Home About Us The Instructors Clinics Private Lessons Junior Golf Instructional Tips Oak Marsh Golf Club Phone: 651-730-8886 Fax: 651-730-6711 institute@wpgolf.com Green Beer and Golf March 2006 - By David La Pour St. Patrick's Day is coming up, and as my grandmother Hazel O'Reilly use to say, "I don't know much about golf but I have heard of green beer!" March is here, and with the record low snowfall this winter (so far), you have to start thinking "could I be on the golf course soon?" The answer of course depends on Mother Nature to an extent, as well as our desire to get out there. As WP Golf Operations gear up for another busy season by getting the five courses ready for play, we should be getting ready as well. Personally, I find myself going to the gym or at least hitting the treadmill at home. I've also committed to hitting balls in the dome twice a week in between lessons not to mention the fact that I've been watching more golf on TV (which is always inspiring). With that said, as and instructor I notice the first thing to leave a golfer and the last thing to come back is there touch or feel. Although hard to put in a bottle, it is a real part of the game. Where is touch and feel the most important in golf you ask? Around the greens. So if the weather is nice enough to go to the course and spend some time outside, I'd suggest working from the hole back. In other words do a little putting, chipping, pitching, wedging, and bunker play. The greens and practice areas won't be in top form but you can start to reestablish your touch and get your short game up and running again. This is also a good way to work on your basics like grip, stance and mini swing which will help you with your full swing. It's also a great opportunity to just get out of the house and spend some time outside. Try and take any opportunity to work on your short game and you benefit this summer from it. After you're done practicing, maybe you'll want to stop by the 19th hole and try some of that green beer! Good luck with your practicing, I hope to see you on the course, and have a Happy St. Patrick's Day! MORE TIPS Home / Putting / Short Game / Full Swing / Mental / Health / Other "The first thing to leave a golfer and the last thing to come back is there touch or feel."