Golf Appeals to the Mad Man Inside Us All

The above quote from John Updike wittily summarises why golf can elicit such extreme reactions from people.

Indeed, for many sane-minded human beings, the idea of having to endure a round of golf – in person or on TV – is almost equivalent to self-harming. Dragging a heavy bag of clubs around an over-manicured lawn with middle-management goons dressed like pimps. Or else accidentally switching channels and finding the screen mesmerised by personality-free millionaires whacking barely perceptible balls through rain-soaked masses, huddled like damp proof membranes clotting up the fairway.

However, for the many golf devotees it is a democratising pastime for which you don’t need to be an athletic superhuman to take part. Golf offers the opportunity for skilful and genteel competition without the need for aggression or brute force. Golf also allows for leisurely strolls around vast stretches of dog poo free nature.

Indeed, many minds, great and small, have applied themselves to a round of golf.

Golfers May Be Anal, but Golf Can Also Be an Analgesic

Ben Hogan was a legendary golfer whose career was suddenly cut short when his car crashed into a Greyhound bus in 1949. Hogan broke his collarbone, pelvis and ankle and his doctors doubted that he would ever walk again.

Yet, Hogan’s love of golf motivated him to power through his pain and physiotherapy. So successful was his recovery that he went on to win the 1950 US Open.

Brigands, Bruisers, Bandits and…DJs

In 2011, golfing amateur Chris Evans won the Celebrity Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with professional partner Nick Dougherty. Evans managed to triumph over other celebrity golf-enthusiasts including Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant and Michael Douglas.

However, in 2012, on the verge of returning to defend his title Evans found himself “banned for life”. It seems that the organisers had come to suspect that he had under-sold his ability in order to earn a higher handicap (i.e. the number of shots he can subtract from his actual score).

Players who deliberately deceive in order to achieve a higher handicap are referred to as “bandits”. Consequently, Evans admitted that he is now frequently met with greetings of “where’s your sombrero?”

Evans has even joked that he is considering setting up his own alternative golfing tournament which he may call the “Dung Hill Cup”.

All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy

After cutting up a fellow driver in traffic one afternoon, Robert Blank was shocked to see a familiar figure racing toward him in his rear-view mirror – Jack Nicholson. Whilst many of us may welcome the approach of that devilish grin or arched eyebrows, most of us would probably be more concerned if Jack was in full Shining mode and brandishing a two iron golf club!

Nicholson then attacked the roof and windshield of Blank’s car. Afterwards, Nicholson was duly apologetic and wrote Blank a cheque for $500,000. Indeed, Nicholson has described it as a “shameful incident”. Nonetheless, in recent years he has admitted that in the moment he had enough presence of mind to select a club that he rarely used on the golf course.

You don’t have to be a Rocket Scientist to Win a Round of Golf…But it helps

Yale physics professor Bob Grober has dedicated his research to the physics of the perfect putt. He has found that if one imagines the trajectories of numerous imaginary golfers, equidistant to you from the hole, these criss-crossing trajectories tend to form a diamond shape just beyond the hole. It is this imaginary shape that the putter should be aiming for and not the hole itself.

Alternatively, modern physics has developed a hypothesis called “M-Theory”, in which the “M” stands for “membrane”. This branch of theoretical physics attempts to build on superstring theory. M-theory suggests that instead of minuscule one-dimensional vibrating superstrings being the fundamental building blocks of the universe it is actually two-dimensional membranes. This school suggests that there are in fact 11 dimensions created by the ability of the membrane to fold, to open and close. At this point, science begins to sound like science fiction with both reality and fantasy leaking a little onto each other’s damp proof membranes.

Nonetheless, if you miss your putt in this universe you can console yourself by knowing that you will have sunk it in one of the other universes.

Emily Starr is a blogger who socialises with golf enthusiast who often tell her that damp proof membranes are vital to the game of golf as rising moisture can really affect a player’s game.

Golf Appeals to the Mad Man Inside Us All

Play It Forward, Fellas: They Aren’t Called Ladies Tees Anymore

Most golf courses have for many decades had three different tee boxes, we’ll call them forward, middle and back.

Middle Tees

The middle tees were the ones most commonly used by your average golfer, the back tees – sometimes referred to as “playing from the tips” – were designed for advanced players who drove the ball particularly well and were looking for a suitable challenge.

Forward Tees

The forward tees were intended to be used by new golfers or any other that, for whatever reason, were more challenged when it came to driving.

Sometimes our efforts to simplify language end up being counterproductive.  A term or phrase is coined with an aim towards simplicity, but in the long run it ends up complicating matters.  And this is the case here, as these forward tees soon became known as the “ladies tees”.

Soon the idea that the front tees were for women and women alone became ingrained into the culture of the sport to the point where male golfers who otherwise would be good candidates to use the closer tees would avoid them for fear that their pride would be wounded by doing so.

In large respects, this stigma still exists, though most courses have gone away with formally calling the forward boxes “Ladies Tees”.

This is rather unfortunate.  Not only is it a misnomer that female golfers use those front tees exclusively, it is a gravely inaccurate to insinuate that it is a negative reflection of a male’s “manhood” to tee off from the closer tees.  In reality, there are a bevy of reasons why golfers of all stripes might want to vary their tee boxes, with an emphasis towards “playing it forward”.

Casual golfers or new players are unfortunately the most likely to not understand how the tee structures actually work, and sadly many golf courses do little to help educate them.  The common train of thought is that the front tees are ladies, the middle tees are for seniors and the back tees are for men.

This is simply not true, and the result of this misinformation is a lot of below average golfers playing from the most difficult tee boxes on the course.  Not only does this decrease the enjoyment of the game for the participants, but it also slows down the process for everyone on the entire course.

The truth is that golfers should be playing the tees that best suit their game.  I’ve been playing for many years and carry a single digit handicap, but I don’t always play from the furthest tees out.  Mostly I play from one of the mid-range tee boxes, and occasionally I will play from the very forward tees.

An experience I had on the course last week is instructive.  I was golfing with some of my more casual golfing friends; these two don’t golf enough to even have their handicap calculated, but on their best days they would be lucky to break 100.

Despite this, they were insistent that we play from the tips.  It made for a long, less enjoyable afternoon for all of us, as they regularly drove the ball only 150 yards (or whiffed completely trying to drive further than they can realistically play) leaving themselves 200 yards out on their second shot.

When we discussed it afterwards, both of my friends admitted that ego and a misunderstanding of the purpose of the tee boxes led them to want to play from back.  They thought it was less of a challenge to play forward and even though both would have probably benefitted from playing the front tees, the thought of that was anathema – “those are for ladies,” they both said.

So in an attempt to save face, they ended up shooting horribly and had a less enjoyable golfing experience.  Does this make any sense?  Of course not.

The truth is golf was intended to be played as a game where you make the greens in regulation.  If that is not something you can reasonably do from the back tees, it behooves you to move up to the front tees.  You aren’t gaining anything by “challenging yourself” at tee lengths that are inappropriate for your skill level.  It’s more fun to have some birdie chances and feel good about your game – when that is happening you are more likely to improve in the long run and may be able to play from further back.

It should also be noted that each tee box has its own rating and slope for handicapping purposes.   As someone that faithfully posts all scores to keep an accurate handicap, it makes no difference what tee box I use, I can still get an accurate score for that particular course.

The truth of matter is that the front tee boxes have little to do with gender and everything to do with golfing skill and experience.  I know many, many women who play from the same mid-range tees that I do, and most of my male golfing friends would benefit from moving up, perhaps even to the forward-most tees.

It has nothing to do with ego, gender or a challenge.  It has everything to do with playing golf the way it was meant to be played.

So, gentleman, play it forward!

And don’t call them “ladies tees.”

By Scott McCormick

Scott McCormick sometimes forgets to use gender-neutral language.  He also sometimes sleeps on the couch.  When not getting scolded by his wife, Scott is a freelance writer whose work appears courtesy of Phoenix Golf Now and San Diego Golf Now.  For more of Scott’s golf commentary, see his recent post on the annoyance of golf sandbaggers.

Play It Forward, Fellas: They Aren’t Called Ladies Tees Anymore

Play it Forward, Fellas: They Aren’t Called Ladies Tees Anymore

Most golf courses have for many decades had three different tee boxes, we’ll call them forward, middle and back.

The middle tees were the ones most commonly used by your average golfer, the back tees – sometimes referred to as “playing from the tips” – were designed for advanced players who drove the ball particularly well and were looking for a suitable challenge. The forward tees were intended to be used by new golfers or any other that, for whatever reason, were more challenged when it came to driving.

Sometimes our efforts to simplify language end up being counterproductive.  A term or phrase is coined with an aim towards simplicity, but in the long run it ends up complicating matters.  And this is the case here, these forward tees became known as the “ladies tees”. Soon the idea that the front tees were for women and women alone became ingrained into the culture of the sport to the point where male golfers who otherwise would be good candidates to use the closer tees would avoid them for fear that their pride would be wounded by doing so.

In large respects, this stigma still exists, though most courses have gone away with formally calling the forward boxes “Ladies Tees”. This is rather unfortunate.  Not only is it a misnomer that female golfers use those front tees exclusively, it is a gravely inaccurate to insinuate that it is a negative reflection of a male’s “manhood” to tee off from the closer tees.  In reality, there are a bevy of reasons why golfers of all stripes might want to vary their tee boxes, with an emphasis towards “playing it forward”.

Casual golfers or new players are unfortunately the most likely to not understand how the tee structures actually work, and sadly many golf courses do little to help educate them.  The common train of thought is that the front tees are ladies, the middle tees are for seniors and the back tees are for men.

This is simply not true, and the result of this misinformation is a lot of below average golfers playing from the most difficult tee boxes on the course.  Not only does this decrease the enjoyment of the game for the participants, but it also slows down the process for everyone on the entire course.

Play the Tee that Suits Your Game

The truth is that golfers should be playing the tees that best suit their game.  I’ve been playing for many years and carry a single digit handicap, but I don’t always play from the furthest tees out.  Mostly I play from one of the mid-range tee boxes, and occasionally I will play from the very forward tees.

An experience I had on the course last week is instructive.  I was golfing with some of my more casual golfing friends; these two don’t golf enough to even have their handicap calculated, but on their best days they would be lucky to break 100.

Despite this, they were insistent that we play from the tips.  It made for a long, less enjoyable afternoon for all of us, as they regularly drove the ball only 150 yards (or whiffed completely trying to drive further than they can realistically play) leaving themselves 200 yards out on their second shot.

When we discussed it afterwards, both of my friends admitted that ego and a misunderstanding of the purpose of the tee boxes led them to want to play from back.  They thought it was less of a challenge to play forward and even though both would have probably benefitted from playing the front tees, the thought of that was anathema – “those are for ladies,” they both said.

So in an attempt to save face, they ended up shooting horribly and had a less enjoyable golfing experience.  Does this make any sense?  Of course not.

The truth is golf was intended to be played as a game where you make the greens in regulation.  If that is not something you can reasonably do from the back tees, it behooves you to move up to the front tees.  You aren’t gaining anything by “challenging yourself” at tee lengths that are inappropriate for your skill level.  It’s more fun to have some birdie chances and feel good about your game – when that is happening you are more likely to improve in the long run and may be able to play from further back.

It should also be noted that each tee box has its own rating and slope for handicapping purposes.   As someone that faithfully posts all scores to keep an accurate handicap, it makes no difference what tee box I use, I can still get an accurate score for that particular course.

It’s all About Golfing Skill and Experience

The truth of matter is that the front tee boxes have little to do with gender and everything to do with golfing skill and experience.  I know many, many women who play from the same mid-range tees that I do, and most of my male golfing friends would benefit from moving up, perhaps even to the forward-most tees.

It has nothing to do with ego, gender or a challenge.  It has everything to do with playing golf the way it was meant to be played.

So, gentleman, play it forward! And don’t call them “ladies tees.”

 

Scott McCormick sometimes forgets to use gender-neutral language.  He also sometimes sleeps on the couch.  When not getting scolded by his wife, Scott is a freelance writer whose work appears courtesy of Phoenix Golf Now and San Diego Golf Now.  For more of Scott’s golf commentary, see his recent post on the annoyance of golf sandbaggers.

Play it Forward, Fellas: They Aren’t Called Ladies Tees Anymore

Tee Times for Diamond Bar Area Golf

When you want to make Diamond Bar California tee times, try to determine the times that are in lower demand. These may include early morning times. Twilight golf tee times are often available and special twilight golf rates often apply. The Diamond Bar Golf Course is a great choice if you like a mature, established course with lush vegetation. The Poa Annua greens often play fast. They are large enough to leave you some daunting putts if you miss-club or miss-hit your approach.

History

This is a championship course that has enjoyed millions of dollars in upgrades over the decades since it opened in 1964. This LA Parks course features gently rolling fairways that may be fairly wide, but they are frequently well-bunkered. Accolades and positive reviews have been directed at Diamond Bar. The Club Corporation of America recognized Diamond Bar as the 1997 ‘Club Of The Year’ in the Western Region/Public Golf.

Features

Here’s a hint. That first hole is pretty demanding, so take advantage of the expansive practice facilities. There’s the driving range, a chipping green, and four putting greens. A good drive at the long 459 yard opening hole is vital. If you are playing from the back tees, you’ll play 6801 yards worth of holes. You have little time to recover after the long par four first, because the longest hole on the course awaits you. The par five fourth is 559 yards long. The ninth is a picturesque little par three that plays both uphill and over water. Avoid driving through the fairway on the dogleg tenth by keeping your drive to about 210 yards. It’s a blind shot, so it is all the more important to play it safe.

The golf course at Diamond Bar does include two par fives that are shorter than 490 yards long. These holes offer you a chance to recover if the longer par fours beat you up a bit.

As is befitting a championship layout, the closing hole is no patsy. It is a long 440 yard slog up the hill. You’ll head back to the clubhouse a bit winded but refreshed after closing out your round on the eighteenth.

From the Blue tees this par 72 course has a 125 slope. Diamond Bar plays to a par 73 for Women. From the Red tees women play to a slope of 122 and face a course rating of 73.9. The course measures 6001 yards from those tees, but that course rating of almost 74 suggests a pretty demanding test for the ladies. For golfers not wanting to tackle the Blues, the course is just under 6500 yards from the White, or intermediate, tees.

Diamond Bar offers teaching pros that give both group and individual lessons. The course offers some very special deals for both seniors and youth. Diamond Bar California tee times during the twilight golf hours will generate some nice discounts as well.

We offer some of the best course reviews for golf courses located in the California area. Be sure to read more on Diamond Bar Golf Course

Tee Times for Diamond Bar Area Golf

Great Gift Ideas for Golf Lovers

In a year that has already been jam-packed with great sporting moments, golf enjoyed its own time in the spotlight with the greatest Ryder Cup ever staged. Few could have predicted the drama that would unfold on the final day of this year’s USA vs Europe bout, with the Europeans staging the most dramatic of comebacks to claw back a four point deficit on the final day.

The action kept sports fans and non-sports fans alike glued to the televisions and is sure to have inspired budding golfers galore to pick up a club for the first time, or at least dust off their golf shoes for the first time in a long time. With Christmas fast approaching, golf is sure to be one of the most popular themes when shopping for sports-lovers this year. But think beyond the novelty mug or comedy golf tie and there are some really useful golfing goodies out there to enjoy. Here are some ideas to ensure your gift ideas are well above par.

GPS rangefinder

Judging the distance between your ball and a hole was once little more than a glorified guessing game, but then in came laser technology range finders and things moved up a notch. The goalposts have moved once more, with the GPS technology that you find on smartphones and SatNavs, now being utilised to its fullest in golf rangefinders, many of which come preloaded with details on golf courses across the world to give you the most accurate information you need. Garmin even offers a watch version to save you carrying extra gadgets in your bag.

Golf shoes that look nothing like golf shoes

WIth Tiger’s stylish Nike threads, Poulter’s colourful trousers and Bubba’s bright pink driver, golfing style has come a long way since the stuffy days of shorts and knee-high socks. True, many clubs still enforce dated dress codes and most courses worth their salt won’t want you on the courses without proper golf shoes. But there’s no reason you have to look like a stiff these days and various companies are now producing golf shoes with the appropriate grip and spikes but with looks which ooze understated cool. Ecco’s casual Street range won’t look out of place away from the course.

Discount green fees membership

These days everyone loves a bargain and there are plenty of schemes out there which make golf more affordable than ever before. Membership schemes such as the Open Fairways club mean you can get up to 50 per cent off course fees at top notch golfing venues around the country throughout the duration of the membership, which makes this a gift that really keeps on giving.

Golf lessons

Anything that helps sports-loving males get one over on their mates will always make great Gifts For Men, and golf lessons certainly fall into that category. If you’re shopping for someone who is likely to fall into the ‘all the gear but no idea’ bracket, then do the decent thing and treat him to something that will actually improve his game. Lessons with a pro will help them reenact those Ryder Cup style dramatic comebacks and prove more useful in the long term than novelty golf accessories.

Produced by Activity Superstore, the UK’s leading gift experience supplier. From Gifts For Men to Gifts For Her we’re sure you’ll find the perfect gift in our range of over 1,000 products.

Great Gift Ideas for Golf Lovers

Etiquette Golf Tip for Behavior on the Course

There’s a lot more to the game of golf than hitting a golf ball around the course. Golf requires manners and here are a few Golf Tips for considerate golfers. It is important not to distract other golfers as they go through their process of hitting the golf ball. This means no noises or sudden movements. A courteous golf partner will even be so careful as to not allow their shadow to come close to a golfer about to make a shot. A good golf tip is to think not only of your partner, but also every other golfer nearby.