Mel and Kristian at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando

Kristian Traylor of Atlanta, GA is a typical American golfer in that he’d love to play more golf than his busy work schedule allows, his handicap is somewhere in the 20′s, and his goal is to get that down to a 10 in the near future.

In 2007, Kristian decided to get serious about improving his game and started researching golf schools. Impressed by our consistent ranking by GOLF Magazine (10 straight years selected as a “Top 25 Golf School”), the favorable reviews of Class A PGA Instructor David Olberding, the proximity to Atlanta and our competitive tuition rates, Kristian booked a 3-Day Golf Improvement Program at our Georgia Golf School in nearby Conyers.

After his three days of golf instruction, Kristian’s understanding of golf fundamentals was greatly enhanced, and he noticed huge improvements in his game. Encouraged by the results, Kristian dedicated himself  to reaching a 10 handicap with regular practice sessions, on-course play, and careful analysis of his progression. However, one problem quickly became evident: Although he was clearly developing a better game, he was frustrated that his golf scores were negatively affected by his inability to remember certain helpful details, like how to set up for a downhill lie, how to hit under, over or around a tree, and how to correct a slice.

For help between golf lessons with the Pro, Kristian created a simple set of note cards that he took with him to the practice range and to the course. These included quick golf tips on setup and execution for a range of common shots. When Kristian’s playing partners started to borrow his note cards for their own games, he realized there was an opportunity to market a pocket-sized golf tips guide. And the rest, as they say, is history!

With the input of David Olberding and myself, the handy and extremely helpful Golf Genie™ was born. Along with co-founder Chris Keaney, Kristian developed the Golf Genie Tee to Green Pocket Guide, which is now available at golf retailers such as PGA Superstores throughout the USA, Canada, and the UK. Selected by Golf Today Magazine as the “2010 Best Golf Product” and honored by Golf Fitness Magazine, Golf Genie has been featured by The Golf Channel, USA Today, and PGA.com.

Other small golf reference guides have been produced in the past, but none have offered the simple yet comprehensive PGA-tested golf instruction that you’ll find in Golf Genie. This is also the only pocket guide that offers these benefits:

• Golf Genie conforms to USGA and R&A Rules of Golf for use as a golf shot reference during play;
• Golf Genie includes easy to understand color graphics and text; and
• Golf Genie features a high quality laminated construction for use on rainy days.

What’s next for Golf Genie? A follow-up booklet featuring additional drills is in the works and will be available soon, along with a free iPhone application of the booklet.

I’m proud to have been a part of the development of the Golf Genie and am pleased to be offering it for just $14.99 (plus $3.95 s&h) in my online golf shop. Check it out today!

Learn more about Golf Genie:

• Official Golf Genie website
• Review of Golf Genie by The Orlando Golf Blogger

What part of your on-course play makes you wish that you had a teaching pro with you for help?

Rory Sabbatini of South Africa sprays himself with sunscreen at the Quail Hollow Championship, April 30, 2010 in Charlotte, NC.

Did you read The Bottom Line on Sunscreens, the recent report by the Environmental Working Group? The alarming report found that only 8% of 500 sunscreens reviewed could be recommended for consumer use.

Growing up in South Africa, I was unaware of the need to protect my skin on a regular basis from the sun. Back in those days, the message was not out yet and we played happily in the sun and got a tan. We applied sunscreen only when we went on vacation to the ocean and wore swimming trunks which exposed lily white skin normally covered by shorts and shirts.

Today, there’s much more awareness about the dangers of frequent sun exposure, but many people aren’t aware that all sunscreens are not created equal. Most will prevent sunburn, but not all sunscreens protect against skin cancer!

Protect Against UVA and UVB Rays

There are basically three types of sunblock: those that provide protection against UVA rays, which cause skin damage and premature wrinkles; those that provide protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn; and the rarer broad-spectrum sunscreens, which provide both UVA and UVB protection.

UVA penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB and has long been known to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling (photoaging.) Studies over the past two decades, however, show that UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.

UVB rays are the main cause of skin reddening and sunburn, and tend to damage the skin’s more superficial epidermal layers. UVB plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging.

Since both UVA and UVB are harmful, you need a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that provides protection from both. These broad-spectrum sunscreens are available at health food stores and are a little more expensive than the common brands, but obviously well worth it to prevent skin cancer!

Unfortunately, the choice between different kinds of broad-spectrum sunscreens still forces some compromise. Mineral-based sunscreens often contain micronized- or nano-scale particles of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. The EWG report gave mineral sunscreens the best safety profile of today’s choices as they offer UVA protection and are stable in sunlight. However, there’s concern about the nano particles and whether or not they can penetrate the skin. Research done by EWG concluded that they “do not appear to penetrate.” To be extra safe with regards to this, avoid applying these sunscreens close to mucous membranes of the face, or look for non-nano mineral sunscreens. The disadvantage of non-nano mineral sunscreens is that they form a white layer on the face. For those who’d prefer to avoid mineral products, the EWG recommends sunscreens with 3% avobenzone.

Sunscreens to Avoid

Despite FDA approval, there’s enough evidence to recommend avoiding sunscreens with oxybenzone or 4-MBC, which are known hormone disruptors. Scientists have called for parents to avoid using oxybenzone on children due to toxicity concerns.

Also, there are new concerns about a form of vitamin A called retinyl palmitate that’s found in almost half of the available sunscreens in North America. This compound may actually accelerate skin damage and elevate skin cancer risk when applied to skin exposed to sunlight. The evidence is still inconclusive, but it’s recommended to avoid sunscreens with vitamin A.

The Future of Sunscreens

Dr Michael Prager of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors believes there’s an alternative to the broad-spectrum sunblocks currently on the market: antioxidant-based sun protection. Studies have shown that tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants and the lycopene, could prove a weapon against sun damage. When 20 people were given 5tbsp of tomato paste every day for 12 weeks while they were exposed to ultraviolet light, there was a significant improvements in their skin’s ability to protect itself.

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists noted, “While the protection offered by lycopene is low, this research suggests that a diet containing high levels of antioxidant rich tomatoes could provide an extra tool in sun protection.”

However, in the future, sunscreens will almost certainly contain antioxidants, with labels detailing a product’s DNA protection levels and its ability to boost the skin’s immune system.

Sun Protection for Golfers

As a teaching golf professional who stands out in the sun all day, I use a SPF 30 sunscreen called TerraSport by All Terrain. It contains nano-particle titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It’s non-greasy and sweat proof—even if applied while on the course, it will not leave your hands slippery!

I recently had a conversation with Mark Wishner, President of the Sun SafeTee Program. The Sun SafeTee Program is a non-profit organization that provides sun protection education and skin cancer awareness programs specifically for the golf community. They give educational seminars, distribute sunscreen samples and published literature, provide informational hand-outs for tournament attendees, deliver power point presentations and conduct one to one consultations concerning the effects of over exposure to the sun. By educating individuals on how to protect themselves (and their loved ones) from blistering sunburns, dehydration, and permanently damaging their skin, Sun SafeTee helps people reduce the risks that can lead to morbidity and mortality.

The best sun protection is staying in the shade, but for those of us out on the golf course, it’s important to cover up and use the best sunscreen protection available. Be pro-active: Check out your local health food store and pick up some broad-spectrum sunscreen for you and your loved ones.

References:

• EWG’s 2010 Sunscreen Guide
• Sunscreens Explained
• Understanding UVA and UVB
• Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens

1. In the address position, it should feel as if… your arms are hanging like a piece of rope.
2. On the takeaway, it should feel as if… you are pushing a second ball (behind the clubhead) back away from the target.
3. During the backswing, it should feel as if… you are turning back to shake hands with someone behind you. (Left hand for right-handed golfers.)
4. At the top of the backswing, it should feel as if… your weight is loaded over the back foot like a baseball pitcher during his windup.
5. At the top of the swing, it should feel as if… you are a waiter carrying a tray–the right forearm is perpendicular to the ground.
6. On the downswing, it should feel as if… you are pulling a church bell straight down, perpendicular to the ground.
7. During the transition, it should feel as if… you are about to crack a whip–there would be a slight pause before the change in direction.
8. At impact, it should feel as if… you are driving a nail into a board with the clubface.
9. On the follow-through, it should feel as if… the clubhead is chasing the ball down the target line.
10. At the finish, it should feel as if… you are a flamingo, so that you can pick up your back foot and not loose your balance.

What kinds of visualizations do you use on the course to keep your swing in check?

As we near the summer school break, our thoughts turn to activities for children. Golf is a focus for many families, and golf lessons will make it fun, which is my number one priority when introducing kids to the game of golf.

David Nevogt at GolfInstructionBlog.com recently asked, “How young is too young?” I agree with his response: “…. when the child expresses a desire to swing a golf club.” Even kids under 5 years can learn golf skills when the instruction is simple and activity based, rather than verbal.

At my golf school, we start Juniors off by helping them to get the ball in the hole. Approximately 75% of all shots occur within 100 yards of the green. Instead of focusing on hitting the ball far, get kids to master the short game first. Start with putting, which is easier to accomplish, and from which the students will see quicker results. Encourage children with lots of praise.

Games also help keep kids interested, for example:

• Best of Three: On the practice putting green, hit three balls each at the same hole. Closest to the hole gets five points, second-closest three, and third-closest one. Play three holes and add up the scores. Winner gets ice cream!
• Blind-Man’s Bluff: Have a (short) putting contest only… you putt with your eyes closed!

Move on to chipping next, and then short pitch shots. Have little contests where the kids aim at targets that you have set out, and whoever hits it closest, gets a little prize. Try to separate kids in a group clinic by age. This is a good way to get them to know one another and make friends quickly.

As they progress, give Juniors the chance to play some Par 3 courses – these fit their skill level, rewards them with scores of birdies, pars and bogeys, and keeps them feeling positive about themselves.

Teach Juniors the basic rules of golf and how to practice good golf etiquette. There are terrific videos available now that make these lessons easier to learn, and much more enjoyable than lectures or printed text.

With more accomplished Juniors, work with them on the mental side of golf in addition to the physical drills, and get them to play a lot of golf. Encourage them to play unsupervised golf also – no teachers, no adults, just kids being kids. This gives them the chance to try impossible shots, pretend to be Tiger Woods, and try to get home in two. They’ll just enjoy golf for what it is – a game.

Golf is a wonderful family sport, providing enough challenge to keep kids keenly involved for hours of quality family time. Keep it fun and rewarding, and your whole family will benefit.

At the Ritson-Sole Golf School, we have a Special Parent/Child Program that helps keep PGA golf instruction for your child affordable. Accompanied by an adult, 3-day golf school for Juniors under 18 is half price, or just $247.50. (Adults’ fee is $495.) Contact us for more details or Register Online Now.

Did You Know? July 9-15 is the annual “Take Your Daughter to the Course Week” (sons are welcome, too) sponsored by the National Golf Course Owners Association.

Related articles:

• Why Teach Golf to Kids?
• Teaching Kids to Play Golf (video series)

Davis Love III watches his drive off of the 2nd tee box during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida on March 27, 2010. UPI/Kevin Dietsch Photo © 2010 Newscom All rights reserved.

Boo-hoo to Michelle Wie and her latest rules infraction episode. Many of us were hoping that she had matured in the past year to the point that we wouldn’t witness any more of her whining and uncertainty about the Rules of Golf.

In last week’s Kia Classic tournament, Wie grounded her club and claimed it was to keep her from falling backwards into the water. (See Michelle Wie’s Expensive Penalty by Jeff Skinner to see the exact rule that was broken.) If she had grounded the club behind her, while visibly slipping or stumbling, she would have been credible. But she put the club down on the grass to her left and did not appear to be unstable. After being penalized and her “that’s not fair” stuff started, I groaned and realized that Wie is still very unprofessional and unwilling to take responsibility for her rules mistakes.

A terrific contrast in character is evident with Davis Love III. In 1995, he was playing in a tournament the week before the Zurich Classic in New Orleans and was asked to move his ball marker on the green by another player. A few holes later, Davis realized that he wasn’t sure if he had replaced the marker correctly and decided he should take a 2 stroke penalty for possibly being in violation of the rules regarding marking one’s ball. Without the penalty he would have made the Top 30 on the money list and qualified to play in the Masters Tournament in 2 weeks time. When interviewed later, he was asked, “If you don’t make it into the Masters because of this 2 stroke penalty, how will you feel?” His reply: “If I made it into the Masters and won, how would I feel knowing I cheated to get into the Masters? And it just so happened that Davis won the Zurich Classic in New Orleans the very next week and got into the Masters legitimately. Yes, Michelle Wie could learn a few things from Davis Love III.

Is there a lesson here for all golfers? I think Barry Rhodes, who writes the excellent Rules of Golf blog, says it well: This latest Wie episode is an “example of how knowing the Rules of Golf can be of significant benefit!” And I’ll add that conversely, it’s a fantastic example of how not knowing the Rules of Golf can be of significant detriment… to the tune of $90,000!

Apr 13 1997: 1996 US Masters winner Nick Faldo helps 1997 winner Tiger Woods put on the Green Jacket after Woods won the US Masters at Augusta, Georgia with a record low score of 18 under par. (1st Masters win.) Credit: Stephen Munday, Allsport

Tiger’s return at the Masters Tournament is definitely one of the most anticipated sports events in recent history.  My opinion is that he won’t finish in the Top 10, and I’ll tell you why.

In order to win a Major Tournament, you must be “tournament ready.” That means you’ve competed regularly with the best players over the last few months in several tournaments.  Obviously this does not apply to Tiger.

You also need to be mentally strong and totally focused to win. This was something Tiger had in spades before, but I feel that he cannot achieve it as this time.  In addition to all the recent stress and distractions, every time he looks into the gallery he’ll feel their scrutiny.  The Masters crowd will be well behaved, but Tiger knows they’ll be thinking of the sordid situation that brought him down.

Finally, I think that the other players will no longer see him as such a formidable foe and they’ll compete against him with more confidence and heart. They see chinks in the armor of the great one and believe they have a better chance of beating him.

I’ll still be pulling for Tiger though because if he wins, it will be one of the most amazing feats in the history of golf.

Tom Watson of USA tees off on the 9th hole during the final round of the 138th Open Championship on the Ailsa Course, Turnberry Golf Club, Scotland.

With Tom Watson’s play at the British Open, Michael Allen’s recent stand in Hawaii, and Kenny Perry‘s continuous charge, it seems like this new phenomenon of Senior Pros competing successfully against the kids is here to stay. Plus, with guys like Fred Couples, Paul Azinger and Corey Pavin entering the fray again via the Champions Tour, I believe we’ll see many more grizzled veterans mixing it up with the young bucks.

I think it’s great for golf! It creates new interest and bridges the generations. What other sport offers the chance to see 18- and 20-year-olds going head-to-head with players aged 40 to 60? Even non-golfers tuned into the TV coverage of last year’s British Open when they heard that 59-year-old Tom Watson was close to an historic win in this famous tournament. People of all ages wanted to see how an “old guy” could compete and win against players four decades younger than himself.

Sportswriter John Paul Newport thinks that Watson isn’t just good for his age but that this is what 59 looks like now. Fred Funk told him, “As long as you’re feeling pretty good health-wise, age is not a big factor.” Hale Irwin said that he played his best golf in his 50′s, when he won 45 times. He believed he was in the best physical shape of his life and the need to compete was still there. Also impressive was 40-year-old Catriona Matthew‘s win at the Women’s British Open last summer. Again, the field included mostly younger players, some only half her age, and none had just had a baby as she had just 11 weeks prior.

Why Are These Older Players Able to Compete at Such a High Level?

One theory espoused by Ryan Ballengee is that older players played in the pre-Tiger era and learned how to win. Younger guys today have been less often in contention and have not won nearly enough to gain the experience of how to do it. Players like Tom Watson and Greg Norman have been in the winners circle often enough in their careers to have an edge over the less experienced.

I think that better overall conditioning and new nutritional knowledge are key factors for success with older players. It’s true that older players have more physical issues due to injuries sustained over time, but if they’re healthy and the intensity is still there, a player who stays fit and maintains a good diet should be able to compete with golfers a third their age.

I’ve recently discovered nutritional supplements that have made a huge difference in how I feel at 62 years of age. The one I recommend the most is MaxGXL: it increases your energy, detoxifies the body, and strengthens the immune system. Two-time National Long Drive Champion Art Sellinger says that every golfer should be taking Max GXL. Listen to what he says about his increased energy and flexibility, and how it’s changed his life in this video.

Golf is a unique sport for many different reasons, but perhaps one of the most notable sources of its appeal is that it’s one of those rare endeavors in life where age just doesn’t matter. Stay fit, eat right, and hit ‘em straight!

Related:

• Health Tips for Golf Longevity
• The Three Fundamental Golf Stretches for Maximum Swing Power

I’d like to hear your thoughts about the things that could be done to get people flooding back to this great game.  Please leave me your comments below.

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Doug Barron hits his approach shot on the third hole during the 2005 EDS Byron Nelson Championship at the TPC Las Colinas in Irving, TX.

Earlier this month, Doug Barron, an almost unknown player who lost his tour card three years ago, became the first player to be suspended by the PGA Tour for violating their new drug policy.  Barron has been suspended for one year.

“I would like to apologize for any negative perception of the TOUR or its players resulting from my suspension. I want my fellow TOUR members and the fans to know that I did not intend to gain an unfair competitive advantage or enhance my performance while on TOUR,” said Barron.

Under its doping policy, the PGA Tour doesn’t disclose what substance a player used. British Open champion Stewart Cink commented, “I know him a little bit. He’s taken medicine in the past for a lot of different reasons. I would think that has a lot to do with it.” Jerry Kelly, who’s known Barron for years, said he had several health issues. “My big question is whether he was doing something to make himself feel better and did not get the therapeutic use exemption,” Kelly said. “I mean, this guy had health problems.” [source]

Less than two weeks after the PGA Tour announcement, attorneys for Doug Barron, sought a temporary restraining order (the request was denied).  Attorney Jeffrey Rosenblum, said his client took testosterone and propranolol under the supervision of a doctor for “therapeutic use.”

If drugs were “performance enhancing” surely Barron would have done a lot better in 2009:  five tournaments, four missed cuts and one disqualification. No money earned. And, do you remember the story of Barron taking off his shirt during play at a 2006 tournament at Innisbrook? This was not a man of awesome physique.

“I don’t believe it,” Rod Pampling said. “Doug Barron? Look at the man. Tell him to take his shirt off and ask anyone, ‘Do you believe he’s on performance-enhancing drugs?”‘

As a professional golfer with tournament experience, I can tell you that this is a non-issue and I think it makes the PGA look silly.  To ban someone who is not only ranked #1150 in the World Rankings but is only #349 in the USA.  This is not someone who has posed a threat to the top players in the game.  The PGA Tour should have sidestepped this one.  I think this loses credibility with the general public.  What are your thoughts?

Related: Does PGA Tour drug policy turn blind eye to recreational drugs?

Lee Westwood tees off at the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain (Oct 30, 2009.)

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Do you have any products, resources or tips for maintaining golf longevity?