Kamis, 26 Oktober 2017

Looking for the Perfect Father's Day Gift for the Golf Dad?

Do you happen to need some Father's Day golf gift ideas? I always do! So I've compiled a list of what I have come to know as some of the best.

If your Dad is like my Dad, he doesn't feel good or happy if I spend too much money on him. So these days, I really try to find a unique gift that my Dad and Grandfather will enjoy but doesn't make them uncomfortable that I've spent too much money on their gift.

With that in mind, I've done some research. I find out that the new hottest market this year for father's Day gifts are Mobile Phone Apps. My Dad has an iphone and he rarely downloads his own mobile phone apps, however he always seems to enjoy when other people show them theirs. I found several Golf GPS apps for the iphone that I enjoyed and I know my Dad will enjoy as well.

If golf is your dad's thing, then there are plenty of small gifts someone can buy him that don't break the bank. Golf tees, golf balls and clubs are always in need. You can buy a replacement set of screw-in spikes if his are worn down. Or for the dad who likes to stop by the 19th hole with his buddies, buy him a gift certificate to the country club restaurant or bar. Dad can even enjoy a cold drink or a burger after a long day on the course. Those are all great gifts... but Dad can enjoy a Golf App for his iPhone all year long! I investigated a few different ones and here is what I found:

There are a number of iPhone apps that rely on course gps info (to various points of interests, such as hazards, front, center, back of green) from a central database. Three of these apps offer a scorecard and some stats tracking. Some apps are designed NOT to have a score card feature or GPS database to avoid being in their competitive market space and lose focus on what makes the app unique and really cool (interactive map for golfers, getting distances, club selection feedback, and the best part the app takes into account the weather!)

The result? The golfer can use their favorite scorecard app and easily switch over from their scorecard app to their GPS app whenever necessary for additional feedback to enhance their game and make it more enjoyable. There is no perfect app that covers everything, and golfers always have more than one golf app on their iPhone.

Most golf apps don't get much use after they are downloaded. They are cool at first but then collect virtual dust and never get used. Look for an app that golfers find very useful past the first week of download. Weather is always changing (creating different shot situations) and there is one certain new app can be used on and off the course in fun ways, taking into account wind and weather. Usine a good app can cause your golf game to grow (by getting to know distances better, develop better course strategies) and be enriched by the app (build knowledge for different shot situations, weather situations). How about an iPhone app that figures distance, and then picks the right club...taking into account wind and weather!

Dad will have a great time with something like that...and if nothing else, he will impress his friends by the thoughtfulness of his loved one caring enough to gift him with this very cool iphone app for Father's Day!!!


Sabtu, 07 Oktober 2017

Junior Golf Camps at Top Florida Resorts

Junior academies and kids golf camps are the new rage in family golf vacations. Mom and Dad can tackle more serious rounds as the kids make new friends and improve their skills with the help of customized lessons.

1. The PGA Tour Golf Academy Junior Camp at the World Golf Village

The World Golf Village is one of the most elegant and family-friendly resorts in Northeast Florida. It is home to the PGA Golf Academy and is the training headquarters for all certified instructors of the highly recognized, international academy. The World Golf Village is home to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Golfers of all ages will enjoy the top-rated Slammer and the Squire Course and the King and the Bear Course. The resort's colonial Asian architecture, natural woodlands and wetlands, 200 year old oaks, sparkling lakes, and proximity to historic St. Augustine and local beaches promise an exciting vacation for golfers and non-golfers alike. The resort also includes an IMAX theater, an award-winning spa, a recently renovated gym, and many dining options.

The PGA Golf Academy at the World Golf Villageoffers four options for junior campers. All camps are open to boys and girls of all skill levels and are open from Monday - Friday.

7-13 year-olds can join the Half Day Camp from 9 until noon. Instructors will focus on range practice, instruction on stance, swing evaluation, grip, and golfing fundamentals. There will be a strong emphasis on rules and etiquette.

9-16 year-olds can sign up for the Full Day Camps from 9-4. Mornings will be spent in rotating stations that focus on putting, chipping, bunker play, and full swing. After the included lunch, students will play nine holes of golf accompanied by their instructors.

10-17 year-olds who want to take their game to the next level can sign up for Overnight Golf Camp. On their first day, the students will be evaluated and grouped according to their ability, with five or fewer students to each instructor. Mornings will consist of instruction, afternoons will be course play and instruction, and evenings will involve guest speakers, seminars, movies, field games, swimming, or night golf. Students will sleep two to a room in the Renaissance Resort and will be supervised at all times.

Students who wish to attend all of the activities of the overnight camp but wish to sleep with their families are open to attend Overnight Camp with the Commuter Option. Commuters usually stay at the camp from 9am-7pm.

2. Jim McLean Golf School Annual Summer Junior Golf Camp at Doral Golf Resort and Spa

The world-class Doral Golf Resort and Spa is just minutes from beautiful South Beach. The tropical atmosphere and great facilities make it perfect for any family vacation, and absolutely ideal for any golfers in the family. Mom and Dad can pick from Doral's five championship golf courses: the Blue Monster (home to the PGA Ford Championship and one of the most difficult courses in the area), the Great White (the Southeast's only desert-style course), the Jim Mclean Signature Course (with the infamous 'Bermuda Triangle's' last three holes located on a tough island green), the Gold Course, and the Red Course. The resort includes beautifully renovated rooms, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, Jacuzzis, lake fishing, eleven state-of-the-art tennis courts, volley ball courts, cabanas, a jogging trail, billiards, five restaurants and bars, and of course, a top-notch spa.

The camp is open to girls and boys aged 7-13 at beginning and intermediate levels. Teachers lead groups of six (or fewer) students from 9am-3pm on Monday - Friday. Sessions can be extended to 5pm upon request. Teachers are bilingual and courses can be taught in Spanish and English. Students will have access to all of the golf school facilities, including the high-tech Superstation, where their swings will be filmed, watched, and analyzed. Children will receive written evaluation reports with photographs of their golf swings, prizes, an official cap, and a certificate of completion. Students will take golf lessons and course instruction in the mornings and afternoons. The midday break will consist of lunch at Bungalou's Grill and free time the Blue Lagoon. Kids will love the famous Blue Lagoon's four pools, many Jacuzzis, shady cabanas, and the thrilling 125 foot waterslide.

3. The Golf Academy at Fleming Island Golf Club

The Golf Academy at Fleming Islandoffers an affordable, quality half day camp for junior golfers. Fleming Island Golf Club is just 20 minutes from World Golf Village and 10 minutes from Orange Park, so it's a great option for families staying at nearby resorts. This terrific course was designed by Bobby Weed, with a links style front nine and the back nine winding through towering pine trees. It has a great restaurant and is conveniently located just minutes from bustling downtown Jacksonville.

The Golf Academy's priority is making sure kids have fun playing golf. The specially trained instructors know that the key to developing a great game is finding a true passion for the sport.

The weekly beginners camp is from 9-12:30 on Monday-Friday for kids aged 6-13. Children will learn the basic rules of the game and begin to develop their skills.