A final-round 64, keyed by an eagle-birdie-birdie stretch before the turn, gave Stacy Lewis a six-shot win in the North Texas LPGA Shootout for her first victory of 2014.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Lone star: Lewis wins in Texas, going away
A final-round 64, keyed by an eagle-birdie-birdie stretch before the turn, gave Stacy Lewis a six-shot win in the North Texas LPGA Shootout for her first victory of 2014.
Minnesota holds off Illinois for Big Ten title
Behind senior Jon Trasamar, Minnesota secured a spot in the NCAA Regionals with a four-shot victory over No. 7 Illinois at French Lick Resort in Indiana.
Kent State seizes 6th-straight MAC title
Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith led Kent State Golden Flashes to its sixth-straight Mid-American Conference Championship.
5 Things: Aguilar's hole-out for 28 takes Laguna
Third-round leader Anders Hansen shot 67 and expected a European Tour victory Sunday, but Felipe Aguilar holed out on the 18th to cap a back-nine 28 and win the Championship at Laguna National. Here are 5 Things to know.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Tour Tracker: Wells Fargo, final round
Phil Mickelson is two shots back of leader J.B. Holmes entering Sunday's final round of the Wells Fargo Championship. Can Lefty capture his first PGA Tour victory of the season? Find out!
U.S. tops GB&I to win inaugural Concession Cup
The Concession Cup ended, fittingly enough, with a concession on the 18th green. By that time, the U.S. already had clinched a commanding victory to secure the Bonallack-Campbell trophy in the inaugural competition.
Tee times: Wells Fargo Championship, final round
Here are the tee times and pairings for the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship Sunday at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.
Lewis grabs share of North Texas LPGA lead
Stacy Lewis shot a 2-under 69 to grab a share of the lead with South Korea's Meena Lee after three rounds at the North Texas LPGA Shootout.
5 Things: Mickelson cards 63; Holmes takes lead
Phil Mickelson's 62. Rory McIlroy's 65. J.B. Holmes' 66 to take the 54-hole lead. Moving Day lived up to its name Saturday at the Wells Fargo Championship.
Kuehne makes rare return to golf at Concession Cup
Trip Kuehne is making a rare return to competitive golf at the inaugural Concession Cup, but he has no regrets after leaving the game full-time in 2008.
McIlroy back in the mix after 65 at Wells Fargo
After making the cut on the number, Rory McIlroy came out early Saturday and carded a 7-under 65 to move back into contention at the Wells Fargo Championship.
Hansen, Pittayarat share lead at Laguna National
Anders Hansen holed three straight birdies to close his round of 5-under 67 and move into a share of the lead with Thailand's Panuphol Pittayarat at The Championship at Laguna National.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Tour Tracker: Wells Fargo Championship, Saturday
Angel Cabrera and Martin Flores lead after two rounds of the Wells Fargo Championship, but Justin Rose and a list of others will try and track them down on Moving Day at Quail Hollow. Follow now!
ANNIKA Award Watch List: May 2, 2014
As the spring season progresses, Golfweek is monitoring the race for the inaugural ANNIKA Award presented by 3M. The award is presented to the best female college player, as voted on by players, coaches and select media.
Lee, Masson share lead at North Texas LPGA Shootout
Meena Lee shot a season-best 64 that included a nine-hole stretch without a par and Caroline Masson had her second straight 67 on Friday to share the lead in the North Texas LPGA Shootout.
Tee times: Wells Fargo Championship, Round 3
Here are the third-round tee times and pairings for the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.
5 Things: Cabrera, Flores share Wells Fargo lead
Just as he did a day prior, Angel Cabrera used a run of birdies to remain atop the leaderboard Friday at the Wells Fargo Championship. At 9 under, Cabrera is tied with Martin Flores for the lead at Quail Hollow Club.
U.S. extends lead to 12-6 at Concession Cup
The U.S. won seven of the nine four-ball matches Friday to take a 12-6 lead after two days of the Concession Cup.
De Jonge bounces back with 62 at Wells Fargo
After shooting 8-over 80 in the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship, Brendon de Jonge bounced back with a second-round 62 Friday at Quail Hollow Club.
Haskins Award Watch List: May 2, 2014
Stanford's Patrick Rodgers and Georgia Tech's Ollie Schneiderjans add a pair of victories to their impressive 2013-14 resumes and keep a lock on the Nos. 1 and 2 positions in the Haskins Award Watch List.
Tour Tracker: Wells Fargo Championship, Rd. 2
Among a top-heavy field that includes Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy, both of whom will start Friday under par, it's Angel Cabrera who begins the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship with the lead at Quail Hollow. Track the action right here!
Friday, May 2, 2014
Pettersen leads Wie, three others by a shot
Still nursing a back injury, Suzann Pettersen scattered five birdies during a bogey-free round for a one-shot lead over four players including Michelle Wie after the first round of the North Texas LPGA Shootout.
5 Things: Cabrera, Mickelson rally at Quail Hollow
Five-time major champion Phil Mickelson came to the Wells Fargo Championship looking to find some form -- and he did, quickly, thanks largely to exceptional putting. Here are 5 Things to know from Quail Hollow.
You’ve lost your golf ball, what are your options?
What do you do when you’ve lost your golf ball?
Some of you may have read the title of this post and smirked, “Who doesn’t know this rule?!”
While I agree that it is one of the fundamental rules of golf, I’d hate to think that Aussie Golfer would become some sort of intimidating golf website - akin to some of the more exclusive golf clubs in the country – where you can’t pop in to learn more about the game.
YouTube’s most popular golf teaching professional visits Australia: video
Shawn Clement is one of YouTube’s most popular golf swing teachers and he recently made the long trip to Australia.
Shawn Clement has over 38,000 subscribers to his golf teaching YouTube channel and the Canadian golf teaching guru was in Australia recently to present his unique style of teaching to some keen golfers at Bonnie Doon.
On behalf of Inside Golf, I went out to chat to Clement about his unique style, using the internet to teach, and talk about how technology has changed the way you teach the golf swing.
LPGA community mourns for Redman family's loss
John Redman, familiar to the LPGA as the son of a former player and an assistant basketball coach at Dalton State, was badly injured in an auto accident that took the life of his fiancee as they traveled to their wedding.
Trump adds '22 PGA to his growing golf portfolio
Donald Trump has had quite the week, adding Turnberry Resort to his golf-course arsenal, as well as picking up the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Bedminster.
Contest! – Win this Edel Clyde W. Hand-Engraved #ThePimpList Wedge
Yesterday we rolled out #ThePimpList - a collection of 19 of the sexiest custom wedges you’ll ever find in one place. Today we’re taking it a step further. We’re giving away one of the most popular (based on your votes so far) Pimp List wedges.
This stunning deep-blue torched Edel Wedge, hand-engraved by Clyde W. can be yours.
Seriously. We’ve been so overwhelmed (in a good way) by the response that we’ve decided to celebrate the success of ##ThePimpList by giving all of you a chance to own this stunningly beautiful wedge.
If you missed The Pimp List yesterday, you probably should check it out right now.
Once again, here are the details on this one-of-a-kind Edel Golf creation:
Loft: 56°
Grind: Driver Grind 18 degrees of Bounce
Finish: Engraved by Edel Master Engraver Clyde W., finished by torching to a deep blue color
Metal: Carbon Steel
Stampings (significance): Hand engraved by Edel Master Engraver Clyde W.
Designer/Grinder: Hand Ground by Neil Oster, Hand Engraved by Clyde W.
How To Enter
1. If you’re not already a subscriber, subscribe to the MyGolfSpy Newsletter (We’ve made it easy…here’s a form:)
2. Name this wedge. Every stunning work of art deserves a name. The Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s David, or for the sake of a solid popular culture reference, Seinfeld’s Golden Boy…not that a t-shirt really qualifies for what we’re going for here, but you get it.
Be Creative, Be Brilliant
And on the off chance you don’t get it; let me spell it out for you. Leave a comment with your original name for this Edel Golf/Clyde W. masterpiece, and if you want to make it a bit more interesting, let us know why you chose the name. Be creative, be funny, and most of all, be brilliant.
They MyGolfSpy staff will review the entries and choose our favorite. They guy who came up with it, he wins the wedge. It’s that simple.
Hurry up and enter before we change our minds!
We do have very specific plans for a few of #ThePimpList wedges, but a few of you have suggested that we auction of some of these fantastic wedges for charity. It’s an idea that we’re kicking around, but there are certainly no strings attached to this giveaway.
We Can’t Force You, But. . .
If the eventual is so inclined, we would certainly appreciate a donation to The First Tee, or some other organization of the winner’s choosing dedicated to growing the game of golf.
Contest Rules
1. Contest ends Friday, May 9th at 8:00PM Eastern Time. Entries posted after that time will be disregarded.
2. Limit 3 Entries Per Person. That’s right…you get 3 tries.
3. Winner will be chosen from qualified entries by the MyGolfSpy Staff. Decision is final, and 100% at our discretion.
4. Must be a resident of planet Earth. Sorry, no Martians or Moon-dwellers.
5. As always…VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Heart, strategy key in Baylor's comeback NCCGA win
In Waco, Texas, Matt Brugman and his Baylor club golf teammates have learned to perfect the knock-down shot. In a strong, chilly New Jersey wind April 27, Baylor put that knowledge to good use.
Tour Tracker: Wells Fargo Championship, Rd. 1
Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler will be among the notables taking aim at a Wells Fargo Championship win during Thursday's first round. Follow the action from Quail Hollow right here!
In drive to win, Ko shows she can downshift, too
After her win at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic, teen sensation Lydia Ko has six professional worldwide titles and is No. 2 in the Rolex Rankings behind Inbee Park. What's next for the 17-year-old?
LSU all smiles entering NCAA Regionals
After a disappointing spring, LSU is all smiles entering NCAA Regionals. And two big reasons for that are the Tigers' runner-up finish at the SEC Championship and strong play from senior Smylie Kaufman and junior Stewart Jolly.
SCORES: Wells Fargo Championship, Round 1
Follow PGA Tour live scores with our leaderboard from the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, N.C.
Su is Oh so good
Su Hyun Oh
Seventeen-year-old Victorian amateur Su-Hyun Oh says West Australian sensation Minjee Lee’s win at February’s Victorian Open as an amateur has convinced her that she too is capable of winning professional events.
Oh admits Lee’s dominant six-shot win at Thirteenth Beach has given her added motivation to lift her own game.
“I think it’s mutual. When I play well, I think Minjee would think ‘I can do that too’ and then when she plays well, I just think ‘I can do that too’ because we’re so similar,” Oh says.
The Metropolitan Golf Club member played in the final group at the Vic Open alongside Lee and Sarah Jane Smith but faded to finish in a tie for fourth, nine shots adrift of Lee.
“I guess I’ve just got to keep putting myself in contention, then one day I guess I’ll win one,” Oh says.
Oh also finished in a tie for 39th at the Women’s Australian Open in Melbourne and tied for 65th at the Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast.
She says it was only occasional errors that prevented her from seriously threatening to win at both the Vic Open and Australian Open.
“Golf is so funny because you get some good breaks and then you get some confidence and then you shoot good scores. If you get an opportunity, you’ve just got to take that. When you do that, you play well and when you don’t, then you don’t play as well because the good breaks don’t come very often.”
The teenager has revealed that technical issues have hampered her ball-striking in recent months.
“I had some old habit swing faults during the summer. I had to sort of grind it out with the bad habit that I have. I can play with it but when I do that, it’s not very consistent,” Oh says.
Oh and Lee are close friends and have played a lot of golf together in practice rounds and as national squad teammates.
“We travel a lot together and we’re the same age, we know each other pretty well.”
But like most teenagers, the pair like to keep things relaxed during practice rounds and rarely talk about golf.
As a seasoned performer, Oh is highly focused during competition play but adopts a relaxed approach between shots.
“In a round, it’s four and a half hours out there, you take 20 minutes max hitting shots and all the rest is walking and the routine and everything so it’s just nice to have a chat. You never know if the other person you’re playing with likes talking so I guess you always tend to talk to the caddie.”
Oh’s results so far this year haven’t matched her amazing run of performances on home soil in early 2013.
As a 16-year-old, Oh led last year’s Ladies Masters with seven holes to play before finishing equal-second behind Karrie Webb who came through to win her eighth title at Royal Pines.
That performance was followed by a tie for 28th at the Women’s Australian Open in Canberra and an impressive tie for ninth at the New Zealand Women’s Open.
Oh says she didn’t feel any pressure to back up her outstanding 2013 form this year.
“No one came up and said ‘you came runner-up last year, you can do better this year… I just didn’t play as well as last year. I kind of feel like my golf is better than last year, I just didn’t score as well.”
Oh plans to head to the LPGA Qualifying Tournament beginning in August in a bid to earn full playing rights on the world’s most lucrative women’s circuit.
“It’s quite locked in. That’s my goal at the moment.”
It also shapes as a busy year of amateur play for Oh, who is eyeing victory at the US Amateur in early August.
GMA launches The Green Book at national roadshows
Tony Sernack presenting at the GMA National Roadshow at Lake Karrinyup
One of the most common items of feedback received from golf clubs relates to clubs being able to positively plan their futures.
With this in mind, GMA has undertaken a great deal of work with corporate specialist Tony Sernack to create and publish “The Green Book – The Essential Guide to Strategic Planning for Golf Clubs”.
“Strategic planning has always come up as a high priority when we survey our members asking where their clubs most need assistance,” said GMA President Damon Lonnie.
“The Green Book takes golf clubs through the whole strategic planning process from thought to facilitation to developing a blueprint and then reaching the final outcome.
“It is a perfect way for club boards and managers to achieve the finished product.
“We are confident that this publication will be an essential guide for both managers and their club boards”.
The Green Book was launched at GMA organised national roadshows held throughout March and April around the country with Surfers Paradise, North Ryde, Metropolitan, Lake Karrinyup and Glenelg Golf Clubs hosting these events.
With more than 500 golf club officials (Presidents, Captains, club board members and managers) attending the Roadshows, many hundreds of books were delivered to the industry and were supported by keynote speakers at each event.
The Green Book author Tony Sernack delivered strong presentations on “Strategic Planning, you’re your Golf Club” and “Board Governance”, while JBAS director Jeff Blunden provided a great deal of information and update on GMA’s exciting Benchmarking project.
Also in attendance was Golf Australia’s Cameron Wade who updated officials on Golf Australia’s Club Support and Participation Initiatives.
Each session finished with State Golf Association CEO’s, Lindsay Ellis (Queensland), Stuart Fraser (NSW), Simon Brookhouse (Victoria), Gary Thomas (Western Australia) and Chris Luz-Raymond (South Australia) providing strategic planning initiatives at their own state sessions.
“We didn’t really know what the takeup for our Roadshows would be” said Damon. “To our delight, golf club management and boards responded very positively and to have more than 500 attend exceeded our expectations.
“Based on this response, it is highly likely we will consider future Roadshows with topics geared essentially to the feedback we receive from managers about the major items of concern on their agendas.”
Copies of “The Green Book” can be obtained for a cost of $29.95 each (or $250.00 for a pack of 10) and can be ordered by email to eo@gma.org.au
Newly- reopened range has Plenty to celebrate
Plenty View Driving Range
After being closed for four years as a result of an expensive court battle, Plenty View Golf Park in Melbourne’s north east is looking forward to welcoming patrons back to a new and improved facility, following its re-opening late last year.
In late 2009, the driving range – located in the suburb of Plenty – was ordered to pay $15,000 in damages to the owner of the property next door after the person complained about golf balls being hit onto her land.
Unable to prevent every golf ball from landing on the neighbour’s property, Plenty View decided to close shortly after the court case.
Last year, however, it bought back the neighbouring property, which paved the way for the driving range to start trading again.
“Buying the property was the best option for us,” says Plenty View’s manager Stacy Di Carlo. “The most important thing is that we’re open after four years of being closed. We finished a fairly major renovation as well.”
Di Carlo admits that the period of closure was extremely frustrating for him and his brother, Carmine, with whom he joint-manages the facility.
“We’ve always loved the place and to have something like that happen was pretty devastating,” Stacy says. “We tried to do absolutely everything to compensate for the balls and spent an absolute fortune trying to resolve the situation, even to a point where it might have been one or two (golf balls) that landed on some vacant land nowhere near the house.”
Now newly-renovated, Plenty View offers golfers a multi-level driving range, short game area, putting green, coffee shop and restaurant.
“We installed ten automatic tee machines upstairs so we’re the only ones in Victoria with those. We’re probably considered one of the best (driving ranges) in Australia at the moment. It’s got beautiful views, the golf fairway is magnificent. Half of its synthetic grass, we’ve got lots of large target greens.
Plans are also in place for Plenty View to upgrade its putting green and short game area later this year.
While weekday revenue continues to lag behind weekend and night trade since the reopening, Di Carlo is optimistic that the shorter days of the winter months will bring an influx of nighttime patrons.
“The nights and weekends are great, school holidays in particular are fantastic but I did expect to have more business during the day. Now that we’ve lost Daylight Saving I suppose that’s going to be really good for us because we’re well floodlit. You get a lot of tradies that finish work and head off to a local golf course and play nine holes before it gets dark. They’ll probably lose that option now and winter and the fact that it’s cold and if we have a wet winter, that’s going to be even better for us. We’re well set up in regards to being undercover. The bays downstairs, not only are they well-covered, but its set into the ground so it does become a lot warmer there.”
In a further bid to increase daytime business, Plenty View is planning to encourage local schools to get involved in clinics during school hours.
“We need to push that and promote it in a way that we do special things during the day,” Di Carlo says.
Plenty Views Golf Park is located at 206 Yan Yean Road , Plenty 3090. Phone: (03) 9436 1411. Or visit: facebook.com/pages/Plenty-Views-Golf-Park/1420522928181942
Schweppes helps juniors to ‘Tee it up’
The past 12 months have been something that couldn’t be scripted with the resurrection of Golf here in Australia. The obvious catalyst for this was the 2013 breakthrough win at Augusta National, with Adam Scott creating history as the first ever Australian winner of the US Masters event. Adam’s commitment to play all Australian events in 2013, coupled with the World Cup win by Jason Day, has brought life back into the game of golf in Australia at every level.
As you may be aware, Schweppes Australia has been a long-time supporter of the wider golf community and has specifically focused on the development of the grass roots training through junior golf programs. Two exciting opportunities have been developed for new and existing customers in 2014.
With a host of fantastic new initiatives being introduced this year, Schweppes look forward to announcing multiple partnerships across both corporate and charitable areas.
The “Tee It Up” program will be run across a number of state-based events and culminate at the Australian Masters in Victoria this December. A whole new media plan will be introduced and launched across all media so make sure you stay tuned at www.tee-it-up.com.au for all the latest news on this fantastic initiative.
Complementing the “Tee It Up” program Schweppes will also be implementing an equipment-based program, designed specifically for engaging and teaching junior golfers.
This internationally adopted equipment called SNAG®, Starting New At Golf, provides cutting-edge learning techniques that build on the strong fundamentals of the different strokes and swings and develops playing ability quickly and effectively in a fun and easy way. The equipment comes in exciting and engaging colours and can be used by individuals or groups within schools or golf programs.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Schweppes in developing and driving junior golf as each Schweppes Golf account will have the opportunity to receive this equipment to commence or enhance their existing junior golf programs.
Contact your Schweppes State Golf Manager for more information on how you could become part of these great initiatives.
Schweppes Golf Managers
Victoria John Halliwell 0419 576 047
Queensland Darren Cosgrove 0417 915 637
South Australia Tim Colling 0429 573 326
New South Wales Josh Dias 0459 165 699
Western Australia Leon Buirski 0407 700 844
National Daniel Christie 0437 991 891
Nutrient-Packed Green Wraps
Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Many golfers enjoy a bagel and cream cheese before they hit the course, grab a hoagie at the turn or devour a bowl of whole wheat pasta at the clubhouse. Unfortunately, choosing any of those highly processed, carbohydrate-rich options can lead to numerous health problems including weight gain, increased inflammation, and low energy.
Don’t worry though, you don’t have to feel deprived to reap the benefits of good health. You can enjoy the “good stuff” without piling on the pounds. Think about it: What’s the best part of a sandwich? If you ate the bread by itself, it probably wouldn’t be very tasty. The delicious ingredients are actually the healthy ones such as juicy tri tip, creamy avocados and caramelized onions. By swapping out processed products for whole foods, you can satisfy your senses without saying “sayonara” to the dishes you love.
Enjoy the suggestions below by choosing wraps made from lettuce, leafy greens and cabbage family veggies. In general, darker greens such as spinach and kale contain more nutrients than lighter greens. Dark greens are rich in antioxidants, iron, fiber, and vitamins A, K and C.
Nutritious Wraps
Birdie: lettuce, leafy greens, cabbage or gluten-free breads.
Par: sprouted bread, sourdough bread, brown rice wraps or corn tortillas.
Terrific Toppings
Protein: eggs, fish, seafood, bison, beef, pork, poultry & bacon.
Fats: avocados, nuts, seeds, olives & dairy products.
Vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, carrots, cucumber & radishes.
Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, peaches & pomegranate.
Herbs/spices: garlic, ginger, basil, parsley, cilantro & dill.
Dips: salsa, guacamole, hummus, pesto & vinaigrette.
9 Edible Examples
- Lettuce wrapped cheeseburger with tomato & onions; side of fruit.
- Kale wrapped chicken with hummus, orange peppers & olives.
- Club 1/2 sandwich on sourdough; side of fruit.
- Spinach rolled steak with sliced cheese & red peppers.
- Pulled pork tacos on corn tortillas with salsa & guacamole.
- Sprouted cinnamon raisin bread 1/2 sandwich with chicken & goat cheese.
- Brown rice wrap with turkey, spinach & pesto.
- Romaine lettuce taco with shrimp, pineapple salsa & guacamole.
- Kelp wrapped salmon with cucumber & cream cheese.
For more information email cate@catesnutrition.com.
Balance: A Key to Your Golf Improvement
What is your proper balance? Your personal balance is very individualized, according to your total physical well being. Finding your more secure area of balance can improve your swing dramatically. Being fundamentally balanced in every aspect of your golf game can improve your score as well.
Does having good balance help your golf game? Absolutely, by improving your golf swing with balance it can result in more consistency of ball contact, more distance and better direction. To find your correct balance, it’s essential to know where your weight is located throughout your swing. The simplest areas to check your balance are usually at address, the top of the backswing and especially the finish. Elite players are capable of maintaining their balance which promotes tempo.
Set-Up Balance
At your set-up address posture, your weight should be balanced equally over the insteps of both feet and the knees slightly flexed. This puts you in an athletic ready position for reacting with your weight transfer. From this dynamic position, your body is ready to quickly move in any direction.
If your weight falls on your toes, the club head will tend to start outside the target line. If your weight rests on your heels, the path will tend to be too inside. Neither path is conducive to generating much club head speed or consistent contact. To check your balance at address, simply jump straight up in the air. If you’re in balance, you should land comfortably on both feet without falling forward or backward. If you are into the fitness of golf, focus on many of the balance related exercises to increase a better sense of centeredness, strength and agility.
Backswing Balance
When your upper body coils at the top of your backswing, 90 percent of your weight should shift over the right side. At the top of the backswing, your balance point is toward the middle of your right foot. It’s imperative to maintain a good right knee flex. The knees also point inward at the start, the left knee points inward during and the right knee will point at the target on the finish. However, if you can’t do this, then try to lift your back heels up off the ground slightly to produce some more added flexibility and rhythm. Many golfers lose their balance because of tension in their legs. They tighten their knees, which forces the right knee to straighten at the top of the backswing, leading to a reverse-pivot.
Finishing in Balance
Finishing in Balance is the easiest form of evaluating your end swing. Can you hold your finish for a slow count of three? Posing longer at the end of your swing and maintaining a solid end, will produce consistency, improve contact, distance and direction.
On the follow-through, the swing’s momentum should carry you to a full, balanced position, with almost all of your weight over your left foot. As your upper body unwinds, your shoulders should finish over your left leg. For example, if your shoulders are leaning backwards at the finish, it’s very difficult to remain balanced. It is about being your own personal size and in your own comfort zone at the end of your swing.
Your finish helps dictate your swing. Finish in balance and it’s a good bet your entire swing was in balance. If you’re stumbling at the finish, chances are your rhythm and timing are off, and the shot less than satisfying.
Mind Balance
Aside from the physical balances of the golf swing, the balance of your mind is also important. Depending on your level of golf skills, your mind and thoughts play a key part. From the conscience to the unconscious, you have various stages in your golf game that requires peace within your thoughts. Clear and simple tips are usually obtained through a more advance player. While a newer player may have a list of many as they learn the game of golf and try to improve it. Music can play a vital role for balancing the mind, rhythm, timing and the physical balance of the golf swing. Practicing with headphones and your favorite music tends to clear and relax your mind, which will un-clutter and organize some of the unnecessary thoughts you tend to create when thinking of your golf process.
When testing your entire swing for balance, take some practice swings with your eyes closed. This will help you sense your internal balance. All in all, your balance in many areas of your golf game plays a significant key role for your overall enjoyment and improvement of your golf game.
Point Roberts Golf & Country Club
“Big City Golf…Small Town Attitude”
By Cameron Healey
What to expect?
Point Roberts Golf & Country Club is a par-72 18 hole public track offering golfers a challenging 6,868 yards of golf from the tips. Designed by Graham Cooke & Associates, the course, opened in 2001, is open for public play and will test both the good sticks and weekend hacks to boot with a course rating of 73.5 and a slope rating of 136 from the gold tees. Just be sure to pick the right set of tees from the four available and you’ll have a pleasant and enjoyable round of golf. Golfers will also appreciate the first class practice facility including full blown driving range.
How do you get to Point Roberts? Two options: If you prefer a road trip, you can cross the border at Blaine and continue your way west for a 45 minute drive; however, be prepared to show your identification (passport, nexus, fast, sentri, enhanced driver’s license to immigration officials on more than one occasion. My recommendation? Take the faster and infinitely more scenic option of ‘flightpooling’ with the highly professional pilots of Northwest Sky Ferry (at time of writing, merging to become San Juan Airlines) located at Bellingham airport. Park your car in the adjacent car park, throw your clubs in the back of their light aircraft, buckle up, and enjoy the quick 20 min flight to Point Roberts airfield. The fun factor is ridiculous and the convenience of avoiding customs cannot be understated. Do have your passport handy—just in case. Split the price between three other golfing friends and the flight pooling is a no-brainer!
Course Highlights:
The opening hole is a relatively benign 372 yard (from the whites) par-4 characterized by a wide tree-lined fairway inviting a prodigious drive off the tee, but beware the audacious fairway bunkers lurking left and right. Expect an approach shot into an amenable but average sized green but try and avoid hitting long. Most memorable hole according to general manager Tad Nose is the 166 yard (tips) par-3 #8, which is a sterling par 3 hole. While not overly long, your tee shot must avoid the huge water hazard that lies in front and land beyond the three wall-like bunkers that protect a narrow but wide multiple-tiered green. Forced carry anyone? All par-5s at Point Roberts offer birdie opportunities; however, the 508 yard #5 just happens to be the number one handicapped hole on the card and a par here is a solid score. Advice: Keep the ball in the fairway and out of the thick stuff and par can be had!
What say you?
Playing golf at Point Roberts is simply a ton of fun based, in no small measure, to the appeal of the natural surroundings. If walking amongst a natural environment teeming with wildlife and tree-lined fairways that invite shot-making is high on your wish list, Point Roberts is a must-visit and must-play. Stay overnight and really explore what makes this rather interesting part of the world special. Golf rates are reasonable at the modest sum of $40 weekday and only $50 on the weekends (power cart extra). During summer, sunset rates start at 3pm and you’ll pay only $25. Prices do not include tax 8.5% Washington State Tax. Early bird, Twilight and Sunset times are subject to change with the season. Please contact the Golf Shop for inquiries, 604.694.0222.
*Photos courtesy Point Roberts Golf & Country Club.
www.pointrobertsgolfcourse.com
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