Great golfing in the fall!
Last month we talked about dealing with extreme heat on the course. As fall approaches, we still need to consider weather conditions, but now we must contend with cooler temperatures. With some common sense and some practical tips, we can continue to golf until the snow flies.
Dress for the Weather
Dressing properly is the key to dealing with the cooler temperatures. Wear loose fitting layers that will keep you warm without restricting your mobility, and don’t forget a toque to keep your head warm (it’s where most of your body heat escapes).
Keep Your Hands Warm Too!
Since maintaining a good grip is so important to a good stroke, it’s really important to prevent your hands from stiffening. Be sure to wear mitts or gloves, on both hands. Your regular leather golf glove will provide very little protection against the cold. Consider a set of knit winter gloves or try Adidas Endurance gloves that provide great insulation and flexibility. Some people even put hand warmers in their gloves (but remember it’s against the rules of golf to use any artificial means to keep your ball warm).
And Don’t Forget Your Feet!
It’s tough enough getting cold, but you certainly don’t want to be cold and wet when you’re on the course. Make sure your socks are made of materials that wick moisture away from your feet and be sure that your golf shoes are waterproof!
Stretch to Keep Warm!
Muscles stiffen more quickly in cold weather, making you more prone to injury. Make sure you have plenty of time to warm up before your round, and you might want to consider stretching between holes, as well.
Walking the Course Keeps You Warm
One of the easiest ways to keep your muscles warm is to walk the course. It will help keep your muscles loose and body warm. (If you do ride a cart, you may want to use a blanket to cover up between holes).
The Course Becomes Firm and Hard in the Cold!
As the temperatures cool, the course becomes firmer and harder. This obviously effects how the balls reacts upon impact. Consider bouncing your ball in front of the green on your approach rather than aiming directly for the green. Your ball should bounce and roll directly on the green.
Cold Air Creates Resistance
Because the air is colder and heavier, golfers tend to swing harder and often more recklessly. Try choosing a longer club and utilizing a shorter, more compact swing to compensate.
The Best Ball for the Cold
A golf ball will not travel as far in the cold as it will in warmer conditions. Cold weather tends to harden the ball and players can counteract this effect by choosing a lower compression ball. You may also want to hold your ball in your hand or in your pocket between holes to keep it warm.

There’s still lots of time for great golf, so be prepared and enjoy the rest of the season.

Kevin Purcell,
CPGA Professional

Did You Know?

• According to Harvey Penick, in his “Little Red Book” when playing in windy conditions be sure to pay extra attention to your balance, even when putting and when driving, tee your ball lower when hitting against the wind, and a little higher when the wind is at your back.
• When playing in the fall, consider using old balls, since there’s a good chance you will lose some balls among the leaves.
• Cold air is heavier than warm air, causing more resistance for the flight of your ball.
• Remember anything in the bunker (which is a hazard) is considered part of the bunker – therefore you are not allowed to move or touch anything in the bunker, including leaves!
• How cold does it need to be for a golf ball to shatter upon impact? Between minus 22F and minus 40F – so we’ve still got lots of time left to play!
• When temperatures cool, do NOT leave your balls in the garage or car overnight!

There’s no doubt that heat effects your golf game. It not only changes the course conditions, it takes its toll on your physical stamina and mental conditioning.

Heat Plays a Major Role at PGA Championship
Earlier this month, conditioning played a major factor in the 89th PGA Championship, held at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with temperatures reaching near 100°F.

2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson gave some sage advice before heading out for his round at the PGA Championship: “I’m not going to wear myself out before the tournament starts…I’m trying to drink as much water as possible…It’s going to be not only a test of golf, but also a physical test and a mental test.”

Most golfers know how the heat effects the greens and fairways. When the course is dry and the temperature’s hot the ball tends to bounce longer, and roll further.

Your Equipment & the Heat!
There are some tips that the experts give in regards to dealing with high temperatures on the course:

· Change your gloves periodically when they get too wet – it will help you maintain a firm grip on your club.
· Carry extra towels and towel dry your grips, or you might even consider using sandpaper to give them a quick rub for extra abrasion.

Practical Tips for Staying Cool
When temperatures rise it is also extremely important to stay hydrated. Golfers can easily lose a couple of pounds in an hour, so drink lots of fluids. Wear light colour clothing, use sun screen & wear a hat and sunglasses. A cold cloth for draping around the back of your neck is also a good idea. And try to get out on the course as early as possible, before the sun reaches its peak!

Mental Toughness to Stay Focused
When the temperatures rise, the game often becomes less about mechanics and more about overall physical conditioning, visualization and mental focus. Stamina and conditioning play as much of a role in a good round as does a long drive or a great putting game during intense heat. Take advantage of this great summer weather, but prepare yourself both physically and mentally for golf in extreme heat.

Kevin Purcell,
CPGA Professional

Golfing in the Heat

• According to Golf Journal (2002) when a golf ball is hit by a mechanical golfer it travels 15 yards further in 100°F temperatures than it does at 70°F temperatures.
• Extreme heat will not damage graphite shafts but excessive heat build up (ie in the trunk of a car) can possibly affect the bond of the shaft to the club head.
• There is no “official” rule in golf associated with extreme heat, however it is agreed that extreme heat might necessitate a Local Rule. This rule would apply to the effects of the heat on the golf course (ie burned out areas on the fairway), and would not apply to the golfer!

It all sounds so simple! A golf club, a golf ball, your swing and your mental attitude. Oh, if it were only that easy! While all elements are important, I would argue the most overlooked element is the ball itself. Technology has improved golf balls tremendously over the years, yet experts believe that up to 50% of golfers are playing with the wrong type of golf ball.

When considering the right ball for your game, you really need to ask yourself two key questions:

What is your level of play – beginner, intermediate or advanced?
What type of skills do you bring to the game – are you a long hitter, short hitter, do you slice your ball or do you need help with spin?
Your choice of ball should ultimately depend on how you answer these questions, and based on your ability, you should consider the following when choosing your ball:

Beginning Golfers
About 25% of recreational golfers fall into this category; your score is usually 100 or more for 18 holes.

• A relatively inexpensive ball (since you are likely to lose many of them at the outset).
• Use a low spinning, two piece golf ball.
• Consider a ball with good launch for greater height.
• A ball with a hard cover (to last longer).

Intermediate Golfers
Once your score is anywhere between the mid 80s and mid 90s, and your game is more consistent.

• Consider a two piece low compression ball. This type of ball helps with distance for slow or moderator swingers, tends to have low spin to assist with accuracy, and soft covers to help you “feel” the ball.
• As your game improves you can consider a two piece performance ball with a larger inner core for increased distance.

Advanced Golfers
As an accomplished golfer you are scoring in the mid 70s to 80s and consistently hit the ball with authority.

• A multi-layered composition ball helps enhance performance in a number of areas. These balls are generally designed for golfers with fast swing speeds. Soft covers help you “feel” the ball, a firm mantle increases energy transfer to the core, helping improve your distance, and the urethane cover provides more spin for short shots.

We have a full range of golf balls in our award winning Pro Shop. Talk to our staff to help you choose the right ball for your game!

Kevin Purcell,
CPGA Professional

What to know more – read up on the Anatomy of a Golf Ball.

Golf Balls – Did you know…?

• In the 15th & 16th century, golf balls were made of wood, iron or lead.
• The first standardized golf ball was made in Scotland in 1618 and was called a “feathery”.
• It was called a feathery because it was made from 3 pieces of stitched cow hide, stufffed with boiled goose feathers.
• In 1848 the “guttie” was invented by Scottish clergyman Robert Peterson, and was made from a rubber gum which was tapped from a tree indigenous to Malaya.
• The dimples on a golf ball came about when golfers discovered that a smooth guttie did not travel as far as one that was marked or dimpled.
• The average golf ball has 336 dimples, but can range between 300-500.
• According to the USGA Rules of Golf the weight of a golf ball should not be less than 1.62 ounces (45.93 g).

There are truly few things more enjoyable than breezing through a 4 hour, 18-hole round of golf. However, that enjoyment can quickly turn to frustration when the game drags on into 5 and 6 hours.

Play golf at a steady pace!
Golf is a sport that is meant to be played at a steady pace. As experienced golfers we need to take on some of the responsibility for education and awareness about our game. The increase in popularity of our sport is a great thing, but can create some growing pains. New golfers need to be seasoned in the etiquette of the game, and educated in how to maintain a steady pace on the course. This doesn’t mean you to have to rush, rather just play ready golf. New golfers are usually very receptive to wellmeaning advice, and here’s our chance to help them improve their game and understand how following the rules will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.

Suggest new golfers begin playing on shorter courses
Encourage beginning golfers to start the game on shorter executive courses. Taking a beginning player to a course beyond their capabilities will only frustrate them and the players around them. If you are playing a regulation course, be sure to choose the correct set of tees for your abilities.

Follow the shots of everyone in your group to avoid looking for balls later
Help players in your group by watching their game. This makes errant shots easier to find and helps speed up the game.

Use your golf cart efficiently
If you are riding in a cart, drop off your playing partner at his or her ball, and then play your own shot. Always practice ready golf!

Begin planning your putt before you get to the green
On the putting green, have the line and speed in mind before it is your turn to putt and then fine tune your shot when you reach your ball.

These are just a few of the many things that can help speed up the pace of play. The bottom line is, use a little common sense when on the course. You can play in a reasonable amount of time and still have time for social interaction or to conduct the “business” you need to accomplish. So enjoy your round and always consider others around you. Let’s make the 2007 season fun and enjoyable for everyone!

Kevin Purcell,
CPGA Professional

FAST PLAY REWARD!
For the month of July
Play your round in less than 4 1/2 hours and receive a complimentary $10 restaurant voucher. Come out early, beat the heat, and still make it into the office at a reasonable hour!

At the start of each new golf season all the buzz seems to be about the newest driver on the market that will allow you to hit farther and straighter. However, I would suggest that the best way to shave strokes off your score is to have a hard look at your short game! The old saying “drive for show, putt for dough” probably makes more sense than we realize.

60%-80% of the game is played from within 100 yards!
Most golf professionals readily acknowledge that 60-80% of your game is shot from within 100 yards of the hole. This being the case, there is nothing that can help you improve your game more than saving some strokes on your short game.

When you are out on the course and your long game is not going the way you like, your short game can help save your round.

The Essence of Chipping!
As you know, a chip is a low trajectory shot that actually rolls farther than it flies in the air. It is a relatively simple shot made with relatively simple swing. However, setup is everything – you want to achieve clean contact with the ball to create a downward blow.

Different clubs will provide different results when chipping. For instance a 60 foot chip with a 6-iron will send the ball approximately 10 feet in the air, with a roll of approximately 50 feet; a 60 foot chip with an 8-iron will send the ball approximately 18 feet in the air, with a roll of approximately 42 feet; and a pitching wedge will send the ball approximately 25 feet in the air with a roll of 35 feet.

Putting – a Game within a Game!
The other element of your short game, putting, is often referred to as the game within the game. This is the part of the game that requires the most personal interpretation and where the decisions you make are often more important than the actual shot itself.

While the 4 to 6 foot putts are the ones we expect to make most of the time, these can often be the most unnerving shots in golf, especially when the pressure is on!

When putting take your time to read the contours of the green; review the distance of the putt; visualize your shot; align your body, the head of your putter and the label on your ball; and then slowly and thoughtfully take your putt!

Knowing that your short game can either make or break your round, consider a few rounds where your key focus will be the short game!

Wednesday, May 23rd
Putter & Wedge Day – try the putter challenge for a chance to win a putter!
If you want some personal advice on your short game, be sure to visit Caledon Country Club on Wednesday, May 23rd from 2-6 pm for our TaylorMade Putter & Wedge Day. Try a few different styles on our practice area and get some advice on what wedges and putters best suit your game. Be sure to try a TaylorMade putter face right on your putter, to see what a difference it can make to your game! Give your short game the attention it deserves this season and see what it does to your score.

Call (905) 838-0200 and let us know if you plan to attend this events.

I regularly see people coming out to the course and I am amazed how many are wearing the same old golf shoes every day.

Your feet (and ultimately your shoes) are an important part of your golf game. Consider that you are spending up to five hours outside, in all kinds of weather, so your shoes need to stand up to the challenge.

Golf shoes are about more than just style. Unfortunately they are often the most overlooked piece of equipment in a golfer’s bag.

In very basic terms, golf shoes help secure a golfer’s feet to the ground. More importantly, by helping you secure your stance they allow you to take advantage of your leg power during a swing. They also provide a safety service – by keeping you steady they help prevent slips and falls on the course.

Golf shoes should be lightweight, provide ample support and grip, have good cushioning, and above all should be comfortable! Many golfers consider waterproof golf shoes a necessity.

Another thing you may want to consider is carrying at least two pairs of golf shoes in your bag. This helps your shoes last longer and allows you to wear the right shoes for specific course conditions. You should have a pair of shoes for those wet days or dewy mornings, and a pair for those bright sunny days. When one pair gets worn out you can rotate a new pair in, but always have at least two pairs at all times.

While there are many great new shoes out in the market that can be purchased for under $100, sometimes a simple cleaning and switching out of your old cleats is all you need, and can be done fairly quickly and inexpensively.

So, to get this season off to a nice comfortable start, why not treat yourself to a new pair of golf shoes! Not only will your feet thank you, but you will likely shave a few strokes off your game – simply by stepping onto the course, in style!

Kevin Purcell,
CPGA Professional

Stop by the Club Saturday, May 5th
Adidas presents their extensive line of golf shoes.
FREE socks for everyone who tries on a pair of shoes!
Check out the new Adidas Tour 360 II Golf Shoe

Enter to win a pair of Adidas Tour 360 II golf shoes

Just sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter for everything you need to know about Caledon Country Club including upcoming events, promotions, golf tips, recipes and more, delivered direct to your Inbox, for a CHANCE TO WIN!

As the snow is all but gone from the fairways, we are definitely close to teeing it up here at Caledon. Many avid golfers have spent time during the off season reading about all of the new equipment they hope will improve their game this year. With rapidly changing technologies such as square drivers and moveable weight ports, hopes are high for longer, straighter drives and lower scores. There is no question the latest technology can help any level of golfer improve their game, but there is another way to lower your score this season.

Before you go out and invest in new equipment, consider stopping by the course and talking to myself or one of the other CPGA Golf Professionals on staff. Often a spring tune up is in order and a small modification to your swing, stance or grip can make a vast improvement to your game. On Wednesday, May 2nd we will be offering a FREE spring tune up clinic beginning at 6:00 pm (pre-registration is required). Throughout the year we also offer a number of group lesson packages, including special clinics for ladies, juniors and men. And we are always available for private instruction when it suits your schedule.

As we all anxiously await the announcement of dates for course openings, use this time wisely so that you’re ready to tee-off when the season opens. Go through your golf bag, check your equipment, but most importantly, take some time to make sure YOU are ready for the season. Give us a call at the Pro Shop and come to a spring clinic, or consider the 6-week Golf Fitness Conditioning Course at the state of the art Riverdale Fitness Mill, just down the road from us. We are planning to open on or about the first week of April, so stay posted at www.golfcaledon.com. We will have a free gift for everyone playing on opening weekend!
Kevin Purcell, CPGA Professional