May 2008
WOC TIP-OFF
Should I Establish A Handicap?
Many women do not establish a handicap and in social golf it is not absolutely necessary. As a matter of fact, you are not even required to keep score. So why do you need or want a handicap?
The golf handicap system is a complex formula established by the USGA that factors in your average score, the difficulty of the course, along with other calculations. The main purpose of a handicap is to allow golfers at all levels to compare their scores in a competitive environment. With a golf handicap, you can play in tournaments against golfers with better abilities. Many golf events require golfers to submit a handicap to play.
Another reason to establish a handicap is to monitor your improvement. After each round of golf you post your score and eventually see the trend of your golf game revealed by the handicap. As you improve, your handicap number goes down. You need five rounds to get started and after 20 rounds, the 10 lowest scores are used.
>> An Marie Ekfeldt, LPGA Instructor at DeBell Golf Course in Burbank, CA, anmarie@debellgolf.com
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 ARTICLES
Happily Ever After
Purchasing a home on a golf course is a dream come true for many people. However, there are several considerations to take into account before saying “I do.”
- Background check. Who is the developer? Look for financial stability and long-term commitment. (This isn’t an article on dating, by the way, but take from it what you will.) Is there sufficient capital to deliver the amenities and infrastructure promised? Sufficient capital to maintain the property long-term? Also, has the development been approved by lenders so that financing is not an issue?
- What’s in a name? On average, “big name” course architects drive a 28% higher home appreciation rate according to a recent study by Longitudes Group, LLC. In other words, investing in Fazio, Nicklaus or Dye could prove extremely lucrative in today’s buyer’s market.
- On-course or off? According to a study by Contemporary Economic Policy, homes located adjacent to golf courses (within 200 feet) are estimated to experience the largest increase in sale price due to open space proximity. Of course this means that you pay extra when buying a home on the greens. Is living on the course more important to you, or saving home-site premium? Can you deal with the “hazards” of living on-course, i.e., the occasional broken window?
- A perfect match. Knowing the demographics of a community can help ensure future social satisfaction. Is it family oriented? Couples oriented? What programs does the golf club offer? Attend a social function offered by the community, talk to the Golf Pro, and, converse with current residents before you buy.
Spend the extra time to court the property properly. This will ensure a successful union.
>> Mike Friedman, President of Sales, Montesoro residential resort community. mikef@montesoro.com
 Master Your Mind with Hypnosis
We have all heard that golf is at least 80% mental. The golf greats know and tout this. They make golf look so simple as we watch them on TV. Somehow Tiger, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and many others seem to have no trouble keeping their head in check.
So, how do us mere mortals create the same mental toughness and concentration level? The answer is hypnosis.
Here are the top 3 reasons to use hypnosis for golf:
- Hypnosis is an effective and safe means to uncover mental blocks and barriers. The American Medical Association regards hypnosis as a viable treatment option for performance based challenges.
- Hypnosis, also called meditation, creative visualization and guided imagery, is the only known way to gain access to the subconscious mind. This is where all of our information is stored…think of the subconscious like the hard drive on a computer.
- Hypnosis works quickly causing change to happen immediately.
When you can change the way you look at things, the things around you change. Hypnosis is a tool that helps you to process information in a new and empowering way.
When you are looking to super-charge your focus, confidence, and performance, consider hypnosis. You have the power to be who you say, and uncover your blocks that are impeding you from being your ultimate best!
>> Beth Pry is President of MindLinks, a mental performance and hypnosis practice located in Orlando, FL. She is available by phone or in person. You can find her at www.mindlinksgolf.com and www.thementalgolfcoach.com
"Wine Personality" Quiz
Have fun taking the Mirassou® Winery unscientific "wine personality" quiz. Answer these questions to determine your "wine personality", so you can choose the perfect wine for you and your guests!
- Are you a real sweetheart or big softy?
- Do you prefer sweet tastes over salty ones?
- Do you run circles around your friends because you’re so energetic?
- Are you constantly "on the go"?
- Do you spend most of your free time on the golf course?
- Do you tend to participate in sports rather than watching as a by-stander?
- Is your disposition a happy one?
- Do you "go with the flow"? Have you been described by some as being flexible or "mellow"?
- Are you a perfectionist, never letting go of a project until it’s completely perfect?
- Are you a "Type A" with extremely high standards for yourself and others?
- Are you a nature buff, one who’d rather be out hiking or fishing or out enjoying the natural world?
- Are you concerned for the environment?
- Are you a powerhouse in the workplace who is ready to meet any challenge and sometimes referred to as "adventurous"?
- Do you like to take risks, preferring to try things outside your comfort zone?
Visit Mirassou® Winery to score your quiz!
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