Bryan Rhame, Head Golf Professional at Hampton Hall Reveals the Top 10 Success Factors for Beginning Women Golfers

Increasing numbers of women are taking up golf for a variety of reasons, including career advancement and health/fitness. Renowned head golf pro and Hilton Head-area teaching guru Bryan Rhame outlines the 10 most crucial make-or-break factors for beginning women golfers.

(PRWEB) September 2, 2005 -- Golf can be an excellent way to improve health and build fitness, and increasing numbers of women are taking up the game for a variety of reasons, including career advancement. In order of importance, renowned head golf pro and Hilton Head-area teaching guru Bryan Rhame outlines the 10 most crucial make-or-break factors for beginning women golfers. From attitude to attire, Rhame offers his trusted advice on every aspect of the game to help women golfers establish a foundation for success. This is a quick must-read for women who are just beginning in the world of golf, who are in their first years of play and for those who might need a brief refresher!

1. Get Real!

Golf is a challenging game for most, so set realistic goals and manageable expectations. Start by deciding whether you are playing for social or competitive reasons, then determine your goals accordingly.

2. A Well-Equipped Women

As more and more women are taking up the game, manufacturers are designing golf equipment catering to a womens physique.

Clubs: As tempting as it is, dont use mens hand-me-down clubs. This will be more frustrating than it is worth and the right investment in clubs early-on will save you money down the road. Womens clubs are lighter in weight and are a bit shorter than mens clubs, so they are easy to swing and help you work on the correct stance and technique.

Balls: You dont need to buy the most expensive balls on the market, but look for lower-compression balls which are made with the lady golfer in mind.

Bag: While some bags are designed primarily for walking the golf course and others are designed for riding on the back of a golf cart, always select a bag that is light weight and easy to carry.

Golf towel: Golf towels are small -- about the size of a hand towel -- and come with a clip so that it attaches easily to the outside of your bag. Useful for cleaning golf balls and equipment, and wiping your hands.

Golf umbrella: Youll need a golf umbrella" which is over-sized (to cover you and your clubs), light weight and often comes with air vents to allow strong winds to flow through.

3. Another Excuse to Shop: Wear the Right Clothes

Tops: Comfort is crucial here as youll want to select a top that loose enough to allow your upper body to move comfortably through your swing, but fitted enough so that extra material doesnt get in the way. You top should have either sleeves or a collar -- or both.

Bottoms: From slacks to capris to skirts and shorts, the choices are endless!

Whichever you choose, make sure it has pockets which come in handy for your tees and ball markers.

Footwear: Although you can wear sneakers at most clubs, golf shoes with soft spikes offer better traction and support. Look for a pair that fit comfortably with athletic socks and that are water-resistant for the ultimate in foot protection.

Glove: A glove will improve your grip and protect you from getting blisters. Look for a fit that is snug, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Youll want a glove that fits your dominant hand.

Outerwear: Always pack a light sweater, windshirt or water-resistant jacket in of sudden weather changes on the course.

Head gear: A hat or visor offers protection for your face from the sun and for your eyes from glare. Sport sunglasses can also be great as long as they fit well and arent distracting. Apply a high-SPF on all exposed skin and re-apply frequently throughout the round.

Remember that many golf clubs have a dress code, so it is always best to dress conservatively (denim is never acceptable on the golf course.)

4. The Guru for You

Research which instruction options are best for you and your goals, and get recommendations on an instructor that is trusted and respected in your area. Consider private lessons, group lessons, or a series of seminars and multi-session golf schools. Be sure to pick the pace and environment that feel most comfortable to you.

5. Practice! Practice! Practice!

Since golf is a game of repetition, visit a practice facility regularly. Shorter, more frequent, practice sessions are better. Spend as much time at the putting green working on your short game as you do in full swing on the driving range. Practice like you would play a round of golf: change clubs frequently and aim for specific targets.

6. Get Fit

Adding golf-specific training to your overall fitness program will help you avoid injury. Focus on gaining flexibility and strength in your upper body areas like your shoulders, neck and back. Build core strength in your abdominals to protect your back from injury.

7. Know Your Stuff!

To play with confidence on the course, learn the basic rules of golf before you tee off on the first hole and brush up on etiquette before each round.

* Know where to tee off -- ladies tees are usually several yards closer to the pin than mens tees

* Learn the rules of play regarding water hazards and sand bunkers

* Understand how to play and score an out-of-bounds or lost ball

* Maintain a healthy pace of play

* Take care of the course: use ball markers on the green, replace divots, follow course instructions for carts on paths and on the fairways, and rake out the sand traps.

Remember, golf is a game of patience and of respect. Always be mindful and considerate of the other players in your foursome and of other golfers on the course.

8. A Little Attitude Goes a Long Way

A positive attitude will manage your mental game by helping keep frustration in check and by motivating you to keep going when the greens get tough. Try a little positive mantra: You are a GREAT golfer!

9. Star in Your Own Golf Reality Show

Nothing improves play on a golf course like practice on a golf course. Take your instruction and practice out to the tees, the fairways and the greens to learn how to handle specific shots in real-life scenarios.

10. Be Picky!

Be selective about where you play, when you play and with whom you play. Decide whether a public course or a private club fits your lifestyle and comfort level; consider joining a womens group or set a regular schedule to play with friends; start by playing nine holes and work up to playing a full 18.

To learn more about Bryans golf philosophy and the celebrated Pete Dye Course at Hampton Hall, site of the 2005 Hilton Head Open, visit http://www.hamptonhallsc.com.

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