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O F LAKE G RO V E

BE A GOLF MENTOR ♦ 2016 PGA TOUR LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

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C: 516.458.7274 996 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787 suzanne.welling@elliman.com

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY, 11746. 631.549.7401 © 2016 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

OF LAKE GROV E

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table of contents 2016 PGA tour schedule

04

book your tee 22 time online

06

are you swinging 24 Your club too hard?

2016 LPGA tour schedule

sports psychology singapore is a 08 26 & golf golfer’s delight golf grips to 10 improve your

12

golf game

how to be comfortable & fashionable on the golf course

14

golf cart 28 safety futuristic materials 30 in golf junior 32 golf academy

how to choose between top golfing accessories

golf score 34 cards

be a 16 golf mentor

local business & 35 service directory

solving your 18 driver shots boomerang 20 putting tips

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Jennifer Gonis LRES/CBR Selling Real Estate since 2005, assures you the experience and expertise in a Realtor that you should require for all your Real Estate needs. My open communication policy guarantees that you get the services you wish and have all the information you will need for a smooth transaction. Contact me today to discuss how I can help you market and sell your property successfully, or find your perfect home. Suffolk County, Long Island is an incredible place to live, work, and play! I specialize in Smithtown and all surrounding areas, but I have a vast knowledge for everything Suffolk County. When you are prepared to make a move, I can be one of your greatest resources and assets!

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2016 PGA

TOUR SCHEDULE JAN 7-10 ♦ Hyundai Tournament of Champions ♦ Plantation Course ♦ Kapalua, Maui, HI JAN 14-17 ♦ SONY OPEN IN HAWAII ♦ Waialae Country club ♦ honolulu, HI JAN 21-24 ♦ Farmers Insurance Open ♦ PGA West Stadium Course ♦ La Quinta, CA JAN 28-31 ♦ PGA Championship ♦ Baltusrol Golf Country ♦ springfield, nj FEB 4-7 ♦ Waste Management Phoenix Open ♦ TPC Scottsdale ♦ scottsdale, AZ feb 11-14 ♦ at&t pebble beach pro-am ♦ pebble beach gl ♦ pebble beach. ca Feb 18-21 ♦ northern trust open ♦ riviera cc ♦ springfield, nj Feb 25-28 ♦ The Honda Classic ♦ pga national (champion) ♦ palm beach gardens, fl mar 3-6 ♦ world golf championships ♦ trump national doral ♦miami fl Mar 10-13 ♦ valspar championship ♦ innisbrook resort ♦ palm harbor, fl Mar 17-20 ♦ ARNNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL ♦ BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE ♦ ORLANDO, fl MAR 23-27 ♦ World Golf Championships ♦ Austin Country Club ♦ AUSTIN, TX Mar 31- APR 3 ♦ Shell Houston Open ♦ GC of Houston ♦ HUMBLE, TX Mar 10-13 ♦ valspar championship ♦ innisbrook resort ♦ palm harbor, fl APR 7-10 ♦ Masters Tournament ♦ Augusta National GC ♦ AUGUSTA, GA Apr 14-17 ♦ RBC Heritage ♦ Harbour Town GL ♦ HILTON HEAD, SC Apr 21-24 ♦ valero texas open ♦ JW Marriot TPC ♦ SAN ANTONIO, TX Apr 28-May 1 ♦ Zurich Classic of New Orleans ♦ TPC Louisiana ♦ avondale, la MAY 5-8 ♦ Wells Fargo Championship ♦ Quail Hollow Club ♦ charlotte, nc MAY 12-15 ♦ THE PLAYERS Championship ♦ TPC sawgrass ♦ ponte vedra beach, FL MAY 19-22 ♦ AT&T Byron nelson ♦ TPC four seasons resort ♦ irving, TX MAY 26-29 ♦ colonial national invitation tournament ♦ colonial cc ♦ ft worth, tx jun 2-5 ♦ the Memorial Tournament by Nationwide ♦ Muirfield Village GC ♦ dublin, oh jun 9-12 ♦ FedEx St. Jude Classic ♦ TPC southwind ♦ memphis, tn jun 16-19 ♦ US Open ♦ oakmont cc ♦ oakmont, pa jun 23-26 ♦ Quicken Loans National ♦ congressional cc ♦ bethesda, MD jun 30-jul 3 ♦ World Golf Championships ♦ firestone cc ♦ akron, OH jul 7-10 ♦ The Greenbrier Classic ♦ The Old White TPC ♦ White Sulphur Springs, WV jul 14-17 ♦ Barbasol Championship ♦ RTJ Trail (Grand National) ♦ Auburn/Opelika, AL jul 21-24 ♦ RBC Canadian Open ♦ glen abbey gc ♦ oakville, ON, CAN jul 28-31 ♦ PGA Championship ♦ Baltusrol GC ♦ sringfield, nj aug 4-7 ♦ travelers championship ♦ TPC River Highlands ♦ CROMWELL, CT AUG 11-14 ♦ John Deere Classic ♦ TPC Deere Run ♦ Silvis, IL AUG 11-14 ♦ Olympic Men’s Golf Competition ♦ Olympic Golf Course ♦ Rio de Janeiro, BRA AUG 18-21 ♦ Wyndham Championship ♦ Sedgefield CC ♦ Greensboro, nc AUG 25 - 28 ♦ The Barclays ♦ Bethpage State Park ♦ Farmingdale, NY SEP 2-5 ♦ Deutsche Bank Championship ♦ TPC Boston ♦ NORTON, MA SEP 8-11 ♦ BMW Championship ♦ Crooked stick GOLF CLUB ♦ carmel, in SEP 22-25 ♦ TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola ♦ east lake gc ♦ atlanta, ga SEP 30-OCT 2 ♦ ryder cup ♦ Hazeltine National Golf club ♦ Chaska, MN The Back Nine of LAKE GROVE ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 04

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2016 LPGA

TOUR SCHEDULE Jan 25-31 ♦ Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic ♦ Paradise Island, Bahamas Feb 1-6 ♦ Coates Golf Championship ♦ OCALA, FL Feb 15-21 ♦ ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open ♦ Adelaide, S. Australia Feb 22-28 ♦ Honda LPGA Thailand ♦ Chonburi, Thailand feb 29-Mar 6 ♦ HSBC Women’s Champions ♦ Singapore mar 14-20 ♦ JTBC Founders Cup ♦ Phoenix, AZ Mar 21-27 ♦ Kia Classic ♦ Carlsbad, Ca Mar 28-Apr 3 ♦ ANA Inspiration (major) ♦ Rancho Mirage, Ca Apr 10-16 ♦ LPGA Lotte championship ♦ Oahu, Hi Apr 18-24 ♦ Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic ♦ San Francisco, CA Apr 25-may 1 ♦ Volunteers of America Texas Shootout ♦ Irving, Tx May 2-8 ♦ Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic ♦ Prattville, AL May 16-22 ♦ Kingsmill Championship by JTBC ♦ WILLIAMSBURG, VA May 23-29 ♦ LPGA Volvik Championship ♦ ANN ARBOR, MI May 30-Jun 5 ♦ ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer ♦ galloway, NJ Jun 6-12 ♦ KPMG Women’s PGA (MAJOR) ♦ Sammamish, WA Jun 13-19 ♦ Meijer Classic presented by Kraft ♦ Belmont, MI Jun 20-26 ♦ Walmart NW Arkansas ♦ Rogers, Ar Jun 27-Jul 3 ♦ Cambia Portland Classic ♦ PORTLAND, OR Jul 4-10 ♦ US WOMEN’S OPEN (MAJOR) ♦ Cordevalle, CA Jul 11-17 ♦ Marathon Classic by owens corning ♦ sylvania, OH Jul 18-24 ♦ UL International Crown ♦ gurnee, il JUL 25-31 ♦ RICOH Women’s British Open (MAJOR) ♦milton keynes, england AUG 8-14 ♦ Olympics Men ♦ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Aug 15-21 ♦ Olympics woMen ♦ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil AUG 22-28 ♦ Canadian Pacific Women’s Open ♦ alberta, canada AUG 29-Sep 4 ♦ Manulife LPGA Classic ♦ ONTARIO, CANADA SEP 12-18 ♦ The Evian Championship (MAJOR) ♦ evian les bains, france SEP 26-Oct 2 ♦ china - TBD ♦ china Oct 3-9 ♦ sime darby LPGa malaysia ♦ kuala lumpur, malaysia Oct 10-16 ♦ lpga keb hana bank championship ♦ incheon, korea Oct 17-23 ♦ Fubon LPGA Taiwan Championship ♦ Taipei, Taiwan OCT 24-30 ♦ blue bay lpga ♦ hainan island, china OCT 31-NOV 6 ♦ toto japan classic ♦tbd NOV 7-13 ♦ Lorena Ochoa Invitational by Banamex ♦Mexico City, Mexico Nov 14-20 ♦ CME Group Tour Championship ♦ Naples, Fl. The Back Nine of LAKE GROVE ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 06

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Sports Psychology & Golf

S

ports Psychology is nothing new. Major athletes have used it for years as a way to get over the innate fears of the losses they have experienced.

Being able to confront and push past ones fears is a way to perform at or near the pinnacle of your ability. When you’re feeling your best mentally, you just play better. The same applies for the game of golf.

Tournament and competitive players are always under pressure to perform at their best and this pressure can really collapse when the inevitable mistake comes and bites them. Everyone has seen how pressure, both on and off the course, has affected great players. Anything from a bad night’s sleep to a breakfast that didn’t agree with you can somehow manage to increase that pressure. All it takes it one little misstep and suddenly you’re mired way back in the field and suddenly every time you swing, you think ‘if I miss this shot I’m done.’

Many players have taken to going to a sports psychologist at some point in their career and it has completely revitalized them. That pressure is no longer a curse, but just part of how the game is played.

The game of golf is an inherently mental game. It’s all about focus.

A sports psychologist can easily help you narrow that focus and not think about the things around you that could effect your game. Once you set foot on the course, you’re able to maintain your composure.

But there’s also no real need to go see a psychology professional.

There are hundreds of resources on the internet just waiting for you to access them. You can also find plenty of sports psychology books written by some of the leading professionals in the field.

The greatest thing about golf is that is really is designed as a way to relax. Perhaps that is really the most important thing to remember when you’re playing for fun. On the fairway, the pressures of your day are really off and the club is your psychologist.

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CHOOSE THE REAL ESTATE COMPANY THAT STANDS OUT IN A CROWD

If you’re looking to buy sell or are simply interested in a market evaluation, I’m happy to help.

If you’re looking to buy, sell or simply interested in a market evaluation, I’m happy to help.

SUZANNE WELLING Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

C: 516.458.7274 996 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787 suzanne.welling@elliman.com

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY, 11746. 631.549.7401 © 2016 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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Golf Grip Tips To Improve Your Golf Game

I

t comes as no big surprise that practicing the swing of your golf club is important to your success on the fairway. But how often do you work on your grip? Probably not nearly as often as you should. And no, I don’t mean the actual rubber grip on your club. I mean how you hold your hands!

Holding the club the wrong way can really cause all sorts of issues.

The ball may not fly nearly as far, the club may feel awkward or even uncomfortable in your hands.

I’ve even seen golf clubs go flying out of the user’s hand. All because the way they were holding the club was just entirely incorrect.

Second, keep your off-hand relaxed with the palm facing you. Lay the grip of the club across the inside of your fingers, right between the second and third knuckle. If you’ve done this correctly, the butt of the club should extend just past the third knuckle of your pinkie.

The third step has you curl your middle, ring and pinkie fingers around the shaft of the club. Your thumb will also curl inward and end up resting with the meaty part of your thumb pressed onto the grip. At this point, you should be able to feel the entirety of the club’s grip with those four fingers. If you’ve got it totally correct you shouldn’t feel your thumb or forefinger touching.

If I haven’t done something in a while, I like to pretend like I’ve never done it. If I haven’t practiced my golf grip in a while, I do the exact same thing. I forget everything my mind and hands tell me to do. It’s just better to mentally start with a blank slate sometimes.

For the final step, take your dominant hand and place it comfortably on the club. Imagine a clock face. The head of the club would be pointing directly at the 12 o’clock position and your dominant thumb pointing towards the 11 o’clock position. Then simply lay it flat on the club. If it feels more natural and comfortable to you, you can also To start, place your dominant hand interlock your pinkie and forefingers. on the club right where the grip and the shaft meet. Using your Once the basic grip is mastered you dominant hand, lift the club up to can try many other types of grips, such about a 45 degree angle. This isn’t as the Baseball Grip, Vardon Grip or how you’ll ultimately grip the club Interlocking Grip. Next time you’re at with your dominant hand, but it is the driving range, give these tips a shot part of the process. and see how it helps.

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how to be comfortable & fashionable on the golf course

N

o one expects to go out on the golf course and be perfect every time.

Perfection can never really be attained, even by the greatest players of our day.

At least not in the play itself. No one really says that it’s important to be totally fashionable on the golf course. Comfort really should be first and foremost considering that we’re playing in the sun and in the heat.

Despite that, you can still look good. Spending the extra money on a moisturewicking polo shirt and comfortable, light weight pants that still have some semblance of style is priceless, especially when playing at a club with a strict dress code. Comfort should still be a priority.

just as well while playing golf as they do in an air conditioned conference room. The thin, cool material absorbs and disperses sweat. When people think of moisture wicking clothing, they tend to think of the skin tight undergarments that football players wear in the locker room. Yes, the material is quite similar, but clearly not skin tight.

It looks exactly like what you would buy specifically to dress business casual.

Even pants have become more comfortable and made to pull away heat and moisture to keep you dry and comfortable.

It’s also not uncommon to see UV protection as well as adding the convenience of tee holders.

Like the moisture wicking shirts, the material tends to be light, but durable. Something that can be absolutely vital to ones comfort when playing in the hot sun.

Many major sports brands, such as Nike and Adidas, Who says looking good and make comfortable and being fashionable have to be subtle clothing that can work mutually exclusive?

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How To Choose Between Top Golfing Accessories

W

hen you are faced with may different golfing accessories, it can be easy to lose sight of your goals and simply become overwhelmed by all of the different options. If you want to spend your money well and get golf accessories that will come in handy, you should follow some guidelines that I will lay out for you here. It will help you to step back and look objectively at what your ultimate goal is. Hopefully, as a result of your careful research you will save some money and end up making the best choice when it comes to choosing the accessories that are best for you.

First you need to assess how useful the item can be. Will it actually make your game of golf more enjoyable, or is it more of a novelty that will soon wear off? If you aren’t buying an item for its utility, you will have to seriously think about why else you could want it. Are you hoping to impress your golfing buddies, or do you just feel the obsessive need to spend money on golf and its many accessories? Items like golf club bags will always be useful since they help to keep your other big investments save and organized for you. However, the same can’t be said for other golf accessories. Some are just a waste of money that reel you in because of how neat they are.

One day when you go to the golf course, imagine that you have the accessory with you. Every time you would use it throughout the day, make

a mark on a piece of paper. You may be surprised to find that there are absolutely no marks at the end of the day. However, if there are a few marks and you honestly believe that you would be better off with the accessory, then you should start comparing brands and features. Price is an important factor to consider. Personally, it helps me make a choice when I can find the cheapest option for the particular accessory I’m looking at.

If you think there is a way that you could get cheaper golf accessories, then you should certainly take advantage of this.

You might be able to find the same exact accessory for half as much. If you have golfing buddies who tend to go through accessories at a high turnover rate, you should ask them if they have anything that they would be willing to part with for a fair price. You might luck out and get it for free. Even if you just get it for a discounted rate, it is still better than paying full price.

Golf accessories can put a huge hole in your wallet if you re not careful, so it s good to take advantage of these opportunities when they arise.

Instead of just going for the most expensive accessory whenever you see something that strikes your interest, you should take a more cool and calculated approach to the purchase. Do everything that I have mentioned so far in order to make sure that you really want and need the item, and then do what you can to get the best deal possible on the golf accessory. You will save plenty of money in the long run for it to be worth the effort.

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be a golf me nt o r

T

hose of us who have been playing golf for any length of time understand that it is more than just a game. There’s no denying that golf instills certain physical attributes and that it’s good exercise but there’s more to it than that, and most golfers that I know would wholeheartedly agree. That extra component that golf offers its players is a set of life skills that serve us daily — whether we know it or not. This holds true for new golfers as well as they begin to learn the game and appreciate its overall value not just on the course but in life in general.

But golf isn’t like basketball or soccer or baseball when it comes to our younger players.

Kids who want to play but don’t have the resources to buy the needed equipment or mentors to teach them the game are pretty much left out. The truth is golf can be horribly expensive, even at the junior level.

So what can the average Joe do

about this? That depends on how much you want to do. If you live a metro area, chances are there are mentoring programs already in place. A call or visit to one might lead you into taking personal active action by becoming a mentor. If you don’t have the time or feel as if you don’t have the skills to teach others, perhaps you can do other things to help the program.

If you live a rural area or an area that simply doesn’t have a golf mentor program at all, well, consider creating your own mentoring program. You don’t have to be a pro to teach a youngster the fundementals of the game. Schedule a chat with your course manager and discuss the idea with him or her and see if you can’t work something out.

Frankly, I think it’s something of a shame that kids who can’t afford clubs or have no one to teach them this game are left out. It doesn’t have to be that way, and you could be the one to change that in your community.

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solving your driver shots

any golfers have a problem with their M drives. On this page readers

will learn how to properly drive the golf ball. Every golfer knows that the first tee box is a scary sight, with many viewers ready to judge your entire golf game off the first shot you take. However, just like any other sport, the start of a match can set the tempo for your entire game. This is why learning how to hit a successful driver shot can benefit you tremendously.

A successful driver shot in golf can you set you up in better position for the rest of your shots on the current hole you are playing. An unsuccessful driver shot can lead to disaster in your golf game, causing you to have to take extra strokes, or causing you to play your ball on an unfavorable lie. These steps will hopefully allow the viewers to gain a hold on their driver shots, which will improve their entire game as a whole.

The first step to hit a successful driver shot is to ensure that you have the proper equipment tailored to your game. The modern day driver has various customized features that one can apply to their weapon of choice. You first must get your driver sized properly according to your height and arm length. This will make sure that you are not swinging a club that is too large or too small. Another feature that is customizable on a driver is the degree of the driver head.

Many divers allow you to change the angle of the head to provide either more of a draw to their shot, or more of a slice in some situations. The shaft of the driver also allows for some change, providing either a flex or stiff shaft type.

A stiff shaft does not bend during your shot, and is more consistent in many cases. A flex club provides a bit more torque while swinging the club, although is harder to control. No matter how you choose to create your driver,

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boomerang putting tips

M

ost people have heard the word boomerang, and wonder what it could mean in terms of your olf game.

THE BOOMERANG PUTTING TECHNIQUE or BOOMTECH means learning how to roll a ball with perfect line and distance control. One can easily learn the technique within a month depending on the quality of the person’s golf education and how much he or she wants to learn.

Putting Surfaces Prestwick Training Mat: The perfect surface on which to learn the Boomerang Technique, Prestwick is like putting on treacle. It’s also ideal if you ever have slow or winter greens to contend with.

SIZE OF THE PRESTWICK TRAINING MAT It is perfect for regular play, at a size of 5’6’’. For fast play it is 8’6’’. For medium-fast play it is 7’6’’. For medium play it is 6’6’’.

For medium-slow it is 5’6’’. For slow play it is only 4’6’’.

SIZE OF THE CARNOUSTIE TOURNAMENT MAT Carnoustie Tournament Mat: Take it anywhere or leave it set up. Carnoustie is like putting on quicksilver. It’s ideal to get your new skills ready for tournament play.

For Champions Play it is 11’5’’. For fast it is 10’6’’. For medium-fast it is 9’6’’. For medium it is 8’6’’. For medium-slow it is 7’6’’. For slow play it is 6’6’’.

Tips for Training Speed If the player wants to learn in a short time period then he or she should start on the very slow surface because the slower the surface, the longer the stroke.

How to Test Your Surface with the Putting Pro If you want to test your Putting Pro, then you need a perfectly

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flat surface. If you do not have that, you can make your own.

To compensate for any break around the target, gently twist the Putting Pro’s wire leg, then put it back and test it using the rolling level feature. Place your Putting Pro down and position it on the curlier end of your putting mat. Next, hold the marble gently on the edge of the target, at 4 o’clock. Then let it roll until it comes to a stop. If it stops at precisely 6 o’clock, you know your Putting Pro is on a flat surface. If the ball comes to rest in any other position, give the legs another little tweak, then test again.

When your Putting Pro is set up correctly (level around the target), any putt that curves off line at the end is attributable to the stroke itself and nothing else. That’s why doing the work to get set up correctly before you start ensures the highest quality feedback, and the fastest possible improvement.When satisfied that your Putting Pro is set up level, it’s time to test the full length of your putt.

To do this, carefully release your marble from its resting position, allowing it to roll down the ramp under its own steam. Note where your marble rolls. If it reaches the end of the mat without falling off either side, the entire putt is level enough to use. However if it falls off before reaching the end of your mat, then your putt has a break.Avoid setting up your Putting Pro at the end of a breaking putt, but if you have no choice use business cards placed at strategic intervals under the low edge of your mat to even it up.

I’ve done it, occasionally, when there was nowhere suitable, and I needed to give a demo.

Well that’s it! Your Putting Pro and Carnoustie Mat, are now set up to provide many years of high quality, battery-free feedback, fun and frustration. So what are you waiting for? Hook in and belt out a few thousand putts before dinner you know you want to, and you won’t believe the results if you do.

In a spirit level an air bubble floats at the top middle when the device is perfectly horizontal. Bubbles float, but marbles roll. The Putting Pro uses a marble (better than a golf ball) in a kind of rolling level, but it does the same job as a spirit level identifying a perfectly flat area for practice.

When the Putting Pro is perfectly level, your marble will rest at precisely 6 o’clock in the target and you will have an excellent place to practice. the back nine of LAKE GROVE ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 21

book your tee time online

T

here is no industry that has been unaffected by the age of the Internet. Web connectivity has effectively changed the way the world does business and the way people manage their lives.

Many times that management system comes courtesy of a smartphone.

People pay bills online, book event tickets, and make reservations all without needing to dial a number on a phone.

So, it was only a matter of time before the Internet revolution trickled into the golfing world.

The sport’s popularity is quickly gaining ground worldwide, with the Asian market bolstering a large part of that growth. The added growth has caused many golf courses to go online.

Now people can book golf lessons, tee times and more using software designed for the

sport’s aficionados. In the not too distant past, people who wanted a tee time had to show up at the course to request a time.

Then, showing up was replaced by a telephone call, and finally the call has been replaced by the Internet.

Today’s world moves at the speed of light and sometimes people are unable to book tee times during a course’s business hours. Now, no one has to wait for a business to open. They just simply go online whenever it is convenient and book their tee time.

The ease of booking can indirectly be attributed to a slight increase in people on the course. The easier and more innovative things are, the better it is for society.

Now it is simpler for courses to organize their schedules because of the availability of software catering to golf businesses.

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There are a few companies which sell software specifically for use within golf courses. This software allows their businesses to run seamlessly and gives them the ability to manage everything from one computer.

Many software systems allow real time updates which permit golfers to be notified of any changes in availability which could possibly affect their tee times. The software has revolutionized businesses and someone would be hard pressed to discover a course or avid golfer that did not use some type of software to manage their golfing life.

The need to manage large numbers of people has caused some of the world’s top courses to use software to help manage members and guests at their courses.

Although many golfers have at least one type of tee management software on their computers or smartphones, many courses have a portal on their website for members to access available tee times, check the weather and more.

The sheer access of information permits many golfers to ensure that there will be nothing but blue skies on the day that they want to play.

The software can also assist with increasing customer satisfaction, by giving them their ideal type of conditions to play.

For example, someone is interested in playing at a certain time, so they log onto the site and discover that while their desired time is available, the time slots surrounding it will be quite full. Thus, the golfer books a time when there are fewer people golfing and anticipates enjoying the day.

Another factor which aids golfers in enjoying their time spent golfing is the increased level of service software provides. Employees are granted more time to focus their energies to providing better service and ensuring things run smoothly since people have greatly reduced their call volume.

The Internet has transformed the golfing industry for the better. It has employed seamless software integration to allow golfers the ability to schedule their tee times and perform other duties without calling the course. This freedom has caused an increase in service which is then transferred to happier members and more revenue. the back nine of LAKE GROVE ♌ backninepublishing.com ♌ 23

are you swinging your club too hard?

T

he possibility of swinging excessively hard is enough to make even the best golfer stop in their tracks. Most golf enthusiastic are aware that swinging too hard is one of the 3 Golf Commandments never to break.

So whenever you may hit an awful drive - the first thing out of the mouth of anyone nearby is: ‘You looked like you were trying to execute that ball!’ And your answer is no doubt: ‘Better believe it, I tried to hit that one a mile.’

Yet, have you ever thought seriously that the fear of swinging too hard could

really prompt more lost golf balls than actually doing it?

What does that mean?

As most golfers are so stressed over swinging excessively hard and hitting an awful golf shot - the best players on the planet are swinging near 30 mph (48 kph) faster than you.

Yet, no one is letting them know that they’re swinging excessively hard - and by the looks of things - they’re hitting some really average golf shots that are interpreting into some really great scores.

Would you concur?

From the research that I’ve seen, the normal male is swinging his driver at 85 mph (137 kph) and the normal

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female is swinging her driver at 75 mph (121 kph). Yet, Ernie Els, who’s regularly begrudged for how smooth he can swing - swings his Driver at 118 mph (190 kph). While Tiger swings his driver upwards of 125 mph (201 kph).

Yet, the apprehension of you swinging excessively hard, despite the fact that you’re swinging around 40 mph slower than the pros - is no doubt making you hit more awful shots than when you do really swing excessively hard. Significance - as a result of this issue, you’re undoubtedly decelerating with your Driver, which could prompt such unpleasant impacts, for example, cutting and loss of separation. Have you ever accomplished both of those?

Whenever you’re remaining by the first tee holding up for your tee time - watch the gathering that is teeing off. I expect you’ll see most Golfers decelerating their golf swing to the point that they really have the vast majority of their weight on their back foot at contact with the golf ball. Have you ever wound up with your weight on your back foot?

Implying that in light of the fact that you’re making a decent attempt not to swing excessively hard, that you are utilizing your body to ease off your swing by inclining over on your back foot. Again, have you ever gotten yourself on your back foot after a Drive? Deceleration!

Trust me; on and around the greens aren’t the main spots you’re decelerating. You’re additionally in all likelihood doing likewise with your Driver. However, deceleration is frequently not reprimanded for the awful tee shot - its regularly mis-diagnosed by the ‘swing specialists’ that you may be playing with as “getting your head, swinging excessively hard, swinging outrageous, twisting your left elbow, not turning your shoulders, etc.”

Yes, having the capacity to swing smooth can help you to hit a superior golf shot. However, attempting to swing moderate will really make you hit an awful golf shot. the back nine of LAKE GROVE ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 25

singapore is a golfer’s delight

S

ingapore has long been known for beautiful beaches, clean roads and a low crime rate. This has caused the country to enjoy a solid tourism industry complete with solid growth.

One of the reasons the country has witnessed that growth is because of the relatively new emergence of Singapore as a golfing destination.

The past few years has seen the popularity of golf in Asia explode. There are courses which rival anything one could find in Scotland or the United States along with the highprofile golfers that play them.

Tournament money and sponsorship in the sport has increased which has caused a new generation of Asians to become interested in golf.

Thus

Singapore,

flush

with

money, has devoted much time to building some of the world’s best golf courses. Their courses are lush, difficult and come with some of the best service anyone could ask for.

The country plays host to 14 golf associations and more than 30 golf courses for amateurs and professionals to play.

The jewel in the country’s golfing crown is the Sentosa Golf Club which is 18 difficult holes with spectacular views of the harbor or the sea. It is the host of the Singapore Open and major athletes from the golfing world have walked through its doors and teed off. Forbes Magazine listed it as one of the top 10 elite golf courses in Asia.

Yet, just because only one course from Singapore made the list does not mean that that is the only course worth playing.

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Golf in Singapore has become the favorite pastime of a number of Singaporeans and expats and the country has ensured that their courses match or exceed the quality of courses to be found abroad.

However, not all greens are open to everyone. The country has a mix of open courses and courses restricted to members only.

Yet, visitors set on playing at a course which is restricted to members need not to fret. Some hotels have agreements with exclusive courses to allow their guests to tee off at the elite courses for a nominal fee.

Yet visitors to the island who are unable to play at an exclusive course can still have a good time. One of the top courses in the country is open to the public and it has acquired quite the following.

The Marina Bay Golf Course is 18 holes of fun and is entirely open to anyone who wants to play it.

The location is perfect for businessmen and businesswomen who would like to knock a few balls around before or after the daily meeting. It is located right in the heart of downtown Singapore which gives it a premier location and unlimited accessibility.

This unlimited accessibility has been a problem for many in Singapore’s golfing world. The number of people who enjoy golf has grown exponentially, yet so has the city’s population. This has caused a number of courses be considered for redevelopment in order to accommodate the surrounding population.

This can cause the city’s courses to change quickly and become more exclusive to access. Golf courses are enjoying space alongside some of the country’s top real estate and many officials are stumped trying to keep up with modifying courses and enabling population expansion. Yet, people still demand more golf destinations.

The heightened interest has caused a number of courses to create interesting and highly difficult holes on which to play.

Yet, Singapore’s stunning vistas, lush wildlife and some of the world’s top courses means that more and more people will visit the country just to play on the same green as some of the sport’s top legends. the back nine of LAKE GROVE ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 27

g o l f c ar t s a f e t y

G

etting the right cart is only half the issue when dealing with golf carts. The other half of the job is to ensure the safety of the players. The majority of on-course accidents occur while riding golf carts.

Regardless of the number and cause of accidents, one rule of thumb applies to everyone: be safe!

Actions such as standing while inside the cart, driving without paying attention or while drunk, hanging arms or legs out of the vehicle, and taking turns too quickly can all result in unsafe situations.

Because these are also some actions that cause accidents on roads, it is obvious that the rules of the road apply even to the cart paths. Here are some guidelines to ensure safety while running a golf cart on the dedicated path.

Read and Observe Safety Guidelines Before getting inside the cart, go through the safety guidelines or warnings written on stickers on the vehicle. Nowadays, most carts do have such stickers. However, reading is only half the job. You also need to adhere to those rules.

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Mind Your Body Language While inside the cart, ensure that you do not stand up or stretch your arms and legs outside. If you hang a foot outside while moving, it can result in a sprained or broken ankle or foot. Further, one cannot ignore the impact of obstacles such as twigs or tree branches.

Follow Some Basic Rules When you buy a golf cart, ensure that it has safety belts and do use them while moving around. Furthermore, avoid turning at high speeds to prevent being thrown out of the cart. It is a fact that many people have lost their lives after been thrown from a cart. In addition, if you are driving the cart, consider pressing the accelerator only after individuals are seated.

You should also take care to prevent collision with another cart. For that matter, avoid speeding to a stop in the parking area, especially at the rear of a parked vehicle.

Be Vigilant Always keep an eye on the cart path. This might sound obvious but if you fail to watch, distractions can cause your ride to go bad. If you are distracted, your cart can go off the right path and can even cause an accident. You need to be extra alert on paths at intersections, near obstacles, or around the clubhouse. Moreover, avoid driving the vehicle through unsafe places on the course, such as rough terrain, trees, water or ravines. the back nine of LAKE GROVE ♌ backninepublishing.com ♌ 29

futuristic materials in golf

BY JASPER GRIFFIN

T

he game of golf has, as with all sports, evolved over the years. Golf itself has its origins dating as far back as the Roman era.

Historians of the game can debate this until they’re blue in the face, but one thing is very clear. The equipment has changed dramatically.

Perhaps most dramatically, is the club itself. In this article, I’ll be going over the main-types of clubs used and the technology that is pushing those clubs forward into the future.

Originally, golf club shafts were crafted from hardwoods like ash, orangewood, bluemahoo and purpleheart with heads made from apple, pear, dogwood and beech. Hickory was

also used, however it had a tendency to break on the back swing. Persimmon ended up as the go-to material for the construction of golf clubs for quite a while. And then came the first metal-headed wood in 1979. TaylorMade had ushered in a new era in golf technology and a proverbial arms race began.

While steel is still one of, if not the, most common material for the creation of woods, titanium is steadily becoming more common on the shanks. Other, lighter and more durable materials are also coming to market, such as carbon fiber and scandium. The design of modern day woods consists of a graphite shaft, which allows for better flex than wood with a hollowed shaft of steel, titanium or one of those wonderful, space-

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aged composites. Perhaps the wood that has most benefited from new technology is the driver. With lighter shafts and lighter heads comes more efficiency and power on the swing. That equals more distance off of the tee.

The wood isn’t the only high-tech club in your bag nowa-days, however. The Iron was traditionally made of, well, iron. Forged iron, specifically. With the advent of light, strong alloys, manufacturers have been able to begin making ‘cavity-back’ heads. These cavity-backed irons allow for higher moments of interia and lower centers of mass. In English, that means the club is easier to swing and gives better distance in comparison to older forged ‘muscle-back’ designs. A well made, modern iron in the hands of a skilled golfer can be a lethal weapon on the course.

The humble putter has also seen changes. When I started playing golf, the putter was a simple, oblong piece of steel on a steel shaft. Maybe it would have a line across the top to help me aim, but that was really it. There wasn’t much to it. Now, putters are benefiting from wide, titanium heads, carbon shafts and grooved faces. Just the grooved faces are a big help. With a normal, smooth face, there is more of a skid off of the face than a roll.

With a grooved face the club sort of ‘grips’ the ball and gives more of a roll. There’s less skipping and more rolling, thus making for a more accurate shot.

All of these developments have happened over just a handful of years. The next five or ten years in golf should be most interesting. As more and more technology becomes available for manufacturers to take advantage of, the more technology we get to use in the game. Who knows what the skunkworks of the major golf companies have brewing that could further revolutionize the game? Stay tuned and we’ll find out together. the back nine of LAKE GROVE ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 31

junior golf academy

G

olf has recently become a much more popular game to the world of sports. In recent years, it has also seen as an increase career choice, as golf programs and schools around the country make it that much easier to enter into the field. What about a full-time golf academy?

Golf camps and schools for junior players do a lot to help groom their skills but for junior golfers who want to live and breathe golf, it may be a good idea to opt for a full time golf academy. Take for instance JPGA, a full time golf academy, where junior golf players can go to school and get to play golf after the school day is done. Typically, a full time academy will go on for 9 months and students can play and practice with the help of a golf pro. How to Choose a Golf Academy?

For junior golfers and parents who like the idea of attending a golf academy full time, they really need to take a look at what these schools offer. Below are some things they need to ask the school…

What is the teacher to student ratio?

Typically, the best academy is one that has a limited teacher to student

ratio. This way, the student gets more face time with the teacher and they will be able to learn better.

Do they have private instructions with a pro?

It is a good idea for junior golfers to learn as part of a group, but there are times when they will need one-on-one coaching lessons with the academy golf pro. Ask the academy if they have this for their kids or if it is a service that costs extra.

Do they conduct V1 video golf analyses?

One of the best perks about attending a full-time academy is that they normally have contacts with college coaches.

The academy will then send videos of the players to college coaches who will draw attention to the kids and perhaps score them scholarships.

Does the school provide for junior golf events?

Junior golf players need to compete and it is a good idea to ask the school to what golf events they will send the kids and what they will shoulder for the trips.

These are just some of the questions that need to be asked by folks thinking of joining a junior golf academy.

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golf score cards LENGTH PAR

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

LENGTH PAR

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

LENGTH PAR

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

For the simplest way to keep score, just count the number of strokes you’ve taken on the hole just completed, and write that number down in the box corresponding to that hole on the scorecard. At the end of each nine holes, tally up the strokes for your front nine and back nine totals, respectively, then add up those two numbers for your 18-hole score.

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