Golf Tenerife

When the old golfer died, Peter met him at the gates of heaven.
"Sorry, old man," Peter said, "But I can't let you in. You see
the big book here says you committed one unpardonable sin back
in 1978 -- You took the Lord's name in vain during a golf game." 

"Oh, yes. I'll never forget that one, and I'm terribly sorry
Peter, but I can explain...", the old golfer blithered. 

"Well," said Peter, "You'll have to take it up with The Big Guy." 

So Peter led the old golfer down a long golden hallway, to God's
office. "We've got another code 6 here, sir! Says he can explain..." 

"So," booms God, "You've been taking my name in vain." 

"Only once, your Almighty, Sir. But I can explain!" 

"OK. Try me, " replied the Lord. 

"Well you see sir, I was playing my best game of golf ever, and
I made it to the 18th hole, and I'd win the tournament if I could
just make par on this hole. I made my shot from the tee, and it
was sailing beautifully, when suddenly the wind shifted, and took
my ball off into the woods, and right behind this enormous oak tree..." 

"And that's when you took my name in vain?" 

"Oh, no, sir! I just took out my 6 iron and knocked that ball
clear out of the woods with one swing! It was gliding beautifully
toward the green, when suddenly it lost speed, and dropped into
a sand trap, right smack in the middle of a deep hole..." 

"So, that is when you took my name in vain?" 

"No, not then. I just took out my nine, and with one swing, drove
that ball right onto the green, and it rolled within two inches
of the hole..." 

"Don't tell me you missed a goddamn two inch putt!"

Its so nice to see in this economic climate a family with an eye on expansion and that’s what the Smith family, Paul, Bill and Muriel the very successful owners of Tenerife’s longest established Golf tour company, Going-Golfing.com have embarked on by becoming the new proud owners of Tenerife’s long established British owned Golf shop in La Chafiras. Seen by almost everyone  coming from the airport on the tf1 on the left hand side upstairs and very well established in its own right.

I spoke with the new owners about their future plans for the Golf shop and they see it linking well with their existing business due to the fact they have clients coming from all over Europe so as well as booking their tee times and hotel accommodation they can now offer deals on shoes, clubs,bags and all things golf related right down to tee’s. As for the local golfers they hope with the range of stock they will be carrying and the discounts they are offering it wont be long till The Golf shop becomes their first stop for golf products. They also hope to forge links with all the local golf society’s  and have already made inroads into that by issuing prize vouchers for their competitions.

The family have set about the shop with some gusto, when I went in I hardly recognised the place, it looks so much bigger and brighter. Bill tells me they are not stopping there, they plan to take a wall down and open up a practice/trial net area to allow customers to get a feel for the clubs before purchase. They are carrying more stock in all departments and are busy on the phone with all major suppliers to arrange to carry even more product ranges in the club, shoe,golf bags, clothing ( both for Ladies and Gents) and accessory departments. Paul says” if we don’t have it in stock, I will try my best to get it for you. “ You get the feeling just talking with him, this man means business .

Paul is the main man in the shop, with his considerable  golf experience and customer service dealing for years with golfers from all over the world,he is well placed to know the needs of golfers. He plans to stock all the top named brands in golf for clubs, Putters.wedges, golf bags, shoes and clothing  like Callaway, Taylor-Made, Adidas, Cleveland, Ping, Titleist, Nike, Mizuno,Foot Joy, Ashworth and Cobra.  Mum Muriel is helping out on the Ladies side of the shop in both the latest in clothing,shoes,gloves and in clubs for the fairer sex.

In the shop at the moment they have reduced a large number of products to make way for all the new stock that has been ordered. Some wonderful bargains on the clothing side to be had like Lady’s Callaway shoes that were 90 Euro’s they have been reduced to only 25 Euro and gents shorts from Calloway from 50 Euro to only 24.99Euro.

On the club side they have reduced all Odyssey Putters by 30% and Calloway wedges also have 30% off. If your new to golf they have a Full set of clubs (irons,woods and putter), bag and shoes, Paul says he will also throw in balls and tees, everything you need to get started for only 300 Euro.

They also have a Club repair workshop in-house where an experienced man is on hand to repair clubs, re-new grips, lengthen or shorten clubs they will even replace or renew shafts.They have in stock a large range of both club and putter grips and are running a special on re-gripping for only 4 Euro’s per club. Paul himself is very keen to learn this art and plans to go on a manufacturers course himself back in the UK as soon as possible.

Add to what’s already been mentioned Gloves by all the top manufacturers,tees all shapes and sizes, Soft spikes for your shoes, Carry bags for the aircraft,Trolleys and probably a lot more that I have failed to mention and you get an idea that the Smith’s mean business in this New Golf shop and will go out their way to help you the customer in any way they can, giving you a good deal along the way.

The Opening hours of the shop are 

Monday-Friday : – 9am-6pm

Saturday  :- 9am-2pm on

Their telephone number is 922-735129 Fax 922 735098

and you can Email them at thegolfshop@hotmail.com

Spring Hotels,  who are a major chain of 4* Hotels throughout Tenerife held their 2nd annual golf tournament at Golf Del Sur golf course on  Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of May 2009 attracting some 110 competitors, both men and women, of all handicap levels from all over the Island of Tenerife and beyond. Both my Wife and I had the pleasure in playing both days in this most prestigious event.

No hurry guys its a nice day !

On arrival at Golf Del Sur we were met at the reception area by representatives of Spring hotels where we registered and were each  given from the sponsors  a lovely “goodie” bag containing a hat, pen, soaps, T-shirt and golf balls .

We were then given our buggy keys and score cards, all the hard work on them had already done for us,  by working out how many shots each competitor got by handicap, thanks to the Golf Del Sur staff.

The Sun was shining for this competition

The format on Day 1 was a pairs competition, the better ball format was used,whereby both players play and the best score at each hole using the stableford scoring system was used. This brought in some great scoring with one pair managing some 48 points.

Day 2 was for the Canada cup an individual stableford event.

The scoring system  for day two was  individual and the scores for each pair were counted then added to the first days score. Both days we were given super hospitality at the 9th hole which was appreciated by all competitors I am sure.

Hospitality was supplied at the 9th hole

To round off two great days of golf, fellowship and fun there was a cocktail party and prize giving on the final day.The prizes were some of the best I have ever seen at any event. Spring Hotels had organised from various sponsors a variety of prizes including overseas trips, plane tickets, All-inclusive hotel stays,  ferry tickets, blackberry phones, Large ham, Montblanc gifts,and many cases of wine.

The Course was in great order

How did we do ? Well as I had a bad back I did not so well, but my Wife came 4th overall so she won one of the two night stays at the Costa Los  Gigantes Spa and resort hotel and a beautiful trophy, which I may add put all my trophies to shame. So well done her, and as her prize was for two I will be going to Los Gigantes with her. I am looking forward to my visit as the facilities look first class and I have heard the food is great.

They had a fantastic raffle in which some of the top prizes were included, having watched it I think its fair to say most couples won something . To make matters worse my wife also won a case of wine in the raffle afterwards, me I won nothing ! … But I for one, god willing,  will be entering this fine competition again next year…

This chain of Italian pizzerias and restaurants has a large and popular location in the El Trompo commercial centre, next door to the La Villa (Al Campo) shopping centre in San Jeronimo, the lower area of La Orotava. As there is plenty of seating, both inside and out on the patios overlooking the Orotava Valley, you should have no problem finding a free table as well as a parking spot right outside the door.  There is also a take-away service. Highchairs are available inside for seating small children.

The menu possibilites are great, with several pages of traditional Italian pastas and pizzas as well as other options. Half portions of most dishes are also possible, priced at three-quarters the full price. The full size portions are very large. Here are some examples:

Solomillo Roquefort €15.25, Revuelto (scramble) of egg, spinach and smoked salmon €9.40, Salad Caprichosa €8.50, Pizza Cuatro Estaciones (Four Seasons) €8.40, Pizza prices run from €6.25 to €9.95. Oriquiette in Gorgonzola Sauce €7.25, Spaghetti Bolonese €7.25, Tiramisu €4.05, 1 glass house wine €2.10, 1 bottle Dorada beer €1.80, 1/2 litre agua con gas €1.80, 1 cafe cortado €1.25.

You can spot the shopping centre by the large sign on the roof. Trompo translates as ‘spinning top’ (child’s toy) and there is a cutout of one on the roof, next to the name.

My comment: Food is good and pizzas have that authentic Italian flavour due to their traditional wood burning ovens. 

Service is prompt and efficient, but do check your bill carefully, as mistakes have been made on ours a couple of times during very busy hours.

Open every day from 12:45 to 00:30. Telephone 922 326 868.

Address: C.C. El Trompo, Local 9, 38300 La Orotava.

Here is a link to a webpage – in Spanish – with more menu options and photos.   (http://www.larutadelbuenyantar.com/norte_2.html)

Canarybird Visit….My Site

No matter your handicap or amount of golf you play, one of the easiest ways to keep your swing tempo and distances consistent is to have a pre-shot routine. It is something that all Professionals on tour do, whether be drawn out or a quick swing of the club.

A notable candidate for his pre-shot routine is Miguel Ángel Jiménez. He always takes a practice swing first , lines up the clubhead behind the ball second, then aligns the rest of his body and makes a couple of short wrists movements behind the ball. From here he has established his tempo, target, and movement he needs to make at impact.

Next time you are on the practice range or on the tee, think about your pre-shot routine and make a concerted effort to repeat this before every shot. You will be surprised how much better your concentration and performance will be.

Golfing In Tenerife the blog started off some four months ago now, it was started to give me something to do in my spare time, as one can only golf so much, I love it. Golfing in Tenerife has became popular with many coming back time after time, I thought I may not have enough to fill a few pages but find myself involved in the subjects Golf and blogging that now seem never ending.

Sir Old Golfer still a handsome lad

I had never been involved in Blogs, had never really read any, thought they were a bit nerdy, but as I got more into it there are some great Blogs around and some very talented people behind them. Canarybird my restaurant guide writer is one for sure.

I have had some help along the way from other Bloggers, and great advice its been too, with regards SEO and have spent hours trying to learn how to optimise my blog, to this end I see no easy option, but one must improve listings by content and workload. I have never paid or signed up for any “help” but have plodded along, learning as I go and to be honest I have enjoyed every minute although at times it has felt a bit like a lost cause.

So where does Golfing in Tenerife go from here, Why upwards and onwards, I know there’s lots more to write about and I hope you are there to read my stories. This week I am involved in the Spring Hotels  Golf Tournament over two days at Golf Del Sur, Golf Course so I will have a full report on that coming up, just hope I win one of there great prizes……..

Sir Old Golfer

Its been confirmed European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomery and American veteran John Daly will both participate in this year’s Open d’Espana at the PGA Golf de Catalunya course in Girona.

The event, which begins on April 30th, will involve a number of the European Tour’s most recognisable figures. Manuel Angel Jimenez will be taking part in the tournament, as will former Major winner Paul Lawrie. They will be joined by Anders Hansen, Paul McGinley and Gregory Bourdy, as well as a host of other star names.
Montgomerie and Daly needed invites to the competition, but will be welcome additions to the field. John Daly will be playing in his first event since receiving a ban for poor behaviour by PGA Tour officials.

 This is normally a Golf only site but I bowed to pressure and accepted this little man…Sorry Purists

His name is Basil and we love him to bits, His mum and dad have went to a concert in Santa Cruz, these dam youngsters, and left us in charge of young Basil….I am coping well but Lady Old Golfer does fuss a bit…

Normally this is a golf only site but for Basil one must make an exception…

Better Photo’s will be posted tomorrow as we go on our jaunts.I promise !

The Canarian Tourism authorities want to see more golfers here in the islands, so to that effect they have doubled the islands golfing advertising budget.The advertising will be targeted at the English and German market but also looking at emerging markets such as Croatia and Slovenia.

I am sure this will have some effect, but think, is it enough? or is it too late when one sees how Turkey, Ireland,The Algarve and the Costa del Sol have all been actively trying to get their act together by encouraging tour operators, improving facilities, running very professional advertising campaigns and reducing prices.

Marketing is one thing but the golf courses themselves here must try to do more to attract a diminishing market due to the recession in Europe and the high rate of the Euro.I am afraid the gravy train days are over, and only the strongest may survive.

It’s not often you find a restaurant that will make a fresh paella, including mussels and shrimps in the shell, for one person alone.

But at the Aguamarina you will find that and many other fish and shellfish dishes, as well as a full menu at economical prices.

Located in The Canary Centre on the main carretera Botanico leading in and out of Pto. de la Cruz, and across the street and down from the Hotel Botanico, this open air awning-covered terrace restaurant is open every day except Saturdays.

There’s a two course menu special for €8.90 which includes drinks, dessert and bread with much to choose from, including garlic prawns, spaghetti bolognese, grilled steak or cherne fish.  Their salad ingredients are grown on their own farm.

The all day breakfast menu lists seventeen types of egg dishes, averaging €3.50 including toast, butter and jam and a breakfast at €3.00.

There’s a full tapas menu as well as a choice of pastas and pizzas.

More prices: Pork Escalope in Pepper Sauce with chips and salad €5.90; small mixed salad for one €1.50; Mixed Fish Grill for 2 persons €15.00;

Spaghetti à la Carbonara €6.00;  Beef Stroganoff €8.50; Fillet Steak with Bearnaise Sauce €8.50; Sole with Shrimp Sauce €8.50; Paella for One €7.50; (for two €15.00); 1 glass of house wine €1.50; 1 bottle Dorada beer €1.50; cafe cortado €1.00.

Opening Hours from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm. Closed all day Saturday but open every other day including Sundays.

Located in The Canary Centre Shopping on the main Carretera Botanico road, Puerto de la Cruz.

Recommended for casual outdoor dining and seafood at very reasonable prices.

Canarybird…..My Site

Pizzeria/Restaurante Zebra Maria

Located on the main Carretera Botanico in the La Paz area of Puerto de a Cruz, across the street and down from the Hotel Botanico is the Pizzeria-Restaurante Zebra Maria.

A popular restaurant for over 25 years, it has been one of the few that stays open through from 13:00 until 23:30.

The four separate dining areas are comprised of: the outer patio and side enclosed gallery, both which are smoking areas, to the windowed porch at the entrance and the interior dining room which are smoke-free.

Here you will see groups of both Spanish locals and tourists ordering from their menu of pizzas, pastas and international food.

Along with your drinks comes a starter dish of cheese, olives, maiz and chorizo nibbles . Good for a starter are the thick rounds of toasted garlic bread.

Thin, crispy pizzas come in seven varieties, ranging in price from €6.00 to €8.00. My favourite is the Pizza Cariñosa, with onion, chicken, cheese and ham.One dish which has been on the menu for many years is the Escalope Zebra Maria, a pork schnitzel topped with baked banana, bechamel and gravy, served with chips and cole slaw. I especially like the shrimp cocktail, which is served in an elegant presentation bowl.

The Sole Tout Paris, similar to the Sole Walesa, is topped with shrimp, lobster sauce, bechamel and piped potato. Spaghetti a la carbonara is another dish they do well. The thick vegetable soup topped with egg, “Sopa de Lupita” is delicious and is almost a meal in itself.

Solomillo Robin Hood is another good dish, accompanied by mushrooms, chips and gravy. Dame Blanche is a rich chocolate ice cream dessert.

Some prices: Solomillo €14.00; Sole Tout Paris €12.50; Escalope Zebra Maria €10.50; Shrimp Cocktail €10.50; Spaghetti a la Carbonara €7.75; Two bratwurst sausages with potatoes and red beet salad €7.00; Eggs, bacon, tomato, fries €5.00; Garlic Bread €3.00; 1 CCC beer €2.00; Glass of house wine €2.50; Cafe cortado or solo €1.30.

The service can sometimes be a little slow, so go there when you have plenty of time.

Otherwise I would recommend this restaurant, especially for the dishes mentioned.

During shopping hours, you can use the pay parking lot next door at Supermarket 2000 (Spar.)

Pay parking charges inside supermarket or free if you buy something there.

Zebra Maria -  Telephone: 922 381855

Canarybird. My Site.

Restaurant San Diego

As you step out of your car at the bottom of the hill in El Rincon, where the wide TF 176 road meets the narrow crossroad which leads to Bollullo beach and where you see the two storey terracotta building on your right, you may detect the aromatic scent of eucalyptus wood smoke emanating from the grill in Restaurante San Diego.

Exterior and interior View of Restaurant San Diego

This is one of our favourite Canary-style places to dine.  It’s also well loved by friends who’ve lived here for years.  This is where we go when we want to indulge in a table filled with salad, papas arrugadas con mojo, the best pimientos de padron we’ve ever tried, garlic prawns (gambas al ajillo), local wine, wonderful bread toasted on the grill with garlic ali oli that is so good you almost forget to leave room for the second and third courses.

Some mouth watering garlic prawns and pimientos de padron

Here you can try some of their delicious morcilla – a black sausage made in the local way with honey and almonds, chicken flattened and grilled, drizzled with creamy garlic sauce, fish of the day or a plate of stewed chickpeas with pork ribs (garbanzos), a veal steak, chocos or roasted goats’ cheese with mojo sauce. There are so many good dishes on their menu.

(Russian potato salad)                            Chicken Flattened

and tuna croquette                                  And then Grilled

                                             Stewed Rabbit

                     Papas arrugadas                                        Lovely fresh Salad

One must not forget their ensaladilla rusa (Russian potato salad) and tuna croquettes, another favourite combo of mine.

The dessert cooler holds an assortment of puddings, flans, chocolate mousses and soufflés.

      Mouth watering deserts                        The Chef at his large grill

When we go there I always take a couple of lidded plastic containers because invariably we order more than we can finish, so a bit of morcilla, a couple of potatoes and crusty bread dipped in garlic ali-oli are often taken home for a late night snack.

The restaurant is up one flight of stairs and I understand the downstairs entrance has just been converted into a guachinche, or typical simple wine and food bar.

Upstairs is divided by a glass wall into smoking and non-smoking. The non-smokers have the area by the windows which overlook the banana fields and the sea.

Price we pay is usually around €15 per person, including local wine, beer and water,  without dessert.

Recommended as excellent for Canary-style food.  Service is efficient.  If going for lunch, best to get there before 2 pm to get a table near the window.

Opening hours are from 1 pm until 11 pm non-stop. Mondays closed.

Address: El Rincon 43, La Orotava. Telephone: 922 331 242

A local TITSA bus – No. 376 – every two hours from La Orotava bus station stops near the restaurant entrance.

(Canarybird) …Visit My Site here

Here is the feedback, I promised following my EFT treatment with Lynn Francis. I had heard through the grapevine that Lynn was achieving great results with Golfers who were experiencing psychological blocks in their game using a technique called EFT (emotional freedom technique) I read many articles about Lynn and learned she is well respected in the sports world and had even appeared on Sky sports TV. Her success in curing the nightmare problem known as the yips has brought people from all over the world for treatment with her. I was intrigued, so arranged to meet her for a chat.

During our discussion Lynn told me how she now wishes to play down her work with ‘yippers’ saying she feels that because of her success with the yips it actually stops many golfers from benefiting from her treatment. She went on to explain that although she now has enough ‘yippers’ to keep her going until retirement, helping local golfers with their psychological blocks is her aim now. Lynn’s main clients are golfers who are confident that their technique is correct yet still feel anxiety over certain shots and situations, loss of confidence, pre match nerves to name but a few can all be quickly and easily eliminated.

 I explained to Lynn that although I was confident that my technique was fine I still found myself questioning it due to the fact that I experienced an anxiety whilst chipping onto the green from 40yds in.  In practice I was fine and I could stand there all day and chip well but when playing in competition I over analysed and was aware of an inner tension over this particular shot.

 Lynn’s face lit up, excellent she said, that is a prime example of what I can sort out.  Really! Said I, so you can stop this happening, how long will it take. She explained that some problems can be quite complex and may take a few sessions but in many cases 1 or 2 sessions were all that were needed.. Now I really was intrigued so I booked a session.

Well all I can say is, it is a very strange technique indeed, and I now understand why she preferred not to try and explain anything about it prior to the treatment. I honestly would have thought she was a little crazy and me even crazier to go along with it. However what I do understand now is why she is so confident in her abilities, after only one 2 hour session, the problem has gone, yes completely gone, I no longer feel the anxiety and tension I felt prior to treatment, I now feel totally different when approaching this shot and chip with ease, it really is amazing!! I also feel more relaxed throughout my whole game.

It’s a feeling like going back to your “youth “when you really enjoyed your golf rather than putting pressure on yourself with these must get the ball close to the hole shots. I now believe I can achieve more in golf, at the moment I play off a handicap of five which isn’t bad at 50 plus and I am also the current club champion of our local golf club. With Lynn’s help I feel I can go much lower in handicap and may even have the confidence to enter larger amateur events in the UK to try to push myself even more to see in the end what is achievable. This technique has also eliminated my lack of tolerance, enabling me to accept other playing partners more readily and not to apply my standards to them as I now understand they are playing to their standard, This allows me just concentrate solely on my game rather than being upset with myself and others.

 All these changes were not gradual, but happened within a few days of my meeting and treatment with Lynn, I really was unaware that there was any changes in my game, the mind seems to trick you into thinking you are just playing better, nothing to do with the treatment. Lynn is fully aware of this phenomenon so for this reason before your first session she asks you to write down your feelings about the shot or situation that bothers or makes you anxious, just as well she did as you soon forget just how you felt prior to the session as you seem to think you have fixed yourself rather than accept that the treatment actually worked.  I cannot thank Lynn enough for what she’s done and will certainly be recommending her to all fellow players who may be experiencing psychological blocks or anxiety in their game.  Although Lynn is better known for curing the “Yips” she has definitely been a great help to me sorting the problems I had with my short game.  I highly recommend you give her a call, believe me, you have nothing to lose except your problem.

Thank you Lynn….

This technique is available to all,  Check out Lynn’s own site Here

Golf etiquette is the practices and rules governing the socially acceptable behavior on the golf course. These rules are there for different reasons and can be broken down into the following categories: safety to others and yourself, maintaining the course conditions and enjoyment for yourself and others on the course.

Etiquette will be something that new golfers will learn as they play with other experienced golfers. But here are some basic rules you should know before going to the course for the first time.

Safety
Both the golf club and golf ball can cause harm to you and others if you do not pay close come close to someone in front of you or in an adjacent fairway, yell “FORE!” This will warn another golfer of an incoming golf ball.

You will make your fair share of bad shots. Even the very best golfers in the world make occasionally bad shots. Don’t get upset, this is normal. However, do not compound the problem by throwing your club as this could cause harm to yourself other others in your area. Besides, it is considered rude and childish behavior by fellow golfers.

Maintaining the Course
One very important rule is that you should leave the course as you have found it. This allows the course to be enjoyed by other who follows you. If you take a divot while striking the ball on the tee or in the fairway, immediately replace the sod. The will allow the grass to grow back for the next person who hits from that spot. Placing the grass back
and gently tapping it down with your feet takes little time and maintains the course’s beauty.

On the green, repair any ball mark you might have caused by your ball landing on the green. Even if you didn’t cause it and you see one in the area your ball landed, please repair the mark to allow the green to heel and allow the ball to roll smoothly over the mark. For beginners, have an experienced golfer show you the proper technique on repair a ball mark.

There will be sand on many golf courses. These act as hazards or areas to avoid hitting your ball into it, but occasionally your ball will land in one and you will have to hit your ball from that position. Make sure to rake the trap to remove your footprints and damage made from the ball and your club. Again, newcomers have an experienced golfer show you the proper technique.

If you drive a cart, make sure to observe any cart rules by the golf course. You may see signs stating that the carts should be on the “Cart Path Only” or to follow the “90-degree rule” when crossing the fairway. Never drive the cart on or near greens and hazards. There is usually a white line marked by the golf course superintendent to denote area not cross with the golf cart. Please follow these rules. Newcomers should allow the more experienced golfer to drive the cart. Pay close attention to how that golfer maneuvers the cart around the course.

It goes without saying to put trash in designated trash cans. These are found on the tee boxes or at the club house when you are finished with your round.

Enjoyment for Others
One of the reasons to get involved in the game of golf should be to have fun. However, the fun should not only be for you, but the others on the golf course as well. Having a conversation with a fellow golfer on the course is commonplace, but try and keep that volume to a minimum. That means no yelling to one another on the course (except to warn someone of immediate danger) and not to talk while someone is getting ready to hit the ball. Extend the same courtesy as you would when you are trying to concentrate on hitting the ball. Cell phone usage is also discouraged on the course.

The pace of play is important for not only you and your playing companions, but all others who follow you on the course. Tee times are usually set so many minutes apart to allow a certain pace of play. Generally, golf course wants you to play each hole in approximately 15 minutes. This means that for each 9 holes, 2 hours and 15 minutes should be sufficient time
to complete each side. A ranger might be present on the course to tell you to pick up your pace.

Here are some additional tips:

* The person furthest from the hole is the first to hit
* Be ready when it is your turn to hit
* Don’t spend too much time looking for a lost ball, help look for your playing partner’s lost ball to save time
* Know where to drop your ball if it lands in a hazard, is lost or goes out of bounds
* If you have to keep your cart on the path, then take more than one club when you go to your ball when it will be a distance from the cart
* On the green, do not stand where you can cast a shadow or walk in the line of another golfer’s putt
* Wait until the last person has putted out before going to your cart or going to the next green

Where appropriate attire at the golf course you will be playing. This usually means a collared shirt, shorts that come close to the knees and golf shoes (or at worst) tennis shoes with socks. If you do not know, ask ahead when you make reservations or the host you will be playing with.

This may seem like a lot to know, but many of these rules of etiquette should be common sense, while others will take a little time to learn the more you play this wonderful game. Playing with more experienced golfers will help educate you along the way so you are able to share those same values when it is your turn to play with someone new to the game.

Most of all enjoy… Its onlt a game…..

 Phil Mickelson wins a World Golf Championship title, as he tames the Blue Monster course at Doral,18 hours before his tee time he broke into a cold sweat and couldn’t stop shaking weakened and dehydrated by a stomach virus that sent him to the hospital on the eve of the final round.

He finished with a 3-under par 69 to win over young Nick Watney.

1. Mickelson (-19)
2. Watney (-18)
3. Furyk (-16)
4. Singh (-14)
T-5. Villegas (-13)
T-5. Wilson (-13)

 He is no longer the best player without a World Golf Championship apart from me, well in my mind anyway !

Dirty Clubs !

It is common practice amongst club golfers to play with golf clubs caked in mud! A dirty club often means that the grooves on the club-face are filled in with mud. This has effect on the ball at impact (besides the extra weight). The point of the grooves is to create backspin as the ball runs up the face of the club at impact, which will keep the ball straight. Without this ‘grip’ the ball is more likely to fly with side-spin on it in the form of a slice or a hook. With short irons in particular it is this action that is responsible for stopping the ball quickly on a receptive green. Many amateurs should like to be able to make their ball spin back to the pin just like they see it on television – it is not easy, but you will certainly never achieve it with mud in the grooves!

Golf club cleaning

Golf club maintenance is easy and adds years of life to your set by simply keeping them clean and I think it gives a physiological advantage over an opponent just like dressing well and having clean shoes does. Read the rest of this entry »

Jill: “I just don’t understand the attraction golf holds for men.”

Mary: “TELL me about it! I went golfing with my ex one time, and he told me I asked too many questions !”

Jill: “Well, I’m sure you were just trying to understand the game. What questions did you ask ?”

Mary: “I thought I asked legitimate questions – like, “Why did you hit the ball into that lake ?”

Yes, this is the review of the new TaylorMade r9 Driver, it all sounds very exciting, till it comes to the price, here in Tenerife they want around 450 Euros for this club. Does no one realises there is  a recession on ?

Its too much for my blood but I think the price will plummet when some one wakes up to the fact that a golf club is not one of life’s necessities and in this global resession can be done without. On saying all that its a nicely designed club and I would love to own one.

The TaylorMade r9 Driver has three movable weighting ports with eight position settings allowing you to tune the head to create a desired flight and launch conditions. Read the rest of this entry »