How to Get Tension-Free Swings

Building up of tensions on your body during a golf game can be very alarming. It can rob you off with the motion that you will need in order to get a good swing. However, this can be avoided even before you take your first shot.

Here are some techniques on how to get rid of tension when making the swings:

First, check your grip. It has been said that the common cause of tension rests in the grip. A grip on the golf club that is too tight can create an unnecessary tension that can cripple your body. From the grip, it goes up to the arms, then through the shoulders, all the way down to the legs. However, in some cases, a good golf grip can go along well with a tight grip.

Second, check your posture. A bad posture can cause tension. Always see to it that both feet are not too far apart and that the weight must be evenly distributed on the inside. Your back must be straight as well as forwardly tilted from the hips and the knees flexed.

Third, check the ball placement. Make sure that the ball is not too far from the body. If you will try to hit a ball that is way too far, the tendency is to move your weight to move forward thus creating an off-balanced and blocking motion.

And lastly, check your shoulder movement. When making a full swing, see to it that your shoulders make a sound full turn. A limited shoulder turn often leads to a fast and short backswing that would eventually destroy your tempo.

Before hitting the greens for a good golf game, make sure that you are not just physically prepared but mentally ready as well. Presence of mind is necessary and that needless thoughts must be avoided at all times in order to concentrate on your game.

Shalimar Pointe Golf Club

The Shalimar Pointe Golf Club is a challenging golf course that meanders along the beautiful shores of Shalimar Florida’s famous Chocwhatchee Bay. This 18-hole facility features the impeccably manicured greens as well as the strategically placed bunkers that will challenge every budding and seasoned golfer. The layout which was given by Golf Digest with a 4-star rating also served as the host for the U.S. Open qualifiers. A challenging but fair round of golf is what the Shalimar Pointe guarantees everyone playing on the greens. In 2001, the golf club was cited by Golf Week as “One of the Southeast’s Top 50 Development Courses”.

Considered as a Finger/Dye golf gem, this Par-72, 6,765-yard golf course also boasts of being one of Emerald Coast’s best kept secrets. Aside from the bunkers and greens, the layout also features the five sets of tees located on each hole and a comprehensive practice facility with the spacious driving range, chipping green, and putting green. Among the other high-end facilities that the golf club offers is a fully-stocked shop for your golfing needs and the great grill where you can share a meal with family and friends after the tough golf rounds.

The place also offers the customized event planning, the personalized scorecards as well as cart identification cards, professional scoring with the scoreboard display, and the food and beverage service to cater all of the participants during the event. So whether you are into playing challenging golf rounds or hosting an exclusive golf event, Shalimar Pointe Golf Club has everything you need. If you are planning to have a golf outing for the entire family that goes with a buffet menu, try having it at Shalimar Pointe and you will have an experience that is worth remembering.

Points To Consider When Playing Golf

The game of golf can be quite complicated especially when you lack the knowledge about the basics. Even though a budding golfer were to learn the book of golf rules and practices incessantly, chances are, he will still be heading to the greens unprepared. This is because the game of golf also sticks to unwritten rules that are seemingly as important to the printed ones.

Here are some of the points to consider when playing golf:

  • Understand the golf rules. Knowledge on the rules of the game can save you from any embarrassment. If you are not familiar with the rules, comprehending the etiquette may also seem difficult. As a budding golfer, it may be best that you seek professional guidance.
  • Be a sportsman. Just like any sports, golf also requires a positive attitude in order to successfully overcome the challenges without having to deal with too much stress. Just bear in mind that every golfer, regardless of ability level, has to deal with bad shots when playing. The key here is to control your temper so that the game will not make you down.
  • Dealing with bunkers may seem a huge inconvenience. However, part of the etiquette would require that after you get your golf ball out of the sand bunkers, rake them thoroughly. It can be a double agony on the part of another golfer who finds his ball tucked way below someone else’s footprints.
  • Another thing that you have to consider is to fill the holes where you made a divot. Divots that are left unfilled can be more frustrating than the un-raked bunkers. Try to fill the hole with the earth sod or with the sand mixture on the bubby or the Tee.
  • When it comes to the order of the play, it is always considered that the player farthest from the golf hole plays first. Except when playing in pairs, choosing who can play first can be part of the tactical reasons. The point here is that you must be patient in waiting for your turn.
  • In terms of scoring, you must state your score when you retrieve the golf ball from the hole. Make it a habit to mark the card when shifting from the green all the way to the next tee.

In order to become a successful golfer, you must stick with the basics. Listen to the golf experts. And during the game, when things seems to be out of balance, learn from your mistakes and turn them as an opportunity to improve.

The Hombre Golf Club

The Hombre Golf Club in Florida is a meticulously manicured scenic golf layout that offers 27 challenging championship holes- the “Good”, the “Bad”, and the “Ugly”. The entire course stretches in the state’s vast lands amidst marshes, wetlands, lakes and preserves being highlighted by a stunning assortment of pines, palms, and azaleas. The golf club first unveiled their 18 holes named as the “Bad” and “Ugly” in December of 1989. In 1990, the Hombre became the proud host of the PGA Tour event – The Panama City Beach Classic. And in 2001, the “Good” nine holes were added. The latter nine holes offer golfers with the 3, 170-yard Par-35 play.

With the perfectly designed 27 holes, the Hombre can give guests three unique 18-hole options of play. The golf club also has the four sets of tees to boast about each offering various difficulty level that will challenge even the highly skilled golf professional. The first 18 holes provide men golfers with a 5,400-yard of play from the senior tees and 6,836-yard of play from the championship tees. Lady golfers on the other hand will run into a challenging 4,901-yard of play. With the perfect combination of challenges for golfers with various skill levels, Hombre hosts the PGA Tour Qualifying School each fall for fifteen years.

The Hombre Golf Club is a perfect golf vacation destination for the entire family. Aside from being home to one of the finest golf layouts, Hombre also takes pride on having the professional golf instruction at The Academy. The place also offers the top-notch practice facilities where budding golfers can hone their skills. The golf club is also honored to have Hubert Green, an all-time PGA Tour winner, who serves as Hombre’s Club Touring Professional.

Techniques for Improved Chipping

Basically, there are plenty of ways on how to deal with chipping in golf. You just need to pick up the right kind of resources as well as what will work best for you. Here are some quick tips on how to go about some of the common chipping shots on the golf course:

Chipping from the Bunkers:

The very first thing that you have to do when chipping from the bunkers is that you need to have the complete change of mindset. Taking shots from the bunkers is basically the same when taking shots from almost any area in the golf course. And in order to end up having successful chipping shots think of it has having them on the greens.

Most of the golfers were taught or already used to doing the explosion shot in taking golf balls out of the bunkers. However, the strike itself does not hit the ball but rather the sand behind the ball which makes the shot unwise or unnecessary. If the trap’s bank is low and that there is plenty of room between the hole and the trap, it may be best if you take a chip shot variation – the club head in clean contact with the ball, lofting it all the way to the green, and allowing the ball for some roll. Make sure that you grip the golf club’s lower shaft portion and with your eyes glued on the left half of the ball. This will give you an efficient descending blow.

Chipping from the Fringe

In taking chipping shots off the green’s fringe, the stroke is quite similar with that of the putting stroke. The club head must go after a straight line from the peak of the back swing through the ball’s impact and on the summit of the follow-through. Try to imagine that the golf ball is just lying atop a yardstick which is pointing on the hole’s direction and that you have to make sure that during all the stages of the chip shot, the club’s head must stay directly on top of the yardstick. And in order to properly facilitate the club head’s movement, make sure that your left foot is approximately at a 45-degree angle with the pin. The common mistake here is taking the square stance where both of the feet are already perpendicular to the target. This stance will make the club head deviate from the straight line and will result to an inaccurate shot.

ChampionsGate Golf Resort

The ChampionsGate has long been considered as one of Orlando’s premiere tourist vacation destination. The resort boasts of its 2 award-winning golf layouts designed by the famed Greg Norman. These two signature golf courses that go with unmatched beauty will surely test every golfers skill and ability levels. The International Course and the National Course are the high-caliber golf layouts that complete the ChampionsGate Golf Resort.

Reminiscent of the British Isles’ great courses is ChampionsGate’s International Golf Course. This layout has Florida’s highest course rating of 76.3 and the slope rating of 143. This authentic links style layout also features the deep bunkers, mounding and waste areas on the side of the fairways, and the thick gnarly rough. The golf course is also being highlighted by the high-side dunes that are planted with swirling grasses, over a hundred pot bunkers, and several water hazards. While on play at this challenging 18-hole golf gem, players will encounter the Par-5 3rd hole would require a lengthy diagonal drive across wetlands as well as between the hazard-laced dunes. The course has also been cited among the “10 Most Distinctive Places to Play” by Golf Magazine.

The National Golf Course on the other hand is a classic-American inspired parkland that boasts of 18 contiguous holes perfectly winding through the acres of secluded wetlands, woodlands, and the orange groves. Golfers of all ability levels can take advantage of the layout’s lush greens and fairways that go with nature’s stunning beauty. This Par-72, 18-hole golf course has the demanding slope rating of 133 and a course rating 75.1 that plays 7,128 yards from the blacks. To culminate an exciting golf round at this course, golfers need to take Par-4 dogleg 45-yard play around a lake.

Quick Golf Pointers for Adult Beginners

Unlike any other forms of sports, the game of golf does not require any specific age in order to play as long as you are capable of holding the golf club and hit the golf ball. Although starting early with golf can be an advantage, trying to learn the said sport later in life is also not a bad idea. Here are some helpful tips for the adult beginners on how to go about golfing:

Before hitting the greens or the driving range, it is very important that you already know the basics of the game. You must be familiar with the various golf equipments that you will need during the golf game. In order to have a good start, ask assistance from the professionals in getting equipments that are suited with your built. Custom fit if necessary.

Second, after getting the idea of how to go about the basic swings, start practicing at the driving range until such time that you are already confident with your golfing shots. As much as possible, after getting the feel of your swings, hit hard in order to strengthen your golf muscles as well as senses and develop flexibility. Once you are ready, tag some friends who have been playing golf ahead of you or a golf instructor to play with you on the real course.

Third, as you move on with your golfing, discover what needs to be further developed in your skills. Aim for improvement and stop hitting ball after ball without benefiting from them. Remember, learning how to golf effectively is a long time process. Each time you hit the greens, take note of the inconsistencies and learn from them.

And lastly, it is highly recommended that you get a professional golf instructor that will journey with your golfing skills development. Since learning the basics of golf can be sometimes complicated for the aspiring adults, a skilled golfer can help you get through the entire learning procedure.

Basic Drills to Improve Your Wrist and Hand Coordination

A good golf swing increases the chances of every golfer to get winning shots on the greens. That is why it is very important to have an appropriate golf drill that will enhance your wrist and hand coordination in order for you to execute better when playing. Among the many other things that you must take into consideration when playing golf is the basic knowledge on how your hands, wrists, and shoulders will work during the execution of swings. And since the golf swing is basically built around the proper wrist action, it may be best that you get started with the wrist and hand coordination.

Here are some suggested golf drills on how to go about the basic golf drills that will teach you how to properly employ the correct wrist position.

First, look for a strong object like a chair, table, or the couch that you can hold onto. If you are already in the golf course, you can also use the golf cart that is roughly the height of your waist.

Then, stand on the side of the object. See to it that that the outer part of your leg that is beside the object is about 3 inches away from the object.

After that, try to have the correct posture while holding a seven iron. Tilt your waist and slightly unlock your knees. When you are already gripping the club, see to it that your hands are a couple of inches at the rear edge of the chair, table, couch, or cart and your hands are aligned with the belt buckle.

In order to demonstrate the drill, gradually raise the club head all the way towards your nose while your shoulders and arms are virtually stationary. Make sure that the club’s toe end is pointed away from you. Lift and lower the golf club as desired until you can get the proper wrist cock.

For the right handed golfers, the forearms must rotate to the right as you draw back the club while the wrists cock up. The clubface as well as your left hand’s back must point away from the body and the arms must maintain a distance from your body. For the left handed golfers, the clubface and your right hand’s back must point away from your body and the club’s toe end must point upwards.

There are still plenty of golf drills that you can follow from various sources. The ones mentioned above are just among the plethora of drills that work for the wrist and hand coordination. Whatever it is that you are using right now, the key is to do it regularly before each game in order to get used to it.

Hidden Creek Golf Club

The Club at Hidden Creek is an 18-hole championship Ron Garl masterpiece that has been cited as one of “The finest golf facility in Northwest Florida” with a 4 ½ rating from Golf Digest. The golf course features the Par-72, 6,284-yards of play from the longest tees and was given a course rating of 71.2 and a slope rating of 129. And since the entire layout was designed to provide all sorts of golfers the fair test of their golfing skills, the course served as the former host to the U.S. Open Qualifying Rounds. Since the layout’s debut in 1988, Florida’s finest golfing experience was finally unveiled.

What makes The Club at Hidden Creek quite unique from the rest of Florida’s golf layouts are the lush landscaping, manicured greens, fast greens, and the scenic rolling terrain. In addition, golfers are also provided with four tee options to choose from depending on what they would prefer to have. Before hitting the golf course for a round of golfing with friends, the natural grass practice facility as well as the chipping and putting area can serve as the venue where one can still take their warm up swings.

Off the greens is a beautifully renovated clubhouse that the resort guests can use. After a challenging golf round, players can relax on the cozy ambiance of the restaurant and bar. The terraced Pavilion with the outdoor fireplace would serve as a perfect venue for an evening of music or chat. And while taking a sumptuous meal, guests are already provided with the best views of the expansive property where the well-maintained and lush golf course stands. Although this golf course is open to the public, private membership is also available. If you want to have a golfing experience of a lifetime, then head your way to The Club at Hidden Creek.

The Normandy Shores Golf Club

Perfectly nestled in Normandy Isle’s serene residential area is the Normandy Shores Golf Club. Considered as one of Miami’s best-kept secrets, this million-dollar golf layout has been the center of attraction for both the local and foreign guests after the major renovations were made by the famous Arthur Hills. Part of the major restoration was the re-grassing of the entire golf course with the paspalum grass as well as adding more undulations and expanding the greens. The golf course was closed for almost three years just to complete the stunning changes. And when it re opened in 2008, golfers coming from the different parts of the globe started to flock Miami Beach to experience one of the state’s finest. The Normandy Shores started its operations in 1915 and later became a part of the U.S. Army-Air Forces training camp during the World War II. And in 1956, Mark Manahah was hired to redesign the entire layout.

This 18-hole public golf course now features the rolling fairways, bunkers, and water hazards that will surely test even the highly skilled golfers. It also offers the three sets of tees ranging from 5,900 yards all the way to 6,800 yards of play. And while on play, guests can have the best views of the Biscayne Bay with the soothing breeze as well as the tropical wild life backdrop. Spotted on the golf layout regularly are the legendary professional golfers including Arnold Palmer, Peter Thompson, and Sam Snead.

Before hitting the greens, golfers can have their warming up at the driving range and putting green. And after the exciting golf round, guests can share a meal or two at the Grill Room where the finest selection of salads, sandwiches, as well as the full bar service are featured.