Hitting long irons with accuracy time and time again takes dedication to practice. The 1 through 4 clubs are referred to as long clubs and are the toughest to control. Following are some simple golf tips to help you gain consistency and feel confident while hitting long irons.
There are many things to think about during a golf swing, but the key essentials can be boiled down to four elements: solid balance, club head acceleration, smooth tempo and careful aim. If all of these are not present in your swing, your long iron shots are going to be inconsistent and often inaccurate.
When hitting long irons your focus is making contact with the sweet spot on your club face every time. Follow these simple golf tips and you are well on your way.
1) Make sure your stance is stable, with a slight bend in the knees for balance.
2) Bring your club back smoothly and swing through smoothly. It is extremely important that your entire swing be completed in a smooth manner. This will both help you control your club face and accelerate through your swing, giving the distance you are looking for.
3) Let the power come from your core. Once you have taken the club back, let the hips be the source of power for your swing and not your arms. This will greatly increase your power.
4) When hitting long irons you must keep your head down. This is important when hitting irons in general, but with long irons the margin for error is even less. You must keep your eye on the ball throughout the stroke. Moving your head during the stroke usually results in the club moving as well, ruining the shot.
5) Keep your leading arm straight during your stroke. If you bend your leading arm you will have to make an adjustment during your swing, due to the change in distance between your body and the ball, resulting in a more complex stroke, raising the difficulty.
6) Don’t hit the ground first before the ball to give the ball more loft. This is completely wrong and will result in a very inconsistent erratic shot. If the situation requires you hitting the ground it needs to happen after you hit the ball. Don’t worry about adding any additional loft. Let the club function as designed.
7) Finally, one of the most basic of golf iron swing tips is following completely through on your swing. Putting the brakes on after making contact with the ball will only reduce your swing velocity.
Remember to focus on these tips while hitting long irons and you should see results.
1. What fort was built in Key West between 1845 and 1866?
2. Where is the oldest city in America?
3. What famous inventor owned a winter home in Fort Myers?
4. What drink was named after the University of Florida Gators?
5. Coral Gables has a museum dedicated to Hispanic & Latin American Art. What is it?
6. The Guinness record for the world’s largest strawberry shortcake is held by what city?
7. Venice is the world’s training center for what type of entertainer?
8. Who was Florida’s first American governor?
9. What is Florida’s nickname?
10. Charlotte County’s only Victorian home, built in 1903, is what house?
1. Micro Weddings
Micro weddings are intimate wedding affairs that usually have 40 or fewer guests. They can have all the traditional wedding elements or be unique to the individual. The main idea of a micro wedding is that it can be more relaxed and focused on very close friends and family. The bride and groom have more time to spend together and with each guest when compared to a larger wedding. Budgets are also less stretched as you can spend more money on each guest per head without cutting back on costs elsewhere.
2. Males Of Honor
We spent so long being unable to see each other that it’s only natural that we want to expand our bridal party to include our closest friends. That might mean you have mates or males of honor rather than maids, groomsmaids rather than groomsmen, or flower boys rather than flower girls. You might see a few women at the bachelor party or a few men at the bachelorette. Many of us are ready to dispense with the tradition and make sure we have a great time with the people that matter to us most.
3.
We’ve all been to weddings dominated by deep purples, bright coral tones, or stunning aquas. But many couples are now looking at the drama of black and white photography. Black and white signage and a black bridesmaid dress make a white wedding dress stand out. Many couples are opting for more neutral tones alongside black or white to make for a romantic, softer wedding theme.
4. Sustainable Weddings
Sustainable wedding floristry has become increasingly popular as brides think more about how they can use their flowers throughout their big day. Wedding bouquets might be popped in as flower arrangements for the top table, or they might use artificial flowers in place of live blooms. An eco-friendly menu might also be on the cards for 2023. Local and ethically sourced food will be on-trend, with ways to reduce wastage a top priority for many couples in 2023.
5. Wedding Suits For Women
2020 marked the emergence of the popularity of the bridal suit for women. Many models and fashion houses showcased the bridal suit in early 2020, and its popularity has been building ever since. For many, wedding trends lean towards more personalized styles, with evening wear, non-white dresses, and female suits set to take center stage in 2023. For many men, the pressure is off to wear a traditional tux and explore more comfortable bridal wear.
6. Pearls
The search for pearl wedding dresses has increased in 2022, with the trend set to become even more popular in 2023. Pearls can sit anywhere on a wedding dress, from the veil to the shoes, and are a prominent jewelry feature; think pearl necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. They are an elegant and timeless piece of wedding glamor that has been part of weddings since their conception.
7. Outdoor Weddings
Outdoor weddings were very common between 2020 and 2021, and this trend only looks set to continue. An outdoor wedding with the protection of a gazebo offers a considerable variety compared to a specified location indoors. As long as the venue has a license and some cover, you can choose from various locations and backdrops for more photo opportunities. During the colder months, an indoor venue with outdoor options may also be trendy in 2023.
8. Unique Lighting
More intimate weddings call for unique lighting. In 2023 bespoke lighting is set to dominate weddings, with candles and low-hanging bulbs set to add some soft backlight to the wedding pictures. Outdoor weddings also attract some unique wedding trends, like lanterns festooned on low-hanging tree branches and delicate twinkly fairy lights. Intimate and soft lighting is set to dominate weddings in 2023, creating a more relaxed and close-knit setting.
9. Local Weddings
Destination weddings were extremely popular in 2019, but the inevitable cancellations in 2020-2021 significantly impacted traveling for weddings. Many couples choose to have local weddings and reduce the expense of flying their family overseas. Destination weddings are also a negative for those looking to have more sustainable weddings. With local weddings, you can feel confident that the people you want on your big day are more likely to make it.
10.
Couples seem set to reduce their wedding guest list in 2023, with only 17% of couples wanting over 100 guests in 2022. With the smaller guest list, many people are choosing to reject a traditional wedding with an extensive guest list and many of the usual formalities. Relaxed lunches, mismatched color schemes, and smaller guest lists will dominate in 2023. The past few years have seen people forgo the traditional, large wedding, and they don’t miss it for many. The benefits of a personalized wedding are that the couple and their guests can feel more comfortable on their big day.
AUG 3-6 Wyndham Championship
AUG 10-13 FedEx St. Jude Championship
AUG 17-20 BMW Championship
AUG 24-27
SEP 14-17
SEP 29-OCT 1 Ryder Cup
OCT 5-8 Sanderson Farms Championship
OCT 12-15 Shriners Children's Open
OCT 19-22
ZOZO Championship
NOV 2-5 World Wide Technology Championship
NOV 9-12 Butterfield Bermuda Championship
NOV 16-19 The RSM Classic
NOV 30-DEC 3 Hero World Challenge
BER
DEC 8-10
Grant Thornton Invitational
Naples, FL
DEC 14-17
PGA Tour Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
JAN 4-7 The Sentry
JAN 11-14
Sony Open in Hawaii
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Maui, HI
Honolulu, HI
JAN 18-21 The American Express La Quinta, CA
JAN 24-27
Farmers Insurance Open
San Diego, CA
FEB 1-4
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Pebble Beach, CA
FEB 8-11
WM Phoenix Open
FEB 15-18 The Genesis Invitational
FEB 22-25
Mexico Open at Vidanta
FEB 29-MAR 3 The Classic in The Palm Beaches
MAR 7-10
Puerto Rico Open
MAR 7-10
Scottsdale, AZ
Pacific Palisades, CA
Vallarta, MEX
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Rio Grande, PUR
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Master Card Orlando, FL
MAR 14-17 THE PLAYERS Championship
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
MAR 21-24
Valspar Championship Palm Harbor, FL
MAR 28-31 Texas Children's Houston Open
Houston, TX
APR 4-7 Valero Texas Open
San Antonio, TX
APR 11-14 Masters Tournament Augusta, GA
APR 18-21 Corales Puntacana Championship Punta Cana, DOM
APR 18-21
RBC Heritage Hilton Head Island, SC
APR 25-28
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Avondale, LA
MAY 2-5
AT&T Byron Nelson McKinney, TX
MAY 9-12
Myrtle Beach Classic
MAY 9-12 Wells Fargo Championship
MAY 16-19
MAY 23-26
Charlotte, NC
PGA Championship Louisville, KY
Charles Schwab Challenge
Fort Worth, TX
Palm Beach may be known for its glitz and glamour, but you don't have to be rich or famous to enjoy everything the seaside community has to offer. Separated from the mainland by Lake Worth Lagoon, beautiful Palm Beach is one of many tourist towns that make up the iconic Palm Beaches along Florida's eastern coast. Though more than a century has passed since Palm Beach made its Gilded Age debut, you can still find a familiar air of opulence at the legendary resorts, ornate mansions, and historic landmarks that first put the town on the map as a winter getaway for the wealthy. Add in fabulous shopping, one-of-akind museums, an arsenal of chic restaurants, and access to breathtaking beaches—and you've got your own slice of Paradise.
History is everywhere you look in Palm Beach. Coincidentally, it can also be found in many places you eat. At Green's Pharmacy & Luncheonette, continue an 80-plus-year tradition by stopping in for a hearty breakfast or traditional soda fountain counter lunch. Rumor has it that even former U.S. President John F. Kennedy was a
regular here. It's one of a dwindling number of places in the country where you can still order an egg cream or malted shake. For a true throwback, grab a liverwurst sandwich or tri-salad platter (egg, chicken, and tuna). While it's a mere toddler compared to Green's, Sprinkles Ice Cream is another Palm Beach treasure to add to your mustvisit list. Celebrities like Brook Shields, Michael Jackson, and Martha Stewart have all been seen savoring a scoop in the colorful ice cream shop.
The Breakers is as quintessentially Palm Beach as they come. Built by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, who is largely credited with developing Florida's east coast, The Breakers opened as The Palm Beach Inn in 1896 and was renamed in 1901. You can drop a grand (and then some) to stay for the night; or you can opt for a meal at the Seafood Bar (among the restaurant's open-to-the-public restaurants) and still get all the same gorgeous views of the water. Other historic hotels to check out are The Brazilian Court, The Chesterfield, and The Colony, Palm Beach's pinkest hotel.
To get a full tour of town, rent a bike and go for a ride on the 5.5-mile Lake Trail. Along the way, you'll get a closer look at some of Palm Beach's ritziest homes, as well as great views of West Palm Beach's skyline. When you make it to Country Club Road, you'll have the unique experience of navigating a narrow road cut directly into a 200-foot-tall mound made of rock and coquina shell. The unlikely attraction is also known as Coral Cut or Witch's Wall thanks to a peculiar metal gate-covered window carved right into the coral face.
Up there with the Fifth Avenues and Rodeo Drives of the world, Worth Avenue is the place to flash some plastic in Palm Beach. The immaculate palm-tree lined street is a mecca for high fashion and designer digs. From Gucci and Chanel to Hermes, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton, the district's 250-plus boutiques account for nearly every major brand. Be sure to stop into Kassalty's, which offers designer linens, lingerie, and sweaters reminiscent of the 1920, when the shop (Worth Avenue's oldest) first opened. And since haute couture isn't in most folks' budgets, Worth Avenue has plenty more to discover by way of secret garden patios, fun sculptures, and a rare books store. Find more shopping and unmatched whimsy at Royal Poinciana Plaza, a recently revitalized entertainment district known for its lush courtyards, family- and dog-friendly walkways, and hip collection of shops and restaurants.
The world's premier polo destination, drive the 30 minutes inland to catch a match at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Polo season is big from January to April, so if you're visiting in winter or early spring, you'll want to snag tickets to a match. If you go, don't forget to dress to impress. After all, this is a sport where champagne sipping is customary for fans.
Most people know about the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, but the real star of the show is its 37,200-square-foot outdoor extension that's best described as a museum in a garden. The atypical gallery space, known as the Norton
Museum Sculpture Garden, blends fine art with the beauty of nature for an experience unlike any other. Lush greenery in variety of shades and textures create a living backdrop for abstract and figure-focused sculptures. Pops of color abound in blooming flowers like Bird of Paradise and Heliconia, while native plants and trees attract birds and butterflies.
Go offshore to this 80-acre county park, which was once a Coast Guard station and President John F. Kennedy's presidential bunker. Water taxi rides will only set you back around $12-$15, and once you arrive, there's plenty to see and do. Snorkeling is first-rate off Peanut Island, thanks to crystal-clear turquoise waters that make it easy to spot colorful reef dwellers like parrotfish and angelfish, plus starfish and even manta rays on occasion. The best spots are a small reef on the beach's eastern shore facing the inlet and a marked snorkeling lagoon on the southern shore. If you haven't got your sea legs about you just yet, see Peanut Island from a 12.5-mile paved trail that runs the perimeter of the island.
No person is more important to Palm Beach's development than Standard Oil Co-founder Henry Morrison Flagler. Get a behind-thescenes look at the winter home he built as a wedding present for his wife in 1902 . Whitehall, now open to the public as the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, features 75 rooms and 100,000 square feet. The mansion was built by the same architectural firm that designed the New York Public Library and is home to more than a few surprises. One of them is Flagler's private railcar, displayed inside the home, which has been restored to its original 1886 appearance.
Spend a day relaxing in the sugar-white sand of one of Palm Beach's three public beaches. At Municipal Beach, also known as Midtown Beach, you can snap a pic at the iconic Worth Avenue Clock Tower, then spend a day splashing in the serene sea. Find more sandy shores at Phipps Ocean Park and Kreusler Park. At Phipps, be sure to check out the Little Red Schoolhouse, which dates to 1886 and was the first school building in southeast Florida.
•Greater Miami is the only metropolitan area in the United States whose borders encompass two national parks. You can hike through pristine Everglades National Park or ride on glass-bottom boats across Biscayne National Park.
•Saint Augustine is the oldest European settlement in North America.
•Orlando attracts more visitors than any other amusement park destination in the United States.
•Cape Canaveral is America’s launch pad for space flights.
•Florida is not the southernmost state in the United States; Hawaii is farther south.
•A museum in Sanibel owns two million shells and claims to be the world’s only museum devoted solely to mollusks.
•The Benwood, on French Reef in the Florida Keys, is known as one of the most dived shipwrecks in the world.
•Safety Harbor is the home of the historic Espiritu Santo Springs. It was given this name in 1539 by the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. He was searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth. The natural springs have attracted attention worldwide for their curative powers.
•The United States city with the highest rate of lightning strikes per capita is Clearwater.
•Gatorade was named for the University of Florida Gators , where the drink was first developed.
•Young aviator Tony Jannus made history on January 1, 1914 when he flew the world’s first scheduled passenger service airline flight from St. Petersburg’s downtown yacht basin to Tampa.
•Dr. John Gorrie of Apalachicola invented mechanical refrigeration in 1851.
•Miami Beach pharmacist Benjamin Green invented the first suntan cream in 1944. He accomplished this development by cooking cocoa butter in a granite coffee pot on his wife’s stove.
•Key West has the highest average temperature in the United States.
•The largest lake in Florida is Lake Okeechobee.
•In 1987 the Florida legislature designated the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) the official state reptile. Long an unofficial symbol of the state, the alligator originally symbolized Florida’s extensive untamed wilderness and swamps.
•Miami installed the first bank automated teller machine especially for rollerbladers.
•Ybor City was once known as the Cigar Capital of the World, with nearly 12,000 tabaqueros (cigar-makers) employed in 200 factories. Ybor City produced an estimated 700 million cigars a year at the industry’s peak.
•Plant City, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, holds the Guinness record for the world’s largest strawberry shortcake. The 827 square foot, 6,000 pound cake was made on February 19, 1999 in McCall Park.
•The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a cable-stayed concrete bridge. Opened in 1987, the bridge coasts through the clouds at 190 feet above water. Its bright yellow support cables spread from the two center pillars. The structure gives drivers an unobstructed view of the water during the 4.1 mile trip over Tampa Bay.
•DeFuniak Springs is home to one of the two naturally round lakes in the world.
•The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens at Delray Beach is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the living culture of Japan.
•Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America because the city has 185 miles of local waterways.
•The city of Hypoluxo’s name comes from the Seminole expression water all ‘round – no get out.
•Islamorada is billed as the Sports Fishing Capital of the World.
•Key Largo is known as the Dive Capital of the World.
•Marathon is home to Crane Point Hammock, a 63.5 acre land tract that is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys. The area contains evidence of pre-Colombian and prehistoric Bahamian artifacts, and once was the site of an entire Indian village.
•During the 1991 Gulf War the busiest military port in the country was Jacksonville. From this location the military moved more supplies and people than any other port in the country.
•Venice is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World. Collecting prehistoric shark teeth has been a favorite pastime of visitors and residents of the Venice area for years.
•The Florida Museum of Hispanic and Latin American Art in Coral Gables is the first and only museum in the United States dedicated to the preservation, diffusion and promotion of Hispanic and Latin American Art.
Eliminate barriers and get a sleek look by switching to a shower that lacks the lip or edge of a traditional shower floor basin. “Zero-threshold showers are a huge advantage if you’re building your ‘forever’ home or remodeling a primary bathroom to enjoy indefinitely,” says Jamie Gold, a wellness design consultant. “There’s a bit more work and expense involved, but it can definitely be worth it for future-proofing your investment,” she says, referring to the benefits of barrierfree showers for those who are aging or injured. As larger showers continue to trend in bathroom renovations, this accessible design style is both practical and stylish.
Heat is the problem everyone is interested in tackling right now, according to Matt Power, editor of Green Builder magazine. For peace of mind and savings on your energy bill, Power suggests investing in cool roofs, which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a traditional roof, improving indoor comfort and decreasing energy used to cool the home. Cool roofing materials are available as reflective coatings, sheet coverings, tiles, and shingles, as well as metal roofing. While you have the most choices to consider when replacing your roof, you can upgrade an existing one with reflective coatings or retrofitted reflective material to achieve some of the benefits of a cool roof, too.
Countertops are an integral part of your kitchen’s style and function. Visually, they make a big statement, and physically, they have to withstand food prep, spills, craft time, and frequent cleaning. If you have quality cabinetry but your countertops are an eyesore or they’re difficult to maintain, it’s worth investing in new countertops.Choosing a material like quartz—the top countertop material in trend reports from both Houzz and the National Kitchen and Bath Association—offers a fresh look while making your kitchen more functional and easier to maintain. It’s important to note that replacing countertops can impact the existing backsplash, sink, and faucet, too. This small kitchen renovation is the perfect opportunity to consider an easy-toclean configuration with brushed faucets, an under-mount sink, and a slab backsplash.
With so many great styles to choose from, a new garage door is a quick and easy way to punch up curb appeal, according to Warren Wilson, general contractor and owner of Wilson Homes in Vancouver, British Columbia. If your garage is used for something like a workshop, a new door with better insulation or windows for natural light can make it more comfortable, says Wilson. Plus, according to cost versus value remodeling data, a garage door replacement has one of the highest returns on investment when it comes to resale value.
Installed below the floor, a radiant heating system warms rooms from the bottom up, providing evenly distributed heat that’s cozy for your feet. Adding a radiant system to your home requires tearing out the existing flooring—and while it’s a big project, the upgrade produces big benefits, too. Not
only is it luxurious on cold mornings, but radiant heat is also quieter than rattling radiators and rumbling forced-air vents. Plus, it’s often more energy-efficient and can be added to many rooms in the home. “One of the most popular uses is the primary bathroom floor, but whole-house projects are worthwhile,” says Gold. While some approved vinyl and laminate floors can be paired with radiant heat, it works best with ceramic and porcelain tile and natural stone. Gold notes that radiant heat is popular in all climates and that it’s even being installed in outdoor living spaces.
Wilson recommends replacing a traditional water heater with a space-savvy and energy-wise tankless water heater. Instead of continuously using energy to keep a large tank of water heated, a tankless water heater provides on-demand hot water, meaning it expends energy to heat water only when, and to what temperature, it is needed. “They’re small, they can bolt onto the wall, and they take up much less room,” says Wilson. “Plus, they last about twice as long as a standard unit.” Another benefit of a tankless unit is that your hot water supply isn’t limited to how much water the tank can hold. Tankless water heaters do have higher upfront costs than traditional water heaters, due to both the purchase price and installation costs, which can require rerouting gas lines.
Interest in outdoor spaces exploded last year, and it continues to be a place homeowners seek to enhance and enjoy. Large or small, a new deck is a simple way to add a lot of value to your property. With just a few pieces of furniture and lighting, it becomes a flexible space where you can work, play, and entertain. Although lumber has been expensive and a wood deck might seem like a splurge, you can feel good about its resale value. Alternatively, composite decking is durable and eco-friendly, and it has a great return on investment, too.
Now is the time to invest in those cooking skills and supplies you acquired during the pandemic. Adequate storage for all your utensils, appliances, and pantry items will play a role in making your kitchen more orderly, functional, and enjoyable to use—and help you nurture those new culinary talents. Adding specialty organizers to cabinets and drawers makes the most of your existing cabinetry. As traditional pantries are seeing a comeback, consider building out an underutilized corner of the kitchen, tapping into the wall of a nearby room, or converting a nearby closet if you have one. This increased storage is not only better for your everyday use, but it will also add value to your home.
Decreasing costs for materials, paired with tax credits and incentives, has continued to make solar power a more achievable option for homeowners. Although it’s still a significant financial investment, the need for renewable energy is bringing solar closer to home. Supplementing your home with solar power can reduce both your energy bills and your carbon footprint, and Power says it has appeal for homebuyers, too.
9 HOME UPGRADES THAT ARE ACTUALLY WORTH IT
Helpful hotel staff known as concierges have long been a mainstay of the hotel experience. Typical duties include helping guests with restaurant reservations, recommending activities in the area and arranging transportation to the airport. But these days, concierges are going far beyond that standard. To help you make the most of your next vacation, we spoke with various hotel experts about concierge services. Read on to discover all kinds of unexpected ways a concierge can assist you during your next hotel stay.
▪POPPING THE QUESTION – Many concierges are actively involved in planning marriage proposals –especially for guests who are seeking an unforgettable experience. For example, the concierge team at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Avon, Colorado, helped a groom coordinate a proposal during a mountaintop snowshoe hike. The entire adventure was planned in advance, but when the couple arrived at the desk, the concierge team pretended it was their first conversation and gave them a special set of snowshoes they just happened to have behind the desk.
Similarly romantic, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Cedar Creek, Texas, often arranges private horseback rides for couples who are about to get engaged. The experience includes a set stop at a spot that’s perfect for popping the big question.
▪LEARNING LOCAL LINGO – Guests of Cap Mason, a resort on St. Lucia, can learn more about the island’s local creole language during a lesson with the hotel’s concierge staff. “Knowing a few of the popular food dishes in creole really comes in handy when touring the island and enjoying various restaurants in St. Lucia,” says Arron Gwinnett, executive assistant manager of food and beverage for the resort. “Taking interest in the local cuisine and language helps
visitors to embrace the island. It also makes locals excited to share more knowledge, and it makes the holiday even more interesting.”
▪CREATING CUSTOM ITINERIES – Need some help figuring out what to do during your trip? Some concierges will go above and beyond cookie-cutter responses by creating a customized itinerary tailored to your interests.
▪LEADING AN ART TOUR – Art lovers heading to Indianapolis should consider staying at the Conrad Indianapolis where they can request a curated tour of the hotel’s artwork with one of the art ambassadors on the concierge team. Guests will see paintings by famed artists like Picasso, Dali and Warhol, as well as a rotating selection in the hotel’s gallery and lobby.
▪PREPPING FOR PETS – Travelers who like to vacation with Fido in tow may be pleasantly surprised by their hotel’s concierge staff. Not only are some petfriendly hotels more than happy to welcome your pups, but they may even roll out the red carpet for them. For example, the concierge team at The RitzCarlton, Bachelor Gulch, sets up Ritz-Carlton dog beds, water dishes and treats for their guests’ furry friends.
AYSEN, PATAGONI – While thrill-seekers may have already added Patagonia to their bucket lists, thanks to famous features like Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine National Park, chances are they haven’t yet heard of Aysen. Described as the region’s final frontier, this remote land is sparsely populated and still very much unexplored. Adventurers will appreciate the area’s dramatic landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, staggering fjords, and temperate rain forests. Splendidly isolated, going off the grid is no challenge and countless adventures await.
TALINN, ESTONIA – Those looking to embark on a European escape to someplace other than tried-andtrue staples like London, Paris, and Rome will be enchanted by Tallinn. Estonia’s capital city looks as if it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale, effortlessly blending the old and the new. Stroll past towering gothic architecture along the cobblestoned streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 13th century, which is lined with picturesque cafes and boutiques.
PALMETTO BLUFF, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Carolinas are undeniably having a moment, with cultural hubs like Asheville and Charleston drawing attention from travelers around the globe. But this year, South Carolina’s Lowcountry is on the rise, with Palmetto Bluff taking center stage. Steeped in history, rich biodiversity, and 32 miles of quiet coastline, this destination is considered by locals to be one of the best-kept secrets in the South. For true Southern hospitality, check into Montage Palmetto Bluff, where you can spend your days on their Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, or on an offshore fishing excursion. Its romantic laidback luxury will make any visitor feel right at home.
BOTSWANA, AFRICA – Landlocked Botswana’s landscape is defined by the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, and offers some of the most spectacular safaris on earth. Only two million inhabitants call Botswana home, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. But here, animals roam and rule, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs and more. It’s the ultimate playground for nature lovers. Wilderness Safaris’ brand new Qorokwe Camp is now open with eight elegant tented suites and offers outstanding game viewing year round.
CORK, IRELAND – Ireland’s compact Cork City is giving Dublin a run for its money. The youthful city has been reinventing itself over the past couple of years and is ready to steal the spotlight once and for all. Waterfront views, historic churches, and friendly locals make Cork a favorite spot for in-the-know travelers, but it’s their evolving culinary scene that’s set to position the city as a must-see destination for 2018. Although fiercely rooted in Irish heritage, inventive eateries and pubs in the revitalized city center are bringing a welcome diversity to Cork.
TALKEETNA, ALASKA – Anyone in search of the weird but wonderful should set their sights on America’s largest state. Situated smack-dab in the middle of Anchorage and Mount Denali is the small village of Talkeetna. A gateway to Alaska’s famed Denali National Park, adventurers will be flocking to this eccentric destination for its rich array of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, rafting and flightseeing. In town, expect to come across a healthy mix of brewpubs and weed dispensaries spinkled in with quirky artist studios and shops selling locally made handicrafts. For stellar views of Denali, snag a room at the rustic Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Summertime is your best bet in terms of weather, but you can beat the crowds by planning a winter jaunt for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
JAN 19-22 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions Orlando, FL
FEB 23-26
Honda LPGA Thailand Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
MAR 2-5 HSBC Women’s World Championship Singapore
MAR 9-12 Blue Bay LPGA
Hainan Island, People’s Republic of China
MAR 23-26 LPGA Drive On Championship Gold Canyon, AZ
MAR 30-APR 2 DIO Implant LA Open Palos Verdes Estates, CA
APR 12-15
LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei Ewa Beach, Oahu, HI
APR 20-23 The Chevron Championship The Woodlands, TX
APR 27-30 JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro Los Angeles, CA
MAY 4-7 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown San Francisco, CA
MAY 11-14 Cognizant Founders Cup Clifton, NJ
MAY 24-28 Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play presented by MGM Rewards Las Vegas, NV
JUN 1-4 Mizuho Americas Open Jersey City, NJ
JUN 9-11 ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer Galloway, NJ
JUN 15-18 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Grand Rapids, MI
JUN 22-25 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Springfield, NJ
JUL 6-9 U.S. Women’s Open presented by ProMedica
JUL 13-16
Great Toledo LPGA Classic
Pebble Beach, CA
Sylvania, OH
JUL 19-22 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational
JUL 27-30
Midland, MI
Amundi Evian Championship Evian-les-Bains, France
AUG 3-6 Trust Golf Women’s Ladies Scottish Open Ayrshire, Scotland
AUG 10-13 AIG Women’s Open Surrey, England
AUG 17-20 ISPS Handa World Invitational
Antrim, Northern Ireland
AUG 24-27 CP Women’s Open Vancouver, BC, Canada
AUG 31-SEP 3 Portland Classic Portland, OR
SEPT 7-10 Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G Cincinnati, OH
SEP 22-24 Solheim Cup
Andalucia, Spain
SEP 29-OCT 1 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G Rogers, AR
OCT 5-8 The Ascendant LPGA benefiting Volunteers of America The Colony, TX
OCT 12-15 Buick LPGA Shanghai Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
OCT 19-22 BMW Ladies Championship Korea (TBA)
OCT 26-29
Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA
NOV 2-5 TOTO Japan Classic
New Taipei City, Chinese Taipei
Omitama, Ibaraki, Japan
NOV 9-12 The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Belleair, FL
NOV 16-19 CME Group Tour Championship
Naples, FL
While most people know that physical activity is healthy, it is estimated that about 30% of people worldwide don’t get enough. Unless you have a physically demanding job, a dedicated fitness routine is likely your best bet for getting active. Unfortunately, many people feel that they don’t have enough time to exercise. If this sounds like you, maybe it’s time to try high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
HIIT is a broad term for workouts that involve short periods of intense exercise alternated with recovery periods. One of the biggest advantages of HITT is that you can get maximal health benefits in minimal time.
What is high-intensity interval training?
HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise alternated with low-intensity recovery periods. Interestingly, it is perhaps the most time-efficient way to exercise. Typically, a HIIT workout will range from 10 to 30 minutes in duration. Despite how short the workout is, it can produce health benefits similar to twice as much moderate-intensity exercise. The actual activity being performed varies but can include sprinting, biking, jump rope or other body weight exercises. For example, a HIIT workout using a stationary exercise bike could consist of 30 seconds of cycling as fast as possible against high resistance, followed by several minutes of slow, easy cycling with low resistance. This would be considered one round or repetition of HIIT, and you would typically complete four to six repetitions in one workout. The specific amount of time you exercise and recover will vary based on the activity you choose and how intensely you are exercising.
Regardless of how it is implemented, high-intensity intervals should involve short periods of vigorous exercise that make your heart rate speed up. Not only does HIIT provide the benefits of longer-duration exercise in a much shorter amount of time – it may also provide some unique health benefits.
HIIT can burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. One study compared the calories burned during 30 minutes each of HIIT, weight training, running and biking. The researchers found that HIIT burned 25 to 30% more calories than the other forms of exercise. In this study, HIIT repetition consisted of 20 seconds of maximal effort, followed by 40 seconds of rest. This means that the participants were actually only exercising for 1/3 of the time that the running and biking groups were.
Although each workout session was 30 minutes long in this study, it is common for HIIT workouts to be much shorter than the traditional exercise sessions. This is because HIIT allows you to burn about the same amount of calories, but spend less time exercising. HIIT may help you burn more calories than traditional exercise, or burn the same amount of calories in a shorter amount of time.
One of the ways HIIT helps you burn calories actually comes after you are done exercising. Several studies have demonstrated HIIT’s impressive ability to increase your metabolic rate for hours after exercise. Some researchers have even found that HIIT increases your metabolism after exercise more so than jogging and weight training. In
the same study, HIIT was also found to shift the body’s metabolism toward using fat for energy rather than carbs. Another study showed that just two minutes of HIIT in the form of sprints increased metabolism over 24 hours as much as 30 minutes of running.
Studies have shown that HIIT can help you lose fat. One review looked at 13 experiments and 424 overweight and obese adults. Interestingly, it found that both HIIT and traditional moderate-intensity exercise can reduce body fat and waist circumference. Additionally, one study found that people performing HIIT three times per week for 20 minutes per session lost 4.4 pounds, or 2kgs, of body fat in 12 weeks, without any dietary changes. Several other studies also indicate that body fat can be reduced with HIIT, despite the relatively low time commitment. However, like other forms of exercise, HIIT may be most effective for fat loss in those who are overweight or obese.
In addition to helping with fat loss, HIIT could help increase muscle mass in certain individuals. However, the gain in muscle mass is primarily in the muscles being used the most, often the trunk and legs. Additionally, it’s important to note that increases in muscle mass are more likely to occur in individuals who were less active to begin with. Some research in active individuals has failed to show higher muscle mass after HIIT programs. Weight training continues to be the “gold standard” form of exercise to increase muscle mass, but high-intensity intervals could support a small amount of muscle growth.
HIIT can improve oxygen consumption. Oxygen consumption refers to your muscles’ ability to use oxygen, and endurance training is typically used to improve your oxygen consumption. Traditionally, this consists of long sessions of continuous running or cycling at a steady rate. However, it appears that HIIT can produce the same benefits in a shorter amount of time. One study found that five weeks of HIIT workouts performed four days per week for 20 minutes each session improved oxygen consumption by 9%. This was almost identical to the improvement in oxygen consumption in the other group in the study, who cycled continuously for 40 minutes per day, four days per week. HIIT can reduce heart rate and blood pressure. HIIT may have important health benefits as well. A large amount of research indicates that it can reduce heart rate and blood pressure in overweight and obese individuals, who often have high blood pressure. One study found that eight weeks of HIIT on a stationary bike decreased blood pressure as much as traditional continuous endurance training in adults with high blood pressure. In this study, the endurance training group exercised four days per week for 30 minutes per day, but the HIIT group only exercised three times per week for 20 minutes per day. Some researchers have found that HIIT may even reduce blood pressure more than the frequently recommended moderate-intensity exercise. However, it appears that high-intensity exercise does not typically change blood pressure in normal weight individuals with normal blood pressure.
Blood sugar can be reduced by HIIT programs lasting less than 12 weeks. A summary of 50 different studies found that not only does HIIT reduce blood sugar, but it also improves insulin resistance more than traditional continuous exercise. Based on this information, it is possible that high-intensity exercise is particularly beneficial for those at risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, some experiments specifically in individuals with type 2 diabetes have demonstrated the effectiveness of HIIT for improving blood sugar.
There are many ways to add high-intensity intervals to your exercise routine, so it isn’t hard to get started. To begin, you just need to choose your activity (running, biking, jumping, etc.) Then you can experiment with different durations of exercise and recovery, or how long you are performing intense exercise and how long you are recovering.
Here are a few examples of HIIT workouts:
• Using a stationary bike, pedal as hard and fast as possible for 30 seconds. Then, pedal at a slow, easy pace for two to four minutes. Repeat this pattern for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Perform squat jumps as quickly as possible for 30 to 90 seconds. Then, stand or walk for 30 to 90 seconds. Repeat this pattern for 10 to 20 minutes.
While these examples can get you started, you should modify your own routine based on your own preferences. In summary, high-intensity interval training is a very efficient way to exercise, and may help you burn more calories than you would with other forms of exercise.
Some of the calories burned from high-intensity intervals come from a higher metabolism, which lasts for hours after exercise.
Overall, HIIT produces many of the same health benefits as other forms of exercise in a shorter amount of time. These benefits include lower body fat, heart rate and blood pressure. HIIT may also help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
So, if you are short on time and want to get active, consider trying high-intensity interval training.
Golf and Pilates might not seem like a natural partnership. But, in fact, the emphasis in Pilates on rotation, spine flexibility and trunk stability means that players – both professional and recreational – can gain a lot from practicing this method.
Not forgetting that Pilates can help golfers with injury prevention and injury recovery. With each repetitive movement – rotate, tilt, shift and extend – taken on a drive, golfers put themselves at risk of overusing particular muscles. This is where Pilates for golf becomes an attractive solution.
In this article, we talk about the benefits of Pilates for golf and give golfers simple Pilates exercises they can do from the comfort of their home.
Having core strength in golf is just as important as any other activity. One way to improve performance, longevity and reduce the risk of injury is by training and strengthening the core.
Golf is centered around rotation of the body and driving power from the ground, through your core to the club and the ball. With a stronger core comes increased power and, therefore a more powerful, controlled swing.
Not only that, a strong core, impacts so many other factors like improving your posture and lessening the pressure on your back and neck which often causes acute back pain.
Flexibility is one of, if not, the most important factor in becoming a successful golfer. The ability to get a good rotation between the shoulder and hip is the difference between executing a compact, powerful swing or not.
Flexibility enables golfers to reach a full range of motion which in turn allows you to reach maximum potential strength and distance.
Body balance and stability creates a good foundation for golfers to execute an effective swing with power behind it.
The success behind your swing lies in the control over overall range of motion and the coordinated rotation of the body, predominantly, the shoulders and the hips. This is not possible without balance and stability from the pelvis.
Pilates helps with pelvic and spine alignment so that you’re able to transition through movements with ease and control. In Pilates, this is done by lengthening tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles and engaging the deep core muscles to increase pelvic and spine stability and improve muscular imbalances.
Pilates is lesser known for its ability to effectively help individuals in their injury rehabilitation and injury prevention.
Clinical Pilates, in particular, can help with all kinds of rehabilitation from acute shoulder pain to chronic back pain. This is largely down to the holistic approach of Pilates which focuses on the entire body to treat any imbalances which may be creating compensatory patterns. Using unilateral movements, Pilates aims to develop even muscles on either side of the body to reduce unnecessary pressure on overcompensating muscles.
Pilates also helps to correct postural problems which can often cause injury. A poor posture leads to both shortened and weak muscles; Pilates focuses on lengthening and strengthening muscles, particularly the core, which is great for alignment.
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Recently skyrocketing oil and gas prices, continued record inflation, and the first of a potential slew of interest rate hikes have led some experts to wonder if a recession is on the horizon. Although the Covid-19 recession from February to April 2020 was significantly shorter than the average recession (the average is 11 months according to a Jan. 2022 report from the Congressional Research Service), there have been long-ranging financial effects for many Americans.
Some households were able to weather the pandemic thanks to job security and stimulus payments. Others may still be rebuilding their finances in a post-vaccination landscape. Regardless of which camp you’re in, if you lived through the Great Recession or any of its predecessors, even the faintest rumors of a recession may have you nervous about your financial health.
You can’t predict the future, but you can take steps to fortify your finances so you’re prepared in the event of a downturn.
The U.S. economy goes through cyclical patterns, with good and bad periods both inevitable. But the growing economy (generally measured as the gross domestic product, or GDP) and strong labor
market are two major indicators that our economy is in good shape, and a recession is not imminent. Raising rates to tamp down inflation, as the Federal Reserve plans to do several times this year, will slow growth, but it doesn’t guarantee a recession will happen.
But it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard, especially when it comes to your money. Some people are still feeling the scars of the financial crisis of 2007 to 2009. Millennials entering their careers during that period discovered the worst job market in 80 years, Annie Lowrey noted for the Atlantic in 2019, and have struggled to build wealth ever since.
Tom Blower, CFP, a senior financial advisor at Fiduciary Financial Investors in Grand Rapids, Michigan, can vividly recall the experience of working with clients in 2008 and 2009 who were experiencing job loss and watching their investment portfolios lose value. “Each recession is a little different, but history has a way of repeating itself,” he says. “I always remind my clients not to think in terms of ‘this time is different’,” and he discourages them from trying to time the market.
You may not be able to fully protect yourself from the impact of a recession. But bolstering your finances when you have the money to do so can soften the blow when a downturn develops.
“Use the highs to get your financial house in order, so when the lows come it’s simply a minor inconvenience rather than a crisis,” says Tania Brown, CFP, a financial coach at financial technology nonprofit SaverLife.
Though conventional wisdom recommends having three to six months of your essential
expenses tucked away in an emergency fund, the pandemic has led some people to try to save more—up to a year’s expenses, in some cases. Whether you’re a super saver or having a hard time catching up after pandemic hardships, it’s more important to focus on the habit of saving than the exact amount in your bank account. Brown suggests reframing success as progress, rather than a final achievement. “Saving $5 when you didn’t think you could, to me, is a much bigger victory that will lead to your ultimate goal,” she says. That’s one thing Emmanuel Henson, CFP, founder and president of Gamma Wealth Management based in Towson, Maryland, often has to explain to clients: Your emergency fund is there for you to use. “Some people have a hard time coming to grips that they had to raid their funds and they take it personally,” Henson says. But when emergencies like health issues and layoffs crop up, “You don’t owe anyone an explanation.” Remember that if you need to deplete your emergency savings at some point, you’ll eventually be able to rebuild that fund.
If you already have an emergency fund, it’s time to focus on paying down debt. You don’t need to make plans to pay off your mortgage in 10 years instead of 30, nor do you need to make huge student loan payments when federal loans are still in forbearance. But any debt that has an interest rate in the double digits or has a variable rate is worth trying to get off your plate as soon as possible. “Credit cards have variable rates that are already going up,” warns Jay Zigmont, a CFP and founder of financial advising firm Live, Learn, Plan based in Water Valley, Mississippi. The Federal Reserve anticipates raising rates several times in 2022, which will lead credit card issuers to raise variable interest rates. The average credit card APR has been steady at about 16% for the past few years. If APRs start to creep up, you’ll have to work harder to keep interest from accumulating on your balance. That’s just the national average—if you have less-than-perfect credit, you could easily pay an average of 25% APR right now. If you can hack away and pay off your credit card or installment loan balances now, you can avoid having to use your emergency fund to pay those bills if there’s a sudden change to your financial situation.
It may be hard to save on necessities in categories where inflation has caused prices to rise dramatically. Instead of worrying about each nickel and dime you spend, take a look at your overall lifestyle. Is there anything you can cut
back on that you won’t really miss? If you’ve gotten a raise during the pandemic, you may have found yourself spending that additional money thoughtlessly rather than saving it or putting it toward your financial priorities. Or you might realize the money you’ve saved by no longer having a daily commute is going toward more takeout and delivery meals It’s easier to cut back on expenses when you’re thinking about optimizing your finances, rather than when you’re in a defensive situation—like dealing with a loss of income.
“People have gotten used to a high-growth, lowinterest environment, which has resulted in lifestyle creep for many,” Zigmont says. “When you add in stimulus payments and student loan forbearance, the result is that many people are living beyond their means and need to adjust before times get hard.” Ryan Phillips, CFP, founder of GuidePoint Financial Planning in Reston, Virginia, encourages clients not to overextend themselves during the good times. These days especially, he urges caution for those considering big-ticket purchases like a house or car, or clients planning a home renovation project. “Given current supply chain and inventory issues, there is a risk in overpaying for some of these items,” he says. Lumber prices, for example, increased 150% during the pandemic. “When a recession ultimately strikes, these are the things we cannot go back and undo.”
You may not be ready to take part in the Great Resignation and make a big career change. But even if you’re happy with your current job situation, it’s always a good idea to keep your resume updated. If you lose your job due to a large economic event, a strong resume may make it easier to bounce back or pivot to a new career. “Take ownership of your career,” Brown says. “Take full advantage of free courses and certifications to keep your skills updated. Refresh your LinkedIn profile so you are always job-ready.” And while the job market is hot, it’s a good time to make sure you’re getting paid what you deserve. Research the market rate for your role and advocate for a raise if necessary. Then, put that surplus money to work strengthening your financial safety net.
JAN 19-21 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai
Ka’upulehu-Kona, HI
FEB 9-11 Trophy Hassan II Rabat, MAR
FEB 17-19
Chubb Classic
Naples, FL
MAR 3-5 Cologuard Classic Tucson, AZ
MAR 17-19 Hoag Classic
MAR 24-26
APR 21-23
APR 28-30
MAY 5-7
Newport Beach, CA
The Galleri Classic Rancho Mirage, CA
Invited Celebrity Classic Irving, TX
Insperity Invitational
The Woodlands, TX
Mitsubishi Electric Classic Duluth, GA
MAY 11-14 Regions Tradition Birmingham, AL
MAY 25-28
KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Frisco, TX
JUN 2-4 Principal Charity Classic Des Moines, IA
JUN 9-11 American Family Insurance Championship Madison, WI
JUN 23-25
DICK’S Sporting Goods Open Endicott, NY
JUN 29-JUL 2 U.S. Senior Open Championship
JUL 13-16
JUL 27-30
AUG 11-13
AUG 18-20
AUG 25-27
SEP 8-10
SEP 15-17
SEP 22-24
OCT 6-8
OCT 13-15
OCT 20-22
NOV 3-5
NOV 9-12
Stevens Point, WI
Kaulig Companies Championship Akron, OH
The Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex Bridgend, WAL
Boeing Classic
Snoqualmie, WA
Shaw Charity Classic Calgary, AB, CAN
The Ally Challenge
Grand Blanc, MI
Ascension Charity Classic St. Louis, MO
Sanford International Sioux Falls, SD
PURE Insurance Championship
Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS
Monterey Peninsula, CA
Jacksonville, FL
SAS Championship Cary, NC
Dominion Energy Charity Classic
TimberTech Championship
Charles Schwab Cup Championship
Richmond, VA
Boca Raton, FL
Phoenix, AZ
NOV 29-DEC 2 2023 PGA TOUR Champions Qualifying Tournament-Final Stage Scottsdale, AZ
DEC 14-17
PNC Championship
Orlando, FL
