Let’s examine an aspect of the game that I find par-ticularly fascinating:- The strong emotions associatedwith this game of golf.
Before I started becoming a fan of this game, I alwayswondered how a game that looked so bland—-and at timesdown right comatose—–that seemed to take boredom to a whole new level——could possibly have Any emotional appeal.
DID THIS GAME ACTUALLY HAVE A PULSE?!
I mean——-what could be simpler? PUT THE BALL IN THE HOLE, RIGHT?
How could that POSSIBLY produce such strong emotions (both on the green and off).
I see now that it’s NOT just about competing to be the bestagainst others, and to better your own game.
But that the game APPEARS to be so deceptively simple.Could THAT be the source of this emotional rollercoaster?
Remember when you first began? How you may have experienceddifficulty just gripping the club handle? (Or just being allowedto join the local golf club?) ;-]
But yet you still managed to “putt” the ball in the hole? (A typical case of beginner’s luck). You probably thought to yourself, “This isn’t so bad. Piece of caKE!”
But then, all the realities of what could possibly gowrong between the tee and the hole came crashing down on your head. (That your instructor was so gracious to pointout to you).
Wind direction, contour of the land, sand traps, bunkers,the rough, other players mocking you,…
That temporary NIRVANA of IGNORANT BLISS that you lived in was shattered to pieces forever at the next hole. Now instead of 4 or 5 strokes, it takes 7 or 8 strokes. Then8 or 9…
You begin to overthink everything. Something that once easily flowed…now becomes mechanical and forced. Yoursmile and upbeat attitude are gone. Now replaced with embarassment. Nervousness. Irritability.
And finally,—the dreaded FRUSTRATION sets in. TO quitseems more and more like a good idea. (I mean who needs the aggravation?)
But you don’t quit, right?The game is like an addictionto you after several weeks. There’s something deep within the subconscious of we human beings that enjoys facingdown a challenge…even if
it’s a sport.
THere’s a drive to conquer in all of us. Even to the point ofconquering our own weaknesses and seeming lack of ability.
It’s a tough battle sometimes. If you’ve ever seen a golferbreak his expensive titanium club over his knee, tie it ina knot, then toss it into the nearest water hazard,…Or screaming at the top of his lungs at a golf ball…Or trying to run his caddie over because he forgot toremove the flag in time…you know what I mean.
But the love still remains.
If you’ve ever seen a golfer drooling over a new bag of clubs in the sporting goods department of a department store…or have known yourself to pay the grounds keeper to let you play just four more holes after hours…Or remembered to bring your clubs on vacation, but left your wife standing in the drive way…you know what I mean!
The highs and lows of this game in the hearts and minds of golfers.
THIS is the emotional roller coaster I was referring to.
Going from one extreme to the next.
Can you see yourself living from day-to-day without this sport for any length of time?
Just think about that for a second…
HMMmm?
Feels like a rather BLEAK outlook doesn’t it? ;-] Hm?
This sport has been “knitted” to our souls. We practicallylive and breath it now. And are always striving to becomebetter. To knock just a few more strokes off.
Just keep punching, and that mountain’s gonna fall!
We know that true skill is a “diamond in the rough”, that can only be refined through hard work and practice.
Well…
Just keep drivin’ fellow golfer! Keep drivin’!
Copyright 2005 by Kevin D. Rolle. All rights reserved.
My name is Kevin D. Rolle (“The Golf Humor Artist”). I have a site at http://www.golf-humor-asylum.com which focuses on all the humorous and comedic aspects of golf. I am also an artist and cartoonist, and give visual meaning to golf humor through an exciting golf comic strip and commentary at my website. Thanks.
Services offered by Golf Schools need to be analyzed beforejoining it. A number of schools have mushroomed all aroundand every school claims that their school is the best. Inview of such claims, it becomes difficult for theindividuals to take a decision.
The objective of joining a Golf school is to learn the golfand become a good player if not a great player.
Swing is most important for every golfer. A more powerful,consistent golf swing is attainable for every golfer. Thelearner must know how to get more distance with all clubsand increase accuracy at the same time.
Swing Technology helps in learning the golf swing and otheraspects of the sport.
Services Offered
The learner should always focus on the services offered byGolf Schools and not on their tall claims like “We have wonMaximum number of Teacher of the Year award” or we havenationwide training schools etc. One should see and ifpossible take the opinion of somebody, who has alreadytaken training from that school. Some salient features thatmust be part of the services offered by golf school, whiledeciding the training school.
1. The class size should range between 4 to 16 students andthe teacher ratio should not be more than 4-1. However, 2-1would be ideal, if possible.
2. The coach must be an ace golfer and should haveexcellent communication skills to make the learnerunderstand the game and feel comfortable and secure.
3. The skills and the requirements must be clearlyunderstood by the coach and he
should be able to tailor itaccording to the needs of the individual. The groups ofstudents must be made according to the abilities.
4. Apart from a good coach the institute must also haveother facilities like:
i. Latest Video Analysis Equipments,
ii. Launch Monitor Technology,
iii. Swing Learning Aids,
iv. Should be able to scientifically measure a golfer’scurrent swing and pinpoint his or her weaknesses,
v. Help develop a plan for measurable improvement.
vi. The staff should know the game and should be able toteach; so all golfers get all benefits where it reallyneeds – on the golf course.
5. Last but not the least, the price. The cost of learningmust be justifiable.
Thus, one should analyze the Services offered by GolfSchools taking the points mentioned above intoconsideration, before deciding on the Golf School.
Bud Bradley is a freelance writer, working long hours at acomputer. His main relaxation is golf, and over many yearshe’s visited many golf schools in an attempt to improve hisgame. This series of articles relates his experience.
Discover valuable advice and information about golfschools – what should you look for, and what you shouldavoid. Find out how to play the best golf you can play…Click http://www.golf-schools-uncovered.com/golf-school-vacation.html
** Attn Ezine editors / Site Owners ** Feel free to reprintthis article in its entirety in your ezine or on your siteso long as you leave all links in place, do not modify thecontent and include my resource box as listed above.
GOLO GOLF GRUB
Fuel for the golfer.
“A good diet can not make an average athlete great, but a poor diet can make a great athlete average.”
-David Costill, Ball State University, Indiana
Golf is a lifetime sport that both men and women of all ages enjoy participating in. However, for the competitive golfer, it is a test of the athlete’s physical and mental endurance. While equipment and physical fitness are important to the game, a balanced diet is often the most overlooked aspect that all serious golfers must consider.
DEFINING A BALANCED DIET
For golfers, a balanced diet begins with eating at least 50% of your total caloric intake from carbohydrates such as whole grains, breads, pastas, rice, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred energy source during activity. It fuels the brain and nervous system, preserves protein while helping to burn fat. Consuming carbohydrates during activity helps maintain blood glucose levels, allowing the golfer to have improved concentration.
Protein is another important macronutrient to incorporate into the balanced diet. Have 6 to 8 ounces of protein daily, and choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, round or loin cuts of beef, beans or legumes. Protein is needed for growth and repair of muscles, and helps regulate body processes as enzymes and hormones.
Fat is the final macronutrient in the balanced diet. Fat, like carbohydrate, provides fuel for working muscles, but it is a more concentrated fuel source. Recommended fat intake is the same for athletes as for all healthy people – no more than 30% of your total calories coming from fat. This is approximately 4-5 servings of fat (based on 2000 calories). One serving of fat equals 1 teaspoon of oil or margarine, 6 nuts, or 2 teaspoons of peanut butter.
FILL UP
ON FLUIDS
Hydration is an imperative component in the successful golfers game. Consuming adequate fluids before, during and after playing golf is beneficial. Even a slight decrease in bodyweight due to dehydration can affect your performance and result in fatigue & mental dullness. Consume approximately 8 oz of fluid before tee time. While golfing consume 4-8 oz of fluid every15-20 minutes or at every hole. If celebrating with alcoholic beverages is planned at the 19th hole, alternate fluid (nonalcoholic) with alcoholic drinks. Alcohol acts as a diuretic and actually increases fluid loss, so it is not a good choice for the replacement of fluids lost during the round of golf.
To help your performance try these nutrition tips as you eat for “peak performance!”
BEFORE THE MORNING ROUND
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 banana or 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup skim milk or 1 cup nonfat yogurt
- 2 slices whole-wheat toast
- 2 teaspoons margarine
AFTER THE 9TH HOLE
- 12 ounces Sports Drink
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter and crackers
- or
- 1 piece of fruit
- or
- 1 granola or cereal bar
POST GAME
- Don’t forget to re-hydrate as mentioned above!
- 3-4 ounces grilled chicken breast
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1 cup mixed greens salad
- 2 teaspoons low fat dressing
- 1 cup fruit salad
These are just a few tips to jump start proper fueling as an important and integral part of your training program. Each athlete is unique and has different training schedules, food preferences, lifestyle factors, and weight concerns. For a more individualized assessment and recommendations for your needs submit a rquest at: www.GoLoGolFitness.com
About The Author
William Breland has been a Physical Therapist for over 25 years. He is the ONLY Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Therapy and Touring Golf Professional in the United States.
GoLo Golf Grub is a trademark of GoLo Golf, LLC, www.GoLoGolFitness.com
william@gologolfitness.com
Alcohol Abuse information, tips, recovery and treatment.
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Winter is upon us and you have more time, since you’re not golfing…so why not get a jump on next season by doing some simple, in-home golf exercises that will quickly prepare your body to hit LONGER drives and shoot LOWER scores?
How many times have you started a new golf season with very high scores, short drives, and aches and pains? Am I talking to you? Let’s be honest. It happens more times than you’d like. But why not do it different this time? Instead of going into deep depression that the season is over – keep golf in the top of your mind by starting a golf exercise program.
Don’t let your clubs get dusty and forget about your game. Prepare your body in anticipation of next spring. It’s no fun to come off the course feeling spent (in more ways than one) when you could have energy to spare. You have between 4-6 months to greatly improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. It would be the wisest thing to do to improve your golf for next season.
When you begin the season with a “broken” body, you’re taking two steps back. Take a leap forward and prepare your body by getting your golf exercise program in motion. Think of it this way. What a great opportunity to get the edge on your playing partners and win all the money. Wouldn’t that get their goat?
Finally, you’ll get the chance to redeem yourself from a previous season that found you paying out more than receiving and being the brunt of all jokes in the clubhouse after every round. We’ve all been there – but no longer right? This is the winter to make the commitment and do it! No excuses. No more reasons to put it off. You may realize it’s not easy – but nothing worth getting is easy.
Golf exercise is a very popular topic these days among
all the pros, teachers and even amateurs. It’s no secret that if you get your body fitter, stronger and more flexible you will swing better and hit longer drives that produce lower scores.
That’s what we all want right? What a feeling to be the longest (and straightest) hitter in your group. Always hitting your approach shot last because you were the furthest down the fairway. Those are the kinds of thoughts you should have this winter while you’re working out.
The simplist way to implement golf exercises is to look at the golf swing. First off, it’s standing on your feet. Not sitting down, like on a machine in your local gym. So try to do most of your exercises on your feet.
Secondly, you should be in your golf posture. Which is a bend forward at the hips, with your knees slightly flexed. Doing exercises in this position will create a very strong, stable golf swing.
A good example of a golf exercise would be the Golf Posture Lateral Raise:
• Bend forward at hips just beyond normal golf posture.
• Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing each other.
• Slowly raise dumbbell to the side and up.
• Slowly bring back down to pre-stretch position.
Do you see how this would quickly build up the strength in the back of your shoulders for a strong take-away and downswing? The only equipment required was a pair of dumbbells (hand weights), which probably cost about $10. No fancy gym. And in the convenience of your home, saving you time.
This is just one example of a simple golf exercise you can do quickly and conveniently in your home to dramatically transform your game!
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is a respected golf fitness expert, and the author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, numerous golf fitness tips and founder of several online golf fitness sites. For more information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness ebook, go to http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.
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Plugging in a golf fitness dvd is a great alternative to relying on yourself for motivation and consistency. The dvd craze has caught on with golfers of all ages and abilities. Golf instruction dvds have been very popular, but now golf fitness dvds are coming into their own.
I have personally looked at all the golf fitness dvds. There are some okay ones and some not so okay ones.
What you would hope for in a golf fitness dvd is several things. 1. Very simple and easy demonstrations of every golf fitness exercise. This is separate from the workout component of the golf fitness dvd. 2. You would also want a user-friendly menu to be able to move around quickly and easily.
3. And what I think is the most important component is the golf fitness workout itself. I mean ‘plug-and-play’. You should be able to insert the golf fitness dvd and have the golf fitness trainer take you through the entire workout from start to finish. Just as if he were there with you.
This is the key to a successful golf fitness dvd and program. One that
will motivate you to do it over and over again. The only way to success is “consistency”. If you don’t do it regularly you won’t see the results you were hoping for.
Also, a credible golf fitness dvd should be based on your current level of fitness. Not a ‘one-size fits all’ dvd. If your starting point is a little lower, then a golf fitness dvd that is more challenging will only promote you to fail.
On the other hand, if you are an experienced exerciser, you want a golf fitness dvd that is more challenging than a beginner (novice) one. One that will challenge your core stabilization, balance, coordination and muscular endurance.
I know this sounds like a lot to think about, but making the right choice will dictate the ultimate success of your program. So make sure to pick the appropriate golf fitness dvd.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at http://www.performbettergolf.com
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Fitness Tips and articles.
There are many types of effective golf swing exercises. Golf swing exercise is very important because the golf swing is at the very heart of the golf game.
It is actually impossible to play a good game of golf without being able to execute an effective golf swing.
The other reason why golf swing exercise is so important is in the fact that a golf swing by its’ very nature is a very unnatural and awkward movement of the body and muscles.
It therefore stands to reason that the body will usually resist the golf swing action and this is why it appears to be so difficult to master.
However when you use golf swing exercises to strengthen and condition the relevant muscles, the golf swing becomes less awkward to the body.
Let us now take a closer look at the movements involved in a golf swing so that we come up with the most effective golf swing exercise that will impact most dramatically on the quality of your game.
The golf swing is actually a turn back and turn through. Most of the movement is pure rotation. This
means doing golf swing exercises like a seated twist holding a dumbbell straight out in front of you is a very effective exercise in strengthening and conditioning the muscles used in the golf swing.
Be careful not to use very heavy weights in this golf swing exercise. 3-5 pound dumb bells are ideal. Remember that a golf club is not heavy; in fact it weights less than a pound.
Repeat this golf swing exercise as many times as you can within a 30-minute session without straining yourself. Do remember to warm up before you begin the session and also to warm down when you are through.
Warming up ensures that you do not start with your muscles cold. Stretches involving the muscles that you are going to use can also be extremely useful before you go into this golf swing exercise.
About The Author:
Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Visit his new golf fitness site at Perform Better Golf.
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Time and time again we see today’s golfers out on the driving range trying to better their game. Whether it’s working their short game or driving the long ball, hours upon hours are spent on trying to master proper technique in order to take strokes off their game. What most golfers are unaware of is that the proper technique they are striving for is often hampered by something call muscle imbalance. Muscle imbalances are postural deficiencies that will cause faulty movement patterns, discomfort or even pain during activities such as a golf swing.
Muscle imbalances can be caused by many other factors besides golf, for example sedentary lifestyle, occupation, and injury just to name a few. Repetitive movements such as a golf swing can cause muscles on one side of the body to tighten while the apposing muscles become weak and lengthened. This will often result in the loss of power and accuracy in a golfers swing. For a golfer to achieve his or her true potential, one must correct these imbalances that are hampering their ability to perform proper technique.
Muscle balance can be achieved through a method of exercise called Corrective Exercise. This type of exercise program focus’ on identifying and correcting both tight (short) muscles and lengthened (weak) muscles through a series of strengthening and flexibility exercises. Achieving muscle balance will result in a strong
balanced posture and allow the body to perform at an optimal performance level (increased power and accuracy).
When hiring a fitness professional to improve your golf game ask them if they are experienced on the topic of corrective exercise. A complete evaluation should be performed to identify your areas of need.
In Part 2 of this article, I will discuss the common muscle imbalances associated with the game of golf and the exercise techniques needed to correct them.
For additional information please contact (Craig LePage) craig@ncprecisionfitness.com, or log on to http://www.lakenormanfitness.com
Craig LePage, CSCS, NASM-CPT
Craig is a well-known Fitness Professional in the Charlotte, North Carolina area and is the Director of Precision Fitness Mooresville. He has been helping people reach their fitness and wellness goals for more than 10 years. His credentials include a Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Bridgeport Connecticut, CSCS credentials from the NSCA and a Personal Training Certification from the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). Craig has written for Charlotte, NC area Newspapers, authored his own fitness & nutrition program and is a frequent guest on a Charlotte area radio show that focus’ on health and wellness. He is currently co-authoring a golf specific exercise book (Play Better, Longer – Golf) and is also working on a book of his own that should be available sometime next year.
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There are two approaches to achieving a better golf swing. There is improving your physical capabilities…and improving your golf swing technique.
How many times has your teaching pro recommended a golf swing technique change and you couldn’t do it no matter how many balls you hit? It’s because you didn’t have the “physical capability” to successfully make the change and repeat it.
For example, if you didn’t have adequate core strength and flexibility, you would be unable to create and maintain the “x-factor”, or the separation between the hip rotation and shoulder rotation, therefore losing force and ultimately distance.
But by implementing simple, golf exercises…it is possible to develop the ability to execute these key actions, which result in greater clubhead speed, force and distance.
Identifying your weak points, and doing golf-specific exercises to replicate the specific action will allow you to achieve the
specific golf swing technique change effectively.
I’ve seen some very simple, yet effective golf exercises and stretches that when implemented and done consistently can result in substantial increases in driving distance and accuracy.
Creating specific exercises related to your teaching pros golf swing technique recommendations can give you the quickest results…that are lasting.
Suffice it to say…the development of your physical abilities…especially strength and flexibility…plays a critical role in not only improving your golf swing technique…but in hitting the ball farther and much straighter.
The bottom line…your golf swing technique is dictated by your physical capabilities.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness manual and dvds at his golf swing tips site – Perform Better Golf.
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Golf is an fulfilling and absorbing sport but, even so, there is a risk that you may become stale or bored if you do not change the place where you play. This makes golf different from other games, but the reason for this is the very nature of golf. To become a really good golf player, one needs to play according to the unique nature of every course, which in turn means that more than one course is ideal for the maximum development of your game.
Therefore, changing courses requires more than one golf course. While you are still a beginner, or are short of money, your choices are usually limited to golf courses near the place you live, work, or study. Usually there is more than one course there and most likely they are not too expensive.
However, once you have mastered these courses, you’ll probably be looking for more.
The most logical place to look into, while searching for a new course, is the PGA Tour stops. The disadvantage of PGA Tour stops is that usually they are not cheap, getting inside is difficult and often they are members-only country clubs. So, before heading to a PGA Tour stop, it is wise to check its rules and make reservations a couple of months in advance.
If changing the golf course is not the sole purpose of your journey, consider one of the several travel destinations, which are suitable for the whole family. In the daytime you will play golf, while your family members are having fun, and you will spend the evening together.
One of the best locations for golf
and family vacations all in one is Hawaii. There are many famous golf courses in the Hawaii Islands. Depending on which island you’re staying on, there are several different golf courses for you to visit.
If your destination is Oahu (if you are staying in Honolulu, it is on this island), consider the Waikele Golf Club or the Coral Creek Golf Course. They will help you to improve your golf skills, because both courses are designed in a way which includes parts of the terrain.
If you are on the Hawaii Island, why not visit Sandalwood on the Maui Island? This is a relatively new and at the same time well-known golf course. Or why not try the Kona Country Club or the Mauna Key golf course on the Big Island?
Another popular golf destination is Japan. In Japan, there are literally thousands of different golf courses to improve your skills. But it is very, very important that you book your trip in advance, or you might miss the tee time on a Japanese golf club.
However, no matter where you end up going to golf, you’ll always be improving your game by exposing yourself to new hazards and obstacles. Just make sure that you plan ahead completely if you’re going to be golfing at courses while on vacation – you don’t want to get there and be unable to golf because you forgot to make the right reservations!
Peter Dewerth is the owner and operator of FYPR Golf which is a popular resource with extensive information about golf.
For more information, go to:http://www.fyprgolf.com
Any golfer who has made any effort to improve their golf game will have already heard the often-repeated expression that golf is all in the mind and that the game starts there.
But what many golfers do not know is that they fail to improve their golf game because their minds are not prepared for what they must do to make significant progress.
Mention the word ‘exercise’ to most amateur golfers and rather than getting enthusiastic about using it to improve their golf game, they will start seeing images of heavy sweating from rigorous exercises. The sort of rigorous exercises that super athletes in the NFL or NBA have to do regularly in some gym.
Their minds are tightly shut to the idea of exercises such that they can never get to the point where they can examine the subject deeper to find out what sort of exercises professional golfers do to improve their golf game and maintain the quality of their performances as much as possible.
These golfers will not have heard that senior citizens, some
of them in the advanced age category of 80 years old, have successfully undertaken golf-specific exercises. The result has been that their golf games have improved tremendously. Surely an 80 year olds’ physical condition will not take the sort of exercises many amateur golfers fear and want to avoid. So these golf exercises are not what most amateur golfers think.
Unless a golfer is prepared to approach the subject with an open mind, it will be very difficult for them to improve their golf game. While the mind is a very powerful tool, having a body that is physically prepared will produce the best results from a golf mind set on winning. To really improve your golf game you need to start with an open mind.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness – golf training site at Perform Better Golf.
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