I played golf the other day with a guy who claimed to have just figured out golf. After struggling with this god-forsaken game for so long, I cautioned him to watch the words that sprang from his mouth. I explained to him that the purpose of golf was to drive us crazy. For some unknown reason, the Gods wanted to punish us mortals with an impossible to master game that would appear to be just the opposite. They called it golf and appointed the Golf Gods to maintain the game’s devilish deception. Anytime a mortal threatens to quit the game out of frustration, the Golf Gods will offer a tiny glimmer of hope to draw them back into the game. On the other hand, the Golf Gods are quick to strike down any golfer who becomes the least bit overconfident.
Dismissing my warning, my playing partner explained how he came to figure out golf. He said that he discovered the teachings of a golf instructor by the name of Geoff Jones who goes by the alias “Slicefixer” on the Internet. I was told to simply Google “Slicefixer” and all would be revealed.
Well I did, and I found a lot. Basically, Geoff was a teammate of Fred Couples on the University of Houston golf team. Geoff was an accomplished junior golfer who was the top dog in his hometown. But he soon realized that things were different in Houston after witnessing Freddie easily outdriving him to the tune of 50 yards. Geoff believed that he had to hit the ball farther to compete at the next level. Unfortunately, this quest for distance led him down a path of destruction that left his swing in complete disarray. He spent years to relearn the golf swing and return to his former glory. He has shared his findings for free in the SliceFixer’s Encyclopedia Texarkana.
Also, here's a video of Geoff's story and his concepts:
I have reviewed Geoff’s teachings and they sound valid to me. I plan on working on his concepts and hopefully they’ll get me closer to figuring out golf.
Rabu, 20 Februari 2013
Selasa, 19 Februari 2013
Top 10 Seaside Courses You Should Play
Brilliantly colored water. Crashing waves. Rugged cliffs...
Arguably, the most inspiring settings to play golf are alongside the ocean.
Here's my list of ten seaside layouts you absolutely must play. (I base my selections on the total golf experience, not rankings and reputation.)
Now, let's head to the beach:
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links--There are many contenders and some pretenders, but Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula in California is the world's premier oceanside golf masterpiece. Dont' take my word for it, though. Here's what Jack Nicklaus once said: "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play at Pebble Beach. I've loved this course from the first time I saw it." Designed by Jack Neville, the course utilizes a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean providing a perfect setting for exciting and picturesque golf holes.
2. Kingsbarns--Set just outside St. Andrews, Scotland this innovative but classic design is truly one of the world's most outstanding seaside golf experiences. A testament to modern design techniques, American designer Kyle Phillips created the dunes and rolling land movement at Kingsbarns with earth scrapers and bulldozers in 2000.
3 . Teeth of the Dog--While many of the world's great seaside courses are situated on clifftops, the Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic, designed by Pete Dye, is so close to the ocean you can feel the mist from crashing waves on some holes as you putt on the green. It's catchy name comes from the par three, No. 16 hole, which is bordered by sharp coral formations that resemble the teeth of an angry dog.
4 . Doonbeg--Greg Norman took the "least disturbance" approach to this phenomenal piece of land he was given to design this course in Ireland. There are amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean from 16 holes on this layout. Step on the first tee and you can see across a horseshoe-shaped bay to the ninth green. Built in 2002, the Doonbeg looks like it has been there hundreds of years. The massive 100-foot high sand dunes and native grasses embellish this fantastic setting.
5 . Corales--Often referred to as "the Pebble Beach of the Caribbean", this spectacular Tom Fazio design at Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Repbublic has six oceanfront holes highlighted by rugged cliffs and coral reefs and framed by turquoise and blue waters. Fazio masterfully designed Corales so both nines would conclude with fantastic waterfront holes. The finale, the 18th hole, is a scenic and challenging beauty with a fairway that skirts around the Bay of Corales.
6 . Royal Porthcawl--Opened in 1895, this layout in the village of Porthcawl in Wales has 19th century character at every turn. You can see the sea from every hole and there are inspiring views south to Somerset and Exmoor, and northwest across Swansea Bay to the Gower Peninsula. The holes are designed facing every direction and you’ll never know when the wind will blow directly in your face. Though it’s a private club, the members at Royal Porthcawl are very friendly to visitors and you don’t feel like an intruder. Make sure you take time for a beer or single malt at the clubhouse bar, which sits 40 feet above the sea offering spectacular views.
7. Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes--Stretching along the stunningly beautiful stretch of Oregon coast, Pacific Dunes is a wonderland of rugged dunescape, grassy waste areas, ridges of gorse and ocean views. Holes four and five play along 100-foot-high-cliffs and No. 16, a par four has a green set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Tom Doak, Pacific Dunes is the closest thing to a Scottish golf experience in the United States.
8 . Vale Do Lobo--One of the best ways for a golfer to experience the wonders of the Algarve in Portugal is to play the Royal Course at Vale Do Lobo. The stunning cliff-top carryover on the the par three, 215-yard (from the back tees) number 16 hole is a phenomenal experience. It's sister course, the Ocean Course, is an oceanside beauty as well. Its rolling fairways are framed by pine trees on the front nine and you slowly play your way down to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The back nine has some postcard beautiful ocean panoramas.
9. Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort--Site of the 2012 PGA Championship, this Pete Dye designed masterpiece in South Carolina has more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere--10 along the Atlantic Ocean and 8 others parallel to those. A target course that will expose golfer's liabilities, the Ocean Course is beautiful and oh so challenging.
10. Emerald Reef--While this Greg Norman designed golf course in the Bahamas lacks the pedigree, rankings and accolades of the other courses mentioned, I assure you, this is a spectacular oceanside golf experience. Drop dead gorgeous, Emerald Reef has six holes on a peninsula that are rimmed by some of the most beautiful turquoise green, deep blue and clear waters in the world.
Arguably, the most inspiring settings to play golf are alongside the ocean.
Here's my list of ten seaside layouts you absolutely must play. (I base my selections on the total golf experience, not rankings and reputation.)
Now, let's head to the beach:
_Joann_Dost.jpg) |
| Pebble Beach Golf Links photo by Joan Dost |
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links--There are many contenders and some pretenders, but Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula in California is the world's premier oceanside golf masterpiece. Dont' take my word for it, though. Here's what Jack Nicklaus once said: "If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play at Pebble Beach. I've loved this course from the first time I saw it." Designed by Jack Neville, the course utilizes a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean providing a perfect setting for exciting and picturesque golf holes.
2. Kingsbarns--Set just outside St. Andrews, Scotland this innovative but classic design is truly one of the world's most outstanding seaside golf experiences. A testament to modern design techniques, American designer Kyle Phillips created the dunes and rolling land movement at Kingsbarns with earth scrapers and bulldozers in 2000.
3 . Teeth of the Dog--While many of the world's great seaside courses are situated on clifftops, the Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic, designed by Pete Dye, is so close to the ocean you can feel the mist from crashing waves on some holes as you putt on the green. It's catchy name comes from the par three, No. 16 hole, which is bordered by sharp coral formations that resemble the teeth of an angry dog.
 |
| Teeth of the Dog |
4 . Doonbeg--Greg Norman took the "least disturbance" approach to this phenomenal piece of land he was given to design this course in Ireland. There are amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean from 16 holes on this layout. Step on the first tee and you can see across a horseshoe-shaped bay to the ninth green. Built in 2002, the Doonbeg looks like it has been there hundreds of years. The massive 100-foot high sand dunes and native grasses embellish this fantastic setting.
5 . Corales--Often referred to as "the Pebble Beach of the Caribbean", this spectacular Tom Fazio design at Puntacana Resort in the Dominican Repbublic has six oceanfront holes highlighted by rugged cliffs and coral reefs and framed by turquoise and blue waters. Fazio masterfully designed Corales so both nines would conclude with fantastic waterfront holes. The finale, the 18th hole, is a scenic and challenging beauty with a fairway that skirts around the Bay of Corales.
 |
| Corales |
6 . Royal Porthcawl--Opened in 1895, this layout in the village of Porthcawl in Wales has 19th century character at every turn. You can see the sea from every hole and there are inspiring views south to Somerset and Exmoor, and northwest across Swansea Bay to the Gower Peninsula. The holes are designed facing every direction and you’ll never know when the wind will blow directly in your face. Though it’s a private club, the members at Royal Porthcawl are very friendly to visitors and you don’t feel like an intruder. Make sure you take time for a beer or single malt at the clubhouse bar, which sits 40 feet above the sea offering spectacular views.
7. Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes--Stretching along the stunningly beautiful stretch of Oregon coast, Pacific Dunes is a wonderland of rugged dunescape, grassy waste areas, ridges of gorse and ocean views. Holes four and five play along 100-foot-high-cliffs and No. 16, a par four has a green set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Tom Doak, Pacific Dunes is the closest thing to a Scottish golf experience in the United States.
8 . Vale Do Lobo--One of the best ways for a golfer to experience the wonders of the Algarve in Portugal is to play the Royal Course at Vale Do Lobo. The stunning cliff-top carryover on the the par three, 215-yard (from the back tees) number 16 hole is a phenomenal experience. It's sister course, the Ocean Course, is an oceanside beauty as well. Its rolling fairways are framed by pine trees on the front nine and you slowly play your way down to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The back nine has some postcard beautiful ocean panoramas.
 |
| Royal Course at Vale do Lobo |
9. Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort--Site of the 2012 PGA Championship, this Pete Dye designed masterpiece in South Carolina has more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern Hemisphere--10 along the Atlantic Ocean and 8 others parallel to those. A target course that will expose golfer's liabilities, the Ocean Course is beautiful and oh so challenging.
 |
| Ocean Course |
10. Emerald Reef--While this Greg Norman designed golf course in the Bahamas lacks the pedigree, rankings and accolades of the other courses mentioned, I assure you, this is a spectacular oceanside golf experience. Drop dead gorgeous, Emerald Reef has six holes on a peninsula that are rimmed by some of the most beautiful turquoise green, deep blue and clear waters in the world.
 |
| Emerald Reef |
Rabu, 13 Februari 2013
Golf in England: The Northwest
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| Royal Lytham & St. Annes |
I make it a habit not to write about places I haven't visited, but I'm going to make an exception on what is being marketed as England's Golf Coast.
At the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando (late January) I met an engaging chap named Geoff Harris, whose job is to promote golf travel in this area of northwest England.
I informed Mr. Harris that I had traveled to southwest England and enjoyed it immensely. Courses like St. Enodoc, Royal North Devon and Saunton still dance in my mind as fabulous golf experiences.
Mr. Harris assured me that visiting the northwest part of the country would be equally rewarding.
Here are his main selling points:
- You can conveniently fly into Manchester.
- Seven of the world's Top 100 courses are located in close proximity
- The area has Three Open Championship courses (Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham & St. Annes)
- There are more than 160 golf courses to play in the northwest region. The England's Golf Coast area has 20 top notch courses.
- Many of the courses have hosted competitions like the Ryder Cup, PGA Championships, Women's Open, Curtis Cup and UK's major amateur events.
- Royal Liverpool, founded in 1869, is one of the oldest seaside courses in England.
- Popular areas for accommodations, include Liverpool, Southport, Wirral, Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire.
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| Formby Golf Club |
Senin, 04 Februari 2013
The Golf Travel Guru T.V. Is Launched
You gotta see it to believe, right?
If a picture tells a thousand words, then a video tells much more.
The Golf Travel Guru has launched a new Youtube channel, The Golf Travel Guru T.V., where you can see phenomenal footage of great golf courses, resorts and other golf related entities.
I cordially invite you to check out my new channel where the fun has just begun.
If you missed the click two lines up, here's another to The Golf Travel Guru T.V. channel.
If a picture tells a thousand words, then a video tells much more.
The Golf Travel Guru has launched a new Youtube channel, The Golf Travel Guru T.V., where you can see phenomenal footage of great golf courses, resorts and other golf related entities.
I cordially invite you to check out my new channel where the fun has just begun.
If you missed the click two lines up, here's another to The Golf Travel Guru T.V. channel.
Rabu, 30 Januari 2013
Streamsong Resort Review
Step onto the back terrace of the Streamsong clubhouse, and the scene in front of you doesn't look like Florida.
The wild, exotic sand mounds-- some as high as 75 feet-- conjure up images of Ballybunion in Ireland or the somewhat bizarre Tobacco Road in Pinehurst. The unusual terrain looks ominous, but it's definitely an inviting setting for golfers.
You're in Florida, alright. Smack in the middle of nowhere.
Streamsong is an 80 minute drive from Orlando and about an hour from Tampa. Set in Polk County near Fort Meade, the resort is still a 40 minute drive from the nearest possible hotel options in Lakeland.
That said, there's a phenomenal clubhouse on site, which sleeps 16, and an upscale bar and steak restaurant.
The Golf
Streamsong has 36 holes of golf set on terrain that was previously used as a phosphate strip mine. While the miners have packed up and left the site, what they left behind is soaring sand mounds, lakes and vegetation that are a something to behold.
Developed by Mosaic, the company that has owned the land for more than five decades, Streamsong has been called by some writers as Bandon Dunes South. From a golf standpoint, I'd say it's right up there with Bandon, but I'll reserve judgement on the overall experience till its open for a couple of years and we see if the service level on and off the course stays consistent.
Two of the most respected design teams in the world were recruited to fashion the land into world-class golf courses.
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw's team built the Red Course and Tom Doak's Renaissance Golf Design group did the Blue Course.
On my visit, I played the Red Course, but did not have time to play the Blue. However, I took an extensive cart tour of the layout.
A couple of things I really like about both courses are the wide, very generous landing areas off the tees. It makes them more playable and helps speed of play.
If you play the correct set of tees for your game, you can score well on both layouts when playing well.
The Red Course has several large green complexes for roll-offs, which I like, and Coore and Crenshaw offer numerous opportunities for bump and run shots. They also limit the carries over water to par 3's. With few large trees, the wind comes into play often and you'll need a good ground game to do well.
On the Blue, the first thing you'll notice is the gargantuan elevated first tee, the highest point on the property. The greens are large on the Blue and it appears to have deeper bunkers than the Red. There are also more forced carries over water.
Favorite Holes
One of the great things about the Red Course is that no two holes are even remotely alike. It's difficult to single out some holes as being better than others and my choices are very subjective.
First, let me say, I'm a sucker for short par 4's and Crenshaw and Coore have provided a couple of doozies on the front nine.
My absolute favorite is the 312 yard (from back tees) no. 9. With a good poke off the tee you can find the green. From the black tees it's 271 yards and from the silver it's 257 yards. The green is gigantic so even if you reach it, the chances of a three putt are high. The 330 yard (from back tees) no. 4 is another superb short par 4.
For a par 3, you won't find a better one, in my opinion, than no. 16, a 208-yard (from back tees), 184-yards (Black) and 160 yards (silver). A stunning view from an elevated tee and undulating green complex with a bailout area to the left dominate this great golf experience.
Clubhouse
The sleek, minamalist design clubhouse has the avant-garde appearance of something you might see in L.A., not the wilds of Central Florida.
It has 12 private guest rooms, a veranda overlooking a lake, a golf shop, bar and three meal/steak restaurant named Fifty-Nine.
Appointed with plush leather chairs, design carpeting and rich wood fixtures, the ambiance of the clubhouse is decidedly upscale.
10 Little Things I Like About Streamsong
1. The bye hole, designed by Tom Doak, near the clubhouse, which is great for settling bets.
2. Small chunks of railroad track used as tee markers.
3. The fast greens are among the best I've played in Florida.
4. The frosted beer glasses in the bar.
5. The great selection of quality beers on tap like Goose Island 312 and Smithwick's.
6. The minimalist design of the clubhouse and the elegant, sophisticated furnishings.
7. The emphasis on using a caddie and walking.
8. The phenomenal practice putting green.
9. No home anywhere on or within miles of the golf courses.
10. The spectacular views from the elevated tee boxes on no. 7 and no. 16 on the Red Course
It Remains to Be Seen
Streamsong Resort had been open only a few weeks before my visit in late January (2013).
You have to be very careful on evaluating a golf course facility in its embryonic stages. Who knows if the eager beaver, overly friendly staff of the first few months will lose their enthusiasm and the service level drops. We'll have to wait and see at Streamsong.
One of my concerns is what the experience will be like playing in the torturously hot months of June, July and August. With virtually no shade on the courses, it might be somewhat of a death march, especially if you're walking.
In conversation with staff members, several said they had to travel more than 30 minutes from their homes to Streamsong. Hopefully, they won't tire of the commute and the service level will stay up.
Slated to open in late 2013, the 216-room lodge looks like a luxurious gem if the developers follow through on their promises. It will include a spa, guided bass fishing and sporting clays range.
Presently, the best hotel options are a Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott in Lakeland, about a 40 minute drive.
Important Information if You Go
* When you drive out to Streamsong, be aware, there is very little signage for the resort. To be sure, don't look for any large billboards because there aren't any. There are a couple of little road signs (see below), but beyond that, not much.
* I found the cell phone service in the area to be hit and miss, so you can't always rely on your GPS, which is annoying.
* The county roads are not well marked, either, especially County Road-630, which is the main arterial to Fort Green Road, which leads to Streamsong.
To Play
The main number at Streamsong Resort for tee times is 863-354-6980.
Premier Golf, a highly respected golf travel company, has a special "Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue Package" starting at $495 per person that includes one night of accommodations off site, breakfast off site, 2 rounds of golf with cart, all taxes and special golf and lodging benefits for PGA Professionals. Call 888-258-4653 or click www.premiergolf.com
The wild, exotic sand mounds-- some as high as 75 feet-- conjure up images of Ballybunion in Ireland or the somewhat bizarre Tobacco Road in Pinehurst. The unusual terrain looks ominous, but it's definitely an inviting setting for golfers.
You're in Florida, alright. Smack in the middle of nowhere.
Streamsong is an 80 minute drive from Orlando and about an hour from Tampa. Set in Polk County near Fort Meade, the resort is still a 40 minute drive from the nearest possible hotel options in Lakeland.
That said, there's a phenomenal clubhouse on site, which sleeps 16, and an upscale bar and steak restaurant.
The Golf
Streamsong has 36 holes of golf set on terrain that was previously used as a phosphate strip mine. While the miners have packed up and left the site, what they left behind is soaring sand mounds, lakes and vegetation that are a something to behold.
Developed by Mosaic, the company that has owned the land for more than five decades, Streamsong has been called by some writers as Bandon Dunes South. From a golf standpoint, I'd say it's right up there with Bandon, but I'll reserve judgement on the overall experience till its open for a couple of years and we see if the service level on and off the course stays consistent.
Two of the most respected design teams in the world were recruited to fashion the land into world-class golf courses.
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw's team built the Red Course and Tom Doak's Renaissance Golf Design group did the Blue Course.
On my visit, I played the Red Course, but did not have time to play the Blue. However, I took an extensive cart tour of the layout.
A couple of things I really like about both courses are the wide, very generous landing areas off the tees. It makes them more playable and helps speed of play.
If you play the correct set of tees for your game, you can score well on both layouts when playing well.
The Red Course has several large green complexes for roll-offs, which I like, and Coore and Crenshaw offer numerous opportunities for bump and run shots. They also limit the carries over water to par 3's. With few large trees, the wind comes into play often and you'll need a good ground game to do well.
On the Blue, the first thing you'll notice is the gargantuan elevated first tee, the highest point on the property. The greens are large on the Blue and it appears to have deeper bunkers than the Red. There are also more forced carries over water.
Favorite Holes
One of the great things about the Red Course is that no two holes are even remotely alike. It's difficult to single out some holes as being better than others and my choices are very subjective.
First, let me say, I'm a sucker for short par 4's and Crenshaw and Coore have provided a couple of doozies on the front nine.
My absolute favorite is the 312 yard (from back tees) no. 9. With a good poke off the tee you can find the green. From the black tees it's 271 yards and from the silver it's 257 yards. The green is gigantic so even if you reach it, the chances of a three putt are high. The 330 yard (from back tees) no. 4 is another superb short par 4.
For a par 3, you won't find a better one, in my opinion, than no. 16, a 208-yard (from back tees), 184-yards (Black) and 160 yards (silver). A stunning view from an elevated tee and undulating green complex with a bailout area to the left dominate this great golf experience.
Clubhouse
The sleek, minamalist design clubhouse has the avant-garde appearance of something you might see in L.A., not the wilds of Central Florida.
It has 12 private guest rooms, a veranda overlooking a lake, a golf shop, bar and three meal/steak restaurant named Fifty-Nine.
Appointed with plush leather chairs, design carpeting and rich wood fixtures, the ambiance of the clubhouse is decidedly upscale.
10 Little Things I Like About Streamsong
1. The bye hole, designed by Tom Doak, near the clubhouse, which is great for settling bets.
2. Small chunks of railroad track used as tee markers.
3. The fast greens are among the best I've played in Florida.
4. The frosted beer glasses in the bar.
5. The great selection of quality beers on tap like Goose Island 312 and Smithwick's.
6. The minimalist design of the clubhouse and the elegant, sophisticated furnishings.
7. The emphasis on using a caddie and walking.
8. The phenomenal practice putting green.
9. No home anywhere on or within miles of the golf courses.
10. The spectacular views from the elevated tee boxes on no. 7 and no. 16 on the Red Course
It Remains to Be Seen
Streamsong Resort had been open only a few weeks before my visit in late January (2013).
You have to be very careful on evaluating a golf course facility in its embryonic stages. Who knows if the eager beaver, overly friendly staff of the first few months will lose their enthusiasm and the service level drops. We'll have to wait and see at Streamsong.
One of my concerns is what the experience will be like playing in the torturously hot months of June, July and August. With virtually no shade on the courses, it might be somewhat of a death march, especially if you're walking.
In conversation with staff members, several said they had to travel more than 30 minutes from their homes to Streamsong. Hopefully, they won't tire of the commute and the service level will stay up.
Slated to open in late 2013, the 216-room lodge looks like a luxurious gem if the developers follow through on their promises. It will include a spa, guided bass fishing and sporting clays range.
Presently, the best hotel options are a Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott in Lakeland, about a 40 minute drive.
Important Information if You Go
* When you drive out to Streamsong, be aware, there is very little signage for the resort. To be sure, don't look for any large billboards because there aren't any. There are a couple of little road signs (see below), but beyond that, not much.
* The county roads are not well marked, either, especially County Road-630, which is the main arterial to Fort Green Road, which leads to Streamsong.
To Play
The main number at Streamsong Resort for tee times is 863-354-6980.
Premier Golf, a highly respected golf travel company, has a special "Streamsong Red and Streamsong Blue Package" starting at $495 per person that includes one night of accommodations off site, breakfast off site, 2 rounds of golf with cart, all taxes and special golf and lodging benefits for PGA Professionals. Call 888-258-4653 or click www.premiergolf.com
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