Hello from the Links!

It's that time of year again ...  time to take the clubs out of the closet and get ready to tee it up again. Some of you, I am sure, have taken advantage of this unusually mild winter. I believe to date we have had over 15 days in January and February in the high 40's.

As we approach the season it is important that you check your equipment.  First, clean out your golf bag of those old golf balls and weathered gloves.  It is amazing that people buy an ultra-light carryall bag and weigh it down with every ball that was found last season.  Get rid of them! Then check all the pockets and remove any items you do not need.  Select about six of the best balls and wash them in warm, soapy water.  Make sure you have plenty of short and long tees and a few pennies to use as ball markers.  If you do not have a ball repair tool ...  BUY ONE!  Also, while you are at it, buy a new glove.

Now, check your clubs. Wash them with warm, soapy water and clean out the grooves with toothpicks. If your grips are two years old, have new ones put on ... it will make a world of difference.

Now that your bag has been cleaned out, and you have the necessary equipment in your ball pockets, and your clubs are cleaned and ready for play, it is time to prepare your body.

It is important to take some walks to strengthen your legs and to increase stamina for walking the course. Do some simple stretching exercises so that bending over and twisting during the swing will be easier. Make sure to pace yourself and never do more than what feels comfortable. Holding onto the club is very important. I recommend squeezing a tennis ball or something that gives some resistance. You can do sets of 20 squeezes with each hand maybe twice a day to strengthen your hand grip. If you have some light handheld weights of 2 to 5 pounds, you can do some curls with each arm to strengthen your forearms. Again, take it easy. When you are ready, go outside and make some swings to work on a smooth motion and to maintain your balance. After that, pack your clubs into the trunk and head to a driving range.

The most important part of the game is in your head, so spend some time visualizing great shots you have hit in the past. Putting and chipping are over 50% of your game, so spend most of your time practicing that part of your game.

"Oh golf is for smellin' heather and cut grass and walkin' fast across the countryside and feelin' the wind and watchin' the sun go down and seein' yer friends hit good shots and hittin' some yerself. It's love and feelin' the splendor o' the good world." -- Agatha McNaughton (Golf in the Kingdom)

Watch the short video on the Links website, and you'll be inspired for the new season!

Jim Knowles
Golf Course Manager

 email Jim Knowles