Archive for January, 2009

Thinking Of Taking Up Golf?

Do you eat, sleep or breathe the game of golf? Do you dream of the 300-yard drive or 60-foot putt? Does the scent of freshly mown grass and the sight of newly scraped divot conjure visions of good times with friends? If not, then it may be time to explore your inner Tiger and discover what you’ve been missing.

I discovered golf in 1999 while stationed at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. Fees at the base course were low and there really wasn’t much else to do if you didn’t have a car. My buddy, Wade and I would go out three mornings per week and smack the ball around before heading to the office.

At first, I must admit that I hated it. Every ball I hit was either a “worm burner” or “duff shot” that traveled less than 20 yards. But each time I went out, I saw improvement and that kept me coming back.

Today I still play nearly 3 times per week. I am definitely not a scratch player, but I can hold my own and each round I have 3 or 4 brilliant shots that give me some bragging rights until next time. Golf is good fun, and cheaper than therapy; trust me!

Here are some quick tips for those of you looking to develop a solid golf habit of your own.

Get The Right Equipment Up Front

You can buy golf equipment in lots of places both on and offline. I always recommend, however, you stick with brand name golf equipment. I know this is contrary to what many people advise, but there is a reason some clubs cost more than others and it isn’t because they are pretty. Brands like Ping, Callaway and Nike have full line sets designed for beginners that are more forgiving of mis-hits and mistakes. This breeds confidence in your swing and ability to make shots. Solid technology is not often found in off-brands or copies.
In addition, I have no doubt that once you get out and play a few rounds, you’ll be hooked. It is always nice to start with better equipment, rather than upgrade soon after you make progress. Buy quality now so you don’t have to re-tool and spend more money later.

Take A Few Lessons

I was fortunate that when I first started, my buddy was able to teach me the basics and much more. But for most folks, it is a good idea to find a local pro and get some golf instruction. You’d be surprised how fast you can shave strokes off your game by taking advice from someone trained in the art of hitting par. Most pros will start you off by developing your swing to the point where it becomes natural. This normally takes place at a driving range where you can hit a bunch of balls in a short period of time.
Taking lessons is not as expensive as you may think, so get started soon before you develop any bad habits.

Find A Home Course

Most towns have at least one golf course, but most have more. Some golf courses are private, while others public. It’s always a good idea to establish a presence at a local course that you can learn and feel comfortable playing. This is also where you can make new connections and learn the social side of the game. Having a home course is also great when it comes time to entertain business clients or friends.

The time to get started and develop your golf habit is now. Winter will be over before you know it, and spring is a great time to get out and enjoy the links. Take advantage of pre-season pricing on everything from golf equipment to golf course memberships and even vacation travel packages. I’ll see you on the 18th green!

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Why I Like Playing Golf

Do you like golf? I know I do, but not for the reasons most people think. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy driving the ball from the tee and seeing it sail 300 yards down the center of the fairway. I like hitting a 3-iron 250 yards to the green, and I really like sinking 30-yard putts. But that isn’t why I play golf.

I play for the stress relief! Have you ever heard the phrase, “A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at work?”

That statement is more true than most of us realize. If you play golf for relaxation and meditation, you will be less stressed. I even prefer to play by myself when I don’t have to be concerned with chasing someone else’s ball! (I have enough issues chasing my own).

You can learn to play golf by getting videos for less than $10. After that, try finding a starter set of golf clubs on Ebay, or at your local resale shop. You can probably develop a good golfing habit for less than $200 if you look around.

There is nothing like a relaxing day playing golf and enjoying some “me” time. You should try it as soon as spring rolls around. You never know, you may just get hooked!
Learn about golf course lawn striping here.

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Premium Golf Shoes From Scandinavian Company Ecco

Scandinavian company Ecco continues to deliver the excellence they have become known for in their current line of ECCO golf shoes. With all different sizes and colors available in their women’s styles, technology and comfort abound. The Ecco golf shoes sport different technologies that can help enhance a golfer’s game. Several styles include Ecco’s patented water resistant Hydromax leather keeping feet dry while tromping through the rough on that par 5. The process of water resisting the shoes isn’t just on the outside, but throughout the leather for longer lasting effectiveness.

For golfers who prefer to walk instead of riding the cart, ECCO footwear have “Direct Inject” technology creating a lightweight but strong outside. The direct inject feature provides stability and cushioning allowing for extended time on one’s feet without becoming fatigued. Since the soles of these shoes are built with out glue or stitching, they prove to be durable – perfect for many rounds of comfortable golfing.

The Ecco golf shoes were designed with golfers in mind. Each pair includes the Ecco swing stabilizer providing an internal system that helps stabilize heels during every golf swing. Ecco has also eliminated a distraction during the golf game by providing each pair of shoes with waxed laces that will stay tied and not throw off the rhythm of the game. Rather wear a spikeless shoe? Ecco also has those available. Still providing traction and grip, these shoes won’t create divots or scratches on sensitive greens.

Colors and varieties of Ecco golf shoes seem endless. Men’s styles range from the Classic saddle to the Flexor model to a casual tennis shoe style of golf shoe. There are many color options ranking from the more conservative but chic white and black combinations, to brown (all colors of brown and white). Ecco golf shoes also provide a more contemporary vibe of a mix of reds (lava), blues, and black and tans for the shoes as well.

The women’s styles of Ecco golf shoes are just as appealing. Several styles sport a classic wing buckle, to traditional laces, to a Velcro strap look. Great bold colors here as well including pink, blacks, tans, and silvers. Ecco golf shoes range from $110 to $430. Features and styles vary with each pair of shoe allowing the golfer to choose the perfect new shoes for their golf game.

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