Norman Stanley is a weekend hacker and part time tutor with particular interests in the mental game and short game wedge playBest Deals On Golf
Wedges
What I Love About Golf
There are many of us who are addicted to this magnificent game. It seems that golf is a game which you either love or hate. Golf elicits an extreme reaction from almost everyone who tries to play it. Perhaps this is because golf is not an easy game; in fact, golf is probably THE most difficult game you can tackle.
For the sake of those who do not agree that golf is so difficult, let us take a little look at the extent to which golf poses the human mind and body a challenge. What other sport do you play with such a long club, such a small ball and such a large playing arena? It would make sense that the longer the racket or club the more room for error in its application, would it not? And the smaller the ball is, the most difficult it is to hit with accuracy? And the further away the target, the more room for error in one’s aim?
If that doesn’t convince you as to how difficult golf is, let us look at other elements which have a major impact upon this game. The condition of the golf course varies in terms of type of grass, length of grass, whether its damp or dry, sand or grass, and so on. An individual golf course changes from one hour to the next, one hole to the next, and then each golf course is entirely different from another as well. The weather has a major impact. There are also different games within the game of golf – match play or medal, and so on.
Then of course, there is the length of time it takes to play golf – one has to focus for this length of time. And to top it all off, because you have time to think between shots there is a lot of time in which to “mess with your mind” and subsequently make a corresponding “mess” of your shot! It’s a lot easier on your mind to play a more reactive sport!
Golf is a very, very difficult and demanding game, but this is its attraction, this is what causes golfers to become totally addicted…either that or you absolutely loathe the game of golf. Golf is an extreme sport in that it does provoke these extreme reactions on account of its challenges. Everyone who is learning this game and just beginning to play golf can identify with the pure sense of JOY experienced when that one shot sails into the air and the ball lands exactly where you wanted it to be. The feeling of “I CAN play golf”, “I CAN do this” is like nothing else – it is totally orgasmic. And a mental note is made immediately to get lessons, to practice and to play more often.
You can hit 100 or more shots in those first few rounds of golf, and perhaps only one or two shots elicit this orgasmic reaction, but that is enough. You can spend four hours on the course, and the shot you remember is that one and only perfect one; you play it over and over in your mind and it motivates you to keep on going, to rise up to the challenge of playing golf.
What is funny is that when you get more to grips with the game, and are a pretty good golfer, it tends to be the bad shots which you replay in your mind. This is another challenge to be overcome. 90% of good golf is played in your mind and so you need to train your mind to play good golf. Your very personality is seen and expressed in your game; golf can teach you a lot about yourself that you may not have previously realized. Golf challenges you to grow as a person, and I think this is what I love most of all about golf.
To play golf well you have to master both physical technique and your own patterns of thinking. Golf hypnosis is an amazingly effective way in which you can train your mind to play well, and overcome the many obstacles which your own mind would otherwise create. Whatever level you are at in your game of golf, however good you are at golf, more challenges constantly appear. Once again, this is the cause of the golfing addiction which so many of us are familiar with.
I played yesterday at the Palo Alto Hills Country Club and it reminded me (as every round I play does) of what I love about golf. I love the fact that I’m out of doors, in the fresh air, in the sunshine – it makes me feel as free and relaxed as a bird. I love the beauty of every golf course I have ever seen, the greenery, the flowers, the contours – the contact with nature is grounding, balancing and it helps your spirits to soar. I love the golfing etiquette; how polite and friendly golfers are to their fellow players. I love the company of fellow players, the stroll and chatter. I love the fact that your game doesn’t affect another’s game – you’re playing the course as opposed to the person and so golfers of every ability can play happily together. I love the exercise. And then, of course, there’s the challenge of each and every shot…
You might find your ball in an “interesting” position in a sand trap, or find that you have to stand one foot in and one foot out to enable contact with the ball. You may have to work out how to de-loft your club and hit a half shot between tree trunks and beneath overhanging branches. ANYTHING might happen out there on the course. Golf is unpredictable, it is a constant and perpetual challenge and it is great fun. I LOVE this game.
Roseanna Leaton, specialist in golf hypnosis and author of the GolferWithin mental skills tool-kit golf mind training system for golfers who love the challenge of this great game!
Posted: October 26th, 2009
at 2:31pm by admin
Tagged with About, Golf, Love.
Categories: Strategy Ply golf
Comments: No comments
Golf: a Game for the Rich and Famous
Do you love golf? Is it true that golf is only for the elite people? I think so. That is according to what golf history says.
Golf at a certain time was forbidden by King James IV. However, years passed he became eager to learn the game and in fact became a keen player. Thereafter, purchase of golf balls and other equipments are made in favor of the King himself. The first record of golf match was between James IV and the Earl of Bothwell. This fact alone would indicate that golf is indeed a game of those who can afford it and more particularly for the rich people. Since then, golf is known as being the popular royal sport in Britain. Even the organization which was formed for this sport has a characteristic of royalty. It is said that the sport was expanded and developed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland. This same club was the first to create laws or rules and regulations relating to golf.
History tells that golf is indeed a game for the rich and famous. So, would you still dare to play golf? Would it not make you feel insecure if you are not lucky enough to be one of those belonging to the elite?
If you love to play golf, I believe no hindrances will make you stop playing the game.
Posted: October 26th, 2009
at 1:28pm by admin
Tagged with Famous, Golf, Golf Game, Rich
Categories: Strategy Ply golf
Comments: No comments
Prepare To Play Your Best Golf
How do you usually start your round of golf? Do you rush into the car park, pull out your clubs, throw on your golf shoes and run to the first tee?
If this sounds like you, and believe me you are not the only one, then do you expect to play well? Or do you think that bad round was just one of those days?
Preparation is key if you want to play golf to the best of your ability. Someone once said “Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail” They were right. Rushing into any endeavour without prior thought is a sure fire way to fall flat on your a**. Do you think Tiger just turns up? No, he plans a golf match with military precision, everything he can do to eliminate errors, he will do and that’s why he’s number one.
We are not all gifted with the time or facilities to prepare like Tiger but that is no reason why we cannot do our best to rid ourselves of some of those silly errors that can wreck a score card. How do we prepare for our best golf?
Arrive at the golf course in plenty of time. Eliminate haste as you should be relaxed and ready to play your best golf.
1) Stretch; stretching calms and relaxes the body and mind as well as helping to prevent injuries to stiff muscles. Stretching allows the body to work to it’s best so making your swing smoother and more consistent. Stretching should not be confined to the start of the round but continued throughout the game.
2) Spend time on the practice putting green. This green will be similar in condition to the real greens and time spent here will give you valuable information on the likely speed of your putts so making it easier to get it right when you need to.
3) Allow for some chipping practice also, your flexibility and speed varies and so practice here will let you gauge your shots on to the greens and remember a chip should be considered a putt with a hop. Go for the hole every time.
4) Finally bang a few balls down the driving range or into the nets, this will open up your chest and really allow you to swing into those 300 yard drives.
Stroll to the first tee and take a couple of deep, calming breaths as you watch your playing partner pull out his clubs and scramble to the tee. Give these simple tips a try and see how your golf game improves. Most importantly, golf is not a race, enjoy it.
Posted: October 26th, 2009
at 10:17am by admin
Tagged with Best, Golf, Play, Prepare
Categories: Strategy Ply golf
Comments: No comments
Scramble Golf Rules Can Be a Fun Addition to Your Game of Golf
For the most part, golfers play a regular stroke game of golf when on the golf course. However, there are number of alternatives that can be fun to play with a group and these games, such as scramble, best ball or match play, can add excitement, fun and some competitiveness to the normal game of golf. In order to experiment with a new and fun game the next time you go to the golf course, you will need to learn some basic rules for scramble golf. Not only is this game fun, but it gives you a sense of belonging together since you and your teammate are able to combine your games and take advantage of the strengths from both players.
Scramble golf is suitable for children since it is simple to learn and can easily be understood by every golf player. Most golf tournaments for teams will also include a round of scramble golf and for that reason it is a good idea to become familiar with scramble golf rules. The game of scramble golf is also great to choose if you want to play a quick round of golf and you want to save some time.
The regular components of golf are included in the scramble game of golf, but there are a few changes. For the most part the players will be teamed up into groups of two, however it is also possible to have teams of three players. All players in a team will have to hit a tee shot or a drive and then the team is able to go on to the best drive. The best drive is the shot off the tee that has landed closest to the green area, but it can also be the ball that has the best position to make a good approach shot, such as those balls that land in the fairway.
The player whose ball was not chosen will then pick up the ball and put it back into play somewhere near to the chosen ball’s location. This goes on for the rest of the hole and the team with the best shot will have each player hit from the best location. For the putting green the rules are the same and here each player is allowed to putt and now the best putt is chosen. The team’s overall score for the hole is equal to the number of strokes needed to complete the particular hole.
It is quickly noticed that the rules for scramble golf are suitable for golfers that have different abilities. If you can hit good drive shots, for example, but you are not the best at putting on the green, then it is recommended to choose a teammate that is a better putter. This way it is possible to make the most out of your capabilities and you will increase the chances of getting a good score for a hole. Once you are familiar with the basic scramble golf rules, you can simply go to the golf course and have fun playing a new game with your friends.
Abhishek is an avid Golfer! Visit his website www.Golf-Skills.com and download his FREE Golf Report “The Perfect Golfing Vacation” to learn some amazing Golfing tips and tricks for FREE. Whether you are a Golf novice or a professional Golfer, you will find very valuable tips from his site. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! www.Golf-Skills.com
Posted: October 26th, 2009
at 8:23am by admin
Tagged with Addition, Golf, Golf Game, Rules, Scramble
Categories: Strategy Ply golf
Comments: No comments
