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The Ultimate Guide To Golf Stretching

Golf stretching should be one of the first things that you do before you take your first step onto the golf course. Just like warm-up hits are essential, so is pre-game stretching. Many golfers already know how imperative stretching is to have enough flexibility to maintain a good swing. Golfing is a sport that requires strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. Having a range of motion is extremely important and can improve club speed, hip rotation, spinal rotation, and more. For golfers, both beginners and experts, everyone can use a regular stretching routine. Indian River Golf Foundation, IRGF has compiled a quick practice of stretches that anyone can follow to increase flexibility to improve your golf swing. Golf Stretching Routine Stretch 1- the Twist Stretch The twist is an excellent stretch for loosening up the lower back and the hamstrings. To do this stretch, please follow these steps: Begin the stretch with your feet placed at a stance wider than your hips. Place your right hand on your lower back and facing away from your body.Begin to bend your right knee and twist to reach your left hand to your right foot.Then lift your torso and switch to the opposite side. Stretch 2- the Scarecrow Twist The practice of this stretch is great for relieving any pressure that may be coming from your lower back. To do this stretch, follow these steps: Begin with your feet slightly wider than shoulder distance. Place your golf club behind your neck and onto your shoulders.Put both arms over/around the club, much like a scarecrow stands.Bend your knees and twist to the right while pivoting the left foot.Repeat step 4 on the opposite side. Golf Stretch 3- the Standing Side Stretch Due to the twisting that this stretch produces, it is excellent for stretching the spine. It also will help to prepare the body for swinging a golf club. To do this stretch, follow the steps below: Begin standing straight while planting the club into the ground with your right hand.Cross your left leg over the right leg and reach the left arm up and over in the golf club’s direction.Look up and allow the hips to move to the left side slightly.Follow steps 1-3 on the opposite side of the body. Golf Stretching With IRGF Next time you schedule your tee time, do this quick stretching routine and notice the difference that you will feel within…

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Golf Etiquette: An Introduction

Here at The Indian River Golf Foundation, we believe that having integrity, perseverance, and proper etiquette is at the heart of the game of golf. Etiquette encompasses the rules of what players should and shouldn’t do. Imagine how respectful the game would be if everyone were to practice proper etiquette on the course. Below is an introduction to having courtesy and good etiquette on the course. No Devices on the Course As a general rule of etiquette in more places than just on the course, avoid bringing any communication devices, including phones, pagers, and watches. If any devices come onto the course and happen to made sounds, it can distract your fellow players and create tension between players. When you’re on the course, enjoy the game and leave the office behind. Keep an Even Temper Have you ever seen players throw their clubs or yell and scream? It doesn’t leave a good impression on anyone around them. Instead of losing your peers’ respect, try to improve your attitude on the green even when you’re not doing well. Not only will having a positive attitude allow other players to respect you, but it can improve your golf game as well. Yelling 'Fore' One of the most considerate things to do during a round of golf is to yell ‘Fore’ when your ball seems to be heading in the direction of other players. If you’re the one directly in the way, do your best to take cover or move out of the way of the shot. Drive the Golf Cart Responsibly For the course’s safety, your peers, and yourself, drive the golf carts as respectfully as possible. You want to be careful not to cause any damage to the course. Leaving any skid marks due to your driving is a big no-no in terms of having good golf etiquette. Clean up the Bunkers We understand that nobody likes being in the bunker. Getting your ball out will be the top priority, so we expect that golfers might move around the sand to get the best shot. To be respectful, rake the bunker after you have hit the ball. This way, you are leaving it as lovely as it was before. Practice Etiquette at IRGF At IRGF, we are golfers, teachers, and friends. If you’re interested in learning more about golf etiquette or our foundation in Indian River County, please contact Roger Van…

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How Golf Teaches Discipline

The sport of traditional golf requires discipline. From the youngest of amateurs to the highest level pros, a lack of discipline will cause players to fall apart on any course. Discipline separates genuinely great golfers from the has-been’s, and at Indian River Golf Foundation, we teach that discipline in our cadets. Through golf, we can give our cadets many life lessons, and discipline will learn naturally. Golf is, in its very nature, a patient game. An impatient player may rush their shots or attempt to make plays that are impossible for their skill level, and that lack of discipline will lead to failure. These players can apply this discipline to their daily lives. At work, we need the discipline to push through a tough assignment or stay on task with a chore. Through golf, we hope that these lessons will lead to greater discipline in every aspect of their lives. With Indian River Golf Foundation, our cadets will learn the values of discipline through: Learning How To Play GolfTraining With Fellow CadetsLeading Other Cadets In ExercisesShowing Responsibility The lessons these young golfers will learn through golf will carry them for the rest of their lives. We offer them an outlet and an opportunity to learn in a safe environment. One, they can be themselves, have fun, and learn some golf all at once. How Does Golf Teach Discipline? It may seem confusing how a sport can teach a child discipline, but it has to be thought-about to look at the sport from a different angle. The players are doing more than just walking up, hitting a ball, and sending it towards the green. They’re always trying to learn ways they can improve their skills. Improvement is where a large majority of the discipline comes from, and the only way to get better at golf is to practice. That means going out every day and banging balls with a purpose. Anyone can go to the range, hit them hard, and call it a day. Players who want to improve will go out there and work on the game parts that have told them to need to be improved. Continually seeking out ways to improve and then acting on them is discipline. We hope that players who experience success from this discipline will hold on to that feeling and let it help them in every aspect of their life. If a cadet…

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Steps of Progress

At Indian River Golf Foundation, we are believers in the idea of golf being a sport that everyone can rally around as a community together. Our community outreach programs have been very successful and have led to children’s growth across the entire Indian River County area. Through golf, we have not only been able to teach these children good values but have also been able to allow them to experience social interaction and growth. The idea of growth is one of the critical lessons we look to impart in our young players. When children arrive at Indian River Golf Foundation, they typically do with the intention of having fun and learning how to play. We aim to create this environment through our lessons. An example of some steps our players might go through. They will start off receiving assistance from our staffEventually, these young players will be assisting other new youthsThey’ll be allowed to go out on their ownEventually, they’ll be working side-by-side with our staff. Their person and leader We have a general path that we put our players on to turn them into the next generation’s leaders.  Step 1 Here we can see one of our older players and IRGF cadet teaching a young player the ins and outs of traditional golf on the putting green. You see here that they’re in the very early stages of their lessons and are under the guidance and leadership that our team offers. Step 2 That same young player from earlier is now an IRGF cadet himself, and he is assisting young players in a game of snag golf. He has transitioned from a follower to a leader himself. Utilizing leadership skills, he’s learned with IRGF. Step 3: The IRGF cadet is now taking responsibility and cleaning up after the training session. He has gone from being taught traditional golf lessons to a young trainer to someone who stands independently. Step 4: Finally, we have that same young cadet standing next to the original IRGF player cadet who was initially teaching them traditional golf, from teacher to equals. They work together to clean up snag golf equipment following a training session. We Teach Leadership Skills This exercise may look like nothing more than a young player learning how to clean up after themselves and teach another player, but what we see here is a young person learning valuable leadership skills that…

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Player Development⁠—Pull-Up Exercises by Player Agents

What Is a Player Development Pull-Up? A player development pull-up is a motion of “reaching down and pulling up.” It is a type of volunteer activity that helps to promote advanced learning in player development. It requires an interest in young players and provides the necessary ingredients they are missing to advance in the game of golf and as a person. Below you will find out the best ways to properly execute player development pull-ups and the time and interest that it requires when performing this exercise. How To Prepare For Player Development Pull-Ups By following these four points below, we here at IRGF believe that it will best prepare for you for pull-ups: By attending IRGF Training Sessions, you will be able to grasp the needs of each player betterBy interacting with your fellow players and IRGF golf instructorsBy participating in on-course activities giving small groups of young players experience how to play the game By serving as an IRGF Player Agent and by informing other players and parents of further opportunities in junior golf While “pulling up” the young players of golf, you’re developing long-lasting, valuable relationships with both the players and their parents. During this process, you will also be building an essential team atmosphere among the players. It’s important that all activities are being conducted with the highest courtesy, respect, responsibility, and safety. As you can imagine, there are a wide variety of ways to perform player development pull-ups. You can find out how to best aid the game’s growth by contacting a member of the IRGF professional staff. For further information on player development pull-ups, you can contact IRGF President Roger Van Dyke at rogervandykeirgf@gmail.com or via phone at (772) 713-9593. What Is A Physical Pull-Up? A physical pull-up is a compound pull-type exercise that works a large number of muscles in your back, shoulders, and arms all at the same time. The following table lists information about Pull-ups and the muscles that you use when performing pull-ups.  Benefits Of The Pull-Up Exercises This exercise is great for golfers because it’s good for protecting the body from any possible physical imbalance. It also is beneficial for challenging the upper body, specifically the back. We’re covering the pull-up specifically because it’s one of the best exercises that help develop appropriate posture and power transfer during any golfer’s swing. How To Perform A Pull-Up Exercise Left (Figure 1):…

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IRGF Golfers: Mission, Vision, and Perseverance

Through the efforts of our year-round programs here at the Indian River Golf Foundation, such as high school training and collegiate, professional, and community participation in IRGF, we aim always to bring new players to the game and help to develop them based on their potential needs while also teaching life and leadership skills. Every player at the IRGF becomes a part of our mission and vision for our foundation. The IRGF Mission Here at the Indian River Golf Foundation, we foster learning and excellence in player development for golfers of all ages. Whether you're a beginner or a skilled player, we can teach new techniques, skills, and lessons to expand your knowledge of the game. The Indian River Golf Foundation creates expanded opportunities to participate in golf, build character, honor the game's traditions, and recognize those who have demonstrated high performance levels and outstanding contributions to the wonderful game of golf. The IRGF Vision Our vision is to bring new players to the game and enhance long-time golfers' pleasure regardless of skill by creating a safe, affordable, and enriching golf experience. Our foundation will provide consistent and dependable leadership to all. We will also coordinate community support for the advancement of golf in Indian River County and areas beyond. Perseverance In Golf Having perseverance in the game of golf is essential to being a great player. To succeed in the sport, golfers must push through their mistakes while learning and growing from them. Here at IRGF, we believe that part of having perseverance is learning through being able to cope with frustration while playing, always trying to improve your game, and never giving up. Coping With Game Frustration All golfers have experienced frustration at one point during their golf careers. While the sport of golf can be complex at times, adding in nerves, fears and frustration can make it even more complex than it needs to be. The best way to learn how to cope is to push through the feelings and persevere through the doubts. Some ways that you can practice this is to: Put your game into perspectiveAim to be positive throughout the game/practicePay close attention to your thoughtsTry to focus on the facts of the game "Golf is about how well you accept, respond to, and score with your misses much more so than it is a game of your perfect shots."Dr. Bob Rotella Improving Your…

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5 Habits Every Golfer Should Develop

When learning how to play golf, or even practicing to become better, golfers can crave the instant satisfaction of improving their swing or lowering their handicap. The truth is, however, that becoming a better golfer takes time and patience. The success of your golf game can be based on decisions that golfers make during every practice or competition. These decisions that are consistently made are called habits. We have compiled a list of what we here at the Indian River Golf foundation feel are 5 important habits that every golfer should develop to improve their attitude and game. Being Honest Golf differs from other sports in the way that players regularly keep track of their own score and call penalties on themselves. It is a game of honesty and trust for all players who love and respect the sport. Developing the habit of being honest is not only beneficial in the game of golf but in the game of life as well. Accepting the truth of the situation, no matter how the individual played is something that can bring the golf community together and provide something in common for all players. All golfers should want their scores to accurately reflect their accomplishments. In this way, golfers can see their true improvements in the game. Continually Work On Fundamentals Inconsistency can be one of the most frustrating aspects of a golfers game. Inconsistency can be caused by poor technique. For beginner golfers, it can be easier to build a solid golf swing using the fundamentals of the game versus golfers who have had more experience playing. More experienced players may have years of ingrained habits that aren’t beneficial to their game. Good players understand how the foundation of the game is built on it’s fundamentals. Making a commitment to the following fundamentals can include the consistent practices of: The setup positionA great swingThe Short GamePractice Techniques Reviewing Golf Performance The common phrase that practice makes perfect is well-known for a reason. Most golfers who are serious about the sport are always looking for ways to improve their game. A great habit to get into when playing is recording their golf statistics when playing. When golfers get into the habit of tracking their stats during their game, they can better identify what they may be doing incorrectly. Recognizing the weaker aspects of their game can help them figure out a better way…

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How The Game Of Golf Can Benefit Youth

One of the greatest things about golf is that it is a sport that you can play for your entire life. It’s a great way to get outdoors, come together as a community and refine skills. Getting the younger generations involved in the game of golf can have benefits that go beyond the physical. Golf can also benefit the social, mental and emotional aspects of youth development as well. Here at Indian River Golf Foundation, we believe in helping kids across Indian, St. Lucie, and Brevard Counties learn how to play golf and how it can be influential in their lives. Social Benefits of Golf For Kids Golf can be played by oneself and with other people, however, the game of golf has always been referred to as more of a social sport. People of any age can step onto the course and play, train and practice. Some of the social benefits of golf are that it: Fosters Relationships: When kids join a golf training program such as the SNAG after school program at the Indian River Golf Foundation, they will be surrounded by other kids their age whom they must work together with. Whether they’re learning or simply playing together, the encouragement that comes with making great contact with the ball or striking it a long distance brings everyone together.Helps Build Manners: Etiquette while playing on the course with others is a very important aspect of golf and a great lesson to be learned by youth golfers. Kids must conduct themselves respectfully and mind all of the other players that are also using the course.Builds Business-like Skills: Building business skills for kids is not like the typical adult business skills. The business skills that children can learn through the game of golf are things like quick decision making, having to add and use numbers as well as having to use various strategies throughout the game. Physical Benefits of Golf For Kids Everyone needs physical activity, and for kids, getting any physical activity of any kind not only makes them physically stronger, but mentally stronger as well. The physical benefits of golf for kids are that it: Promotes Overall Physical Fitness: Although it is a low intensity sport, getting kids involved in any exercise activity is a plus for their physical health. Playing golf can actually strengthen the core muscles and the spine.Encourages Outdoor Activity: Getting kids outside can sometimes…

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Living The Indian River Golf Lifestyle

Florida is a gorgeous and unforgettable place filled with long stretching beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Not only does it offer some of the best beaches, restaurants, it also is home to many beautiful private, semi-private and public golf courses! Here are ten golf courses and country clubs that you can visit and enjoy in South Brevard and Indian River County: 1. Barefoot Bay Golf Course https://www.barefootbaygolf.com/  1225 Barefoot Blvd, Barefoot Bay, FL 32976 772-664-3174 The Barefoot Bay Golf Course is an executive 18-hole course located in Micco, Florida. This course has some of the friendliest staff that will assist you with anything needed along the way. This course also holds some exciting challenges that are fun for all level golfers. 2. Baytree National Golf Links www.baytreenational.com 8207 National Dr, Melbourne, FL 32940 | (321) 259-9060 This course has a four-star rating from Golf Digest and is endorsed by the Washington Nationals. The Baytree National Golf Links are a must-play in South Brevard. Not only does it include scenic lakes and split fairways, but it also has a practice facility, shop and restaurant. 3. Fairwinds Golf Course https://www.fairwindsgolf.com/  4400 Fairwinds Dr. Fort Pierce, FL 34946 (772) 462-4653 The Fairwinds Golf Course is one of the top courses on the Treasure Coast. It has earned high ratings at 4.5 stars on Golf Digest’s recommended places to play. This challenging course is paced in a sanctuary of Florida's undisturbed forests. While on this course, golfers say that it is not uncommon to see wild hogs, alligators and much more. Fairwinds has a fun layout that is playable by any level golfer. 4. Indian Pines Golf Club www.islandpinesgolf.com  5700 Indian Pines Blvd. Ft. Pierce, Fl. 34951 772-464-7018 Opened in 1971, this 18-hole Island Pines golf course is a challenging par 72 that offers so much more than the game of golf to its players. Among playing on the course, their amenities range from an aqua driving range to a spacious clubhouse that has room for private parties and dining.   5. Pointe West Country Club https://www.pointewestcountryclub.com/golf/  7500 14th Ln , Vero Beach , FL32966 (772) 770-4653 The course at West Point was developed in 1999 and sculpted to include elevated landing areas, elevated greens and elevated tees. What is most notable about this course is that its 18th fairway is traversed by a water feature. The multiple tees that are throughout this course make…

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5th Annual AJGT Winter Match Play Results

Rain, cold, clear, and then light rain at the end did not deter 51 youth players participating in the 5th Annual AJGT Winter Match Play.  Event #3 of the 2020-2021 Race for the Atlantic Junior Cup.  VBHS sophomore Jackson Hiller won his second consecutive AJGT event of the 2020-2021 season, 4 & 2 over high school teammate Peter Natoli.  Eighth grader, Dounia Bezzari, brought on a slew of pars and birdies to close out Ava DuMond 1 Up in the 18 Hole Girls Division.  Jackson and Dounia, each earn 10 points each in the Annual Race for the Atlantic Junior Cup which is a year-round points race for the top honors for 2020-2021.
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