Back sore? Heres a solution...

Pull Carts are a great way of getting exercise on a golf course without having the strain of carrying a heavy golf bag.  There are premium versions of pull carts and cost effective ones.  Below is a brief description and pictures of five pull carts available.

The Sun Mountain Speed Cart is one of the most revolutionary products in golf. Three-wheeled, ergonomically-efficient push carts did not exist in the marketplace prior to the Speed Cart. Golfers have reacted with great enthusiasm as the Speed Cart is incredible on the course. The patented design folds in seconds and fits easily into car trunks and solid foam tires will not puncture or deflate. The adjustable handle positions arm and shoulders in a natural position, reducing fatigue.
Features
• Patented fold-down design fits easily into car trunks
• Fold-away upper and lower bag rests
• Ergonomic and adjustable handle positions arms and shoulders in most natural position
• Umbrella mount secures an open umbrella while you play
• Umbrella straps stores a closed umbrella along the frame
• Padded valuables tray with magnetic lid
• Bungee scorecard holder 

• Solid foam tires will not puncture or deflate

The Quattro comes fully loaded with extra features, including a fully adjustable handle to fit golfers of all heights; a handle mounted parking brake; an adjustment mechanism guaranteed to ensure perfect front wheel alignment; a removable beverage, scorecard and umbrella holder and a convenient removable 

“Ice Boxx” ideal for storing personal effects including beverages, valuables and additional balls.  

Sun Mountain's lightweight push cart just got better. Updated features include the new Micro_Paq storage bag and a new handle latch that allows the handle to be fully adjustable. FEATURES: patented folding design * lightweight aluminum frame * unfolds and folds in two motions * solid foam tires require no maintenance * new handle latch provides fully adjustable handle height * Micro Paq storage bag included with every cart * low center of gravity provides superior stability * bag bracket secures bag without use of straps * expendable front axle expands front wheel base by two inches * padded valuables tray with magnetic lid and scorecard holder * swiveling drink holder * integrated tee and pencil holders Folded Dimensions: 24” X 16” X 12” Weight: 13.4 pounds

The Cadie U4-GT Ultimaxx Cart features an all new ergonomic and multi-level adjustable comfort handle with removable umbrella holder, scorecard and beverage holders. Three wheel Quad-Fold design reduces the cart to a 24-inch height for compact storage. 

Easily removable 12-inch airless tires and steel ball bearings provide a smooth roll. Elliptical tube frame construction for ultimate strength. 

Telescoping upper bag support with adjustable diameter ensures a secure fit. Quick action foot brake. 10-year warranty. Available in a range of colours.  The above information has been copied from the Golf Town website.

The Cadie GT Cruiser Push Cart is packed with features and three wheel performance. The 11.5-inch spoke wheels are airless and puncture proof with dual ball bearings. The push handle features an all-weather scorecard holder that holds balls tees and a pencil as well at an umbrella mount and beverage holder.
Features
• 3 year warranty
• No tools required for assembly
• Umbrella and beverage holders
• Reinforced nucleus and leg extension, nut and bolt consuction with coated anti-splay cables
• Slide lock mechanism

All information has been taking from the Golf Town website please visit it for pricing: http://www.golftown.com/

Top 8 Golf Movies of all time....

Golf movies over time have improved and have disgraced the game of golf.  There is a large variety of movies out there but I picked the top 8 golf movies of all time for you.  These movies will help past the cold winter months and give you a few laughs along the way.  Please comment below which is your favourite of the list given.  In no specific order the following are the top eight movies:

The Greatest Game Ever Played

Disney's Shia LaBeouf gives an amazing performance as a working class boy's desire to show his talent among elite professionals.  This story mixes the history of golf and a golf lesson at you. 

This is a beautiful story of a young professionals struggles to make it in the big league and all the political debacles that go with it.





Caddyshack
This could in fact be the funniest golf movie of all time.  Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Ted Knight and Chevy Chase star in the best performance of their careers to date.  With one-liners, memorable scenes, country club debacles and laugh out loud moments this movie is dateless.

Legend of Bagger Vance
Even though this movie didn't dominate in the box offices when released this film is a winner.  With outstanding performances by Will Smith and Matt Damon they committee to their characters in a heart-warming storyline of personal fulfillment. 

The characters struggle to transform the golf green into a schoolroom for the soul.




Dead Solid Perfect
This movie is based on the book "Dead Solid Perfect," by Dan Jenkins.  This movie is about life on the pros tour and features Randy Quaid as the leading man. 

Randy tours the country in hopes of winning his first event.




Tin Cup

This is argumentaly one of Kevin Costner's most memorable roles.  Cheech Marin is along side Kevin and has the opportunity to showcase his comedic talents. 

Kevin is a washed up pro working at a driving range and tries to qualify for the U.S Open to bet a competitor and win the heart of his girlfriend.

Happy Gilmore

Adam Sandler has given us another movie to laugh about for years to come.  The laugh out loud moments, crazy one liners and hockey jersey as a golf uniform are outrageously entertaining. 

Happy Gilmore is a rejected hockey player and takes up the game of golf to help save his Grandmothers house.

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius
Bobby Jones is a wonderful story of how a man rises from complete obscurity to become a golf legend.  Jones is faced with overcoming his temper, intense passion and perfectionist tendencies in order to win the Grand Slam, The U.S, British and Amateur Open in golf.  Jones realizes that his will to win may destroying those he loves he is put in an astounding position one that will shock the world.



Follow the Sun
Is an oldie but defiantly worth a watch if you can locate it.  Gleen Ford starts in the life story of the one and only Ben Hogan. Hogan's life story is one to watch as he overcame numerous obstacles to become the professional golfer he wanted to be.

Don't start your game with a bad shot....

Warming up is crucial to player's performance.  By following the steps below it will help with not over your body being warmed up but your mind on par about your golf game.  It is very important to warm up properly in order to eliminate any injuries.  Every sports athlete be that of hockey tennis or soccer warm up properly, golf is no different.  

Getting to the golf course early to ensure you have enough time to take care of any business in the Pro Shop, Clubhouse or any other facilities is very important.  In order to do your entire warm up properly you must have the time.    

Warming up on the putting green is the first step.  Putting is 43% of the game of golf.  Since the putting stroke is the slowest, smoothest of all the strokes done on the golf course it is the perfect place to start.  By starting on the putting green you get a feel for the greens as well as a smooth tempo.  If you use this time appropriately by putting to objects that are close to further away it will allow you to build confidence before you even start your round, if you were to putt the ball and it misses the hole constantly you will become frustrated very quickly.

From there spending time hitting chips around the green with a tee as a target will be beneficial.  In order for you to know how much the ball will roll on a soft green this practice will have you ready for your game.  By spending time around the green you will be aware of the different cuts of grass around the green you will face on the golf course be that fringe or rough.

Now that your warmed up full swing stretching is the next important step.  It is said that stretching can improve your range of motion by up to 17%.  To see a recommended routine visit http://golf.about.com/cs/tipslessons/a/warmupbetter_2.htm

Once you make your way over to the range starting with a wedge is the best club to loosen up.  Also if you hit all your shots off a short tee it will help you hit the ball more crisply.  After 10 shots with your wedge you can then start on your short irons working your way up to long irons and then woods.  Maintaining balance in each shot is very important.  An important tip is hitting your last shots with the club you plan on using on the very first hole.  Try to save your last golf balls for you wedge again to get that slow, smooth shots under control.

Make sure your warm up process takes you to the exact moment you are being called to tee off.,  You dont want those muscles to get cold from standing around.  Slow swing and stretching is key.

Canada: Top 10 Golf Courses

Score Golf does an annual report of the top 100 courses in Canada.  I decided to do just the top 10 courses with pictures of these beautiful golf courses in hopes of getting you fellow golfers through the winter months.

Score Golf's Top 10 Courses 2010

1. National Golf Club of Canada, Woodbridge, Ontario

2. Hamilton Golf and Country Club, Ancaster, Ontario

3. St. George's Golf and Country Club, Etobicoke, Ontario

4. Highlands Links Golf Club, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia

5. Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club, Jasper, Alberta

6. Beacon Hall Golf Club, Aurora, Ontario

7. Capilano Golf and Country Club, West Vancouver, British Columbia

8. The Links at Crowbush Cove, Morell, PEI

9. The Royal Montreal Golf Club, Ile Bizard, Quebec

10. Devil's Paintbrush Golf Club, Caledon Village, Ontario

Which one of these 10 golf courses have you played?

A player to watch for...

Player Profile: Martin Kaymer

 Martin was born on December 28th 1983 in Dusseldorf,Germany.  He turned profressional in 2005 and played on the European Tour.  Kaymer's first win came at the age of 20, at the Central German Clasic in 2005.  Martin played full time on the European Tour and in 2006 played in 14 events with five victories.  He finished in the top 10 in all of them but one. 

Kaymer also won the Vodafone Challenge in Germany which was his first Challenge Tour that he played in.  After being so successful Kaymer earned a European Tour card for 2007.  In 2007 he won the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award, making him the first German to win this award.  With five top 10 finishes it moved Kaymer into the top 100 of the "Official World Golf Rankings." 

After winning the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship it moved him into 34th in the world rankings.  Kaymer was the only player in the top 50 who was under the age of 25.   He also won the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond Golf Club in Glasgow which moved him up the world rankings yet again to an impressive 11th place.  Kaymer was also a member of the 2010 Ryder Cup's winning team.

Impressive facts to know about Martin Kaymer:

• Won the 2010 PGA Championship by 4 strokes over Bubba Watson.
• Won KLM Open in September 2010
• Won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October 2010.

• Won the Adu Dhabi Golf Championship again in August of 2010.
• Open de France in July 2009 winner.
• Driving distance is 292.4
• Putting average is 1.794
• Scoring average is 70.22 puts him 17th in the rankings.

Wacky Golf Facts

Below are some fun facts I found while doing extensive research on the game of golf:

• Golf is not, and has never been a fair game.
• The only thing constant about golf is its inconstancy.
• Golf is a game about misses. The guy who misses the best is going to win.
• The Mulligan was invested by an Irishman who wanted to hit one more twenty yard grounder.
• A tap-in is a putt that is short enough to be missed one-handed.
• When you look up and cause an awful shot, you will always look down again at exactly the moment when you ought to start watching the ball if you ever want to see it again.
• No matter how badly you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.
• The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideas about the golf swing.
• Taking more than two putts to get down on a lightning-fast, steeply sloped green is no embarrassment unless you had to hit a wedge shot between the putts.
• If your ball disappears in the fairway of a blind hole, its probably because it rolled into an anti-divot and vaporized.
• A ball you can see in the rough from 50 yards away is not yours.
• If booth balls are in the bunker, yours is in the footprint.
• There are two kinds of bounces: unfair bounces, and just the way you meant to play it.
• Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot,

• Many shots are spoiled at the last instant by efforts to add a few more yards.
• Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like expecting him to make fun of his own haircut.
• It's a simple matter to keep your ball in the fairway, if you're not too choosy about which fairway.
• The mind messes up more shots than the body.
• No golf professional has ever won the four majors in one year.
• The four major's in women's professional golf are the U.S Open, the Women's British Open, the LPGA Championship and the Nabisco Championship.
• The Ryder Cup is the most prestigious team golf event.
• Jack Nicklaus has won the Masters tournament six times, more than anyone else.
• The first golf balls used in are believed to have been made out of wood.
• The first LPGA Championship was held in 1955 and won by Beverly Hanson.
• At the age of 21, Tiger Woods became the first African American to win the Masters.

For more fun facts visit: http://parteetime.com/humor/fun-golf-facts.htm

Golf Magazines to get you through the winter...

There are a ton of golf magazines available to any type of golfer be that beginner, experience, , golf traveller and more.  Below are four that I believe are the best for you.  If you read any of the below magazines please comment below which ones.

Golf Week was founded in 1990 through Turnstile Publishing Co.  In 2007 Turnstile Publishing opened a state-of-the-art, high-definition television production studio.   This has allowed for more coverage and video projects for not only golf events but resorts and residential golf communities. 

Golf week is your source of golf equipment reviews and golf news that covers the PGA Tour, LPGA and the NCAA.



Golf Digest offers magazines for both Males and Females. This is a monthly golf magazine that is published by Conde Nast Publications in the U.S.A.  Golf Digest focuses on covering both recreational and competitive golf for women and men. 

This magazine started in 1950 and was sold to the "New York Times Company." in 1969.  Golf Digest also features the "Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses" in America.

Golf Illustrated is known as the number 1 Golf Instruction Magazine in America.  Golf Illustrated started publication in 1914 as Golf Illustrated and Outdoor America.  In 1919 it shortened its title to just Golf Illustrated. 

Golf Illustrated focuses on the swing fundamentals and other golf tips such as reading greens, dealing with pressure, how to draw or fade it when you need too, bunker problems and so much more.



Score Golf is considered the "Voice of Canadian Golf."  Score Golf does a wonderful job of filling in the Canadian population on whats going on in the world of golf as well as keeping them updated on the new technology advancements being made by companies such as Ping, Nike, Callaway and others. 

Score Golf is famous for their "Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada" issue which is very popular with their readers.

Guess Who?

The following picture is of a living league in the golf world.  He has won more tournaments then other professionals dream about winning.  Can you guess who it is?

Please comment below who you think it is...

Yoga for Golfers

Katherine Roberts

Katherine Roberts "Yoga For Golfers" has changed the way not only the common golfer views yoga but also the professional golfers.  Tour pros such as Brad Faxon, Aaron Baddely, Andrew Parr are fellow yoga believers.  Yoga is used to:

"Improve flexibility, strength and range of motion for greater distance, Cultivate clarity of mind to increase concentration and focus, improve overall fitness to reduce risk of injury and recovery time, improve balance, coordination to gain club control. As well as enhanced breathing awareness for better swing tempo."

Yoga is also used as a component of physical and mental conditioning.  Yoga is taking the PGA Tour by store and is seen as one of the golf world's hottest new fitness tools.  By increasing your range of motion you can expect 20-40% increase leading to greater distance, accurance and strength on the golf course.

30% of all professional golfers at any given time are playing injuried.  The statistics for players suffering from back pain is 53% of males and 45% of female golfers.  by following a carefully and specifically designed Yoga for Golfers program it will in time reduce the risk of injury. 

Yoga can not only improve your game with increased range of motion but also get you back to your game quicker after an injury.

Charlie King a PGA Director of Instruction for Reynolds Plantation Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructors commented:
Yoga for Golfers books and DVD's are available at http://www.krtotalfitness.com/cgi-local/store/cart/List.cgi

"Katherine Robers is one of the most dedicated people on fitness related to golf in the business.  Her infomraiton is helpful and practical to all levels of golfers.  She knows her stuff and will enlighten you with her latest book and program."

The King

Player Profile: Arnold Palmer

Arnold Daniel Palmer was born on September 10th 1929.  Arnold is known as one of the greatest player's in the history of the game of golf.  Palmer is part of "The Big Three:" Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer.  Before he became a professional golfer Arnold was a Coast Guard for three years.  It wasn't until his win of the 1854 U.S Amateur Championship that gave him the boast to play professional golf.  In his rookie season, 1955 Palmer won the Canadian Open.  Palmer's first Major Championship win came in 1958 where he won the Masters.  In an interview by his agent Mark McCormack he stated:

"There was five attributes that made Palmer especially marketable: his good looks; his relatively modest background (his father was a greens keeper before rising to be club professional); the way he played golf, taking risks and wearing his emotions on his sleeve; his involvement in a string of exciting finishes in early televised tournaments; and his affability."

Some might consider the success of the Open Championship (British Open) to Palmer as it was a decision he made to attend the open to create global awareness of this event.  Palmer went on to win seven major championships.  The biggest years for Palmer were 1960-1963 where he won a total of 29 PGA Tour events.  In 1960 he won the "Hickok Belt" which is the top professional athlete of the year.

Fun Facts about Arnold Palmer

• His fan base called themselves "Arnie's Army"
• He was the first man to reach 1 million dollars in career earnings on the PGA Tour.
• Palmer won a PGA Tour event every year till 1970.
• Palmer won the Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average four times.
• He played on 6 Ryder Cup Teams
• He was one of the reasons for the senior tours success.
• In 2004 he competed in the Masters for the last time (which was his 50th consecutive appearance)
• Palmer retired from tournament golf on October 13th 2006.
• In 2000 Golf Digest ranked him as the sixth greatest player of all time.

Top 5 Golf Courses in the World...

After much research, different websites judge golf courses differently so it is difficult to figure out which ones are the top 5.  Looking through books and websites I found relatively the same answers with a few exceptions.  So I put together an average of these golf courses in order to find the most accurate list for you.  If you can think of any other ones that you feel should have been the top 5 please feel free to comment below this post.

1. Pine Valley Golf Club, New Jersey, USA

2. Cypress Point Club, Pebble Beach, California, USA

3. Old St Andrews Golf Club, Fife, Scotland

4. Royal County Down, Scotland

5. Augusta National, Augusta, Georgia, USA

Shaving strokes off your round by putting less..

When it comes to the game of golf, Putting can make or break you the saying:  "Drive for show...Putt for dough" applies.  Below are some tips to improve your putting and hopefully help shave a few shots off your round.  Practice is very important to a consistent putting stroke. 
These Putting tips are from the "Pure Point Golf-Full Swing Fundamentals"

Putting tips:

Ball Position: when it comes to putting you must remember its the back of the ball you are stroking not the center.  For some golfers they find it helpful to put the ball in the middle of your stance, or slightly forward.

Short Putts: "One of the best tips I have found is to "putt to a dime". - It's a great way to improve focus and concentration levels.  Use a small dime or any other coin and putt the golf ball towards it.  When you get the hang of this you will find it much easier when the target is a larger hole in the ground.  Another great putting tip is to sink five in a row from a one foot distance, then from two feet distance, and then three and so on.  If you miss one you have to go back and start again."

Eye on a Dime: take a any kind of coin a dime works best and place it behind the ball.  During your stroke keep your eyes focused on the coin.  Do not look at the golf ball when the putter impacts the ball.  It's important to maintain eye focus on the coin rather then the path your golf ball is taking.

Keep your head still: in order to have solid contact with your golf ball you must keep your head still.  "Try focusing on keeping your head still even after the golf club has hit the ball.  Players who move their head too soon after contact with the ball are known to move their heads earlier and earlier every time and eventually move their head before the golf club strikes the ball."

For more information check out this great book.  "Pure Point Golf: Full Swing Fundamentals."

Planning a Trip to Disney???

     

Disney is not just a place of magic and Mickey Mouse.  It's home to some of the greatest golf courses of Orlando.  

So if your wife and children would rather spend the day at Disney as opposed to on the golf course below is some information about the five golf courses located near Disney.

 Disney's Magnolia Golf Course

This course uses what nature gave them just adding 97 bunkers in the process.  Magnolia has received 4-stars from Golf Digest.  Magnolia gives the golfers a sense of paradise found only on the golf course with its lush fairways.  

This course is home to the Children's Miracle Network Classic.  If your just looking to practice your game Magnolia has a great practice facility available.

Disney's Palm Golf Course

This course is a true test of your golf playing ability.  Palm Golf Course offers shimmering lakes, tropical sands and strategically placed palm trees.  With 9 water holes and 94 bunkers the elevated greens keep you guessing the entire round.  Mother nature plays a role in this golf course increasing your chances of seeing a deer during your round.

 OspreyRidge Golf Course 
Osprey offers a variety of beautiful trees that keep you memorized the entire time.Osprey cuts through dramatic holes of numerous trees to keep you on your toes the entire round.  The vegetation and wetlands serve for breathtaking backdrops.  

Tom Fazio is the architect behind this stunning golf course.  This 18-hole golf is more for the serious golfers that want to put their game to a test.

Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

 Lake Buena is one of the few courses that has placed host to the PGA, LPGA and USGA Events.  This course offers elevating greens and strategically placed bunkers that have you planning your next shot before you even tee off. 
 The 7th hole is a island green which is the true test of golf.
 Oak Trail Golf Course

Oak Trail is a charming 9-hole golf course great for a serious golfer as well as a family outing. 
Since your days at Disney are usually packed playing 9-holes is easy to fit in.  This course is 2,913 yards long.

Fore more information and packages please visit:http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/golf/