21:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

Day 21: 24 of Murphys Laws of Golf:  Murphy is always looking for ways add strokes to your game.  If you want to hit a 7-iron as far as Tiger does, simply try to use it to lay up just short of a water hazard.  Just sayin.  Fore!!!

20:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

20:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  Every time a golfer makes a birdie, the golfer must subsequently make a double or possibly triple bogey to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe. It's a rule.  Fore!!!

19:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

19:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  You can hit a 2-acre fairway 10% of the time and a 2-inch branch 90% of the time.

Golfgal has not been posting as often due to becoming a new grandmother!!!!!!  FORE!   

Day 18:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

Day 18:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  As most of you are very much aware...the shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is a straight shot that passes directly through the center of a very large tree resembling that of the Redwood National Forest.  Fore!!

17:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

17:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  It's not a gimme if you're still 4 feet away.

16:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

16:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  Nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts.  Of course unless you call a Mulligan.

15:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

15:24 Days of Murphys of Golf:  Counting on your opponent to inform you when breaking a rule is like expecting a self-directed derogatory comment on their own haircut.  We all know the curse of the bad hair days and the kind people who say, no really, no one will even notice that wild hair sticking off the top of your head.   How about that curl that flips off the side of the ear or the flat bed head from the mattress, no one notices...right? FORE!!

14:24 Murphys Laws of Golf

14:24 Murphys Laws of Golf:  Someone told me that it is surprisingly easy to hold a 50 foot put when you lie 8.... ok I said, all the while thinking, "what the H--- does that mean?"  FORE!!!

13:24 Murphys Laws of Golf

13:24 Murphys Laws of Golf:  If it isn't broke, try changing your grip....NOT!!!  I was given a grip and told never to change it.  FORE!!  Of course unless it is the grip on your putter itself...then of course change away.

I still don't get those long chest putter thingies...seems like cheating to me.

12:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

12:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  Bad shots come in groups of three, we already know not to use good balls when hitting over water, so when hitting the fourth consecutive bad shot in a row it means that you have two more just like it since it is started another group of three.  That darn Murphy!  Fore!! 

11:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

11:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  All vows taken on a golf course shall be valid only until the sunset.

What vow?  FORE!!!!

10:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

10:24 Days of Murphys Laws for Golf:  Of course this law depends on how much you play ~ Golf should be given up at least twice per month.  Hopefully when doing so, the clubs remain straight for the next time the game is renewed...if not the sport can become exhorbitantly expensive. FORE!!

9:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

Law 9:24:   the last three holes of a round of golf will automatically adjust your score to what it really should be... nine holes don't count.  

Usually the first nine holes make you look like a prince or a golfgal diva, but going into those final holes all of the sudden Murphy joins your group and your wildest dreams become green nightmares. FORE!

8:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

8:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  Golf Balls from the same 'sleeve' tend to follow one another, particularly, out of bounds or into the water.  See LAW 3.

Just like Forest Gump ~ and that's all I have to say about that.

7:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

7:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf:  It has been said that the 3 wood is demon possessed and the most annoying person you can think of... does not come close.  However, that been said, I love my hybrid 3 wood, so I call mine blessed.   FORE!!!

6:24 Days of Murphys Laws - Group Dynamics

Law 6:24  Days of Murphys Laws:  A golfer that hits into your group will always be bigger than anyone in your group.  Likewise, a group you accidentally hit into will consist of a middle linebacker, Hulk Hogan, Hannibal Lector and an IRS agent... or some similar combination. 


Of course, as a woman, I don't punch, hit, spit, but sometimes I may curse.  So how big my opposing groups are does not matter to me in the least.  Just watch out for the FORE!!!!! 

5:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

5:24   Murphys Laws of golf In Day Five States:   The higher a golfer's handicap, the more qualified he deems himself as an instructor.


I don't know about you but whenever I play with someone who has one more day experience that I do it seems that this person thinks I want to learn everything they know....NOT!!!!  If I wanted their opinion I would pay for it!!!  FORE!!!

4:24 Days of Murphy's Laws of Golf

4:24  The fourth day of 24 Days of Murphy's Laws:  Golf balls never bounce off of trees back into play.  If one does, the  tree is breaking a law of the universe and should become firewood.  

I can say that this law has definitely affected me on several occasions.  The golf ball would hit the limbs of the tree and drop in some obscure location that is simply unhittable (is that a word?) or would hit the tree trunk and ricoche outside the fairway and into the deep rough.  Once the golf ball hit the tree trunk and went for a plunge into the ravine about 10 yards away.  As much as I love trees, they are just not meant to accompany fairways on a golf course.  FORE!  

3:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf

3:24 Murphys Laws regarding brand new golf balls: somehow new golf balls are water-magnetic.  Though this cannot be proven in a lab, it seems to be a temporary phenomenon.  It is a known fact that the more expensive the ball, the greater 'attraction to water'  magnetic value it contains. Also Expensive clubs have been known to possess a sudden death syndrome in most unusual circumstances.   

Note to self: Take a couple extra older balls when driving over water and laugh in face of Murphy Laws ... Out Loud!!!  FORE!

2:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf: Rounds of Golf

The second day of Murphys Laws of Golf involves being humbled by the game itself.

2:24: Your absolute best round of golf will likely be followed almost immediately by your worse possible round of golf ever.  The probability of the latter increases with the number of people you tell about the former, especially if they came to watch you play or you have decided to play for money. $$$

Speaking of money... my hubby played in a small 9 hole tournament last week at our local course.  He was excited to  have played since we have not the opportunity for a while with the bad weather we have had conflicting with our free time.  I do not feel good enough to participate in a tournament yet, so I told him to go ahead without me this time.  As the team played best hole, he was excited that on the final hole he was inches from the flag on a 140 foot drive and was the selected shot to end with a birdie and his team won the mini-tournament.  He went into claim the prize he won for the last shot.   It was a great shade umbrella worth a good $50 and left out of there with a fist full of money, his share for winning the tournament.  Needless to say, the smile remained embedded for a couple days.   I guess Murphy will be around the next time around to make him humble once more.  It is the good days that keep us coming back for more punishment, that is for sure.  FORE!!!

1:24 Days of Murphys Laws of Golf, thought you ought to know..maybe you 've experienced a few

1:24 Law :  No matter how bad your last shot was, you should have inner Peace knowing that a Murphy Shot is yet to come.  The Murphy shot law does not expire on the 18th hole, since it has the supernatural tendency to extend over the course of a tournament, a summer, and eventually a lifetime.  Dang that Omnipotent Murphy.

If you have experienced the spirit of Murphy's law on the course, feel honored, you are among many.  Hold your 7 iron high in the air and hummmmmm, that seems to settle the spirit down a bit.  You can always try anything, nothing ventured nothing gained.

How far have you gotten on your putting regimen?  Just asking.

Results from the putting goal.

So how did we do?  No neither did I.  I could not get to 25 in a row at three feet.  It looks like I need a lot more practice, how about you?  I think I will start to go to 15 at three foot then graduate it up so I can also get practice at longer shots, since I was getting no practice there at all.  LOL.  Ok so let's go at it another week and see how we do.  In the meantime, how is the driving?  Well it is time to get serious and get the game going after that small break for healing on that pulled tendon.  By the way, thanks for the cards and letters.  See ya on the course, FORE!!!!  Oh by the way, TOP GOLF is getting ready to open in Allen, Texas.   It looks like it will house quite a few people at three tiers.  Maybe I will see you there. 

Master's 2011 Unbelievable Results Corrected

If you were like me today, you could not keep your eyes off the television that was tuned into the Masters.  There has not been a day of golf to match this day that I can ever remember.  The new younger fellows of the game are just soooo good.  Yesterday McIlroy was leading the way, but today it seemed that the pressure was a bit much for him and he imploded half way through the fourth round.  Tiger Woods was having a fabulous first 9 holes climbing to tie for first place with McIlroy only to then miss two three foot putts bringing him back down the ranks.  There was a moment I believed that he was going to take it all the way...but something happened to  his momentum and he ended the day tied for third at 10 under.  At one point in the final holes of the fourth round there was a five way tie for first place.  That was the first time this happened in 100 years. The Winner of the Masters for 2011 was Charl  Schwartzel, A South African.  50 years ago, Gary Player a fellow South African won the Masters and not since that time has South Africa won the Masters.  If McIlroy would have continued his fabulous momentum, he would have been the first Australian to ever win the Masters.  Schwartzel closed his scorecard at 14 under.  What a fabulous ending to a great tournament.    We saw it over and over how important those putts are in the scope of the game.  Did you practice your putts today? 

Note to self:  Never write a blog while falling asleep.

Practicing The Short Game

Working with the putter and a three foot distance can reduce your golf scores tremendously I have been told.  I believe that to be true as I watch the Masters on the Golf Channel.  McIlroy was in the lead at the end of round one with a score of 65.  He was on fire.  Yes, getting it on the green in one is awesome, but that putt makes all the difference on the ending score as proved yesterday by McIlroy.  The man just could not miss.

I have been working on my short game, moving from one side to another in the yard.  Travis Stockholm taught me to practice putts from three foot out until I can get 25 in a row.  Now that is determination.  When I get to 25, move the distance to six foot and do 25 in a row then to nine foot for the same.  He said if you miss to start all over again.    I find that this disciplined procedure is useful at several levels.  First and foremost, the shot goes into the cup.  Secondly, the mental discipline for keeping a steady control of emotion and not get frustrated is priceless.  Third, no pain...no gain....I always say.  If you feel the pain of having to start over, you will be more serious in trying to make the cup.  I think by applying this pressure to yourself, it helps you when it counts on the course.  Especially when playing under the pressure of a tournament.

Maybe I will feel good enough to play in a tournament by the end of the year.  Right now I still feel like I do not know enough about the rules of the game.  Even though I might play a good game, I would likely make a monkey out of myself by doing some sillly golf faux pas.

There is a 30 day writing challenge I am working on at the moment for HubPages that has kept me from playing any golf at the moment, but I am still thinking about it all the time.  (If you 're interested check it out at www.hubpages.com/profile/golfgal. The Masters always captures my media time during this time of year.  If you are like me...I watch in awe at how easy the golfers make the game appear.  At the same time, I also see an occasional blunder..a missed putt.. a bad swing etc.  that helps me to understand that we are all still trying to Master the same game and anyone can make a blunder whether pro or foe.  If the pros can put one in the drink...well then there ya go.  I don't feel so bad.

Get that putter out and join me on a 7 day experiment following the same procedure above for putting practice.  This being day 1.  Go and get 25 putts in a row at three foot!!!!  She how many times you have to putt to meet your goal.  Come on, if I can do it,  you can do it.

Anyone Golfing Today?

Sorry readers, I have been out of commission.  It seems I have pulled a muscle in my neck and it has dibilitated me a bit.  I was wondering if anyone out there has any experiences they wish to share???  I would love to hear about any experiences from my readers.  Anyone care to share??  FORE

Adidas Isabelle Golf Shoes...I love them so will you!!!

I wanted to give you some feedback about the performance of the golf shoes I recently purchased. A couple months ago I got my first pair of Adidas Isabelle Golf Shoes.  I struggled over several different pairs of shoes before making a final decision.  As I mentioned in previous blogs, I have a very high arch and narrow heel.  It is usually a problem for me when wearing shoes for any length of time.  My feet begin to hurt severely if I wear cheaper shoes that provide little support or rub my heel when walking.

The Adidas Isabelle Golf Shoes felt like I was walking on cushions for hours and hours.  After finishing 18 holes of golf, my feet did not hurt at all.  The heel was protected from rubbing, the arch was supported well and the overall comfort was very satisfying.  I am extremely pleased with my purchase and I can say without reservation....I will acquire a rack of Adidas Golf Shoes in various colors and styles to complement my golfgal attire.  For the first pair I wanted basic white which goes with anything I wear. I have suggested a couple links on this site for sports gear and clothing.  Have fun finding a style to compliment your game.   I chose hard plastic cleats and I can tell you these shoes clean up really well afterwards.

Months before I started to actually play my husband took me along with him to the golfcourse and I would drive the golf cart while he played.  I noticed that as players finished they would drive the golfcart to their respective cars to unload and I would here a funny noise..pop...pop..pop.  I did not pay it any mind really.

It was now the first time I wore my new golf shoes and it was as we unloaded at our car that my husband took off his shoes and hit them together making that funny noise...pop...pop...pop.  Oh, I said to him, that is the funny little noise that I have been hearing in the parking lot.  He asked me to take off my shoes and do the same to clean them.  I did not think they would be that dirty until I turned them over and looked at the collection of green mucky material attached to my cleats.  Yuck, I said as I proceeded to follow his lead and made that funny little noise too,  Pop..pop..pop.   I re-examined the cleats and to my surprise the muck was gone. Amazing little trick I said, and we just smiled.  Another fun fact for the Golfgal In Texas.  FORE!!!

Practice Makes Perfect Sometimes....

Well, if you have been reading my blogs you know that I have been practicing with a passion my backswing with one arm.  Well it just so happens that my coach Travis reads my blog too.  Today I got an email from him that went something like this...."Hey Lisa, I noticed when I read your blog that when you practice that backswing with one arm you are supposed to be using your left arm only..not your right arm".  Now wouldn't ya just know it.  Shows you what a green horn I am at this game.  And Here I thought I was doing pretty good at my practices like a good girl.  Practice does make perfect when you do it right.   So I gotta start all over....and such is the game of golf.  Happy Backswing!!!  

Practice Makes Perfect.....OK OK... I am practicing

You know how it goes after the inital adrenaline of getting started begins to fade and you are faced with the reality that what is left is..... practicing what you have learned.  Is it only me?  OK...I am practicing already.  I was encouraged to work on my backswing with one hand to get the feel of the motion.  Holding the club with the same grip but with only the right hand....taking it back.  Twisting the upper torso in slow motion.  Even the gremace seems to be in slow motion.  Coming down while shifting the weight through the hips and striking the ball to continue the twist with the upper torso.  What a workout.  I promised myself I would do this movement at least  25 times every morning.  After the third day, it seems to be a lot smoother.   So just maybe there is something to this homework assignment.  I feel the strengthening of that muscle group.  Travis says the muscle group needs to be trained for the motion over and over in slow motion to be very effective.  It will also help with relaxation.  I tend to get too tense and take the backswing a little too fast, throwing off the momentum and timing of the swing. 

 I know I am thinking too much....I just need to practice the slow motion of the backswing and follow through and shut up already.  I feel a golf day coming on.  sigh.

Buying the BirdieBalls make all the difference in offcourse practice.  Try them for yourself.  Easy to use, no chasing or loosing balls and the neighborhood is safe once more.  A great gift for Mother's or Father's day coming up.     FORE!!!

Get a Grip!!

Putting has not been a strong suit for me while taking lessons and getting my feet wet on the greens over the past couple weeks.  While in Golfsmith a couple weeks ago, I studied the various grips and tried several putters in the demo area that had larger handgrips.  The putters were much easier to hold and control.  The putter I have been using seems to turn slightly causing my ball to miss the hole. Not good.  As I learned in lesson three, moving my head before the ball leaves the putter will cause this too.  So I need all th help I can get.  I needed to make a visit to Golfsmith for more balls so I thought this was as good a time as any to get a new grip for my putter.  After studying the available selection, I chose a larger square grip by Odyssey.  My husband liked it so much, he got one too. 

The professional waiting on us at Golfsmith replaced our grips as we watched.  It was very interesting.  He cut down the side of the old grip and ripped it right off.  He then put a piece of tape over the area on the shaft to receive the grip and soaked it down with a special liquid.  This liquid will cause the grip to slide on and adhere quickly.  He slid the new grip right onto the shaft and aligned it nicely.  Tadaa!  New grip.

When playing the last 18 holes, I state without hesitation, it was great putting. The feel of the larger grip was much more comfortable.  The control of the larger grip was also more favorable.  Try it you will like it.

MY FIRST 18 HOLES OF GOLF on February 26, 2011

As my husband and I prepared to tee-off at Oak Hollow Golfcourse, we noticed a couple guys stalking the tee box area and as my husband started his backswing...up pulls the cart. Well he was already committed to the swing so needless to say it wasn't the drive of the day. It appeared that this twosome was not even supposed to tee off next. As we arrived at the green of the 1st hole, this same cart zoomed around us and one of the fellows said, "Do you mind if we go ahead, we didn't want to wait for the other group since they had four to tee-off". We told them we didn't really mind and we continued to play our hole. My husband was annoyed with the lack of golf etiquette from whom we will now call "The Hackers". Me, well, I was oblivious.   I just wanted to get on the green.  Now, we are ready to move onto the 2nd tee-box about 5 minutes later and there were "The Hackers" still trying to get off the fairway and onto the green. It was going to be a long 18 holes. We were hopeful that they were only playing the front nine. My drive on the 2nd hole went straight and far. I ended up in the rough outside the green. The first opportunity to put my lesson into play. I grabbed the 'S' club and got into my open stance to take a few practice swings. Ready to go, I took a small backswing and followed through and .....it worked!!! Travis would be so proud. I got on the green in two strokes and it only took me three more putts to complete this hole!!! Geez.

Now at the 3rd hole, The Hackers were off the fairway and into the trees, then into the rough on the other side of the fairway....one was still looking for the ball while we took the opportunity have a drink of water and think about our next play. During this time, another fellow approached from behind and asked about The Hackers ahead of us. We were ready to approach the tee box, so he waited but seemed perturbed.

As my husband and I continued on, I practiced my chipping and putting as instructed and I was getting some great chipping shots from all kinds of places that before the lesson, I would not have had a clue what to do. My confidence was growing. My husband was surprised at some of the shots I was making. Here comes the single guy again; seemingly impatient. We asked if he wanted to play ahead. We will call him "The Driver" . So The Driver played ahead and I guess he played ahead of The Hackers too.  Funny thing, I think they didn't even notice as he surpassed them while they were still searching for the latest hack in the trees.

The first nine holes went well. I did however loose balls in the drink not once, but twice. The first ball was lost over my favorite tee over the duck pond. This was becoming an endearing moment of sacrifice. The second rolled in the pond after rolling down an embankment....Dang I need to buy some more balls.  I made up for it twice with my 7 iron on two separate shots.  Both times making a straight drive right through a couple trees putting me on the rough of the green. After we completed nine holes, we took a quick bathroom break at the clubhouse, all the while hoping The Hackers would get a couple holes ahead, and yes, they were playing 18 holes.

During the back nine, we would meet a few new friends. The first young man was playing while his father observed and drove the cart. This young man had quite the swing. We learned he was only 12 years old. He had been playing since age 6 and it showed. This young man teed off from the white zone and drove the ball equally as far as my husband. He was only a single.  We let him play ahead, so we were only able to observe him a couple times. Then there was another team that caught up to us while we waited again for The Hackers to complete a long par 5. This was a father daughter team. The daughter age 15 was getting acquainted with the course as she was playing a tournament the coming week and father was playing along for fun. They joined us on the last couple holes for fun. We enjoyed playing with them.

I was getting fatigued coming around to the 15th hole. I hit the ground a couple times while trying to drive. Got a little frustrated. Though, I had a few really good shots on the fairways that were redeemable. My last great shot was on the 18th hole. I had a decent drive from the tee box, but even better, I had a fabulous drive from the fairway with my 3 wood. It laid up about 25 yards from the green. I decided to use my 'P' pitching wedge and chipped it onto the green. My next putt went in!!! I did not turn my head and Travis was not even holding my visor. It was a nice shot and everyone stood amazed for a moment of silence and then all said almost in unison, "that putt was for par." I was the only one in the group that parred the 18th hole. It was a good day.

I learned many things while observing other players on the golfcourse today. I learned that golf is for everyone: it is sizeless, ageless, genderless and knows no boundaries; especially aquatic. You never want to play behind The Hackers or in front of The Driver. Fathers enjoy the game of golf with their children even if it is from the cart. If a 15 year old girl can play in a tournament....SO CAN I.      FORE!!!

THIRD GOLF LESSON: February 26,2011 Chipping and Putting

Today's lesson at Oak Hollow Golfcourse was all about the short game: Chipping and Putting that's the ticket. I have two clubs in my bag that I have never tried to use, one marked 'S' the other 'P' or so I now know them as the Sandwedge and Pitching Iron. These beauties are used to chip in either very sensitive situations like when you are laid in the sandtrap or when in the deep rough to optimally get you on the green. Travis demonstrated how to get under the ball for a lift. Looked easy enough :) or so I thought. 

There is one very important lesson I learned today and that is how to control the distance or try to anyway. Travis explained that the distance is controlled by the backswing, the further your backswing the more momentum you gain for contact and followthrough; also the more distance you can expect to achieve. If you want to chip a short distance, only a small couple inches from the ball is needed and a nice long followthrough. I learned that followthrough should always be the same, it is the backswing that controls the distance of the ball. I initially wanted to control the distance by stopping my swing short, as what most people do. When I attempted to adjust this error, I found myself in better control of the swing and surprisingly the distance. My followthrough was smoother and more controlled when I happened to do it correctly. I could almost place the ball where intended (well...it is my first try anyway)!

We chipped for quite awhile from various locations so not to get used to one particular movement, but worked on the feel of the technique itself.  Along with that motion came a new stance. Opening up the body to allow for complete followthrough by about a 90 degree rotation. The clubface was more flattened to scoop the ball up from the sandtrap or the rough. Travis explained that with chipping, the left wrist stays locked and only the right wrist bends with followthrough.  It was hard to get the brain to learn this move.  Think like this, Travis said,"push the left hand with the right hand like you are pushing a baby on a swing...not too hard, but with a firm gentle sweeping motion".  I want to tell you that made all the difference.  My brain knows how to push a baby on a swing.  When performed properly, the ball lifts and drops where intended (hopefully on the green close to the hole) for a short putt in. That has not been my experience, but a girl can dream right.

Now we moved onto putting; my nemesis.  Now if I can take about 'four' putts off each green I may get into a respectable handicapp...smiles. Putting is much different than other golf swings in that you are only moving your shoulders like a pendulum. Your body stays straight and your head does not turn with the ball. Travis held the tip of my hat so I would stop turning my head when I putted. It was so hard not to turn my head. He explained that if I turned my head too soon the putter head would likely turn as well causing the ball to miss the cup. He said, "Don't look at the ball until it has left your putter". I can tell you it is much easier said than done. When I did this correctly, it certainly does work out for the best. 

My homework assignment was to practice two feet out, then move to four feet out and then to six. Keep doing that in rotation and that will help me to learn to control distance of the putt. He also suggested that I should do this when I arrive to play while warming up so to judge the greens for the day. Good idea Travis.

With these new skills fresh in my mind, my husband and I set out to play my first 18 holes!!!!  FORE!!!

Golfgal In Texas: SECOND LESSON at Oak Hollow Golfcourse

SECOND LESSON: Sat. 2/20/2011. The husband and I scheduled a tee time after the lesson. It was a gorgeous day. The warm breeze was so welcoming after such a cold February in McKinney. I met Travis for my lesson on the driving range.

Today we discussed body positioning in the setup for the swing. This was what I wanted the most help with. I was so unsure how my body was supposed to swing. I knew exactly what I was going for when playing softball. The golf swing was a mystery tour. Until today!!!! I did not realize that I needed to keep my head in the same position throughout the swing. Ackward at first, but it does help you keep your eye the ball.

The backswing: The instruction was to use the left arm only to practice as I slowly went through the entire motion from start to finish (I am a rightsided swinger). Using only one arm will help your brain learn to use this arm for direction and acquire optimal full body rotation. So taking the club back and over the right shoulder, twist only from the waist as the left knee bends to allow the body more twist (which equals more power which equals more distance, oh yea). The clubhead now located behind your head should be pointed directly at the target in front of you before it begins the forward swing motion. You should not be able to see the clubhead drooping over your left shoulder, it should be level.

The forward golf swing: As the club head begins its forward momentum and the body begins to release from the twist, the left knee straightens out, the hip begins a forward rotation that pulls the left arm forward to allow the clubhead thrust downward to make contact with the ball at its highest point of acceleration. It Sounds good, huh.

Followthrough: The clubhead will continue forward through the swing as the body continues to rotate and the arms continue around the body to end the swing with the clubhead again level and in the same position as it was before the forward release pointing in the opposite direction. If you did correctly, you will be standing on a very straight left leg and a pointed toe on the right foot while the body is facing the target.

It is a lot to think about. So that is why I was told to practice this movement slowly and intentional so my brain will learn and train my body to move correctly without over-thinking the process each time I swing. I can say that when by chance I do it correctly... and I did several times while working with Travis....It makes all the difference. I gained about 50 yards of distance several times with my 7 iron and 5 irons.

I learned that this swing is the same every time irregardless which club I use. Incorporating proper form into my swing is challenging. I still want to bring that elbow out....big no-no. Keep the elbow tucked into the body. OK, I am off to practice my swing on the course.

PAIRED UP FOR THE FIRST TIMEAs my husband and I were awaiting tee time, the course marshal asked if we would like to be joined by another fellow named David. We said sure. I never played real golf!!!! You know when someone other than my husband was playing along side me. It was my first opportunity to learn player ettiquette. He was a fairly new golfer too, so we were all in agreement that there was no pressure and we would have a relaxing game to share. I just came off the driving range where I hit the ground a couple of times trying to learn this new rotation method I was learning. Ouch!! It put a burn into my right shoulder blade that was starting to knot up. Not a good way to start 19 holes, but I thought I would just play through it no problem. I am no whiner.

First hole. Women get to tee off from the red zone usually a ten to twenty yard advantage. Both men teed off from the white zone. If you are pro level, you tee off from the blue zone....forget that. We all laid in the fairway. Good start for all. As we played through five holes, everyone had a few problems to resolve, but overall, we stayed very close in play and no one held the team up. I was very proud of myself for that. I actually had better accuracy than the guys at times, but the short game was definately lacking. Glad to know the short game is the topic of my next lesson with Travis. I have not spent much time putting with the new putter I purchased and it showed. Way too many strokes on the greens. Though, I was pleased with a few pretty good long putts.

Around hole 9, my right shoulder was starting to scream from the muscle spasm. I was starting to over compensate and knew I likely was not going to finish the 19 holes. I expressed my concern to my husband and he was very understanding. I just drove the cart while he continued to play. I was glad I stopped. By the time we left, I could hardly move without severe pain. It was time to head home and get iced up:  30 minutes on, 30 minutes off and repeat. That is how I spent the evening...but I had a big smile on my face as I thought about two holes when I actually outdrove the guys.

This week's homework is to slowly swing with the left arm only to train my brain to train my muscles to do it right (without hitting the ground).

By the way, I love the Adidas Golf Shoes. Read about my purchase adventure in my blog posting dated 1/15/2011. 
You can continue to follow me http://golfgalintexas.blogspot.com/
 http://yousaytoo.com/golfgal

Golfgal In Texas: First Golf Lesson at Oak Hollow Golfcourse

Alas, the cold, inclement weather has abated and the quest begins...Oak Hollow was beckoning. Resistance was futile.  My husband and I headed for the driving range to empty a bucket of balls and set up my first lesson with Travis, my pro instructor.

FIRST LESSON: Wed, 2/16/2011

Like a student waiting for the bus on the first day of school, I was excited and full of anticipation as I waited on the driving range for my first golf lesson. Travis seemed like a nice fellow when we chatted and planned our first lesson. I was right. Also, His method of instruction fit just right with my way of learning. We began by talking about my experience with the game thus far. I explained, "Other than driving on the range, playing putt-putt, and limping through my first nine holes a couple weeks ago....(NADA)". He smiled as though thinking....oh my, what have I got myself into. Travis looked into my bag of tricks and selected the 7 and 9 irons and said, "Let's start with these". Knowing that those irons were the particular demons that taunted me the last time I played, my thought was ....oh my... I will likely confirm his fear.

The grip:  I learned a grip from Gordon Bass at GolfSmith. Gordon said, "Never change it".  I was happy I was still doing it right as Travis did not change it a bit. He further elaborated to always begin by gripping the club of choice by my left side as that would give me the proper angle of grip on the club (I am right handed), than proceed to add the right hand to complete the grip. Seemed easy enough to remember. I have always liked the K-I-S-S method...Keep It Simple Sweetheart. That works for me.


7 Iron:  Handing me the 7 iron, Travis asked me to aim for the tree about 100 yards out. He said he wanted to see what I do naturally and he will instruct from there. I liked that concept. I knew at that point I wasn't going to leave the lesson with instruction overload. It made me relax. I approached my position, bent the knees, pretended to know what the blazes I was doing and made the first swing of shame. Whoosh....contact, thank God. OK, not bad....at least I hit the ball, let's try that again I thought as Travis patiently and quietly observed. Whoosh ....divot ...air! Ok, not so good...I smile....he says...no worries.....go at it again. Whoosh....slice. Again. Whoosh...ping...Ah, about time. I redeemed my self-respect. Ok, he said, let's talk. I want you to stand straighter with knees only slightly bent like you are trying to sit on a tall stool, but barely are able to do so. He said, "You're bending the knees too much, you cannot get your body rotated around and end up overcompensating and off balance. When I thought about it, I actually understood what he meant. Ok, go at it again. I tried to position myself a little straighter....he said...good right there. Ok...swing again..whoosh...air. He said, that is ok you are adjusting to the change...go at it again. Ok...stand straighter; no straighter ...whoosh ....PING ....NICE SHOT!!! YES, I could tell by the look on his face that Travis decided I was worth the pain. I proceeded to practice my new positioning and it was a big difference in the distance and trajectory of the ball in play. Travis was pleased with my progress and decided to switch clubs to the 9 iron.

9 Iron:  New club...new target. He scoped out another tree about the same distance, but a new trajectory. Since the 9 iron has shorter shaft than the 7 iron, I again had to adjust to the length of the shaft and at the same time sit straighter than I did before the lesson learned. Travis explained that when I started my swing in more of a crouched position my body would not rotate as it should. As a result, I would automatically stand taller on my down swing and throw myself off balance. That is exactly what was happening.  I could feel the difference when I did it as instructed. Ok...now to try to get that feeling swing after swing. We worked on swinging deeper under and behind the ball. Though, sometimes I would slice...for the most part I got a solid connection with the ball. My biggest problem to overcome is trying not to swing like the softball player I once was by subconsciously putting my weight into the swing. I have to train my mind to use my body differently when swinging at my target. It will come with practice. I was amazed at how effective those small simple changes made to the end result. I was very pleased that I even hit the targeted tree a couple times.

My husband was driving his bucket of balls while watching my lesson and stood amazed at my progress. As I ended my first lesson, my husband and I loaded the cart for nine holes to practice my newly learned set of skills. I felt excited at the hint of confidence that surfaced where I felt I could intentionally use my irons for the purposes intended. It was at that moment I realized I started the basis of a valid learning curve. We played nine holes and I was pleased that my game improved from the nine we played a couple weeks ago. I did once again loose a ball in the drink ...but oh well, I will always remember that hole and that I left a part of myself there for eternity. My husband commented that he could definately see a difference in my skill level. That is what it is all about...improvement. Thank God for.... forgiveness...in any form.

Old Golfers Never Die: Asking for Forgiveness, They Just Play Through the 19th Hole

All golfers should live so long as to be this kind of old golfer.  He attended Sunday Service on a bad weather day and toward the end of the service, the Minister asked the congregation, "How many of you have forgiven your enemies?" .... 80% of the hands went up.  The Minister repeated his question....after a moment of silence...all responded this time, except Walter Barnes, an old avid golfer who only attended church on bad weather days.  The Minister said, "Mr. Barnes, it's obviously not a good morning for golf; though, it is good to see you this morning. Are you willing to forgive your enemies?"  Mr. Barnes replied gruffly, "I don't have any."  The Minister replied, "Mr Barnes that is very unusual. How old are you?"  "Ninety-eight, Mr Barnes replied."  The congregation at this point stood up and clapped their hands.  "Oh, Mr Barnes, would you please come down in front and tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years and not have an enemy in the world", the Minister said.  So the old golfer tottered down the aisle, stopped in front of the pulpit, turned around, faced the congregation, and simply said, "I've outlived all the s---s of b-----h's" , and tottered back to his seat.  AMEN.

Speaking of FORGIVENESS.  I have a new understanding to this word.  Golf is so full of surprises. 

Forgiveness....Definition: In golf, "forgiveness" refers to construction and design elements in golf clubs that lessen the effects of bad swings and poor contact with the ball. A golf club that has these features is said to offer a lot of forgiveness (or to "be very forgiving"). Clubs that offer lots of forgiveness are classified as game-improvement clubs. Why use the word "forgiveness"? Because these designs elements forgive the golfer for some of his mistakes. Does forgiveness make bad shots go away? Not hardly. Improving your swing, making better contact with the ball (the sweet spot), is the only way to make bad shots rare. But forgiveness can make a shot struck off-center travel almost as far as one with perfect contact; it can help get a ball a little higher in the air. It reminds me of the day I tried a new Taylormade Driver at Golfsmith.  I asked the pro why this club was so special and he explained the value of forgiveness.  I am all into that.....FORE!!!

GolfGal In Texas: Golfer's Delight; Top Golf/Dallas

Saturday was a beautiful day and my husband and I felt like getting outside, a good day to check out the TOP GOLF facility in Dallas.  Wow!!!,  what a delight.  A huge facility with a two-level driving range with lots of bays for driving and chipping into large targets.  The little balls have microchips so you can practice your skills while playing a game of accuracy for rewards or have just plain fun for all ages.  I said to my husband, "This looks like someone was in a exclusive bowling alley and said someone needs to do this for Golf."  So they did.  To our surprise dogs (Emily and Bella) were welcome all around the facility so we took them for a walkabout after we toured the facility ourselves.  On the side of the facility is a large putt-putt (see picture I posted below) with three levels of terrain from which to choose and batting cages.  There is also a separate facility for catered events/parties. 

We were very impressed with the cost to play.  You get a bucket of 20 balls for $5.80 (early birds $3.80).  There are bulk buy specials too.  Children cost less.  If you are a frequent driver/chipper, passes are available and of course more exclusive Membership Options.  If you do not have clubs, they are provided. (Just like the bowling shoes or the ski rentals :) )

There are chipping and putting greens for practicing a short game.  That was our focus, so we decided to putt-putt awhile so I could get a feel for my new putter.  I am still a little awkward with my grip. I am considering getting my putter regripped to a larger grip.  However, I learned from the Golfsmith pro where I bought my set, if I concentrated on putting my elbows out I had a better pendulum swing and control.  It worked for me.  I did fairly well with my putter, except for a few holes where I had like EIGHT shots trying to hit the cup that totally blew my putt-putt score.  I have heard a number of places...golf channel...books...people, that the game of golf is won on the greens.  I can see where that is so true.  Sometimes the simplest shots are the ones that give you the most trouble.  Such is life on the course.  FORE!!

Golfgal in Texas: 10 rules to Follow While Learning from 'Golf For Dummies'

Waiting...waiting for a warmer day to get started on my first series of lessons. My new clubs are crying out like a new baby for its' mama.  It is torture for the new mama....as you mama's know.  McCord, the writer of Golf For Dummies now to be referred to as the Wise Guy...says, "Stay Calm.  Anxious people don't make good pupils."  So I guess I have to stop stressing and take a deep breath.

OK....inhale....exhale....inhale....exhale. 

Rule #1:  Find a good teacher and stick with that person.  If you have been following my blog, you know that my husband purchased lessons for me for Christmas.  I spoke with my instructor and I think we have a good rapport.  So I think I have this one covered.

Rule #2:  Follow a timetable. Discipline yourself to work on what you've been told.    Hopefully the weather will cooperate and my lessons will flow well.  As for the discipline....well...I try to follow direction.

Rule #3:  CONCENTRATE....(I think I took my Selenium today)

Rule #4:  Learn from your mistakes.  You'll make them, so you may as well make them work for you.     Yah, yah..The old saying....try.. try.. again.

Rule #5:   RELAX.  Take your time, and you'll learn and play better.   I have seen lots of others rush their golf games as quickly and I have always wondered if the 'enjoyment factor' was compromised.  I know that we have to be careful about lallygagging on the greens, but I also believe that golf is played better when in a relaxed state of mind. 

Rule #6:  Practice the shots you find most difficult.   Yes, we are only as strong as our weakest iron, so I believe in this whole heartily.  Pump those irons!!!

Rule #7:  Have goals.  Remember, golf is a target game.   I have no preconceived ideas at this point.  I just want to finish a respectable 18 holes.

Rule #8:  Stay Positive.  Golf is hard enough.  A bad attitude only hurts you (and everyone else within ear shot).

Rule #9:  Stop practicing when you get tired.  That's how sloppy habits grow.  I followed this rule in my teens when performing gymnastics and it is so true.  It also can lead to serious injury.  There is always tomorrow.  Go have a Merlot and forget about it.

Rule #10:  Evaluate yourself after each lesson:  Are you making progress?   I plan to keep a note pad with me to jot down some ideas or thoughts after my lessons.  Even though in the past there have been occasions when I do not go back to read my notes, the act of writing notes helps me to retain better.  I learned that years ago.  A simple rule of learning that using more than two senses increases retention dramatically: seeing, hearing, and writing it down.  That is the ticket.      FORE!!!!!

TOP GOLF USA: Coming to Allen, Texas in Spring 2011

Last year before moving from Maryland to Texas, my husband and his friend Ken drove over 100 miles to a boutique driving range in Alexandria, Virginia called Top Golf USA.  They had a fabulous time.  Just after moving to McKinney, Texas in the past couple months, I have learned that Top Golf USA has four locations in the US.  My husband and I are excited the Dallas area houses not one but two of those courses. The fourth will be open in the Spring of 2011 in Allen, Texas.  Just 10 minutes away.  Shazam!!!  You can have a great meal in a private three wall room open to a very large driving range.  It is a first class operation.  I'll let ya know when we have a date to try it out.  How fun.  Check out the link in the left column of this blog to find http://www.topgolfusa.com/ which boasts 96 hitting bays, 5,000 square feet of private event space, roof top terrace,  and a full service bar and restaurant.   The golfballs have a microchip that keeps score of the shot.  Not for the faint of heart. 

BUY THE SHOES...Adidas; The Most Popular Sports Shoes and My Personal Choice

I bought the ADIDAS golf shoes at Golfsmith’s.  

Adidas: The Most Popular Sport Shoes according to many sports enthusiasts…. and My Personal Choice.  AdidasGolf is a German sports apparel manufacturer and part of the parent company of the Adidas Group which consists of Reebok, Taylormade-Adidas, Ashworth and Rockport.  Adidas is the leading sportswear manufacturer in Europe and second in the world, only after its rival American company Nike.

When visiting the local Golfsmith store in Frisco, Texas, I tried on golf shoes from Footjoy to Nike to finally Adidas.  There were quite a few very snazzy digs to select from on the shelf.  I asked Gordan Bass, the pro, “What is the best ladies golf shoe you have on ‘close out’ that has great arch support?”    He smiled, held up a nice looking pair of white Adidas Womens Driver Isabelle 3.0 golf shoes.  It was love at first site.  So, I put them on….we are now embarking on a new long term relationship   Just when I thought it could not be any better, the sale price was under $50…yippee.

I needed a golf shoe with good support for high arches, narrow heel, wide foot area, with a flexible toe, not stiff, all leather, and lots of grip.  This shoe had it all.  I never tried on a shoe that had the tongue sewn into only one side so it does not slip during use.  What a great idea.  I have a very high Navicular bone and have trouble finding a shoe to accommodate it.  Adidas Driver Isabelle 3.0 fit just right.

And YES, I ALSO BOUGHT THE PREVIOUSLY OWNED SET OF ZEVO GOLF CLUBS!!!!  I took the driver and the 9 iron into the pro pit to try them out: it went very well.  On a whim, I also took a Taylormade Driver to find out for myself what all the hype was about and for comparison purposes.   For the record….there is just no comparison…I’m just sayin.  Taylormade is smoothe.  Definitely one for the dream list when MegaMillions pays off J.  Until then its Zevo for me.  Kidding aside.  The Zevo set looks brand new.  No scuffs, purchase included the golf bag, balls, and headcovers.  I love the putter.  I am very happy with my purchase.  So.....I am ready for some real action.  Tee time is no longer about Earl Grey and strawberry scones.  FORE!!!!!

Shopping for Golf shoes can be an adventure!

OMG…Have you ever shopped for golf shoes?  Online?  Well trust me…when you do…you are in for an adventure.  Make sure you have an hour or so for appropriate browse time.  There are hundreds of online sites out there each having special online deals/deals/deals.  I had no idea there are so many brands of ladies golf shoes to shop.  OK, Where to start:  A couple of golf blogs with website suggestions, women’s online sports apparel vendors like www.GolfGalaxy.com  and I was well on my way to golf shoe cyberspace.  Two hours later I emerged with a list.  I will post a list of my fav websites at the end of this post.  My fav’s so far are Nike,  Footjoy, Calloway, and Adidas.  Though it is very tempting to purchase online with these very great deals….I hesitate…take a deep breath and put away the credit card.   AAArggg, that was harder than I thought.  I decided that I need to visit a couple local stores to try on a few pair to see which shoes give me the best fit. Yes, that is the practical thing to do.   I will be playing golf in the summer in Texas so I need a shoe that breathes and as well as gives me a good support for high arches.  I prefer a shoe that is not real stiff, gives me flexibility and has more width.  Hummmmm, what to do.  I remember seeing a Golfsmith store in Frisco, Texas beside the mall.  I called the pro, Gordon Bass, great guy.  We had a delightful chat about sporting equipment.  Find a store near you on http://www.golfsmith.com/ (click on the word zip code and it will bring up a map, click on your state to find your store location directory).   I called the husband at work to see if he wanted to eat out tonight J and visit the local Golfsmith store.  While I try on shoes and chat with the pro, he can check out some drivers in the pro pit.  He said “ok let’s go”.  Sounds like a plan.  I love it when a good plan comes to together, don’t you.

So what kind of ladies golf shoes will it be…Nike Womens Air Summer Lite, Footjoy Greenjoys,   or the Footjoy Women’s LoPro or Adidas Isabella.   

Stay tuned for the results.

Check out these sites:   http://www.tgw.com/   http://www.golfdiscounts.com/   www.GolfGalaxy.com   http://www.ladiesfootjoygolfshoes.smarter.com/   http://www.torockbottomgolf.com/     

SNOW IN MCKINNEY, TEXAS:

Oh, did I mention that I have not been able to get out to the golf course since we have 5 inches of snow on the ground!!!!!  So much for the fine winter days in January in McKinney, Texas.  As soon as it clears up, I will be scheduling my first lesson.  In the meantime, finding equipment and furthering my reading in Golf for Dummies is on the agenda. FORE!!!

January 2, 2011 First Day ever on a GolfCourse

Somewhere in the USA there is snow on the ground, ice on the barren winter trees and/or blustery winds that can make your facial appendages turn as bright red as the nose on Rudolph. However, here in Mckinney, Texas the sky is blue.  The sun is very bright.  The wind is very gentle.  It is 45 degrees and a beautiful winter day. 

According to my husband....TODAY is the perfect day to begin. 

Today is the day I will attempt to play my first nine holes of golf.  I hesistantly agree and off we go to our local golfcourse for my first lesson in driving a golf cart and tee box etiquette.  Since I have no clubs of my own just yet, we borrow a woman's set from the pro.  We begin by putting a few balls on the practice green to get loosened up.   I find myself adapting a lighter touch to my putting swings...it is a challenge to lighten my touch. 

We're off to the tee box.   It was my turn to tee off.  As an avid reader of "Golf for Dummies", I knew I had to relax, sit deep, keep my stance, stay on the balls of my feet, keep my eye on the ball and most importantly....breathe...at the same time.   Geesh, I think I'm already exhausted.  I took a new "pink" Christmas ball from my pocket and the borrowed driver and approached the tee box for the first time.  OK, My first drive.....WOW....it actually went straight.  Very straight...about one foot from the ground straight...a line drive of about 100 yards.  I guess my softball years had surfaced.  What to do.  hmmmmm.   Well I thought, "let's see what happens when I use this nine iron".  I never used a nine iron before.  Little did I know...it was nothing like a driver.   Whoooosh.  Nothing.   I completely missed the ball.  Ok, focus, hit the blade of grass to practice (like my husband kindly instructed on the tee box).  Breathe...swing...ping...WOW another straight shot in the middle of the fairway.  It didn't get more than two inches off the ground again, but it did go a fair distance.  And so I was now officially playing my first hole of golf. 

My goal today was to keep the balls on the fairway and not loose any of the three new pink Christmas balls I had in my pocket.  For some reason, my husband thought this was a very humorous goal.  We proceeded to complete three holes and I still had all three balls and kept within the rough of the fairway.  I was amazed and so was my husband.  Shocked was likely more like it, but he was a complete gentleman and told me I was doing great. 

Hole six was a par five that had a small pond to clear from the tee box.  Oh no.  Knowing my goal to keep all my new pink balls, my husband kindly presented one of his older balls to contribute to the drink on my first tee off over the pond.  What a wise man.  Swing...Slice...Plunk...in the drink.   He smiled, I smiled.  Determined...I teed up a pink ball, set my stance, swung a practice shot, focused on keeping my stance and approached my target with the passion of a new rookie.  Swing...PING....WOW...that ball rose, cleared the pond, went straight up the fairway past the 150 yard market and rolled another 20 yards.  My best shot of the day :).
As my husband stood with his mouth agape.....that said it all.  I was now on the path of no return.   

We finished nine holes.  I did actually loose a ball somewhere; not sure where.  I only had two left in my pocket.  Overall, I was shocked at how well I actually played my first game.  I learned much today about my swing.  I learned that I was breaking my stance and standing up in the middle of my swing causing the ball to fly less than one foot from the ground because I was hitting it too tall.  Once I corrected this, I was able to get lift.  Thanks to this informative tidbit from my husband, I was able to make that drive of 170 yards over the pond.   It was a lovely first day.  I am now hooked.  

I guess it is time to investigate a purchase of some clubs of my own and perhaps a my first new pair of ladies shoes.  What color will they be?   Hmmmmm.

Happy New Year 2011!!!! FORE.......

My New Year resolution is to seek to become one of those obsessed individuals who make first tracks on a dew covered green while watching the sunrise over the most beautiful green that can be found.

MISSION:  it is a moral imparative this year to learn how to swing and chase little white balls for a full 18 holes on as many Texas golf courses that can be found in the 2011.

Stay posted as this new golfgal rookie reads "Golf for Dummies" and learns how to par.  My husband surprised me this week with golf lessons for Christmas.....and so the fun and adventure begins.