This Week's Video Golf Lesson - Shot Out Of Wet Sand

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This Week's Golf Tip - by Kevin Ferrarotti, Owner of the Premier Golf Academy

If you’re like me, you are constantly tinkering with the newest toys, acting like a little kid in the toy store, always wanting the latest and greatest.   Why with the technology, however, and all of the 100% fool proof – guaranteed to work – toys and gadgets, can we still not improve?  It all comes down to how you practice.  Not too many people can afford the time to practice hour after hour on the practice range.  However, by following these simple steps for success, even those with only a couple of minutes to spare can improve. 

On The Range:

-         Practice hitting balls focusing on your alignment.  Always have a target in mind, and lay two clubs parallel to each other between you and the ball.  The club closest to you should be your guide to line your body up, and the club closest to the ball will help you see if your swing path is correct or not. 

-         Recreate the course on the range.  Meaning, after properly stretching, simulate a hole on the golf course, if you don’t have a lot of time, simulate the 1^st hole by first hitting what you would hit off the tee, then a mid-iron, and maybe a wedge shot.  Spend about half the time you have to practice on the range.   The worse thing to improve your swing is to hit ball after ball without practice swings, or focusing on a swing thought. 

On The Putting Green:

-         Learn the speed of the green.  Often, the speed of the putting green is the same as the speed of the greens on the course.  Take 6 balls, beginning at 2 feet from the cup, and place a ball every 2-3 feet back, and learn how hard you have to hit the ball to have it roll 5, 10, 15 feet. 

-         Practice one or two lag putts from 20-30 feet; so you can develop your control, and improve your tempo. 

-         Place a golf tee in the green, and putt to that.  If you can focus on hitting the tee every time from varying distances, by the time you reach the course, the holes are going to look huge!

Golf in the Business World  by Professional Golf Champion Mike Colandro

Client Golf Outings

Client Golf Outings are a day on the links with either business associates or customers.  I have performed at many Client Golf Outings, and since 1985, started a business in Australia offering my service to play with me.  To have a Pro on the course with your clients can really make a difference to that client.  For 3 VIP’s or clients to play alongside a professional golfer is an impressive aspect and can enhance your relationship with your guests.

Corporate Outings

Corporate Outings do a similar thing and most companies have one.  I have worked for companies such as:  BMW, IBM, Toshiba, Ford, Sheraton Hotels, Toyota, Genworth Financial, and many more.  Most Corporate Outings are a full day (18 holes) and a dinner with prizes and more.  The chance to bring many different people together for one day is now essential for most businesses.  One of my most interesting Corporate Outings I was involved in was in Adelaide, South Australia for Toshiba.  It was their annual sales meeting, and the night before, they had a gala dinner and awards presentation.  They even flew in from Japan a giant container of Saki and everyone had a drink or two.  The next day on the course there were a few heavy heads, but they all enjoyed both the evening and the golf.

Charity Golf Days

The Charity Golf Day is another very common event that many businesses get involved with.  Whatever the charity is, it is a good function to do for your company and it enhances your company’s image.  Each community has several Charity Golf Days to raise funds and have a good time doing it.  You can just play in it or you can be a sponsor.  As a sponsor, you usually receive a sign on a hole or a banner, and if you are a major sponsor, you get greater exposure.  The Charity Events are a great way to network in your local community and are a tax write off. 

Networking on the Course

Being involved with a PGA Tour event is great, but it can be very expensive, and there are alternative ways to spend less money and still entertain clients.  Networking at the golf course is proving to be a great vehicle to acquire new business.  The key here is to become a golfer who can play a respectable game.  Whether you are new to the game or been playing a while, one needs to take some lessons.  Select an instructor who is similar in size and is someone who has been teaching for at least 5 years.  Professionals at practice ranges can be very productive because teaching is their main source of income and they need to get results.  Learning good golf etiquette is also important; business associates can tell how you handle yourself on the course and relate your actions to how you might handle a customer.  You should dress well and have a set of clubs that suit you.  Custom clubs are a big thing today, and I recommend getting clubs that fit you. 

Contact CTGolfTips for more information on how to use these events to your advantage