The masters of golf can drive a ball from here to
eternity, but it all boils down to how many strikes of
the ball it takes to put the ball in the hole. The
long accurate drives dont amount to anything if
youre unable to putt accurately.

Choosing a putter is important, but using whatever
putter you have consistently is more so. Ive had the
same putter for fifteen years; I know what it feels
like in my hand, I know its weight and how that plays
into my putts.

Putting takes lots of practice. Typically, we drive
the ball eighteen times in a game, but putt at least
double that number. Doesnt it stand that we should
practice our putting at least twice as much as
driving? If you cant get to the practice green
regularly, practice on your carpet at home.

Keep in mind that no ball can make it into the hole if
it doesnt have enough power behind the ball to get
there. Take the time to get down and look at the path
from your ball to the hole; does it slant one way or
the other? Is it uphill or downhill?

Stand with your feet spread for balance and line up
the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders
completely still; imagine that you are a bobble head
but you move from just below your chest. Keep your
head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep
your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady-the
movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball,
following it with your club.

Learn from each putt and remember the lesson.
Practice, practice, practice!

The green-eyed monster of envy consumes us as we
wonder if we could ever hope to drive like that.
Fortunately, long drives are not the be-all-end-all
game of golf.

Enter the short game. Without good short game skills,
all the long drives are for naught.

The short game is those shots that get us onto the
green from about one hundred feet out, be it from the
fairway, a bunker, the rough or a drop zone and
includes chips, sand shots and pitches.

This is where your higher numbered clubs would be
used, as well as your pitching iron, sand wedge or lob
wedge.

Most golf courses have practice areas as well as a
driving range. Spend some time working on hitting your
ball onto the green from different distances. Aim for
a ten-foot circle in the center of the green at first.
Experiment using your wedges; what works for someone
else, might not work for you and your particular
swing.

After you get accustomed to doing this drill
consistently, its time to spend some time in a sand
trap. Knowing how to get the ball out of a trap will
cut your score.

Plant your feet firmly into the sand, with your left
foot turned toward the hole. Imagine a 4-inch circle
around the ball and try to hit the edge of the circle
that is away from the ball.

Take lots of sand with your ball and swing completely.
Dont decelerate at all when or after you hit the
ball. It should pop up onto the green and stop. This
doesnt work unless the sand is very soft and powdery.
On hard surfaces, you might need to avoid actually
hitting the sand.

As in all aspects of the game, only practice will help
you to improve.

Each hole has a different difficulty level, different
par and distinctive hazards, so instructing you to use
your Driver on every tee would be blatantly wrong.

This is something you will learn over time as you
learn the various shots you make according to the
club, the placement of the ball and your personal
swing.

Generally speaking, the lower the club number, the
longer and lower your ball will go. A 4-iron shot will
travel long and low and will most likely roll, whereas
a 9-iron shot will have much more loft and go less
distance both in the air and on the ground.

The professionals on television make it look so easy;
they consistently hit the ball long and straight and
never miss-hit the ball making it dribble ten feet, or
completely miss the ball.

Driving is very important to the game, and many hours
spent at the driving range will help improve your
distance. Experiment with the same club to see what
works for you if you move the ball forward or backward
in your stance. Take a lesson, if possible, and learn
the proper swing from the beginning.

Mastering the long game helps you get to the green in
fewer strokes, keeping your score and frustration
level down. Remember that it takes a long time to
learn consistency and remember to have fun!

There are many golf bags available, some designed for
fashion, some for utility and some that combine both
features. There are big bags, bigger bags and bags so
big that they would keep everything I need for a long
weekend vacation in one of the side pockets!

Generally speaking, you need a bag just large enough
to hold your clubs, extra balls, your glove, tees, car
keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever,
sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large umbrella.

It is also a good idea to have a packet of tissues, a
band-aid or two, and if you play courses where insects
are a problem, a can of bug repellent comes in very
handy.

A small pack of baby wipes come in very handy; in your
bag they get warmed by the heat, so when you get
sweaty or a sand trap covered you with sand, a nice
warm wipe can be very refreshing.

I happen to be allergic to bees, hornets and wasps, so
my Epipen is an important addition to my bag. I am
also hypoglycemic so I carry Lifesavers, which has to
be replaced several times throughout the year because
they tend to melt.

One item that doesnt need to be in your golf bag is
your cell phone. If you must carry it, turn off the
ringer as a courtesy to other players. If you must use
it, be aware of others who might be taking a swing or
putting their ball. Be considerate!

Having these items in your golf bag should provide
everything you will need, even in a minor emergency
(like a blister) or a major inconvenience, like a
sudden rainstorm. Being prepared makes the game a
great deal more fun.

Why has golf become so popular? Its the opportunity
to be outside, to get a good whole body workout,
network with friends or business colleagues at a
leisurely pace, and to play a game that you can never
perfect.

Your scorecard, over time, shows your improvement,
which keeps you playing again and again.

Here is a very basic lesson in golf for the person who
has no clue about the game.

Golf is played on an eighteen-hole course; each hole
has its par, which is the number of tee shots
(drives), fairway shots, chips (short hits as you
approach the green), and putts.

The par number is based on the length and difficulty
of the hole. Pars range from 3 to 6. If you get the
ball in the hole in five shots on a par five hole, you
made par. If it took you six shots, its called a
bogie, if you made it in four, its a birdie.

There are usually hazards of some sort on all the
holes. Bodies of water, sand traps, and trees are
strategically placed to make the hole more
challenging. Beginner golfers should seek to find
courses to play that are easier to play, with fewer
hazards.

Each player keeps their own score, marking the number
of total number of shots for each hole. At the end,
each person adds their scores-the lowest number is the
winner.

It is important for beginner golfers to not take
themselves too seriously. It takes a long time to get
good at this game; even though the professionals make
it look so easy.

Take a lesson or two at the onset; it will help you
develop a proper swing and help you get off to a good
start.

Remember that its just a game. Have fun and look at
the big picture-youre outside and youre not at work!