Debunking 4 Common Myths About Golf

Golf is one of the most loved sports in America. It’s also associated with multiple myths that are untrue or exaggerated. Let’s debunk four of the most common myths so that you can gain a better understanding of this amazing pastime.

Myth #1: Golf Is a Male Sport

Many people believe golf is a male sport, partly because there have historically been several male-exclusive clubs. Media coverage is also skewed toward male players. While it’s true golf is largely played by men, women do make up a significant percentage of golf players. According to the National Golf Foundation, 25% of golfers are women. The number of female golfers has also been increasing sharply in recent years.

Myth #2: Golf Is Only for the Wealthy

Golf is mostly played on well-kept golf courses. Some exclusive clubs charge high membership fees, leading to the perception that golf is only for the rich. Courses may also have high-end amenities, which create a perception that only the wealthy can play golf. However, golf is a sport for everyone, regardless of income level. If you research local courses in your area, you may be surprised at how affordable some of them are.

Myth #3: Golf Is Just Hitting a Ball

Hitting a ball is an important part of golf, but there’s much more to the sport than that. It involves strategic decision-making. You have to assess the layout, the strengths and weaknesses of each hole, and even weather conditions. This requires you to use various skills, such as pitching, bunker shots, chipping, and approach shots. It’s also essential to have soft skills such as sportsmanship and good etiquette.

Myth #4: Golf Is Slow, Boring, and Not Physically Engaging

Some people consider golf to be a boring pastime for wealthy male senior adults. In part to blame is media coverage that portrays golf as more of a leisure activity than a sport. If one is unfamiliar with golf, one may perceive it as boring. While the pace may not be as fast as football or basketball, golf offers a unique sense of excitement that you’ll surely appreciate when you try playing it yourself.

Now that we have dispelled these four common myths, you can play golf with an appreciation of the skill, enjoyment, and dedication the game requires. Golf is an engaging sport anyone from any background can enjoy. If you’re ready to try it out, book a round at Deerfield today!

3 Essential Golf Course Etiquette Tips

If you’re looking for a new hobby or new activity, you may be thinking about taking up golf. Golf can be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy time outdoors without doing anything too strenuous. If you’re new to golf, you’ll quickly learn that there are many rules you have to abide by. For example, according to Black Enterprise, you can only have a maximum of 14 clubs in your golf bag at any one time during a stipulated round. Here are three other rules pertaining to golf course etiquette that you should know prior to visiting a local golf course.

Be Mindful of Your Pace

One of the most important golf course etiquette rules is to be mindful of your pace. There are people playing before and after you, and as such, you want to go at a reasonable speed. You shouldn’t take phone calls while you’re out on the green, you should avoid spending prolonged periods of time looking for a lost golf ball, and you should always be ready to go when it’s your turn to golf.

Be Mindful of Where Other Players Are

Another etiquette tip to be aware of when you’re golfing is to always be mindful of where other players are. If you see your golf ball headed toward a group of golfers, yell at “fore” to give them a heads up. Never hit your golf ball in the direction of other players, and always be aware of where you are walking when you see other players hitting the ball or teeing off.

Repair Any Damage Your Ball Causes

Lastly, always take the time to repair any damage that your ball causes. This may include small divots where your tee was, small indents where the ball landed, or marks in the sand pit where your ball wound up. A local golf course may have special equipment, such as a tool that smooths grass or a rake to rake the sand pit, to help repair any damage to the course caused by your ball. Use these tools when needed.

Golf can be a great way to relax. However, before you head out to your local golf course, take the time to educate yourself on some of the etiquette rules you need to follow. This will help to ensure that you and everyone else around you on the golf course will have a good time playing a round of golf. Once you’ve brushed up on your golfing etiquette, contact Deerfield to learn more about our amazing golf course!

Why Golf Is the Perfect Way to Bond With Your Teen

Spending time with your teen can be challenging. If your kid prefers hanging out with friends or scrolling through TikTok, getting their attention can be difficult. Planning a golfing outing, however, is a perfect way to bond with them for many reasons. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, golf was found to improve one’s overall mental health, according to Golf Digest. If you’re looking for a reason to take your teen out to learn to play golf, there are plenty to choose from.

Nourish the Brain and Body

Natural play can be extremely beneficial health-wise for both the body and brain. Whenever you’re in “play mode,” your brain begins to release natural endorphins, such as dopamine. Bonding with your teen is much easier when they’re enjoying themselves and spending time in the moment.

Teach the Fundamentals

If you’re the parent of a teenager who’s eager to learn to play golf, heading to the green can provide you with a great place to start. Golfing not only requires physical agility but also the ability to strategize. Teaching your teen the ins and outs of golf now can help them develop the skills they need to play well as an adult.

Improve Social Skills

Golfing requires the ability to socialize with those who are playing alongside you. Playing with your teen is a great way to demonstrate proper mannerisms and social expectations during the game. These are skills that can benefit them in a wide variety of settings.

Emphasize Cooperation

Knowing how to cooperate with those you’re golfing with is also essential, especially if you’re competing with one another. Cooperation is key to ensuring you’re able to keep playing with others without becoming too emotionally invested or upset. Practicing this skill on the green will help your teen cooperate with others better in their everyday life.

Enjoy Family Bonding Time

Escape the mundane of everyday life by spending some quality time on the green with your teenager. Scheduling a golf outing with your teen is a great way to get to know them on a deeper and more personal level. When you take the time to go golfing together, you’re also demonstrating just how much you care about your child individually.

Are you looking for a golfing getaway that’s perfect for you and your loved ones? Contact Deerfield to learn more about our golf course today.

The Most Incredible Golf Shots of All Time

Golf is a great game. It’s a game of passion, skill, drive, and patience. It’s also not an easy game to learn – the balance of the different clubs and when and how to use them is all the difference between a sizable handicap and a scratch game. The passion of the duffer and the professional golfer is a hole-in-one – a feat that is so difficult that to perform two in the same game is a 67 million-to-one chance, according to Gaelic Matters. It’s clear that the game requires a large amount of skill, making these shots even more impressive. Check it out!

Sergio Garcia in a Tree

In 2013 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, golfer Sergio Garcia got his ball stuck up in a tree. Rather than take the stroke penalty for moving his ball to a playable position, Garcia successfully got himself into the tree and set himself up for an incredible backhanded, one-handed shot that took him three and a half minutes to set up – and put himself in an incredible position for his putt, according to Business Insider.

Phil Mickelson in the Rough

In the same year, 2013, golfer Phil Mickelson went from the rough to the pin, with a beautiful 95-footer chip shot on the 11th hole, putting out for the birdie on the Par 3 and improving his score to 9 under par on that round of the 2013 Deutsche Bank Championship. This was part of a banner 2013 for Mickelson that saw him rank fifth in the world at year-end, his highest ranking since 2010, according to SB Nation.

Tiger Woods on the Green

On the bad end of a difficult chip shot on the wrong side of the green, the young Woods in his prime was simply unbeatable. After taking over a minute to survey the green and line up his shot, Woods swung once. His shot sailed gracefully onto the green, rolling perfectly along the course, and paused tantalizingly on the very lip of the cup before dropping in. If Woods had not already established himself as one of the greatest golfers of all time, that shot would have done it, setting him at -14 on the day with two more holes to play, according to Yard Barker.

If you’re a golfer, get your practice swings in when you visit our greens at Deerfield. Place yourself among these greats when you play here. Call us today to learn more about our services.

4 Elements to Add to Your Outdoor Wedding

Are you newly engaged and planning an outdoor wedding? You’re not the only one. According to Hudson Valley Weddings statistics, 35% of weddings are now outdoor celebrations. In light of this, it’s essential to consider factors that will take your outdoor wedding venue to the next level. We’ve highlighted four elements below. Review this list and consider which would incorporate best into your and your partner’s wedding day.

1. Decorative Rugs and Floor Mats

While the natural surroundings are a large part of an outdoor wedding celebration, implementing decorative rugs and floor mats in the appropriate areas can be beautiful. For example, recent couples have used oriental-style rugs down their ceremony’s aisle to emphasize the altar. Plus, decorative rugs are a great way to add some of your wedding themes and colors in an outdoor venue space. Additionally, floor mats might be most appropriate in high-traffic areas like the dance floor or bar area.

2. Natural Decorations

There is nothing quite like embracing your outdoor wedding area than incorporating natural decoration into the celebration. For some couples, this element might mean adding blooming flowers native to their wedding’s location. Having these flowers near the guests will help the wedding seem more outdoor-oriented. Couples can also use branches on their big day to be a part of their centerpieces and decorations.

3. Outdoor Lights

Include outdoor lighting in your wedding venue to create a stunning and romantic ambiance. If there are branches by the celebration, you can purchase string lights or lanterns to put on them. Another popular option for outdoor weddings is chandeliers. Hanging this lighting option close to the altar can be a focal point for the ceremony and help bring a sense of class and sophistication to the wedding day.

4. Functional Wedding Favors

If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, chances are that there’s some wedding favor that would work perfectly for the occasion. For example, if your outdoor wedding is during chilly temperatures, you can plan and give out favors like hats, shawls, or blankets during the festivities. On the contrary, you could gift hand fans during the warmer months to ensure the guests stay cool.

An outdoor wedding is bound to be a beautiful and special celebration. To take your big day to the next level at your outdoor wedding venue, incorporate these elements from this list above. Get in touch with Deerfield today to learn more.

Who Are Some of the Best Golfers of All Time?

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, and with that popularity comes a long list of legendary players. The following are five of the most impressive golfers of all time, each of whom has helped shape the game and set a standard for future players to aspire to.

1. Jack Nicklaus

According to Deemples, the numbers don’t lie when it comes to golfing champion Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus is considered the best golfer of all time with 73 PGA tour wins. He’s also won 117 tournaments and is now retired, although he leaves a lasting legacy. Known as the Golden Bear, he started his career in 1961 at the young age of 21. He first won the 1962 U.S. Open, and since then has continued to focus on big competitions like the Masters’ Tournament, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship. In addition, he continues to work in golfing as a designer. He now owns Nicklaus Design, which is one of the largest golf course design and construction companies in the world.

2. Tiger Woods

Better known as Eldrick Tont, Tiger Woods is also considered an icon in golfing and one of the best golfers of all time. He has won the most PGA Tour (82) wins and is only second behind Jack Nicklaus in terms of men’s major championships. While he has been in and out of golfing events and has had personal setbacks, he is now participating in the Master’s tournament as of 2022.

3. Sam Snead

Sam Snead is one of the best golfers of all time and is tied with Tiger Woods for the most PGA tour wins at 82. While he is an older figure in golfing, ending his career in the 1960s, he was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1973. In 1998, he also received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award and continued to be celebrated in the world of golf until his death in 2002.

4. Ben Hogan

Ben Hogan is also an iconic golfer, and he played a big role in the golf-swing theory and ball striking. His advances helped create the way golf is played today. He also won nine major championships and 64 professional GPA wins and continues to be known for his technical ability.

5. Arnold Palmer

One of the 13 original inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Arnold Palmer is considered one of the greatest golfers in history. He won seven major championships and was a pioneer of televised sports, helping to bring golf to the forefront and into America’s living rooms. He is also credited with being more charismatic, helping shed light on the sport.

If you’re feeling inspired by these incredible golfers, consider taking up golfing yourself! Contact Deerfield today for more information about our golf courses.

How Does Golf Impact Mental Health?

From physical health to mental health, golf can provide several benefits for fans of the game. According to Golf Digest, in light of the recent pandemic, research shows golf can improve mental health for players. If you want to learn to play golf or you’ve been involved in golf for years, here’s how golf impacts your mental health.

Helps You Stay Active

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, especially as you get older and your favorite activities become more difficult. While many people learn to play golf at older ages and continue playing into their 60s and 70s, you can learn to play golf at any age. Exercise helps to reduce stress by boosting endorphins and regulating your hormones, which can keep your body’s cortisol levels under control and help you feel better both physically and emotionally. Low-impact workouts, like playing golf, are a great way for you to get the benefits of exercise without overdoing it.

Builds Your Confidence

Another huge benefit of golf is that it allows you to build your confidence. Many hobbies lack the competitiveness golf offers, especially when golf is so focused on the individuals playing. If you golf with a few buddies, you can keep track of your scores and compete on individual holes to see who’s improving and who’s best at each aspect of the game. The competitiveness of golf can make it a great confidence booster.

Provides Socialization

Spending time with other people is one of the best things you can do for your mental health, and that’s one of the biggest parts of playing golf. When you golf, you can get together with friends and enjoy a day together. According to Mayo Clinic, socializing with friends or other golf players can help boost your cognitive functioning and your immune system. It also promotes a feeling of belonging that can improve your happiness.

Helps You Get Sunshine

Speaking of happiness, vitamin D is essential for your mental and physical health, and golf is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the sun. Under the sunshine while playing golf, you can reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of infections, and help your body retain calcium and phosphorous. Vitamin D also helps boost serotonin, which is key for stabilizing your mood and helping you feel happy.

There are so many ways to enjoy sunny days with friends, but it’s hard to beat a good game of golf when it comes to your mental health. Golf can benefit your mental health in several ways. If you want to learn to play golf so you can start playing with your friends, give Deerfield a call today.

How to Choose Your Golf Gear

Golf equipment has changed a lot in the last 15 years. Even though according to TGW, surlyn has been the most common non-tour level golf ball cover since the 1960s, it’s getting easier and easier to find other cover materials now than ever before. Clubs have also taken leaps forward so casual players will find better performance out of their clubs, balls, and shoes than ever before, while professionals are finding even more new ways to improve their golf game.

Spikeless Shoes

Ever since a young Tiger Woods was tearing up the courses in the mid-1990s, there’s been an increased interest in golfing shoes that are fashionable and flattering for the player through all 18 holes. No longer content to walk on the same old dress-derived golf shoe, today’s players want the fit, comfort, and look of a sneaker in their golfing shoes, and manufacturers seek to deliver it. With the modern shoe, you no longer have to worry about changing out of your shoes when you go back to the club. Today’s spikeless designs will give you just as much grip as ever before without carpet-ripping spikes.

Mid-High Handicap Drivers

Drivers and other clubs for high-handicap players have taken plenty of steps forward in the last couple of years as well. With demand for higher performance at a lower price point, today’s high-handicap woods and irons are closer in performance than ever before to their professional counterparts. Everybody should experience the powerful feeling of swinging a high-performance club, even if they’re just starting in the game.

Launch Monitors

The use of launch monitors came out of the niche of professional equipment for years. They entered the realm of the average player during the pandemic. Players wanted to be able to get electronic feedback of seeing the effects of their swing and devices like the PRGR Portable Launch Monitor and Blast Golf Swing Analyzer can give them instant feedback that will improve any player’s game.

Urethane Covered Balls

After six decades of surlyn as the main material covering golf balls, the pandemic brought about the use of urethane as a ball cover. This high-bounce polymer is popular in other sports and brings new performance to golf balls. Of course, there are still countless color and brand options to take into consideration when purchasing your golf balls as well.

If you’re looking for high-quality golfing apparel and other merchandise, then you’re in luck. Come into our pro shop today to get fitted out with new golf equipment for the 2023 season at Deerfield!

When is The Best Time to Book a Tee Time?

Are there better times to book a tee time than others? Finding a beautiful public course to book your tee time is like striking gold, but you want to be sure that you are picking the best times to schedule your round. According to Leader Publications, 10 am and one pm are the busiest times on most courses. Of course, it’s not just the hours you should take into consideration. Here is what you should think about to ensure you book your tee time on a public course at the best time.

Seasonal Tee Times

For many golfers, golf is only an option when there isn’t any snow and ice on the ground. A good public course is typically open three seasons out of the year, even in colder climates where snow and ice are always a threat. Most courses will open at sunrise in the late spring, summer, and early fall. Booking tee times in the early morning can ensure you beat the rush. Of course, early tee times also help you beat the heat in the summer months.

Weekday Tee Times

It’s unsurprising that the busiest days of the week at any public course will be Saturday and Sunday. If you can book your tee time during the week, it’ll be easier to get a good time. An early morning tee time on a Tuesday will be much easier to secure than an early morning tee time on a Saturday. A late-day tee time during the week can also be a good time to book. Check with the golf marshal at our local public course to find out which weekdays are the busiest.

Stick To Your Tee Time

Tee times can be competitive, so most golf courses have a rule for how long your slot will be open before the next players can take your spot. In some cases, you have five minutes to start your round. Losing a coveted spot because you cannot start on time can be very disappointing. Show up for your tee time at least 20 minutes in advance to ensure you are ready to get started on time.

If you’re looking for a beautiful course with countless amenities, you’re in luck. The easiest way to find the best tee time is to contact us to learn more about available tee times and what else we have to offer. Give Deerfield a call today!

3 Benefits of Junior Golf Camps

According to the National Golf Foundation, in 2021, there were 3 million junior golfers. If your child wants to learn how to play golf, there’s nothing better than junior golf camps! Golf is a great sport for kids of all ages, and it can help them grow both on and off the course. Now is a perfect time to get your child interested in a sport that will serve them well for their entire lives. Below is an overview of some of the many benefits associated with kids learning to play golf.

1. Your Child Will Learn Critical Thinking Skills

Golf is very much a mental game. Your child will learn how to assess a situation and determine the best way forward. These mental skills can help them be better students and will set them up well as they continue their education. Golf is also an important part of many business industries, and overall, is an amazing skill to have.

2. Golf Camps Provide a Great Opportunity for Kids to Socialize

Summers can be filled with a lot of downtime for kids. By putting them in a situation where they’ll meet new friends, you’re helping them to further develop their social skills. There’s a lot of time for discussion and commiseration out on the golf course. Your child will learn to ask for help, reach out to their peers, and forge lasting friendships, all while learning a great new skill!

3. Offers Physical Activity and Engagement

Our junior golf camps provide ample opportunity for time outdoors and physical activity. There’s a lot of walking when it comes to playing golf! Carrying a bag also helps participants to increase their strength and stamina. Too many children today spend the majority of their time indoors doing sedentary activities. If you’d like to break your child’s habit of playing video games for hours on end, a golf camp is a perfect solution. Good habits start young, and when your child appreciates the benefits of sports, camaraderie, and activity, they’re bound to lead happier and healthier lives.

If you’d like your child to learn how to play golf, or just pick up some valuable life skills, check out our junior golf camps. We offer your kids an alternative to sitting around in the summer without much to show for it. Contact our pro shop today for more information and enrollment details.