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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…

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…

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…

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.

Thanksgiving Dinners at the Hiller and Eisert residences will take on a new look for November of 2020. Butterball Turkeys will be the main course as a result of winning the 5th Annual Atlantic Junior Golf Tour “Turkey Shoot” at Sandridge Golf Club – Lakes Course – Saturday, November 14th.