Self Improvement Spot

Few golfers will ever experience anything closer to heaven than a vacation spent on the links of the many Bermuda golf Courses. This British colonial outpost, still a territory of the UK, offers no less than ten Courses, many designed by top-flight course architects, all in the pristine setting of Bermuda’s archipelago in the Atlantic, a short flight from North Carolina’s Outer Bank.

This sub-tropical territory, barely more than 20 square miles in area, contains ten golf courses – more courses per square mile than any other place on Earth. Of the ten Bermuda golf courses, no less than three are government-owned and supported 18-hole public courses accessible for comparatively modest fees (as low as $60 per round at St. George’s) with reduced fees for non-prime hours.

The Port Royal course hosted the 2009 PGA Grand Slam, and the majority of the courses are worthy of world class competition, offering challenging shots along with glorious scenery, all in a climate that begs for tourists.

Bermuda golf offers everything a serious golfer could dream of, from the complex challenge offered by the best designs from such architects as Robert Trent Jones to the difficulty nature itself offers. Bermuda’s off-shore winds can present golfers with their own riddles to be solved by logic, guile and skill.

In Bermuda golf is taken seriously, and golfers can expect to be offered only the best in a land where the game is both sport and serious business. Vacationers can expect access to the various public courses, and are also likely to have an opportunity to play private greens through the auspices of many of the hotels on the islands.

Beyond Bermuda golf, the islands offer a rich and lush array of entertainments for the pleasure of golfers and their families. Even those who prefer to avoid the links will have no complaints about a vacation spent on Bermuda’s miles of beaches, or in museums, historical sites, and shops.

From the Bermuda Botanical Garden to the Crystal Caves – some of Bermuda’s many caves and a great place to take your kids – there is plenty of family-friendly activity. Swimming, sailing, snorkeling, SCUBA-diving, and more water-centered sports are a constant possibility along the 26+ miles of coastline.

For those with more sophisticated tastes Bermuda offers spas, clubs, fine restaurants, superb craftsmen and artisans, and a brilliant nightlife with music and live performances that can be found from dusk till dawn. When the golf fan returns from blissful self-indulgence on the Bermuda golf courses more indulgence remains to be experienced.

Fine dining, dancing, hot jazz and cool clubs await, and a vacationer can step out and experience the best on offer to a community whose economy is based on high finance and tourism. Bermuda combines accessibility with jet-set fantasy.

Perhaps best of all, Bermuda’s optimal season for the golfing tourist is in winter, when so often a golfer’s life closes down in much of the US. When your own local links are nothing more than snowbanks and iced-over ponds Bermuda is reaching its most glorious weather: temperatures in winter average in the high 60s, summer storms have passed, and the warm Gulf Stream keeps the islands and their surrounding waters comfortable but not sweltering.

So if a few weeks of Bermuda golf as an escape from the cabin-fever of winter sounds alluring, give serious thought to Bermuda as a destination for your next winter vacation getaway.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Putnum

Golf course marketing is very important to keep your golf course thriving. There are so many golf Courses that are available to golfers everywhere that you must do something to stand out from the crowd. If you cannot stand out from the crowd, then you are going to be left in the dust with play decreasing day by day, month by month, year by year. In order to keep this from happening you need to stand out from your competitors using proper golf course marketing techniques. Here are a few that you can use to increase your play, revenues, and frequency of visits by players.

1. Do not lower your prices. Most golf management personnel think that lowering prices is a great way to increase your membership rates, or at the very least boost play. However, if you are not taking in more money what is the point? 150 golfers a day @ $60/piece is going to make you $9,000 in revenue each day. Let’s say you lower your price to $50 and get 180 golfers. You are making the same $9,000 in revenue, but now have more costs involved (not to mention clogging up your golf course).

2. Add value. If you want to increase your revenues then you need to add value. Try a “warrior weekends” campaign where you provide an “extra” 18 holes of golf at a drastically reduced rate. This will get the word out, and increase value. Another popular golf course marketing technique that you can use is giving stuff away for free. Golfers love to get freebies, such as towels, hats, balls, etc. Of course you have to keep costs in mind, but giving away something of real value is going to give your players a much better experience at your course.

3. Get involved in the community. Attend local chamber of commerce events, as well as help sponsor charity events. These are things that project “good will,” and if you help others then you will get rewarded for your compassion. You can also offer junior and women’s lessons in order to get the whole family involved.

Golf course marketing does not have to be difficult, but you do need to have a plan in place in order to succeed. You can literally double the revenue of any golf course if you know what you are doing with your golf course marketing strategy!

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Lord

The Virtual Open Golf Championship Tournament is played on the very accurately digitised simulation of The Old Course at St Andrews and is the absolute highlight of the digital Golfing worlds year.

Scheduled to run in parallel with the real physical version of the British Golf Open championship & developed with the approval of the organisers (the prestigious Royal & Ancient Golf Club) of the actual UK Golf Open. The free online version of this ancient competition (probably the earliest established Golf competition in the world) is sure to be as eagerly followed as the real thing by the online golfing community.

Its fitting that the free online Golf game version of the oldest Championships out of the four ‘majors’ (annual Golf championships) played every year has been chosen to be put through the advanced technological process of digitisation. Mixing the best of the old physical game with new computer game development technology to bring a truly incredible computer game & virtual golfing experience.

The Open is the only one of the Golf ‘majors’ to be played in the UK and is played on The Old Course at St Andrews, usually every 5 years or so, the rest of the time you will find it being played on any one of the nine other UK Golf Courses that can host The Open. The Open is not played exclusively on The Old Course but it has been very regularly since 1873. Due to its popularity and history it is the course that has been chosen for the virtual version of the UK Open.

The free online version of The Open will ultimately have 156 competitors in the actual tournament but they will need to qualify first and competition is expected to be very healthy indeed. Qualifying is now open and there is no limit to how often you can attempt to qualify so the quicker you start the more chances you will have and hence the more likely you are to end up playing in the Championship. Its possible of course you may even win one of the fantastic range of prizes on offer (unfortunately not the 5 Million pounds prize money in the real life version), not to mention the sheer enjoyment of the game and the standing you will be held in by your digital Golfing contemporaries for actually making the grade.

The game play also seems to have been improved even further, especially for the virtual open version, compared to the previous rounds I have played on The Old Course at St Andrews I have noticed a considerable difference. Whilst I did not think it was possible the game play is even more sensitive and responsive and much more difficult. The putting greens and fairways seem to have every single bump and depression accurately represented making it all the more challenging.

I have completed previous games on The Old course on par (well almost) but in my current attempts at qualifying I find myself scoring double bogeys on almost every hole and winning the bronze and tin awards for worst player. These improvements in game play have clearly resulted in a much more challenging course which should make the Virtual Open a very interesting tournament indeed.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Lawrence

A good golfer is a golfer who is happy with their own game and willing to listen to advice from experience. A good temperament is needed to play golf, expect bad days it happens everyone from low handicappers to full professionals. Having a hot head will only cause you more problems.

It can be daunting when starting as there is so much to remember but take time to practice and go to the driving range to help improve teeing off. Looking around the golf course you will see some players and think “Will I ever get to that level”? Remember everybody is different and we are not all made to be professionals, you should go out to do your best and bring in the best possible score and most of all, take home the enjoyment of the day.

Teeing Off:

How many times have we seen the big hitters hit the ball out of sight, if you are thinking that way starting, think again. You should be thinking of placement and keeping the ball in play. Hitting the ball a long way is one think, keeping it in play and well placed for the next shot is the way to think. The driver can be a difficult club to use of the tee when starting but practice will make it easier. If you are using the oversized drivers like most are remember to tee the ball up higher than normal to avoid knocking the ball down. If you find the 3 or 5 wood easier to hit then hit that until your game improves. On a par 4 or 5 many people hit a low iron from the tee. Whatever you are comfortable with, use.

A good swing:

In golf timing is everything. By swinging faster and harder you will not hit the ball any further, and most possibly will end up hitting a horrible shot anyway. A slow backswing and a good steady hit will make all the difference, rushing in golf gets you nowhere. Keep a steady head and do not raise it too quickly to see where the ball has gone, if you do you may find yourself going hard right if you are using right hand clubs and vice versa if using left handed clubs. Feet position is important; align your feet correctly to avoid an unwanted right to left or left to right shot.

Clubbing from the fairway:

If you find that you are looking from the fairway to the green you need to choose your next club carefully, under clubbing will leave you short and possible in the bunker or water hazard, over clubbing will leave you long and possibly in similar danger. Overtime you will become aware of all the clubs in your bag and the distance you can hit each one comfortably. You find yourself between clubs, meaning the next shot for example is neither an 8 or 9 iron. In a case like this do not hit the 9iron and try to force the shot, hit the 8 and go slightly down the shaft allowing you total control over the shot.

Good Golf Gear and Clubs:

Like in most cases it depends on the budget you have. Golf clubs can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. Are you brand orientated? As a keen golfer myself and off a handicap of four I play most of my golf in Ireland and in the US and from my travels I have seen beginners in both countries spending obscene money starting. We all want the best but the clubs will not do the work for you. You are not going to notice exceptional back spin or side spin starting so start with a sensible budget and build from there. It’s you who needs the practice to improve the overall play. Clubs worth $3,000 dollars will not help you starting anymore than clubs worth $400. If you have extra cash to spend put it into golf shoes or waterproof clothing or spend it on travelling to other golf Courses to gain experience.

Reducing handicaps:

There is no magic stick here, practice is the only way to improve and by improving you will automatically reduce your handicap either by observation from the golfing committee you belong to or by winning a prise or two. Listen to others and learn, you need to have an open mind playing golf and be willing to try new shots, different stances and even new equipment as time goes by.

Like all you will reach your peak and the best you will get out of golf is the enjoyment of getting out but for the elite few that next level could be pro.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Declan_Tobin

When a buddy of mine suggested I come for a working vacation, I thought he was exaggerating as he described that “Phoenix has a golf course every block or two!” As it turns out, he wasn’t lying, and only exaggerating a little. A Phoenix Golf Vacation has an incredible number of golf Courses sprawled across its sprawling boundaries. After a week’s winter visit, I can understand why he chooses to live in Phoenix. With so many people having to travel through Phoenix on business, it only makes sense to pause and enjoy a few holes along the way.

Raven Golf Course had a Phoenix Golf Package Special and was on my To Play list. A Gary Panks design, this course got an honorable mention back in 2000. Something about the place has drawn my curiosity since, but I’d never bothered to take the time during any of my runs down I-10 to stop in and play there before. The first of 5 good days out was well spent there.

One of the other surprises was the quality of instruction available. It seems Phoenix is working hard towards making itself the golf capital of the world, both in terms of public-access regulation Courses, and by making as many great golfers as possible. Driving ranges everywhere, of course, and the views aren’t too hard on the eye either. The humidity may be a bit bolstered by all of the terraforming, but seeing that lush green everywhere makes it more than worth it.

Phoenix seems to have sprung up entirely from its geography; it’s the place where I-10 takes its turn back west when heading towards the California coast. When I’m driving west, I see it as that home-stretch marker on my way towards Los Angeles. As a hub city, it serves a tremendous number of people, so having all these Courses ends up making good sense. The wait on a reservation might be intolerable without them. Instead, one finds a pleasant fraternity and warm welcome. Each place seems comfortable with their piece of the pie. I like that I felt relaxed, at ease, able to take my time and enjoy the day without worrying about holding anyone up or having them play on through.

No trip to Phoenix would be near complete without a run up to neighboring Scottsdale. That’s where the area really shines. There the resorts, spas and pampering kick in, and I get that big grin on my face at the end of the day. Those make the place a great destination for a couple or family. I get my golf in on top-notch PGA host courses, the Missus and clan get what they want too. They can play tennis, or take a tour of the desert in a Hummer, check out the arts scene… Scottsdale makes it a win-win golf destination most seasons.

A word of fair warning: Phoenix is not the place to go during July and August. But with 10 other glorious months of the year that are all blue skies, mild temps and sunshine, I’d hardly say that’s a problem. The sheer volume of clubs, resorts and public courses more than makes up for it. World-class resorts waiting to pamper you hand and foot after a pleasant day spent doing what you love the most – what’s not to like? Phoenix may very well be the golf capital of the world.

Related External Links

• The Best Plumber Courses You Can Pursue by James Copper ( 149 )
• Malaysia Best Holiday Destination « Travel around the world.
• Driving directions for quickest routes | orgstate
• Pirates of the Caribbean 3 – At World's End Trailer

Many people are not aware that many disabled golfers can play golf in specialized carts or wheelchairs. As word gets out, more and more golf Courses are buying the specialized, single rider carts and swivel chair golf carts to make available for golfers with mobility problems who want to play wheelchair golf.

The Courses that help disabled golfers by making these wheelchair carts available also use handicap flags so they can take the carts up to the greens and not have to leave the fairway at certain points as would normally be required.

The carts have a swivel chair design and are weight balanced. They can traverse over greens and difficult bunkers. The carts cost about $7500 or so. Many golf courses still don’t have them. Once there is a high demand for the carts the courses might invest in them. There are several hundred courses now that have the carts.

Resort golf courses want to make their courses as accessible as possible for disabled golfers. Other courses will follow suit as the demand rises. Prospective golfers should call their local courses and start requesting these carts. If they get enough inquiries the courses might invest in them. But they’re going to wait for the demand in some cases.

Some courses share the carts with each other. So with advanced arrangements the carts would be moved to the designated course and made available for tee time. Vacationing families love these disabled golf carts. It has changed the way disabled golfers take their golf vacations. Myrtle Beach golf courses and courses in North Carolina have been using them extensively. That makes a Myrtle Beach golf vacation a great destination for a special needs or disabled golfer or anyone who has to use a wheelchair off the course.

Many course owners are reluctant to allow disabled golfers, who have their own carts, to use them on their courses for several reasons including damage to the greens and liability. And the cost of the carts is prohibited to most golfers anyway.

There seems to be no downside to having these swivel chair carts on courses, because they are really made not to damage as well as being handicap accessible. So having these wheelchair golf carts available to disabled golfers is a better option. So for the millions of people in the U.S. and Canada with disabilities it’s a great start.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Hecker

Many golf Courses have dress codes for both male and female golfers. I have seen people not properly dressed at a golf course be denied play because of what they were wearing. Below are a few golf attire choices that will be acceptable at any golf course.

What should men wear on the golf course?

Men have a few choices when it comes to golf wardrobe, the first being the pants or shorts. Khaki pants or shorts are usually the safe choice for most golfers, cut off jean shorts, cargo shorts and bathing suits should never be worn. As for shirts, male golfers should wear collared shirts. In the event that it is a cool day, sweaters or wind breakers are also permitted.

What should women wear on the golf course?

Like men women can also wear pants or shorts, again jeans and cutoff jeans are not permitted. Skirts are also permitted however they should not be to short. Women may also wear collared shirts or sweaters. Women should not wear tub tops or crop tops.

Shoes:

Men and women should both ensure that they wear the proper shoes. Golf spikes are usually the preference, however sneakers are permitted. You should not wear sandals or use metal spikes when playing around.

If you have any doubts about your golf outfit I would also suggest calling the golf course before the round to inquire about their dress policy. Also note that golf companies like Nike, Callaway and Taylor Made all have clothing lines for men and women at affordable prices.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Samuels

Miniature golf follows almost identical rules to full sized golf, but is fun for the whole family. Generally, the miniature golf course is one tenth the size of a regulation golf course.

Mini-golf was (arguably) first played in 1867 by a Scottish Men’s Putting Club in St. Andrews. It was created for women, who were not allowed to golf at the time because of the violent nature of the movement required to get a ball across the fairway. A miniature version seemed perfect for ladies’ dainty hands. The co-ed club still operates today.

Later in the 19th century it became stylish for hotels to offer mini-golf Courses. The carpeted fairways going through mountains and into clown’s mouths didn’t take shape until the 20th century. Almost every mini-golf course open in the United States closed during the Great Depression. When they re-opened, they had a different look and feel. Instead of straight fairways and occasional hills, two brothers from Binghamton, NY had a better idea for the game. In 1938 Joseph and Robert Taylor introduced complex Courses with obstacles. Their fantastical course included castles, wishing wells, and windmills. It was so popular that the brothers began to export it, building their course in towns and cities across the US. Today, miniature golf courses can be found all over the globe.

Believe it or not, there are competitions held annually by various national, state, and local federations. Competition was much more common before the Great Depression, but there is still a smattering of competitions and playing competitively seems to be gaining popularity.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_James

It’s easy to see why Naples, Florida is one of the world’s top destinations for golf vacations. The sunny skies, warm climate, and lush tropical landscape all make for a golfer’s paradise.

If any metropolis qualifies as the golf course mecca of the Sunshine State, it’s Naples. The tip-off comes along U.S. Highway 41, the region’s main north-south thoroughfare, where a tastefully landscaped sign heralding the arrival of yet another gated private golf community is found at nearly every intersection between Naples and Bonita Springs.

An impressive collection of manicured greens beckon players of every caliber. Golf enthusiasts will find some of the most sought after golf Courses among luxury communities and abundant four and five star resorts. With 100 Courses and counting, there are more golf holes per capita in Naples than in any other American city, but it should be noted that roughly 80 percent of the golf courses are private.

For starters, any one of the Lely golf courses would be considered a must do, but the Flamingo is likely to be our preferred course. The 18 hole golf course is on 6527 yards is a Par 72. Call up to 3 days in advance. The public course is considered must play in Southwest Florida. Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. This course is unusually demanding from the back tees. The greens are large and well protected by traps. Water comes into play often on this course with winds creating a challenge on the 14th. Golfweek Magazine has twice designated this course as one of Americas best, while Golf Digest gives it a four star rating. With its hourglass fairways, fingered sand bunkers and large rolling greens, this golf course is destined to provide many exciting challenges. Play it for yourself, we’re sure you’ll agree.

Just as challenging is the Mustang course at Lely Golf Resort. It has 18 holes on 7217 yards. Par 72. The course is an excellent challenge in a fabulous, tough, fair course. Lely’s Mustang course is a legend in the making. Designed by Charles Mahannah and Lee Trevino, Mustang is a course that follows his philosophy of making the game challenging – but a fair challenge – for the average golfer. The course offers a variety of golf holes that are difficult to a point, but always fun to play – where a player can always recover from an errant shot. Punctuated by 12 sparkling lakes, the Mustang gently flows across rising and falling fairways and winds through stands of towering Florida pines. Strategically placed bunkers will test your decision-making prowess as well as shot making abilities.

La Playa offers a natural look and the feel of a traditional links course and great variety of indigenous landscaping; rolling fairways and water features make it not only fun and challenging to play, but also pleasing to the eye. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, is proud to host the one of the newest golf courses in Naples Florida. La Playa Golf Course, designed by internationally renowned golf course architect, Bob Cupp. The course features 18 holes of championship golf, allowing die-hard golfers to test their mettle on the par-72 course, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and an impressive collection of manicured greens.

The 6,907-yard course is designed, constructed and seeded to offer a hard, fast playing surface similar to those found on true links courses. With numerous bunkers and rolling fairways, the course boasts a number of unforgettable holes, such as the signature 12th, which although short, requires a bold shot to a barely visible green over a two-tiered front.

The course also showcases 14 holes lined by water, including eight of the front nine and six of the back nine. Providing the opportunity to use every club in the bag and play every type of shot, the LaPlaya Golf Course is a treat for golf enthusiasts, with memorable par 3 shots and daunting tee shots.

Since opening in the spring of 1998, Arrowhead Golf Course has been known as the course to play for golfers of all types. Beautifully designed by noted architect Gordon G. Lewis, Arrowhead features eighteen picturesque holes positioned amongst 16 pristine lakes and rolling fairways. With spacious greens and wide landing areas, Arrowhead is friendly to high handicappers; however, better golfers will find the many well-placed bunkers and water hazards a real test of their skills. With four sets of tees, our course allows for play at many varying degrees of difficulty. Easily accessible from downtown Naples, as well as Bonita Springs and Ft. Myers, Arrowhead is located just 1.7 miles east of I-75 (exit 17) on Immokalee Road in Heritage Greens.

A golfer’s paradise! Masterfully designed to preserve the native pine and palmettos, Vanderbilt Country Club boasts over 320 acres of shimmering lakes, lush fairways and nature preserves. With 5 sets of tees on each hole, the Gordon G. Lewis signature course offers exciting challenges to both the novice and experienced golfer. Enjoy fine and casual dinning at the clubhouse, serve up a game of tennis or take a relaxing dip in the heated pool.

Naples Lakes is another favorite course. The new 490-acre community was developed by Palmer Course Design Company and Toll Brothers, one of the nation’s leading builders of luxury homes. Traditional-style, 6,875-yard layout by Palmer Course Design plays around 70 acres of lakes and a 160-acre nature preserve. Lots of peninsula tees; large, subtly contoured greens. No. 16, a driveable par four that plays over a lake within nature preserve, is signature hole. By fall, course will have a 15,000-square-foot, Mediterranean-themed clubhouse.

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is an old fashioned fun golf course. Opened in 1930, the course was designed by Ron Garl. The course is a 18 holes on 6,488 yards Par 72. A beachfront hotel that is family operated. Rooms are decorated in a tropical motif, many with views. There are 6 tennis courts, beach, health club privileges, lawn games, boating and biking.

Finally the Tiburon golf course at the Ritz Carlton cannot go unrecognized. Tiburon is a Greg Norman-designed 27-hole course has tangerine-colored coquina sand in bunkers, stacked-sod wall bunkers; native habitat bordering fairways, forced carries over water and wetlands. Target-style layout has no rough: Highest turf is maintained at fairway height of one-half inch.

The Naples Florida golf scene has it all. Whether you are simply looking for a place to play golf in Naples or are shopping the many Naples golf communities and homes, you can find it in Naples.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Drew_Macdonald

California public golf Courses are abound in Southern California, as do private Courses located at country clubs. You can perform a quick and easy golf course search online using your personal computer at home or the office, and after you have decided on your favorites, you can conveniently book golf tee times. California residents enjoy warm weather for many months of the year, making this part of the country particularly suited to golf playing even in the winter time. There is a golf course here in Southern California that will meet your needs for challenging play, luxurious amenities as well as glorious scenery.

Westchester Golf Course is located near the airport in Los Angeles. If you are looking for affordable golf tee times, California golfers would be well advised to visit Westchester. Enjoy evening play on this beautiful night-lit, eighteen-hole course.

If you have children and family members who are less enamored of golf, an easy way to enjoy a great day of play is to visit California public courses that are located nearby other attractions, so that all the family will have something to do that they enjoy. Valencia golf course is a great option in this regard, because of its location near Six Flags Magic Mountain. Enjoy a total of twenty-seven holes in this lush verdant setting with that features several lakes and a unique island green.

For those in the Long Beach area, your golf course search may be complete when you discover Skylinks. An eighteen-hole, championship links-style course that features over seventy sand bunkers on the par seventy-two course, Skylinks, one of the premiere California public courses, is also a favorite event site for weddings. Glorious backdrops that include a stunning waterfall make for beautiful wedding photos, and the course, depending upon the specific location, can seat anywhere from two hundred to five hundred of your wedding guests.

One of the top Southern California courses includes the one at Scholl Canyon in Glendale. With roomy greens of bentgrass, and unique hazards that feature canyons, as well as spectacular views, Scholl Canyon should be at the top of your list for golf tee times. California golfers will also enjoy the driving range and putting greens for practice, the convenience of rental carts and clubs, a handy snack bar in addition to tennis courts.

Ventura is home to the Saticoy Regional course designed by George C. Thomas. Enjoy golfing after work on this beautifully night-lit course. One of the more challenging Southern California courses, San Dimas features par-3 and par-5 holes, water hazards and more.

You can find these and other Southern California golf courses by performing an Internet search.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Hemrick