Saturday 24 April 2010

Life with Diabetes

My name is Alan Sowerby, I am in my eighties and have been a Diabetic since I was thirty.
I was born in  the North in what was then known as Cumberland. I left there when I was 21 and joined the RAF. Finally I settled and got married in Gloucester shire.Diabetes is a disease I would not wish on anyone so I have dedicated my time to finding out all I can about it. About ways of helping other people out there. Ways of helping the mind and body. Finding out all about the nutritional secrets and special diets that can help others lead a normal life, and you can, there is proof all around you and I will be bringing instances to you through this blog.
 For instance did you know that one of the crew of the winning boat race this year.Yes, the Cambridge stroke 24 year old Fred Gill was  diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two and a half years ago while at Newcastle University. So there is nothing to stop you from partaking in any sport and doing a lot more besides.
I  have lots more to tell you about diabetes.
St. Andrews



St. Andrews is located in Scotland and is commonly thought of as the birthplace of golf as we know it today. St. Andrews is home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, who exercises legislative authority over the game worldwide except in the U.S. and Mexico.


The beautiful golf links in St. Andrews (acquired by the town in 1894) is the most frequent venue for The Open Championship, the oldest of golf's four major championships. Visitors travel to St Andrews in great numbers for several courses ranked amongst the finest in the world, as well as for the sandy beaches.


The St Andrews Links occupy a narrow strip of land along the sea. As early as the 15th century, golfers at St. Andrews established a customary route through the undulating terrain, playing to holes whose locations were dictated by topography.

The course that emerged featured eleven holes, laid out end to end from the clubhouse to the far end of the property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes.

There are six golf courses in St. Andrews including The Old Course which is where the game was first played. The clubs are open to the public as are the courses, but be prepared to wait! The Old Course has over 40,000 rounds of golf played on it every year. In fact, as of this writing, the official St. Andrews website reports that tee times for April through October of 2007 are completely booked.

You may have the best luck on one of the other courses, but you will need to make reservations well in advance. St. Andrews allow you to book tee times online, so check out their website and make a reservation as soon as you know when you’ll be there.

Be prepared to pay to play St. Andrews, however. Greens fees during the prime season between April and October are $235 for an adult on the Old Course. Of course, the other courses are slightly cheaper and you’ll save some money in the off-season as well.

There are plenty of places to stay when you want to golf at St. Andrews. There are over 500 hotels and numerous dining places nearby. There is easy access from local airstrips, so you won’t have much problem actually getting to the links on your scheduled day to play. In the meantime, you’ll enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside in the world complete with old castles and historical sites!

You can visit the official St. Andrews Link website at www.standrews.org.uk.
Only a few places in the world offer winter golfing as diverse as the Canary Islands. The Canaries are comprised of seven major islands, and five of them provide golfers a unique golfing experience. The volcanic landscape of the Canaries was formed by the Canary hotspot and decades of volcanic activity. This unusual landscape lends an air of off-world adventure in some areas of the islands.

Golfing on Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is centrally located and home to the largest city of the Canary Islands: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria is also home to at least five beautiful golf courses. Most of the golf courses on Gran Canaria include shops for rentals or purchases, driving ranges, instructors for those who wish to improve their game, restaurants and snack bars. The golf clubs of Gran Canaria are:
* Real Club de Golf Las Palmas: Inaugurated on December 17, 1891, Real Club de Golf Las Palmas is the oldest golf course in Spain. This par 71, 18-hole golf course includes one normal putting green and one floodlit putting green.
* El Cortijo Club de Campo: Designed by Blake Stirling and Marco Martin, this par 72, 18-hole course has quick greens and six lakes.
* Campo de Golf Maspalomas: Nature and beauty had everything to do with this par 73, 18-hole golf course designed by Mackenzie Ross.
* Salobre Golf & Resort: As one of the newest golf courses on the island, Salobre offers a par 71, 18-hole course.
* Anfi Tauro Golf: This par 3, 9-hole course offers a more relaxed atmosphere than its larger counterparts according to some of the Gran Canaria blogs
Golfing on Tenerife
Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands and situated to the west of Gran Canaria. It is home to the second largest city of the Canaries: Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Golf is one of Tenerife's most popular sports, second only to water sports. Winter golfing is a growing sport in all of Tenerife's golf courses. Mt. Teide, the tallest point in Spain, is located on Tenerife. Mt. Teide can be seen from all of Teneriffe's golf courses, providing magnificent scenic opportunities.
Tenerife's golf courses include:

* Amarilla Golf and Country Club: stunning par 72, 18-hole golf course designed by Donald Steel is a great combination of residential real estate and international-standard golfing.
* Golf Las Americas: This par 72, 18-hole golf course provides great views of Playa de Las Americas or the ocean from nearly every hole.

* Golf Costa Adeje: A natural ravine and three tee-off levels of varying heights provide a very unique golfing experience at Golf Costa Adeje.

* Golf Del Sur: The infamous golf battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson during the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament took place at Golf Del Sur. Two golf driving distance records have also been set at this famous golf course.

* La Rosaleda Golf Club: La Rosaleda offers a relaxing atmosphere for beginners or those who simply wish to improve their short play. Experienced trainers are available to help golfers improve their swing.

* Golf Los Palos: Golf Los Palos is a par 27, 9-hole course that provides numerous water hazards. Although a relatively small course, it's perfect for family outings and beginner golfers.

* Real Club de Golf Tenerife: The second oldest golf course in Spain is home to clearly visible hazards that help golfers learn to develop great golfing strategies.

Golfing on Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands. Aside from the oldest history and longest beaches of the Canaries, Fuerteventura has one large 18-hole golf course. Fuerteventura Golf Club was designed by Juan Catarimeau. Catarimeau took great care in creating this course with an awareness of how the wind affects the outcome of every swing.

Golfing on Lanzarote

Although more golf courses are currently being planned, the primary course on Lanzarote is Golf Costa Teguise. This 18-hole golf course designed by John Harris and built in 1978 challenges beginners as well as expert golfers. The course is located at the base of an inactive volcano and surrounded by all natural flora.

Golfing on La Gomera

La Gomera is an adventure in itself. The island's landscape is one of deep ravines and high cliffs. Islanders have developed a special way to communicate across the ravines by whistling. Tecina Golf course, designed by Donald Steel, is the island's only golf course. Views of the sea and mountains are never obstructed by buildings, because there are no buildings on the golf course itself.

Travel About the Author Playa Ingles
They also have a five day Gran Canaria weather forecast along with what the Gran Canaria weather is now.
and holiday details with Gran Canaria flights are available with yourgrancanaria.net

Golf Instruction

Golf Instruction






There are many ways you can go about receiving instruction for your golf game. Many of use – even those who have been golfing for a long time – can benefit from some type of golf instruction. The good news is that there are all sorts of options you can pursue to get effective teaching on the golf game.



There are many different ways you can go about receiving golf instruction. Most golf clubs have club pros on staff who are more than happy to offer lessons for a fee. The advantage to instruction like this is that you get one on one advice as well as specific fixes to your swing tailored to how your body moves.



Golf seminars and schools are often found in many places around the country. Professional instructors often travel around the country holding week long golf schools on local courses. This type of golf instruction is also advantageous because you are utilizing the skills and knowledge of a golf professional.

A student’s success comes from having an instructor that that he or she can relate to, understand, and can ultimately see improvement in their own game. In some cases students enjoy instructors who are rigorous and demanding while others enjoy an instructor who is patient and pushes the student at a slower rate.

Find an instructor that you are comfortable with and who has the credentials and experience to effectively provide the golf instruction you need. Ask questions before you sign up. Where did the instructor get his or her training? What kind of scores does he or she make on a consistent basis? You will want someone who knows what he or she is talking about so you don’t get bad advice and training.

Believe it or not, you can find some great golf instruction online at various websites in articles published by professionals in the game. These articles address specific parts of the golf game, so if you are looking for a way to improve your stance or get more distance from your drive, you can certainly find it online!

If you want to get better at the game of golf, you can’t go wrong when you seek out golf instruction. There are a lot of people who have learned about the game both in seminars as well as through playing. Above all, the most important part of golf instruction is to get out on the course and test out what you’ve been told. Learning through doing might be the best instructor of all.

Golf Carts

Golf Carts






While many people think that golf isn’t really golf unless you walk the course, the reality is that some people just can’t do that. That’s where golf carts come in handy. This author personally won’t play golf very often without the benefit of a golf cart, but that’s just my preference – I tend to be a little lazy. But with the new golf carts that are out today, they really can make golf a little more enjoyable.



Besides not having to haul your golf bag around with you, the golf cart can also help you avoid fatigue and carry along a cooler of snacks, soda, or beer along with you if that’s what you like to do when you golf. You can also get a good rest on a hot day when you use a golf cart to navigate the course.



There are basically three big golf cart manufacturers that dominate the golf cart market:



* Yamaha

* EZ Go

* Club Car



Some golf carts are powered with small gas engines while others are electrically powered. The electric golf carts were the first mass-produced electric vehicles for private consumer use. Modern golf carts may have car-like styling despite being no bigger than a traditional golf cart. Accessories such as audio entertainment systems, custom wheels, and custom body panels in an assortment of colors are now being offered as choices for the personal golf cart.



Golf carts aren’t just used on the golf course. Some small communities or neighborhoods will use a golf cart where their lack of pollutants, lack of noise, and safety for pedestrians and other cars are beneficial. While purpose-built for general transportation, these are called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles and they have various operating limitations such as top speed and heavy regulation on street use. They do resemble traditional golf carts in style, but some are enclosed to accommodate for use in all types of weather.



There is a huge market for aftermarket parts on golf carts. Each major manufacturing company has their own line of aftermarket parts to enhance off-road capabilities. Because golf carts can have a long life, people often buy used golf carts making these aftermarket parts very valuable to people who need to fix broken parts of their golf cart.



Golf carts are considered by many golfers to be an essential part of the golf game. Others just think the golf cart make a golf course more dangerous. Either way, the truth is golf carts can really help make the game more enjoyable by leaps and bounds.

Saturday 10 April 2010

Tips for buying a golf club set for a beginner golfer

Finding the correct set of golf clubs as a beginner golfer can be quite overwhelming. With so many options and styles to choose from, how could a novice golfer ever find the right set? There are a few characteristics that a golf set must have in order to be an optimum fit for a beginner. First and foremost, finding the proper length is essential. The average "off the rack" set may be appropriate for some but not for all. It would be in the beginner's best interest to have a few basic measurements taken. The two most basic measurements are the golfer's height and the distance in inches from their wrist to the floor when standing tall with their hands by their sides. By having this information the beginner now knows what length of club fits them best.


Secondly, it would be beneficial to have the beginners club head speed measured. This is crucial in finding the proper shaft flex. If the golf club shaft is too flexible or too stiff the club is not performing at its most favorable level for that given golfer. There are golfers of all abilities and swing speeds and manufacturer's are now more than ever are catering to these specific needs. A few swings using a swing speed gauge will indicate which flex is the most favorable.

Now that the beginner has the proper length and flex it is important to point out a few characteristics that sets posses that would be most advantageous to them. First, I would recommend an oversize club head. These oversize club heads have a larger sweet spot and have additional perimeter weighting which allows the beginner to make less than perfect contact while still getting a desirable ball flight. Most of these oversize and perimeter weighted club heads will also have a cavity back. This cavity back allows more weight to be placed around the clubs perimeter which creates a more forgiving golf club, this is vital for a beginner.

When looking at sets for beginners I would also recommend a golf set with offset. Club heads. A golf club with offset positions the golfers hands ahead of the club head at address which is crucial to making good quality contact. Another benefit of an offset club is that the center of gravity is pushed back on the head, causing a higher loft on the ball. The only disadvantage of offset in a golf club is that it is harder to work the ball both right to left and visa versa. This is something that only experienced players can execute on command and beginners should not be concerned with this practice.

When shopping for a beginner set for yourself, a family member, or friend, it would be beneficial to remember these simple key ideas. First, find the proper length club with the proper shaft flex. Next, look for a club head that is oversize with a cavity back. Lastly, try to find clubs with some offset in them. By looking for clubs with these basic traits, it will not only narrow your search, it will guarantee that the beginner will be starting to play this great game with the proper tools necessary to not only enjoy the experience but also to perform it.

About the Author Mike Blair

http://www.Linksmangolf.com

http://www.Teenagergolfshop

Tips for buying a golf club set for the teenager golfer

Playing golf as a teenager can be one of the most joyous times of ones golfing life. You have no responsibilities or pressures other than having fun on the golf course. How much fun can one have if you're not using the proper equipment? Teenage golfers fall into a very unique category. Most teens are too large or strong for a typical junior set and not large or strong enough for an adult set. Often time's junior golf sets shafts are too flexible for a teen and are often not long enough. On the other hand, a full length adult set is not light enough and the shaft flex can be too stiff.


Most golfers will tell you that playing with a club that is the proper length and shaft flex is a major key to enjoying and performing this great game. Luckily for today's teen golfer there is an answer to this dilemma. Today's teen golfer now has the luxury of having a teen golf set as a viable option for their equipment choice. These sets are typically made for golfers that are 4'10"-5'5" and come with more flexible shaft, which is the perfect medium between the typical junior flex and the typical adult flex. A good number of golfers start playing in there teen years. This can be a blessing and also a curse. The blessing is that teens are very flexible and usually have very good hand eye coordination, two major components of playing golf successfully. The curse is that without the proper equipment teens can develop bad habits that can last a life time and hinder their enjoyment of the game for the rest of their golfing career.

The games growth is very dependent on teens. If teens are struggling with finding proper equipment it is safeto say that the games overall growth will become marginal at best. Golf instills tremendous core values in people, especially teens. Respect, politeness, and honesty are just a few of the many important traits a teenager can come away with from playing golf which will translate into their everyday life. Playing golf is also a great way to meet new people, make new friends, and share camaraderie with others that have a passion for golf. Later in life golf can become a very useful business tool; however none of these things will ever manifest itself without a proper introduction to the game with proper equipment.

I can speak from personal experience that finding a proper set as a teenager was a struggle to say the least. Being left handed made it especially difficult. Unfortunately I never had the option of a teen set growing up. Modifying adult sets to fit a teen can be very costly and time consuming. Today's teen golfer should feel very fortunate that a teen set exists, they have been given a great opportunity to learn and play this game with a set of golf clubs built specifically for them. After all, golf is supposed to be fun, when you're a teen playing with proper equipment it may just be the most enjoyable time of your golfing life.


About the Author

Mike Blair is a golf industry professional and has designed golf sets for junior players and adults sold at both retail and wholesale.

Once owner of the largest retail golf stores in New England Mike has utilized years of buying experience and insight into helping Junior golfers and teenage golfers.

http://www.teenagergolfshop.com/