Wednesday, February 20, 2013

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.

Monday, February 18, 2013

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

Friday, February 15, 2013

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.   

Thursday, February 14, 2013

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.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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. 

         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. 

        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.

        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. 

       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.

Monday, February 11, 2013

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. 

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

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.










Tuesday, February 5, 2013

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