How Much Do Caddies Make in Professional Golf?

When you think about your dream job, does being a golf caddy come to mind?

Traveling around the world to different tournaments and getting a front-row seat to some of the game’s most exciting moments can make for an incredible career. Yet, is it a lucrative one?

If you work in the professional golf industry, the answer might surprise you! Today, we’re answering the question, “How much do caddies make?” and sharing the details you need to know.

Breaking Down a Caddy’s Salary

A caddy’s salary usually includes two basic parts:

  • A base salary
  • A percentage of the player’s earnings

Let’s take a closer look at these calculations.

Base Salary

In terms of the base salary, golfers and their caddies usually come to an agreement between themselves before starting the season together. Sometimes, the caddy is paid per tournament. Other times, they’re paid on a weekly basis.

In both cases, the base payout amount is around $1,500 to $3,000 per week.

Percentage of Player’s Earnings

There’s a reason the highest paid caddies are also paired with some of the sport’s most prolific athletes. In most cases, the caddy’s earnings are based on the golfer’s tournament placement.

What percentage do caddies make when their golfer wins? It depends on how well they do!

If the golfer places outside of the Top 10, the caddy will normally receive 5% of any earnings they receive. However, that number jumps to 6% to 8% if the golfer has a Top-10 finish. If the golfer wins the tournament outright, their caddy could receive up to 10% of their total earnings!

While 10% might not sound like too much, it can be a hefty payout when the winnings are in the millions. Here’s a list of the top-paying PGA Tour tournaments for reference. You can expect Caddies at the Masters to walk away with a nice paycheck!

Negotiating Terms

While most golfers and caddies come to an agreement similar to the above, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, teams develop different terms depending on what works best for each party.

For instance, a caddy might decide to take a higher weekly salary in exchange for earning less during tournaments. This way, they have a more consistent income that isn’t dependent on the golfer’s performance.

When fine-tuning their terms, some golfers will also cover other costs for their caddies, in addition to their salaries and tournament earnings. These include:

  • Travel costs
  • Hotel costs
  • Food and entertainment costs

Sponsorships

Finally, keep in mind that caddies can also earn money from brand sponsorships. While their sponsored earnings won’t be as high as the golfer’s, they could receive compensation for giving retailers or apparel brands exposure.

Usually, they’ll indicate a sponsorship by wearing the brand’s logo on their hat, shirt sleeve, or another type of golf apparel.

How Much Do Caddies Make? Learn More

How much do caddies make? As you can see, there’s no clear-cut answer to that question.

Rather, it depends on where they work and who they’re teamed with. Caddies at country clubs will earn a different type of income than those paired with PGA superstars. In both cases, the total earnings usually include a base salary, plus a percentage of the golfer’s winnings.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in golf? If so, check out our online training resources to get started!

The Drama and Details of The PGA and LIV Golf Rivalry

There has been an immense amount of controversy and drama regarding LIV Golf and I would expect more to come in the future. As of today, June 9th, LIV Golf has started its first tournament in London.

PGA Suspends Players

The PGA has issued a statement regarding the aforementioned tournament. It has suspended current and future players who decide to move to the newly formed league. The following players are no longer eligible for PGA events due to their participation in the Saudi’s golf league:

Sergio Garcia

Taylor Gooch

Branden Grace

Dustin Johnson

Matt Jones

Martin Kaymer

Graeme McDowell

Phil Mickelson

Kevin Na

Andy Olgetree

Louis Oosthuizen

Turk Pettit

Ian Poulter

Charl Schwartzel

Hudson Swafford

PeterUihlein

Lee Westwood

As you can see, a lot of big names are listed and this will certainly shake things up. The Saudi’s Golf League pursueded these golfers with their very deep pockets. Phil Mickelson reportedly has a hefty $200 million new dollars in the bank. DJ reportedly received a $125 million contract and Ian Poulter a $30 million one.

The Future of LIV Golf

This will no doubt be very interesting to see where this goes and if more PGA players decide to make the switch and fatten their pockets. Could this be the start of the PGA’s dimise? Will LIV Golf just be a 2022 fad that will fade right off the fairway into oblivion?

See below video for Dan Patrick’s take on the situation.

Also, here is ESPN’s commentary on it as well.

Grab some popcorn and sit back and enjoy the show…more to come from us soon.

Iconic Golf Courses to Add to Your Bucket List

Did you know that golf dates all the way back to the days of Julius Caesar?

Golfing is one of the world’s most popular sports, with nearly 60 million people around the world playing on a regular basis. It’s easy to see why: it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty, and each course has its own unique design and feel.

With so many golf courses to choose from, which ones are worth visiting?

Golf Courses

There are about 35,000 golf courses around the world, and nearly half of them are in the United States. With so many courses to play, how do you decide where to go? Having a list of some of the most beautiful and well-regarded golf courses can help steer you in the right direction.

Each course on this list was chosen for its distinct features: strategic layout, visual experience, varied holes, water hazards, and unique obstacles. There is a balance of challenge and playability that can cater to different budgets and golfing abilities.

Check out some of the most amazing golf courses created, and consider stringing a few of them together by planning an epic golf vacation.  

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

When most people imagine paradise, they picture Hawaii.

Tropical, lush, and with world-famous beaches along with heavenly weather, playing a course in Hawaii should be something every lover of golf experiences at some point during their lives.

Royal Hawaiian Golf Club boasts some of the most stunning views imaginable. The majestic emerald greenery of Mount Olomana and Ko’olau Mountain is on clear display throughout the entire course.

The course is only 20 minutes away from Waikiki and was redesigned by hall-of-fame golfer Greg Norman.

Expansive views of royal palms, banana trees, and flowing streams are sure to keep you in good spirits as you wander the green. On top of this, there’s a 45,000 square-foot clubhouse on-site that offers you everything you could need.

Pine Valley Golf Club

Nestled in the sandy pine barrens of southwest Jersey, Pine Valley Golf Club is well-known for being one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world.

Pine Valley Golf Club blends different schools of golf design. This means that golfers experience a wide range of challenges that are sure to keep everyone engaged.

With beautiful views and tons of surprises, each hole on Pine Valley is considered a masterpiece. In order to experience the exclusive privilege of playing Pine Valley, golfers either need to become a member or be invited and accompanied by another member.

Pacific Dunes

Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes Resort is one of America’s greatest public golf courses.

Located along the rugged coast of Southern Oregon, each hole on Pacific Dunes feels naturally carved out of its breath-taking landscape. Stunning ocean views along with rolling greens, treat golfers to natural beauty every step of the way.

The trick to playing Pacific Dunes is in mastering the wind, which can vary from day-to-day and hole-to-hole. There’s a healthy mix of challenges that will have you using every club in your bag along the way.

Streamsong Resort Red 

Located in Central Florida, Streamsong Resort Red was designed by the legendary architect team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

Streamsong Resort Red serves up a solid challenge along with a visual buffet of Florida’s world-famous landscape. With subtle dips and dramatic views of rolling hills, along with plenty of sand and fresh water, it’s no wonder this course is consistently ranked as one of the best in Florida.

The site also offers excellent dining options and other recreational sports like archery and bass fishing. Situated between Tampa and Orlando, Streamsong Resort Red is also a short distance from some of Florida’s most famous tourist destinations.

Whispering Pines 

Located on the edge of the Trinity River in Texas, Whispering Pines is another course that’s guaranteed to bring tons of fun and leave you satisfied.

Whispering Pines is a bit off the beaten path, making it a great place for a quiet, peaceful game. Most of the fairways are wide and naturally blended in with interesting marshlands, shrubs, and sandy soil.

The course also offers private cabins, making it an ideal place to soak in the beauty of Texas’ natural landscape.

Gatlinburg Golf Course

Gatlinburg Golf Course is situated on the edge of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, just south of Knoxville.

The course is lined with jaw-dropping mountainous views and beautifully wooded landscapes. It is open year-round and has a fully-equipped pro shop and excellent dining options.

The course only has a couple of water hazards on the back nine, so you don’t have to worry about your ball going for a swim. The course is well-maintained, and the fresh mountain air will leave you feeling invigorated.

Gatlinburg caters to golfers of every skill level, offering a decent challenge to well-seasoned golfers while still being accessible to beginners.

Wilderness Club

Located just minutes from National Forest land, Wilderness Club sits along an exceptionally pretty stretch of land in Montana.

There’s plenty of beauty to behold in Wilderness Club: amazing mountain views, expansive grasses, lakes, and streams. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, Wilderness Club is another course that caters to golfers at every stage.

The resort sits on 555 acres and offers a wide range of all-season outdoor activities for families of all sizes as well as luxury accommodations. Wilderness Club has a clubhouse with a grill, a water park, luxury cottages, group cabins, and resort suites. 

Wilderness Club is one of the most gorgeous golf courses in America and has something for everyone.

Take Action

With so many wonderful golf courses to experience, why wait to get started?  

Take action and start planning your trip today.

Connect with us and subscribe for great golf deals and golf news. If you found any of these tips useful, feel free to explore the rest of our site for more insight and information.

Awesome Golf Goals to Help Improve Your Game

Golf is easily the sport where precision matters most. As you’ll learn in this guide, even turning your head too quickly when you’re putting in can mess up your game.

And since this sport is so precise, that means you need to be constantly improving your game, whether that’s by working on your stroke, your posture, or your mindset. 

We’re going to go over all three below, to help you set your golf goals for this year. Read on to get some great tips! 

Golf Goals: Work on Your Mindset First 

Everything in life starts with your attitude. This statement sounds simplistic, but you can’t disprove it, and it absolutely applies to your golf game. 

The more you focus on how nervous you are about a particular part of the course you are, the more those nerves are going to manifest into simple swing mistakes you know better than to do. 

And yes, we know this is more easily said than done. Here are a few ways golf pros keep their nerves at bay and move on from a bad shot.

A Tip from Tiger 

Tiger woods is one of the best golfers in history. But even he has bad shots. And can you imagine the standards he holds himself to? That’s a lot of stress and pressure. So when he makes a bad shot, Tiger lets out that pressure and frustration, but only for as long as it takes him to walk/cart ten yards from the spot he had the bad swing. 

This way, he gets to release his anger, but after those ten yards, it’s all about the next move. 

Take Three Deep Breaths 

We know this sounds cheesy, but taking deep breaths is not only clinically proven to calm your mind and anxiety, but it relaxes and re-regulates your body as well. And when you’re working on your golf swing, you know that extra tightness in your shoulder can lead to you hitting the ball too high – or too low. 

And if you’re worried it will make your shot take too long, think about how long each player takes when they’re at a tournament. 

Look at Where You Want the Ball to Go

This seems obvious too, but oftentimes we get caught up in the details of our swing and look too much at the ball. When you’re setting up for your shot, spend some time looking at where you want it to go. Pick an exact spot. 

Your body is smarter than you give it credit for. It will align towards that spot and help you swing aim towards it. This is a good tip to pair with a deep breath as well, set your sights and breathe, check your position, then breathe as you hit the ball – looking at the exact spot you want it to go during your follow-through. 

Practical Golf Tips 

Okay, enough with the mental stuff, let’s get to the tips you thought you’d be getting in this article. The first one is simple, though it might scare your significant other at first…

Watch Yourself in the Mirror

Obviously, you’re not going to do a full practice swing in the house unless you have room. But even just looking at your starting stance in the mirror can show you some ways to improve – and give you immediate feedback the next time you go to practice. 

Take a look at your posture first – is your spine relatively straight? Are you sticking your butt out too much? How about your knees, are they overbent or rigid? 

You don’t need a golf pro to help you fix these aspects of your swing. Better posture is always going to enhance the advice of any golf coach. To put it another way, no golf coach is ever going to tell you that you need worse posture, so save your money for the big tips and fix this part yourself! 

Keep Your Putt Still! 

Golf magazine claims that one of the biggest differences between recreational and professional golfers is that pros barely move their bodies when they’re putting. 

Since you’re only going a short distance, you don’t need the power that comes from working your swing from your shoulders. Already knew that? Well, did you know that if you turn your head to watch the ball after you putt, it turns your shoulders slightly and adds some extra spin or direction to the ball? 

Bet you didn’t! Next time there’s a tournament on, watch how still the pros are when they’re putting. The only thing that moves is their arms. And watch how they don’t move their head at all until their putter has no more contact with the ball. 

Since you’re only tapping the ball, this is a skill you can practice in the mirror. Our eyes are trained to catch movement, so it should be easy to figure out where you need to practice keeping still.

Reward Yourself Often

Instead of feeling like you should be better overnight, set small goals, and reward yourself for meeting them. Maybe that means you spend half an hour practicing in the mirror, then buy yourself some new balls. 

Cut your handicap by a couple of points? A new golf shirt. Work your way up to your ultimate goal by rewarding yourself for completing the little step-by-step ones along the way. 

Need a good gear shop? Browse our product guides here.  

Set Realistic Golf Goals, Then Crush Them! 

If you’ve never heard of SMART goals, here’s an ultra-quick guide. SMART stands for small, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. 

For example, a smart goal for reducing your handicap would look like this: I want to reduce my handicap by two points by working on my swing by the end of next month. 

If you set all your golf goals like this, you’ll be well on your way to success. And our guides can help you choose the best gear to get there. 

Get more tips and all the reviews you need here. 

5 Tips on Planning Golf Vacations for New Players

Have you just recently picked up the sport of golf and are looking to take things to the next level? Do you want to find a way to improve your game and squeeze in a miniature vacation with friends?

If so, then you need to learn all you can about planning golf vacations. These allow you the chance to enjoy some of the finest courses and get away from the stress of everyday life. All it takes is a bit of planning at the front end.

See below for several tips on how to plan a golf vacation with your family, friends, or coworkers for a trip you won’t soon forget.

1. Set a Golf Trip Budget

You’re going to enjoy this trip. That’s a guarantee! However, it makes it a bit harder to come back knowing that you might’ve overextended yourself during your stay.

Golf trips are notorious for costing a fair amount of money, but they don’t have to. If you set a budget for your golf vacation ahead of time, then you have something to hold yourself accountable to.

A golfing trip budget is actually really easy to take care of. Since you’ll be aiming to play golf at least once a day, you can break the budget up by the number of days you’ll be there.

Be sure to factor in things like the cost of the course, restocking on golf balls, paying for drinks, entertainment outside the golf outing, and so forth. Give yourself some wiggle room. Don’t create a budget that’s too unrealistic to follow.

2. Gather a Headcount

Before you get into planning the details of your trip, you will want to see who all can make it.

Try to aim for a group of 4 or smaller if you’re looking to golf together with the entire trip. If you bring more, you can swap people out in different groups each day.

Next, try to get everyone to commit to a certain date for the trip. You’ll want to give yourself as much time to plan as possible. That way, you can book all the golf courses you want, find a proper place to stay, raise funds, and so on.

Once you have a firm headcount, you can start to talk through things like destination, courses they prefer to play at, how many times you want to play, and so on.

3. Start Small

While it might be tempting to book a golfing trip like visiting the ancient lands of Scotland or obtaining the beauty of New Zealand, it’s better to start small for your first trip.

If you consider yourself a beginner, then start by booking a staycation at courses in your town or scheduling a weekend getaway in a nearby golfing hotspot. 

Also, for your first trip, you might want to view the golfing part as the secondary aspect of the trip, not the primary.

In other words, view this trip as a vacation in which you get to golf every day, not a golfing trip with a few other things sprinkled in. This will allow you to enjoy playing, improve your game, and lead to less frustration for you and your group.

If you book a major golfing trip from the get-go, then all other small golfing getaways will be a let down of sorts. Work your way up to the exotic golf trip a year or two down the road when your skills have improved.

4. Choose a Location

Any experienced golf vacationer will tell you that you choose the location first, courses second. Be sure to factor in the time of year when selecting your destination.

For example, if you’re wanting to book a trip in the winter, then choose desired cities in states like Florida, Arizona, or Texas. If you’re reserving one for the summer, then you might try states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan.

When thinking through the destination, be sure to consider other means of entertainment nearby. For example, you have the beach if you book in Florida, you could organize an Arizona outing during MLB spring training, etc.

5. Research the Courses Before You Book

Everyone knows that each golf course is different. However, if you’ve just started golfing, you might not know the extent of how different some courses are.

Don’t ever book an outing for your golf trip without researching more about the course first. For example, you’d be in for a world of hurt if you were expecting golf carts on a course that requires its players to walk the entire course.

What if you accidentally book a par 3 course when you didn’t intend to? What if you make reservations and find out that it’s only a 9-hole course?

Check the online reviews of any course you’re interested in. How satisfied are previous players? What comments did they have in regards to the course’s condition?

To ensure your golf vacation is satisfactory, you’ll want to do a bit of homework before booking the courses. Make sure to get input from everyone that’s going.

Enjoy Planning Golf Vacations for Your Group

Remember, planning golf vacations should be a fun adventure, not a chore. Give yourself ample time to save up money so that you can have the best experience possible. 

Be sure to read this article on the best GPS golf apps that you should download before you go on your trip. This will help you keep score and improve your game while playing on the different courses.

For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.

How to Drive a Golf Ball: A Guide for a Further Drive

The sweet sound of hitting the sweet spot of the clubhead. Compliments from the players in your foursome as the ball sails down the fairway. You can hear it now.

A long bomb off the tee is beautiful. A perfect drive sets the tone for any hole or round. Style points are great. Cutting strokes is the goal.

Drive length is an essential component of your golf game. A longer drive is the difference between a birdie and a bogey.

Read on for essential tips on how to drive a golf ball.

It’s Mechanical

When you watch PGA Tour pros on any Saturday or Sunday afternoon crush 325 yard drives right down the pike, it all looks so simple. You think if you swing as hard and fast as you can, the ball will go further.

Far too many amateur golfers simply try to “grip it and rip” it in the tee box. If this is your strategy for how to hit a golf ball, you know the results are mixed at best.

What you may fail to see while watching players like Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy on Sunday afternoons, is the way they harness the power of their body through correct technique and mechanics.

Proper swing mechanics are the foundation of how to increase your drive.

Check Your Stance

Your golf driving stance must contain precise ball placement and weight distribution.

The ball must be placed in your stance to ensure the clubhead makes upward contact. Golfers who often have problems with length and accuracy tee the ball too far back in their stance.

Weight distribution maximizes your body’s power through your swing. To solve improper distribution, tee the ball forward in your stance and keep the majority of your body’s weight on your back foot.

Get Jacked

The days of the out of shape professional golfer like John Daly are over. If you want an easy answer for how to improve your golf drive, hit the weights.

A physical fitness revolution was televised on the PGA Tour, and professional players realized they can hit the ball further and with greater consistency if they are in peak physical condition. You are not any different.

If the improvement of your drive is important, join a gym or start a home fitness routine. This is a guaranteed way to increase your drive, and the benefits of physical fitness will bear fruit in your personal life.

We’re Talking About Practice

Proper swing mechanics are important yet meaningless if you cannot repeat them consistently.

A professional baseball player doesn’t walk into the batter’s box off the street and smash home runs. A PGA Tour professional doesn’t show up cold to Pebble Beach and shoot under par. Why should you expect to hit long, perfect drives on your Saturday morning round without any extra work?

It’s not a matter of hitting a bucket of balls at your local driving range once a week. Anyone can do that.

The right practice involves professionally devised drills that force you to learn, repeat, and feel the correct mechanics of how to drive a golf ball. Once you train your body to feel the proper swing methods, your drives will consistently travel further.

The Power of Modern Technology

With all the technology available in your pocket, why wouldn’t you use your smartphone to improve your golf drive?

One on one lessons can be a valuable component to increase the length of your drive. While a set of professional eyes will no doubt help cure swing flaws and provide you with a solid strategy, they can be expensive. 

A convenient, cost-effective workaround is a swing analyzer app available for Android and iOS. 

These apps provide a 3-D analysis of your swing. They are so unobtrusive you can use them during your round and receive a real-time picture of your shots, and are a cost-effective method for how to improve your golf drive.

The Right Driver for the Right Golfer

Once you’ve developed proper technique, a holistic practice regimen, and incorporated the technological advancements of modern society, the next tip to improve your golf drive is to find the right driver.

The major brands, while pricey, are worth it. The superior materials and craftsmanship of these drivers will help improve your drive length and slash strokes. There is a reason why Tiger doesn’t play with K-Mart clubs.

The Proper Fit

While an investment in excellent equipment will help your drives, golfers often overlook the importance of club fitting. It is one of the easily achievable golf driving tips.

Stock clubs are too long, too short, too heavy, or too light for the average golfer.  Improper clubs will hinder your length with improper launch angles and slower clubhead speeds.

Even worse, without fitted clubs, you can inadvertently develop poor swing habits that could wreck your game for years.

If you are serious about your game and want to hit a golf ball as far as possible, do not hesitate to get a professional fitting.

Be the Ball, Danny

An educated choice in the pro shop before your round will lead to added distance from the tee.

With so many brands available, the search for your correct ball is complicated. The price of quality golf balls makes the trial and error method less than cost-effective.

Luckily, many serious golf enthusiasts and professionals do the work for you. To lengthen your drive, make sure you research what the top golf ball brands offer your game. 

How to Drive a Golf Ball

Every hacker has their own methods they are more than happy to share at the 19th hole. Though everyone has tricks to improve drive length, the fundamentals of mechanics, practice, physical fitness, and proper equipment are the surest methods.

Along with tips for how to drive a golf ball, Golf Gear Geeks offers many other tips and technological reviews. Make sure to read through all of our blog posts.

Playing Golf in the Wind: A Guide to Adjust Your Game

Golf isn’t easy. Even in the best of weather conditions, it’s one of the most difficult sports in existence. Add heavy winds to the equation and it’s a challenge unlike any other. But you can’t just bow out of a round because it’s a little windy. You have to adjust your game to meet a different set of demands. Wondering how it’s done? Curious as to how you can conquer those windy days? Then read on. Here’s a full guide to playing golf in the wind. 

Keep Side Spin to a Minimum

Maybe you like to play a fade? Perhaps you like to play a draw? There’s nothing wrong with either . . . when the weather is decent. 

Unfortunately, when heavy winds start blowing, they can turn a slight fade or a slight draw into a bad slice or a horrible hook. So, in short, any type of spin that your golf ball has on it will be compounded by the wind. 

How do you combat this problem? By playing with as little side spin as possible. The more front spin you can put on your ball, the better off you’ll be. 

Now, we know that reducing side spin isn’t easy, especially if it’s a regular part of your game. But you can usually reduce it by slowing down your swing and focusing on keeping your clubface square during impact. 

Our advice is to hit the driving range before teeing off. See what you can do to lessen your fade or your draw and then use those same techniques during your round. 

Gauge for Wind Adjustment

It doesn’t matter how crisply you strike your ball, if it’s windy out there, it’s going to get caught up. The only thing you can do to combat this is to gauge for adjustment prior to taking your shot. 

In other words, if the wind is blowing heavy to the right, you should aim left of your intended target. Conversely, if it’s blowing to the left, you should aim right of your intended target. 

Again, it’s wise to get out on the practice range prior to starting your round. This way, you’ll know just how much adjustment you need to make. 

Club Up/Club Down

When the wind is blowing hard, you can’t always play your clubs at their typical distances. Why? Because a strong wind could turn a 120-yard 9-iron into a 100-yard 9-iron and could turn a 150-yard 6-iron into a 170-yard 6-iron. 

As such, before each of your shots, you need to get a feel for the strength and direction of the wind. Only then will you know which club to use. 

There are a number of ways to gauge the wind’s strength and direction, but the best option is to look for items that are blowing. Ideally, you’ll have a flagstick nearby that you can use to gauge the wind. But if you don’t, you could also tear up a few pieces of grass and let them fly; don’t toss them, just let them go and see which way the wind takes them. 

Get Conservative

Are you a particularly aggressive golfer? If so, and if you’re playing on a windy day, you might want to tone it down a bit. Generally speaking, aggressive golfers and heavy winds go together like ketchup and applesauce, which is to say that they don’t go well together at all. 

Thinking about trying to clear that water on hole 8? The wind could put it right in. You might want to lay up instead. 

Are you used to playing a draw in order to get a good angle on that dogleg? With the wind blowing, it’s going to be risky. Playing it short is the safer option. 

Erratic with your driver? It’s only going to be worse in windy weather. You might want to consider playing a 3-wood instead. 

Put simply, windy days are no time to get creative with your golf game. If you want to be successful, you have to play it relatively safe. 

Sure, your score might not be as low. But the others’ scores won’t be as low either. Let them make the mistakes instead of you. 

Keep It Low

As a rule of thumb, the higher you hit the ball, the less control you have over it. This is particularly true when it’s windy, as winds are stronger higher than they are lower. As such, on a windy day, you should do what you can to keep the ball low

The easiest way to hit the ball lower is to put it further back in your stance. In doing so, you’ll allow your club to strike the ball on a downward trajectory, thus reducing its loft. 

Another way to keep the ball low is to limit your follow-through. By extending your club outward during your follow-through as opposed to upward, you’ll put a lower trajectory on the ball. 

Low shots are important in high winds not only because they have a smaller chance of getting caught up in said winds, but because they tend to have more speed on them as well. This increase in speed enables the ball to cut through the wind, limiting its effect. 

Golf in the Wind Successfully With These Key Tips

It’s not easy to golf in the wind. But sometimes, it’s unavoidable. If you’re playing in a tournament or scheduled golf outing, you have to go out there and give it your best shot; these tips will help you to do so. 

Looking for other golf-related tips? If so, you’re in the right place. Golf Gear Geeks has you covered. 

Whether you’re looking for golf tips, info on golf products, or otherwise, our website can help you. Check out our other blog posts now!

Covid-19 Pandemic Golf Rules

You may be thinking “what are the new rules at golf courses now that we are in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic?” or “what should I be doing to minimize my exposure to Covid-19 while golfing?” We checked at several golf course pro shops and the PGA website to get an idea of what the new rules are or at least what is recommended. If your local course is not following these rules, you may want to make them aware of the following best practices:

1)      Minimize or eliminate the handling of any equipment on the course owned by the club and normally handled by every golfer. For example at one course they do not want you to pull the flags, just leave them in place. They also do not want you to pick up and handle the rakes to remove your tracks in the sand traps. These will be groomed by the staff at the end of the day. 

2)      Bring your own water bottles so you do not need to touch and drink from the public water fountains.

3)      Most courses are not renting clubs as this creates too much extra work to sanitize them between rentals.

4)      Participants are still paired into foursomes, however each player is required to ride alone in his cart. Rented carts are disinfected between rounds. If you live in the neighborhood, now is a good time to purchase a golf cart for your own use.

5)      Keep the social distancing rules of 6 feet between people as in other public places. One course recommends a distance of 10 feet if it is windy.

6)      Perform the normal cleanliness habits of not shaking hands, keeping anti-bacterial wipes handy or hand sanitizer just in case you need them, sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible,  etc.

7)      Face masks are not mandatory, however if you have allergies it might make sense to wear one to prevent allergens from entering your nose causing you to sneeze, and if you do sneeze, it shows courtesy towards the other players.

The Latest Golf Trends Golfers Need to Keep a Close Eye on in 2020

Golfing is both a sport and a refined art. As such, it’s imperative to be on top of all the latest trends not only for the sake of your game but also for respect in your social circles. This year has seen some pretty exciting trends; some picked off from last year and some new.

From a sportsman’s perspective, there’s always something better every year in terms of equipment. 2020 is no exception with new technology golf clubs and a general adaptation of golfing to the current technological wave. Some of this year’s golf trends are more social and revolve around the golf course stuff like fashion and even music.

Over 107 million Americans in 2018 played, read, or watched golf. It shows how invested people are in golf trends.

If you’re unfamiliar with golf trends, here are some more recent trends that you should be aware of.  

Music on the Golf Course

Who’d have thought that we’d be bumping to our favorite tunes while swinging our golf clubs? Playing music while golfing will become prominent this year, especially now that many youngsters are embracing the sport. 

It’s a tactic some golf resorts have embraced to attract the attention of young golfers. Of course, you shouldn’t expect loud booming music on the fairway; that will completely throw you off your game. That’s why this trend could have some difficulty going forward to accommodate different music tastes.

Classical or calmer music, however, can be something the veteran golfers appreciate. Also, it’s far less outlandish than the upbeat, blaring music the younger generation often prefers.

So get ready for some tunes the next time you tee off.

New Golf Apparel

Of course, a list of golf trends won’t be complete without mentioning fashion. The fashion trend this year is clothing that’s sharp, modern, and functional.

For instance, shirts that help with elbow swing and pants that help maintain the correct posture.

Breathable wear has been the norm for a couple of years and is likely to stay for a while.

Since most people love golfing in summer, it’s the ideal time to whip out your snazzy summer threads. Remember not to get carried away on the fashion aspect and forget about the game.

Plus, don’t forget golf wear etiquette, or you’ll be the laughing stock of the entire course.

Healthier Lifestyle for Golfers

Golf isn’t a sport that’s very much associated with healthy diets. That’s because unlike other intensive sports, golf doesn’t involve a lot of physical exertion. However, many golfers are embracing a healthier diet to give them an edge over their rivals.

This healthy diet choice isn’t restricted to your home. Expect an array of healthy drinks in your local golf resort. Think along the lines of healthy vegan smoothies, artisanal coffee, and the likes.

In other words, you might want to forget the usual golf club hotdog this year.

Three Hole Tournaments

In 2020, three-hole to nine-hole tournaments are steadily gaining traction in the golfing community. It’s an alternative to the usual 20/20 gaming format, which is lengthy and even tiring for some.

These short tournaments can take no longer than three hours.

This is great for busy people who are rushing to work or some other place after the game.

Beginners can also try their hand at golf without fear of embarrassing themselves in the long game.

Increased Social and Corporation Adaptability

For most people, golf is more than just a sport, it’s also a way to socialize or advance business agendas. Golf resorts and clubs are aware of this and are making their establishments more conducive for businesses and social groups.

Golf clubs are tailoring tournaments for business teams to compete against each other. These clubs are also incorporating other fun activities for college clubs and families.

Popular golf clubs have a knack for switching up their style to fit their clients’ wishes.

In 2020, adapting the golf resort to business and social groups has worked in favor of golf clubs. It has also made golf less intimidating for people willing to take up the sport but is scared to do so.

More Technology in Golf

Technology has also crept its way into golf with the latest tech innovations.

For instance, streaming live events, music, and golf information on golf carts is now the norm, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Nowadays, there’s a hands-free push cart that will carry your golfing stuff all across the court.  On the software side, there are tons of golfing apps to help you up your game.

Not to mention, there are tons of golf mobile games to keep you occupied while you wait for your turn.

The notion that golf is rigid to technology has been overturned over the past decade. Now more than ever, golf is embracing technology for a better overall golfing experience and making learning golf easier.

These Golf Trends Have You Set for 2020

These are some of the hottest golf trends you should expect this year. Tell your golfing buddies all about them, so they aren’t left out. Also, keep your eyes peeled for next year’s golfing trends, so you’re always on top of your game. 

For more informative and insightful golf reads on everything golf, check out our golf talk blog and be in the know.

9 of the Worst Golf Courses in the United States

worst golf courses

What are the worst golf courses in the United States?

Whether you’re a hacker or a golfer with a low handicap, you want to play at a course that provides a great experience.

Out of over 15,000 golf courses in the country, we managed to narrow this list down to the 9 golf courses you’ll want to avoid.

Read on to find out what they are.

What Makes a Bad Golf Course?

Ranking the worst golf courses is a purely subjective endeavor. However, there are some criteria that were used to create this list.

We took into account what makes a great playing experience. Fast play without feeling rushed and greens where you can actually make putts matters to golfers. The driving factor for most golfers having a good experience is the condition of the course and the price paid for the round.

Put it another way, if you paid a lot of money for a round at a course where there was no electricity and the grass was overgrown, you would think that’s a horrible course.

Here’s what else we took into account.

Design

Golf course designers don’t have an easy job. They have a piece of land to work with, elements like wind and water to contend with, and they have to design a great golf course.

Designers can be known to go overboard with water features or try to cram in too much in a small space.

Good design should challenge every golfer, have a personality or theme, and take advantage of the natural beauty of the landscape.

That’s why courses like Pebble Beach and Augusta National constantly rank at the top of listings. They’re beautiful courses that are challenging.

Maintenance

It’s expensive to maintain a golf course, and if a course is struggling financially, that can impact your golf experience.

In 2016, the average maintenance budget was roughly $700,000.

There is a lot to maintain at a golf course. There’s the greens, trees, labor, fertilizer, fairways, and sand traps all take money to maintain.

Then there are capital expenditures to make improvements to the golf course. Maintenance equipment like water pumps and lawn mowers have maintenance needs of their own as well.



1. Chambers Bay Golf Course

Chambers Bay opened up in 2007 in Tacoma, WA. In 2015, it was the host of the U.S. Open. It may be known for its wild design and hard to read greens.

Former U.S. Open winner Gary Player tore the course apart, calling it “impossible to play on.” and not being accessible to the average golfer because it was so challenging. At almost 7600 yards, be prepared for a long day out.

2. TPC Louisiana

This is a course that average players seem to love, but pro players hate. There’s a reason why that players have avoided the Zurich Classic. The flat and unimaginative design leaves players feeling like they’re uninspired during play.

3. Furnace Creek Golf Course

Would you golf in the middle of Death Valley, CA in the middle of summer? You can at Furnace Creek Golf Course. It is open for play all year long, but it’s the summertime heat that will get you. You’re 214 feet below sea level golfing in 115-degree heat.

At that point, your golf game becomes about efficiency. No practice swings, and make a few movements as you can.

Gameplay can be difficult with ground temperatures hot enough to melt a golf ball. Not only that, but it’s difficult for anything to survive, even the sand. It can easily blow away in windstorms. That’s why you’ll see grass bunkers there.

4. Walt Disney Resort – Palm Golf Course

You might think that a trip to Disney means pristine golf courses that are well worth the price of admission. You might want to think again.

It’s the host of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic and some pros aren’t fans of the course, even after a 2013 redesign.

The fairways are much wider with plenty of water traps. The sand dunes are deceivingly deep, and the greens are harder to read.

5. River View Golf Course

This golf course in Santa Ana, CA can seem like a great idea if you’re in the area and you have your clubs with you.

On the plus side, the course is an excellent value.

On the downside, you need to bring your A game and you need to pay attention during play. The greens are very narrow, making this course challenging to play on. The layout overlaps, which can make finding the fairways and tees very confusing. You’ll need to bring a GPS with you to get around.

6. Pelham Park

This public course in the Bronx, NY made the list for maintenance reasons. The layout is fine, but the course conditions and staff can leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth.

It may be worth it if you get a discounted rate, but even then, you’re pressing your luck.

7. Kinloch Golf Course

Kinloch Golf Course is a favorite for some, but it could be because they’ve golfed there before and know what to expect.

If it’s your first time there, be prepared. First is that there are no golf carts. That’s right, play golf the old fashioned way – with caddies. It can be challenging to navigate and if you’re out and about with family, you may not find this to be a great experience.

8. Torrey Pines

If you’re going to spend time in San Diego, you may be tempted to pay a visit to Torrey Pines Golf Course. With the history and prestige, you’d think that it’s worth every penny to go.

Don’t do it. It’s only pretty on TV. The reality is that the upkeep is lacking, which makes the course a huge disappointment.

9. Liberty National Golf Course

Jersey City, NJ is the home of the worst golf course on the pro tour. At a price tag of $250 million, you’d expect a much better review.

The setting is incredible, with the New York skyline in full view, but the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired.

The Worst Golf Courses in America

The worst golf courses in America all have a little something in common. They have poor design, try to be too much, and they’re not well maintained.

The bottom line is that they didn’t make a great golfing excursion.

If you’re looking for tech tools and tips so you can be a better golfer, check out our blog today.