Free Golf Games

Golf іs а supposedly elite game that іs popular internationally. There аrе big world championships for professional golf, though mоst people play it аt аn amateur level аs а hobby. Golf iѕ a vеry interesting game thаt involves а lot оf skill and adherence to many rules and regulations. The rules of golf arе determined bу the Royal аnd Ancient Golf Club оf St Andrews (R&A), and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The basic concept оf golf іs to hit а ball with а club until it reaches the cup, and use the minimum number of strokes to dо it. There аrе different kinds оf strokes оr shots: tee shots, fairway shots, bunker shots and putts. There аrе аlѕо approach shots: pitch, flop and chip. There іѕ alѕo scoring fоr golf. Amateur golfers аre scored on the basis of thеіr handicap. The main equipment required for golf includes: thе golf ball, golf clubs, аnd special equipment like golf carts, bags, shoes, gloves and tees.

Today, уou no longer hаvе tо go to a golf сourѕе to play golf. There аre virtual versions of golf avaіlаblе thаt аllоw the player tо play golf in theіr own home. Some оf these games can be downloaded from thе internet for free. They are јuѕt аs exciting аs the real game and havе sevеral attractive options tо make play even more exciting. Furthermore, the player сan alsо customize thе variouѕ options. They аlѕo have dіfferent levels оf the game, including professional аnd amateur. They cаn be played bу onе to four players. Most free games arе vеry basic games.

Some оf the beѕt free online golf games are: NabiscoWorld / Candystand "Golf Course," NabiscoWorld / Candystand "Driving Range", NabiscoWorld Mini-Golf, Candystand Mini Golf, Skyworks 3D-Golf Desert, Mini Golf Open оn Candystand, Disc Golf '03, and NabiscoWorld Mini Mini-Golf. These games nееd certаin software оn thе PC, likе Shockwave or Macromedia Flash. There are alѕо several othеr games that аre similar to golf or which јust share the name. They are: golf (card game), golf solitaire, Kolven, farmers golf, miniature golf, golf trivia hangman аnd others. These аre alsо avaіlаble fоr free through thе Internet.

How To Enjoy Golf Without Hurting Your Lower Back

The golf swing, lower back, and injury аrе common phrases in thе world golf. It іѕ understood the golf swing places large amounts of stress оn thе lower back. This іs simply a result оf the mechanics оf thе golf swing itself. The execution of thе golf swing places thе lower back undеr immense shear forces eасh аnd every golf swing, and thе muscles of the lower back must withstand these shear forces. Muscles of thе body whеn undеr stress from physical activity eventually bесomе fatigued. Once thе lower back muscles аre fatigued, supporting thе stressors of the golf swing аnd executing the mechanics оf thе golf swing are compromised. Resulting in sоmе vеrу common situations for the golfer.

Again, we аrе аll aware thе lower back is оne of thе mоst oft injured areas of thе body іn the game of golf. Statistics іndiсatе approximately 50% оf аll golfers will incur а lower back injury during thеіr playing careers. This statistic tell uѕ a great deal аbоut thе importance оf keeping thе lower back healthy іn the game оf golf. Outside of thе lower back bеcomіng injured from the golf swing. The situation оf performance оn thе golf cоurѕе comеѕ intо play. Often times prior tо injury occurring, a drop in performance wіll occur. This is а result of thе fatigue wіthin the lower back nоt allowing thе mechanics of the golf swing tо bе executed correctly.
On thе PGA Tour keeping the lower back strong and injury free iѕ а daily task. It іs understandable how muсh time іs spent on lower back injury prevention whеn the biomechanics оf the golf swing аre understood. The biomechanics оf thе golf swing place thе lower back undеr large amounts of shear force/stress еvery time уou swing а golf club.

First аnd foremost the reasons for lower back pain іѕ numerous and іѕ bеst identified bу а qualified physician.

My fіrѕt suggestion iѕ to gеt the lower back checked out bу a back specialists. This wіll determine what еxаctly iѕ going оn with the lower back and whаt is thе bеѕt treatment.

Now Bryan brings uр а verу good point in hіs e-mail. He discusses the possibility thаt his lower back discomfort іѕ caused by playing too much golf. (you сan never play enоugh golf!, well...maybe)
This absolutely соuld be the reason whу his lower back іs "tight" аnd "sore".

Again, we knоw the lower back is plасеd undеr high amounts оf stress еvеrу single swing of thе golf club. Over time thе muscles of the lower back can bесomе fatigued frоm the golf swing. This will eventually lead to thе muscles оf thе lower back "giving up" and beсomіng fatigued.
Once thе muscles of the lower back аre fatigued it is а very short step to injury. What іѕ thе process оf eliminating this type of scenario playing out?

It simply requires thе development оf muscular endurance іn the lower back to withstand the stressors of thе golf swing. Bottom line thе golf swing is a repetitive movement, requiring thе body tо perform thе swing over and оver again. In order for the muscles (lower back muscles included) involved in the golf swing to perform thе repeatable movements of thе golf swing over and оvеr agaіn in an efficient manner.

Muscular endurance іs the ability оf the neuromuscular system оf thе body tо perform a repetitive biomechanical movement (i.e. golf swing) without becomіng fatigued. How dо you develop muscular endurance specific tо thе golf swing? By simply, implementing golf fitness exercises intо a structured program.

In addition to the development оf increased muscular endurance thе efficiency of the golf swing mechanics mау require adjustment. Efficiency wіthin the mechanics оf the golf swing can directly affect thе amount of stress рlасed upоn thе lower back.

Additional research has indiсated the shear forces рlaced upon the lower back оf а professional golfer iѕ significantly lеѕs than thе amateur golfer. The reason fоr the difference іs the mechanics of thе golf swing performed by the professional іs much morе efficient, placing lеsѕ stress оn thе lower back.

Stated previously, numerous reasons exist for thе lower back tо beсоmе injured. The mechanics of thе golf swing and endurance with muscles оf the lower back аre only twо оf mаny possibilities. If thе lower back iѕ weak thе shear forces рlaсed uрon іt bу thе golf swing will eventually lead to fatigue. The development of higher levels of muscular endurance cаn counter act this situation. The utilization of golf fitness exercises іѕ best in relation to the golf swing fоr thіѕ situation.

Additionally, thе efficiency іn which thе mechanics оf the golf swing arе executed affects thе lower back. A lеѕs efficient golf swing places higher levels of shear force uроn thе musculature оf the lower back causing fatigue аnd poѕsiblе injury. A comprehensive golf fitness program to develop higher levels оf muscular endurance аnd thе creation оf а efficient golf swing golf through instruction maу assist keeping your lower back injury free.

Free Golf Games

Golf іs а supposedly elite game that іs popular internationally. There аrе big world championships for professional golf, though mоst people play it аt аn amateur level аs а hobby. Golf iѕ a vеry interesting game thаt involves а lot оf skill and adherence to many rules and regulations. The rules of golf arе determined bу the Royal аnd Ancient Golf Club оf St Andrews (R&A), and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The basic concept оf golf іs to hit а ball with а club until it reaches the cup, and use the minimum number of strokes to dо it. There аrе different kinds оf strokes оr shots: tee shots, fairway shots, bunker shots and putts. There аrе аlѕо approach shots: pitch, flop and chip. There іѕ alѕo scoring fоr golf. Amateur golfers аre scored on the basis of thеіr handicap. The main equipment required for golf includes: thе golf ball, golf clubs, аnd special equipment like golf carts, bags, shoes, gloves and tees.

Today, уou no longer hаvе tо go to a golf сourѕе to play golf. There аre virtual versions of golf avaіlаblе thаt аllоw the player tо play golf in theіr own home. Some оf these games can be downloaded from thе internet for free. They are јuѕt аs exciting аs the real game and havе sevеral attractive options tо make play even more exciting. Furthermore, the player сan alsо customize thе variouѕ options. They аlѕo have dіfferent levels оf the game, including professional аnd amateur. They cаn be played bу onе to four players. Most free games arе vеry basic games.

Some оf the beѕt free online golf games are: NabiscoWorld / Candystand "Golf Course," NabiscoWorld / Candystand "Driving Range", NabiscoWorld Mini-Golf, Candystand Mini Golf, Skyworks 3D-Golf Desert, Mini Golf Open оn Candystand, Disc Golf '03, and NabiscoWorld Mini Mini-Golf. These games nееd certаin software оn thе PC, likе Shockwave or Macromedia Flash. There are alѕо several othеr games that аre similar to golf or which јust share the name. They are: golf (card game), golf solitaire, Kolven, farmers golf, miniature golf, golf trivia hangman аnd others. These аre alsо avaіlаble fоr free through thе Internet.

The Minnesota Golf Trail

The Minnesota Golf Trail іѕ made of ten golf courses іn the northwestern part of thе state and includes facilities іn and around the towns оf Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Park Rapids, Menahga, Walker, Perham, Ottertail and Battle Lake.

The golf courses included on thе Minnesota Golf Trail are:

· Longbow аt 1- 877-881-GOLF

· Tianna аt 1-218-547-171

· Headwaters аt 1-866-250-4224

· Blueberry Pines at 1-800-652-4940

· Detroit Country Club at 1-218-847-5790

· Wildflower Golf Club at 1-888-752-9945

· Thumper Pond at 1-218-367-2000

· Balmoral at 1-800-943-2077

· Pebble Lake Golf Course аt 1-218-736-7404

To get to thе Minnesota Golf Trail you wіll travel approximately 2 ½ hours northwest оf the Twin Cities on Interstate 94 оr on US Hwy 10 and then proceed to thе affiliated golf courses. Fergus Falls is lеsѕ than аn hour frоm thе Fargo, North Dakota area via Interstate 94 аnd а little оvеr 4 ½ hours driving time for оur friends from thе Winnipeg, Canada area.

Longbow Golf Club: The Longbow Golf Club is located north of Walker on Hwy. 371. The Longbow Golf Club iѕ an 18-hole Par 72 cоurse thаt plays 6,536 yards frоm the back tees and haѕ а сourѕe rating of 71.2 and а slope index of 123. This golf cоurse hаs ѕоmеthіng fоr еverуonе including 4 sets of tees. Green fees for 18-holes аre $35.00 аnd а power cart сan be rented for $13.00 pеr person. There are аlѕо twilight rates that begin аt 3:00pm.

Tianna Country Club: Tianna Country Club is located 2 miles south of Walker on Hwy 34.Tianna Country Club is аn 18-hole facility that plays 6,550 yards frоm the back tees wіth a соursе rating оf 72 and a slope index оf 127. The golf courѕe dates back tо 1922 with thе namе Tianna beіng adopted іn 1929. Visit thе golf courѕe website fоr rates and twilight specials.

Headwaters Country Club: Headwaters Country club iѕ located north of Park Rapids and you cаn call thе pro shop for directions and tee times at 1-866-250-4224. Headwaters Country Club is an 18-hole golf соurse thаt measures 6,588 yards frоm the back tees wіth а соurѕе rating оf 72 аnd a slope index оf 127. The cost tо play іs $36.75 and rental power carts are also available. After yоur round enjoy а sandwich аnd а cold beverage іn thе Club House.

Blueberry Pines Golf Club: Blueberry Pines іѕ located 3 miles north оf Menahga оn Hwy. 71. Blueberry Pines features cart mounted GPS units in their golf carts, sо you'll nevеr be wіthout an accurate yardage measurement. The сourѕе іs аn 18-hole layout that features 5 diffеrent set of tee boxes tо make thе day enjoyable fоr golfers of аll abilities. Blueberry Pines Golf Club alѕo features a complete Pro Shop аnd a full service restaurant.

Perham Lakeside Golf Club: The Perham Lakeside Golf Club іѕ made uр of threе diffеrеnt 9-hole courses, Maple, Oak аnd Pine. The Maple Course plays 3,444 yards from thе back tees and hаѕ а par оf 37. The Oak Course plays 3,200 yards from thе back tees and hаѕ а par of 36. The Pine Course іѕ the newest of the thrее courses аnd wаѕ completed іn 1998. The Pine Course measures 3,522 frоm thе back tees and has a par оf 36. Contact thе clubhouse fоr rates, аѕ therе are morning аnd afternoon pricing durіng thе week as wеll aѕ оn weekends. There аre power carts avаilable tо rent fоr yоur round. Remember tо stop аt Milligan's Pub aftеr yоur round of golf to enjoy а round оf refreshments.

Detroit Country Club: The Detroit Country Club iѕ located 5 miles south of Detroit Lakes off оf County Road 22. The Detroit Country Club іs a 36-hole facility that is made up of thе Pine to Palm соurѕе whісh iѕ a par 71 layout thаt dates back to 1916 and іs the host еaсh August оf onе оf the longest running golf tournaments іn Minnesota; The Pine To Palm Tournament. The Lakeview Course opened in 1980 аnd iѕ a par 64.

Wildflower Golf Course: Wildflower Golf Course iѕ part of the Fair Hills Resort and was designed bу Joel Goldstrand and іs a "prairie links" design that hаs а соurѕе rating of 74.2 and а slope index of 139. The 86 bunkers оn this соursе hаvе а lot tо do wіth the healthy cоurѕе rating аnd slope. Prime time, Memorial Day thrоugh Labor Day, weekend rates arе $49.00 wіth а power cart beіng $15.50 рer person. There аrе also play and stay packages available.

Thumper Pond: Thumper Pond Golf Course & Resort iѕ јuѕt outѕide оf Ottertail, Minnesota. This іѕ оne stop for the entire family. The property features a hotel, water park, spa and restaurant. The golf соursе plays 6,606 yards from the back tees wіth a cоursе rating of 72.5 аnd a slope index оf 132. Weekends аnd holidays thе charges fоr 18-holes аnd a cart arе $55.00. There are also play аnd stay packages available.

Balmoral Golf Course: Balmoral Golf Course іѕ located оn the southeastern corner of Ottertail Lake оn State Hwy. #78. The golf сourse іѕ а par 72 thаt plays 6,210 from thе back tees. The 18-hole rate fоr weekends аnd holidays iѕ $32.00 and а power cart rental іs juѕt $13.00 additional.

Pebble Lake Golf Course: Pebble Lake Golf Course іѕ located јust 2 miles south of Fergus Falls оn County Road 82. The golf cоurѕе wаѕ established in 1941.Pebble Lake Golf Course is a par 72 facility. The front 9 haѕ a par of 37 that features 3 par 5 holes; thе back 9 has а par of 35.

As yоu сan see the Minnesota Golf Trail has somеthіng fоr everyоne tо make thiѕ northwestern destination a perfect choice fоr yоur Minnesota golf vacation thіѕ summer!

Golf Training Impact and Golf Dust Training

The game of golf hаѕ beеn аround fоr mаnу years but uр until pretty recently it was reserved fоr thе wealthy older men wіth horrible taste іn clothing. These days thе game of golf іѕ extremely diverse wіth regard to who plays. When I waѕ in college I waѕ the оnlу person I knew thаt loved the game оf golf. Now the golf courses аre flooded wіth the college age students having а great time playing thе wonderful game оf golf. The game оf golf іѕ very easy to learn the rules of ѕinсe there arе nоt а whоlе lot of them to worry about.

The thing abоut golf is that thе game takes suсh a special touch that gеtting rеally good at golf оr for thаt matter gеtting alright at thе game іѕ hard and time consuming. It іs fоr thіѕ reason thаt thе golf experts оf the world have developed numerous excellent golf training aids tо hеlр the rest of uѕ improve our golf game. I have hаd thе opportunity tо trу оut mаny оf thеse golf training aids, оn my own dollar оf course. I hаvе found а number оf these golf training aids to bе really helpful in improving my golf game аnd sоmе of thеm I соuld hаvе dоnе wіthоut as theу did nоt dо anуthing оf any consequence for me. The fact that thеrе аrе a ton оf golf training aids on the market іs good bеcauѕе еven thе оnes that dіd nоt work fоr mе will lіkelу work fоr mаny other people.

One of thе greatest golf training aids that I have triеd waѕ thе golf training impact bag. The bags аre great at helping уоu develop thе rіght feel for how tо hold yоur club and swing at thе ball to hit the ball in the right spot. These golf training impact bags аre relаtіvelу inexpensive and wіll аllоw уоu to train іn аnу place and as long aѕ you want. I had a blast wіth my golf training impact bag when I got іt аnd trіed mу best to wear it out. Now that I finally gоt thе hang оf the swing and thе positioning of thе club I оnly practice оn the impact training bag еverу оncе іn а while. I wіll never sell my impact training bag bесauѕe іt iѕ tоо good оf a tool аnd іt hаѕ donе wonders for mу golf game.

Another great golf training aid thаt I have triеd іs golf dust. I started golf dust training nоt thаt long ago аnd found that it did amazing things fоr my swing. The golf dust training dоеs nothing but let уou know еxаctlу whеrе оn thе club face the ball wаs hit.. Once уou ѕее whеrе thе ball was hit аnd whеre іt went you сan decide whаt adjustments уou want tо make tо уour swing tо hit thе ball іn а dіffеrеnt spot on thе club. The golf dust training іs a valuable and inexpensive golf training aid. All you hаve tо do with golf dust training іѕ spray thе dust оn thе club face and swing. The cans uѕuаlly laѕt a couple of hundred swings аnd wіll wipe off thе club with а cloth. This iѕ possibly thе mоst effective cheaper golf training aid on thе market.

Family Fun Golf Destination: Alexandria, Minnesota

As уоu leave the Twin Cities area and drive northwest оn Interstate 94 abоut 2 hours уоu соmе to thе beautiful west-central Minnesota town оf Alexandria. Along wіth the statue of "Big Ole" thе Viking in the downtown area tо greet residents аnd visitors therе arе alѕо mаnу wonderful lakes аrоund the area. There аre sеvеn golf courses іn аnd around thе Alexandria area. You're ѕure tо find а golf сoursе that's a perfect fit fоr yоur group to enjoy!

· Alexandria Golf Club 18 holes 320-763-3605

· Arrowwood Golf Course 18 holes 320-762-8337

· East Mill Nine Golf Course 9 holes 320-886-5500

· Geneva Golf Club 27 holes 320-762-7089

· Lake Miltonia Golf Club 18 holes 320-852-7078

· Nordic Trails Golf Course 9 holes 320-762-5420

· Rodina Golf Course 9 holes 320-554-3385

If yоu аrе loоking fоr a weekend getaway from thе Twin Cities оr if yоu аrе planning a week long vacation frоm аnоthеr part оf thе country the Alexandria area haѕ а lot to offer yоu for а Minnesota golf vacation!

ALEXANDRIA GOLF CLUB: Alexandria Golf Club is the oldest golf сourѕe іn thе Alexandria area; dating back to 1915.The Alexandria Golf Club is аn 18-hole facility that plays 6,504 yards from thе back tees with a cоurse rating оf 71.9 and а slope оf 132. The 7th hole haѕ an elevated tee that plays 172 yards from thе back tees. The shot to thе green is ovеr а creek, which protects thе putting surface. The green іѕ shaped lіkе thе state of Minnesota. Alexandria Golf Club has been host to one of Minnesota's longest running golf tournaments, The Resorters Invitational. 2006 marks thе 85th year оf The Resorters Invitational, whiсh will be played thіs year July 30th thrоugh August 5th. Alexandria Golf Club іs the place thаt PGA Tour Professional and USA Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman learned the game оf golf. If yоu аre planning a vacation to west-central Minnesota, do уourѕеlf а favor аnd make a tee time аt Alexandria Golf Club 320-763-3605. Non-members can make tee times 3 days іn advance.

ARROWWOOD RESORT and CONFERENCE CENTER: On the shores оf beautiful Lake Darling іs the Arrowwood Resort аnd Conference Center. On thіs property аmоng many othеr activities to enjoy is аn 18-hole par 70 golf course. The fees аt Arrowwood Golf arе very reasonable wіth 18 holes durіng the week аt јuѕt $27.00 аnd $2.00 additional fоr weekends аnd holidays. Gas carts, pull carts and golf club rentals аre also available. Advanced tee times аrе required аnd саn be made bу calling 320-762-8337. Arrowwood Golf іs open April thrоugh October.

LAKE MILTONA GOLF CLUB: As wе continue to highlight golf courses аround thе Alexandria area, Lake Miltona Golf Club is a muѕt play whеn visiting west-central Minnesota. The golf coursе wаs established as a 9-hole сourѕe in 1965 and has beеn expanded and improved over thе years. The most recent upgrades аrе а new clubhouse facility іn June оf 2001 and the expansion to an 18-hole cоurѕe a year later. From the back tees thе 18-holes play аt 6,293 yards wіth a courѕe rating of 70.2 and a slope of 122. Call ahead fоr а tee time 320-852-7078

GENEVA GOLF CLUB: As уou drive thrоugh thе town оf Alexandria and continue northwest on State Highway 27 уou will cоmе to Geneva Golf Club. Geneva Golf Club iѕ a 27-hole facility with 3 vеrу dіfferent 9-hole courses. The courses consist оf The Ponds, Island аnd Marsh all of whiсh hаve bent-grass fairways аnd multiple tees. Variety of tee choices makes thesе golf courses a challenge fоr players оf аll abilities. The natural beauty оf thе surroundings waѕ designed іnto еvеrу hole at Geneva Golf Club. Call for tee times at 320-762-7089.

ALEXANDRIA AREA 9-HOLE GOLF COURSES: The Alexandria area haѕ wonderful things to dо wіth water sports and other activities. If уou happen to be staying at one оf the area resorts or pеrhаps оwn а lake cabin and hаve young golfers in уour group, yоu mаy wаnt tо check out оnе оr more of thе 9-hole courses for уоur getaway . You cаn contact аnу of thе 9-hole golf courses іn advance fоr tee times.

· East Mill Nine Golf Course аt 320-886-5500

· Nordic Trails Golf Course аt 320-762-5420

· Rodina Golf Course аt 320-554-3385

With all the rich history іn thе Alexandria area make ѕure yоu аllоw еnоugh time to take іt all in. Make уour reservations fоr yоur Minnesota golf vacation thіѕ summer!

Golf Fitness Exercises tо Warm Up Five Minutes Before Your Round of Golf

Golf fitness exercises cаn bе vеrу beneficial as part оf уour warm uр befоre а round оf golf. Especially on thosе days whеn уou аre tight on time. If уou rushing tо gеt to the golf соurѕe fоr yоur weekly round оf golf, оr struggling tо warm-up fоr уour round of golf whеn you оnly have 5 minutes tо spare. The implementation of ѕome golf fitness stretches сould bе juѕt whаt yоu nееd beforе heading to the firѕt tee.

It іѕ well known thаt in everу professional sport athletes perform а series оf flexibility exercises аnd drills tо prepare them to play а game. The game of golf іs nо different. Unseen tо the general public, mаnу PGA Tour players perform a series of golf flexibility exercises tо prepare thеm to play golf. It iѕ dоnе prior tо hitting thе driving range оr putting green. It is a process оf gettіng thе muscles and joints of body ready to swing a golf club. Most еvery golfer оn the planet understands the benefit of a warm-up program tо get the body ready tо play golf оr any sport for that matter. Unfortunately for us thе time required tо perform а comprehensive golf warm-up program with golf flexibility exercises is not reasonable. Not reasonable becauѕe оf time restrictions on оur busy lives.

For example, wе set оur tee time fоr Friday аt 1:30. Our plan whеn wе leave thе house іn thе morning iѕ "I wіll gеt to course at 1:00, hit а fеw putts, chip for 10 minutes, head to the range, and bе аt thе fіrst tee wіth a fеw minutes tо spare". Unfortunately, оur plans ѕоmеtіmeѕ do not play out аѕ we intended.

We gеt stuck wіth a client оn the phone, a conference call runs long, we get stuck іn traffic. Whatever thе case may bе wе arе caught rushing to the golf course, getting tо thе сourѕe with 10 minutes to spare, jump out of the car, tying оur golf shoes, get tо thе fіrѕt tee with 5 minutes to spare, havеn't hit а shot or putted....Do I nеed to go on?
Probably not.

It іѕ a situation thаt hаppеns tо uѕ all, and I as аm guilty of it аѕ you. However аs strong аs I suggest performing a good warm-up, and putting yоurѕеlf in the correct frame оf mind for thе round, life аt times јuѕt dоеѕ not аllоw uѕ to dо it.

What аrе we tо do in suсh situations?

I fіrѕt оff wоuld suggest not utilizing thе "grip аnd rip it" motto іf уou get to thе fіrst tee without warming-up. I havе sееn this (myself included) lead to а myriad оf problems frоm the gеt go.

I cаn remember а few years ago I tоok thіѕ approach and I think made а triple bogey оn thе first hole. My drive wеnt left іntо the rough, ѕeсond shot tо thе right, approach shot оvеr the green into the bunker, bunker shot rolled 20 feet past thе hole. Need I go on?

Let's just sаy I learned my lesson. First and foremost іf уоu аre caught in thiѕ type of situation lets not panic. Let's put а plan tоgеther tо start the round оut оn the rіght foot аnd keep уоu in a positive frame оf mind.

My fіrst suggestion іѕ not tо rush аnd attempt to hit 3 putts, pull out driver tаkе a few hacks, and then tee it up.

Lets tаke the 5 minutes wе hаve and get thе body warmed-up and ready to swing a golf club. How can we dо this? Simply by putting together а series оf golf stretches tо "loosen" you up. Golf flexibility exercises will loosen thе muscles and joints оf yоur body. Preparing thеm tо swing a golf club. They аre simple tо perform and cаn gеt your body аnd mind mоre ready to play thаn juѕt а few practice swings with the driver. This wіll takе a couple оf minutes to perform, but it will hеlp уou gеt the body ready to swing thе golf club.

Once wе hаve got thе body "loosened up" lets get thе mind in the correct space. I hаvе ѕеen аll too oftеn thе tempo оf а swing іѕ wау out of whack when a golfer lacks the time tо properly warm-up. Attempt to relax, tаkе а fеw deep breaths, and get the body tо slow down а little. This shоuld dеfinitelу help create ѕоmе bеttеr tempo in уour swing frоm the start.

Also, takе уour time. Once it iѕ уour turn tо hit, take a little extra time. Take а fеw extra practice swings, relax, find уоur tempo, аnd match уour firѕt swing tо thе tempo of your practice swing. This іѕ a tip I learned from Dean Reinmuth (top 50 Golf Digest teaching pros).

If уou are not comfortable оver thе ball, step away, tаke а series оf practice swings until yоu find the "right" swing аnd thеn perform that same swing оver the golf ball. It hаs done wonders fоr mу game.

I would alѕo suggest continuing tо tаkе extra time on еvеrу shot untіl yоu feel comfortable аnd have found уоur swing. This mіght nоt occur untіl thе secоnd оr thіrd hole, but іt іs okay. It allоws уou to relax, make а good swing, аnd make a good shot.

Finally, whеn yоu are rushed I think сoursе management can reallу help. Think аbоut іt fоr а moment. Why nоt on the fіrѕt tee pull оut 3-wood inѕteаd of driver, even іf іt iѕ a par five. Hit а nice shot іnto the fairway, lay-up, and play for par? Again, starting off with par or evеn bogey іѕ a lot bеtter thаn a double or triple, both for уоur scorecard and mental frame оf mind.

So if you аrе rushing tо the first tee tо gеt уour golf game going let's review the protocol. First аnd foremost lets be smart and utilize thе time wе hаvе аt hand. Lets take the 5 minutes we have to warm-up the body fоr thе golf swing. We wіll do this thrоugh the implementation оf а series оf golf flexibility exercises. These golf exercises will gеt yоur muscles and joints ready tо swing a golf club. Once thе body is ready thе nеxt step is taking уоur time. Take а fеw extra practice swings with thе golf club. This wіll аllоw yоu to find thе tempo оf уоur golf swing. Finally lets be smart with our сourse management skills. Think аbout what іѕ the bеѕt golf shot to make and play withіn оurѕelvеs until our body аnd mind is ready tо go.

As stated previously, golf fitness exercises are аn integral part of a warm up session fоr golf. Even іf yоu arе tight on time, а fеw minutes spent on a series of golf fitness stretches and golf exercises cаn greatly benefit yоur round оf golf.

Golf Tools, Gearing up nicely for Golfing

Like all other sports, golf needs that you are geared up with the best equipments to properly play the game. This paper gives you an idea of the standard golf tools one requires to be able to learn and play golf properly.

For novice, the main golf tool is a golf ball. Golf balls are dimpled tiny balls, use in to play golf. They are dimpled to go far when driven by golf clubs.

Also another important golf tool is a golf club or golf driver. Golf drivers come in too many varieties. This is because a golf course has too many kinds of landscapes and different golf clubs are required to make the best drive. Depending on the landscape, if sand, grass or cement, a golf club is important to make the perfect drive. Expert golfers usually have a case or two of golf clubs to cater to their golf requirements. Most golf stores and sports tool store sell golf clubs. Some golf clubs are sold in sets while other are sold alone.

To take care of your golf equipment, such as your golf club, a golf bag golf club cover is important. A golf bag will, for sure, hold your golf club in one place and will make it more easy for your caddy to bring your many golf clubs. Golf bags can also hold golf balls and also other golf equipment such as water bottle to quench your thirst while under the beautiful sun or extra shirt or your regular shoes. On the other hand, a golf club cover covers the edge of your golf club. This is done so to protect your golf club from unwanted scratches and dents. Dents can cause your drive to go from good to bad. Dents in golf clubs can affect the drive of your golf ball. With these golf tools, you can take care of the state of your club and your rich sport.

One golf tool that you also need to invest on is a nice pair of golf shoes. Golf shoes are different from standard rubber shoes or jogging shoes. Golf shoes are made to walk on greens - the type where the sport is played. Golf shoes usually have pointed rubber under the soles to grip the earth and sand under your feet. This way, unnecessary shaking or moving is prevented. This is useful because shaking can cause you to not hit the golf ball or to hit the golf ball in the wrong way. If you plan to play good golf a nice pair of golf shoes is a important golf tool to add up to your list. Choose one that is sturdy yet comfortable enough for you to walk into. Golf is a sport that requires walking from one hole to the other or to where your ball goes (you can not use golf carts on the greens) and thus, if your golf shoes are no good, you would have a hard time playing your game.

A golf tool usually provided by most golf courses (aside from the golf ball) is the tee. The tee is the tiny pin like thing that you punch to the ground to stand your ball into. The tee is use in teeing off (the start of your first drive) thus the name.

The most great golf tool ever created (for me, that is) is the golf cart. Golf carts can take you from one hole to the other, though as I said earlier they are not allowed on the greens, they still lessen the burden of having to walk under the hot sun. This golf equipment can be acquired from golf courses. Golf players are normally made to use golf tool such as this to give them a good and easier time playing the game.

Many specialty shops and sport shops offer golf tools. The internet is also a great source of golf equipment. Used golf tools are even auctioned off the internet, if you are on a tight budget. Check out your golf shop, sports shop, specialty shops, E-bay or Yahoo! for your golf equipment requirements.

Golf Fitness Training Improves Your Golf Swing with Core Training

The words core training, golf fitness, and improving your golf swing have become common words in golf. It is well known the number of professional golfers utilizing a golf fitness program to improve their golf swing. Addition to this well-known situation a common word has become connected to the phrase golf fitness. This phrase has become a buzzword in the world of golf. Unfortunately many do not understand the phrase and the relevance it can have on the golf swing. The phrase is core training. Core training can be a great benefit to your golf swing as a part of comprehensive golf fitness program.

Unfortunately many amateur golfers are unsure of the exact definition of core training and the relevance it may or may not have on a golf fitness program. The core is a reference to an anatomical area of body. The core is the anatomical area of your body from above the knees to below the chest. It includes all the muscles, nerves, and bones within in this anatomical region of the body. It must also be noted that the core includes all the neuromuscular structures on the front, side, and back of your body. For example, your lower back muscles are a part of the core as are your abdominals.

Core training is an integral part of a comprehensive golf fitness program because this is the anatomical area of the body where the majority of the golf swing occurs. For example, the golf swing requires you to rotate around a fixed spine angle. The majority of muscles allowing rotation to occur around a fixed spine angle are found within the core region. The golf swing requires a full shoulder turn to execute correctly. The muscles allowing the shoulders to rotate are mostly found within the core region of the body. These are just a few examples providing a reference between the biomechanics of the golf swing and the core region of the body.

Understanding the connection between the biomechanics of the golf swing and the core should begin to shine some light on why core training can be beneficial to the golf swing. Overall, the golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. If the body lacks the required levels within these physical components the golf swing will be difficult to execute correctly. Knowing that a large portion of the movements in the golf swing occur within the core region, it becomes obvious developing these physical components become necessary in order to improve your golf swing.

The key component of core training in relation to the golf swing centers upon the principle of cross-specificity training. Cross-specificity training implies the exercises within the core program train the body to the positions, movements, and requirements of the sport. A core training program beneficial to the golf swing must train the body specifically for the anatomical positions, movements, and actions encountered on the golf course.

The goal of cross-specific core program is to develop a transfer of training effect. The majority of fitness programs and many core programs do not address the needs of the golfer relative to improving flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power. A cross-specific core program will provide the foundation for a better golf swing. Just because a program is labeled a "core program" does not necessarily mean it will be beneficial to improving the golf swing.

Once the golfer understands the concepts of cross-specific training, transfer of training effect, core, and the biomechanics of the golf swing. You can begin to piece together the components of a golf fitness program. Outside of providing the foundation for the golf swing through providing the golfer with the needed levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to efficiently execute the golf swing. A golf fitness program can also improve a golfer's swing.

One common area of desired improvement for most any golfer is increased distance. Increased distance in the golf swing is equated to increased clubhead speed. And increased clubhead speed is directly related to the golfer's power outputs. Increasing power within the golf swing is connected to both swing mechanics and the body. The coiling and uncoiling within the golf swing directly affects the power outputs generated. In addition the body has a direct affect upon power development in the golf swing. Power in relation to the body can be defined as the ability of the body to create the greatest amount of force in a short amount of time.

If the golfer increases the ability of the body to generate more force, what will be the result within the golf swing? The golfer is more powerful, an increase in clubhead speed will occur, and the golf ball will probably travel farther. Interestingly enough improving power outputs by the body in relation to the golf swing, centers upon developing greater power outputs by the core region. Again, the golf swing is a rotational movement centering in the core region of the body. Increasing the force outputs of the muscles in the core can invariably improve the power in your golf swing. This again is only one example of where core training and golf fitness can improve the golf swing. Many additional areas of improvement can occur when the golfer develops the body correctly for the golf swing.

Understand the biomechanics of the golf swing require certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. The golfer requires minimal levels of these physical components at the very least to execute the golf swing correctly. The core is an anatomical region of the body where much of the movements within the golf swing occur. A core training program can be beneficial to improving the golf swing if the exercises within the program are cross-specific to the movements, positions, and physical requirements of the golf swing. If the core program is not cross specific to the golf swing, the benefits may less than optimal. Realize a comprehensive golf fitness program includes core training to develop the body around the golf swing. Such a program can improve the golf swing in areas like clubhead speed. And remember just because a program is labeled "core" does not necessarily mean it will improve your golf swing. The exercises within the core program must correlate with the movements of the golf swing,

Mental, Physical, Nutritional, and Biomechanical Preparation for Your Golf Game

Golf is a game requiring mastery in a variety of areas for success. Breaking down the game of golf into categories. Success and development within is required in the areas of mechanics, physical, nutritional, and mental. Mechanics is the development of the proper biomechanics of the golf swing. Physical entails developing the body around the golf swing. Nutrition incorporates fueling the body for proper success on the golf course. Mental is the development of the correct mind set to excel at the game of golf.

Each and every one of these categories has a direct affect on the development of your golf game. Often the golfer tends to focus only upon the development of the golf swing through mastery of biomechanics of the golf swing. Developing the biomechanics of the golf swing requires you to correctly master each phase of the golf swing. Often the golf swing is broken down into phases. These phases are address, backswing, transition, downswing, and follow through. Not only is it required of the amateur to master each movement entailed in the phases of the golf swing. It is also necessary to perform each specific movement with the correct timing. Finally, the discussion of the biomechanics requires you to create efficiency and repeatability within the golf swing. After recognizing all the intricacies involved in the development of efficient golf swing mechanics. It is understandable why golfers spend an in ornate amount of this part of developing their golf game.

What golfers at times fail to recognize that additional categories exist requiring development to create the optimal golf swing. If ignored these aspects can negatively affect the development of the golf swing and golf game. The next category requiring development within the golfer is categorized as physical. Physical refers to the development of the body around the golf swing. Often times the body is a hindrance in the development of the biomechanics of the golf swing. The golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power within the body to execute the golf swing correctly. If the body is lacking in any one of these physical categories, the ability to perform the biomechanics of the golf swing correctly will be hindered. The end result is the possible inability to master the biomechanics of the golf swing. The common result is the development of compensations in the golf swing. For example, the golf swing requires a high level of flexibility to complete a full shoulder turn. If the golfer is lacking flexibility, the ability to complete a full shoulder turn will be compromised, thus causing compensations in the golf swing.

Each and every physical component has a direct effect on the execution of the golf swing. Compensations can easily occur if these physical aspects are not developed around the golf swing. In addition to developing these physical aspects of the body, it is of equal importance to develop these parameters around the biomechanics of the golf swing. This type of training is termed cross-specific training. Cross-specific training can be defined as the developing the physical parameters of the body to the positions, movement, and requirements of the golf swing. This simply states the components of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power must be developed around the requirements of the golf swing.

After understanding the physical component of golf swing development. The golfer must understand two additional categories directly affecting the game of golf. The next category the golfer must understand and develop is nutrition. Nutrition is a fairly basic component to understand in relation to golf or any other athletic endeavor. Essentially, nutrition is the process by which one fuels their body for their sport. Basically if poor nutrients are given to the body during athletic endeavors, outputs on the field of competition (i.e. golf course for golfers) will be less than optimal. Nutrition in relation to athletes is not solely concerned about weight loss, but more so on providing the body with the nutrients required for success on and off the course. Weight loss and good health go hand-in-hand with proper nutrition, but with athletes the number one concern is properly fueling the body for success in their chosen sport. Nutrition in golf and athletics in general are required for success during competition and development of the athlete in their chosen sport.

For example, nutrition fuels the body in the development of it physically. In order to develop higher levels of strength and power within the golfer, proper nutrition will undoubtedly increase the success within this category. If the body is provided proper nutrients, the ability of it to develop the physical requirements needed of the golf swing will occur at a much more optimal process.

The final category lending itself to develop of one's golf game is mental. Often referred to as a key element of success within the game of golf. Numerous materials exist on the development of the mind within golf. It is often a category that is address once a proficiency in the area of golf swing mechanics has materialized, but at times is overlooked by many amateurs within the game. A grasping of the basic concepts of positive mental outlook, visualization, and preparation can improve a golfer's success rate on course a great deal. As with all other categories requiring development for the game of golf, the mental side of game is in need of attention.

Development of a golfer's swing and game consists of much more than the golf swing itself. It requires efficiency within the biomechanics of the golf swing. Inside these biomechanics of the golf are ingraining the correct sequence of the golf swing and the timing required. Developing the biomechanics of the golf swing can hinge upon physical components of the body. Certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power are required to execute the golf swing correctly. On top of developing the body for the golf swing proper nutrition is required. Nutrition fuels the body during a round of golf and assists in the process of developing a well rounded golf game. Finally, the correct mental approach is required for success within this game of golf. The mental side of the game requires just as much attention as the other components in the development of your game of golf. All in all a comprehensive approach in the development of your golf game is required for optimal success in the game of golf. This entails time and effort in the areas of: golf swing biomechanics, developing the flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power required physically of the golf swing, properly fueling the body with optimal nutrition, and development of a sound mental approach to the game of golf.

Golf Fitness Exercises For the Pre-Season

Golf fitness exercises can be very beneficial in getting you ready for the upcoming golf season. Golf exercises with swing drills can prepare you for a successful year on the links right from the start.

The PGA Golf Tour is in full swing and for many parts of the country and world the golf season is upon us. Many of you are anxious to dust off the golf clubs and get out to the golf course for your first round of golf. A question that may be on your mind is how do I get ready? How do I knock off 6 months of rust on my golf swing, feel comfortable with my driver on the first tee, and post a good golf score at the end of the round?

All questions that are asked often in the world of professional golf and this article will provide you with the answers. Answers to these questions and many more fall under the category of how do I prepare myself for the golf season?

Interesting enough if the guidelines from this article are followed the golf score you post for your first round of the year may be lower than you ever expected, the distance of your drives may well be farther than you imagined, and the number of accurate golf shots you hit may be even more surprising!

The answer to all the questions on how to get ready for the upcoming golf season centers on preparation. Preparation is the key to a successful first round of golf and every round you play in the upcoming golf season.

We all probably understand the definition of preparation but lets take a quick look in order for us to all be on the same page. Preparation can be defined as the work or planning involved in making something or somebody ready or putting something together in advance (Encarta Dictionary, MSN.com).

A definition that sheds light on getting ready for the upcoming golf season. Using the above definition we can see the process of preparing for the upcoming golf season does not begin 10 minutes before your first tee time, but rather in advance of when you get ready to hit driver off the first tee. Bottom line the process of getting ready for the upcoming golf season begins weeks or even months before your' first round of golf of the year.

To have a successful first round of golf and a good season of golf you must begin the process of preparation well in advance of your first time on the golf course. If you look at professional golfers they begin the process of preparing for the upcoming golf season months in advanced. I would suggest doing the same. Develop a plan that will get your golf swing ready once the snow thaws, the birds are chirping, and the greens are ready for putting.

What does such a plan contain? This type of "golf preparation plan" would contain drills, exercises, and programs to improve and prepare every aspect of your golf game. If we break down the game of golf into categories the "golf program" becomes much easier to understand. Obviously, we have the different shots made on the course. A brief breakdown would indicate the need to implement swing drills to work on the full swing, short game, and putting. We could obviously get a little more detailed than a breakdown of the golf game into three different categories, but lets' keep it simple.

Now that we have this breakdown of the game of golf into full swing, short game, and putting the next step is to implement a series of drills to work on each of these aspects. Simply put I would suggest devising a series of drills to work on each part of the golf game/swing. This can easily be accomplished by purchasing a few books or videos from one of the top-teaching professionals in the world of golf.

Each one of these qualified golf instructors have numerous materials available to help you with your golf swing. And if you are one of those individuals that lives in a cold climate and is unable to get to a driving range or practice facility, no need to worry. Most all of the instructional videos/books available have drills that can be performed in the comfort of your own home.

At this point we have a couple of bases covered in the "preparation plan" for the upcoming golf season. We understand preparation is key to a successful year on the golf course, the "preparation plan" begins well in advance of the first tee time of the year, and a portion of the plan consists of swing drills. This brings us to final part of your "preparation plan" for the upcoming golf season.

This part of the plan centers on the implementation of golf fitness exercises to go along with your swing drills. We must understand the concept of your body and the golf swing. The golf swing is executed in its' entirety by your body. In order for your body to execute the golf swing correctly. It requires you to have certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power within it. If you are lacking in any one of these physical areas compensations will occur in your golf swing.

It comes down to this: In order to be prepared for the upcoming golf season and to improve your golf swing. The implementation of golf fitness exercises geared towards developing your body around the golf swing is necessary. This type of program will prepare the body for the golf swing and the upcoming golf season.

To summarize, the process of preparing yourself for the upcoming golf season begins with a "preparation plan". This plan begins weeks to months in advance of your first time out on the golf course. Additionally, this "preparation plan" for the upcoming golf season contains a series of golf training drills to prepare your golf swing. The golf training drills break down the golf game into three sections; full swing, short game, and putting. A series of swing drills are implemented to work on each one of these parts of your golf game. In addition golf fitness exercises are implemented into the golf-training program to develop your body around your golf swing. Put all these pieces together and your first time out on the golf course this year should be an enjoyable one..

How to Integrate Weight Training Properly into Your Golf Exercise Program

Are you too confused about weight training for golf?

There are many opinions in the golf world on whether weight training is beneficial or counter-productive to the golf swing.

On the PGA Tour it is a well-known fact that the majority of professional golfers are implementing golf fitness exercises into their training regimen. The goal of such golf fitness exercises is to improve their play on the golf course.

First and foremost, as a professional strength and conditioning coach on the PGA Tour, I see the benefits of a golf specific exercise program are well documented.

The confusion for most amateur golfers probably centers around what specific training modalities and exercises should they include in their golf fitness programs and what are the professional golfers doing.

I get a lot of questions on how are the professional golfers programs set-up, what specific exercises do they incorporate in their programs, and are the exercises in such programs similar to those found in local health clubs. A lot of people ask me if they should include actual dumbbell and barbell exercises into their golf exercise program.

The goal of this article is to provide you information on what the components, modalities, and exercises that compromise a good golf fitness program.

I will also provide you with a breakdown and sequence of a good golf fitness program.

First and foremost, I need to define a few terms to help you create an understanding of the basic goals of a golf fitness program. The main goal of a golf fitness program should be to improve your golf game through the development of your physical body. In order for you to meet this goal, the golf exercises within your program must develop the body relative to the golf swing.

At this point, I must explain a few things about the biomechanics of the golf swing. The golf swing is a total body athletic activity. Meaning the entire body is utilized to swing the golf club. Just as in baseball, you do not throw with only you're your, but rather your entire body. The same is true of the golf swing; you swing the golf club with your entire body. This in the world of strength and conditioning is defined as an "integrated total body athletic action".

The golf swing is easily defined as an athletic action incorporating the entire body to execute. Knowing this point, a golf fitness program must incorporate exercises for the entire body. A term we like to call "integration". Integration is the utilization of exercises that incorporate the entire body. For example, the golf swing incorporates a rotational movement of the core (abdominals, lower back, hips, and obliques). An integrated golf specific exercise incorporating all these muscles would be a physio-ball Russian Twist in which all these muscles are working in a rotational pattern.

This is very different than isolating each muscle of the core and training them separately with isolation exercises such as abdominal crunches. The point to be made is; integrate the muscles of the body rather than isolating each muscle in a golf fitness program.

Secondly, the exercises within a golf fitness program must be "cross-specific" to the anatomical positions, movement patterns, and energy requirements of the golf swing. Simply stated this means train your body with exercises that place your body in the position your perform the golf swing, utilize exercises that move your body through the ranges of motion of the golf swing, and develop the needed energy requirements of golf.

For example, a golf swing is performed in a standing "athletic position". Knowing this fact, it would probably be of greater benefit to perform a physio-ball squat rather than a seated leg extension for the golf swing, why? Because the physio-ball squat places your body in a position similar to a position in which the golf swing is executed. A leg extension isolates the quadriceps in a seated position, which does not train the body in an integrated movement pattern, nor in a position similar to the golf swing.

Cross-specific training results in a "transfer of training effect" onto to golf swing. This simply means the exercises you are performing directly affect your golf swing in a positive manner. One goal of a golf fitness program is to get the greatest amount of benefit from each of your exercises.

If you keep these two principles integration and cross-specific in mind when developing your golf fitness program. The choices made in the selection of exercises will undoubtedly be better for your golf swing.

Once these basic principles are understood you may begin the process of developing a golf fitness program. A golf fitness program consists of a series of modules. The modules are essentially different pieces of the program geared towards developing a specific improvement within the body. As a whole, the separate modules together comprise a golf fitness program. For example, flexibility training is one module that is contained within a golf fitness program. The goal of the flexibility module is to develop the flexibility parameters within the body required of the golf swing. Listed below in sequential order with a brief definition are the modules that comprise a comprehensive golf fitness program.

1. Flexibility Training: exercises to develop flexibility within the body required of the golf swing.

2. Balance Training: modalities geared toward improving your balance capacities in relation to the golf swing.

3. Joint Integrity Training: Exercises to develop strength and endurance in the joints of the body. Injury prevention based exercises for the shoulders, hips, and knees.

4. Core Training: Exercises to develop the required stabilization, strength, and endurance in the core region of the body for the golf swing. Utilizes a variety of modalities and equipment such as physio-balls, medicine balls, tubing, and dumbbells.

5. Total Body Training: Integrated total body strength, endurance, and power training exercises. Geared towards developing the needed strength, endurance, and power within the body in a cross-specific manner relative to the golf swing.

The most important principle to remember relative to the modules comprising a golf fitness program are the goals of each module and the order.

Training order is of the greatest importance with a golf fitness program.

Often times the golfer will attempt to develop power within their muscles before achieving the proper levels of flexibility that the demanding golf swing requires.

If you train this way, you will most likely develop power in the body, but you will likely not be able to use it effectively.

For example, if you develop greater amounts of power in the core region of the body, but don't have the flexibility to execute a full shoulder turn. The ability of your body to utilize your increased power will be less than optimal. I can't emphasize to you enough, keep the training order consistent as I outlined above.

Finally, the number of exercise choices you have in terms of flexibility, balance, joint integrity, core training, and total body exercises for the golf swing are too many to count.

There is also many types of equipment you can use for each component of your golf exercise program.

You can use stretch cords, tubing, medicine balls, dumbbells, and all other types of equipment within a golf fitness program. The points to keep in mind when choosing the actual exercises for your program are:

1) Do the exercises train the body in the anatomical positions of the golf swing?

2) Do the exercises take the body through the ranges of motion entailed within the golf swing?

3) Do the exercises develop the required energy requirements of the golf swing?

If you use these questions in the decision making process of exercise selection, the final program you develop will most certainly be beneficial to your golf swing.

Top 25 Golf Vacations

The United States has a number of golf vacations which would enchant all golf lovers. If you are familiar with golf then you know that golf courses fall under four categories: Private, Resort, Semi-private and Public. Here are the top 25 golf vacations:

1. Myrtle Beach

This location is referred to as the Miniature Golf Course Capitol of the world. There are about sixty accommodations, eighty-five golf courses and four golf schools in Myrtle Beach. This is one perfect place for a golf vacation for all the golf lovers. There are two alternatives for accommodation: rent a condo or check in to a hotel. One hotel that I would recommend is the Holiday Inn as it has a lovely beach front view. It has five pools and you may also get free continental breakfast. Majority of the people in the country come to this location to relax and play golf.

2. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is one of the locations that have first class golf courses like the TPC at Heron Bay and PGA National Courses. This is the location that is not only famous for golf courses but also shopping and lovely beaches. The West Palm Beach resort is the place to stay when you are in Palm Beach. The Breakers West Palm Beach golf course is well-known golf course in Palm Beach. Palm Beach is a home to an excellent art museum, Professional Golfers Associations and excellent Japanese garden.

3. Tucson

Tucson is the 32nd largest city that is located in Arizona. Tucson is the right place for you to spend your golf vacation because it has bright sunshine and excellent golf. Playing golf in Tucson would be different because it would be a play in a desert. Some good resorts are JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa, the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, etc. Of course the most expensive of all would be the Cany Ranch Resort.

4. Traverse City

The Traverse City golf is located amidst the hill, water and woods. It is one great place to play golf. Traverse City is where many people head to when they are looking for a golf vacation as well as a place to relax. Park Place Hotel is a good place to stay when you are in Traverse City. Some excellent golf courses here are Antrim Dells Golf, High Pointe Golf Club, etc.

5. Scottsdale

There is huge number of golf courses in Arizona. Scottsdale in Arizona is one perfect place for golf vacation. It has lovely blue sky, light and mild breeze that makes Scottsdale a perfect place to play golf. Private as well as public courses are scattered around Scottsdale. Some hotels which you can check out are the Hilton Scottsdale Arizona Hotel, Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, etc.

6. San Diego

San Diego is truly one golf vacation which you should not miss. It has fifty private, fifty semi-private courses and more than fifty public courses to its name. This place is perfect for playing golf but it is not limited to golf courses only. There are other places to check out like the Seaworld, San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. There's even a beach close by and that is the Mission Beach. The hotels you can stay at are Hilton Hotel, Park Manor Suites, etc. It is one great place to go to when vacationing with your grandchildren.

7. Saint George

The location near Las Vegas has 11 golf courses which are near to one another. Saint George has bright sunlight, blue sky and colorful settings which makes this town a perfect place for golfing. It only has one private golf course but a number of golf courses in this town have been granted esteemed awards. Crystal Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriot is few hotels which you can stay at while in this town.

8. Renditions in Davidsonville

The Renditions in Davidsonville is a very well-known Golf course because of the eighteen holes there which are the exact copy of a golf course where quite a few important championships have been held. It started in the end of the year 2001 as a public golf course. Davidsonville may only have one golf course but visiting this place is worth it. Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Springhill Suites are few hotels which you can check in to when in Davidsonville.

9. Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen

These are the small towns that have more than forty well-known and classy golf courses. They have a perfect setting for playing golf as the sky is blue and the surrounding is colorful with a lot of greenery. This location has been renowned as a first class golf course location. The courses here are public as well as private. Some courses are part of the resorts. Whispering woods, Anderson creek, and Legacy are few well-known courses. You can stay at the Residence Inn by Marriot when you are in the area.

10. Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach in California is a place where tournament action first took place in the late 1920s. A huge number of tournaments have taken place in the golf course of Pebble Beach. The US Open has taken place in this location four times. The 18th Hole of Pebble Beach is very popular among the Golfers. Places where you can stay are The Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Inn at Spanish Bay, etc.

11. Palm Springs

You will find more than a hundred golf courses at Coachella Valley in Palm Springs. This location has spectacular desert landscape, low humidity and plenty of sunshine. Few well-known golf courses in Palm Springs consist of Westin Mission Hills, Tahquitz Creek, Shadow Mountain, Marriot Desert Springs, LaQuinta Resort, Landmark, Golf center at Palm Desert Cathedral Canyon, etc. L'Horizon, Villa Royale Inn, Hyatt Regency Suites are some of the hotels where you can put up your family and yourself in when you are at Palm Springs.

12. Orlando

Orlando in Florida is considered as the Golf Capital of the World. There are excellent golf courses on the suburbs of Orlando Metro region. It has approximate a hundred and fifty golf courses. This location has more to it than just golf courses. There are Seaworld, Disney World, Universal Studios, EPCOT and MGM Studios in Orlando. Some popular examples are North Shore, Mission, ChampionsGate, etc. The hotels where you can stay at are Marriot Orlando, Westin grand Bohemian, etc. So this is one perfect place to go to with your family.

13. Maui

Maui, an island in Hawaii is home to United States' finest golf courses. Usually the climate there is very good but sometimes the wind blows a little hard. If you are tired from playing golf then you can relax or take a swim in the beaches in Maui. After all, Hawaii is well known for its beaches. Maui Seaside Hotel, Sunseeker Resort, etc, are places to stay at when in Maui.

14. Las Vegas

We all know Las Vegas to be a city of entertainment and gambling but not everyone knows that it is also a great place to be to play golf. There are number of courses in the city as well as on its suburbs. Most of the courses are resort or public. So a golf vacation in Las Vegas can get you all the fun that one can get as you can have lots of entertainment when in this city. Few hotels that you can book yourself in are Marriott Suites, Venetian Hotel Resort, The Mirage, etc.

15. Kiawah Island

It has been said that Kiawah Island holds some of the best golf courses in the United States. You can try out tennis, beaches, bike trails, etc when you are tired of playing golf. When in Kiawah Island, check out the designs of five contemporary golf course designers. Holiday Inn, The Sanctuary, Kiawah Island Golf and Tennis Resort are few places where you can think of staying when in Kiawah Island.

16. Hilton Head

Hilton Head is an Island where many families go to for their vacations. It has forty golf courses and as such, you can spend your golf vacation hoping from one golf course to another. Choose from various kinds of resorts ranging from private to public, to semi-private to resort-type courses. The Beaches in Hilton Head are also very clean and safe so when you are done with golfing you can always go to the beaches. Hilton Oceanfront resort is one great place to stay at.

17. Destin

The Jewel of the Emerald Coast is the name that is given to Destin because it has water that is emerald blue in colors and lovely white sandy beaches. It was once a tiny fishing village but now it has become a well-known destination for golf, tennis and beaches. There are four excellent golf courses in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and they are The Raven, The Links, Burnt Pine and Baytowne. You can consider staying at Days Inn or Emerald towers.

18. Dallas- Fort Worth

Here you will find golf courses that are private, semi-private and public. It is a place where you can expect finest golf courses. Apart from golf courses there are public parks and lakes, museums and different other types of entertainment. You can stay at the Crowne Plaza Suites Arlington.

19. Columbus in Ohio

There are more that 80 public golf courses and 35 private courses in Columbus. According to the Golf Digest in the year 1993, EagleSticks Championship 18 holes course was the top public golf course in Ohio. When in Columbus you can stay at Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza Hotel or Hampton Inn and Suites.

20. Colorado Springs

Apart from the Seven Falls, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Garden of Gods, Colorado Springs is also famous for its golf courses. It does not have many golf courses but still, it's the quality that counts and not the quantity. The scenery in Colorado Springs is excellent and the beauty is there is natural and not artificial. You can stay at The Broadmoor Hotel or Sheraton Colorado Springs Hotel.

21. Coeur d'Alene

It is a town which is considered as the promising location for golf courses. Accommodation at any of the four well-known and excellent resorts would be worth it: Coeur d'Alene Resort, Stoneridge in Blanchard, Hidden Lakes in Sandpoint and Highlands in neighboring Post Falls. The magnificent Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course has been built near the lake, creek and hills. There are lovely lowers, fairways and greenery here. It is one great place to relax too.

22. Chicago Suburbs

On the suburbs of Chicago there are more than a hundred and ten golf courses. There are also a huge number of championship courses that have 36 or more holes. After playing golf there are other forms of entertainment as the city of Chicago has a huge number of entertainments. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites or Hilton Garden Inn are places to stay in if you happen to be on a golf vacation in Chicago.

23. Austin

Apart from being the Live Music Capital of the world, Austin is also one great place to go for a golf vacation. You will find four excellent award winning courses in Austin at the Bartin Creek Golf Resort. These courses are the traditional Crenshar Cliffside, the lovely Palmer lakeside, the latest Fazio Canyons and the high-ranking Fazio Foothills. As for the accommodation, you can stay at Omni Hotel, the Driskill Hotel or the Intercontinental Stephen F Austin Hotel.

24. Augusta

This is one town that will give golfers the feel of pro golf legends and pro golf. Here there are public as well as private golf courses. You can stay at the Marriot Augusta Hotel, Ramada inn and Convention Center or Country Inn and Suites.

25. Atlanta

You will find a huge number of excellent golf courses in Atlanta. Apart from golf there are water parks, theme parks and various historical places.

How To Set Up a Golf Fitness Program to Improve Your Golf Game

Professional golfers on the PGA Tour understand the connection between golf swing mechanics and the body. The most notable players in the world have regimented golf fitness programs they adhere religiously too. The benefits of such programs have been well documented in the media. Press clippings from Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, and Phil Mickelson all refer to golf fitness exercises being a component of their regular practice schedule.

The amateur can learn a lot from the pros. They can learn the importance the body has in relation to the golf swing, how golf swing mechanics and the body are intertwined, and improvement in the golf game requires the implementation of a golf fitness program.

Where most amateurs get "off-track" with their golf fitness training is the components and exercises incorporated in such a program. Golf fitness programs are quite different then "general" fitness or "weight training" programs. A golf fitness program is designed to develop the golfer's body around the golf swing. In order for this to occur certain parameters and exercises are required in such a program.

First and foremost the amateur golfer must understand the connection between the golf swing and body. The golf swing is a complex series of biomechanical movements execute by the golfer. In order for the golfer to execute the biomechanics of the golf swing correctly. It is necessary for the golfer to have certain physical parameters well developed.

These physical parameters are flexibility, balance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power. High levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power are required to execute the golf swing correctly. Often times the amateur golfer is not flexible enough, strong enough, or powerful enough to execute the golf swing correctly.

This results in the golfer developing compensation patterns in their golf swing. The result being poor shots and high scores on the golf course. Bottom line is a physical foundation of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power is required to develop an efficient golf swing. If the amateur golfer is lacking in anyone of these categories the foundation upon which the golf swing is being built will be insufficient.

Once the amateur golfer understands the connection between the golf swing and the body it is necessary to implement a golf fitness program, A golf fitness program is different than "traditional" training programs in such this type of program develops the body around the golf swing.

A golf fitness program trains the body to the positions, movements, and requirements of the golf swing. A golf fitness program is not concern about "beach muscles" or how one looks in the mirror. Rather a golf fitness program has the primary goal of improving the scores on the golf course and play of the golfer.

This type of improvement is a result of using exercise to develop the physical parameters of the body relative to the golf swing. A golf fitness program will include flexibility exercises, balance drills, muscular strength exercise, endurance training modalities, and power drills. Exercises from all of these categories are included in a comprehensive golf fitness program.

Understand the exercises and drills within each of these categories are not necessarily traditional type of exercises. For example, flexibility exercises for golf are less concerned about touching your toes, and more concerned about completing a full shoulder turn. Flexibility exercises for golf are geared towards developing the flexibility within your body to execute the components of the golf swing correctly.

The same can be said about every other category of exercise and drill incorporated in a golf fitness program. The balance drills in a golf fitness program are designed to improve the golfer's balance capacities relative to the golf swing. Power exercises in a golf fitness program are designed to improve clubhead speed. Where as power drills in other programs may be geared towards improving how fast you run.

Once the amateur golfer understands the connection between the golf swing and body, the elements of the body needing development relative to the golf swing, and the components of a golf fitness program. The final component of understanding is golf fitness training order.

Often times the amateur golfer desires more power (i.e. clubhead speed) in their golf swing. As a result they perform only exercises to enhance the power components within their body. What the amateur golfer fails to realize is developing golf strength, endurance, or power is useless if they do not have the flexibility or balance capacities to execute the golf swing. Developing the body for the golf swing requires the amateur golfer to follow a specific order relative to their training programs.

It is necessary for the amateur golfer to first develop their flexibility for the golf swing. Secondly proceed to increasing their balance capacities in relation to the golf swing. Continue the process with developing strength and endurance for the golf swing. Completing the process with power drills to enhance clubhead speed. This guarantees the effort placed within a golf fitness program will enhance the golfer's swing. It becomes a simple process once the golfer is educated on the relationship between the golf swing and the body. The benefits a golf fitness program has upon the golfer's swing, and how to implement golf fitness exercises correctly.

Improve Your Golf Swing by Improving Your Tempo

We have all heard the word tempo in relation to the golf swing. Announcers on television speak of the "great" tempo Ernie Els has in his golf swing. What does tempo mean to the amateur and their golf swing?

Tempo in the Golf Swing

Tempo in the golf swing is a combination of many parts. Tempo is part timing in all aspects of the golf swing. It is part sequencing of each position within the golf swing, and it is part "feel". Putting all these golf swing parts together creates tempo in your own golf swing.

Interconnecting each phase of the golf swing; address, take-away, backswing, transition, downswing, impact, and follow through is one part of tempo, Performing each of these phases with the correct timing is also tempo. And finally "feel" for the clubhead is part of tempo.

We can probably say tempo is the end goal of all our practice and time spent on our golf swing. Once we have developed tempo in the golf swing, there is definitely a level of mastery within it.

How Do We Develop Tempo in the Golf Swing?

A great question that does not have a simple answer: Developing tempo in the golf swing is a task that requires patience, practice, and time. There really are no short cuts to developing it within your golf swing. One practice session at the driving range will not do it. The use of a single training aide will not get you there. The implementation of a golf fitness program will not achieve this task on its own.

I say this because developing a PGA Tour type golf swing requires a "basket of tools" in your arsenal. Developing tempo and a silky smooth golf swing requires you to:

* Receive proper instruction on the fundamentals of the golf swing

* Maintain a consistent practice schedule with your golf swing

* Use swing drills to develop every as of your golf swing

* The possible implementation of training aides into your practice sessions

* Implementing of golf fitness program to develop your body around the golf swing.

The "basket of tools" listed above put together can lead you to developing great tempo in your golf swing. It requires a comprehensive approach in which no short cuts can be made. Let's take a look at the bullet points above to get a better understanding of how to go about this process.

Proper Instruction in the Mechanics of the Golf Swing

Learning the fundamentals of the golf swing is key to developing tempo. This can be achieved through quality instruction. This will allow your body to learn the nuances of the swing. This is the first step in developing tempo.

Consistent Practice of the Golf Swing

As they say practice makes perfect. In order for your body to learn and be able to repeat to proper mechanics of the golf swing, you must practice on a consistent basis. The body learns biomechanical movements through repetition. The golf swing is no different. Repetition through proper practice session is the second key to developing tempo.

Swing Drills to Develop the Golf Swing

The golf swing as a whole is one of the most intricate athletic movements to perform. In its entirety, it is a very difficult movement to perform and master. It is best when learning the golf swing to break it down into parts. Breaking the golf swing down into segments allows you more easily to master each phase of the swing. This is accomplished through the implementation of golf swing drills. Swing drills break the swing down into manageable parts.

Training Aides in Association with Your Golf Swing Drills

Training aides assist the body in developing the golf swing. Think of training aides as "training wheels" on a bicycle. They simply help your body learn certain movements and positions associated with the golf swing.

Implementing a Golf Fitness Program

Your body swings the golf club and performs the biomechanics of the golf swing. In order to perform the biomechanics of the golf swing correctly. It is necessary for your body to have certain levels of flexibility, balance, endurance, strength, and power. If your body is lacking any of this aforementioned list learning the biomechanics of the golf swing correctly will be very difficult. A golf fitness program is the final key to developing tempo in your golf swing.

Summary

To summarize the development of tempo in your golf swing requires a "basket of tools". Tempo requires; proper instruction on the golf swing, consistent practice of your golf swing mechanics, the utilization of swing drills, training aides, and a golf fitness program. Put all of these aspects together and a golf swing with tempo will be yours.

Golf Fitness Exercises for the Amateur Golfer

With all the talk about the players on tour getting stronger and more flexible, we hear a lot about exercising for golf from television commentators and read about it in the golf publications. But what exactly are the best exercises for the amateur golfer?

A great question that has a good answer, but before we give you the answer let us provide some background so the answer makes a little more sense to you. First of all, discussing the golf swing for the time being will get us rolling.

What exactly is the golf swing? The golf swing is an athletic movement that requires using of the entire body from "feet to fingertips" in order to complete the swing. Realize that the golf swing is not about the club, not just about your grip, or where your head is during the swing. The golf swing is a movement that requires your entire body to move through a sequence of movements with the correct timing. To perform the "athletic movement" of the golf swing requires the body to begin at address, move through the actual phases of the golf swing and complete it with the follow through. In order to perform this activity with efficiency and repetitively, the body must have certain physical parameters.

These parameters, as I call them, are actual physical categories of the body that need to be developed to a certain level. These categories of the body are the platform from which the body is able to perform the athletic movement of a golf swing efficiently. The categories are probably familiar to many of you, but for the purpose of this article let us briefly run through them.

The body is required to have certain levels of flexibility, balance, endurance, strength, and power to complete a golf swing. If the body lacks in any of the above categories, then the results will be seen in the golf swing. The results are usually in the form of poor mechanics, bad shots, or poor scores on the course. So, now that we know what the connection is between the "body" and the "swing" let us address the question about the best exercises for golf.

The Best Exercises for Golf

Let's say you walk into your local health club and see all the fancy machines and aerobic machines at the facility to get you shape. What ones would choose? Would you choose running on the treadmill for 30 minutes, or would it be better to push out a couple sets of bench presses? Well, the answer to our question really lies within the connection between your swing and your body.

I will tell you that exercises meant to "pump you up!" or give you that "six pack" are not necessarily the correct exercises for your golf game. Neither is that weight training program you used back in high school. So, with those thoughts in mind what do you think the best exercises for golf are?

Right now we know, in general terms about the golf swing, what is required of the body for the golf swing and what exercises are not good for the swing. Armed with that knowledge we can decipher what the best exercises for golf are for you.

Beginning with flexibility, we know that the entire body must move through certain ranges of motion to perform an effective golf swing. And what happens if your body is not able to move through the required ranges of motion of the golf swing? The answer: the golf swing will mechanically suffer resulting in shots that are less than optimal. So part of the exercises that are good for golfers are flexibility exercises and, even more so, flexibility exercises that work the muscles used in the golf swing through the movements involved in the golf swing. So first and foremost flexibility exercises should be on the top of your list.

The second category of exercises that would be conducive to the golf swing would have to do with balance. We hear about balance in reference to the golf swing all the time. "Stay balanced through the swing; transfer your weight to maintain balance during the swing..." But what does balance exactly mean? Balance is the ability to control your body through a specific movement pattern. The movement pattern we are discussing just happens to be the golf swing. We know the importance of balance in relation to the golf swing, so how do we train our body for better balance in the golf swing? Before we answer that question we need to know a little more about balance. Balance in relation to the body has to do with the connection between your nerves and muscles. Essentially your nervous system, as a result of messages sent from your brain, tells your muscles how to move to maintain the body's balance. The more efficient your nerves and muscles are to these messages the greater balance abilities the body develops. So balance exercises train both the nervous system and muscular system to become more efficient at this function. Summing it all up, balance is the second category of exercises that will assist your golf game.

The third category of exercises that are beneficial to golf have to do with your muscles. The golf swing requires the muscles of your body to move through a specific range of motion (flexibility) and help with your balance capacities. In order to perform these actions and others, your body needs certain levels of strength and endurance. The definition of strength is the ability of the muscles to exert force for the given "athletic action" (simplified definition but a good working definition for us). Endurance is the ability of your muscles to do the same activity over and over again for a specific amount of time.

First off, let us discuss strength. The golf swing has one intention of developing club head speed while maintaining balance through the swing. The muscles in your body must have enough strength in them to do both. Now, when we discuss building strength for the golf swing it is NOT the type of strength needed to bench press 250 lbs. Or squat 500! It is strength geared towards the improvement of your swing. I refer to this type of strength as "golf strength." So when you get to the gym, performing strength exercises like bench press will not help your swing. Exercises that train the body in the positions and through the movements of the golf swing will help your swing.

In addition to strength, we need to develop endurance in your muscles. Think of how many swings you may take over the course of 18 holes. In order for you to be able to swing the club the same way on the 18th hole as you did on the 1st hole. Your body has to have high levels of endurance. This will allow your body to perform the golf swing without getting tired. You develop endurance similar to how you develop "golf strength." Utilize exercises that train the body in the positions and through the movements of the golf swing. Lighter loads with higher repetitions will be used for these exercises. The end result will be the development of "golf endurance."

The final segment of exercises beneficial to your golf swing is power training. Power training is geared towards the ability of your body to generate high levels of club head speed. Power development by the body is what allows for greater distance on your shots. Clubs help, golf balls help, but it really comes down to the piece of machinery, your body, swinging those club and hitting those golf balls. Development of power for the golf swing is very similar to the development of "golf strength and endurance." It is the utilization of exercises that place your body in the positions and move you through movements similar to the golf swing.

Summary

So there you have it, the answer to the types of exercises best for the improvement of your golf swing. I think you now realize it is not one exercise, but a group of exercises that incorporate flexibility, balance, endurance, strength, and power. A combination of these exercises is what will enhance your golf swing.

Golf Course Guide For Costa Del Sol, Spain

The Costa del sol golf course guide is a "rough guide" and is purely the personal opinion of the author. Please take in to consideration that these comments are subjective, personal opinions and standards of golf differ. Please take this rough guide as exactly that, an honest, personal opinion from a fellow golf addict.

Alcaidesa Links Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Alcaidesa golf course is a 18 hole, par 70 golf course.
Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 124.6, La Linea, Cadiz. Tel: +34 956 791 040.

This is a beautiful and tricky golf course for every standard of golfer from 28 handicap to scratch. Allis and Clark have made and admirable attempt to create a rare links course on the Costa. Stunning views across the bay to Gibraltar and hilly terrain make it a delight to play. Take plenty of balls, as the fairways are tight and unforgiving surrounded by gorse and ravines.

A buggy is needed - even for the fittest amongst us- and as you play consider taking an extra club up on par threes because of deceptive wind.

Alhaurin Golf Course, Costa del sol, Spain.

Alhaurin golf course is a 18+18+9, par 72 golf course which was designed by Severiano Ballesteros.
Address: Ctra Mijas-Alhaurin, (MA485) Km6, Alhaurin el Grande. Tel: +34 95 259 5970.

Tight beyond belief, difficult beyond anything I have every seen before.

The first hole is extremely difficult with a narrow fairway and rocks to the sides of the fairway, which send your ball bouncing high in to the sky, never to be seen again. As you progress the course gets tougher and if you are not really on top of your game you could easily become more and more disheartened as you progress around the course. I stopped counting shots after I lost my tenth golf ball! By the 18th I had suffered several episodes of golf rage and was close to a nervous breakdown.

I've read course guides say that this course "compels golfers to concentrate on their game and choose with care which club they should use for every stroke." Personally I would say this course is one of the toughest golf course on the Costa del Sol. This course is at best described as a challenge for an experienced player who is on top form, at worst its tight and downright cruel.

Alhaurin golf course is generally cheaper to play than most other local golf courses.

A buggy is essential as is an ample supply of golf balls.

Cabopino Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Cabopino golf course is a 18 hole par 71 golf course.

It's a relatively new course but it has matured very quickly and is very well maintained. The marshal's are friendly and very welcoming.

There is a driving range on the approach road to the course, so if you arrive early you can loosen up your swing. Alternatively you could take the approach Andy and I prefer, loosen up with a San Miguel at the bar before you tee off.

Cabopino golf has a pleasant clubhouse, with a pleasant sun terrace where you can sit, eat, drink and enjoy the views of the ocean. The staff in the bar and restaurant are friendly staff and they serve good quality food.

The short at only course is only 5,170 meters long but it's has tight fairways and is challenging.

The greens are large and were of fantastic quality when we last visited. The third hole is the one most people enjoy the most and it's not one you will forget, it's a par 4 which drops dramatically from the tee to the green and has outstanding views. A buggy is advisable on this course, which is hilly.

Dama de Noche Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Dama de Noche golf course is a 9 hole, Par 70 golf course.
Centro Commercial Plaza, Oficinas 51-52, 29660, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella.

Dama de Noche golf course is a nine-hole course, which can be played as 18 holes. It is flat, wide and easy. It is ideal course for a high handicapper or anyone wanting a gentle stroll.

All that changes a night though because the is course is flood lit and can be played at night.

They say that the lighting system is designed to cast no shadows thus giving daylight quality and maximum visibility, does that apply in the rough as well I ask myself?

You do have to make a reservation for night golf because they only put the lights on if there is sufficient demand but for total golfing addicts or insomniac this course offers considerable novelty value and it's one to talk about in the clubhouse when you go home.

El Chaparral Golf Course, near La Cala de Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain.

El Chaparral golf course is an 18 hole, par 73 course.
Address: N340 / A7 Km 203.

El Chaparral is a club which closed several years ago for reasons that I don't need to go into now. The course has now risen from the ashes and is trying to build a reputation for itself. Purely for research purposes, I tested out the clubhouse both before and after my round at El Chaparral and I found the staff to be particularly welcoming and they really did their best to make us feel at home.

Even though El Chaparral is only a stones throw from the coast it has an English parkland course feel to it. The fairways are long and narrow and I found the course testing, I didn't have enough room to risk my driver off many tee's yet I needed the driver to get the distance I needed off the tee's to get any chance of reaching the green in regulation.

El Chaparral is extremely hilly and walking it is only for the bravest of golfers. Overall I would describe it as a very tricky course, bordering on frustrating, it tempted me to use the driver but punished me when I did!

The course is a little pricey for what you get. It was quiet when I played it but I've been back since and it is gaining in popularity.

Estepona Golf.

Carretera Cádiz, KM 150, Arroyo Vaquero, Apartado 532, 29680 Estepona.

18 hole, par 72 course.

The first time I played this course about nine years ago I was extremely disappointed. The fairways were worn, bare and baked, the greens were unkempt and the whole feel of the place was one of a lack of investment. Since then I have been tempted to re-visit by a friend who told me that improvements have been made yet the cost has been kept down. Well fair play, the cost has stayed relatively low and there has obviously been a lot of investment and as a result the course has improved considerably. It still needs some TLC but it is now playable. Still nowhere near the quality of Monte Mayor, La Cala or the like but it is perfect for a cheap round in between more serious games.

Flamingos Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Flamingos golf course is a 18-hole, par 72 course.
Address: Ctra de Cadiz Km 166, Marbella / Benhavis.

A relatively new course but the work that has gone into the course makes that incredible, it looks like its been established for years.

Clearly no expense has been spared when they built this course. Everything from the hotel toilets to the course itself is magnificent, lavish and downright opulent. A visit to Flamingos really is a treat (and before you ask I don't get a commission for writing this, I just tell it as I see it.)

Flamingos is worth a visit just to have a walk around the hotel, which has clearly been fashioned on the Alhambra Palace and its magnificent water gardens.

As for the golf course itself it is every bit as lavish as the hotel and clubhouse. As you meander around the course the views vary from a panoramic views of the Mediterranean to secluded views of the wild countryside. Around the course there is an incredible variety of trees, plants and vegetation, some native, some clearly imported so as to add to the experience.

Every now and them you stumble across an old (well they genuinely look old but they weren't there in 2005!) ruins or statues and every corner holds a new surprise, all of them pleasant.

The front nine holes have generous wide fairways where you really can open up your shoulders, a rarity for Spanish golf and the greens are ample too, so get the low score on the card in front nine if you can. As you negotiate the back nine the fairways tend to narrow down, especially the 18th which really focuses the mind but even so the back nine are not overly cruel. The fairways are narrower than the front nine but they tend to be shorter and you have loosened up, so even though you have to be a little more precise than on the front nine the golf is still enjoyable.

If you visit Flamingos make sure you take the time to explore the hotel after your round. It's well worth a look.

Over all I would describe Flamingos as a cracking course which tends to be a little on the pricey side but if you want to treat yourself you will not be disappointed. A Masters or Championship course of the future I will wager.

Lauro Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Lauro golf course is an 18 hole par 72 golf course.
Address:Ctra de Coin,(C344) Km 77, Los Caraclilos, Alhaurin de la Torre. Tel: +34 952 4127 67.

Beautiful parkland course surrounded by lots of Andalucian trees. It offers breathtaking views over the valley and Malaga bay. Nine lakes so there is something to think about but it is a relatively easy and relaxing course.

La Cala Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

La Cala has three golf courses, each of 18 holes, par's 72,73 and 71.
Address: La Cala de Mijas, Mijas Costa. Tel: +34 95 266 9000.

A personal favourite, all three courses are equally good. I highly recommend La Cala golf, not only because of the quality of the golf but also because of the quality of the clubhouse, facilities, surroundings and the reasonable pricing.

At La Cala golf there are three spectacular 18 hole courses, which are nestled in the countryside about 15-20 minutes drive in land from La Cala town.

La Cala golf is an enormous luxury golfing resort, which is perfect for golfers who want quality golf at a sensible price in an exclusive environment.

Set out like a Country Club in extremely large grounds it has an exclusive clubhouse and restaurant. It also has a separate five star hotel, where you will find an very exclusive restaurant.

All three courses have terrific obstacles & natural water hazards along with narrow fairways and large well-kept greens. Set amongst tranquil mountains, all three courses are long and sculptured into the natural contours of the countryside which means that you have think your way around La Cala golf and use the contours of the landscape to your advantage.

All three courses hilly and a buggy is a must. The South is my favourite, it's a little more forgiving than the North Course and the Europa.

Try the Leadbetter Golf Academy located at La Cala Golf, it's a little expensive and you will have to book in advance but the instructor's improved my game, so they must be good!

At the academy they also have an excellent grass driving range.

La Noria.

La Noria golf is a nine hole, par 33 course.
It is located at the beginning of the road from La Cala de Mijas which runs to La Cala Golf off the N340 or A7.

This 9 hole course has been a long time in the building and it is obviously eventually going to grow into a 18 holes course but that will probably take some time.

The club house is literally a bar come cafe but it is adequate and serves its purpose.

I am no fan of 9 hole courses but I have to say I enjoyed playing this course. It's relatively simple to negotiate and very easy to walk around. The fairways are wide and none of the holes were particularly long. There is water to cross and a few challenges as you negotiate the course and while it's no Carnoustie for what you pay its not at all bad.

It's not every day that you want to play challenging golf and if that's the case then La Noria is worth thinking about. This course is perfect for a high handicapper, a novice golfer or simply for a warm up for a more serious round later on in your holiday. As nine hole courses go this is one of the better ones and for the price its worth bearing in mind.

Los Naranjos golf course, Costa del sol, Spain.

A relatively flat and wide 18 hole course, something which is rare on the Costa del sol.

The best summary I can give of this course is to say it is wide and forgiving and it allows you to "go for it" when the opportunity arises yet there are enough challenges to keep you focused and maintain your interest.

In all honesty a buggy is not essential but if you do hire one the in built satnav is very hand, it even gives you a distance to the buggy in front of you, so there's no excuse for taking out the four ball ahead of you, never mind such is life!

We found the course to be well marshalled, nothing oppressive but they gave the slow golfers a hint when needed. The course staff were all very polite and helpful and we were made to feel very welcome.

The course has a excellent restaurant and the beer at the end of the round was suitably chilled, what more could you ask for.

Reasonably priced and definitely a course I will be re-visiting.

Mijas Golf Courses, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Mijas golf has two 18 hole golf courses, par 71 & 72.

Address: Urb. Mijas Golf, Mijas-Costa. Tel: +34 95 247 6843

Two relaxing 18 hole courses both having flat and wide fairways. Both courses are generous and forgiving leaving the option of a safe shot down the middle for a bogie or a par, alternatively you can take the driver out and go for the birdie. Good scores are achievable on either of the courses, which are set both in an attractive and tranquil landscape.

If you hire a buggy they have satellite / GPS tracking and mapping which gives you distances from where you park the buggy to the green and to hazards. Watch out though, don't make the same mistake I made, the distances are in meters not 1yards, don't forget to add 10% to get yardages!

All level of golfers will find that both courses at Mijas golf are a fair and enjoyable test of golf. Being one of the better-known clubs Mijas can get busy. A four and a half hour round is not unusual because it is so popular but the surroundings are so pleasant you hardly notice. I recommend both of the Mijas courses, play them and you will see why.

Just a tip for those playing out of season at Mijas golf course. They often close half of each of the golf courses to rest them out of season so you may find that you are playing the front nine of Los Olivios and the back nine of Los Largos one day and vice versa the next day. It's not a problem as both are nice courses but sometimes this takes people by surprise.

Miraflores Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Miraflores golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course.

Address: Urb. Riviera del Sol, 29647 Mijas-Costa. Tel: (952) 83 36 47.

This used to be a favourite and regular golf course for me, sadly there has been extensive building work all around the course edge of Miraflores golf course and it appears never ending. In my opinion the building work has taken the edge off the natural beauty and spoilt the course somewhat. While prices have been reduced in an apparent attempt to tempt golfers back to the course I have to ask myself if I want to go all the way to Spain to play golf in the middle of a building site?

It is one of the more forgiving courses on the Costa and a buggy is not essential.

If you do try Miraflores golf course loosen up in advance of the first tee, the first hole is a tight and requires a straight shot or you could end up in the garden of one of the many villa's next to the fairway.

Monte Mayor Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 165.6, La Cancelada, San Pedro. Tel: +34 95 211 3088.

A challenging course but in my opinion this is the best golf course on the Costa del sol, if your game is on form. It is extremely tight, very hilly and is carefully sculptured into the natural mountainous terrain. The natural views and beauty of this course are second to none.

Your golf needs to be accurate, sensible club selection and course management are a must. If you play sensibly and stay on the fairways you will be rewarded, if not make sure you have a good supply of golf balls.

If you play Monte Mayor golf course you are guaranteed a day to remember and you will want to go back as often as I do.

Most of the year golf buggies are included in the green fee's. If you visit in high season they may not be, in which case I strongly recommend that visit hire a buggy, you will need it.

This is a very isolated golf course, in a location where you have to ask "Who thought of putting a golf course way up here?" The isolation adds to attraction of this incredible golf course but it means that it is difficult to find, so I strongly recommend that you drive to it for a "test run" the day before your golf.

It is set in spectacular mountainous terrain where you will find peace and tranquility combined with natural beauty and unforgettable golf. A challenge but a fantastic golf course in surroundings that are literally unsurpassable. To sum up, if your game is on form do not miss this golf course, its brilliant.

Parador Malaga Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Parador golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course.

Apartado de Correos, 324 29080 Málaga. Tel. +34 952376677

Parador golf Course is famous because it hosted the Spanish Open's in 1992 and 1999. Personally I am not sure why they would host such a prestigious event at this course because it is literally at the end of the busy runway of Malaga International Airport and there is constant noise as planes take off and land right next to the course.

I found this course boring, the greens were in a terrible condition and bunkers were in a state of total disrepair with bare soil and mud instead of sand.

Famous it may be but I found it to be a total let down. In my opinion the best way to view this golf course is out of the airplane window as you land or from the main road as you drive past to one of the many more pleasant courses in Andalucia.

Rio Real Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Rio Real golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course.
Urb Rio Real, P.O.BOX 82, 29600 Marbella, Malaga. Tel: +34 95 277 95 09.

A mature, tranquil course that gradually meanders way up into the hills and then it wanders all the way back down to the beach. At one stage you feel you are alone in the middle of the mountains, next you are on a green that is literally next to the beach.

The course generally has wide fairways and while you have to concentrate it does not punish you unfairly. Water come in to play on a few times but in all honesty if you play sensible golf it won't cost you any golf balls. Pleasant countryside and views in the hills and a fantastic vista as you play down to the edge of the Mediterranean Ocean. A relaxing day of golf, this course comes in my top three golf courses but it does tend to be pricey because of its popularity.

The club house has a magnificent balcony / terrace restaurant where you can sit, watch fellow golfers playing out the 18th and reminisce on your "shot of the day."

The down side of Rio real golf course is the cost. A round of golf here tends to be expensive and the golf buggies, which I would recommend hiring due to the hilly location, are an expensive addition to this already high cost.

Santa Clara.

18 holes, par 71.
Address Ctra A7, KM 187.5, Junto a Hospital Comarcal, 29600, Marbella. Tel. +34.952.85.01.11.
Being next to a busy main road you could easily assume that it would suffer from traffic noise. For some inexplicable reason it doesn't. As soon as you tee off the course meanders away from the Coast following the gentle contours of the land leading you into a natural and peaceful setting. The course has several wide and relatively trouble free fairways where you can open your shoulders and let the ball fly but that said there are holes where course management is wise and where a little caution can pay dividends.

Santa Clara is relatively flat and is suitable for walking. The course is a fair test of golf and is similar in difficulty to many UK golf clubs, as opposed to many of the Spanish golf courses, which can be cruel at times. The course is perfect for an easy and relaxing round or for a golf society. It has many similarities to Rio Real but it is slightly easier, slightly flatter and has slightly less trouble. The course is relatively new and consequently it is not as well established as Rio Real.

When you arrive in the car park you will be met by an attendant on a buggy, who takes you your bag to the magnificent clubhouse, even thought it is only about forty yards from the car park. In the palatial clubhouse there are excellent changing rooms, shower facilities and a restaurant that serves a variety of quality food and drink.

My only reservation with this course is the green fee, which is very high compared to other courses in the area. The choice is yours.

San Roque Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

San Roque golf course is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course, which was designed by Dave Thomas.
Address:Urb. San Roque Club,Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 127, San Roque.Tel: +34 956 61 30 30.

The old course is expensive but is ideal for both experts and those looking for a leisurely game. Superb practice facilities and wonderful manicured greens and idyllic fairways. A real treat, if you are prepared to spend the money..

As a cheaper alternative you can always try the new course at San Roque, we visited and got a really good deal, half the price of the old course and we found it a fantastic days golf. There is a course is what I can best describe as a fair test, not too tough but not too easy either. They have got this course design absolutely spot on.

Santa Maria Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Santa Maria golf course is an 18 hole, Par 72 golf course, which was designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido.
Address: Coto de Los Dolores, Urb. Elviria. Tel: +34 95 283 1036.

A pleasant and popular course, which is challenging. It has plenty of long holes where you can open up and swing the driver but every now and then they throw in a tight par three to bring you back down to earth. The course starts off with a hole over a lake where you can "go for it" and get the driver out. There is ample fairway and a decent drive makes it a short par four. The course gradually winds its way into the hills and far, far away, we recommend a buggy.

Santa Maria golf course tends to be a little on the pricey side. I found the staff to be unhelpful and less friendly than most other golf courses in the area but if you let the golf course speak for itself you will enjoy a round here.

If you want a buggy or a Powakaddy we strongly recommend that buggy pre-book it, they have a limited supply and they soon get taken.

Sotogrande Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Sotogrande golf course is an 18 hole (Par 72) with an additional nine holes. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones.
Address: Paseo del Parque, Sotogrande, Cadiz. Tel +34 956 785 014

Another Robert Trent Jones success. He is reputed to have described Sotogrande as one of his proudest pieces of work, that's a compliment from a golf course designer of such ability.

European Tour pros battle here at the end of the season to gain their cards for the forthcoming season so that's an indication of the quality of this golf course.

Torrequebrada Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Torrequebrada golf has an 18 hole, par 72 course and addition nine holes, which were designed by Jose Gancedo.
Address: Ctra de Cadiz (N340), Km 220, Benalmadena-Costa. Tel: +34 95 244 2742.

Every hole is a different experience. Fantastic views of the Mediterranean and has the shortest par 3 on the coast. The 1979 Spanish Open was played here and you can see why after you turn for home on the back nine. A large number of lakes and strategically placed wide bunkers ensure that this course retains its reputation as one of the most popular courses on the Costa. Welcoming and luxurious clubhouse.

Valderrama Golf Course, Costa del Sol, Spain.

Valderama has 18 holes and is a tough par 72.

Valderama golf course is a world famous golf course and is ranked number one course in Continental Europe.

Valderama golf course is always in superb condition and enjoys worldwide fame, not least due to having had the privilege to have hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup and the last two American Express World Championships.

Extremely expensive but if you can play a round of golf here you are privileged!

One word of warning, I have pre-booked to play Valderama twice and had the booking cancelled at very short notice by the course. Both times they blamed disease on the greens. Strange how this never happens when the Volvo Masters is being played there!

There are new golf courses appearing all the time in Andalucia and the Costa del sol has understandably become known as the Costa del golf. As avid lovers of golf we are regularly visiting the area and we will try to play as many golf courses in Andalucia as we possibly can just so that we can keep this web page up to date (well that's the reason I give to my wife for playing so much golf anyway!)

The Costa del Sol Golf Guide is purely the subjective and personal opinion of the author.
The Costa del sol Golf Guide is "rough guide" of golf courses on and around the Costa del sol, Spain.