Tuesday, July 11, 2017

You Need To Know This Before Buying a Golf Cart

Are you in the market for a golf cart? Perhaps you live in a community by the beach and don't want to get into a car every time you need milk or want to take the dog to the park or, just maybe, you play golf!

If you have been thinking about purchasing a golf cart, you have come to the right place.

In a previous article, Golf for Beginners offered basic knowledge of golf carts - gas vs. electric, whether you should buy a new or used cart as well as consideration of use. In this blog, we look at accessories and technology available in golf carts. Between these two articles, you should be able to make a qualified decision as to which golf cart works best for your needs.

Wheels and Lift:

If you are going over rough terrain (rocks, small hills) then you should probably purchase a lifted cart with bigger wheels. Those small wheeled carts used at courses are for use over grassy terrain and would probably bottom out or sink into muck and mire when put to the test.

my golf cart

Electric Golf Carts vs Gas Carts

Many people opt for gas carts over electric ones because:
- you can travel longer distances
- electric cart batteries need maintenance and must be replaced over time which costs around $700 for a complete set.

The Latest Golf Cart Technology

BATTERIES: The golf cart battery market is exploding!

The dirty, heavy and "always needing maintenance" batteries are becoming a thing of the past.  Old golf cart batteries are now being replaced with Lithium cells, the same type of power source used in appliances. Not only will golf cart energy in the future be safer (goodbye acid), the cart will be lighter (only three needed), stay charged for longer periods and make changing batteries an easy do-it-yourself project.

Although it is currently cost prohibitive for most people to switch to lithium golf cart batteries, the price will eventually fall into a reasonable range (think about the way flat screen TV's used to cost $10,000 and look at what you can pick one up for in today's market!)


GPS and other golf cart "necessities":

- As the golf cart market grows due to urbanization, the latest research shows that technology will be added to make carts more functional...like adding GPS (you could use your smartphone but an in-dash display is much cooler).

- If you are used to the old golf cart bench seat and have a bad back, Club Car now offers ergonomic seating as an option.

- Custom Kits distinguish your cart from the average one which tools along the fairways. Carbon fiber upgrades your cart's look and gives your dash pizzazz!

- Sound system: Don't just whistle a happy tune on your ride, amp up the sound in your golf cart with custom audio. Yes, you can even get a system like this Kicker with LED lights but, unless you have an extra $800+ to spend, it's better to keep your eyes on the road.


New, used, gas, electric, purpose, and technology will all determine your golf cart purchase. Although it could get costly, consider how much and where you will be using your cart; take the time to do research on brands and models before making a final decision.



Have questions? Ask me in the comments section of this Golf for Beginners blog; I bought one! Tweet me @Golf4Beginners.

Monday, July 03, 2017

We Wish You a Joyful Independence Day - USA! USA!

While searching the web for Independence Day golf deals, I couldn't help but notice the inspirational spirit which resides in our Country. From colorful, flag-draped golf carts to argyle socks displaying the red-white and blue, we're gearing up for another fantastic remembrance day.

In addition to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Independence Day also happens to be my Mom's birthday so the spirit of this country runs deep within my family lineage. I feel joyful to be a patriotic citizen of this great nation and proudly chant USA! USA! with all of my brethren this July 4th while watching the breathtaking fireworks displays.

I have the day free to do as I will and that includes a round of golf, followed by a party with friends.

In honor of this great day, I have published a few awesome photos which, I feel, depict our nation's proud heritage. I have placed the link below these photos but, if you see a picture and want it removed or you would like for us to add more photos here, please send me an email: golfforbeginners@aol.com.


https://www.pinterest.com/vtmargaret/4th-of-july-themed-golf-carts/?lp=true

https://www.1757golfclub.com/garys-blog/memorial-weekend




God Bless the United States of America...the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Whatever you choose to do on this Independence Day, whether it's trying out new golf technology at the course, bbq'ing with neighbors or laying out on the couch, remember our heroes.

Friday, June 30, 2017

Why Autograph Hounds Seek Out Jordan Spieth

Golf autographs have become big business in the world of memorabilia. From Masters flags to golf shirts, the field is wide open for a sig seeker to snag a possible future greats' name to turn over for a hefty profit.

Jordan Spieth, one of golf's young rising stars, as well as past heroes, can command big bucks for their names.

Kids usually get first dibs on signatures from the golfers and, according to a Golfworld article, tweens and teens are, surprisingly, in it for the $$$, even more so than adults. According to Sportsmemorabilia.com, a 2015 Masters flag with Jordan Spieth's name penned legibly can fetch more than $4,000. Illegibly, the same Spieth signature is valued at just under $1,500, still a hefty sum.

There are two takeaways from this type of autograph hunting - one positive, as assessed by Arnold Palmer, and another more biting sentiment from Brooks Koepka; guess who had the more positive take on the sig seekers?

Palmer said of pushy autograph hounds, that these guys have to make a living, too, going so far as to ensure his name was legible on all memorabilia and to mail out his autograph to fans' homes, costing him a small fortune, according to this insightful article.

What does Koepka think about pushy autograph seekers? For kids, no problem but for adults...probably not so nice, stating to one fan, "Because I'm not making your money today." Too harsh? Probably. Gone are the days of decorum that made Arnold the memorable superstar he is today.

Jordan Spieth's take on penning his name? No problem...most of the time... but kids get first dibs (maybe he should read the article in this blog). Spieth said, "I'm not appreciative of people who travel to benefit off other people's success, I enjoy signing, and sign for kids whenever we get the chance."

After reading this article, I have selected a few of my own golfer-signed memorabilia to see what/if it would bring me online riches.


1. Camilo Villegas autographed RBZ hat. I found a Cobra autographed hat signed by "Spiderman Villegas" but the price was only $29.99...this hat stays on my wall.

2. Keegan Bradley signed golf glove.

Although the golf glove I have is in a Srixon envelope, the glove Bradley signed on a Callaway glove is only fetching $69.99 on Ebay. Yet another memory to grace my collection.


3. Jordan Spieth BobbleHead Doll in the box from the ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am - $80 and up to mid $100's but I am hopeful that his illustrious career will allow for an upward trend...not that I'm selling...

I also have a golf ball given to me by Annika Sorenstam which says, "Annika Rules" but it is only marked, not signed. Signed "Annika" golf balls fetch about $100 so, we ladies have some work to do in order to catch up with our male counterparts.




4. 2006 U.S. Open Hat signed by several well-known golfers including Ian Poulter (who drew a green for me) and Fred Funk. I found a similar hat online which is currently on the block for $180.








I have not gone out of my way to seek out autographs for my collection...these items were gifted through various means. Which golfer's autograph have you gotten...and how? Tag @Golf4Beginners on Twitter with a photo and comment below on this Golf for Beginners blog.


Friday, June 23, 2017

What's News in Golf Technology?

Whether it's new or improved, today's golf technology is designed to enhance your game and your viewing experience. Below is a sampling of some of the new tech available today to golfers and how you can use it to your advantage.

1. Go, Go, Go! Can your golf ball fly even farther? Scientists are working with new polymers for the inside of the golf ball and scratch-resistant polyurethane exteriors. Amateurs may one day see their drives easily fly 300 yards - but, what's the fun in that?

2. Before I started taking lessons at the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center, I never heard of FocusBand, a "thought-sensing" neurofeedback headband to help determine how you "feel" before, during and after you hit the ball.

You know the Bobby Jones quote, "Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course - the distance between your ears,"...well, science has come up with a way to make sure that the mental game does not impede the physical one.

How focused am I? I will be reviewing this technology shortly and will let you know my levels of focus and tension but, suffice it to say, reading brainwaves to improve your golf game is certainly the "wave" of the future!

3. Callaway leading the technology wave? Callaway certainly has been in the news recently, from the release of their Callaway GPS watch which can count steps, Golf for Beginnerscalories, GPS and more for a variety of sports, to their new Epic irons which are said to remove standard limitations to enhance maximum performance.   https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikmatuszewski/2017/05/23/callaway-golfs-epic-year-gets-even-better-with-new-irons-several-years-in-the-making/#778ccaad103e

4. Although Pro Tracer is not necessarily breakthrough golf technology, it has improved the viewing experience for fans of the game. This U.S. Open received accurate shot-tracking graphics for all eighteen holes along with Toptracer technology which allowed for, "live ball trace over video." How could this design be suited for the average golfer? I am sure someone is already working on it.


5. Now you can play Pebble Beach for real! Okay, maybe not for real but HD Golf states about their simulators, that "from a realism standpoint, it’s as real as you can get — short of getting a tee time at Pebble Beach." HD Golf says they use a geophysical scan, high-res images, and drone footage.

I have played Pebble Beach and would like to see if this simulator really makes me feel like I am standing on that 7th tee box, wind blowing in my face, heart pumping to land that golf ball safely on the green.

What new golf technology can you add to this list that makes you go WOW? Place your comments into our Golf for Beginners blog below and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

What Can Video Analysis Do for Your Golf Swing?

Scenario: Inconsistency once again rears its ugly head in your golf swing and you chunk, thin it and watch as your shots fly off in all directions. You think this anomaly will solve itself over time but it only gets worse.

What is the first step to a cure? A video analysis of your golf swing!

Yes, I am guilty of not taking regular golf instruction to keep me on track but, after a recent lesson at the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center in Myrtle Beach, I realize that my swing won't fix itself.

Instructors like Dale Ketola are awesome without using technology to guide them, but their skills are amplified with software such as V1.

The software can show a hitch or improper plane angle with front or side views, allowing the teacher to give you the proper method of solving the issue(s). The student also benefits because he or she gets to watch the swing over and over again, with analysis from the teacher.

In my previous blog, my video golf lesson using my irons showed that not only was my head in front of the ball but I was turning my body to look at the target, thus pulling my shots. Dale offered me an easy fix which I have been working on at the driving range.

Next was an analysis of my driver swing which, I am happy to report, is excellent and right on plane!

Even though I swing my driver well, Dale offered me a tip or two to improve my position even further (watch the video below for golf tips of view Rate My Golf Driver Swing on Youtube.com).


 

Don't forget the importance of having a driver fit correctly for your golf swing - if you visit the Myrtle Beach area, ask Dale for help with this as well!

Do you regularly take golf lessons? Let us know the benefits you received below, on this golf blog, and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Thursday, June 08, 2017

Why You Need an Instructor to Video Your Golf Swing

Stacy Solomon golf swing
Have you been pushing/pulling/chunking your golf shots?

Are you out of sync?

If you are nodding your head in agreement, and, if you are starting a list with your own issues, the next question comes as no surprise...

When was the last time you took a lesson from a qualified professional golf instructor?

Chances are you can't remember but, if you can, you probably came away with a much stronger game. I know I did!

I knew something was amiss with my golf swing; although my ball contact is good, my shots were inconsistent - left, right, left, right...I was playing military golf!

With the latest golf technology at their fingertips, PGA Instructors can identify, show you your flaws and help you to correct them. You will also be able to view the lesson online afterward so, when you hit the driving range, you will remember what you need to practice.

I recently received a lesson from Dale Ketola, PGA, Director of Instruction at the brand, new Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center. Dale has all of the latest technology and my mouth was watering just thinking about using that V1 Software, Flightscope...Focus Band...

Below is a video of my golf swing using an 8-iron. I will place the swing video using my driver in next week's blog but, suffice it to say, Dale had only good things to say about it.

If you cannot view my golf swing video on this blog, click here: IRON SWING 1:
https://youtu.be/hN_0Ab_0Ow8



I was able to view my swing and Dale compared me with Paula Creamer (and with a similar outfit!) showed me what I was doing wrong and how to correct it right on the screen.

If you are guilty of relying on your husband (or buddies) at the driving range to help when you have a problem, "Hey, take a look at me and see what I'm doing wrong", stop NOW and take one of these lessons!

I am currently working on correcting these flaws which have quietly crept into my golf swing:

1. Head in front of the ball.
2. Open stance - Turning my body to look at my target.

After my lesson with Dale, Barry and I played nine holes at Myrtlewood Pinehills golf course and, guess what! I scored nine shots lower than the previous week...and without even having a chance to practice what I learned!

Thanks to Dale Ketola and the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center for the instruction. After I practice eradicating the swing flaws shown to me, I will be back for another lesson. I hope to try the Focus Band which can tell me my emotional state while I am striking the ball - that should turn up all kinds of issues!

Contact Dale Ketola at the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center: 
EMAIL: Dale.Ketola@foundersgolf.com
PHONE: 843-833-3332

Do your golf lessons include visualization with the V1 Software? What other technology do you use to help eradicate swing flaws? Tell us below on our Golf for Beginners blog and tag on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.