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

Pre-Shot Routine

At any level of play, the pre-shot routine is an extremely important tool. It is the reference point from which to make adjustments. A sound pre-shot routine will also allow you to alleviate the pressure of a tight match by transporting you to a familiar and comfortable place prior to each shot.

By Ed Stanfill, Head Golf Professional at The Duke at Rancho El Dorado

President Ed Holofcener ACES 6th hole

Golf Zoo President Ed Holofcener really, really, really likes hole #6 at SunRidge Canyon.

During his recent golf vacation to Scottsdale, the golf gods smiled on him for a brief second, and he jarred it on the 179 yard hole with a five iron.

"I knew I had hit a solid shot.... it went right toward the flag, bounced once and rolled about 10 feet, then disappeared. I couldn't believe it."

Ed was even more lucky, in that his three golf buddies from Baltimore, Jeff Wexler, Julius Hyatt, and Keith Silverstein were right there to witness, and enjoy a few free drinks on the jubilant 10 handicapper.

Ed's Golf Vacation Planner, Golf Zoo's V.P. Chris Parcell commented, "Hey - even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then, but I don't remember getting a free drink at the bar..."

This was Ed's first, but hopefully not last hole in one.
Congratulations Ed!

Classic Club - Newest Addition

Golf Zoo is very pleased to have the Classic Club available now for our discerning clientele. The golf course is absolutely stunning, an Arnold Palmer design which will be in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic rotation in January, 2007. The 360 degree views are awe inspiring and in true Palmer Design tradition, the course is challenging yet fair. For golf and service, this is truly a 5 Star experience.

Good golfing and best wishes for the Holiday Season.

Lawrence

Fairway Bunkers

When playing from fairway bunkers or waste areas on some of our desert courses play the ball towards the center of your stance, take one more club than you normally would and make sure you make a smooth, controlled swing. Focusing on the front edge of the ball and maintaining your posture throughout the hitting area will allow you to make solid contact by hitting the ball first.

By Jay Larscheid, Head Golf Professional at Longbow Golf Club

Pre-Round Preparation

Give yourself the best chance of starting your round well by arriving at the golf course 45-60 minutes before your round. Begin at the putting green with putts of various lengths. Then hit a few chips to establish your feel. Finally, move over to the practice range and hit balls with every other club in your bag starting with your wedge. To ease first tee jitters your last three practice shots should mimic your opening drive.

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

Practice with a Purpose

Happy Halloween!

Anytime you’re practicing the game of golf – the short game or the full swing – have a purpose in mind. Practice putting with one ball from hole-to-hole making as many two putts as possible (no gimmies). Also, always aim at a target on the driving range, and simulate a round of golf by taking time between shots and going through the pre-shot routine.

By Ed Stanfill, Head Golf Professional at The Duke at Rancho El Dorado

Golf Tip of the Week: Body Rotation

Golf Tip from our Guest Blogger:

One of the elements of a sound golf swing is good rotation. A key to this is keeping the club in front of your body throughout the swing. To accomplish this motion, the golfer must rotate the club head, hands and chest at the same rate. Try to visualize a dot on the club head, on the hands and in the middle of your chest. During the swing, feel like those three dots go to the top, back down through impact to a good finish position at the same rate of rotation.

By Jay Larscheid, Head Golf Professional at Longbow Golf Club