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TABLE OF CONTENTS GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR GAME

TIPS FOR FEMALE GOLFERS

SOLVING YOUR 24 DRIVER SHOTS

2020 PGA 08 TOUR SCHEDULE

CONQUERING 26 THE GREENS

BE A GOLF MENTOR

GOLF INSTRUCTIONS CROSSWORD 10 28 101 PUZZLE 2020 LPGA 12 TOUR SCHEDULE

GOLF SCORE 29 CARDS

HOW TO PLAY 14 A LINKS COURSE

LOCAL BUSINESS & 30 SERVICE DIRECTORY

HOW TO MAINTAIN GOLF CART BATTERIES

BIOMECHANICS 18 & GOLF GADGETS 20 IN GOLF

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GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR GAME

re you an aspiring golfer A who doesn’t know where to start, or an intermediate golfer looking to improve your game? This article is written for golfers of all skill levels who want to know what techniques they can try to improve their shots and lower their scores. Read on to find out how.

In order to be good at golf, one of the basic things that you need to take care of is your grip. It is good to know how the ball will act in response to your grip. The tighter you hold the golf club, the more likely it is that the ball will go to the right. The looser the grip, the more likely that the ball will go to the left.

Add power to your swing by using your body, not your arms. Lean in to power your shot. Turn with the ball on the downswing. This lets you use the power of all of the muscles in your body to get a better shot, instead of being limited to just your arm muscles. Another helpful tip is to be sure that you are a positive role model on the course when it comes to sportsmanship. This will say a lot about your character and help to build up the relationship with whoever you are playing with. Never let competitiveness get in the way of friendship.

A helpful tip when it comes to golf is to make sure that you follow through with each shot that requires a full hit. This is helpful because you want to make the most out of your swing and stopping short may cause you to not hit the ball as far as intended.

If you want to get rid of a hook the first thing you should do is check your grip. If your grip is too strong, your right hand is rotated too far over your left hand, you should practice moving your hand to a more neutral position. This will open your club face at contact and should prevent the hook.

Additionally, always be sure to try to find the reason why things go wrong if you have a bad day or bad shot. It is common to blame outside factors for your shortcomings, but you will not become a better golfer unless you can narrow down how to improve.

We hope you enjoyed this article about improving your golfing game. Hopefully, no matter what your skill level, you’ve learned something here that can improve your game and your overall skill as a golfer. Apply these tips in your practice, play to see your scores drop and come out ahead of your opponents.

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TIPS FOR FEMALE GOLFERS

t’s no secret that quality golf gear can be a bit on the pricey side. But if you’re really committed to learning how to play your best game, then properly fitting golf wholesale equipment is essential. Do you have to spend a fortune on all of the latest, most high tech, brand name clubs and gear? Of course not. But taking the time to see the club fitter at your local course or golf shop and getting the measurements for clubs that fit you best will go a long way towards improving your game from day one. Make the initial investment, and every other golf tip you follow will work out better for it. Unless you’re giving yourself enough room to follow through, your swing won’t be nearly as effective. The secret to a proper stance lies in the width of your feet. You should be setting yourself up wide, with most of your weight on the right side of your body. Tilt your shoulders to the right, as well. As a point of reference, your head should be aligned slightly to the right of the top of the zipper on your pants. Once you’re in position, make sure you’re holding your driver far enough from your body to allow for a powerful swing.

One of the biggest mistakes made by amateur women golfers is to attempt to scoop the ball into the air with the head of the club. In reality, this will cause your swing to slow down after impact. The definition of proper tempo is a buildup of speed. Harnessing that acceleration and learning to control your speed and power is the best way to drive your swing through the impact on the ball, bringing you to a full finish. Like anything else, perfecting your golf game takes effort, commitment, and most of all time. The bottom line is this: if you don’t get out and play, you’ll never get any better. Putting in at least two rounds a month (even if it’s just 9 holes) will go a long way towards getting you where you want to be. Consider joining a women’s league! Being around other enthusiastic beginners might be just the impetus you need to get out and put in the time on your game. Keep in mind that you’re still learning, so don’t stress your score too much to begin with. Instead, focus on developing your game and style, and experiment with different shots and clubs.

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2020 PGA

TOUR SCHEDULE MAY 17 ♦ TAYLORMADE DRIVING RELIEF ♦ SEMINOLE GOLF CLUB ♦ JUNO BEACH, FL MAY 24 ♦ CHAMPIONS FOR CHARITY ♦ MEDALIST GOLF CLUB ♦ HOBE SOUND, FL MAY 28-31 ♦ ROCKET MORTGAGE CLASSIC ♦ DETROIT GOLF CLUB ♦ DETROIT, MI JUN 11-14 ♦ CHARLES SCHWAB CHALLENGE ♦ COLONIAL CC ♦ FORT WORTH, TX JUN 18-21 ♦ RBC HERITAGE ♦ HARBOR TOWN GL ♦ HILTON HEAD, SC JUN 25-28 ♦ TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TPC RIVER HIGHLANDS ♦ CROMWELL, CT JUL 2-5 ♦ ROCKET MORTGAGE CLASSIC ♦ DETROIT GOLF CLUB ♦ DETROIT, MI JUL 9-12 ♦ WORKDAY CHARITY OPEN ♦ MUIRFIELD GOLF CLUB ♦ DUBLIN, OH JUL 16-19 ♦ THE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT ♦ MUIFIELD VILLAGE GOLF CLUB ♦ DUBLIN, OH JUL 23-26 ♦ 3M OPEN ♦ TPC TWIN CITIES ♦ BLAINE, MN JUL 30-AUG 2 ♦ WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS ♦ TPC SOUTHWIND ♦ MEMPHIS, TN JUL 30-AUG 2 ♦ BARRACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TAHOE MT. ♦ CLUB TRUCKEE, CA AUG 6-9 ♦ PGA CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TPC HARDING PARK ♦ SAN FRANCISCO, CA AUG 13-16 ♦ WYNDHAM CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ SEDGEFIELD CC ♦ GREENSBORO, NC AUG 20-23 ♦ THE NORTHERN TRUST ♦ TPC BOSTON ♦ NORTON, MA AUG 27-30 ♦ BMW CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ OLYMPIA FIELDS CC (NORTH) ♦ OLYMPIA FIELDS, IL SEP 4-7 ♦ TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ EAST LAKE GC ♦ ATLANTA, GA SEP 10-13 ♦ SAFEWAY OPEN ♦ SILVERADO RESORT AND SPA NORTH ♦ NAPA, CA SEP 17-20 ♦ U.S. OPEN ♦ WINGED FOOT GC ♦ MAMARONECK, NY SEP 25-27 ♦ RYDER CUP ♦ WHISTLING STRAITS ♦ KOHLER, WI SEP 24-27 ♦ CORALES PUNTACANA RESORT & CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ CORALES GC ♦ PUNTA CANA, DOM OCT 1-4 ♦ SANDERSON FARMS CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ CC OF JACKSON ♦ JACKSON, MS OCT 8-11 ♦ SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN OPEN ♦ TPC SUMMERLIN ♦ LAS VEGAS, NV OCT 15-18 ♦ THE CJ CUP @ NINE BRIDGES ♦ NINE BRIDGES ♦ JEJU ISLAND, KOR OCT 22-25 ♦ ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ ACCORDIA GOLF NARASHINO CC ♦ CHIBA, JPN OCT 29-NOV 1 ♦ WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS ♦ SHESHAN INTERNATIONAL GC ♦ SHANGHAI, CHN OCT 29-NOV 1 ♦ BERMUDA CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ PORT ROYAL GC, ♦ SOUTHAMPTON, BER NOV 5-8 ♦ HOUSTON OPEN ♦ MEMORIAL PARK GOLF COURSE ♦ HOUSTON, TX NOV 12-15 ♦ MASTERS TOURNAMENT ♦ AUGUSTA NATIONAL GC ♦ AUGUSTA, GA NOV 19-22 ♦ THE RSM CLASSIC ♦ SEA ISLAND RESORT (SEASIDE) ♦ SEA ISLAND, GA DEC 3-6 ♦ MAYAKOBA GOLF CLASSIC ♦ EL CAMALEON GC ♦ PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEX DEC 3-6 ♦ HERO WORLD CHALLENGE ♦ ALBANY ♦ NEW PROVIDENCE, BAH DEC 11-13 ♦ QBE SHOOTOUT ♦ TIBURÓN GC ♦ NAPLES, FL THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 08

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GOLF INSTRUCTIONS 101

olf is not just about hitting a ball G with the end of a stick. It is much more than that. Though professionals

have always made golf seem like a relatively easy sport, it is in reality one of the hardest sports to play. It is all about hitting the ball correctly with the proper golf club. It is about controlling the swings to control the flight of the ball. Golf is more than what meets the eye. It is for this reason that golf instruction is quite needed for beginners and with this being said, here are a few tips that make up the basic golf instruction: 1. ADD MORE LOFT AT IMPACT TO MAKE THE BALL FLY FARTHER To understand this golf instruction, it is important to know what loft is. Loft is actually the degree of the clubface at the set up. When the drives hit off the upper half of the face, the result would be a higher dynamic loft. Hitting the upper half also makes the shot spin less. Following these principles, when a player hits the center or the upper half of the clubface, this would result in a higher degree in initial launch and with less spins. This would then make the ball fly further and higher. It will also land with a stronger forward roll. To be able to hit higher, it is suggested that the player tilt his shoulder during setup. The left shoulder should be lower than the right shoulder. This stance will make the player hit the ball on an increasing angle of attack.

This particular golf instruction would be perfectly executed when repeatedly practiced several times 2. FOCUS IS THE BEST PLAY Golf is not a lazy and distracted man’s sport. This golf instruction number two focuses on the being and concentration of the player. To make sure that all hits would give the desired effect, the person should have his full attention to his drive. Focus does not necessarily mean that a person should make tactics or create game plays. It only means that the player should be engaged in the game, relax when doing the swings, and think of the present. It would help when a golf player would imagine what his swings should result into and not what would happen after every strike. 3. BALANCE IS A PERSONAL PRACTICE FOR GOLF INSTRUCTION Though there is a standard stance that instructors teach beginners, there is also a certain stance that gives the player the most comfort and best balance. A player should therefore try a number of stances during initial set up and see which of these stance resulted in the best drives. A recommended routine is to try swinging with the legs together first, then swing with only the right foot on the ground. The next few swings would then be done with the left foot on the ground. Finally, when the person has fixed his balance, he should try swinging with his eyes close. This short routine helps a person with his balance.

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2020 LPGA

TOUR SCHEDULE JUN 19-21 ♦ WALMART NW ARKANSAS CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ PINNACLE C.C. ♦ ROGERS, AR JUN 25-28 ♦ WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ ARONIMINK G.C., NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA JUL 9-12 ♦ MARATHON LPGA CLASSIC ♦ HIGHLAND MEADOWS G.C., SYLVANIA, OH JUL 15-18 ♦ DOW GREAT LAKES BAY INVITATIONAL ♦ MIDLAND C.C. ♦ MIDLAND, MI JUL 31-AUG 2 ♦ SHOPRITE LPGA CLASSIC ♦ A DOLCE HOTEL (BAY COURSE) ♦ GALLOWAY, NJ AUG 6-9 ♦ THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ EVIAN RESORT G.C. ♦ EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRA AUG 13-16 ♦ LADIES SCOTTISH OPEN ♦ THE RENAISSANCE CLUB, NORTH BERWICK, SCOT AUG 20-23 ♦ AIG WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN ♦ ROYAL TROON G.C. ♦ TROON, SCOT AUG 27-30 ♦ UL INTERNATIONAL CROWN SEP 3-6 ♦ CP WOMEN’S OPEN ♦ SHAUGHNESSY G. AND C.C. ♦ BRITISH COLUMBIA, CAN SEP 10-13 ♦ ANA INSPIRATION ♦ MISSION HILLS C.C. ♦ RANCHO MIRAGE, CA SEP 17-20 ♦ CAMBIA PORTLAND CLASSIC ♦ COLUMBIA EDGEWATER C.C. ♦ PORTLAND, OR SEP 24-27 ♦ KIA CLASSIC ♦ AVIARA G.C ♦ CARLSBAD, CA OCT 1-4 ♦ VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA CLASSIC ♦ OLD AMERICAN GC ♦ THE COLONY, TX OCT 15-18 ♦ BUICK LPGA SHANGHAI ♦ QIZHONG GARDEN GC ♦ SHANGHAI, CHINA OCT 22-25 ♦ BMW LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ LPGA INTL BUSAN ♦ BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA OCT 29-NOV 1 ♦ SWINGING SKIRTS LPGA ♦ MIRAMAR GOLF & CC ♦ NEW TAIPEI CITY, TAI. NOV 6-8 ♦ TOTO JAPAN CLASSIC ♦ TAIHEYO CLUB (MINORI COURSE) ♦ BARAKI, JAPAN NOV 19-22 ♦ CME GROUP TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TIBURON GC ♦ NAPLES, FL

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HOW TO PLAY A LINKS COURSE

inks golf courses lie on often remote stretches of land close to the sea. Playing a links is an exhilarating but demanding experience. You’re exposed to extreme weather conditions and usually play in winds far stronger than you ever experience inland. From a distance such a course looks flat and quite featureless. But once you set foot on a links you discover that the ground is a mass of humps and hollows - many of the tee shots you face are semi-blind. Hard, fast running fairways can cause the occasional unpredictable bounce. Your ball may shoot forward on the first bounde, while the same shot pitching into a hump stops quickly. If you’re very unfortunate a ball flying straight down the middle of the fairway kicks into the rough. The short grass and closely mown fairways on a links course can remove some of the fear from your mid-range approach shots to the green. A crisply struck iron shot generates a great deal of backspin because very little grass comes between the clubface and the ball at impact. WATCH THE WIND Strong wind is an important feature of links golf, so make sure you use it to your advantage whenever possible. Try to forget the distance you usually hit the ball - wind drastically alters your nomal club selection. Into the wind demands a precise strike. Always take plenty of club and swinger shorter than normal. A three-quarter shot helps you hit the ball lower to give you more control in the wind. Remember that playing into the wind exaggerates the spin off links turf and you can stop the ball even on firm greens. Wind behind should encourage you to hit the ball higher to gain maximum distance on the shot. With luck you can reduce long par 5s to a comfortable 4 strokes and look for birdies on par 4s. Downwind it’s difficult to put enough backspin on the ball to pitch and stop it neatly on the green. Take less club, swing smoothly and let the wind carry the ball towards the target. Aim to pitch the ball well short of the green and expect plenty of run on the shot.

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Cross winds force you to aim way off line and allow the ball to be blown back on target. Depending on the strength and direction of the wind, select a spot to one side and set up to hit the ball straight at it. Swing normally and let the wind do the rest. SHORT GAME STRATEGY Many golfers forget that wind affects the short game as well as the longer shots. This is especially true on a links course. When you chip from close to the green your main thought must be to keep the ball near the ground. A low pitch and run is always a safer shot in wind than a high lob. A 7 iron is the ideal club for the shot. The ball runs twice the distance it travels in the air, so select an area to pitch the ball on and visualize it running towards the hole. Grip down the club and position the ball towards the center of your stance. Swing the club as you do witha long putt - the arms moving back and through togther with very little wrist break. Make sure you keep your hands ahead of the ball throughout to promote a crisp strike. Bear in mind that a long putt on a large sloping links green can often take two or three different breaks. It;s important to study the slope of the green carefully. Look at a putt along the ball-to-target link and then from the side on to give you a better perspective. Wind also affects the roll of the ball. Set yourself realistic goals - occasionally a long putt drops but you should never be disappointed to get down in 2 strokes. DEEP TROUBLE Bunkers are hard to spot in the humps and hollows of a links course and devillishly difficult to escape from. A yardage chart comes in useful if you’re not familiar with the course - it can perform the role of an experienced caddie. Study the chart and lay up short of bunkers if necessary. Don’t take risks - it’s fine to sacrifice distance, particularly if it keeps you on the fairway. When you land in a fairway pot bunker it’s unlikely you have a direct route to the green - concentrate on making sure you next shot isn’t from the same spot. The powdery fine sand is perfect for the high splash shot. Open your stance and keep the clubface open. Swing long and smooth on an out-to-in path. Huge sandy dunes are punishing hazards that surround many fairways and greens. You’re bound to be faced with an awkward stance and the thick, wiry grass doesn’t let go of your ball easily. Play your recovery with a sand wedge and grip the club tight. It’s difficult to achieve any distance, so don’t be too ambitious with your escape. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 15

HOW TO MAINTAIN GOLF CART BATTERIES

erious, even dangerous threats can eventuate by improperly maintaining your golf cart’s batteries.

A lack of knowledge about basic golf cart battery maintenance can lead to all kinds of problems. Some users assume that the batteries that operate their golf carts are maintenance-free. However, the key to achieving optimum performance and long life is a solid golf cart battery maintenance program. It is recommended that you obtain following equipment for use in golf cart battery care and maintenance: A wrench; distilled water; a voltmeter (an instrument used for measuring the voltage between two points in an electric circuit); a hydrometer (a tool used to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution); a post cleaner; some baking soda; petroleum jelly and possibly the most of all goggles and gloves. Always wear protective clothing, acid proof gloves and goggles when handling lead acid batteries and remove all jewellery. It’s important to have lots of water and baking soda nearby as this will neutralize any acid spills from battery refilling and prevent further corrosive damage. Remember, the electrolyte is a solution of acid and water, so skin contact should be avoided and, do not smoke near batteries and never add acid to a battery. Golf carts are typically powered by six lead-acid batteries mounted beneath the front seat. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 16

First of all, examine the outside appearance of the batteries. You should look for cracks in the container and the top of the battery. Posts and connections should be free of dirt, fluids and corrosion. You should replace any damaged batteries. Check that all vent caps are tight. Then clean the battery top with a cloth or brush and a solution of baking soda and water ensuring that any cleaning solution or any other foreign matter does not get inside the battery. Then rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth. Solvents or spray cleaners should not be used. Then clean the battery terminals and the inside of the cable clamps with a post and clamp cleaner. Reconnect the clamps to the terminals and thinly coat them with petroleum jelly. Always keep the area around the batteries clean and dry. Water should only be added after fully charging the battery. Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates. If the battery has been discharged (partially or fully), the water level should be above the plates. Some important things to remember are: Do not allow plates to be exposed to air and do not fill the water all the way up to the cap. Do not use water with a high mineral content. You should use only distilled or deionized water. Check water levels in each cell of each battery weekly to ensure that the leaded plates in the battery are submerged in liquid. Don’t fill the cell all the way up — add just enough water to cover the plates. Lastly, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining batteries. Author Bio Ken Mackenzie is a Marketing and Public Relations Consultant with an interest in golf. His web site is www.YourGolfCartBatteries.com is where you can find out more about your golf cart and its batteries. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 17

BIO MEC H A N I C S & G OLF

here is information available widely through the web, PGA courses and magazine articles that brings you up to date with the latest thinking in golf. They teach you the latest on how to swing each club correctly, how to putt, how to analyse your swing, how to get mentally ‘tough’, how to improve flexibility and how to be fitter and stronger for golf. Today there is a plethora of information being offered about golf. Some of it correct, all of it interesting, but how much of it is relevant to you? And how do you know which of these generic exercise tips is going to help you? Even if you trained using each one for 6 weeks and then took the results onto the course and tried them - how do you then know whether your performance is ‘that exercise’ or that you just had a good day? Even video/digital analysis, although interesting from all points of view measure the movement discrepancies in a golfer’s swing, it doesn’t tell us why you are performing these movement aberrations. Knowing what you’re doing wrong, but not knowing why you’re doing it is sometimes worse than not knowing what you’re doing wrong! Golfers and Coaches need a simple system of analysis that they can use in conjunction with their coaching techniques to find out why golfers perform their particular swing. Although there are fundamental similarities to all good swings, each swing is like a finger-print and unique to that individual. Why is it unique? It’s because we are all biomechanically different and unless you understand what those differences are, how can you identify whether your swing is due to poor technique or something that has to be done to compensate for a mechanical problem? You can’t. The variety of golf swings that exists represents the many ways that the human body can compensate for its biomechanical problems. For example, let’s take a typical handicapper’s slice. You know the typical causes of a slice and the things you would normally work on, bearing in mind the individual and what you see. At the same time we THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 18

also know that these ways don’t always work. There may be a number of reasons for this, the you may not be practicing, it may take some time to work out which is the best method for you or quite simply it may be that the person doesn’t have it in him to do what you want. Alternatively, it is likely that he can’t do it. If that pupil has a longer right leg (assuming he’s a right handed golfer), then he will have a tendency towards a more upright back swing. We know this because of the way spine and pelvis work biomechanically. A longer right leg compresses the joints in the spine on that side and so they can’t rotate easily. They therefore have to side bend to gap the joints and initiate movement, which causes an upright backswing. We also know that this then leads to a more out-to-in downswing and therefore a slice (depending upon grip and ball position of course). So you could work all day on preventing this upright backswing, which you know is leading to a slice, but it will not change until you’ve addressed the leg length discrepancy. Invariably these leg length discrepancies are cause by a rotated pelvis and often they don’t cause symptoms, you won’t even know it exists. If this is the case then doing some simple exercises can help re-align the pelvis, reduce the leg length discrepancy and allow you to flatten that back swing. There are many more of these examples. As well as leg length discrepancies, other biomechanical issues can include, poor motor programming strategy (the way the muscles link together in movement patterns), poor control between the pelvis and shoulders, nerve adhesions or stiffness, faulty core muscle control, immobility around the hips, pelvis and spine as well as simple lack of flexibility. Some of these issues sound quite technical and complex, but they’re actually very simple to test and eradicate. Biomechanics works ‘hand in glove’ with your teaching, it is crucial Pro’s understand and embrace this as its going to be the next big thing in golf. There is a system that exits that can help you and pros to learn about and address these issues. It comes 3 forms. Firstly there is a software package that takes you through some simple biomechanical tests and the expert system takes you through as series of exercises to eradicate their biomechanical problems. Secondly there are courses, which are endorsed by the PGA, which teach PGA professionals how to assess their own pupils and administer the exercises themselves. Or, thirdly experts can come to your club and assess your pupils individually and make bespoke recommendations based upon a detailed assessment of their biomechanics and following a discussion with their PGA professional, a decision can be made as to the best programme for them to follow. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 19

GADGETS IN GOLF

o you ever feel like you know just enough about golf gadgets to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from golf gadgets experts. It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of golf gadgets is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about golf gadgets. There are tons of golf gadgets out there, mainly because of the incredible increase in popularity of the sport. The more people who are ready to play the game, the more they’re all looking for ways to improve their game. The result is that an industry that was doing fairly well before has boomed. There are entire companies built around a single golf gadget, and the results range from incredible golf aids to the ridiculous contraptions. Take a look at some of your options. If you’re having trouble finding time to hit the driving range and your backyard is too limited for driving practice, you have some options. You can play virtual golf, but this lacks the satisfying feel of the club striking the ball. You might find that a limited flight ball is the answer you’ve been looking for. These are just what the name implies. You have a ball that you place on the tee, then hit just like any other ball. But the ball won’t travel outside a particular area. Or you can work with a regular ball and a net. The catch here is that you have to hit the net - every time. Of course, putting pads and practice aids for your putting game have been around for ages. Give yourself the advantage of practice time in your office or living room. Choose from kits that are as simple as a pad with a cup, or those that offer features such as ball return. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 20

If you’re into technology, you might find good use for a digital scorekeeper. Not only do you have an immediate way of tracking your score on the course, you have a digital record that you can save and Instantly recall scores from past games to help improve your current game. Every dedicated golfer has probably been at the receiving end of some silly golf gifts. Think covers for your golf clubs - from handmade crochet covers to cutesy cartoon characters and everything in between. There are probably few ideas for golf club covers that haven’t been tried on the market and these seem to be universal golf gifts. Covers do serve a purpose and many golfers are even secure enough to walk the course with tigers and mouse heads proudly protruding from the golf bag. Are you having trouble lining up the exact spot you should be aiming for on the golf ball? You can find a stencil to help. Simply use the stencil to mark the ball, place it on the tee as directed, and you’ve got a clear target. How about a metronome? No, you’re not going to be taking your guitar onto the golf course, but a golf metronome can help you work on the rhythm of your swing. There’s no doubt that the golfers have tons of gadgets to choose from. Many offer real help to the golfer, while others are simply ways to collect money for a useless product. Some of these gadgets and gizmos will be completely wasted on one golfer but will be just what another needs to improve their golf game. Is there really any information about golf gadgets that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another. Author Bio Author J. Brian Keith is a proud contributing author for Golf Balls, Exercise Equipment and enjoys writing about many different topics. Please visit my other web sites for Golf Articles and Free Photo Sharing. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 21

BE A GOLF ME NT O R

hose of us who have been playing golf for any length of time understand that it is more than just a game. There’s no denying that golf instills certain physical attributes and that it’s good exercise but there’s more to it than that, and most golfers that I know would wholeheartedly agree. That extra component that

golf offers its players is a set of life skills that serve us daily — whether we know it or not. This holds true for new golfers as well as they begin to learn the game and appreciate its overall value not just on the course but in life in general. But golf isn’t like basketball or soccer or baseball when it comes to our younger

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players. Kids who want to play but don’t have the resources to buy the needed equipment or mentors to teach them the game are pretty much left out. The truth is golf can be horribly expensive, even at the junior level. So what can the average Joe do about this? That depends on how much you want to do. If you live a metro area, chances are there are mentoring programs already in place. A call or visit to one might lead you into taking personal active action by becoming a mentor. If you don’t have the time or feel as if you don’t have the skills to teach others, perhaps you can do other things to help the program. If you live in a rural area or an area that simply doesn’t have a golf mentor program at all, well, consider creating your own mentoring program. You don’t have to be a pro to teach a youngster the fundementals of the game. Schedule a chat with your course manager and discuss the idea with him or her and see if you can’t work something out. If you’re not the mentoring type, consider donating to a program. Many golfers (at least the ones I know) have old clubs and bags sitting in their garages that they will never use again. Why let them gather dust and spider webs? Give them to a program of your choice and let someone else enjoy them. Even if you only have a few old clubs (meaning less than a full set, or even an old putter or driver)... donate it to them. Frankly, I think it’s something of a shame that kids who can’t afford clubs or have no one to teach them this game are left out. It doesn’t have to be that way, and you could be the one to change that in your community. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 23

SOLVING YOUR DRIVER SHOTS

any golfers have a problem with their M drives. On this page readers

will learn how to properly drive the golf ball. Every golfer knows that the first tee box is a scary sight, with many viewers ready to judge your entire golf game off the first shot you take. However, just like any other sport, the start of a match can set the tempo for your entire game. This is why learning how to hit a successful driver shot can benefit you tremendously. A successful driver shot in golf can you set you up in better position for the rest of your shots on the current hole you are playing. An unsuccessful driver shot can lead to disaster in your golf game, causing you to have to take extra strokes, or causing you to play your ball on an unfavorable lie. These steps will hopefully allow the viewers to gain a hold on their driver shots, which will improve their entire game as a whole.

The first step to hit a successful driver shot is to ensure that you have the proper equipment tailored to your game. The modern day driver has various customized features that one can apply to their weapon of choice. You first must get your driver sized properly according to your height and arm length. This will make sure that you are not swinging a club that is too large or too small. Another feature that is customizable on a driver is the degree of the driver head. Many divers allow you to change the angle of the head to provide either more of a draw to their shot, or more of a slice in some situations. The shaft of the driver also allows for some change, providing either a flex or stiff shaft type. A stiff shaft does not bend during your shot, and is more consistent in many cases. A flex club provides a bit more torque while swinging the club, although is harder to control. No matter how you choose to create your driver,

THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY â&#x2122;Ś ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD â&#x2122;Ś 24

you want to make sure it matches your style of play. The second step to producing a successful drive is your setup to the ball. You must first use a tall tee to raise the ball. You usually want the ball height to be about ½ of an inch above your club when placed in front of it. Once you have finished placing the ball in the corresponding fashion, you must approach the ball and focus on your driver stance. Unlike many irons, the driver is almost always played on your front foot. In order to match the weight of the club, place your front foot even with the ball. Next, make sure you have a slight bend in your knees, allowing you to swing with more degree of motion on your swing. Once you have set up to the ball correctly, you can now focus on the actual swing itself. Yes it is true, everybody will obviously not have the same exact same swing, but there are key pointers in your swing that a successful driver swing possesses. The first component of a smooth driver swing is the player’s grip on the golf club. It is important that the player holds the club in a relaxed manner, because if the club is held too tight, the player will roll their wrists over, causing the ball to hook. If a player is too loose with his grip, the club face will open up, causing the ball to slice instead. The next step to a correct driver swing is to remain calm and collected in your downswing. Once you bring your club back to a comfortable height, you must fight your first instinct, and control your club on the way down. Many beginner golfers feel that in order to crush the golf ball, you must swing as hard as you can. This is hardly the reality of the matter. Remaining calm and collected on your downswing allows your body to remain loose, instead of tensing up and losing control of the club. Remaining loose allows your muscles in your body to act as rubber bands and produces a whip like motion, creating the overall power in your shot. Although it might seem awkward not to swing as hard as you can, it will prevent you from losing your eye on the ball and much of the time, force your body to raise up and top the ball. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 25

CONQUERING THE GREENS

nvision this scenario: you have just launched a E beautiful driver shot off the

tee and followed it up with an even better approach shot from the fairway. As a result, the ball is sitting 10 feet from the cup with a chance at birdie! You are probably feeling pretty good until you walk up to grab your putter and think to yourself “what on Earth do I do now?” You would be like many golfers who haven’t quite yet developed the skill of reading a putt. In essence, you are attempting to envision the path your ball is going to take to hear that wonderful sound of the bottom of the cup. There are numerous factors that play into this potential success and we will review them here. First things first. Determine an estimate of the distance your putt will need to travel. If the ball is a mile away from the hole and on the green, you need to adjust your strategy. You cannot realistically go for the hole and expect to make it from 40 feet and out. Instead, deploy the “lag” shot as it is called. This is a shot in which you do your best

to get it relatively close to the hole in order to give yourself a true chance of sinking the next putt. On your way to grabbing the flagstick out of the hole, attempt to eyeball the distance by pacing off the walk carefully. There is a rule of thumb that for every foot of distance the club needs to be taken back 1 inch on the backswing (use that simply as a guide). Next, determine the bend or slope of the green. Not every putt is going to travel on a straight path towards the hole and you must realize that and account for it. Putts with a lot of break should fall into the cup from the side of the hole, not the front like most straight traditional putts. This allows you to really play the break and give you a better chance to hole out the putt. If you can’t determine the slope of a green, know that if there is water involved that the green USUALLY falls towards that hazard. The slope and break of a putt are the two biggest components of any putt. For example, if a putt has a lot of break but is downhill, you will need to compensate for the break more. The reason for this is that a slower putt will experience the full force of the break as opposed to a faster hit uphill putt. One last thing to keep in

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mind is how to address putting out of the fringe. The fringe often outlines the greens and contains a thicker cut. Therefore the ball will slow down when traveling through it, so please take that into account and add speed to your putt. These are just a few simple keys to abide by around the greens and following them will work wonders on your game. Do not be deceived by how much I have stressed the importance of hitting the “long ball” and approach shots. While it is absolutely imperative you have this part of your game down to get on the greens, what you do when you’re on the dance floor is just as important. You can hit the prettiest drive and stick your approach shot close and be looking at a birdie opportunity! But then if you three or even worse four putt, no one will remember your first two great shots. Today we are going to learn the bare bones basics of a solid, working putting stroke. Everyone please take heed; even you “big hitters” out there.

THE STANCE/SETUP Often overlooked, this is the point at which the success (or lack thereof) is determined. If you want to put more putts in the bottom of the cup then you need to be careful how you set up. • Aim to have your eyes over the ball and place the ball up in your stance; off your left foot • Grip hands with palms opposite of each other (one palm facing the other) • Grip should be about 6 on a scale of 10; relaxed and loose grip is always better

THE STROKE Ensure shoulders are aligned parallel to the target line and form a triangle with your arms and hands. • Maintain triangle throughout stroke and limit use of lower body • Pretend your arms form a pendulum; backswing should be the same tempo as downswing • Do NOT hesitate at any point. Trust your stroke and good things will happen Unfortunately you cannot just walk up and hit the ball hoping for the best like you can in miniature golf. Greens actually have varying slopes, ridges, and other obstacles that mean you have to account for the speed and break of each putt. Before you make your putt, squat down and do your best to read the slope and speed and then pick a “line” to the hole. From there, align your ball along that target you pictured in your head and just trust it. Thinking too much is a silent killer for many putters on the green so don’t fall into a bad habit now. Happy putting! THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 27

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1

6 8

10 11 13

12 14

15 16

A C R OS S

3. The intended path of the ball, usually referred to in the context of putting 4. The position of the feet at address 8.A complete miss (also known as an “air ball”) 9. The direction which the blades of grass grow, which is of primary importance on the greens 10. A score of two over par on a hole 11. The rotational movement or spin of the ball produced by contact with the clubface 14. Another term for a practice area (also known as a golf range, practice range or learning center) 15. The score an accomplished player is expected to make on a hole, either a three, four or five 17. A score of one under par on a hole

ACROSS 3. 4. 8. 9. 10. 11. 14.

DO W N

1 . The custom of hitting a second ball — without penalty — on a hole 2 . A person hired to carry clubs and provide other assistance 5 . The act of aligning the clubface to the target 6 . A swing flaw in which the lead elbow bends at an angle pointed away from the body, usually resulting in a blocked or pushed shot 7 . To successfully hit a shot from a poor location 1 2 . The placing and positioning of the hands on the club 1 3 . The proper distribution of weight both at address and throughout the swing 16 . A derogatory term describing poor play that results from nervousness

ANSWER KEY: 3. LINE, 4. STANCE, 8. WHIFF, 9. GRAIN, 10. DOUBLEBOGEY, 11. BACKSPIN, 14. DRIVINGRANGE, 15. PAR, 17. BIRDIE, 1. MULLIGAN, 2. CADDIE, 5. AIMING, 6. CHICKENWING, 7. RECOVER, 12. GRIP, 13. BALANCE, 16. CHOKE

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GOLF SCORE CARDS LENGTH PAR

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

LENGTH PAR

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

LENGTH PAR

+/-

BACK

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

TOTAL

PLAYERS

HOLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FRONT

DATE

+/-

1 2 3 4 5 6

For the simplest way to keep score, just count the number of strokes you’ve taken on the hole just completed, and write that number down in the box corresponding to that hole on the scorecard. At the end of each nine holes, tally up the strokes for your front nine and back nine totals, respectively, then add up those two numbers for your 18-hole score. THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 29

LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY #GUID OSELLSHOMES

Dennis Guido - Coldwell Banker..............................................................13

A RT GALLERY

The Hen’s Nest Gallery..............................................................................11

BOARDING

Evans Performance Horses at Pondview Farm...................................... 07

BUY E RS AG EN TS

Dennis Guido - Coldwell Banker..............................................................13 Bill Hunniford - Coldwell Banker.......................... Back Outside Cover, 05 Jennifer Brophy - Century 21 Allpoints Realty........................................ 11

COMME RC I AL REFRIG ERATION

Accutemp Mechanical Services Inc......................................................11

E LECTRIC AL SERVI CES

George A Green, Inc................................................................................07

E QUESTRIAN CEN TER

Evans Performance Horses at Pondview Farm...................................... 07

FIRS T-TIME HO ME BU YERS

Jennifer Brophy - Century 21 Allpoints Realty........................................ 11

G ENERATOR IN STA LLA TI ONS

George A Green, Inc................................................................................07

G OULD PUMPS

George A Green, Inc................................................................................07

HEATING & COO LIN G

Accutemp Mechanical Services Inc......................................................11 R&E Heating & AC.............................................Front Inside Cover, 03, 09

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LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY H EAT PUMP S

Accutemp Mechanical Services Inc......................................................11

H OME IMPRO VEMEN T

DeFalco Siding & Construction Home Improvement.....Front Cover, 13

H ORSE S ALES

Evans Performance Horses at Pondview Farm...................................... 07

H ORSE S HO WI NG

Evans Performance Horses at Pondview Farm...................................... 07

HVAC INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

Accutemp Mechanical Services Inc......................................................11

H VAC S E RVI CES

George A Green, Inc................................................................................07 R&E Heating & AC.............................................Front Inside Cover, 03, 09

LAK E PROPERTI ES

Bill Hunniford - Coldwell Banker.......................... Back Outside Cover, 05

LESSONS (HO RSE)

Evans Performance Horses at Pondview Farm...................................... 07

LISTING & SELLI NG AG EN TS

Karen Silk - William Pitt - Sotheby’s International Realty....................... 07

LUX URY HOMES

Bill Hunniford - Coldwell Banker.......................... Back Outside Cover, 05 Jennifer Brophy - Century 21 Allpoints Realty........................................ 11 Karen Silk - William Pitt - Sotheby’s International Realty....................... 07

OIL TANKS

R&E Heating & AC.............................................Front Inside Cover, 03, 09

THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ BACKNINEPUBLISHING.COM ♦ 31

LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY PLUMBING

George A Green, Inc................................................................................07

REALTORS

ROOFING CON TRACTOR

DeFalco Siding & Construction Home Improvement.....Front Cover, 13

SELLE RS AGEN TS

SIDING CONTRACTOR

DeFalco Siding & Construction Home Improvement.....Front Cover, 13

TR AINING ( HO RSES)

Evans Performance Horses at Pondview Farm...................................... 07

W AT ER HE ATERS

R&E Heating & AC.............................................Front Inside Cover, 03, 09

W EEKEND & COU N TRY HOMES

Karen Silk - William Pitt - Sotheby’s International Realty....................... 07

W INDOWS, DO O RS & DECKS

DeFalco Siding & Construction Home Improvement.....Front Cover, 13

THE BACK NINE OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY ♦ ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD ♦ 32

ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD...

954.773.2111

www.backninepublishing.com

Committed to Results

Serving Litchfield & Fairfield Counties Real Estate Investor • Realtor for 20 years Local Business Owner (American Pie Company Inc) 27 Years

Buyers & Sellers • Condos • New Construction Waterfront • Candlewood Lake • Investments • Land

Honest, Ethical, Creative, Respected

Bill Hunniford Phone 203-788-8490 Bill Hunniford Homes.com bill.hunniford@cbmoves.com License #

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The Back Nine of Litchfield County 2020

Articles inside

CONQUERING THE GREENS

BE A GOLF MENTOR

GADGETS IN GOLF

BIOMECHANICS & GOLF

SOLVING YOUR DRIVER SHOTS

HOW TO MAINTAIN GOLF CART BATTERIES