Golf Guide 2024

GOLF GUIDE April 27, 2024 Special Advertising Section to the Valley News

GOLF GUIDE

WHAT’S INSIDE Watch Out for Hazards............................4 Play the Game the Right Way............ 6 Mix It Up out There ...................................12 Extending Your Drives............................ 16 Before You Hit the Course .................. 18

ADVERTISING STAFF Account Executive

Cole Chapman Account Executive

Mark McGonis Account Executive

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

Patrick Pelletier

Special Advertising Section to the

Why Golf Is Good For You It’s easy to get lost in the details of the game while playing golf, since selecting a club, ball placement and every hole’s challenges are so complex.

But there are also important health benefits associated with this sport, from improved cardio to the proven benefits of spending time in social situations to the boost in mood associated with being outdoors and accomplishing something on the course .

CARDIOVASCULAR BENEFITS

Leave the cart at the clubhouse and walk instead. There are a variety of health benefits to be gained, beginning with lowering the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends mixing in a brisk walk around the course with other regular exercise routines. Regular golfers reap even more benefits: Walking three rounds of 18 every week alone is enough to help golfers maintain their weight goals, according to the World Golf Foundation.

HOW IT WORKS Even riding around the course for 18 holes on a golf cart has some positive health impacts. The World Golf Foundation reports that you’ll burn some 1,300 calories. Carry the clubs, however, and you’ll burn an average of 700 additional calories during every

round. Most courses represent the equivalent of a 5-mile walk, and that equals the 10,000 steps per day that are generally recommended by experts. At the same time, you’ll be exerting roughly the same energy over every nine holes that it takes to mow the lawn for 40 minutes.

SOCIAL INTERACTION Playing a solo round has its own allures, as we reconnect with nature and the game in a relaxed atmosphere. But a group setting is actually even more beneficial. Social interaction has been shown to have positive impacts on both physical and psychological health, according to the National Institutes of Health. Golf gives us a chance to spend time with friends and family. Even if you don’t find yourself in a group of like-minded fans, you can sign up for scrambles or other course events.

MENTAL WELL-BEING Physical activities have been directly linked to mental well-being by the National Institutes of Health. Exercise like golfing benefits players in terms of both longand short-term outcomes, the American Psychological Association confirms. Golf has a way of lifting our moods, even while you see improvements with weight, diabetes symptoms and high blood pressure.

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Book a Tee Time

6 Club House Lane, Grantham, NH ½ ŵŝůĞ ĨƌŽŵ džŝƚ ϭϯ Žī /Ͳϴϵ EastmanGolfLinks.com ŐŽůĨΛĞĂƐƚŵĂŶŶŚ͘ŽƌŐ ϲϬϯ͘ϴϲϯ͘ϰϱϬϬ Follow us on

“BEST GOLF COURSE” 2016-2023

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We look forward to seeing you at Eastman!

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• KŶůŝŶĞ ƚĞĞ ƟŵĞƐ ϱ ĚĂLJƐ ŝŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞ • &ƌŝĞŶĚůLJ ĂŶĚ ǁĞůĐŽŵŝŶŐ ŐŽůĨ ƐŚŽƉ ƐƚĂī • Our superb maintenance team keeps our course in ŝŵŵĂĐƵůĂƚĞ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶ͘ • ϳ ƚĞĞ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƚĞ ƉůĂLJĞƌƐ

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your round • WƌŽƐ ǁŚŽ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ LJŽƵƌ ŐĂŵĞ • &ŽƌďĞƐ dĂǀĞƌŶ ĨŽƌ ĂƉƌğƐ ŐŽůĨ ĨƵŶ͖

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

Watch Out for Hazards Designers have created many unique and difficult obstacles.

T

he U.S. Golf Association defines a hazard as any course element that is designed to make scoring more difficult. That’s putting it mildly. Hazards can completely ruin your scorecard, whether it’s because of extra swings or ball drops.

Over time, however, a series of smart approaches have developed to help golfers make a crafty escape.

You’ll also need to understand the significance of specific course markers. The best idea is to avoid hazards altogether, but in the likely event you cannot, here’s how to deal with them:

for the pros on TV. The successful escape, known as going “up and out,” involves keeping your clubface open as you swing. This will likely take plenty of practice, since irons are typically held in a different way.

If you want to stick the landing, remember to hit slightly behind the ball. That will create more spin.

BUNKERS

WATER

The most common hazard found on a course is the bunker, which is also referred to as a sand trap.

This foundational element of golf layouts is typically positioned near the green, but may be found at any point along the way. If your ball lands here, even the tiniest swing errors can lead to disaster — even

Water hazards are seen more rarely when compared with bunkers. But if you hit into one, the impact on your score will be far worse. There is typically no way to shoot out of them. That leads golfers to Rule No. 25 in the official manual: If your ball can’t be located, there is a onestroke penalty. Golfers may then

choose to play from their previous spot.

They may also “take a drop,” placing the ball at a spot of their choosing from somewhere behind the hazard marker.

STAKES

Course markings will help guide play. As you make your way down the course, you may notice white stakes along the edges. Those define what is out of bounds. Yellow stakes, on the other hand, will be placed around horizontal water hazards while red stakes are placed along lateral hazards. The yellow and red markers help golfers determine where to place their ball to resume play.

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2024 DAILY GREENS FEES: $42 for 18 holes, $22 for 9 holes Weekdays Monday & Tuesdays - Seniors 55+ $45.00 with Cart 10 play Tickets $400

2024 Membership Dues Family Returning Member New Member 2024 Young Adult (24-29) College Student (19-23) Dual Member

$ 1,800 $ 799 $ 899 $ 689 $ 423 $ 529

Tim Stanwood, Golf Course Superintendent

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Play the Game the Right Way Beyond the basic rules, golf has many unwritten guidelines.

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olf course etiquette can be difficult to navigate, even for experienced players. There are written rules, but other elements of the game have become traditional courtesies.

Here’s what you need to know:

SLOW PLAY

It’s called “ready golf.” You approach the ball and hit as soon as you can until reaching the greens. Pacing, and thus enjoyment, is such a big part of golf. Begin to plan your shot while you are making your way to the place where your next stroke takes place. Taking stock of the rest of the small details involved with your approach should take fewer than 45 seconds, according to the Professional Golf Association.

If you get to the ball, and find yourself in a confounding situation, allow another player in your group to move forward. If your entire group is going more slowly, let the people behind you play through. This is particularly important to keep in mind if your ball is temporarily lost. Don’t spend more than five minutes looking for it.

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

TEMPER TANTRUMS

You’ll disturb those around you by throwing clubs, sulking or yelling profanities while playing the game.

Frustration is a part of the on-course experience, of course, but try to employ a less obtrusive approach to releasing your emotions. Following up a bad putt with an overly aggressive tee shot isn’t going to get your game back on track, anyway. At the same time, remain still when others are setting up for their shot.

Remain across from the next person who is set to play, or on a diagonal angle so that you are not in their line of sight. Don’t move until their shot is complete.

These small courtesies help the game unfold more smoothly.

CARING FOR THE COURSE

As you go through your 18-hole experience, employ a tee, your special two-pronged devices or penknives to fix ball marks. Replace divots so that missing tufts of grass don’t impact the shots of others. Some particularly conscientious players even carry grass-seed mix in their carts so they can encourage regrowth in their divots. Rack the bunkers after you’ve played through, and try to avoid watery spots when in the cart since you might leave huge tire ruts. Cut down on the natural wear and tear on the course by scattering your carts.

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NE-441431

Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

Join the Fun and Support your Community The Rotary Club of Lebanon's

31st Annual Bedell Charity Golf Classic Fundraiser.

Friday, May 17, 2024 at Eastman Golf Links

We have sponsorship opportunities and openings for teams and individuals to play in the Golf Classic!

For more information or to become involved contact lebanon.nh.rotary@gmail.com

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

NE-441734

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

2024 Upper Valley Golf Facts Course Info

Holes/Par/Yards

Location

Rates (9/18 holes)

Power Carts

Tee Times?

Lessons

Public Leagues?

BLACKMOUNT CC North Haverhill, N.H. 603-787-6564 facebook.com/blackmountcountryclub

9 holes; par 36; 3,025 yards

Clark Pond Rd., 1.5 miles off N.H. Route 10 at Aldrich General Store

$18/$30 WD; $25/$35 WE/Holidays

$10 (9 holes); $15 (18 holes)

Suggested

None

TBA

BRADFORD CC Bradford, Vt. 802-222-5207 bradfordgolfclubvt.com

9 holes; par 32; 2,162 yards

I-91 exit 16 to U.S. Route 5 north; north of village center

$22/$29 WD; $22/$232 WE

$12 (9 holes); $17 (18 holes)

None

Bob Hanlon $40

TBA

CARTER CC Lebanon, N.H. 603-448-4483 cartercc.com

9 holes; par 36; 3,000 yards

Just east of I-89 exit 19

$27/38 WD; $27/$38 WE

$15 (9 holes); $20 (18 holes)

Required call in advance

None

Men-Thurs. p.m.; Seniors (ages 50 and older)-Tues. a.m.; DHMC/ VA league-Wed. p.m.

CLAREMONT CC Claremont, N.H. 603-542-9550 claremontcountryclubnh.com

9 holes; par 34; 2,720 yards

Maple Ave., half-mile west of Charlestown Road

$17/$25 WD (Walking); $29/$43 WD (With cart); $20/$30 WE (Walking); $30/$48 WE (With cart)

See left

Required; call ahead

None

Men Tues. p.m.; Women Thurs. p.m.; Men’s Senior Thurs. a.m.

COUNTRY CLUB OF NH North Sutton, N.H. 603-927-4246 countryclubofnh.com

18 holes; par 72; 6,717 yards

Kearsarge Valley Rd., 1.5 miles off I-89 exit 10

$23/$37 WD; $28/$46 WE; after 2 p.m. $25 WD, $30 WE

$12 (9 holes)/ $20 (18 holes)

Required, call ahead up to 7 days in advance

Available

Men Wed. p.m.; Women Thurs. a.m. & p.m.;

CROWN POINT CC Springfield, Vt. 802-885-1010 crownpointcountryclub.com

18 holes; par 72; 6,507 yards

Valley Street, 3 miles north of downtown

$34/$53 WD (walking); $48/$77 WD (with cart); $44/$60 WE (walking); $58/$84 WE (with cart)

See left

Required call ahead

TBA

TBA

EASTMAN GOLF LINKS Grantham, N.H. 603-863-4500 eastmangolflinks.com

18 holes; par 71; 6,338 yards

I-89 exit 13, right at Eastman Rd., right at Greensward Dr., left at Club House Lane

$42/$63 M-Th.; $48/$75 Fri/Sat/Sun/ Holiday

$16 (9 holes)/ $25 (18 holes)

Recommended (up to 5 days in advance for public)

Available

TBA

HIGHLAND GOLF COURSE AT THE QUECHEE CLUB Quechee, VT (802) 295-9356 www.quecheeclub.com

18 holes; Par 72; 6,840 Yards

3268 Quechee Main St, Quechee, VT

Memberships Available

Available

Required

Individual or Group Lessons available with PGA certified professional staff.

None

HOOPER GC Walpole, N.H. 603-756-4080 hoopergolfcourse.com

9 holes; par 36, 3,000 yards

Prospect Hill Rd., 1 mile SE of downtown

$25/$45 WD; $32/$50 WE

$12 (9 holes); $22 (18 holes)

Strongly encouraged, call ahead

TBA

None

J.P. LARKIN CC Windsor, Vt. 802-674-6491 johnplarkincc.com

9 holes; par 34; 2,643 yards

South of I-91 exit 9, U.S. Route 5, north of downtown

$22/$30 WD; $24/$32 WE

Nonmember, per rider — $12/$17 per seat (nonmember)

Recommended

TBA

Men Thur. p.m.; Women Wed. p.m.; Senior Wed. a.m.

LAKE MOREY CC Fairlee, Vt. 802-333-4800 lakemoreyresort.com/golf

18 holes; par 70; 6,024 yards

Just west of I-91 exit 15

$34/$48 WD; $34/$58 WE/Hol; 3 p.m. to dark: $35 walking; 4:30 p.m. to dark: $27 walking;

$15 (9 holes); $24 (18 holes)

Recommended, up to 7 days in advance

Rates TBA

Men Wed. p.m.

LAKELAND GOLF COURSE AT THE QUECHEE CLUB Quechee, VT (802) 295-9356 www.quecheeclub.com

18 holes; Par 72, 6,671 Yards

3268 Quechee Main St, Quechee, VT

Memberships Available

Available

Required

Private or Group Lessons available with PGA Certified Professional Staff

-

MONTAGUE GC Randolph, Vt. 802-728-3806 montaguegolf.com

18 holes; par 71; 6,300 yards

I-89 exit 4, Vt. 66 into town to Vt. 12 south, left at S. Pleasant St., left at Randolph Ave.

$22/$42 M-Th; $22/$42 Fri-Sun; 4:30 p.m. to dark: $25;

$12 (9 holes)/ $17 (18 holes)

Required, call clubhouse or reserve online

Call

TBA

MONTCALM GC Enfield, N.H. 603-448-5665 Montcalmgolfclub.com

18 holes; par 72; 6,829 yards

I-89 exit 15

$108 Mon-Thurs; $150 Sat-Sun-holidays (7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.); $130 Sat-Sun-holidays (18 holes, cart included)

See left

Required, book online or call up to 7 days in advance

TBA

None

112 Unity Road, 3 minute drive from town center

$26/$40 M-Th; $30/$45 Fri; $35/$50 Sat-Sun; M-Th after 3:30 p.m. till 1/2 hr before sunset: $23; F-Su after 3:30 p.m. till 1/2 hr before sunset: $27;

$14 (9 holes)/ $24 (18 holes)

Suggested

Available

Men Mon & Tues p.m.; Senior Men Wed a.m.; Women Wed p.m.; Spark Golf Thu p.m.

Vt. Route 106, half-mile south of U.S. Route 4

Mon.-Thu. — $95/$125 (7 a.m.-1 p.m.); $85/$115 (1-4 p.m.); $60/$75 (after 4 p.m.); Fri.-Sun. — $115/$169 (7 a.m.-1 p.m.); $95/$145 (1-4 p.m.); $70/$95 (after 4 p.m.)

Required

Matthew Closter, $70 30 minutes, up to two students; $140 60 minutes, up to two students; Assistant Pro, $60 30 minutes, up to two students; $120 60 minutes, up to two students;

TBA

NEWPORT GC Newport, N.H. 603-837-7787 Newportgolfclub_nh.com

WOODSTOCK CC Woodstock, Vt. 802-457-6674 woodstockinn.com/activities/ golf

18 holes; par 71; 6,389 yards

18 holes; par 70; 6,053 yards

$25 (9 holes); $35 (18 holes)

Rates — WD: weekday; WE: weekend. Unless otherwise noted, when two rates are given, the first is for 9 holes, the second for 18. Late afternoon and twilight starts are discounted at many clubs. Call for information.

Carts — When two rates are given, the first is for 9 holes, the second for 18. Tee times — Where noted, courses accept reservations via phone call. Some also accept online; see websites for information.

Lessons — Rates as noted. Websites — Listed where provided by club.

BLACKMOUNT COUNTRY CLUB NORTH HAVERHILL, NEW HAMPSHIRE • Challenging 9-hole, par 36 course with superior greens • On site Driving Range and Practice Green • League Play – Call For Details • Clubhouse, snack bar, wraparound viewing deck

We are a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program

Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

All levels of golfers will have an enjoyable round with a choice of five sets of tees.

Each hole has a different challenge for a great golfing experience. Tight fairways keep you on your toes. If you happen into the rough, enjoy the varied flora and fauna which abound at Blackmount Country Club.

Directions: In North Haverhill, going North on Rt. 10, turn right onto Clark Pond Road (just after John Deere Business) Keep right for 1.5 miles

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Daily Specials Monday - Ladies Day $2 off Greens Fee Tuesday - Seniors Day $2 off Greens Fees (age 65 and over) Golf Card Members Weekdays Only - Specials 603-787-6564 Like us on facebook

Enjoy a unique golfing experience with scenic vistas and unhurried play in the beautiful Upper Connecticut River Valley of New Hampshire

Mix It Up out There Go beyond match and stroke play for fun new challenges.

M

ost golf games involve match and stroke play.

Golfers try to leave the course with the least number of swings, while avoiding penalties associated with hazards or out-of-bounds shots. But why not spice things up a bit? Try playing in a scramble, better ball, skins or four-ball formats:

SCRAMBLE

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

If you’re playing in a large group, the scramble format can help expedite things. This version of the game also rewards single-swing excellence. Teams gather in groups of two, three or four. Everyone takes an initial swing and the group decides which shot provides the easiest path to the green. The process continues this way until the course is complete. Scoring mirrors strokeplay rules, with the lowest cumulative score crowned as the winner.

BETTER BALL

Better ball, or best ball, is an update of the scramble format. Every team member swings on their own ball, however, instead of choosing one to play. Once each hole is complete, the lowest player’s score is then counted as the final result.

This format is ideal for less experienced golfers when facing off against a strong team.

SKINS

Skins can be played with teams or individually. The player or team with the lowest score is awarded a

“skin” after each hole. If there are ties, the skin is carried over to the next hole. Some golfers create additional incentives, including monetary awards for each skin or special rewards for driving the green, long chip shots or particularly impressive putts. Others create penalties for negative outcomes, including bunker landings, water shots and hitting out of bounds.

Ties happen often, and that can create an exciting situation as the “skins” begin to pile up. In this scenario, bolder players are rewarded since making an aggressive play might result in quickly building an insurmountable lead.

FOUR-BALL

The four-ball format involves pairs of golfers who play through

individually instead of alternating shots. In match play, teammates who complete the hole while accumulating the fewest shots claim the team’s point. In stroke play, count the shots and then use the best teammate’s score.

This format has been used at the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic and in the Ryder, Solheim and Presidents Cups.

Check out the NEW

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

An 18 Hole Championship Phil Wogan Course in the beautiful Sugar River Valley.

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Newport Golf Club

COME HAVE A BALL! DRIVING RANGE

• 50 Artificial Driving Stations • 20 Grass Tee Stations • 10,000 new golf balls every year • Short Game Practice & Learning Area • Lighted for Night Time Golf

MINI GOLF

• 36 Holes (Two 18-hole Golf Courses) - River Run Golf Course (ADA Accessible) - Alpine Adventure Golf Course • Practice Putting Green • Lighted for Night Time Fun • Beautifully Landscaped • Outings and Birthday Parties

CASH CARDS AND ALL DAY PASSES

Ask about our GROUP OUTING PACKAGES

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

GOLF LESSONS

• Full Swing, Short Game, Putting and Club Fitting • Private & Group Lessons • Spring & Summer Adult, Women and Junior Clinics • Family Group Lessons • Video & Launch Monitor technology • More information at www.peterharrisgolf.com

Great for company outings or birthday parties

COUPON

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE

Bucket of Range Balls or Round of Mini Golf (Free item must be equal or less value. Cannot be combined with other offers. Only valid for 2024 season)

BATTING CAGES

• Adjustable for Speed and Height

foreugolf.com 298 Plainfield Road, West Lebanon, NH Same parking lot as Golf & Ski Warehouse

John P. Larkin Country Club is a beautiful 9-hole golf course located in Windsor, Vermont.

So, if you are a golfer that wants a GOOD challenge, OR you just want to have FUN,

COME PLAY A ROUND! New Member Special

$549 Young Adult Membership (ages 19-24)

$350 Mid-Week Greens Fees

9 holes w/cart $34 | 18 holes w/cart $47

NE-440931

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802-674-6491 | johnplarkincc.com

Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

Please call ahead for tee times

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

Extending Your Drives Small adjustments can have a big impact on your long ball.

B

etter putting is wellknown as the fastest pathway to lowering your golf score. The average player is more interested in extending their drives, however, since that’s a whole lot more fun. Adding more yards usually comes down to developing and employing a reliable stroke. You’ll have to hit it hard, but also straight. Direction and length go hand-in-hand in

creating a great shot. You certainly don’t want to hit it incredibly hard but then produce a slice.

LOCATING THE SHOT

The exact point at which you strike the ball has a big impact on the distance it will travel. Try to hit the ball between the top and center of the face on your driver. That’s what’s referred to as the “sweet spot,” and can help you achieve the longest drive. Should you find it difficult to find this spot on the club, put a corresponding spot on the back of your golf ball in order to help focus. This will create a visual cue that can help smooth the way when attempting to improve your swing.

ALL ABOUT THE ANGLES

Math comes into play with

golf. For instance, increasing your launch angle by just five degrees will make a huge impact.

Achieving this can be as simple as changing where the ball sits within your stance. Your swing itself can remain the same. The difference is where you come in contact with the ball. Strike the ball toward the head of the driver in the beginning of your upswing. You’ll lose power if you strike lower in the bottom of the swing. If you find it difficult to figure out all of this, ask a friend to watch as you swing or position your phone so that you can examine a recording of the process.

CREATING TORQUE

The setup for most shots relies on certain fundamental rules, and thus applies to almost every club. The driver, however, tends to

break these rules. Begin making contact in the proper way. You’ll then start gathering the power you’ve always wanted. Focus on creating a circular rotation on the way to the ball. Your toes should be turned outward, then shift your shoulders both back and away.

You want your lead shoulder to be higher so you can develop the proper path.

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

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Before You Hit the Course

Take personal precautions so you can avoid golf injuries

O

ur familiarity with the game can lull us into a false sense of complacency. But injuries can and do happen if you don’t take safety on the course as seriously as you should.

CHECK THE FORECAST

You’re going to be spending the day outside near trees and often with a metal club in your hands. All of these things put you at an increased risk of being struck by lightning. The National Weather Service reports that about 5% of all lightning-related fatalities each year occur on golf courses. The total number of strikes remains small, but the danger still exists. So, check the weather forecast before your day of golf. On the other hand, if an unexpected storm appears, put your clubs away and avoid trees, which could attract a lightning strike. Return as quickly as possible to a permanent structure, or to a completely enclosed vehicle.

WARMING UP

Golfer’s elbow and tendinitis of the wrist are common maladies associated with golf. But those develop over time, unlike a muscle sprain — which can happen at a moment’s notice.

Proper warmup routines can minimize these risks. Begin with a few slow swings after walking around the block in your neighborhood, and then do a few squats or lunges. This will help ensure that you don’t injure yourself when trying to make use of the full range of motion. It’s also important to drink plenty of water, both while you’re on the course and after you’ve completed play. Rest between rounds if needed in order to avoid injuries connected with overuse.

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

KEEP AN EYE OUT

This game involves very hard spheres and metal clubs, and that can lead to serious injuries for those who aren’t watching. Make sure your golfing partners and other bystanders are safely out of range before you take a golf swing. Those around you can be at risk of injury from your swing itself or from the resulting shot. Wait until the group playing ahead of you is well out of range before swinging. If something goes wrong with your swing, and rest assured it eventually will, shout “fore!” as loudly as possible to alert everyone that a ball is headed toward another player.

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Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024

Valley News, Saturday, April 27, 2024 20

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