#golfing tips

Who would have ever thought that an alignment stick would become a golfer’s must-have accessory? You can now find an alignment stick in almost everyone’s bag, regardless of their handicap.

But alignment sticks are not just for alignment. An alignment stick can be used for improving a golfer’s swing and ball flight. So if you don’t have one, you’re missing out on a sure fire way to improve your game.

Here are my 10 best drills using an alignment stick for something other than aiming.

Swing Plane Drill

Swing plane is a commonly used term in golf but often misunderstood. Swing plane simply means controlling the club shaft position during the swing. To swing on-plane, the shaft needs to swing back and down on an angle that matches the club’s lie angle (the shaft angle with the club soled flat on the ground).

If you can swing on plane, your shots will be more consis-tent, more accurate and more powerful, while an off-plane swing will lead to a host of problems including an incorrect swing path, missing the center of the face and a poor Angle of Attack (AOA).

To set up this drill, match the alignment stick to the club’s lie angle, and then shove it in the ground (as pictured). Place another alignment stick on the ground so you are swinging toward a specific target. Then take several practice swings trying to match the club shaft’s position with the alignment stick on the backswing or downswing.

The post Golf Alignment Stick Secrets appeared first on Golf Tips Magazine.

One word comes to mind when discussing Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Fla. That word is “Copperhead.’’ Regarded as one of the top five courses in Florida—it’s been No. 1 on some lists —Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is architect Larry Packard’s masterpiece. 

It’s a sweeping, larger-than-life centerpiece of this 900-acre resort about 20 miles north of Tampa International Airport and host to the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship, which returns this week. Jordan Spieth began his rise to superstardom with his playoff victory at the 2015 Valspar.

Originally designed by Packard in 1972, Copperhead underwent a total renovation in 2015 that included a new irrigation system, raising the fairways on the second and third holes to improve drainage; re-shaping bunkers; and adding of a set of staircase traps on the 18th hole. The renovation essentially brought the course from the 1970s look and put the fangs back into the Copperhead.

“A tough golf course,’’ Tiger Woods has said of the Copperhead. 

How tough? Copperhead’s famed “Snake Pit’’ finishing holes – a 460-yard, par-four, 215-yard, par-three and 455-yard, par-four – are as a good as any finishing holes as on the PGA Tour. 

But Innisbrook, owned by Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Hotels & Resorts, is more than just the Copperhead. The resort’s Island, North and South courses each are formidable. As with Copperhead, each course was designed by Packard, who lived at Innisbrook until his death age 101 in 2014.

The Island Course, with its tight fairways (particularly on the first six holes) and water hazards, is a favorite of Innisbrook members. The South Course strays a bit from the standard Florida tree-lined fairways in offering more a links-style feel and look.     

The completion of the South Course renovation on 2018 gave each of the greens on the four courses at Innisbrook TifEagle Bermudagrass, which generally stands up well against drought conditions as well as disease.

Approximately 300 of Innisbrook’s 450 member-owned suites (one-  two- and three-bedrooms) have been completely remodeled with new furnishings and brighter colors. Even the full kitchens in each guest suite have been remodeled.

Remodeling  the guest accommodations at Innisbrook Resort is the latest example of Johnson putting her stamp on Innisbrook. Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television and the first African-American women to achieve a net worth of at least $1 billion, acquired Innisbrook in 2007 for a reported $35 million. It’s now part of a Salamander portfolio that includes Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia; The Henderson in Destin, Florida; Hotel Bennett in Charleston, South Carolina; and Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, Florida.

“Innisbrook is a just a great example of a golf resort that we strive to position among the best in class,’’ said Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. “Thanks to renovations that have taken place over the years, the great service that our employees  provide, and the growing stature of the Valspar Championship, Innisbrook has really risen to be among the best golf resorts in the country.’’

Despite its size, Innisbrook is easy to navigate, either by car or via the shuttles that transport guests to and from the clubhouses, Salamander Spa, 11 tennis courts and convention center. Each of the chalet-style lodge buildings at Innisbrook is named after a famous course such as Merion, Augusta and Carnoustie. 

The Copperhead clubhouse is home to Packard’s Steakhouse, the resort’s signature dining experience that comes complete with tuxedoed servers (many of whom have been there to 20 years) and a deep menu selection of steak and seafood. Packard’s is one of five dining outlets at the resort. Among the others, The Grill at the Loch Ness pool is a popular summer dining destination for families and kids.

Innisbrook for the past four decades has been one of the Southeast’s more popular convention and business meeting destinations, featuring more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space. 

Salamander Spa, meanwhile, features 12 treatment rooms, including a couples room with private fireplace and shower. Innisbrook Director of Instruction Dawn Mercer is one of the country’s top golf teachers.

Located just off bustling Highway 19, Innisbrook is central to many of the Tampa-St. Petersburg area attractions, including Tropicana Field (home of the Tampa Bay Rays) and beaches, including Treasure Island and St. Petersburg Beach. 

Palm Harbor has a small restaurant district just a few miles south of Innisbrook (go for the fried oysters at Molly Goodhead’s Raw Bar) and a few miles to the north is the city Tarpon Springs, with its Greek restaurants and sponge docks.

www.innisbrookgolfresort.com

  The post Innisbrook Resort A Tour-Tested Winner appeared first on Golf Tips Magazine.

The 2019 Masters Tournament will draw golf fans from near and far for four days of competitive play April 11-14. Wild Dunes Resort, a Destination Hotel near Charleston, South Carolina, is offering families and friends looking to road trip to and from this celebrated event, the chance to experience relaxation, sunshine and award-winning golf with its new Road to the Masters Package.

Available for stays April 1-21, with rates starting at $404 per person, per night, this package includes:

Accommodations in the resort’s AAA Four-Diamond Rated Boardwalk Inn, the Village at Wild Dunes or in the resort’s luxury condos

One round of golf, with cart fees included, on the Links Course

One round of golf, with cart fees included, on the Harbor Course

Bucket of balls & full range access

Daily breakfast at Huey’s Southern Eats

“We can’t wait to welcome players of all skill levels to experience our Tom Fazio-designed Links and Harbor Courses for the ultimate Masters golf vacation this year,” shares Wild Dunes Resort’s Golf Director Jeff Minton. “Whether coming from the north or south, our resort is an unbeatable pit-stop for families and friends headed to the most prestigious golf tournament of the year.”

Others wishing to enjoy Wild Dunes Resort’s premier courses year-round can take advantage of the resort’s Young Executive Membership and Harbor Friends Golf Program.

Young Executive Membership offers those 40 and under the opportunity to take advantage of the resort’s award-winning golf courses, pools, beach and more at an incredible value, with inclusions such as Links and Harbor Course greens fees, preferred golf member guest rates, preferred daily tee times, waived tennis court fees, discounted tennis lessons/clinics, access to all resort pools and the grand pavilion, 25 percent off best available rate room reservations and Destination Properties, 10-20 percent off rentals, retail purchases and food and beverage outlets, and more.

The resort’s new Harbor Friends Golf Program is the ultimate annual VIP pass to the Harbor Course, known for its challenging design and beautiful views. Local golfers (Dorchester, Charleston or Berkeley counties) can enroll for $49 to enjoy year-round perks including $44 rounds on the Harbor Course, exclusive monthly offers and tournament access, a Friends Reward punch card to earn free rounds and merchandise, 10 percent off restaurant and pro shop purchases, and a Harbor Friends tumbler after sign-up.

www.wilddunes.com

The post Make A Wild Dunes Stop On Road To Masters appeared first on Golf Tips Magazine.

The search for par or better always gains an extra sheen when you’re looking good from head to toe, which made putting together our lineup of 2019 golf apparel and shoes so much fun and colorful. Read on to get a grip on how to put yourself together on the links this summer, and take advantage of the latest technology to boot.

AHEAD CAPS

Founded in 1995 as a headwear company, Ahead has evolved into a multi-dimensional brand offering headwear along with apparel (including Kate Lord for women) and accessories.

“We’ve really grown our apparel business the past couple of years,’’ said Jessica Georgenes, marketing coordinator for Ahead. “With a mix of different fashion groups and essentials pieces, we’ve been able to create multiple creations, so we are really becoming more well known for fashion.’’

The company’s latest addition to its apparel/ headwear collections – Sonic Weld - has more to do with what’s on them rather than fabrics and designs. Sonic Weld is a silver metal base mix that creates a bold look on everything from shirts, to skirts to caps.

An integral part of this year’s Ahead fashion collections, Sonic Weld, “really makes the logo pop off for apparel and logo applications,’’ said Jessica Georgenes, marketing coordinator for Ahead. “It works better on performance fabrics, but it can be used also can be used tics. It can be used on cotton but we usually don’t recommend it.’’

www.aheadweb.com

The post Equipment: 2019 Golf Apparel And Shoes appeared first on Golf Tips Magazine.

Picking the right set of clubs is the first step toward playing a better game. You should choose golf clubs that feel comfortable in your hands. A custom fitting at Deer Creek Golf Club helps you find your ideal shaft length. Most players in Broward County benefit from using equipment designed for their specific swing.

Finding a reliable putter is the key to lowering your scores on the green. You must ensure your golf driver provides the right launch angle for more distance. High-quality golf clubs allow you to enjoy your time in Deerfield Beach much more.

Most golfers lose strokes because they do not understand what is a short game in golf. This part of the game involves every shot from the fairway or bunker near the green. Improving your wedge play is a smart way to find better golf results this season. A sharp short game in golf helps you recover after a long drive.

Visit Deer Creek Golf Club in Deerfield Beach to practice your chipping and pitching skills. Our instructors offer golf tips that help you navigate the tricky local turf conditions. Mastering these shots around the green will lead to more pars and fewer bogeys.

Florida has more than 1,250 courses, so the real question is which ones fit your day. At Deer Creek Golf Club we see every kind of trip, from first tee buddies weekends to bucket list stops. Picture wide fairways in the Panhandle, tour history in Northeast Florida, Orlando resort marathons, and Naples luxury with greens that roll true. Add the Space Coast and Treasure Coast for breezy coastal loops, then cap it with South Florida where palm trees frame the shot. Our guide keeps it skimmable and shows how to pick a lane without overthinking it.