O F WI L M ING TO N, NC
GETTING STARTED WITH SPORTS ♦ 2018 PGA TOUR LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
910-509-2370
5307 S College Rd Wilmington, NC 28412 Whether it is:
• Contemporary • Sophisticated • Traditional • Very Simple ... together we will transform your yard into a graceful flowing entertainment center for everyone to enjoy.
Custom design accompanied by quality engineering, has led Prestige Pools to the cutting edge of technology.
W W W . PR E S T IGE P OOLS OF WILMIN G TO N . C O M
ADVERTISING TO MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD...
954.773.2111
www.backninepublishing.com
OF WILMINGTON, NC
BACK NINE PUBLISHING ♦ 954.773.2111 Visit us online for more information! backninepublishing.com
4699 North Federal Highway, Suite 203, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 01
table of contents dumay gorham designs, LLC
04
gadgets 26 in golf
06
28
2018 PGA tour schedule
be a golf mentor
futuristic materials conquering 08 30 in golf the greens all about energy book your tee 10 32 solutions time online
12
smart guide to electric golf trolleys
2018 LPGA 14 tour schedule
16
sunglasses for the greens
18
how to maintain golf cart batteries
20
have a high school student with college looming on the horizon?
24
biomechanics & golf
are you swinging 34 your club
too hard?
singapore is a 36 golfer’s delight how to find a 38 good golf partner crossword 40 puzzle golf score 41 cards local business & 42 service directory
The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 02
the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 03
D u m a y G o r h a m D e s i g n s , LLC
D
umay Gorham is a native of Wilmington, NC and a graduate of NCSU and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Dumay’s background is in Industrial Design. He used to work for a Product Design firm outside Atlanta before moving back to NC in 1999. Since first experimenting with welding and entering some local Art Shows and Festivals early in his career as a metal sculptor, Dumay has developed a unique style of sculpture and an extensive client list. He has been welding and working in metal for almost 20 years. His professional background before becoming a full time Metal Sculptor provided invaluable experience in the Design field and allows him a lot of creative flexibility as well as the ability to tackle a wide range of projects effectively. As one of the many talented artists at ACME Art Studios in downtown Wilmington, NC he specializes in custom metal sculpture and design projects by commission. His work utilizes a variety of metals and finishing techniques and ranges from delicate table top pieces to large scale public art installations. Dumay has also worked on a number of Film and Television productions doing special projects for various Art Departments and Set Decorators. He has also worked on several productions as a special effects technician and welder. You can see Dumay’s work throughout the Cape Fear region. He has been commissioned to create public art installations for UNC-W, The City Of Wilmington, Wave Transit, The Town of Southport, The Town of Wrightsville Beach, the New Hanover County Arboretum, Airlie Gardens, Oak Island, The Children’s The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 04
Museum of Wilmington and all 3 North Carolina Aquariums. He has also completed sculpture projects for private organizations and businesses including, Live Oak Bank, Embassy Suites, Mariott, Front Street Brewery and Whole Foods. Some of his sculptures have been shipped to clients throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Canada. Dumay’s scope of work covers a lot of territory. His projects include 3D sculpture, furniture, architectural accents, water features, signs and logos. He also does repair and refurbishment projects and has helped restore monuments for The City of Wilmington and Oakdale Cemetery. One of Dumay’s most popular sculpture niches is marine life. He makes Sea Turtles, Sea Horses, Herons, Pelicans, Ospreys, Fish, Octopi, Rays, Porpoises, Whales plus a variety of Jellyfish and microorganisms. Some of those include a series of commissioned pieces given to guest speakers at UNC-W’s Center for Marine Science. Dumay has recently been making human forms: Skateboarders, Surfers, Angels and a series of mammals including Otters, Foxes and Wild Boar. Dumay has also taught Sculpture classes at Dreams Center for Art Education and the Juvenile Day Treatment Center in Wilmington. Dumay recently completed a large scale arrangement of Great Blue Herons that is scheduled to be installed in Brunwick County’s Nature Park in Summer of 2018. He continues to take commissions, exhibit his work in shows and can usually be found working in his studio at ACME Art Studios. In addition to custom commissioned projects, some of his new work will be on display at Art in Bloom Gallery in downtown Wilmington, NC as well as in the Acme Art Studios Gallery Fourth Friday in July 2018. A. Dumay Gorham, III • (910) 612-1723 • Metal Sculptor Dumay Gorham Designs, LLC Owner/Manager • ACME Art Studios 211 N 5th Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28401 dumay@dumaygorham.com • Facebook • Instagram For more information, please see our ad on page 03 and the Back Outside Cover of the magazine. the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 05
2018 PGA
TOUR SCHEDULE jan 1-7 ♦ sentry tournament of champions ♦ kapalua resort ♦ kapalua, HI jan 8-14 ♦ sony open in hawaii ♦ waialae country club ♦ honolulu, HI jan 15-21 ♦ careerbuilder challenge ♦ la quinta country club ♦ la quinta, CA jan 22-28 ♦ farmers insurance open ♦ torrey pines golf course ♦ san diego, CA jan 29-feb 4 ♦ waste management phoenix open ♦ tpc scottsdale ♦ scottsdale, AZ Feb 5-11 ♦ AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am ♦ SPYGLASS HILL GOLF COURSE ♦ pebble beach. ca Feb 12-18 ♦ genesis open ♦ the riviera country club ♦ pacific palisades, CA Feb 19-25 ♦ the honda classic ♦ pga national ♦ palm beach gardens, fl Feb 26-mar 4 ♦ world golf championships ♦ club de golf chapultepec♦ mexico city, Mexico mar 5-11 ♦ valspar chamionship ♦ innisbrook resort and golf club ♦ palm harbor, fl mar 12-18 ♦ arnold palmer invitational ♦ bay hill club & lodge ♦ orlando, fl mar 19-25 ♦ world golf championships ♦ austin country club ♦ austin, tx mar 19-25 ♦ corales puntacana championship ♦ corales puntacana resort & club ♦ punta cana, dr mar 26-apr 1 ♦ houston open ♦ golf club of houston ♦ humble, tx apr 2-8 ♦ masters tournament ♦ augusta national golf club ♦ augusta, GA apr 9-15 ♦ RBC heritage ♦ harbor town golf links ♦ hilton head island, SC apr 16-22 ♦ valero texas open ♦ tpc san antonio ♦ san antonio, tx apr 23-29 ♦ zurich classic of new orelans ♦ TPC louisiana ♦ new orleans, LA apr 30-may 6 ♦ wells fargo championship ♦ quail hollow club ♦ charlotte, nc may 7-13 ♦ THE PLAYERS Championship ♦ TPC Sawgrass ♦ ponte vedra beach, fl may 14-20 ♦ AT&T Byron nelson ♦ trinity forest golf club ♦ dallas, TX may 21-27 ♦ DEan & deluca invitational ♦ colonial country club ♦ fort worth, tx may 28-jun 3 ♦ AT&T Byron nelson ♦ trinity forest golf club ♦ dallas, TX jun 4-10 ♦ fedex st. jude classic ♦ TPC southwind ♦ memphis, TN jun 11-17 ♦ US OPEN ♦ shinnecock hills golf club ♦ southampton, ny jun 18-24 ♦ TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP ♦ TPC River highlands ♦ Cromwell, CT jun 25-jul 1 ♦ The National ♦ TBA ♦TBA jul 2-8 ♦ the greenbrier classic ♦ the greenbrier ♦white sulphur springs, W. VA jul 9-15 ♦john deere classic ♦ TPC deere run ♦silvis, il jul 16-22 ♦ the open championship ♦ carnoustie golf links ♦ carnoustie, scotland juL 23-29 ♦ RBC Canadian open ♦ glen abbey golf club ♦ ontario, Canada juL 30-aug 5 ♦ world golf championships ♦ firestone cc ♦ akron,oh aug 6-12 ♦ PGA championship ♦ bellerive country club ♦ st louis, mo aug 13-19 ♦ wynDham championship ♦ sedgefield country club ♦ greensboro, NC aug 20-26 ♦ the northern trust ♦ the ridgewood country club ♦ ridgewood, nj aug 27-sep 3 ♦ dell technologies championship ♦ TPC boston ♦ norton, ma sep 3-9 ♦ BMW championship ♦ ARONIMINK golf club ♦ newton square, pa sep 17-23 ♦ tour championship ♦ east lake golf club ♦ atlanta, GA sep 24-30 ♦ RYDER CUp ♦ LE golf national ♦ saint-quentin-en-yvelines, France The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 06
Your Local Resource for All Things Real Estate
ED COULBOURN III
Realtor, ABR, ePRO AWARD WINNING BBQ PITMASTER Mobile: 910-777-9184 1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Ste 101 - Wilmington, NC 28405
edc3@kw.com License # 214164
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated
DAN PEDRONI
Mortgage Loan Officer, Wilmington O: 910.679.1254 | M: 910.547.8737 DPedroni@NorthStateBankMortgage.com NMLS# 1034224
NMLS# 411971 the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 07
futuristic materials in golf
BY JASPER GRIFFIN
T
he game of golf has, as with all sports, evolved over the years. Golf itself has its origins dating as far back as the Roman era. Historians of the game can debate this until they’re blue in the face, but one thing is very clear. The equipment has changed dramatically. Perhaps most dramatically, is the club itself. In this article, I’ll be going over the main-types of clubs used and the technology that is pushing those clubs forward into the future. Originally, golf club shafts were crafted from hardwoods like ash, orangewood, bluemahoo and purpleheart with heads made from apple, pear, dogwood and beech. Hickory was also used, however it had a tendency to break on the back swing. Persimmon ended up as the go-to material for the construction of golf clubs for quite a while. And then came the first metal-headed wood in 1979. TaylorMade had ushered in a new era in golf technology
and a began.
proverbial
arms
race
While steel is still one of, if not the, most common material for the creation of woods, titanium is steadily becoming more common on the shanks. Other, lighter and more durable materials are also coming to market, such as carbon fiber and scandium. The design of modern day woods consists of a graphite shaft, which allows for better flex than wood with a hollowed shaft of steel, titanium or one of those wonderful, spaceaged composites. Perhaps the wood that has most benefited from new technology is the driver. With lighter shafts and lighter heads comes more efficiency and power on the swing. That equals more distance off of the tee. The wood isn’t the only high-tech club in your bag now-a-days, however. The Iron was traditionally made of, well, iron. Forged iron, specifically. With the advent of light, strong alloys, manufacturers have been able to begin making ‘cavity-back’ heads. These cavitybacked irons allow for higher
The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 08
moments of interia and lower centers of mass. In English, that means the club is easier to swing and gives better distance in comparison to older forged ‘muscle-back’ designs. A well made, modern iron in the hands of a skilled golfer can be a lethal weapon on the course. The humble putter has also seen changes. When I started playing golf, the putter was a simple, oblong piece of steel on a steel shaft. Maybe it would have a line across the top to help me aim, but that was really it. There wasn’t much to it. Now, putters are benefiting from wide, titanium heads, carbon shafts and grooved faces. Just the grooved faces are a big help. With a normal, smooth face, there is more of a skid off of the face than a roll. With a grooved face the club sort of ‘grips’ the ball and gives more of a roll. There’s less skipping and more rolling, thus making for a more accurate shot. All of these developments have happened over just a handful of years. The next five or ten years in golf should be most interesting. As more and more technology becomes available for manufacturers to take advantage of, the more technology we get to use in the game. Who knows what the skunkworks of the major golf companies have brewing that could further revolutionize the game? Stay tuned and we’ll find out together.
WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON FINDING CREATIVE WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR COSTS.
• Energy Audit • Crawlspace Insulation • Radiant Barrier Insulation • Blown Insulation • Air Leak Repair • Attic Ventilation • Mold Remediation • LED Lighting
(910) 253-0170 chris@allaboutenergysolutions.com
AllAboutEnergySolutions.com the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 09
All About Energy Solutions
A
fter this never ending winter we had here in Southeastern, NC I am sure you have been ready for this summer weather. However, this summer heat has been more than we expected and has a major effect on items that you store in your attic. In our area, temperatures range from 135 degrees on up to the hottest attic we have ever worked in which was 178 degrees. These temperatures put a lot of stress on your HVAC system, roof and your wallet. Here at All About Energy Solutions we offer a free 12 point energy audit where we inspect everything from your crawlspace to your attic. Our approach is simple, keep the humidity and heat out in the summer and keep your heat in the winter.
Saving people money on their energy bill and fixing moisture problems in homes and crawlspaces isn’t an exact science because every home is different. As for attics, were are looking for 3 things generally; ventilation, insulation and air leaks. Ventilation is very important but a easy problem to fix. You just have to follow the Department of Energy’s most important rule when it comes to ventilation, one form of intake and one form of outtake. The most effective form of ventilation in our area is soffit and ridge vent. As heat leaves your ridge vent at the top of your roof, the cooler outside air enters your attic through the soffits creating year round air flow. When a house is breathing properly all the unnecessary moisture naturally rises from your living space being drawn out of the top of your roof. Be leery of a company that just wants to install a Solar Attic Fan and not take the time to seal air leaks. If you are not sure about your attics ventilation, please feel free to give us a call. Air leaks is an easy solution to lower your energy bill and give you healthier air to breathe. If your house was built before 2013, every outlet, receptacle, recessed light, fan or plumbing pipe is exposed to your attic or crawlspace. People do not realize that 65% of the air that you breathe in your home comes from your crawlspace. I do not know if you have been in your crawlspace lately but there is dust, mold, mildew, spiders, ect.. You get the point. There is a lot of things that we want to stay in your crawlspace rightfully so. When your attic is hot and your home is cool, the heat from your attic is drawn into your home. That heat brings with it dust, pollen and insulation into your home which sealing your attic air leaks will prevent. From fiberglass and cellulose to spray foam and reflective insulation we can do it all. We prefer fiberglass over cellulose for a few reasons but to keep it simple, every home that has cellulose is dusty. We also prefer The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 10
reflective insulation over foam insulation for many reasons. If I had to name a few it would be cost and making a home too tight. When we can insulate a 5,000 sq ft home in St. James for $11,000 cheaper than a spray foam company and keep the energy bill under $150 per month, why spend the extra money on foam. We have been installing radiant barrier insulation in attics for over 10 years now. The biggest advantage to a radiant barrier is your actually reflecting the heat out in the summer and not letting it escape and leave in the winter. Have you ever used a visor in your windshield to keep the heat out of your car? It works extremely well! That is what our radiant barrier does for your home. I have seen attics go from 155 degrees the day before we start to 95 degrees the day after we finish. That is huge for your energy bill and your over all comfort level. Over the years we have seen people go from a $275 average energy bill to $120 average bill a year later. We like to call that the fastest return on investment in the home improvement industry. We have saved homeowners 10’s of 1,000’s of dollars on their energy bills over the years. What we do not get enough credit for is increasing the life of your HVAC system and roof which are generally the 2 most expensive things that you as a homeowner have to replace. Installing our reflective foil radiant barrier in your attic is a very wise investment, not an expense. Crawlspaces have become a big part of our business over the last few years, particularly because most crawlspace companies have gotten greedy over the years. I did not get into the home improvement business to do crawlspaces, I wanted to insulate attics. After all you loose 42%50% of your energy through your attic and only 10% through your floor. With that being said, moisture problems in your crawlspace can lead to big problems. Don’t fall for the “toxic mold” tricks that other people try to use. The reality is cleaning mold in your crawlspace is very easy and inexpensive if you use the right stuff. The key to a healthy crawlspace is removing the moisture. Installing a good vapor barrier on the ground and a dehumidifier only when needed generally fixes your problem. Oh, and gutters help a lot too. We get asked a lot about dehumidifiers and the realty is not everyone home needs a dehumidifier. If you do happen to have a wet crawlspace we use a 95 pint per day dehumidifier that drains to daylight and it’s made right here in North Carolina which is a plus. Fixing moisture problems and lowering energy bills is what we do best. We like to say 35 minutes can save you 35% on your energy bill. If you have any questions about your home or if you would be interested in getting a free 12 point energy audit, please give us a call. We love saving people money and insulating homes the right way. Thank you for taking the time to read this and remember at All About Energy Solutions we are Increasingly GREEN, but always RED, WHITE and BLUE!” For more information, please see our ad on page 09 of the magazine. the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 11
sm a r t g u i d e t o elec t r ic golf t r olle y s
U
ndoubtedly, the demand for golf trolleys is on the rise -- especially the electric ones that work on batteries. However, the increasing variety of electric trolleys has made selection a bit challenging for the firsttime buyer. Here are some tips for choosing the most suitable electric trolley for the first time. Look for Entry Level In case you are unaware, golf manufacturers offer entry-level golf trolleys ranging from 100 to 300 dollars. This is a good way to begin in case of a limited budget, although it is worth investing more in case a budget vehicle
does not offer the features you need. Cost is truly the first factor but good value may be more important. Check Out Features A few new or fancy features (such as a remote control) tend to excite beginners. The remote control feature is likely to save energy and time by eliminating the need to continuously pull or push it. Another interesting feature is a distance function that allows the trolley to move ahead. Although these features are very tempting, you should not lose your focus on what you need. For most new buyers, the weight, build quality and battery life are
The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♌ advertising to move your business forward ♌ 12
essential. It is certain that no new buyer would like to have their new remote control trolley lose battery by the 15th hole, or to see their budget trolley falling by the 12th hole. Therefore, you should always focus on the basic features first. However, you should not compromise other features for better quality. You need to ensure a long battery life, enough to cover the number of holes you usually like to play. Moreover, you should make sure the trolley is not too heavy and that it will last for a few years with good service. Examine YOUR OPTIONS If you are purchasing from a street-side store, have a small discussion with the staff. Find out whether or not the disclosed weight includes the battery, check out features and warranty, and ask about the return policy as well. To know about the best trolley for your requirements, consider chatting with your fellow golfers at the 19th hole. If you are buying online, spend some time searching for discounted offers and customer reviews to ensure you are getting the best quality product for your needs.
As a premier telecommunications company in Wilmington, NC, Cooper’s Communications is committed to providing fast, quality and affordable services to commercial and industrial clients throughout the state.
• Telecommunications
Fiber Optics • Network Testing • Facility Cabling • Cable Splicing • Data Networking •
YOUR NETWORK IS NO
STRONGER THAN IT WEAKEST LINK. HAVE A GOOD LINK WITH COOPER'S COMMUNICATIONS!
Cooper's Communications Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 602-3811 CoopersCommunications.com
the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 13
2018 LPGA
TOUR SCHEDULE jan 26-29 ♦ pure silk - bahamas lpga classic ♦ OCEAN CLUB, PARADISE ISLAND, bahamas feb 16-19 ♦ ISPS handa women’s australian open ♦ koonyanga Golf Club adelaide, aus.
feb 23-26 ♦ honda lpga thailand ♦ Siam Country Club ♦ Chonburi, Thailand mar 2-5 ♦ HsBC women’s champions ♦ Sentosa Golf Club ♦ Singapore mar 16-19 ♦ Bank of hope founders cup ♦ Wildfire Golf Club ♦ phoenix, az mar 23-26 ♦ kia classic ♦ Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club ♦ Carlsbad, CA mar 30-apr 2 ♦ ana inspiration ♦ Mission Hills Country Club ♦ Rancho mirage, CA apr 12-15 ♦ Lotte championship ♦ ko olina golf club ♦ kapolei, HI apr 27-30 ♦ volunteers of america TX shootout ♦ Las Colinas CC ♦ irving, TX may 4-7 ♦ lorena ochoa match play ♦ Club de Golf México ♦ Mexico City, Mexico may 18-21 ♦ kingsmill championship ♦ kingsmill resort ♦ williamsburg, VA may 25-28 ♦ LPGA Volvik championship ♦ TRAVIS POINTE COUNTRY CLUB ♦ ANN ARBOR, MI jun 2-4 ♦ shoprite lpga classic ♦ Stockton Seaview Hotel & GC ♦ Galloway, NJ jun 8-11 ♦ manulife lpga classic ♦ Whistle Bear Golf Club ♦ Ontario, Canada jun 15-18 ♦ meijer classic ♦ Blythefield Country Club. ♦ grand rapids, mi jun 23-25 ♦ walmart NW arkansas championship ♦ Pinnacle CC ♦ Rogers, Ar jun 29-JUL 2 ♦ KPMG women’s pga championship ♦ Kemper Lakes GC ♦ Long Grove, Il JUL 6-9 ♦ thornberry creek lpga classic ♦ Thornberry Creek at Oneida ♦ oneida, WI JUL 13-16 ♦ us women’s open ♦ Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club ♦ Shoal Creek, Al JUL 20-23 ♦ marathon classic ♦ Highland Meadows Golf Club ♦ SYLVANIA, OH JUL 27-30 ♦ aberdeen ladies scottish open ♦ Gullane Golf Club ♦ EAST LOTHIAN, SCOTLAND aug 3-6 ♦ ricoh women’s british open ♦ Royal Lytham & St Annes Gl ♦ lytham st. annes, EnglAND
aug 18-20 ♦ solheim cup ♦ des moines golf & country club ♦ des moines, ia aug 24-27 ♦ canadian pacific women’s open ♦ Wascana Country Club ♦ Regina, Saskatchewan
aug 31-sep 3 ♦ cambia portland classic ♦ Columbia Edgewater CC ♦ portland, or sep 7-9 ♦ indy women in tech ♦ Brickyard Crossing Golf Course ♦ speedway, IN sep 14-17 ♦ the evian championship ♦ evian resort gc ♦ Évian-les-bains, france sep 28-oct 2 ♦ mckayson nZ women’s open ♦ windross farm ♦ aukland, NZ oct 12-15 ♦ keb-hana bank championship ♦ sky 72 GC ♦ Incheon, south korea oct 19-22 ♦ swinging skirts championship ♦ TBD ♦ taipei, taiwan oct 26-29 ♦ siime darby lpga malaysia ♦ TBD ♦ kuala lumpur, malaysia NOV 2-5 ♦ TOto japan classic ♦ taiheyo club ♦ ibaraki, japan nov 8-11 ♦ blue bay lpga ♦ jian lake blue bay gc ♦ hainan island, china nov 16-19 ♦ cme group tour championship ♦ tiburon gc ♦ naples, fl
The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 14
C USTOM H OMES & R ENOVATIONS D ESIGN B UILD
910-509-2370
5307 S College Rd Wilmington, NC 28412 Whether it is:
• Contemporary • Sophisticated • Traditional • Very Simple ... together we will transform your yard into a graceful flowing entertainment center for everyone to enjoy.
Custom design accompanied by quality engineering, has led Prestige Pools to the cutting edge of technology.
W W W . P R ES T IGE P OOLS OF WILM IN G TO N . C O M the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 15
sunglasses for the greens
S
unglasses are, for most, part of the every day. You wake up, you leave the house and on go the sunglasses. They protect our eyes and keep us from seeing spots when we get caught in the glare of a rear window. But a good pair of shades can be extremely useful when playing golf,too. Here are a few different things to consider when buying a pair of sunglasses, both for on and off the greens. Comfort Comfort is an extremely important factor. If your sunglasses slide down your nose or maybe rest awkwardly against your ears, you can find yourself distracted. Or unable to keep them on your face. When buying a good pair of sunglasses, make sure that you’ve tried them on and that they feel ‘matched’ to your facial structure. It doesn’t do to just let them sit on your face. Move your head around. Look up and down and side to side. If you feel any slippage at all, it could tell you that when you start sweating, you could find your sunglasses being more annoying that useful. Tint and Polarization For golf, you want to be able to measure distances by eye. Dark or ‘smoke’ tint on your sunglasses might not be great. A nice dark amber or brown is probably your best bet. Smoked lenses tend to wash things out a bit and can make everything look like the same color. You may find yourself lifting your glasses up to gauge distances better. A brown lens won’t wash things out nearly as much. No matter the lens color, though, getting
yourself a pair of polarized lenses is important. Polarization reduces glare and cuts the strain on your eyes if you’re looking in the direction of the sun. Weight This might be surprising for many. A pair of sunglasses is always light, right? Wrong. Some pairs have a real weight feel to them. This can cause discomfort around your ears and on the bridge of your nose, especially if there are uncomfortable nose pads on the glasses. The lighter the better. Many high end manufacturers are now producing sunglasses made of plastic that are just as tough as metal and weight half as much. UV Protection Ultra-Violet rays can really cause damage to your peepers. To avoid this find sunglasses that have a decent UV protection number on them. The more you’re outside, the higher your UV protection should be. Don’t skimp on this. UV damage accumulates over time and can cause problems down the road. If you’re playing golf often, do yourself a favor and get something with strong UV protection. Price Pricing is also something you ought to consider when making a purchase. I don’t mind spending $100.00 on a pair of sunglasses. These are things I use daily and they should be worth it. It’s just an extra benefit when I can use it on the golf course or at the driving range. Of course, spending $100.00 on a pair of shades isn’t for everyone. As long as you can find the specifications you need, price doesn’t matter, even if they’re something you find at a convenience store on the way to play.
The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 16
Your Local Resource for All Things Real Estate
ED COULBOURN III
Realtor, ABR, ePRO AWARD WINNING BBQ PITMASTER Mobile: 910-777-9184 1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Ste 101 - Wilmington, NC 28405
edc3@kw.com License # 214164
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated
DAN PEDRONI
Mortgage Loan Officer, Wilmington O: 910.679.1254 | M: 910.547.8737
DPedroni@NorthStateBankMortgage.com NMLS# 1034224
NMLS# 411971 the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 17
how to maintain golf cart batteries
S
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 WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 18
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 WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 19
Have a High School Student with College Looming on the Horizon? IS YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER looking at a college that offers a golf or tennis scholarship or just hoping to be accepted to their dream college? Although there are many types of scholarships offered from today’s colleges & universities, first you have to begin with the college admissions process. Yes it’s true, the admissions process can be overwhelming for the entire family. There are application requirements, deadlines, required courses, applying for scholarships, financial concerns, searching for the college with the right fit . . . all colliding at the same time and all you want is for someone to just tell you what you need to do. There is a solution here in Wilmington. It’s Prep U4 Successtm, an Independent Educational Consulting firm specializing in college admissions including insights and guidance about what admissions committees are looking for. Their workshops cover the entire college admissions process, step-by-step, and is designed for parents of high school Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Preparing for college starts the day your son or daughter walks into high school (some experts even say middle school). “The earlier you start, the easier your college search will be” says Mike Cruz, a college recruiter representative.
After relocating to Wilmington, NC its’ creator and founder, John Russo, began Prep U4 Successtm which was born out of the experience gained from his prior career in New York. In that capacity, John worked closely with colleges and universities as well as high school guidance counselor associations. John provided college admissions and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) workshops for major organizations such as the New York State Step Program, the Long Island Stem Hub, the New York State School Counselors Associations as well as local universities, multiple diversity groups, and high schools offering parent workshops. In addition, John created an educational resource guide for LI’s Cradle of Aviation and has also been one of the judges for STEM student poster competitions in both NY and most recently here in NC. You may be asking yourself why do I need Prep U4 Successtm? They have done the research and vetting and have compiled the information needed to navigate this process without you spending countless hours online looking up information on financial aid, the
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college essay, the ACT versus the SAT . . . the list goes on and on. While your student’s high school counselor is a valuable asset, it’s a team approach, and the responsibility largely falls upon the shoulders of the student and parent to seek out the how to’s of this process. “From prior to filling out the application to receiving the acceptance letter – that’s what we cover. We are here to be your guide on this journey, to provide answers and strategies, time saving tips, vetted websites and to tell you what you need to do, when you need to do it and how to do it successfully” said Russo. Prep U4 Successtm workshops offer the opportunity for parents, guardians or mentors to learn about the process in a
group environment. “We have compiled information topic-by-topic that will demystify the process leaving attendees with the knowledge of what they need to do” said Russo. When asked why in a group workshop environment? John explained that “you don’t know what you don’t know. In a group setting another parent may ask a question you wouldn’t have even thought of to ask . . . but now benefit from hearing the answer. There is a sense of security being amongst parents that are in a similar situation and are searching for the same answers.” After completing one of the workshops, the one thing you will know is how to navigate the complete college admissions process with confidence.
You now have the ability to take control of this process. Contact Prep U4 Success today and sign up for one of their upcoming workshops. Call 910-821-8692 or email PrepU4Success@gmail.com PrepU4Success.com Member of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
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Have a high school student with
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT THEIR COLLEGE EDUCATION. . .
Prep U4 Success | 910-821- 8692 The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 22
college looming on the horizon?
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU. • Prep U4 Success is an Independent Educational Consulting firm specializing in college admissions. • We cover the entire college admissions process in step-by-step group workshops designed for parents of high school Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. • We provide valuable information, topic-by-topic, including insights and guidance about what college admissions committees are looking for. • We’ll guide you so you “know what you need to do”, “when you need to do it” and “how to do it” to successfully navigate the entire college admissions process.
If the thought of College Admissions is overwhelming, stressful and complicated, call today for more information and to schedule a workshop. the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 23
bi o mecha nics & golf
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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 WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 24
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 WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 25
g a d g e ts in golf
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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.
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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 WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 27
be a golf ment or
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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 WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 29
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 WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 31
book your tee time online
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here is no industry that has been unaffected by the age of the Internet. Web connectivity has effectively changed the way the world does business and the way people manage their lives. Many times that management system comes courtesy of a smartphone. People pay bills online, book event tickets, and make reservations all without needing to dial a number on a phone. So, it was only a matter of time before the Internet revolution trickled into the golfing world. The sport’s popularity is quickly gaining ground worldwide, with the Asian market bolstering a large part of that growth. The added growth has caused many golf courses to go online. Now people can book golf lessons, tee times and more using software designed for the
sport’s aficionados. In the not too distant past, people who wanted a tee time had to show up at the course to request a time. Then, showing up was replaced by a telephone call, and finally the call has been replaced by the Internet. Today’s world moves at the speed of light and sometimes people are unable to book tee times during a course’s business hours. Now, no one has to wait for a business to open. They just simply go online whenever it is convenient and book their tee time. The ease of booking can indirectly be attributed to a slight increase in people on the course. The easier and more innovative things are, the better it is for society. Now it is simpler for courses to organize their schedules because of the availability of software catering to golf businesses.
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There are a few companies which sell software specifically for use within golf courses. This software allows their businesses to run seamlessly and gives them the ability to manage everything from one computer. Many software systems allow real time updates which permit golfers to be notified of any changes in availability which could possibly affect their tee times. The software has revolutionized businesses and someone would be hard pressed to discover a course or avid golfer that did not use some type of software to manage their golfing life. The need to manage large numbers of people has caused some of the world’s top courses to use software to help manage members and guests at their courses. Although many golfers have at least one type of tee management software on their computers or smartphones, many courses have a portal on their website for members to access available tee times, check the weather, and more. The sheer access of information permits many golfers to ensure that there will be nothing but blue skies on the day that they want to play. The software can also assist with increasing customer satisfaction, by giving them their ideal type of conditions to play. For example, someone is interested in playing at a certain time, so they log onto the site and discover that while their desired time is available, the time slots surrounding it will be quite full. Thus, the golfer books a time when there are fewer people golfing and anticipates enjoying the day. Another factor which aids golfers in enjoying their time spent golfing is the increased level of service software provides. Employees are granted more time to focus their energies to providing better service and ensuring things run smoothly since people have greatly reduced their call volume. The Internet has transformed the golfing industry for the better. It has employed seamless software integration to allow golfers the ability to schedule their tee times and perform other duties without calling the course. This freedom has caused an increase in service which is then transferred to happier members and more revenue. the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♌ backninepublishing.com ♌ 33
are you swinging your club too hard?
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he possibility of swinging excessively hard is enough to make even the best golfer stop in their tracks. Most golf enthusiastic are aware that swinging too hard is one of the 3 Golf Commandments never to break. So whenever you may hit an awful drive - the first thing out of the mouth of anyone nearby is: ‘You looked like you were trying to execute that ball!’ And your answer is no doubt: ‘Better believe it, I tried to hit that one a mile.’ Yet, have you ever thought seriously that the fear of swinging too hard could
really prompt more lost golf balls than actually doing it? What does that mean? As most golfers are so stressed over swinging excessively hard and hitting an awful golf shot - the best players on the planet are swinging near 30 mph (48 kph) faster than you. Yet, no one is letting them know that they’re swinging excessively hard - and by the looks of things - they’re hitting some really average golf shots that are interpreting into some really great scores. Would you concur? From the research that I’ve seen, the normal male is swinging his driver at 85 mph (137 kph) and the normal
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female is swinging her driver at 75 mph (121 kph). Yet, Ernie Els, who’s regularly begrudged for how smooth he can swing - swings his Driver at 118 mph (190 kph). While Tiger swings his driver upwards of 125 mph (201 kph). Yet, the apprehension of you swinging excessively hard, despite the fact that you’re swinging around 40 mph slower than the pros - is no doubt making you hit more awful shots than when you do really swing excessively hard. Significance - as a result of this issue, you’re undoubtedly decelerating with your Driver, which could prompt such unpleasant impacts, for example, cutting and loss of separation. Have you ever accomplished both of those? Whenever you’re remaining by the first tee holding up for your tee time - watch the gathering that is teeing off. I expect you’ll see most Golfers decelerating their golf swing to the point that they really have the vast majority of their weight on their back foot at contact with the golf ball. Have you ever wound up with your weight on your back foot? Implying that in light of the fact that you’re making a decent attempt not to swing excessively hard, that you are utilizing your body to ease off your swing by inclining over on your back foot. Again, have you ever gotten yourself on your back foot after a drive? Deceleration! Trust me; on and around the greens aren’t the main spots you’re decelerating. You’re additionally in all likelihood doing likewise with your Driver. However, deceleration is frequently not reprimanded for the awful tee shot - it’s regularly mis-diagnosed by the ‘swing specialists’ that you may be playing with as “getting your head, swinging excessively hard, swinging outrageous, twisting your left elbow, not turning your shoulders, etc.” Yes, having the capacity to swing smooth can help you to hit a superior golf shot. However, attempting to swing moderate will really make you hit an awful golf shot. the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 35
singapore is a golfer’s delight
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ingapore has long been known for beautiful beaches, clean roads and a low crime rate. This has caused the country to enjoy a solid tourism industry complete with solid growth. One of the reasons the country has witnessed that growth is because of the relatively new emergence of Singapore as a golfing destination. The past few years has seen the popularity of golf in Asia explode. There are courses which rival anything one could find in Scotland or the United States along with the highprofile golfers that play them. Tournament money and sponsorship in the sport has increased which has caused a new generation of Asians to become interested in golf. Thus
Singapore,
flush
with
money, has devoted much time to building some of the world’s best golf courses. Their courses are lush, difficult and come with some of the best service anyone could ask for. The country plays host to 14 golf associations and more than 30 golf courses for amateurs and professionals to play. The jewel in the country’s golfing crown is the Sentosa Golf Club which is 18 difficult holes with spectacular views of the harbor or the sea. It is the host of the Singapore Open and major athletes from the golfing world have walked through its doors and teed off. Forbes Magazine listed it as one of the top 10 elite golf courses in Asia. Yet, just because only one course from Singapore made the list does not mean that that is the only course worth playing.
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Golf in Singapore has become the favorite pastime of a number of Singaporeans and expats and the country has ensured that their courses match or exceed the quality of courses to be found abroad. However, not all greens are open to everyone. The country has a mix of open courses and courses restricted to members only. Yet, visitors set on playing at a course which is restricted to members need not to fret. Some hotels have agreements with exclusive courses to allow their guests to tee off at the elite courses for a nominal fee. Yet visitors to the island who are unable to play at an exclusive course can still have a good time. One of the top courses in the country is open to the public and it has acquired quite the following. The Marina Bay Golf Course is 18 holes of fun and is entirely open to anyone who wants to play it. The location is perfect for businessmen and businesswomen who would like to knock a few balls around before or after the daily meeting. It is located right in the heart of downtown Singapore which gives it a premier location and unlimited accessibility. This unlimited accessibility has been a problem for many in Singapore’s golfing world. The number of people who enjoy golf has grown exponentially, yet so has the city’s population. This has caused a number of courses be considered for redevelopment in order to accommodate the surrounding population. This can cause the city’s courses to change quickly and become more exclusive to access. Golf courses are enjoying space alongside some of the country’s top real estate and many officials are stumped trying to keep up with modifying courses and enabling population expansion. Yet, people still demand more golf destinations. The heightened interest has caused a number of courses to create interesting and highly difficult holes on which to play. Yet, Singapore’s stunning vistas, lush wildlife and some of the world’s top courses means that more and more people will visit the country just to play on the same green as some of the sport’s top legends. the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 37
how to find a good golf partner
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et’s face it, if you are going to be on the golf course for 5 hours, you want to be with people that you enjoy being with. Finding good golf partners can be harder than finding true love. There are almost as many things that you look for in a golf partner as a life partner. You want a golfer you can communicate with, someone with whom you are comfortable being quiet, someone that is reliable and ─ most importantly ─ someone you can trust. I will talk a little more about trust in a minute. I have been playing golf for 20 years and I can say that I have met people on the golf course that have wound up being good friends off the golf course. There is a unique bond that is formed when you do find a good golf partner.
The reason you need to be able to trust your golf partner is this: chances are, your golf partner has pretty much the same skill level as you. You probably would not be playing together on a regular basis if he or she was a much better or much worse golfer than you, unless you were already friends or family. That means that you will likely wind up having friendly wagers of some kind while on the golf course. I can tell you firsthand that it can be a long day if you’re playing a $5 nassau against a golfer that cheats. It adds an element to golf that should not be involved. If you have to spend an ounce of energy trying to make sure your opponent isn’t improving his lie or even dropping another ball to replace the one that he couldn’t find with
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a search party, it makes for a very long and unenjoyable round of golf. The regular foursome that I play with was recently broken apart. One moved to California and the other moved to a another county within the same state. The impact that it had on my game totally surprised me. The one other golfer left is the “cheater” of the group. It is well-documented that he cheats, we even had an “ golf intervention” to try to get him to stop. That did not go very well. He was totally in denial and did not admit to anything. He stopped cheating for a little while (maybe) but then started back up again. Ironically enough, the one golfer of the group that cheats is also the one that makes the tee times. When one of the foursome could not make it, he would make all the phone calls to find a replacement. Now that we have lost two of our golf partners, it has been difficult to replace them because everyone knows that this player cheats.
The best way to find a good golf partner is to BE a good golf partner: 1. Don’t cheat ─ not once, not ever. 2. Be friendly, but don’t talk to much. 3. Control your temper. Nobody likes being with a golfer that is constantly screaming or throwing clubs. 4. Be reliable. If you make plans to play, keep them. 5. If you play with a golfer that you think is a good match, by all means exchange phone numbers. You have to start somewhere. 6. Be willing to play for a few bucks. Playing for something helps you focus on your round. the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 39
crossword puzzle 1
3
2
4
5
6 8
7
9
10 11 13
12 14
15 16
17
ACROSS
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.
DOW 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 1 6 . 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
The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 40
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 WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 41
local business & service directory 55+ Commu n i ty
Dan Pedroni - North State Bank Mortgage......................................07, 17 Ed Coulbourn III - Prestige Homes Team..........................................07, 17
Ar chitec ture
Urban Design Architect, P.A....................................................................15
Barrier Insulati on
All About Energy Solutions.......................................09, Back Inside Cover
Blown Gradi ent In su lation
All About Energy Solutions.......................................09, Back Inside Cover
Colle ge Admissi on s
Prep U4 Success........................................................................................22
Commission Artwork
Dumay Gorham Designs, LLC............................. Back Outside Cover, 03
Construc tio n
Urban Design Architect, P.A....................................................................15
Crawl Space
All About Energy Solutions.......................................09, Back Inside Cover
Cus tom Metal Sculptu re
Dumay Gorham Designs, LLC............................. Back Outside Cover, 03
Cus tom Po o ls
Prestige Pools of Wilmington, Inc............................Front Inside Cover, 15
Data Networkin g
Cooper’s Communications.....................................................................13
Design Bui ld
Urban Design Architect, P.A....................................................................15 The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 42
local business & service directory
Design Fabrications
Dumay Gorham Designs, LLC............................. Back Outside Cover, 03
Educational Cou n seling
Prep U4 Success........................................................................................22
Energy Audi t
All About Energy Solutions.......................................09, Back Inside Cover
Energy Savin g s
All About Energy Solutions.......................................09, Back Inside Cover
Facility C abling
Cooper’s Communications.....................................................................13
Fiberglass Pools
Prestige Pools of Wilmington, Inc............................Front Inside Cover, 15
Fiber Optics
Cooper’s Communications.....................................................................13
Garden Sculpti ng
Dumay Gorham Designs, LLC............................. Back Outside Cover, 03
Golf Course Commu nities
Dan Pedroni - North State Bank Mortgage......................................07, 17 Ed Coulbourn III - Prestige Homes Team..........................................07, 17
Home Dé co r
Dumay Gorham Designs, LLC............................. Back Outside Cover, 03
Insulation Co n tractor
All About Energy Solutions.......................................09, Back Inside Cover
Lux ury Homes
Dan Pedroni - North State Bank Mortgage......................................07, 17 Ed Coulbourn III - Prestige Homes Team..........................................07, 17 the back nine of WILMINGTON , NC ♦ backninepublishing.com ♦ 43
local business & service directory Realtors
Dan Pedroni - North State Bank Mortgage......................................07, 17 Ed Coulbourn III - Prestige Homes Team..........................................07, 17
Renov ations
Urban Design Architect, P.A....................................................................15
Swimming Poo ls
Prestige Pools of Wilmington, Inc............................Front Inside Cover, 15
Tele c ommun i ca ti on s
Cooper’s Communications.....................................................................13
W elding
Dumay Gorham Designs, LLC............................. Back Outside Cover, 03
The Back Nine of WILMINGTON, NC ♦ advertising to move your business forward ♦ 44
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