Expert Advice

ASK THE EXPERT

BY PAUL LEAHY

WITH THE POPULARITY OF GOLF IN THE COUNTRY CONTINUING TO BOOM THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS DO FEEL THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS COULD SUPPORT ANOTHER GOLF

COURSE? — Anthony G., Sunrise Beach

As a course operator myself I am not sure another course is viable currently. The Lake area is definitely growing and more and more people are living here full time or for longer time frames. The issue is cost. It is very expensive to build and maintain a golf course, plus land acquisition in this market currently is extremely high, as evident by the housing market. Most facilities have inventory available even during the busy weekends of summer.

The local courses have certainly seen an increase in play over the past couple of years and we anticipate that continuing for a few more years. The issue is still the four to five months of unpredictable weather and lack of visitors coming to the area to play golf in the off-season. The courses do very well in peak season but until there is more demand during the other months of the

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year or inventory becomes so limited during the summer months, I don’t foresee another facility being built soon … but never say never.

HOW MANY TIMES HAS ST. ANDREWS HOSTED THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP?

— John. G., Tipton

The Open Championship has been contested 29 times at St. Andrews since 1873. This July, the 150th Open Championship will be held at St. Andrews marking the 30th time it has hosted, the most of any course on the rotation. Currently every five years the Championship is contested at the Old Course at St. Andrews. Fourteen courses have hosted the championship over the past 149 years. This year’s Champion will join such greats as Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods by hoisting the Claret Jug as Champion at the Old Course.

I HAVE STARTED TO SHANK THE BALL. HOW CAN I CAN FIX THIS AND WHY DOES IT HAPPEN TO ME IN THE FIRST PLACE?

— Carl S., Camdenton

We never want to say the “S” word out loud. It is bad luck for any golfer, but I can feel your pain. I have hit a few myself, but thankfully have never had a bad case of them. The best players in the world hit them sometimes.

In the PGA Championship this year eventual winner Justin Thomas hit one in the final round on the par-3 sixth hole, before going on to win the tournament in a play-off. This shot occurs when the hosel of the clubface hits the ball causing it to veer to the right for a right-handed player. Many times it is caused by dragging the club too far to the inside exposing the hosel of the club as you swing through. If it happens on the course, think about moving the handle of the club and the club head in the same direction on the backswing to elevate that club getting to far behind you. This shot also occurs when the club is swung too much out to in, or when we cast the hands at the top of the swing and come over the top as it’s called. Try laying a head cover a few inches from the ball, on the outside, and if you come over the top you will hit the head cover. Eventually you will adjust and swing the club without hitting the cover and the ball will fly long and straight.

There are some great videos online that describe some of these drills in great detail. Don’t get discouraged. These too shall pass!

Paul Leahy is a PGA Golf Professional and the Director of Golf at Margaritaville Lake Resort.

COVER STORY

OUR FAVORITE SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Your guide for what to do to make this a memorable summer at the Lake.

Story by CHARIS PATIRES

Ahhhh... summer. For most people it means tan lines, dock days, coving out and barbecues. The Lake has a lot to offer so we’ve compiled a list of things to do this season to make it your most memorable one yet.

Rain or shine, we’ve got enough ideas to keep you busy so make sure to get out and about this season.

On the Water

ICE CREAM: If you hear a train whistle while out on the Lake this summer, you might want to keep an eye out. It means the LOTO Ice Cream Boat is in the neighborhood.

It is the third season owners John and Krista Congdon have been taking out their pontoon equipped with two solar powered freezers packed with a variety of flavors of ice cream and custard. They have a designated route for certain days, but Krista posts a way for people to track their location on Facebook so that anyone can find were they are. On Mondays they typically stop by resorts from the 8 to 22-mile markers. On Wednesdays the route is along the Big and Little Niangua. On Fridays stops are at Captain Ron’s and Bear