Golf Academy – Treetops Resort

What’s a Good Golf Handicap? Understanding Golf Handicaps by Age

TTOPSweronika — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:52:01 +0000

Golf is a game of skill, patience, and continuous improvement. One of the most talked-about aspects of the game is the golf handicap—a numerical measure of a golfer’s potential that levels the playing field among players of varying abilities. But what exactly is a good golf handicap, and how does it vary with age? Let’s dive into the details.

What Is a Golf Handicap?

A golf handicap is a number that represents a golfer’s skill level. It’s calculated based on the player’s recent golf scores and the difficulty of the courses they’ve played. The lower the handicap, the better the golfer is considered to be. This system allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly against each other.

Example:

A player with a handicap of 10 is expected to score around 10 strokes over par on an average course. If they play against someone with a handicap of 20, the lower-handicap player would give the higher-handicap player 10 strokes to even out the competition.

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What’s a Good Golf Handicap?

Determining what constitutes a good golf handicap depends on several factors, including experience and dedication to the game. Generally, a handicap of 10 or lower is considered very good and signifies a golfer who plays at a high level. However, for recreational players, a handicap between 10 and 20 is respectable and indicates solid golfing skills.

Pro Tip

If you’re aiming to improve your game, setting a goal to lower your handicap by a few strokes each year is a realistic and motivating challenge.

Average Golf Handicap by Age

Age can play a significant role in a golfer’s handicap. As players age, their physical abilities might change, which can impact their game. Here’s a look at what’s typical for various age groups:

Golfers in Their 20s and 30s

Golfers in their 20s and 30s often have the advantage of physical strength and stamina. The average handicap for this age group tends to be lower, with many players averaging around 10 – 15. This is the age range where many golfers peak, balancing experience with physical capability.

Golfers in Their 40s and 50s

As golfers enter their 40s and 50s, experience becomes a greater asset, often compensating for any loss in physical strength. The average handicap in this age group might rise slightly to around 15 – 20. However, many golfers maintain or even improve their skills, keeping their golf handicap relatively low.

Golfers in Their 60s and Beyond

For golfers in their 60s and older, maintaining a low handicap can be more challenging due to the natural aging process. The average handicap might rise to 20 or higher. Nevertheless, many seasoned golfers continue to play at a high level, using strategy and experience to their advantage.

Improving Your Golf Handicap

No matter your age or current handicap, there’s always room for improvement. Focusing on specific areas of your game, such as driving accuracy, short game, and putting, can lead to significant reductions in your handicap over time.

Tip:

Why Golf Handicaps Matter

Understanding and improving your golf handicap is about more than just bragging rights. A lower handicap opens up opportunities to compete in more advanced tournaments, play on challenging courses, and enjoy the game at a higher level. It’s a tangible measure of your progress and a motivating factor to keep honing your skills.

Whether you’re a beginning golfer striving to lower your handicap or a seasoned player looking to maintain your edge, understanding your golf handicap is key to improving your game. At Treetops Resort, we offer a variety of resources to help golfers of all ages and skill levels achieve their goals. Embrace the challenge, and see how low you can go!

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How Long Do Golf Balls Last? Understand Their Lifespan

TTOPSweronika — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:25:55 +0000

How Long Do Golf Balls Last?

Golf balls, integral to the game of golf, are meticulously designed for performance and durability. However, like any sporting equipment, they are not immune to wear and degradation over time. Understanding the lifespan of golf balls, including factors that affect their longevity and how to maximize their performance, is essential for golfers aiming to optimize their game. Let's delve into the intricacies of golf ball durability and how long they typically last.

Factors Affecting Golf Ball Longevity

How long a golf ball lasts depends on several factors, including its construction, storage conditions, usage frequency, and the environment in which it is played. Modern golf balls are typically composed of a solid core surrounded by layers of material designed to enhance distance, control, and spin. These materials can degrade over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, and even repeated impacts with club faces and surfaces on the golf course.

Shelf Life of Golf Balls

Golf balls do not have a specific expiration date like perishable goods, but they do have a shelf life influenced by storage conditions. When stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, golf balls can maintain their performance characteristics for an extended period. However, exposure to heat and humidity can accelerate the aging process, causing the materials to lose elasticity and affecting the ball's performance.

According to Foresight Sports, a leading provider of golf simulation technology, golf balls stored in optimal conditions can typically retain their performance attributes for up to 7 years. Beyond this timeframe, degradation becomes more noticeable, resulting in reduced distance, less spin control, and overall diminished performance on the course.

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Effects of Usage and Impact

How long golf balls last also depends on how frequently it is used and the intensity of play. High-speed impacts with club faces and hard surfaces, such as cart paths or trees, can cause abrasions and alter the ball's aerodynamic properties over time. Even minor scuffs and scratches can affect the ball's trajectory and spin rate, impacting a golfer's ability to control shots effectively.

Regularly inspecting golf balls for signs of wear and replacing those that show significant damage or deterioration is crucial for maintaining consistent performance during play. Professional golfers and serious amateurs often change balls more frequently to ensure optimal performance and minimize the risk of using compromised equipment.

Tips for Extending Golf Ball Longevity

To maximize the lifespan of golf balls and preserve their performance:

Store them in a cool, dry place indoors, such as a climate-controlled environment or golf bag.
Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, such as inside a car on hot days.
Rotate golf balls in use to distribute wear evenly across a set.
Clean golf balls regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris that can affect performance.
Replace golf balls that show visible signs of damage, such as cuts, scuffs, or a loss of elasticity.

While golf balls do not have an expiration date, they do have a finite lifespan influenced by various factors such as storage conditions, usage frequency, and environmental exposure. By understanding these factors and following best practices for storage and maintenance, golfers can extend the longevity of their golf balls and ensure consistent performance on the course. Whether playing recreationally or competitively, treating golf balls with care and replacing them when necessary enhances the overall golfing experience and helps players achieve their best game.

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Understanding Golf Scoring: A Beginner’s Guide to the Basics

TTOPSweronika — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 15:52:12 +0000

How Does Golf Scoring Work?

Golf, a sport known for its precision and strategy, employs a unique scoring system that can be both straightforward and intricate. Whether you're new to the game or looking to expand your understanding, grasping how golf scoring works is fundamental to enjoying the sport to its fullest. Let’s look at the basics and nuances of golf scoring, demystifying this essential aspect of the game.

Understanding Par and Stroke Play

In golf, the most common scoring format is stroke play, where each player counts the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round. Each hole on a golf course is assigned a "par" score, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the hole. Par can vary by hole and course, typically ranging from 3 (par-3) to 5 (par-5), with the total par for 18 holes usually being around 72 strokes for a standard course.

Scoring Terminology: Birdies, Eagles, and Bogeys

Golf scoring introduces colorful and somewhat mysterious terminology to describe performance relative to par. Achieving a score of one stroke under par on a hole is called a "birdie," while two strokes under par is an "eagle." Conversely, a score of one stroke over par is a "bogey," and two strokes over par is a "double bogey." These terms celebrate the tradition of golf and add a layer of excitement and achievement to the scoring process, motivating players to strive for lower scores.

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Handicap System

For fair competition among players of varying skill levels,golf utilizes a handicap system. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted according to the difficulty of the course being played. The handicap allows players to compete on an equal footing, with the lower-handicap player expected to have a higher likelihood of scoring closer to par than a higher-handicap player.

Match Play vs. Stroke Play

While stroke play is the predominant format, golf also features match play, where scoring is based on holes won or lost rather than total strokes. In match play, each hole is a separate contest, with the winner of a hole being the player who completes it in the fewest strokes (or according to specific rules if strokes are tied). Match play adds a strategic dimension as players strategize to win individual holes rather than focus solely on their total score for the round.

Understanding the Scorecard

The golf scorecard is a fundamental tool for tracking scores during a round. It typically lists each hole on the course, along with its assigned par value and the golfer's score for each hole. Additionally, scorecards may include spaces for recording strokes taken on each hole, calculating total scores, and applying handicap adjustments where applicable. Familiarizing yourself with the layout and terminology of a scorecard is essential for accurate scoring and understanding your performance throughout the round.

Golf Scoring Apps to Try

In the digital age, several golf scoring apps have emerged to simplify scorekeeping and provide additional features for golfers. Apps like Golfshot, 18Birdies, and The Grint offer functionalities such as GPS mapping, score tracking, stat analysis, and social sharing capabilities. These apps allow golfers to input scores easily, calculate handicaps in real-time, and compare performance metrics with friends and peers. Exploring these apps can enhance your golfing experience by providing insights into your game and helping you stay organized on the course.

Etiquette and Scoring Accuracy

Accuracy and integrity are paramount in golf scoring. Players are responsible for accurately recording their scores on each hole and verifying their final score at the end of the round. Adhering to golf etiquette, such as maintaining pace of play and respecting course rules, ensures a positive experience for all players and maintains the integrity of the game.

Understanding how golf scoring works is important for any golfer looking to improve their game and fully enjoy the sport. From the basics of par and stroke play to the intricacies of handicaps and match play, golf scoring combines simplicity with depth, offering a rewarding challenge for players of all skill levels. So, the next time you tee off, embrace the thrill of striving for birdies and avoiding bogeys, knowing that each score contributes to your journey as a golfer. Keep practicing, keep learning, and enjoy the journey of mastering the art of golf scoring.

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Why Golf is Played Over 18 Holes: A Historical Perspective

TTOPSweronika — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 12:36:36 +0000

Why is Golf 18 Holes? Unraveling the Tradition

Have you ever wondered why a round of golf typically consists of 18 holes? This seemingly arbitrary number has a rich and storied history deeply intertwined with the evolution of the game itself. Let's explore the origins of the classic 18, its development, and the enduring significance of the 18-hole standard in golf course design.

Historical Origins

The tradition of playing golf over 18 holes finds its roots in the historic St. Andrews Links, located in Scotland and often hailed as the "Home of Golf." Founded in the early 15th century, St. Andrews played a pivotal role in shaping the rules and traditions of golf. While the exact founding date of St. Andrews Links is not definitively documented, historical records and golf historians indicate that golf has been played on the linksland near St. Andrews for centuries. It was at St. Andrews that the 18-hole format became standardized, setting a precedent that would eventually be adopted by golf courses worldwide.

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Evolution of the 18-Hole Standard

Golf course design evolved significantly over the centuries. Initially, golf was played on courses with varying numbers of holes, ranging from as few as 7 to as many as 25. The variability in hole counts reflected the informal and evolving nature of the game during its early years. However, by the mid-1700s, there was a growing consensus among golfers and course designers in favor of a standardized number of holes for a complete round. St. Andrews officially formalized the 18-hole structure by 1764, cementing its place in golfing history.

Practical and Symbolic Significance

The decision to settle on 18 holes was influenced by a combination of practical considerations and symbolic meanings. From a practical standpoint, 18 holes provided golfers with a balanced and comprehensive test of skill and endurance, while still allowing them to complete a round within a reasonable timeframe. Symbolically, the number 18 holds cultural significance and various interpretations in numerology, adding a layer of mystique to the sport. The symmetry and rhythm of playing 18 holes contribute to the holistic experience of golf, where each hole presents a new challenge and opportunity for players to showcase their abilities.

Modern Significance

Today, the 18-hole standard is deeply ingrained in golfing culture and tournament play worldwide. Major professional tournaments, including the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship, adhere strictly to the 18-hole format. The consistency of 18 holes ensures a fair and balanced competition, where players navigate through a diverse array of landscapes, hazards, and course conditions. Each hole offers its own strategic nuances, from doglegs and bunkers to water hazards and undulating greens, testing the skills and decision-making of players at every turn.

Global Adoption and Legacy

The global adoption of the 18-hole standard speaks to its universal appeal and practicality in golf course design. Golf courses across continents have embraced this format, providing golfers of all skill levels with a consistent and challenging experience. The legacy of the 18-hole standard continues to shape the development of new courses and the renovation of existing ones, ensuring that the tradition established centuries ago at St. Andrews remains relevant and cherished in the modern era.

The choice of 18 holes in golf course design is far from arbitrary; it is a reflection of centuries of evolution, tradition, and practicality. It represents the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment, transforming every round into a journey filled with strategy, skill, and appreciation for the natural beauty of the course. So, the next time you tee off, remember that each hole carries with it a piece of golf's rich history and enduring legacy, inviting you to immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of the game.

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How To Line Up a Golf Shot

transmitid — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 11:29:01 +0000

How To Line Up a Golf Shot: An Experts Perspective

After teaching countless golf lessons over the past 25 years, I have found that the most misunderstood pre-swing fundamental is how to line up a golf shot. Misalignment frequently leads to other issues in the golf swing, resulting in bad habits. Golfers, sometimes too smart for their own good, often adapt to incorrect alignment without realizing it. Consequently, they develop swing flaws to get the ball somewhat on target. Understanding how to properly line up a golf shot is essential to avoid these pitfalls and improve overall performance.

In a nutshell, proper golf shot alignment can be summed up by picturing a set of railroad tracks. On one run of the railroad tracks is the target shot line and on the other is the body line.

Target Shot Line – This is the line the ball sits on with your clubface sitting behind the ball. The imaginary line extends from the ball to the intended target.
Body Line – This is the line that the line created from toe to toe, knee to knee, hip to hip and shoulder to shoulder should be on.

Similar to a set of railroad tracks, these two lines need to be parallel to each other for best results. If one line is not parallel to the other, that locomotive is set up for failure. This is the case for the golf swing too.

How Mistakes Are Made

This is often where the misunderstanding comes in. Often when playing with amateur golfers, I will see them step up to the ball and take their club and either align it to their hips or shoulders in an effort to get their body to point toward the intended target. However, if our body line points to the intended target and our target line also points to the intended target, those lines cannot be parallel and poor results will follow.

What happens most often when a golfer aligns their body to the intended target is that they often aim their club too far to the right of the target for a right handed player and too far left for a left handed player. When this happens, our instincts kick in and we begin to figure out a way to hit the ball at the target by pulling the shot back online. When we do this, it will not result in our best swings giving us the best results and we begin to develop poor swing habits.

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The Solution

I’ve found that the best way to combat this is to set yourself up in a station when you’re on the range which would consist of pointing an alignment stick or club at the target, then laying down an alignment stick or club that is parallel to that so you can visually line up correctly by having each toe equidistant to the alignment aid that is on the ground.

To get used to setting up correctly, you should step away from the hitting area after every ball you hit getting you used to stepping into a correct set up each time. When on the course, alignment aids are not legal to use so it’s important to develop a pre-swing routine that helps you get into the proper alignment.

Alignment Recommendation

My recommendation is to start behind the ball to envision your intended target shot line. After you’ve envisioned your target, approach the ball and be sure you align your club face first. Once your club face is aligned, set your body line parallel to the imaginary target line that you’ve created.

Alignment does take practice, repetition and every once in a while, a watchful eye from a trusted partner to check your lines. Proper golf shot alignment is one of the most important aspects to hitting consistently solid and on-target golf shots.

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Treetops Resort’s Guide to Buying New Golf Clubs

transmitid — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 15:53:21 +0000

There's never been a better time for buying new golf clubs. With manufacturers producing technologically advanced shafts, grips, and other components, today's golf clubs far surpass equipment that's three or four years old. Wondering how often you should buy new golf clubs? Regular updates can significantly enhance your game. Additionally, getting fitted for golf clubs ensures that your new gear perfectly matches your playing style.

What To Consider When Buying New Golf Clubs

Here’s what you should know about today’s golf clubs and whether it’s time to upgrade yours.

Advances in Golf Club Technology

The cycle for purchasing new golf clubs has gotten shorter because new, advanced features are always being released. Manufacturers have made huge strides in the past few years, such as:

Golf club heads have faster faces.
Golf ball flight and dispersion are much tighter.
Golf club heads are more forgiving.
Golf club shafts are more consistent.
Golf club shaft kick points are higher.
Golf grip materials are more user-friendly.

What does all this mean for both novice and advanced golfers? The golf ball will likely fly higher, straighter, and farther with much less effort from the golfer. This doesn’t mean the club can strike the golf ball properly without us, nor will it fix our golf swing flaws, but it does mean that our off-center hits will be more accurate and our on-center hits will go farther.

Is a Poor Golf Shot Caused By Golfer or Equipment

Since new golf equipment is so superior to older equipment, would it be fair to say that a poor golf shot is the old golf club’s fault? Good question. The experts at Treetops have some fairly realistic estimates based on observations and lessons.

If a golfer uses older clubs, the blame for a poor shot may be divided like this:

New golfers – 75% golf swing flaws and 25% golf equipment
Experienced golfers – 50% golf swing flaws and 50% golf equipment
Advanced golfers – 25% golf swing flaws and 75% golf equipment

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How Often Should I Buy New Golf Clubs?

If you’re an avid golfer, you should purchase a new set of golf clubs every four to five years. If you’re an infrequent golfer or you’re getting back into the game after a long hiatus, new clubs aren’t as critical to your game. Certainly, there’s no substitute for practice and professional golf instruction. Golf equipment alone will never guarantee perfect golf shots.

Factors To Consider With Fitted Golf Clubs

It’s extremely important to be properly fit for golf clubs. It’s not just a question of getting the proper length for your height. There are many equally important variables, including these:

What’s your swing speed? (determines flex)
What’s the ball speed? (determines distance)
What’s the golf ball spin rate? (determines if you need backspin control assistance)
What’s your launch angle? Does your golf ball fly too high or too low initially?
What are your dispersion and side spin? In what direction does the ball fly consistently?
What are your carry distance and overall distance?

Many factors determine the flight of a golf ball. An expert golf club fitter like those at Treetops will understand and measure all variables to select the proper golf club head, lie angle, length, shaft flex, shaft weight, shaft type, grip type, grip size, and all other critical aspects of a properly fit golf club.

Where to Get Fitted for Golf Clubs

Treetops Golf Academy Golf Instruction and Club Fitting Services

At Treetops Golf Academy, our golf instruction and club fitting services are designed to elevate your game to new heights. Our expert instructors offer personalized lessons that focus on improving every aspect of your swing, from grip to follow-through. Using cutting-edge technology, we provide comprehensive club fitting services that ensure your equipment is perfectly suited to your unique playing style.

To schedule your golf club fitting appointment with one of our pros, call the Jones Pro Shop at (989) 731-8481.

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Golf Exercises

transmitid — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 11:52:37 +0000

By Mark Hogan
PGA Head Golf Professional of Treetops

When Did You Last Utilize Golf Stretching Exercises?

Do you remember the promises you made to yourself and your golfing friends at the end of last season? Promises to play more golf in 2025 and take golf lessons to improve your game?

Well, 2025 is here, and although the golf season has started, there's still time to get your game ready. Along with taking lessons, one effective step is to incorporate golf stretching exercises. Stretches for golf can significantly enhance your flexibility and performance. Don't overlook the importance of golf exercises to limber up and improve your overall game.

How to Stretch for the Golf Swing

The golf swing has many moving parts - arms, wrists, and legs all attempting to stay connected to impact the golf ball successfully. In tandem with proper golf instruction, one of the ways to improve your golf game is to improve flexibility. Stretching exercises really help to keep your "golf" muscles loose, and this will also lengthen your golf swing, which will improve your golf shot distance.

There are three areas every golfer needs to stretch:

1. Back Stretches for Golf

The game of golf is sometimes taxing on a person's lower back. This is especially true when 1) leg muscles are tight and 2) when a golfer swings the golf club using only their upper body. To alleviate these, try adding a side-step drill to your exercise routine: Step sideways moving from your right foot to your left foot to stretch the inside muscles of your legs. Just like it's suggested that you lift a heavy object using your legs, the same advice applies to a golf swing.

To loosen up your lower back and prepare it for a round of golf, carefully stretch from side to side. Then, bend forward and reach for your toes. Hold these stretches and repeat until you feel the tightness being relieved.

2. Hip Stretches for Golf

If you have hip mobility issues on the links, try this simple stretch before you tee off: Get down on one knee, with the other foot flat on the floor in front of you. Then ease yourself forward and feel the stretch in the hip and quad that's resting on the floor. Switch sides, and repeat as necessary.

3. Shoulder Stretches for Golf

Is lack of shoulder mobility holding you back from achieving a powerful swing? Pull one arm across your chest using the opposite hand. Hold for a few seconds and switch sides. For a deeper stretch, try this one before you leave your room for the day: lay on the bed face-down with both of your arms across your chest. Hold for 30 seconds, and then swap arms (the arm that's above the other will feel the most stretch).

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Targeted exercises, better flexibility, and peak performance—what more could you ask for?

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A Word of Caution about Stretching for Golf

Be careful not to overdo any stretching or physical conditioning exercises. The golf swing is a perfect connection between your legs, arms, and wrists. When your legs are tired due to over-activity, they become much slower. This will make the disconnect greater between the other moving parts of the golf swing, which will lead to mis-hits or inconsistent golf shots. For the best way to stretch and warm up before a practice session or a round of golf, ask your golf instructor.

Get Golf-Ready at Treetops Academy

Golf lessons are another effective way to improve your game. There are numerous golf lesson options available at the Treetops Golf Academy. Private golf lessons with one of our experienced PGA Golf Professionals offer an individual, needs-based approach to helping you to learn very quickly. Or perhaps you’re looking for a more intense, yet broad-based teaching itinerary, spread out over one, two, or three days in our Golf Workshops?

Treetops also offers Golf School sessions just for ladies, couples, and families. Our staff even provides indoor golf lessons in the winter!

If you’re unsure what kind of lessons you need – (you just know you could use a hand from an expert) – we‘ll help you design the perfect personalized instruction plan.

Check out our Golf Lessons page to get started!

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What’s the Proper Golf Stance?

transmitid — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:39:27 +0000

Proper Golf Stance

Understanding the proper golf stance is crucial because if you set up incorrectly, you are most likely going to make a poor motion in your golf swing. The best golf stance starts with holding the club properly. When holding the golf club, ensure it is gripped in the fingers, with the thumbs positioned on the opposite side of the center line of the grip. In this proper setup, you should be able to see two or three knuckles of your top hand. Mastering these golf stances forms the foundation for a consistent and effective swing, significantly enhancing your overall performance on the course.

Next, we focus on our weight distribution. This will change for different shots and lies, but for a flat lie, mid-iron shot, I like the weight evenly distributed between both feet. After the weight is evenly distributed, I want you to think ATHLETE. Golf is an athletic sport, so we need to set up as an athlete. Our knees are slightly bent, which allows our upper body to bend forward from the waist. If this is done correctly, you should feel the weight in the balls of your feet and the butt end of the club pointed to your lead hip.

With these checkpoints in your setup, your body can now move correctly and hopefully lead to more birdies on your next round. Next, we'll learn how to transition from this basic setup to the three standard golf stances and when each is best used.

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Golf Stances:

Neutral or Square Stance

Get in your setup position with the ball teed up. Imagine an invisible line running from one big toe to the other. Now imagine a line running from your ball to your target. A neutral stance (also called a square stance) simply means that your toe line is parallel with the ball line. Beginner golfers often start out in a neutral stance so they can get a feel for their swing.

Open Stance

To achieve an open stance, start out square, and then shift your front foot slightly away from the ball while keeping your feet parallel. This opens up an angle between your toe line and the ball line. An open stance increases the club's loft and can make fade and slice spins more likely. An open stance is best used when playing uphill, as this makes it easier to rotate toward the target. You can also clear your hips easier with an open stance. More people prefer an open stance to a closed stance because it often results in better alignment, more flexibility, and more mobility.

Closed Stance

To get a feel for your closed stance, start in the square stance and move your front foot a little closer to the ball. Keep your feet parallel to each other. Your toe line will intersect the ball line and run to the right of your target. A closed stance decreases club loft, resulting in a lower-flying ball that is more likely to draw or hook. A closed stance can allow you to hit the ball a further distance if you often slice the ball with an open or neutral stance.

Sort Out Your Stance at Treetops

When it comes to golf, every body is different and each golfer has their own preferences. If you're looking for ways to make your game more competitive, experiment with these different stances to figure out which one is best for you. Also, it never hurts to ask a pro for some help. Book your early-season golf lessons with the PGA Professionals at Treetops Resort to iron out your swing and stance issues.

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How to Fix a Slice in Golf

transmitid — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:06:13 +0000

By Mark Hogan, PGA Golf Pro at Treetops Resort

As an instructor in the golf industry for over 20 years, it’s safe to say that I think I’ve seen it all. Students often think they are alone when it comes to their particular swing flaw, but I quickly reassure them, they certainly are not. Many golfers refer to their slice as a swing flaw, but in all actuality, a slice is typically the resulting ball flight of what could be several swing flaws working together. Understanding the cause of the slice is so important when it comes to correcting it. So let’s dig in.

What Is a “Slice” in Golf?

A slice is a ball that curves away from the player’s dominant hand. This means that for a right-handed golfer, the ball that curves dramatically right while in flight. A slice for a left-handed golfer curves drastically left. The important word is “curves.” A ball that simply goes straight right or left is called a “push,” and it is caused by different reasons than a slice.

A slice and a fade shot are similar, except that a slice is more severe. You might be familiar with the humorous slang term for a slice — "banana ball" — named for its shape.

Why Is a Golf Slice Bad?

Some slices, like apple pie and pizza, are good. In golf, you want to straighten out those shots. Slices are problematic for several reasons, some of them obvious, others, less so. First, you typically experience a loss of distance as the ball veers away from its intended path, resulting in decreased yardage. Additionally, slicing makes it challenging for you to maintain accuracy, often leading to missed fairways, greens, and targets. This can complicate your course management, as hazards and obstacles come into play more frequently. Moreover, slicing often indicates a flaw in your swing mechanics, hindering consistency and improvement.

Dealing with a persistent slice can dent your confidence and diminish your enjoyment of the game over time. Thus, reducing or eliminating your slice can enhance your overall performance, satisfaction, and enjoyment on the golf course.

What Causes a Slice in Golf?

A slice happens when a sidespin is put on the ball, causing it to curve to the right for a right-handed player and to the left for a left-handed player.

Sidespin to the right is caused when the clubface is open (pointed right) relative to the path the club is traveling as the club impacts the ball. This not only causes sidespin but also a glancing blow, which causes issues with direction and distance.

How to Avoid a Slice in Golf

So fixing the slice should be simple, right? Just get the clubface square at impact, and we’re good. Not so fast! Often, years of slicing comes with years of that particular golfer teaching themselves to compensate so they can tolerate the slice. An example of compensation would be a golfer aiming their shoulders to the left, which, in turn, caused their swing path to go to the left. Thus, simply fixing the clubface might cause a golfer to hit pulls directly to the left.

There are two common flaws that cause most slices: grip and alignment.

Adjust the Grip to Rotate the Club

The first place I look to help a golfer cure a slice is to analyze, and many times, change, the student’s grip. It certainly isn’t always true, but many slicers have what we call a weak grip, which means the hands are rotated too far toward the target on the grip.

A quick adjustment that I often make is to have the student ensure that they can see the knuckle of their index finger on their left hand when they are at their normal address position and in some cases, they should see the knuckle of their middle finger as well. The right hand should also be rotated away from the target accordingly. This will certainly feel awkward, and the student should get into the habit of regripping the club after every swing they make so they can get used to what it feels like to put their hands on the club in a different way. The more they practice, the more natural this new grip becomes.

Re-align to Straighten the Shot

Interestingly, a grip change often helps with the second place I look, which is alignment. Very often, a slicer will point their shoulders, feet, and hips to the left of their target. When a person’s hands are rotated away from the target on the grip, many times this gets their shoulders a little closer to aligned properly but usually not exactly where we want them.

Getting the feet, hips, and shoulders all parallel with the target line will make it much easier for the student to swing the club down the line, as opposed to across the line.

3 Drills to Correct a Slice

Once the pre-swing fundamentals are good, it’s time to introduce some drills to allow the golfer to feel what he/she needs to do differently to straighten their drive.

Drill 1 - This drill helps the golfer feel the club square up: In slow motion, I have the golfer take the club away to where it’s parallel to the ground. At this point, the logo of their glove should be facing straight forward. When the golfer swings (in slow motion) the club to where it is parallel to the ground on the other side, the logo of the glove should be facing behind the golfer.
Drill 2 - This drill helps the golfer feel the club path come from the inside to out: The golfer should set up normal, then prior to starting their swing, move their right foot straight back about 3 to 4 inches. The golfer should make swings and even hit shots with their right foot back to give them the feeling of swinging the club from the inside rather than across the line.
Drill 3 - Golfers can practice hitting shots with the ball above their feet. This drill promotes an inside to out swing.

Fix Your Slice with a PGA Professional

Since every golfer is different, my recommendation is to find a qualified PGA Professional in your area to assist you in curing your slice. The PGA Professionals at Treetops have nearly 100 years of combined experience helping golfers get better. Join us in one of our many instructional golf programs that fit your schedule and your budget. Most importantly, continue to enjoy the game of golf.

If you have questions about golf lessons, leagues, or tee times at Treetops Resort, call us at (866) 348-5249.

Imagine your perfect game and your perfect stay.

Beautiful views, warm and welcoming atmosphere, what more could you ask for?

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How To Grip a Golf Club – Golf’s Most Underrated Key

transmitid — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 12:22:32 +0000

Gripping a golf club seems simple and straightforward, but like most things in golf, there's much more than meets the eye. Golfing greats Arnold Palmer, Harry Vardon, and Tiger Woods have attributed much of their professional success to their grips. Understanding how to grip a golf club properly is crucial for improving your game. There are various types of golf grips, but finding the proper way to grip a golf club can make a significant difference in your performance.

Keep reading to learn the best techniques and improve your golf game.

How to Properly Grip a Golf Club, Step-by-Step

Below we have outlined how to grip a golf club properly for right-handed players. Lefties should reverse the hands and positions indicated in these steps from Golf.com:

Always grab the club with your left hand first. Stretch out the fingers of your left hand; align the club handle with your left palm so it makes a straight line diagonally across your fingers.
Hold your club waist-high in front of you, horizontal to the ground, and square the club face.
Close your hand around the club. As you grip the club with your left hand, the heel of your palm should rest along the top edge of the handle (but you should still be able to see the tip of the handle).
Rotate your hand to the right until you see two knuckles on your left hand when you look down. This will give you a neutral grip, which is a great starting point for lots of golfers.
Position the heel of your right hand on top of your left thumb, so it's covering the left hand. Close your hand so your thumb and forefinger create a 'V' that points to the middle of your sternum.

Imagine your perfect grip and a confident swing.

Proper technique, better control—what more could you ask for?

PLAN MY TRIP

EXPLORE GOLF

Types of Golf Grips

There are three foundational golf grips that all have their merits. Find the one that fits your game!

1. 10-finger Grip

This is the grip that most kids start out using. This grip is called the 10-finger because all ten of your fingers are touching the grip independently. This grip might be a good option if you want to increase your swing speed a bit, or if you have smaller hands.

2. Overlapping Grip

The overlapping grip, or "Vardon" grip (named after seven-time major champion Harry Vardon) has become one of the most popular grips in golf due to its reliability and stability. The overlap is when you position the pinkie finger of the top hand in the ridge between your other hand's index and middle finger.

3. Interlocking Grip

The interlocking grip became popular when Jack Nicklaus came to the PGA Tour in the early '60s, and it became even more popularized with Tiger Woods. Now the most-used grip throughout the United States, the interlocking grip is straightforward. Simply interlock your top pinkie finger with your bottom hand's index finger.

How Tight to Grip a Golf Club

A common mistake among new golfers is holding their club too tightly. A too-tight grip can cause a chronic slice or reduce clubhead speed. Try this tip from Arnold Palmer: if you're right-handed, focus your club pressure on the last three fingers of your left hand and the first two fingers of your right hand (and vice-versa if you're left-handed). Don't grip the club with your palms.

So how tight should you grip a golf club? As legendary pro golfer Sam Snead recommends, hold the club as if you're holding a small bird. Your grip shouldn't let it fly away, nor should you crush it.

Better Golf Begins with Better Instruction

Treetops Resort includes five award-winning Michigan golf courses professionally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Tom Fazio, and Rick Smith. Play where the greats played and improve your golf game with Treetops' Golf Academy. Have fun and receive top-notch instruction from our PGA Pro instructors in a world-class practice facility.

Treetops Resort of Gaylord, Michigan offers both indoor and outdoor golf lessons for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Students have traveled from all over the country to improve their game with Treetops' golf lessons in Michigan.

We take progression very seriously and have plenty of skilled alumni to back that up.

Book your Treetops golf lessons today!

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