BREATHE… When we are anxious, our breathing becomes irregular and shallow and our breathing rate increases. Before you hit every shot, take a big deep breath. This will help you relax and not feel so tense over your shots.

The correct way to mark your ball is by placing your market directly behind the ball (not to the side or in front). Then when you place your ball back it's important to make sure you put it back in exactly the same place and don't give in to the temptation to try and get another inch closer!

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Stay in the present moment! Don’t speculate in the middle of a round what your score will be. Focus on each shot as it comes and the only shot you think about is the one you are about to hit. The golfer who stays in the present, just keeps playing the shot at hand and then when they've run out of holes, they add up their score.

Did you know that on average, putting accounts for 43% of your total strokes. Golf is not all about hitting longer drives. While putting is not nearly as exciting as seeing a drive flying high on the range, that is the way that you'll bring your scores down.

PRACTICE. YOUR. PUTTING!

Play YOUR game!

If a golfing partner hits the ball a lot further than you, don't try to match him/her.  It will only get you in trouble.  Play within yourself and you will do a lot better

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOLF

There is a reason golf is such a popular sport the world over. But have you ever really thought about all the incredible health benefits it offers? Let’s take a bit of a look at a few areas golf could be improving your health that you haven’t even considered.

Getting Your Steps Up

It’s a simple one but these days so many of us work in sedentary jobs that mean we don’t move as much as we once did. 18 holes without a cart will see you smashing your 10,000 steps a day simply by enjoying the game.

Functional Movement

The bending, twisting and lifting of a golf club is a very unique movement that uses muscles throughout your arms, legs, back and core. Having strong muscles that are able to perform these movements on a whim, in a moment of golfing pleasure means you are way less likely to tweak your back lifting shopping!

Mental Health & Learning

The focus required when out on the course is almost unrivalled. You take in the scenery, the weather, the wind, the contours of the course itself. And that’s before you’ve even considered the clubs and ball. This level of focus, learning and skill development can help melt away the anxieties and stresses of everyday life in a very unique way.

Socialisation

Have you noticed you never tend to choose to play golf with someone you don’t get on with? A huge part of golf is the socialisation and community - an aspect we don’t often consider as a ‘health’ benefit. But with the recent lockdowns in the last few years, golf is a sure fire way to catch up with a friend, socialise and stave off that pesky loneliness epidemic!

Vitamin D

It goes without saying that sun protection is important. But it’s also true that more people suffer with Vitamin D deficiency than they do skin issues related to the sun. Vitamin D is also brilliant for your hormones, your mood and even your immunity. Get out there!

What do you reckon? Do you notice any of these benefits when you get out on the course?

When you need a snack for the golf course – these are perfect!

Kiss My Putt's “golf” balls:

100g chopped cashews, lightly toasted

100g almonds, lightly toasted

2 Tbsp sunflower seeds

10g dates, chopped

100g soft dried apricots or figs, chopped

100g prunes, chopped

1 Tbsp tahini or peanut butter

2 Tbsp cocoa powder

1 Tbsp cinnamon

2 Tbsp runny honey

pinch sea salt

100g desiccated coconut for coating

1. Combine the cashews, almonds and seeds in food processor and whiz until it resembles fine crumbs. Add the dried fruit and whiz until smooth

2. Add tahini, cocoa, cinnamon, honey and salt and whiz for 2 minutes or until mixture starts to form a ball

3. Divide into golf ball sized portions and roll into balls. Roll in coconut and store in airtight container in fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freezing makes them deliciously firm and chewy and great to pull a couple out of the freezer to pop in your golf bag to take to golf.

Hit a bigger club in colder temperatures.

Winter sure is here in NZ. But if you're hard core enough, you'll still be able to play some golf. But remember that a golf ball will travel less distance in colder temperatures because the air is more dense.

When in trouble, take your time to figure out all your options. Most importantly, take the shortest route out of trouble. And remember the thicker the rough, the higher the loft you will need to reach safety.

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Check the pin placement

There are usually six “sucker” pins, six easy pins and six medium pin placements. Hit to the pin when it is in the middle of the green. Where there are “sucker” pin placements, tucked behind a bunker or on a shallow part of the green, hit to the middle. Take enough club to hit over the greenside bunkers.

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Tuesday Tee Tip #14

Manage your expectations!

Golf is rewarding and fun, but it’s not an easy sport. Enjoy the challenge of getting better – it’s a journey.

What is appropriate for your handicap and skill level?

Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all hit bad shots.

Allow yourself to fully appreciate the feeling of a well-struck golf shot.

Golfers, particularly high-handicappers, often perceive themselves too negatively. They allow the bad shots to dominate their memories. Start thinking of the last great shot you hit and smile

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Did you know that on average, putting accounts for 43% of your total strokes?

When people go and practice, they focus on hitting the ball as far as they can!

Putting is not the most exciting part of the game, but it’s definitely one of the most important and helps you shoot lower scores.

Go on - practice your putting even if it’s just on your carpet.

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This week's Tuesday Tee Tip today is brought to you by Fiona from Elevate Wellness

Does it feel like it takes you forever to get into your round of golf? Like you've already played the first 9 and you're only now starting to find your groove?

Golf is a sport! And like most sports a good warm-up is an essential part of the game. Warming up before a round or even before a practice session will prepare you and your body mentally and physically for the activity ahead.

One of my favourite exercises I have my clients always do before they play is a half kneeling long turn. This is a great exercise to help build greater flexibility between your upper and lower body. It also teaches you how to stabilize your lower body while rotating the upper body.

For more warm up exercises download my golf warm up guide - https://fionadonald.click/guide

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Do you get nervous over these shots over a bunker? Or a pond? Fear is a mental state. It causes golfers to try and guide and steer the ball - Swing freely, it makes the ball go straight!

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