07/23/08
BUSY-NESS VS BUZZY-NESS

BUSY-NESS VS BUZZY-NESS

I’ve had some time recently to slow down because my doctor hasn’t released me yet to resume my normal activities! With more time – to sit and sip my coffee from the back porch – I’ve seen some problems with the manner in which I was spending time prior to my knee surgery.

Typically, on my days off from work, I was filling my schedule up to the brim with what I call “buzzy-ness.” I buzzed from activity to activity, like a frenetic bee. And, like a very busy bee, I was drawn by the appeal of the various “flowers” available. In my case, these include sports, activities with friends, shopping for grandchildren, working in the garden, etc. But, after a day of buzzing around too many activities, I often realized I haven’t really enjoyed the day. Instead of feeling fulfilled, I was simply exhausted.

I think we need to be busy. It’s good for mental health. Now, I know it’s also not good for us to be “buzzy.” I hope I’ll remember that as my knee heals and I am released to the whole range of activities once again!

Blog by Dr. Kendra Brown

07/22/08
Practice for a better game

Just recently one of my students said, “I’m great on the driving range, but I can’t seem to bring it to the golf course.” I’ve seen this student spend many hours on the driving range and the putting green, but she wasn’t able to hit the ball the same way when she played. I asked her about her practice routine and found that she hit a lot of golf balls, but didn’t repeat the same routine as she did on the golf course. Hitting 50 golf balls one after the other with no target or pre-shot routine doesn’t prepare you to play the game on the golf course.

When practicing golf, make it more “game like.” On the driving range you can picture a golf course in your mind and play the course. Hit your driver and based on how you hit the shot, choose your next club. Maybe a 3-wood would be the next club, then a pitching wedge. Go through your pre-shot routine for each and every swing and pick a target. If the next hole is a par 3, pick the club you usually hit there and put it on the tee. If you hit it great, move on to the next hole. If you think you would have missed the green, take out the club you would use to get it on the green.

By making your practice time more like being on the golf course you’ll transition better from the practice area and then score better. When you are practicing your short game, take one ball and chip it on to the green and then go putt until you make it. You won’t hit as many golf balls with this type of practice, but it will certainly prepare you better for the game of golf.

Have fun and play well!

Debbie O’Connell
LPGA Professional
Winner 2007 Nancy Lopez Golf Achievement Award

07/21/08
Temper, Temper, Temper

I suffer from temper on the golf course....I think we all do. I never met a person in my long golf career who would still be smiling after two bad shots...maybe one but never two. What happens though is that once you get mad your swing is hard to find. Your mind is just thinking about the bad shots. I have news for you. If your mind stays on the bad shots guess what is coming next? You got it...another bad shot. It can be a miserable time on the course if you cannot control your anger...sometimes one bad shot can ruin your whole day on the course.

So what should you do to turn your anger around? Let me give you this tip. When a bad shot occurs and you feel your attitude beginning to turn to the dark side...let it. That's right, let it, but for 10 seconds only. For 10 seconds you can call yourself names, swear to yourself, look up to the heavens for help, whatever it takes...but after 10 seconds let that bad shot disappear from your mind and begin again, focused on your game. Once you begin to settle yourself down you will realize that it was only one shot. There are so many birdies out there for you to write down on that scorecard.

So remember, it is OK to let yourself be mad, but only for 10 seconds.

Lynn Stellman
CEO
Ladies Links Fore Golf

07/19/08
Here’s to Smart Choices

Most of you may already know that after August 2008, Golf for Women magazine is going out of business, calling it quits. This is just another sign that online is here to stay. More companies are saving money by making all services available over the internet, eliminating print costs. Golf for Women magazine had over 600,000 subscribers and now they will all need a place to turn to.

Thank goodness we have a place for these people to continue getting the necessary information as female golfers. Ladies Links Fore Golf provides a convenient 24 hour venue to the female golfer by staying current in the ever changing world of golf. We are proud to be that link.

Thank you for being forward thinking and moving to our internet communication. We value you and your business. If you have a suggestion for our site or would like specific items mentioned please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of our team.

One thing we know for sure, change is inevitable!

Teresa Zamboni
2007 National Teacher of the Year
www.ladieslinksforegolf.com

07/18/08
New England Golf

I have lived in Florida for ten years, and grew up in Marshfield, MA the 25 years prior to that. I never picked up a golf club until two years ago. So my experiencing golfing has really only been Florida style.

For many years my father has lived on a golf course, and never once did I even think about the sport. So I am still here in Massachussetts on vacation, and I get a call from a friend to play at Marshfield Country Club. Little did I know that it was the one directly behind my dad’s house. I was in heaven with all the serene landscaping. The rolling hills, ancient trees, the 80 degree day without humidity (yes Floridians, it does exist) were so magnificent. What a different style of golfing.

To say the least, I enjoyed the day more than I did my score. If you are not from New England, and you get the opportunity to golf on one of these beautiful courses, don’t pass it up. It was well worth lugging the clubs for. Oh and FYI- most airlines now only let you check one bag. So I made my little three year old lug her suitcase on the plane so I could fit my clubs (priorities!)


Laurie Grissman, ARNP