Tucson Golf Lessons 11-15
A series of 15 articles on how to play better golf in Tucson Arizona

Lesson #11 - Know your course: Fairways

There is greater challenge in keeping a healthy looking fairway and green for the whole golf course. Because more than forty thousand golf players come and enjoy the whole fairway, damage to the grass is inevitable. The best advice that professional owners and caretakers can give to other golf course starters is to use the right fertilizer and maintenance technique to best assist them in managing the whole fairway and green.

Below are some of the highly recommended grass products for seeding and reseeding to have a consistent green grass color during winter or fall.

Pennington Annual Ryegrass
§ Advisable to use on a temporary or seasonal area
§ Can also be best during warm weather conditions while overseeding the grasses.
§ The best time to plant it is at the beginning of fall
§ The seeding rate should be ten pounds per 1,000 square feet but only five pounds per 1,000 square feet when reseeding.

Fairway Classics Perennial Ryegrass Lawn Seed Blend Tournament Quality
§ These ryegrasses are used to blend with the grasses that are permanently planted for the lawns of the North or during the winter season and can be used for reseeding in the southern part.
§ The best time to plant it is at the beginning of the fall season.
§ The seeding and reseeding rate should be ten pounds per 1,000 square.

Here are the tips on how to maintain that healthy look of golf fairways:

§ By using the right fertilizer - for the fairway to get that great looking green all throughout the year use the fertilizer that provides organic nitrogen to the soil when the grass needs it. It will be good to avoid too much growth that is the main cause of insect and other grass disease problems. By also using the right fertilizer, groundwater, lakes and the streams are not easily polluted with nitrogen.

§ Use fertilizer regularly - golf course owners regularly fertilize the fairways and greens. This is very vital with the use of best products prior to seeing that the whole soil and fairway is undergoing any stress. This makes the whole place maintain a condition best for playing.

§ Iron should also be present when selecting the right fertilizer - Fertilizers that contain iron are very helpful to plants since it maintains that very deep color of green for the whole fairway. This is not a nutrient that does not result in excessive growth which nitrogen can cause grass. Owners could choose between 2 kinds of iron filled fertilizer products in dry granules or in liquid sprays.

§ Do not worry about weeds, just control them - Quality golf courses are not susceptible to overgrowing weed problems since they do have a thick and tight turf. But some golf courses do. Remember that the seeds of weeds propagate where there is a lot of light and moisture in the area. Once the whole fairway is thick enough with grass, the weed seeds may not be able to fit in since there is no adequate gap to get light and moisture.

§ Never leave a place for insects and grass diseases - the rapid growth of the fairway in golf courses result in an extreme growth of top. This invites insects and other diseases to feed on the top growth. Fertilizers that release nitrogen slowly aid in limiting excessive top growth.

§ Make sure that the blades of the mower are sharp - golf course owners and caretakers make it a point to keep the blades of the mower sharp enough in cutting the grass to prevent grass tear. When the grass tears, the whole fairway will result into a gray looking spot. Another down side of this is that torn grass invites diseases to infest on it. Remember also that the stress is lesser if the grass is mowed frequently.

§ Excessive watering can also cause damage - too much watering of the fairway and green results to a pale green color. To maintain that healthy looking green color and for the nutrients to be absorbed much better, try to frequently but just shallow water the grass for this keeps the roots of the grass near the top layer of the soil.

Lesson #12 - Know your course: Tees

Since its inception, golf has been the world’s most elegant sport. The rules and the discipline entailed in every golfer is the main reason why the game is considered to exude sheer combination of style and sportsmanship in the game.

However, golf will not be complete without its basic components. These things are used to facilitate the process of playing the game.

One of the main components of golf is the tee. On its basic concept, golf tees are those used as stands that hold the golf ball during the player’s “first stroke” in each hole.

Tee is also used to unofficially refer to the area from which the player hit his or her primary stroke. It is formally known as the “teeing ground”. Such that when a player is said to play on the golf course’ ninth hole, the player is said to play from the “ninth tee” to the ninth green.

Consequently, the first shot hit by the player from a “teeing ground” is known as a tee shot. For lengthy holes, tee shots can be done using a driver; while for shorter holes, it is best to use an iron.

Typically, using tees while on the verge of hitting the ball is not allowed after the tee shot has been done. However, there are instances wherein some rules of golf allow this kind of technique known as “teeing the ball.”

Too complicated? Read on.

Information on golf tees may range from the simplest to the most complex information. This is because the term “tee” is being used to refer to many things in a golf game.

Therefore, for people who wish to know more about tees, here is a list that can be used in order to understand the concept and importance of tees in golf.

1. The act of teeing is beneficial for drive shots.

Teeing, on its basic idea is considered as advantageous for players who do drive shots. In this case, teeing is allowed most of the time.

Alternatively, teeing is not allowed after the tee shot has been delivered. Any shots where tees are used will be considered illegal.

2. Tee shots can be executed without the use of tees.

As mentioned, tees are used when the first shot is played on the hole of the teeing ground. If in the event that the first shot is considered as a chip, a short “approach shot” of low flight usually strike from next to the green, the player can have his or her tee shot without using a tee.

3. Normal size of golf tee

The typical size of a golf tee is 2.125 inches in length. However, tee sizes may vary depending on their length, and on how they will be used in the game.

4. Forward tees are best for beginners

It is highly recommended by experts that forward tees should be used by beginners. Forward tees are usually used by high or middle handicap seniors and women.

5. Three different set of tees with three different functions

There are three different set of tees available in golf. These are the back tees, middle tees, and the forward tees.
Each set of tees has its special function.

In choosing which set of tees are appropriate for a certain type of player, it is best to consider the player’s handicap, or the amount of strokes that he or she must subtract from his or her real score. This is usually done to initiate players who have different capabilities to contend on an equal level.

Hence, for those who are low-handicap, it is best to use back tees, also known as championship tees. For middle to high handicap men, long-hitting or low-handicap seniors, and low-handicap women, it is best to use middle tees.

On the other hand, forward tees are best for beginners and low-handicap seniors and women.

With all of these things in mind, every golfer should realize by now how important tees are in the game. Without these tees, the game cannot officially start with the first hole.

Therefore, even if it is relatively complicated to understand the basic concept of tees, still, it is important for a golf player to know its concept and the rules that surround it in order to achieve something in golf.

Lesson #13 - Know your course: Hazardous areas

Golf can be a pretty demanding game. This is because anyone who wants to be an expert golfer or at least be considered as a golfer should first educate himself or herself about the concept of this particular sport, the rules of the games, and the conditions of the environment where the game is played.

For this reason, experts say that it is extremely important for every golfer wannabe to familiarize him or herself with the different aspects of golf, one of which is the golf course.

Golf course, basically, refers to a piece of land where the game will be played. Usually, golf courses have a chain of holes. These holes primarily refer to the physical hole in the ground, where the ball is placed and hit. It can also refer to the full vastness from the tee or the first hole where the primary shot is played, up to the green, or the area around the physical hole in the ground.

Normally, golf courses have nine holes up to a maximum of 18. Aside from these holes, golf courses are divided into different parts where each player must learn to play their best in spite of the disadvantages of each area and the trouble that awaits them.

The area where the grass is cut almost near to the ground that provides every ball a good playing area is known as the fairway.

On the other hand, the rough is that part of the golf course wherein the grass stands slightly taller than those at the fairway, or the area in which the grass is maintained uncut.

The last part of the golf course is the so-called hazards or those that are considered as hazardous areas in the course. These hazardous areas are the most feared part of the golfers because it is assumed that if a golfer’s ball had fallen into one of the hazards, he may or may not win the game.

Therefore, for people who want to know more about the different hazardous areas in the golf course, here is a list of some facts that could be used.

1. Bunkers

Bunkers, also known as “sand traps,” are one of the hazardous areas on the golf course. As its other name suggests, bunkers are burrows that are usually full of sand.

Here, the player will have a difficult time playing his best shot in the game. This is because golf balls are hard to control and manipulate when in the sand.

As a rule, players are not allowed to touch the ground, which is still a part of a hazard, using a club. Hence, beginners must know this rule by heart or else they might not be able to finish the game.

2. Water hazards

Water hazards are typically small bodies of water that are incorporated in the golf course like ponds, lakes, etc. Usually, water hazards are placed between the hole and the “tee-off”.

These water hazards, like the bunkers, are also considered one of the hazardous areas in the golf course. This is because once the ball has landed on the water hazards, there is a possibility that the overall performance of the player’s game will be affected.

Basically, even if the ball has landed on the water hazard, the player can still opt to play the next stroke provided that the player must hit the ball as it is.

If in the event that the ball is considered lost, in which this particular issue is a subject of numerous debates in the course, the player may hit another ball that can either be played from the area where the ball was previously hit before it hit the water hazard or by dropping another ball from behind the water hazard.

In reality, there are many rules that govern the cases of water hazards. However, the rules mentioned here are the basic rules in water hazards, so it can be very useful especially to those who are planning to start their career in golf.

Indeed, the performance of a player that refers to his stroke and style can be curbed with many obstacles like the water hazards and the bunkers. Hence, it can be concluded that golf players should try with all his might to avoid these hazardous areas as much as possible.

Know your equipment and beat your opponent with the right stuff. For so many years now, golf equipment has definitely developed in terms of elegance and the right tactics. From golf balls to the more complex golf items, it has gradually become a complete big industry out there.

Since its inception, back in the 15th century in Scotland, golf has intricately fabricated itself in the social market as the sport of the leaders and the privileged entrepreneurs. No wonder why most of the bosses and the managers find time to conduct tournaments and matches in spite of their busy schedules.

In fact, in the United States, golf is informally acclaimed as the sport of the “business world”. There are many instances wherein most of the decisive moments of the board meetings have been carried out during golf matches and games.

For this reason, golf experts contend that because golf reflects the elegance and classiness of the business world, it is best to use only excellent equipment in the game. That’s why golf clubs appear like the majestic millionaire’s cane that has been elegantly crafted for the chic sport.

However, in order to obtain the best golf equipment in the world, one has to use hefty amounts of money because these babies have very steep prices.

Nevertheless, golf equipment is still the most important thing in a golfer; hence, it is just important to pay close attention to them.

Let’s review some of the different types of equipment:

Golf clubs

Next to the crowns of kings and queens, golf clubs are said to be one of the most elegant and valuable pieces the sports world has ever known. It reflects the sophistication that golf has long been known for.

Generally, golfers carry several types of golf clubs in a game. The rules of golf allow a golfer to carry up to a maximum of 14 clubs. This may depend on the type of move they are going to play.

Golf clubs are categorized into four key types: irons, woods, putters, and the hybrid woods.

1. Irons

Irons are usually used when shorter shots are required or when the play involves shots that are moving towards the greens. The sizes of irons usually range from 36 inches to 40 inches long. The iron heads are characterized by hard and even “clubface”.

Basically, irons are used for detailed shots from rough as well as from the fairways.

2. Woods

Woods are typically long and are usually used in long shots, usually those shots that run from 200 to 300 yards. It is characterized by its shaft length that range from 40 inches to 46 inches, or longer like the “Black Rock’s Killer Bee,” which has a shaft length of 50 inches.

As its name suggests, woods are originally made from maple or persimmon wood. However, as time goes by and as golf develops, contemporary club heads are now made up of hollow titanium or steel.

3. Hybrid woods

Hybrids are innovative types of woods that blend the “straight hitting” feature of irons and the “low center of gravity” attributes of woods with higher lofts.

Hybrids are typically used for long shots in a challenging rough area. Players who have difficulty in generating a “ball airborne” when using long irons use hybrid woods instead.

4. Putters

Putters are generally characterized with very low shafts, which are also short sometimes. This type of club is usually used to play the golf ball on the greens. However, there are instances wherein players use them especially when they are playing from the hazards or for a few “approach shots” on the course that have compactly trimmed extremes and fairways.

Golf Balls

Golf balls are the celebrities of the game. This is because without golf balls, the concept of golf is totally vague and useless.

According to the “Rules of Golf”, golf balls should weigh 45.93 grams or less; have a diameter of 42.67 mm or less; and should be symmetrically sphere-shaped.

The complexity of golf balls is based on its transitional period of changes and innovations. This is because the physics of golf balls are based on the materials used.

The details of how the ball was created and the materials used greatly affect the historical development of golf. From wooden golf balls to contemporary golf balls, each invention has contributed to the development of golf.

Today, golf balls are more effective in terms of its physical performance, unlike before. Contemporary golf balls have 300 to 450 dimples. These dimples are the primary characteristics that make the balls fly high in the air.

Other Equipment

There are still many kinds of golf equipment and not just clubs and balls alone. In golf, the right kinds of clothes are also required. Included in a golfer’s get up are the special kinds of shoes known for its spikes that are fastened to the soles.

Golfers also use special gloves because this will help them on gripping the clubs.

Then there are the golf carts, which are used to transport golfers from one hole to another and the tees, which are used to support the golf ball during tee shots.

Indeed, golf equipment is relatively a mixture of classiness and pure sportsmanship. And every player’s move is dependent on the kind of golf equipment he uses. That’s why it is extremely important to consider the vital factors when choosing golf equipment.

Believe it or not, golf is actually good for your health. Even the United States Golf Association thinks so; they also advise that you should walk the golf course and try to avoid – as much as possible – riding golf carts.

Although riding golf carts is the most convenient way to get yourself from one hole to the next, it will actually be good for your body if you walk your legs along the greens. Doing so pumps your heart, circulates the blood all over your body, and is a good and fun way of exercising.

David Fay from the United States Golf Association also thinks that the most pleasurable way to play golf is by walking. Riding carts, he said, should as much as possible be stopped now.

Walking is a good form of exercise. It is the most basic and easy program of getting fit which almost anyone could do. Simply put, walking is good for you.

Although some believe that walking the golf course is a very unhealthy thing to do because of the nature of the game – the start and stop process of golf playing. In actuality though, there have been scientific studies as well as evidence of people actually telling their personal experiences on the positive effects of walking through a game of golf.

In Sweden in particular, there are researchers who discovered that walking through a game of golf equals to about forty to seventy percent of intense workout in an aerobics class. This is assuming that about eighteen holes were played.

In another study by a cardiologist named Edward Palank, golfers who walked were found to be in a better state of health because the level of bad cholesterol in their body decreased. Meanwhile, the level of their good cholesterol was steady. Those golfers who settled to ride their way across the golf course on golf carts, however, did not show these same positive health results.

Also, according to Golf Science International, four hours of golf playing was found to be comparable to attending a forty five minute fitness class.

Another golf association, specifically the Northern Ohio Golf Association, stated that when a golfer walks across a course, it is roughly equivalent to walking for three to four miles. This included walking around hills, over greens and tees.

Not convinced yet? Maybe you should try doing the following activities and see, as well as feel, the difference for yourself.

During a round of golf, try to walk along alternating holes so that by the end of your round of golf you should be able to have walked through a total of nine holes.

If you are feeling not up to it yet as fully as you should, that is okay. Maybe you could try walking on a set of nines while you can ride the other set.

If you have a golf partner and he or she insists that you ride along with him or her, make sure that you only ride on the path of the cart. You can then walk down to the fairway towards your ball and then your partner could bring the golf cart up.

Are you convinced yet? If not, try to look at it this way. If your health is not good enough for you to settle to walk those legs and pump that good old heart of yours, then at least take pity and be considerate of the damage that golf carts do to fairways.

Believe it or not, golf carts do create damage around sand traps and around the greens. Even if carts are not supposed to ride along these areas, sometimes though, depending on who is behind the golf cart’s wheel, they still at times do.

For the sake of the greens, go walk! Because of advances in technology, there are now grasses that are able to grow on areas that they originally are not supposed to grow on at all. As a result of this, golf courses look as amazing as they were before. Unfortunately, these same golf courses are as subject to a lot of wear and tear as well.

Driving a golf cart along these beautiful greens subjects them to unnecessary damage. So now that you know, it would not hurt you to consider walking along, across, over, or through those greens now would it?

Golf Sites and Golf Forums

http://forums.golfreview.com/
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/golf/
http://boards.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=1398&p=16
http://www.iznadgolf.com/golfforum.html
http://www.lowprogolf.com/cfbb/
http://www.oilcontrol.it/dg/dgindexe.shtml
http://www.network54.com/Forum/403301
http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/
http://golf.about.com/mpboards.htm
http://forum.ottawagolf.com