Thursday, June 12, 2014

What Dads Do to Satisfy Their Love of #Golf and Family


You have probably chuckled as Ray Romano (aka Ray Barone) was caught leaving wife and kids sadly behind as he grabbed his clubs for a round of golf. 

Or, perhaps you heard stories about golf orphaned kids crying out "daddy, please don't go" as father puts his phone on vibrate so he won't be bothered for the next five hours (or talks about the weak signal at the golf course...ahem). These stories are becoming more commonplace as leisure time shrinks.

Even Phil Mickelson caved in wearing a pager at the 1999 U.S. Open while awaiting news of the birth of his child. Okay, so Lefty wanted to be reached that day but the consensus shows that, when they're on the course, don't bother the dads!

With Father's Day being just around the corner, Golf for Beginners wanted to pay a loving homage to dear old dad (for those lucky enough to still have your pop) especially with U.S. Open Sunday falling squarely on the Big Day. 

We also wanted to prove that, even though there are many jokes made about dads and golf, the reality is that fathers love both golf and family and that the choices made are more difficult than you might think!

Fathers who work a 9-5 job rarely have the time to get out and play a round of golf except possibly on weekends which could be the reason why they feel the need to tip-toe out - family time is lost with wife and kids who already get limited moments to spend with dad.

Some dads are lucky enough to have a boy or girl whom he has introduced to the sport. 


Does this ring true with your family?

Scenario: Dad sees a possible sports lover in his son and takes Junior under his wing to teach him the game with the idea that quality time would be gained during twilight golf or on Sundays. Dad is proud as a peacock watching son out-drive him thinking he might be watching the next Bubba Watson - final score, dad, son, love.


This PGA Tour video confirms that dads who introduce their kids to golf gain lasting memories for both. From Keegan Bradley to Graeme McDowell, Tour players remember exactly when, where and how their dads acquainted them to the sport which has become both a sentimental journey and their livelihood. 

McDowell related that all his dad wanted was the U.S. Open trophy. Graeme responded, “I’m not sure I can do that for you dad but I’ll give it a shot.” McDowell went on to win the 110th U.S. Open.

Just listening to these golfers boast about memories with their dads and how and where they were introduced to the game and I believe that this tear-jerker will get you sentimental too ...heck, you're probably picking up the phone right now to say hi to your dad.



Inside the PGA Tour: Father's Day:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6y4w7PFLNg

Unfortunately, golf also comes at a high sentimental cost most of the time to the family as wife and kids lose dad to a Saturday afternoon practice session at the range and then most likely a Sunday round with his regular foursome.

Wouldn't it be nice if dads could combine their love of the game and also be accessible to the family? Although he can’t play a par-72 at home, dads can integrate practice at home and have their cake and eat it too.

Short Game Expert Golf Instructor Dave Pelz is a proponent of such a philosophy. Pelz has mentioned that “Learning the game in a comfortable, convenient setting – like your backyard – can be an incredible gift, your gift, to your kids.”

Not only does backyard golf bring brings the family together to have fun and learn together, it brings dad closer to home to practice so, when he's ready to get out there and play with his mates, his short game is accurate which makes him a hero.

So Dad can be a hero both on and off the course!


Dave Pelz practicing his short game at home on SYNLawn

“There is no better way to learn golf, than by playing games in your own backyard. Every time we see kids playing golf games in their backyard, we see golfers improving their games on the course.”

Dave Pelz, who through extensive research and testing has developed state-of-the-art SYNLawn Products which rival real turf. SYNLawn Golf and Dave Pelz are essentially helping to bring dads back to their own backyards!

Want to have it all…family close by, putting green in your own backyard? From practice putting mats to custom fairway, fringe and bunkers, dad will never want to leave home. There is a double-edge to this coin… Dad’s playing partners will probably come over to your house more often!

Send a Shout-Out to SynLawn_Golf on Twitter and Let's Hear it for Dad on @Golf4Beginners!


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Before and After Golf, Versatile Men's Outerwear

Before and after a round of golf, men who want to look their best must wear versatile articles of clothing. The best clothing in a man's closet is that which he can wear to numerous events and on multiple occasions. Men should not be held down by a lack of clothing that looks good in a variety of situations. From versatile mens blazers to classic oxford shirts, every man must compile a closet that improves his appearance every day.

Men's SHIRTS

Marriott Stripe Stretch JerseyShirts that men wear with these blazers must come in a variety of colors and these same shirts must come in a number of styles.

Some shirts are starched to appear like business attire. Other shirts are made with a much lighter fabric so that they look good with summer and spring clothing. When a shirt can be worn to work, to dinner and out for drinks, a man can look his best regardless of where he is.

Performance golf polo shirts, for example, can comfortably be worn during a round with a blazer added for dinner and drinks afterward. This Marriott Stripe Stretch Jersey, for example, easily goes from the course to the 19th hole.

Men's JACKETS

Classic Navy Wool Blazer
The jackets that men wear must look good in a business setting, but the man should also be able to look more casual in the same jacket.

If men only wear suit jackets, they will find that their attire is too formal. It is best for men to own a few jackets that will work with their trousers, suit pants and casual pants.

This Classic Navy Wool Blazer really does justice to polo or oxford shirt.

PANTS

Raleigh Washed Twill Flat Front PantThe pants that men wear must suit particular occasions, but their pants must pair well with other items as well.

The man who wears suit pants with a nice shirt to work should also be able to throw a sweater on when he heads to dinner or be able to quickly change into a polo for an afternoon back nine. When the pants look good with multiple outfits, they will look good with any outfit. The Raleigh Washed Twill Flat Front Pant is a good example of versatility and an all-around finished appearance.


The best way for a man to look good is with a versatile wardrobe. The wardrobe that a man compiles is going to present his personality to the world, but each man must have versatile clothing so his personality will shine through everywhere he goes.


"Style should never be forced. While it takes time to master your personal style, it should never look or feel like hard work is required to achieve it; if it does, you’re probably pursuing it for all the wrong reasons. The Italians have a word for this: sprezzatura, which, loosely translated, means the finely studied and highly practiced art of effortless nonchalance. Strive for that." 

Do Clothes Make the Man? Voice Your Opinion on this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.