Why Book a South African Golf Holiday?

What Makes South Africa a Good Golf Destination

South Africa is still a bit of a secret amongst golfing enthusiasts worldwide. South Africa has over 450 golf courses, and a number of these golf courses are truly world class. Some of the world best golfers have created signature courses in South Africa, including Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Ernie Els and Annika Sorenstam. Golf is an extremely popular sport in South Africa, and this is due to a large part to the ideal climate that exists in South Africa, and golf can be played throughout the year in most parts of the country.

For the international tourist, a South African golf holiday is financially attractive. This is due to the favorable exchange rate of the South African Rand. Visitors can play world class golf courses under the spectacular African sun, and the green fees will be a fraction of what you would expect to pay in America or Europe. Add to this the cheaper accommodation rates, cheaper restaurants and cheaper travel, and one can see why South African golf holidays are gaining in popularity. For South African accommodation, have a look at the GolfLinx Where to Stay Guide for South Africa.

Because South Africa has a large variety of golf courses, a South African golf holiday can be really interesting and a memorable experience. Numerous coastal golf courses offer the golfer dramatic views of South Africa’s oceans, as well as a tough challenge of golf – especially when it’s windy. The bushveld courses offer the unique experience playing golf in the African bush, and the opportunity to see some South African wildlife during a round of golf. For more information about the top golf courses in South Africa, have a look at the Top 100 Golf Courses in South Africa (Golf Digest).

Besides golf, South Africa boasts many tourist attractions. The many miles of unspoilt and exotic beaches provide ample opportunities to relax and soak up the sun. There are many safe swimming beaches that are protected by shark nets. A major tourist attraction is the numerous game reserves that exist throughout South Africa. There are 17 South African national parks, and also many private game reserves. Many visitors come to South Africa to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo), which can be seen in many game reserves throughout the country. South Africa’s spectacular mountain ranges are another popular tourist attraction, and offer many scenic hiking and backpacking trails. Wine lovers cannot afford to miss the Western Cape’s world renowned wine routes.

There are many tour operators that specialize in South African golf holidays. Type the search ‘south african golf tours’ into Google to get a list of tour operators to help you plan a memorable South African golf holiday.

 

For more information about South African golf courses, accommodation, news and links, take a look at GolfLinx.co.za – The Golf Directory for South Africa.

 

Natural Golf Tips

Golf tips are often welcomed by the most avid of golfers. This article will suggest some natural golf tips. Natural golf tips will help you with the game mentally as well as physically.

The first of these natural golf tips has to do with the mental aspect of the game. The second of these natural golf tips that is in the mental attitude area is to learn how to play even if you are not relaxed. A third tip in the area of natural golf tips has to do with positive self-talk. Now some natural golf tips that will help you improve your game. Natural golf tips for all golfers include practice. Practice makes perfect and natural golf tips in this category include time to practice your swing, chipping and putting.

There are natural golf tips for those who have problems with certain aspects of the game like stance or driving. You can use natural golf tips involving drills that will help your performance.

If you are looking for natural golf tips and need some lessons you can sign up at the golf course or talk to a pro.

Natural golf tips abound and you should have no trouble finding as many as you need.

There are good golf tips and bad golf tips. The question is, “how do you decide which golf tips to listen to?”

Whenever we play together he is constantly asking for tips and advice about his swing.

It is my belief that you should only give a player a golf tip if you are sure that it will fit in with the rest of his swing. I have seen far too many players lose their swings when trying to adopt a golf tip which simply does not fit in with everything else that goes on when they swing the club.

It is my belief that your aim should be to groove a golf swing that will give you streams of straight and long golf shots by modelling your swing on one set of advice. There are certain golf tips which are universally sound, like, “keep your head still.” The point is that the golf tip didn’t fit in with the rest of his swing.

                                                                                    

Save Your Golf Club From This Economy By Not Following The Traditional Methods of Marketing!

Golf clubs across the country are closing down and going out of business across the United States at a extremely shocking rate. Florida, the state with more golf clubs than any other state, is seeing this more and moreas time goes on. A lot of these “failing” golf clubs are blaming the economy, and some are blaming the current state of golf in general; but I see things differently.

The golf industry is behind the times in almost every aspect of running a business in this day and age. Most golf courses still have a website that provides no information, it does not collect any data from people visiting it, and looks like something that my 12 year old daughter could create in a few hours. These golf clubs need to embrace technology and develop a website that both promotes AND generates business. There are a handful of golf marketing businesses that specifically create websites to help generate more business for golf resorts and their individual needs, why aren’t more clubs taking advantage of them?

Another way the golf industry is behind the times is plainly marketing in general. Look at how much golf courses are promoting themselves. Are they even realizing the amount of effort that their current staff is putting into promoting their golf club? The average golf courses do the following things which they call “marketing”.

• They place an ad in the local newspaper showing how they just discounted the price. This only gets them into discount wars with their competition which only causes them to lose MORE money. They should instead find something that shows that they excel at, create a unique sales proposition out of it, and start promoting their course for what they do best.
• They place an ad in the yellow pages and local phone book that unfortunately looks like every other ad within the book and it draws no attention to the club. Honestly, with the invention of search engines such as Google and the amount of people who use the internet these days, how many people do you think still use the phone book to find information when they could just power up their computer, type in a search term, and have the answer to their question quickly? The answer is that phone book usage is dropping by 10% almost every year because of new technology! These clubs that are spending thousands of dollars a year on this single ad could be directing that extra money towards something more beneficial such as a website or direct mail campaign like I mentioned above
• They place an ad in the local penny saver.  Once again, something that is proven to be ineffective in this day and age. Instead they should be looking into fusion marketing techniques and working with other local businesses to promote their golf course. They could easily go to the local Porsche dealer and give away a free round of golf with every car purchase. Not only will the dealership easily accept this offer, but it will get new people, with MONEY, at the course and they will easily make up the lost green fee revenue by the new players paying for a cart fee or eating after the round at the club house. They will even convert a certain quantity of these players into returning players, which will help increase the residual income of the club. Think about that for a second, if they charge forty dollars a round, and the new players plays on average ten times a year, they just made an extra four hundred dollars off green fees alone. If you get 20 new players a year from the car dealership that’s an extra $8,000 a year from a simple green fee promotion with a car dealership!

Another way golf communities are slowly killing themselves is with real estate. A lot of golf communities that were doing well in the early 2000’s are now drowning in a sea of debt because of unsold lots, unsold homes, and not enough members. What can they do to help fix this problem? Let’s look at what Juliette Falls, which is a Florida Golf Resort, in Dunnellon did. They first got a good website from a company named Legendary Marketing. They built their website into something that looks fantastic and promotes exactly what they do. Well guess what, the economy tanked and now they have over 40 homes that are in the price range of $500,000 to more than a million and no one was buying them. How do they turn this around? They came up with an astonishing promotion that is how! At Juliette Falls you can stay in a Amazing Golf Home worth over a million dollars, play a round of golf, enjoy the onsite spa and eat at a fancy restaurant for $199 a night. If they sell only one night for every day of the year, that is over $70,000 in additional revenue for the resort AND they get new prospects and leads at the course every single day which they can use to promote to in the future! Why aren’t all the golf communities thinking this way?

As you can see, the golf industry is slowing killing itself by being behind the times in technology, marketing, real estate and a host of other things that will be addressed in a future article. If you’re a member of a golf course, or even better part of the members committee, stand up and bring attention to the actions your course is taking. Tell your club they need to break the mold of what they have been doing. Make them think outside the comfort zone! Make your golf management company become accountable for the actions the club takes! It may be the only thing left that can save your golf resort!

Six Keys to Selecting The Right Golf School

 

There are many criteria to selecting the school that is worthy of the investment, and this is not an exhaustive list.

 

1) Golfing style 

As with any topic or subject matter to learn, golf can be played in many styles. Some play aggressively, others, like me, more conservatively. But you must choose a school or instructor that matches you ultimately.

 

Your skills, your personality, your style.

 

2) Problem areas  

I have trouble with slicing. Consistently I found my shots slice to the right. You, to be sure, has minimum one issue with your game or specific shots.    You may want to find a school to address and help correct that shortcoming. If you come back from a long weekend and your slice has vanished, you would have had time (and money) well spent.

 

3) Instructor to class-size ratio 

This is a personal preference item. Some people learnt in a group setting (even craze the interaction). It might also depend on what you are trying to gain from school which one you actually choose.

 

4) Price 

If you improve your game, and thus your enjoyment,  golf is your life and no amount of money is too much. For other, there was big obstacle. If you are considering golf school then you know that most start above $1500. This is some “big name” instructors offering half day lessons for $10,000.

 

If you are price sensitive then, by all means, do not forget to add in travel, lodging, and food costs. Many times this “incidental” could double the overall costs.

 

5)  Proximity 

What is your traveling distance? Is your schedule tight so slipping off in 100 miles for a half day lesson is all you can squeeze. One plus of keeping tabs on those schools “in your own backyard” is when these offer last-minute specials you can jump on those quickly.

 

6) Length of training 

It depends, like any good consultant would answer. It depend on whether you are looking for a long weekend, a one day seminar, or wrapping vacation around your training. These was an important factor in choosing a school so compare wisely.

 

Explore Waccamaw Golf Trail for Best Myrtle Beach Golf!

For special Myrtle Beach golf packages, follow along the Historic Waccamaw River as you enjoy a great round or two of golf along the Waccamaw Golf Trail!

Waccamaw a name originating with the ancient Waccamaw river dwellers from North to South Carolina.The Intracoastal Waterway is known as the Waccamaw River from the North Carolina to Georgetown, South Carolina. The site of many of the old plantations and rice fields,.

Wild life abounds along this river trail and you might sight an American Black Bear, a Pileated Woodpecker or two, Black Swallowtail Butterflies as well at other unusual flora and fauna. Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park are just two year-round attractions.

No need to travel all over the state like the RTJ golf trail in Alabama, these courses are close and convenient to each other. Famous golf designers with golf course designs you’ll find hard to match. Among the award-winning golf courses on this newly instituted Waccamaw golf trail, four have been listed as “America’s Top 100 Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest, and Willbrook Plantation was named in the “Top 25 Courses for Women in America” by Golf for Women.

Award winning golf courses, some right next door to each other and all within perhaps a 15 mile area? That means convenience with a capitol “C” for you and your group of golfers.

Don’t miss TPC and Wachesaw Plantation East, as well as Gary Player’s Blackmoor at the north end of Waccamaw Golf Trail. Or travel 5 miles south to Litchfield Country Club, Tradition Club, and River Club. Just a few miles beyond that you can play Caledonia, True Blue, Pawleys Plantation and the new Founder’s Club.

What a golfing experience…these golf courses are some of the best in the Southeast as well as the Myrtle Beach area! 

Beautiful Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, has enviable views of the old rice fields from it’s club house and sometimes the comments from the porch that overlooks the 18^thhole will hassle you, but never doubt you are playing one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” as named by Golf Digest. Noted for it’s outstanding scenery, you can spot the old rice fields from the clubhouse, azaleas and magnolias will greet you in the spring. Waverly Plantation the grounds on which Caledonia was built was a working rice plantation up until about 1912. Doc Lachicotte & Wilson Springs, the founders of Caledonia can be spotted many times at the little “fish camp” just before you make the turn into the road leading to the clubhouse. True Blue Golf Course and sister to Caledonia was ranked in Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” in 2003.

Do yourself a favor and consider these super golf courses everytime you come to Myrtle Beach. It’s easy to play five or six of these golf courses in a 3 day package as they are so close to each other! Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy a different kind of golf vacation and true Southern hospitality.

Explore more information about Myrtle Beach golf that incorporates the Waccamaw Golf Trail and other great golf courses.

 

Opting Golf Equipment (Golf Lesson Series)

Golf Course Series.

Buying golf equipment can be like dumping money into a money pit, but armed with several knowledge you can keep time and money in selecting the right clubs for yourself.

As with most things in life, you can pass a lot or you can spend a little some times before you take what you truly need.

If you are first starting out and not completely sure you desire to trust to this addictive game, you should either lease clubs at the golf course, or buy a starter set of clubs.

Buying a set of began clubs enables you to become customary to them; enabling you to concentrate on your swing instead of questioning how this set of miss-matched clubs you just considered are going to work out.

As you developed improve at the game, you should place in a better set of clubs, suited to you.

Mostly, a set includes a driver, one or two fairway woods, 4-9 irons, a wedge or two and possibly a putter.

As you become more mastered and start considering about new clubs, you may want to consider buying your driver severally. Some players want a driver to give them more accuracy; some need the distance.

There are many balls available and the box will usually have a chart on the back and straight you to the proper ball for your needs. As you learn the game and get better at it, you should experiment with different balls which could improve your accuracy or length.

Having the right equipment is an essential face of the game; buy wisely. Please read more tips on our site, you’ll find a lot of more tips related with Golf Equipemtn.

Source: Golf Courses Buzz

Daily Golf Tips, Reviews, Lessons and Golf News. We are interesting at Golf Lessons, you're welcome to participate distributing your golf knowledge on our site.

 

 

Implementing Simple Golf Swing Techniques for a Better Game!

If your golf game is suffering, chances are you're not applying the proper golf swing techniques. Yes, you do need to be practicing the right clubs for your body type and powers and for all particular hole you're facing, but usually your swing is the key element to the achiever or failure of your game.  Typically nevertheless you need to learn only a few basic golf swing techniques for a successful swing and good score; some amateur golfers make the fault of creating a complex swing for themselves and of overanalyzing each element of their swing.

You might instantly wonder why it's a fault to overanalyze your own golf swing techniques since it would appear as if this is the best way to improve.In truth, if you're overly needed with your swing itself your body will naturally tense up in order to proper what you see as being troubles with your swing.This tension will keep your body from running smoothly and you may hit the ball too hard or not hard enough, and will probably be thrown off balance as well.By thinking too much about your own golf swing techniques, you actually have the problem worse for yourself.

So how can you keep the basic golf swing techniques in mind without overwhelming yourself?  Focus on your shoulders, which is where you swing should originate.  Rotate them smoothly, and remember the barrel illustration - your swing should move in a smooth arc around as if you're standing inside a large barrel.Easy golf swing techniques involves this smooth motion so that you don't pull the club up behind you in an overly vertical path, getting it down too immediately as well.

Your forward golf swing techniques are also very serious.  Remember that barrel arc as you swing forward, and cock your wrists right at the last second.As you come around with your forward swing, your body should twist slimly so that your belly winds up heading toward the direction where you want the ball to go.  These easy golf swing techniques should help you to address your stroke and keep things basic and effective.

Of course if you have different problems you may not be able to correct them with simple golf swing techniques; frequently you need to address a particular problem as it presents itself.You may be swinging too far around, leading your body out of alignment, not twist your body enough so that it blocks the club as it comes forward, and so on.  These are common mistakes that amateur golfers make and need more advanced golf swing techniques to correct them.A golf master can point out specific errors, or you can exercise on your own and work hard to be mindful of every component of your swing.  As long as you don’t try to overcorrect your mistakes, you should have an effective swing and a great game

 

Your Golf Ball Can Affect Your Scores

This topic is dear to my heart and I have had many a discussion with Amateur members at my golf club regarding the type of golf ball they are using. The answer is nearly always the same. They use different golf balls from day to day, even to the extent of swapping golf balls midround to a different manufacturer. This can have a detrimental effect on your handicap and your ability to produce consistent golf shots.

Allow me to explain further and imagine if you will – David has just hit his second shot out of bounds on the 16th using a Top Flite XL, he then proceeds to use another golf ball this time it’s a Titleist ProV1 which he plays to the front of the green, he is now about 15 yards from the pin and takes his trusty 8 iron out and proceeds to chip the ball to the hole, it comes up about 4 yards short. Under normal circumstances David is excellent around the greens and was surprised to see his golf ball pull up short; he misses the putt then carries on with his round of golf as if nothing untoward had happened

Ok let’s back up a bit here and analyse that scenario. I am sure by now a few of you have guessed the problem, its common enough and happens thousands of times a day on golf links around the world.

When David changed his ball to a ProV1 he created the problem with his subsequent chip from in front of the green. The top Flite XL would have jumped off the face of the club with his chip and probably have gone close to the hole saving him a shot, but because he changed to the softer ProV1 (which you need to hit firmer) his chip ended up short with the subsequent missed putt costing him a valuable stroke.

All golf balls can vary in the distance they travel, the spin they create and the control you have, that is why it is no good using a different golf ball on a regular basis, especially with putting where consistency is paramount. Feel is a very important factor in golf and should not be overlooked.

The truth of the matter is you should use the same type and make of golf ball all the time. I am not saying you shouldn’t try different Golf balls but you should get used to a Golf ball and not change them on a regular basis. Especially during the course of a round. Get used to the ball you use so you can be more consistent.  I cannot stress strongly enough to you how important this will be to your future scores. Like I said earlier this is a common mistake that most of us at some time have been guilty of.

Next time you go to play check the golf balls you are carrying and make sure the ones you take out onto the course with you are all the same type and make.

Above all else enjoy this great game of golf.

« Previous Page