Golfing Eighteen Blog

Beginning in 1934, the Augusta national golf club has been the location of the prestigious Masters Tournament. The course is located in Augusta Georgia and is one of the most well known courses in the world and one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The course is located on land that used to be a tree nursery.

Beautiful Golf Course

The Augusta national golf club is filled with beautiful trees, flowers, as well as shrubs and every hole on the beautiful course has the name of a tree or a shrub that is located on the hole. In the earlier days it stood out from the rest of the golf courses due to the small number of bunkers it contained when compared to other golf courses and the width of the fairways on the course were different from the other quality golf courses.

Changes to the Course

Over the years several architects have made design changes to the Augusta national golf club course such as placing more bunkers on the course, decreasing the contours of the greens and placing more trees on the course and creating more rough areas. The greens at the Augusta course had a long tradition of being made from Bermuda grass; however in 1981 they were changed to being made from bent grass which provides the green with a faster surface and this is the primary factor for the decrease in the contours that were placed in the greens at the course.

Fans of the Augusta national golf club are probably familiar with the big oak tree that is located on the course side of the Augusta clubhouse and is thought to be between 145 and 150 years of age. The Eisenhower tree is a loblolly pine which is situated on the 17th hole of the Augusta national golf club course.

Historians of the course claim that the tree was hit with a golf ball numerous times by President Eisenhower and so he recommend that they remove the tree form the course. The chairman of the golf course at the time did not want to have to dismiss the recommendation of President Eisenhower and so he decided the best thing to do was close down the meeting.

Ike’s Pond was named after Eisenhower who at the time was a general. He had taken a walk in the woods on the eastern portion of the Augusta national Golf Club grounds and informed the chairman of the club that he had located a great place to create a pond. The pond was built based on his recommendation. The Augusta national golf club course is one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

A passionate golfer never minds soaking up the summer sun as it comes to teeing it off in the green!

Golf is fun when you stay healthy. But there are those deadly, stealthy UV rays that conspire against your health - they weave the plots to pin you down and you don’t come to realize their silent attack until it is too late.

In the USA, women play an average of 50 to 60 rounds of golf each year. Taking five hours per round in an average, it amounts to at least 250 hours of intense sun exposure.

As a matter of fact, it is the creed of the golfers that belongs to the highest risk group of skin cancer. And so you can see, why a special skin care regimen is imperative for all you  lady golfers.
Going through the right skin care regimen ensures that you have a long and successful golf life. So here are some basic guidelines to help you tee off safely this summer.

Here is what an ideal beauty regimen of a female golfer should comprise of:

1. Your skin requires protection as well as repair of the previous damages. So go for the product that combines protection and repair in one.
2. Sun exposure is one of the main reasons behind aging and drying of skin and to replenish the moisture level of your skin you need to go for facials. A golfer’s face pack should comprise lots of antioxidants and vitamins.
3. The whole day in the green lets your body accumulate enough grim for the day and at the end of the day you will need some good scrubs to get rid of them. Once the surface of the skin is free of the layer of dirt, it will allow the moisturizers to get absorbed more easily.
4. A spa visit is recommended for receiving cooling and hydrating wraps that will help you beat the heat while you bang around in the fairway.
5. All these should be topped up by regular massage session.
6. A golfer’s beauty products should include such natural ingredients as aloe and other herbs and plants and fruits like strawberries, cucumbers and oranges for their soothing effects. The rose water and camphor are two other natural ingredients that may help you remain cool while you measure up your next hole.

Find the product that works

It is not always easy to find out the right skin care product. However golfforwomen.com has made the thing easier for you; they have just organized skin-care awards and on the recommendation of top five dermatologists they have listed the best of sunscreens, moisturizers and anti-aging products, all designed to protect, repair and nourish vulnerable skin. Click on this URL to get a full glance of all the listed products: Golf for Women

Even after you grab the best skin care product, don’t give these little details a miss:

• Never hit the green without putting on tightly woven, sun protective clothes that provide an UPF 15 or more. Also cover your both hands with gloves; giving protection to your poor hands is more important than showing off the up-market manicuring wonder. 
• Use high quality sun glasses and wide brimmed hat covering face and ears.
• Invest in the best sun cream with SPF of at least 15. Use waterproof varieties for better comfort. Also apply lip bum with SPF at least15.
• Make it clear to your partner that you will prefer a ride in a covered cart over walking all the way for less sun exposure.
• Rush to the shades in between tees or when the play has stopped.
• Keep your inside hydrated by loading plenty of water. Don’t believe them who inform you that chilled beer would cool you down; on the contrary it works for more dehydration.

Keep these skin care tips in mind and also don’t forget your dermatologist; make it a point to visit him at least once in a year.
Now that you have all the secrets to snub the sun off hit the green with confidence and swing it off to your heart’s content.

Fitness Tips for the Golfers

So you have joined the best of the clubs, taken lessons and invested in the whole lot of industry’s best equipments? Also watched the pro-golfers at work on DVDs? Still can’t send the ball anywhere near the hole?

Well, it seems you have missed on one important factor and that relates to the improvement of your own body.

Do you know the secret behind a better swing, longer drives and improved scores? Well the secret lies in achieving the ability to make your body move a little Better.

Golfers need to work for kick-ass fitness—why?

• A well executed golf swing is the sum total of excellent flexibility, strength, and power of muscles. In the absence of any one this physical parameter, the quality of the swing is grossly compromised resulting into poor shots and inconsistency on the course.
• With a fitter body, you will no longer need to swing harder to achieve longer drives. A fitter body will help you to take it easy on your swing to see the ball flying down the fairway.
• So a fit body is prerequisite for a golfer—amateur or professional, young or senior.
• Thus the ultimate goal of any golf fitness program is to achieve maximum flexibility, and balance to help the golfers develop smoothness and consistency in golf swing.

Here are some practical tips to help you put your body in the best condition for the teeing around.

1.It is your flexibility and strength that helps you achieve the longest of drives and speediest of swings. So focus on the conditioning of the whole body, before you step into the green.

2. Different sports demand different level of body fitness. For playing golf, you have to use your body in different ways than the other sports and golfers are prone to unusual injuries. So get a personal trainer who has the experience of training the golfers. A specialized golf fitness training program will help you to maximize power and store up enough strength to bypass the typical injuries related to the sport.

3.First make attempts with a few half speed swings, before attempting with full-speedd swings.

4.Never even hit the link without taking up some stretching and other warm-up exercises.But not only during the golf season, take some cardio- exercise and strength training all the year round. This will prevent the injuries resulting from the stresses on the shoulders and twists of the body. Thirty minutes of brisk walking at least thrice a week is a minimum requisite to keep your heart healthy enough to take the strain of whole day of golfing.

5. Don’t hit the green just because you need an excuse to drink beer. Avoid alcohol when you are playing; it only dehydrates your body and affects your concentration. Instead drink up plenty of fluids. The sports drink makes good choice for the golfers.

Follow these simple fitness tips and start golfing like a pro from the very first tee in the season.

For a passionate golfer like you nothing can parallel the charms of a golf vacation in Scotland! Even if you can not make it to Scotland—-the home of golf—-you can still enjoy a perfect golf vacation anywhere else in the world, if you go by a well chalked out planning. Here are some tips to help you plan your golf vacation to the perfection.

Golf vacations are generally expensive; to get the maximum value from it, you have to keep many other details in mind other the arrangements for accommodation and transportation.

First decide on the destination

* At home or around the world, you will come to find a number of alluring golf courses some of them tucked in the foothill of a magnificent mountain, some sitting pretty like an oasis amidst the busting city life or some of them sprawling near historical castles or monuments.

* So first decide what among these can work to your liking and then choose the destination.

* In case you are accompanied by non- golfers, it is a must to consider their views in this matter. This will allow you to concentrate on your game while they are busy exploring the other attractions.

Searching the destination

In the USA alone you can find over 300 golf resorts; not to include the total number of golf packages offered by the resorts and hotels all over the world.

* So you see options are endless; you only have to pick out the right one.

* For that you can do two things; stage a search on your own on internet by googling with the keyword—Golf Resorts around the World.

* Secondly you can consult your travel agent to help you find out the right resort depending on your budget and vacation requirements and the type of game you are looking forward to.

* Your state and area golf associations, Chambers of Commerce and Convention Bureaus can also be your good source of information on golfing destinations.

Choose the accommodation wisely

* When golfing is the main highlight of your vacation, then choose the golf course first and then look for the nearest accommodation.

* The adjoining resorts are usually expensive. If your budget permits, you should prefer an expensive resort near your course rather than choosing a cheaper accommodation far from the course.

You should take help of the specialty travel agents for taking care of the detailed travel plan

A golfing travel agent will help you design your golf vacation the way you want to enjoy it taking care of all details like booking teeing times, arranging for lessons, carts etc. Even if you are staying in a golf resort, you have to abide by the teeing rules of the property and for that book the tee time well in advance—this will be taken good care of by your agent.

* When you are in a group of two or more, stay prepared for more stringent teeing rules; while for the single players, booking tee time is somewhat easier.

* In the winter season when days are shorter, it becomes harder to find tee time after 1 p.m. The warmer seasons allow you play for longer. Keep these factors in mind while booking your golf holiday.

Choose the travel agent with care

You need to do a little research to find legitimate golf travel agent. It is preferable that you deal with an agent that belongs to major travel organizations like the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or the National Tour Association (NTA).

In this regard you can find more information from the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (800-542-4282 or go on-line at www.icta.com), and the U.S. Tour Operators Association (212-750-7371 or go on-line at www.ustoa.com).

How to slash the cost

* Look for packages that include accommodation and tee time in its price; the services are lot more costlier if purchased separately.

* In the USA or outside it, insist on golf resorts and hotels with golf courses that offer ’stay & play’ golf packages. You can also look for the hotels that offer discounted ’stay & play’ packages.

* But before buying any of these packages, make sure of such details as arrival/departure dates, how many persons the quoted rates apply to etc.

Detailed planning and research can save you from on the spot nasty surprises! So plan well and when you finally set your feet on the course, tee it off with style.

On most golf courses, there is the requirement that every golfer must have their own set of golf clubs, mainly to help promote faster play. If two people are sharing one set of golf clubs, they are more likely to slow down all those playing behind them and with the cost of some sets of clubs, there is no reason for someone who likes the game not to own their own set.

Whether you have a set of used clubs, a set of discount clubs or an expensive name brand set, having your own golf clubs will help you with your game as every set of clubs has a slightly different feel to its swing and you will become more accustomed to how your own set of golf clubs feels when you use them. Having your clubs custom fitted for your height will allow you to have a more natural and comfortable stand, but for an average golfer buying a set off the shelf will generally work. A club can always be shortened, but if you buy a set that is too short for your height, there is no way to make them longer.

Having a decent set of golf clubs will make playing more enjoyable, regardless of your score, as knowing you hit the ball in the best manner you can takes the blame from the club and gives you something about your game on which to work. If your clubs twist when you hit the ball, it is the club that sends your ball exploring in the woods or swimming in the water hazard.

Pride In Ownership Prompts Better Care

When on the golf course, your golf clubs are going to get dirty and possibly wet if the grass has moisture on it or you swing too low and dig into the ground. Many people with a cheap set of clubs do not care for them and do not take the time to wipe of the dirt and moisture, which over time will ruin the club. Taking pride in your clubs will prompt you to make sure they are always clean and free of dirt and debris and ready for the next shot.

Head covers are designed to keep your golf clubs from banging together when in the back of a golf cart, in the trunk of your car or however they are transported to reduce the number of scratches and dents on the heads. Mainly for woods, head covers may be used on the irons as well to prevent them from damaging the woods. Some may feel it takes too much time to remove them and replace them, but taking pride in your golf clubs will make that time worth while.

Golf resistance training is the key to improving your score, enjoying the game more, and feeling better, too. No matter your age, resistance training can help you get into shape and stave off disease.

For golfers, resistance training, or strength training as it’s also known, can help add power to their swing, boost endurance for making it through all 18 holes, and loosen muscles to prevent injury. Resistance training involves lifting weights or working out on machines at a gym. You can also, though, do resistance training at home using everyday items around your home.

To start, first and foremost talk with doctor. Resistance training should be considered strong “medicine,” if only because you could hurt yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing or aren’t sure how hard you should be working out. Once you’re doctor gives you the green light, you have another important hurdle to cross. Should you or shouldn’t you join a gym? This question is actually simply solved with a little effort. Locate the gyms in your area and visit each one. Most gyms will give you a free tour, or even a free week’s worth of workouts. So take advantage of these offers to check out the clientele and determine if you will be comfortable and satisfied with the equipment.

If your decide that you don’t feel comfortable at a gym, or if you don’t want to foot the bill for one, you can do your golf resistance training at home. When you first start out, you may not even need to buy any dumbbells or other equipment.

For instance, one great exercise for your legs involves just squatting down. You can lean against a ball for support or do it in the middle of the room for a harder workout. Start by placing your hands on your hips. Then bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Lower down as far as comfortable, or until your thighs are 90 degrees to the floor. Push up.

Another great golf resistance training exercise for your legs involves sitting in a chair. Scoot the front of the seat, keeping your back straight. With one foot planted on the floor, straighten your other leg until it is parallel to the ground. Repeat with the other leg.

Golf ball test results are far more important than most players realize. Did you know that there have been more than 5,000 golf ball design patents handed out in the last decade alone? That makes golf balls one of the most technologically advanced, and designed, ball in sports. Just because the ball is small doesn’t mean it doesn’t have big importance to your score.

Picking the correct ball to match your swing is just as important as selecting the proper clubs. Golf balls feel different, have different spins, possess varying densities, and are made with different cover materials. Which one is right for you depends on your level of skill, your reason for playing, and how you tend to make contact with the ball.

To make golf ball selection a bit less daunting a task, experts break golf balls down into three major kinds. First, there’s the solid two-piece ball. This is the most common and most affordable type of ball. The solid two-piece gets its names because it consists of an inner core inside a hard cover. According to golf ball test results, it’s a great ball for beginners because it is more forgiving when a player hits it thin or fat.

Next, there’s the multi-Layered or three-piece ball. Intermediate players should use this type because it allows for more spin and control on shots. However, the ball is also softer than two-piece types, so you actually lose some distance on your hits. Plus, it’s more expensive.

The third type of ball is high-performance types for the expert player. It’s design offers more control and spin, as is seen in golf ball test results. Plus, the ball packs the distance that experts demand. They can cost twice as much as two-piece balls, though, and they aren’t as durable as other balls.

Some people think that golf is an easy game.  For those that have actually played it, however, they know that actually playing is a totally different story. Here are five things that you must have if you wish to improve your golf game.

The first thing that you need is a good set of clubs.  This does not mean that you go and fill your bag with the most expensive set that you can find, or the biggest variety or clubs that you can find.  The most important thing to do is to find clubs that fit your style of golf.  Before you run out to the pro shop and buy the first set you see, considering testing out some club styles.  Ask a friend to lend you their set if they are willing.  Many courses will let you rent clubs, so you could try there as well.  Give non-name brands of clubs a chance – sometimes you really are paying for the name.  Once you have found the type that you want, consider looking for the second hand or buying only a half set to save money.

A second thing that you will need is a good golf course.  While this may seem to be blatantly obvious, it may be harder than it sounds.  You want a golf course that is tranquil – too much hustle and bustle will make it difficult for you to concentrate on perfecting your swing or putting the ball properly.  However, you do not want the course to be so simple that it is boring – you want enough of a challenge to keep you and your golfing partners entertained for some time.  Other factors to consider is the location and how you will get there – if it is a four hour drive from your home you may not be able to make it as often as you would like.  You will want a course where you feel that you fit in with the social crowd if you are hoping to make friends or future golfing partners.  If you enjoy the other amenities that golf courses sometimes offer, then that is something to consider as well.  And since greens fees can vary considerably, you will want to consult your pocket book and monthly budget before settling in on a place.

The next thing to consider is your golfing uniform.  Of course, there are always the infamous golfer’s pants and shirts.  Whether they match or not is up to you, however they should be comfortable and weather appropriate for the course that you play.  A comfortable pair of golf shoes is a must as well – there is no way that you will be able to walk a course in shoes that slip or rub or pinch.  You should also consider getting a sun visor or hat, as it will decrease the chance of the sun getting into your eyes and ruining your shot.  Other items, like gloves or sunglasses, may be a must for you as well.  Depending on the amount of time you plan on spending on the course (whether you are a once in awhile golfer or planning to go daily) will dictate how much money you choose to spend on clothing.  Remember that these will need to be washed and either repaired or replaced quite regularly, so you might want to figure that cost into your golfing budget.

If you are truly serious about golf, it is also important that you learn the rules and etiquette of the game before getting started.  You should understand all the rules before you go out on the course, and this is easy to do by getting a class, reading a book, or surfing golf sites on the internet.  Remember everyone around you needs to concentrate on their game as much as you do, and excessive noise, rowdiness, or poor behavior may lead to an early termination of your greens membership.  It is also considerate to think about basic politeness while at the course and to teach others how you would like to be treated.  For example, if you are a slower player, consider allowing faster ones to play through ahead of you so that they are not stuck waiting and you can take your time to set up your shot.

Lastly, you need to have the right attitude before even getting started.  Golf requires a lot of patience and discipline.  It may require you to develop more concentration or physical strength.  As with any sport or activity, practice makes perfect.  You may need to practice quite frequently to become your best.

Follow these five simple things, and you will be well on your way to improving your golf game.

 

Photo:  Ireland’s Eye beside Howth (Dublin) by Timi az en vaok.

Top Irish destinations for a golfing holiday are quite easy to locate.  The Irish may take the game of golf as seriously as their Scottish neighbors and Ireland has some great golf courses that both pro and amateur golf enthusiasts are always anxious to try out.

When referring to Ireland we generally are speaking of the southern part of the island of Ireland, with has been an independent republic since 1922, and has been known in the past as the Irish Free State.  It is also called Eire, but the official name as a part of the European Union is simply Ireland.  It consists of the 26 counties that separated from the United Kingdome during the partition of Ireland.  The countries in the north in the area known as Ulster or Northern Ireland are still a part of the United Kingdom. 

Ireland is called the emerald isle and celebrated as a beautiful and quite friendly country with a rich culture and history.  St. Patrick, the monk who brought Christianity to Ireland and according to legend drove the snakes from the island is celebrated as the Irish patron saint.  The people of Ireland are descended from the Celts, a people who once occupied all of what is today the United Kingdom, and in this way the Irish are closely related to the people of Scotland and Wales.  During the Middle Ages Ireland was frequently invaded and colonized by Vikings from Scandinavia and with intermingling there is a strong Viking influence present in Irish culture to this day, with the red hair often thought of as an Irish characteristic actually being a characteristic of the Vikings.  Of course is well known for the color green, making a golfer often think of golf.

Ireland went through a long history of wars during their unification with England, Scotland and Wales, and cultural disintegration during the potato famine causing large amounts of immigration to other countries, among them Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, where Irish immigrants contributed to society and became famous.  During the early 20th century the twenty-six countries of the south achieved independence and while neighbors with the United Kingdom, Ireland is a separate and independent republic.

Golf in Ireland is considered by golf enthusiasts if not the greatest, then at least one of the greatest destinations in the world.  The seaside links in Ireland since the Victorian age have been hailed as outstanding courses, with the course at Lahinch considered one of the best.  During the time of Queen Victoria the golfing world considered Ireland a prime destination rivaling the resorts of other countries and often winning.  After the beginning of the 20th century golf in Ireland was less popular for a while, but after the Second World War golf travel to Ireland picked up quite a bit.  The popular links today include Portmarnock, Royal County Down and Ballybunion.  These golf courses are cared for by the members of the local golf clubs and are renowned for their hospitality and excellent play.  While at one time golf was a game for aristocrats, those who maintain the clubs today are the descendants of Irish tenant farmers, proving that golf is a sport for absolutely everyone, and that everyone enjoys a good game of golf.

In addition to the outstanding destinations mentioned above for Irish golf, there are fantastic golf courses in Ulster, or Northern Ireland, that part of Ireland that is politically a part of the United Kingdom.  Ulster consists of descendants of Irish natives, and both Scottish and English immigrants. Combining these three nationalities, all with a unique love of golf, has created an area where golf is one of the most popular sports of all. 

In Ulster one of the best courses is Royal Portrush, home of the Dunluce Links.  This is the site of the only British Open played in Ireland.  Portstewart, Ballycastle Castlerock, Ardglass, Royal County Down and the City of Deery Golf Course are all fine courses sure to please any golfer.

Whatever your level of play, whether you are an amateur or a pro, or aspiring pro, Ireland offers some of the finest golf experiences in the world and should be savored and enjoyed.