Improve your score and cross the 100's
If you're a golfer with average score of 100+ and want to improve your score and cross the 100's, then this tips is for you to read.
Please let me go through the characteristics of the golf game of the 100'ers. These are common characteristics that may or may not match your actual game, but I am sure that some of them will make you feel I am writing specifically about you.
1. Teeing off. Not that you can't get your driving right, but it only happen on good days. You can drive your ball straight and considerably good distance, but that doesn't happen everytime. On bad days (that happen often), the ball is either losing the loft and going for very short distance, or fading. Draw or hook is unlikely to be your problem.
2. On the green play. Picture this, you teed off perfectly on a par 4 with good distance and landed on the fairway. You reckon that another hit with a hybrid or a fairway wood will surely land on the putting green. You take your stance, do your back swing, and MIS-HIT. You're topping the ball and the ball rolled 20-30 meters away. You wasted one hit.
3. On the hazard/bunkers.OK, nothing much to say here. The ball is on the bunker, you hit, the sands are all over the place, but there it goes, your ball is still on the bunker, 2 or 3 meters away.
4. On the putting green.You can control the power of the put quite good. No need to hope that you can do the long putt consistently, that belong to the pros. You had a long putt, the ball went to the left or the right, and stopped 1 meter away from the hole. You putt it again, but, alas, you still miss.
Now if either one of the above happen in every hole, you would have wasted 18 of your score. If you score 105 with that, you could have got 87. Isn't that fantastic? If you can address half of the "problem", statistically you could have scored 96. So which ones are you going to focus to fix first?
adapted from golfsingapore.net
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Align to the apex, not the hole, to make more putts
Align to the apex, not the hole, to make more putts
By Todd Sones, GOLF Magazine Top 100
This story is for you if...
1. You always read your putts from behind the ball...
2. ...even on severely sloping greens
This story is for you if...
1. You always read your putts from behind the ball...
2. ...even on severely sloping greens
The Fault
You're missing badly on breaking putts, which leads to fewer birdies and pars and more bogeys. The simple reason for your struggle is poor green-reading technique and alignment.
The Fix
If you want to get a proper read, you need to look at the putt from behind the line you plan to start the ball on, rather than the one that runs directly from the ball to the hole. To do so, pick a spot where you think the apex of the putt (maximum break) will be and examine the putt by looking from behind your ball to that spot. Set the putterhead square to the chosen target line and then walk into your setup, always keeping in mind that your actual target is the apex of the break, not the hole. Stroke the putt to this spot without being distracted by the actual hole. Use this technique consistently, and your green-reading — as well as your results on breaking putts — will improve dramatically.
Align Design Finding your ball-to-apex line is only half the battle — you must also be able to align your putterface square to it. Any good putter will feature effective aiming lines. If yours doesn't, consider purchasing a new model. I designed a line of Coutour putters with a large arrow on the back end to help you point your putter easily and consistently
Monday, October 12, 2009
Jurong Country Club - A Golfer's Paradise
Jurong Country Club - A Golfer's Paradise
The Jurong Country Club heralds a new era of golfing excellence and welcomes the golfer with new and improved facilities.
Besides housing a majestic two-storey clubhouse of regal comfort, it also has one of Asia’s best 18-hole floodlit golf courses.
The Jurong course, redesigned in 1992, measures 6,219 metres and plays to a par 72.
With a top class layout, the golf course is a favourite of many golfers who have had the privilege of playing on it. Despite the heavy usage, the course has been constantly manicured to a good playable condition. The zoysia grass on the fairways provides an excellent playing surface to the delight of even the most exacting golfers both professional and amateur.
An excellent auto irrigation system ensures that the turf is maintained to excellent playing conditions even during the hot and dry months of the year. A good drainage system also helps to drain off excess water from heavy showers very quickly thus enabling golfers to continue with their enjoyment of the game without further delay.
The course is divided into two very distinct halves, each on opposing sides of the capacious modern clubhouse. The front nine is laid out over hilly, heavily wooded terrain with one major water hazard. The back nine, by contrast, is virtually level with wide open fairways, running out into the Jurong Lake with water affecting play on most holes.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
You Are What You Eat, So Eat Healthily!
You Are What You Eat, So Eat Healthily!
Do hunger pangs hit you midway through your golf game very often? Does thinking about that sumptuous meal back at the clubhouse and that ice cold glass of beer make you lose focus on your putt for the 17th hole? Maybe it's not just cravings. It could very well be that you need help with eating right!
Diet plays an important role in fuelling your body while you are exercising. Regardless of whether you are recreational golfers who enjoy a social round of nine to eighteen holes on weekends or competitive golfers who can spend up to eight hours a day on the golf course, meeting the demand for fuel and fluid - essentially those of a healthy eating plan – must be your highest priority.
Thankfully for you, we have experts such as Png Wei Leen, Head of Sports Nutrition at the Singapore Sports Council, to provide you with some insightful tips on having a healthy diet.
Golfers of all levels require a diet, which provides a wide variety of foods. The diet should focus on carbohydrate and be balanced with moderate amounts of protein and a little fat from all food groups:
Rice & alternatives
Meat & alternatives, including dairy foods
Fruits
Vegetables
Tips For A Healthy Diet
Enjoy a variety of foods each day - Priority should be given to nutrient-rich foods.
Focus on nutrient-rich, high carbohydrate foods - Bread, cereal-based foods (rice, pasta, breakfast cereal), fruit, vegetables and sweetened low fat dairy products such as yoghurt and flavoured milk.
Consume small quantities of high fat foods - Butter, margarine, oil, cream, cakes, biscuits, pastries, fried foods and many takeaway and processed foods.
Consume moderate amounts of protein (where possible choose low fat protein sources) – Lean meat, skin-free chicken, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products, breads, cereals, legumes and tofu.
Look after fluid needs - The body needs to be hydrated to perform optimally. (This especially is required for the long hours of time spent on the golf course and in particular, highly important in Asia’s tropical climate!)
Consume alcohol sensibly – That's right, control those mid-game / post-game beer guzzling with your mates!
Here is an example of a dietary plan that one could follow:
Breakfast
- 2 slices toast with thin spread fruit jam- A cup of hot Milo/ coffee/ tea/ juices
Lunch
- A bowl chicken noodle soup with generous serve of vegetables- 1 medium banana
Snack
- 3 pieces plain biscuits- A cup tea with milk
Dinner
- 1 plate rice- 1 serve steamed fish- 1 serve stir-fry vegetables- 1 serve steamed tofu with minced meat- 1 wedge water melon
* Make sure you consume adequate fluid (at least 8 cups) throughout the day.
Whether you're a professional golfer or a recreational Sunday golfer, the commonly heard maxim of "Your Health is Your Wealth" applies. Gain greater stamina on the golf course for improved scores, be free of the unwanted paunch and ultimately live longer! Start fuelling up the healthy way today!
Taken from Golfgreedy.com
Author Png Weileen is the Head of Nutrition (Sports) at the Singapore Sports Council. She is an expert in her field and regularly contributes to sporting magazines and the Straits Times. She can be contacted at The Singapore Sports Council, 230 Stadium Boulevard, Singapore 397799. (More information from website: www.ssc.gov.sg)
Do hunger pangs hit you midway through your golf game very often? Does thinking about that sumptuous meal back at the clubhouse and that ice cold glass of beer make you lose focus on your putt for the 17th hole? Maybe it's not just cravings. It could very well be that you need help with eating right!
Diet plays an important role in fuelling your body while you are exercising. Regardless of whether you are recreational golfers who enjoy a social round of nine to eighteen holes on weekends or competitive golfers who can spend up to eight hours a day on the golf course, meeting the demand for fuel and fluid - essentially those of a healthy eating plan – must be your highest priority.
Thankfully for you, we have experts such as Png Wei Leen, Head of Sports Nutrition at the Singapore Sports Council, to provide you with some insightful tips on having a healthy diet.
Golfers of all levels require a diet, which provides a wide variety of foods. The diet should focus on carbohydrate and be balanced with moderate amounts of protein and a little fat from all food groups:
Rice & alternatives
Meat & alternatives, including dairy foods
Fruits
Vegetables
Tips For A Healthy Diet
Enjoy a variety of foods each day - Priority should be given to nutrient-rich foods.
Focus on nutrient-rich, high carbohydrate foods - Bread, cereal-based foods (rice, pasta, breakfast cereal), fruit, vegetables and sweetened low fat dairy products such as yoghurt and flavoured milk.
Consume small quantities of high fat foods - Butter, margarine, oil, cream, cakes, biscuits, pastries, fried foods and many takeaway and processed foods.
Consume moderate amounts of protein (where possible choose low fat protein sources) – Lean meat, skin-free chicken, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products, breads, cereals, legumes and tofu.
Look after fluid needs - The body needs to be hydrated to perform optimally. (This especially is required for the long hours of time spent on the golf course and in particular, highly important in Asia’s tropical climate!)
Consume alcohol sensibly – That's right, control those mid-game / post-game beer guzzling with your mates!
Here is an example of a dietary plan that one could follow:
Breakfast
- 2 slices toast with thin spread fruit jam- A cup of hot Milo/ coffee/ tea/ juices
Lunch
- A bowl chicken noodle soup with generous serve of vegetables- 1 medium banana
Snack
- 3 pieces plain biscuits- A cup tea with milk
Dinner
- 1 plate rice- 1 serve steamed fish- 1 serve stir-fry vegetables- 1 serve steamed tofu with minced meat- 1 wedge water melon
* Make sure you consume adequate fluid (at least 8 cups) throughout the day.
Whether you're a professional golfer or a recreational Sunday golfer, the commonly heard maxim of "Your Health is Your Wealth" applies. Gain greater stamina on the golf course for improved scores, be free of the unwanted paunch and ultimately live longer! Start fuelling up the healthy way today!
Taken from Golfgreedy.com
Author Png Weileen is the Head of Nutrition (Sports) at the Singapore Sports Council. She is an expert in her field and regularly contributes to sporting magazines and the Straits Times. She can be contacted at The Singapore Sports Council, 230 Stadium Boulevard, Singapore 397799. (More information from website: www.ssc.gov.sg)
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Strength & Conditioning – A Necessity for all Golfers!
Strength & Conditioning – A Necessity for all Golfers!
It is a common fallacy to dissociate golf with hitting the gym and pumping iron to improve overall strength. I mean, what else is there to golf than just going to the driving range 3 times a week and rocketing 350 balls as far and as technically proficient as possible right?
Wrong! Like all other sports, other aspects come into play as we have already seen in previous articles (see article on Nutrition for Golfers in "Tee Talk" segment in GolfGreedy.com). A solid conditioning and strength programme will not only allow you to last longer on the course but would also allow you to carry that golf bag on your own with ease. Not to mention the fringe benefit of moving you closer to your dream of toned arms and washboard abdominals in the process!
Getting started with strength and conditioning training may not be the easiest feat for one to accomplish. That's why GolfGreedy.com has enlisted the help of National Discus Athlete and former Singapore Sportsman of the Year, James Wong to share the importance of strength and conditioning in golf.
Fundamentally, possessing an increased level of strength will aid in the generation of force required to launch the ball to great distances. In addition, James also believes that strength, when controlled will provide the golfer with increased ball placement control. This is due to the already high level of strength which can be harnessed and varied in intensity for the multitude of shots that golfers have to make in a game. Even notable professional golfers such as Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia and Adam Scott don't shy away from clocking the hours in the gym at least 2-3 times a week.
Strength can be broadly classified into Aerobic and Anaerobic Strength. Aerobic means in the presence of oxygen; and any activity that is performed at a low to moderate intensity for more than 90 seconds, allowing oxygen to release energy through metabolism, is usually called an aerobic activity. Anaerobic means in the absence of oxygen; and any activity that is performed at a medium to high intensity for less than 2 minutes, where energy is derived without oxygen, is usually called an anaerobic activity.
Golfing is generally classified as an Anaerobic activity, (unless of course you choose to run the entire length of the golf course with your golf bag strapped onto your shoulders!) and thus your focus should be building up a strong base in Anaerobic Strength.
Plyometric Exercises are an example of a range of exercises that you can potentially explore to build up the parts of the body that control the generation of force and explosive action, mainly the core and legs. Plyometrics is a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in a specific sport.
Here are some pictorial representations of some plyometric exercises out there:
As illustrated above, Plyometric training involves high-intensity, explosive muscular contractions that invoke the stretch reflex (stretching the muscle before it contracts so that it contracts with greater force). The most common plyometric exercises include hops, jumps and bounding movements. Strength and Conditioning is an essential part of golf and neglecting it might be the reason why you may not be able to better your scores. Look out for future articles that will enlighten you on specific exercise regimens that can be incorporated into your training and lifestyle. In the meantime, get off that couch and start thinking about joining a gym. Only then will you be able to hit further, last longer and ultimately feel stronger!
Author: James Wong is a Singapore National discus thrower and former SEA Games Gold Medallist. Other notable accolades include Sportsman of the Year 2003 and Chef De Mission for the Youth Olympic Games 2010. He is a lecturer at the School of Business Management at Nanyang Polytechnic and lectures for the Sports & Wellness Management Programme. He can be reached at Nanyang Polytechnic, 180 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 Singapore 569830. (More information from website: http://www.nyp.edu.sg/)
It is a common fallacy to dissociate golf with hitting the gym and pumping iron to improve overall strength. I mean, what else is there to golf than just going to the driving range 3 times a week and rocketing 350 balls as far and as technically proficient as possible right?
Wrong! Like all other sports, other aspects come into play as we have already seen in previous articles (see article on Nutrition for Golfers in "Tee Talk" segment in GolfGreedy.com). A solid conditioning and strength programme will not only allow you to last longer on the course but would also allow you to carry that golf bag on your own with ease. Not to mention the fringe benefit of moving you closer to your dream of toned arms and washboard abdominals in the process!
Getting started with strength and conditioning training may not be the easiest feat for one to accomplish. That's why GolfGreedy.com has enlisted the help of National Discus Athlete and former Singapore Sportsman of the Year, James Wong to share the importance of strength and conditioning in golf.
Fundamentally, possessing an increased level of strength will aid in the generation of force required to launch the ball to great distances. In addition, James also believes that strength, when controlled will provide the golfer with increased ball placement control. This is due to the already high level of strength which can be harnessed and varied in intensity for the multitude of shots that golfers have to make in a game. Even notable professional golfers such as Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia and Adam Scott don't shy away from clocking the hours in the gym at least 2-3 times a week.
Strength can be broadly classified into Aerobic and Anaerobic Strength. Aerobic means in the presence of oxygen; and any activity that is performed at a low to moderate intensity for more than 90 seconds, allowing oxygen to release energy through metabolism, is usually called an aerobic activity. Anaerobic means in the absence of oxygen; and any activity that is performed at a medium to high intensity for less than 2 minutes, where energy is derived without oxygen, is usually called an anaerobic activity.
Golfing is generally classified as an Anaerobic activity, (unless of course you choose to run the entire length of the golf course with your golf bag strapped onto your shoulders!) and thus your focus should be building up a strong base in Anaerobic Strength.
Plyometric Exercises are an example of a range of exercises that you can potentially explore to build up the parts of the body that control the generation of force and explosive action, mainly the core and legs. Plyometrics is a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system, generally for the purpose of improving performance in a specific sport.
Here are some pictorial representations of some plyometric exercises out there:
As illustrated above, Plyometric training involves high-intensity, explosive muscular contractions that invoke the stretch reflex (stretching the muscle before it contracts so that it contracts with greater force). The most common plyometric exercises include hops, jumps and bounding movements. Strength and Conditioning is an essential part of golf and neglecting it might be the reason why you may not be able to better your scores. Look out for future articles that will enlighten you on specific exercise regimens that can be incorporated into your training and lifestyle. In the meantime, get off that couch and start thinking about joining a gym. Only then will you be able to hit further, last longer and ultimately feel stronger!
Author: James Wong is a Singapore National discus thrower and former SEA Games Gold Medallist. Other notable accolades include Sportsman of the Year 2003 and Chef De Mission for the Youth Olympic Games 2010. He is a lecturer at the School of Business Management at Nanyang Polytechnic and lectures for the Sports & Wellness Management Programme. He can be reached at Nanyang Polytechnic, 180 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 Singapore 569830. (More information from website: http://www.nyp.edu.sg/)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Seletar Country Club Is Exactly Where a Country Club Should Be…
Seletar Country Club Is Exactly Where a Country Club Should Be…
In the Heart of the Country
Secluded from urban traffic, Seletar Country Club sits amidst a distinctive countryside setting with bird sanctuaries fringing our scenic 18-hole golf course. The Club is spread over acres of beautiful, tranquil countryside, dominated by the glistening waters of the reservoir. Its proximity to the Lower Seletar Reservoir has given the club another dimension, allowing members to experience the fun of sailing and oneness with nature.
A Legendary Friendly Club
A much talked about unique feature of Seletar Country Club has always been its legendary Seletar spirit. Not many clubs in Singapore can boast of members still so unspoilt and friendly.
A Grand Clubhouse
The clubhouse is a landmark visible for miles around. Its striking exterior is matched by its lavish interior. It is built for a multitude of users, from relaxing, dining, socialising to conferencing.
The Friendly Family Club of Choice
With a comprehensive range of sports and recreational facilities, its own Sailing Centre, holiday homes out of Singapore, the legendary friendly Seletar spirit and a oneness with Nature, Seletar Country Club is indeed the family club of choice for Singaporeans.
Seletar Course
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Don’t beat yourself silly; even Pros have it hard!
Don’t beat yourself silly; even Pros have it hard!
"If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf." — Bob Hope
Let’s admit it. We love to subject ourselves to torture on the golf course - a pulled putt from 4 feet to shatter yet another chance of breaking 80, 90, or 100; a drive sliced so badly that you almost turned a golf ball into a boomerang! And just when you thought you finally mastered the game.If there was a slight sigh followed by a nod of recognition for this familiar experience, you, beleaguered golfer, are not alone. Golf is a sport so complex and multi-faceted that it can get rather frustrating to play. Yet for some obscure reason, golf has the uncanny ability to make us suckers for it.One person who can empathize with that sentiment and reconcile with the complexities of the game is Jumari Mohd Osman.
Yes, It Is THAT Tough!
Assistant Director of AutoInc Sports – a luxury car dealership - by day, a professional golf coach, as well as father to a 1 year old daughter, Jumari epitomizes the quintessential balanced golfer with a life outside of golf. His story of becoming a Golf Pro is still very much attributed to the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice that he has put into the sport. A golfer for nearly 20 years, his passion for the sport took root at the age of 8 when he was given a home-made golf club for his birthday and began playfully hitting small coconuts mimicking a golf swing each time. Having also come from a family of golfers (his brother too is a professional golfer), he was no stranger to the sport. Jumari started caddying at the tender age of 14 only to play at a handicap of 1 at the age of 17 whilst also working adjunct in a golf shop and caddying throughout his NS years.
Professional golfing falls into two main levels which many only dream of being able to eventually attain. The Teaching Professional qualification, which Jumari has achieved, requires the golfer to play to a score of 78 consecutively for two days of play on a par 72 course whilst the more difficult Player Professional qualification requires a score of 75. Now aged 32 and a certified golf pro, Jumari recalled vividly the disappointment he felt after playing a 75 and 77 in two consecutives games of play thus falling short of the 75 average that was required for Player Pro status. Shrugging that off, he waxed lyrical about the discipline and long amounts of time required to be set aside for the rigor of practice. “On average, I spend 3-4 hours a time for 4-5 times a week at the golf driving range practicing on my pre-routine and short game”, said a clearly enthused Jumari. Over and above his golfing regimen, Jumari tries to squeeze in a 4km run at least 3 days a week to keep him from putting on the extra pounds. This, he says, is the bare minimum that has to be clocked in. And mind you, we haven’t even begun talking about the routines that the high-level playing pros go through each day.
In a way, even as serious weekend golfers, we can identify with Jumari’s golfing pains. But why do we put ourselves through it week after week? The answer is probably best summed up by this very apt saying: “Golf is like a love affair: if you don't take it seriously, it's no fun. If you do take it seriously, it breaks your heart.” Jumari still takes the sport seriously. So do most of us. It is difficult to explain to the non-golfer what is so enthralling about hitting a small dimpled ball. But the fact that the game of also golf mirrors life makes it a great sport.
Ludo Ergo Sum (I Play, Therefore I am)
On one level, botching up a single hole in a round of 18 could very well sound the death knell for your final score. That being said, a good break here or there despite a bad start could still see you salvaging a decent score at the end. Life too is like that with its twists and turns keeping all of us in suspense as to what lies next.
What comes across strikingly in Jumari is his happy-go-lucky demeanor which all golfers should strive to emulate. This was largely influenced by his father’s golfing philosophy of taking one shot at a time. Setbacks come and go but it’s all about taking control and persevering that will eventually take you to where you want to be.
In essence, golf for the pro, golf for the average player or for the fledging beginner is a sensory encounter that is to be thoroughly enjoyed. It is the complete experience from the highs you feel when you produce the sweetest of shots to the intensity from making the winning putt in match play; from the closeness to nature you feel by being at the golf course to the calming of the senses when you see the greens.With a strong sense of nostalgia in his tone, Jumari spoke fondly about the times he played at Ria Bintan Golf Course in Indonesia and Moon Valley Golf Club in Arizona as being the most beautiful and exotic places he has played at. The sport of golf thus transcends itself as not merely just a game but a chance to connect with nature and experience its beauty.
So the next time you lose 20 bucks to your buddies because of a 3 putt within 10 feet, don’t fret! Because for what it’s worth, Tiger may still be swinging at it in pain and an aspiring pro may have just shot 77 to dampen his dreams of becoming a touring pro. All this while you - frustrated golfer – can still enjoy the chirping of birds perched on the trees lining the fairways, and relish taking your next shot knowing that it does not determine your destiny. Heck, you can even get some advice from Jumari on how to improve that short game to turn the tide against your playing mates next week at the club!
Author Jumari is a certified golf coach who is passionately involved in part time coaching at various locations around Singapore.
"If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf." — Bob Hope
Let’s admit it. We love to subject ourselves to torture on the golf course - a pulled putt from 4 feet to shatter yet another chance of breaking 80, 90, or 100; a drive sliced so badly that you almost turned a golf ball into a boomerang! And just when you thought you finally mastered the game.If there was a slight sigh followed by a nod of recognition for this familiar experience, you, beleaguered golfer, are not alone. Golf is a sport so complex and multi-faceted that it can get rather frustrating to play. Yet for some obscure reason, golf has the uncanny ability to make us suckers for it.One person who can empathize with that sentiment and reconcile with the complexities of the game is Jumari Mohd Osman.
Yes, It Is THAT Tough!
Assistant Director of AutoInc Sports – a luxury car dealership - by day, a professional golf coach, as well as father to a 1 year old daughter, Jumari epitomizes the quintessential balanced golfer with a life outside of golf. His story of becoming a Golf Pro is still very much attributed to the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice that he has put into the sport. A golfer for nearly 20 years, his passion for the sport took root at the age of 8 when he was given a home-made golf club for his birthday and began playfully hitting small coconuts mimicking a golf swing each time. Having also come from a family of golfers (his brother too is a professional golfer), he was no stranger to the sport. Jumari started caddying at the tender age of 14 only to play at a handicap of 1 at the age of 17 whilst also working adjunct in a golf shop and caddying throughout his NS years.
Professional golfing falls into two main levels which many only dream of being able to eventually attain. The Teaching Professional qualification, which Jumari has achieved, requires the golfer to play to a score of 78 consecutively for two days of play on a par 72 course whilst the more difficult Player Professional qualification requires a score of 75. Now aged 32 and a certified golf pro, Jumari recalled vividly the disappointment he felt after playing a 75 and 77 in two consecutives games of play thus falling short of the 75 average that was required for Player Pro status. Shrugging that off, he waxed lyrical about the discipline and long amounts of time required to be set aside for the rigor of practice. “On average, I spend 3-4 hours a time for 4-5 times a week at the golf driving range practicing on my pre-routine and short game”, said a clearly enthused Jumari. Over and above his golfing regimen, Jumari tries to squeeze in a 4km run at least 3 days a week to keep him from putting on the extra pounds. This, he says, is the bare minimum that has to be clocked in. And mind you, we haven’t even begun talking about the routines that the high-level playing pros go through each day.
In a way, even as serious weekend golfers, we can identify with Jumari’s golfing pains. But why do we put ourselves through it week after week? The answer is probably best summed up by this very apt saying: “Golf is like a love affair: if you don't take it seriously, it's no fun. If you do take it seriously, it breaks your heart.” Jumari still takes the sport seriously. So do most of us. It is difficult to explain to the non-golfer what is so enthralling about hitting a small dimpled ball. But the fact that the game of also golf mirrors life makes it a great sport.
Ludo Ergo Sum (I Play, Therefore I am)
On one level, botching up a single hole in a round of 18 could very well sound the death knell for your final score. That being said, a good break here or there despite a bad start could still see you salvaging a decent score at the end. Life too is like that with its twists and turns keeping all of us in suspense as to what lies next.
What comes across strikingly in Jumari is his happy-go-lucky demeanor which all golfers should strive to emulate. This was largely influenced by his father’s golfing philosophy of taking one shot at a time. Setbacks come and go but it’s all about taking control and persevering that will eventually take you to where you want to be.
In essence, golf for the pro, golf for the average player or for the fledging beginner is a sensory encounter that is to be thoroughly enjoyed. It is the complete experience from the highs you feel when you produce the sweetest of shots to the intensity from making the winning putt in match play; from the closeness to nature you feel by being at the golf course to the calming of the senses when you see the greens.With a strong sense of nostalgia in his tone, Jumari spoke fondly about the times he played at Ria Bintan Golf Course in Indonesia and Moon Valley Golf Club in Arizona as being the most beautiful and exotic places he has played at. The sport of golf thus transcends itself as not merely just a game but a chance to connect with nature and experience its beauty.
So the next time you lose 20 bucks to your buddies because of a 3 putt within 10 feet, don’t fret! Because for what it’s worth, Tiger may still be swinging at it in pain and an aspiring pro may have just shot 77 to dampen his dreams of becoming a touring pro. All this while you - frustrated golfer – can still enjoy the chirping of birds perched on the trees lining the fairways, and relish taking your next shot knowing that it does not determine your destiny. Heck, you can even get some advice from Jumari on how to improve that short game to turn the tide against your playing mates next week at the club!
Author Jumari is a certified golf coach who is passionately involved in part time coaching at various locations around Singapore.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Quincy Quek Gets Meritorious Award
Quincy Quek Gets Meritorious Award (Individual)
Quincy Quek has been conferred the 2009 Singapore Sports Award Meritorious Award (Individual) for his outstanding achievements in golf. Announced by SNOC on 6 May 09, the Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held on 19 Jun 09 at the Orchard Hotel.
Quincy has turned professional on 29 Apr 09 and will embark on a journey to seek greater glory in professional golf. The Singapore Golf Association congratulates him on his achievement and wishes him all the best in his new endeavours.
Quincy Quek has been conferred the 2009 Singapore Sports Award Meritorious Award (Individual) for his outstanding achievements in golf. Announced by SNOC on 6 May 09, the Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held on 19 Jun 09 at the Orchard Hotel.
Quincy has turned professional on 29 Apr 09 and will embark on a journey to seek greater glory in professional golf. The Singapore Golf Association congratulates him on his achievement and wishes him all the best in his new endeavours.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Singapore Golf Show 2009
The Singapore Golf Show 2009 will transform the heartland at TopGolf Asia, Toa Payoh Golf Range, into a unique golfing experience.
The event will tee off from 2 – 5 July 2009 and will be friendly family event with something for everyone.
The event organisers have lined up some highlights which include:
$100,000 Hole-in-One Shootout
$10,000 Longest Putt Shootout Challenge
$5000 Chip-in Hole-in-One Shootout
$3000 Longest Drive Challenge.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tiger Woods: face up in the rough
Tiger Woods: face up in the rough
source: golfdigestsingapore.com
Ask tiger
Blast out
source: golfdigestsingapore.comHow to keep it square
Controlling the clubface is equally important on long and short shots. When pitching from the high stuff, the secret is to keep the face from closing through impact, which occurs when the tall grass wraps around the hosel and the toe turns over. I open the face of my 60-degree wedge slightly and grip the club a little tighter to keep the toe from flipping closed. Then I play the shot much like an explosion from a greenside bunker, keeping my upper body and lower body connected as I turn through the shot.
The key is to start the wrist cock early and swing your arms on a more up-and-down plane. It also helps to have a high-spin ball to keep the shot from rolling out too far. So keep the clubface pointing to the sky through impact for higher shots that land softly.
Ask tiger
Voting
Q Who did you vote for in the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year balloting?
A Padraig Harrington. He won two Majors. It’s as simple as that.
Resolutions
Q What are your goals for this year?
A To get healthy is my No. 1 goal. That’s what I’m focused on. I have an idea of when I’d like to return to competition, but it depends on how my left knee holds up. The best-case scenario is that I play a couple of events before the Masters. My outlook on playing tournaments has not changed: I won’t come back until I honestly feel that I can win.
Changes
Q Will your swing be different when you come back?
A Without a doubt. I did a lot of things to compensate for my leg over the last few years, namely snap it at impact and back out with my hips. Now, I don’t have to do that. I can finally do some of the things Hank Haney wanted me to do and have stability in my leg. It’s a nice feeling, I can assure you.
Blast out
Just like on a greenside bunker shot, stick the club in the grass behind the ball and keep it moving to an abbreviated finish.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
TaylorMade-Adidas Product Launch 2009:Unveiling the next revolution in golf
TaylorMade-Adidas Product Launch 2009:Unveiling the next revolution in golf
TaylorMade-Adidas launched the much-anticipated R9 line of products and Burner irons amid plenty of fanfare at Saujana Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur on March 2. Staff and regional dealers from all over South-east Asia, as well as media representatives, converged on the Malaysian capital to witness the unveiling of TaylorMade’s most innovative products to date.
The day started with Jing Tan, the managing director of TaylorMade-Adidas Golf in South-east Asia, giving a welcome speech, rallying everybody to focus and seize on the opportunities during the tough times ahead.
After the product presentation, guests were ushered to the driving range, where they had a first-hand taste of TaylorMade’s latest equipment. Judging by everyone’s reaction, it was evident that the R9 products and Burner irons are indeed innovative and revolutionary.
The golfing treat didn’t end there. Everyone had a complimentary round at the Palm Course, otherwise known as “The Cobra”.
The momentous day ended with a sumptuous dinner and a fashion show that presented Adidas’ latest range of apparel and accessories.
From Golf Digest Apr 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Just for laugh
