Tee Up for a Brief History of Golf

The game of golf has been a popular one for centuries, but the exact origins of this unique pastime are still the subject of some controversy. Some theories of golf history hold that the game was invented by the Chinese, while others hold that the game owes its existence to the Dutch. The most widely accepted theory, however, is that the game dates back to 12th century Scotland.

Scotland has long been associated with the game of golf, and in fact many avid golfers have traveled there to play on some of the country’s legendary golf courses. Many tour companies specialize in golf tours of Scotland, and the link between this unique country and the game of golf has in fact been well established.

Golfers will be interested to know that golf courses have not always featured the 18 holes we are familiar with today. In the early days of the game golf courses were laid out according to the terrain being played, and the number of holes would vary from spot to spot. For instance, the famous St. Andrews Links originally featured a course of 11 holes laid out along this narrow strip of land by the ocean. Golfers would play those 11 holes, then turn around and play the same 11 holes in reverse order.

Later in the history of the golf course four of those 22 holes were deemed to be too short, thus reducing the number of playable holes in each direction to nine, and providing modern golfers with the 18 hole golf courses they know and love today.

The equipment used to play the game has changed as much as the course itself, and there have of course been many technological advances made since the first golf club struck the first ball. One of the relatively new inventions in the world of golf is the humble golf tee. This highly useful innovation dates back only to the 1930s; before that time the balls were simply struck directly off the grass.

The use of steel and titanium heads for golf clubs is even newer, dating back only to the 1970’s. Before then most golf club heads were made of wood. Graphite golf club shafts followed closely in the 1980’s, providing golfers with a better grip and better overall performance.

The care of golf courses has also changed a great deal over the years, with the highly manicured greens we see today a fairly new innovation. The modern equipment available to golf courses today allows those courses to be intricately and perfectly groomed, making play more enjoyable and ascetically pleasing. From fertilizers used to nourish the grass to herbicides used to discourage the growth of weeds, golf course owners have many ways to keep their beautiful courses looking their best season after season.

GOLF INSTRUCTIONS

The objective of golf is to hit balls into each of the 9 or 18 successive holes on the course, in as few strokes as possible. Every sport calls for appropriate equipment; golf is no different. A good technique, coupled with the right clubs will bring success. Try different clubs before deciding the right set for you. Please avoid the common blunder of buying expensive and flashy golf clubs, for starters. Instead, look out for crucial features such as length, shaft, flex, grip-thickness and swing weight in your club.

Two basic forms of playing golf are match play and stroke play with individual players or as a team. We begin by addressing the ball, taking a swing and striking it with a side stance. The full golf swing is an art and mastering it, requires constant practice and diligence. It is elementary to align your body and club to the target you are aiming. A dynamic balance as it is known in golfing parlance will insure the club strikes the ball at the desired angle, imparting right spin and trajectory. Invariably, it is your swing that will make it or break it. So, watch your balance!

An approach shot is played into the green and consists of pitch, flop and chip.
A tee shot is the first shot played from the teeing ground. Depending on the hole, tee shots have either a shallow flight and long roll or a higher flight and minimal roll of the ball. Fairway shots are similar to drives, but executed without the tee, once the ball has been brought into play. Irons or wedges are used when playing from the fairway and the rough, not to mention “hazards”. A bunker shot is played when the ball is in a bunker (sand trap). Sand wedges come into play, allowing the club to skid in the sand. On the green a putter comes in handy to “putt the ball”. In this case, the ball rolls on the ground, never becoming air borne.

Golf is governed by rules and etiquettes regularly published by the R&A and USGA, covering matters such as safety, fair play, players’ obligation etc. Whether playing on a link course or a parkland course, golf is a great game, replete with fun and frustration, ups and downs! (pun intended)

Importance of Choosing Hole in One Insurance that's Underwritten

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing hole in one insurance is the dependability and credibility of theprovider. There are many providers to choose from, however, you'll want to be careful to choose the right one. The company should have a dependable underwriter. Learn why this is crucial to
your event coverage and how you can have peace of mind about your coverage with the tips below.

What is an Underwriter for Hole In One Insurance?

An underwriter is a company or individual who's primary job is to calculate, examine and identify potential loss risks for an event policy. Instead of the risk falling completely on the shoulders of the provider, it is shifted to the underwriter. Every event is unique. That's why claims by providers that offer extremely low prices across the board for any type of event is not only very risky to that provider and the consumer, but also very unrealistic. Each event varies in the amount rewarded, type of course, etc. The underwriter determines
and assumes risks that the provider may or may not be able to take.

Why is an Underwriter so Important in Hole in One Insurance?

A provider who is serious about their business and the protection of their clients during an event will be underwritten by a solid underwriter. Companies who do not have this type of backing should probably not be considered due to the high risk, even if the premium is extremely low. What would happen if you offered a million dollar hole in one prize and someone actually made the hole in one? If the provider you chose was not backed by an underwriter, and didn't have sufficient coverage, then you would still end up with the
prize bill. That company not only took a high risk by not having an underwriter, but also put you at risk unnecessarily. Even if you have to pay a little more on the premium, it's worth having the additional protection.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

So, you've discovered that your provider does use an underwriter. What's next? You should now proceed to ask a few questions for further investigation. Remember, you're not trying to scrutinize the provider, but only trying to ensure that you're going to be protected fully if someone does get a hole in one during your event or tournament.

Here are a few questions you should ask:

1. Is the provider and underwriter licensed in your state?

Both the underwriting insurance company and your provider should be licensed in your state. If they're not, the chances of actual coverage are slim if someone wins at your event. This is especially important if you find a provider on the Internet or if someone approaches your business or home as a door-to-door salesman for this type of insurance.

One way to save time when searching online is to perform searches specific to your particular state. For example, you could type the following into a search engine block to find a provider:

*hole in one insurance (include your state name here)
*hole in one insurance provider for (include your state name here)
*(include your state name here) provider for hole in one insurance
*hole in one insurance providers coverage all states
*any state hole in one insurance
*all states hole in one insurance

Performing these types of searches will render results that are specific to either your own state or companies that provide insurance for all states.

2. What is the name and contact information of the underwriter?

Your provider should be very open and upfront about who is underwriting your policy. Why would they hide this information? Simply asking for this information will usually reveal if the company you're considering is honest or not. You can also verify the credentials of the underwriter once you obtain this information.

3. How does the company rate in terms of insurance grading?

The grading system was developed to help consumers determine who the most dependable insurers are as well as reveal any who are not so grand. There are a number of grading companies in the insurance industry. You'll want to ask your provider or the underwriter if they're graded, and by whom so you can verify their rating. Many hole in one insurance providers will advertise this information up front, such as, "Our company is underwritten by __________ Company, which has an A+ Rating with _______________ Company. The provider realizes that this is important to consumers because of the many scams going on today (especially online).

Even when a company uses this type of information in their advertising, you can still verify that they are actually associated with the underwriter for peace of mind.

Does having an Underwriter Cause the Premium to Rise?

The premiums are usually affected by the value of the prize and the risk factors or, in other words, what are the odds for someone to actually make the hole in one? Some providers have a minimum price for smaller
events. Although having an underwriter doesn't actually raise prices directly, it does highly increase the value and dependability of a policy. As mentioned earlier, a policy that is extremely low priced and not
underwritten by a dependable company isn't worth the risk. You should only begin comparing prices among those companies who you've proven to be safe, honest and underwritten by a "grade A+" underwriter if
possible. Never make a comparison based solely on price.

By following these steps, you can have a worry-free event and focus on promotions instead of worrying about whether you're covered or not. Being aware as a consumer will enable you to find the best possible hole in one insurance coverage for your event.

Pool safety for Children

Tips for keeping your child safe from the Pool in your backyard

Every parent should be aware of the risks associated with having children and owning a swimming pool. It’s also equally important to know the steps you can take to minimize these dangers and keep your children safe from the pool in your backyard. For children under the age of 15, drowning is the second leading cause of death. To help prevent these risks, there are a number of things that can be done.

The first step in promoting child safety near a swimming pool is to make sure you can swim, and make sure your children know how to swim. Children can learn swimming at a very early age, so it’s never too soon. You can find classes for children at your local YMCA and community centers. Adults supervising children in and around a swimming pool should make sure CPR is known and practiced on a regular basis.

If possible, it’s a good idea to install a fence around the perimeter of the swimming pool, with the only access being a locked gate. This is something that can virtually eliminate the risks of drowning as long as you are committed to properly keeping the entry gate locked unless you are fully supervising swimmers under the age of 15. It’s not a good idea to let a 13 year old, or even 16 year old be the responsible one for younger children. After all, they are still children themselves.

If a fence is not possible, there are power safety covers that can cover the entire top of the swimming pool and be a valuable part of safe proofing. You can find motorized and manual covers, so there are choices when considering this option. The cover isn’t as fool proof as a fence would be, but it would significantly help stop children from falling in and becoming another victim of an accidental drowning. The biggest foreseen problem would be very young children thinking they can run across the cover, so parent supervision will still be necessary.

Make sure you have rescue equipment available, such as life preservers and a rope. If someone does fall in, these tools have been proven to save lives and will continue to do so. For younger kids, having them wear a life vest at all times when playing near a pool is a good idea. Remember, flotation devices such as air filled toys and balls are not meant to be a life saving device. The “water wings” that are popular for children learning to swim are not meant to save lives either.

Make sure that all pool toys are taken out of the pool to prevent the little ones from being tempted to reach for them. Always remember, just because you can swim, and your child knows how to swim does not mean they are safe around water. Make sure you and your family is safe; take the steps necessary to prevent accidental deaths in swimming pools.

Swimming Pool Games for Kids of All Ages

Kids of all ages, from toddlers in their floating swimsuits to grannies in their swimdresses, can have fun playing games in the pool. The more people you have, the more fun these games will be. However, the babies and the grannies might prefer to sit out for a few of these rollicking adventures.

Water polo is a swimming sport in which two teams try to get a ball into a goal similar to a soccer or hockey goal. The teams each have a goalie, and the rules are very specific. In many colleges, the game is played in innertubes, making a fun intramural sport. Water polo can be simplified for fun in the backyard pool.

First, set up an appropriate target on each side to represent the goal. Each team needs a goalie and as many as 6 other members. All players need to stay in the water. Players must stop moving whenever they have the ball. They must throw it to a teammate or try to score a goal. No swimming with the ball allowed. Play for a designated length of time or until one team makes a desired number of goals. If the ball goes out of the water, the nearest goalie throws it back in.

The game, "Marco Polo," is nothing like water polo, but is more like "Blind Man's Bluff" played in the water. Designate someone to be "It." This person covers their eyes with their hands and counts to 10 while the other players find a spot in the pool. Then the "It" person has to try to find the other people and tag them. In order to locate them, "It" can call out "Marco," and everyone else has to answer, "Polo." "It" follows the voices to tag someone. Whoever is tagged becomes "It."
If desired, the non-"It" players can be allowed to get out of the pool as long as they have some body part in the water. They still have to yell "Polo," however.

Races are fun in the pool and there are many variations that can be played. For instance, all the contestants can float on swim noodles, innertubes, or other floaties, and propel themselves across the pool. Or form teams and have a relay race, with each contestant going across the pool and back, and then handing the floating toy to the next team member.

Another relay race idea that's a lot of fun is to have two extra large sweatshirts and get them wet. Divide the players into two teams. Each team member has to put the sweatshirt on, swim across the pool and back, and then take it off and give it to the next team member. This participant does the same thing. The winning team is the first to get all of their members across the pool and out of the sweatshirt. This game can be played with large T-shirts as well.

Contests are fun in the water, too. Throw coins over your shoulder backwards and let the participants try to find them in the pool. For an added challenge, paint some of the coins white, and offer a special prize if these are retrieved. Another idea is to play classical music through a boombox while teams compete to create the best water ballet.

A pool game that uses the intellect is "Categories." The leader chooses a category, such as colors, states, dog breeds, etc. The other players discuss among themselves what they will be. For instance, if the category is dog breeds, someone might choose poodle, someone else, boxer, etc. The leader is on one side of the pool, and the rest of the players are on the other side, touching the side of the pool. After a few moments, the leader begins to call out items from the category. If he calls out your choice, you have to swim to the other side of the pool before he swims to your side. If you beat him, you get to be the leader for the next round.

When tag is played in the pool, it is often called "Sharks!" Two players become the sharks and swim around trying to tag the others. Players who are tagged have to stay at the side of the pool until all players are tagged or the sharks give up.

A classic pool game that challeges all is called "Jump or Dive." This game requires a diving board and a deep end. Just as each participant runs to the end of the board, someone calls out either "Jump!" or "Dive!" The participant has to try to carry out the order.

Kids are fond of playing "pig" or "horse" with a basketball, but a variation of this game can be played in the pool. A leader jumps into the water in a particular style and all the others have to follow in turn. If they can't carry out the move, they get the first letter of "pig" or "horse." The next player gets to set the next style. Play continues until there is only one player who hasn't spelled pig or horse. A variation of this game is "chicken" which is played the same, except the players can chicken out if they are willing to do the chicken dance and squawk before jumping into the water.

You'll want to pay attention to basic safety rules, of course, because the swimming pool can be a very dangerous place. A zany time of laughter can turn into a tragedy in a moment. A qualified lifeguard is essential in all deep pool activities, and several responsible adults should always be on hand to spot the swimmers to make sure no one bumps a head on the sides or floor of the pool. Supervise the smaller children well, and protect them from overzealous older kids. Enforce rules against unnecessary roughness and other inappropriate behavior. Be sure to have a flotation device near the pool at all times, and don't let your children swim alone or without adult supervision. Also, don't let them walk on top of a pool while it is covered or swim in a partly covered pool.

Pay attention to safety and you and your kids can have a whale of a good time playing games in the swimming pool.

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY

Swimming pools are an asset to one family and a liability to another. An in-ground pool is a great place to gather and socialize with your friends or a place that is tranquil where you can get a suntan in the privacy of your own backyard. It is a great place for children to learn to swim and get regular exercise. But use caution; a pool can be dangerous and young children are always attracted to water.

Maintenance

It is important to maintain a pool in order to keep the water healthy. Water can contain harmful bacteria such as E.coli or salmonella. You must monitor chlorine, PH, alkaline and calcium to assure the water remains pure. Chlorine fights bacteria and algae that will otherwise accumulate in a pool. Chlorine levels are expressed in parts per million (ppm). Acceptable levels are 1 to 3 parts chlorine per million. Test kits are available at your local pool dealer.

PH is the measure of water acidity and basicity. PH should measure between 7.2 and 7.6 on the PH scale. PH is important to maintain healthy water. PH that is not within the proper range can cause cloudy water, chemical build-up on pool equipment as well as skin and eye irritation.

Alkaline is the measurement of elements that maintain the water’s PH. It is also measured in parts per million and should range between 60 and 100 ppm. If you have problems maintaining PH balance, have cloudy water or notice mineral deposits in your pool or its equipment, it may be that the total alkalinity of your pool is not in the proper range.

Calcium hardness measures the amount of dissolved calcium in pool water. High levels will corrode pool equipment causing it to malfunction. The result can be water that is unhealthy. The desired range is between 200 and 1000 ppm.

Chlorine, alkalinity and PH have to be checked daily. Calcium hardness needs to be checked monthly. If you do regular checks, it is much easier to maintain pool water. In swimming season, the water may change frequently. Many factors affect water, including heavy rain, hot temperatures and frequent use. Peak demand conditions require special maintenance called shock treatment and superchlorination. Both of these involve the addition of chlorine in amounts required to temporarily elevate chlorine levels. Superchlorination is the addition of chlorine to achieve 5 ppm. This removes organic contaminants and prevents common pool water problems. Shock treatment is the remedial addition of chlorine to achieve 10 ppm. This kills visible algae. Pool experts recommend shock treatment or superchlorination every two weeks during peak periods of pool use.

In order to keep the pool water clean and healthy, you must care for the pool itself on a weekly basis. You must use circulation systems, skimmers and filters. This has to be done whether or not the pool is used.

Improper PH and cloramine cause red, irritated eyes. Chloramine is a substance produced when the chlorine in the water reacts with body wastes such as saliva, perspiration and other compounds. Pre-swim showers reduce the amount of bacteria and other contaminants that are introduced into the pool. If your pool reduces the amount of bacteria and other contaminants that are introduced into your pool. If your pool had developed chloramine, chlorine concentrations are ineffective. Check PH balance. If it is high, add an adjuster chemical. Check the chlorine level. If it is below 1 ppm, shock treat the pool.

The cause of strong chlorine odor is too little free available chlorine. You are more than likely smelling chloramine. Adjust the PH and shock treat.

Too much chlorine can irritate eyes and bleach color from bathing suits. If this happens, test to be certain chlorine levels are between 1 and 3 ppm. If the test results show a high chlorine level, stop adding chlorine and add a product that will reduce levels immediately. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.

Life Saving Equipment

Pool safety is a big responsibility to you, your neighbors, family and friends. Always be sure to maintain life saving equipment. Keep a ring buoy with an attached line at poolside. Never rely on water mattresses, water wings or inner tubes to keep children afloat.

Fencing your Pool

Build a fence that is climb-proof to separate your pool from the rest of your yard. In some communities this is the law and some insurance companies enclose a clause to cover proper pool fencing in their policies. A fence is a must for families with pre-teen children.

Make certain your pool fence does not obscure your view from the house. Use gates with self-closing, self-latching spring locks. Latches should be sixty inches from the ground to ensure that children can’t reach them. Fences keep neighborhood children and pets out of your pool.

Stick to your Guns

Watch children at all times and NEVER leave them unsupervised. If you are alone and have to leave the pool area for ANY reason, take the children with you.

Establish safety procedures when your pool is installed and don’t back down. Anyone who doesn’t follow the rules should not be allowed in the pool. Remind everyone of the rules at the beginning of each swimming season or post them on several areas around the pool.

POOL SAFETY CHECKLIST

No running or horseplay in or around the pool.

No swimming in a thunderstorm.

No diving in the shallow end.

Wear flip-flops on the pool deck or footwear with treads.

Never swim alone

Children cannot swim without an adult present.

No pets in the pool.

No eating or food in the pool.

Never use glass objects at poolside.

Never use extension cords near the pool.

Keep chlorine levels between 1 and 3 ppm.

Keep calcium levels between 200 and 1000 ppm.

Keep PH levels between 7.2 and 7.6

Check PH and chlorine levels daily

Check calcium hardness monthly.

Check alkaline levels monthly.

Shock treat when needed.

Superchlorinate when needed.

Use and maintain water circulation systems at all times.

Build a childproof fence around the pool.

Deep life saving equipment at poolside.

Keep a first-aid kit at poolside.

Never swim at night unless the area has sufficient lighting.

Wait 2 hours after eating before entering the water.

By following these tips, you will ensure that all those around you have a safe and healthy summer. Don’t let one of your loved ones become a statistic. Play safely and have a great summer.

There’s More in a Can than Meets the Eye: Choosing the Right Tennis Balls

When buying tennis balls, you may select the cheapest can without even bothering to learn anything about the balls.
Nevertheless, the wrong tennis balls may not be suitable for the surface you play on or your level. The type of tennis balls you use directly impacts how you play.

General Information about Tennis Balls
Most people play with pressurized balls that come in cans containing three or four balls. Tennis balls are filled with air and are usually hollow, but some balls also contain nitrogen, which makes them last longer. Advanced or serious players often use a can of balls only once, but even casual players will find that balls in an opened can are not as bouncy after three or four weeks.

Felt Types and Court Surfaces
The can will describe the exterior of the tennis balls. The felt is described as regular duty, extra duty or high altitude. Extra duty felt is excellent for hard courts that are typically found at a park or school. Brands vary slightly in durability and how well the felt adheres to the ball, but the extra duty felt wears well against concrete, asphalt, and other hard surfaces best. Regular duty tennis balls are ideal for clay and indoor tennis courts since they will produce less exterior fuzziness. High altitude tennis balls should be used in geographic areas where the altitude affects the bounce of the ball. Some manufacturers make balls specifically suited for grass courts so read the can carefully before you buy. Some cans indicate the balls are suitable for more than one surface.

Practice Balls
Some cans are also labeled practice balls. Practice balls are usually less expensive, but do not have the same bounciness of other balls. They are ideal for young children or beginning players.
Determining the Life of a Used Ball
Once you play with your tennis balls, you may decide to use them again, but you should test them to make sure they are still good. First, look at the ball. If it appears bald or the felt is worn in places, discard it. If you have a new can, you can also compare the bounce of a new ball to a used one. Another way to test the bounciness of a ball is to hold it 100 inches from the ground and release it. The ball should bounce slightly more than halfway back if it is acceptable for play.

Tips to Find Your Favorite Ball
Most people tend to play on the same general surfaces. If you play regularly, you can look at reviews of tennis balls, but since everyone hits differently, you are better off trying different brands to determine which balls you prefer. Try a few different types of balls suited for the surface you use. Notice the amount of spin you get on the ball, how you hit, and whether the balls appear to maintain their bounciness during play. Pay attention to how you play with different balls, and you may find that you prefer one brand.
Now you know how to choose the right tennis balls for your level of play and court surface, it will be easier to take your game to the next level. Remember, your racket, the court surface and the ball influence how you play. Shop carefully, before grabbing a can of tennis balls off a store shelf. Reading about your tennis balls may improve your game.

Strategies for Finding the Right School to Play College Tennis

A college tennis team is usually not placed in a designated division based on the strength of that team. Thus, if you are interested in playing college tennis, you need to look beyond the division designation of the school’s tennis team to determine whether the team would be a good fit for you. If you are a top nationally ranked player, the top college teams will find you, but many strong athletes are not in this position and need to be proactive to find the right team and college that coincide with their athletic skills and academic ability. Here are some tips for finding the right team for you.

Overview the Current Team

Narrow down colleges you would like to attend based on academics, school size and location. Determine which division each school is in and spend some time looking at the team online. Identify how many seniors are on the team because this will indicate the number of slots that will be available for the following year. Conduct Internet research to see if you can find statistics for any of the current players. Compare their statistics to your own to determine how your own record stacks up. Examine the team’s record to determine the team’s strength.

Note the size of the team. Some schools have small teams and everyone on the team plays. In other schools, teams are larger, but there may be players who have potential and practice with the team, but do not actually play in matches. Do some self-searching and decide whether you would be willing to practice with a team and be a part of it without actually playing in matches the first year, if necessary.

Evaluate the Coach

If the team and school seem like they match your skill set, contact the coach and indicate your interest. Coaches will often set aside time to meet with you when you visit the school. Coaches will encourage you to take the time to attend a match since this will enable you to observe the team and watch the players in action. You will be able to determine whether you can comfortably hit with them and see the camaraderie of the team on and off the court. You should also pay attention to how the coach conducts himself during the match and how the players respond to him.
Watch Team Performance and Coach Interaction

Most coaches usually tell you about the team schedule, time commitments, and the necessity of working with teachers to best coordinate your academic schedule with the team’s schedule. Try to pay attention to the coach’s demeanor and ask about his coaching style. If you decide to play, you will spend a lot of time with the team and the coach so you want to make sure that your personalities mesh well.

Other Details

If you still have an interest, follow-up with the coach further. Some coaches may request a videotape of you playing. If you have been playing in tennis tournaments, the coach may look up your most recent statistics. Keep the coach updated on your progress and be accessible if he wants further contact. Many coaches will also ask about your academics so put yourself in the most positive light to be a promising candidate for both the school and the team.

Water

Water is essential for athletes to replace fluids lost during physical exertion. The trouble is, some people, much like myself, really find water bland and at times, difficult to force down. Sport drinks are the way to go if you are planning to stress yourself physically. For long events, like endurance running for instance, it's wise to supplement your water intake with a high quality sports drink. Quality sports drinks will contain glucose and electrolytes that will help maintain energy levels during times of physical stress. They also taste and smell great and have just the right amount of sweetness.

Hunting!

It's totally quiet. You try to breathe as quietly as you can, although the small clouds from your mouth are clearly visible against the morning sunlight. You shift slightly, but slowly, ensuring that anything that might be looking in your direction doesn't actually see you're there. You look down, visualizing yourself falling those fifteen feet, more as an exercise to keep yourself awake and wary rather than a fearful reaction of heights. Checking your right you see that your father is perfectly motionless save for his eyes. His head begins to slowly sweep across the trees.

Then there is motion. From high in your camouflaged treestand you see, moving cautiously between the rows of perfectly lined trees, that deer you've been waiting for all morning. Your father sees it too, but you're closer and have a better angle. Slowly you raise your rifle, but it's almost impossible to hold it steady. You been waiting hours for this, your heart is pounding, and your hands are shaking. You remember the correct way to pull the trigger, and you hope that you don't nervously jerk the gun slightly when it eventually fires. You line up the deer in your crosshairs, feeling the smooth wood of your rifle. It's time. You aim at the chest, and wait for the wind to die down...

If you have ever envisioned something like this as your first big game hunting experience, you might feel like grabbing your gear and eagerly heading out to the fields. However, you should keep in mind that there are a few things you need to do before this happens. First, you require a license. Get online and find your local state website dealing with wild game licenses. For example, in order to hunt in Connecticut, you need to visit the Department of Environmental Protection.

Then, you need gear. This is the most expensive part of the hobby, but it depends on your hunting style. Chances are if you want to hunt, someone in your family has done it before, and you can borrow a rifle rather than purchase your own. In either case, when you have decided on a rifle, you need to purchase ammunition and site your scope. Everyone's build and stature is different, so you must practice shots and adjust the crosshair on your gun accordingly. For hunting positions, you can purchase treestands or blinds.

Big game hunting seasons oftentimes occur in the winter or autumn months, when it's usually uncomfortable to remain outside for several hours. Depending on the temperature, you should get a down coat (down is the warmest you can purchase), gloves, some kind of hardy pants (you can go with jeans, but those don't insulate well; many hunting catalogues have insulated, camouflaged pants), wool socks and boots. Be certain that your wool socks are shin-height and that your pants are tucked into your boots; this not only helps insulate your feet but helps guard against ticks getting onto your legs. You may want to grab some kind of winter mask, although I prefer to go with just a baseball cap and a hood. Always make sure your ears are covered, but try to find something that won't block noise; you'll want to hear your game if it's close.

Finally, you need a hunting location. Some hunters purchase hunting rights from the government to hunt on park property or specific areas where they want the local population of your game to remain in check. The more numerous and irritating the game are considered, the longer the season and/or the higher the number of game you can bag that season. I personally prefer orchards. Local farmers raise crops to sell, and sometimes game will intrude and begin eating their crops. For example, if you can find a local apple orchard, it would be a great place to hunt deer; not only are you getting meat and possibly something worthy of your trophy case, but you are doing the orchard owner a service, and as such he will usually allow you to hunt at little to no cost. Just remember that if you do get a kill, be kind and give the owner the finest cut of meat from your game.

That's the general outline to getting off the ground as a new hunter. Happy hunting!

The 2,000 Guineas stakes

The 2,000 Guineas stakes is the first of the five British Classics to be run in the flat season. Contested on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket by three year old colts and fillies, it takes place the day before the 1,000 Guineas, which is for fillies only. The name comes from the prize fund on offer in the original contest, which took place back in 1809 at the behest of Sir Charles Bunbury, co-founder of the Epsom Derby.

The mile (1,609 metres) long race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, made up of the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and St Leger. Only fifteen horses have accomplished this feat in more than 150 years, including Ormonde, who was unbeaten in sixteen races and arguably the greatest racehorse in history.

Fillies are given a five pounds weight allowance, but few take their chance in the race in these days, preferring the 1,000 Guineas. The format has given rise to several other 2,000 Guineas races around the world, including New Zealand, Italy, Japan, Germany, Ireland and France.

Notable trial races for the 2,000 Guineas include the Greenham and Craven Stakes, but it is not unusual for horses to compete in the race fresh.

The 2008 contest between Henrythenavigator and New Approach was the first time in 2,000 Guineas history that the race had been won by the minimum distance, a nose. The largest winning distance of eight lengths, a feat unlikely to be repeated, belongs to Tudor Minstrel, who hosed up in 1947.

The leading trainer is John Scott, who trained an impressive seven 2,000 Guineas winners between 1842 and 1862. The best performing trainer in recent history is Sir Michael Stoute, who saddled five winners between 1985 and 2001.

Jem Robinson rode nine winners between 1825 and 1848, making him the all time leading 2,000 Guineas jockey. In more recent years, Lester Piggott rode five winners and Kieren Fallon and Michael Kinane both have four wins to their name, including great names such as Nijinsky, George Washington and Sea The Stars respectively.

The next 2,000 Guineas will take place on Saturday May 1st 2010, sponsored by Stan James.

Friendlies

Pre-season friendlies are an established part of football’s close season. With the pressure of the various league competitions forcing clubs to be ready to hit the ground running, friendlies play an important role in ensuring players’ fitness and bedding in new signings. Having spent several weeks with little to no physical exertion, footballers can be forgiven for being sluggish in their first few weeks of training. More than this, the summer transfer window sees the majority of teams face at least some upheaval in their squads, as departures need to be plugged and new faces accepted. Additionally, coaches can play around with new formations and blood potential stars, luxuries not permitted in the ultra-competitive league format. Over recent years, however, friendlies have created more and more media interest.

Real Madrid’s pre-season match against Shamrock Rovers, featuring the debut of the one-and-only Cristiano Ronaldo, was a tepid affair, settled only by a late Benzema goal. Having spent over 180-million-pounds this summer, many expected Real to annihilate their opponents. The score, though, was not where the popular interest lay. The match was an exhibition, an opportunity for Real to showcase the attacking talent that they held, and to allow salivating fans their first chance of seeing Ronaldo in action. More than this, the friendly served as a glorified fitness check, ensuring the Madrid players were in acceptable shape. Friendly in name only, this type of fixture does possess a serious drawback – the attitude of the opponents. Refusing to lie down and die, Shamrock attempted to match their superior foes through sheer physicality. Although an accepted part of football, a problem for managers is the risk of losing their star players to injury in an ultimately meaningless friendly.

Another footballing superpower, Manchester United, took a different approach to their pre-season preparations. Renowned for having a huge following in the Far East, United took the team to them, playing a series of fixtures in China. This not only swells their coffers in the short-term through merchandising, but also serves to raise their profile even higher. Additionally, their friendlies against inferior opponents allowed new signing Michael Owen a chance to show his prowess by netting four goals in as many matches. This eased fans’ worries over his suitability for the team, and encouraged high hopes heading into the season. United’s financial gains were surely welcomed, but is this reason enough to justify the trip? Every club must balance their accounts, but United may well have let greed choose an unsuitable pre-season. Another example of a pre-season friendly that raised the hopes of fans and players alike is provided by Villarreal’s 27-0 demolition of third-division Navata. Whilst United’s success on tour and Villarreal’s record-breaking victory can have a psychological impact on the team and the fans, that wasn’t why they were scheduled.

Results aren’t important in friendlies. Newcastle’s 6-1 humiliation at the hands of League One side Leyton Orient serves aptly to demonstrate the malaise gripping the club, but it doesn’t hide the talent still resting there. The fixture meant nothing to the players who would have shown more fight in a competitive match. Although it would have been another blow to severely weakened morale, that one result will have no effect on the club’s overall season.

Symbolic of the hyperbolic world of friendlies was the Wembley Cup, a competition featuring Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Celtic and Egyptian Champions Al-Ahly. This served the traditional purpose of a pre-season competition by allowing players to adjust into vaguely competitive football again. However, the marketing aspect of the competition demonstrated how serious friendlies could be, portraying a glorified training session as one of the prizes of European football. The crowds that swelled to Wembley (with a two-day ticket reaching £100) illustrated the moneymaking potential of pre-season, and football as a whole.

Friendlies should be merely opportunities for players to prepare for the upcoming campaigns. Instead, they become more victims of football’s obsessive media scrutiny. Victories and defeats should count for nothing, but are seized upon and used as evidence to praise or vilify players and teams. These stories are lapped up by fans, desperate for any indication of how their team will fare in the coming season. The financial side of friendlies just demonstrates how commercial modern football is, with fans charged for the privilege of watching their team prepare.

Measuring Golf Clubs to Fit a Travel Case

Most golfers prefer to use their personal clubs over rentals whenever possible. There’s a sense of familiarity using one’s own equipment that provides a slight edge to the game. However, packing up your golf clubs isn’t always an easy process unless you have first mastered the technique of measuring your golf clubs to fit a travel case.

Quite a number of travel cases are sold today in a wide assortment of styles, colors, and prices. The first decision that you need to make is to determine which style of golf club travel case is going to meet your personal needs. Two basic styles are available including those that can hold both your golf clubs and your golf case and those that simply hold your golf clubs. Additionally, golf club travel cases come in models with soft cases and hard cases, so you have yet another decision to make.

Before you go about the task of measuring your golf clubs properly so that you purchase the proper travel case, you should gather a few simple supplies. These items include either a 48-inch yardstick, or a 12-inch ruler, include a roll of masking tape, and 36-inch yardstick. It might be difficult to find a 48-inch yardstick and if it is, just tape a 12-inch ruler to a 36-inch yardstick and you’ll be all set. Make sure that you use enough masking tape to secure the ruler and yardstick firmly in place.

Now that you are ready to start, you’ll be finished quite quickly as you only need to measure one golf club. Select the longest club that you own for this task. Take the club and place it on a flat surface. Typically, a tiled or wooden floor is a good location for this task.

You’ll need to measure the golf club from the tip of the head to the butt of the grip. To do so, place the tip of the club’s head on the floor while you are in a standing position. For those who aren’t sure what the tip of the head is, it is the part of the head that is opposite the shaft or the furthest away. The butt of the golf grip and the shaft should be angled is you have set the club up properly.

Next, you need to place the yardstick along the back of the golf club so that the butt of the golf grip sits in front of the measuring stick. Now you are ready to take the measurement of the club. Make sure that your eyes are level with the part of the stick so that the measurement is accurate. If you look at the yardstick at an angle, it could throw your measurement off a bit.

Now that you have your golf club measurement, you are ready to begin shopping around for a travel bag. Since your purchase is one that is probably going to last you for a while, take your time deciding exactly which travel case is perfect for your set of golf clubs.

Get the Inside Scoop on Wimbledon 2007

The Wimbledon tournament has long been a favorite with spectactors and players alike. Players come to this Mecca of tennis year after year to prove that they are the best in the world at the sport they love. Spectactors from around the world also converge on Wimbledon to watch the finest players in the world play the best tennis in the world.

While mnay of those spectators come merely for the love of the game, others prefer to make the proceedings a bit more interesting by betting on their favorite player. Unlike many casino games, sports betting allows skillful players to tilt the odds in their favor through their knowledge and insights into the game. Whether they are avid tennis players, accomplished sports bettors or just plain old fans, the Wimbledon tennis tournament offers some exceptional opportunities.

Part of the fun of betting on any sporting event is of course handicapping the players and learning as much as possible about both the experienced players and the up and coming superstars. Finding that diamond in the rough is one of the best ways to make a killing in the world of sports betting, whether the sporting event in question is the Kentucky Derby or the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

The 2007 Wimbledon tournament offers an intriguing variety of past winners, current superstars and the superstars of tomorrow. The current favorites to win this year’s tournament include such famous tennis names as Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova. These past winners are favored by many to take the tournament again this year.

Recent online sports betting activity has pushed Roger Federer, currently the top ranked men’s tennis player in the world, to his position as an overwhelming favorite. If these sports betting predictions come true, Federer will go on to win his third consecutive Wimbledon men’s singles title.

Current odds for Roger Federer stand at 1/3, making this experienced Wimbledon winner an overshelming favorite. Among potential first time Wimbledon winners, Andy Roddick stands with odds of 8/1. Many experienced tennis fans feel that 2007 will be Roddick’s year at the prestigious Wimbledon tournament.

Those bettors and tennis plans with a taste for excitement may want to take a look at some of the many longshots for this year’s Wimbledon tournament. Among these gutsy plays are David Nalbandian, Richard Gasquet, Andrew Murray, Marcos Baghdatis, James Blake, Tomas Berdych, Novak Djokovic, Marat Safin, Ivan Ljubicic and Joachim Johansson. These promising players currently stand at odds ranging from 25/1 to 50/1, making a win by any of them a potentially large payday for daring sports bettors.

The women’s side of the Wimbledon aisle offers just as much excitement, and just as mnay opporutniites for great tennis, as the men’s side. Defending Wimbledon champion Justine Henin-Hardenne is a favorite to repeat as champion. In addition, Serena Williams, fresh off her win at the prestigious Australian Open, is a favorite to win Wimbledon as well. Both women currently enjoy 3/1 odds to win this prestigious tournament. Maria Sharapova, still remembered fondly for her 2004 Wimbledon victory, is close behind at 5/1 odds.

Of course every tennis fan, and every sports bettor, will have his or her own favorite player, and the betting lines often follow these personal favorites. Placing a bet certainly can increase the excitement of an already exciting tournament, and there is already considerable interest in the outcome, and betting line, of the 2007 Wimbledon tournmamnet.

As with the men’s side of the aisle, those with a taste for more adventurous betting may want to venture beyond the perennial favorites and look for a larger payoff with some of the otherwise overlooked female players.

Among the second tier favorites are such well known names as Kim Clijsters, Nicole Vaidisova and Nadia Petrova, at odds ranging from 6/1 to 12/1. Other potential payoffs include Martha Hingis, Svetalna Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Anastasia Myskina, Dinara Safina, Francesca Schiavone, Na Li and Mary Pierce.

No matter what the betting line, the Wimbledon tournament is always a favorite with tennis fans. Tennis lovers from around the world travel to these famed courts to experience firsthand this most noble of sports.

Power walking.

Walking for health and fitness has been growing by leaps and bounds. Not just any walking.

Walking with a good strong stride and maintaining a steady pace. Using the synchronized movements of your arms and legs to propel you forward. Keeping a good posture and allowing air to flow easily into your lungs. Challenging and increasing the vitality of your cardiovascular system to insure blood reaches the working muscles in a strong, steady flow.

Power walking is a great way to ease yourself into running for fitness. All you need is a professionally fitted pair of quality walking shoes and you're all set. You can walk alone or start your own walking group.

Regardless, it's a great way to improve your level of fitness and over-all health.

Safety Tips For Swimming In Above Ground Pools

Above-ground pools are an option for those who want a place to swim but can't afford a more expensive in-ground swimming pool or don't want to pay the costs associated with excavation, construction and water use. But certain safety precautions must be taken with above ground swimming pools just as with regular pools.

Secure Steps and Ladders

Remove steps and ladders that lead to or are near the pool when the pool isn't in use, and put them out of the reach of children.

Keep Rescue Equipment Handy

Place rescue equipment, such as a life preserver or shepherd's hook, around the pool. Consider putting a phone near the pool as well, in case you have to call an ambulance.

Have a CPR Expert Supervise

Someone who knows how to perform CPR should supervise in case of an accident. If an accident occurs, this person should perform CPR for a minute before calling the ambulance, then continue with CPR until help arrives.

Fences

Build a 4 foot high (or taller) fence on all sides of the pool to separate it from your house and prevent an animal or young child from wandering outside and attempting to get into the water.

Remove Attractions

Store away any toys, colorful flotation devices, or anything else that may attract the eye of children and entice them to go near the pool after use.

Your Guide to Infant Swimming Lessons

Teaching your infant to swim is an important decision. Many parents begin swimming lessons for their infant to get an early start. However, there are prominent safety-related issues that make infant swimming ability far more crucial. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 4,000 babies die by drowning while another 12,000 to 16,000 will suffer severe brain damage from "near" drowning.
(Figures taken from the Infant Swimming Resource)

Teaching an infant to swim accomplishes two things:

1. They learn to maneuver in water and hold their breath early on in life, and are prepared for advanced swimming techniques at a younger age if swimming is practiced often.

2. If an accident occurs in the water and the infant is suddenly in a potential drowning situation, he/she will naturally know what to do. It could save the child's life.

What Can Babies Learn?

Infant lessons aren't designed to teach a baby to "swim" by the definition of many. Swimming is often thought of as a motion or action, not a state of being. However, in infant lesson talk, it's more of a state of being than an action.

Comfort in the Water

Babies can and should learn first of all to be comfortable in water. Allowing your infant to float while you hold onto him/her should be done often before the first lesson. Your baby needs to become familiar with being in the water.

Holding Their Breath

Babies as young as six months old can be taught to hold their breath on cue when submerged into the water. This takes much practice and patience.

Your infant will not learn the swimming strokes and motions until later. When a baby begins to crawl or walk on its own, this might be time to teach swimming strokes.

Only teach your infant if you feel he/she is ready. If the baby illustrates panic while in the water, then you'll need to wait. Not all babies take to the water easily. You know your child better than anyone else, and shouldn't force swimming lessons if you have a bad feeling about it. A parent's participation is of utmost importance during the lessons and practice.

Learning to Stroke

Some children are able to swim by stroking at the age of one year although very close parent or instructor supervision should be present at all times. A one-year-old might be able to last a few seconds swimming solo (with an adult by their side, of course). The child is often given a reachable goal such as a ladder or the side wall of a pool, and then placed in the water within just a few strokes of the target.

Toddlers who have been instructed and engaged in much practice can even jump into the water and begin swimming. Every child develops their skills differently so don't expect too much from your child while learning. Always be very cautious, even if your child is a very fast learner.

Tips for Parents

Don't try teaching your infant or small child to swim on your own unless you are a trained professional. Enroll your child in a trustworthy program to ensure safety.

Learn how to save your child's life by training in basic CPR and other life-saving techniques. If you plan to practice with your child in your own pool after each lesson, knowing these techniques is important.

Make sure your baby is relaxed before and during lessons. Infants who associate tension with swimming may never learn fully how to do the maneuvers.

Take frequent but short lessons if possible. If you're only taking one lesson per week, practice at home. You can use the bathtub if you don't own a pool.

Teaching your infant to swim requires patience and consistency, but the rewards are great. Your child will be more comfortable in the water at a young age and be able to further skills as he/she grows. It's easier to teach a young child to swim than an older child because the older a person gets, the more aware of dangers they become. Fear keeps many adults from learning to swim. Although your child should develop a respect for the water and a knowledge of safety guidelines, he/she should learn that the water doesn't have to be a fearful thing. This is best taught at a young age.

Use the tips above as a guide while teaching your infant to swim. Your child can be a skilled swimmer by the age of five with plenty of practice and patience.

Learning How to Swim: The Basics

Have you always wanted to learn how to swim but were afraid to take the step? Are you bored with sitting on the sidelines while the rest of your family has a blast in the pool? If so, you can and should learn to swim. It's not only a fun thing to do - it's a safe thing to do. Everyone's around water from time to time. Knowing how to swim could literally save your life or someone else's life if a water accident were to occur.

If you're ready to take that first step toward learning to swim, read the tips below to help you get started.

Swimming and Safety

While learning to swim (and even after you learn), there are some basic universal safety rules you should follow every time you enter water. Rules aren't designed to ruin everyone's fun, but to protect swimmers as they have fun.

Below are some of the most basic safety rules to get you started:

1. Swim in Clear Water

You should know how deep the water is before entering. A clear water pool is necessary when learning because one slip into a deep drop-off of a river bed is simply too dangerous for a beginner. You should be able to keep your head above water comfortably while learning.

2. Wear a Life Jacket

Even though it can be uncomfortable, a life jacket will enable you to adjust to the water safely. You'll be able to gain confidence more quickly as you learn swimming maneuvers. Practice makes perfect. Wearing a life jacket allows you to "practice" with less stress and anxiety.

3. Hire a Skilled Instructor

You'll benefit tremendously by hiring a skilled instructor to teach you how to swim. An instructor can teach objectively and safely. Certified swimming instructors must go through training themselves to become certified. This benefits you because you're in the care of someone who knows how to handle swimming dangers or emergencies.

Learning Swim Strokes and Movements

Below are some quick tips that reveal some of the swimming strokes and movements you'll be learning. The purpose of this list is not to replace learning from an instructor, but only to enable you to prepare and even practice the movements before taking your first lesson. Your swimming lesson will go much smoother if you know what to expect.

Posture

Your posture will be important while swimming. Your body will be in a horizontal position. You should keep your head and arms in alignment with the remainder of your body to accomplish a smooth swim and keep good balance.

Arm Strokes

Arm strokes are performed to move the body forward. The more arm strokes you do, the quicker you'll become tired. Try to get the most distance from each arm stroke to minimize time and fatigue. Arm strokes will improve over time although it might be a little awkward in the beginning.

Leg Strokes

Just as your arm strokes act as a pulling method, your leg strokes
push you forward. The arms and legs work together to create the swimming motion.

Breathing While Swimming

Proper breathing is probably the most important thing when swimming. You should practice holding your breath above water, and then also practice below water once you feel confident. Breathe in before you go under water, hold your breath while under the water, and then exhale as you bring your head and body back up. When swimming under water, you'll exhale as you begin to swim forward. Doing this mobilizes you under the water. As you become a more experienced swimmer you might be able to hold your breath longer or stay under the water longer as you swim.

Warning: Never hold your breath beyond what you feel you can handle or put yourself in a situation under water that causes you to hold your breath too long. This is life threatening.

You must walk before you can run just as you'll do very simple swim techniques in the beginning. Don't try to accomplish complicated swim methods until you feel comfortable with the basics. Diving, swimming backwards, swimming under water and goofing off with your family in the water will each come with time. Take it slow, and don't expect to be a champion swimmer after just a few lessons.

Swimming can be fun and safe if you follow the basic safety precautions. It's also great exercise! Use the tips above to prepare for your swimming lessons, and you'll be swimming solo soon.

Swimming Pool Safety for Kids

Summertime comes in and the kids want to be at and in the pool. Although swimming pools are great sources of fun and exercise for children, they can have an extremely dangerous side. Drowning is a major issue facing many summertime pool goers including small children who may not understand the complete rules surrounding pool safety. Here are some guidelines to follow.

Adult Supervision

One of the main rules with swimming pools is that a responsible adult should be present to supervise the children. Many accidents occur because no one was around when the child had the accident.

Some accidents that could occur could include cramping, head or body injuries and slipping underwater without adequate swimming experience.

Cramps occur when a child is over stressed, not used to the long exposure to swimming activity and the water or can commonly occur after eating due to the body’s digestion process. The body starts to digest after eating and going into the water and swimming an above normal activity level can cause indigestion causing cramping. Children tend to stay in the water too long and without recognizing problems. With an adult present it is easier to spot these problems and solve them before tragedy occurs.

Little or No Swimming Experience

Even beginner swimming knowledge can help tremendously. A lot of accidents occur due to little or no knowledge of swimming, the rules and water. Someone can drown in as little as a couple inches of water. Knowledge of this and of basic swimming can help prevent drowning.

Have all children that may go swimming take at least beginner swimming lessons. These lessons are generally given at local pools, at YMCA’s and private instruction. Ask the local pool for referrals to lessons.

Fencing Around Pools

A lot of accidents occur with smaller children who don’t understand or know about pool safety. They are generally too young to fully comprehend the dangers. A high fence around the pool is a deterrent. Fences should be higher with no way to climb over. Smaller children usually have an uncanny ability to climb especially when they are fully dazzled by the pretty water on the other side. The fence should also have a lock on it that prevents children from coming into the pool area without supervision and permission.

CPR and Basic First Aid

CPR and first aid can help if accidents happen. Learn these techniques from a local YMCA or other places such as a hospital or an adult career center may have classes available. These techniques can easily give the child who has fallen into the pool a better chance for survival.

Small Pools

The small pools at home can pose risks too. Remember that only a couple inches of water is necessary to drown. Always supervise your children when playing around pools of any size.

Chemical Safety

Be aware that chlorine, the chemical commonly used in pools to prevent bacterial and mold growth can cause health problems in higher doses. There have been cases of swimming pools’ chemical release mechanisms failing and high doses of chlorine being released into unsuspecting swimming pools.

Knowledge of this chemical and the effects it has can help. Learn about Chlorine by searching for it on the Internet or at a local library. Generally lower concentrations of this chemical can cause burning and irritations of the eyes, mouth and other sensitive membranes. It can also cause chest pain and severe coughing. If any of these occurs in children and others in the swimming pool, immediately remove the victims from the pool. Oxygen is necessary for living tissue to continue living. The chlorine prevents the body from using oxygen properly. The quicker the victim is removed from the chlorine to an oxygen rich environment the better the recovery.

Make sure the proper authorities are aware of a potential chlorine problem as well.

How to Stop Topping in Golf

Anyone who has spent any time at all on a golf course has probably heard someone say: "I'm topping the ball" or "I keep coming over the top of the ball". This is a very common problem, especially with some newer golfers, but it can be resolved with some patience and dedicated practice. The trick to resolving this problem, however, is narrowing down the possible causes. This article will explore some of the ways that you can correct a topping problem in a simple, logical way.

The most important thing to understand about topping the ball is that this entire problem is almost always set up early on in your address, your stance, or your backswing. In other words, you are topping the ball because you have no other choice! In order to fix a topping problem you have to backtrack to the root problem. It is that simple.

The problem:

For most golfers, the problem with topping comes from one of four different areas:

1. You may be bringing the club back in flat plane or, in some cases, below the proper swing plane.

2. You may be shifting too much weight to the forward leg at the completion of your backswing. The front leg or the forward leg is the left leg for a right-handed golfer; the right leg for a left-handed golfer.

3. You are making a narrow arc with your swing.

4. You are allowing the club's face to be opened.



Let's look at these a bit more closely.

The flat takeaway

The so called "flat" takeaway is a common reason for topping and it can lead to many other problems as well. This common mistake can lead to a cycle that is hard to break out of. As the golfer begins to realize that he is topping, he tries to compensate by taking the club more to the inside plane which only makes the problem worse.

The trick to overcoming this problem is to learn to bring the golf club back correctly and on the proper arc plane. All of this begins with learning the proper address position.

One of the initial things many players do when they address the ball is to glance at it by tilting their neck and their shoulders. What you want to do is bend at the hips, not at the neck. Keeping your hips stiff will throw off your takeaway plane. It will either be too much toward the inner plane or it can be too narrow. A flat, narrow swing is akin to a baseball swing, for those who do not know.

When you address the ball, bend slightly at your hips and avoid crooking your neck downward. This golfing posture frees you to bring the club back smoothly and correctly. It lets the club head line up with the hands at the proper height. Using these techniques will help you get the golf club on the correct arc and plane. This is the perfect position that enables you to bring the club in on the correct arc while maintaining a slight inside plane.

There is another mistake that can happen that might cause an inside take away swing. This is when your arms are moving faster than your upper body. If you encounter this problem you will discover that your arms feel as if they are trapped behind your body, and what proceeds from that is a movement that leads to topping the ball.

A good rule of thumb for most golfers is that the forearm should be in line and in speed with the shoulder rotation. The key is that forearm and shoulder should be linked, which allows them to move in tandem.

Too much weight on the forward leg

The number two problem as mentioned above is placing more weight on your forward leg than you should. This is a very common problem that tends to cause topping of the ball.

Normally, what happens when the weight is too far forward is that during the down swing the player tries to compensate and the weight is pushed back too hard toward the rear leg. In some cases this can look like the player is falling backwards slightly.

When you try to move your weight from front to back too suddenly you end up with the club being forced outward and this can lead to topping. What you want to do is the reverse. You want to move your weight onto the front leg at the top of your backswing. This will allow the club to be on an inside path, which is exactly what you want.

Body sway can also be an issue with topping the ball. If your lower body has the tendency to sway back and forth during your backswing, then your upper body is more than likely swaying forward on a line toward the pin or the target point. One of the best ways to fix this incorrect shift in weight is to learn to oppose with your lower body while coiling with your upper body.

Avoiding a narrow arc

A narrow arc is yet another problem some golfers face. What we are talking about here is the swing arc itself. When your arc decreases, the space required for moving the club to the right plane all but vanishes. For many golfers the usual reaction to the decreased swing area is to force the club outward which leads to topping.

The arc is directly related to the right forearm and arm as it moves through the back swing. You can decrease the arc by simply folding your right arm/elbow too soon. Another way to narrow or decrease the angle of the arc is to keep the right arm unnaturally near to your body as the arms move toward the top of the swing. Each of these mistakes will pull the club in too close to the body. When this happens, you may be tempted to free up the club by forcing it over the top and away from your body.

If you are a player who is experiencing this problem, here is a quick tip that may help you. On your backswing, try to press the palm of your right hand against the thumb on your left hand. This pressure pushes the top of the shaft away from the club's head but it also helps to straighten the left arm. If you can keep this pressure applied all the way to the top of your back swing, you will open up the space that you need in order to bring the golf club down smoothly and on the correct plane.

As you might imagine, this technique can take some time to master. The best way to learn this tip is to practice it on the practice range where you can spend some time analyzing your swing without slowing down play.

Avoid an open club face

The last issue to be aware of when you are topping the ball has to do with an open club face. Anytime the face is forced to be opened at the finish of your back swing, your natural reaction might be to guide the club left-ward in order to force the face back on square. This can lead to topping the ball.

An opened face can often be linked to a weakened handgrip. In this instance, weak means the strength of your grip on the club. Whenever you grip the shaft with only your palms, you are almost certainly going to end up with an open clubface at the top of your back swing. The better grip is to use your fingers in the classic style grip. The classic grip lets you place the entire club on the right plane during your take away phase. It also allows you to firm both wrists correctly as well as keep the face from becoming open.

All of the above remedies require some patience and practice on your part, but this time is time well invested as curing the topping problem can truly increase your enjoyment of the game and lower your scores. Do not be too surprised if you discover that you have more than one of the above issues to deal with. Just take your time, attack each problem at your own pace and soon enough you will be stopping the topping.

Experience Golf at the Best Golf Courses in the World

Are you somebody who lives, sleeps and breathes golf?
Golf for some people is an escape from their every day life and it can be a great way to release energy with friends, family or with work colleagues. It could be that you have watched golf for many years and you would now love to try it out for the first time. Or you could have been playing for years and you just cannot get enough of the game. People at all levels play golf and even young children enjoy playing it as well, with the great thing being that it can be enjoyed by everyone.

There are some amazing golf courses in the world and there certainly is not a shortage of them no matter where abouts in the world you live. You do not have to go far to find a good golf course but where exactly are the best golf courses in the world?

Where are some of the best Places in the World to Play a Round of Golf?

The list is endless for the amount of golf courses that are available worldwide; with each country having its own selection that will wet any golfer’s appetite. Obviously there are some out there that are just a class above the rest, offering amazing facilities, top class greens and the chance to enjoy your game of golf to the maximum.

The Royal County Down – Northern Ireland

There has been many lists compiled of some of the best courses around the world and one of them which has been ranked number one outside of the US is the Royal County Down based in Northern Ireland.

This course is really like no other, with some of the most breathtaking views it has earned many rave reviews from many keen golfers. However the course is certainly not straightforward and it has earned the nickname of beauty and the beast.
It has been said just how hard it can be to putt or to score on this green, so it certainly provides golfers with a bigger challenge. As well as this, you just have to look over your shoulder to experience some amazing and spectacular views and sights, such as the Mountains of Mourne. This course will be host to the 2007 Walker Cup in September so it goes to show just how impressive this course really is.

Also the great thing is, a small trip away is one of the world’s other best courses - Royal Portrush. So this is an added bonus for golfers everywhere.

The International Golf Club - Boston

If you want to play golf in the Boston area, you will have to look no further than the amazing International Golf Club which boasts one of the longest courses in the world. If long courses are something that are of interest to you, another one to sample is situated near the Himalayas.

If you are someone who loves something different when it comes to golf courses, a pleasant surprise would be to play your round of golf at Hells half acre, which can be found at the Pine valley course. This has been voted number one in the top 100 golf courses and it is not hard to see why. It has attracted keen golfers from all around the world, and a lot of people say that it has a bigger selection of world class holes compared to anywhere else. It also has the best green complexes found on any other type of course too. Also, in between the amazing holes, you can enjoy and relax in the luxurious half way house.

Maybe after your golfing trip here, you could travel to Massachusetts and play at the remarkable International Golf Club there. It boasts being a massive twenty eight thousand feet long and that is absolutely mind blowing.

The St Andrews Golf Course - Scotland

Scotland is renowned for its amazing selection of golf courses and one that is particularly worth noting is the golf course that is situated near Stromness.

At first glance it is not the most appealing course in the world and it isn’t the hardest game of golf that you will play either; but it does offer a fascinating insight into the game of golf and it is enjoyable nonetheless. If you want to example one of the best golf courses which Scotland has to offer, you will have to look no further than the St Andrews Golf course. It is truly breathtaking and it will make your golfing experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

Bangalore Golf Course - India

India may not be the first place that you think of when it comes to golf, but in fact they have a great selection of courses and they also boast the second oldest golf course which is situated in Calcutta.
Bangalore golf course boasts some amazingly dry and sandy fairways, with the greens being extremely lush making it an exciting and luxurious place to play golf. Another place to sample when you are in India is the Presidency Club in Bombay; but one word of caution is the fact that there is an elephant pit on the 16th hole.

China and Japan

Golfing in Japan is not as famous as some other countries, but nonetheless it boasts some amazing golf courses - including that found at the Kasumigaseki Golf Club. It has a hole that crosses a ravine, as well as having some treacherous sand traps which make it a very tiring course indeed.

China is also another country which has a fine selection of golf courses to sample, with the best of the bunch being the impressive course at the Beijing Golf club. Imagine playing your first hole whilst being next to the Great Wall of China; it really doesn’t come much more exciting than that!

Golfing in Australia

You cannot mention golf without mentioning the amazing selection of golf courses that are situated in the hot climate of Australia. A great one to start off your golfing experience would be the Eagle Ridge golf course where it has beautiful landscapes and unique bunkers. They provide a bigger challenge, but you will need to make sure that you book well in advance as it can get booked up extremely quickly. It has been ranked in the top 25 golf courses in Australia and it is not hard to see why it has gained in popularity over the years. The great thing is that golfers of all abilities and memberships are welcome to play on this course and it boasts some extremely impressive facilities too.

Another great golf course to visit is the Rosebud Country club, where the layouts will be found in amazing condition no matter what time of the year it is. It is amazing to think that thirty five years ago it was a very run down pine forest. It has certainly been transformed into one of the top 100 golf courses around the world - which is quite an achievement!

Mornington Country Golf Club is another course that deserves a mention and it is certainly worth taking a look at. It has some excellent and fast greens that will give you the ultimate golfing experience. There is a great selection of 18 holes to experience at this great golf course and it is 6005 metres in length too which is an excellent bonus.

How can you find The Best Places in the World to Play Golf?

It is not too hard to find a golf course to play on, but it can be slightly harder to get onto some exclusive golf courses; or at least some top class ones.

If you are looking for a great golf course, you may have to do your research beforehand and note that it can cost quite a lot to be able to play on an exclusive course. If money is no object, you will have more of a chance securing a round or two of golf on some amazing world class courses. If you are interested in some exclusive golf courses, you may have to do a lot of socializing and hand shaking; or at least be extremely lucky to get onto some of them.

The internet is a great way to do your research and it will really help you to find some amazing golf courses. If you want to tour golf courses around the world, you will want to find the top 100 golf courses. By doing this, you can experience as many as possible and then make up your own mind as to what you think is the best golf course to go for.

You can book your round of golf through the internet too, so it is relatively easy to do. However, if you do not have the internet, you should ring some golf courses up, or at least ask around. You need to know that some courses are only available to members only - so you may need to apply for a membership at some golf clubs and courses to play there.

Golf is something that a lot of people are passionate about and there certainly is not a shortage of followers. The amount of gorgeous and breathtaking golf courses that are available reflect this fact and it just continues to increase in popularity. If you are looking for an amazing golf course to visit, you will be absolutely spoilt for choice as there are some amazing ones situated all over the world.

Choosing the Right Golf Driver

When you choose the right golf driver, you can increase the distance of your swing for 10 to 20 yards, improving your golf game. Though there are many factors to finding the perfect driver, the work is well worth it when you find your game improving on the course. Although golf drivers vary in price, brand and design, you don't have to break the bank to find the right one.

Shaft Flex

When you're golfing with a driver, the flex of the club's shaft affects both the feel of the club and the speed at which you can hit the ball. The flex you choose depends on the speed of your swing. For instance, if you can swing at about 60 miles per hour, you'd do well to choose a driver with a Ladies Flex shaft flex. Senior or A Flex drivers are good for swing speeds between 60 and 75 miles per hour while a Regular Flex shaft is tailor made for those with a speed between 75 and 84 miles per hour. Faster speeds need stiffer driver shafts. A Stiff Flex driver works well for golfers with a speed between 84 and 93 miles per hour, and an X-Stiff Flex is adequate for anyone that can swing their driver faster than 93 miles per hour, which is usually reserved for professional, championship-level golfers.

Club Length

Driver lengths vary based on the gender and height of the golfer. Since small differences in club length doesn't seem to affect a player's golf game, it's best to stay at the standard shaft length. Men should choose a driver of 43.5 inches for a steel shaft and 44 inches for a graphite shaft. Women often feel more comfortable with a steel shaft of 42.5 inches or a graphite shaft of 43 inches. If you find it uncomfortable to use a standard length golf driver, choose a driver with a length a few inches longer or shorter to accommodate this.

Loft

The loft of a golf driver affects the angle of the ball as it's propelled through the air. The loft of the club you choose should depend on your golfing experience. Those that are new to the game should choose a driver with a loft of 11 or 12 degrees, which will increase the chance of keeping the ball in the air. Those with more experience playing golf should choose a driver with a loft from 8 to 10.5 degrees. Professional golfers who have a lot of control over their swing can get away with using a driver that has a loft of 6 or 7 degrees.

Pros and Cons of Purchasing Hole In One Insurance for Your Special. Golf Event

If you're planning a special golf event, but aren't sure if you need to purchase hole in one insurance for your event, the information below will help. Learn exactly what hole in one insurance is and the pros and cons of purchasing this type of coverage for your special event.

What is Hole In One Insurance?

You probably have a general understanding of how insurance works. You pay for auto insurance on your vehicle. The insurance company accepts all the risks in case a wreck occurs. If you wreck your vehicle and don't have coverage, then you're responsible for repairing or replacing your vehicle. However, if you have insurance coverage, the insurance company pays for your auto repairs or replacement.

Hole in One insurance works similar to other insurance policies except it covers a specific event and is only needed when something good happens (in the golfer's eyes at least). Perhaps you'd like to host a charitable event and offer a hole in one prize of a new boat or car, or maybe even a cash prize. This is a great way to raise money for a charity and gives the golfers incentive to participate. However, what happens if someone actually makes a hole in one? If you're not covered by hole in one insurance, then you must provide the prize out of your own pocket. This could be devastating to an individual or small business owner.

If you own a golf course and decide to run a hole in one promotion to attract new customers, hole in one insurance might be a good idea. Hole in one insurance removes the risk from you and places it on the insurance company. If someone actually hits a hole in one at your event, the prize will be covered by your insurance.

How are Premiums for Hole In One Insurance Determined?

Your premium will be based on several factors such as how many participants you'll have in the tournament or contest. Advance planning and registration will be necessary to determine this information. Another factor that determines the premium is the distance of the grand prize hole in yardage. The cash amount or actual value of the grand prize is also a determining factor. Most hole in one insurance companies will offer you a free premium quote upon request.

Locating the Right Hole In One Insurance Company

To find the right company for your hole in one insurance, do a little research to make sure you're getting the most value for your money. You don't want to sacrifice quality for price, however. Remember, you'll need to actually have coverage in the event that someone hits a hole in one. Make sure the company has a dependable reputation with previous clients if possible. Check testimonials to see how others were treated in the past. It's too risky if you think you're covered when you're really not.

Advantages of Hole In One Insurance

One advantage of purchasing hole in one insurance is that you're able to have your event and conduct widespread advertising with peace of mind. Your focus can be on the actual event, not on the prize that you might have to give away. You'll know that your prize is covered if a really lucky golfer hits a hole in one.

Another advantage is the promotional aspect of purchasing this type of insurance. Hole in one insurance is unique in that it's usually packaged with helpful materials and promotional aid from the insurance company as an all in one package. Many of the hole in one insurance companies will offer a package that includes your insurance coverage along with promotional materials to really get word out about your event in a professional manner.

Hole in one insurance can usually be tailored to fit any type of event, no matter what the size. In other words, you normally wouldn't have to pay extra for coverage you don't need.

Disadvantages of Hole In One Insurance

There's always a certain amount of risk involved with purchasing any type of insurance. Because no one can predict the future, you really don't know if you'll actually use the insurance or not. If there's no winner at your event, then you may feel the insurance coverage expense was unnecessary.

Another disadvantage is that there are usually requirements in order for the insurance coverage to kick in. For example, the insurance company may require a certain number of witnesses to the see the actual play. Also, there are usually requirements that the golfers are to be all amateurs and the hole distance must be a certain distance, etc. These requirements can make the event a little more stressful and the planning tedious. You'll need to plan far enough in advance to have this information available before signing up for hole in one insurance. Be sure to weigh out all the pros and cons before making your decision about hole in one insurance.

Who Purchases Hole In One Insurance?

Many different types of companies and organizations use hole in one insurance. From charitable organizations to credit card companies, there's a large number of people who might sponsor, host or partner in a hole in one event.

Hole in one insurance has been utilized by schools, sports event planners and even celebrities who wish to host a tournament. Anyone who desires to have a golfing event or tournament and offer a prize might benefit from hole in one insurance. It will depend mainly on how large of a prize is offered and how much the company or organization is able to pay out of pocket if someone actually wins the prize.

Consider these advantages and disadvantages of purchasing hole in one insurance to determine if this type of coverage is right for your special event.