GolfPlusMore.com

One of the most elegant and prolific games of this century, golf has a fascinating trail of history running behind. The word ”golf” is actually a modification of the Dutch word “kolf” which simply means a “bat,” “stick,” or “club”. If defined literally, the game is all about striking a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes while complying with the rules of the game. It is one of those rare games which do not require playing area; rather golf is played on golf “courses.” The competitions of golf are based on stroke play, where the individual or team posts with lowest score on the most individual for a full round, wins the game. Some other team games of golf such as fourball have been pioneered, and are played either using matchplay format or stroke. Several alternative styles of golf playing have been introduced like disc golf and miniature golf. However, it is still interesting to find out the History of golf.

Most scholars agree with the “fact” that the Scots were first to popularize the game of golf. However, there exists no common consensus in the history of golf about the inventors of the classy sport. The records suggest a golf-like game was played in a city called Loenen aan de Vecht, Netherlands, on 26 February 1297. The Dutchmen played this game with leather ball and a stick. Actually, the game required the players to hit the ball into a target situated several hundreds of meters away.

The emphasis on golf’s Scottish origin is contributed to the fact that the game was mentioned in two 15th-century Acts of the Scottish Parliament. Further, there are evidences that in A.D 1456, the first game of golf was played at Bruntsfield Links, in Edinburgh, Scotland, as recorded in the archives of The Royal Burgess Golfing Society.

There are some reports which record evidences of golf from continental Europe. Different forms of sports similar to golf were played in 14th century in the countries of France, Belgium, and Holland, apart from Scotland. However, the game was introduced in England by a keen Scottish Baron, James VI, after succeeding on the English throne in 1603.

In the early years of golf, the players never thought of forming a club or society until in 1744 a group of Edinburgh golfers united into a club named Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. It was here that the first 13 rules of golf were drawn up for an annual contest. In 1766, Royal Blackheath Golf Club was formed in England – the first golf club formed outside Scotland.

Although traces of golf can be encountered in 18th century United States, however the game was still waiting to be popularized. The history of golf in North America began with its roots in Canada. In 1873, The Royal Montreal Club was formed, which was followed by the Quebec Golf Club in 1875 and the golf club in Toronto a year later. It was in 1888 that golf re-emerged in the United States. For the first time the “three-hole golf course” was built in Yonkers, New York by a Scotsman, John Reid on a 30-acre site. From a modest beginning, golf emerged as the new national pastime in the United States.

In the recent times golf has become a complete spectators’ game, involving professionals at different levels and amateur tours across various terrains of the world. Not only the game, but the golf players -Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Jack Nicklaus to name a few, have gained worldwide recognition as great sports personalities. Engrossingly huge sponsorships and new technologies being developed to assist golfers and dedication and raw talent from the emerging players all suggest a luminous new chapter in the “history of golf”.

Is it time to replace your golf cart bag? Depending how much you play, the golf cart bag is a very important piece of golf equipment. The reasons are simple. Obviously, it is very important because it assists you with the storage and transportation of your golf clubs as well as other golf equipment.
With the size of a golf cart bag, you can easily carry your clubs, tees, markers as well as other things you will need during your round of golf. The bag itself does not necessarily have a direct correlation to your score however, it can allow you to carry items that could make your round of golf more comfortable and more enjoyable for you.
The basic golf bag comes in three sizes. The first is a staff golf bag or tour golf bag. Obviously, this name comes from the professionals that are on staff with a certain company to promote the company’s products. The second is the golf cart bag. These bags are typically not quite as large as a staff or tour bag and are meant to be placed on the rear of a golf cart. These golf bags are not meant to be carried by the average player during their round of golf.
A golf stand carry bag can be used on the back of a golf cart as well as carried by the player during the round. These bags are typically about 4 pounds in weight prior to adding your golf equipment. Depending on the golf you usually play, any one of these styles can suit your needs.
In determining the kind of golf bag will best suit you and the type of golf that you play, you need to first decide if you walk or ride most of your rounds of golf. If you walk the majority of your rounds, you will need a golf stand carry bag. You may choose to also have a cart golf bag for trips or special occasions. In addition, you will need to think about your typical golf club and how your golf clubs are normally transported about the club.
Do you have to personally carry them quite a bit or is the staff able to assist you with your bag? I think that you get the drift, the more that you carry your own clubs the more you need a golf stand carry bag.
The golf stand carry bag is a smaller bag designed for those who are prone to walk the golf course or have to transport their own clubs around the club. These lightweight golf bags are designed for the players comfort as they are carried by the player. Although these bags are light weight they can hold a full set of golf clubs (fourteen), golf balls, range finder GPS unit, tees, umbrella as well as a rain suit. These bags typically have room for a pair of golf shoes for when you travel.
The staff/tour bag is the largest selection of golf bags which is available, they are much larger that the travel/carry bag or the cart golf bag. You see the professional golfers on TV use these golf bags. However, they do not personally carry them due to their weight. They travel with caddies to help them instead. The amount of equipment that these golfers can carry is as much as they would like and an average PGA Tour Bag is 40-45 lbs with all the equipment in it. The price for the staff tour bags is substantially higher than that of the cart golf bag or the travel/carry bag.
The golf cart bag is a smaller version of the tour bag. Again, these bags are deigned to ride on the back of a golf cart. The pockets are typically designed for easy access as the bag sits on a golf cart.
Determine your golfing habits and with this information make an informed decision on which bag would best suit you and allow you to enjoy the great game of golf.

Thinking of places to enjoy a golfing vacation adventure and go somewhere exotic

Consider Thailand as a Golf Vacation destination and you will never forget your experience and the adventure.

In this article I will be talking to you about Bangkok Golf Vacations in particular, although there are hundreds of golf courses throughout Thailand.

First a little about Thailand from Wikipedia. Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups.

The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,576 meters (8,451ft.).

The northeast consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya River valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand.

The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.

The local climate is tropical and characterized by monsoons. There is a rainy, warm, and cloudy southwest monsoon from mid-May to September, as well as a dry, cool northeast monsoon from November to mid-March.

The southern isthmus is always hot and humid. Major cities beside the capital Bangkok include Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Phuket, and Hat Yai, in Songhla Province.

Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep, is the capital and largest city of Thailand, with an official census population of over 10 million. Bangkok is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand.

Its also in the World Book of Records for the longest named city, Krung Thep is abbreviated.

Bangkok is one of the fastest growing, most economically dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. It is emerging as a regional center to rival Singapore and Hong Kong.

The World Meteorological Organization has dubbed Bangkok the world’s hottest large city. Moreover, it is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Bangkok is also known for relatively low retail prices.

Bangkok is the place to visit for breathtakingly beautiful temples, magnificent palaces, Thai dancers, Thai kickboxing, museums, and island hopping, with
6 international airports , destinations all within one hour or so flights within Thailand. You will also find great bargains while shopping country wide.

Thailand’s new airport is a work of art which stands alone and sets a new international standard for travelers, with all the latest hi-tech equipment , and visitor friendly features no where else to be found, just now opening in July through September.

So, besides the enjoyment of your golfing vacation, you will also be able to enjoy the visit to Bangkok, Thailand in many other ways, not the least of, which is the fantastic Bangkok nightlife and world-class hotels at rates you won’t believe.

All in all, a golf vacation to Thailand is more than just an average golfing vacation, it’s an adventure to remember.

Lets talk about some of the particular Golf Clubs and Golf Courses in Bangkok.

Windmill Park Golf & Country Club: Designed by Nick Faldo, this 18-Hole, Par 72, golf course is very challenging from the back tees. It features a lot of water for most of the entire course and the Par 5 holes are all doglegs. The last hole is probably the biggest challenge where you have to hit onto an island where the clubhouse is also located.

Bangpoo Country Club: This 18 hole course was designed by Arnold Palmer and is one of the most popular golf vacation destinations. It is located about 60 miles southeast of Bangkok. You will not contend with as much water as you will on the Windmill course but wind will be a factor in your golf game at Bangpoo. Wide Fairways make the course a little easier for the average golfer.

Vintage Golf Clubs: There is a lot more here than just golf. It features a glamorous clubhouse with tennis courts, a swimming pool, and even a fitness center. This 18 hole, Par 72 golf course was designed by Arthur Hills and is a rather flat course. However the greens, fairways, and water hazards are well placed. The Par 5 holes will give any golfer the challenge they are looking for and the 18th hole is especially challenging with a narrow green sporting water on two sides.

Bangpakong Riverside Country Club: Built by the Bangpakong River, this 18 hole course presents unique challenges for golfers at any skill level. The river intertwines through the golf course and into some of the greens themselves.
It sports thick rough areas even though the fairways are wide. Golfers will also have to contend with strong winds in addition to the obvious water hazards.

Thana City Golf & Country Club: This Golf Club is located along the Bangna-Trad Highway. A beautiful course designed by Greg Norman gives golfers a chance to play holes of varying skill levels.
There are Par 4, 300 yard holes up to Par 4, 440 yard holes. Very fast greens make this golf course a real challenge.

Dynasty Golf & Country Club: Designed by Dennis Griffiths, Dynasty is an 18-hole golf course about an hour-and-a-half drive from Bangkok. The greens are well placed and the course is fairly flat.
There are creeks that provide good water hazards and the trees and flowers that surround this beautiful golf course are something to be admired.

Subhapruek Golf Club: (Formerly Bangna Country Club). The name, Subhapruek, was given to the golf course by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in 1995 and means Beautiful Plants.
This golf course is one of the most beautiful courses in Thailand. Every single one of the 18 holes was designed by Pete Dye as a signature hole. The course presents physical and mental challenges that rival the best golf courses in the world.

Natural Park Ramindra Golf Course: (Formerly Winsan Golf Club until taken over by the Natural Group in 1992) Designed by Jack Niclaus, this 18-hole golf course features holes with sandy wastes, water hazards, and bunkers.
Like any golf course designed by Jack Niclaus, it presents challenges golfers at all skill levels can enjoy. It is located near Safari World, about and hour drive from Bangkok.

These are only a few of the golf courses in and around Bangkok, Thailand. You will enjoy exploring to find other courses such as those I will recommend below. A trip to Thailand for a golf vacation is one you will never forget.

Other recommended Golf courses you can search for online before booking your Bangkok, Thailand golf vacation.

Green Valley Golf Club, Rose Garden Golf Club, Kiarti Thanee Country Club, Royal Gems Golf & Sports Club, Krisda City Golf Club, President Golf & Country Club, Krung Kavee Golf Club, Pinehurst Golf & Country Club, Lakewood Golf & Country Club, Panya Indra Golf Club, Lum Luk Ka Golf Club, and Navatanee Golf Club.

Note from the author:
Although there are many excellent choices, my personal favorite is Pinehurst Golf & Country Club, minutes from Don Mueng International Airport, great accommodations in a country setting , excellent service with a smile, and moderately priced to fit within your budget.

Just watch out for the water traps. I’ve donated 100′s of golf balls over the years.

When choosing from a range of powered golf carts how do you know if what you want is gas or electric powered? Or perhaps what you really want in the powered golf carts you are looking at is one that is run by solar power.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of these choices? Gas fueled golf carts are run on gas just like the average car does. They can be purchased to run on unleaded gas, which is what most people use, or you can get ones that run on diesel. Diesel is cheaper than gas. With these gas golf carts it is suggested you always carry a can of gas with you just in case you run out somewhere on the course. By doing this, no matter where you are on the golf course you will always be able to get around. That is one of the reasons that these gas powered golf carts are so popular. As well, the newer four-cycle models do run cleaner and quieter than the older two cycle models.

Electric powered golf carts do not have this advantage. When you run out of power, that is it. You are stuck wherever you stopped. There is no plug in the middle of the golf course to recharge your cart. The advantage of these electric powered golf carts is that they are environmentally friendlier since they do not pollute at all. They also tend to run quieter than their gas powered counterparts and are also cheaper to operate.

New models are being worked on with different fuels to make them less expensive and cleaner to run. Many companies are experimenting with hydrogen, solar and even hybrid gas/electric powered golf carts.

Tests on golf carts that can run on solar power are still in progress. They have a photovoltaic appliance built into the golf cart roof and so the machine can recharge its batteries with free, renewable, non-polluting power. These are finding good results in their tests and so some of the golf courses are using these solar golf carts. They are working so well that once charged they could be used to complete an eighteen-hole course four times before they require recharging.

Once you have decided what kind of golf carts you prefer and what they should be powered by you will need to decide if you want to buy a new or used one. The basic models range from four thousand five hundred dollars and up depending on size and power. Perhaps it is worth looking at a good used model instead. These can be bought through the classified ads or from dealerships just like the new models and will save you substantial on the purchase price.

About the Author
Now there is a gallery of powerful information yours for the taking. Click here: Powered Golf Carts

Article source:
What Are My Choices In Powered Golf Carts

You might be a golf beginner looking for your first set of golf clubs and equipment or a pro shopping for upgrades, but all will agree that golf bags are essential in the game. Next to golf clubs, a golf bag is one of the most important golfing equipment there is.

It is considered a necessity. A good golf bag will lessen your worries on the golf course, (i.e. all your clubs are in their proper place) and you can focus on your teeing.

If you’re a beginner golfer, then golf bags are definitely a must. However, there are things that you should know before going to the nearest golf store and buying a golf bag on impulse. First, there are two types of golf bags? carry bags and cart bags.

Carry bags are golf bags that are used when you are planning to have a lot of walking on the golf course. Cart golf bags are those that you use when walking is not possible (as some golf courses prohibit walking), and riding a golf cart is your option. A beginner golfer will most definitely buy a walking bag at first, although if you are a serious beginner of the game, then you will eventually buy both types of golf bags.

If you are a newbie in the game, you might ask “What is a golf bag for? I only have four golf clubs.” A golf bag is a functional equipment rather than a fashion statement. It is not just for your golf clubs, but it can also hold your other golf equipment and accessories. Some advanced golf bags even have pocket coolers that can keep your drink ice-cold even for hours! You might want to consider that, especially when you will buy a carry golf bag.

When buying a golf bag, especially a carry golf bag, find a comfortable one. One should check the straps to see if it fits comfortably and whether it can be carried easily. Remember that your golf bag will be one of your trusted companions on the greens, and that you will spend hours with it. So choose wisely. Don’t buy low quality bags, because you will end up purchasing another bag in the next few months if your old golf bag tears up. You should also buy your golf bag depending on the number of golf clubs that you have. Most golf bags can carry up to 15 golf clubs. A tournament however limits the number of golf clubs in your golf bag.

Another important thing to consider when purchasing a golf bag is its weight. This is one of the most important things to know. Golf bags should be light enough to be carried or carted easily, but sturdy enough to hold your clubs and protect them. Some golf bags are even water resistant, and are rain proofed for the protection of your clubs. Most of these golf bags have 8 or 9 dividers or pockets. Again, the number of dividers that you will need depend on the amount of clubs and accessories you will carry. If you have many golf clubs then choose a golf bag with many dividers. However, these types of golf bags have the tendency to be heavier. Some bags can weigh less than 5 pounds! These types of bags are made up of space-age materials such as graphite, however, they more expensive.

Remember that when buying golf bags, the lighter it is, the better and more comfortable it will be.

New 7X Digital Golf Range Finder Golf SCOPE + Bag #8526 US $19.99 Auction Ends: Friday May-25-2012 2:07:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

JL Golf full size stand / trolley bag rain cover with zip. *NEW* US $10.96 Auction Ends: Friday May-25-2012 2:32:40 PDT   | Watch this Item

C3 A99 Golf Practice Stand Bag Range sunday Carry black US $39.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday May-25-2012 2:34:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Golf Bag Book US $11.21 Auction Ends: Friday May-25-2012 2:49:28 PDT   | Watch this Item

Golf Bag Cart Bag 14-way full lenth divider Teal/Black US $79.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday May-25-2012 2:51:45 PDT   | Watch this Item