Golf pros may all have different and at times, weird-looking, swings, but you will notice that there are several common elements.  These commonalities are the fundamentals of golf that could help you create a great swing and discover your “own” swing.

The Grip

In handling the club, the left hand should circle the club so that there is a V between the thumb and index finger.  The tension should extend to the shoulder. The right hand should overlap the left thumb and vice versa. Only the V shape should create a line leading to the chin.  Light pressure should be applied to both hands.

Posture

To create a great swing, good posture and stance is essential. Keep your feet shoulder width apart, knees bend and slightly push your butt out.  Keep the chin up and your back straight.  Look at the ball with the bottom of your eyes.  The ball should never be in front of the foot.  Align yourself in such a way that the ball is in front of your left heel (if you are right-handed).

Alignment

In initiating the swing, you must find your right position.  To discover this, keep your feet far enough apart to maintain balance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width (about a foot) apart.  Once the feet are aligned properly, lower your right shoulder, slightly lower than the left one.  Angle your upper body forward at the hips but keep the back straight. Slightly bend your knees and keep the chin up.  Maintain the shoulder position as you take the club back after the swing.  

Body Arch

The arch should start at the head of your golf club through your shoulder at eye level and beyond.  This posture should be maintained for a real good swing.

Flexibility

To add distance to a swing, make sure that your arms are fully extended.  With arms fully extended, you will create more power in your swing. The increased distance from the chest to the hand will provide you with a faster swing.

Balance

For a strong follow through, it is important to maintain your balance. Body weight should remain centered and be balanced on your legs. It is easier to maintain balance with proper posture.

The Swing

The swing is your passport to a great golf game. In doing the swing, make sure to keep the following in mind:

Rhythm is the key to a good golf swing. Focus on your rhythm and motion in performing the forward swing. A swing that is too fast would make the club and body work against each other.  A fast swing creates bad motion and will eventually result to a poor shot. The idea of the golf swing is to create speed on the downswing – not the back swing.  Take the club away slowly after the backswing for better motion and rhythm.

On a backswing, initially keep the club low to the ground.   A good backswing starts with the arms and not the hands.  As the club starts back, the left shoulder and hips should naturally turn to allow your weight to transfer to the right side. The hands should start to set at waist high. As the club continues to the top, the shoulders should continue to turn and allow your right elbow to bend to a ninety-degree angle at the top of your backswing.  At the top, it is important to have the hands set but not broken down. Overswinging will create off-putting club speed and incoherent swings.

The object of the downswing is to return the clubhead to the ball with maximum controllable speed.  A strong downswing creates poor golf shots.  On the downswing, make sure you push the whole club back and down, don’t just pull the grip down. Feel your right arm straightening back and down and the weight of the club in your right hand as you push against the club shaft.

To complete the swing, you must have a good finish. Remember to finish the swing with a follow through.  Also, the weight that you transferred to the right side in the backswing now must transfer to the left side. With a good finish your right knee should face the target, right foot up so all spikes are visible, and hands high close to your left ear.

Remember that you can only be confident with your swing through constant practice. As the adage puts it, practice makes perfect.  Once you achieve your “own” swing, don’t just stick to it but improve on it, just as the golf legends do.

The game of golf is made famous not only by the sports itself but more of its great players.  Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, WillieAnderson, Tom Watson and Nick Faldo are just few of those world-renowned players who made golf popular worldwide. These golfers became great because of their skillful swings coupled with the strength of their bodies, minds and characters.Great golfers are adjudged based on their victories in numerous tours and championships.  These include the Masters Championships, the U.S. Open Championships, The Open Championships, and the PGA Tour, among others.Year after year, these are awaited by golf fans around the world as these cement one player’s supremacy over the others.

To profile some of golf’s best players is an enduring task. There are myriad of great golfers to choose from. This is just an attempt to chronicle the careers ofsome of the golfers and why they are considered “golfing greats.â€

Tiger Woods is described as the number one golfer of all time because of his numerous victories, the scale of his comebacks and the record-breaking margins of histriumphs.  As of 2004 session, Woods already has in hand 40 tour victories and 11 major championships. A golf phenomenon, Woods was the youngest winner of U.S. Junior Amateur at age 15, the U.S. Amateur at age 18, the Masters at age 21, and above these, the youngest grand slam winner at age 25.

Arnold Palmer paved the way for the numerous opportunities for professional golfers. He is considered one of the most popular and charismatic golfers of his time.  He won 72 worldwide tours and eight major championships including the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open and the U.S. Amateur. Because of his popularity, Palmer was adjudged as “the richest athlete” in the 70s because of his several product endorsements. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

Jack Nicklaus was dubbed as the most accomplished player in the history of golf’s major championship. He earned 113 worldwide tour victories (including PGA Tour and Senior PGA Tour) and 20 major professional and amateur championships. At age 26, he had his career grand slam and had his final major championship at age 46.  Nicklaus was elected in the World Golf Hall of Fame also in 1974.

Gary Player was nicknamed “The Black Knight.”  He garnered a total of 163 worldwide tournament victories and nine major championships throughout his career. He got the title “The International Ambassador of Golf” since he was believed to have traveled the whole world to join in golf tournaments. Outside golf, he worked for the improvement of the lives of his fellow South Africans.  Player also designed more than 200 golf courses worldwide and a breeder of horses. In 1974, he was elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Willie Anderson was considered to be the first person to win four US Opens (1901, 1903, 1904 and 1905) and four Western Opens (1902, 1904, 1908, 1909).  These victories made him the second-biggest professional golfer in the U.S. during his time.  He was a great golf instructor before he died in 1910 at age 30. He was inducted into the World Golf of Fame in 1975.

Tom Watson acquired a total of 45 tour victories and 8 major championships, including the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open.  He is a five-time PGA Tour money leader, three-time PGA Tour Vardon Trophy Winner and sixth-time PGA Tour Player of the Year.  Watson pursued his career as a professional golfer after he secured a degree in Psychology from Stanford University. He was elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.

Nick Faldo won the PGA Tour six times and the European Tour 30 times.  He won the Masters Championship in 1989, 1990, and 1996 and the British Open in 1987, 1990, and 1992.  He was adjudged as Europe’s all-time best golfers. Jack Nicklaus inspired his career in golf when he saw Nicklaus’ game when he was 13 years old.  Faldo’s interest now is in designing golf course and golf academies. He now enjoys being a golf broadcast commentator.

Other famous golfers are Walter Hagen, Ben Hogan, Harry Vardon, Gene Sarazen, Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Lee Trevino, Seve Ballesteros, James, Braid, Greg Norman, Byron Nelson, J.H. Taylor, Peter Thomson, Vijay Singh, and more.  The list would go and on.  Whoever you think is the greatest; one thing is for sure: these men played great games with tremendous class and absolute sportsmanship. That is why they are considered “World’s Greatest Golfers.”

Golfers are sportsmen. As such, they share the energetic spirit and positive fanaticism for this unique sport. A little trip down memory lane will never hurt whenever you are considering presents for a golf enthusiast. You can actually give him or her a scrapbook of all his or her games. This is a personalized gift that will make any golfer’s heart with sheer appreciation. You can also find out who his or her favorite golfer is. From Tiger Woods to Ben Hogan, there are loads of golfing souvenirs, which sport such athletic heroes. Giving them something from a printed shirt or even autographed club will surely make them feel aflutter. Stuffed toys and other chummy gift items are available in various sports and souvenir shops everywhere so there will be no need to fret in finding the one which suits your special someone’s taste.

Since the look is a thing to boot in golf, a little accessory gifting will go a long way as well. Protect your loved one’s eyesight and game at the same time with the best visors and sunglasses. However, you have to make sure that the one’s you buy do not come with the concaving effect since it alters eyesight, an important tool in this beautiful sport. Comfortable golfing shirts, pants and socks made from the finest cotton will also be great gifts for those sporting fanatics. They will thank you for gifts such as those, which can definitely give them the most comfortable movement and maximum swinging power. However, gift givers of these kinds of clothing must make sure that they know the size of the person just right. Remember, clothes that don’t fit make a gaming misfit. Other accessories such as watches, shoes and all the works can also be given. However, all accessory gifts must come with a pre-requisite. This is the absolute knowledge of what the receiver’s preferences are. From color, size and even fit… you should hit them all like a staggering whole in one.

In terms of equipment, it is not advisable to give golf clubs and caddy bags. There are two reasons for this. First, as golfers, they may most probably already have these clubs. This makes an awful waste of money on the giver’s part and added clutter to the receiver’s. Second, a golfer will always have a particular style and swinging technique. So do most golf clubs. Each club is specifically designed to loft and fly the ball in specific manners for certain distances. Unless you have expertly observed and determined a player’s style, it will be quite futile to buy clubs. For all you know, the club you give may be the one that he or she never needed.

This is where techno savvy tools come in. These are universal gadgets that can help improve a person’s game at all times. This measures how fats a player swings his arms and therefore predict the distance a ball might reach in one veer of an arm. Speed Radars on the other hand, will be perfect for those who want to know how speedy the ball flies after the swing. If your player wants to check out how fast his balls whiz, then items such as speed radars will definitely help. These items can measure the speed of the ball with real time feedback, thus helping them monitor the progress of their games. Caddy Laser Flags on the other hand are perfect tools for monitoring how far a golfer can reach in terms of ball displacement. It gives the golfer space on improving the effectiveness of his or her swing until the ball reaches the desired distance at all times.

Give these as gifts and make a golfer happy at once.

One of the most familiar names of the golfing world is Ben Hogan. Unlike the Hogan of the wrestling world, Ben didn’t make his trademark through virile fighting and making faces. Instead, he conquered courses with his dreaded swing and impressive trajectory calculations. His cleverness in the game of golf is imminent in 1946 when he won 13 times in various golfing competition. One of those amazing victories was the Championship match of the PGA. He also ended within the top five in two other major categories within the season. His 1946 athletic uproar is the second highest single season wins in the entire PGA history. However, ‘Bantam Ben’ didn’t stop at 1946. He conquered 1948, as well. During this year, he won ten times in major contests, including the championship cups of the PGA and US. Such remarkable feats cemented Ben Hogan in the minds of golf aficionados in the world.

Arnold Palmer is also another legend. Like Hogan, he has proven his noise and bravado in the golfing world for two different seasons. The first one was in 1960 when he won top 10 finishes in all four majors. ‘Arnie’s’ victorious year also included the coveting of the highly anticipated Master’s Cup. In 1962, the legendary Arnie went in another winning streak. He had eight victories including the championship for the Master’s and the British Open. However, unlike his previous years, 1962 also made him more famous for his defeat against Jack Nicklaus in the U.S Open. His skills though still gave him the 2nd place in the said tournament. Not bad at all!

The game of golf didn’t let its glory days pass away easily, as well. During 2000, a Tiger emerged in the midst of all golfers. Enter Tiger Woods. The young and handsome man conquered both the world of golfing and sporting as a whole when he had nine victories all in all in 2000 alone. What sets him apart from other golfers is his relatively short span of experience and schedule before the major events. From The U.S and British opens to the PGA itself, this roaring Tiger spared no cup. His most amazing feat was the 15 stroke open victory he managed to accomplish. This canonized him to golfing royalty in an instant. He also championed the Master’s cup in 2001 that made him the only player to hold these four professional titles one after the other. Tiger’s modern wins are also greater in points and overall quality compared to Vijay Singh who also won nine cups in 2004.

Then again, none of them all combined may ever compare to the Godfather of all golfing legends. Byron Nelson is truly the epitome of the most astounding golfing games ever played in any field. His 1945 reign of sporting honor is marked as the greatest one of all. He is the highest titleholder of all legendary golfers with 18 wins in a season. This includes 11 consecutive wins by the popular Nelson. Lord Byron would also have broken his own record with 19 wins, 12 of which were consecutive. However, the rules and technicalities of the current season ruled that one of his victories were not official. Thus, the result is still the legendary 18-12 Byron victories.

They are the people who have fascinated the world of golfing and those outside of it throughout the years. Their timeless works of art on the field have made them heroes amongst our midst. None can contest that when we say that they have truly achieved a whole in one into the minds of everyone who knew of their glory days. Every swing of their club is truly an inspiration worthy of celebration.

Over centuries people have been fascinated on the challenge of playing golf – on how each swing advance a ball to the hole. It has been leisure for men, women and even kids of today. Some merely watch on the screen, which takes a regular slot on sports channels, but surely, it is not as good and as beneficial as holding the gears on and taking a shot on the field. Of course it is not as easy as watching Tiger Woods hit the hole in two swings, some might not even get it in five or more swings on a couple of attempts, but it’s surely worth a try.

Benefits of playing golf

Health benefits. Playing golf is a good form of exercise. Walking around the field for several yards develops physical endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Breathing fresh air as you walk around the fields of green is definitely better than getting it from a gym. More so, as you swing, it exercises the arm and leg muscles.

Aside from the feel of cool breeze as you walk on the field, the exposure to sunlight is also beneficial. It has been discovered that sunrays produce Vitamin D, which is good for the body.

Mental development. Golf is 90 percent metal game and 10 percent physical game. There are several considerations before one can even strike a ball. It is a challenge to hit the hole with limited number of swings, and taking into consideration the speed and direction of wind and also the landscape. Thus, one has to decide what bar to use, the direction and intensity of the strike, and the proper posture to hit the ball right.

3. Relaxation and Recreation. Aside from the challenge of playing the game and enhancing one’s physical body, this game is also a good form of recreation and relaxation. Enjoying the company of friends or family in the field is a good time to chat around. The environment – green grass, cool breeze and sunny weather - is a great occasion to relax and enjoy.

Getting started

If you’re considering making golf your own sport, it is indeed a good idea. Listed are some suggestions on the cost of getting started.

Golf Set, Accessories and Apparel. These are definitely important in the game. You can order online for these items or buy from nearby sports shops. Here is an overlook of prices online:

Drivers – $49 up

Hybrid - $39 up

Irons - $59 up

Putters - $29 up

Wedges - $15 up

Bags - $49 up (leather cost around $1000).

Golf shoes around $49-179 (Addidas)

Other apparels around $20-90 (Ashworth, Bobby Chan, Bolle, Docker)

Here is the suggestion, as you are just starting out with golf, please don’t make the same mistake as the others of buying the most expensive golf set, accessories and apparel. You might not like the attention on you with your best gear on, and flunk all your swings. It is recommended that you initially get a half set, usually consists of 5 irons (3, 5, 7, 9, and wedge), 2 woods, and 1 putter. It is also a good idea to buy previously owned golf clubs. You can get these from a garage sale, or even online buy-and-sell shops. Another suggestion is to rent a golf set on the field. This is normally available in any golf field you wish to visit.

Professional lessons. Trial-and-error could probably work for a very few, but mind you, it is always best to seek professional training from the experts themselves. Inquire on a field office for golf training available.

3. Read and learn. It has been mentioned earlier that golf is 90 percent mind game and 10 percent physical game. With that, reading and learning about golf etiquette, game rules, proper preparation, suitable posture, right movements, and other suggestions would be as much help in getting started to play golf.

The Appeal of Golf

Business executives are competitive by nature; theoretically, any sport that allows them to capitalize on their competitiveness should appeal to them. What sets golf apart from other sports is the nature of the game; it is an individual game where the player is solely responsible for his victory or defeat.

The game parallels the corporate jungle in many ways; it has a long and short game. The long game is the entire game itself; golf is literally a long game because an average game lasts for at least four hours. Similarly, companies have their own long game. Because of high start-up and opportunity costs, every company established is envisioned with a long lifespan. The top executives set long-term goals, and strive to steer the company towards these goals. The short game pertains to the individual shots the player makes; these shots are usually delicate or tricky in some manner. Companies have their own short games; moments when the market share of the company become uncertain, or the unpredictability of gas prices suddenly raises their production costs. Then there is how the player manages the course; what strategies to employ; and how the player reacts emotionally and psychologically to the game; how he or she handles miscalculated shots and other potential sources of pressure. In the corporate jungle, executives go through similar challenges and experiences.

But if a parallel environment is all that golf offers; then there is no point in playing, is there? Unlike the corporate environment, golf courses have lush green backgrounds and fresh air; playing amidst Eden-like surroundings promotes excitement, as well as relaxation.

From the Boardroom to the Fairways

The relaxed atmosphere of golf enables executives to socialize and network among themselves, prospective partners, potential customers, or discover new markets. Since everyone is playing, defenses are lowered; small talk can easily progress to updates on current points of interests within the company, to creative suggestions on product placements. Although the game requires focus and concentration on the part of the player, discussions can be easily sustained because it is not strenuous; ideas can be explored further while walking from one hole to the next.

Golf is an ideal opportunity to get to know your colleagues, superiors or subordinates; from how they conquer a difficult shot, how they recover from a bad shot, to how accurately they mark the position of their balls; all these can be very telling of their temperament, their capacity for dishonesty, and how well they handle pressure in general.

Golf also provides a unique bonding experience. It is a game that is difficult to master; most veteran players are eager to share pointers to beginners. As the game progresses; the skills of every player, veteran or beginner, develop; and the bonds deepen.

It is true that given the unique social and professional relationships that develops and evolves during the game; many business deals have been concluded after a game or two. But this generalization must be qualified; most of the business deals that have been concluded on the fairways have one thing in common: a mature and long-standing relationship between the parties. If the parties are still getting to know each other, golf can help develop and strengthen their relationship until they reach the level wherein they can comfortably close a deal after ironing out all the necessary details during the game.

Mixing business with pleasure is not just possible in golf; it is the de rigueur. Companies and business professionals seeking to maximize their and their employees’ time have been taking advantage of this by taking up matters previously dealt with during boardroom meetings only on the freeway. So far, this has worked out to everyone’s advantage; exercise, fun, and work are accomplished with a swing of the club. Indeed, golf is a rare opportunity where a win-win situation is not only possible; it is a reality.

A player needs to have the following:

Drivers

Utility Clubs

Irons

Wedges

Putters

Bags and Balls

Apparel

There are basically three levels of player handicaps on which a golfer can base his decision when buying the right equipment: low-handicap, mid-handicap and high-handicap.

Below are the descriptions:

Golf Equipment for Low-Handicap Golfer

A player who maintains a single digit handicap and scores less than ten over par is considered a low-handicap golfer. For this type of player, the following is recommended:

Driver: A low-handicap golfer needs just one fairway wood, preferably a 3-wood

Iron: Irons lower than a 3-iron is recommended for a low-handicap player and will greatly benefit from it. Those higher than a 3-iron may become difficult to hit. But if control is not a problem, then it should be acceptable to include them in the bag.

Wedges: Wedges have to be at least 3 — for pitching and sand wedging. The third can be used for approach wedging or low wedging.

Golf Equipment for Mid-Handicap Golfer

A player who is able to score below one over par in every hole (bogey golf) and whose handicap ranges from 11-20 is considered a mid-handicap golfer. For this type of player, the following is recommended:

Drivers: A mid-handicap player can choose between a 3-wood, 5-wood or a 7-wood and possibly even a 9-wood.

Iron: Any iron between 3 and 9 can work for a player with mid-handicap

Wedges: Similar to a low-handicap player, wedges have to be at least 3 — for pitching and sand wedging. The third can be used for approach wedging or low wedging.

Golf Equipment for the High-Handicap Golfer

A player who just started with golf or has not found the time to practice and get better is considered a high-handicap golfer. His shots go over and above 100 in one whole round of golfing. For this type of player, the following is recommended:

Drive: Driving may not even be a priority to a golfer with a high-handicap.

Iron: A 3-wood is recommended for tees; also a 7-wood or 9-wood, as they are easier to hit and control.

Wedges: Wedges have to be at least 3 — for pitching and sand wedging. The third can be used for approach wedging or low wedging.

Kinds of Clubs

Shafts and club heads come in all designs and composition. A golfer has to find its perfect match in order to play a good game of golf. Below are some descriptions of the different clubs a player must be able to distinguish from:

Shaft

The shaft usually comes in two kinds of materials — graphite and steel.

Steel shafts offer more durability and are more affordable than graphite shafts. It also provides better control but must need a faster swing per shot. Steel shafts are good for players who have stronger grip and handling.

Graphite shafts on the other hand are lighter, much more expensive and less durable. It does offer more power per hit, but it is rather difficult to control.

Flex

Flex pertains to the bending of a shaft. A player’s flex must be able to match with the speed of his or her swing. Beginners could well use a more flexible shaft since they have to master their swings first. A player with an average swing of 75 to 90 mph could benefit from regular shafts. Those with powerful swings must have a stiff iron for better control.

Shafts also come in uniflex types that should fit any kind of golfer’s swings.

Kinds of Wood

A golfer can choose a variety of wood to suit his skills. Wood comes in two types of materials — stainless steel and titanium. A stainless steel is less expensive but a lot heavier than the titanium kind.

Sizes:

Standard: 150-155 cu cm

Midsize: 195 cu cm

Oversized: 250 cu cm

Kind of Irons

There are two kinds of iron a golfer needs to be familiar with — cast iron and forged iron. Below are its characteristics:

Cast Iron

Its construction is also known as perimeter weighted iron or cavity back iron

Its head weight is found outside of the head

It has more weight on the border of the club face

It is recommended for beginners as they would benefit from cavity back irons

Forged Irons

It does not have weight at the club head’s back

Gravity is at the center of the club head

Its sweet spots offer more control for those with lower handicaps

It is recommended for seasoned players who consistently strike from the center of the club

A soldier cannot go to war without a gun; and even if he did, he cannot win the battle if he is ill equipped. In golf, you cannot swing just any club and expect to hit a hole in one. Finding the right equipment can be as exigent as mastering the game itself; whether you are working with a limited budget; or would like to empathize with 90% of the world’s population who happen to be living in less than desirable standards of living; here are a few simple and practical tips that can help you get the best value for your money without compromising quality in your search for the perfect golf equipment:

Ask around; ask your golf coach, your friends, even your boss. To make a well-informed decision, you must have all the necessary information. The best way to obtain information is to start asking the people closest to you. Asking for a second or six opinions can benefit you in two ways: you benefit from the experience and insight of others; and it widens your network. This can be very useful if you play golf primarily to advance your career; asking for some tips on where and what brand of equipment to buy is a sure fire way of connecting with your boss, prospective partners, or potential clients.

Have a keen awareness of your body. Your inability to improve your accuracy may be due to poor eye focus or lower back problems that you have been ignoring for some time. In cases like this, what you need to do is to consult your physician and not a new set of clubs.

Go online. The Internet offers great deals and bargains. It also offers all the possible information you might need, from the different kinds of clubs and their “specifics†to the perfect eyewear. A lot of retired professional and veteran recreational golfers write articles for several online magazines and golf websites that offer detailed discussions of each and every piece of equipment. There are also online magazines that release annually lists of the best equipments for the year, as reviewed by their editors and a panel of selected golf experts.

Whether you decide to buy online or in a retail store, try out the equipment first before you make the purchase. Do not be afraid to ask the salesperson questions about the features and expected performance for a particular equipment or brand. They are presumed to be knowledgeable about the products they sell. Bring a friend along who also plays golf and preferably knows more about buying equipment than you; he or she might be able to raise issues you normally would not think of. Certain club manufacturers have enhanced their clubs with state of the art technology to the extent that even the club’s center of gravity is manipulated to ensure better accuracy. However, most experts will advise that unless you have the extra cash and plays golf competitively, you do not need equipment with specifics like these to complicate your purchasing experience.

Know your game’s weaknesses and evaluate carefully whether the new club or other golf equipment you are eyeing addresses these weaknesses. Do not be carried away by a flawless sales pitch, prestige or aesthetics. Remember, golf equipment is a business so retailers and manufacturers want to make a profit.

Finding the right golf equipment can be daunting; but if you do your homework, you may me able to improve your game without breaking your bank account. It is also prudent to have realistic goals when purchasing any new equipment. Golf equipments, no matter how expensive or state of the art, can only improve your game to a certain extent, a firm grasp on the basic skills of the game and actual experience are the only genuine way of improving your game; and your equipments are there to enhance the skills you possess.

Aside from getting exercise and a tan, business golf is a way to network, build relationships and develop one’s business. A lot more is on the line than just a friendly game and one of the most common business golf mistakes is not taking its potential seriously enough. Although employing it, many employees and even executives still tend to see business golf as merely a fun activity and a chance to get out of the office. But for business golf to be used effectively, the golf course should be seen as an extension of the office with corporate objectives.

One mistake that arises from not attaching firm corporate objectives to business golf is that the game takes precedent and business is secondary. Thus, business golf is only played with an outside chance that opportunities will be found and developed. Remember that business golf is a tool, a new venue to conduct business. Connections made on the golf course should be followed up on. Although a seemingly natural step, many businesses overlook this important phase, even forgetting to bring business cards to exchange. Business golf can open up many opportunities and your line of attack has to be ready to extend beyond the course. If your foresight does not extend to after the 18th hole, the benefits can be limited. A simple phone call, a visit to the office or an invitation for another golf outing should not be overlooked.

Just as one approaches the game of golf with a strategy, so should business golf be tackled with the same approach. The people on the round are a critical factor in the success of your efforts. It is important to invite the right people to the golf course. Depending on your objectives, the definition of the “right people†can vary. Once you know your objectives, you will have to consider if it will be more beneficial to invite people based on group dynamics or on the potential for business opportunities they may represent.

Even if you have invited the right people, many opportunities can still be missed if you fail to read them correctly. Reading the golf course can make your game more effective and similarly, you should know when to pounce or hold back when interacting with a potential business network on the green. Communication in business golf requires a certain amount of savvy because the balance between casual conversation and business has to be struck. Even if you are good at golf, it will not benefit you or your organization if you miss the opportunity to talk business or even if you raise the topic at the wrong time. As mentioned earlier, one must remember that they are playing golf with a business objective and not solely for leisure.

Further, the persona one portrays on the golf course can be taken as an indication of how they are as a business person. Aside from neglecting basic golf etiquette, another common business golf mistake is forgetting that aside from trying to build contacts or close a sale, you are also trying to sell and market yourself and your organization. Experts say that while the power of business golf should be respected in order to utilize effectively, it is also important not to take the game too seriously. Playing with too much intensity can deaden the laid back atmosphere which is conducive to closing a deal just as throwing your golf clubs around can speak poorly of your organization or your ability to handle pressure.

Some other business golf “boo boosâ€, which are overlooked are speeding in the golf cart, giving unsolicited golf tips and failing to tip locker room attendants. Because golf is a game that requires a great deal of concentration, leave your cellular phones and beepers at home and if you’re going to bet on a round, have cash ready and never give IOUs. Business golf is replacing cocktails and lunches as a venue to conduct business. Like other social events, it requires savvy and social graces. While you may feel pressured to let your opponent win, remember that doing so may not inspire trust. Avoid the temptation however to see the game as a competition.

Because it combines leisure with business, it is easy to overlook many things and commit many mistakes. But just like the game, there are many variables that if played properly and with foresight can give you the advantage. If played haphazardly, however, the outcome can be costly.

So why do these men, sane and normal as anyone can be, make a big thing out of getting a hole in one, or even just a birdie? Why do they avoid a bogey like the plague?

Strange people, these golfers are, you might say. But if you know their secret world, you would understand them better. Who knows, you might even become enamored by the game they play that you would start speaking their lingo better than anyone else. So why not familiarize yourself with these ten words commonly used by golfers?

1. Handicap-A handicap is does not mean a disability. This term refers to the number of strokes a player may deduct from his total score at the end of a game. This is used to level the playing field in golf, so that golfers who have different abilities or levels can compete on a level field. A golfer usually starts with a handicap of 36. This means he can subtract 36 from his total score at the end of a game. The ideal here is to get that handicap down to a single digit, preferably nine or less than nine.

2. Birdie and Eagle -These are pleasant terms to a golfer. A birdie means a golfer uses one stroke less than par to drive the ball into the hole while an eagle means the player uses two strokes less than par.

3. Bogey-A bogey is an infamous term for players who avoid getting it like the plague. A bogey means a golfer has scored one over the par. Imagine what a triple bogey could mean to a player. By the way, a par means the minimum number of shots in which a player is expected to drive his ball into the hole. Par is usually 3, 4 or 5, but a beginner can take as much as 15 shots before driving the ball into the hole.

4. Golf club-A golf club is different from a “golf club†or what golfers often refer to as clubhouse. The golf club or clubhouse is the place where golfers congregate before or after a game. It is a common fixture of every golf course. Golf clubs are very important tools that are used by golfers to strike the golf ball. Golfers around the world are allowed to carry as many as 14 golf clubs in their bags. However, beginners can start with a half set that may include 3 woods, 8 irons and a putter.

5. Woods-These are the tools used by a golfer for long shots. A golfer particularly uses this when he is at least 175 yards from the green. Woods are considered as the longest clubs. A driver is the terms used when a golfer plays with the longest wood. Do not be tricked into believing that woods are literally made of wood, because they are made of metal. Well, not so long ago, woods were really made of woods but at present, all woods are made of metal, perhaps because of its durability. Golfers use irons when they are not more than 200 yards from the green.

6. Obstructions refer to artificial movable or immovable objects, which hinder the flow of the game. An immovable obstruction can refer to a sprinkler while an immovable obstruction can refer to a thing that can be moved. Of course, it does not include boundary markers.

7. Hazards-The term literally refers to a difficulty that may have been encountered by a player while in the golf course. This refers to water on the course, sand traps or trees. Hazards are a part of the design of a golf course, intentionally placed by the designers to make the game more difficult and challenging. Sand traps can be found near greens and often vary in depth, consistency, size and difficulty. The sure thing is that it can intimidate even the most skilled players.

8. Match play-It is a competition where scores are based on every hole. This means that each hole in the course is a separate contest for the players. While the rule of the game makes the player with the lowest score the winner, in a match play, the player or players who won the most number of holes is the winner.

9. Stroke competition-In this competition, the player or players who has the fewest or lesser strokes to move the ball from the tee tot eh hole wins. The total number of strokes in a pre-determined number of rounds is the basis of who will win the game.

10. Rub of the game-The term means to an accident where the ball hits an outside agency such as a bird or a rake and such agency stops the ball. This can be dismissed as bad luck but gold rules allows you to play the ball as it lies and without penalty.