Golf Blog by The Orlando Golf Blogger

Here’s your Orlando Golf Lesson of the day!

I received this story in an email and thought it was worth sharing. I’m glad he associates one of the “big” things to golf!

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’

The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is ever ything else—the small stuff.

‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers with a friend.

Have an awesome day!

-Dave

I thought this was a quick good read.  I’ve been using the EyeLine Putting Pendulum rod for about two months and it’s been beneficial.

I will say, at first, it’s VERY awkward but once you get used to it, it helps you develop a consistent swing path and is a very good reminder about breaking the wrists.

If you’ve got $30 bucks to invest in a training aid, this isn’t a bad way to go.

Putting S.O.S. Fundamentals

Solid - hit the putt solid
Online - start the putt on the target line
Speed - hit the putt the correct speed

The right loft gets the ball rolling and wanting to go in the cup!

The ideal putter loft at impact is 4 degrees.

That is enough to get the ball out of its depression, but not get it airborne.

Most manufacturers make putters so this loft is correct when the hands are directly vertical above the ball.

If my hands are slightly toward my back foot, then I have added loft.

If my hands are slightly toward my front foot, then I have reduced loft.

Either way … no good.

The Pendulum Putting Rod is how the Tour players (112 in 2008) check this setup position.

Use the rod, a mirror, a friend, or a coach … but make sure you are set up correctly.

Take a Product Tour of the Pendulum Putting Rod

I know it’s not quite an Orlando Golf Lesson, but it’ll help ya

Not to mention the guys out at EyeLine are freaking awesome and they’ve got a slew of putting drills and games for you to experiment with.

The venerable Brendon Elliott uses a lot of these training aids in his lessons and he swears by em.

-Dave

Here’s my Orlando Golf Lesson for the week.

So, I’ve been having some issues with hitting consistent iron shots.  The world famous Brendon Elliott who is the head golf pro out at Winter Park Country Club has made great strides in helping me resolve these issues.  We’ve totally changed up my stance and I’m trying to lock down the proper weight shift and swing path.

While researching all this, I came across some surprisingly good videos that have given me some things to think about.

After going through a bunch of the videos on youtube, I realized that the best videos were the ones that were created by a company called Bionic Gloves.  Now, it wasn’t my intent to give some free advertising to a company I haven’t heard of, but these guys deserve it.  In an effort to promote their product, they partnered up with a couple of golf pros and they’ve created a series of game improvement podcasts.

Viewers who are having problems with their game email their questions to podcast@bionicgloves.com. Chaz Rough picks a question to answer, sends a free glove to the questioner and video’s the answer and posts it on their website for free viewing.  They’ve recorded over 100 podcasts and should you wish, you can download them for $1.99 per.

I think they used to post all their videos on youtube, but the past twenty or so have only been available on their website, which sucks because I can’t embed them for your viewing pleasures

In addition to these two videos below, check out #112 and #113 on the podcast section of their website for two cool irons drills.

Here’s a David Ledbetter’s Set, Check & Go drill.

Hope this helps you!

Here’s some links to some other Orlando Golf Lesson posts I’ve written.

Orlando Golf Lessons – Putting

Orlando Golf Lessons – Chipping

Orlando Golf Lessons – Pitching

Orlando Golf Lessons – Sand Shots

I appreciate you visiting the site! Feel free to leave a comment!

-Dave

(beep, beep, beep) BREAKING NEWS (beep, beep,beep)

(announcers voice) We’ve received word today, from an anonymous source, confirming the alleged merger between two golf giants. Continue reading for a sneak peek at the news.

Below is a press release announcing the “OFFICIAL” launch of the Business Golf Country Club. Many of you know Scot Duke and for those that don’t, he’s a stand up guy with some great advice and big ideas!

If you’re interested in connecting with business folks who also have an interest in golf, this is the place for you!

April 28, 2009: Addison, Texas and Sedona, Arizona

EGolfGroup and Innovative Business Golf Solutions join forces to launch the Business Golf Country Club

“Handled correctly the game of golf can play as a fundamental business function”, say Dave Bisbee, founder and president of eGolfGroup, Sedona, AZ, and Scot Duke, founder and president, Innovative Business Golf Solutions, Addison, TX.

Experienced business golf advocates and teachers, Bisbee and Duke are pleased to announce their joint venture, The Business Golf Country Club, (BGCC), an exclusive internet destination at www.bizgolfcc.com to bring like-minded business golfers together as members in a private online golf club.

Bisbee and Duke invite golfers of every skill level with an interest in melding business with their passion of golf to enroll as a member and take advantage of the many opportunities this innovative golfers-only community affords.

“The purpose of BGCC is to encourage business relationships and networking opportunities among members,” says Duke, “We have created this networking environment as a means to establish and maintain the professionalism and trust necessary for authentic business relationships.”

Bisbee and Duke assert that many consider business related golf outings as ineffective and feel they are ultimately little more than social etiquette activities.

“The bond that links golf and business is indisputable”, says Bisbee. “On any given day thousands of executives take to the fairways because they have heard golf is good for business, only to discover the process for success is as difficult to master as basic golf technique.”

Scot Duke, author of How to play business golf, realized, after researching and playing business golf that the vast majority of golfers who attempt to use golf as a business tool fail to grasp the precise parallels.

“Like a private country club, the BGCC ensures an exclusive, safe and absolutely spam-free Internet environment for golf-related business and networking,” says Duke. “We offer our members the tools to post messages, communicate freely and exchange information with fellow BGCC members.”

The Business Golf Country Club makes every effort to screen out applicants who have no interest in golf or golfers. Spamming is not tolerated, nor posting any information for the sole purpose of selling products or services.

Members of the Business Golf Country Club will have access to:
• Online discussion forums, announcements of golf and business events, as well as off-site BGCC tournaments, outings and social activities.
• A combination of BGCC hosted, professionally coordinated, online and off-site member-only conferences, seminars, workshops and golf schools.
• Guest opportunities on the BGCC proprietary ClamBake Café podcast talk show.
• Advertising and marketing space available for member products and services.

eGolfGroup®, Sedona, AZ, is dedicated to improving individual and organizational performance. Bisbee offers innovative concepts, compelling golf-business instruction and effective staff development programs that bring a more meaningful dimension to golf and business activities. A host of Fortune 500 companies equip their executives with Bisbee’s performance focused programs to engage in golf with business objectives in mind.

Innovative Business Golf Solutions, Addison, TX, is a multi-faceted business golf consulting/operations firm with programs, services and products that deliver solutions to the business challenges clients find on and off the golf course.

For more information contact
Scot Duke
214 549-0306
scot.duke@innovativebusinessgolf.com

Here’s a link to my profile DaveLair

Look forward to connecting with you!

-Dave

Hey all you loyal readers, visitors and whoever else I might’ve missed

Time to pony up some dough for a good cause.

My good friend, head golf pro and world renown golf instructor, Mr. Brendon Elliott is having a charity raffle to support research for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

The raffle ends May 1st, 2009 and you can win a pretty cool Caddyshack picture or a two night stay at the Reunion Resort!

Reunion Resort is a golfers paradise.  Home to three golf courses and the ANNIKA Academy.

The Legacy Course an Arnold Palmer signature design.

The Tradition Course, a Jack Nicklaus signature design

The Independence Course, a Tom Watson signature design.

See below:

Thanks for taking the time to read this and please spread the word!

I’m expecting 100% participation from anyone who reads this!

-Dave

I had the chance to review Hunter’s Creek Golf Course and the review is posted below.

Orlando Golf Course Review – Hunter’s Creek Golf Course

For those who don’t know, I’ve been given the opportunity to write Orlando Golf Course Reviews for OrlandoGolf.com.

Hunter’s Creek was a tough one to write., truth be told, I like the course and they have a great practice area. I live pretty close to the course and I recently signed up for their “Creek Card.” The two for one range balls, free rounds, and discounted rates are a pretty big appeal especially when the card is only $99 bucks.

But in terms of course review, there’s nothing “Awesome” about the course. It’s fun and can be challenging, but it not particularly memorable or unique in terms of design and layout.

Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the review and the course.

Also, if you want to check out my other Orlando Golf Course Review, see below.

Orlando Golf Course Review – Shingle Creek Golf Club

Happy Monday!

-Dave

Golfnow – Discount Online Tee Times

The 12th annual PGA Free Lesson Month is right around the corner!  Starting May 1st, 2009, PGA/LPGA Professionals nationwide are going to be giving a free 10-minute lesson to any and all who are interested!

Regardless of your age or skill level, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the basics or improve upon existing skills or problems…

You can find a PGA or LPGA professional whos participating int he PGA Free Lesson Month at PlayGolfAmerica.com

According to Golf Digest, a number of things can be learned in 10 minutes, including how to generate more swing speed, how to read breaking putts, how to chip with a hybrid golf club, how to draw the ball for more distance, how to cure an “over-the-top” swing and how to use your legs for power, to name a few.

Whether as an individual or with friends or family, PGA Free Lesson Month offers the perfect excuse to get outside, learn new skills and get a little exercise, all while enjoying the game of golf.

“By participating in PGA Free Lesson Month, consumers of all experience levels will benefit firsthand from expert lessons provided by PGA/LPGA Professionals in a comfortable one-on-one setting,” said PGA of America President Jim Remy. “As we approach the one million free lesson mark, we are pleased so many consumers have already taken advantage of this program and invite those who have not to contact a local PGA/LPGA Professional and hit the links for an unforgettable experience.”

Since The PGA of America and Golf Digest jointly launched this nationwide campaign in 1998, more than 938,000 free lessons have been given. Last year, nearly 6,340 PGA/LPGA Professionals nationwide gave more than 106,600 free lessons to consumers. Among those who participated in 2008, 54 percent were new customers at the host facility, 30 percent were women and 23 percent were new to the game.

“One million free lessons is an incredible accomplishment and a great benefit to the game of golf,” said Jerry Tarde, chairman and editorial director of Golf Digest Publications. “We are extremely proud to be associated with PGA Free Lesson Month and thank The PGA of America and the thousands of PGA and LPGA Professionals who dedicate their time to make this initiative a glowing success.”

Every golfer who takes a free lesson and sends in a Free Lesson Card is eligible to enter a sweepstakes to win a two-day/two-night golf getaway to The PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance in Port St. Lucie, Fla., including hotel accommodations, round-trip, economy airfare, a two-day session at The PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and a custom-fit set of golf clubs. One hundred runners-up will receive a copy of The PGA’s First Swing Golfer’s Guide and a 2008 Ryder Cup DVD.

PGA Free Lesson Month is one of several programs designed to grow and stimulate participation in the game of golf under “Play Golf America,” a national marketing umbrella campaign that is supported by the golf industry. Play Golf America was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including: the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference.

Click here for original article PGA Free Lesson Month to be in full swing during entire month of May

Leave a comment if you’ve done this before or are planning to do it. I’m curious about your thoughts on this one.

-Dave

Golfnow – Discount Online Tee Times

(trumpets)

(cheers)

(champagne bottles being opened)

Orlando Golf Blogger has been named blog of the week by RankMark.com, check it out!

Golf Blog of the Week

And I quote (or copy and paste, same difference really…)

“With so many talented people writing informative and entertaining golf blogs nowadays, the Rankmark staff would like to share a few that have gotten our attention. We are also awarding a “Blog of the Week” to reward a chosen blogger with some special recognition for their efforts.”

RankMark.com is a golf equipment testing and review company that has been in business for a little over 10 years and takes a totally unbiased stance towards the products they review.

They receive over two million monthly visits and pride themselves on unbiased reports about the products.

If you’re in the market for  a new set of sticks, it would be a good idea to stop by and see what RankMark.com has to say.

Happy Earth Day! In honor of this day, you can make your contribution by wholeheartedly replacing all divots you take

-Dave

If you are in the market for a cheap, dependable golf GPS unit, you might consider checking out the IZZO Swami 1500 Golf GPS.

I was given the opportunity to review this unit and I’m going to tell you all about.. but first, here’s the copy and paste from the website

Simple, Fast & Accurate! SWAMI is everything a golfer needs in a GPS unit.

Featuring Insta-Lok Technology & powered by the latest SIRFStarIII chip, the SWAMI instantly calculates distance to the Front, Center and Back of the green of 12,000 US courses*.

SWAMI stores up to 10 courses at a time and automatically recognizes the course you’re playing, on power-up.

Easy to use buttons and a large display allows you to quickly cycle from hole to hole for quicker play.

The rechargeable Lithium Ion battery holds a charge for a minimum of 12 hours at a time for extended play. Finally a GPS unit, with the features you need, at a great price.

Now that that’s out of the way…

The first thing that I noticed about the IZZO Swami 1500 was the size.  It is much smaller than other units I’ve tried out and it comes with a very convenient belt clip that does not hinder the golf swing.  Most of the time, I find myself leaving the GPS in the cart because it’s so cumbersome, but not this one..

I was pretty impressed at the time it took to lock on to my position once I was on the course.  It wasn’t quite instant, but by the time I got out of the cart and walked back to my golf bag, the yardage was there on display.

Speaking of yardage, for the most part, the unit was accurate to within 3-7 yards.  Pretty darn impressive if you ask me..

The only time I noticed a larger variance is whenever I was on a tee box of a dogleg hole and the gps was calculating the most direct distance from between the green and me rather than following the hole.  This isn’t an IZZO Swami 1500 issue, as far as I know all GPS units have this limitation.

It has a pretty cool feature where it’ll recognize what course you are play just by turning the unit on, well, that is assuming you’ve installed the correct course…

The annoying part about this feature is the fact that it can take a couple minutes to actually locate the course.  But this really only affects the start of the round, when you first get to the golf course and if you’re a responsible/respectable golfer, you’ll arrive at the course with plenty of time to turn the unit on and have it find the course prior to the start of your round.

Once it’s setup, the unit is real simple to use.  You just add ten courses you want, make sure it’s charged and it’ll do the rest for you.

When you are playing the course, the default yardage is to the center of the green.  There’s an FCB button that you can press to get the distances to the front and back of the green.  The button just toggles through those three settings.

One thing it doesn’t do, that I wish it did was automatically change holes.  What I mean is if you go from the tenth to the eleventh, unless you push the up arrow, it’ll still be recording distances from your position back to the tenth green.  I suppose it’s a relatively minor annoyance, but I’ve noticed it happening to me quite frequently.

The unit sells for $149.99 and there’s an annual subscription of $35.00.

Overall, I have to say I’m pretty happy with the unit.  It’s not as sophisticated as other units and doesn’t quite have all the “fluff” that others does, for more than 1/2 the price of many of the other units, it does a pretty awesome job.

The display is large and easy to read and it’s a very precise unit.  I’ve played with it on two courses so far and I’ve had no problems.

One recommendation I have, add one more button to the unit that’ll allow us to lock a current position and track the distance from that position to your ball.  That was one of my favorite features of some of the other big names and I’d love for this to get it.

Here’s a link to their website where you can pick up the unit.

IZZO Swami Golf GPS

Hope you found this helpful..  Leave any and all feedback!

-Dave

I know this is a little late, but I just came across this story about the most revered ticket in all the professional sports, The Masters Ticket.

Mark Huber  over at Mark’s Kaddy Korner tells a pretty funny tale about the holy grail of sports tickets.

Happy Monday!

-Dave