Musings of a Golf Newbie - The Old & New

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By Jordan Farr
We all love change... don't we?

Well, maybe not when it's just change for the sake of change, but there's something to be said for "keeping up with the times".

Golf... more than many other sports... sometimes struggles with this concept. A small but vocal group of traditionalists would prefer to see the game played the way it was a century ago... and they're not particularly receptive to the idea of change. But for everyone else, it's definitely happening, and some of the most noticable changes have come in the areas of fashion, technology, equipment and instructors.

There's clearly a lot less formality in golf apparel than there once was ... a lot less boxiness and a lot more variety too. Amazing fabrics are being used. They keep golfers warm in the winter, cool in the summer and ultra-flexible in multiple layers. We visited Ralph Lauren Headquarters last month for a preview of their awesome 2011 line. The styles were gorgeous and perfectly designed for golf. There was even a bluetooth enabled wind shirt!

Technology is now used way beyond what a mid-20th century golfer could even dream of. Today you can do things like... read distances on your BlackBerry or play a full scale round at Pebble from your corner pub like I did last weekend. World Golf Tour, my favorite online game, lets me compete on championship course with golfers from all over the world... virtually! The graphics are stunning. BTW WGT is nominated for best online game at the Mashable Awards this year... I just voted for them.

The way the sport is taught has also changed quite a bit. Maybe golf's not a game of speed and agility per se... but rather a game of strategy, stamina and technical ability. That doesn’t mean a golfer shouldn't be trained like an athlete, and nowadays golf fitness has become an essential part of becoming a golfer. Techniques and drills and training aids have all evolved as well.

As a beginner, I can't speak too authoritatively about all the changes that have taken place with equipment... I'm still fine with my starter set... but according to my uncle... who buys a new driver every couple of months... they've been epic.

I like the way golf is evolving and I'm quite sure the advances that have taken place have made it easier... or at least more fun... to learn. Also there's no denying the game is more open and accessible than it once was. However, a part of me would love to go back to a simpler time, where golf was just... golf... free of technology, unaffected by the fashion runways and devoid of those very annoying, very vigorous fitness programs.

Images: Futuristic Golf Course via Tuvie / WGT logo / Vintage Foursome via Hickory Golf

Musings of a Golf Newbie - Frustration and Elation

By Jordan Farr
Over the past several weeks, I’ve become a true cheerleader for golf.

However, even though I’ve been playing more often, and spending hours at the range, I still... by most standards... suck.

Denying golf’s frustration is like... let’s see... it’s like denying a huge elephant which happens to be sitting in a barn with a bunch of small horses. Okay, that made absolutely no sense. What I’m saying is that I’ve discovered it’s useless to deny the frustrations of golf.

Speaking of frustration, it surprised me to see a number of brilliant … and seemingly established.... PGA and LPGA players heading back to Q School in hopes of regaining their tour cards. What could be more frustrating than that?

On a more... humble... level, I sometimes feel like my own frustration is nearly as epic that of the beleaguered Q School returnees, simply for because I allow it to get there.

When the swing I’ve (supposedly) been perfecting at the range produces only a series of awkward, ugly worm-burners on the golf course ...and the putts I focus on so intently just refuse to ever roll in.... I have an emotional response that involves anger and disappointment... and on occasion... a major meltdown.

Then, when I begin to play well, I get all nervous, “How will my next shot be? What if I can’t get past that damn sand trap and it ruins my best round ever!!!" Which inevitably leads to my classic newbie dilemma “WHAT CLUB DO I USE AGAIN?” All of these questions and concerns distract me from my game… and sometimes I feel like they’re ruining it... slowly and painfully.

Fortunately, there's a bright side. As in: I’m learning to marvel in my strengths and take joy in the good shots... however rare those may be at such an early stage in my golf love-affair. This naturally lowers my frustrations for when something does go awry. Setting small goals that will hopefully lead to my bigger ones, is another thing I’m trying to do.

And I’ve got to admit, by the end of each round or practice session... despite some inevitable frustration... I always seem to have a huge smile on my face because I got out there and worked on the game I’m growing to love.

Golf Giving - October is Over but Golf Gives On

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By Jordan Farr aka Golf Girl Junior

OK, what happened to October?

I just looked at the calendar noticed it was gone. Over. Finito. And it took four November days with it.

I guess I'm getting old because I'm thinking: it seems like the days just flew off the calender ...and I'm sure I remember my grandmother saying stuff just like that. ~ Actually, you certainly remember may remember I celebrated my 23rd birthday back on the 14th. Belated thanks for all the warm well-wishes. That was an early highlight.

Then there were multiple visits to NYC, for previews of some amazing golf fashion lines, and afternoons spent at Winged Foot, Quaker Ridge and The Norfolk Country Club getting acquainted with the aesthetics and idiosyncrasies of A.W.Tillinghast.  Yes, October was a blur, but a pretty wonderful one.

Also, October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and that too flew by, but fortunately, the mission behind it goes on all year and to that end here at GGM... and throughout the golf world... efforts will continue to raise funds and awareness for this cause. Some of the things we'll be involved with throughout the coming twelve months are:

Cristie Kerr's Birdies for Breast Cancer

Sweet Spot Golf's Breast Cancer Initiatives

G Women Magazine's Breast Cancer Initiatives 

There are all sorts of ways to give through golf, and all kinds of causes too.  You can find many of them listed at GolfCharity.net .  October may be over but it still feels great to give.

The Thursday Post from Golf Girl World

by Jordan Farr, aka Golf Girl Junior

Hey there GGD Readers!

Once again it’s time for my Thursday post! But I don’t suppose I really need to tell you that as I assume it’s already on your Calenders... right? And, speaking of Calenders, October is a special month for Golf Girl Media. Not only is it my birthday month (a national holiday is in the works), but more importantly, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

As you may know we’re huge fans of Cristie Kerr and her Birdies For Breast Cancer Charity. Quite a few organizations are pitching in throughout October, and donating to Cristie's cause, including the awesome online golf boutique Golf4Her. When you purchase golf clothing and accessories at Golf4Her.com ‘s “Pretty in Pink Webtique,” 10% of the proceeds will go to to Birdies for Breast Cancer.

In the next few days, I will be doing a post about how other golfers and golf businesses are helping raise awareness and funds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.

In other Golf Girl Media news, we are now (thanks to me) entering the exciting world of contests and sweepstakes. YAY!!! I know... I’m just as excited as you are! Now you may be asking: “what kind of contest, Jordan? Tell me more!” Well, I can honestly say I don’t really know at this point. And this is where you come in. Can you help me with ideas? What are some golf products you would like to win?

Now as those of you who were listening to “Only Two Things” last night already heard, here’s the weekly question for my pop-culture-golf poll:

Justin Timberlake recently created the awesome Mirimichi golf course near Memphis, TN ...and the golf girl herself played Celine Dion’s golf course just outside of Montreal. So... what celeb would you like to see make their own course? (BTW my personal pick is Catherine Zeta Jones - she’s stylish, talented and passionate about golf).

Just leave your responses in comments or shoot me an email at: jordan@golfgirlmedia.com
And remember to check out our Facebook fan page for further updates.

Thursday Update from Golf Girl World

I'll be doing a regular "Thursday Update" from now on. It's just a quick update on what's going on behind the scenes at Golf Girl Media.

This has been SUCH a crazy week!

As an official member of the Golf Girl Media team, I’ve been doing everything sending off various emails to various people.... for various reasons, and working on ways to make Golf Girl Media, not only a company but... um, an empire? OK, maybe a tad bit of an overreach, but you get the picture.

I've also been managing some social media stuff, for example I launched the GolfGirlMedia Facebook page. Now (I’ve been told) I've got to help transform it into a beautiful, seductive, interactive place to connect... and exchange ideas... on some of golf's most fascinating people, beautiful places and unique products. The GolfGirl got on Facebook in the early days with a personal profile ...when that was the only option. Problem is, that format only allows 5,000 connections and as we ALL know, golf is much bigger than that. The GolfGirl's personal page is getting close to that number and the "Facebook police" are already telling us we can't add any more contacts. So this week we produced our new Page: GolfGirlMedia. So... if you indulge in Facebook please “like” us.

Oh... in addition to FB, I'm twittering (@GolfGirl_Junior), and exploring some of the other social media options flying around on the internet. I'll keep you posted on those explorations.

In other news: Golf Geeks rejoice! We're starting a new column at Golf Girl Media. We're calling it Golf Geek Weekly and we'll be reviewing the latest golf apps for iPhone, ipad, Blackberry and Android... including games, scorecards, guides and more. I'm crazy about apps BTW.

Finally, this week’s GolfGirlJunior poll was inspired by a suggestion from one of our awesome readers, Frank D, who hails from a mythical place called Ft. Liquordale, in sunny Florida: "Can a man enjoy dating a woman who plays golf better than he does?"

Drop your answers below or email them to me and we'll present some of the best on our BlogTalk Radio show next week, and share them on the aforementioned FB page.

Well, that's it for this week have a good weekend.