GOLFING HIGHLIGHTS

 Ed's Outlook  

 

  The Sullivan County Women's Democrat Tournament will be held Sunday, July 28 at the Villa Roma Country Club.

  The event is a Two-Woman best ball event and has a 12:30 Shotgun start.

  The competition field is open to all amateur women golfers of Sullivan, Orange, Ulster and Delaware Counties and Wayne County, Pa.

  The entry fee is $85 per player ($170 per team) and the fee includes the cost of green fees, cart fee, trophies/awards and dinner reception.

  The tournament will feature two-women teams, 18 holes, better ball, gross and net divisions and players must have a certified USGA handicap or league handicap.

  The entry deadline is July 17.

  Make checks payable to Democrat Golf and mail with entry to the Sullivan County Democrat, P.O. Box 308, Callicoon, NY 12723. 

 

Golf Tip

By Robert Menges

 

  Prepare Our Mind For A Better Game

  We all have different ways of doing thing things on the golf course, which is why one technique or strategy might work for one person but not another.

  For example, some of us will visualize the shot we want to hit in our mind, because it helps us execute the shot. For others, they have to experience the shot. 

  With that said (or written in this case) it never hurts to try something new.

  So here are several "pep talks" you can create to help build your confidence for the next round.

  After each round of golf, take 60 seconds to sit quietly and replay three best shots of the round. Visualize them in slow motion and lock every detail into your memory. They'll come back to cheer you on in the future.

  Tell someone about your best shot of the day, but never talk about your worst shots. Professionals can usually remember every shot during a tournament, but there is one shot they "just don't recall".....its their worst shot. Let the bad shots go, and never ever talk about them.

  After every shot, remember to say, "great shot" and mean it when you say it.....the results may not be exactly what you wanted, but the ball went where you hit it. So go do it again.

  Breathe before every shot or putt, remember to breathe deeply and softly. It will relax your body and allow you to focus on the task at hand.

  Make it a part of your pre-shot routine to consciously expect a great shot. As you pull the club from your bag, smile. As you look down the fairway or line up your putt, smile. As you stand over the ball, smile. Expect the best.

  Finally, but perhaps most importantly, have fun our there. Golf is a game. Yes, it can be very challenging and frustrating at times, but it is intended to be a form of enjoyment. Enjoy the day, the weather and the time with friends. Chances are, you'll enjoy the wonderful game of golf as well.

  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 at 845-292-0323 or via email at menges@hughes.net 

 

 The Putting Tip

 By Geoff Walsh

 

  Your opportunities will come for a 'green light', a realistic 1 putt attempt.

  Meanwhile, stay calm and patient, be reasonable, steady, conservative, get your solid 2 putts, and then when the time is right, the distance, the undulation manageable, you feel comfortable and most positive.

  Then you strike, like a cat on the prowl, stalking her pray while lurking in the shadows for that opportunity.

  For that opportunity that you knew was coming and you begin sinking those one putt shots. 

  Geoff Walsh is a Class A PGA Professional f at the Tarry Brae Golf Course and is available for private lessons at 387 Pleasant Valley Road, South Fallsburg. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 845-434-2620.     

 

   Ed Townsend is a Public Relations Consultant to the Sport of Golf and brings over 60-years of sports journalism experience writing and compiling the information for the column. If you have league or tournament information, score a hole-in-one or score your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email to bghtnews@aol.com or fax to 845-205-4474. View this column and Ed's photos at http://bght.blogspot.com  We are also on Facebook and Twitter.