How Can Golf Contribute To A Healthy Lifestyle? 5 Benefits Of Playing Golf

Often, when people think of golf, they do not think of it as a sport that will keep you healthy and active. However, this is not the case. Playing golf comes with many health benefits, and if you regularly enjoy playing a game of golf, then you could be doing wonders for your body. Although golf is a sport that is generally associated with older men, anyone can get involved and enjoy the benefits of a game of golf. 

If you are an avid golfer or you are thinking of getting involved in the golfing world, then this article is for you. In this article, we will explore the reasons why golf can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. If you want to learn more about the benefits, then keep on reading to find out!

Good Way To Get Vitamin D

One benefit of playing golf is that it is a good way to get Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our body, but sometimes it can be difficult to get Vitamin D if you are stuck inside your office job all day. A lack of Vitamin D in your diet can lead to a weaker immune system, which means you can be more susceptible to infections or viruses. Going out and playing golf gives you the opportunity to spend a day outside, soak up the sun, and absorb some much-needed Vitamin D. Even if it isn’t a particularly sunny day, you will still be able to get your daily dose of Vitamin D by simply being outside. While you may not feel the benefits straight away, after a few games of golf, you should start to feel more energised.

Stress Reliever

Another benefit of playing golf is that it can be a great way to relieve some stress. Stress is an unfortunate part of life, and if you have a busy work schedule or home life, then you will want to find ways to help alleviate some of the stress you are feeling. Getting out on the golf course is such an easy way to destress your mind and body as you are just focusing on the game ahead. Because golf isn’t a particularly intense sport, you can spend your time relaxing a bit more with golf. Walking around the golf course and chatting with your golfing buddies is such a good way to get rid of the stress you are feeling. So, if you find that you have a particularly stressful life, then you may want to consider taking up golf. 

Creates Some Healthy Competition

One of the best parts of playing any type of sport is that you get to compete against another person to win. Golf is no exception, and one benefit of playing golf with your friends is that it creates some healthy competition. Having this competition can help you play better as you are more motivated to win. If you wanted to make things a bit more interesting, you could even bet some money on the game. Betting a little bit of money can encourage you to play better and win as you know there is a cash prize at the end. You can easily place bets and make money through winning golf by using some online casinos. Online gambling has become super easy, so all you need to do is go online and find the best site to play on. If you are struggling to find a casino, then you can check out this full list of UK online casinos to help you find a safe place to gamble. 

Great Way To Meet People

Going to a golf course and playing a game of golf can be a great way to meet other like-minded people. A lot of people assume golf isn’t a social sport, but this is not the case. In fact, golf is one of the most social sports as you can spend the day chatting with your golfing buddies while going about the course. Golf is not a fast-paced or high-intensity sport, so you will actually have lots of time to have some meaningful conversations with your friends. Most golf courses will have a café or a restaurant on site, which means you can relax after the game with a beer and catch up with your friends. Additionally, these social events after the game are an excellent way to meet new people and adopt some new golfing buddies. You will all have a shared interest in golf, which will make making friends that little bit easier. So, if you are feeling isolated or a little lonely, then why not join a golf club and start meeting new people.

Improves Physical Fitness

Although golf is not an intense sport, it can still be a great way to improve your physical fitness. People often assume that golf is relaxing and does not require much physical fitness, but this is not the case. Because you will be walking around the course, you will be getting in a cardio workout which is extremely beneficial for the health of your entire body. Additionally, swinging the golf club back and forth is a good way of strengthening your joints and building some muscle. You may find that the first time you try and play golf, you struggle with keeping up your stamina, but after a few times playing, your stamina will start to develop. 

Summary 

It is clear that although golf may not be an intense sport, playing golf regularly does have many benefits. Golf gives you the opportunity to destress your mind and improve your mental health as you can be sociable and meet new people. Not only this but playing golf regularly can strengthen your muscles and improve your overall stamina, which both contribute to a healthy lifestyle. If you are an avid golfer or you are considering taking up the sport, then hopefully this article has shown you the many benefits of playing golf.

What golf and the NFL have in common

Golf and football may be two of the most popular sports in the US, but most people would consider them to be completely different in every way. Golf is a sport for individuals, played out usually over the course of four days in a relatively picturesque scenario. Football, on the other hand, is an explosive team sport that technically lasts for one hour, played in huge arenas.

Yet, the two sports have a lot in common. For starters, both are keenly followed not just by fans but by sports bettors, looking for the best Majors odds or the latest NFL play props betting markets. More importantly, the very best golfers share many traits with the very best NFL players.

Technique

Both sports are highly technical. Of course, there are techniques in all sports, and honing your technique can be the difference between success and failure. But few sports require as much precision as football and golf. For a golfer, one slight change in a swing can be the difference between making the green or finding the sand. And an NFL quarterback is required to fling a football up to 60 yards downfield into the arms of a wide receiver while avoiding onrushing defenders intent on flattening him.

Concentration

Although the physical demands of the two sports are different, both require the professional to attain high levels of fitness, specifically endurance. Golfers need to concentrate on every shot at every hole for four days in a row. While in the NFL, if you switch off for a second, you could cost your team a touchdown. Although an NFL game may technically last an hour, in reality, this can mean being ‘on duty’ for three hours or more, and being required to deliver instantly when called upon, no matter how tired or drained you may be.

Quarterback set up

When a quarterback takes a snap under center there is a lot in common between his position and the set up for a golf shot. In this position, with his knees bent and his arms away from his body, he gives himself the freedom he needs to make a powerful move. According to some golf coaches, this is actually theperfect position for a golfer to mimic: giving themselves plenty of room to make a full and powerful swing to maximize their distance and strength.

Lining up inside 

An NFL kicker may not be able to kick the ball as far as a golf drive, but there is a fascinating parallel between the two sports in the way that kicks and shots are lined up. As a kicker stands ready to kick, they are usually offset from the ball. As they approach, they do so from the inside, swinging their leg on an inside out trajectory. This coincidentally is similar to the ideal path for the clubhead when a player is swinging at the golf ball, helping to increase a swing’s distance and power.

Support

To hit a golf ball as far as they can, golfers need to be able to maximize the power and momentum of their swing. In a similar way, quarterbacks need to generate the maximum possible power from their throw.

When a quarterback throws the ball, his right or left arm will usually be in a familiar L shape, supporting the ball and winding up all his strength, so that when it is unleashed, he can use speed and leverage to throw the ball downfield quickly and accurately. In the same way, when a golfer’s swing reaches the top, his arm is bent in a similar fashion and the swing and follow through are powered by that initial motion, supported by the drawn back bent arms.

Balance and poise 

Speed and power may be the main qualities you associate with the NFL, but balance is very important for most positions on the field. Being able to remain on your feet as long as you can despite tackles, changes of angle and a hundred other distractions, can make the difference between success and failure.

Watching NFL players lining up before the snap reveals how they prepare themselves to explode with power and purpose. Linebackers, for example, will be on the balls of their feet, knees bent, perfectly balanced and able to react to any eventuality. And balance is the key to a good golf swing, maintaining the strong central line through the body so that all the effort of the swing works with maximum efficiency.

Naked Nutrition Protein Cookies Review

When you’re on the golf course and need a quick snack to get your energy back up or to hold you over until the turn, Naked Nutrition Protein Cookies might be the perfect solution. Packed with whey protein, almond flour and completely free from gluten or excessive sugars, you can enjoy these cookies guilt-free at any time of the day.

Naked Nutrition Protein Cookie Details

We’ve not covered cookies on this website before, and that’s a borderline crime. Cookies have long been our go-to favorite snacks at GU, but we’ve always had to worry about high sugar content, high carbs, and artificial ingredients that you might also find in a golf ball.

Naked Nutrition has been known for their healthy approach to wellness thanks to a wide product line that centers around whey protein, shakes, supplements, and other tools to help you feel your best. Their addition of the Protein Cookie line — which includes three flavors — is a natural progression and a god-send for active golfers.

Each Protein Cookie batch is freshly baked in the USA, and all flavors of Naked Cookie are made with defatted almond flour instead of traditional wheat. With 10g of grass-fed whey protein, only 210 calories or less, and only 5g of sugar or less, now you can satisfy your sweet tooth without feeding your waistline.

How does this benefit golfers?

Wait, I thought we were a golf website? Of course we are, and golfers love to chow down on the golf course. Why not take the time to add something that’s actually good for you in the process?

Naked Nutrition Protein Cookies are the perfect healthy alternative to the hotdogs, burgers, or candy bars that far too many golfers immediately grab for lunch or breakfast on the course. These cookies are large, filling, and taste absolutely fantastic. Let’s face it: there’s no telling what’s inside that hot dog you just inhaled at the turn… but with Naked Nutrition, you know everything you’re eating is natural, healthy, and can actually give you more energy.

But how do they taste?

Did we mention these cookies taste amazing? And that’s coming from fans of pretty much any cookie on the planet.

We went with the chocolate chip flavor for our review, and not only were the cookies soft and moist, but they literally tasted like they just came out of an oven. They did have a distinct flavor to them thanks to the incredibly healthy ingredients packed into each bite, which added to the overall allure of these snacks.

Additional flavors on the Naked Nutrition Protein Cookies include sugar cookies and oatmeal raisin.

Overall Impression

The Naked Nutrition Protein Cookies definitely surprised us with their incredible taste and unbelievably healthy ingredients. These are premium products, make no mistake, and retail right now on their website for $35.99 per dozen. (But let’s face it: you spend more than that on a dozen golf balls that you’re going to lose anyway, so why not treat yourself to something nice?)

For more information on all of Naked Nutrition’s products, click here to visit their website.

What is a Golf Club Swing Weight?

The definition of the term ‘swing weight’ when referring to golf clubs isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While the overall weight of the club has something to do with it, there’s more to this term that is important for you to know. This is especially true if you are getting custom fit to your golf clubs.

@golfunfiltered What is a golf club swing weight? #golf #golftok #golftiktok ♬ Chill Vibes - Tollan Kim

What is Swing Weight?

Swing weight refers to the relationship between the weight of the bottom two-thirds of a golf club and that of the top third. This is important to understand because, of course, the clubhead end of a golf club is bound to be heavier than the grip end.

When a player swings a golf club, the weight of the club will cause it to feel a certain way. This is due to pure physics and centrifugal force; the clubhead will begin to feel “heavier” as the club swings through the air. If the club’s swing weight is too high, the club will feel too heavy for the player’s preference. The opposite is also true: if the swing weight is too low, the club might feel too light and therefore difficult to control.

When a club’s swing weight is not appropriate to a player, golf shots will be inaccurate, distance control can suffer, and scores can reflect poorly.

How is it Measured?

Swing weight takes into account all aspects of a golf club, including:

• The weight of the club head

• The weight of the grip

• The weight of the shaft

• The length of the club

These measurements contribute to the overall swing weight of the club, specially the relationship among all the individual parts. If one of the above parts of a club are altered or adjusted in any way, then the swing weight of the club could also change. For example, if a player changes the grip on the club at the beginning of the golf season, the swing weight might be slightly different than it was prior to the change.

A special scale can be used to measure a golf club’s swing weight. This scale, pictured below, operates similar to a scale you might see at a medical office. It is comprised of a fulcrum and a sliding weight, along with a pair of brackets that hold the golf club securely while weighing it.

The sliding weight will be positioned along its track until the golf club balances on a level, horizontal position. Once complete, the scale will provide a reading as to the club’s swing weight.

What are the Swing Weight Measurements?

Swing weight is defined by values that include letters and numbers. For example, a golf club swing weight could be classified as “D4.” This would be considered a moderate swing weight.

The values range from A-F along with a numerical component that ranges from 0-9 for each letter. A swing weight is considered to be heavier as the letters and numbers increase on their respective scales. Therefore, a swing weight of B3 would be much lighter than a weight of E9.

Generally speaking, most club fitters will suggest that all of your clubs should have the same swing weight. This can be fine-tuned to match the swing characteristics and preferences of any golfer.

Coffee For Wellness Review

There’s always an opportunity for firsts here at Golf Unfiltered, and that includes our first-ever coffee review. Phil Mickelson’s Coffee For Wellness brand is the topic of this review, along with all the goodies and marketing promises that come along with this interesting product.

I had the opportunity to try the full line of products from Coffee For Wellness, and while the coffee itself is your standard-tasting mild roast, there were a couple items that really stood out.

Let’s get things brewing. #CoffeePun

Coffee For Wellness whole bean coffee and The Good Stuff powder.

What is Coffee For Wellness?

First things first: what does coffee have to do with golf, let alone being healthier?

Fans of Phil Mickelson know that he’s had some ups and downs in terms of health over the years. Phil has been quite open with his weight struggles and a painful autoimmune disorder, both of which taking a toll on his on-course play from time to time. While Phil’s name appears in some not-so-flattering articles these days for topics completely unrelated to his health, the Coffee For Wellness product stands apart from that controversy.

Coffee For Wellness is a subscription-based coffee service that offers premium grade whole bean coffee, a special mixing ingredient deemed “The Good Stuff,” energy snack bite brownies to supplement your coffee addiction, and a few accessories to liven things up.

Mickelson attributes his health improvements to a strict coffee-based diet regimen that, as far as I can tell, consists of him drinking coffee mixed with The Good Stuff all day, thus reducing his appetite and eating less.

The Good Stuff is a powdery substance you mix into your coffee (you don’t actually have to use the brand’s coffee; any will do) and contains natural ingredients like L-Theanine, MCT powder, collagen, cinnamon and Himalayan pink salt. These ingredients have long been known as health catalysts on their own, so mixing them together seems like a good idea, right? Sure.

Coffee For Wellness - The Good Stuff powder.

How does it taste?

Actually, not too bad.

I’m more a fan of medium-to-dark roast blends, and Coffee For Wellness is more in the medium roast category to my palette. The caffeine level didn’t seem too high, nor was the coffee too bitter. I could easily drink this blend daily.

The Good Stuff, however, was a real treat. I’m not usually a fan of cinnamon-flavored anything, but I honestly enjoyed the taste of this powder. I found it to be a fitting alternative to any dairy creamer, already making it a healthier option. Just one scoop was enough to sweeten things up, so to speak, and enhanced the overall flavor of the brew nicely.

What else came with the kit?

In addition to the whole bean coffee and Good Stuff powder, I also tried the brand’s Superfood Energy Bites. These mini brownies come individually wrapped and are USDA Organic, kosher, have no GMOs and truly taste like a traditional brownie (with a slight hint of coffee). These are meant to provide a short burst of energy when you need it most.

Coffee For Wellness also sells a number of coffee and golf-related accessories that include an electric mixer, coffee tumblers, Phil Mickelson logo hats, and even golf balls. The tumbler and mixer — both of which were included in my review kit — were of a high quality and will be used many times over.

Coffee For Wellness Superfood Energy Bites.

Overall Impression

Coffee For Wellness is an interesting concept geared towards helping you establish a solid foundation for a healthy lifestyle. This is a key distinction, of course, since drinking coffee alone will not dramatically improve your overall health. Additional work must be done to see the results you want, and more important, to be sustained.

However, as a standalone product line, Coffee For Wellness is a tasty option for dedicated coffee drinkers (like me) who want to try something different in the morning. I have no doubt that incorporating coffee into my daily routine coupled with healthy living adjustments throughout the day will lead to weight loss and a general sense of positive wellbeing.

If you’re interested in trying out Coffee For Wellness, I invite you to use promo code NOFILTER at checkout for a nice discount on your first purchase. You can visit their website here for current pricing and package deals.

The PGA Tour explained - which events are the most prestigious?

The PGA Tour has been the gold standard in worldwide professional golf since 1929, hosting legendary sportsmen such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy over the past century. There are 48 tournaments that make up the 2021-2022 tour calendar, so professional golfers are playing almost year-round. It’s great entertainment for golf enthusiasts, but not all events are as distinguished as others.

For example, the PGA Tour Majors are easily the most prestigious. Golfers dream of winning The Masters, the US Open, The Open Championship and the PGA Championship. Not only do they have huge prizes for the winners and runners-up but winning also rewards valuable PGA Tour points and an indispensable status boost. These aren’t the only distinguished tournaments on tour either. Keep reading to explore the most prestigious PGA Tour events.

An overview of the PGA Tour

In their own words, the PGA Tour’s mission is to “engage, inspire and positively impact our fans, partners and communities worldwide” by “showcasing golf’s greatest players”. It has been the undisputed leader in professional golf for almost a century, first established in 1929. Each season previously lasted one calendar year, but in 2014, it transitioned to an October to September season split over two years.

In 2021-2022, there are 48 separate events for professional golfers to compete in. The winners of each gains points that determine their overall place in the rankings. Most players end up playing 20 to 30 tournaments a season, although some have been known to do more. Geographically, the PGA Tour moves across the US, even hitting the exotic courses of places such as Hawaii.

Historically exciting PGA Tour events

The Majors are generally seen as the most prestigious PGA Tour events, but other competitions on the circuit have also been extremely exciting. For example, the Tour Championship and The Players Championship have huge potential prizes, so the action can be highly competitive. Elsewhere, playoff tournaments such as the FedEx St. Jude Championship are an eagerly anticipated and thrilling way to round off the season.

Entertainment like Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson’s epic battle at the 2016 Open Championship is a massive factor in the prestige of these tournaments. Viewers were right at the edge of their seats during the nail-bitingly tense finale, which Stenson ultimately won. Watching it was compelling enough if you were just watching, let alone for sports bettors predicting the winner. Golf betting on the Majors or other prestigious PGA Tour events is immensely exciting and can pay handsomely too. Read through golf betting guides to get an idea of how things such as bet types and odds work before getting involved.

What are the Majors?

The PGA Tour Majors are generally seen as the most prestigious events on tour. However, other competitions such as the Tour Championship, often casually called the “fifth major”, and The Players Championship are also highly regarded. These two events actually have the largest winner’s prizes on the circuit, but prestige is something money can’t buy.

Look below for a round-up of the four PGA Tour Majors tournaments:

• The Masters: Played at the legendary Augusta National Golf Club, The Masters is generally considered the most prestigious PGA Tour event. Each year, the creme-de-la-creme of the golfing world compete for the hallowed “Green Jacket” and a prize of $2.7m.

• US Open: Commonly seen as one of the toughest events of the season, the US Open is the third major in the calendar. It has been played since 1898, therefore enjoying the status as one of the oldest official golf tournaments in the world.

• The Open Championship: The Open Championship is the last Major of the season, played in July. It was founded in 1860, making it even older than the US Open. It is the only major held in the United Kingdom, held on a rotating selection of 10 links courses.

• PGA Championship: Players compete in the PGA Championship a month after The Masters kicks off the Majors series. It is held at several top-tier courses that rotate each year, all in the US. The first PGA Championship kicked off in 1916, making it the second-youngest major after The Masters, which began in 1934.

Is the breakaway LIV tour going to change things?

For all of its popularity, people are asking questions such as will record low scores on the PGA Tour occur more frequently these days. Change is certainly underfoot, with the new breakaway LIV tour threatening to overturn the prestige of PGA Tour favorites like The Masters.

Golfing legends such as Phil Mickelson have had their heads turned by the increased prize money, but it will take a considerable amount of time for another circuit to knock the PGA Tour off its perch.

How to Place a 'Risk Free' Bet on Golf

If you love golf, you have probably considered placing a bet on a game. However, there’s always a risk that you could lose all your money. The good news is that there is a way to place a bet without risking any of your money.

Risk free bets are there to ensure that a bettor does not lose any of their money. This type of bet, in fact, does not always need a bettor to wager anything at all. Alternatively, if the player does need to wager their cash, they may not lose it, even if they don’t win the bet.

Let’s take a look at how you too can place a risk-free bet on golf.

Sign up to an online sportsbook

There are many online sportsbooks out there that offer at least one risk free bet to bettors. Whether the bet is part of a welcome bonus or a regular bonus, this type of bet exists. Bettors who are welcomed with a free bet usually have to deposit cash into their online accounts first. As soon as the money is in their account, they will have access to that coveted risk-free bet.

Alternatively, the free bet may appear as a promotion from time to time. A bet such as this can appear once a week, once a month or on special occasions. Bets such as this may also be given away as a prize. Players may need to wager a certain amount of money so that can win a risk-free bet. Alternatively, they may simply be awarded it for winning another bet.

Search for golf

The next stage is for bettors to search for golf. Most online sportsbooks offer this sport to bettors. If, when logging in to their account, bettors cannot see which sports are offered, they can look through the menus. Chances are, there will be a “sports” menu. Selecting this menu will take players to a list of sports. This list is typically found on the left of the page. After a little bit of scrolling down the list, players should find the glorious game of golf.

Choosing a golfer

The next step of placing a risk-free bet involves choosing a golfer to bet on. Bettors should be aware that some free bets can only be used on specific golfers. It may be that there are certain odds that the sportsbooks only allows bettors to use or certain types of golfers. In any case, once bettors understand which golfers they can bet on, they can make a choice.

Bettors usually have a selection of golfers to bet on. Choosing their most-preferred golfer and selecting the odds is the next step. Bettors should make sure that they’re happy with the odds before they place their bet.

Using the risk-free bet

Bettors will usually have the option to use their risk-free bet. They may have to enter a code or check a box. Either way, the risk-free bet needs to be used before the bet is confirmed. If the risk-free bet is not used at this time, it will need to be used soon.

Most risk-free bets will only be valid for a short period of time. Some bettors may find that they only have 48 hours to use their risk-free bet, others may have up to seven days. Just make sure that your bet is used before it’s removed from your account.

Watching the game

At this point, you are ready to watch the game. With any luck, your chosen golfer will win the game. However, if they don’t, you will not have lost any of your money. A risk-free bet is one that either involves the bet being free to place or the bettor receiving a refund.

Collecting your winnings

If you’re lucky enough to have won your bet, it’s time to collect your winnings. Chances are, you won’t have to wait too long to collect your winnings. Most online sportsbooks make sure that the bettor’s money is in their accounts within 24 hours.

Please note, that money won via a risk-free bet may have to be wagered again. Bettors typically have to wager the money at least five times before they can withdraw it. This means you can place a few more bets using your winnings rather than withdrawing the money.

Placing a risk-free bet on a game of golf is relatively easy. Fun to use, it can also allow bettors to experiment with different types of bets.

That One Time My Wife Went Shopping for Golf Clothes

Fans of Golf Unfiltered have most likely seen and heard from my wife, Kristen, whom I lovingly refer to as ‘Mrs. GU.’ We’ve hosted livestreams on different topics, she’s appeared on the podcast, and every so often likes to go shopping for golf clothes.

A couple years ago we did some day drinking and decided to hit up a local golf store. Kristen had a corporate outing to play in that weekend and wanted new golf clothes.

It didn’t go well.

Why Do Golfers Shout Fore on Bad Shots?

Copyright: 2021 Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR

We’ve all been there: standing on a tee box, ready to launch a drive down the fairway to the delight of our friends and playing competitors. Suddenly, the Golf Gods shift the winds of fate and our golf ball curves aggressively to the right (or left) and towards another group of players. All golfers are taught the same reaction in this scenario: to shout FORE! as loud as we can to warn the innocent.

But why that word? What’s the meaning behind the use of the term “fore?”

The history of this peculiar term dates as early as the late 1800’s, per the British Golf Museum. It was most likely originated by the Scots, and still as a warning to other people on the golf course in danger of being injured by an errant shot. But what does the term “fore” actually mean?

According to Golf Monthly, the jury is still out on that. Most agree that the term “fore” is a shortening of another word from golf’s past: fore-caddie. These variants of the more traditional caddie we all know and love are golf course employees (usually kids) who stand mid-range down a golf hole to track drives as they are hit. If a player’s shot is headed in a wayward direction, common courtesy was to yell fore to alert the fore-caddie to take cover.

Another interpretation of the term suggests that “fore” simply means “situated in front,” implying a warning about any shot headed toward another person. Think of it as the historical equivalent of “head’s up!”

Yet another interpretation suggests that the term is a shortening of the phrase “beware before,” and for the same reasons. In other words, you are providing a warning to another person “before” they get clobbered by your Titleist.

Regardless of the term’s origins, it’s always a good practice to shout toward other players in danger of your bad golf shots. Having been hit by a golf ball more than once (which should surprise nobody), it is an incredibly unpleasant experience that no golfer should endure.

How Golf Handicaps Work

Golf handicaps are a means to level the playing field among golfers in competitive play, such as tournaments or other official events. They can also be used by amateur golfers to gauge their skill level in comparison to a golf course’s difficulty or the skill of their opponents. How a golf handicap is calculated can be a bit complicated, but ultimately is meant to benefit the golfer.

In this article, we’ll discuss the purpose of a golf handicap, how they relate to the golf course you are playing, and common uses of a handicap once established.

What is the Purpose of a Golf Handicap?

There are many ways to explain what a golf handicap is and its purpose, and all are very similar in definition. In summary, a golf handicap is a measure – or metric – applied to a golfer based on their score history to determine their current ability playing the game. This metric is established by a player recording their score into a handicap system or interface after each of their golf rounds. Many golf courses have a computer in their pro shop on which a player can log their score or look up their current handicap.

A handicap essentially signifies how many strokes a player of a certain ability will take above or below par to finish a round of golf. For example, if a player has a handicap of 10 and plays a golf course with a total par of 72, they are likely to shoot a score ten strokes over par, or 82 in this case.

As of the time of this writing, the maximum golf handicap for male golfers is 36, while the maximum for female golfers is 40. Golf handicaps are defined, monitored, and assigned by the United States Golf Association (USGA), or other governing body for the game of golf.

Handicaps can also come with a modifier that includes a “plus” sign (+) ahead of the number. In this case, a player is a highly skilled golfer and will likely shoot under par for 18 holes. Using our example above, a player who is a +3 handicap will shoot a score around 69 strokes for the same par-72 golf course, or 3-under par. Most professional golfers carry a plus-handicap due to their immense skill on any golfer course they play.

Golf handicaps are commonly required for players who wish to play in competitive, flighted events where golfers of a specific ability are grouped together while competing. Handicaps are also required for highly skilled players who wish to qualify for professional tournaments, and usually must be lower than a maximum number to compete in the qualifier. This practice ensures a fair playing field among competitors.

Common Uses of a Golf Handicap

More commonly, handicaps can be used among a foursome for competitive mini games or friendly money games. Based on a player’s handicap, they can receive “strokes” on the golf course’s hardest holes. This also ensures a level playing field among the group, regardless of a player’s overall golf ability.

For example, if a golfer has a 10-handicap, they will receive on stroke on each of the golf course’s toughest holes as defined by the golf course. When looking at a golf course’s scorecard, you will see that each hole has a defined handicap number. The toughest hole on the course will be assigned a handicap of “1”, while the easiest receives a handicap of “18.” If a player has a handicap higher than 18, they will receive additional strokes on the course’s most challenging holes up to the total of their handicap score.

This handicap-per-hole assignment is helpful in determining which holes a player will receive a stroke. Using the example above of a 10-handicap, the player will receive a stroke on any hole with a handicap between 1-10. To receive a stroke means that if a player scores a bogey – one over par – for a hole on which they are receiving a stroke, they can subtract one shot from their final score (in this case, a par instead of a bogey).

Obtaining a Golf Handicap

There are many ways to obtain a golf handicap. The most common way is to register for a golf handicap via the USGA website, or your local golf governing body, such as the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA). This is a straightforward process that may include a small fee to register but will allow you to enter your 9- or 18-hole scores into an interface for the purpose of establishing your handicap.

Some smartphone apps are also available to calculate a golf handicap using a formula like what is used by golf’s governing bodies. However, these apps are likely for informational purposes only as they are not officially associated with a governing body, and the resulting golf handicap score may not be used for sanctioned competitive events. Regardless, these apps are often free of cost and provide the golfer with information on their current skill level.

After registering for a golf handicap, a player most log a minimum number of rounds into the handicap interface to establish their handicap score. This number differs from one governing body to the next, but the minimum number of rounds required to establish a handicap is usually fewer than 10. If a golfer has a log of past golf round scores, he or she may enter them all at once to establish a handicap.

Improving a Golf Handicap

Once a golfer has a golf handicap established, they will likely seek to improve – or lower – their handicap score. Doing so will suggest that their golf skill is improving since they need to shoot lower scores to also lower their handicap.

One way to do this is to take golf lessons from a golf training professional. Beginner golfers will likely improve their golf handicap very quickly as they have the most room to improve overall. More skilled golfers with lower handicaps will have a more difficult time reducing their overall handicap score, which is to be expected. While this may be frustrating to some, it’s likely a good problem to have.

Is golf a noun or a verb?

When talking about the act of playing the sport of golf, should you use the word "golf" as a noun or a verb? Believe it or not, the answer to this question is split down the middle. Which of the following phrases is grammatically correct:

• "I play golf."
• "I golf."

I asked this exact question to my Twitter followers in a poll the other day. Surely the masses would decide once and for all which option is correct.

I was wrong.

Which is correct?

— Golf Unfiltered (@GolfUnfiltered) November 10, 2017

Nearly 50/50 folks, and those results don't account for the emails and replies I received from passionate defenders of their respective stance.

Golf is a noun, not a verb.

— Lincoln Duff⛳ (@lincolnduff) November 10, 2017

Never, ever, a verb

— Don (@tokenwhitedude) November 11, 2017

I hope to not be paired with golf is a “verb” guy if I’m playing as a single on vacation.

— Brent (@mbrentlawrence) November 12, 2017

This issue has been addressed by many of my favorite sites. Ryan Ballengee of The Golf News Net seemingly settled this debate earlier in the year, agreeing that golf is "not a verb." There are pages on the topic at both the Sand Trap and The Hackers Paradise. Clearly there should be agreement by now.

Make no mistake: "golf" is only a noun. It is never, ever, ever a verb.

Ever.

Don't believe me? Would it ever be appropriate to say "I basketball?" Or "I tennis?" Or "I football?"

Of course not. You'd be shunned as an outcast. Children would be kept away from you at a safe distance. Therapy would be recommended if not mandated.

And don't get me started on bowlers. There isn't enough time in the day to address that lot, but the verdict remains the same.

So the next time someone in your foursome makes the obscene mistake of using "golf" as a verb, be patient, take a deep breath, and correct them politely yet with conviction.

Overcoming Anxiety: How Golf Gets Me From One Day to the Next

Readers of this site and listeners to our podcast know that we can get pretty "unfiltered" with our topics, guests, and subject matter. Overcoming anxiety is a subject I've touched on in the past, but I've never shared the full breadth and scope of how the disorder affects me and how golf continues to help me cope with my overactive brain. Let's change that today.

My name is Adam, and I have a mental illness.

Wow, reading those words on my computer screen is kind of intimidating. A few thoughts immediately come to mind:

"Do people actually care about my issues?"

"Are people going to think less of me?"

"What if the wrong people read this, share it, and other people stop coming to the website?"

In other words, classic "what-if?" questions float up into my brain in typical Adam Brain fashion. My mind and body go into fight-or-flight mode and I immediately start thinking of ways to delete this post as fast as possible.

But then a second thought whispers quietly in the background: "Why not let people know your story?"

Maybe that voice has a point.

Anxiety affects all of us

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly "40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18% of the population" suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders "cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country's $148 billion total mental health bill," according to a study commissioned by Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

To put that into perspective, that's a little more than half of what is spent in the entire golf industry ($76 billion) every year.

Approximately 25 million people play golf every year; almost half the number of people who struggle with an anxiety disorder.

It's fair to say that statistically speaking, there is a very good chance one (or more) of your golf partners falls into both buckets. We've read about it in golf news and can probably think of multiple examples from our own social circles.

Anxiety is real, and it can be debilitating.

My story (in a nutshell)

I was always a nervous kid growing up.

My mother would call me a "worry wort" whenever I would spend most of my day fretting over an exam I had to take in school, the amount of homework I had to finish, or something I had been grounded for weeks prior.

I vividly remember laying in bed every night sweating and shaking from fear and worry about what might happen to me the next day, week, or month. Being raised Catholic, I recall feeling an intense need to say my prayers in the exact right order without missing a single word out of fear that if I messed up, something bad would happen.

Any stumble meant I'd have to start my prayers over again, sometimes leading to a "prayer session" that lasted an hour or more.

Whenever I got in trouble -- as kids are wont to do -- I'd react as if my world was ending. I was conditioned to think that any misstep or mistake should be responded to with guilt, shame, regret and punishment. At times my environment reinforced these thought patterns, but most of the time it was just how my brain decided to react.

Throughout my teen and early adult years I rebelled against myself, often turning to alcohol to deaden the over-activity I had going on between my ears. By age 19, bars, parties and drunken social circles become a place of comfort... and, well, you know how that story typically goes.

Dumb mistakes.

Impaired judgement.

Serious thoughts of suicide.

But thankfully, nothing that killed me or someone else.

By the time I graduated college I knew that I needed help. So I got it.

Therapy, Golf and Life

One of the biggest stigmas surrounding mental health is the concept of "being in therapy."

I sometimes jokingly say that I'm officially on my way to becoming famous because I regularly see a therapist. After all, anyone who's anyone has their shrink on speed-dial. Psychologists and psychiatrists are the perfect accessory!

But taking the step to talk to a mental health professional is what probably prevented me from hurting myself or someone else. And, through good fortune of speaking to a therapist who loved golf, I was able to find solace in an activity that already impacted my life so deeply.

I remember the conversation to this day:

"So, Adam, you like to play golf?"

"Yep."

"Maybe you should... you know... play golf more?"

"[Intense shrieks of happiness]"

Sure, you've probably heard people say "golf is my form of therapy." For me that is quite literally the case.

Golf allows me to practice mindfulness and living in the present moment.

Golf challenges me to deal with mistakes as they happen and move on to the next shot.

Golf provides me a chance to do something athletic, outdoors, and with friends instead of sitting at home, by myself, being lazy and ruminating on my thoughts.

But most importantly, golf gives me a chance to look forward to something every day when I wake up. No matter what, it will be there.

Looking ahead

Anxiety disorders never go away. It's something I'm going to have the rest of my life, and that's perfectly fine.

One of the best things anyone who lives with a mental illness can do is exactly that: live with it.

Acceptance is a wonderful thing. It allows you the freedom of no longer spending days "working on your disorder." Instead, you can simply acknowledge something exists and move on.

In my case, this means taking the opportunity to do something I enjoy more than anything else: play golf.

I encourage any of my readers to share their story as well. You are among friends in that regard, and learning from one another is another great way to help each other out.

In the meantime, visit MakeItOk.org to learn more about mental health issues and what you can do to help.

Cigar Essentials for the Golf Course

What’s a better way to enjoy a relaxing day off during the spring, summer, or fall than hitting a tiny little ball with a piece of funny looking metal into a myriad of lakes and sand pits the likes of which put the desert planet of Tatooine to shame? For those who enjoy golf like I do, the time spent on the course with friends and grabbing a drink afterwards is nothing short of a spectacular way to enjoy your day. And with golf inevitably comes cigars. It’s a true pairing of absolute relaxation. The taste, the aroma, and the calming sensation Callaway and Cohibas have on a player make playing a full 18 truly spectacular. But just like you need to gear up for a round hitting the links, you must also make sure you’re properly geared up to smoke your favorite stogie on the course.

First and foremost, you need to make sure the cigars you smoke make it to the course undamaged. Shoving a Robusto in your pocket at home is a sure-fire way to turn that Macanudo into a pile of tobacco shreds by the time you get to the clubhouse. As an added hazard, it takes forever to clean all the tobacco shreds out of your pocket as well. We recommend picking up a hard plastic Cigar Caddy Carrying Case. With a hard exterior and airtight seal, your cigars will make it to the course fully intact upon arriving at the clubhouse and when you huck the case into any lake after you shank your first drive. As an added bonus, the included humidifier gives you the convenience of loading this handy case full of your favorite cigars and leaving them in your golf bag without the worry of them drying out between rounds!

One of the things that drives me absolutely nuts on the course is seeing a player lay his lit cigar down in the grass, on a tee box marker, or even on the edge of a golf cart. Not being properly prepared to rest your cigar in a safe and sanitary place can cause you to pick up some nasty sickness from all the chemicals the grounds crew uses to keep the course green and playable. Furthermore, thousands of golfers use tee boxes and golf carts as makeshift cigar holders, making these options disgustingly unviable considering the sheer amount of saliva left behind after every drive. To make sure your cigar doesn’t pick up what can most certainly be any number of harmful bacteria, equip yourself with a Get-A-Grip Clip Cigar Holder. With the ability to clamp on to any golf cart, your cigar will stay lit and clean as you whack the perfect drive.

Finally, as golfers, we all have our favorite courses. Personally, mine is Apple Mountain in Belvidere, NJ. It’s inexpensive, they have great food, and it features a 650 yard par 6 on the 17th hole which is epic for anyone who likes to grip it and rip it. So it goes without saying when I see cigar butts all over the course, I get pretty upset. Now of course you can’t throw your cigar butt into your bag, but you can pick up a Xikar Ashtray Can. With a design that allows you to rest your cigar as you take your turn and ash at your convenience, this metal device also allows you to drop the remainder of your cigar in and seal it up. No smell escapes, and your favorite course stays clean for you and every other golfer looking to enjoy his day. And cleanup is as easy as simply dumping the ashes in the trash when you get back home.

However, if you truly want to be prepared with a true golfers dream kit, you can get a variation of everything mentioned and more with The Basic Necessities Accessory Kit. In it features the Xikar Ashtray Can along with a compact 3 Cigar Pocket Case, small ashtray, cutter and lighter. Everything takes up little real estate in your bag, and provides you with the basics to have a smokin’ round of golf. Stay prepared and get ready for another season of golf!

(Written by Jonathan Detore)

Tiger Woods, Lindsey Vonn announce separation

 

Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn are no longer golf's power couple. After over two years together, both world-class athletes announced their separation on Sunday.

“Lindsey and I have mutually decided to stop dating,” Tiger said on his website. “I have great admiration, respect and love for Lindsey and I’ll always cherish our time together. She has been amazing with Sam and Charlie and my entire family.

“Unfortunately, we lead very hectic lives and are both competing in demanding sports. It’s difficult to spend time together.”

Vonn took to social media to make her announcement.

"After nearly three years together, Tiger and I have mutually decided to end our relationship," the Olympic skier said in a Facebook post.

"I will always cherish the memories that we've created together. Unfortunately, we both lead incredibly hectic lives that force us to spend a majority of our time apart. I will always admire and respect Tiger. He and his beautiful family will always hold a special place in my heart."

Lots of admiration and respect in both of those statements. Plus the word "hectic." Some PR guy knocked two birds out with one Word document earlier today, methinks.

Woods and Vonn started their relationship in March 2013 but first met in 2012 at a charity event. Both athletes were single at the time -- Vonn had divorced her ex-husband Thomas Vonn earlier in the year -- and immediately built a strong friendship-turned-romantic relationship. While dating the two stars would be frequently seen supporting each other in their respective sporting endeavors, most recently with Vonn joining Tiger at the 2015 Masters.

Chicago Duffer Year in Review -- 2014

Another year has come and gone at the offices of ChicagoDuffer.com (i.e. my condo), and as many of us are closing out the year on a high note, it's the perfect time to reflect on all the great golfy things that happened over the last 12 months. Before I go any further, I'd like to take a quick moment to thank everyone who clicked on a link to my blog, read a post I authored, or simply engaged in a conversation with me over Twitter. This main seem cliche, but without my readers, this blog would not be possible -- let alone any fun to work on. So thank you.

The High's

Overall, 2014 was a great year for me and this blog. While our focus will always center around golf equipment reviews and commentary on the professional tours, we also wrote more about the golf business as a whole. I also attempted to merge my "two lives" together -- my day job as a Six Sigma Black Belt and my night job as a golf blogger -- by examining the different wastes in the golf industry and what we can all do to improve the game we love. I plan on continuing that discussion in 2015.

We also had the opportunity to review some great golf products over the last 12 months, which is both a perk and a fantastic opportunity afforded to me by some really great people. I am forever thankful to the handful of PR contacts I work with on a regular basis who make the reviews on this blog possible. I hope my reviews of your products have been consistent, honest, and helpful.

I also started writing for BunkersParadise.com -- a truly special golf blog/social network hub. Ken and the rest of the gang over at BP have welcomed me with open arms and have provided me with an outlet to pepper the world with more of my bad golf thoughts. If you haven't had the chance to check out their site, crawl out from under your rock and visit them today.

Last but certainly not least, we also broke a page view record at ChicagoDuffer.com this year. For some reason a lot of people wanted to read about golf equipment, Rory McIlroy pumpkin carvings and a twitchy Keegan Bradley cat on October 20th. The internet is a weird place, and I hope it never changes.

The Low's

While not directly related to this blog, 2014 unfortunately marked the (hopefully temporary) end of my time with the Back9Network. For those who aren't aware, I spent the better part of two years blogging for the new Hartford-based television network from October 2012 to roughly October 2014.

While I only had the chance to meet a handful of the folks at B9N in person, I can safely say that those two years were the most enjoyable for me as a golf writer -- and it had everything to do with the people at that network. I wish nothing but the best for everyone at B9N, and I hope to one day work with all of you again.

What's in store for 2015

I'd like to say that you can all expect big things at ChicagoDuffer.com next year. I'd also like to say we'll be adding new categories of content, reviewing wonderful golf courses and writing reviews on the best new golf equipment available.

But the truth is, I simply don't know what to expect for this site in 2015. I'd like to leave that up to my readers. I'd also like to focus more on Chicagoland golf, because the town in which I live is a golf mecca held back by the unpredictable Midwest weather.

In the meantime, stay safe this New Years Eve, thanks again for a fantastic 2014, and I look forward to seeing more of you next year.

There's a Rap Song Titled 'Tiger Woods' and It's About Sex

I just... I just don't know what to say about this. Somebody just made a rap song titled Tiger Woods. I'm not kidding. Our friends over at The Golf News Net have the music video on their site. Just sit back and watch (NSFW warning):

YEP. YOU HEARD THAT CORRECTLY. And he isn't talking about hitting a driver.

Tiger, Tiger Woods. Tiger, Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods. Tiger, Tiger Woods. Tiger, Tiger Woods. She gonna let me hit it like Tiger Woods. [Repeat]

Rapper Maxxx Flair certainly didn't leave much to innuendo with this piece of lyrical genius. This is a rap song about some guy who wants to sleep with a girl who is currently in a relationship with another man. When I think of the greatest pieces of songwriting, we would be remiss to not include the likes of Mr. Flair in our time capsule.

Rory McIlroy Pumpkin Carving is Terrifying

Pumpkinfest is a Northern Irish annual tradition that includes the popular pumpkin carving contest, which features some of the country's finest master carvers. Northern Ireland is also the home of golf star Rory McIlroy, so it's only natural someone combined the two. As reported by The Golf News Net, master pumpkin carver Joey Burns paid homage to McIlroy by carving his likeness into a pumpkin. The results were horrific:

Don't blame me for your night terrors tonight, folks. Blame Joey Burns.

The idea was certainly original, to say the least. I'll admit that I'm impressed how the artist combined the bill of a baseball cap to the gourd, which is officially the first time the word "gourd" has appeared on this blog.

Reddit: Twitchy Keegan Bradley Cat?

Reddit is a wonderful place with a great golf following in its golf subforum ("subreddit"). Thanks to Redditor Prowling_Penguin, this Sunday morning started off with a pretty good laugh. Everyone who follows golf knows about PGA Tour star Keegan Bradley's nervous tics and twitches during a round. It's like he is revving up for every shot, or stuck in some internal version of Groundhog Day prior to addressing the golf ball. Once bothered by these seemingly involuntary "antics," Keegan's fellow competitors have seemed to accept his behavior for what it is.

Then there is this GIF that perfectly captures Keegan's likeness. You know, figuratively.

Thank you, Reddit.

Golf Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is right around the corner, which means weather conditions will prevent golfers to play the game they love for many parts of the country. But that doesn't mean you can't find a golf costume for your annual Halloween party! (Hey. It's a slow news week, alright?)

Here are a few of our favorite golf Halloween costume ideas for this season. Feel free to add your own in the comments section below.

Carl Spackler from Caddyshack

There's literally dozens of Carl Spackler costume variants available, but they all include the character staples: bucket hat, camo-themed t-shirt, rolled up pants, work boots, golf club. Drink enough booze to slur your speech and you're basically a stunt double for the classic Bill Murray character.

Little Golf Pro

AWWW LOOKIT HOW CUTE. Dressing kids up in argyle and knickers ranks right up there with puppies eating peanut butter and Bubba Watson crying over Ted Scott's spilled milk. Cut down and regrip an old sand wedge for added "realism" as a prop for your little golf pro.

Girl Caddyshack Costume

Look, I know "girl caddy in Caddyshack" isn't a thing. But then again, who is going to argue with your lady dressing up in this costume for Halloween? Exactly.

Pregnant Golf Costume

I'm not sure who this couple is, but you have to admire their creativity. Drape your mother-to-be in some astroturf-like fabric, write the name of any golf ball brand on the bottom of a white plastic bowl, place it over her stomach and VOILA! You've got the best costume of the night.

Other...Um...Costumes!

What? Stop looking at me with that questionable smirk. I didn't invent these incredibly visually appealing costumes. It's my job -- no, my DUTY -- to inform the masses of costume ideas. Don't you judge me.

Dog golf costume

Last but certainly not least, we have to always keep in mind our good friend Fido. There are many different golf-themed Halloween costumes for pets, but you can't go wrong with an old-time golf outfit. (Just don't try to dress up your cat. Not unless you want to lose an appendage or two.)

Top Golf Video Games of All Time

EA Sports will release their brand new PGA Tour-themed video game in 2015, and early indications suggest it will be incredible. Golf gamers everywhere have been drooling in anticipation for another title to get their golf-gloved hands on, which should make this new installment instantly successful. But where will this next-gen game fit with some of our favorite golf video games from yesteryear? Here are my Top 9 golf video games of all time. You be the judge.

No. 9 – Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13

The final installment before EA Sports decided on a new direction with their golf franchise, TW 13 featured an interesting game mode that allowed you to play as a (really) young Tiger Woods. In addition, the game featured a number of control updates that forced you to pay attention to swing speed, aiming and timing…just like in real life!

No. 8 – Hot Shots Golf Franchise

I’m just going to lump all of the HSG games together, because if you’ve played one, you’ve played them all. That’s not a bad thing, of course. These games may have been a little silly to the traditional golf fan, but video games are supposed to be fun! HSG featured in-game power-ups galore, making them some of the most unique golf games ever.

No. 7 – Links LS 1998

I don’t think there was a video game I played more often than the original Links LS 1998. Like, EVER. I still remember sitting at my parents’ PC, trying my hardest to time my mouse-clicks with the game’s swing meter en route to a 63 at Latrobe Country Club. Future expansion packs included an Arnold Palmer Course Designer, which was revolutionary at the time.

No. 6 – Bandai Golf: Challenge Pebble Beach

Ok, ok, ok. This was a terrible golf game in terms of controls, features, etc. The game’s title might not have been grammatically correct, either. But all of that combined made this an amazing game. Bandai Golf also featured a split-screen game display that was somewhat innovative way back in 1989. Yes kids; 1989 actually happened.

No. 5 – Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12

Golf fans who have always dreamt of playing Augusta National – even if only in a video game – finally had their prayers answered in TW 12. An added “caddy” feature further emphasized the PGA Tour experience, especially when my stupid ass caddy told me to pull a 6-iron instead of a 7. I’m still recovering. It’s a process.

No. 4 – Mario Golf

Mario made his triumphant return to the golf course in this title for Nintendo 64. Improved graphics, additional Mario-franchise characters and an insane number of power-ups and short-cuts made this game less focused on golf and more focused on being a ridiculously fun gaming experience.

No. 3 – Golden Tee Franchise

How can we have a list of golf video games without mentioning Golden Tee? While primarily an arcade game, Golden Tee started as a novelty addition to your local sports bar and has grown into a subculture of its own. Global tournaments are held every year, and gamers can win massive amounts of money (relatively speaking, of course) by just pushing a little white rollerball on the game’s console. It is not uncommon for me to spend more playing this game than on my bar tab.

No. 2 – Tiger Woods PGA Tour 99

For many young golf gamers, this was the one that started it all. I got TW 99 as a Christmas present the year it came out for PlayStation and immediately barricaded myself in my grandmother’s basement for hours. While the graphics look choppy and game controls are seriously lacking by today’s standards, being able to play TPC Sawgrass as Tiger Woods was absolutely amazing.

No. 1 – NES Golf

Finally, no other golf game had more influence on my life – and the lives of millions of gamers everywhere – like Nintendo’s NES Golf. This game had everything: the ability to shape shots, competitive head-to-head matches, some fat Mario-looking golfer guy in a white or red shirt, and in-game sound effects that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. I’m sure others will disagree with my placement of NES Golf on this list, but all of those people are wrong.

(Note: This post also appears at the Back9Network, written by the author.)