If you have read my previous posts, you’ll know that I prefer to walk the 18 holes with my clubs carried on my back.  I’ll write about my specific model of Etonic shoe in a future post.

Etonic’s newest golf shoe technology is the PowerPlay Outsole System.  Read on to learn more about this awesome brand of golf shoes.

Etonic Golf Shoes and the PowerPlay Outsole System

Author: jane baron

Etonic shoes have launched a golf shoe that boasts “trampoline action” insoles and “PowerPlay” outsoles. The shoe is designed to maximize traction and control and increase balance and power. This shoe is an example of a high-tech shoe. Flip it over and you will see lots of gadgets and fancy-looking features that look almost space-aged. Etonic claims that the shoe was inspired by PGA all-stars but that does not mean it is not for you! In fact, if you are a golfer who suffers from any kind of foot injury or deformity (plantar fasciitis, weak Achilles tendons, bunions, etc.), have weak knees or hips (which begin with your feet, of course!), or if you are a diabetic, have lymphedema or any other condition that makes you susceptible to injuries on your feet, then these kind of high-tech shoes may be worth the investment.

Golf is a great sport option for people whose feet are suffering: there may be a lot of walking but there is no jumping or hard-impact landings. Your knees, however, may suffer from the twisting that occurs with your side swing. This is why shoes with excellent traction and control are essential.

Let’s take a closer look at the PowerPlay outsole system. There are six main components to this system: Inside-Out Spike Placement, PowerSpike, PowerPod, PowerPlay Flex Zone, Dynamic Reaction Plate, Stabilizer Heel Technology.

Inside-Out Spike Placement. According to Etonic’s website, Etonic shoes with the PowerPlay system have spikes that “…are strategically positioned to both accept and transfer the forces generated during a golf swing.” This means that if you flip over your new pair of Etonic golfing shoes you will see spikes along the inside of the right outsole and along the outside of the left outsole. These spikes provide extra traction just in the places you need it so your shoes can comfortably grip the grass when you swing.

The PowerSpike is the name of the spikes on the bottom of an Etonic shoe. Each PowerSpike is structured with a central spike that is accompanied by eight supporting “legs.” The PowerPod is a support feature positioned under the arches of both feet; it is designed to maximize your traction and therefore your power. The PowerPlay Flex Zone is located across the ball of your foot. It enhances the flexibility of the outsole so it can bend in ways that accommodate the natural flexibility of the foot.

The Dynamic Reaction Plate is technically not on the outsole but located in the midsole. It is designed to prevent the foot from rolling outward – a common problem that occurs during the Backswing and Follow Through.

Last but not least! Stabilizer Heel Technology offers you a flared shoe that will increase stability (as its name suggests) and motion control.

Jane Barron works for OddShoeFinder.com,a free online website that helps people find mismatched footwear.Get more information on deformed feet, corrective shoes or foot length difference.

Etonic Golf Shoes: PowerPlay Outsole System is a post from: The Whiners Golf Club

I got injured once when riding with my husband. He was goofing off and wanted to scare me by swerving near a rubber garbage can. Although my arms were fully inside the golf cart, the garbage can’s handle stuck out and rammed right into my hand. Trust me, you don’t want to have an angry injured wife with you for the rest of your golf game! =P

Golf Cart Safety – How to Prevent Injury

By J. Purden
It used to be that most golfers would rather walk for their round from the tees to the fairways in order to benefit from the full physical exercise that could be derived from playing this royal and ancient game. In fact, despite the long history of golf, the first golf cart was introduced only in the late 1940s to enable players with disabilities to have mobility around a golf course.

But with more and more people attracted to playing golf, the use of golf carts have likewise increased. These motorized vehicles for the links and fairways allowed for faster games and convenient transport and holding of golf clubs. According to the National Golf Foundation, motorized golf carts are now used in about two-thirds of all 18-hole rounds.

This increased presence of motorized carts plying the golf course has led to concerns on golf cart safety. As in other motor vehicles, improper operation of golf carts can result in accidents and serious injuries, in addition to causing damage to the golf course.

The Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA) suggests several rules for the safe use of golf carts. One GCSAA suggestion is very simple: operate golf carts only from the driver?s side. No joyriding or showing off as such attitude is not only unsafe but also violates the etiquette in a golf course.

A further advice is to limit passengers to the seating capacity of the golf cart. Most of these vehicles do not have seat belts, so it has to be ensured that the passengers are fully seated and securely aboard before the driver starts the golf cart.

To further enhance golf cart safety, driver and passengers should keep their entire body inside the vehicle when it?s already moving. A hanging foot shod in a cleated shoe, for example, could easily catch the ground and result in a sprained ankle or broken foot. Limbs extended outside the golf cart could also get snagged by tree branches.

A safe golf cart driver should go slowly through turns and be always on the watch for any oncoming traffic, whether pedestrian or another vehicle. Extra caution should be exercised when driving a golf cart up and down slopes, where the vehicle needs to be driven straight and slow. Same applies when going in reverse, driving on loose surfaces, wet turf or rough terrain.

Golf cart safety precautions extend up to the time the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The brakes have to be set and the key removed when the cart is no longer in use. The golf cart should never be driven by somebody impaired by alcoholic drinks or drugs.

Golf carts should be driven only in areas where the vehicles are allowed. Areas restricted to golf carts are indicated by golf course signs which should be obeyed at all times. Golf carts can seriously damage the golf course which would consequently jeopardize the game not only of the carts? users but those of other golf club members and guests as well.

Worried about golf cart safety? We are here to keep you and your family safe. Visit www.NationalGolfCartAssociation.com to learn more about the National Golf Cart Association today!

Golf Cart Safety is a post from: The Whiners Golf Club

I have visited Spain a few times, specifically Seville and Barcelona. I always enjoy it there. Their tapas, wine, architecture, language, culture and art always draw me in. Next time I go, I hope to visit the Alicante region and Spain’s “Golf Mile” to get some golfing time in.

Serres de Pals Golf Course in Girona, Spain

Ten Top Spanish Holiday Golf Courses

By R. Ritchie

Spain is well known for its stunning golf courses and the country represents great holiday value combined with excellent year-round weather. Golf enthusiasts looking to combine their love of the sport with a perfect holiday destination, could consider these ten top Spanish golf holiday courses.

Three Top Costa del Sol Courses

In the Eastern Costa del Sol, you’ll find the par 72 El Parador – the district’s oldest course, founded in 1925 by the Spanish Royal family. The course combines parkland with links style holes and is renown for its fast greens.

El Parador’s 6,824 yards is easy to walk and the course is suitable for all levels, although some holes are challenging, especially when the wind is up. Designer Tom Simpson created the course which has hosted several international events.

Challenging par 72 Torrequebrada, designed by Pepe Gancedo, is one of the most beautiful courses on the Costa del Sol. Once host to the Spanish Open, its steep terrain, well-positioned water and sand hazards, and eight doglegs mean the 6409 yards course is technically challenging, especially if your tee-off shot is not accurate.

The three sets of 9 holes at the par 72 Almenara course, spectacularly sited around lakes with dramatic views of the Mediterranean, can be played in various combinations. The course is difficult in places, because of the lakes, undulating fairways, tight turns and deep bunkers, and buggies are recommended on the 6,800 yard course. If you stay at the Almenara Golf Hotel you get preferential rates on your green fees.

Scenery and skill on Gran Canaria

Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, Spain’s oldest golf club, is set beside the crater of an extinct volcano, in the centre of the island. Narrow fairways and small greens mean you’ll need to be accurate on this par 71 course, and bring plenty of balls, since there are some deep ravines.

A Scenic Costa Brava Course

The par 73 Serres de Pals, with its mountain backdrop and local wildlife, is a highly rated, open, 6,780-yard course featuring fairway lakes and groves of pines. The greens are considered difficult. Designed by Ramon Espinosa this course is used by the PGA European Tour for their pre-qualifying tournaments.

A fine Costa de la Luz Course

Located on the ‘Marismas’ salt flats, beside the Ria Formosa estuary and the Atlantic Sea, the par 72 El Rompido South is a course that is both beautiful and easy to walk. Its wide variety of holes, make it suitable for golfers of all abilities, and you’ll have a chance to use most of your clubs on this 6,850-yard course.

Two Costa Blanca Courses

The home of several Spanish Opens, par 72, 6,653-yard El Saler was voted second best golf course in Europe by Golf World. Twelve holes are set among pine groves, while the other six are laid out, links style, through dunes.

Valencia’s most prestigious course, El Bosque, runs through peach and orange groves and is 6941 yards. The par 73 course has five lakes to get around or over and the dog legs can be challenging.

Two Majorca Courses

Golf Park Puntiró, a new par 71 course near Palma, is perfect for the higher handicapper. The Nicklaus designed course runs to 6,714 yards, and while some holes require accurate shotmaking, others are more suited to big hitters.

Par 72 Son Vida, although newly designed, is one of the oldest courses on the island. Its fast greens and tactically located bunkers complement the tree-lined fairways that include Mediterranean flora. Fine views over Palma Bay and Sierra Tramuntana can be had from this 5,829-yard course.

Rod Ritchie writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Bill Goff Golf Tours and Longshot Golf Holidays offer great value golfing breaks to many European and worldwide destinations.

Top 10 Spanish Holiday Golf Courses is a post from: The Whiners Golf Club

Poll: Which Top 10 Best Golf Movies have you watched? is a post from: The Whiners Golf Club

#1 – Happy Gilmore (1996)

We’re partial to Happy Gilmore because it was filmed here in BC at Furry Creek Golf & Country Club. Classic Adam Sandler! Bob Barker is a scream too. We like the cameo shot of NHL hockey star, Vincent Cavalier, in the hockey tryouts scene.

Click here to view the embedded video.

#2 – Caddyshack (1980)

Silly slapstick comedy that still makes us laugh. Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Ted Knight and Rodney Dangerfield at their comedy best. Here’s a great montage “Caddyshack in a Minute”:

Click here to view the embedded video.

#3 – Tin Cup (1996)

Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo have chemistry in this romantic comedy.
Best quote: “I tend to think of the golf swing as a poem…”

Click here to view the embedded video.

#4 – The Legend of Bobby Vance (2000)

Robert Redford directs this superb film starring Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron. A must see!

Click here to view the embedded video.

#5 – The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)

A Walt Disney film starring a younger Shia LeBeouf.

Click here to view the embedded video.

#6 – Follow the Sun: The Ben Hogan Story (1951)

Follow the Sun is the film biography of inspirational golf champion Ben Hogan.

#7 – Pat and Mike (1952)

Another classic movie goes on our list of best golf movies. This George Cukor comedy stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. Witty dialogue, romantic tension and great acting. Katharine Hepburn did all of her own golfing in this film.

Click here to view the embedded video.

#8 – A Gentleman’s Game (2001)

This drama is a coming-of-age film starring Gary Sinise.

#9 – The Caddy (1953)

This comedy classic stars Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin and Donna Reed. This movie features the infamous song “That’s Amore”.

Click here to view the embedded video.

#10 – Three Little Beers (1935)

Last on our Top 10 list is this classic starring the three stooges. The three brothers enter a company golf tournament not knowing anything about golf.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The WORST golf movie of all times – Caddyshack II (1988)

Unfortunately, the follow-up to Caddyshack was a stinker. This film stars Randy Quaid, Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Jonathan Silverman, Jackie Mason, Robert Stack, Dyan Cannon and Chynna Phillips. Chevy Chase is funny but his efforts are not good enough to help this tame and lame sequel.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Whiners’ Top 10 best golf movies of all times is a post from: The Whiners Golf Club

Since I had never been golfing before, I knew I had to prepare. First thing I did was to research online as much as I could about golfing for beginners. I made note to learn the basic rules of play, etiquette and what was acceptable golf attire – collared shirts, golf shoes or sneakers and no scruffy holey clothing. I also checked the weather report in case I needed to bring a windbreaker with a hood, umbrella, or hat. I found out what “Texas Scramble Rules” was – all players tee off at each hole and each person’s next shot would play from where the best drive dropped.

Next thing I did was buy a set of clubs at Nevada Bob’s Golf in Surrey. I could have rented a full set of clubs at the tournament golf course but since I’m just under 5 feet tall, I knew I’d be better off getting my own set of lighter petite womens clubs. At Nevada Bob’s, I selected the Edison Lady Quest Titanium Graphite RH Petite Ladies set from about five full sets on the wall.

I got fitted for my clubs and they shaved my longer clubs by an inch or two. The set cost me almost $500 including the fitting. At the time, I thought I was over-spending on them considering a beginner set of clubs at Canadian Tire could be had for less than $150 at that time. Looking back at the cost, I do not regret getting my clones. They are my buddies on the golf course. I’d never abuse them in a fit of rage after a lousy shot! (If I did, I’d have no clubs left after the first front nine’s!)

Next, I selected a unisex $50 cart bag. I didn’t know the difference between a cart bag and stand bag back then. Being little, I guess the sales person thought I’d be doing the pull cart thing and not carrying my clubs on my back.

After selecting the bag, I knew I would have to purchase a lot of balls. I was envisioning losing several balls in the drink after seeing photos of Country Meadows online. I bought reasonably priced balls – Wilson’s Pink Ribbon balls – with some of the proceeds going to breast cancer research. (They are now packaged as Wilson’s Pink Ribbon “Hope” golf balls which come in multiple soft colours or a clear cover.) I didn’t have to buy any tees because the sales person at Nevada Bob gave me… oh… at least 300 tees in a big plastic bag! I guess I charmed him… or I bought the clubs at a really high price from him! Nevertheless, I didn’t need to buy any tees for a good three years after that.

Lastly, I had to work on my swing. I headed off to Eaglequest at Cayote Creek in Surrey. I brought my 3 Wood, my 3 iron and my 7 iron as recommended by one of my golfing co-workers. I went to the driving range twice before the company golf tournament. I ended up buying a $12 Wilson glove there because my left hand was getting a little beat up. Confident that I could hit at least 60 yards (!!!) consistently, I mentally prepared myself for the tournament. My younger brother who had always been good at sports always told me to repeatedly envision my play before any sports game. I dreamed of consistently hitting 75 yards (!!!) consistently. I was psyched!

The day of the tournament came. I arrived a half hour before tee-time as instructed and registered with my group at the tournament table. When it was our turn to tee-off, the guys let me go first. Self-consciously, I positioned my ball between the ladies markers. Shaking… I took a deep breath, relaxed… then swung. I hit over 75 yards! From that point on, I was hooked on golf!

How I got started golfing is a post from: The Whiners Golf Club

Kahili Golf Course

WHINERS’ REVIEW:

WHINERS’ RATINGS

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Course Information:

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Kahili Golf Course (Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii) is a post from: The Whiners Golf Club

Fairways & Bluewater Golf Resort

Brgy. Balabag, Newcoast
Boracay Island, Visayas Island,
Tel No: +63 36 288 7094 to 97

WHINERS’ REVIEW:

WHINERS’ RATINGS

OVERALL SCORE:
Pace of play:
Greens:
Fairways:
Value for money:
Design & Layout:

Course Information:

Course Layout:

Scorecard:

Map:

How to get to Boracay Island, Philippines:

Flights to Boracay, from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Panay Island, your Boracay flight is just 35 minutes on the SEAIR Philippines Dornier 328 or 1 hour on the LET 410.

Asian Spirit Airlines also has daily flights to Boracay via the Caticlan Airport on Panay Island. Flight times from Manila are approximately 1 hour.

Cebu Pacific and Philippines Airlines have flights to Boracay via Kalibo Airport on Panay Island, flight times from Manila range from 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Additionally the Kalibo route requires a van transfer to Caticlan, the travel time is about 1 hour, we recommend SouthWest Tours, Inc.

Fairways and Bluewater Boracay Hotel has there own private banca boat, and will transfer you directly to the resort from the Caticlan jetty port.

Fairways & Bluewater Golf Resort (Boracay Island, Philippines) is a post from: The Whiners Golf Club