Fourball, Scramble & Best-Ball

Fourball

            Like foursome, fourball is also played with two player teams.  During the round, all four players will hit their individual ball for each entire hole.  At the end of the hole, the lowest score between the two partners is used as the team score.  Therefore, this is a version of stroke play because of the focus on the number of strokes.  Unlike foursome, fourball puts less of a focus on challenging each member of the team.  If a team is comprised of one great player and one less-skilled player, the great player could have the lower score for each hole.  These scores would be used throughout the entire round and the less-skilled player would not have an effect on the game. Fourball is used in several professional tournaments including the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup.

Scramble

            The scramble format is mostly used with four person teams, however, two person teams are popular as well.  During a scramble, every player from the four or two person team tees off from each hole.  The team then selects the best shot and each player hits from within one club length from that spot.  This continues until the ball is in the hole. As you can imagine, round scores during scrambles can be quite low.  With teams being able to choose the location they hit from after every shot, teams post a greater number of birdies and eagles.  Constructing a team for a scramble takes more expertise than other games.  Most teams try to ensure that they have a player that specializes in each part of the game.  For instance, a player that can drive the ball very far and a player that is an accurate putter are both quite valuable.  Scramble formats are very popular in charity events.      

Best-Ball

            Best-ball is a combination of scramble and fourball.  Teams are composed of four players, but instead of choosing a best shot to hit from, each player hits their own ball for the entire hole.  After the hole is over, the team chooses the lowest score and takes that for the designated hole.  Best-ball is also popular in many charitable events and amateur tournaments.  Teams are sometimes constructed with two or three players as well, depending on the skill and people participating.  Although match scores are very good for best-ball tournaments, scramble scores are still lower. 

Match Play & Foursome

Match Play

            As opposed to stroke play, match play is focused on the player or team that wins the hole.  The winner of each individual hole is awarded a point.  Only one point is given out for each hole and if the players tie, no point is given.  The game is played as it is for a normal stroke play tournament, each player tallies up his or her strokes for each hole and then the point is awarded.  For example, if the first player wins the first two holes, he is considered “2-up”.  If the second player wins the third hole, player one is now “1-up”.  When the two players are tied with the same holes won, the match is considered “all square”.  Once a player is leading another by more points than there are holes remaining, the match ends.  In golf terms, a player leading by 5 points with 4 holes to play is said to have won “5 and 4”.  If the two players are tied after the normal 18 holes, they continue to play until one player wins a hole.    

Foursome

            Foursome is a form of match play where, as the name suggests, four players are split into two teams.  Each player on the two person team takes turn hitting the ball, alternating after every shot.  The players continue to switch off hitting the ball until the ball is in the hole.  The team that takes the least amount of strokes to get the ball in the hole is awarded a point.  Beyond just switching off for every shot, the two players switch off teeing off for each hole as well.  This ensures that each player must play well on every aspect of the game in order to win. 

 

Stroke Play & Skins

Stroke Play

            Stroke play is the most popular version of golf.  The stroke play system is simple, it entails counting the strokes for each player on each hole and adding it together.  The player with the least amount of strokes is the winner of the round. 

            The majority of professional tournaments are played using the stroke play format.  This makes it easy for fans of all ages and skill to follow.  However, several tournaments take on other game formats.  This variety and change of pace makes the game of golf much more exciting.

            In matches that involve handicapping, each player would subtract their handicap from their total strokes.  Once again, the player with the least strokes is the winner. Calculating a player’s handicap is performed using several methods.  But in the end, the handicap is the golfer’s average number of strokes over par.  Utilizing a handicap evens up the playing field for all individuals.  Better players have a small handicap while less skilled players have a higher handicap.  At the end of the match, every golfer has an equal chance of winning. 

Skins

            Skins is a form of golf that is centered around an amount of money assigned to each hole.  In professional competitions, a designated amount of money is assigned to each hole.  In amateur and less competitive matches, the players decide on a fair amount of money for each hole.  Sometimes the amount varies for each hole depending on the difficulty and length.  No matter if it’s professional or amateur, the player with the least amount of strokes on each hole wins the money for that hole.  If all players tie on one hole, the money carries over to the next hole until someone wins.  If the players tie on the final hole, all players or only the tying players will play another hole until there is a winner.

 

Great ClickBank Products

    Today I spent some time familiarizing myself with a great website called ClickBank.  This site allows people who create digital data to interact with online marketers in order to sell their products to consumers.  It is a great way to spread information and products across the web in a manner that appeals to each consumer.
     I found two great products that I thought I should share on my blog.  The first is an eBook called 6 Weeks to Golf Fitness.  The book is meant to help the golfer improve in all parts of the game that involve conditioning and fitness.  These include consistency and shot distance.  The book provides step-by-step instructions and exercise routines for all golfers.  The exercise routines have been developed for easy use at home or in other preferred environments.  The purpose is to allow the golfer to get into proper shape without sacrificing time and other commitments in their life.  The product can be found at:  Click Here!
     The second product is also an eBook and is called How to Play Business Golf.  This book focuses on the connection between golf and the world of business.  The author stresses how golf can improve your business and how business can improve your golf.  He provides examples such as increasing sales and communicating with clients in the most effective way.  Being in the business field myself, I saw the importance of this book.  I believe that developing both business skills and golf skills and being able to intertwine them is a great asset.  Many companies prefer to do business in a low-stress environment such as a golf course.  Being familiar with this area and the game can be a great advantage.  The eBook can be found at:   Click Here!

The Swing - Part 3

Various Swings (or Strokes)

The Drive – This is the first shot taken from every hole. Golfers are allowed to tee the ball up in order to create more power. Usually the driver or a long iron is used for this shot. The drive is sometimes referred to as a full swing.

The Approach – As opposed to the drive being the full swing, the approach is the 3/4 swing. This shot is used by golfers to get the ball closer to the hole or onto the green. Golfers will use fairways woods or irons for this medium to long distance shot. 

The Chip – This shot is used when the ball is close to the green. Golfers use short (or high lofted) irons to get the ball around hazards and close to the pin. These clubs allow the golfers to roll the ball close to the hole or create spin in order to position differently. 

The Putt – After reaching the green, golfers use a putter to perform this shot. The primary goal of this shot is to put the ball in the hole. The putter creates speed and precision so this can be accomplished. 

Common Swing Errors

Swing Speed – Some golfers to try swing the club too slowly or way too hard. This creates problems for their game. Swinging to slowly will lower the distance the ball travels and swinging too hard will greatly improve the chances of the ball hooking or slicing. The key is to find the perfect speed. 

Proper Stance – Not maintaining the proper stance over the ball will ruin the balls chances before the swing even starts. Make sure to keep your knees bent properly and not to raise your head until the follow through after the swing. Not following these guidelines will cause most golfers to “top” the ball or not hit it square.

Putting – A great deal of golfers have difficulty hitting their puts at the proper speed and direction. The most common reasons for this are the back swing and follow through. Make sure you do not pull your club back too far. This will create too much power or cause the face of the putter to move. When following through, think of a pendulum rotation with your arms and shoulders. This helps to ensure that the face of the putter stays straight throughout the swing. 

The Swing - Part 2

     The Address – The address (or stance) over the ball will greatly affect how you strike the ball and the line it travels. Developing a consistent method can improve your game tremendously.
      Start out with your feet shoulder width apart. This is important for balance, which is a big part of the swing. You should then slightly flare your feet and point your toes out. Make sure that your hips are “squared” and pointed towards your target. The next step sometimes causes confusion and leads to error for golfers. Bend your body at the waist, as opposed to the back. This will form a straight line with your hips, back, and shoulders. Properly aligning these three sections of your body allows you to rotate your hips and shoulders fluidly during the swing. Lastly, bend your knees into a comfortable position and drop your arms to your side. This puts you in the proper stance in order to hit the ball.

      The Swing – The swing is the central part of the game of golf. Minor problems can cause huge mishaps for golfers and can ruin a round of golf. Constantly working at and perfecting the swing will improve your game dramatically. 
      To begin, make sure that the ball is placed in the middle of your stance. Start the swing by rotating your hips to the right (or to the left for lefties). Bring your club back above your shoulders until it is parallel to the ground. This signals that you have reached the top of your backswing. The majority of your weight should now be on your back leg. Now focus on rotating your hips back to the left and through the hitting zone. Your weight will transfer from your back leg to your front. Also, once your hips begin to rotate forward, your hands will follow and the club will make contact with the ball. The hip movement and weight distribution create power for your swing. Furthermore, try to snap your hands through the ball to create even more power. Finish the swing by following through the hitting zone and bringing your club to shoulder height. Make sure you do not stop your swing after making contact with the ball.

The Swing - Part 1

     The swing is the central part of the game of golf. The swing itself may seem simple, but it encompasses many different things. These include the grip of the club, the address (or stance) over the golf ball, and the actual swing. There are many things to perfect in order to hit a ball correctly. Because of this, most people turn to professionals to seek help and advice. I understand the complexity of the swing and the struggles people undergo in order to find the perfect swing. In this article I want to go over the basics of the swing and solutions to common problems people encounter.

      The Grip – The grip is essential to the game. Your hands are the only part of your body touching the club. If you hold the club properly, you are more likely to strike the ball when the clubhead is square to the ball. This greatly improves your chances of hitting the ball straight.
      Start with your left hand. The club should run from the base of your little finger to the middle of the index finger. Wrap your fingers around the club so that the thumb and index finger meet. While holding the club in front of you with your left hand, two to three knuckles should be visible. Now apply your right hand parallel to the left. Your left thumb will now be covered when you close your right hand around the club. It should fit beneath the base of the right thumb. Finding the right grip pressure can be difficult, but it will eventually allow for a fluid swing.

Things I have Learned in My Class

This class has introduced us to the basics of blogging, web site creation, and creating products online.  Here is a list on 9 things we have learned so far:

1. How to create an E-Business

2. How to create a gmail account and send emails

3. How to start a blog on blogger.com

4. How to post to blogger.com

5. How to create a website with webs.com

6. How to create pages on that website and customize them

7. How to write a pillar article

8. How to create a cafepress.com account

9. How to design products on cafepress and present them to customers


Here is a webpage I have created to promote a tshirt: http://theworldofgolf2.webs.com/midtermskillsquiz

The tshirt can also be found at: http://www.cafepress.com/holenine9.800399622

The World of Golf in Short

    So far, my experience with blogger.com has been great.   I have created around 10 posts that highlight my thoughts and experiences with the game of golf.  For those of you that are just beginning to read this blog, I thought I would sum up what I have done so far. 
    I started out my blog by explaining the game of golf in my own terms.  I wrote about the basics of the game for the beginners so they could further understand the game.  Along with this, I added another post about the essential terms every golfer should know.  I also wrote a short post about myself in order to give the readers a better idea of who was behind the blog.  These posts are located here:     http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-game-of-golf.html
             http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-basics.html
             http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/02/12-terms-you-need-to-know.html
             http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/02/about-andrew.html
    After I set a foundation with these initial posts, I turned my attention to other blogs around the web.  I reviewed one of the most popular golf blogs on the web and also gave my readers a post that linked to several other golf blogs.  I believed this was a great way for them to find exactly what they were looking for. 
             http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/02/analysis-of-golf-blog.html
             http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/02/links-to-great-golf-blogs-from-around.html
    Finally, my last few posts on blogger have been of several varieties.  I gave the readers a look into a website I was developing that was centered around the game itself.  I also reviewed a popular golf movie, "The Greatest Game Ever Played", and shared my thoughts.  Lastly, wrote about and recommended a great product that I have been using over the last couple years. 
             http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-look-into-my-website.html
             http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-greatest-game-ever-played.html
             http://golfearth.blogspot.com/2013/02/callaway-hitting-net.html
    Thanks for reading.

Callaway Hitting Net

    One of the best golf products I have purchased over the years would be the Callaway Hitting Net.  This versatile net allows golfers to hit realistic shots with a full swing.  It is designed to fit many different environments.  I have used mine both indoors and outdoors.  Spikes are included with the net in order to ensure it is properly stable for all locations.
    Because of the strongly built netting, golfers can hit real golf balls into the net using whichever club they choose.  The Callaway Hitting Net is not only designed to handle the high lofts of different wedges, but it is built to withstand a shot from a driver as well.  This makes it very valuable for the golfer.  Practicing and perfecting the swing are very easy no matter the weather or location.
    Beginners and professionals will find this product to be very rewarding.  Included is a hanging target to practice accuracy with different shots.  All players can find this feature valuable.  Also, the net allows for consistent practice and repetition, two keys to a great golf game. 
    The net comes in three sizes ranging from six to 9 feet.  It has also been made to be transported and stored easily.  The net folds down and fits inside a unique carrying bag.  I would recommend this product for all golfers, no matter their skill level.  I believe the Callaway Hitting Net can improve any golfers swing and overall game.            
     The Callaway Hitting Net can be found at several retailers and carries a very reasonable price.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Callaway-C10-NET-Tri-Ball-Hitting-Net/dp/B005THTJWE/ref=zg_bs_3411341_12

The Greatest Game Ever Played

    Although most people recognize golf's most popular movies as Happy Gilmore and Caddyshack, the sport has been portrayed in a much more meaningful way.  These comedic movies offer up a lot of laughs and provide the audience with a great deal of hilarious quotes.  However, some movies explore the game of golf in a deeper sense.  Films such as Tin Cup have made an impression on the film industry and the sport.  The Greatest Game Ever Played is one of these films and one of my favorites. 
     The movie stars Shia Labeouf, who plays 20-year-old Francis Ouimet.  It is based on the true story of Francis beating his idol Harry Vardon in the 1913 US Open.  Francis grew up in a poor family and worked at a nearby golf course at a very young age.  He was always fascinated by the game, however, golf at this time was considered a pastime of the wealthy.  The movie tells the story of how an underdog like Francis Ouimet challenged the standards of golf and fought his way in to the most coveted tournament in the country.
    For all golfers, this movie serves as a motivational, entertaining piece.  It delves into the harsh expectations for golfers during this time.  It also shows how the game was played back in that age.  From the equipment to the wardrobe, golf was exceptionally different.  For young and old golfers looking to learn about the game, this movie shows how the game has changed.  It is both an educational and engaging film.  I would rate the Greatest Game Ever Played as an 8 out of 10.   

A Look Into My Website

     Hello readers.  Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to read some of my posts.  I have recently created a website using Webs.com to serve Hole Nine, a company I created that is centered around the game of golf.  This company's purpose is to provide new and avid golfers with reasonably priced golf equipment as well as advice and tips in an environment that promotes learning and growth. 
     The website is in its early stages, however, I believe it has a great deal of potential.  Webs.com allows for easy creation and design of websites.  Even for beginners, the layout and controls are easy to understand.  Although the website only has several pages at the moment, I will be updating and expanding the site in the following weeks.  Several articles as well as products will be added to the site very soon.  The topics of the articles will vary slightly but will be focused on Hole Nine and its mission.  The custom products will be posted to the site as well, giving customers the option to explore and purchase. 
      Hole Nine is a very young company, but I have great expectations for it.  With my golf experience as well as love for the game, I believe I have the motivation and knowledge to make this blog and website great.  I hope I can provide all types of golfers with some sort of value throughout their endeavors.       

      You may visit my website at http://theworldofgolf.webs.com/. 
      
      Also, please use the site's contact page to reach me with any comments, questions, and concerns.

Links to Great Golf Blogs from Around the Web

      Here is a list of links and descriptions of the most popular golf blogs from around the web.  I wanted to make it easier for people to access these blogs and provide them with a general idea of each blogs area of focus. 

•      http://www.golfblogger.com/

         This site provides a huge range of topics for its readers.  These include the PGA, courses, golf humor, miniature golf, travel, and instruction.  The directory makes it very easy for people to sort through the dozens of topics and find exactly what they are searching for. 

• http://www.hookedongolfblog.com/

        The Hooked on Golf Blog is written by Tony Korologos, an amateur golfer who has dedicated his life to writing about golf.  This site includes topics such as golf equipment and amateur golf, and it has drawn thousands of viewers since it was started in 2004.  Korologos also posts thousands of pictures annually that make the site much more interesting and presentable to viewers.

• http://thesandtrap.com/

        The Sand Trap is one of the coolest blogs I found.  The site is very appealing to the eyes and you can tell that the creator is very skilled at what he does.  The author not only explores hot topics in the sport, but also less popular ones such as PEDs and the LPGA.  This blog is for the golfer who has been through the basics and wants to delve into the ins and outs of the sport. 

• http://www.sirshanksalot.com/

       This final golf blog focuses much of its time on equipment and technique.  It has a great deal of information on perfecting the swing and useful drills.  It could also be very beneficial when purchasing equipment.

Analysis of "The Golf Blog"

     One of the most popular blogs about golf on the web is The Golf Blog.  This site contributes much of its time to analyzing the top stories in the Professional Golf Association (PGA).  As expected, these topics tend to generate a lot of conversation and traffic for the blog.  Golfers are most attracted to what the professional golfers are doing in the sport. 
    The Golf Blog uses several mediums such as Twitter, Facebook, and email to promote itself.  This allows readers to stay in touch and contact the site very easily.  It also has a ribbon on the side of the page where readers can easily access older posts.
    The design of the site is somewhat average in my opinion.  It has a banner located at the top of the page but that is pretty much it.  The layout could be improved quite easily and draw more attention to the blog. 
   In terms of advertisements, the blog is also lacking.  When I explored the site, I did not encounter one advertisement.  This made me somewhat sceptical of the blog and its success.  However, it seems that readers are still interested. 
    Overall, the blog does a fantastic job of staying up to date with the most popular news in the PGA.  Although most readers will be interested in this, I believe it is still important to analyze other realms of golf such as swing technique and equipment.  Golf encompasses much more than just the current news of the PGA and expands into all age groups and regions. 

12 Terms You Need to Know

Par -  Is the abbreviation for professional average result.  This is the standard score for each hole.

Birdie - A hole that is played one stroke under par.

Bogey - A hole that is played one stroke over par.

Eagle - A hole this is played in two strokes under par.

Tee - The specifically designed area from where the first shot is played from each hole.

Fairway - The short grass located between the tee and the green.  It is much easier to hit the ball out of the fairway than anywhere else.

Rough - The grass that surrounds the entire fairway.  This grass is taller and thicker than the fairway, making it more difficult to hit out of. 

Green - (putting green) The area designated around each hole where putts are played.  This grass is much shorter than any other area across the course. 

Hook - A shot that (for a right-handed golfer) curves sharply to the left.  Although this shot may sometimes be played intentionally, it is very difficult to control.

Slice - A shot that (for a right-handed golfer) curves sharply to the right.  Again this shot may sometimes be played intentionally, but it is very difficult to control.

Mulligan - This is a replay or do-over of a previous shot.  Although it is not allowed in tournaments or professional standards, it is sometimes common in casual rounds.

Handicap - This refers to a numerical calculation of a golfer's playing ability.  It is used to ensure that all golfers have an even chance of winning in competition.

About Andrew

     My name is Andrew. I grew up in Aviston, a small town in southern Illinois. I was always busy spending time with my family and participating in sports throughout grade school. I attended Mater Dei High School where I was a member of the drumline and golf team. I now attend Illinois State University in Normal where I study Business Information Systems and Accounting.
        One of my biggest hobbies is definitely watching movies. I enjoy keeping up with the latest films. In my free time I also like to hang out with friends, exercise, and watch sports. Being from the St. Louis area, my favorite teams are obviously the Cardinals, Rams, and Blues. Keeping up with these teams is always exciting.
      Beyond these hobbies, golfing is also a big part of my life. I began playing after my 8th grade year. My Grandpa has always been an avid golfer and encouraged me to play the game. Although the sport was new to me, I decided to play golf on my high school team. The more I played, the more my love for the game grew. Although I didn't enjoy the competitiveness of high school golf as much as golfing with friends, I still believe it was a great experience. My senior year was highlighted when I qualified for regionals during the season.
      I believe golf is a fantastic sport because it is something you can play for your entire life. This is my first time starting a blog and I have created it in order to share my knowledge, opinions, and advice about this great game.

Contact Andrew:
http://theworldofgolf.webs.com/contact

The Basics

    For those of you who aren't familiar with the game, I want to go over some of the basics of golf.  A typical game of golf consists of 18 individual holes.  However, on a nine hole course each hole can be played twice.   Every player begins each hole by placing their ball on the tee box and hitting it with a club.  The player is allowed to place the ball on a tee for the first shot of each hole.  After the initial shot, the player continues to hit the ball until it lands in the hole.  The objective is to get the ball into the hole in the least amount of strokes. 
   The first shot from the tee box is called a 'drive' and is usually performed with a driver.  This is a long-shafted club with a low degree of loft, which causes the ball to travel a longer distance.  Additional shots are then performed using higher degree woods or irons.  This website describes the various types of clubs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_equipment.  The different types make it possible for golfers to surpass obstacles such as bunkers (sand traps), water hazards, and longer grass called 'rough'. 
    'Stroke play' is the most popular type of game and adheres to the strictest guidelines.  Golfers take turns hitting their ball until each player successfully places it in the hole.  Each player records their score and the lowest score at the end of the round is the winner.  Another popular game is 'best ball' (my personal favorite).  Players are assigned to teams and each player on the team hits from the tee box.  The team then chooses the ball that will give them the best chance at reaching the hole in the fewest shots.  Each player hits from that position and this continues until the team makes a ball into the hole. 

The Game of Golf

     Golf has been around for centuries and is played by a wide range of individuals.  The game is easily accessible for all ages and provides people with a rewarding pastime.  Courses are spread throughout the entire world, with locations in almost every country.  This provides players with a unique experience during every round.  Although the game itself seems simple, competition is quite intense.  Professional golf is very popular and tournament payouts are in the millions of dollars. 
      Because the game does not demand a great deal of conditioning or physical strength, people of all ages and backgrounds can take part in it.  Golf can be played from almost birth until death.  Although the game is more popular in certain parts of the world, it can be viewed to a certain extent all over.  Most professional tournaments take place in the United States and Great Britain.  The website of the Professional Golfers Association is www.pga.com.
    The equipment for the game has greatly changed over the past years.  Clubs were originally made of wood.  Now most clubs are constructed using steel and graphite.  This makes for a lighter, stronger club, which allows players to swing much harder and hit the ball a greater distance.  Golf balls also began as wood and have now been developed using synthetic metals.  The ball itself has hundreds of dimples formed into it to allow for greater stability and speed.  Players can carry a maximum of 14 clubs which includes a putter.  The redesign of the clubs has made the game much more competitive.