabric allows maximum breathability by releasing excess heat and moisture, whilst keeping external elements at bay. 

Check out the entire Galvin Green Golf Collection at Function18.com as well as the Masters Collection.

How do you purchase golf clothing ...with function in mind? 

Voice your opinion 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 World Tour - The Craziest Courses in the World!

No two golf courses are alike, which is the subject of this guest post from Stewart Probert. Different ways of achieving par, complex settings offering architectural and geographical choices and the types of challenges faced along the way leave a myriad of options for golf beginners through to players who want a considerable competitive edge. Enjoy this article and feel free to leave your comments below.

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About the Author: Stewart Probert from Sweetwoods Golf Club in East Sussex, is a keen golfer, traveller and writer. When not taking chunks out of his local course and/or throwing clubs into the trees, he can usually be found reading and writing about sports, anywhere that anyone will let him!

One of the things that makes golf unique amongst most sports is the fact that no two courses are ever the same, making every round of golf a potentially new experience. But with thousands of golf courses around the world, it takes something that little bit special to stand out from the crowd and entice players from all around the world. These are a few of those courses who have gone above (way above - literally in some cases!) and beyond to provide anyone gracing their greens with a truly unforgettable experience.

Legend Golf and Safari Resort

 Legend Golf & Safari Resort, South Africa

The Legend Golf & Safari Resort it most famously known for the “Extreme 19th’ - a par 3 hole that begins 400m above the Africa-shaped green on Hanglip Mountain, and requires a helicopter just to reach it! Numerous notable figures have come to play the Extreme 19th, including celebrities and well known professional golfers, although it’s notorious difficulty means that making par is something of a feat. The Legend Resort even keeps a “Leaderboard” of lowest scores for the hole on their website, peppered with a few names you’ll recognize.

There is much more to the resort than its 19th hole however: the 18 holes that make up the ‘Signature Course’ have been designed by 18 of the world’s top golfers including Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia. Meanwhile there is also the tribute course - a 10 hole stroll through golfing history that features the best par 3 holes from courses around the world including Pine Valley, Augusta and the Old Course at St Andrews. It’s like a whistle-stop golf world tour!


La Paz Golf Club, Bolivia

Elevation is a vital ingredient when it comes to a good golf course, but when that course is already 3,318 metres above sea level, perhaps it isn’t that important. The La Paz Golf Club is the world’s highest golf course, and as a result you’ll notice that those balls travel that little bit farther - or maybe you just perform better when thousands of metres above the sea?

Coeur d’Elene Resort

The Coeur d’Elene Resort, Idaho

Many golf courses are known for their treacherous water hazards, but the 14th hole at the Coeur d’Elene Resort is unlike anything you’ll have had to negotiate, as this hole has a floating green in the middle of Lake Coeur d’Elene.

The moveable floating island green is currently the only one of its kind in the world.

While getting on to the green may be difficult, at least you won’t be faced with a dilemma about whether you should take the easy or difficult route. Although landing your ball on the green might be tricky, you can get there yourself quite simply at least with a short boat ride. 

Le Touessrok, Mauritius

Imagine playing golf in the lush surroundings of a tropical island and you’ll begin to imagine what Le Touessrok is like. Just a couple of hundred metres out from Mauritius, the course is surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and an abundance of plant life. If there’s any course on earth where you’re going to be coaxed into enough of a tranquil, content state of happiness by your surrounding scenery that you’ll forgive yourself for missing a 2 foot-putt that ordinarily would send you into a club-throwing tantrum,  this would definitely have to be it.

 Tornio Golf Club, Finland/Sweden

Tornio Golf Club Finland

Have you ever hit a ball so hard and so far that it raced into another time zone? Play a round at the Tornio Golf Club (which is officially in Finland) and you’ll be able to say you have. The course straddles the border of Finland and neighbouring Sweden allowing players to blast their ball back and forwards across time zones and national borders until they feel like Marty McFly himself. Now if you’re late getting back from the clubhouse, saying that you didn’t know what time it was will be a perfectly valid excuse.

 Uummannaq, Greenland

The World Ice Golf Championships have been held annually in Greenland since 1997, but only as long as conditions have been acceptable. After all, playing golf on this extreme landscape of Uummannaq is dangerous enough as it is. If you thought trying to contend with bunkers was difficult, perhaps you should consider how you’d cope with wind chill, or just how you’re supposed to land your ball on a green that is actually white.

Golfers that have been lucky enough to play a round on this unique course have claimed that the stunning scenery is more than enough to distract you from the freezing temperatures. 

Hans Merensky, South Africa

We end our world tour where we began in South Africa, at a course that borders Kruger National Park. While fantastic scenery is guaranteed you never know what wildlife you might see, so keep your eyes peeled for giraffes, hippos and rooibokkies. 

Where to next?

So there it is, the world tour with a difference. While golf has long been thought of as a traditional and conservative game, as it becomes more mainstream and more golfers look for unique experiences, it’s likely that the number of courses offering something novel will increase. One course attempting to push the boundaries to a new, debatably insane level is the incredibly bizarre new course under construction at Mission Hills in China.

Most simply described as a giant crazy golf experience, the course aims to bring the novel charm of crazy golf with its colourful, zany obstacles to life in the form of a full 18 hole course. With proposed hole themes including a floating green in a giant bowl of soup (complete with huge noodles and chopsticks!), one hole utilising the Great Wall of China as a hazard and one with a fairway straight through some Mayan Ruins, the Mission Hills course certainly sounds like one to keep an eye on!

Mission Hills Golf "Noodles" Hole

Voice your opinion below, on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook.

Big Break Mexico Golf Channel Premiere...Arriba!

For golf fans who simply cannot live without watching a season of Big Break, the wait is finally over. The new season of BB hails from IBEROSTAR Playa Paraiso Golf and Spa Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico with a GQ factor of 10-plus. Will a budding Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam emerge from this group?

All of the personalities on Big Break this season are "lookers" with game-faces in position and resumes which almost rival rookie tour players. Early on in this show's history, Big Break offered a chance to golfers who were good amateurs with a strong game who wanted to go pro but, as I went over the bios of these young stars, many have already "been-there, done-that"...

...and BB is here to offer up a slew of prizes as well as to advance them to that next rung on the ladder of success, namely, a gig to play a pro tour event. A female winner gets invited to the 2013 Lorena Ochoa Invitational Presented by Banamex and Jalisco and, if a male wins Big Break, expect to see him competing at the Mayakoba Classic.

Many of the competitiors come with tournament experience:

Stefanie Kenoyer who, at twenty-four year old, is a full-time competitor on the Symetra Tour. McKenzie Jackson had four top-tens on the 2012 Cactus Tour.

Liebelei Lawrence who was a two-year member of the Ladies European Tour and who tied for 27th position at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters Tournament.

Each of these golfers has an "impressive golf resume" as opposed to season 2003 Big Break participants who were chosen by open audition with prerequisities of a "scratch" handicap and demonstrative proficiency with various types of shots.

Personality, of course, also had to be "engaging" to the viewer as Jay Kossoff, 2003 Senior Producer of Golf Channel, once said, "positively or negatively"... which still applies for all television shows. And yes, a good story still sells; Jason Seymour's story should bring a tear to your eye.

That being said, take a gander at the cast of Golf Channel's Big Break Mexico and make sure you tweet your thoughts during the season using the hashtag #BigBreak to @Golf4Beginners.