Entries from August 2008 ↓
August 29th, 2008 — Book Review
How do you fit a complete golfer’s handbook into 170 pages? The author of this book actually managed quite well, surprisingly. From pictures of golf courses in South Africa, to analyzing Ben Hogan’s famous swing, everything you could ever really need to know about golf is contained within these scant pages. At times, the book suffers from a lack of focus, but overall, we found it to be a very enjoyable read.
We appreciated the fact that this book did a great job of covering all of the basics, such as the history of the game, rules, etiquette and different strategies. Each section contains incredible illustrations and photographs, and visually, this is a very stunning book. Since the page count is rather limited, the author really didn’t go into as much detail as he could have, but the basics are all covered quite nicely. He did a good job of demystifying a lot of the aspects of this sport and you’ll come away with some very interesting trivia to share with your friends on the 19th hole.
Player has three Master’s jackets and is well known throughout the golfing world as one of its nicest personalities. This shines through in the book and if a read could ever be called genial, this book would take the cake. It was a pleasant read that captured Player’s spirit and translated it onto the page, and that is something that many authors fail to do throughout their careers. He did have the help of two co-authors, but you never feel that they are writing the book while he’s off at the clubhouse. A lot of books by star players fall prey to this, but Player’s book managed to really capture his love of the game, and his personality, without feeling like it was overly ghostwritten.
The section on practice drills and games was very informative and we came away with some great tips to use out on the course the next time we head out. The mental preparation section was also particularly useful and again, full of tips you can put to immediate use.
Bottom line, if you are a fan of the sport and already own every book on the subject, you should still be able to get something out of Player’s book. If you’re completely new to the game and looking for an instructional, this is not the best resource for that, but it is still a good read that can help explain a lot of the game to a novice. Golfers are an odd bunch, as we should know, but this book does a good job of appealing to all of them. It may not be our favorite golfing book, and it may not be the most useful book ever written on the sport, but that didn’t take away from enjoying it thoroughly. Buy it, give it as a gift to a rabid golfer and take it at face value as an entertaining read. You won’t regret the purchase.
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August 28th, 2008 — CA, Clubhouse menu, Howard Flint, Lake Alamanor, driving range, golf courses, restaurant
Bailey Creek Golf Course is located in: Lake Alamanor, CA
Phone: 530-259-GOLF
Website: http://www.baileycreek.com/
Course History:
This stunning course was designed by Howard Flint and has won numerous awards and accolades since it first opened. This is definitely a championship course, but novices still have a good shot if they use the right tees. The combination of first class service, stunning natural views and a great challenge make this one of the best courses in the area.
What You Need to Know:
This is a terrific course, that is outdone only by the accommodations. The practice facility is more than worth the trip and offers a driving range complete with mats, as well as grass chipping areas. The pro shop is a marvel and offers just about everything you could ever want.
You can register your tee time by calling the number above. This is a popular course, so it is important to make sure that your slot is reserved. During your round, take advantage of the great snack bar - it's well worth it. After you're done, you can relax in the clubhouse, which is very sumptuously appointed.
Playing Hints:
The variation in terrain makes this a challenging course. We recommend a cart, especially if you're not in the best of shape. Each hole has numerous bunkers lining the fairway, so accuracy really counts here. There are a few water hazards to watch out for as well. However, if you can keep to the middle of the fairway and work on your distance, you should be able to master this course without a problem.
The best hole is the 10th and it is quite a challenge. The green is surrounded by bunkers, so you will want to shorten your second shot to give yourself a chance to avoid them. Your approach shot is vital here since the green is quite small. By taking these precautions you can still par, if you are an accurate putter.
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Fees:
GREEN FEES MAY 1 - JUNE 26 / JUNE 27 - SEPT. 7 / SEPT. 8- OCT 26
PUBLIC WEEKEND RATES
18 holes - includes cart - Fri, Sat & Sun $88.00 $98.00 $88.00
9 holes - includes cart - Fri, Sat & Sun $50.00 $55.00 $50.00
PUBLIC MIDWEEK RATES
18 holes - includes cart - Mon - Thurs $72.00 $98.00 $72.00
BAILEY CREEK HOMEOWNER
18 holes - includes cart $70.00 $70.00 $70.00
9 holes - includes cart $45.00 $45.00 $45.00
MID DAY (after 1:00 PM)
18 holes - includes cart $68.00 $78.00 $68.00
TWILIGHT (after 4:00 PM)
18 holes - includes cart $48.00 $58.00 $48.00 (after 3 pm)
REPLAY
18 holes
$40.00 $40.00 $40.00
TEN PLAY PASSES MAY 1 - JUNE 28 JUNE 29 - SEPT. 9 SEPT. 10- OCT 28
Ten Play Pass (10 Rounds) with cart $750.00 $750.00 $750.00
UNLIMITED FULL SEASON PASSES PUBLIC HOMEOWNER
Unlimited Golf - w/ Cart $1600.00 $1400.00
Unlimited Golf - w/ Cart for Married Couple $2200.00 $2000.00
Unlimited Golf - Mon. thru Thurs. w/ Cart $1000.00 $900.00
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August 27th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks, injuries
Although golf is a non-contact sport, there are still plenty of different ways that you can injure yourself on the course. Many players don’t look at golf as a form of exercise, and as such, they don’t take the proper precautions to ensure that they do not strain their muscles or injure their tendons. There are a few things that every golfer can do to minimize their chance for injury on the course and many of these tips will actually help you improve your game.
1. Don’t forget to stretch.
Any type of exercise should be preceded by a brief stretching session. Take about ten to fifteen minutes to stretch out your arms, leg and back. Your movements should mirror the swings you will be taking but much slower. This will give you plenty of time to get warmed up. As a bonus, the first few holes should go a lot smoother since you won’t have to get warmed up while you are actually on the course. If you don’t have a lot of free time, even five minutes of stretching is better than none.
2. Don’t forget to cool down.
Conversely, just like stretching before golf is important, it is also vital to go through a good cool down stretching session when you are done. When you go right from the course to flopping into a chair at the grill, you are not giving your muscles enough time to recover after your exertion. Simple stretches can help you avoid post-game soreness and keep your muscles in shape. Even though it is tempting to immediately quit once you’ve finished the last hole, try to do a few cool down stretches before you head off to the clubhouse.
3. When necessary, use a cart.
There are just some courses out there that are not friendly for walkers. Unless you are in peak physical condition, you will regret it if you don’t use a cart, especially if the course is very hilly. As a bonus, your game will go a lot faster, and you won’t end up feeling like you just ran the Boston Marathon when you wake up the next morning. If the course is easy to walk – walk it. If not, err on the side of caution and get the cart. Your muscles will thank you.
4. Use proper form.
One of the easiest ways to injure yourself on the course is by using improper form on your swing. This can stress not only your arms and shoulder, but also your back, neck and legs. If you are finding that you are wracked with pain after every round of golf, your form may be to blame. Schedule a one-time lesson with the club pro to make sure that your stance is correct. This can save you many aches and pains later on.
Golf actually does require a good deal of physical effort. Treat it like you would any other exercise program and remember not to overdo.
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August 26th, 2008 — Bend, Dress code, OR, Robert Muir Graves, golf courses
River's Edge Golf Course is located in: Bend, OR
Phone: 541-389-2828
Website: http://www.riverhouse.com/web/golf/greensfees.htm
Course History:
This is a terrific course located on the Riverhouse Resort that is open to the public and offers some very great rates. It was designed by the famous Robert Muir Graves and offers a championship level of play at executive course rates. It has been named by Golf Digest as one of their best places to play and it is easy to see why.
What You Need to Know:
Since this is a resort course we recommend traditional golf attire. You can register your tee time by calling the number above. During the summer months, the course is quite busy, so it is important to get your slot reserved. The course is open all year round and is a great place for a winter round of golf.
The pro shop is very well stocked and the practice facilities are world class. This is one of our favorite courses in the Bend area, and if you are planning a trip up this way, we highly recommend stopping by for a quick round.
Playing Hints:
Accuracy is key on this course, as it is with an course designed by Graves. The fifth hole is one of the most challenging and you'll need to hit a very long drive to be able to line up your approach to the green, which is hidden behind a very sharp dog leg.
Water hazards make this course all the more interesting and the rough here is definitely rough. You'll really want to work on your long drives as well as improving your short game. This is a course that will require every club in your bag, but you'll have a lot of fun trying to master it.
Fees:
Shoulder Rates (March 1- May 31 and September 22 - Nov 1)
Rates Are Primetime Pre-Twilight Twilight*
Per Person (Dawn - 1PM) (1PM - 3PM) (3PM - Dusk)
18 Holes & Cart $61 N/A $40
18 Holes Walking $46 N/A $30
9 Holes & Cart $39 $39 $39
9 Holes Walking $29 $29 $29
Peak Rates (June 1 - September 21)
Rates Are Primetime Pre-Twilight Twilight*
Per Person (Dawn - 1PM) (1PM - 4PM) (4PM - Dusk)
F - Su/M - Th
18 Holes & Cart $82/76 $65 $49
18 Holes Walking $67/60 $50 $39
9 Holes & Cart $53/47 $53/47 $47
9 Holes Walking $43/37 $43/37 $39
Non-Peak Rates (October 30 - March 16)
River's Edge is open during the winter months, weather permitting.
Greens fees are $33 for 18 holes (unlimited) and $23 for 9 holes.
Add $15 or $10 for power cart weather permitting.
Call in advance for tee times and current weather conditions.
How to Get There:
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From Northern California:
Take I-5 North to Weed, California and take Exit 746 (US 97). Continue North on US 97 for approximately 197 miles into Bend. When in Bend stay left and enter the Bend Parkway. Exit at Revere, go straight through the light and you are now on division St. traveling North. At the next light turn left on Hwy 97. After one light you will see the hotel on your left (west side of Hwy 97) across from the Bend River Mall.
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August 25th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
For many golfers, the short game is the spot where an entirely terrific round of golf can go completely downhill. While some may find the short game the easy part of golf, the vast majority usually find that this is a definite trouble spot. There are quite a few things that can go wrong with a short game, but we’ll cover some of the best tips to help you get back on the right track.
Picking the Right Club – Your short game can improve dramatically if you know which club to use. For example, if the situation calls for a nine iron and you are using a three, chances are you are not going to get the same result. Here’s an easy way to tell which club you should be using: Gauge the distance between your ball and the pin. If the distance is fairly short, less than seven feet, a pitching wedge is ideal. If you are several feet back from the pin, a seven iron will work better.
How to Get Air – A big part of the short game is being able to hit the ball so that it will pop up just like you need it to. This will take some practice, but the good news, you can easily do this at home, provided you have a decent sized back yard. You will need to learn where to hit the ball and how to change your swing so that you can pop the ball up reliably.
The key is keeping your wrists straight and your swing smooth. At no time should your wrists break during a chip shot, a pitch shot or any iron shot. That one slight change will help you get a lot more air under your ball and improve the distance. Try taking a few practice shots every day until you get the hang of it.
Learning How to Make it to the Pin – This is probably the worst area for most golfers, but again, a little practice will make a big difference. You can also try these exercises at home, and it will help to have a target that you can aim for. A Frisbee is a great target that you can place on the ground a few feet in front of you and it’s easy enough to change positions.
As you get better at landing on that Frisbee each time, go a little smaller and use the lid off of a cottage cheese container. Keep going until you get down to the size of the hole and you’ll have it made. With regular practice, this should not take long to accomplish.
There are no real instant fixes to any short game, but by following the tips above you can see a marked improvement, especially if you practice regularly. Keep trying and don’t give up! With time and diligence, your short game will improve. Don’t forget to keep going on the practice sessions once you’ve got the feel down to make sure that your results are long term.
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August 22nd, 2008 — Book Review
Although there are plenty of books running around on the mind game of golf, few that we have found are this erudite or thought provoking. The author put 25 years of research into this book and it definitely shows. If you are looking for a book that dissects why golf is so hard and how you can start breaking through the mental blocks that keep your score from being where it should be, this is a terrific read.
Too many of the books in this genre delve into pop psychology and fail to live up to their claims. We found that this book by Cranford was a refreshing break from all of that. He looks at the game and its resulting mind games in a very analytic and thoughtful way. Gone are the pop-psy terms and in their place is some advice you can really take to heart, and more importantly, put into use.
The main audience for this book is the golfer that has reached that point in their game where they just can't seem to do any better. For whatever reason, their game has plateaued and they can't seem to break through that problem and get better scores. Most of us think that it's our swing or our technique, but it actually may be all in the mind according to Cranford.
By using the techniques and advice in this book, you can approach each tee with a whole different mindset. Chances are you are going to notice some big improvements right away. Instead of dreading your time at the course you may actually start to love the game again, and whenever a book can do that, it deserves a place of high honor on any golfer's bookshelf.
We found that the advice was incredibly practical and that you didn't need a degree in psychology to understand it. By addressing each problem logically, Cranford helps you work through that issue, both on and off the course. In fact, you may want to stick a copy in your golf bag for a quick refresher on the links. It's really that good!
Although there are plenty of books with similar titles that are nothing but hype, we believe that this title was well earned. These really are breakthrough secrets that every golfer needs to know, no matter how long they have been playing or how good they are. That's probably the best part of the entire book - it's versatility. Whether you are an occasional golfer that can't get past a certain portion of your game, or you are a seasoned pro that has the occasional hang up, there is advice right here that you can put to immediate use.
We didn't have a lot of hope going into this book, given the past failures we've read, but we must say that we were pleasantly surprised. We hope that this will not be Cranford's last contribution to the golfing community - it can sure use more of him.
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August 21st, 2008 — Brookings, OR, golf courses, restaurant
Salmon Run Golf Course is Located in Brookings, OR
Phone: (541) 469-4888
Website: http://www.salmonrun.net/
Course History:
This is a truly stunning course where the designers really kept the natural beauty and terrain, making it work for the course instead of plowing everything under. This is one of the most popular courses on the West Coast and it is easy to see why. Mike McAllister of Sport's Illustrated recently gave this course a glowing recommendation so we had to see what it was all about.
What You Need to Know:
The first thing you notice are the incredible greens fees, considering the quality of the course and the surroundings. This has to be one of the most economical courses in the area. You can book your tee time by calling the number above and they do offer an online book service as well. Make sure to check out their website before you reserve your time since they do offer frequent specials and incentives.
The course does not state whether they have a dress code, but we do recommend traditional attire. Soft spikes are not specified, but we always prefer to err on the side of caution. If you need any extra gear, you'll find the pro shop has more than enough selection to outfit just about anyone. We found the clubhouse to be top notch as well.
Playing Hints:
We liked the fact that the course has a special name for each hole and each one really does illustrate what you'll be facing. Our three favorites were: Lombard Street Hole - which is the fourth hole on the course. There is a reason it's named after the famous San Francisco street, you'll think you're back in the Bay Area on this one. There's a 100 foot descent to the green and the cart path is not for the faint of heart.
Next up, we loved Cougar Run, or the 10th hole. This one looks really easy, and the green is really visible. However, it's anything but. On your approach to the green, make sure you don't fall prey to the visual illusion of where the pin is. Take your time and really plan that shot out to get par here.
Last but not least, we fell in love with the Wild Turkey Hole or the 16th hole. We always like to see wildlife and yes - you'll run across several turkey as you try to make par. This is the absolute most difficult hole on the course. You'll want to keep to the right with your tee shot and go a bit short so you don't end up in the creek.
Fees:
Rates Effective as of April 1
9-Holes :: $37*
18-Holes :: $64*
* Prices Include Cart
Senior Special Players 55 and over Tuesdays and Thursdays after 1:00PM $32
CLARIFICATIONS:
Juniors are 17 and under. Age 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 7 not allowed on the course.
Twilight begins at 3:00.
June Special: $49.00 for 18 holes of golf or $180 per foursome
All Prices Include Cart
How to Get There:
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From Highway 101 North or South in Brookings, Oregon take the South Bank Chetco River Road turnoff. Follow the South Bank Chetco River approximately 3 miles. Salmon Run is located on the right side of the road.
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August 20th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
Although putters all tend to look the same, there is actually quite a lot of difference when you get down to it. Not all putters are created equal and if you’re using the wrong one, chances are you may be pretty frustrated on the green. If you haven’t been professionally fitted for a putter, you may want to think about this, since it can have a dramatic impact on your game. However there are a few rules of thumb that you can follow when shopping for a new putter on your own.
1. Club length matters.
The longer the putter, the more crunched up you’re going to be when you address the ball. Now, if you are a tall player, obviously you’re going to need a putter that is a bit longer. Here’s how to tell what length of putter is going to be right for you.
Stand like you normally would when you put, and assume the proper stance. The distance from your hands to the ground will be the ideal putter length. Your stance should feel natural and you should not feel scrunched up or bent too far over. Assume as natural a stance as possible, even if you’ve been using a putter that is too long or too short. When you find that natural medium, you’ll know exactly how long your putter should be. Ask a friend to measure for you, or put a tape measure on the ground and bring it up in one hand when you assume your stance. You can use your foot to tap the button to hold the tape in place once you’ve found the right length.
2. Face length matters too.
If you look at putters, some are almost comical with how long the faces are. There is a lot to be said for learning to put the right way with a traditional putter, but many people prefer to go for the very long putter because they believe it gives them more control.
The best advice is to start with a normal putter and see where your problem areas are. If you need a little more oomph to your shot, or a little more control, you may want to consider going with a different face. If possible, try to get the pro shop to lend you a few different varieties to try on the putting green. You will be able to see which face length suits your personal style the best.
3. Going to extremes.
Now that we’ve talked about ideal club and face length, it’s important to discuss a trend that has been circulating for some time. These “Belly” putters or “Broomstick” putters are gaining in popularity and for some players, they may be ideal. The concept with this overly long putter is that you are not using your wrists as much, so if that is a problem for you, this type of club may be perfect.
The bottom line when it comes to putters is finding the one that works with your body and your putting style, not against it.
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August 19th, 2008 — Lessons Available, McKenzie Bridge, OR, golf courses, public course, restaurant
Tokatee Golf Course is located in McKenzie Bridge, OR
Phone: 800-452-6376
Website: http://www.tokatee.com/
Course History:
The name Tokatee means, "Place of Restful Beauty," and there are few places on earth that embody this phrase as closely as this course does. This is a rare course that was inspired and built by the nearby residents and they shaped a course that has gone down in history as a favorite among pros and novices alike.
What You Need to Know:
You can register your tee time using their online system or by calling the number listed above. They do offer frequent specials on their website, and you can even get a free round of golf, so we highly recommend stopping by there first before you call.
This is a family run course and we found it to be very relaxed and laid back. You won't have to worry too much about dress code here, but we still recommend a nice sleeved shirt and shorts. Denim is pretty much frowned on, even at public courses, so it's best to leave that at home.
The Pro Shop is simply terrific and offers a wide selection, as well as a very cute little coffee shop, lessons and a whole lot more. The catering service onsite is terrific and we loved the box lunches you can take out on the course. If you prefer to eat in, they've got a great menu with traditional, good Old American food like hamburgers, hot dogs and everything else you'd expect from a great family place like this.
Playing Hints:
While this is a fun course, don't let it fool you. It can get pretty difficult at times. However, even novices can master it with a little practice and pros find it still challenging enough to offer them a very good game.
The course layout is pretty straightforward, but accuracy is still key to getting par here. Watch out for the numerous bunkers that are filled with White Idaho sand - they are incredibly tricky. The fourteenth hole is one of the biggest challenges on the course. As you approach the green, make sure you don't overhit the ball. There's a big lake just waiting on the other side and it is notorious for pulling your ball right in.
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Fees:
|
Regular Greens Fees
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$42.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$24.00
|
|
Electric Cart Fees
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$30.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$18.00
|
| Trail Fee |
$40.00
|
Special Rates
|
10 Play Card
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$300.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$180.00
|
Valid weekdays, with starting times one week of less advance.
Valid weekends prior to May 13th and after September 16th
Starting times after 4:00 p.m. the day before the day of play
Only one person per card
Not valid for tournaments
Card good for one year from date of purchase
|
Twilight Rates
Sunday-Thursday after 2 PM
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$30.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$18.00
|
|
College Student
Valid September 19th - June 1st (Non Summer)
|
|
| 18 Holes |
$22.00
|
| 9 Holes |
$12.00
|
|
Spring/Fall Rates
February - May 12th
September 17th - November 15th
|
18 Holes
|
9 Holes
|
| Monday - Thursday |
$32.00
|
$18.00
|
| Friday - Sunday |
$36.00
|
$20.00
|
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August 18th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
Even the best golfers can end up at the bottom of a sand trap every once in awhile and it pays to know how to get out of one. This is probably one of the most frustrating hazards you can run into while you’re golfing, but there are some tips that you can use that will help you keep your score intact. While it’s always best to avoid sand traps, when you do end up in one, these tips will help get you out.
1. Get the right kind of sand wedge.
There is a lot of variation in clubs, especially with different manufacturers. Ideally, you’re going to want to purchase a sand wedge that has a degree of 55 to 58 in loft. 57 or 58 is the best, but if you’re really a good player, you can get away with a 55. Simply by purchasing the right kind of sand wedge, you can conquer just about any trap. The bounce rate is also important here, and can have a big impact on where you end up on the green. Look for one that has a bounce rate on the lower end of the spectrum for greater control.
2. Correct your position.
If you are standing wrong, you’ll be putting the wedge too far underneath the ball, and the only place you’re going to go is down. It is important to open up your stance, and make sure that the club face is not closed. Work on this at home or in a practice trap until you develop the right feel. You should be able to see most of the club face when you are looking down at it from above.
3. Work on your swing.
It can be tempting to get really choppy with your swing, but this can spell disaster. Even though it is a pitch shot, you’re going to want to stay as fluid as possible. Work on bringing your club back slowly, along a straight line. The power will come when you connect with the ball, not with your backswing.
4. Learn how to snap your wrist.
We mentioned above that the point of impact is where you want to focus your power on this swing. Practice snapping your left wrist so that your hand is bent to left. Put your hands together without a club in a praying position and then snap them to the side. Add the club and make the same movement. That’s what it will feel like at the point when you are ready to hit the ball.
5. Putting it all together.
When you practice your sand trap shot, try to put all of these tips together so that it is one fluid motion. Start by working on the backswing and then add the snap at just the right moment. It can take a few tries to perfect this, but once you do you should see a big change in the way you play in the sand.
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