As most of us know, the game of golf is a great way to improve your health and stay fit. Not only does being active help us feel better, but it can also help us look better. However, being outdoors for more than 45 minutes a day can put your skin at serious risk for premature aging and more serious skin disorders. Dr. Dennis Bucko, director of the BELLADERMA Cosmetic Surgery & Skincare Center, suggests getting into the routine of using products and treatments that care optimally for your skin. Follow these tips to achieve BELLADERMA, “beautiful skin”, and begin your journey to healthier skin.

Tip #1:  Cleanse When you are active outdoors, sweat, which eliminates toxins from the body, and environmental pollution can sit on the surface of the skin.  Without effective cleansing, these toxins are absorbed into the skin during the natural process of cellular turnover creating problems such as acne, clogged pores and inhibit your skin’s overall health and immunity.  It is essential to provide your skin with a deep cleanse that also provides the nutrients and ingredients it needs for optimal performance.

Tip # 2:  Protect Being outdoors, you are exposed to the full spectrum of harmful rays from the sun and other free radicals.  The most common sunscreens contain chemical sun filters that stop UV damage by absorbing UV rays. Most of these chemicals can absorb into the skin increasing the chance of irritation. Since chemical filters only partially protect your skin from the full UV spectrum, Dr. Bucko recommends using a broad-spectrum, physical block containing zinc oxide which is both therapeutic and contains the physical protective barrier against the FULL range of UVA and UVB rays.

Tip #3:  Prevent Your skin is at risk of pre-mature aging as you spend more time than most out in the elements. Even broad-spectrum sunscreens only block about half of the damaging free radicals created by UV rays. Using topical antioxidant serums, along with your sunscreen, will strengthen your skin’s natural defense system to decrease UV-induced free radical formation. By helping protect the epidermal and dermal layers from the inside, antioxidants provide the most complete photo-aging protection.

Tip #4:  Correct Several years of sun exposure causes increased pigmentation and vascular changes such as broken blood vessels.  Dr. Bucko recommends using a combination of products and treatments to correct pigmentation at the cellular level, giving your skin a more even tone. Products containing hydroquinone and treatments such as peels and photo-rejuvenation can help to lighten unwanted age-spots caused by the sun.

Tip #5:  Finishing Touch You still want to look your best, even when being active.  Dr. Bucko recommends using mineral make-up to enhance your healthy glow.  Most other make-up contains toxic chemicals that will sit on the skin, and when combined with sweat, cause acne breakouts and other skin irritations. Look for a Mineral Make-up that is sweat-proof and contains an SPF to provide the perfect protective barrier while enhancing the way you look!

To hear more about Dr. Bucko’s recommendations for skincare, join us at our Signature Golf Event where he will be the guest speaker on Wednesday, May 8^th at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo. Visit www: drbucko.com for more information

Choosing the right clothing for golf can be difficult. You want to look your best, but you also want freedom of movement. There are some simple rules to follow when choosing the garment, color and pattern to help look your best. And looking your best will help you feel more confident on the golf course. Here’s how to make the most of your round of golf.

Know thyself. The cardinal rule of stylish women everywhere is to know what looks good on your body type. You need to have a sense of the general shape of your figure so that you can choose clothing that balances or enhances your shape.

Think about your natural shape. You may be broader in the shoulders or hips, fairly equal between the two with a waist, or fairly boxy with no waist.  Which best describes your figure?  (For a visual of what I am talking about, click here.)

Clothing can help balance the natural shapes described above.  Here are a few tips. If you are broadest in the shoulders, try wearing a dark-colored top to minimize that area and wear brighter colors or prints on the bottom. This will give you a more balanced look. If you are wider in the hips, do the opposite – wear darker colors on bottom. For the other two shapes mentioned above, you should maintain the sense of balance between the shoulders and hips. Choose similar colors or patterns – and draw attention to your waist. While every woman’s body is different, these are guidelines for a basic shopping strategy.

One of the things I love about Sport Haley is the variety of colors and patterns found in their collections for different figures. If you like their new paisley print, you can get it in a top, a skirt or a dress – whichever piece or combination of pieces best balance your figure.

http://www.womenoncourse.com/catalog/sport-haley-apparel-cool-collection-c-95_98.html

Know your yardages. Keeping in mind the basic shape of your body, be aware of where your legs and arms are thinnest.  This is where a garment should end, usually right above the joint (ankle, knee, or elbow). Ending a garment here draws the eye to the skinniest part of you.

Some brands design shorts and skorts for women who are a lot younger and trimmer than I am! In those cases, the garments are 14-16” inches long – which is way too short for my taste or my figure. You can always hem a longer skirt to the right length but you can’t always lengthen a skirt, so choose wisely.

A great option is the Sport Haley Classic Skirt. It’s 20” long and comes in neutrals that you can make work – no matter your shape.

http://www.womenoncourse.com/catalog/solid-skirt-p-785.html

The second option, and one of my favorites, is the Play All Day Dress by Women on Course.  The A-line silhouette and slightly longer length make it my “go-to” golf outfit.

http://www.womenoncourse.com/catalog/play-golf-dress-p-363.html

Try it on. Last but not least, and maybe the most important rule, is to try on your garments before you play in them. Make sure they fit well. They should:

• Not be too tight. Apparel should skim your figure, not cling to it.
• Not be so short. You should avoid showing your belly, lingerie, or backside when you swing or bend over.
• Make you feel beautiful, confident and yourself!

Elizabeth Noblitt, fashion stylist and founder of Shi Shi Putter. For 1:1 help to you look and feel your best on the golf course (and on the street), email  elizabeth@shishiputter.com

Imagine an 18-hole championship golf course through vineyards, rolling hills and natural grasslands. Then imagine the clubhouse where wine is more popular than beer or cocktails! That’s The Course at Wente Vineyards. Carolyn Wente believes that the scenery and course, where vineyards sculpt each hole, are the reason wine takes the top spot in the clubhouse.  This Fourth Generation Winegrower and CEO has been instrumental in the lifestyle changes incorporated at Wente Vineyards. Born and raised in Livermore Valley, 14 miles from the SF Bay, Carolyn Wente and her two brothers, Eric and Philip, took over their family-owned and operated winery when they were in their 20s. Today, the winery is managed by the fourth and fifth generations.

Lifestyle Business. Carolyn and her brothers not only grew the wine business over the years, but also launched lifestyle businesses, including a golf course, restaurant and summer concert series, that are directly related to the enjoyment of wine. “We wanted people to be able to come to the vineyard, enjoy food and wine, take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy music – all at the same location,” said Carolyn. “What could be better than great performers in a vineyard setting?!”

Designing a Golf Course. Wanting to create a premier destination golf course in Northern California, the Wente’s approached Greg Norman who had not designed a golf course in the US. “After many discussions, we were able to sign Greg to design the golf course at Wente Vineyards,” added Carolyn. Norman started the design in 1995 and the course opened in 1998. (Though this was initially Norman’s first course in the US, TPC Sugarloaf golf course in Atlanta was Greg Norman’s first golf course to open in the US.) The Course at Wente Vineyards has been voted Best of the East Bay multiple times. It has become known among golfers as one of the most beautiful and challenging in Northern California. In 2010, The Course was also designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

Growing up at Wente Vineyards. Carolyn started in the business as a child, growing up around the vineyards with her parents and brothers. After graduating from Stanford University, she went to work for a bank as a financial analyst. She had been there for a few years and found herself on the management track. Realizing that the she was not going to be in the bank business permanently, but rather, helping her brothers run the winery, Carolyn decided that this was the time to go back to the winery. So in 1981 Carolyn came back to Wente Vineyards to run the sales and marketing areas of the business.

The Business Side of Wente. Carolyn’s brother Eric is Chairman of the Board and responsible for Wente Vineyards’ dynamic expansion into worldwide export markets, beginning in the early 1980s. Today, Wente Vineyards exports to more than 70 countries worldwide and is considered a leader in the export of ultra-premium wines.  Her brother Phil, , having taken a strong interest in the agricultural and farming side of the business from his grandfather, has headed the operation, expansion and redevelopment of the Wente Family Estate vineyards and its land development programs for more than 20 years. Carolyn’s role as CEO seems a natural fit. As the youngest of her siblings, Carolyn grew up in the business, often traveling with her parents on business trips, meeting vendors and talking to restaurateurs about Wente wines. “My experience in the banking industry also helped,” added Carolyn. “There, I was often involved with other businesses which allowed me to learn a great deal of information about business planning and development.”

The Vision. Carolyn and her brothers enjoy a unique camaraderie as the management team.  Having grown up together they have the same values, the same vision and a closeness that allows them to work effectively together. Now, it’s especially satisfying for the fourth generation to see the fifth generation passionate and working alongside them. Today, Carolyn’s nephew Karl is a Fifth Generation winemaker and Senior Vice President responsible for all winemaking at Wente Family Estates. His sister Christine is on the Board of Directors and manages the Wente Foundation for Arts Education.

Carolyn and Golf. Golfing in the Wente family dates back to Carolyn’s grandfather on her mother’s side. He was an avid golfer – in fact, a scratch golfer. He had 3 daughters – all of whom learned golf at very early ages. Carolyn’s mother insisted that her three children learn the sport. Philip is probably the most avid golfer, but both Eric and Carolyn play often. “I started golfing as a kid,” said Carolyn. “I played while growing up and eventually took up tennis also. Today, my son, now 18, is captain of his varsity golf team and hopes to play in college. He and I will often go out and play a few holes late in the afternoon. The course at Wente is similar to a links course, with holes 1 through 7 winding back to the clubhouse.  My son and I will often play 5, 6, or 7 holes late in the afternoon. It’s nice to have that special one-on-one time with him.”

The Business of Golf. “As with any business, said Carolyn, “the wine industry works on relationships. I find that playing golf helps people get to know each other better – and that makes for better business partners.” Carolyn also plays in the tournaments that are an integral part of the business. When asked who her favorite playing partner was, Carolyn said she has several women friends who nudge her out of the office and onto the golf course every once in a while. “And,” she added, “I have a dear friend who puts up with my game and allows me to relax while we enjoy our day!”  Women on Course toasts that option!

Join us at a Signature Event near you to taste the Official Wine of Women on Course – Wente Vineyards!

Do you have the time? Golf instructors can teach you the basics, but it will take some practice time between sessions to build and master the skills. Plan to dedicate at least 60 minutes a week to practice what you’ve learned. Sometimes just a club, tee and whiffle ball in the backyard is all you need to practice some drills.

What are you willing to spend? The golf industry had made a lot of noise to build programs and bring more women into the game. There is more emphasis today on programs for new and learning players. The more you are willing to spend, the more individualized instruction you will receive.

Private Lesson: ($75 to $200) Rates  vary based on length of the lesson, use of training facilities, and the teaching professional’s reputation.

Semi Private Lesson: ($40 to $100) Sharing the cost with another person can be more fun and less intimidating.

Group Clinic: ($10 to $50) Clinics are typically 4 to 8 people with rates based on length of clinic and number of people.  Look for free introductory clinics offered for new golfers.

Golf Schools: ($500 and up) Golf schools can range from one day to a full week and requires a greater degree of stamina. Prices will depending on length of school and extras such as meals and on course playing lessons

Do some research. Once you have decided on a lesson format, make a list of golf professionals that teach at times and places that are convenient and within your price range.  For suggestions, visit the Women on Course local golf directory, ask other women and nearby golf courses and check the listings on the PGA and LPGA websites. Visit an individual’s website and see if their teaching philosophy matches up with your learning style. You should get a pretty good feel if the instructor enjoys teaching beginners and women from the content on the website.

Questions to ask before you commit. You can probably zero in on a choice by asking a few simple questions.  Ask to schedule a short 10 minute call with the instruction to learn the following.

-       Ability to relate to your individual needs

-       Teaching philosophy – simple vs. analytical? Do they teach one method or vary depending on the student?

-       Did they ask about physical limitations? Do they address golf fitness?

-       Teaching style – does it match your learning style: visual, auditory, feel?

-       Do they use swing aids and video analysis?

-       Do they give playing lessons or are lessons all on the practice range?

-       Are golf clubs included if you don’t have a set?

Make the Choice. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your lesson to warmed up and pay your fee. Be open to what the instructor is telling you even if it feels awkward. A swing change can take up to three weeks to incorporate so practice, practice, practice. Most importantly, be patient with yourself.

Did you make a good choice? Ask yourself the following

-       Did they start with an interview? Did you feel like they really understood you and your goals? Were they a good listener?

-       Did they teach to your goals? Was the instruction clear? Did they use terms you understand? Did they talk to you at your level? Were they patient? Was information-overload avoided?

-       Did they use a variety of teaching methods: verbal, visual, demonstration, and kinesthetic movement?

-       Were you encouraged or did you experience ‘post-lesson depression’ and feel like you couldn’t do anything right?

-       Do they cover every aspect of the game from warm-up, putting, short-game, and full-swing? Did they teach just the swing or including course management, mental strategies, rules, etiquette?

-       Did he/she give you specific drills to practice? Did you see improvement in a relatively short period of time?

-       How was the follow-up? Did they email you the video of your swing? Were they available for questions?

-       Did they set mutual goals with you? How will they track your progress? Did they remember what you were working on?

-       Were they passionate about the game?

If the majority of the answers were ‘yes’ then you found the right one! So stick with him or her, practice in between your sessions and you’ll be on your way to lower scores!

Take a lesson with our favorite  Women on Course instructor Debbie Keller  - WOC members have access to over 3 hours of video lessons. http://www.womenoncourse.com/video_lesson_preview.php

The winery. Known for their premier California wines, Wente Vineyards is now partnering with Women On Course to bring these fine wines to our events. And exclusively for Women On Course members, Wente provides a 20% discount on wines purchased through this website.

Located near San Francisco in the historic Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards is the country’s oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. Today, the winery maintains its leadership role in California winegrowing under ownership and management by the Fourth and Fifth Generations of the Wente family. Blending traditional and innovative winemaking practices, the winery draws from approximately 3,000 acres of sustainably farmed Estate vineyards to create an outstanding portfolio of fine wines. Wente Vineyards is recognized as one of California’s premier wine country destinations, featuring wine tasting, fine dining and championship golf – in one destination!

The golf course. More than a decade ago, Wente Vineyards and golfing great Greg Norman joined forces to create The Course at Wente Vineyards, with a vision to create Northern California’s premier destination championship golf course. The Course, voted Best of the East Bay by Diablo Magazine readers multiple times – and most recently in July of 2012 – has become well known among golfers as one of the most beautiful and challenging in Northern California. Located 45 minutes east of San Francisco, The Course’s 18 championship holes play through the vineyards, rolling hills, and natural grasslands of the scenic Livermore Valley at Wente Vineyards. Designed for male and female players of all levels, The Course at Wente Vineyards played host to the Wine Country Championship, the 5th stop on the PGA’s Nationwide Tour for the past three years.

From Orange County favorite, Curtis Robinson, Golf Professional, Newport Beach Golf Club.

Let’s face it we all want more distance but the way you are trying to get it might be holding you back. It’s important to know that distance has little to do with power or how strong you are and is directly related to the speed of the club “through” impact.   Please note the quotation mark on the word through.  Most golfers swing to or at the ball instead of swinging through the ball to a complete finish.  When you focus all of your energy at the ball, the momentum of the club is actually slowing down causing you to decrease your swing speed and lose distance. Here is a quick and easy drill that will teach you to generate more speed and help you get a few extra yards with all of your clubs.

First take a practice swing and monitor where the club gets to at both the completion of your backswing and your finish.  The key to this drill is to have full finish. Once you have figured out these two positions, create practice swing in which you pause at the top of your backswing and then swing through to your finish position and hold it for a few seconds. This drill allows you to feel how the speed build up and increases through the ball to your finish and not to the ball.

Join our monthly clinics with Curtis!  Visit the WOC events page for dates.