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Course Review Studebaker Golf Course – South Bend, IN

By Michael Zavor

Studebaker Golf Course is located in South Bend, Indiana. It was established in 1919 making it the city’s oldest course. The course is a 9-hole layout. It is a par 29 measuring 1,898 yards featuring bluegrass/fescue and bent grass greens.

Play begins and finishes with par fours while the rest are par threes. Water comes into play on the 165 yard fifth hole. There are few bunkers and the course is relatively flat. Signature holes include numbers four and seven. Hole four measures 192 yards and features a blind green which is elevated and difficult to reach with one shot. At 244 yards hole seven is challenging to make a par three.

Facilities include a chipping area and putting green. The clubhouse has snacks and beverages. The real attraction of the course are the low prices. Greens fees for 9 holes are $8 and $4 for an additional 9 holes. An electric cart is prices at $5 and $2 for a pull cart. The season spans from March 15 – November 30 weather permitting.

I found the greens to be in decent shape, the fairways on the other hand could not be distinguished from the rough. Don’t go to this course expecting it to be in immaculate condition. Overall it is a good course for the price. The time it takes to play nine holes walking is minimal. It is excellent place to go for kids, beginners, and those want to work on their short game. Studebaker is a good course for what it is; a low cost, quick way to improve your short game.

Are You Thinking About Buying Golf Clubs?

By Rick Carpenter

Do you play golf, or are you thinking of taking up golf. One thing about playing a round of golf, you need to have clubs. Most golf courses have rules that everyone playing must have their own set of clubs. You need to rent clubs, borrow them from someone, or buy your own.

When you are thinking about what clubs to buy, you should remember other things that you have purchased. When you bought your first car, you probably did not get the most expensive, flashiest car you could buy. It was probably practical, and affordable. How serious are you about golf?

No matter how serious you are about it, do not start out with the most expensive set of clubs for your first set. Golf course rental sets usually are not too good, so if you could borrow clubs from a friend, or neighbor, or parent, until you decide if you even want to continue playing the game.

Golf is an addiction, so you know pretty fast if you are hooked. When you know that you are hooked, do not let the golf pro or assistant talk you into the expensive set to begin with. Find a middle of the road set that you like the feel, and the look, and how it fits you.

This will be hard for you to tell, if you do not know how to stand up to golf ball. Before you think about buying clubs, you should read a few books about golf, about the rules, the etiquette, how to grip the club, learn the basic principles of the game. Watch golf tournaments on TV and listen when the various golf swings are analyzed, and then you will be prepared to go to the driving range to hit some practice balls.

Too many people try to learn how to play golf on the golf course instead of at the practice range. Would you expect to be able to play a musical instrument without learning the basics first? Why anyone thinks they can play a round of golf without learning the basics first, is beyond me.

Until you know the basic fundamentals of golf, you do not need the best clubs. A used set of clubs for most people is all they ever need. The main problem with used clubs is that the grips are worn and slick, but you can get new grips put on rather cheaply.

Before you decide to invest in your set of clubs, determine what your goals with golf are. Are you going to play often, and practice it a lot? Are your clubs going to sit in your garage, used only every couple of months? Golf is like anything else, if you want to play well it will take lots of practice. If you are not going to practice hard to get better, then you do not need the best clubs.

What makes you a good golfer is how you swing, not what you swing. If your goal is to be a better golfer, spend your money on what helps you become better. Once you are better, then buy those nice clubs that you have always wanted.

If your goal is to look like a good golfer, and you do not care how you play, and you have the money to spend, then buy whatever you want, to impress everyone. You will not impress too many people when they see how you play. You never need clubs that are better than your ability.

What would you rather see, someone playing fantastic music on a worn out instrument, or someone who cannot play at all, playing badly on the best instrument. Good golfers play golf clubs that fit their games the best.

Are you interested in golf? Do you think that golf instruction videos will help you? You can find videos that will help you learn to play golf, and learn how to play better golf at Golf Made Fun

http://rccarpenter.com/golfmadefun

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Carpenter

Golf Courses In and Around Austin Texas

By: Eric Bramlett

Austin’s mild winter temperatures ensure that golf enthusiasts will be able to play on the greens all year long. The city has plenty of quality courses to inspire even the most beginning golfer, and the diverse natural beauty of the area provides a perfect backdrop to head outdoors. Austin has more than 20 golf courses in and around the area. From resort courses to public courses and driving ranges, the Austin golfer will be able to find something that is perfectly suited to his needs.

There are several public golf courses that are within minutes of downtown Austin. For scenic and challenging 18-hole courses, try the Falconhead Golf Club, open all week long and is considered one of the top courses in the area. The Teravista Golf Course is a 7,200 yard championship golf course.

Just 5 minutes from Austin’s downtown area, the Riverside Golf Course caters to locals and visitors alike, and has hosted golf champions like Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw. The Avery Ranch Golf Course, the Lakeway Live Oak Golf Course Austin, the Roy Kizer Golf Course Austin are also considered premier municipal courses that give golfers the opportunity to play on courses that can be appreciated at any level. All are located in Austin, so accessing these public courses is convenient.

Austin is also the home to several semi-private and resort courses, and the experience of playing at one of these courses is unparalleled as far as amenities go. The Wolfdancer Golf Club is located amid the rolling hills of Lost Pines, just east of Austin. Its world class golf in a spectacular setting, and should not be missed.

The ColoVista Golf course is the top semi-private course in the Austin area. With recognition for its challenging 18-hole course, the ColoVista has been ranked as one of the best new courses in Texas. Beautifully manicured greens beckon the golf enthusiast, and a membership is all that is needed to relax and go for par.

The River Place Country Club is an exclusive location west of downtown Austin, and the immaculate landscaping and attention to detail is worth the membership. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Tom Kite, and takes advantage of the hills, valleys and waterways to give the golfer an amazing game experience in a luxurious resort atmosphere.

For those interested in working on driving, Austin has several driving ranges that are suited to golfers looking to squeeze in a few minutes hitting a bucket of balls. The Oak Hills Driving Range is the perfect place to accommodate beginners seeking to improve or advanced pros looking to perfect their swing. Either way, the Oak Hills Driving Range can help out with the driving range, pro shop or even provide lessons.

Austin golf courses, whether public or private, are interested in catering to the needs of guests. Whether it’s a weekend game with friends or a business deal that can be made on the green, spending time on Austin’s golf courses is a fine way to experience Texas Hill Country at its finest.

Article Source: http://www.bettergolfarticles.com

Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin, Texas. Eric currently manages his Austin Real Estate website, his Austin real estate blog, & his Austin condos website.

How to Stop a Slice - 5 Simple Steps

By Alan Steward

How to stop a slice in your golf swing using 5 simple steps, following this guide will stop your slice for good.

Cure your Slice for Ever!

Ok so the first thing we look at in how to stop a slice is the address position.

Step 1:

When you address the ball, position your distance so that the heal of your clubhead is lined up with the ball. A quick check at your grip here will be good - do the V’s created by your left and right hands point to your right shoulder? Yes excellent, if not just release your grip on the club and move both hands together towards the right. You should see 2 knuckles at this point, or for a stronger grip 2 ½ knuckles. Also you should not grip your club too tightly, as this will create tension in your forearms and prevent you from releasing the clubhead through impact.

Step 2:

Start your backswing with your shoulders by rotating them around your spine - let your arms and hands follow as one unit. Allow your left knee to move towards the centre of your stance. This should put about 80% of your body weight on the INSIDE of your right foot. Also keep your head positioned over the ball, moving only slightly behind it. You are now in a position to power through your impact zone.

Step 3:

You are now ready to start your downswing. Your first movement in your downswing is to slide your hips towards the target and for a split second, pull your hands straight down, as if pulling a rope from the sky. This will allow you to attack the ball from the inside.

Step 4:

At the impact zone keep your shoulders square to the target line. At this point your hands and arms should roll over each other, imparting draw spin on the ball. At this stage your weight should also be moving to your left foot.

Step 5:

Your follow through begins as your hands rotate through the golf ball, allowing your right arm to straighten. Visualize your clubhead going down through the ball then towards the target. Allow the motion of this to take your hands to a nice high finish. Your left palm should be facing up towards the sky. I hope these 5 simple steps help you with, “How to stop a slice”.

- So would you like to move on with your game and take it to the next level?
- Are you embarrassed by your slice? Would you like more help to fix your swing?.
- Discover the perfect fix and forget solution here, Stop a Slice.
- Also discover some more great cures for your slice at http://www.thesimpleswingreview.info/the-simple-swing/

Wishing you all the best in your game of golf, remember practice makes perfect
Regards Alan
“Happy Golfing”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Steward

The Best Golf Spots in South Africa

by Rachel Hill

For many, a trip round the golf course is the best way they know to let go of the week’s stresses and strains and relax. By that logic, the best way to really unwind is to make sure you get plenty of time out on the golf course while you’re in South Africa. Here are just a few of the best golf spots South Africa has to offer.

Leopard Creek
The Leopard Creek Golf Course has built itself a reputation not only as the best in South Africa, but also as the 25th best course (outside of America) across the globe. As such it is certainly a feather in your golfing cap to be able to say that you’ve played there. Located on the border of the ever-impressive Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek embraces the wildlife and animals indigenous to the area, protecting players from wild animals using clever landscaping techniques. Be warned however, that the occasional hippopotamus, antelope or crocodile might just make that water-based shot a little more exciting! Should you want to get a bit closer to the animals, game rangers are often on hand to take you nearer in a Land Rover. A par 72 course with 18 holes, Leopard Creek is undoubtedly one of the best golf spots in South Africa.

Durban Country Club
Rated the sixth best course in South Africa, with the third hole being rated best hole three in the world, Durban Country Club is certainly a memorable course to play. More about technique than strength, your driver is not likely to come out much on this course, however your thoughts might just be a little distracted by phenomenal views of the ocean and the Blue Lagoon Estuary. Built on sand dunes, the Durban Country Club course undulates, creating wind channels that can make the game very interesting. It seems it is worth tackling the wind however, as this course has hosted more Opens than any other golf course in South Africa. If you want to play on the same greens as golfing greats such as Gary Player and Ernie Els, this is the course for you!

George Golf Club
In the heart of the Western Cape’s beautiful Garden Route, the George Golf Club is as picturesque as its surroundings. One of the most beautifully kept courses in South Africa, and featuring rolling hills and plenty of trees, a round of golf here will require a certain degree of precision. However, with its signature hole - the seventeenth - featuring in the best five hundred holes in the world (according to Golf Online), it is worth attempting a round at the George Golf Club. Allow between three and four hours to get round this course, or alternatively two hours for the first nine holes, but be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery of the Garden Route. This truly is one of the most beautiful places to play golf in South Africa.

So if golf is one of your guilty pleasures and a holiday is not a holiday without a game or two, then fear not - you can use the wonderful nature and beautiful scenery as an excuse to drag the rest of your party around some of the best golf courses in South Africa.

Rachel Hill is a Southern Africa Travel specialist, a company specialising in luxury, tailor-made South Africa holidays, as well as holidays to other destinations in Southern Africa. Our experienced consultants will help you design your very own luxury South Africa holiday, and will be happy to provide you with a free quote.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Hill