So Tiger Woods has finally gotten to you and now you want to learn how to play golf.  You don’t want to be a professional, you just don’t want to embarrass yourself when you are out on the course.  Eventually you will have to take lessons from a PGA teaching professional but to get started it may not be a bad idea to look into online golf lessons.  The internet has made everything more accessible and that includes online golf lessons so why not take advantage of it?  Do a search on the internet and find a site that seems good to you and get started.

Remember though that all you want to do is get familiar with the golf swing and you do not want an online golf lesson to get too far into it.  In other words you do not want to pay for more lessons than you will benefit from.  As I said before you will have to go to a living PGA professional at some point because golf can only be really learned hands on.  But a few online golf lessons can help you learn the proper grip and get you accustomed to the swing and there is nothing wrong with that.

Online Video Games Can Be Useful

What you want to do is get involved with the online games that offer a variety of courses for you to choose from so you can get to see what different situations look like at least on a computer screen. Any good instructor will tell you that in golf you are not competing against the other players but rather you are competing against the course. Believe it or not you can get great online golf lessons from any of the free golf games offered online and even with some of the ones that can cost you.  What you want to do is get involved with the online games that offer a variety of courses for you to choose from so you can get to see what different situations look like at least on a computer screen. Managing a course just means learning what shots to play in what situations and how to anticipate what to do in various situations.  It takes a while but video games can help. If you can learn to manage a course then you can learn to score better.

Getting your introduction to the golf swing through online golf lessons is not a bad idea at all.  You get to go at your own pace and you get to see everything you will need to get started.  Just remember that you are still going to need to see a pro because golf is definitely a game a machine cannot teach you.

Find out more about Online Golf Lessons at my blog http://www.golfing-tips-exposed.com. Also check out the GetLocalHelp.com site for information about Local Golfing Resources.

The best way to ensure that your frugal golfing dollars go a longer distance is to think about taking a golf course job. No doubt, the pay is on the low side (especially for part time jobs), but the benefits that accrue to those that take a golf course job are so many and varied that you will not mind the low salaries earned. If you are also an avid golfer then taking any kind of golf course job is sure to be an advantage and so it will certainly pay to consider some of the benefits that will accrue to anyone taking a golf course job.

Differecnt Course

In fact, benefits accruing from a golf course job will differ from course to course though many courses actually provide liberal perks to people working there. The single biggest perk that a golf course job offers is that you get a chance to play golf for free and so you can use the greens without paying a penny and even use carts without having to pay a dime. Of course, some courses (especially high end ones) might restrict on your ability to play for free; but, on the whole this is certainly the biggest benefit that you will get when working at a golf course.

Secondly, a golf course job will allow you certain privileges at the driving range which means that you can practice your golf swing till your arms refuse to allow you to lift another golf club. Another perk that comes from taking a golf course job is that you can get lessons from the pros at discounted cost or even for free. The fact of the matter is that many pros have idle time on their hands and so will be willing to accommodate you in their free time and not charge you a penny for the privilege.

Other benefits to taking a golf course job include getting discounts at the Pro Shop as well as at the snack bar and restaurants. You can in fact, buy equipment, clothes and eats and drinks at reduced prices.

What makes one golf course stand out and be more successful is the care and thought that went into the golf course’s construction. There are many factors that need to be addressed before constructing a golf course including location and acreage as well as architect.

The bottom line with taking up a golf course job is that you will need to work for between six and twelve hours and perform tasks as varied as being a cart attendant, starter, driving range attendant and even a pro-shop attendant.

For more information about golf please visit my Eagle Valley Golf Course Website

Golf News November 16th, 2008

Daly show to make it a memorable Masters

FORMER US PGA and British Open champion John Daly has been given a late invite to next week’s 30th anniversary Australian Masters - but will he remember his one previous visit to Melbourne’s Huntingdale layout?

Daly, who is playing this week’s Hong Kong Open, which is co-sanctioned by the Asian and European tours, contacted Masters organisers at the weekend seeking a start at the tournament.

IMG Australasian vice-president David Rollo said yesterday: “I had no hesitation in giving John a sponsor invite. He is a major winner and will add to our field.”

Daly has expressed an interest in joining the European Tour, which started its 2009 schedule with last week’s Singapore Open, and is looking for a swift start in the Race to Dubai, the Tour’s season-long, $US10 million ($15.5m) competition which concludes with the Dubai World Championship next November.

“I’ve enjoyed all my previous trips to Australia,” Daly said in a statement.

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Golf Clubs

Jeev breaks into top 50

Jeev Milkha Singh is back among the elites again with the latest world golf rankings putting the Indian pro on the 46th place after his sensational triumph at the Singapore Open.

Jeev claimed a thrilling one-stroke victory over multiple Major winners Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els at the Singapore Open on the Asian Tour at Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong course on Sunday.

The Chandigarh-pro went to the last hole with a one stroke lead and his par was enough for the win as Harrington and Els missed good birdie chances on the 18th.

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Golf Swing Tips

Woods-Obama parallel includes some pitfalls
Racial breakthroughs don’t always bring progress.

Orin Starn

is a cultural anthropology professor at Duke University

It’s not that far-fetched to argue that Tiger Woods’ popularity helped pave the way for Barack Obama’s smashing victory. That legions of golfing white businessmen already idolized Woods may well have made it less of a stretch for them and others to imagine a black man as the country’s president.

For that matter, Woods, much like Obama, presents himself as something of a “post-racial” figure, crossing old color lines by virtue of his mixed ancestry.

But whether or not Woods helped some vote for Obama, the superstar golfer’s effect on his sport offers a cautionary lesson about the effect of an Obama presidency: There’s no necessary correlation between the feel-good symbolism of a racial breakthrough and actual, on-the-ground progress toward a race-blind America.

Many observers predicted that Woods’ example would revolutionize the sociology of golf. They thought many more minority kids would be encouraged to take up the old Scottish pastime, and that the sport would shed its ugly racial past once and for all. (The Professional Golfers’ Association Tour had a Caucasians-only clause until 1961.)

The golf establishment promotes its youth-golf programs with “Kumbaya”-style TV ads showing smiling inner-city kids, as if the game had indeed put the messy matters of race and money in the rearview mirror.

Adult Golf Lessons

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The majority of cheap Volvik Crystal golf balls that are being sold on the market today will generally have no more than a single layer which means that such balls are only suitable for practice rather than for actual play. It is also possible to find cheap Volvik Crystal golf ballss that are actually no better than reconditioned golf balls and the reconditioning of such balls in fact involves nothing more than simply cleaning the balls that happen to sport famous brand names and which are then sold to people who don’t want to spend a lot of money to practice their golf swings.

Two Covers

A high quality golf ball comes with two cover and usually a refurbished golf ball is the one in which the top cover has being replaced. The main fact is that the top cover is usually removable and can be replaced with a brand new cover that is made from a tough resin.

However, it is also possible to purchase a cheap Volvik Crystal golf balls that is in fact a ball that has lost its color or has some scratches on the surface. Some of the really cheap Volvik Crystal golf balls can even be bought just for use in shag bags. There are also still other types of cheap Volvik Crystal golf balls that are being sold only to help people practice at a driving range.

Of course, such cheap Volvik Crystal golf balls will not give you much distance and they will also not give good direction. The primary purpose is to help practice your swing rather than achieve distance and direction. The difference is golf balls that cheap only beacuase they are being sold at discounted prices.

There are several reasons why you will find discounted cheap Volvik Crystal golf balls these are sold due to the need of replacing the outdated golf balls with the newer lines. This is in fact probably the right time to buy your golf balls at low cost since the reduction in price will be quite considerable. Sports shops, when they order in new stocks of golf balls, they will be ready to sell you cheap Volvik Crystal golf balls in order to get rid of the old stock.

For an avid golfer that has a collection of golf balls that hold sentimental value one of the biggest concerns for them is how to show off their collection of golf balls. For them it is necessary to find a prominent place in their home for their golf ball display to ensure that they and their friends, co-golf players and family can cherish fond memories for a long time to come.

One of the best places to buy a cheap Volvik Crystal golf balls is eBay where there are different brands being sold a low cost and which will provide you with a good collection of golf balls which are cheap only because they have been reconditioned or their quality is not as good as other more expensive golf balls.

For more information about golf balls please visit Eagle Valley Golf

Golf News November 15th, 2008

Stanford Leads Lorena Ochoa Invitational

Angela Stanford shot a 6-under 66 on Friday in the second round of the Lorena Ochoa Invitational to take a two-stroke lead over LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng.

Stanford had a 10-under 134 total on the Guadalajara Country Club course. Tseng, No. 2 in the world behind Ochoa, shot her second straight 68. Ochoa followed her opening 73 with a 71 on her home course, leaving her 10 strokes back.

Meena Lee (69) was 6 under, and Karen Stupples (71) was 5 under. Annika Sorenstam (72), leaving the tour at the end of the season, was 4 under in group that included Juli Inkster (69) and Seon Hwa Lee (72).

Golf News

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ELS EASES INTO LEAD

Ernie Els took over at the top of the leaderboard after finishing his first round at the Barclays Singapore Open this morning with two birdies in his final three holes.

The South African trailed clubhouse leader Lam Chih Bing of Singapore by one stroke with four holes to play when darkness ended play at Sentosa Golf Club yesterday evening with half of the field yet to complete their opening rounds.

The ‘Big Easy’ spurned an opportunity to draw level with Lam on four under when he missed a birdie putt on the 15th with his first stroke of the day.

But birdies at the 16th and 18th saw Els card a five-under-par 66 as he moved into first place in the US dollars 5million Asian Tour event.

“I’m pleased with that,” said Els. “I putted nicely and hit the ball okay.

“It’s not an easy course. If you miss shots, you’ll pay the price. I felt comfortable with the swing and I’m pretty pleased with the start.

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Golf Swing Lessons

Golf pushes today for spot in 2016 Olympics

GENEVA | Leaders of several sports, including golf, will present their cases today to the International Olympic Committee, hoping for inclusion in the 2016 Summer Games.

Besides golf, officials from baseball, softball, karate, roller sports, rugby and squash also will meet the 16-member program commission, which will deliver an influential report to the IOC’s top decision- making body before the vote by IOC members in October.

The IOC will field 28 sports at the 2016 Olympics, allowing two sports to be added.

Each sport has a one-hour slot, with baseball making the first pitch in the closed-door presentations in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The case for golf, last played at the Olympics in 1904, will be presented by the International Golf Federation. It’s led by PGA executive Ty Votaw and Peter Dawson of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland.

Golf Practice

Golf News November 14th, 2008

golf news

British Open to move to ESPN

All four rounds of the British Open will air live on ESPN starting in 2010.

ESPN and the tournament’s organizer, Royal & Ancient Golf, agreed to an eight-year contract, they announced Thursday. The deal also includes digital coverage and expanded rights for ESPN International.

Same-day highlights will air on ESPN’s broadcast partner, ABC, over the weekend. Through the 2009 event, British Open coverage is split between TNT and ABC.

“It is all important to The R&A that we preserve the traditions of The Open Championship while at the same time ensuring that golf fans are able to enjoy modern state-of-the-art coverage of the event,” chief executive Peter Dawson said.

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Lorena Ochoa

Ochoa Shoots 73 In Hometown Tournament

Lorena Ochoa struggled Thursday in the first round in her own Lorena Ochoa Invitational, shooting a 1-over 73 on her home course to drop five strokes behind Annika Sorenstam and the other leaders.

“I can’t say I’m happy because I’m not, but I’m feel like I can get closer. I hope to do it tomorrow,” said Ochoa, who took up the game 21 years ago at Guadalajara Country Club. “It’s a good pressure to play here, to feel the good vibes, and the love of my fans. I feel motivated because I know that we have three more days to play.”

LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng, No. 2 in the world behind Ochoa and ahead of Sorenstam, topped the leaderboard at 68 along with Sorenstam, Angela Stanford, Karen Stupples, Seon Hwa Lee, Nicole Castrale, Hee-Won Han and Brittany Lang.

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No. 2 Garcia now aims at major win, Tiger

Sergio Garcia’s playoff victory over Oliver Wilson in the HSBC Champions gave the Spaniard a career-high No. 2 world ranking.

He also has some unfinished business after passing Phil Mickelson in the rankings – winning his first major and, even more difficult, challenging Tiger Woods for No. 1.

“I think my next goal is trying to win a major,” Garcia said Monday after making a 7-foot birdie on the second playoff hole – the par-5 18th – after Wilson missed a 10-footer. “Well, we’ve been trying for quite a while.

“Attacking No. 1 probably depends a little bit on how much he takes off and if I keep playing well,” Garcia added. “It’s possible, mainly because he’s been injured. … I’ve never been this close to No. 1, so it’s exciting to be there.”

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golf dvd

Golf News November 12th, 2008

One win puts Love at 20 and into Hall of Fame light

So much for that notion the Fall Series on the PGA Tour is meaningless.

On the surface, Davis Love III winning at Disney might have looked that way.

He scrambled for pars on the last two holes to hold off a rookie (Tommy Gainey) who was 228th on the money list, wears two gloves and looks like he’s trying to kill a snake every time he swings. When it was over, Love posed with a bronze trophy of Mickey Mouse playing golf (just think of the white elephant gift nobody will take off your hands).

But that one victory was enough to change the perception of Love.

Timing is everything.

He won the final event of a season in which Love struggled to return from a devastating ankle injury last October that kept him out of golf for four months, out of the Masters and off another Ryder Cup team. And his victory came one day before the induction ceremony for the World Golf Hall of Fame.

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Golf Clubs

PGA chips in more cash

The PGA Tour released its schedule for the 2009 regular season yesterday, with 25 tournaments featuring purses of at least $6 million US and a newly configured “Texas swing” of three events in the spring.

Still to be determined are details on a revamped FedEx Cup, and whether to take a week off before the Tour Championship.

Once that it is decided, the Tour said it would release the rest of its Fall Series schedule.

By announcing the majority of the schedule, the Tour put to rest speculation that some tournaments might be in jeopardy because of the economy. The title sponsors are under contract at least through 2010, and most of them have slight increases in prize money built into their agreements.

Among those that kept prize money the same were the FBR Open and Travelers Championship, both at $6 million.

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Golf Swing Lessons

Garcia Wins The Vardon Trophy

With the PGA Tour season officially over, it’s now official: Sergio Garcia has won the Vardon Trophy, the first European-born winner since 1937 to have the lowest adjusted scoring average.

Garcia played 72 rounds with an adjusted average of 69.12, overtaking Phil Mickelson (69.17) at the Tour Championship. Anthony Kim finished third at 69.28.

The last European-born winner was Harry “Lighthorse” Cooper in 1937, the first year of the award when it was based on points. Tiger Woods was not eligible because it requires 60 rounds, and Woods only played 25 before he was injured.

Padraig Harrington wrapped up the points-based PGA player of the year award after winning the PGA Championship, which came with a 50-point bonus for winning two majors in one year. Harrington, who also won the British Open, finished with 116 points to finish ahead of Woods, who had 78 points in six events.

An architect among 6 inducted to golf Hall of Fame

Pete Dye, who designed more than 120 courses with risk-and-reward options that brought pleasure to some and frustration to most, was among six people inducted Monday night into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The 2008 class featured an amateur, an architect and an author, along with three major champions.

Craig Wood was the only player elected through the PGA Tour ballot. Wood, the first player to win the Masters and U.S. Open in the same year and the first to lose all four majors in extra holes, received the minimum 65 percent of the vote.

Three-time major champion Denny Shute and Bob Charles, the first left-hander to win a major, got in through the Veteran’s category.

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Break 80 Golf

Golf News Part 2 | November 10th, 2008

Golf Cart

This golfing gear keeps you out of the rough

It’s always golf season somewhere, so these goodies will always have a place in your bag:

1: This “Spectator” argyle vest is a golf fashion classic. $138 at www.peppermintpalm.com.

2: Golf belt by Ame & Lulu has space to carry three tees. $30 at www.ameandlulu.com.

3: Adidas women’s Torsion Euro II golf shoes have a two-year waterproof warranty. $110 at www.golfshoesplus.com.

4: Kali hybrid head cover and bamboo pink absorbent towel. $14.99 each at Golf Galaxy stores or www.golfgalaxy.com.

5: If you can’t wait for the 19th hole, take along the Lolita Purse Party, a four-ounce flask and a one-ounce martini glass. $29.95 at www.jurgeninc.com.

Crystal Announces Its First-Ever Asia Golf Itinerary

Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is expanding its “Experiences of Discovery” Golf theme cruises into Asia, giving golf enthusiasts the rare opportunity to play at four world-renowned courses in Thailand and Vietnam. Guests will be able to sharpen their skills on board and ashore with instruction from a guest celebrity golfer and PGA golf pro. Crystal Symphony’s 11-day itinerary from Hong Kong to Singapore offers a roster of onboard lectures, clinics, contests and events, including the chance to win a free Crystal cruise.

Every detail of the Crystal Golf Program is arranged in six-star fashion, from onboard practice with TaylorMade equipment — the No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour — to cocktails, caddy and cart service on the greens. Complimentary cleaning and storage of golf clubs and golf shoes will be offered after each round.

Courses include:
* Vietnam Golf & Country Club, Ho Chi Minh City — The country’s first
36-hole golf club, widely regarded as the premier club in Vietnam;
* Burapha Golf, Bangkok — A 36-hole championship course set amid lakes,
hills and tropical vegetation;
* Laem Chabang International Country Club, Bangkok — Three distinct
nines: The Lakes, Mountain and Valley courses, each offering its
one-of-kind challenges, and
* Montgomerie, Da Nang, Vietnam — Asia’s first “Montgomerie”
branded golf set against the Marble Mountains and China Beach
coast.

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Couple takes shot at golf apparel, lessons

Tyler and Kelly Kangas invested about $200,000 to open Alternate Golf Shot at 4680 Cooper Road.

Co-owner Kelly Kangas says the 3,500-square-foot business will sell golf apparel for men, women and children. The apparel as well as golf shoes run from $40 to $350.

The store also sells name-brand equipment for all ages, including golf clubs, bags, travel bags, balls, gloves, caps and more. Those items can sell for $10 to $1,200.

The store includes a golf simulator that allows a person to play a virtual 18-hole round of golf on courses from around the world, including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.

The golf simulator also can be used for game improvement, club fittings and video lessons.

Tyler Kangas, a professional golfer for 20 years, teaches 45-minute golf lessons that run $30-$55 for adults and $15-$35 for children.

Contact: 513-979-4395 or go to www.alternategolfshot.com

Golf Lesson

PGA and LPGA Professionals to offer help during PGA Free Lesson Month

People across the United States have an opportunity to improve their golf game throughout the month of May by participating in Play Golf America’s PGA Free Lesson Month.

As a part of the 11th annual event, thousands of PGA and LPGA Professionals at golf facilities across the nation will offer free, 10-minute golf lessons to new and existing golfers of all ages and skill levels. Launched in 1998 by The PGA of America and Golf Digest, PGA Free Lesson Month has provided more than 820,000 personal sessions for player development throughout the past 10 years.

Play Golf America’s PGA Free Lesson Month is designed to bring new people to the sport and help existing golfers improve their game with free instruction. Consumers can find updated lists of participating PGA and LPGA Professionals nearby by entering their zip code at PlayGolfAmerica.com.

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Golf Practice

Golf News November 10th, 2008

Golf

Garcia targets majors after Sheshan triumph

SPAIN’S Sergio Garcia won the US$5 million HSBC Champions in Shanghai yesterday to become world No. 2 and immediately targeted a victory at one of golf’s major tournaments next year.

Garcia beat Oliver Wilson with a birdie on the second hole of a playoff. The Spanish star made a 7-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th ?? the only hole used for the playoff at Sheshan Golf Club ?? after the Englishman missed a 10-footer.

The 28-year-old Spaniard overhauled American Phil Mickelson to claim the title of the best active player in the world.

“It’s awesome, it’s great, it’s something extra for the year,” he said of claiming the second ranking behind the injured world No. 1 Tiger Woods.

“I think next goal is trying to win a major,” he added. “Well, been trying for quite a while, but winning a major would be the next goal.

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Online Golf Lessons

Top 25 Nationwide Tour Players Earn PGA TOUR Cards for 2009 Season

Twenty-five Nationwide Tour
players were awarded 2009 PGA TOUR cards last night following the
Nationwide Tour Championship at TPC Craig Ranch.

Transitions Optical, Inc., the PGA TOUR’s newest official marketing
partner, hosted a celebratory toast and post-card ceremony party to honor
the players for their achievement.

“This class adds to the Nationwide Tour’s strong tradition of
transitioning players to the PGA TOUR and having a significant impact once
they get there,” said Bill Calfee, Nationwide Tour President. “With
Nationwide Tour alumni amassing 237 wins on the PGA TOUR, we look forward
to seeing one in the winner’s circle at the Transitions Championship next
spring,” he added.

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Junior Golf Tour Attracting National and International Players to North Carolina Junior Golf Tournaments. Tarheel Jr. Golf Tour Looks Like a National Junior Golf Tour.

The Tarheel Golf Foundation’s new Tarheel Junior Tour promises to be one of the most competitive in the country. With a membership list that includes multiple winners of American Junior Golf Association, AJGA, Allstars Junior Tour, Future Collegian World Tour, FCWT, National Junior Golf Club, NJGC, TGTJT, Future Masters, Callaway Junior World Championship and US Kids Golf tournaments. The tour has recieved membership requests from junior golfers from multiple states and inquiries from other countries. “We have a very stong list of members and exceptional golf courses convenently located to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Events scheduled for golf courses in Pinehurst and at several leading unversity golf courses have been drawing inquiries from international players,” stated TGF Tournament Operations Director. “Our intent and focus is to create a high value junior tour for North Carolina’s junior golfers. The fact that the tour may at times look like a national junior golf tour, or even an international junior golf tour, verifies our belief that some of the best junior golfers in the world are North Carolina boys and girls. The potential for global fields at some events enriches the experience for our local players.”

Lessons for Golf

Golf Tips and Lessons November 15th, 2008

Gate Drill can help your putting | Golf Tips

Lessons for Golf

Here is an oldie but goodie drill for putting that is making a big comeback, thanks to a company called Momentus. They make many well-made teaching aids for golfers of all abilities and ages.

This one is called the gate drill. If you don’t want to pay the $50 fee for the device itself, you can make your own for with some supplies you most likely already have.

Pictured on the left is a simple practice putting station with two golf tees and a string representing your line to the hole. On the right is the Momentus teaching aid that does the same thing.

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Gimmies take away satisfaction of making putt for birdie

Golf Lesson

You’re playing with your regular foursome and hit a great iron shot up onto the green with your ball landing only two feet from the hole.

What do most weekend players do next? They walk up and knock the ball away, giving themselves the putt either before or after their partner said, “that’s good.”

Not only did you break a rule, but you’ll never know if you actually would have made the putt.

You’ll forever lose the satisfaction of making a real birdie since you didn’t actually putt the ball in the hole.

Golfers do this everywhere, on every course, and they’re breaking the rules every time they do it.

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Golf tips from a pro

Golf

There is not much movement needed to make short putts, but we often leave the green with a sour taste because we miss one too many of them. The problem is we get so caught up in mechanics, that we forget how simple they really are.

The best way to start to make more short putts is to practice them and learn to free your mind. I’m going to give you a few drills and games that you can do to improve your putting.

* Place six tees surrounding the hole, about 2 feet from the hole. Play a putt from each spot until you can make them all in a row a couple of times. Then try to make them with your eyes closed. Listen, too. Hearing the ball going in the hole will help to build your confidence.

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Golf tips: getting the kids started

It is definitely a great idea to get your kid or kids started out in this great game early and correctly.

It teaches them so many wonderful things like self control, honor, respect, teamwork, problem solving and the list goes on, and on.

Your child does not have to be the next great thing in the game, just get them started and just watch what happens.

You do not have to go to the golf course to work on this game with kids. Keep it fun, I would suggest getting them to enjoy putting first. Any decent simulated putting green will be fine.

Once they learn some basic rules and etiquette start taking them to your nearest driving range or par-three golf course to learn the full swing and how to play the game. If you are not sure of the basics yourself, get the “summary of the rules of golf” for juniors from the USGA or PGA. Your local pro can help you. Good luck and keep it simple.