Getting out of a Bunker

Bunkers are annoying obstacles on a golf course. Many golfers hate them simply because they spend a fair amount of time in them trying to get the ball out. Here are a few tips that can help you combat this difficult hazard.

The first and overall thing to keep in mind is – Do not panic. A sand trap is part of the game and it is not the end of the world.

The basic bunker shot – Position yourself with an open stance and keep your legs apart. Keep your clubface open and the ball more or less in line with the heel of the front foot. Swing as if you are standing inside a tube that does not allow you any more movement than that of swiveling. The club should hit the sand a little way behind the ball by as much as four or five inches. Ideally the back of the club should bounce off the sand and not dig into it. Ensure that the club follows through and does not stay chopped down in the sand. The general look of things should be the ball flying through the air accompanied by a fair amount of sand. This way some backspin will be imparted on the ball, ensuring that it does not roll of after it lands.

Wet or Shallow sand – If you play this the same way you play you general bunker shot, your ball will balloon over the green and get you into more trouble. In this case swing normally while entering the sand a couple of inches behind the ball.

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Golfing Etiquette: Why Booking Your Tee Time is Crucial

Golf is a great sport for those who enjoy the finer things in life, such as a great landscape and friendly competition. Unfortunately, a golf course isn’t like a playground where kids can come to play anytime they wish. Going to a golf course without a booking causes you a great deal of frustration, embarrassment and whole lot of wasted time waiting. It’s just like going to a hair salon without setting an appointment first. You will have to steal glances at the golfers ahead of you and hope to heavens one of them cancels so you can squeeze in. What’s a better way to avoid all the unnecessary hassle at the golf course? Schedule your tee time.

If you do show up at the golf course without a schedule, you will be forced to wait your turn, or be squeezed in for a certain golfer who can’t make it. This poses a lot of disadvantages. For instance, you won’t be able to relax and practice when you want to, because the second you wander off, you will probably get called to join in on a game. So instead, you will have to stand around and wait for a foursome to mention that one of them isn’t there and they really need to start playing. Then, you swallow your pride and walk up to them and ask if you could join them, making up an excuse about not waiting for your own players or something.

But if you have a tee time, you can play things your way. You simply call out your name when you get to the pro shop, and if you are playing alone, the pro can arrange for other golf players to join you for the game. And if you refuse to play with some other players, or the pro isn’t able to find golfers who would join you, you can still use your tee time to play. In short, you’re king no matter what you do! So the trick to a great time at the golf course, is of course, booking your tee time.

Simple Workouts to Improve Your Game

Whether you are casual or an amateur player, keeping fit will certainly help your game. Most of us aren’t inclined to go to the gym, so here are a few simple exercises that you can do to keep fit.

1. Straight Arm Raises will help strengthen the rotator cuff and therefore improve your swing. Get close to a wall and turn your back against it. Hold a couple of moderate weights in your hand and stand straight. Now, without bending your elbow, raise both hands in a slow arc ending above your head. If you do this properly, the weights would have travelled in a 180 degree arc. Do three sets of 10 repetitions and increase the weight as the exercise becomes easier.

2. Lunges will help to build up strength in your legs and hips. This in turn helps you generate a lot of power in your drives. Do three sets of 10 repetitions each. As it becomes easier, you can try adding a small step in front so that it increases the difficulty. Always remember to keep the knee on the front foot from going past the toe on the front foot.

3. Squats can add more strength to your legs. Stand straight with your hands on your hips. Now squat slowly while keeping your back straight. The motion you want here is that of you sitting down in a chair without bending you back in any direction. Do not bend your knees past your feet. The same number of sets and repetitions from the other exercises also apply here.

4. Pushups can build up a decent amount of upper body strength without the use of weights. To work the chest and a little bit of the shoulders, you can try inclined pushups. All you have to do is find a desk and incline yourself in a 45 degree angle and commence your pushups. Do the same number of sets as before in this exercise as well.