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VIEWING 1 - 4 OUT OF 4 BLOGS.
A Girlfriends Guide -Etiquette
DATE: 05/05/2007 18:04:40 / MOOD: i love golf
I want to send a shout out to all of my girlfriends new to the game.
If you have recently agreed to a play date, gotten your own tee time or even put your own group together, you must feel comfortable enough with the swing basics to make a go of it on the course. Kudos, my friend. You're halfway there.
However, a well played game of golf is much more than pars and birdies and the other unmentionables :). It is honoring the age old traditions and etiquette that go along with the great game that we play.
I will be very honest. It is no shocker that I did not attend a young ladies finishing school. I will greet guests in my home with bare feet as easily as I will with a smile. I have even been known to play a few holes with my socks and shoes stuffed into my golf bag.
Though Miss Manners would probably get the vapors from my redneck ways, I will not leave a sand trap unraked, walk in another players line or stand behind the hole when someone is putting (notice I didn't mention accidentally talking while someone is swinging ...aren't we all guilty of that at times?) .
These faux pauxs that I mention may seem like trivial things to a new golfer but for seasoned veterans the breaking of the basic etiquette formalities only enhances his/her perception of your lack of knowledge to the game.
You may not know what you're doing in every situation on the course and that's ok! Fake it! If you can do very simple things such as respecting the course by fixing your divots on the greens, raking a sand trap after you have left, being careful not to walk in someone's putting line, being courteous and having basic common sense not to stand too close when someone is swinging, you will be ahead of the game.
If you can do these things then no one will know you are a novice golfer. With great etiquette, you will always look like a pro. If you are struggling, your playing partners might just think you are having an off day.
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Girlfriends Guide - Swing Slow Move Fast
DATE: 04/13/2007 18:07:43 / MOOD: i love golf
Attention All Ladies: I can't tell you how many times I have played with a group of men only to have one of boys tell me how slow the members of the local ladies golf association play. HA! This is after he has taken four practice swings, set up to the ball once and had to back away because a bug flew near his golf ball and then reset up to the ball for the second time only to decide that the wind had picked up and he needed a different club and had to go through the annoying turtle-like ritual all over again.
Some men will always call ladies on the golf course names be it out loud or under their breath. Accept this. Embrace this. Just don't let them call you slow. Many of the ladies that I play golf with that are new to the game are very self conscious of how many times that they have to hit the ball in order to get it in the hole. If that sounds like you, quit worrying about that. Take your time to get comfortable over the ball and make every shot count. It's going to take you a little while to get the hang of things. You'll improve, I promise. While you are in the process of improving, just make sure that you're not lolly-gagging in between shots. Most rounds of golf should take between 4 to 4 1/2 hours. If you're a walker, you may have to pick up your pace to walk from one shot to the next. Think of this as your cardio for the day and look forward to that piece of better than sex chocolate cake reward later. If you are riding in a cart, ask you're playing partners if they have a problem playing “ready golf”. They will appreciate your consideration and will respect your ability to keep the pace of play where it needs to be.
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Girlfriend's Guide - Basics FORE Beginners
DATE: 03/28/2007 21:06:31 / MOOD: i love golf
Swing Set Up My best girlfriend is a life long superstar athlete. Think of a thoroughbred with diamond earrings and pink lipstick. Gorgeous and athletic. Makes me sick....with envy, of course. Having played every sport imaginable....she was determined that picking up golf would be no step for a stepper. She'd seen it on TV, for goodness sakes. As much as I loved her tenacity, I couldn't wait to see her hit her first few shots. It was just as I expected. Even though she stepped up to the ball with a good grip and perfect posture, I can't tell you how many times she swung swooshing the club through the air without making contact. When she did finally hit the ball it was more of a dribble than an actual hit. After about ten minutes of this, she asked in frustration what she was doing wrong. We've all been there right? The problem was very common. When she stepped up to the ball her legs were 4 feet apart (ok, that might be a bit dramatic but you get the point). Just think linebacker football stance and that was her. I don't know why women always think that they have to stand as if they are astride a broncin' bull just to hit a little 'ol golf ball.
I had my friend stand tall and create a stance no wider then her hips. Do you know right after that she hit her first ball into the air like a champ? The rest is history and after a whoopin' holler, she was excitedly bitten by the golfing bug. She is the greatest kind of friend! There is no magic stance distance just make sure you feet are aligned with the outer edges of your hips. This will put you in the perfect power position and will help you stay in balance.
Another set up thought that I have always liked is to visualize the arches of your feet and feel your balance and strength there. If you feet are too close together or too far apart you'll be ablet to feel it from thinking about the arches of your feet. I wish golf was as easy as it looks on TV. Hang in there and just keep swinging.
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Girlfriend's Guide - Basics FORE Beginners
DATE: 03/25/2007 19:52:05 / MOOD: can't wait for it to warm up
Intimidated? No, Not You!
Let's face it; golf is still a man's game.
Have you ever made up your mind to visit the practice range and after seeing slot after slot filled with men been struck with an overwhelming dread of either being hit on by a slick sleezeball or laughed at by and arrogant machismo that you turned around and told yourself that you'll just come back later? Stop right there, chica! The “Man's game stereotype” can only be changed one beautiful broad at a time and it starts with you!
If you start to get butterflies before approaching a practice tee take a moment to stand back and observe. I think you will be surprised that many of the men at the practice range might be in the same "beginner boat" as you are. Whether they are new to the game or not there is no doubt the majority are fully consumed with a thousand swing thoughts hoping that eventually they will find one that sticks. They are probably not noticing you as much as you might think or in some cases as much as you might like :)
You will see all types of swings and shots hit - many of which will make you not feel so embarrassed about your beginner golf swing but more embarrassed for theirs.
If that still doesn't work, just imagine all of the men hitting golf balls in their underwear. Trying to figure out boxers or briefs will take your mind offer your nerves and might even make you laugh out loud.
Don't be intimidated! Every golfer has had to start somewhere. The practice rance is a fantastic starting point. Get out there and HAVE FUN!
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