Golf Preparation
Before we know it we will all be stepping out on the freshly mown fairways proudly displaying their beautiful stripes lovingly made by your Head Green keepers. The mud a distant memory…well until you open your golf bag!!!
The transition between winter golf and spring/summer golf is a long one for many and the beloved golf bag has been propped up against the garage wall for a few months, well it’s time to learn about golf preparation before we even step onto the first tee.
- The number one for me is to treat your clubs to a “make over” yes, that can include the quick clean to ensure the mud has been removed from the grooves and the back of the cavity head where the winter left overs tend to lurk. Take a close look at your grips…It is advisable to re grip your clubs annually due to general wear and tear. It is vital to seek advice on the most appropriate grip for you.I only stock Golf Pride which are the number 1 grip on the PGA Tour which I have used for over 25 years! I am hosting a Golf Pride demo day very shortly with the dates announced in my newsletter in the next week or so which will be well worth a peek.
- It is advisable to rotate your golf shoes which will prolong their life, but why not clean your winter shoes pack them away and show off your new spring shoes but before you do check to see if the spikes are not worn as this will provide little traction and can lead to instability during the swing. Also, ensure if you have new shoes wear them around the house (remove spikes) but not to the supermarket! This will help prevent blisters or if you do wear them for the first time, pop the old “slippers” in the golf bag just in case.
- Consider using a different golf ball for the firmer Summer conditions, on the Ladies European Tour they operate the one ball rule, so we can’t change to a “distance ball” on one hole then a” soft”covered ball on another. If you can use the same golf ball this will help massively to improve your feel on short game and approach shots aiding consistency within your distance control.
- Let’s get rid of those muddy towels that too often become tangled in your trolley wheels, why not try aSarahBennettGolfGreensleeve, the ideal club and golf ball cleaner. They conveniently fit into your pocket and are totally washable.
- Have you tried switching from an all-weather glove to a leather one during the Summer months. They are thinner and provide more contact with the handle promoting feel. But do remember to remove your glove after each shot as we do not want one brown and one white hand. I have always putted without my glove again this to encourage feel, why not give it a go if you putt with your glove on.
- Pop along to the supermarket and purchase some ziplock bags, these are so useful, place some clean spare gloves just in case the rain returns. The clear sealed bag will ensure your gloves remain as dry as possible during any thundery downpours.
- Using the other ziplock bag, place your medical essentials such as plasters, antiseptic wipes, sun screen, lip salve, insect repellent and any other prescribed medication you may require especially if you are a hay fever sufferer. A phone these days is a good idea in case of any unforeseen emergencies.
- The third ziplock I would place my golfing essentials such as pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener, sharpie pen, flat ball markers, rule book, and the very often forgotten pitchfork. Remember to carry a variety of tee lengths as the ground will become firm and difficult to push in longer tees.
The night before a round of golf the bottles of water and a snack should be packed along with a quick look at the weather forecast to pack the necessary clothing including hats or umbrellas for both sun and rain. There are no excuses as many of us use smartphones or can access twitter which gives immediate weather updates or on apps or websites.
This is just a matter of taking an extra 15 minutes to be golf prepared which will help you arrive on the tee in a calm organised state after you have carried out your 15 min pre-golf warm up!!