Golf Guide | 2024

n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. B8

n www.thecarillon.com

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024

GOLF GUIDE 202 

Game-raising gadgets and golf balls

O ne of the great things about golf is the perennial unveiling of exciting new technologies, allowing golfers to con- tinually raise their game and knock a couple of strokes off their scorecards. This year is no exception. Here are some of the new gadgets and equipment you’re likely to encounter on the links this season. New golf balls Golf balls may look simple but, in reality, the little white spheres are technological marvels. Take the new Chrome Soft balls from Callaway, which use Nobel Prize technology to improve driver distance and short-game spin. These balls feature graphene nanoparticles in the outer core. (Graphene was discovered only in 2004 and is the thinnest and strongest com- pound known to man.) Then there’s the Genius Ball, made by On- Core. This is a golf ball equipped with a tiny microchip that pairs with the users mobile phone and provides them with a bunch of use- ful data in real time, including distance, ball velocity, spin rate and amount of draw or fade. It also has GPS, allowing you to instantly locate your ball, whether it’s been hooked, sliced or flat-out ripped into the bush. New rangefinders It used to be only PGA tour players who could get precise yardages to the flag while out on the course. Now, with rangefinders, the average golfer can enjoy this same advantage. There are two types of rangefinders: laser and GPS. Laser rangefinders measure distances with laser beams users manually aim at targets while looking through a view port, whereas GPS rangefinders come pre-programmed with all the yardages golfers need (yards to the pin,

to bunkers, to water), provided that the course they’re playing has been mapped. The latest big stride in rangefinder technolo- gy came with the Bushnell Hybrid, launched a few years ago. This is the first rangefinder that integrates both laser and GPS into one LCD screen. The Hybrid provides extremely precise yardages and comes pre-loaded with 36,000 courses spanning 30 countries. If you’re looking to get a leg up on your golf buddies this season, there are a number of oth- er advancements in golf equipment worthy of attention (check out, for instance, the formi- dable Taylormade M3 driver or the “spikeless” golf shoes models from Footjoy, Callaway and Adidas). Drop into your pro shop or local golf shop to check it all out.

How hybrid clubs can improve your game O ver the last 10 years, hybrids have in- not a wood. This means you shouldn’t try to sweep the ball but instead hit at a downward attack angle. Hybrids won’t usually take div- ots, but you should strike the ground after the ball as though to take a divot.

creasingly become a staple club among regular golfers. If you’re iffy about add- ing one to your own bag, here’s what you should know. What are hybrids, exactly? Hybrid clubs are those with a design bor- rowing from both woods and irons. They’re forgiving and far-hitting like woods but retain the familiar swing mechanics of irons. The weight of hybrid clubs is concentrated low in the head of the golf club and toward the back. Compared with long irons, the clubs they typically replace in your bag, hybrids have more loft and longer shafts. These char- acteristics allow you to hit the golf ball higher and further when compared with a long iron and more consistently than a wood. How to hit a hybrid Hybrids should be played like an iron and

As for ball position, you should line up as you would with a 3-iron: with the ball toward the front foot, but not as far forward as with a wood. Other uses for hybrids Hybrids are also great for punch shots and hitting from difficult lies, which is why they’re also known as rescue clubs. Moreover, they can be used for pitch shots around the green. This requires that you choke down on the grip and use a putter-stroke.

A beginner’s guide to golf etiquette E tiquette is fundamental to the game of golf. Before playing your first round, be sure to have a good grasp on the basic • Be punctual. Arrive promptly for your tee time to avoid holding up the group behind you. • Care for the course. Replace divots, repair ball marks, rake bunkers and keep golf bags and carts off tees and greens. dos and don’ts. Understand the rules

If you’re looking to take a few strokes off your scorecard, using a hybrid club may be the answer. Golf by the numbers 1457 is the year modern day golf was invented in Scotland. 125,000 balls get hit into the water every year on the 17th hole at Saw- grass. Golf is 1 of 2 sports that have been played on the moon (the other is the javelin throw). 1 in 67 million are the number of chances an average golfer has of making two holes-in-one in a single game. 82 is the highest amount of career PGA tour wins achieved by a single golfer, a title shared by Sam Snead and Tiger Woods.

• Make sure your phone is off or set to silent. • Don’t move or talk when another player is hitting the ball. • If your ball is in danger of hitting someone, yell “fore.” • Allow the player who’s furthest from the pin to play first. • Respect the pace of play. If your group is slow, allow the golfers behind you to play through. • Don’t step in another player’s putting line, as you could leave an imprint on the green. As a final tip, seek out golf partners who know the game well so you can listen to their advice and follow their example.

It’s a good idea to first familiarize yourself with the rules of the game as outlined by Golf Canada. In addition, you should learn the spe- cific rules and regulations of the course you’re playing. These are often printed on the score- card and posted in the clubhouse or pro shop. Follow the dress code Wear a collared shirt with either khakis, golf slacks, a golf skirt or golf shorts. You’ll also need golf shoes. Some clubs have a more spe- cific dress code, so always check in advance. Be respectful to fellow golfers Show consideration to other players on the course by following these conventions:

Our semi-private golf club features:

350 Park Rd E, Steinbach, MB Phone: (204) 320-4653 www.steinbachgolfclub.com

18 hole championship layout Driving range and short game practice areas Impeccable course conditions Competitive rates

Food services provided by Santa Lucia Patio featuring views of the golf course

STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n B9

www.thecarillon.com n

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024

202  GOLF GUIDE

202  GOLF GUIDE

27 HOLES GOLF TOURNAMENTS • FULLY LICENSED RESTAURANT

10 GAME PACKAGES • MEMBERSHIPS GOLF LEAGUES • CORPORATE FUNCTIONS

Swinging into golf season F or golf lovers, spring is synonymous with swing. As soon as the snow has melted, they’re reaching for their clubs. However, Getting your gear ready Golf might well involve more equipment than any other sport. Before starting your sea- son, you’ll want to make sure your gear is up to snuff. Inspect your clubs, grips, shoes and the individual cleats on your shoes to make sure everything is course-ready.

before teeing off, golfers need to get back their groove. Prior to heading onto the links this season, make sure you properly stretch, check your equipment and get some practice in. Pre-season stretching and exercise Most people become less active during win- ter. Any return to athletic activity after a lull needs to be done gradually and should involve stretching. Even if you were active last winter, stretching remains imperative: given that your muscles haven’t executed the specific motions involved in the golf swing for months, they can injure easily if not properly stretched. The most important areas to stretch are the wrists, fore¬arms, triceps, shoulders, neck, lower back, glutes and hamstrings. As for pre-season exercise, Golf Digest stresses the importance of strengthening your glutes. These large muscles not only stabilize your golf posture but also protect the lumbar spine from the stress involved in swinging a golf club repetitively. Some exercises that help train your glutes are squats, glute bridges and deadlifts.

Additionally, ensure you have what you need in the way of golf apparel. If you’re looking to hit the links straightaway, make sure you have clothing designed for nippy spring weather. Finally, make certain your golf bag is well stocked. That means balls, tees, markers, an Don’t expect to be at the top of your game right from the get-go. Before heading out on the course, you’re going to want to visit the driving range. It may be tempting to unsheathe that driver and start letting them fly; howev- er, the best method is always to start with the wedges and work your way up to the big guns. Having done all this, you should be back in the swing of things and ready to venture out onto the tee box. emergency kit and the rest. Getting your swing back

204.326.4653 | QuarryOaks.ca

9 HOLE COURSE in Emerson Great restaurant, lounge & patio Call ahead to make a reservation or tee time

18 HOLES La Broquerie, MB | 204-424-5046 Toll Free: 1 800-424-5046 Book Tee TImes Online www.labgolf.ca

2 FOR 1 GREEN FEES Valid weekdays with power cart rental. Must bring in coupon. Not valid with other coupons or promotions. Based on regular rates. EXPIRY DATE: OCT 31, 2024 4 FOR 3 GREEN FEES Based on regular rates. Valid anytime. Must bring in coupon. Not valid with other coupons or promotions EXPIRY DATE: OCT 31, 2024 TWILIGHT RATES 3:00 pm DAILY starts at MONDAY MADNESS SPECIAL $ 33 WALKING RIDING taxes inlcuded $ 45

EMERSON GOLF COURSE 5 SOUTH AVE BOX 272 EMERSON, MB R0A 0L0 (204) 373-2015 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

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