August Newsletter - Summer Stress Relief

 
We may be experiencing stress without realizing it – and golf is a perfect way to get some relief.

There are many physical benefits - you can get some exercise by walking the course, swinging your clubs and possibly even carrying your golf bag. You are out in the fresh air and playing a low impact sport which can be enjoyed by various ages and fitness levels.

 
Golf is played in groups, increasing social interaction and making it a popular sport for business networking, corporate golf tournament and forming new friendships – and you may unexpectedly meet some wildlife on the course.

Golf reduces stress and anxiety as it requires concentration and provides mental distraction from everyday worries by focusing on the game in a scenic and peaceful environment. Through setting and achieving goals, golf can boost your mood and self-esteem.

It's a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and lift your spirits during the summer.

 
I took up golf during Covid. Initially it wasn’t much fun - I couldn’t consistently hit the ball straight, my chipping was bad, with not enough focus on putting.

My mother-in-law, who lives in Penticton, recommended Paul Monaghan, a golf pro in Summerland. My son started taking lessons from Paul and soon my husband Steve and I were as well. Steve said he learned more about the game just observing my son’s and my lessons.

Paul was always fun and had great stories to boot. The point is to get a lesson or two at least. It will definitely improve your game and you will have more fun.

Sadly, Paul passed away on March 3, 2024. We all miss Paul, and I think of him often when I am driving through Summerland, and especially when I pick up my 7- iron.

Recently we golfed at Gleneagles Golf Course and were happy to discover some golf tips in their official guide booklet that I would like to share.

Practice, Practice, Practice

We can go to the driving range to practice our drive, but since our short game makes up 69% to 70% of our shots, it’s important to focus on our putting, pitching and chipping strokes.

Putting and Reading the Greens

The grain of the green (direction the grass is growing) has an impact on the speed and direction of your ball by as much as 20-50%. Circle the ball to see how it lies; check and look closely at the grass – if it looks shinier or lighter behind the ball it indicates you are looking in the direction of the grain and you ball will go faster. If you are putting against the grain your ball will move slower, and if you are putting across the grain, the ball will follow the slope of the green. Practice reading the greens and watch your score improve.

Raking the Sand Traps

The sand trap may be the second-last place you want to be, with landing in the water being #1. Enter the bunker from the point that’s most level and closest to your ball, and exit on the same path to reduce the amount of disruption and raking.

Pull the rake towards you and move it back and forth, causing a smooth surface. By climbing on the steep sides, you can damage the bunker; be careful not to pull excess sand to the lip of the bunker.

When finished, place the rake inside the bunker, parallel to the line of play.

 
Origins

• Golf originated in Scotland during the 15^th century, so it’s no surprise that the oldest golf course in the world is in Scotland – The Old Links at Musselburgh – and the first golf tournament was held in Edinburgh in 1744.
• Golf originally had 22 holes, but was reduced to 18 holes in 1764 at St. Andrews when four short holes were combined.

Who and Where

• Golf is played by more than 60 million people on over 34,000 golf courses worldwide. United States has the most courses, followed by Japan and the UK.
• Alan Shepard hit 2 golf balls on the moon during the 1971 Apollo 14 mission, making him the only person to play golf outside of Earth.
• Iceland has more golf courses per capita (65 courses for 388,00 people) than any other country. The season runs from late May to early September, but provides the benefit of playing past midnight in June and July.

Green Jacket

• The tradition of the green jacket for the winner of the Masters began in 1949 when it was awarded to Sam Snead.

Golf Balls

• Early golf balls had a core made of wood, followed by leather stuffed with feathers until the mid-19^th century. Modern golf balls have a core of synthetic rubber or similar material and can vary in size or firmness to influence distance and control.
• Dimples on the golf ball reduce air resistance allowing the ball to fly farther. There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball, but the number can range from 300 to 500.
• Golf balls were coloured black, then white (to increase visibility on the grass) and now there are fluorescent yellow and oranges for greater visibility in snowy areas or on the regular course.

Distance

• Golf balls travel significantly further on hot days because warm air and moisture content is less dense than cold air, lessening resistance.
• Altitude has the biggest impact on driving distance – it has been found that the distance of golf shots increases approximately 4.5 yards for every 1,000 feet gained in elevation.

Longest Hole in the World

• Hole 3 at Gunsan Country Club, South Korea (par 7) is 1097 yards. There is also a 723-yard (par 6) hole on the 81-hole course.
• The 7^th hole (par 7) at the Satsuki Golf Club in Sano, Japan is 964 yards
• Followed by courses in United States, Romania, and Slovakia in the top 5.

World’s Highest Golf Course

• The Yak Golf Club in the Himalayas, at an altitude of over 14,000 feet and over 6000 yards long, is officially the highest golf course in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Are you up for the challenge?

Lowest Golf Course in the World

• Furnace Creek in Death Valley CA lies 214 feet below sea level but is in an area that records the highest temperatures on the planet, so may also be the hottest golf course in the world. How do they keep those greens green?

Most Unusual Caddies

The Silvies Valley Ranch (a livestock ranch and 52-hole golf resort) in Seneca, Oregon ‘employs’ goats fitted with custom-made double golf bags carrying clubs, delivering golf balls, drinks, peanuts (for them??). As they say, they have literally found caddies who will work for peanuts. Guests can choose from Bruce, Mike, Peanut and Roundabout and book a goat caddy for their play on their 7-hole and 9-hole par 3 courses.

BRANDED GIFTS THAT MEAN BUSINESS

Golf-themed branded merchandise can elevate a company’s corporate image by blending business sophistication with leisure. Promote brand visibility with high-quality golf gear, such as custom golf balls, stylish apparel, or premium accessories that reflect values of excellence and professionalism.

Enhances brand appeal, strengthens relationships, and leaves a lasting impression, all of which contribute to a distinguished and favorable corporate image.