February 28, 2010
It’s funny sometimes how things in life seem to complete a full circle reaching some sort of deserved gratification which got me thinking about the pros and cons (excuse the pun….intended!) of playing golf tournaments for most of your adult career. Case in point being the illustrious, if not somewhat eccentric, professional of one of golf’s most determined, yet gracious players, Phil Mickelson. Strangely, Phil who plays golf as a “lefty” otherwise carries on with all other activities in life as a right handed person. He was also the first left handed player to ever win a US Amateur title. He learned to play golf with his left hand by standing opposite his father and mimicking his swing. He turned pro in 1992 after his graduation from Arizona State. Mickelson went on to win many PGA tournaments including the Byron Nelson Golf Classic and the World Series of Golf in 1996 which was to begin a flood of success which continues to today.
Phil, who is no stranger to California Golf Courses, in particular Pebble Beach, having won the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in 1998, returned this year to attempt to take the trophy back but was pipped at the post by Dustin Johnson who finished 16 under to quench Phil’s -11 challenge. According to his website readers, who have released an unofficial 2010 PGA schedule, he is due to play in Pebble beach again in June where he will compete for the prestigious U.S. Open Championship title. He may find this years competition a little tricky on the Arnold Palmer course because it has been primed with some new enhancements in order to make the contest more of a battle. Pebble Beach Golf Links official website enlightens us by quoting the following:
“In preparation, Pebble Beach has unveiled a number of course enhancements, all under the direction of legendary champion and course designer Arnold Palmer. Pebble Beach Golf Links has recently been strengthened to enhance player appreciation, heighten the challenge and exceed guest and championship expectations.”
This will be the fifth time that the resort has hosted this event and the feeling I get from the build up to this spectacular is that both the players and spectators are in for a sweet treat. Phil, who in the past was like many golfers has had his share of injuries inflicted by the rigorous strain the game can put on both the body and mind looks to be in good shape for this years schedule. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. On the negative side, a little scandal seems to have erupted at the beginning of this year concerning the use of an illegal wedge. Fellow PGA Tour professional Scott McCarron accused him of “cheating” for using the Ping Eye 2 wedge, a club featuring squared grooves that have been banned as of January 1. Despite this controversy, I believe that Phil will go on to surprise his fans yet again and show his rivals exactly what he is made of by putting up a square challenge and taking home a good fistful of accolades to boot.
December 14, 2009
Sponsor Tiger Woods is a new campaign to win back popularity for one of the greatest golf legends ever.
Tiger has had a tough time with bad publicity in recent days and we feel it is time for him to take his crown back. Let us rally support for this great man and let all those who wish to help Tiger support the Sponsor Tiger Campaign.
We here wish to virtually sponsor Tiger’s “five o’clock shadow” look.
December 2, 2009
As I was having breakfast this morning I began to think about what it would be like to be a famous golfer like Tiger Woods. It’s funny how when one imagines such things our minds seem to travel in the direction of the U.S. and we often fail to remember the abundance of talent we possess on this side of the globe. Then I started to focus on each country in Europe and it suddenly struck me how many high class golfers have come out of Spain. We tend to receive so much hyped media from across the pond which focuses on American talent but, in reality, the European base of professional golfers is actually quite immense.
“To give yourself the best possible chance of playing to your potential, you must prepare for every eventuality. That means practice.”
These words of wisdom come from Spain’s Seve Ballesteros who is without a doubt one of the best golfers the world has ever known. He was also an excellent character to watch because of the high emotion he expressed towards his game and the passion for winning he displayed in tournament play. His skillful shooting has often been described as some of the highest quality plays the game has ever experienced. Seve has played golf since the age of 3 and it was a mixture of natural skill and pure determination that took him to the uppermost ranks of the game. He will be remembered as a legend in his home land.
José María Olazábal is also no slacker in terms of big contributions to the golf scene and in fact holds the world record for the putt completed over the longest distances when he made a shot which travelled the full length of a Concorde cabin (27 seconds). The plane was travelling at 1270 MPH affording him a total ball distance of just over 9 miles.
“I was just lucky enough to be born in the middle of a golf course. Before the course was built, that was a farm.”
And let’s not forget the highly talented Sergio García whose prowess has terrified and overshadowed some of Americas finest players. Sergio also began the game at the age of three and became famous for the “waggle” (gripping and releasing the shaft multiple times like it was a wet slippery fish) which he displays in the build up to a shot. Unfortunately, this often frustrated spectators who would sometimes yell for him to hurry up and “take the damn shot!” He also dated the famous tennis player Martina Hingis but remains a very wealthy bachelor with a passion for fast sports cars.
“My swing works for me, so why should I change it? I prefer to have a natural swing and play well rather than a perfect swing and not be able to play good.”
Spain is also a perfect paradise if you are thinking of a European golf vacation. They have some of the finest resorts in Europe one of which is the famous “La Manga Resort” which flaunts top class pampering with cutting edge, pristine golf courses. The region consists of three main golf courses. The South course, which had a revamp by the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, is a tricky yet fair round of golf and definitely a memorable one. The North course, which is somewhat more difficult due to the “trick shots” which are often necessary, is more for the adventurous player. And the West course, which although possesses many par 3 holes making it more leisurely, also has very narrow fairways demanding more conservative tee shots. This resort is well worth checking as both the Spanish weather and hospitality must be experienced to be believed. Did I mention that the accommodation is top class? Combine that with top class 24 hour beach entertainment (including bars, restaurants and clubs) and you have a holiday to be remembered. Bienvenidos!
September 24, 2009
Blarney Golf Resort in County Cork Ireland is the next Irish Golf Resort I’d like to focus on and this is a total contrast to the previous two golf course reviews which I have done due to a couple of factors. Firstly, Lahinch and Adare are more traditional clubs with a long history giving them more of a social foothold and secondly, they are primarily established golf club resorts with no real desire to expand or diversify into other markets. Blarney Golf Resort on the other hand is a totally different kettle of fish!
This relatively new project is the brainchild of two local businessmen who decided to transform a 160 acre area of raw farmland into what has become an internationally famous course which continues to build up a loyal following from year to year. The golf course which was co-designed by the “big hitter” John Daly (winner of many majors and one of the most loved characters in Golf) and is his first venture in Europe is a magnificent course containing some fantastically challenging holes. The course meanders through the wild countryside panorama which is sure to both delight both your love for the game and your passion for beauty. Blarney Golf Resort is also known for it’s immaculately well kept greens which are always a delight for any golfer. Despite donning a sophisticated facade this golf paradise is extremely child friendly in it’s approach to family golf.
What most distinguishes this resort from the more traditional clubs is the fact that the four star hotel which is nearby also has the ultra-modern conference and meeting facilities making it the perfect gathering place for international business events. Choices of accommodation include either luxury bedrooms in the hotel or private 2 bedroom lodges of equally high standard. Blarney Golf Resort is a true example of how a dreams can become reality with proper planning and true Irish dedication. It also helps when such a project is drawn up by two people who are already themselves very successful business people. It is a suburb location both for international company outings and serious business meetings alike. After golf relaxation is made even more comfy by the luxury “Lions Den Bar” which is also which is home to a high class a la carte gourmet resturant.
There are many activities available in the area including shopping in the modern stores of Cork City and of course no visit to Blarney would be complete without a visit to the famous Blarney Stone (which is only a stones throw away…forgive the pun) and is supposed to endow all who kiss it with “gift of the gab”. (the ability to speak without breathing)
All in all I can highly recommend Blarney Golf Resort and you can rest assured you will be pampered throughout your stay!
August 28, 2009
Another of my most favorite courses which I played as a young man is Lahinch Golf Course. Lahinch is located on two miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean beach directly on the coast in County Clare, Ireland. This magnificent seaside links course has often been referred to as the “Irish St.Andrews” because of its close proximity to the local village and the fact that it doesn’t separate itself from the adjacent community like some other courses do. One of the main attractions of Lahinch Golf Course And Leisure Hotel for golfers is the constantly changing weather conditions (mainly wind direction) due to its being so close to the sea.
There are two golf courses here, the Old Course (6950 Yards) and the Castle Course (5556 Yards), I particularly prefer the Castle Course because of the superior view that it offers. Lahinch Golf Course attracts visitors from all over the world so once they have experienced the friendliness of both the club and the local folks they can’t wait to return for another visit.
The course is particularly famous in Ireland because it hosts the oldest provincial tournament in the country, “The South of Ireland Championship”. The event has been held here since 1895 and the locals are very proud to have hosted this tournament for so many years. Both of the courses (Old and Castle) offer immense challenge to golf players of all levels and some say that unless you have played this course that your golf education is incomplete. The clubhouse which is always maintained in top condition has an excellent view of the courses early tees and offers guests excellent facilities including their pristine restaurant and bar.
Adjoining the course is the finest hotel in town which proudly displays 4 stars and they are well deserved. The 144 bedroom hotel which also overlooks the beach offers visitors some fantastic services including a 17 meter swimming pool, steam room, jacuzzi, gym and an amazing outdoor hot tub where you can spoil yourself after a competitive round of golf. The hotel also offers local activities in conjunction with the surf club, cruise/boat trips and guided tours through areas of historical interest. This area in General is great for families or singles and one of the best experiences I had there was a boat trip to see dolphins jumping which was definitely a life changing experience. Of course lazing on the beach is also an option or why not check out the harbor where the fisherman sell fresh fish delicacies. Or if you are feeling frisky then walking the long beach may be your cup of tea.
Two of Ireland’s most famous wonders “Cliffs of Moher” and “The Burren” lie only a few miles away by car but are well worth a visit. Of course if you prefer the quiet life then perhaps a pint of Guinness and a chat with the locals in one of the many local village bars would be more up your street.
For more info about the area click this link : Lahinch Failte
July 26, 2009
Being really honest, I am a bit biased when it comes to this Golf Course, as I have deep rooted, fond memories of being here ever since I learned to play the game. You see, Adare Golf Club (situated on the grounds of the prestigious Adare Manor Hotel And Golf Resort) is much more than a place to go for a casual round of Golf; it is in fact a place of living history. The 18 hole championship golf course was designed by an Englishman Robert Trent Jones Snr. (Jones’ courses are noted for their artistic landscaping, innovative use of bunkers, liberal use of water hazards, and deft placement of greens and hazards that encourage a high level of strategy. He believed that golf should be a no risk; no reward sport and his designs encouraged daring play. This course is considered to be one of his finest creations) and was home of the Irish Open Golf Championship in 2008 & 2009.
Ever since my teenage years, when I used to caddy for my father when he played tournaments, I have been fascinated by this course for so many reasons that I hardly know where to begin. But the most vivid memory, even after all these years, is the fact that no matter what the weather was like, I always felt at one with nature whenever I walked the plush green paths of this magnificent course.
Adare, which has earned the coveted title of “The Prettiest Village In Ireland”, is located in the South West approx. 20 minutes from Limerick city and 40 minutes from Shannon Airport making it easily accessible. Shannon is an international hub airport so reaching it from anywhere in the world is an effortless task. Car Rental from the airport is covered by multiple well-known agencies (Avis, Hertz, Sixt etc.) whose staff will undoubtedly treat you to a loving spoonful of genuine Irish hospitality.
The Desmond Castle (1200 ad) is a magnificent backdrop to the 1st and 15th greens, while the ruins of the Franciscan Abbey (1464 ad) dominate the centre of the course.
This beautiful parkland course is sprinkled with lush mature trees and aquatic features created by the intricate interweaving of the magical river Maigue through this beautiful, well-maintained Avalon-like Golf course. No matter how challenging a shot may be one finds that the astounding beauty of this landscape seems to induce a calm feeling over any golfer who strolls her fairways. The atmosphere conjures up images of days long gone and the feeling of being surrounded by something powerfully ancient.
Having said that; the courses facilities are among the best and most modern available anywhere. The club restaurant provides a top class menu although pre-booking is highly advisable. For such a “once in a lifetime experience” facility, the green fee prices are ridiculously reasonable and if you don’t feel like lugging your clubs around, there are high quality sets available to hire at the clubhouse.
After enjoying your round of Golf you will be pleased to learn that the pampering has only just begun. The five star Adare Manor Hotel which is only a three minute walk from the last green has every facility imaginable including several gourmet restaurants, The Treatment Rooms (for relaxing the body and soul) and lively entertainment in the hotels elegant bars. The rooms are naturally exquisite which is exactly what one should expect from a hotel of this caliber.
I cannot recommend this resort highly enough but in order to truly experience the magic of this location one must actually partake of its magnificence. It is something that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
For more information on Adare you can check out the village’s website.
April 14, 2009
The lifespan of a golf club is really hard whenever you sit down to think ponder it. They’re pitilessly pitched about in the rear of golf carts, lugged about with trivial consideration as to their welfare, and then savagely employed to slap golf balls about for a few hours. Subsequently, after a couple of years of that treatment, they’re tossed aside and disposed of for the more newfangled clubs with improved swing ability and a complete range of the fresh characteristics. Enduring that much abuse of golf-clubs, it simply appears right that you at the least fit them out a little and assist them to endure improved performance. And whilst you are there, your upstanding efforts may simply make matters slightly improve for you and your game of golf. Continue reading to discover a few of the accessories you are able to purchase so as to handle your golf clubs properly and extend their lifetimes amidst numerous additional factors.
When you do not yet possess a correct golf-club bag, you had better be ashamed. That is the primary point (outside of talent and golf-clubs) which establishes or destroys a golf player. Whenever you’ve got every one of your golf-clubs in a single coordinated position that’s simple to get at at whichever time you require them, you are able to be certain to forever get the proper golf-club for the situation that the game demands. An advantageously orchestrated golf bag could nearly be a lot more convenient than a golf caddy, because you are going to be intimate with it and capable of rapid club changesas required. You are able to at the same time discover golf-bags with additional pouches which are really convenient for stashing away the remainder of your golf game supplements.
A correct cleanup outfit is going to do marvels in extending the existence of your golf-clubs. Whilst you’re out on the course playing golf, your golf-clubs are going to get green smirches on them form the grass and plants, they are going to become muddied from striking the earth (you recognize that it occurs at the least a couple of times during each round), and likely become marked up from the odd bunker shots. Whenever you’ve got the correct cleanup provisions to bring your golf-club to the “just bought” condition as soon as it becomes soiled. That might just be by merely taking a piece of cloth and a cleaning solution, or a small automatic washer which is often found on stands at most bigger golf game equipment stores.
Whenever you are not completely happy concerning the grips of your golf-clubs, you could just renew them. Perhaps they slid out of your grip as you swung the club and dunked an senior golf player into a lake, or perhaps they simply cause your hands to become painful through sustained use. Whatever the reason, it is conceivable to dismantle your golf-clubs of their former grips, and renew them with totally fresh grips. You are able to get the fresh ones in just about every golf-club pro shop or online where you are able to place an order for really particular details. More effective golf club grips are able to better a great deal concerning your golf game, among them the force of the shot which you are able to play.
Although golf-clubs are a crucial leverage, particulars to stretch the existence of your golf-clubs are just as significant. You’ve invested a lot of cash through purchasing your golf-clubs, and you wish to do the utmost that you are able to to make certain that your investment doesn’t get wasted. It doesn’t matter if this is something to cause your golf game to improve drastically or something to guard your golf-clubs from the oft harsh weather conditions, it is going to surely be meriting of the cash you invest.
February 6, 2009
Supplements To individualize Your Golf Bag
A golf bag replete with golf-clubs could simply be a golfer’s most esteemed belonging. Huge sums of cash could be alloted into the make up of a golf bag, therefore you ought to maintain the contents as secure and as valued as you potentially are able to. Whenever you initially acquire your golf bag and golf-clubs, you need to arrange everything you are able to to individualize them and establish them your possessions. That is going to conduce to intimacy with your golf-clubs and thus greater effectiveness whenever you’re on the course enjoying a game of golf. It is going to at the same time afford you a genuine feeling of possession. Hitherto I am going to talk about a few of the supplements you are able to purchase for your golf bag so as to step-up its pleasing attractiveness or its utility and performance.
Through positioning each one of your golf-clubs into the golf bag, it’s extremely improbable that you’ve got no room left in it. There is going to be more space in the respective storage areas and pouches which beautify the exterior of the golf bag. You had better not forget to fill these up too. Alternatively, pack them with whatsoever you might be able to use for your round of golf. Place an additional container of energy drink in one of the pouches for whenever you become thirsty. Place a pack of band aids in a different pouch in case anything ought to occur. You had better at the same time add every one of the perceptible alternatives whenever you did not already – golf balls in great numbers, golf tees, and whatsoever additional things you regularly employ while playing a round of golf.
As soon as you possess each one of the pragmatic supplements for golf bags twhich you are going to need, you are able to begin to assume the more amusing†knickknack things. There’s no deficit of items you are able to clip on to your golf club, if it is to acquire laughter from your acquaintances or just to prompt you of anything which you may forget. Small lavish key ring similar things may be clipped on at numerous stages all over the golf bag. That may be a little cloth packed golf ball, or any kind of goofy statuette. Whenever there’s anything which takes your fancy, it ought to spring to mind directly. You should not need to over exert yourself to dream up anything to adorn your golf bag.
Whenever you need a simple method to distinguish your golf bag, you are able to get your surname clipped on to it in some way. That may be in the way of any kind of fancywork stitching (if you’ve got a girlfriend, life partner, or little girl who stitches as a spare-time activity? Perhaps it is time to request a helping hand) or merely a few doodles with a leather writing knife or burnet/etcher. It isn’t important the way you acquire it, only it is really crucial that you allow some indicant that the golf bag belongs to you in case it ever becomes misplaced on the golf course. Whenever an individual makes out your name and brings back your very dear golf-clubs, you are going to be extra happy that you placed your name on the golf bag. (I personally just use my 3 initials…i.e. S.F.T)
There’s no boundary to the methods that you are able to employ to individualize your golf bag with supplements. Nevertheless, the keyword here is “individualizeâ€. Whenever you’re adopting every one of your concepts from articles you discovered on the World Wide Web, then that is not really individual, am I right? Everything I am able to do is pass on you a couple of tips to get you going in the correct way, and from there you are able to determine on what precisely specifies you as a human being and what the items which will assist you whilst you enjoy a fun round of golf.
February 3, 2009
Golf Swing
The golf swing is likely among the most thwarting characters of the sport of golf. Folks are perpetually altering their swing to acquire greater length or to adjust troubles such as slicing or hooking. Actually, when you examine it, the golf swing is simply an issue of mechanism and arranging your torso movements collectively properly to be reproducible. Although long time golfers acknowledge this is simpler to talk about than to do. What are the fundamentals of an effective golf swing?
* Your posture needs be approximately shoulder joint breadth separated and your feet ought to be aiming somewhat outward – although not excessively!
* Allow your limbs to fall loosly along your torso and position the golf club behind the golf ball. Whenever your shoulder joints hunch over or you’ve got stress in your limbs, you’re likely overly near to the ball. Keep your distance a bit behind the ball.
* Direct approximately seventy percent of your physical structure mass on your support leg.
* Square up your backbone and allow a little buckling of the knee joints.
* Maintain eye contact with the golf ball all the time and at every step of your swing.
* Clench the golf club as though you’re gripping a little, frail baby chicken. You need to hold the chick in your grip, although you do not wish to strangle it at the same time. That is the way you need grasp your golf club.
* An effective golf swing is going to be a fluent, simple movement with your shoulder joints releasing somewhat in the back swing and a full following through to finish your swing.
* Make certain you maintain a solid footing and decelerate in your back swing. The majority of troubles concerning any golf swing are stimulated by swinging extremely rapidly in the backward swing and consequently not speeding up going through the ball.
* You are going to need to make contact with the golf ball in the “sweet spot†or the middle of the golf club. Striking it anywhere other than that is going to make your golf ball to go on paths which you genuinely do not wish it to travel on.
* After that grasp it and whack it!
It could assist you if you book a few sessions with your pro on the golf swing or also examine the formula the professionals execute on TV. There are multiple texts which circulate on the World Wide Web which are able to assist you with your golf swing, therefore be forever on the look out for data and acquire as many tips as you are able to get your hands on.
Training to swing a golf club requires many many hours of rehearsal as any zealous golf player will testify. There are “a zillion†steps to memorize and they have to be synchronized precisely the correct techniques at precisely the correct time to a possess a decent, reproducible golf swing. Occasionally this simply does not occur, although when it happens, it definitely is a fantastic experience!
January 4, 2009
World Golf Tour Dominates Console Rivals
Having been ill for the past month I have had the chance to test out the fantastic new online golf game from the folks at “World Golf Tour” (http://www.wgt.com)
Being a huge Golf fan (thus the blog) I have played all the console golf games in existance but so far none stand up to the experience of World Golf Tour.
Admittedly, I was overawed by the graphics, sound and dashboard to start with but it only took me a few minutes to set up my profile and play my first match. The scenery is so realistic down to the last shadow.
I felt like I was actually on the course which is something I find that the console golf games somehow don’t manage to achieve. A lot of the controls though are similar to what you may have experienced in other golf games except for the “power” button (the amount of oomph! you want to give the shot) and the “club choice” (which club you would like to play for which shot)Â which took a little to get used to but I now find them way more practical than the options provided by the competition.
World Golf Tour has also stepped up the excitement level in comparison to their rivals by offering real time tournaments which one can play for free or for a modest fee. It costs absolutely nothing to sign up (and play which was a relief from other companies that advertize free games only to find out after signing up that you have to purchase credits.) and you can play as often as you like.
But be careful because World Golf Tour is highly addictive due to it’s realistic feel and it will be hard to pull your self away from the screen. Another added bonus is that since you are playing real people online it will give you the chance to do some networking and make new friends in other countries. If this doesn’t lead to new business partners it will definitely offer the possibility of having a golf vacation in another land and the chance to share your passion for golf with other enthuastists around the world.
I highly recommend giving this game a shot! (excuse the pun!)
It’s free to register so you have nothing to lose and a world of new possibilitiesto gain.
