The Dos and Don’ts of Golfing Etiquette

Golfing is one of the most popular pastimes for adults in the United States. It also is a great way to enjoy exercising, socializing, and enjoying the weather. Whenever visiting a public or private golf course, it’s important to use proper golf etiquette to show respect for other golfers and get respect from them. If you are new to golfing or need a refresher on golf etiquette, here are some of the more important dos and don’ts while playing a round of golf.

Do Wait for Golfers to Exit the Green

A golf course can be a very busy place, especially on a sunny summer day. According to Leader Publications, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is the busiest time for golf courses. When you are at the tees, you need to wait for any golfers playing ahead of you to exit the green after finishing the hole. Waiting makes it safe for them on the shorter holes and helps maintain a consistent playing pace for all golfers on the course.

Don’t Slow Down Other Golfers

You might be a great golfer, or you might be just learning the game. No matter what your skill level might be, it’s important to ensure you aren’t slowing down any players behind you. If you notice a group is waiting for you to complete a hole, you should offer to let the group play through on the next hole. Doing so enables them to continue playing at a quicker pace than your group and doesn’t slow you down.

Do Fix Your Divots and Ball Marks

Whenever you take a chunk of turf after striking the ball, you should pick it up and place it in the divot. You might use a golf tee to put some holes in the patch of dirt and grass to aerate it and promote faster healing. It’s also important to fix any ball marks you create with your drives and approach shots by using a tee or a special tool that helps you push up the mark to keep the surface as level as possible.

Don’t Be Loud and Obnoxious

No one wants to play golf around a loud and obnoxious group. Golfers need to concentrate to play their best, and that’s very hard to do when someone is yelling, playing loud music, or acting obnoxiously. Such behavior might earn a ban from returning to the course.

Looking for more information? Be sure to get in touch with us. You can call our friendly golf course staff to schedule tee times to play nine or 18 holes. We look forward to hearing from you.

Why You Should Join a Golf Tournament

Do you enjoy playing golf? You can have a good time going to the course with some buddies and spending a day playing. But there might be times when you want to feel the drive of competition, and public golf tournaments are perfect for that. Here are a few reasons to register for a tournament.

Play Against Others

It’s one thing to play some rounds of golf with friends and give each other some ribbing in between shots. Playing in a tournament, on the other hand, gets you into a situation where there are some stakes. You want to play well and get that rush of adrenaline as you’re playing against opponents.

Gauge Your Skill Level

Golf is usually a solo game. It’s you and the ball, and you need to block out the outside world. There are times when you want to see how your work matches up against others, though. Those hours spent perfecting your swing at the range can pay off. Plus, you want to see how you can adapt in certain situations, such as playing from behind or holding a lead. It’s a great way to learn about yourself.

Have Fun

Who’s the best golfer of all time? People love to argue about it all the time. According to Deemples, if you go by his numbers, Jack Nicklaus holds that crown with 73 PGA wins. Although you might not reach that level, you can still have fun and improve your skills at public golf tournaments. It can be exciting to think about possibly seeing your name on a leaderboard — and you can imagine being the “Golden Bear” if you do. Tournaments are a good way to see another side of golf. You’ll get to play in front of a crowd, just like your favorite pros.

Entering a golf tournament is an enriching experience that many golfers can benefit from. Are you ready to see if you have what it takes to bring home the gold? If you live in DE, you can come to Deerfield and play in our public golf tournaments. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep things more casual, you can play on our course solo or with friends. Contact us today to learn more about our venue!

Why You Should Consider Golf in Your Retirement

Retirement can be a wonderful thing. You go from having to get up and work on a strict schedule to being able to wake up when you want to and do what you want. While freedom feels great, you’ll quickly develop the itch to do something to keep from getting bored. Here’s why you should consider playing golf during your retirement years.

It’s a Good Form of Exercise

How much exercise you get from golf depends on how you play the game. You need to walk the golf courses and carry your clubs instead of riding a golf cart. The results are there — if you’re a 175-pound man, you could burn 460 calories an hour if you carry your clubs, according to AGS Golf. Overall, if you play nine holes, you can walk 2.5 miles.

It’s a Good Way to Be Social

Being retired doesn’t mean that you can’t go out and socialize. If you can find a group of friends who love to play, then you can make regular visits to golf courses together. You can keep up a good level of camaraderie while you go from hole to hole. Then you might want to head to the 19th hole and relax in the club while talking over the most recent round.

It’s a Good Time to Self-Reflect

You don’t necessarily have to play on the course. You can just head over to a golf range and spend some time hitting buckets of balls as far as you can. You can use this as a time of near-meditation — just you and the ball and trying to maintain good form. It’s a fantastic way to clear your head.

People like golf in their retirement years because it’s something that they can do at their own pace. It’s also a wonderful way to spend a nice, sunny day, whether alone or with your friends. You just need golf clubs, some golf balls, and gloves. Then you’re all set to enjoy quality time at your local golf course.

As you can see, golf offers many benefits for retirees. If you’re looking for quality golf courses in Newark, DE, look no further than Deerfield. We host everything from golf tournaments to weddings to proms. Contact us today to learn more.

4 Best Tips for a Beginner Golfer

Are you still learning the game of golf? If so, you may need to practice your swing. As a beginner, you may feel self-conscious, but everyone must start somewhere. Here are some tips for beginners.

1. Go to the Golf Course When Others Are There

If you’re still shy about your less-than-perfect game, it’s time to come out of your shell to learn more about the sport and improve your skills. That’s why it’s a good idea to focus on times when a golf course will be crowded with other players. According to Leader Publications, the busiest time on a golf course is between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, so going between these hours is in your best interest. Being around other players more often serves two main purposes. For one thing, you can always sit back and observe the better players and their techniques. You can also have them watch your swing and give you constructive criticism to improve.

2. Get a Mentor

If you’re serious about going from beginner to advanced player, the best way to start is to find a mentor. No, you don’t need to be Tiger Woods to get mentorship in golf. If golf is something that brings you joy, and you seriously want to improve at it, finding a mentor can be a good way to socialize, learn from the best, and improve your swing.

3. Attend Events

Stay alert to your upcoming golf club events. These events are a fun way to socialize and meet other golfers. You can get some informal tips about playing the game, and you may even be invited to join other players that you’ll bond with. Plus, you can informally connect with people over food and drinks. This can be an easier way to ease into the social aspect of the club and enjoy golf even more.

4. Do Some Caddy Work

Have you considered working as a golf caddy on occasion? Golf club events and tournaments are the perfect times to do caddying for more experienced players. This way, you’ll be up close and personal as you help them move from hole to hole, and you can learn a lot from observing.

The game of golf is as popular as ever. Whether you aim to be like the professionals playing on TV or simply want to practice your swing for fun, now is the time to get some experience on your local golf course. There are many golf club events that welcome beginners and advanced players. Contact Deerfield today to learn more about the best tee times and how to improve your game.

How to Instantly Take Two Strokes Off Your Game

Lowering their respective handicap is something every golfer strives to do. Some basic steps can help most people shave two or more strokes from their scorecard and win bragging rights while enjoying some time at the 19th hole. Here are four ways to help you improve your score and gain those bragging rights.

1. Master Your Golf Clubs

You should try your best to make every club in your golf bag an asset to your game instead of dead weight in your bag. If you don’t use a golf club, you should learn how to use it effectively or swap it out for one you can use. According to Black Enterprise, golfers can have up to 14 clubs in their bags while playing a round. Make sure you use every club in each round you play. Each enables you to do something different, just as a driver and a putter enable you to do different things.

2. Correctly Address the Ball

You can’t use a golf club correctly if you don’t properly address the ball. The ball should be located where you can make solid contact with it and send it where you intend it to go. Placing the ball too far back will cause you to drive down onto it and knock it into the ground. Placing it too far forward will make it hook or slice and reduce your distance. A properly addressed ball will go straighter and farther than an improperly addressed ball.

3. Practice Your Swing

You also need to ensure your golf swing is natural and as perfect as possible to make the club and ball do what you intend. There are many types of golf swings, from driving to approach shots and putting. Approach shots have the greatest variation, so that’s where you should focus most of your practice time. Make sure you can swing out of the rough, make sand traps less intimidating, and clear trees and other obstacles that might get in the way of the green by practicing your long irons and drivers.

4. Practice Your Putting

Golf is all about putting for dough. The green is what makes or breaks a golfer because if you can’t sink the putt on one try, you add strokes to your score. A well-placed approach shot should give you a makeable putt, but you need to practice reading the green and giving the ball enough speed and accuracy to put it in the hole.

You can visit our instructors and practice greens to perfect your golf game and lower your score. Call Deerfield today if you want to book a tee time or have any questions about our golf club.

How Playing Golf Can Benefit Your Life

Golf is a globally popular game because it’s fun, gives you a low-impact workout, and enables you to play with friends and golfing partners. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a set of clubs – especially if you shop around for a quality set of used golf clubs. Many communities have public golf courses that are in great shape and enable you to learn to play the sport. According to Golf Pass, 17% of golfers took lessons to improve their golfing skills in 2019, and this trend will likely continue. Here are some significant ways that golf can benefit your life.

Enjoy a Low-Impact Workout

Swinging golf clubs while playing 18 or even nine holes of golf is a great way to get a low-impact aerobic workout. You use your entire body and make your muscles and connective tissues stronger while enjoying a round. If you walk the course, you get an even better workout that helps make your body stronger, more limber, and more flexible. You also improve your hand-eye coordination and balance at each swing.

Spend Quality Time Outdoors

One of the best things about playing golf is the ability to spend quality time outdoors. Whether you are at a driving range, the putting green, or are on the course playing a round, you get to be outdoors and enjoy the benefits that go with it. Sunshine, a slight breeze, and the sound of golf clubs swinging, and contacting the ball make it a great experience while enabling you to focus on improving your golf skills.

Enjoy the Company of Others

Playing golf with friends, family, or business contacts is a great way to share the experience with others. Even if you show up by yourself, a golf course usually requires playing in a group of two to four people and can pair you up with others. Many people also use the time to discuss business and work out deals that can be important for future success. Many business schools recommend their students learn how to play golf. It’s a great way to turn a social outing into a business meeting while getting a good look at how other people handle adversity and conduct themselves.

Now that you know more about the benefits of playing golf, you’re likely eager to book a round. Call or visit Deerfield today to learn to play golf and enjoy the many benefits provided by the game. We look forward to hearing from you!

Improve Your Golf Game by Joining a Golf Club

As you watch golfers play on TV, do you envision improving your golf game one day? With annual golf passes, your dream can come true. Take on a constructive hobby and improve your golf game by joining a local golf club. Here are some reasons why doing so can help improve your golf game.

Facility Access

Have you been attempting your golf swing in your backyard? Needless to say, that’s not the best space to do so. What better way to practice your golf swing than at a professional facility with over 100 acres? Take advantage of your annual golf passes and practice until you perfect it.

Other Golfers

When you join a golf club, you won’t just be playing by yourself. There are other golfers in attendance you can form a camaraderie with as you practice your game. When playing with more experienced golfers, you can learn a thing or two from them. You may start by observing their techniques and eventually play as an equal with them. Who knows, you may make friends there who can become your de facto coaches.

Professional Access

When you invest in annual golf passes, you may also have access to professional golfers. Depending on your location, there may be a few pros who also practice at your local golf club. You can observe them from afar or rub elbows with them as you go for a hole-in-one. According to Golf Span, there are approximately 80 million golfers worldwide, but only 200 of them qualify for the PGA tour. Studying under the experts may help you join this number!

Tournaments

Golf tournaments aren’t just for famous people on TV. Your golf club may also host regular tournaments where you can show your stuff and go for prizes. As you gain more experience, you can earn higher places in such tournaments and walk away with trophies and prize money for your efforts.

If you’re wondering what to give yourself this Christmas, why not invest in annual golf passes? After all, membership at your local golf course can be a gift that will keep on giving, especially if you’re serious about improving your golf game. So start making friends, improving your golf rating, and rubbing elbows with golf professionals. Our course at Deerfield can host small and large events and has over 140 acres for you to explore. Contact us so you can improve your swing today.

Why a Private Golf Lesson Is Worth It

Just because you might love golf, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an expert at it. If you want to improve your golf game, a golf lesson could be a good option. Golf is a game of immense skill that requires practice and training. According to Gaelic Matters, the chance of making two holes in one in a single game is 1 in 67 million, so average players may want a golf lesson to reach this. Let’s look at some of the reasons why golf lessons are worth it.

Hit the Ball More Consistently

When you have some training from a professional, you’ll start to notice that you can hit the ball more consistently. Golf is one sport in which practice does make perfect. Lessons are a good option for people who are serious about improving their game and who spend plenty of time playing each month. If you don’t play enough, the skills you learn during your golf lesson will be lost.

Improve Your Golf Swing

Technique and practice can improve your golf swing. Some might even argue that there is science behind it. The swing is an essential part of a good golf game, and practicing can improve it. Having tips and pointers from an experienced golfer is the best way to improve your swing. Even those who have been playing for a while can benefit from some refresher lessons. Sometimes there may be flaws in your swing, and you won’t notice. An experienced golf instructor will notice and they can help you.

Learn Swing Mechanics

If you’ve never taken the time to learn swing mechanics, now is the time. The mechanics of the swing is the science behind great golf. A golf lesson can take you step-by-step through the mechanics that make up a great swing. You can then start learning how to break each part down to improve it over time.

Learn Course Strategy

Not everything about golf is centered on the swing and the hit. There is also a course strategy that can help you win more rounds. Learning about different range lengths, elevations, and obstacles is essential to your golf game and golf lessons can help you learn this.

If you’re looking to improve your golf game with lessons, please contact us today. We will be happy to help you become the best golfer you can be.

5 Questions to Ask a Golf Club

If you’re an avid golfer, joining golf courses could be a great investment. Not only does this give you more opportunities to play the sport you love, but it can also be great for your social life. People of all ages and genders can enjoy golfing and the golfing lifestyle. In fact, according to Zippia, 28.4% of professional golfers are women. This sport can truly become a family pastime, and a local golf club can help. Here are some questions you should ask before joining a golf club.

1. What Is the Average Age of Membership?

This might seem like a strange question, but it’s good to know the average age of the members of a golf club. For instance, if the average age is very young, you might want to look for a club with an older clientele or vice versa. Of course, just because a club generally caters to a different demographic doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy spending time there. Golfing with older or younger people can be the perfect way to form new intergenerational friendships!

2. What Are the Tee Times?

If you’re serious about playing golf, you’ll obviously want to know when tee times are and if the tee times are restricted. This can make a big difference in your golfing experience, so make sure you get all the information you need.

3. Are There Walking Restrictions on the Golf Courses?

Another good question to ask is if there are walking restrictions. Some golf courses are walker-friendly, while others discourage this and only allow riding. You would need a golf cart for making the rounds in this case. This is a very important detail to have figured out before joining a club.

4. Are There Food Minimums?

Food minimums are a requirement in many clubs. The food minimum is the minimum amount of money that must be spent on food at the club each month. This can range from $50 to $200. If you want to join a golf club but are still budget-conscious, you’ll want to find a club that works with your limits.

5. Are There Annual Assessments?

Some clubs perform assessments each year to determine how many of the members are seniors. This can impact the costs for new members. This can be a controversial practice, so you should definitely ask about this before joining.

If you’re considering joining a golf club, please contact Deerfield today to learn more about our programming, costs, and amenities. We look forward to joining you on your golfing journey!

How to Find the Perfect Golf Club

Golf is a sport that many people enjoy at an amateur level. According to Golf Span, of the 80 million worldwide golfers, only 200 are eligible for participation in the PGA Tour. If you’re a golfer looking for a home club, here are a few tips to help you find the perfect one.

Consider Public Golf Courses

When you’re looking for a golf club, don’t forget to consider local public golf courses. These courses are often just as well-maintained as any private course in the area. Finding the right club requires a perfect balance of great golf, wonderful amenities, and engaging social opportunities. When it’s time for you to join a club, we’re here for you! You might be surprised by how beautiful the public courses in our area can be. When you’re looking for a club that provides fantastic golf in a friendly atmosphere, you might not have to look any further than your local public course and club.

Ask Around to Friends

Finding the golf club that’s perfect for you is a very individual decision. Your preferences can differ from those of your closest friends. During your search for the right club, be sure to visit as many as you can. A logical place to start is by asking your friends, family members, and colleagues for a tour of the clubs they go to. This will help you get a better idea of what’s out there and what your options are. From this mini-tour of area clubs, you can choose the ones that appeal to you and arrange for a formal tour.

Golf the Course

Golfing the course at any club you’re considering is a must-do. You’ll want to make sure that you find the course challenging, but not too challenging! Your formal prospective member tour should also include a visit to all the amenities. If you want to use your club as a place to socialize and spend time with friends, you’ll want to visit the grille room or other gathering area.

If you’re looking for the perfect club, our public golf course is worth your consideration. We’ve been in business for 25 years and offer 145 acres of beautifully maintained links. Come enjoy an afternoon playing our 18-hole course and see why we’re one of the top clubs around!