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TURKEY: Golf With a “Slice” of History
By Rochelle Smith
When deciding to take a golf trip to Turkey one would never expect to uncover a rich and diverse culture that surrounds a country most people only talk about in school. With its extraordinary history any golfer could easily find themselves being lost in the amazing golf courses as well as the historical sites that are present through out the country.
Black Sea (Istanbul)
Book a flight aboard one of Turkish Airlines luxurious airplanes, serving in over 150 airports, these planes are equipped with comfortable seating and well trained staff that will have you leaving the plane feeling as if you slept in your own home.
Kaleici/Old Town city centre
Visit the Amazing city of Antalya. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by mountains that will take your breath away you can play on some of the most riveting and challenging golf courses you will ever encounter. If you really want to dive right in play “The Sultan” course at the Antalya Golf Club.
Antalya Golf Club
This 6411m David Jones designed course will challenge the best of golfers. With the astute golfer in mind, its narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers this course will have you choosing your clubs wisely.
12th hole, Antalya Golf Club
Try you hand at the 12th hole known as the Eucalyptus Drive but to some possibly the toughest par 4 in Europe.
Lykia Links
Hopefully you can make it through these 18 holes without throwing one of your clubs.
If fear is not in your vocabulary, try the 18 holes at Lykia Links.
Mediterranean Sea
Do not let the breath taking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains that line four of its holes take you away from the task at hand.
With its extraordinary sand dunes you never know which way your ball is going to roll. If you it straight in the fairway the dunes can benefit you by keeping it rolling toward the flag. If you are not careful you may find yourself stuck in a very deep bunker that may cost you a stroke or two trying to get out.
Gloria Golf-Resort in-Antalya offers excellent Greek and Chinese cuisine.
While in Antalya u must stay at the gorgeous Gloria Golf Resort. Here you can enjoy all the amenities a luxiorious hotel has to offer. With a unique design, the walkway does a complete circle so that you never get lost trying to find your way back to the lobby, the spa, and restaurants.
Step outside the door and you are greeted with a view of the Mediterranean Sea where you can walk down to the beach and take a swim. Of course you must try out the golf course. The Gloria “old” course is a 6181m 18-hole course designed by architect Michel Gayon.
Old Gloria Golf Course
This course proves to be very difficult and challenging with its narrow fairways, 63 bunkers, and 7 lakes. Or you can take your golfing skills over to Gloria “new” which is a 6239m 18-hole course. With 67 bunkers and 4 big lakes you might want to warm up a bit at the practice range before taking this course on. There are numerous golf courses here for you to put your skills to the test.
Roman amphitheater at Aspendos
You cannot visit Antalya without visiting its historical ruins. A must see is Aspendos which is an ancient city that is located about 25 miles outside of the modern city. It is also home to one of the worlds most well preserved theatre.
Visit Perge which at one time stood as one of the most riches and beautiful cities in the world. Here you can take a walk back through time and see the ruins where great city once stood on. You can see archaeologist piece back together this historical city. There is so much to see and do here that you have to choose your time wisely between golfing and touring.
Istanbul skyline
Take a flight up to Istanbul, a city with exciting tourism that could match that of New York City. People from around the globe travel here to visit some of the most amazing historical sites in the world.
With places such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque you literally step inside the history books. Instead of bringing home the usual souvenir stroll through the Bazaar and buy a few hand crafted items or pick up a Turkish carpet.
The principal mosque of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia
As you walk through you cannot help but notice the smell of spices in the air. The Mediterranean cuisine here is rich in fresh vegetables, herbs and fish, all of which are local here. You will enjoy the taste of the food with its unique and fresh flavors, not to mention healthy.
Turkey is defiantly a destination that should be on all golfers list of places to play. Not only can you enjoy your favorite pastime, but while doing so you are able to truly see what the rest of the world has to offer.
For more information visit www.pamfilya.com.tr
www.thy.com
Grand Golf In Grand County Colorado
By Edward Wanambwa
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains Grand County Colorado offers visitor’s dramatic views of nature and wildlife and among the picturesque landscapes and breathtaking scenery golfers will find some of the best golf courses in the country. Granby County, Colorado is the home of four of the Rocky Mountains top rated courses.
Located along the sparkling waters of the Fraser River Headwaters Golf Club is a par 72 links style golf course that provides players with challenging golf and breathtaking views. Measuring 7,200 yards this majestic layout offers a variety of challenges for players of all levels. Visit Headwaters Golf Club online at www.solvista.com
Grand Elk Ranch and Club is an 18 hole 7,200 yard, par 71 golf course situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This stunning layout provides players with a challenging layout dominated with wildlife and breathtaking views. Playing at 7,935 feet above sea level players should play close attention to their club selection. Visit Grand Elk Ranch and Club online at www.grandelk.com
Pole Creek Golf Club is located 12 miles north of Winter Park. Colorado. This expansive tree lined layout is an amazing tree lined layout. Measuring 10,709 yards this par 108 course might appear to be a daunting challenge to any golfer. However, Pole Creek Golf Club sits at 8,600 feet above sea level and the thin mountain air allows drives to carry forever. This course is a must play for any visitor to Grand County. Visit Pole Creek Golf Club online at www.polecreekgolf.com
Grand Lake Golf Club is nestled along the Continental Divide and provides numerous views of Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural lake. Measuring a 6,650 yards this challenging layout tree lined layout has a variety of long and short holes that make club selection and shot making a priority. Grand Lake Golf Club is a local and national favorite and golfers not only like the course but the variety of wildlife on and around the course provide an unforgettable golf experience.
Grand County Colorado is a unique and picturesque golf destination. Only a short drive from Denver visitors will be treated to an enjoyable and relaxing trip one of the nations most beautiful regions.
PGA NATIONAL
A GOLF RESORT LIKE NO OTHER
by Rochelle Smith
Golfer’s can expect to have their golfing experience exceeded when they visit the PGA National Resort and Spa. Nestled in a state that is known for its golf courses, the PGA National Resort is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida standing out as one of the premier golfing resort destinations.
The resort can not only boast at having the PGA of America located on property, but also at having being host to both the Honda Classic and the Ryder Cup. Arguably so, since this resort is home to five tournament-level championship courses including signature courses by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. You have your choice between playing on The Haig, The Champion, The Squire, “he Palmer, or The Estate. Each course is designed to put the best golfers to the test.
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For the bravest golfer, play the Champion. Designed in 1981 by Tom Fazio and redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1990, this course will definitely pose a challenge to any golfer. Stretching over 7,022 yards and including 107 sand bunkers with 16 of the 18 holes having water hazards, you will want to choose your club wisely before teeing off on each hole. And, just when you thought the course could not get any more difficult, you enter “The Bear Trap”. The 15th, 16th and 17th holes are said to be some of the most difficult in the sport. Filled with deep bunkers and water you will find yourself holding your breath before and after you take your shot.
For the golfers who prefer to relax and enjoy their surroundings more leisurely, try the Palmer course. Its unique foliage design will leave you captivated, and the fairways are very forgiving. Which ever course you choose you are sure to have a wonderful experience. If you seek to upgrade your skills, one of the resorts professional golf instructors will gladly and patiently give you one-on-one help.
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After your round, enjoy lunch at the resort’s European style spa. The 40,000 sq. ft. of space includes an outdoor healing mineral pool with salts imported from around the globe. Your body will be left feeling smooth and rejuvenated.
Onsite at the Racquet Club you can participate in yoga or pilates classes, play indoor racquet ball, outdoor tennis or sweat it out in the weight room with a personal trainer. To take the stress off the body, try the water aerobics class that they offer.
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To wind down you can retire to one of the 339 newly renovated guestrooms, later have a drink at the lobby bar and contemplate having dinner at one of the seven restaurants available onsite.
Once you experience the PGA Resort, you’ll wonder why should you ever golf anywhere else. Contact: PGA National Resort & Spa at www.pgaresort.com; (877) PGA.NATL (877-742-6285).
CHATTANOOGA
By Michael Stewart
Alright….OK…… Let’s get past the “Choo Choo” nostalgia right away….Yes, the Glenn Miller Orchestra won the first gold record awarded by the music industry for a song about Chattanooga – “The Chattanooga Choo Choo”. Built in 1909, the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station still stands today as a testament to the golden age of railroad. Can we move on now?
Today, Chattanooga is very much a hip, sleek, mid-sized city tucked away in a scenic valley in extreme southeastern Tennessee amidst picturesque mountains and the Tennessee River. Chattanooga is the envy of Green Urban planners nationwide and boasts a newly revitalized riverfront where practically everything is within walking distance & a downtown shuttle fleet of zero-emission electric buses.
With the recent addition of penguin residents at the Riverfront Tennessee Aquarium (the world’s largest freshwater aquarium) and the summer long, free “Nightfall” concert series performed by entertainers from all over the world, it’s no wonder Chattanooga has become known as “The Jewel of the South”!
A dynamic combination of breathtaking scenic beauty, family-oriented attractions, numerous hotel and restaurant venues, world-famous BAR-B-Q, a thriving art scene, and so much more, Chattanooga also provides for an abundance of outdoor activities in its wonderfully temperate climate.
Two of the south’s most famous attractions include Chattanooga’s own “Southern Belle” with true southern hospitality in the old riverboat tradition and the 145-foot Ruby Falls underground waterfall at Lookout Mountain Caverns, both are “must sees” when visiting.
Year-round activities in and around Chattanooga include; boating, mountain biking, hang gliding, camping & RV parks, whitewater rafting, caving expeditions, bass fishing, mountain climbing and hiking up to Lookout Mountain (where you can see seven states), to you guessed it, golf.
Tennessee is now home to a classic collection of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses called The Bear Trace. Named after the historic Natchey Trace, a well-traveled Tennessee thoroughfare which played an instrumental role in the growth of the South in the late 1700’s, the present Bear Trace lineup features four exhilarating, yet very playable Nicklaus layouts.
All four of Jack’s designs are an integral part of the award-winning Tennessee State Parks System, and together with eight other “Traditional” courses make up the Tennessee Golf Trail. After winning the 2007 Gold Medal for being named the best State Park System in the United States, director Jim Webb commented, “I am proud the Tennessee Golf Trail is an important part of our award-winning Tennessee State Park System….this tremendous accomplishment reflects the skill, expertise, and commitment across the entire park system – from our park rangers to our golf course superintendents.”
Harrison Bay
Located just 15 minutes north of downtown Chattanooga, The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay has been referred to as “the best natural piece of land for a golf course in the area”. Widely acknowledged as having the most diversified flora and aquatic ecosystems in North America, this scenic region of southeast Tennessee is home to the 1,200-acre Harrison Bay State Park.
With 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake shoreline as a backdrop, The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay is surrounded by both water and a beautiful, heavily wooded landscape. Bermuda fairways meander through soaring pine and hardwood trees and although the water comes into play on twelve holes, Jack leaves sufficient room for safe shot-making. Just try not to be distracted by the passing wave-runner or the ever present boat parties out there on Chickamauga.
In addition, most of Jack’s greens here are open in front creating a more user-friendly atmosphere where run-up approaches are welcome and all the bunkering at Harrison Bay is “traditional Nicklaus” which adds character to the overall integrity of the design. Selected as one of the “100 Best Bargain Courses in the U.S.”, The Bear Trace at Harrison Bay, like the other courses in the collection, emphasizes playability in fantastic natural surroundings!
Canyon Ridge
High atop Lookout Mountain, just 20-minutes south of Chattanooga and 3,000 feet higher, is a secluded mountaintop community with one of the best new golf courses in America, Canyon Ridge. From the moment you step onto the lush bentgrass greens, you’ll understand the appeal of Canyon Ridge. Co-designed by Robbins & Associates and Mother Nature, this world-class championship course incorporates natural mountain features as part of the challenge and overall experience.
Canyon Ridge Golf Club is a private club, but stay ’n’ play packages are available for non-members who can experience elevated terraced tees with 300 foot drops, wide fairways, deep canyons, natural hardwoods & pines, 40-mile mountaintop views and quiet solitude. Canyon Ridge Club amenities will soon include a Swim & Tennis Club, World Class Spa, Golf Learning Center, and the Canyon Ridge Stables, along with construction of new Mountain Villas and prestigious private residences.
How prestigious?…I was able to stay in the spectacular Winchester Rifle family home overlooking the valley floor and located next to the 18th green!
The name “Chattanooga” actually comes from the Creek Indian name for “rock coming to a point” (Lookout Mountain), and now this friendly, walk-able, traditionally southern town in the heart of the Appalachia Trail is providing a vacation experience second to none.
Rock City
So enjoy your peaceful stroll down on the riverfront as you gaze up at Rock City (where miniature golf was invented in 1926) atop the surrounding mountains, and you’ll also discover that Chattanooga is an exciting, outdoor paradise, truly “A Great City By Nature”.
Rock City
Michael Stewart
America’s #1 Golf Course Writer
Where to Play Golf Radio & TV Show
P.O.Box 123
Williams Bay, WI. 53191
www.wheretoplaygolf.com
[email protected]
Tel: 262-215-2430
Rosen Shingle Creek – May 2016
Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando recently underwent a complete renovation in 2016 performed by the Arnold Palmer Design Group. The goal was to rebuild the course and create a layout that would “inspire and challenge all levels of golfers”.
I have played the course most every year since 2004 (its first year of operation). Since it opened, Shingle Creek has been a five-star venue that attracts area golfers, tourists, and visitors. If you played Shingle Creek before its recent renovation, playing the new Shingle Creek is like playing a different golf course. This course’s condition has always been “Par Excellence” and represents the best the Orlando area has to offer in golf. The renovated course has three new holes. All of its old greens have been rebuilt to provide more slope and contour to their surfaces. The bunkers have been reduced by fifty percent. A driveable par 4 has been added (Hole 14) that presents much risk or reward to the golfer willing to accept the challenge.
Shingle Creek Hole 2
Water comes into play on 14 of the 18 holes on the course. This is now a course that requires the serious golfer’s undivided attention throughout the entire golf round. All carts have GPS. It has a variety of tees (maximum 7213 yards) for both accomplished and average golfers. It has a 70,000 square foot driving range and a huge practice putting green that was part of green number 9 in the old layout.
Valet parking for golfers is complimentary. A beverage cart is on the course and a food stand is well placed between holes 7 and 8. The course staff is friendly and customer focused.
The 1,501 room Rosen Shingle Creek hotel overlooks the course. It is ranked as a Top 20 United States meeting hotel and boasts 490,000 square feet of meeting and event space. It has 15 restaurant and lounge options, 4 heated swimming pools, a full-service “The Spa at Shingle Creek” inclusive of a spa, fitness center, and a Salon.
Shingle Creek Scorecard
The Brad Brewer Golf Academy is located at the back of the driving range for those looking to improve their golf game. Shingle Creek offers Stay-N-Play packages and discounted rates, including for instruction at the Brad Brewer Golf Academy.
The AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek is centrally located near International Drive (I-Drive) behind the Orange County Convention Center on Universal Boulevard. It is located just ten minutes the Orlando International Airport and minutes to area attractions (Universal Studios, Sea World, and Disney).
Shingle Creek Hole 16
For those playing golf on Orlando Golf packages, the premium for this venue is worth every penny. There are also ample off-season specials for Orlando and Florida golfers. David Scott is Director of Golf at Shingle Creek Golf Club. To book play, call 866-966-9933.
Otis Windham is a freelance golf writer and author with over 30 years experience in the golfing industry. He has organized national and international golf travel for golfing groups and is past president and travel and events coordinator for 2 major African American golfing organizations. Otis is a charter member of the African American Golfer’s Digest Editorial Advisory Board.
There is not a lack of talented African American golfers, and this month I would like to share the story of two players that were able to team up to pursue their dreams in tandem – Willie Mack (Flint, Michigan) and Christian Heavens (St. Louis, Illinois).
The Florida Professional Golf Tour (FPGT) is a central Florida developmental tour designed to keep players sharp during the winter months.
During its 2011-2012 season, both Willie(pictured left) andChristian (pictured below) contended week in and week out with some of the best professional golfers in the country. More remarkable than their stellar play on the tour was the obstacles off the course they had to overcome just to compete.
The two players forged a relationship during the Bill Dickey Invitational Junior Golf Tournament(BDI) during their high schools days and remained close friends throughout college. Both Christian and Willie were standout players at Georgetown College and Bethune-Cookman University, respectively; the pair accounted for 16 individual intercollegiate titles during their college careers. Pretty impressive, huh?
Faced with the challenge of most college graduates, the two left college with little money, if any, to their names. Unable to afford a place to stay, Willie convinced a member of the Lady Wildcats golf team to take in twostray professional golfers.
Imagine this… three people living in a studio apartment.
What seems like a plot for a network sitcom was reality for Christian and Willie. The two golfers slept head-to-toe on a pullout sofa in the “living room area” of a one-bathroom studio apartment.
With their tight living quarters, and marriage-like sleeping arrangements, it was almost a relief for the two to get out to practice at near by LPGA International. Throughout the winter months, if Christian and Willie were not competing in events, they could be found sharpening their skills on the practice tee at LPGA.
To make a long story short –Christian cashed some checks on the FPGT, and Willie went on to win twice and finished atop the money list.
These two players have what it takes to succeed at golfs highest level. They have displayed resilience that is rarely seen by young golfers in this day and age. Every week these players put their livelihood on the line for the opportunity to chase their dream. In my opinion, that’s the definition of #TourDriven.
Follow them on Twitter…. @Willie_Mack_III & @I_am_C_HEAVENS
Talk to you next month,
Doug Smith
Doug Smith is an Account Executive in the College division of IMG Worldwide. Doug played his college golf at the University of Louisville and Florida A&M University. If you would like to reach Doug email him at[email protected]
Follow him on Twitter @DouglasFresh8.
“Jazz’ N Tee Seventeenth Annual Golf Classic”
Jazz ‘N Tee, what a great concept. I personally can’t think of a better idea, or a better way to spend a perfect day. Perhaps I say this because Jazz and golf are two of my favorites
social activities.
Whether you’re an amateur golfer, or on any given day you can hang with the best. You know that sometimes you’re golfing for the sake of a leisurely afternoon, and sometimes you’re golfing because you are craving the challenge. You know when you sign-up to participate in a tournament, you are craving the challenge, so as I see it the best antidote for after a long challenging day of golf, is dining, enjoying a smooth cold drink, and listening to live Jazz.
On October 4th 2013, Verda Lyons AKA “ The Golf Lady” Chaired, and hosted The 17th Annual Jazz ‘N Tee Golf Classic at the Westridge 18 hole Golf Course, in La Habra, California. Let me tell you that the “Golf Lady” is one creative, well organized and hard working lady. Verda is also a par-tee golf event manager, Golf Tournament Consultant, and serves as Chapter President for GTAA that service the L.A. Metro, and Beach Cities, in Southern California. Co-Chairs for this event were Cheryl Alexander, Llana Hall, and Tina Jones, and a host of awesome committee members. Jazz “N Tee’s primary purpose is to raise money for scholarships.
Above, L-Rt: Tina Jones, Co-Chair with Audrey Coley, 1st place winner Ladies Longest Drive
As Most of you know I have often spoken or written about my Aha moments, however most of you didn’t know, until now, that this bloggers top of the list, two favorite social things are Jazz and Golf, so when I was made aware of this tournament by the AAGD, and that it was being held right here in my back yard, I started biting at the bit to be a part of this exciting classic event. Being invited to participate in this golf tournament, my friends, was the primo of all my “Aha” golf associated moments.
I Confess, I am not always perfect: Due to heavy traffic, and the fact that I was totally unfamiliar with the area where the tournament was being held, I was late on arrival and missed the pre-tournament festivities so I will quote, The Golf Lady, with her approval, of what took place. “The pre-tournament buzz of our seventeenth Annual Celebration began with a Grand Reunion of many, getting in the ‘swing of things’ at the driving range, and joining the bragging rights competition in the putting challenge featuring one of our tournament regulars Bernie Walker AKA “Musty Putter.” (what a name), and I say this with a warm smile.
Above: 18 year old Aaron Howerton, 3rd place winner of Low Gross Men
Approximately 120 people came out to support this fundraiser, this figure includes 40 paid golfers, and 80 supporters that showed-up to attended the awards Reception and listen to the sounds of, Jazz Trio “Christopher Keys and Friends”: With Christopher Keys on keyboard ~ Danny Morledge on drums, Romero Williams on base, with special guest vocalist, Beverly Powell, supporters also came to the reception for the Great opportunity drawing prizes. The event raised enough money to support scholarships that will provide assistance to deserving young students who don’t have the financial means to attend college without help. This year the fundraiser proceeds went to the Dwight Majors Memorial scholarship fund, and to Huston Tillotson University, Austin Texas.
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Above: “bragging rights”
This is the first year that I’ve attended/ participated in this particular golf fundraiser, and I can say that from my point of view, all aspects of this Golf Tournament planning process were well executed, and I Applaud the organizers and committee members for a job well done.
I was most impressed with the one and only Teen-aged golfer, 18 years old Aaron Howerton, a graduate of Pioneer High School, in Whittier, California who came fired-up, with golf clubs in hand, eager to play, and was not intimidated by the “Old Timers” Aaron took 3rd place in the Low Gross Men Category.
Above: Jazz Trio “Christopher Keys and Friends”
Jazz ‘N Tee Golf 2013 winners in Low Gross Men were: 1st place Derry Hood ~ Ceasar Scott 2nd place: Reuben Bakkar ~ Jim Dohn: 3rd Place Aaron Howerton ~ Joe Venters
Low Gross Mixed winners were: 1st place D’Eidra Lyons ~ Ron Ross: 2nd Place Robin Thorne ~ Eric Hunt 3rd Place Sherita Herring ~ Marshall Campbell. Closest to the Pin winners were Ladies: Robin Thorne ~ Men: Charlie Wyatt. Longest Drive winners: Ladies: Audrey Coley ~ Men: Eric Wade. Master putter winners: James Ellis ~ Felix Pollard.
Let me end this blog with telling you about my “OH my God please save me moment. It was a very Hot Day in October, and the committee was prepared for the comfort of the golfers, they had refrigerated ice cold face towels placed in sandwich bags, and plenty of ice cold water. By mid-afternoon Tina Jones, co-chair decided she should take a golf cart and go out on the course, and supply the golfers with fresh cold wet towels, and water. She asked me if I wanted to ride with her, and that perhaps I could take more pictures, I agreed.
Tina started-up the golf cart looked at me smiling and said “Hold on!”, apparently she thought she was competing in the Daytona 500, driving like a wild bat out of hell, making sharp turns often on 2 wheels, flying in the air down hills, landing with the cart leaning over. I sat there quietly praying, holding on for dear life with one hand, and holding my camera with the other. We were probably only out on the course for 20 minutes, however it felt like 2 hours. Needless to say, I took not one picture.
Until next time,
Barbara Taylor
Email me and let me know what your thoughts!
“How Do You Practice?”
When you mention the word practice to the average golfer they probably think of going to the driving range. They show up, pull their clubs out of their car and then attempt secure a bucket of balls to hit. In the process of getting those balls and making their way to the range they most likely pass by the short game practice area (chipping, pitching, putting and bunkers) with a singular focus on the range.
Average golfers will simply pull one or a few clubs out of their bag, swing it/them in a manner that mimics their golf swing and soon after are performing a full golf swing on as many balls as possible. Whether they hit the balls well or they hit them poorly the end result is that they feel complete when they have exhausted enough buckets of balls to make them tired or they have run out of practice time.
For some odd reason average golfers and weekend whiffers consistently show up to their favorite driving range with no particular plan of practice to speak of. I would assume that if you are going to embark on the solo mission of hitting a few dozen balls and spend some of your valuable time that you would know exactly what you want to achieve during that practice session. There is no way that you can show up each time, do the exact same thing with EVERY club in your bag and experience a significantly positive difference in your game.
I suggest that golfers NEVER head to the range without first having a plan in mind of what and how EXACTLY they are going to practice. Here are a few examples:
• Do you want to work on your short game?
• Are you trying to get more consistent with your irons?
• Do you want to work on your driver swing?
• Are you heading to the range to straighten out your putting?
Those are some very general ideas of reasons to head to the range. You can even get more specific by doing one of the following:
• I want to work on my greenside bunker game
• I want to work on my tee shots when I only need to hit the ball about 200-220 yards
• I want to work on my wedge game from 100 yards and closer
• I am going to play the first 9 holes of my favorite course in my head while on the range
Having an initial plan is an excellent start to helping you focus on making your practice a lot more meaningful than simply beating balls off of the range for an hour. If you have a plan you simply need to show up to the range with only the clubs that you will need to get your chosen done. I’ve shown up to the range with only three wedges to work on that day. Doing this will keep you focused even more on the task at hand as you have no other options for what to hit.
When you spend more time on specific parts of your game then those parts will get better much faster than the shotgun approach of hitting every club in your bag until your hands ache. Even if you do not leave clubs alone you can still make your practice more specific to what you may need to work on from your last round or maybe something you recently learned from your instructor. If you need to, make a list of range ‘workouts’ just as you would a gym workout like so:
• Monday: Driver & 3 Wood
• Wednesday: Short Game
• Friday: Irons
Now I know that you may not have three days to practice golf during the week so you can also do the following:
• First 20 Minutes: Driver & 3 Wood
• Second 20 Minutes: Short Game
• Last 20 minutes: Irons
No matter which method you chose you still have a concrete plan in place for what you want to get done and how you want to get it done. Doing this will create more purposeful practices and ultimately a much better golfer.
Well, until next time,
Anthony
Anthony L. Wilkins is a national Academy of Sports Medicine & Titleist Performance Institute Certified Personal Trainer an avid golfer from New Jersey who currently resides in the metro Atlanta area with his wife and son.
Send Anthony an Email Message!
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BUBBA WATSON WINS THE
2014 MASTERS
Edward. S. Wanambwa
Senior Editor
African American Golfers Digest
20-year old Jordan Spieth went into the final round of the 2014 Masters as the co-leader with 2012 Champion Bubba Watson. He came out the gates red hot with birdies at the 2nd, 4th and 6th holes, getting to 8-under par for the tournament. But as quickly as things were going his way they changed on a dime at Augusta National. Spieth bogeyed 8th, 9th and found the water on the par three 12th hole leaving him back at 5-under par where he began the day. Spieth Would end up at 5-under for the tournament.
Bubba Watson on the other hand survived a bogey on the 3rd hole to make back to back birdies on the 8th and 9th holes. He also added a third birdie on the 13th hole getting him to 8-under par for the tournament.
Watson led Jonas Blixt and Jordan Spieth by 3 shots leaving the 13th hole on Sunday.
Bubba Watson went on the par his way into the clubhouse and claims the second green jacket of his career. Watson fired three sub-par rounds this year at Augusta National and seemed to much more in control of his emotions as the pressure mounted on Masters Sunday.
“Bubba was cool and calm pretty much all week. He never really got rattled. We felt more pressure two years ago but this year was different,” said Watson’s caddy Ted Scott.
“I don’t remember the last few holes, I just remember hanging on and thinking ‘make pars, make pars’. The first one for me, it’s almost like I lucked into it. This one was a lot of hard work and dedication,” said Watson as he was awarded his second green jacket.
This was Watson’s sixth PGA Tour victory and he took home a record $1.62 million dollar first place check. The Masters Tournament and Augusta National paid out a record setting $9 million is prize money in 2014.
From the staff and readers of the African American Golfers Digest we would like to congratulate Bubba Watson on winning his second major championship.
Let me know your thoughts on this. Find me at www.EdWanambwa.com or friend me on Facebook.
Edward S. Wanambwa