Tampa Bay Storm Sport

Archive for the ‘Golf’ Category

We all know that Golf is a game that’s difficulties can induce high levels of frustrations. So the one piece of advice we have is to make sure you have the right equipment. Don’t make it more difficult for yourself by using clubs that just don’t feel right.

Every golfer’s body and swing are unique to that individual and that’s what custom fitting is all about. Custom fitting golf clubs involves a quick self assessment of your game and several easy measurements. To custom fit your golf clubs, the following information is needed:

• Your gender (male or female)

• Your height in your stockings or socks

• The distance from your wrist (where it bends) to the floor (without shoes)

• What club you use at the 135 meter marker

• Handicap, age, swing speed

Firstly, your gender is used to put you into the correct fitting scale. Then, your height and the distance in inches from your wrist to the floor are used together to determine the length of golf club that is appropriate for you. (About 80% of golfers are Standard length.)

Your age, handicap, estimated golf swing speed and club you use at the 135 meter marker are all combined to determine the shaft flex that is appropriate for you.

Club Length & Flex

With regards to the length of your club there’s one main point you should consider: a longer golf club will hit further given the same swing speed – so length can be a good thing. But, as I’m sure you’re thinking, it can’t be that simple. And you’re right! Since the swing arc is longer, it often is also harder to keep under control – so length can be a bad thing. All things being equal, most golfers will opt for longer length to the sacrifice of greater control. But there’s still a decision to be made!

The standard length of a steel shafted Driver for a man is 44 inches. Graphite shafted drivers are manufactured 1 inch longer than steel shafted clubs because graphite shafts weigh less than steel shafts allowing us to produce a longer club with the same swing . The proper length of a golf club is a function of your height and the length of your arms. Some golf shop provide a Custom Fitting Wizard that determines the correct length for you with just a few simple measurements.

Flex is the torsional stiffness of the golf club, which is provided by the type of golf club shaft that is used. Generally, stiffer shafts are better for stronger hitting golfers.

The proper flex of a golf club is a function of your strength and golfing skills. Determining the correct flex is most important for your Woods and longer Irons. Short irons, wedges and putters are not impacted very much by the different flexes as the differences between flexes becomes very small in the shorter clubs.

Loft & Lie Adjustments

A lie adjustment requires bending the hardened metal in which an iron is cast. We strongly advise getting your lie fitting done in person. Online fittings while accurate do not take into account your natural ball address. Some players are more naturally upright and some like to lean into the ball. Once you have lie adjusted a club it is usually not a good idea to re-adjust if you later find it was the wrong adjustment.

From years of building experience we find it rare to need more than a 2 degree adjustment upright or flat, therefore we only perform lie adjustments to either extreme.

Woods, hybrid clubs and putters can not be adjusted. The reason these clubs can not be adjusted is because the hosel of each is cast in a way where physically bending the head at all will cause damage. In woods and hybrids it will crack or bend the crown of the club, and putter hosels are not made with the strength required for adjustment after the casting process.

Loft adjustments require a different type of bend than a lie adjustment. Some people receive advice in which they require a certain loft adjustment. We have never understood loft adjustments since it merely changes the loft of the club. We recommend buying golf clubs matching the loft you seek and avoid custom loft adjustments. Bending the loft of an iron weakens the hardened metal and can lead to future metal fatigue, since the actual bend twists the metal to an extent. If the loft of your 5 iron is too strong, use a 6 iron. If it is too weak, use a 4 iron.

Most people would think that golf hardly requires any physical exertion. However, an 18-hole round could definitely take a toll on your mind and body. Improving your physical fitness could help you to improve your consistency, concentration, balance and the strength of your swing.

You need not start a full-blown fitness routine in hopes of making your game better. Here are some things that any golf player could effortlessly do to get in shape physically for the next game.

1. Strength

Although you can always spend time in the gym bulking yourself up to hit the ball to the far ends of the earth, this is not always necessary. To improve your strength for playing golf specifically, it is advisable to do exercises that will improve your swing. You can do some rotational exercises using weights in various positions, which could improve not only your core strength, but also your balance, flexibility and control.

2. Flexibility

This is one of the aspects that a lot of people have to work on as most golf players neglect to do a proper warm-up before a game or before a round. Doing a couple of stretching exercises and swings using a two clubs or one heavy club could help in loosening up your muscles and joints and eventually help you in performing better at your game.

3. Endurance

There are also several ways to enhance your endurance, however, if you want to improve your endurance specifically for playing golf, all you need to do would be a bit of walking. Although this is already what players do when they are out on the course but if you are able to walk longer distances without being too exhausted then you would be able to keep the quality of your swing consistent – whether you are on the first hole or the last hole.

You need not be a health buff to get in great physical shape for playing golf. You would just need to do a couple of simple and basic exercises from time to time and eventually, not only will you be physically fit for golf but you might also be able to improve your game.

Elevate your golf game and your spirit. Pole Creek Golf Club is everything a Colorado mountain golf course should be. Stunning alpine views, drastic elevation changes, cool clear mountain air and the right amount of quiet and solitude make Pole Creek a Colorado classic; a mountain course like no other.

Our patio is surrounded by dazzling perennial and annual flowers and has the best view in the county. Directly in front of the Club House, we offer excellent practice facilities with a Putting Green, Driving Range and Chipping Green.

The Club House at Pole Creek Golf Course

Club House Hours of Operation:

7:00am – 8:00pm

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Book your next tournament at Pole Creek and prepare to be awed by the Club’s alpine beauty and an expert staff experienced with operating smooth and fun events. We offer amenities and professional services sure to keep your guests happy and returning year-after-year.

Amenities:

• 27 Championship Holes

• On-Site Catering with Clubhouse and Beverage Cart Service

• PGA Certified Professional Staff

• Full-Service Tournament Organizing

• Practice Facilities include Grass Driving Range, Putting Green

• Separate Chipping Green with Sand Bunker

• Rental Clubs for Men, Women and Children

• Private Tented Area for Awards Party or Banquet

• Upper Deck Patio for Private Cocktail Parties

Professional Services

• Cart and Hole Assignments

• Handicapping

• List of Participants

• On-Course Events

• Personalized Local Rules Sheet

• Placement of Proximity Markers

• Registration Table Set-up with Optional Check-In Service

• Scoring Services

• Score Sheets

• Tournament Pairings

• Welcome Speech

Pole Creek Golf Club Awards

2006 – Zagat Survey – Best course to play in the Rocky Mountain Region including CO, ID, MT, NV, UT & WY.

2005 – Avid Golfer Magazine:

1. 5th best course to bring out of town guests

2. Best Finishing hole #9 Ridge

3. 2nd Place – Best Public Mountain Course

4. 3rd Place – Best Golf Course in the $50-$99 range

5. 4th Place – Most Scenic Course (public or Resort)

6. 3rd Place – Most underrated Golf Course (public or resort)

2004 – Denver Post, Colorado Peaks – Best Mountain Golf Course

2003 – Rocky Mountain News – Top Mountain Golf Course – Top of the Rockies Award

1995 – Golf Digest – Americas 500 best places you can play – Colorado #1 Pole Creek

1990 – Golf Digest – Americas Best 75 Public Golf Courses Pole Creek rated in the top 75

1988 – Golf Digest – Americas Best 75 Public Golf Courses Pole Creek rated in the top 50

1985 – Golf Digest – Best New Public Golf Course

Treat yourself to 27 holes of Classic Mountain Golf on three distinct courses: The Ranch , The Meadow and The Ridge (see descriptions below). Pole Creek’s Golf resort in Colorado was designed by Denis Griffiths, who incorporated existing lodgepole pine, valley meadows, sagebrush and a variety of water hazards including five lakes to create a diverse course appealing to a wide range of golfers.

The Ranch 9 and The Meadow 9 wander through lush fields, while The Ridge 9 showcases what golf pro JT Thompson calls “the most spectacular view in Colorado.”

Ranch

The Ranch has a variety of terrain, with Pole Creek meandering through the course. The Ridge has a serene setting with views that can only be described as breathtaking, combined with only two holes where players will be able to see other golfers.

Meadow

The Meadow is a nice blend of tree-lined and open holes that cross Pole Creek and two lakes several times. The Ranch has a variety of terrain, with Pole Creek meandering through the course.

Ridge

The Ridge has a serene setting with views that can only be described as breathtaking, combined with only two holes where players will be able to see other golfers.

For the non-golfer, Pole Creek is minutes from endless Rocky Mountain adventures. Enjoy white water rafting, hiking, fishing and boating, mountain biking, rodeo, horseback riding , or simply spend your day shopping, dining and relaxing. Colorado’s crown jewel, Rocky Mountain National Park is minutes away and Winter Park Resort offers fun for the whole family just 12 miles away.

Contact Pole Creek’s friendly staff for assistance with reserving tee times, planning a golf vacation, and organizing events, tournaments and weddings.

Pole Creek and Winter Park are located 67 miles from Denver. Take I-70 West to Exit 232 onto U.S. 40, then follow U.S. 40 to Winter Park. Pole Creek is 11 miles beyond the Town of Winter Park. Turn left at the 220 mile marker and follow the signs to the course where you can begin your Colorado Golf Vacation.