Couple one alluring island with serenity and unparalleled golf and what do you have? St. Lucia, one of the most charming sport resorts you will ever visit.
Nestled in the Eastern Caribbean Sea just south of Martinique, St. Lucia has earned its reputation as an all-inclusive haven for romantics who want to experience the exotic temptation of drive-through volcanoes, magnificent waterfalls and fantastic sandy beaches.
Golf lovers look forward to taking on eighteen holes at the St. Lucia Golf Resort and Country Club which overlooks both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Writer Tim McDonald stated about the golf course that there are "sloping fairways and greens to make you wish you hadn't had that last rum punch at closing time last night."
You can also play a challenging nine holes at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa. Both offer interesting layouts and stunning vistas and add to the fun while on vacation.
After viewing the natural beauty out on the golf course, why not try a refreshing, 'aahhh' moment at a spa so you will be ready to take on the sights of this sparkling island oasis.
A drive along the one main road which encircles St. Lucia "reaches dizzying heights" according to Fodor's Travel Guide but the sights you will encounter along the route will make the trip well worth the effort.
A few attractions which you should not miss are the Public Market in Castries, delightful for people-watching and, navigating along the twisty East Coast Road, the Rain Forest is a "must-see" for nature lovers. The Aerial Tram Adventure will provide a safe birds-eye view of the lush scenery.
Rodney Bay is the trendy hot spot for restaurants and night life and you will get a kick out of the "jump-ups", street parties filled with reggae revelry and the freshest of seafood.
St. Lucia is a great vacation destination in which to rejuvenate the senses, decompress from the everyday and improve your outlook on life.
Have you vacationed in St. Lucia? Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and in the comments section of our Golf for Beginners blog.
Credit: Cruise-dude.com, International Property Directory
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
Ten Golf Swing Tips for a Female Golf Beginner - Men You Too Can Benefit!
Golf blog courtesy of Melinda Bailey, 9 & Dine Women’s Golf Apparel.
Golf tips are easy to acquire. All you have to do is shank a few balls at the local driving range, and some overly tanned guy in bermuda shorts is going to come over with his unwanted tips. Hopefully, the following ten swing tips will keep the local heroes tending to their own problems while you're smacking the ball out of sight.
What Are You Looking At?
Hopefully, the ball. Do not let your head and eyes move up to watch the flight of the ball. You will have to wait until the end of your swing. Otherwise, the ball may stay well within your peripheral vision after your swing.
Forty Five Degrees Of Niceness
Many people rear their club straight back as though they are about hoe potatoes. Try bringing your club back at a 45-degree angle. This will help maximize the power you derive from your hips. Many female golfers attempt to pull their golf clubs back further for more power, which often sacrifices accuracy and form.
Let's Not Do the Twist
Speaking of hips, on your approach, try turning your right toe in by about 20 degrees. This will help stop your hips from turning with your arms and shoulders on your backswing.
Slice, Slice, Baby
It's amazing how many people don't know where the face of the club should...face. You want the face to be pointed in the direction you want the ball to go. Then, grip the club accordingly so the face stays pointed in the intended direction through the entire swing.
What's Your Grip?
All of the power that your hips and shoulders generate during the golf swing will transfer through your hands when the club hits the ball. If your grip is compromised, you will lose a great deal of power in the transference. Your left hand should be especially tight. Have it turned so that at least two knuckles are visible.
The Clap
The number of people who do not know where to position their arms when they approach the ball is as incalculable as the 20% tip. Approach the golf ball with your club. Drop your club and let your arms hang natural in your stance. If you can clap your hands with comfort, that is the position your arms should maintain for your swing.
Left-Right
On your backswing, you want your left shoulder to swing or pivot so that it aligns with your right leg. As a female golfer you can practice this by holding a club across their chest and twisting their upper torso until the head of the club aligns with their right leg.
Try Easier
In golf, it seems the harder you try, the harder it is to play well. Don't try so hard. The harder you try to hit the ball, the worse your shot will be. Let go and let the club do the driving. You just provide the means.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
The Practice Swing
Melinda
Bailey is an avid golfer and editor of the 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!
Golf tips are easy to acquire. All you have to do is shank a few balls at the local driving range, and some overly tanned guy in bermuda shorts is going to come over with his unwanted tips. Hopefully, the following ten swing tips will keep the local heroes tending to their own problems while you're smacking the ball out of sight.
What Are You Looking At?
Hopefully, the ball. Do not let your head and eyes move up to watch the flight of the ball. You will have to wait until the end of your swing. Otherwise, the ball may stay well within your peripheral vision after your swing.
Forty Five Degrees Of Niceness
Many people rear their club straight back as though they are about hoe potatoes. Try bringing your club back at a 45-degree angle. This will help maximize the power you derive from your hips. Many female golfers attempt to pull their golf clubs back further for more power, which often sacrifices accuracy and form.
Let's Not Do the Twist
Speaking of hips, on your approach, try turning your right toe in by about 20 degrees. This will help stop your hips from turning with your arms and shoulders on your backswing.
Slice, Slice, Baby
It's amazing how many people don't know where the face of the club should...face. You want the face to be pointed in the direction you want the ball to go. Then, grip the club accordingly so the face stays pointed in the intended direction through the entire swing.
What's Your Grip?
All of the power that your hips and shoulders generate during the golf swing will transfer through your hands when the club hits the ball. If your grip is compromised, you will lose a great deal of power in the transference. Your left hand should be especially tight. Have it turned so that at least two knuckles are visible.
The Clap
The number of people who do not know where to position their arms when they approach the ball is as incalculable as the 20% tip. Approach the golf ball with your club. Drop your club and let your arms hang natural in your stance. If you can clap your hands with comfort, that is the position your arms should maintain for your swing.
Left-Right
On your backswing, you want your left shoulder to swing or pivot so that it aligns with your right leg. As a female golfer you can practice this by holding a club across their chest and twisting their upper torso until the head of the club aligns with their right leg.
Try Easier
In golf, it seems the harder you try, the harder it is to play well. Don't try so hard. The harder you try to hit the ball, the worse your shot will be. Let go and let the club do the driving. You just provide the means.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
Don't just stand there! The longer you
stand still looking at that ball, the more your mind is going to yip up when
you finally swing. Try to develop what is called a waggle. Use some sort of
pre-swing body motion before you put the club in motion.
The Practice Swing
How many times have you wished for a
Mulligan? The practice swing gives you just that. It helps you adjust your
mechanics and swing away your yips before you actually swing upon the ball. Not only does it prepare your body
physically, but mentally as well. Just a
few practice strokes can get your blood moving, meaning better thinking and
preparation for the mind to execute the swing.
These tips are not meant for you to try
all at once. Adjust and tweak your golf swing accordingly. Often, a beginning golfer will find just the
right tip that their swing needs. There are a million voices in your head
before you swing. Choose a couple of these golf swing tips, and it may help to
silence some of that madness.
--
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Labels:
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Tuesday, October 08, 2013
Waterproof Golf Clothing from FootJoy Delivers Style and Performance
Any golfer who has played on rain-soaked public golf courses dappled with muddy puddles (as I often do) knows the name FootJoy to be some of the driest shoes on the market. Now, Footjoy takes a step forward with men's and women's golf clothing that not only performs well but looks great too.
Did you know that FootJoy has been in the golf shoe business since 1857, that the company was once owned by General Mills and that, in 1927, FootJoy was the official shoe of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team captained by Walter Hagan? It is this history which has taken FootJoy to the level of achievement for which it is now famous.
Dedicated to comfort, performance and the highest level of innovation, great FootJoy waterproofs have validated their place in a burgeoning golf marketplace filled with challengers.
When you shop FootJoy clothing at Function 18, a specialist golf apparel website, the catalog of performance golf clothing makes it easy to determine your specific needs on the course, from the latest Hydrolite fabric, the lightest rainwear ever constructed by FJ, to Tour XP rain jackets.
The FootJoy Hydrolite Short Sleeve Rain Shirt is a great example of the convergence of both fashion and function. "Constructed from a lightweight 2.5 layer fabric that is stretchable and breathable", this garment is waterproof to 20,000mm so, when your opponents are soaked to the bone and not concentrating on their game, you will remain focused and dry.
The FootJoy Hydrolite Short Sleeve Rain Shirt is a great example of the convergence of both fashion and function. "Constructed from a lightweight 2.5 layer fabric that is stretchable and breathable", this garment is waterproof to 20,000mm so, when your opponents are soaked to the bone and not concentrating on their game, you will remain focused and dry.
For full range of motion on colder days on the golf course, FootJoy Golf DryJoys Tour XP Rain Jacket has you covered.
A three-layered bonded fabric, four-way stretch shell and breathable waterproof layer accomplishes the necessities of playing golf in dreadful conditions while the fashion-forward design makes you look tres chic!
A three-layered bonded fabric, four-way stretch shell and breathable waterproof layer accomplishes the necessities of playing golf in dreadful conditions while the fashion-forward design makes you look tres chic!
For a spring shower, look no further than the FootJoy Golf DryJoys Light SS Rain Shirt with its 100% waterproof shell, short sleeves and ease of movement.
Golfers need to feel comfortable and look good while on the course. The importance of performance, style and function cannot be glossed over. With FootJoy waterproof golf clothing, you get a long-standing tradition of quality for the money.
Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners, LIKE Golf for Beginners on Facebook and comment on Golf for Beginners blog.
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.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Golf Leagues Made Easy
By Billy
Condon
One of the
critical issues the game of golf is facing right now is growth. With the
potential for rounds to take upwards of five to six hours, as well as the
intimidation and uneasiness beginner golfers may face when trying to learn the
game, golfers are spending less time at the course.
One solution
to get new golfers engaged and to get existing players on the course more is through golf
leagues.
Golf leagues
are great for growing the game because they can be made up of golfers of all
ages and abilities and can range from social weekday evening 9-hole leagues to
ultra-competitive 18-hole leagues. Whether they’re played over 9 or 18 holes, Match Play or Stableford, leagues can be found at public courses, private
country clubs, and gated communities around the world.
However, golf
leagues face their own challenges; primarily, the amount of time a league
manager or golf professional needs to dedicate to organizing the weekly draws, emailing and posting notices and calculating results, standings, payouts and
more.
That’s where GolfLeagueGenius.com
comes into play. GolfLeagueGenius minimizes the time it takes to complete these
tasks with its automated pairings, robust tournament library, and other
innovative web-based features.
Brenda
Gagnier, the manager for the Kingsville Ladies 18 Hole league in Windsor,
Ontario, has seen increased efficiency with GolfLeagueGenius. “Before
GolfLeagueGenius, it took me two and a half hours to set up our league each
week. I now only spend 15 to 20 minutes” says Gagnier.
Kingsville is
one of the hundreds of amateur and professional leagues across North America
that is using the software created by Golf Genius Software, to run their
leagues and provide a first-class tournament atmosphere to their golfers.
Amateur golf leagues aren’t the only groups reaping the benefits.
GolfLeagueGenius.com was named the official scoring software of the PGA of
Canada and has also been in use by First Tee chapters across the United States
as well as the Golf Association of Philadelphia for the pilot year of the GAP
League Play initiative.
GolfLeagueGenius
features the broadest library of tournament formats in the industry. Leagues
can play numerous tournaments within a single event as well as tournaments over
multiple rounds. The pairings feature is designed to pair by custom parameters
and season-long scheduling can be completed instantly.
PGA
apprentice and assistant professional Lawrence Moses runs multiples golf
leagues in the Baltimore area, and was looking for a product that would enable
him the opportunity to grow and enhance his leagues. “GolfLeagueGenius allowed
me the confidence to attempt the difficult formats of play. I added a new
league [this season] that uses USGA handicaps, plays four different courses
from four different tees, runs three different weekly games, and tracks ringers
for each course played. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without
GolfLeagueGenius.”
In addition,
each league receives a custom website to display tee sheets, photos, message
boards and more. Real-time scores can be entered using the free
GolfLeagueGenius app for iPhone and Android, as well as via high-speed data
entry on the GolfLeagueGenius web site and live scoring can be enjoyed on the
TV display for on-site viewing, or the real-time leaderboard for personal
viewing on PCs, iPads, iPhones and Androids.
“GolfLeagueGenius
was a HUGE success at our event! It was a real game-changer to have a live
leaderboard keeping track of the action. One guy had six birdies and it was
awesome to know there was a guy sprinting out ahead that we needed to catch,”
says League Manager Colin Callahan of the Front Range Golf Club that plays in
Denver.
Golf leagues
help grow the game through the game’s core values: fun and camaraderie...and
also provide the opportunity to raise an occasional pint with friends!
For more information, visit www.GolfLeagueGenius.com.
For more information, visit www.GolfLeagueGenius.com.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
How to Walk Off the First Tee With Your Dignity
Guest Golf Blog by Colby Johannson, Founder of Quite The Chap: simple GolfInstruction by a simple man.
Sweaty palms.
Racing heart. Light-headedness. Butterflies. We’ve all felt them, we’ve all
succumbed to them, but we’ve also had our moments of overcoming them. How can
you do it on a regular basis?
Teddy Greenstein wrote in the Chicago Tribune that Hale Irwin forced Lanny Wadkins to hit
the opening drive off the first tee after
they had already planned that Irwin would hit the shot. This didn’t happen just
once but twice. Once at Royal Lytham & St. Annes and again at Kiawah Island
in 1991, where Irwin told Wadkins…
No one is immune
to the first tee nerves, not even the pros, and with the Presidents Cup fast
approaching it’s a hot topic for the likes of Jordan Spieth.
But how do you
overcome angst and walk off golf’s first tee with a shred of dignity?
Warm up and get
specific.
The first tee is
where most of the negative golf self-talk starts and so begins an avalanche of
torment. “Don’t hit it in the trees, don’t duff it, oh god- so and so is watching”
and on and on.
Before we’ve
even teed off, we’ve convinced our mind and our body that this will
potentially, probably, absolutely, be a terrible shot.
And then it
becomes our reality.
I’m going to
give you two things, just two, that you can use to combat this debilitating
problem.
Number One - Warm Up!
Whether or not
you get to hit balls on the driving range, you should warm up in some form or fashion.
If you don’t
have time to hit a warm-up bucket or there is no range at the golf course you’re
playing:
- Swing two clubs right handed and then left handed. This will loosen up your entire back and shoulders.
- Touch your toes (or at least try to) to fully stretch your back.
- Stretch side to side with your hands over head.
- Lastly, make circles with your arms to warm up your shoulders.
If you do have
time to hit balls, go through your regular routine on the range; warm up with
your wedges and work your way up to your driver.
Now here’s where
you need to pay special attention. Erik Horve, a Golf Channel Swingfix
Instructor & Contributor wrote a great article on the necessary preparation
for getting off the first tee.
Erik explains that at the end of your warm-up session
you should take out the golf club that you are preparing to tee off with and hit two
shots as if you are teeing off on the first hole.
I would take it
a step further.
When you’re
finished your warm-up session, take out the club you plan to tee off with. Stand
behind the ball and visualize yourself hitting the ideal drive.
See your perfect
swing, see the flight of the ball, and see where it lands, all as if you are
standing on the first tee.
Then stand up
and hit it. Do this three times in total, visualizing the ideal shot before
hitting your ball.
Now not only are
you physically warmed up, you are mentally prepared as well. To top it all off,
you’ve hit six ideal drives (three in your mind) and hopefully another three on
the range (physically).
Number Two - Get Specific!
You’ve warmed up
in one-way or another, you’re mentally prepared, and now you’re standing on the
first tee.
What do you do
now?
You start by controlling
your breathing. Deep breaths in and out will help calm you and it will also get
some much-needed oxygen to your brain and muscles.
Visualize your
tee shot again, just like you did on the range, seeing the flight of the ball
and where it will land in the fairway.
Now is the time to get specific. Pick a spot, blade of grass, or divot 12
inches in front of your ball in line with the specific spot you want the ball
to land in the fairway.
Line up to the
spot twelve inches in front of you. It’s a lot easier than your target 200-300
yards away.
Now that you’ve
visualized your swing, the flight path of your ball, where it’s going to land
in the fairway, and you’re lined up properly, think of nothing else but where your golf ball is going to end up down the
fairway.
If you focus on visualizing the shot and
then on the specificity of the shot, you won’t have time to think about what
could go wrong.
In summary, the
best way to get off the first tee with your dignity is to prepare, mentally
& physically, then get specific about what it is that you want to
execute.
Read more informative golf tips by Colby Johannson on his Quite The Chap Blog.
You can follow him on Twitter @quitethechap or Facebook.
Photo Credit: Greg
Cooper- USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: J.D.
Cuban- Golf Digest
As always, Voice Your Opinions on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and LIKE US on Facebook.
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