It was my goal when I started Pink Golf Tees to not only offer a great selection of ladies golf apparel and accessories from the industry's top women's golf brands, but to also offer an education section where women could learn more about the great game of golf, find golf tips, and information on golf wellness and etiquette. I want to thank my friend, Kathleen Heiney, who is a LPGA teaching professional and owns Link Golf and Wellness for writing this with me.

- Golf Course Etiquette -

If you are new to golf, the unspoken etiquette can be a little daunting to pick up. Unless you take the initiative, no one will tell you the "rules" until you've make a mistake. Here are the etiquette basics for the golf course:

1. Make sure area around you is clear before hitting the ball
2. Honor system, allow player with the lowest score from the last hole hit first. (Unless ready golf)
3. No one should move, talk, or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when the player is hitting or addressing the ball. This includes teeing off, putting, or anywhere in between.
4. Keep the pace moving do not delay the game by taking numerous practice strokes or hitting out of turn. Pay attention to others around you.
5. Do not hit the ball in front of another player. Always allow the person who is furthest behind to go first, unless instructed otherwise.
6. If your ball is in the way of another ball on the green, always pick up your ball and replace it with a ball marker so that the other player can take their turn. Always have a ball marker ready.
7. Searching for a lost ball should not last more than 3-5 minutes. If so, drop a new ball and take a penalty stroke.
8. When the play of the hole is completed, immediately leave the green.
9. The first one who putts out should replace the pin.
10. Repair all ball marks and divots during play.
11. Don't walk in another players line while on the green

- Proper Warm-Up -

Golf is just like any other sport, you must take time to properly warm-up your muscles. As a personal trainer I always take 5-10 minutes before each lesson and have my students stretch and warm-up. However, some golfers may not be aware of what stretches are important for golf and their all around game.

First and foremost you must get the blood flowing. Not boiling over because you are late but warm and loose so you can swing the club. Take at least 15-20 minutes to grab a small bucket of balls, stretch your upper and lower body. Hit a few pitches, a couple seven irons, maybe one driver and go roll some putts. You have to get the body in the game early on for a successful round…

Golf Tips

No matter how long you've been playing golf, it is always helpful to step back and review your technique. Here are some easy pointers for improving your game from our LPGA Pro, Kathleen Heiney.

- Full Swing Tips:

The Stance:

1. Feet as far apart as the width of your shoulders.
2. Women, a little further apart than men due to our hip width.
3. Keep the base of your stance stationary, more movement = more error.
4. Overly wide stance restricts your swing
5. Overly narrow causes the body to tilt in the swing.
6. Release tension from body and relax

Alignment:

1. While gripping the club, make sure clubface is square.
2. Set the clubface behind the ball square to the target.
3. Step into stance with feet, hips and shoulders at right angles to clubface.
4. Frequently check alignment during play.

Weight Distribution:

1. Distribute weight equally on both feet, drive the ball of your foot to the heel into the ground.
2. Keep back straight, but relaxed.
3. Bend over the ball from the hips, not your waist.
4. Flex your knees slightly.
5. Let your arms hang naturally from your body.

Ball Position: (ball position with vary with club length)

1. The shorter the club, up to the 7-iron the more center the stance.
2. Middle to long irons the ball is played left to center.
3. Fairway woods and driver play the ball off the left heel
4. When hitting your driver tee up the ball about half above the club head

Hand Position:

1. Always have your hands even with or slightly ahead of the ball
2. Never have them further than the center of your left thigh.
3. Try and let the club head do the work not the hands itself.

Swing Tips

1. Pre-Shot Routine: Define your own!
2. A solid finish one which is balanced and facing your target
3. The focus is our target not our mechanics
4. 4. A balanced and consistent set-up.

Follow Through! Make sure to finish your swing so that you get the maximum impact from the club hitting the ball.

- Short-Game Tips:

As many of us know, your short game is key to a successful, low scoring round. However, it also seems as though we don't work on our short game enough. As I continue with my teaching career I encourage more and more amateur players to work on chipping, pitching, putting and sand shots. The rest will all come together. The plan of attack should be around the green not just hitting the ball down the middle of the fairway. The most important thing is to plan your strategy around getting to the green and deciding how to approach each shot. If you do this each round I guarantee you will lower your score and your handicap.

- Chipping Tip:

A chip shot is used when we are closer to the hole and want the ball to act more like a putt. Land the ball a foot in front of the fringe and allow for the remainder of the shot to roll towards your target. Remember a chip shot is like a big putt with a little air time.

1. Ball position is back of your stance (right for roll if you are right handed).
2. Arms are in the form of a lower case "y"
3. 75% of your weight should be on your target side foot (left side if you are right handed)
4. Swing your "y" back and through no higher than the seat of a park bench.
5. 100% of your weight should finish on your target side (left for right handed)
6. Your swing should be like a pendulum with slight acceleration to your target.

**Remember if we look up, we usually won't like what we see. Always allow your hands to follow through to your target and listen for the ball to hit the pin!

- Pitching Tip:

A pitch shot is utilized more for longer distance, softer landing and less roll. It is the mini version of your full-swing. When pitching remember to use your arms as if you were throwing the club to your target. Ask yourself how hard would you throw the ball from there and feel your distance. Avoid trying to help the ball off the ground, all the club to do the work. Finally ALWAYS FINISH!!!! Without the proper swing follow-through, all of this means nothing.

1. Feet are no more than shoulder width apart
2. Slightly open to your target
3. Ball position middle (if you want more loft move the ball forward of your stance "Left for Loft:
4. The pitch shot is very much like the full-swing. Maintain your triangle and turn all the way through to your target.
5. 100% of your weight should be on your target side foot.
6. Tempo is important, slow back swing with slight acceleration on your down swing.
7. Follow through will be slightly longer than your back swing.
8. Pitch with sand wedge for more spin and loft!

- Putting Tip:

The easiest shot in golf is your 5th Putt! You won't have any 5 putts if you follow these tips!

1. Eyes directly over the ball.
2. Ball position closer to your target side foot.
3. Always mark your ball and line up your shot.
4. Stroke the putt don't hit it. Forward swing bigger than the back swing.
5. Keep your core tight. This will help you create a more stable swing.
6. Feel the distance with your hands. How hard would you roll the ball to your target?
7. Target is not the hole but a tiny spot in front of or off to the side of the hole or in your line!
8. Swing evenly back, forward, and through in the "Tic-Tock Look!" rhythm.