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How well do we know the game of golf ?
I bet that most of the golfers in the Commonwealth countries and the United States did not realise that most Europeans need to pass a Golfing exam before they are allowed on a golf course. The course consists of between 12 and 16 hours of tuition depending on how many students take part. Most golf academies advertise for a maximum of 4 students per teaching pro. In addition to these hours they are expected to practise these learned techniques until they have reached a certain level of consistency to play a Tee-shot 120 m ( 132 yrds ) straight onto the fairway. (Ladies 100 m). Once they have "mastered" fairway shots, chipping, bunkershots and putting a playing exam awaits the very nervous student. The points (some variation on this depending which country the exam is taken) are awarded according to the Stableford system. Over a 9 hole test the 6 best played holes need to add up to 12 points with 3 over par equaling 2 points or Par. 95% of students will manage this. Quite remarkable considering the average age for a beginner is 40. My oldest student started at 72 years young. But what I really appreciate about having to do a course in golf is that the second part before they pass, is a theory and etiquette exam. Yes, every beginner learns the most important rules of the game of golf and how not to waste time on a golf course before they ever played a round. The question I would like to post : Should we not introduce this to the English speaking world. The argument has been that we grow up with the sport and like football we just know! I disagree. The number of times I see players scoring their card before leaving the green or placing their trolleys on the wrong side of the next tee or not repairing pitchmarks is numerous. I forget the number of times I have had to explain the rules that apply for an unplayable ball to one of my fellow players. If in doubt ask a Dutchman, German or Norwegian.
Funny that ! Do you agree or disagree with an exam for every player?
Learn to improve your game from Green to Tee
Having just seen Fred Funk come close to winning the Senior British open and follow that up by winning the US senior open, proves that we can score well without being the longest player on the planet. It always amazes me when I see how few times the players leading the longest drive stats, win tournaments. See who you recognise from the following US PGA list:
1 . Robert Garrigus 310.2
2 Bubba Watson 310.1
T3 Dustin Johnson 307.3
T3 Gary Woodland 307.3
5 Nick Watney 304.1
Ok, so most of us will have heard of Bubba Watson. Imagine playing a 460 yard par 4 and facing a 135 yard wedge shot for your approach. Would be nice, would it not?. How can those guys not win every second week? Well, they are obviously not very good at approach shots, chipping and putting! (Measured in terms of PGA tour pro level.) It is the same when we walk onto a driving range. Every one without exception is practising their long game.The full swing.
It is obvious that as we can not see our own swing it will be difficult to make great improvements quickly, without the help of video and a golf teacher. What probably happens is that we're grooving the swingfault (s) by hitting ball after ball , bucket after bucket.
So, if you're serious about reducing your handicap start practising chipping, putting and pitching and probably in that order. Not only are you going to get more up and downs you will also feel more in control of your game when you do miss a green. This in turn takes the tension out of your approach shots. There are plenty of short game drills described on varying websites that can be easily understood and will bring great rewards. And book a lesson if you're hoping to improve your full swing.
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Algarve golf, is it expensive ?
First, let me say that not including the costs of flights you can come to the Algarve to play 4 rounds of golf (e.g Castro Marim, Quinta do Vale, Salgados Links and Pinheiros Altos) stay for 6 nights in reasonable accommodation for less than £ 240.00 per person sharing a twin room.
A shared charge for hiring a car or transfers and you have got it covered. For groups of eight players it is even cheaper as on several courses they would receive a free place. Pestana courses being one of the surprising exceptions. My advise is to get the golf holiday organised early, as the greatest variable will be your flight prices. The sooner you get them booked the more you save. I know you have to forget about all the extra charges they levy, as well as the carriage charge for golf bags and concentrate on the bottom line. It still is pretty reasonable.
High season for golf are the months of March, April, 1 - 15 May,
15 -30 September, October and November. Which means you will pay a somewhat higher green fee but if you stay clear of September your accommdation prices are really quite low. The most expensive time because of the high season are July and August. Yes, you pay less for your golf during this time in the Algarve but that is because it is hot!
Talking about hot what about playing Monte Rei, San Lorenzo,
Victoria and Faldo. Some of the best golf courses in the Algarve that are also the most expensive. This golf only package would cost in the low season December, January,July and August around £ 450.00
Still if you consider it includes a buggy ( except San Lorenzo ) it is probably worth thinking about.( High season price £ 530.00 )
Algarve residents pay the most for their golf. To join a golf club in the Algarve you have to start at around € 2000.00 per annum
membership. Most golf courses charge ( a lot ) more.
Only fair to let you find the rules of golf!.
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