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PATRIOT GOLF 09/01/2010
 
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Take a moment this month to salute the men and women of our military past and present who have made possible our freedom to walk down the fairways.  I am proud to be a member of the PGA and LPGA, both of whom support Patriot Golf Days.  Patriot Golf Days are the brain child of Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot who has served three combat tours in Iraq and is also a member of the PGA.  Major Rooney was on commercial flight United 664 when he had a life changing moment.  When his plane landed the pilot came over the intercom and spoke these words: "We have the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board, and his twin brother Corporal Brad Bucklin has accompanied him home from Iraq.  As a sign of respect, please remain seated while we honor Corporal Bucklin and his sacrifice."

Major Rooney remained seated and watched the flag-draped casket leave the plane,  passing tearful family members including Corporal Brock Bucklin’s young son, who held on to his mother, as his father’s casket slowly left the plane and proceeded to the hearse.  Major Rooney’s life changing moment occurred when he regained his composure and noticed that many passengers had ignored the pilots request and were removing overhead baggage and already leaving the plane.  The Major vowed to make a difference to acknowledge the sacrifices of our fallen military. This promise led to the establishment of the Folds of Honor Foundation & Patriot Golf Days in 2007.

The Folds of Honor Foundation offers scholarships to spouses and their children to pursue post-secondary education of their choice.  Major Rooney saw education as the key to a brighter future for these families who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to ensure that they will not be left alone.  Patriot Golf Days is the primary support for the Folds of Honor Foundation.  Golf courses across the country simply add $1 to the normal greens fee and the extra $1 collected is then donated to the foundation. In the first year more than 3,200 golf courses participated, raising over 1.1 million dollars for the fund.  In the past three years over 5.3 million dollars has been collected from Patriot Golf Days events held each Labor Day weekend.

The name Folds of Honor comes from the flag folding ritual of the United States Flag representing life, allegiance, remembrance, our country and our hearts. In three years time Patriot Golf Days has grown to now include a number of events to honor and support our military members and families. To find events in your area The Play Golf America Website has a listing, www.playgolfamerica.com to go to for additional information.  If you would like to make a direct contribution to the Folds of Honor Foundation, donations can be made to:

Folds of Honor Foundation
5800 N. Patriot Drive
Owasso, OK 74055

Whether or not you play golf, take a moment this weekend to remember those who have given so much so that we can freely enjoy this great country of ours.  And now indulge this author’s privilege of literary license:  I would like to take a moment to salute my Dad.  Thanks Dad for serving our country and thank you for introducing me to the great game of golf! 

 
 
GOLF HOLE DESIGN 08/01/2010
 
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Golf, like life, is rarely a destination from point A to point B.  It is more like a journey that weaves through many paths.  To help us map our course on this journey an understanding of  how a golf hole is designed can help you plan your next round of golf.  It is not simply a matter of pointing yourself in the direction of the flagstick and whaling away, trying to hit the ball as far as you can.  That approach will quickly introduce you to the rough, sand bunkers and the woods. Taking a moment to see how the hole is designed and matching your skill to the options in front of you will provide a more enjoyable experience for you.

Begin by selecting a course that matches your skill and capabilities.  The United States Golf Association has a system to evaluate golf courses on their difficulty resulting in a uniform course ranking system know as the slope/rating.  New golfers and occasional players will be much happier on a golf course with a lower slope/rating.  This number can be found on the score card. As your skill progresses you might want to challenge yourself to a course with a higher slope/ rating.  Take a moment to call the pro shop or Google the course to find out this information. 

The second question you want to answer is from what tee box do you want to play?  The golf ball does not know if you are young, old, male or female, yet many still refer to tees by gender or age.  The fact of the matter is the course is laid out by an architect who created design features based upon skill level.  You will only be fooling yourself when you step up to a tee box that exceeds your capabilities.  Many courses today offer over 5 different tee boxes that reflect the differing abilities of golfers. A good way to select the proper tee box for you is to look at the yardage on the Par 3 holes.  If you cannot comfortably get on the green in one shot you should select another option.

Once you have selected your tee take a moment to look at how the golf hole is set up.  Basically, there are three types of golf holes.  The first offers a safe way to the green.  The second type offers both a safe route and another that, with a well executed shot will provide an opportunity to reach the green in fewer strokes.  However, if you cannot pull off the shot there will be consequences.  Finally, there are golf holes that require a highly skilled shot to get the job done.  The golf course architect skillfully creates landing areas to play the golf hole as it was intended and then adds rough, bunkers, water, trees, etc.,  to remind you when you have strayed from their intended course or have exceeded your capabilities and skill level. Easier golf courses with a lower slope/rating have a higher number of golf holes with a safe way to get to the green. As the skill level increases so will the slope/rating as well as the number of holes that have consequences requiring skilled golf shots.

Keep in mind that par for a golf hole is what the architect had intended a skilled player to score when they properly played the golf hole; birdie is when they demonstrated exceptional skill.  To determine how many strokes it should take a skilled player to get to a hole simply subtract 2 from par.  On every hole 2 strokes are factored in for putting. For example, a par 5 hole allows three shots to get the ball on the green and two putts.  If you are an occasional golfer or just starting out try establishing a “personal par” that may be a stroke or two over the actual par. This goal of “personal par” is much more attainable and realistic. Personal Par will help you develop your golf skills as opposed to developing bad habits, and will help you maintain a positive attitude about your game.

For more advanced players increasing your knowledge of golf course architect styles will help you make your way around their designs. The naturalists are minimalists: they follow few rules and design around mother nature.  You will be rewarded by carefully calculating each shot, having the ability to take a few wayward bounces while remaining patient.  The strategists require not only patience and physical skill but also offer a cerebral challenge.  Skilled players can play it safe for par or debate the risk/reward factors for birdie.  The Freeway School of architects began designing championship courses that promoted distance over shot placement.  Inspired by tour players who could hit the ball far, many of the courses bear the name of famous players.  Architects from the Framing School planned courses that were pleasing to the eye and offered dramatic visual experiences.  Framing courses offer a visual experience for the player where hazards are more for atmosphere than to catch an errant shot. 

It is amazing to see sketches of early golf course design and photographs of how the breathtaking, mentally stimulating and emotionally challenging courses began.  Small pieces of scrap paper with simple outlines of tee boxes, squiggly lines for fairways, rectangles for bunkers and circles for greens plotted the way for famous tracks such as Augusta National, Pebble Beach and Oakmont. Plow horses were used to move the earth along with the blood sweat and tears of many.  These designs have stood the test of time and are available for us to enjoy today.

Today‘s technology assists the architect with aerial photographs, geological surveys, computerized irrigation systems and, at the extreme, greens with heating and cooling systems. Players too are benefiting from the technology of computerized GPS systems on golf cars, hand-held range finders and yardage books.  It still never hurts to stop in the Pro Shop and ask the local golf professional for some tips on how to play the course. And if the opportunity ever arises, step back in time and treat yourself to walking the course with a knowledgeable caddie at your side.

Great golf holes are the brain child of great golf course architects who engage us both physically and mentally.    These architects utilize nature and geometric design features of angles to lure your eye and mind to new dimensions.  For example, by placing trees on both sides of a fairway the fairway will appear narrower than it actually is. Bunkers with the far edge high enough to hide the area between the bunker & the edge of the green create the illusion of the green being closer and players often leave their shots short.  This is also accomplished when architects place trees, sand or water behind a hole. 

Needless to say architects have many tricks up their sleeves to create an enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.  On the same hole a bunker may be in play for a skilled golfer but never enter the game play for a player playing from the beginning level tees.  Many architects will also place hazards in view to challenge the mental toughness of players.  For many the hazard would never be in play but the power of suggestion often stimulates fear and as the players attention is drawn to a hazard the ball will soon follow. Take note of the next time you are in view of a water hazard; if your thoughts are “don’t go in the water” you are setting the stage for disaster.  You need to keep your focus on where you want to the ball to go not where you don’t want it to go. Know that the architect is having a little fun with you and laugh it off, on the way to a well placed shot that sends the ball to where you want it. In the words of famed architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., “A great golf course both frees and challenges the mind.”  Enjoy the beautiful walk the architect has created for you, but never forget that golf is a thinking game.

 
 
SUMMER IS HERE! 07/01/2010
 
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Summer is in full swing and I hope you are too.  For those of you whose golf swing is not quite up to par here are a few tips to remember now that golf season has arrived. 

Arrive to your tee time early. So often we rush to get to the golf course, grab our clubs out of the car & dash off to the first tee.  Try this instead.  Get your sunscreen on at home and try to arrive 30 – 60 minutes early and take the parking spot that is farthest from the club house.  That’s right:  FARTHEST.  This will allow your muscles to warm up as you walk to the Pro Shop.  Now that you are early and your muscles are warmed up you can spend a little time stretching.  Remember to stretch slowly until you feel resistance, hold for 3 – 5 seconds then take a deep breath and see if you can move a little deeper into the stretch. This will eventually increase your range of motion.  Never stretch to the point that you feel pain or make fast jerky movements.  Be sure to stretch both your upper and lower body and both sides of your body.  Balance is Key!

After stretching, go to the practice range and start with a few nice easy swings with your sand wedge.  Don’t worry about where the ball is going or how far; just ease into the movement.  Once you have found your swing then you can start focusing on your target. Slowly work your way through your bag up to your driver.  This is not the time to make changes; just be aware of what swing you have and what you can expect on the golf course so you can plan your strategy for the day.  There is a big difference between warming up for a round of golf and practice.  You are warming up, not trying to integrate a new swing change.  Now move over to the putting green and check your stroke for both directional & distance control.

With time to spare you can stop in and grab a bottle of water to keep you refreshed on the golf course.  Often the summer heat and humidity can sneak up on you and ruin your golf performance.  Staying hydrated and having a healthy snack in your golf bag can keep you on top of your game.  Try to avoid beverages or food that drain your energy levels and make choices that will help you to both enjoy and enhance your game.

As you approach the first tee try to keep a positive frame of mind.  In case this is hard for you to do just remember you are on the golf course, not in a third world country, off at war or in a hospital room.  Be grateful and enjoy your round of golf.  Sometimes it is better to count our blessings rather than our score. Not all of us are meant to be on tour and there is certainly more than one reason to play this game like being with friends, getting fresh air and exercise, enjoying the scenery just to name a few.  Enjoy yourself, your golfing buddies and the beautiful natural surroundings of the golf course.  While you are at it you might want to tip your golf cap to the course superintendent, pro shop clerk and other golf course personnel who work hard to make your golf experience more enjoyable.

Allowing yourself to remove common stressors out of your golf game will not only help your attitude but can improve your game.  Stress equals tension and tension kills a golf swing.  The next time you are feeling a little “intense” about your game try to catch yourself before it snowballs.   Take a deep breath, and take a reality check.  Are your expectations realistic?  Sure we would all love to play like the tour pros but do we really want to work as hard as they do for that perfect consistent and repeatable swing?  If you set your expectations too high you will only be hurting yourself and life is way too short for that, so set reachable and realistic goals to improve your game.    And as always if you need help check with your local LPGA or PGA Professional who is dedicated to helping you with your golf game.

 
 
 
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June is Women’s Golf Month!  It’s hard for many women to understand the magnitude of that statement, but there was a time not so long ago that women were not welcome on the links.  Thanks to the advancement of women in golf by individual pioneers, the LPGA, and the passage of Title IX,   women’s golf is alive and well.  The appeal of golf for men and women alike has lit a fire that cannot be extinguished.  The reasons we play are numerous.  For many it’s the challenge of competition:  testing your nerves, mind and body against the layout of the golf course.  Others enjoy the social aspects of being with friends.  Many love to immerse themselves in the scenic natural habitat of the golf course.  Others enjoy the benefits of walking, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the sunshine.  For me it is all of the above, and I owe a debt of gratitude to all that have shared this journey with me and to those whom I never met that opened doors I eagerly walked through.

One of the most famous women golfers early in history was Mary Queen of Scotts who brought back the game of golf after it had been outlawed by the King. He feared golfers were spending too much time playing the game and not practicing defensive skills like archery to protect the country.  During the Victorian period women faced three major challenges with the game: 1) wardrobe;  2) they were prohibited from entering clubhouses; and 3) course restrictions as to when they could play.  Oddly enough many of these restrictions were still obstacles for many women wanting to play golf well into the late 1990’s.  But step by step, or I should say “swing by swing,” women’s golf began to evolve.

The LPGA was founded by 13 women in 1950 and is the oldest, longest running women’s professional sports organization.  These women did it all. They organized the travel, ran tournaments, notified the media, were rules officials, presented awards and juggled families all at the same time. Today the LPGA has a professionally staffed 21,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Daytona Beach, FL that includes two 18-hole championship courses and outstanding practice facilities.  The LPGA hosts three tours:  the Futures Tour (88 members) for up and coming talent, the LPGA Tour (491 members) and the Legends Tour (80members) . In addition to the playing professionals, the membership includes over 1,300 professionals across the globe who specialize in teaching, coaching and managing golf facilities.  The PGA has opened its doors to women as well. 762 women are members of the 22,303 Class ”A”  members of the Professional Golf  Association of America and many more are apprentices in pursuit of membership. 

 Title IX allowed more and more women to experience the opportunity to play golf and benefit from college scholarships.  The NCAA sponsors over 2,100 women’s golf scholarships, a big reason why many high schools and grade schools are now hosting golf teams for young women to learn the sport.  Women have discovered the relationship between golf and opportunity and are seizing the opportunity for scholarships and to develop business contacts, the opportunity to meet new mentors and have fun with friends, the opportunity to challenge themselves to reach new goals and to enjoy the great outdoors.

Today Women’s Golf is a booming business. Golf club manufactures have come full circle. They’ve advanced from having no clubs for women,  to one set that they tried to put all women in,  to recognizing that women come in all shapes and sizes offering equipment choices based upon skill level and not gender.  Golf courses now recognize the different skill level of women and offer a variety of tee boxes on the golf course instead of one set of tees for all women. The golf fashion industry offers a variety of clothing choices, designer shoes and many accessories.   

Golf courses recognize that women golfers are an important part of the game and many are hosting activities for Play Golf America’s Women’s Golf Month in June.  Go to www.playgolfamerica.com and type in your zip code to see what activities are available for you.  If you have never played golf before but would like to learn, the Get Golf Ready Program offers a series of 5 one hour lessons to introduce you to the game of golf.  The series is fun and informative including an introduction of the rules & etiquette of the game. Check with your local LPGA or PGA Professional about all kinds of instructional opportunities that range from the first time player to the more advanced, from juniors to seniors and all in between.  

Golf is a game for a lifetime. It is never too late to begin to enjoy the many benefits of golf. Join us at Millcreek Golf & Learning Center for a morning of FREE GOLF EVENTS FOR WOMEN on Saturday, June 26.  The morning will begin with a free Yoga for Golf class by Jeanne Peck.  Jeanne is a certified Yoga instructor who specializes in Yoga for Golf.  PGA Professionals will be on hand for FREE club-fittings. This is a great opportunity to have a professional look at your golf clubs and grips to make sure they are helping you play your best golf.  LPGA & PGA member Karen Bukowski will offer a free putting clinic for women.  Karen will explain ways to improve your putting and reduce your golf score.  All morning events are free.  The afternoon events begin at 12:00 Noon and include lunch and a Woman’s Scramble for a nominal fee. Proceeds benefit  John Kanzius Research.  For more information or registration call 835-5168.
 
 
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Golfers across the country will be taking advantage of Play Golf America’s Annual “FREE” 10 –minute lesson promotion and you can too.  Simply go to the Play Golf America website at  www.playgolfamerica.com , type in your zip and locate contact information for a LPGA or PGA professional who is participating in the program.

Golf is a fascinating game that offers challenges to players of all ages & skill levels.  You do not have to have aspirations of being on tour in order to enjoy the great game of golf.  The game itself has a system built in that allows for fair competition between players with differing skill levels and abilities.  Beyond competition golf provides endless hours of social interaction, beautiful scenery to rejuvenate the soul, exercise for the body and challenges for the mind. Learning to play golf can be a rewarding experience of self discovery and will be enhanced by the guidance of professional instruction.

If you have never taken golf lesson before this is a great way to meet a LPGA or PGA Teaching Professional in your area and see how they can help you with your game.  Members of these two leading world-wide professional golf organizations have gone through extensive training to help you enjoy and improve your game. From the practice range to the golf course LPGA & PGA Professionals can assist you with not only how to swing the club but also on tips of etiquette and rules.

If you have taken a golf lesson before you know how a trained eye can help you start the season off on the right foot.  One of the great things about the game is there is always something to learn and enjoy about the game.  Learning to control and perfect your game from the first tee to the last putt is an exciting process and adventure you can share with your local LPGA or PGA Pro.

Golf Swing mechanics for shots like; putting, chipping, pitching, sand bunker, fairway and tee shots are among the common requests for golf instruction. Yet, there are many other specialties that can be explored to help your game like; golf course management, playing from uneven lies; uphill, downhill or side-hill or unusual conditions like wind, cold weather, playing out of a divot, buried lies in a bunker, ... the possibilities are endless.

Unlike a golf tip from a friend or one that you view on line, read in a magazine or book that may or may not apply to your situation, a personal lesson with a LPGA or PGA Teaching Professional will apply specifically to your golf game.  A local LPGA/PGA Teaching Pro will sort thought the vast amount of training they have had to find the improvement strategy that is most effective for you.

Think about the problem areas of your game and let your local LPGA/PGA Professional help you acquire the skill necessary to make this an enjoyable part of your game.  No longer will you find yourself fearful or frustrated when faced with the shot that causes you concern. Simply, identify what you are struggling with and take instruction in that area, practice your lesson and beginning playing with confidence one shot at a time, one lesson at a time.  Soon “your game” with be full of shots you can depend upon.

For the first time golfer you can be introduced to the game, a casual golfer can pick up a tip that will help you enjoy the game and if you are an avid golfer you can learn a way to fine tune your game. Your local LPGA and PGA Teaching Professional is here to help you and the Play Golf America website offers many promotional opportunities to benefit golfers everywhere and it is all just a click away.

Start your golf season on the lesson tee this year and learn a new ways to bring enjoyment and success throughout the season. Play Golf America!  Take a lesson with you local LPGA or PGA Teaching Professional and enjoy the benefits all season long.
 
 
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 Spring is in the air and it is time to dust off your golf clubs and head out to the golf course.  Before you do, this is a great time to be sure your golf clubs are fit for your game.  Golf clubs come in all shapes and sizes just like we do.  You should consider a change in equipment when there’s a change in your physical condition, whether it is for better or for worse.  A sure way to tell it might be time for a change is those aches & pains.  If you have to swing like a contortionist to get the ball to go where you want it, chances are you need to change your equipment.

The PGA has designated April as Club Fitting Month and fortunately for you many PGA & LPGA Professionals are offering free 15 minute club fittings.  Simply go to www.playgolfamerica.com to find a participating professional in your area.   Typically there is a professional fitting fee for this service that takes approximately an hour. The free fitting obviously will not be as detailed as a regular fitting but it will help you better understand how your clubs are affecting your swing and if changes could help.

Basically, there are three main parts to your golf club: the grip, shaft & head.  There are many options within these three parts with literally hundreds of combinations to make the right club for you.  Pick the wrong combination and the game will be harder than it has to be.   

The grip is the body’s only connection to the golf club.  You want a grip that sits properly in your hands.  If you are a little or a lot arthritic, your grip should be adjusted for your comfort.  In addition, it is so very important that your grips are still tacky.  Smooth worn out grips will cause you to hold the club tighter; this creates tension and tension kills the golf swing.  Before you replace old grips take the time to see if they are a proper fit for your hand size and physical condition.  Once the proper size is determined, there are many material choices and color preferences to decide upon.

The club shaft is also a very important consideration.  The proper length, material, flex and kick point are all considerations for optimum ball flight.  What does all that mean?  Again, golfers come in all shapes and sizes. We have different levels of strength and coordination and the shaft of the club should work for us and not against us.  A word of caution here:  be wary of someone who tries to sell you a golf club because of your gender or age.  Some people are in better physical condition in their senior years than they were in their 40’s because they have the time to exercise and focus on proper nutrition. I think it is a major injustice to golfers when manufacturers tend to classify equipment this way.  I know quite a few people who have been misguided in this area and their golf games are suffering because of it.

Clubhead composition and style are also key to improving your performance. Some club heads will assist getting the ball in the air and others are more forgiving to miss-hits, some are made to add to control and others distance.  With the technological advancements you can find a product out there that will help you with your specific needs. 

Remember the old saying if you need to purchase golf equipment: “Buyer Beware!” Be on the look-out for knock-offs.  You may think you are getting a good deal, but if there is a big price difference chances are you are not getting the material or quality control that is associated with the major golf brands.  In addition, how all of these components are put together is very important.  The lie angle of the club, the weight distribution and swing weight all contribute to performance.

Club selection is important to your success as well.  Rule 4 of the USGA Rules of Golf allows golfers to carry a maximum of 14 clubs.  Just because you are allowed 14 doesn’t mean you have to have 14 clubs in your bag.  I often suggest to new golfers that it is better for them to have a few properly fit clubs than to have 14 that do not match their swing style. Also, if you are trying to walk the course for exercise a lighter bag may make for a more enjoyable round.

If you are still debating the need to get fit for your golf clubs try thinking of it this way: if you were going to run a marathon you would want shoes that fit you.  Imagine running that marathon in shoes that are 2 sizes too big or too small for you, too narrow or too wide, with an arch too high or too low. How would that impact your performance?   Or how about using a bowling ball that is way too heavy with finger holes that are too small for your fingers?  It doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, does it?  The same thing applies to people when they play golf with equipment that does not match their body type and range of motion.    Golf is a game to be enjoyed for a lifetime, so take the time to select the golf clubs that will compliment your personal style! 
 
First Post! 07/01/2009
 
 
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