Pressure Putting Practice

If you need help to make more of those testy 3-5 foot putts, then try the following drill. Place 9 golf balls on a flat spot on the putting green in three rows at 3, 4 and 5 feet from hole. The goal of the drill is to make all 9 putts in succession. If you should miss one start over. In order to make the drill more challenging choose a hole on a slight slope.

By Jeff Allen, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Longbow Golf Club

Grip Pressure Check

If you are not striking the golf ball as solidly as you would like maybe the problem is your grip pressure. Proper grip pressure allows you to maintain proper balance throughout your golf swing. Here is a simple test to determine proper grip pressure. After you have taken your grip hold your club out in front of you so that the club shaft forms a 90 degree angle with your forearms. The club should be held just tight enough so that it does not fall out of your hands.

By Jeff Allen, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Longbow Golf Club

Precise Wedge Distance Control

One of the quickest ways to lower your scores is to control the distance you hit your wedges. A great way to develop feel is to find out how far you hit your pitching wedge when you let your left arm rise only to the 7:30 position in your backswing. If you can determine the distances for the 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30 positions with your wedge you will turn one club into three. If you choke down 1 inch and 2 inches you will have the equivalent of six more clubs at your disposal.

By Jeff Allen, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Longbow Golf Club

Orlando's Northern Star

Just north of Orlando, situated outside the quaint town of Deland, Florida, is Victoria Hills Golf Club. This magnificent layout features whispering pine lined fairways, extreme elevation changes, beautiful white sand traps and lightening fast greens. The friendly and professional service rendered by the golf course staff is second to none in our area. This course is well worth the 50 minute drive north on I-4. For a great package that includes Victoria Hills, check Golf Zoo's Hot Deals section of the web site.

Life in the Trap Golf Comics Are Back!

After a year without, we are bringing back the "Life in the Trap" golf comic back to our blog for the enjoyment of our readers. Expect a new comic 2 times a month! Without further ado::

(click comic for a larger version)

CrossCreek Golf Club - A San Diego Masterpiece

Golf Zoo just added CrossCreek Golf Club in Temecula Creek, CA to our San Diego offerings. Not only is this one of the most impressive golf courses in all of Southern California, but it's only an hour from downtown San Diego and the same from Los Angeles. The course is easily accessible off the I-15 yet tucked back in the foothills surrounded by beautiful countryside with no homes and 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.The historic Temecula Valley itself offers so much, an array of great wineries, hot-air ballooning and the Pechanga Casino is one of the very best. The creation of renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills, CrossCreek is another masterpiece from the man who was entrusted to renovate such national treasures and US Open venues as Oakmont, Inverness and Oakland Hills. Come to Temecula, stay at the wonderful Temecula Creek Inn, play 27 holes of golf at the Inn, play CrossCreek, visit the wineries and the casino and you'll be sure to return.

Aim For Success

Proper aim and alignment are vital to successful shotmaking. To insure you are aimed properly, the next time you are on the practice range try the following procedure. Stand behind the ball and look out at your target. Then bring your eyes back toward the ball and pick out a spot 2-3 feet in front of your ball. This spot will serve as your intermediate target. Lay a club down parallel to the line to your intermediate target. Make sure your feet are parallel to the club on the line and you will be aimed for success.

By Jeff Allen, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Longbow Golf Club

New Saguaro Course at WeKoPa!

I had the opportunity to play this course and it was, in a word...inspired! This is a must play! Worth the trip to Phoenix in itself, but I have even a better idea...

Tie your WeKoPa experience into a Major League Spring Training Game! The Cactus League hosts 12 great teams including the Cubbies, the Padres and the Giants. I can not think of a better vacation this spring! Call me at 888-867-6956 or create a quote online to start the process!

- Vicki

Balanced Set-up

It is very important to have good balance at the start of your swing. In order to establish a strong foundation at address make sure your feet are shoulder width apart and your weight is on the inside of your feet more toward the balls of your feet. Imagine you are on top of a tall building and want to look over but not fall over.

By Jeff Allen, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Longbow Golf Club

No-Peek Putting

If you are having trouble making short putts maybe the problem is you are looking up before your stroke is complete. Try the following drill. Place your ball on a dime on the putting green three feet from a hole. When making your stroke concentrate on looking for the dime. By the time you see the dime your stroke will be over.

By Jeff Allen, PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Longbow Golf Club