Algarve Golf Tips
The Bunker Shot
Playing golf is all about enjoying yourself and improving your game. An important part of your game is how you deal with the difficult shots. The hardest shots for golfers are sand shots. If you are interested in improving your sand shots read on. Once you have the technique clear go and start practicing as much as you can.
We will now look at some tips on how to improve your sand shots. If you can improve on these shots you will see your score card drop, as so many bogeys are caused by mistakes in the sand bunker.
The first step when hitting a sand shot is to assess the ball position. This might sound kind of obvious, you need to know where the ball is in order to hit it, right ? But, in this case it is more like knowing the ball’s position so you can hit the sand behind it. Depending of the angle and distance you want to hit the ball at you might have to hit the sand up to inches behind the ball.
Length of Swing. The length of your swing will depend on the distance you want the ball to travel.
The depth of your back stroke will determine the strength of the shot. If you want to deliver a short shot make sure your back stroke is short. However, it is vital that you follow through the stroke till its completion. If you do not follow through the whole way the ball will most likely not move at all.
The hardest sand shot occurs when the ball is a fried egg, or buried into the sand. In these cases it is vital you hit the sand before hitting the ball and dig your down to the ball. Once impacting the ball you must follow through, as mentioned above, to give momentum to the ball and land it outside the bunker, and on to the green.
The depth and strength of your follow through, when impacting on the ball, will determine how far or how close your shot will be. Go for a high stroke for long shots and knee high finish for short ones.
Next time you go to practice your sand shots. Granted they are more interesting shots to practice, but if you want to lower your score card you are going to have to master the sand. The most important points to remember are: your position, you swing, and following through your shot to the very end. Following these simple tips will make the difference you need to quickly improve your game faster than you thought possible.
Playing Golf in the Algarve
A golfer’s paradise, the Algarve offers outstanding golf courses and wonderful weather. Portugal’s southernmost province is famous for spectacular scenery along a stunning coastline. What could be better! In fact, Algarve regularly tops polls conducted among travel operators (who ought to know!) as the world’s number one golf destination!
During the 1970’s and 1980’s golf courses mushroomed along Portugal’s southern coast. None of the Algarve golf courses are more than 15 kilometres from the coast but the terrain varies from steep hillsides around Parque da Floresta to near sea-level flatlands of Salgados and Vilamoura III, which, together with Palmares, includes links holes.
You may find it puzzling that the mainly dry and arid countryside of the Algarve gives way to verdant oasis at each golf complex. This is due to water catchments and private boreholes which tap into subterranean water sources for irrigation.
Getting to the Algarve
Algarve Golf Holidays are becoming ever more popular. The Algarve is a mere two to three hours’ flight from most European capitals and has been a magnet to discerning golfers for about 30 years. Travelling to and around the Algarve is very easy. Flights into the region arrive at the airport at Faro and are available from most major world airports, making this the quickest and easiest way to travel. However, being part of mainland Europe, the Algarve is a driveable destination through either Spain or Portugal itself. You can also travel by boat or by ferry using the Port of Portimao.
Travel Companies
There are various travel companies offering all-inclusive Algarve Golf Holidays. These breaks can be from just a few days to a couple of weeks for the real enthusiasts. Ladies will even find there are holidays just for them. You can choose how many nights you wish to stay and you can obtain car hire as part of the package too if you wish.
When to visit
The main season for Algarve golf holidays runs from late autumn to late spring. Winters here are mild and golfers from northern European countries can enjoy sunny days and keep their swings smooth at a time when their golf courses at home are unplayable. This means that golfers can truly have the best of both worlds.
When to play
Playing golf in the early morning is highly recommended. This is a cool, calm time of day – before the sun reaches its height. In fact, the Algarve boasts 300 days of sunshine a year so you can be fairly sure of good weather for your Algarve golf holiday
Golf Courses
Arguably Europe’s top golfing destination, world-famous Algarve golf courses include Boavista, Vale do Lobo, Palmares, and Quinta da Ria, to name only a few. There is a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets as well as lots of delightful towns offering exciting nightlife. All this makes the Algarve a golf destination “par excellence”.
The Algarve is home to several of the world’s top courses and has played host to many competitions and international tournaments. You may be a skilled-amateur looking for new challenges or a beginner looking for a relaxing break from everyday life. If so, Algarve golf courses are definitely for you.
Over 30 golf courses are situated in the Algarve. These range from 9-hole courses stretching over the grassland, to dramatic coastal 18-hole courses set amongst picturesque cliffs. This makes golf here a pleasure for everyone, regardless of their ability.
Golf Club Rental
Deciding on an Algarve golf holiday does not mean you have to face the hassle of bringing your clubs through busy airport terminals or have the worry of having them stolen. Various companies will personally deliver a quality set of clubs to you and collect it from you at the end of your stay. Clubs will invariably be new and a variety will be offered to suit all standards and tastes. Golf clubs can be hired from one day to two weeks. So leave your clubs at home you’ll be glad you did.
Things to note
Sometimes you might be asked to produce your handicap certificate. Also, many Algarve golf courses have dress codes so remember to take some smart casual clothes with you. If you know where you want to play, it can be a good idea to telephone first and find out what is required. Remember to write down your ‘tee times’ because Algarve golf holidays are very popular!
In general, you will find that the Algarve, with its mild climate, reasonably priced restaurants, breathtaking scenery, friendly people and excellent golf courses, all combine to make a very memorable holiday.
Read more about Golf – I Love Algarve! by www.ilovealgarve.net
