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.
Photo Credits: 1
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August 13th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
Out of all of the mistakes you can make out on the course, a slice is probably the most common. This refers to a ball that goes to the right after you hit it, usually right into a nice stand of trees or a nearby water hazard. A slice is devastating to your game, and fixing it can be a little complicated. Here are some great tips to help you get over your slicing problem and get your score back on track.
One of the first things that many golfers try to eliminate their slice is to angle their body to the left. This is a natural compensation, and logically, you would think that it would work. However, this is a huge mistake and can actually result in slicing worse than before. Your stance may need a little work, but aiming the wrong way is not going to be very helpful.
To correct this, stand in front of your golf ball, without your club. This is an exercise that will help you get aligned properly. We’ll be adding the club in a second, but first, you need to focus on your feet and your hips. Your feet should be facing perfectly forward and should be slightly apart. As a result, your hips should also be facing the same direction.
If you notice that you’re leaning a little bit, or that your hips are not perfectly in line with your feet, bring them into line. Now, put your arms into position for your shot. If your hips move, correct them. Pretend that you are swinging your club back and again, mentally check the position of your hips. Correct them if necessary.
Repeat this until your hips are no longer pulled in the wrong direction. Once you’ve got it down, add the club back into the equation and start again. Get the feel of the right body position down until it comes absolutely naturally. This is a good exercise that you can do at home, in your backyard or even in your living room. The key is finding that “sweet spot” when your posture comes together and everything just feels right.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at some common swing issues that can exacerbate a slice. The most common problem occurs when you actually hit the ball. Instead of following through, you may pull up. This force sends the ball careening in the wrong direction.
To fix this, practice your downswing and don’t stop when you get to your golf ball. Keep the club traveling in the exact same direction for a few more inches. You’ll be using that force to literally guide the ball in the proper direction. Work on this until you have your club going perfectly straight in the right direction.
With a little practice and using these tips, you can cure even the nastiest slice and make it a lot easier to get a better score during your next round of golf.
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August 8th, 2008 — Book Review, golf courses
Whether you are a die hard golfer, or just someone that likes to dream big, this is an incredible book. Inevitably, when you’re dealing with a book that lists the “50 Best”, you’re going to have a lot of controversy. Instead of getting bent out of shape that perhaps your favorite courses weren’t included, this is a book to be read for fun, not for critiquing. When you’re done, take some inspiration from the book and make your own list of 50 courses that you must visit before you die - now that is a lot of fun.
The author is well known for his previous title on Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die
, and he is also a fanatical golfer. We liked the approach of asking several people, such as Donald Trump, where they would love to play golf. The result is a great list, but one that not a lot of golfers will be able to attain. For example, there are a few courses on the list that are simply too expensive for the average golfer, or shut to the public.
However, if you’re just reading for fun, the book takes you on a fantastical journey literally around the world. You’ll be seeing courses in the most exotic locations and the accompanying photographs are worth the cost of the book alone. This can serve not only as a dream book, but as a wonderful conversation piece among friends. Our main complaint was that pictures were not included for every single course in the book. That would have bumped the book up a lot further in our estimation, and it seems almost silly not to include at least one picture for every course.
That aside, this is a terrific book that belongs on every single golfer’s coffee table, if for nothing else than the inspiration it can bring. The next time it’s a rainy day and you can’t get on the links, open this book and prepare to travel around the world in style. The overall style of the writing is well suited to a book of this type and it’s all too easy to get swept away and wonder where the hours went.
As we mentioned previously, this type of book usually generates quite a bit of controversy, simply because everyone has a set idea of what the best courses are. However, this works in the book’s favor and while there are those that might criticize it, this is an inspirational read that really made us love the game even more.
The one thing that would have made the book better is perhaps steering clear of being “safe” with some of the more well known courses. We would have liked to have seen more out of the way courses that are real diamonds in the rough so to speak. But, then again, this isn’t our top 50 list.
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August 1st, 2008 — Book Review, Dress code, Staying Healthy During Play
When it comes to playing golf, many of us wonder just how dangerous it is. Statistics have shown that heart attacks frequently occur on the course and countless people, including celebrities die every year. This book by Ed Palank seeks to remedy this problem and provide golfers with tips on how to play properly and stay healthy while out on the course.
One of the main issues with golf is that it is typically played in summer in very warm conditions. The sun is beating down on you and it is all too easy to get dehydrated and overheated. This book addresses ways that you can stay cool on the course and reduce the risks of dehydration. There are some very solid tips here that absolutely any golfer can put to immediate use. For example, sports drinks really don’t do that much for you and water is truly the best medicine. Golfers should also avoid alcoholic beverages while playing, since these can also contribute to dehydration.
Whenever you combine physical stress with mental stress, you’re bound to have a game that can result in some health issues. In addition to heart attacks, strokes are quite common on the links. Many attribute this to the frustration and anger that can build up while you’re playing. The author provides the reader with some great tips on how to minimize this kind of stress while improving your game.
This is a sport that requires a lot of physical strength and endurance. Players should never attempt to overexert, especially if the conditions are particularly bad for that day. The author stresses knowing your own limits and finding ways to play smarter, not harder. For example, a cart may be necessary on very hot days to reduce the risks of heat stroke by walking around the course. The importance of proper clothing is also addressed, since this is another contributing factor to a lot of health problems that occur on the course. For example, it is important to wear light colors, especially during hot and sunny days, to avoid getting overheated.
The book also covers dealing with allergies and the small injuries that can occur while playing. Advice is offered for all types of players, including those with disabilities. This is truly a great read that is absolutely necessary for all players, regardless of how often they head out for a round. The book provides warning signs that can help you determine whether you’re overexerting or in danger of falling prey to a healthy problem while you’re playing or practicing.
We highly recommend this book to all golfers, especially those that play in hot climates. The advice here is sound and medically proven. In addition to all the health tips, the author also provides exercises that you can do at home to help improve your swing and the rest of your game. We found the book to be very well rounded, easy to read and incredibly useful.
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July 28th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
If you have ever come up to short or too long on your approach to the green, it’s time to master the art of the flop shot. This is a shot that eludes many golfers, but once you’ve got it down, you will notice that your overall accuracy improves and you’ll be able to get a lot closer to the pin. Here are some tips to help you land that next flop shot.First, it’s important to realize that this shot is nothing like chipping. When you chip the ball, you’re trapping the ball. This gives you either more or less distance depending on how hard you hit it. A flop shot requires you to slide underneath the ball, not trap it. This is the number one problem for many golfers trying to land this shot. Once you have the difference down, you will be able to start making flop shots consistently.
Let’s talk about stance. Your stance will be much like a chip shot. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your arms slightly bent as well. Hold your club as you normally would, and backswing as you normally would. But, as you hit the downswing, the key is to slow down.
Think of it as an arc of power – much like the swing systems on most golfing video games. On the upper end of the swing, you want to give it as much power as you can. Right before you hit the ball, you want to slow that down to maximize the force. It takes a little getting used to at first.
We recommend practicing in your backyard, or even in your living room (without the ball of course) until you get the feel for the swing rhythm. You’re not actually going to be hitting anything yet, but the key is to get the feel for the swing. Once it comes naturally to you, you’ll be able to move onto the next step.
Now, let’s talk about your wrists. You’ll want to hold your hands normally on the upswing, but right when you hit the ball, the key to landing that flip shot is your wrists. This is one shot where you actually want to break your wrists. Imagine you are holding your club and clasp both hands together.
Keeping them together, move both hands sharply to the left, so that your left hand is now facing sideways and your right hand, which is on top, is also facing sideways. Both hands should be vertical. Now, put your arms down like you would if you were holding a club and get a feel for that same movement.
Add in the swing motion and at the last second, break your wrists. Keep going until all the pieces fit together. Then, you’ll be ready to add the ball. Remember, you want open the club face and slide underneath, not hit down. Ideally, your flop shot should pop up and land right where you want it. It takes a little practice, but with time, you’ll be flopping like a pro.
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July 23rd, 2008 — CA, Dress code, Jim Summers, Lodi, PGA Rules, Sandy Tatum, golf courses, restaurant
Lockford Springs Golf Course is located in: Lodi, CA
Phone: 209-772-1081
Website: http://www.lockefordsprings.com
Course History:
This course was designed by Jim Summers and Sandy Tatum and quickly became a favorite of golfers from the entire bay area. The course is well suited to players of all levels and is challenging enough to give a pro a great round of golf.
What You Need to Know:
This is definitely a full service golf course and the practice facilities are unmatched. The grill is also top notch as well as the pro shop. You can really make a great afternoon of it here and have a lot of fun while you’re at it. The course is home to numerous events and tournaments throughout the year and it is easy to see why.
You can register your tee time by calling the number above or you can use their online registration system. We recommend checking their website often as they usually have specials or giveaways every month. It is a good idea to register your tee time around two weeks in advance since this is a popular course.
We recommend wearing traditional golf attire such as a collared shirt and slacks when golfing here. They do observe PGA rules so you’ll want to be on your best behavior at this course. We also recommend soft spikes so it’s a good idea to change out your metal ones before you arrive.
Playing Hints:
The main issue with this course for many players are the hidden water hazards. It’s difficult to know where they are until you are right on top of them so you will want to play with caution at least the first time around. This is a championship links course so expect to deal with sloping greens, changes in elevation in the fairways and numerous hazards along the way.
The only holes that do not have a water hazard are the seventh, ninth, third and seventeenth holes. That doesn’t mean they are easy however. Most have narrow fairways, so you’re going to want to avoid the rough at all costs. With most holes, your best bet is to really hit it off the tee as straight as possible. The one exception would be the fifth hole where you are going to want to hit it to the left to avoid the rough. The eighteenth hole also has a severe dog leg filled with rough, so it’s best to go as left as you can on this hole as well.
Fees:
|
Weekday Green Fees
|
Walk
|
Ride
|
| Open to 11am |
$30
|
$45
|
| 11am to 2pm |
$25
|
$40
|
| 2pm - 5pm |
$15
|
$29
|
| 5pm - close |
$10
|
$20
|
|
Weekend/Holiday Green Fees
|
Walk
|
Ride
|
| Open to 11am |
$45
|
$60
|
| 11am to 2pm |
$35
|
$50
|
| 2pm - 5pm |
$20
|
$34
|
| 5pm - close |
$15
|
$25
|
How to get there:
View Larger Map
From Sacramento
Hwy 99 South to Hwy 12 East.
8 miles east on 12 to Hwy 88.
Turn right on 88.
1/2 mile south on the left.
From Stockton
Hwy 99 North to Kettleman Lane.
8 miles east on Kettleman to Hwy 88.
Turn left on 88.
1/2 mile on the right.
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July 22nd, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
So many golfers make the mistake of jumping ahead when it comes to handling their game. They get wrapped up in the latest swing techniques or spend their lives in the search of the perfect club. Unfortunately, these players are missing what could be wrong with their game. Sometimes, you have to go back to the beginning if you want to lower your score.
Golfing fundamentals are essential for any golfer, no matter how long they have been playing. If you’re finding it impossible to break into pro territory, the answer may not be in a better club, a different ball or the latest shoes. The answer may be found in the way that you actually play the game. If you’re skipping over the cornerstones of golf, you won’t be able to build a strong foundation for the rest of your game. No club can help you if you are missing the essentials.
If you are ready to rebuild your game, you may want to consider going to a pro and getting some lessons. There is no shame in backtracking and you may actually be able to find the trouble spot that is causing all of your problems. Sit in on a lesson with a brand new player and pay attention to how the pro instructs them. Listen to those beginner tips and then try to play as though you have never played the game before.
If you remove all that you have learned through the years and start fresh, you may find that suddenly, you’re playing the way you’ve always wanted to. We all have a tendency to want to play like Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus when we first start out and in our rush to get there, we skip over what is truly important. By going back to those beginning lessons, you can rediscover the game and what it really means and requires from you.
This is a very important step in building a strong mental game of golf. Often, we create our own mental blocks and it can be hard to get through them. You need to be able to take it down to the bare minimum again and literally start over. By taking the time to relearn the sport, you will most likely unlearn the problems that you were creating for yourself.
One of the best side effects of starting over is that you may find your love for the sport completely renewed. If you’re constantly fretting over your score or how to find the perfect swing, you’re missing out on the whole point of the game. Yes, a score is important, but it is essential to enjoy your time on the course as well. You’ll have the benefit of the years of knowledge in the back of your mind, but you’ll still be able to rediscover the reasons why you even got started as a golfer.
Turn back the clock and see is starting over isn’t the right answer to fixing your game.
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July 18th, 2008 — Book Review
For those of us that enjoy the lighter side of golf, this is a definite must read and chances are you’ll be rolling on the floor in no time at all. Too often, golfing books are so serious that it is difficult to wade through them. The industry seems to be addicted to dry tomes that are either dissecting a swing to infinite pieces or carrying on about historical figures and past events that may not be helpful to today’s golfers. If you love the game and just want to have a little fun, this is the perfect book for you. That’s not to say that the other types of books don’t have their own unique purpose, but this is truly the lighter side of golf.
The entire book reads like one big inside joke and pretty much only golfer’s will understand the humor. If you’ve ever made it out of one bunker only to land in another, this is definitely the book that will appeal to you. In fact, that’s the title of one of the 72 tips contained in the book. The list gets even more humorous as you go and without a doubt, every little problem that golfer’s face today is addressed in a funny manner.
However when you strip all of this humor away, you end up with a book that really teaches you how to improve your game. The author’s approach is a unique one - by showing you what not to do and joking about it, he’s actually teaching you the techniques you need to use to improve your swing, get past hazards and finally get the scores you really want to be getting.
I like this approach and it’s incredibly useful. The tips are not only funny but they really do work in the real world. You don’t get the impression that the author spends his life behind a desk and never really gets out there to enjoy (or not) the game. You really feel akin to him since most of us have gone through the exact same struggles. It’s a matter of feeling like you can really connect with this person and through this, the author opens the door to some really effective teaching techniques.
You’ll get the feeling of being on the 19th hole when you read this book. It’s very relaxed and very laid back and it should not intimidate any reader. The author manages to establish a rapport with the reader almost instantly and that is carried through the entire book. If you haven’t read the first edition of this book yet, we highly recommend that one as well for even more tips and plenty of jokes.
Overall, this is a terrific book and it would make a great gift for any golfer. Whether you’re just starting out or you are a seasoned pro, there is something here for everyone to enjoy and get more than a just a few laughs.
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July 11th, 2008 — Book Review
Manuel de la Torre is a legend in golf and he also happens to be the son of a golfing legend. When you put this together in one book, you have an incredible resource that you will want to turn to again and again. Although the book tends to wander a little bit in places, it is a very enjoyable and quick read. Novices to the game will find it extremely enlightening and pros should be able to walk away with more than a few hints that will help them improve their game.
De la Torre’s father learned golf from a man who lost a leg in World War One and went on to become a champion with a killer drive. It’s from this tradition and foundation that de la Torre went on to become one of the most skilled golfers in present time. His book is a wonderful look at the philosophy and skill that went into perfecting his own game and of course, the most important thing - the swing.
Numerous books are written every year that try to dissect the swing and figure out how everyone can turn into a powerhouse over night. Millions of dollars are spent every year by golfers that are seeking that magic bullet, either in the form of a can’t miss system or a special driver that promises the moon. All of these things add up into one lucrative cash cow but usually leave the recipient with little more than a few tips and no improvement in their swing.
De la Torre’s approach is much different and you’re not left feeling as though you’ve been ripped off after reading it. His tips can be put into immediate use by any player and although they may not work for everyone with the same results, they are certainly tested remedies for fixing common problems. The book is an incredibly enjoyable read and never once did it wander into dry territory.
This is considered a classic in the golfing industry and there is a reason. By far, when it comes to books about the art of the golf swing, there simply is no competition. It’s concise, helpful and very engaging. The reader never feels overwhelmed or intimidated, and most end up feeling as though they can go out and hit the course and actually improve their swing. The author is considered one of the top 100 teachers in the world and it’s easy to see why he earned that distinction after reading this book.
Overall, we highly recommend this book and it deserves a place of high honor in any golfer’s bookcase. It’s a thoroughly entertaining read that is also incredibly useful and packed with real world advice. It is an older title, but the book is a timeless read that is just as helpful now as it was when it was first released. Sometimes, the old ways really are better, and if you don’t work on the fundamentals, no special driver is going to give you the results you want.
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July 7th, 2008 — CA, Elverta, Lessons Available, Robert Muir Graves, golf courses, restaurant
Cherry Island Golf Course is located in: Elverta, CA
Phone: 916-991-7293
Website: http://www.empiregolf.com/empire/cherryisland
Course History:
Robert Muir Graves, one of the most celebrated course archtitects today designed this course in 1990. It has become an area favorite with most golfers and offers just the right level of challenging play for golfers of all skill levels. The course is lush and scenic and is a great place to relax and get away from it all. It is tucked away, so we included directions on how to get to the course below.
What You Need to Know:
This is truly a full service golf course with a great grill, pro shop and lessons. The practice facility is terrific and offers numerous opportunities to improve on your game. This is a public course but we still recommend wearing appropriate golf attire.
You can register your tee time by calling the number above, but you may want to check out their website as they post frequent specials to save on their already reasonable green fees.
Playing Hints:
Water hazards are plentiful here and there are a few that are quite tricky. The first hole is clear of these but the sharp dog leg will definitely test your skills. The third, fourth, sixth and seventh holes all feature large lakes, so you’ll want to try to be as accurate as possible on your tee shots.
The thirteenth hole is bisected by a creek, so you’ll need to watch your tee shot here. Some players may prefer to hit it short and then iron over the creek to be on the safe side. The eighteenth hole is no gimme and meanders along with plenty of rough patches to keep you guessing. This one will take some time to master, but you should be able to birdie it with practice.This is a long course so we really recommend making use of a cart unless you are in tip top shape.
Fees:
| Standard Rates |
|
| Weekday back 9 |
$14.00 |
| Mon Thurs 18 hole |
$25.00 |
| Weekday Tourney |
$28.00 |
| Friday 18 hole |
$28.00 |
| Weekend back 9 |
$18.00 |
| Weekend 18 hole |
$33.00 |
| Weekend tourney |
$36.00 |
| Mon Thurs 9 hole |
$13.00 |
| Friday 9 hole |
$16.00 |
| Weekend 9 hole |
$16.00 |
|
|
| Senior Rates |
|
| Mon Thurs 18 hole |
$20.00 |
| Friday 18 hole |
$20.00 |
| Senior Tourney |
$20.00 |
|
|
| Junior Rates |
|
| Mon Thurs |
$10.00 |
| Friday |
$15.00 |
| Weekend |
$15.00 |
| Mon Thurs 9 hole |
$8.00 |
| Friday 9 hole |
$10.00 |
| Weekend 9 hole |
$10.00 |
|
|
| Twilight Rates |
|
| Mon Thurs |
$16.00 |
| Friday |
$19.00 |
| Weekend |
$19.00 |
|
|
| Super Twilight |
|
| Mon Thurs |
$12.00 |
| Friday |
$14.00 |
| Weekend |
$14.00 |
|
. |
| Shotgun |
|
| Mon Thurs |
$38.00 |
| Friday |
$38.00 |
How to Get There:
View Larger Map
Cherry Island Golf Course is conveniently located 20 minutes from downtown Sacramento, California with easy access off I- 80 and Highway 99
From Highway 99 - take the Elverta Road exit east for approximately seven miles to 2360 Elverta Road.
From Interstate 80 - take Watt Avenue North turn left on Elverta Road and proceed one mile to 2360 Elverta Road.
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