Entries Tagged as 'Golf Tour'

Your Golf School Vacation Checklist

Your Golf School Vacation Checklist

If you are thinking about taking a golf school vacation, you have the right idea. There are many places you can go and things you can do on a golf school vacation. You should learn the right way to play before you go, you should know what to pack and you should have a great time! If you are planning a golf school vacation, you will soon see your friends smiling faces at the airport baggage claim.


It is a good idea to have an extensive checklist with individual laminated cards and hand to each golfer. This can reduce the questions to half and now when asked, you can say that you cannot remember, by walking over to the fridge and seeing the posted checklist. Here are the things I prepare ahead of time. In your checklist, you can also list the course, tee times, course contact number, and departure time. These are all important to think about before departing on your golf school vacation anywhere you may decide to enjoy the fields.


Keep in mind that before departing for your golf school vacation, you should base departure time on internet directions and factor in a stop for ice for the coolers and if you will need to hit range balls. Make sure you include a listing of the menu for the evening meals. If this is your first time, keep the menu simple and make sure you have the recipes in hand. With any size group, you are going to have a chef or two and this will not be a big deal.


Before you leave, it is a good idea to look into the different things that will keep you entertained on your golf school vacation. Unless you are going to the deserts in Arizona or get exceedingly lucky, you will have a rain day or two. You will also have a bunch of time at night after golf.


It is also good to remember that on your vacation on severe rain days, you can also go bowling go to a local movie theater, and tour the area. When you are playing golf, it is important that each golfer is aware of where the other players balls are so that they are always aware of when a shot might take place and so that they can curb the volume of their conversation while these shots are being taken. Make sure when beginning the game of golf, you start thinking about what club you are likely going to hit before you actually stand over your ball.


As you are walking or driving towards your ball guess at the distance to the pin and evaluate the lie so that when you arrive at the ball you have at least narrowed down the club you are going to hit to one or two at the most. It is also helpful to make multiple copies of the order sheet for sandwiches.


It is additionally important to think about the fact that there will be other people playing golf as well with the instruction and there is some golf etiquette to keep in mind. New golfers often learn only bits and pieces of golf etiquette. Knowing only a little bit of the etiquette they ensure that they apply what they know. For the most part a new golfer will know that the lowest score goes first on the tee, farthest from the hole is next and if you are lucky, not to walk in the line of someone elses putt.


It is the responsibility of veteran golfers to assist rookie players in the standards. Even the meanest golfer is not going to be offended if you hit first when it was their honor. In fact, looking at the big picture, most will appreciate it as it will speed up play and everyone enjoys their game more when they do not have to wait.

For a chance to book your own golf school vacation, please visit our website.

Discover The Secrets Of A Good Golf Swing

Discover The Secrets Of A Good Golf Swing

Golf swings are like snowflakes — every one is different. I think good golf swings are either handed out by God on a first-come, first-served basis — and most of us just got in line too late — or are consciously built through personal discovery and coaching. Golf professionals these days will tell you that golf swings are as unique as fingerprints and that to try to speak generally in terms of golf instruction is a thing of the past. While a golfers tempo is an individual thing, all great golf swings are smooth from start to finish.


The delivery position of the swing is when the club shaft is parallel to the ground. The swing plane is the plane formed by the shaft where it intersects the target line. The mysterious ’slot’in the downswing is nothing more than a spot where the shaft angle is parallel to the plane.


Golfers of all stripes have to adapt their swings to their physical attributes and strengths. The patented Callaway Performance Analysis System, used to custom fit Tour Professionals like Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Annika Sorenstam, employs two high-speed cameras and ball-flight simulators, while a computer monitor displays an analysis of each golfers launch conditions–ball speed, launch angle and spin rates. In addition, the system measures the path angle and the golfers angle of attack to the ball, utilizing 3D imagery and precision software designed by Callaway Golfs world renowned Research & Development department. Never before have everyday golfers been able to employ such high-tech equipment to improve their performance and enjoyment on the golf course.

Club


The power in your golf swing will come from the leverage in the angle between the club and your wrists. Try to hold the angle between the clubs and the wrists as much as possible in order to generate maximum power. Instead of thinking about my arms and swinging my golf club , I try to think of my back swing as turning my back to the target. One of the most common swing flaws occurs when golfers take the club too far inside the target line on the back swing. To keep your swing under control, opt for more club.


The five stages of a golf swing are set-up, takeaway, backswing, impact, and follow-through. If you look at the golf swings of great players, both past and present, you’ll see that players move the club quite differently in the backswing. The fact of the matter is you don’t strike the ball on the backswing; you strike it on the downswing. A faster backswing will run out in general to an enforced attack on the ball resulting in erratic flight and topped balls. The speed of the backswing should set the approach for striking the ball.

Want to golf like the Pros? Then you have to check out: Great Golf Instruction for some dynamite golf instruction videos. These FREE videos will show you how to start golfing like a pro!

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Bahamas Golf Vacation: an Ideal Way to Refresh the Senses

Bahamas Golf Vacation: an Ideal Way to Refresh the Senses

Taking a break from the maddening affairs of life is what one always cherishes for. It is a deep yearning for most of the tired souls to search for that exotic vacation, which provides rest to their senses. Most of the times, this becomes impossible due to our responsibilities, which never seem to leave us. Day in and out, we slog hard to reach that aspired position in life and this leaves us completely exhausted in the process. Sports are an ideal way to relax our mind and this is true for any layman as is for a golf freak. But when the land in question is Bahamas, then one can be sure for an ideal vacation on an island surrounded by the vast expanses of blue seas. Bahamas golf vacation is a dream come true for most of the people, who wish to spend some quality time with their family members and friends.

Golf can be played both by professionals as well as beginners. It offers a fun filled vacation offering anybody a scope to play the game in a non-competitive spirit. If you are one amongst those who like to commune with the nature in its pristine form, then Bahamas golf vacation is ideal for you. Some of the best golf courses await you on the island and amongst them are both the nine holed and eighteen holed ones. Bahamas golf vacation brings forth a sportsperson in you and proves to be an immensely pleasing game for most of the visitors. The lush green swathes of landscape dotting innumerable golf courses are a visual treat to the eyes. Plus, the waterfronts which are a regular feature with the golf course worldwide provide an ideal backdrop to unwind.

A number of golf courses like Nassau golf club, Paradise Island golf club, the Grand Bahamas Island and others offer you the golf vacation packages. Imagine Atlantic beckoning one to play the game along some its famous shores. On the one side, you are enclosed by the vast ocean and on the other hand you are playing the game in lush green landscape. Simply superb! You are also provided with a Bahamas Golf vacation package including three nights in luxury hotels and suites. This type of package comes with the food and drinks and also the round about trips in combination with sightseeing and other things. You will cherish the moments of solitude together with fun in Bahamas for the rest of your life.

A lot of information regarding these packages can be had from the net enabled services. Various websites are dedicated to the Bahamas tour package, with golf forming an essential part of it, Bahamas golf vacation is an unforgettable experience, which you will cherish for the rest of your life. The contact details and the numbers of the travel agencies are there in the sites dedicated to Bahamas Golf vacation. All you are required is to visit the internet and do the needful. These days, selection of a travel agent who suits your requirements is much easier wit the introduction of personal laptops. These enable you to access any kind of travel related information from any place of the globe. While traveling as well, you can get all the travel details. Of course, this also includes the information of hotels suiting your requirements.

Suzane Gray has been offering Bahama travel and vacation packages advice for quite some time. To find Bahamas vacation, Bahamas golf vacation, Bahamas vacation package, Freeport Bahamas, Cheap Bahamas Vacation, Grand Bahamas Island that best suits your needs visit www.gobahama.com.

How To Easily Visualize A Golf Shot

How To Easily Visualize A Golf Shot

We hear it every single weekend about how Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are able to visualize a golf shot before they execute it. The player that really became prevalent on the PGA Tour to be able to visualize a golf shot was Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus would not swing until he had already seen the golf shot in his mind form beginning to end in his mind. Some also say that this is where the slow pace of play came from as well since many players were attempting to mock the best player in the world at that time.


I have worked with all levels of players from beginner to professional and I have had many tell me that they can not visualize a golf shot. This is simply Baloney!!! All of us can do it and need to do it if we would like to lower our scores. Some of us have to do it a little different than the others but being able to visualize a golf shot can be accomplished very quickly. Let me show you how:


You can start at home or at work (if you are the boss). Look at a picture that you have on the wall. Now close your eyes and explain the picture or object in as much detail as possible. While your eyes are closed zoom into the picture and zoom out to make sure you can catch all of the details.


Another way to improve how you visualize a golf shot is to picture something outside such as your car. What color is it? Is it clean? What about the particulars of your new rims or how the interior is laid out? Where is it parked right now? Can you “see” yourself opening up the door and sitting in the seat and turning the key and driving out? You get the picture (haha). Again, get as picky and descriptive as you can. Practice with items that you know very well and have good recall on these items.


So now that we are the golf course how are we going to visualize a golf shot? As we go through our pre-shot routine, we will gather all pertinent information such as lie of the golf ball, wind direction, obstacles in our landing area, etc. As we gather this information, we will need to pick out a golf club that will allow us to hit the shot needed. Will we need a draw or a fade? Watch it! You are starting to visualize a golf shot. Once the proper club is chosen, then see yourself hit the golf ball from you swinging the club until the ball has finished rolling.


Okay, some of you are still screaming that you can not visualize a golf shot. Here is the most simple way to do it. Simply tell yourself, your caddy or the little guy on your shoulder what you are getting ready to do. Many do not see this as visualization because you are talking through the golf shot. Talking through the shot that I am about to hit has helped me immensely as I used to be one of the players who could not visualize a golf shot.

Max Johnson of The Wireless Golf Coach at VGS Golf. Click for more Mental Golf Game Articles, Cds or DVDs.

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Learn to Play Golf at Thorpeness Golf Club in Suffolk

Learn to Play Golf at Thorpeness Golf Club in Suffolk

Whether you want to improve your game or are a complete beginner, there is a range of golf lessons to choose from at Thorpeness Golf Club, a first-class Suffolk golf course. The two PGA professionals, Frank Hill and Christopher Oldrey, offer a full range of Golf Tuition packages.

Whatever your standard we’re certain that a golf lesson in Suffolk with either professional will leave you motivated and ready to tackle the difficult coastal course.

The tutors:

Frank Hill is a playing professional on the European Seniors’ Tour and a very experienced teacher. His approach is not to reconstruct your wing, but to make small, effective changes that will allow you to develop and build on your natural game.

Christopher Oldrey is the other half of the Thorpeness Gold Academy and Pro-Shop team. Christopher has become a member of the PGA to undertake his training and become a qualified professional.

Thorpeness Golf Club offers Suffolk golf breaks that include intensive and detailed golf lessons. These cover all aspects of your game from bunker play to putting. With the added bonus of video teaching and the analysis facility at the Thorpeness Golf Academy, you can impress your fellow golfers with your improved game.

Round off your day with a relaxed dinner, talking about your lesson, your experiences on the Suffolk golf course or just the gorgeous surroundings of wonderful Suffolk coast.

For young enthusiasts there is junior coaching and also competitions to test their skill and progress. Suffolk golf events are organised throughout the year and more information can be obtained by either calling the golf office on 01728 454351 or visiting the website.

The Thorpeness Golf Club course is a par 69 on the men’s card (SS70) and for the ladies it is a slightly more generous par 74 (SS72). With trees, heather, gorse and strategically placed bunkers you need to hit the right shots to score well.

Built on sandy soil, the course drains very well and is therefore playable all year round. In summer the sprinkler system ensures ideal conditions.

Thorpeness hosted the European Seniors Mixed Open in May 2001, the Suffolk Ladies’ County Championships in May 2002 and the South Eastern Seniors’ Championship in September 2004.

There is no doubt that the only way to fully appreciate Thorpeness is to go and play. However, to give you a flavour of the course, here is a description and narrative of 4 holes selected and described by our Professionals: -

3rd Hole:

This is Thorpeness’ Signature Hole, 394 yards from the back tees. It is a sweeping dog-leg to the left, round the Meare and past a well-bunkered approach to a severely sloping green. A good tee shot is required, just left of centre to leave the best angle to the green. The men’s tees are right outside the Clubhouse restaurant adding extra pressure – a truly dangerous hole.

7th Hole:

A pretty, short hole of 175 yards. The tee shot is across a lily-covered lake to a small well-guarded green. A straight tee shot is required, taking care not to miss the green on the left.

12th Hole:

A picturesque driving hole measuring 370 yards. It has a generous fairway, lined by silver birch, gorse and heather, playing to a slightly crowned green. The challenge is selecting the right club for the second shot; under-clubbing is the danger.

18th Hole:

A 434 yard par 4 and a great finishing hole. Two good shots are required to get home to a green similar in design to the Road Hole at St Andrews. With the backdrop of Thorpeness’ famous ‘House in the Clouds’ and windmill, this is a memorable finish to the round.

If you are looking for a golf club in Suffolk, either to learn, improve or play, take a look at Thorpeness Golf Club at www.suffolkcoastgolf.co.uk or www.thorpeness.co.uk or Telephone 01728 452176.

Bahamas Golf Vacation: a Perfect Retreat

Bahamas Golf Vacation: a Perfect Retreat

Golf is a gentlemanly game played by its admirers and novices alike. Surely, it demands time and leisure for the game to be appreciated and is a perfect wind-up after a busy schedule. For most of the time, one is preoccupied with the race to achieve something and this leaves mind exhausted of its reserves. A Bahamas golf vacation in these circumstances is a perfect retreat from the usual hustle and bustle of life. Nothing could be an ideal gift for your family than the leisurely staying in Bahamas and enjoying every nuance of the sport. Besides the usual soothing hues of green, the backdrop of Atlantic Ocean provides a stunning contrast for the tired eyes.

 

Some of the most challenging golf courses are found in the Bahamas. Nine and eighteen holed golf course dot the Bahamian landscape and are jewels in the crown for numerous resorts, hotels and other lodging accommodations present at the place. For a golf freak however, a Bahamas golf vacation package includes at the golf courses, an ambience that smells of sports and nothing else. One surely has to pay extra bucks to savor the pleasure of the game under the clear skies and at the same time explore the place to hilt. Bahamas golf vacation is ideal for the seekers of nature as the place has plenty to offer in terms of sports activities besides the usual charms of golf. The underwater sports and parasailing activities nudge one to take a peep into the unique sea-life replete with charming species, offering one an ultimate high.

 

The Bahamas golf vacation package includes complimentary food and drinks which come with three nights in luxury hotels and suites. Since the place is a congregation of a group of islands, there is much to be explored and thus numerous sight seeing trips are arranged by the travel agents. The solace offered by the place is almost therapeutic to many a traveler to the place and the package is apt for the executives and the laymen alike. The package ensures that your money is well spent on other sports activities like swimming, snorkeling, exploring the underwater caves etc. Meanwhile, the tranquility of the beaches is something everybody would like to go for, as the place is known for its rippling shorelines. The picture-postcard perfect destination is a place holding enough promise for the tourists in terms of scenarios seeming quite out of the world. To make the vacation more fruitful, it is necessary to be selective while choosing a perfect vacation package.

Some of the prominent golf clubs in Bahamas are Nassau golf club, Paradise golf course, Ruby golf course besides others. Bahamas golf vacation package gives one an access to these golf courses besides other benefits as well. These benefits include boarding and lodging facilities arranged by the travel agents and their proper management. City tours are an important part of the travel itinerary and most of the packages ensure that a traveler is saved from unnecessary efforts to locate the destinations on maps. Internet is apt medium to procure information about the holiday packages and numerous travel agencies which are in the fray to help many a visitor. A proper assessment of the expenses helps in ensuring that no hidden costs are involved and the vacation should turn out to be the perfect one.

Suzane Gray has been offering Bahama travel and vacation packages advice for quite some time.To find freeport Bahamas,bahamas golf vacation,discount Bahamas vacation package and grand Bahamas Island that best suits your needs, visit www.gobahama.com

What Makes a Great Golf Course?

What Makes a Great Golf Course?

So what makes a great golf course?

The world is full of good, average and even poor layouts over which to test ourselves, but few manage the accolade of ‘great’ which, in our view, means the sort of course you would try and play before you die, no matter the cost.

It’s a relevant question for two reasons.

First, because there are no written or objective criteria to define greatness. And second, because Kingsbarns, just outside St Andrews, has won so much in terms of accolades and recognition since it opened in 2000 that it has already earned the description ‘great’.

But while the criteria for such a label do not appear in a rule book anywhere, perhaps here at Mulligan we should consider our own terms.

 

First, a course must be memorable – no blandness in this list. If you have played a layout just once, and have difficulty recalling the difference between the 1st and 18th, or cannot instantly bring to mind the best holes, it’s not good enough.

 

Second, it should offer a proper golfing challenge, but that does not mean simply that it is tough – the Blue Monster at Doral is fiendishly difficult, but it’s not great. Pine Valley is both.

 

Third, it should be subtle, and require careful thought or a few visits to properly appreciate the test it represents, and probably the best example of a subtle test is the Old Course at St Andrews.

 


Fourth
comes aesthetic splendour, although as with all things, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To some, the rugged, wild landscape of Royal Dornoch or Carne is unattractive but to golfers, they represent the Mona Lisa.

 

Finally is the almost indefinable element of mood, or atmosphere or ambience or whatever other label you may want to apply. Some places spend millions of pounds and employ the best golfing brains in the world yet somehow disappoint, while others have that ‘wow’ factor almost permeating the soil, or so it seems.

 Such a place is Kingsbarns. Although golf has been played over this stretch of Fife coastline since 1793, virtually nothing of the original course remained until co-owner Mark Parsinen and architect Kyle Phillips, moved 300,000 cubic metres of earth to create today’s course. In the process they uncovered a burn that no-one knew about (and which plays a significant part in the golfer’s approach to the 18th) but more remarkably, the Kingsbarns they created looks as if it has been there since time began.

Every single hole has a view of the sea, on more than half of them it is conspicuously in your eyeline as you play, and several run parallel to the shoreline but probably the most impressive thing is that Kingsbarns is, like Augusta National, equally enjoyable for high handicappers as for Tour pros. At 6,652 yards (par 72) from the visitors green tees it is not overlong and, like many other good tracks, it starts relatively gently before asking its more searching questions.

 

It is also, we are delighted to say, a fan of the good, short par four, which is in danger of becoming a neglected part of the golf architect’s armoury. This is exemplified at the 6th, which is only 287 yards but which, like all good shorter holes, offers you a choice and a decision. Knock a long iron or hybrid straight at the two bunkers and you’ll finish short of them with a relatively straightforward wedge to the green, which you cannot see, and which runs downhill, away from you. Take a big stick, aim to the right and carry the bunkers, however, and you will land on a narrow strip of fairway that feeds down to the putting surface, with a chance of eagle and likely birdie. But go a bit strong and you’ll be on a bank of heavy grass; underhit and you’ll be in sand – a classic risk/reward strategic hole.

 

Later in the round comes a quartet of holes 12-15, that stands comparison with anything in the world, and that includes Augusta National’s famed Amen Corner. It includes a stunning par five dogleg right-to-left that hugs the shoreline and is reminiscent of the 19th at Pebble Beach; a short but challenging par three that nestles against a dramatic rocky outcrop, a short par four that seems a pushover but flatters to deceive, and another par three, the green of which seems to be almost in the ocean.

The first time he set eyes on the place, Sir Michael Bonallack, former secretary of the R&A and British Amateur champion five times, said: ‘Kingsbarns might well be one of the last true seaside links sites capable of development in Scotland. Mere words cannot convey just how extraordinary the place is. It must be seen to be believed. And once seen it will never be forgotten.’ He is not a man given to hyperbole.

 

Kingsbarns has its share of bunkers but not too many, it deliberately has no gorse, because it is almost impossible to extract a golf ball from it, and no forced, heroic carries. Mark Parsinen studied several of Scotland’s greatest courses before settling down with Kyle Phillips to design his own layout and concluded that, above all, golfers should walk off the 18th with a smile on their face, not looking as if they had just gone 10 rounds with Lennox Lewis.

 

To further this philosophy he took the Augusta National approach which, in its simplest terms, means that getting from tee to green is relatively easy, but if you want to score, you have to be in the right part of the green. The putting surfaces are very large and are filled with subtle (and sometimes very obvious) undulations, which mean that a straight putt is a rarity and the first part of your game that has to be in good working order is your putting stroke. The greens are also in superb condition all year round – largely thanks to the course’s policy of closing at the end of November every year and re-opening at the end of March.

 

Kingsbarns does not have the rough, craggy, Neanderthal look of a Doonbeg or Royal County Down, with massive dunes and hillocks to negotiate, rather it is a gentler, softer landscape where it becomes easy to feel at one with your surroundings and where, as PG Wodehouse once wrote of another course: ‘The whole of nature seems to cry “Fore!”’ It is built by golfers for golfers, and nowhere is this more apparent than the understated clubhouse, which is everything a 19th hole should be – comfortable, companionable and welcoming. Oh, and none of your fancy nouveau cuisine, here you get the sort of grub that you need after a round of golf – solid burgers and chips the size of your thumb.

 

Kingsbarns is expensive – 2008 green fees are £130 in April and May, and £170 between June and November – but worth it, and if you get the chance, you should mug your granny to get there.

 

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Online Custom Fit Golf Clubs – the Next Generation

Online Custom Fit Golf Clubs – the Next Generation

Every golfer is unique in terms of their physical attributes and swing type. The historically high costs of purchasing a set of custom fitted golf clubs has until now prohibited the normal player from improving their game.

The traditional process of custom fitting has involved tailoring a golf club to match an individual swing type – ensuring the club is square at impact to produce a long, straight shot. The entire process of custom fitting from sizing to building can take up to three weeks before a player can reap the benefits of custom fitting. The cost of a standard custom fitting process can also be prohibitive – not only are you paying for the time of a professional golfer and club builder, the actual components of the club – unless purchased direct from the manufacturer in sizeable quantities can also inflate the final cost.

Until now the entire custom fitting process was manually intensive. The Internet has allowed manufacturers like Forgan of St. Andrews to provide an online custom fit service for its golf clubs. As the world’s oldest manufacturer of golf equipment – it seems fitting that its latest innovation is set to revolutionise the custom fit market in the 21st century.

Forgan has leveraged its expertise and knowledge of golf club manufacturing in developing a streamlined custom fit process – available from its websites – forgan.co.uk and forgangolf.com

To custom fit your golf clubs you need to know the following attributes: Gender, Right or Left-Handed, Height, Wrist to Floor measurement, Swing Speed and Glove Size. A complex formula is used to calculate the appropriate shaft length, including the player’s height and wrist-to-floor measurements. A tall player with long arms can for example require shorter golf clubs than an average height person with short arms. Swing speed and gender are combined to determine the custom golf club’s shaft flex, whilst glove size determines the type of grip most suitable for the player. Professional golf club engineers then build the golf clubs to the precise specifications required for true custom fit golf clubs.

There are different methods of custom fitting available on the market – usually dictated by the golf manufacturer in question, ultimately all manufacturers including Forgan of St. Andrews are trying to improve your game.

Custom fitting won’t cure all your miss-shots – coaching is certainly recommended for ironing out problems with your swing and address. If you do however make a good swing, a custom fit golf club will arrive correctly at impact and will produce a straight shot on target – that alone will save you shots during a round.

The for mentioned manufacturer of golf clubs in this article – Forgan of St. Andrews was established in 1860; today, golf clubs from that time are still some of the most collectable in existence. Today’s custom fit components from Forgan are produced from the highest quality materials – featuring the latest technology and innovation – synonymous with the brand.

Since its launch the manufacturer has secured the services of international legend Ian Woosnam and European Tour champion David J Russell (‘DJ’). The endorsement of such players can only reinforce the manufacturer’s intention to produce the finest golf clubs, custom fitted to the players exacting standards.

Forgan of St. Andrews is part of Sports PLC - the number 1 supplier of online custom fit golf clubs

Finding the Best Golf Havens in Myrtle Beach

Finding the Best Golf Havens in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach resorts have some of the best golf in the world. These are the picturesque links along the Atlantic Ocean - made famous by the Ryder Cup and the Worldcom Classic on the PGA Tour, and they attract golfers from all over the world.

The best part about Myrtle Beach is that most of the golf courses in the region are public all year, even resort courses. Thanks to this very open policy, Myrtle Beach and nearby areas like Charleston and Hilton Head Island see over a million golfing tourists hit their shores every year. These are courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and the infamous Robert Trent Jones.

To find more about a few of the best Myrtle Beach resorts that offer incredible golfing opportunities, read on.

Harbor Town Golf Club

This is one of the best known and most sought courses in all South Carolina. Built by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye as part of a collaborative effort, this course is challenging and thrilling. The green fee is close to 0, but the course offers some of the best golfing experience in the country. From the multiple water hazards to the wind coming over the rolling hills, you’ll be challenged on every hole.

Kiawah Island Ocean Resort and Golf Course

Pete Dye was given prime oceanfront land and told to build the toughest, most spectacular course he could to test the world’s finest players at the 1991 Ryder Cup. He did exactly that. Half of the Ocean Course’s holes butt up against the beach. The wind can be brutal and peril awaits every shot. But somehow, the course is great fun.

Golfers can stay at the beautiful Kiawah Island Resort that’s connected to the course. Accommodations are luxurious, but also pricey, so be prepared. The resort is a bit further from Myrtle Beach than the other courses listed here, but it’s definitely worth the travel time.

Pawleys Plantation

Built along wetlands in lightly populated Pawleys Island south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Plantation is far different than most resort courses. Originally a country club, Pawleys Plantation is somewhat secluded in a tranquil location dissected by a huge wetlands area that’s part of a wildlife preserve.

Out of all the most popular Myrtle Beach resorts, Pawleys offers the most authentic South Carolina experience alongside some of the best golf. If you’re looking for a slower pace away from the crowds of Myrtle Beach and more in tune with the state’s strong heritage, you’ll find it here.

Golf resorts in the Myrtle Beach vicinity are some of the most spectacular in the world. Golf enthusiasts from around the globe seek opportunities to make the trip to South Carolina for the sheer enjoyment of their challenging courses. Any of the three detailed above would make for not only memorable golfing experiences but also beautiful scenery.

If golf is your passion, at least one of these courses should be on your travel itinerary.

For fun information about recreation and travel ideas - please visit recreationtraveltips.com - a popular site about creative ideas for your next vacation - such as the US Open Golf - San Francisco sightseeing tours - and many more!

www.jameswoodcock.co.uk I test out the Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 Demo on the Xbox 360
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Indoor Golf Practice: the Feedback Factor

Indoor Golf Practice: the Feedback Factor

Are you concerned that your golf swing isn’t giving you the edge you need to compete? Are you throwing strokes away by slicing or hooking the ball? Do you need to practice indoors during the winter? If so you will no doubt be looking for an indoor swing training aid. The market is saturated with gadgets that claim to help you improve your golf swing so choice is plenty. However, it’s imperative to take into consideration the feedback factor: will the chosen golf aid indicate the exact nature of the problem with your swing?

Golf training aids quite simply must give instant feedback so that they can help golfers become more competitive by improving their swing, fine tuning their action and adding power and accuracy to their shot.

Paul Thornley is a PGA Professional and after years of coaching, observing masses of students of all abilities and ages, and studying how the body moves in the golf swing; and after years of being forced off the practice tee during the winter months, he knew exactly what was needed in a golf training aid.

One of the major things was versatility of use. The better training aids are fully transportable so that they can be taken away on tour or on holiday, or even to the office. But the trouble is finding a practice aid that is portable and also gives that all important feedback.

Another thing is finding something that actually feels like you are taking a proper shot. There is no substitute for hitting a real ball and actually seeing where the ball goes. Computer aided practice really doesn’t meet the grade for showing the actual swing path; how can it when all you are seeing is the computer’s interpretation of your shot?

Next up is to think about when putting together a checklist for the ideal indoor golf practice aid is that it should be easy to set up in a small space and safe to use in the house, garage, hotel room or wherever it is to be used.

Paul Thornley has put together an at-a-glance checklist for buying a golf training aid which is designed to help you spend your money wisely:

Does it give instant feedback on the shot?

Does it provide fixes and advice to correct swing inaccuracies?

Does it allow real, full swing shots to be taken so that you can see the actual swing path rather than a virtual one?

Can it be set up in a confined space?

Can it be used safely indoors?

Is it light, compact and easily transportable?

Follow these points and you will find yourself ahead of the game after the winter months!

Paul Thornley is a PGA Professional and the director of Targetline Ltd. Targetline is an indoor golf practice aid that allows users to practice full swing shots safely in a confined space then see how they are doing through its unique feedback system; something that is rare amongst indoor golf swing practice aids. For more information visit http://www.targetline.co.uk.

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