Category: Golf

Golf is a great way to spend time in the great outdoors and get a workout. Plus, according to Golf Digest, in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, golf can improve your mental health. However, in order to enjoy this sport properly, selecting the right set of clubs and other golf equipment is crucial. If your clubs aren’t a good match for your needs, you’ll likely struggle on the fairways and greens. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing golf clubs.

What Is Your Skill Level?

Some golf clubs are very forgiving. This means if your swing isn’t perfect or very consistent, there is still a good chance that you’ll score a good hit on the golf ball. Other golf clubs, however, are very unforgiving. They have to be swung just right, or you’ll end up with a bad shot. Many golfers will benefit from more forgiving golf equipment, but if you’re highly skilled, you may enjoy better shots with less forgiving clubs.

What Type of Shaft Do You Need?

There are two common types of golf club shafts: steel and graphite. Graphite has become more popular in recent years, as it typically leads to longer distances. However, steel shafts can be more affordable and also more accurate. They may last longer and prove more durable as well. Ultimately, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each shaft type when selecting clubs.

How Flexible Should the Shaft Be?

You can get shafts of varying flexibility, from extra stiff to “senior,” “amateur” or “ladies.” A shaft with more flexibility can propel the ball more. Basically, the flexing itself will add momentum to the swing. This can result in the ball going further. However, if you have a strong, hard swing, you may want to use stiffer shafts to ensure better consistency and accuracy.

What Types of Clubs Do You Need?

Should you get a 3 iron or a 3 wood? Or both? Or maybe you should get a wood/iron hybrid? Do you need a sand wedge, or can you get by with a lob wedge? Often, the answer to these questions actually comes down to the courses you play on. If you’re playing on a course without sand traps, you might not need a sand wedge, for example.

Ultimately, selecting the right golf equipment will require patience and expertise. However, if you get the choices right, you could improve your game substantially. Once you’ve chosen your preferred clubs and are ready to start playing, be sure book a round at Deerfield!

If you love golf, you’re no doubt interested in the background of this wonderful sport. The history of golf is a journey that spans centuries and continents. Let’s learn more about it.

Origins in Scotland

One of the earliest recorded mentions of golf dates to the 15th century in Scotland. The sport began to gain popularity among the Scottish nobility, and it was often played on fields and coastal areas. The term “golf” is said to have derived from the Old Scots word “gowf,” which means to hit or strike.

Early Rules

In the early years, golf wasn’t played on standardized courses with set numbers of holes. Instead, players would establish their own targets, often aiming for specific landmarks or targets on the course. The game was seen as a leisure activity, and its relaxed nature allowed players to enjoy both the sport and the camaraderie it fostered.

In 1744, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, now The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, created the first 13 rules of golf. These rules provided a framework for how to play golf and set the foundation for the modern rules that govern the sport today.

The Open

The famous golf “Open Championship” was established in 1860 at the Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland, which helped to add legitimacy to the sport. The oldest major championship series in golf, the Open is also credited with making golf an international sport.

Golf in the 20th Century

The popularity of golf continued to evolve into the 20th century. Before long, it became a major international sport, and the golf craze took off in the United States. Courses like Hazeltine, ranked one of the best golf courses in America according to its official website, drew new players in annually. Soon, the United States became a significant golf hub thanks to golfing legends like Phil Mickelson, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, and others. Today, millions of Americans play golf.

Golf has a long and rich history, and it’s a staple of American culture today. It’s a fun sport that brings people together and provides an enjoyable challenge for all ages. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a total newbie, you’re sure to love golfing at Deerfield. Book a round at our course today!

The parent-child bond is one of the most important bonds that a child develops. Sharing hobbies, like golfing, is a great place for parents to start! Research shows that outdoor activities, such as sports, can create a camaraderie unlike any other shared hobby. It’s similar to how teams build up morale by playing, learning, and achieving together, except on a deeper familial level. Don’t overthink it! Here are five ideas that you can implement and create the perfect outing for your new favorite bonding activity.

1. Set a Date

As with any hobby, having a set day every week will hold you and your child accountable. If you plan to golf on Sunday mornings, you’ll both need to be fast asleep on Saturday night. If the golf course you’re heading to has a seasonal or annual pass, weekly bonding trips ensure you’re getting the full value from it. Some courses offer discounts to those under 18, so make sure to inquire about that as well!

2. Learn Together

If your child has never golfed before, it’s a smart idea to teach them yourself. Impart whatever wisdom you can; teach them what clubs to use, how to swing, and try to score that hole-in-one together! If you’re no ace on the course, you can also hire an instructor. Some golf courses hire instructors on-site. By learning the basics together, it’ll be an experience neither of you will ever forget.

3. Gear Up

Now that you’ve invested time and energy into learning this new hobby, it’s important to gear up! Take your child out shopping for a golfing polo, new sneakers, or a fashionable club bag. You should also get them set up with new golf balls! According to our industry knowledge, a regulation golf ball will have 336 dimples. Part of the fun of golfing is the golf cart, too! Kids just can’t get enough of riding in it. Make that part of the experience as well!

4. Eat and Relax Afterwards

Once you’ve spent time sweating, golfing, and hopefully scoring, treat your kiddo to a fantastic meal. Making reservations beforehand would be the best way to secure a relaxed dining experience, for both you and your child. If you’re both feeling adventurous, make a pact to try something new off the menu every week! If not, stick to your favorites and reward yourselves for working hard and improving. Golf can be tough at first, but it can still be a lot of fun.

From our family to yours, we hope you take these tips in stride! If you’re looking to set up a golfing day with your child, we can make ensure a perfect outing. Reach out to Deerfield Golf Club for more information today!

The perfect date idea can sometimes seem elusive. However, many couples and relationship experts agree that a date involving some type of activity is often better than just going to dinner or even sitting for two hours watching a movie together. Golf is a great outdoor activity that could turn into a fun date event.

1. Be Respectful of Tee Time

You should always keep your eye on the clock when getting ready for a date, but tee times on golf courses are a little bit different than agreeing on a time to meet at a restaurant. Tee times must be honored on the golf course because there are other players coming in behind you. If your date is not familiar with golf, be sure to emphasize how important it is to get started on time.

2. Plan Tee Times Carefully

Since a golf date is a little different than a regular game, you want to make sure you’re planning your tee time when the course is not too busy. According to Leader Publications, a national news publisher, most golf courses are busiest between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Keep this in mind when planning the golf date and you’ll be able to play a laid-back, stress-free game while you get to know each other.

3. Navigate Details for a New Club

If you will be golfing at a club that is new to either of you, be sure to nail down all of the tricky details first. For instance, you should be aware of the dress code, tipping policies, and acceptable ways to pay for drinks, which can vary between private golf courses. If you will be using a public golf club, make sure you are checked in ahead of your tee time.

4. Don’t Be Competitive

It’s just a date, so there’s no need to unleash your golf champion. Even if you are very good at golf, a date is not the place to show off. Enjoy the time with the other person and get to know them. If you already know each other pretty well, then just enjoy spending time together. Praise good shots and offer advice sparingly. If you notice the advice is not being received well, then back off and let your date enjoy the game.

Going outdoors for an activity can be a great way to understand the personality of your date. Not only can you have a great conversation with them, but you’ll also know how they approach a challenging game like golf. If you are looking for a great golf club to bring your date to, look into a highly-rated golf club near you.

Golfing can be a lot of fun and is considered a healthy way to relax after a hard day of work. However, playing golf can become a source of stress if you don’t know how to play properly, which is why golf newbies often don’t enjoy this sport as much as they could. If you’re new to golfing and need a few tips on how to play, keep reading. We have seven useful pieces of advice that will help you approach golf with the right mindset and actually have fun playing!

1. Start With Chip Shots

It’s important to kick off your golfing adventure with short chip shots. This can go a long way toward helping you learn the foundation of the golf swing, which is how to put the clubface on the golf ball. Take it easy and start with chip shots.

2. Play With the Right Equipment

It’s really important that you have the right equipment when you start playing golf. If you’re using the wrong golf clubs and balls, for example, you’re making golf much more difficult than it has to be.

3. Know the Basic Etiquette

You don’t have to be an etiquette stickler but learn the basics so you don’t step out of line and mess up during your first golfing experiences.

4. Develop a Perfect Posture

Having good posture will improve your game and prevent aches and injuries. Tilt at your hips, not your waist, and you’re off to a great start.

5. Master Your Grip

You need to start with a good grip because a bad one will cause problems in your swing. Do research about how to master your grip.

6. Don’t Get Discouraged by Mistakes

You’re going to make mistakes but don’t let them ruin the experience for you. You won’t be perfect right from the start, and that’s okay. Look at it this way: the chances of two holes in one in a single round are about 67 million to one, according to GaelicMatters.com, so don’t pressure yourself to achieve the impossible.

7. Try to Find Your Tempo Early

It’s important to find a good tempo from the start. Your tempo is the speed and rhythm with which you swing your golf club, and you should try to keep it smooth at all times.

Now that you have all these tips about golfing the right way, nothing is stopping you from having fun and being good at this sport at the same time. Take what you’ve learned here and enhance your golf experience so you can enjoy it as it’s intended to be enjoyed! Check out Deerfield Golf Club today.

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!

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!

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.

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.