GOLFING HIGHLIGHTS

 Tournaments Popular In County

  It's very evident by the long list of local tournaments we publish weekly  in our column that tournament play is a big part of Sullivan County golf.
  One might wonder why the average golfer would be interested in tournament play......if so we talked to local golf course professionals and managers to see what they had to say about how to prepare for these events and what tournaments are best for golfers.
  The opinion of local golf professionals is that participating in tournaments can be beneficial for several reasons.
  Naturally networking and entertainment can be a determining factor, but it can actually improve your game and make you a more versatile golfer.
  Tournament play is a completely different animal than playing with your regular Sunday golf group.
  First there is the increased pressure. When you play the same course each week with the same group, you generally shoot the same score.
  If you miss a putt it may cost you some "skin" money or a beverage of choice, but you'll get another chance next week.
  Tournament play on the other hand is much different . Instead of three players trying to beat you, there are potentially hundreds of players trying to do the same thing.....WIN.
  Golf is a mental game to some degree, however, the mindset during a tournament changes drastically.
  Tournament golf forces one to stay focused on moving forward and don't let mistakes get the best of you.
  Thinking about your upcoming shot and how to execute it should be your ultimate goal.....not what went wrong with a previous swing.
  Preparation is important in tournament play....... to perform your best get to know the course ahead of time with a practice round .... get plenty of rest and eat correctly before you plat....bring healthy snacks to keep you going and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  When deciding which tournaments to play take into consideration the cost, location, format of play and the level of golfer the tournament attracts.....if you are new to tournament play look for fun tournaments.
  It's great to experience the tournament atmosphere and always enjoy the game.

 Ed's Outlook

  Last week we outlined the first three holes of play at the Honor's Haven Fallsview Golf Course.

  This week is my take on holes four, five and six.

  Hole No. 4 is a par 4 consisting of 433 yards. The definition bunkers that frame this hole will gobble up any off line tee shots so you have to keep is straight into the landing area which is extremely narrow between the tee and green. Out of bounds left tends to make the golfer look right for a favored angle off the tee but that that route leaves the golfer with an intimidating approach shot over a cavernous front right bunker. A par here is very rewarding and requires accuracy.

  Hole No. 5 is a par 3 with yardage totaling 204 yards. This hole definitely requires accuracy off the tee. One of the most dominating characteristics of Robert Trent Jones Sr. is the use of long, straight tees known as "aircraft carrier" or runway tees. This 64-yard long teeing ground is a theme of the course and allows for many varied distances to an elevated bowl-shaped green. Two bunkers guard the front of the green and any tee shot that misses to the right or left of the green will kick wildly and add to the difficulty of scoring your par. A good tee shot landing on the green almost guarantees a birdie or par. 

  Hole No. 6 is a par 5 and registers 606 yards in length making it the longest hole on the course and is a demanding three shot challenge.The Gully Creek which meanders the full length of this dogleg left hole will swallow up any ball hit left of the fairway. A miss left in the ancient sycamore trees or a miss right into the stand of oaks will leave virtually no shot to the green. If on the green in three shots, the challenge is far from over. The sixth green is so severely sloped from back to front that players have been above the hole and putted off the green. Wow.....this is a great golf hole where discipline must be maintained and accurate putting is mandatory.

  We'll conclude our description of this outstanding nine-hole  course with the final three holes next week.

  Ed Townsend is a PR Consultant to the sport of golf. Ed writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league or tournament information, shoot a hole-in-one or even shoot your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, 845-866-0333, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and all my pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

 

The Golf Tip

By Robert Menges

  Simple Drill To Improve Your Swing Tempo.

  Here's a simple drill to improve our swing tempo.

  Go to the driving range and alternate between hitting shots with your short irons and then your long irons.

  For example, hit one shot with your wedge and the next with your 3 wood. Hit the next shot with your 8 iron and the next shot with your 3 iron.

  Then the next shot with your 9 iron and the hit your driver.

  And when your doing this try to make the swing with the longer club the same as the swing with the shorter clubs.

  The late, great Payne Stewart used to do this all the time and if you remember his swing.....it was as smooth as silk.

  So do this exercise and do it often so your too can have a smooth, rhythmical swing from one club to the next.

  Robert Menges is the head golf professional at the Swan Lake Golf & Country Club, Mt. Hope Road, Swan Lake. He is available for private lessons and if you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by phone at 845-292-0323 or via email at menges@hughes.net 

  

 Putting Tip

 By Joe Bermel  Jr.

  The miscue of golfers is that on short putts, especially, they decelerate on the forward stroke.

  Golfers need to do the exact opposite, that is accelerate on the forward stroke.

  Short putting is from a tap up to six feet, the "holy grail" of putting.

  Paramount to be proficient here.......your second putt on every hole is between a tap in and up to six feet.

  How many of these 18 you make or do not make will determine your score.

  Joe Bermel is available for private lessons, group, corporate, organization and golf shows/tournaments. His special edition DVD "How to Putt Well" is available by calling 631-589-1384, at his web site www.ThePuttingDoctor.com or by email at joe@theputtingdoctor.com