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Fairmont Southampton Golf Course

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A perfect golf paradise set alongside the Canadian Rockies Mountains is what the Fairmont Southampton Golf Course is all about. Designed by the famed Theodore Robinson, this 18-hole layout takes advantage of the area’s white sand beaches, mangrove forests, as well as the majestic views of the St. Lawrence River. Since the golf course rests on the grounds of the famous Fairmont Southampton Hotel, aside from having one of the finest golf experiences, guests can also have their fair share of the high-end accommodations and other facilities.

This 2,684-yard par-3 golf gem was created to let golfers experience the new heights in short games. The layout’s spectacular elevation changes resulted to a mandatory use of golf carts until sunset golf. While on play, golfers of all ability levels will come across the 200-feet drop on the course’s first two holes. And adding up to the challenge for each round is the island breeze that has become a definite playing factor since much of the course faces the Atlantic Ocean. In order to go through the well-designed obstacles that include the myriad of bunkers, three tee offerings, and two water hazards, every golfer is required to have the prudent club selection.

The Fairmont Southampton Golf Course has already hosted several golf competitions including the Champions Tour, LPGA Tour, and the PGA Tour. Aside from the finest golf layout, the golf club also offers the complete pro shop, a large practice green, and golf lessons being handled by high-caliber golf instructors. If you want to play at the nearby championship golf courses, the hotel’s dedicated Golf Concierge will help you with the arrangements. So whether it is golf or nature discovery, this place serves as an ideal golf vacation getaway for the entire family.

How to Drive Away Blocked Shots in Golf

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Aggressively swinging the golf clubs is not a bad idea. However, if taken too far, golfers often end up being penalized with bad shots, added strokes, and the dreaded blocked shots. If you want to end the golf round with higher successful swings percentage, then you better curb that aggressiveness and have that perfect swing rhythm and timing.

Here are some pointers that will help you eliminate blocked shots during the game:

  • Always consider having the appropriate body posture. The aggressive swings usually make your lower body race ahead of the upper body part making it tilt away from your desired target. Blocked shots are produced when your upper body is getting too fast. See to it that during an address, your spine is straight, knees are slightly flexed, and that you are not squatting too much. Set the ball forward in order for you to keep that back straight when swinging.
  • Another major contributor to blocked shots is when your head is kept down and straight. Always remember that the lack of head movement can make you lose that forward tilt aimed at the ball. The key here is to slightly turn your head with the shot.
  • Also, you must take note that once you get your club too far inside, you will end up getting hooks. Too often, some golfers would not flip the clubface closed at an impact in order to compensate for the hooks. However, this will cause your arm to be pulled away from the body giving you an opportunity to hold on to the club and the possibility of getting the blocked shots.

In the game of golf, there are really plenty of things that one must consider. If you want to further enhance your golfing skills, then better take time to visit the greens as often as possible. The key to being a successful golfer lies not mainly on the instructions that you are reading but rather on the application of what you have learned. Same holds true in driving away the blocked shots.

La Cana Golf Club

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The La Cana Golf Club is among Punta Cana Resort’s renowned golf courses that have been attracting all sorts of golfers from across the nation. Designed by the renowned P.B. Dye, this golf layout is set along the awe-inspiring views of the Caribbean. This 7,150-yard world-class beachfront resort layout serves as a true test for golf skills where golfers will have to work on several holes that are directly aimed into the persistent onshore breeze. Being part of a Dye legacy, the course also features the Dye bunkers that will make one think about Scotland while being in the Caribbean.

The layout’s 154-yard 5th hole playing on par-3 can be very challenging especially that it comes in direct contact with the onshore breeze. Golfers must be able to work with the wind to their advantage or else end up with wrong targeted areas. The idea here is to take a knock-down shot on the right at the bunkers in order to mitigate the breeze even a little. The course’s 8th hole can also test every golfer’s skill as it can be visually intimidating where inconsistent shots can keep you whacking all kinds of clubs until making a successful shot. The 7th hole on the other hand boasts about the cluster of the 21 trademarks bunkers and has been popularly known as the “Hecklebirnie” that according to a Scottish lore is a golfer’s purgatory.

The La Cana Golf Club is P.B. Dye’s 1st solo golf masterpiece in the Dominican Republic that has been dubbed as a “must play” when visiting the place. Aside from the challenging holes, magnificent sea views also await both the golf enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Mid Ocean Golf Club

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The Mid Ocean Golf Club is among Bermuda Islands’ finest golf gems that has been attracting guests from almost all parts of the globe. Perfectly nestled in a charming town, this layout served as a golf vacation dream that was built in 1921. The golf course was designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, a legendary golf course architect. After the layout underwent major renovations in the 1950’s, Mid Ocean Golf Club has then turned into a championship venue and has been highlighted as the 45th among the world’s courses outside the U.S. as cited by Golf Digest. In 2007, this 18-hole championship golf course was home to the PGA Grand Slam. Aside from the famous golf professionals that played on the course, George Bush, Sir Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, and Babe Ruth also graced the layout with their golf games.

This private golf club features the some of the island’s popular golf holes like the par-3 17th-hole known as “Redan”, the par-4 18th, and the signature par-4 5th. As the golfers approach the 4th fairway all the way to the 5th tee, a hit over a large lake would be required as the stunning par-4 dog leg left comes into play. The #1, #3, #17, and #18 on the other hand offer the great variety of plays as these holes regularly comes in contact with the winds coming from the sea. If you want that your golf round will end perfectly, accuracy and concentration is a must.

Aside from the dramatic golf course that features the rolling valleys and terrific greenery, golfers and nature lovers alike will surely enjoy a relaxing break away from the hustles of the busy world. If you are planning to stay longer, on the grounds are the cozy guest rooms, tennis courts, full-service clubhouse, and the sparkling beaches.

The Greenbrier Resort

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Beauty, spectacular scenery, and challenge that are beyond compare is what The Greenbrier Resort is all about. Each year, golfers of all ability levels often flock the resort to put to test their skills on the holes that where triumphed by some of the famous golf legends. The Greenbrier Course, The Old White Course, and The Meadows Course are three of the majestic golf courses that the resort boasts about. Each layout was carefully crafted to captivate and challenge golfers even at the first tee shot. Being a proud host to golf competitions played by some the world’s most prominent players, the Greenbrier Resort continues to fascinate guests whether golf enthusiasts or nature lovers.

The Old White Course was the first golf layout that The Greenbrier opened in 1914. The name originated from the famous Old White Hotel that stood in the area from the mid 1800s until the 1920s. It was also said that among the first golfers that played in the course was the late President Woodrow Wilson. This 6,826-yard par-70 layout that features the undulating putting greens and generous fairways was designed by the famed Charles Blair McDonald and was later renovated by Lester George in 2001.

The Greenbrier Course was an original Seth Raynor masterpiece that opened in 1924. The famous Jack Nicklaus later redesigned the entire course that soon after became the world’s only resort golf course where two professional international cup matches: Solheim Cup Matches and Ryder Cup Matches were held. This par-72, 6,675-yard features the heavily wooded and well-bunkered greens that would require accurate plays and demand forced carries.

The Meadows Course on the other hand was a Dick Wilson and Bob Cupp golf gem. In 1999, this 6,795-yard par-71 layout was dramatically updated to offer golf enthusiasts an excellent variety of demanding holes as well as the majestic panoramic views of the vast mountains that ringed the area. As one of the resort’s distinctive courses, The Meadows also hold some of the regional and state golf championships.

The White Witch Golf Course

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Perfectly nestled on the 4,000-acre historic Rose Hall Plantation, the White Witch Golf Course also meanders through the acres of rolling countryside and lush greenery. The golf layout has been characterized by the colorful foliage, cool trade winds, mountainous terrains, and the spectacular ocean views. This 18-hole golf facility was designed by the famous Robert von Hagge together with Rick Baril. With their shared ideas, an outstanding championship layout was brought to existence. This par-71, 6,758-yard golf course got its name from the plantation’s 19th century beautiful but wicked mistress named Anne Palmer. Legend has it that the lady’s ghost continuously haunts the estate, revealing an alluring mystique that has fascinated both the guests from across the nation as well as the island natives.

This enchanting golf destination is also a recipient of various citations including Conde Nast Traveler’s “#1 Golf Course” and “#1 in Golf Shop Staff service”. No wonder that the White Witch Golf Course has been dubbed as among the Caribbean’s finest golf layouts. While on play, golfers will have the fair share of the course’s best views on 16 of its 18 holes. When in other layouts kids are secluded away from the greens, at White Witch, the little ones can enjoy the best rounds of golf together with the entire family. Children with ages 16 and below are allowed to play at the course for free from 10:00 am on a daily basis as long as they play with an adult.

Aside from the fascinating golf course, golf enthusiasts can sharpen their golf game while hitting balls at the target greens. White Witch also offers the wide practice tees, two practice bunkers, and the 11,000 square-foot putting green. They also have the clubhouse that features the complete locker rooms for men and women, a restaurant where guests can share a meal after the golf game, and a pro shop.

Simple Guidelines in Teaching Kids How to Golf

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Giving instructions to the children is a very tough job. You need to come up with effective tutoring in order to get their undivided attention. You must also see to it that the session revolves around having fun and not about struggling to perfect the game or else, all of your efforts will just be put to waste.

Here are some of the simple guidelines that you can consider in giving kids an effective golf lesson:

Guideline #1: As much as possible, keep the golf instructions simple. It is a fact that the game of golf involves a lot of technicalities. But if you start talking about confusing golf terminologies, the kid can end up getting frustrated. The best way to let them experience an exciting golf session is to let them practice at the driving range. Confidence begins when the kids start to make successful ball hits. Start with the putting exercises, once they are already familiar with it, you can now introduce chipping which would require a little of the backswings.

Guideline #2: Allow the child to develop his or her own pace in golf. It is against the rule to push a child to strive hard in order to improve quickly. In order for them to internalize the basics of golf, let them practice the fun way. When teaching kids, patience is the key.

Guideline #3: Teach the children about golf etiquette. At the early part of the golf lesson, try to incorporate the basic golf etiquettes so that the child will already have an idea on the things that are allowed and not allowed when already playing. Make sure that this part is not taken for granted. The earlier the child is introduced to the discipline of golf, the better player he or she can become.

Guideline #4: Purchase the right kind of golf equipments that are suitable for the children. Usually, it is the parents who are more excited to see their child learning and loving golf. As a result, parents would purchase expensive golf equipments for the child. This idea can be quite risky as the child can lose his or her interest in the long run. The wisest thing to do is to have the used golf clubs that re lightweight. If the child decides to continue and get serious with golf, then that would be the perfect time to purchase the pricey golf equipments.

Glasgow Hills Golf Club

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The Glasgow Hills Golf Club is a par-72 layout that offers a 5,279-yard to 6,915-yard of play. The famous golf course architect Les Furber has taken advantage of PEI’s vast rolling hills and has come up with one of the world’s high-end signature golf courses. What makes this golf club unique from the rest of the island’s golf courses is that the layout is being highlighted by plenty of elevation changes in a very spectacular setting. Glasgow Hills was then given a course rating of 73.0 and a slope rating of 134.

This 18-hole layout can has been considered as challenging but fair. Due to the course’s undulation features, golfers of all ability levels can put to test their swinging abilities and have the measure of their true handicap level. Since the layout’s debut in 2001, it has already received various citations coming from reputable golf publications. Glasgow Hills Golf Club has been recognized for its outstanding customer service with staff being trained to give guests with utmost quality assistance. Aside from the work force, the place was also acknowledged for maintaining a great golf course condition. Among the major awards that the golf club has garnered include the “Top 100 Courses in Canada” as cited by the Globe and Mail readers, and Golf Digest’s 4-star rating.

Each year, golfers coming from the different parts of the globe visit this golf sanctuary to experience one of the world’s best as well as enjoy majestic sceneries. Glasgow Hills Golf Club also features a world-class clubhouse that provides guests with an overlooking view of the St. Lawrence Gulf.  Truly this must-play golf course is more than just a golf game but an experience that is worth remembering.

Practice Makes the Perfect Golf Game

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Practice makes perfect. This statement can be an absolute truth in the game of golf. The world’s greatest golfers were not products of an overnight golf scheme. They invested time, effort, and finances to further enhance their skills through practice routines. Even if you have hundreds of golf books or instructional videos, you will never succeed in golf if you don’t practice. Getting prepared for the competition is the key to making it on top.

Here are some guidelines on how to go about your golf practices:

First, try to get loose. Take some time to stretch before anything else. After the stretching routine, take a weighted club and start with the slow swings. If preferred, you can also have the weighted doughnut slid over the shaft to add up to the weight of the golf club.

After the loosening workout, try to hit a few drivers. For some they take the short irons first while others prefer hitting the driver first. But try not to get focused on the kind of driver that you are using. As much as possible hit about five to ten shots in order to get used to big and wide swings.

When you already have the wide arcs feel during your swings, it is now time to grab your short irons and start swinging them. You can choose the kind of golf club that you are already comfortable with. This will boost your confidence when hitting the greens. Then, have the long irons when your approach shots are already down.

And finally, have a good short game. Grab those drivers and get to work. Hit the ball off the tee and focus on your direction. After hitting the ball farther, you can also add up the putting exercises. Having 60 putts is definitely not a bad idea and it will surely not eat up most of your time.

Once you are already used to practicing, you will later find out that this is the only effective means in getting lower scores in golf.

Myrtlewood Golf Club

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The Myrtle Beach Golf Club is home to two of South Carolina’s championship golf courses that have been attracting both the golfers and non-golfers coming from almost any part of the globe. With the golf course’s perfect setting along Myrtle Beach’s magnificent Itracoastal Waterway, guests can enjoy both the challenging tests of golf and the splendor of nature. Golf enthusiasts can opt for the strategic Pine Hills Course or the traditional Palmetto Course.

The Pine Hills Course has been considered as Arthur Hills’ first and only design that is set along the Grand Strand. The layout was formerly named as The Pines but was renamed in 1993 after the award-winning Hills redesigned the course. After the major changes, Pine Hills is still routed to its original path but with the addition of the strategically placed water hazards and the skillful use of mounding that created another unique feel. This 6,640-yard layout features the Tifdwarf Bermuda grass and has been given a course rating of 72.0 and a slope rating of 133. In 1997, the layout was cited by Golf Digest as among Myrtle Beach’s “Top Ten Courses” and has hosted several prestigious golf events.

The Palmetto Course on the other hand was designed by the famed Edmund B. Ault and has been considered by the many as an all-time favorite golfer’s haven for more than 30 years already. This par-72, 6,977-yard layout has also been continuously ranked as among the high ranking repeat-play courses that stand along the Grand Stand and is landscaped to give all sorts of golfers the optimum play. The layout also features the accommodating fairways, the Tifdwarf Bermuda grass greens, and the various hazards that will surely demand consistency as well as accuracy. The Palmetto Course was given a slope rating of 135 and a course rating of 73.7.