Archive for the ‘Golf’ Category
Tiger Woods Press Conference
Tiger Woods finally addressed the public with his written and predictable speech in hand. He offered his apologies to Elin, his sponsors, his fans and all his peers on the PGA Tour. While Elin was conspicuosly missing from the conference, Tiger admitted his indiscretions cost him and all of those near to him dearly. He was also non – committal about his return to golf and when that might be. He said it may be this year or maybe not but if I had to wager on a date I would put my money on the Masters in early April. This golf tournament is the most prestigious of the majors and it is critical in his chase of Jack Nicklaus’s record 18 major victories.
It was also evident that his stint in sex rehabilitaion is not quite over. He has to return to the clinic this week and perhaps deal with his problem for the remainder of his life and golf career. His illness has been equated to that of an alcoholic or habitual gambler who cannot just quit or heal their addiction cold turkey or without continued support and treatment. Tiger’s mom was there to comfort her son, who she knows is hurting as she greeted him with a big hug at the end of the press conference. As noted previously, I think the best medicine for Tiger is to return to the game he loves as soon as possible because hitting golf balls is the thing he does best. We wish you well Tiger and an expedient return to golf. Happy Golfing to All!
It looks like the controversy continues as Tiger Woods is holding a press conference today to discuss his future, both in golf and his personal life. I’m sure many are anxious to see whether Elin remains at his side while at the press conference.
The question on everyone’s mind is how he will address and respond to this small group of close friends, associates and select press personnel? Will he return for the Accenture match play Tournament, which was the first to drop him when the scandal hit, or will he quietly prepare for the Masters, which is the first major of the year. This years Masters is arguably the most important major and maybe tournament in Tiger’s career? It will set the tone for his return to golf as hitting golf balls is the thing Tiger does best. Stay tuned and Happy Golfing to All!
You have scheduled your tee time, arrived at the golf course, checked in with the Pro Shop and starter and are heading to the first tee, Congratulations! You are ready for the game of a lifetime. Once you are at the first tee there are some rules of Etiquette that should be addressed here. There are varied locations of teeing areas, usually between 2 and 5 placements, so check the score card for distances of the different tee areas and total yardages that are set up for players of different skill levels and abilities. Make sure to hit your golf balls from the tee location that is right for you.
The back tees are meant for the advanced player usually with an established handicap of between scratch and 7 and the total yardage is usually between approximately 6500 and 7400 yards.
The next forward tee box is normally for the experienced player who is between an 8 and 14 handicap and the total yardage is normally between 6200 and 6700 yards.
The next tee location is for the average golfer and can range from 5800 to 6300 yards and the markers are normally white.
Some courses have tee boxes for senior players and are usually gold or green.
Then lastly, the women’s tee location, whose markers are normally red in color and are usually the shortest on the course.
If a senior or female player is an experienced golfer they can choose any tee area that is appropriate for their skill level. For a new player or beginner I would strongly recommend the white or senior tees for the men and the red tees for the women. It would allow you to play from a tee location that is reasonable for the beginning golfer. Most of all have fun and Happy Golfing to All!
Once you have scheduled your tee time the next step is arriving at the golf course. You should figure to arrive at the course at least a half hour before your scheduled time in order to allow for check in and warm up, and especially if you would like to grab something to drink or eat before you play. As you enter the driveway to the course you will most likely see directional arrows to the Bag Drop. Follow the signs so you can unload your bag at the location nearest the course Bag Drop so you will not have to carry your bag once you park the car.
After you drop your bag make sure to put your golf shoes on, if you have golf shoes, which is recommended and proceed to the club house and Pro Shop to register to play. Many of the golf courses have a driving range where you can warm up hitting golf balls. Make sure to grab your golf clubs and take advantage of this opportunity. It will help you tremendously by allowing you to loosen up and prepare the golf muscles for play. Happy Golfing to All!
What is a Waggle? About thirty something years ago I may have asked myself that same question. Please note that “The Waggle” is by all means not a necessity to a good or correct golf swing. It is an important option that many golfers employ to help start or “Trigger” the backswing. It is a method to promote “Relaxation” and to initiate the swing and correct “Tempo” that will be employed for the entire golf swing. The Waggle, or any other method you would like to use that works for you, whether it is a deep breath to clear your mind of any interfering thoughts or you can do absolutely nothing, if that is so your desire.
We have been discussing the waggle but in actuality, what is it? There are a number of different ways that the waggle can be performed and don’t be afraid to invent and utilize any method that works for you. As noted earlier, it is a trigger that will promote relaxation and help you to initiate the proper golf swing. A technique I use that works best for me is to actually rehearse the entire swing. I take my grip, set up to the ball and actually preview the swing path and moves that I will be performing during my swing. Many times I note that I have taken the club back on an improper swing path or maybe my wrists did not set the club properly. This rehearsal allows me to correct the mistakes prior to my actual swing. Other golfers may just break the wrists off the ball, then return the club to the ball position or maybe take a half or three quarter swing to check if they feel the tempo for the desired swing. You may also choose to rehearse the entire swing as I do and any of these techniques are optional. Whatever your Waggle method may be, make it part of your swing routine. It may take some experimenting to see what is most comfortable and what works for you but you will realize the results with practice! When at the driving range hitting golf balls make sure you use the waggle with each swing. Have patience and fun as you learn to play. Happy Golfing to All!
I would like to add one very important and often overlooked part of the golf swing, be sure to “RELAX”. Do not let tension creep into any part of your swing, especially your grip. The club should be cradled gently in your hands with about as much pressure as if you were holding a babies hand or a small bird in your hand, an analogy I think used by Sam Snead, one of the all time golfing greats.
Make use of the old expression to “Let the club do the work”. You will be amazed at how swing speed and technique, together with a tension free body and mind, produce so much greater results when hitting golf balls. Also try to think of calming thoughts and nothing like a Hawaiian sunset to provide the right atmosphere to relax. Enjoy and Happy Golfing to All!
Elin and Tiger Woods are finally back in their Orlando home after she spent much needed time with tiger for his final days in the rehab sex clinic in Hattiesburg. Tiger had again reinforced his committment to be a better father, husband and person in general and has apologized profusely to all his fans who have supported him over his once illustrious career.
As I stated in my first writing about Tiger’s indiscretions the public should not be judging him. He has admitted to an illness and far be it for us to not take him at his word. If Elin is willing to forgive him and he can work out his relationship at home and does indeed own up for his mistakes, we can only wish him well. I think most of his true fans are eager to see his return to the sport he loves and hitting golf balls is the best medicine for him right now, especially with the Masters quickly approaching. All the best to you Tiger and welcome back. Happy Golfing to All!
You cannot mention more revered names in golf than the three noted in this writing. Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer have acheived such greatness in the sport of golf. They are all reaching milestone ages and Tom Watson is still going strong at 60 years young. If Jack Nicklaus hadn’t sustained so many injuries both to his hips and back he would still be playing and competing today. He made a brief appearance in the skins game partnering with Tom Watson and both of them were victorious playing against some of the younger bucks on the senior tour such as Fred Couples. Couples was another golfer who has been plagued by injuries through out much of his career.
The photo above of Jack, Tom and Arnold with another golfing great Ray Floyd brings back fond memories of when all four were playing and competing against each other. What a rivalry it was and what an era in golf. We may never see those days again. What I wouldn’t give to see Arnold, Jack, Tom and Ray hitting golf balls again in the weekly tournaments like they did so many years ago. Happy Golfing to All!
If the latest tabloid rumors are true Tiger may be returning to golf as early as the the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, Arizona at the end of February. He should be winding up in rehab as Elin is supposed to be picking him up from the Pine Grove, Hattiesburg clinic shortly.
It will be good to see him returning to golf as he has been sorely missed by his golf fans around the world. Hitting golf balls is where he belongs as his march to destiny continues at the Masters this coming April. He now has 14 major championships under his belt and only four more to tie Jack Nicklaus’s incredible record of 18 majors. I wish Tiger the best on his road back and look forward to seeing him in competition again. Happy Golfing to All!
When playing various golf courses a player will encounter many different types of golf shots. One shot I always found challenging was the down hill lie. If you make the proper adjustments in your set up you can overcome this obstacle and improve your chances for a sucessful outcome.
One adjustment I make when placing the golf clubs in my set up is to position the golf ball a bit more to the right side of center of your stance and widen the stance at the same time. Also keep the weight on the right side as you swing. Try to drive the club into the back of the ball in a downward angle. Set your shoulders parallel to the ground and swing along the slope of the terrain. Follow through along that same slope as much as possible for an increased chance for a good outcome to the shot. The down hill slope will decrease the loft of the golf club so you may want to choose a club number higher to compensate. It will also give you a better opportunity to get the ball into the air faster.
{Fore: This advice is for the right handed golfer and the opposite would hold true for the left handed player}
Happy Golfing to All!