Thursday, January 31, 2008

#1 Way to Deal with Nerves in Golf

If you've golfed competitively you've no doubt felt nerves affect your game! When I say competitively I don't just mean competing on a professional or mini-tour. If you have a $5 bet with a colleague or friend it's still competitive! Whether you're a 27 handicap or scratch you are likely to feel at least some nerves during your round.For many people it doesn't even have to involve competiton at all. Just stepping to the first tee can cause a serious case of nerves. Maybe it's when you must make a put to tie a hole or to win on the 18th green. If you're standing on the 17th hole in a match and you're 1 down then you have to deliver. Period. If you can't channel your nerves you had better hope that swing you've been grooving for the past 6 months holds up now!Regardless of skill level and/or on course scenario there will be times when you'll require some way to calm your nerves so they don't adversely affect your stroke/swing.Have you made any conscious attempts to reduce your experience of nerves in your game? What did you try? What have been your results? Did they work and if so was it immediate? Or did you, like most every golfer alive, simply fill your head full of self talk saying things like, "ok, calm down. Just breathe...there's nothing to be nervous about...hey, maybe he'll miss his putt....yeah...miss-miss-miss!..."Does this sound familiar?! Have you noticed that this doesn't really do all that much to reduce your nervousness? Unless of course your playing partner does miss the putt!Seriously though, you must have a means of noticing the onset of nerves and a method for not only calming them but using them to your advantage. How does that sound?While I can't go into detail on how to transform nerves into actually playing your best golf under pressure I will provide a few excellent methods you can use right away. They will improve your performance.Breath is a very powerful state enhancer. What I mean is that your breathing provides deep physiological links to your internal states. So when you're nervous the last thing you want to do is take short, shallow breaths. Quick breaths actually instruct the brain to respond in a "fight or flight" manner. The brain is hardwired to respond to fast breathing by being on the lookout for an emergency. Not the most effective place from which to make a smooth putting stroke on that 10 footer for par now is it?!Tip #11) While waiting for your turn to hit stand aside and follow this breathing pattern: Inhale - 4 countsHold - 5 countsExhale - 6 countsLong, deep, slow breaths. This process interupts the breath influenced aspect of your state and directly instructs the brain to become still. Another adverse affect of nerves is a noticeable loss of feel in your hands. Sometimes you may even wonder if you're even holding the club!Tip #22) Simply hold a golf ball in your hands. Now squeeze it gently and hold for a few seconds. Then release. Then squeeze once again but this time do so very firmly and hold for a couple seconds then release. Roll the ball around in your hand and make a note of how the dimples feel. Repeat this sequence 2 or 3 times and you will immediately increase the feel in your hands. Nervousness and shallow breathing directs extra blood to the brain, diverting it from your extremities. By doing applying this simple technique blood will flow back into your hands and improve your feel.These 2 exercises work quickly. Self talk alone can't compete with the psycho-physiological intensity of nervousness. Try them and let me know how well they worked?!What if there was a way to transform nervousness into a calm, inner confidence? To actually have the onset of nerves "trigger" an inner calm. How powerful would that be in improving your performance? I will show you how to achieve this.
By Wade Pearse [ 27/09/2006 ][ viewed 103 times ]

Putting-The Golf Tip to Sinking That Putt Every Single Time

Do You Want to Sink That Putt Every Single Time? The obvious answer is yes, so what happens? The last time you played everything was the same, you always use the same glove, shoes and putter, your feeling confident as usual, but last time you made the shot easily. Today, you can't find the cup to save your life.Are the powers to be against you? Is putting a game of chance, lucky one day and not the next? It may seem that way some days, but let’s see if we can improve the odds and ensure your putting success.If you are having putting problems, could your solution be as simple as one little suggestion, RELAX. Is tension your real enemy? Well, let’s see. Try this exercise and compare the results. When you are having trouble sinking that putt I want you to tense up the muscles in you body, especially tighten up the ones you are going to use. In this awkward state try to make the shot. Absolute failure, right? Yet is that not the way we usually tackle something we are having trouble with, with brute force and anxiety, dreading the whole experience, especially if we know, we just can’t do it?If on the other hand, you approach putting as being fun, making it an enjoyable game, you will preform at your best. Now, relax, breath deeply. You will have more success at learning and becoming proficient at putting if you enjoy the experience, make it fun. When you are in a relaxed state you remember what you have just learned and your body works with you instead of against you.So the next time you miss an easy putt, and become tense do not try even harder. The more tense you become, the more freedom you lose and your putting suffers. Instead of getting upset at yourself, relax. Your accuracy will improve if you keep your muscles relaxed.You can change your putter, shoes, gloves, everything about your putting even coping the pros, but, nothing will improve your golf game as much as staying relaxed. Your imagination is a powerful tool so use it. While your waiting your turn, take a couple of deep breaths, see yourself in your minds eye, sinking that shot.If you stay relaxed your putting will improve, your confidence will rise, and you’ll have a great golf experience. So it really is your fault. It is not the course, your equipment or you partner. Sinking that putt every single time depends on you.For all those rainy days that keep you off the green or you just can not find the time to drive all the way out to the golf course, but really want to squeeze in a fast game, just play a round of virtual reality golf on your computer.Computer video golf games, use the same rules and regulations as real-life golf. Swinging, hitting, wind speed and terrain are identical to playing real golf.
By [ 03/10/2006 ][ viewed 69 times ]

The Power Of Search - The Benefits Of Increasing Your Golf Courses Internet Presence

Numbers don’t lie. During the month of June there were over 50,000 searches of the term “public golf courses” on the big three search engines (Google, Yahoo!, MSN.com). This is a very important fact if you are a golf course operator and are in charge of developing and driving revenue to your facility. Unfortunately many course operators are not aware of or do not take advantage of this potential revenue source that is waiting to be tapped. By using the industry standard that the average group of golfers is three players you can expand that number of 50,000 to 150,000 potential green fees out there just searching for the right course to play. Now if you calculate in an average green fee of $50.00 that means that the internet, on any given month is home to $6.5 million dollars in revenue. What makes this huge number even more attractive is that it is derived from a complete and perfect target market. Other forms of advertising such as magazines and newspapers that offer up huge circulation numbers to attract advertisers can not provide this level of targeting. For instance, you can run an ad in a metropolitan newspaper that may claim a circulation of over 500,000 but how many people are actually going to see your add. First you need to hope that the person reading the newspaper opens up the section where you add is located. Second if the person does open that section you need to hope that they turn to the right page. Third you need to hope that while they are looking at the page the person actually takes their eyes away from what they are reading to even look at your courses advertisement. The odds of your advertisement being seeing unfortunately are not in your favor, and to make matters worse for the advertiser who is to say that the person who does beat the odds and sees your ad is even a golfer. By using these traditional forms of advertising the golf course operator is hoping to distract the potential customer from what they are doing with an advertisement that they are not even looking for. Good Luck.Search engine driven advertising on the other hand provides the exact opposite scenario. Of the 50,000 people who typed in the search term “public golf courses” it is fairly safe to assume that the majority of them are golfers or at the very least interested in golf. If your golf course is focusing a portion of your advertising budget to search engine marketing what offers even greater hope that you will realize a nice return on your advertising investment is that your potential customer is actually seeking out your ad, unlike those readers of magazines and newspapers who have to be distracted from what they are actually looking for. Very few people actually pick up the local newspaper when looking for a golf course to play, while golfers online are typing in search terms like “public golf courses” because that is exactly what they are looking for, public golf courses to play. Could you ask for a more targeted market? Golf Courses would all be better served if they would start to focus a greater chunk of their advertising budgets towards building a significant presence on the internet.
By [ 15/10/2006 ][ viewed 71 times ]

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Golf : Grieving golf hero Clarke 'backs out' of race for BBC sports award

BOOKMAKERS have suspended betting on the golfer Darren Clarke being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year, amid rumours that the Ryder Cup hero has ruled himself out of the running. The popular, cigar-chomping Northern Irishman, whose wife, Heather, lost her battle with cancer only six weeks before he played a starring role in Europe's Ryder Cup victory, had been quoted at odds of 2/5 to win the coveted prize. But the bookmaker William Hill acted after Eamonn Holmes said on his Radio 5 Live show on Saturday that he had heard Clarke was to rule himself out of the competition. It is thought Clarke is thought to be reluctant to have his personal grief put under the spotlight again by appearing on television. He said only decided to compete in the Ryder Cup because he felt it was what his wife would have wanted. William Hill feared his rumoured withdrawal would prompt a rush of money on other hopefuls, such as Andy Murray and Zara Phillips, leaving it facing heavy losses. A spokesman for William Hill said: "Darren had been a very hot favourite with us and that is shown by the money that punters have had on him. "Any bets already placed on Darren will stand, but from now on, we are betting without him until and unless the situation is resolved for sure one way or the other." The spokesman went on: "If it's right he has withdrawn, it will be unprecedented in the history of the show, but it goes to show the man's character. "He is loved by the public, who have shown tremendous warmth towards him after all he has been through this year. I'm sure that, although he may pick up the Team of the Year award, he would rather win the big prize after winning a major." According to the Hill's spokesman, the rumours that Clarke would pull out of the running for the BBC award started as soon as the European side beat the United States at the K Club in County Kildare, Ireland, last month. He said: "We have to react to these rumours quickly or we might find ourselves in a position where we take a financial hit." No further wagers on Clarke would be accepted - unless the golfer confirmed he would be prepared to accept the award. No-one from Clarke's management company, ISM, was available for comment last night. But a spokeswoman for the BBC said that, as far as the corporation was concerned, Clarke was still a contender for Sports Personality. She went on: "We are aware of the 5 Live programme. However, we haven't been told that Darren is pulling out, so we can't confirm it. Until we hear otherwise, he will continue to be in the running." Clarke, 38, became a sporting hero after he agreed to play in the Ryder Cup despite having lost his wife so recently. His outstanding performance helped seal Europe's third successive victory and he fought back the tears as Ian Woosnam, the team captain, hugged him at the end. The team wore pink blazers, the symbol of the breast cancer, for the awards ceremony, in honour of Heather.Zara Phillips is now odds-on favourite to follow in her mother's footstepsZARA Phillips, has taken over as favourite, at 8/11, to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award after William Hill suspended bets on golfer Darren Clarke. Phillips, 25, became the first Briton to win the World Equestrian Championships in 25 years when she took gold in Germany in August. Her mother, the Princess Royal, an Olympic-standard rider, won the BBC award in 1971. The Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe, the world super middleweight champion, is second favourite at 7/2. But he may have dented his chances when he said he didn't expect to win - because Britain prefers losers to winners. The performances of Scottish tennis sensation Andy Murray, 19, including a straight-sets victory in the United States over the world No 1 Roger Federer, have put him at 8/1 to win. The spin bowler Monty Panesar, 24, the hero of England's win over Pakistan in August, is at 10/1. The golfer Paul Casey stands at 14/1, ahead of three people on 16/1 - the Welsh cyclist Nicole Cooke, 23, who won the women's Tour de France, England's Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff and the comedian David Walliams, who swam the English Channel this year. Further down the betting are the boxer Ricky Hatton, the Liverpool footballer Steven Gerrard and cricketers Steve Harmison and Kevin Pietersen
By Amardeep Singh [ 16/10/2006 ][ viewed 89 times ]

Preshot Visualization Routine

A Preshot Visualization Routine is an essential component to making a good swing. Not integrating a visualization process into your preshot routine leaves your mind unfocused and open to many lapses of attention. Not what you want before making your swing.What do you do while you prepare to shoot? Does your preshot routine include some form of visualization? Or do you simply walk right into your setup and swing away? For the sake of our discussion let's assume you have some form of a preshot routine.Let's explore how to add an effective visualization process into your preshot routine.Prior to every shot your preshot routine sets the stage for you to make your best swing. The consistency of it is key. When you have a simple visualization stratgey to center and focus your mind you will play far better golf.The visualization component is done at the beginning of your routine. Virtually every top player uses their mind properly in their preshot routine and starts the entire process with some form of visualization. The first part of your preshot visualization routine will be to stand behind the ball, looking toward your target. Your target might be the center of the fairway, the right half of the green or the left edge of the cup. Be clear on your outcome/target before stepping into the physical aspect of your pre-shot routine.Literally "see" the ball flight or pace of the putt as it enters the hole. When teeing off with driver I encourage all of my clients to be as focused here as you would when putting. This narrowing of attention taps your subconscious mind and provides it with clear instructions of what you want to accomplish.Stand behind your ball and look at your ball momentarily. Then trace an imaginary ball flight from the ball, as if you had just hit it, through the sky. Watch it travel on your desired trajectory right to your target. This only takes a couple seconds yet these are critical seconds!Now add one more element to the process. Feel what you are seeing. I expanded on this in the last issue of the mental game mastery ezine. (learn more below) True and effective visualization involves feeling with your mind's eye, not simply seeing. If you are only using visualization as a method of seeing your shot you are leaving half your cards on the table!Once you have completed this simple process you can now naturally continue the rest of your preshot routine. Step into address and finish it as usual.There are countless studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of strategically applied visualization. By channeling your mind toward inner game processes and beginning your preshot routine this way, your mind/body relationship is positively influenced. With practice your swing will begin to mirror what you are seeing in your mind's eye. There are several other elements you can include into your preshot visualization routine these will get you started in the right direction and "keep you on target."
By Wade Pearse [ 18/10/2006 ][ viewed 88 times ]

Over The Hill Golfers Get More Roll

Over a decade has passed since I crested the hill of age continuum and yet it just dawned on me last year at 53, I should be getting more roll out of my drives than I did before! Seriously I'm no physicists but even I know that golf balls roll further down hill. And I'm definitely over the Hill!Despite my convoluted theory, the evidence shows that I'm hitting the golf ball shorter and shorter each year. Not only that but I'm twice as pooped after each round! None of this seems fair...not when you consider the thousands of rounds played, hours practiced and dollars spent on golf equipment and golf lessons. All for what? Not since I fired my last financial advisor had I seen and ROI this bad.In a last ditch effort to salvage my dying personal golf corporation, last spring I made a rather large investment in a robotic massage chair. Passing through the mall after a particularly brutal round of golf I popped in to a novelty store in search of a gift for a nephew. Instead of a present for him I ended up taking a nap in the stores demo shiatsu massage chair!Needless to say the nap didn't last long as I was awoken by a pimply sales kid who wanted to tell me all about the model I was sitting and the benefits of massage chairs in general. In my foggy, have asleep state, I politely mumbled something about just looking and stumbled out of the store.It didn't dawn on me until the next morning what an impact that brief encounter with the massage chair had. For the first time in years I awoke without a stiff back!A little research online and I found that most experts agree that a good massage can help increase your flexibility, prevent injuries and help you recover faster from a round of golf. Experts aside, I couldn't argue with the way I felt, and I didn't want to.So I did indeed end up purchasing a massage chair, but not that pimply mall sales kid's model. By doing some massage chair comparison online I found a whole world of superior products. Now I enjoy a massage in the comfort of my living room every morning and every night.Despite dreams of rewinding my golf game 20 years not coming true, I can say this for sure, now that I regularly use my massage chair I feel a whole heck of a lot better after a round of golf than I did before. I walk on to the first tee with a loose back from my morning massage and that helps to keep me from aggravating my muscles during the round.I may still be missing out on that extra roll on my drives from golfing over the hill, but at least the enjoyment is back! And that's what really matters.
By [ 26/10/2006 ][ viewed 69 times ]

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Golf Swing Training Aid: Power, Distance and Accuracy

The number of golf swing training aids on today’s market is truly mind-boggling. Most of these focus on the swing as this is the fundamental technique you have to master to play golf well. However, without a good grip and feel for the club, developing your swing will be a non-starter. We’re going to take a look at three such aids that promise to improve you grip, eliminate hooks and slices, and so help develop your overall control over your swing.The Master GrooverThe first under the spotlight is the Patent Master Groover Method’s Double Guidance aid, which aims to help sensitize you to the feel of your swing so you can adjust your swing to achieve optimal performance. Of course, to achieve such sensitivity requires a lot of practice, but the rewards are high: power, timing, accuracy and an increase in the distance of your drives. Most importantly, it helps you to become consistent on the course.Touchy Feely GolfingIt is believed that only 2% actually improve their golf swing by using instructional videos, DVDs and books. However, Master Groover guarantees to improve your golf swing permanently provided you put in at least 30 hours of use. This golf swing training aid focuses on your sense of touch, teaching you to develop a feel for your club and your swing. The idea, as the name suggests, is to program your body to get into the groove of producing the optimal swing time and again. The Thumb CaddyThe second of the golf swing training aids we’re going to take a look at is the Thumb Caddy, which is endorsed by Brad Faxon. In spite of its diminutive proportions, Mr Fallon claims this thumb grip does more to develop your game than any other golf swing training aid. The thumb caddy keeps your hands together in the right position on the club right through the golf swing. This should be enough to eliminate hooks and slices. As a result, you will be able to hit straighter and farther, and the extra control you develop will also improve your short game. You get enhanced accuracy and consistency for around $26 plus a lot of training.The AccuHitThe third golf swing training aid on our list is called the AccuHit. This is a patented grip enhancing device that works on every make of club, including drivers and irons. AccuHit has been designed to slip onto the grip of the golf club and helps modify the clenching pressure of your fingers on the grip helping you develop a steady and firm grip on the golf club. The idea is to free the tension in your forearms and shoulders as well as loosen the wrist on your leading side. This device becomes the resting point of the thumb and index finger. If your thumb and index finger are in the correct position, the amount of unwanted pinching pressure that is exerted on the club can be reduced. In fact, your swing can be ruined by pinching the club too hard with your thumb and index finger.Establishing your Grip on the GameAll three golf swing training aids on display focus on some detail of your grip to enhance your swing, and as such, they are aimed at the novice golfer who is still building technique from the ground up. It is certainly worth taking a look at all three devices. They are cheap and offer a way into focusing on your grip and swing before you get into bad habits on the open fairways.
By Eoin Beckett [ 29/10/2006 ][ viewed 77 times ]

The Advantages of Logo Golf Balls

Have you ever thought about what trade shows, conventions, meetings and the holidays all have in common? When you’re in a business that requires promoting your company or organization, it means gifts and giveaways to be sure potential customers remember your name, which in turn means finding a unique yet personal item to put your company name and/or logo on. Personalized logo golf balls are the ideal solution for all of your needs.Just about everyone knows someone who plays golf or participates in the sport themselves, so your money spent certainly won’t go to waste. But it goes much further than that. A golf enthusiast is a member of a truly unique breed, who will brave any natural or manmade element to get in at least nine holes. They live, eat, and sleep the sport, traveling to the ends of the earth to play at a certain course. They collect golf trinkets and trophies, plaques and pictures, tees and t-shirts, anything and everything having to do with golf, including unique golf balls. Many such unique items are never used, but proudly displayed on a shelf for the world to see, including your company name and logo imprinted on the ball. Of course, there are many golfers who will undoubtedly utilize your gift, driving your logo across the course and showing it off to other players in the process. If they lose the ball, that can be considered good news for you, as now the lucky finder will be well aware of you, your company and your logo.Now let’s touch upon packaging of your golf balls, as you probably don’t want the presentation of your unique item to be in plain white packaging. If you’re a store, you have your name/logo printed on the bag or gift box for your customers. If you have a wholesale product, you ship your goods in preprinted boxes. Why would you settle for anything less than a custom package to help promote your custom golf balls? A quality, golf ball printing company will have a variety of options for you to choose from, from single-ball boxes for trade show giveaways all the way up to dozen-ball boxes as gifts for those special customers and clients on your list. And of course, your company name/logo will be incorporated into the design printed on the box.By having custom printed logo golf balls created by a professional company that specializes in this one particular item, you’ll be more than satisfied with the end result. Just like no one knows your business better than you, no one knows custom-printed, logo golf balls better than they do.
By [ 02/11/2006 ][ viewed 66 times ]

The best time to condition for golf

The biggest misconception a lot of golfers have about golf conditioning is that it is something that should be done during the golf season, to improve their game immediately. Well, it is actually the opposite. Golf conditioning is even more beneficial when it is started during the "off season" to prepare the body for the stresses it will endure during the golf season.Come fall in Canada, when the leaves are changing colors, the weather is getting cooler, nighttime comes earlier, and golfers start to get a bit panicky about fitting in as many last rounds as they can, some of my clients will tell me "well, I guess our training is coming to an end, but sign me for spring!" My response is always the same: "I would advise you to think about golf conditioning as a year long commitment rather then a seasonal activity, but if you must take some time off, I would rather to take time off during the golf season, then before it starts.What golfers and anyone else conditioning for a specific sport need to understand is that it takes 4-6 of consistent and repetitive activity to condition the body at its best. Especially with a sport like golf which favors one side of the body, creating the in long term what we refer to as muscular imbalances which lead to injuries and may result in taking time off to rest.The "off season" is the best time in golf to condition because it gives the golfer plenty of time (in Canada almost four months) to work on any physical limitations and muscular weaknesses and to train the muscles to become more flexible, stronger and better coordinated. And a well developed program should not only focus on taking care of improving the obvious needs of golf such as mentioned earlier, but should also include exercises that target specific muscular imbalances, lack of range of motion, cardiovascular endurance, and while we are at it, can help rid the body of a few extra pounds. A "golf specific" fitness routine can be started any time of the year, and is most beneficial when it is performed all year around and a new routine is designed every 60-90 days to keep your you and body motivated and challenged. But don't be intimidated by the long term commitment it takes to optimize physical conditioning and improve your game. A golf conditioning specialist can design a program for you based on the equipment and time you have available to dedicate to improving your most important golf equipment: your body.
By Nadia Behnan [ 03/11/2006 ][ viewed 93 times ]

Golf : Ochoa wraps up player of the year award with 6th win

MOBILE, Ala. — Lorena Ochoa wrapped up the LPGA Tour's player of the year award with a record-setting finish in the Tournament of Champions. The 24-year-old Mexican star shot a 7-under 65 on Sunday for a 10-stroke victory and a tournament-record 21-under 267 total. She ran her winning streak to three with her sixth victory of the year and earned $150,000 for a season total of $2,492,872."Winning this tournament was very special," Ochoa said. "I think this is going to be a place I will remember for the rest of my life and just achieving my goal of being the best player in 2006."With Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb skipping the tournament, Ochoa locked up the player of the year honors before the season-ending ADT Championship."I think it will be easier to win next week now and I don't have that pressure on me that I need to do it for player of the year," Ochoa said. "That's the plan, just to go out there and have fun next week."The former University of Arizona player won the player of the year award for the first time, ending Sorenstam's five-year reign. Ochoa is the first player other than Sorenstam and Karrie Webb to earn the award since 1996."For the last three years, I think we've seen a lot of changes, just different players stepping up," Ochoa said. "I'm just glad to be a part of that, to be one of those. That's my goal to be No. 1. I know that it's harder to maintain yourself and being in that No. 1 position for many years. So now I have a lot of things that I need to do that I need to get better and better every year. I have high goals."Ochoa closed with a 13-foot par putt to break the previous tournament record of 20 under set by Se Ri Pak in 2002. Ochoa took a five-stroke lead Saturday with a 63 after opening the second round with a quadruple-bogey 8 en route to a 73.Paula Creamer and Juli Inkster tied for second at 11 under. Inkster closed with a 68 and Creamer finished with a 70."She played great," Inkster said about Ochoa. "To do what she did yesterday and come right back and do it again today, she is just that type of player. She plays her own game. She doesn't really worry about anybody else. She just tries to go as low as she can. That is a great mentality to have. A lot of people get in that zone and they start freaking, but she keeps plugging away and I don't know if you can teach that."Ochoa started the day with a five-stroke advantage over Creamer. Creamer managed to pull within four strokes of Ochoa twice in the final round after a birdie on the third hole and after Ochoa bogeyed the eighth hole.That's when Ochoa began to methodically pull away with birdies on four of the next five holes. When Creamer bogeyed the 14th, Ochoa's lead grew to nine strokes and the only drama remaining would be whether she would break the tournament record."I tried to put some pressure on Lorena, but she has been playing awesome, so what are you going to do?" Creamer said. "I was just trying to keep it going with her. At a point when you are out there, you only have so many holes left."On the par-4 15th, the toughest hole on the course, Ochoa hit her approach shot within 2 feet for a tap-in birdie and a 10-shot edge.The field for the ADT Championship was finalized, with 13 players getting in on the second half points list: Stacy Prammanasudh, Morgan Pressel, Julieta Granada, Jee Young Lee, Il Mi Chung, Sophie Gustafson, Sun Young Yoo, Maria Hjorth, Diana D'Alessio, Lorie Kane, Candie Kung, Angela Stanford and Wendy Ward. Ai Miyazato and Sung Ah Yim earned the two wild-card entries as the top players on the LPGA money list after the Samsung World Championship who had not previously qualified for the ADT.
By Amardeep Singh [ 13/11/2006 ][ viewed 85 times ]

Europe’s Best value golf destinations

If you're looking for a golfing holiday, where great value is as important as great golf, then fly to Faro International Airport, rent a car, and drive to southern Portugal and nearby Spain. Some of the best value golfing destinations can be found in Eastern Algarve in Portugal, and in the Spanish regions of Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol.A budget golf holiday in Eastern AlgarveIf you're on a budget and looking for a quiet holiday that combines golf and nature, then head for this region. Here you'll find well-planned courses, national parks and a range of budget hotels with seven-night prices from around £299 per person. Some of the best value rooms with a sea view can be found at Eurotel Altura, only a 40-minute drive from Faro Airport. The hotel is set right on the beach, close to the Castro Marim golf course, and just three miles from Quinta da Ria Golf Course. In fact, there are four reasonably priced golf courses close by the hotel. Don't be deceived by the sixties exterior – the refurbished rooms are well decorated and comfortable. Best of all, you have the option of eating in the hotel restaurant, with its fine sea views and buffet service, or you can head into the village of Altura with its many dining choices. The Fernando Restaurant, known for its local cuisine and especially fresh fish, is within walking distance of the hotel.Costa de la Luz; the Spanish golfing alternativeIt's also worthwhile flying into Faro for transfer by rental car to Spanish golfing region of Costa de la Luz. On clearing the airport, it's just a 50-minute drive from to the bridge at Ayamonte and across into Spain. There are many good value hotels and, of course, the golfing options are equal to any in Europe. Best of all, green fee rates are 20 per cent lower. Riu Atlantico is the place to stay – holidaymakers travelling with golf holiday specialists Longshotgolf (www.longshotgolf.co.uk) recently voted the hotel "No 1 value for money". This is an exceptional four-star hotel, with friendly, helpful staff who make you feel welcome. It has spacious rooms with a fully stocked minibar and air conditioning, and the buffet restaurant offers on-the-spot cooking. The hotel's large conservatory area has fascinating water features and the promenade running along the front of the hotel makes an enjoyable evening walk. Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima courses are only a short drive away.Costa de la Sol is a golfer’s paradiseNicknamed “Costa del Golf”, popular and bustling Costa del Sol offers plenty of golf holiday accommodation options for budget travellers. And with 20 new courses opened in the past 20 years, competition keeps prices down. The mild winters and perfect spring and autumn days make ideal weather for golf or just sunning yourself around the resort pool or on the beach. Off the green, time can also be spent exploring the picturesque yacht harbours, up-market shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Marbella, one of the world’s most glamorous resort destinations, has a casino, and the backstreets of the old town offer bargain brand-name clothing and souvenirs. Nearby Aloha Golf, Las Brisas and Los Naranjos are all recommended golf courses.At Pueto Banus, further west, you’ll find the budget-priced PYR Puerto Banus, popular with golfing groups. Staying in a basic, self-catering studio apartment allows you to save on meal costs. When you decide to head out to eat, it’s just a three-minute walk to the marina, where you can dine with a great view of the yachts. For a nightcap, the hotel Golf Bar is perfect and it stays open until 3:30am.
By Rod Ritchie [ 27/11/2006 ][ viewed 97 times ]

Monday, January 28, 2008

The top Golfing Islands in the sun

This year, avoid the winter chill and opt for an island golfing holiday in the sun. Your winter escape is easy to plan – just choose a destination and book your flights and hotels through a reputable golf holiday specialist. Within a few hours you can be at your island destination preparing for a round of golf and contemplating an after match dip in the hotel pool. Whether it’s the Canary Islands or Majorca in Spain, Mauritius, Cyprus, or the Greek island of Corfu, the sunshine and local ambience combined with a relaxing game of golf will lift your winter blues.Canary Islands golf holidays are a winter favourite Renown for their year-round sunshine, magnificent beaches, and rich heritage, Gran Canaria and Tenerife are perfect winter golf destinations. The Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas was founded in 1891, and Gran Canaria now has five first class courses. Given the quality of the courses and the facilities available, the green fees are reasonable starting from 50 euros a round. The island’s beaches are a major drawcard and Maspalomas, with its fine white sand and wind-sculptured dunes, is one of the island’s best.The most popular of the Canary Islands is Tenerife, with its distinctive volcanic landscape. Perfect for winter golf holidays, there are six golf courses on the island. Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates the island and the black volcanic sand beaches meet warm, clear seas. The bustling resort of Playa de Las Americas, in Adeje on the south-western coast, and the coastal fishing village of Los Cristianos, are epicenters of Tenerife golfing holidays. A round of golf in the morning, a nap on the beach in the afternoon, and a visit to the trendy bars and restaurants of Los Cristianos in the evening make up a perfect holiday.Majorca offers quality golf and a vibrant nightlife Reasonable green fees and an improved standard of course are making this Spanish holiday island destination increasingly popular for golf holidays. Scenic walks and excellent shopping provide visitors with plenty to do besides golf. The island’s 19 golf courses offer all levels of golfing challenge in a relaxing Mediterranean setting. Expect high standard facilities and services such as changing rooms, club rental, lockers, buggies, pro shops, cafeterias and qualified PGA instructors. Two fantastic courses are part of the five-star Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, just 15 minutes from Palma International Airport.Mauritius – golfing in a tropical paradise This stunning Indian Ocean island, with its idyllic white sandy beaches, is a tropical paradise that offers golfers a choice of three courses. Culturally diverse, the warm and friendly people are welcoming, and the food, a blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese and European, is a highlight. Belle Mare Plage, a luxurious four-star golf resort in beautiful beach surroundings, has two championship golf courses. Set on a beach protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel is also perfect for swimming and water sports. All the well-appointed rooms have sea views. History, culture and golf on CyprusOne of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has a stunning coastline and pine-clad mountains, along with a warm climate. Its excellent golf courses have challenging greens and fantastic views. You can also sample wines at the many vineyards, visit historic sites, and dine at excellent cafes and restaurants. Paphos Amathus Beach, just 20 minutes’ drive from Paphos airport, and the closest resort to the courses, provides luxurious accommodation. Stunning gardens surround a huge pool and the beach is out the front. The resort’s restaurants serve delicious food and a 20-minute walk to Paphos harbour will reward you with more dining options. Corfu is home to top quality greensStunning beaches, diverse architecture and a busy nightlife are all part of a Corfu holiday. In Corfu Town you can wander the streets and narrow laneways on a shopping expedition, or soak in the ambience of Spianada Square from one of the many café bars. For island accommodation with a golfing association, the quiet and well-appointed, four-star Louis Grand Glyfada, just 25 minutes drive from Corfu airport. Is ideal. The hotel overlooks Glyfada beach, one of the island’s best. All-inclusive tariffs include a sumptuous buffet evening meal. Set in the Ropa Valley, the Corfu Golf Club has one of the finest layouts in Europe, with man-made hazards that test your game. The clubhouse has all facilities including a bar, lounge and restaurant and the weekly golf ticket is great value for money.
By Rod Ritchie [ 27/11/2006 ][ viewed 86 times ]

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Classic Golf Holidays – the Algarve

The Algarve, in Southern Portugal, with its year-round sunshine, miles of golden sand beaches, and picturesque villages, has become one of Europe’s most popular golfing destinations. But while there are many courses suiting all abilities, the Algarve is also perfect for non golfers, especially the eastern region around Tavira, with its stunning nature walks. At the other end of the scale, resorts such as Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo are mega destinations with all the golfing and sporting options you could want. Then, in Western Algarve, around the bustling holiday destination of Albufeira, you can holiday 24/7, combining championship golf with a hectic nightlife.Western Algarve golf breaks Besides bustling Albufeira, there is the charming old town of Lagos, set on one of the largest bays in the Algarve. Its 17th-century fort stands at the harbour entrance and a new marina with rows of excellent restaurants and bars draws the crowds. Alvor, an old port at the mouth of the Rio Alvor, has many traditional restaurants by the quay and a maze of cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, shops and a few bars.Golf holidaymakers should check out the renowned Pinta, one of the best courses in the Algarve, designed to retain natural valleys and undulations. Neighbouring Gramacho is also excellent and both courses are free of green fees for those lucky enough to be staying at the Pestana Hotels. Central Algarve offers golf and moreQuinta do Lago is a premier golfing destination. Two of its four excellent 18-hole courses are listed among the Europe’s top 25 golf courses, and half of the 2000-acre resort comprises a residential and recreational estate, surrounded by pine forests. This beautiful area is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Nearby is a large shopping centre with a health club, nightclubs and restaurants, and scenic countryside runs along miles of secluded beaches.Just 20 minutes’ drive from Faro International Airport, Vilamoura is one of Europe’s largest sport and leisure complexes. There are five golf courses, championship tennis courts, an acclaimed riding school, and fishing and shooting facilities. The resort’s large marina has many fine restaurants, cafes and shops.Vale do Lobo, Portugal’s biggest luxury golf and beach resort, also 20 minutes from the airport at Faro, is one of Europe’s finest. Its two golf courses, the Royal and Ocean, provide stunning views of the coast, and its 5 km-long sandy beach, with dramatic red sandstone cliffs, provides non-golfers with seriously good beach and swimming options. The resort also offers tennis courts, a gymnasium and health and beauty centre, as well as restaurants and shops.Eastern Algarve; golf tours without the crowdsFor a less frenetic golfing experience and a chance to enjoy nature, head east from Faro towards the Spanish border. There are many hotels not far from the airport, close to some well-designed courses. Tavira, at the mouth of the River Gilao, is a fishing port dating from Moorish times. Nearby you’ll find Reserva do Sapal, one of Portugal’s most important nature reserves. And just across the border, on the Costa de la Luz, are many more great golf courses.
By Rod Ritchie [ 27/11/2006 ][ viewed 95 times ]

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Mental Imagery for Golf

What is mental imagery anyways? Is it diffrent from visualization? If so, how? Can its effectiveness be verified, in a more empirical manner?Mental Imagery is an indispensible tool for athletes in every sport. It is difficult to identify a top performing athlete who does not use mental imagery to improve their performance levels.The power of mental imagery can be transferred into your golf game when applied properly. Let's briefly clarify the critical difference between visualization and mental imagery.Visualization is seeing with your mind's eye "while you are playing". Mental imagery is "feeling" with your mind's eye before you play. Ok, this is obviously generalized for the purposes of this article yet the key distinction is revealed. To benefit from mental imagery in your golf game you'll learn how to engage your emotional body while directing specific visual images in your mind. Yet you will do this before you play. Visualization, on the other hand, will be employed during each and every shot you play on the course.The outcome of using mental imagery is to get your conscious and unconscious minds in harmony. To do what I call a "prehearsal" of coming events.You step deeply into your mental images of playing excellent golf and fill yourself with what this feels like. Acting as if you are already actually doing what you are imagining. This is the heart of true peak performance training mental training.By repeating this guided mental imagery process your entire being becomes engrossed in the experience. Your mind accepts these "prehearsals" as actual events.You see, the unconscious mind does not make a distinction between a real or an intensley imagined state. Read that again if this concept is new to you. Now that you're read it again I'll repeat it! The unconscious mind does not make a distinction between a real and an intensley imagined event!This is verfiable with current neuroscience research. I cover this subject in greater length in my book. Yet you can use this powerful knowledge today. Begin thinking with feeling. Use your emotional body to sesne what your pictures should feel like. Then step deeply into these mental images and play golf in your mind! It may seem simple but by using this technique alone I dropped my handicap from the 20's into the low single digits. Without golf lessons.Begin by lying or sitting still and recalling a time whwn you played very well. Now step into this memory and really dig deeply into every nuance of this stae you were in. It will be the doorway to future peak performance states. Once you have a good feel for this memory imagine yourself in the future. Stnding over as shot that was previously challenging to you. Then make the swing. And continue your imaginary round of golf.This single technique can literally transform your game, if you are one of the few who choose to harness the incredible power of their mind.Use your mind properly and your game will improve. In fact, it is inevitable.
By Wade Pearse [ 28/11/2006 ][ viewed 65 times ]

Michelle Wie: A Heroine Reigns In The Greens

Golf has just been redefined. Michelle Wie, an American of Korean descent, has surpassed the performance of male golfers twice her age and brought prestige and honor not only to Koreans and Americans, but also to all women golfers everywhere. While Michelle believes that men are competitive and agressive players, she stands firm on the green and continue to beat them through the fairways in the open tournaments.Michelle Wie is as strong golf player as her fellow contemporary golf prodigy Tiger Woods, but her feminine strength, vitality, longevity and resistance makes her a worthy competitor amongst the giants of golf. Today she's making a trailblazing mark in the history of women's golf and the rest of golf's history.Born Michelle Sung Wie on October 11, 1989 in Honolulu, Hawaii, she is the only child of Byung-Wook (“B.J.”) and Hyun-Kyong (“Bo”), both of whom emigrated to the U.S. from South Korea. B.J., a transportation professor at the University of Hawaii, came to California in 1983. Bo, a successful realtor and former Korean amateur golf champion, met B.J. in Los Angeles in 1987, and they married soonafter. The couple moved to Honolulu in 1988 and welcomed Michelle into the world following year.Michelle was four when her father first took her to the driving range. Her first swings, taken with a baseball grip, were so hard she nearly fell over. Practicing in the family’s backyard, Michelle eventually straightened out her shots. At age 7, she played her first 18-hole round and finished 14-over par. By the age of 10, she was shooting a 64.Since then, Michelle played various levels in golf tournaments and achieved numerous golf titles consecutively in her early teenage years. Aside from joining the women's tournament, she also found her place playing golf against male opponents.Through the years, Michelle has been thoroughly polishing her golf skills. World titles are stocking up and earning her a reputation as the newest golf player to watch for not unlike a younger Tiger Woods. Michelle Wie is virtually a phenomenon who is now about to turn professional and compete in both the LPGA and the PGA against the likes of Anika Sorenstam, Juli Inkster, Karrie Webb, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and ViJay Singh. Based on an interview, Michelle's ultimate goal was to play in the Masters. “I think it'd be pretty neat walking down the Masters fairways”, she said.
By [ 12/12/2006 ][ viewed 77 times ]

Michelle Wie: A Heroine Reigns In The Greens

Golf has just been redefined. Michelle Wie, an American of Korean descent, has surpassed the performance of male golfers twice her age and brought prestige and honor not only to Koreans and Americans, but also to all women golfers everywhere. While Michelle believes that men are competitive and agressive players, she stands firm on the green and continue to beat them through the fairways in the open tournaments.Michelle Wie is as strong golf player as her fellow contemporary golf prodigy Tiger Woods, but her feminine strength, vitality, longevity and resistance makes her a worthy competitor amongst the giants of golf. Today she's making a trailblazing mark in the history of women's golf and the rest of golf's history.Born Michelle Sung Wie on October 11, 1989 in Honolulu, Hawaii, she is the only child of Byung-Wook (“B.J.”) and Hyun-Kyong (“Bo”), both of whom emigrated to the U.S. from South Korea. B.J., a transportation professor at the University of Hawaii, came to California in 1983. Bo, a successful realtor and former Korean amateur golf champion, met B.J. in Los Angeles in 1987, and they married soonafter. The couple moved to Honolulu in 1988 and welcomed Michelle into the world following year.Michelle was four when her father first took her to the driving range. Her first swings, taken with a baseball grip, were so hard she nearly fell over. Practicing in the family’s backyard, Michelle eventually straightened out her shots. At age 7, she played her first 18-hole round and finished 14-over par. By the age of 10, she was shooting a 64.Since then, Michelle played various levels in golf tournaments and achieved numerous golf titles consecutively in her early teenage years. Aside from joining the women's tournament, she also found her place playing golf against male opponents.Through the years, Michelle has been thoroughly polishing her golf skills. World titles are stocking up and earning her a reputation as the newest golf player to watch for not unlike a younger Tiger Woods. Michelle Wie is virtually a phenomenon who is now about to turn professional and compete in both the LPGA and the PGA against the likes of Anika Sorenstam, Juli Inkster, Karrie Webb, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and ViJay Singh. Based on an interview, Michelle's ultimate goal was to play in the Masters. “I think it'd be pretty neat walking down the Masters fairways”, she said.
By [ 12/12/2006 ][ viewed 74 times ]

How Golf Hypnosis Can Help Hole Short Putts

Tim Smale, whose clients include former Labour Party spin king Alastair Campbell and a host of sporting stars and high-profile business people, believes a 35 minute-a-day mental masterclass - via his specially designed golf hypnosis MP3 downloads and CDs - could spell an end to short putting misery for millions of golfers worldwide. He has joined forces with Chris Jenkins, a PGA Professional golfer and coach to Oliver Fisher - described as the best young British golfer since Nick Faldo - to launch www.golfhypnotherapy.com, a website dedicated to providing golf hypnosis and instruction techniques specifically targeted at times in a round when pressure and anxiety can wreak havoc. "Golfers face around 50 high pressure situations during a round, particularly in competition play, and nervous tension can cause even the best players in the world to 'choke'," said Smale, aged 46, from his private practice off London's Trafalgar Square."Having a short putt for par seems like an easy task until you actually step up to the ball - then this tiddler can suddenly look like a 10-foot monster. Nervous tension and a sudden fear of missing combine with disastrous effects and what generally happens is that the subconscious mind - the powerful part of the brain which enables humans to perform simple functions 'without thinking' - is overruled. "Our aim at golfhypnotherapy.com is to create golf hypnosis products that enable golfers to harness the power of their subconscious using a mixture of clinical hypnosis and executive coaching. "This form of mind coaching is fast and effective in making wholesale behavioural change using safe and ethical hypnotherapeutic techniques. The objective is to use hypnosis to access the subconscious mind to resolve issues quickly - and I expect golfers to see improvements to their game after listing to our golf hypnosis CDs and downloads just three times." Smale and Jenkins’ first audio mind coaching aid is 'Become A Deadly Short Putter' which features specific golf instruction tips, drills and information used by Jenkins throughout his pro career to help clients develop confidence and repeatable technique on the green. It is backed up by a second product, 'Beat First Tee Nerves' designed to help golfers make a great start to their round - and keep it going. The leading golf instruction professional at Crowlands Heath Golf Club in Sussex, England, Jenkins has taught British golf prodigy Oliver Fisher since the age of 9 and developed him into the youngest-ever Walker Cup star.Said Jenkins, 39: "There is no doubt that having a mind coach is like having an extra club in the bag. All the top pros have mind 'gurus' but the average golfer simply cannot afford to have that kind of resource at his disposal. "What we are doing through golfhypnotherapy.com is giving casual golfers the chance to experience all the hints, tips and mind coaching techniques used by the pros - from the comfort of their own home. All they have to do is sit back and listen - they'll get better at golf while they 'sleep' thanks to our golf hypnosis programme." Before setting up Mindworks - London’s first dedicated practice specialising in Mind Coaching - Smale had spent 20 years working in senior management roles in some of the UK's most successful media organisations.As a result of his fascination, study and subsequent qualifications, he established a confidential consulting practice in the heart of London's West End which aims to enhance personal performance, increase self esteem, build confidence, encourage safer risk taking, provide focus, overcome phobias and calm anxieties. A member of the Hypnotherapy Association, Hypnotherapy Society and Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, he uses hypnosis to enhance performance, modify behaviour and manage stress for individuals from corporate business, sport and all other walks of life. Smale was mind coach to Alastair Campbell’s London triathlon team in 2004.He added: "Hypnosis is a naturally occurring phenomenon, a state of mind that we experience many times every day of our lives. To understand it better we must first understand the power of the subconscious mind. “It is a resource we can tap into for creativity, emotion and intuition and it is responsible for maintaining our bodies in good health and for all the autonomic processes we take for granted, such as breathing, blood circulation and tissue repair. "Tapping into this in a golf context means golfers will absorb the information we provide through golf hypnosis and use it, subconsciously, to play better by using good habits."Habits such as these, and many more, are formed in the subconscious mind and allow us to perform many tasks ‘without thinking’. In order to modify a habit or behaviour or enhance a performance it follows that we must first access the subconscious mind and re-programme it. "We access the subconscious mind through ‘intended golf hypnosis’ - a safe and enjoyable process that can change the way we live on many exciting levels."In recent years, using a mind coach has become all the rage in professional golf. Jamil Qureshi, magician-turned-psychologist was recently signed by the European Tour to work with the European Ryder Cup team and has private clients including Simon Dyson, Thomas Bjorn and Lee Westwood.Other European stars including Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Graeme McDowell all work with psychologist Dr Karl Morris, while in the US mind coach Bob Rotella has clients including David Duval and Brad Faxon.
By Mike Rad [ 13/12/2006 ][ viewed 220 times ]

Tiger Woods’ Got It All

Besides his skills to play golf and his fame now Tiger Woods, the great professional golfer, signed a new contract with Nike. This one is the third multi-year deal with this brand.The terms of the contract haven’t been disclosed yet but if we refer to their past, this might be a very lucrative agreement for the golfer. His first contract was back in 1996 and it earned him an approximate amount of $40 million over five years. The next one was also for five years starting in 2001 and it was for $100 million.Nike's golf division sells around $500 million in equipment and apparel; this is just a three percent of their overall business. When Nike first signed Tiger Woods, the company was just getting involved with the world of links. But now, ten years later, with Woods being their model, Nike Golf sales have grown 300 percent.Tiger Woods, has won eight tournaments this season, and should be honored with the PGA Tour Player of the Year next Tuesday. He has won 54 PGA Tour titles and earned $97.6 million in the year 2005, $87 million came from his endorsements. In 2004, he earned $6.3 million for swinging the club, and another $83 million for just being Tiger.Tiger Woods also has some other contracts with General Motors, American Express and the Swiss watches corporation: Tag Heuer.It seems like Tiger Woods, who is the number one golfer in the world has his financial future guaranteed.
By Julie Smith [ 15/12/2006 ][ viewed 152 times ]

Golf Putting Training Aids

Lets start by saying that a putt of 5 to 7 feet are the putts we expect to make, yet have the most trouble with. These are the putts we need to improve on. Anyone can sink a 3 foot putt. If you're more than 7 feet away, the percentage of a putt sinking go down drastically to where you can accept that you will have to more than likely make a 2nd putt.So the 4 to 6, 5 to 7 foot shot is where we want to spend our time practicing. It is well known that the Pros sink only about 50% of their putts of between 5 to 7 feet, so you really cant get to upset with yourself when you are missing 5 to 7 footers, but we can improve this, so lets practice and see if we can improve our success rate for the 5 to 7 foot putt.So you're at the local practice putting green. Grab a hand full of balls and lets get started. Start with the balls about 5 feet from the hole. We will want to concentrate on 2 major points as we putt. The stroke and alignment.It is very important to have the correct alignment so we can get a strait shot. When we have our alignment squared away, we can then go on to focus on the stroke. If you regularly miss strait putts where there is no break, your alignment is slightly off or your stroke is off. If you are missing putts with a break, your stroke may be good, but the speed of the ball may be off. It is important for this drill to find an area without a break. We will fix our strait putts before tackling the breaking putts.There are a myriad of putting improvement aids on the market. The Odyssey putter employees a 2-ball technology that aids in alignment which is as I described, the most important part of putting. However, the Odyssey putter is quite expensive and you don't need to spend $239 to become a good putter. I found a nice little aid called the 2-Way Putter Alignment System. Its a small metal gizmo with a magnet on the base that allows the 2-Way to snap right on to your existing putter head. Then you square it up over the ball or behind in the traditional 2-Ball mode and you have the 2-ball technology to use for putting practice. Here is a link to the 2-Way Putter Alignment System if you are interested.I recommend practicing with either the Odyssey 2-Ball putter, or the 2-Way Putter Alignment System, because the 2-Ball technology is without a doubt absolutely effective. As the 2 white circles that comprise the 2-Ball technology pass through with the stroke, an imperfection in the alignment of your putting stroke becomes obvious like a sore thumb. This is invaluable feedback to the individual desiring to have more success with putting.Now We start putting, keeping our 2 concerns in mind. Alignment and stroke. Align the putter head square as best you can words the hole. The 2-Way will help here. Remember, this is the biggest problem with poor putting and takes the most time and effort in practice to correct. Once you have corrected your alignment, You will see a great improvement. Now make sure the putter head is going strait back on the swing. There should be no motion two rd or away from your body.Lets set yourself a goal. We must Sink 50 in a row from a distance between 4 to 7 feet. This is going to be hard to achieve, but it is possible. Remember, if you miss a single putt, you have to start over at 1. This teaches you to putt under pressure. You know how you will feel as you get into the 40's. You will feel the pressure and you have to press on and sink the rest or you go back to 1. That's pressure. This will help you improve your concentration and your putting stroke.As your stroke improves, you will notice that you will become more and more confident in your short putting ability to the point where you will be able to step back to 7 and 8 feet and farther with more confidence in your putting ability.This putting drill can be done anywhere. If you happen to be home or goofing off in the office. You can practice on the carpet. The point is, Alignment and Stroke. Work on that and use the technique described and before you know it, you will be an impressive putter. And its all about being impressive.
By Chris Schaller [ 21/12/2006 ][ viewed 60 times ]

Discount Clone Golf Clubs - Save Your Money for the 19th Hole!

Anyone who plays golf knows the sport is not at all cheap. With membership fees, golf green fee costs, golf shoes, golf clothes, golf clubs, golf carts and golf balls, even a minimalist wishing to play has to fork out a small fortune. With the availability of clone golf clubs, there is now an area where you can keep some money in your own pocket and still achieve the same results on the course.It can be boring if you finish a great game of golf, but don’t have any money left over for a beer or glass of wine at the end. You want to save money where you can for the social side of golfing. Instead of buying over priced brand name golf clubs, why not get clone golf clubs instead, and save money for a bit of fun with your golfing friends?Clone golf clubs are not golf clubs made to OEM or original manufacturer standards as some people suspect. They are in fact clubs made to their own specifications and own use of modern technology. Clone golf clubs are made from quality materials and can also be custom designed for your specific and individual requirements. Brand name golf clubs such as Callaway, Ping, Nike, Taylor Made or Titleist are very expensive and only golfers with money to burn can really afford to buy them. A famous pro golfer once said “The ball can’t tell the brand”, which is true and means people are only buying expensive, over-priced clubs to show off to their peers and advertise their wealth.If you can’t afford to buy your name-brand golf clubs with cash up front, maybe you are buying out of your league. You could get clone golf clubs that do the same job for half the price or less. Value does not mean low quality, it just means low prices for a product that performs just as well. The clone golf clubs have proven themselves to be reliable, long-lasting and made with quality design and modern technology. Clone golf drivers are less expensive without compromising the quality or size of the club head. Whether your game is to try the new age square driver heads or you prefer the traditional shaped drivers, you will find a clone golf club that is similar to the name brand for considerably less money. The price you would expect to pay for a clone golf driver is around $70 - $100. The same goes for other clubs such as golf woods, golf hybrids, golf wedges and golf putters. The range of clone golf clubs is versatile and the clubs are stylish, new age and high quality.You will always play golf with a smile on your face when you know you haven’t had to pay a fortune for your clubs. Within reason, if the clubs you are using are the right specifications for your size, once you are used to using them, you can master how to play with them. It doesn’t matter if you spend $70 or $700, this is still the case. Next time you need a new club or set of clubs, choose clone golf clubs – you won’t be getting second best, you will just be paying less!
By Kevin Fairbanks [ 19/01/2007 ][ viewed 68 times ]

From Club Car to Kohler; How to Save money with your Golf Car fleet

Caravans of golf carts log numerous miles each day on golf courses around the country as they carry golfers to the next hole, pro shop, or the clubhouse for some grub. Golf carts are an integral part of operations at many golf courses. This is especially true on large golf courses or those that make their way through rugged terrains. Most golfers would find walking a course while toting the weight of a golf bag cumbersome and unappealing, and walking wouldn’t even be plausible at some golf courses. Most golfers would instead prefer to have a golf cart do the hard work of navigating over rugged terrain and up steep, mountainous elevations for them. Okay, certainly we can agree that keeping as many golf carts as possible motoring is essential to happy golfers and for the golf courses bottom financial line. But is it better to repair golf carts? Or is it a wiser investment to continually purchase “new” golf carts to meet ever-growing numbers of golfers? The answer of course is dependent in large part on the amount of money that a golf course wishes to allocate towards either the purchasing of new golf carts, or the repairing, repowering of golf carts already in inventory. A brand new golf cart may run longer before any problems prop up compared to a golf cart that has been refurbished. But keep in mind that with the demands placed upon the average golf cart, even “new” ones will eventually need some repairs to keep them running smoothly. It might be wiser to implement a plan wherein “new” golf carts are added to your ‘pool’ of golf carts when possible and “older” carts repaired until their repair costs start to “outweigh” the amount of time the carts are available for use on the fairways.You can reduce the costs of golf cart repairs by opting to “repower” your golf carts with small engines such as those manufactured by Briggs Stratton, Cushman, Kohler, and Honda, who have the small engines with the power you need to keep your golf carts running. The manufacturers of these small engines have designed them to withstand heavy workloads, even the workload placed upon the average golf cart. These small engines come in a wide assortment of sizes, available horsepower, and different transmission set-ups, to meet all of your power needs. These engines also use a variety of sources such as gasoline, diesel, and electricity from batteries for their power: making them quite adaptable to the course-specific needs of every golf course.The Cushman line of small engines include: the Cushman Truckster and Cushman Haulster. . The Cushman Truckster small engine can provide a golf cart with all the power it needs to traverse rugged terrains with the weight of passengers and equipment on board with ease. The Cushman Haulster is also built to handle heavy loads. The various manufacturers of these small engines have all worked hard to develop and design the small engines that can put out a tremendous amount of power for their size, stand up to the rigorous demands placed on them with less maintenance required, and at a reasonable enough cost to make them a viable choice for use in the repowering of golf carts. You will find these engines are a cost-effective choice for the other equipment used for the maintenance of golf courses such as seeders and mowers. Many of those in charge of keeping the motorized equipment on their golf courses running place their trust in these small engines for all of their power needs.
By Ben Anton [ 19/01/2007 ][ viewed 118 times ]

Golfing in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is fast becoming one of the most popular places on the planet to vacation, and for good reason. It never snows and anytime is always a good time to go to the beach. Pristine, picturesque natural rainforests and parks cover a large portion of the country, part of why Costa Rica is leading the growing trend of ecotourism. And of course, all that fresh air and green grass lend themselves to making the area especially perfect for one other popular activity: golfing in Costa Rica. There are five major Costa Rican golf courses to chose from, whether you’re moving to Costa Rica or just thinking about living in Costa Rica for a week or two.Have you ever golfed amongst monkeys? Now’s your chance! The Garra de Leon golf course was built right alongside a natural rainforest, and it’s a common occurrence to have native wild animals cheer you on as you play. Truly stunning from beginning to end, Garra de Leon provides a unique golf adventure that both the beginner and the advanced golfer will love golfing in Costa Rica again and again.The Hacienda Pinilla offers a luxurious rolling golf course with the waves of the Pacific Ocean practically crashing right at your feet. Along the way, you’re sure to spot at least one or two rare native species of bird or monkey. The Hacienda Pinilla is unique in that it incorporates the natural surroundings right into the course as nature-built obstacles, making for a rewarding yet challenging game for players at all levels.Villa del Sol, or Sun Valley, serve double-duty: it is both a natural wildlife habitat and one of the most enjoyable golf courses in Central America. The only downside to the course is that it’s easy to find yourself staring at the towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and rolling lawns instead of focusing on your shot!Situated right on the Pacific Ocean and in the midst of some of Costa Rica’s most breath-taking rainforests is the Los Suenos Beach and Golf Resort. While your travel companions are lounging on the beach or relaxing back at the resort, you can enjoy many full days of golf on this Par 72 course. Once you’ve had your fill of golfing for the day, you can enjoy the on-site casino, restaurants, pools, and tennis courts.If you’re thinking of moving to Costa Rica, you can join the exclusive Melia Cariari Golf Club, giving you access to the oldest and most prestigious 18-hole golf course in all of Central America. To maintain its beauty and make their golfing experience a truly memorable on, Melia Cariari is closed to non-members, so tourists cannot play. However, many who have enjoyed its lush, challenging course have said that the Melia Cariari alone would be enough to get them to keep living in Costa Rica year-round!Whether you’re currently living in Costa Rica or haven’t even though of moving to Costa Rica, Costa Rican golf courses are there to provide endless hours of unforgettable putting pleasure. With your options for golfing in Costa Rica spanning five distinct, expertly-designed courses—the Garra de Leon, Hacienda Pinilla, Valle del Sol, Los Suenos, and Melia Cariari—you may soon find yourself living in Costa Rica whether you planned to or not!by David Lovendahl, Costa Vista Marketing
By Karen Lovendahl [ 19/01/2007 ][ viewed 68 times ]

Would you like to get paid for playing golf?

Learning the basics of playing golf for free is very simple. As a means of getting you started, I will give you a few quick ideas right now on getting your golf game for free. It is not as difficult as you might think and you do not necessarily have to be a celebrity to enjoy this benefit. First of all, you can become a professional golf ‘Escort’. This method is not new to the average golfer. You can actually play golf for free doing something that businessmen and women do every day. This is one of the ways that you can actually get paid to play golf every day. If it pleases you, you can use this method as a full time business. Golf is becoming one of the most important and most profitable sports in the world right now. This is a trend that excellent golfers like Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia have helped spur on. Young golfers like them have ushered in a brand new era of young golfers, and with them a great deal more popularity. Did you know for instance, that around 40% of all of the money that is spent on sports in the United States is given to golf? It’s true; in fact, golf has become so popular that businesses across the world are using golf as a marketing tool. What this means is that businesses also have a responsibility to make golf more entertaining for the golfers that are playing. Today’s businessmen don’t really have time to play a few games with their clients like they used to. The days when business people played a few holes for their high end clients are gone. This is where the professional golf escort comes in handy. How many times have you heard or seen someone say that they like to mull over their business decisions over a game of golf? This is quite common, however today’s business person often have enough on their plates just conducting business.Golf is just something that they don’t have time for. This market is gigantic in the business world because as so many decisions are made over a game of golf, so business people need someone who can spend the time in the day to play the game. That’s where you come in. How it works is that these businesses will hire you to play the golf games with their clients when they can’t do it. Not only will you get to play golf on the business’ dime, but you will actually get paid to do it.Why would someone pay me to golf?You may be wondering why anyone would go to such lengths as to pay someone else to play a game or two of golf every day. That is very easy to answer. Below I have listed the most common reasons why these companies will pay you to play golf for them. 1. Since so many business people’s time is very valuable, they simply can’t spend the time in the day that is needed to entertain their clients with golf games. This is a very common practice today and is also a great way for the businesses to ensure that their clients are happy while still having the free time they need to conduct every day business in the office. 2. Many business people hire escorts because they just don’t know how to play golf themselves. This is another time when you can capitalize from it. Many of the executives that can’t play the game do not want to be embarrassed and therefore will simply outsource instead. 3. The other reason why they are willing to pay for your golfing services is because although the executive might know how to play golf and may even have the time for it, they may simply just not be very good at it. That may leave their client feeling bored during the game and therefore take away from the fun for them. These things having been said, you may have a better idea as to why companies are willing to pay someone like you to play the game for them. You can make a pretty penny from this.
By andrew dimmelow [ 21/01/2007 ][ viewed 92 times ]

Friday, January 25, 2008

Golf : Els drinks up and prepares to tackle Woods

December in George on South Africa’s Garden Route, Christmas in Mauritius, new year in Cape Town, January in Wentworth until the foul weather forced him to flee back to South Africa. The life of Riley. Yes, and also the life of Ernie Els. And now he is here in Qatar preparing for his eighteenth season as a professional. Els, 37, bent to press his tee-peg slowly into the ground and placed his ball on it. He was about to hit his first drive of his first practice round before his first tournament of the year, his first round with a new caddie and his first appearance since he admitted that he has drawn up a three-year plan to displace Tiger Woods as world No 1. No pressure, then. In 1990, Els and De Wet Basson, a fellow South African, teamed up on the European Tour. “It was tough for us,” Els said. “Money was tight, but I loved the chances to visit the European capitals — Madrid, Paris, London. “During the Irish Open one year, De Wet and I went to a local pub to watch the tennis, the French Open, on television. We were bad. We were drinking a lot and betting on every point. Got home to this little bed and breakfast and I was sick. The landlady gave me some food, helped me to bed and woke me up the next morning and got me off to the tournament“They were good days. That was when I learnt how to travel. I learnt about the game, learnt about myself. I am so glad I came through the system when I did. It was the old school. I have been lucky. I have got a good wife. She understands me and supports me. She believes in me. She likes to travel. Imagine if she had her own business.” He rolled his eyes. Els was accompanied on this practice round by Jos Vanstiphout, the mind coach, J. P. Fitzgerald, his new caddie, and a couple of others. Els often plays practice rounds with Adam Scott, Sergio García, Trevor Immelman and Vijay Singh. “Some of the guys live in the US and I live in London, so we have different lives and it’s difficult,” Els said. “I don’t play practice rounds with Tiger. I want to stay away from that circus.” Nearly two hours after starting, Els had mentioned Woods’s name for the first time. “I think that some of the young guys are a little too serious at an early age,” Els said. “Because of the way Tiger prepares for tournaments, he is different. You’ve got to be yourself. You know your strengths and weaknesses. I see a lot of youngsters trying to swing like him and they are not built like him. He is a wonderful role model, but for some of them I am not sure it is totally the right thing.” Els’s fortunes began to improve in 1992. “I played with John Cook in the last round of that year’s Open at Muirfield,” he said. “Cooky should have won. I came fifth. At the 1993 US Open at Baltusrol in 1993, Lee Janzen [the eventual winner] missed a 20-foot putt on the last green on Friday that would have knocked me out of the competition. I went 67, 68 at the weekend and finished seventh. Then , in that year’s Open at Royal St George’s, I had four rounds in the 60s. Then I was off. I won a tournament in Japan at the end of the year, beat Greg Norman in Dubai at the start of the next year. In 1994, I won the US Open in a play-off and six times around the world.” The subject turned to rugby. “We should have a bet on England v South Africa in the World Cup,” Els said to a companion. “Hmm,” came the reply. “What about 50 on that game and 50 on the team that goes further in the competition?” “Dollars or pounds?” the companion asked. “Depends how strongly you support your country,” Els said. The companion gulped. On that windy afternoon, Els’s swing looked rusty and a couple of shots were off line. Hardly surprising, considering how little golf he has played and no one should read too much into the occasional inaccurate drive. The Commercialbank Qatar Masters, which begins today, is the start of an important year for Els. Can he win more than the one tournament he captured in 2006? Can he climb up the world rankings from No 5? Most of all, can he challenge Woods again? There is a three-year plan, remember.
By Amardeep Singh [ 25/01/2007 ][ viewed 69 times ]

Third Round of the FA Cup

The third round of the FA Cup took place this Sunday January 7th and it was a game worth watching. Wayne Rooney set up both goals for Manchester United, which leads the Premier League by six points and is also in contention for the Champions League title. The Red Devils won all three trophies in 1999. Larsson scored in the 55th minute but Milan Baros tied it in the 74th for Aston Villa, which is run by Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner. Solskjaer then sent a shot that went into the net off the body of Villa goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly. I think United deserved to win the game, because they made a host of but you have to feel a bit for Villa, because they probably deserved a goal when they really started to become a threat to the other team. Larsson is playing in England for 10 weeks during the Swedish league's winter break and seemed to have no trouble settling in. After United failed to clear a corner, a pass from Gary Cahill fell to the feet of Baros, who poked it past United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak from 10 yards. But Solskjaer, who replaced Larsson in the 79th, beat Kiraly at the near post after taking a pass from Rooney.
By Ally White [ 27/01/2007 ][ viewed 83 times ]

Cushman Engines Repowered; Tips from the experts at Repower Specialists, LTD

While the main benefit stands right out to some individuals, others are oblivious to it. Money. This is the main reason for repowering your golf cart engine. Whether you have a Kohler engine or a Briggs Stratton engine, it makes no difference. To go out and purchase a new golf cart will cost you anywhere from $5000 to $14,000 depending upon the quality. On the other hand, repowering your golf cart engine may cost between $1,000 and $2,500, depending upon what model you choose. Obviously, the savings can be astronomical and because your repowered engine will use less fuel, you’ll be saving on gas, as well. When you repower your golf cart engine, you can also increase how useful your machine will be as you have the option to fit it with a more powerful engine. When you have more power, you can do more things with your golf cart, whether it is hauling items around or simply getting faster to a location. You may even have enough power to put a snowplow on it and get the job done quicker.Another benefit to repowering your golf cart engine is that it will be much easier to maintain. The parts for an updated engine will be much easier to find than your ancient engine. You will also be able to get spare parts in-stock to make sure you always have what you need should something go wrong. You should also receive a new warranty on your new repowered engine so if something does happen, it will be covered.You’ll also find that when you repower your golf cart engine, you can do so with a newer and cleaner running engine that will meet the EPA standards for emissions control. What does this mean for you? Well, a much cleaner environment and you’ll be taking a part in helping to keep the air clean. When you choose to repower your golf cart engine, you’ll find that Kohler makes several kits to fit Toro, Jacobsen, Cushman, and Club Car or you can even check with Briggs Stratton kits for your cart. These kits will include all of the essential items that you will need to put in a new engine. Just think, if you were the owner of a golf course and needed to repair or replace your fleet of golf carts, which would you rather do? Spend as much as $20,000 to $40,000 on four new carts or spend about $6,000 to $8,000 having them repowered? The fact is it doesn’t matter whether you own a golf course and have a whole fleet of golf carts or if you’re simply the proud owner of one, when you repower your golf cart with a new engine, the advantages are many and are not just financial. So before you go shopping for a new one, consider checking into repowering your golf cart engine with either a Briggs Stratton engine, Kohler engine, or even a Honda small engine. You’ll find you’ll have a whole lot more power in the cart, as well as a whole lot more money left in your pocket.
By Ben Anton [ 26/02/2007 ][ viewed 81 times ]

Powerful Golf Swing. Do you want it. Take the time.

How do you build a powerful golf swing? When you watch those big strong golf pro’s swing that golf club so effortlessly but still reach those tremendous distances you cant help to wonder how they achieve this, it looks so simple and easy. You start to think there must be some kind of secret that only the golf pro’s know about and they wont tell anyone else how to build a powerful golf swing. I am sure you have experienced that feeling when you’re out on the golf course that you just cant get any distance, your golf swing just don’t feel comfortable, and the harder you try to hit that ball the more disastrous the outcome. You just don’t have a powerful golf swing. Off to the practice range and you find out that hitting four hundred balls only helped a slight bit if any, and on the golf course the next week you can see little improvement. So what do I need to do? You need club control and that will come automatically if you have a powerful golf swing.The golf instructor at my local golf club gave me a tip for building a powerful golf swing. Practice your golf swing holding the club only in your left hand if you’re a right handed player and vice versa if you are left handed. It helped a tremendous amount. I could see and feel the difference out on the course the first timeSo I took it a step further and taped a piece of lead weighing about one pound just above the club head of my five iron. And started practicing swinging the club just like a normal golf swing, with the correct posture, grip, full back swing and full follow through but holding the club only in my left hand. Only for about twenty minutes a day.A very simple drill but I could not believe the results I got. Now it feels like I am only pulling the club through the ball and it flies a mile. At last a powerful golf swing!
By Eugene Benade [ 02/03/2007 ][ viewed 52 times ]

Choosing the Right Golf Bag for You

Golf bags are one of the most important elements of a comfortable golf experience. If you have the wrong golf bag you are bound to be miserable if it’s too heavy, too long, too short, or doesn't have enough space for all of your clubs and golf gear. Finding the right golf bag can take some time, so it’s good to think about what you really need, what you want, and even plan for additions to your golf gear in the future. Many golf pros suggest starting out with a very basic bag and growing from there as you determine your golf style and what you need and expect from a bag. Golf bags are like almost anything else in golf, there are premium bags and very simple bags and everything in between with prices to match. What works best for you may not work best for someone else, so don't take the word of another golfer as gospel, research your options and then invest.One of the most popular golf bags is the Optima 9 Deluxe cart bag. This golf would definitely fit into the premium end of things, though it will cost you less than $150. The Optima 9 golf bag is great because it offers a 14-way divider system so that you know where each club is when you are looking for it. This divider system will not only make playing more fun, your gear will also be more organized so you are less likely to lose things. This bag is its own cart and it has a strap guidance system that allows you to easily pull this cart/bag behind you as you make your way through the course. The wheels are quite steady so there is no need to worry about spillage or anything of the sort. This impressive bag also offers a rain and travel hood, so your golf bag truly can go anywhere with you. The Optima 9 Deluxe also boasts seven easy access pockets, which are important for things like gloves, a hat, sun screen, tees, and anything else you may carry with you while golfing that you won't want to have to dig for. Many consider this the best golf bag on the market, as it does offer quite a bit in the way of features and functionality. As an added bonus this exquisite golf bag also offers a cooler pocket and a putter tube.The Bang stand bag is also quite popular for those that don't necessarily need something as luxurious as the Optima mentioned above. While this is not as luxurious as the Optima this is still a great bag that has its own metal frame that acts as a stand. No longer do you have to lay your golf bag on the ground as you go about your day on the course, now your clubs will be well protected and will not have to bang around in your bag as you drop it to the ground. This is also a very affordable bag considering that it is very light weight and is a great golf stand bag.A golf travel bag may also be ideal for you depending on where you golf and when. If you like to travel around the country to experience new courses a travel golf bag is definitely in order. These are typically hard sided bags that will protect your golf clubs and gear as you travel from city to city aboard a plane, train, or even in the car. A travel bag will run you about $130 but is more than worth the investment considering how much money you have probably put into all of your gear that you keep in your bag.A golf bag is truly a personal choice, and with so many options on the market you'll have no problem finding the one that is right for you. While some of the bags may be a bit pricey sales and online vendors can save you quite a bit of money while offering quality equipment. Your golf bag is something that you should feel comfortable with, no matter what the style.
By Alex Bezborodko [ 09/03/2007 ][ viewed 49 times ]

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Golf Ball Retriever: The Tool for Every Golfer

A golf ball retriever is a tool that every golfer should have to eliminate the need to bend and stoop to locate your ball. While a golf ball retriever is actually very simple, it is a tool that can make your golf game much more fun, much easier, cleaner, and simply more enjoyable. When those that are new to golfing hear of such a contraption they tend to snicker and wonder why in the world they would ever need a ball retriever. After just a few games most golfers have a new understanding and appreciation for the golf ball retriever.A golf ball retriever is just that, it retrieves balls so that the golfer does not have to go into water, mud, or rocks to retrieve a miss-hit. Ball retrievers often come in very handy when you play on a course that has a lot of ponds, lakes, wooded areas, as well as rock gardens. Of course, you never intend to hit your ball into these areas, but every now and again it will happen and a golf ball retriever will make it a lot easier to get your ball without all of the climbing and stooping that is generally associated with locating ones ball. Because of your golf ball retriever you’ll find that you have to buy golf balls less often because you won’t just write them off when they land in hard to reach areas.There are a few different golf ball retrievers on the market. Two of the most well known are the IGOTCHA golf ball retriever and the Golden Retriever golf ball retriever. There are many other retrievers on the market, these two products are just known for their reliability as well as their durability. Because there are these great products as well as others on the market it can be difficult to ascertain which is right for you. The great thing is that all ball retrievers are relatively affordable, so you can go for one of the well-known products of something else on just about any budget.The IGOTCHA golf ball retriever is also very popular and can be purchased for right around $30 as well. Like other retrievers the IGOTCHA comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 6-18 feet long allowing you to grab your ball with ease from any area. IGOTCHA can grab your golf ball from water, mud, rocks, and soggy areas of green after a rain so that your pants as well as your shoes can stay clean. IGOTCHA has cleverly come up with four different ball retrievers known as the Executive, the Executive XL, and the Biggest. IGOTCHA is definitely a quality product that many golfers can get a lot of use out of.The Golden Retriever golf ball retriever will usually cost about $30 and will fit into or attach to golf bags with ease. Even though the Golden Retriever comes in 7, 12, and 18 foot the handle is telescopic so that you don’t have to lug around a huge ball retriever from hole to whole during your game. This ball retriever can be fully immersed in water or mud should it happen to land in one of these things. The claw like handles will allow you to simply scoop up the ball with one hand and then drop the ball into the other. Because the handle is telescopic you can reach a ball that is in the middle of the pond. A golf ball retriever is a tool that every golfer should have. If the golfer in your life doesn’t already have one, a retriever makes a great fathers day, birthday, mother’s day, or Christmas gift.
By Alex Bezborodko [ 09/03/2007 ][ viewed 50 times ]