Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 18 Holes, Cape May Par 3, driving range, Gol Instruction, Golf, Golf LEssons, Par 3
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Cape May Par 3 Golf Pro, Clinics, Dover Par 3, driving range, Golf, golf course par 3 capemay, Pro, Pro shop
The golf instructor can coach you. The golf instructor can educate you about YOUR golf swing and what research has proven to be effective. The bottom line is that the more you practice the right things to improve YOUR golf game, the better you will be. Feeling comfortable with and understanding a golf instructor is really important as you find instruction that works for you.
The following is a list of qualifications that will assist you in finding the right golf instructor:
- Good communication skills; Good personality and attitude.
- Patience. A great golf instructor must be patient in working with you. This is essential and helps to create a ‘safe environment’ for you to try what you are learning. As Albert Einstein once said, “A person who has never made a mistake has obviously never tried anything new.”
- Knows the universal basics—this is so important! Your instructor must not only know the basics, but be able to communicate them to you (Remember this from the top of the list?!)
- Willing to help improve your golf game rather than your wallet. Expensive golf lessons are not always the best! Believe it or not, there is no standard price for golf lessons. The best thing is to find an instructor who can meet your golf AND budget needs.
- An instructor who has a good golf swing is essential. Modeling technique is essential for effective teaching and learning. You need to be able to “see it to be it” and for this reason, your golf instructor must be technically sound. **
- Great instructors provide personally relevant feedback. That is, they don’t offer ‘one size fits all’ suggestions and recommendations. They evaluate your swing—and tailor lessons to your individual needs.
- Makes the learning process fun!! This is key to it all– no point in doing it, if it isn’t fun.
**NOTE: A great golf instructor may not be a great player. Just like, a good player may not be a good golf instructor.
SOOO, golfers of all levels can be mislead into believing that a golf instructor will make our golf game better. A golf instructor can help you…just like club fitting can help you. Great golf instruction is part of the solution. Don’t forget, it is the student who will make the golf instructor a good one! Psst…that’s you!
I welcome questions and comments!!
Rick Jones
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
Filed under: Golf, Uncategorized | Tags: 18 Holes, Cape May, Cape May Par 3, contests, Dover Par 3, driving range, Golf, golf course par 3 capemay, golf joke, Par 3
Top 10 Laws of Golf!…
Law 10 — A severe slice is a thing of awesome power and beauty.
Law 9 — Golf balls from the same “sleeve” tend to follow one another, particularly out of bounds or into the water
Law 8 — The last three holes of a round will automatically adjust your score to what it really should be.
Law 7 — Every par-three hole in the world has a secret desire to humiliate golfers. The shorter the hole — the greater its desire.
Law 6 – All vows taken on a golf course shall be valid only until the sunset of the same day
Law 5 — Golf balls never bounce off of trees back into play. If one does, the tree is breaking a law of the universe and should be cut down.
Law 4 – The person you would most hate to lose to will always be the one who beats you.
Law 3 – No matter how bad your last shot was, the worst is yet to come. This law does not expire on the 18th hole, since it has the supernatural tendency to extend over the course of your lifetime.
Law 2 — Trees eat golf balls.
Law 1– Your BEST round of golf will be followed almost immediately by your worst round ever. The probability of the latter increases with the number of people you tell about the former.
These are ALLL sooooo true! Hope you enjoyed my list…feel free to post a few of your own!
Rick
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
I realize I am biased. I have spent just about my entire life around golf. I think it is one of the best sports in the world—and certainly popular world wide. As the London Olympics is set to take center stage this summer, I can’t help but to look forward to 2016, just 4 short years away, when Golf will once again return to the summer Olympics that will be held inRio de Janeiro. It will be a 72-hole stroke play tournament for men and women, with 60 players in each field. How exciting!!
“I think it’s fantastic, an unbelievable day for the game of golf,” Jack Nicklaus said. “The impact is going to be felt all over the world, which is what I’ve always felt about the game. The game is a mature game in many countries, but it never had the opportunity to grow in many others. People of all walks of life will be inspired to play the game of golf, and play for sports’ highest recognition. For all sports, that has been a gold medal.”
Wie talked about taking up golf when she was 4, but never being able to dream of an Olympic medal until now. “I can dream about doing something that neither Tiger nor Ernie have ever done, and that is to make the final putt to win an Olympic gold medal,” Wie said. “If this dream comes true, somewhere in the world there will be another 4-year-old who sees me on that podium and perhaps starts her own Olympic dream.”
Walt Disney said “If you can dream it, you can do it.” In 4 years, young golfers all over the world will be inspired to pursue their dreams with the hope of one day making it all the way to the top! What a great day that will be.
Rick
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
Filed under: Golf | Tags: 18 Holes, Cape May Par 3, Golf, Learn to Golf, Par 3, PGA Rules
Hello!
Yesterday, the temperature was warm and the sun was shining—though the wind was blowing a bit. Because golf is played in the elements, there are guidelines that address some aspects of play in the wind. Crazy things can happen in windy weather on the course, and there has to be some way to address it. And, in October of this year, at the end of a 4 year review, the USGA, working with the R&A, updated and changed several important rules– including a rule that addresses the impact of wind.
Here is the updated rule:
Ball Moving After Address (Rule 18-2b). A new exception is added which exonerates the player from penalty if their ball moves after it has been addressed when it is known or virtually certain that they did not cause the ball to move. For example, if it is a gust of wind that moves the ball after it has been addressed, there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new position.
Unfortunately for Nick Watney, these rule changes don’t take effect until January 1, 2012! Yesterday, he was caught in a situation where the old rule was applied and he was penalized a stroke. He addressed the ball, backed up, and watched it move—and was penalized one stroke. Under the new rule, the penalty stroke is NOT assessed if the wind moved the ball after the address. Taking it in stride, Watney remarked, “I might be the last player in history to be penalized under that rule. That could be a trivia question one day.”
Have a wonderful holiday season! I will catch you on the other side of the holidays.
Rick Jones
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Cape May, Cape May Par 3, Dover, Dover Par 3, driving range, Golf, Par 3 Golf
Well…the cold weather is here. YUK! I love the fall colors out on the course, and the slight chill in the air makes the sounds of the leaves blowing in the trees relaxing; but I find myself longing for the warm days of May and June…already. In any case, here we are. So, I wanted to talk to you about golf in the cold weather and the small adjustments that need to be made in the cold weather.
So, a little science lesson will help you understand where I am heading with this…cold air is denser. Have you ever
noticed that the air pressure is higher in your tires during the summer than in the winter? That is because air molecules do not move as much in the cold temperatures as they do in the warmer temperatures. So, cold air is functionally heavier and it creates more resistance on the ball as it travels through the air. The problem for golfers is that many golfers, especially new players, think that simply hitting the ball harder is the answer. Unfortunately, it leaves you open for more mistakes. Very basically, it causes you to be in the wrong position at the point of impact.
There are a few things you can do to help combat the cold temps on the course:
- Try to keep your ball warm. Put it in your pocket until you need it.
- Keep your hands, feet, and head when playing in cold weather. Invest in good gloves! If you are not cold, you will enjoy yourself a lot more—if that is even possible!
- Work your swing to generate a lower trajectory, and play the ball slightly back in your stance. You will need to change your swing plane to a shallower arc.
- Drop your right shoulder to lower than your left. From this position the right allows the left to control the takeaway. Lead with the left and follow with the right. Do not let your right shoulder to pass the ball, so that the spin on the ball will be right.
I hope these tips help. The biggest thing is that the cold weather is not the worst thing in the world…you can still get out, play 18 holes, and enjoy the game as always. You will be glad to get the fresh air—and who knows, you might come to enjoy and appreciate the renewed opportunity of being successful on the course in even the coldest weather!
Rick Jones
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
Dover Par 3 & Driving Range
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 18 Holes, Cape May Par 3, Cape May Par 3 Golf Pro, Dover Par 3, driving range, Golf, Golf Balls, golf course par 3 capemay, Golf LEssons, Pro shop
Ball marks are those indentations from where the ball hits the green from a your shot (from the air). A ball mark can cause the grass in the depression to die, leaving not just a scar but also a pit in the putting surface that can knock well-struck putts offline. Repairing a ball mark restores a smooth surface and helps keep the grass healthy. Sometimes, people accidentally incorrectly repair ball marks, simply because they don’t know the proper technique.
Unfortunately, “repairing” a ball mark incorrectly can actually cause more damage. Incorrectly “repaired” ball marks take up to twice as long to heal as those that are properly repaired. So please help repair the ball marks and take care of the greens for everyone. And if you have a minute, and there isn’t another group of golfers behind you please feel free to fix one or two other ball marks, too, if you find more of them on the green!
Repairing ball marks isn’t just important for the health of the greens, and for smooth-rolling putts. It isn’t just a matter of golf etiquette. It is our obligation to help take care of the golf courses we play. And repairing ball marks is a big part of that obligation to the game. The ball mark repair tool is the right tool for the job of repairing ball marks. The tool should be familiar to every golfer; it’s a simple tool, just two prongs on the end of a piece of metal or hard plastic. If you don’t have one, please stop in the pro shot and there are tools for sale. There are some new ball mark repair tools on the market, but the jury is still out on whether any of them really do a better job at helping greens heal than the standard, old-fashioned tool you will find in most pro shops.
To properly repair ball marks, please follow the steps below.
STEP 1:
Take your ball mark repair tool and insert the prongs into the turf at the edge of the depression. Do NOT insert the prongs into the depression itself, but at the edge of the depression.
STEP 2:
The next step is to push the edge of the ball mark toward the center, using your ball mark repair tool in a “gentle twisting motion,” in the words of the GCSAA. This is the step where some well meaning golfers might mess up. Many golfers believe the way to “fix” a ball mark is to insert the tool at an angle, so the prongs are beneath the center of the crater, and then to use the tool as a lever to push the bottom of the ball mark back up even with the surface. Do not do this! Pushing the bottom of the depression upward only tears the roots, and kills the grass.
Just use your ball mark repair tool to work around the rim of the crater, pushing the grass at the edge toward the center of the depression. One way to envision this is to picture reaching down with your thumb and forefinger on opposite sides of the ball mark and “pinching” those sides together.
STEP 3:
Once you’ve worked around the rim of the ball mark with your repair tool, pushing the grass toward the center, there’s only one thing left to do: Gently tamp down the repaired ball mark with your putter or foot to smooth the putting surface.
That’s that! You have repaired the ball mark correctly! If you are unsure, or need more help with this, please ask one of our staff members. They play the Par 3 often and would be more than happy to help you learn how to fix ball marks the right way!
On behalf of everyone at the Par 3, thanks!
Rick Jones
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
Dover Par 3 & Driving Range
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 18 Holes, Cape May, Cape May Par 3, Cape May Par 3 Golf Pro, Delaware, Dover Par 3, driving range, Golf, Par 3, Par 3 Golf
As the weather heats up, it is important to be more mindful and prepared to play golf. We encourage you to read this list and make any changes that might help you enjoy your time on the golf course even more—as if that’s possible! We ALL wait all winter to be able to get out and hit balls and play a round of golf. Don’t let the heat discourage you from playing golf this summer!! Remember, a hot day on the golf course is still better than a nice day anywhere else! Here are some suggestions we have for ways to beat the heat or be prepared to handle the heat.
Hydrate. Hydration takes place for several days prior to your round of golf. If you golf often, it is important that you make hydration part of your every day routine. While some studies have shown that all drinks hydrate, obviously some are better than others. Water is the best way to get hydrated. Other healthy ways to hydrate yourself are by drinking milk, vegetable and fruit juice. Sports drinks are a good alternative to water if you plan on playing/walking 18 holes.
Wear appropriate clothing. When you are planning what to wear to play golf, make sure to wear light weight, breathable clothing. You will also want to wear light colored clothing, which will not absorb as much heat as darker colored clothes. Oddly enough, it is better to wear an undershirt, which will help wick away sweat and keep you cooler. When possible, wear a visor and not hat. Hats trap heat in and can cause you to be hotter. Stay in the shade and use sunscreen on your scalp when wearing a visor!
Plan your day accordingly. Plan to spend the time outside during the morning and/or evening. Avoid spending time on the course during the middle of the day. You will have a lot more fun, when you are not struggling with the sun and heat. If you can only fit your time on the links in during the middle of the day, be sure to wear a hat that offers coverage, as well as sunscreen!
Stand in the shade. At Cape May Par 3, there are plenty spots with lots of shade. If you get too hot, have a seat on a bench in the shade. It will make you feel better, and able to finish your round of golf. Make it a great time to think about your mental golf game, or spend time with your golf mates shooting the breeze.
Eat sensibly. Eat smaller meals and not as much protein. Protein increases metabolic rate, which makes staying cool more difficult. So, eat lighter meals, and include fruit and vegetables (which also help to hydrate you) and whole grain foods. You might also find that reducing the amount of dairy you consume, directly before you play golf or hit balls, might help you feel better.
It is important to recognize when you are overheated. Some of the signs of being overheated are: sweating profusely, increased heart rate, dizziness, headache, and vomiting. If you experience any or many of these signs, it is important that you rest in a cool, shaded area, drink cool liquids, such as water or sports drinks, apply cool compresses, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Just because it’s hot, doesn’t mean it isn’t golf weather! Make these small changes and you will be ready to play, even in the heat. Be sure to pay attention to your body. If you need help, please ask. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Here’s to another great summer at Cape May Par 3 & Dover Par 3!!
See you out on the course,
Rick Jones
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 18 Holes, Cape May Par 3, Cape May Par 3 Golf Pro, Clinics, driving range, Golf, golf course par 3 capemay, Golf LEssons, Learn to Golf, Par 3 Golf, Pro
Please post any questions you might have about all aspects of the game at rick@capemaypar3.com and I will have James get back to you!
Thanks.
Rick Jones
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
This was a question we received: I’m a 16 year old wishing to pursue a golfing career. What do I do?
James Quinn, the teaching Pro at Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range has this to say:
It depends what kind of career you’re looking to pursue. If you’re looking to be a Touring Professional, then at the age of 16 you need to be around a scratch or 2-3 Handicap. Ask your golf coach about playing in some junior tournaments and see how you rank among the best. Practice 3-4 times a week with at least 1-2 practice rounds per week. You need to spend a lot of time at the short game area. Anyone can hit the ball far. But –can you score? is the most important question. Good luck to you in your career.
If you’re looking to become a Teaching Professional, the best way is to watch your local Golf Pro teach or your golf coach and see how he connects with his students. If you play on the High School team, when you become a junior or senior, start helping your other teammates. See if you like teaching and if you do you should follow the next steps. While in high school, look into colleges that offer the PGM program. From there you’re well on your way to becoming a PGA Pro. If you do not go to college, you can complete the PGA program at home. This is a good option, but I would recommend the college route. Good luck in your career!
James Quinn is the full time Golf Teaching Professional at Cape May Par 3
James graduated from The Golf Academy of America and is certified in golf course management, instruction, and club repair. He also has his player credential. James has a range of teaching experiences. He served as an Assistant Golf Professional at Meadow Oaks Golf & Country Club in Tampa, Florida; and taught at Ballyneal in Colorado. More recently, James taught at Twisted Dunes Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Now, James serves as the Pro at Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range.
Cape May Par 3 & Driving Range
29 Fulling Mill Road
Rio Grande, NJ 08242
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Cape May Par 3 Golf Pro, Delaware, driving range, Golf, golf course par 3 capemay, Learn to Golf, Pro shop
Spring is right around the corner…and when you think of Spring, you think of GOLF SHOES, right?! Of course right! Well, according to golfshoesplus.com, there are over 500 styles and brands of golf shoes. That’s 500!!! That’s a lot of golf shoes! I put together some tips for helping you figure out what shoe is the right shoe for you.
1. Brands—I tend to rely on the same few brands. If you have a brand you really like, head down to your local sporting goods store, get measured, and ask to see the golf shoes in your brand of choice. You might also ask to see comparable shoes in a couple different brands. It is important to get a good fit, so when you take that trip to the store, wear appropriate socks! The socks you wear to play are the best socks to wear. Otherwise, you might not get the right fit.
2. Cleats—many courses do not allow metal spikes. So, if you only play one or two courses, you might want to call the course and ask the pro, or shop manager and ask about that. If at all possible, get a pair with replaceable spikes. It will extend the life of your shoes.
3. Leather shoes—you will want to get a pair of golf spikes that are leather uppers. Make sure there is enough room for your toes to wiggle, and support for your arches. Pliable leather will break in with more ease and more quickly than other materials.
4. If it is a rainy area, look at weather proofing spray or weather proof shoes. When you play in the rain, directly after you take your shoes off, and put balled up newspaper in the shoes. This is the best way of helping shoes dry out in short order!!
5. For the fashionistas—make sure you purchase a pair in a neutral color that matches your golf wardrobe. For the more adventurous sort, go for the gusto and make a statement with your golf shoes…
All I can say, is at Cape May Par 3, and Dover Par 3, we are looking forward to a great spring golf season! Bring it on!
Rick Jones
http://www.capemaypar3.com
http://www.doverpar3golf.com
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