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Bahamian golf lesson
WHAT-TO-DO - NASSAU, CABLE BEACH & PARADISE ISLAND - JAN 2003
Bahamian golf lesson
Off-season tips from the pros
If you stroke a putt dead on line in The Bahamas and it comes up a little short, blame the grass.
Most courses in The Bahamas use Bermuda grass, which has a broader and thicker leaf than the slender bent grass varieties favoured up north. Bermuda is usually a shade slower than bent, says South Ocean Golf Club pro Johnny Deal, and putts may not break as much as they do back home.
Hitting shots out of Bermuda rough is also more challenging than out of bent rough. "You have to stay down to it," advises Deal, meaning you should hit down sharply to minimize the amount of grass that gets between clubhead and ball, stay centered and keep your head down until the shot is well away.
Some thoughtful chipping and putting on the practice green will help you dial in the touch to make the ball go the right distance, Deal says.
Practice makes perfect
Deal advises vacationing golfers to hit the practice range before they play - just like tour professionals do - especially if they haven't handled a golf club for a few weeks or months. It's easier to knock the rust off your swing on the range than it is on the course, he says.
Pros will also tell you not to expect too much right away. Many golfers arrive in the Bahamas believing they have figured out their swing flaws and are now ready to shoot career numbers. That rarely happens, says Hartley Pinder, golf director at the Radisson Cable Beach track.
"It takes awhile to get your swing back to shape," Pinder says, and until it is, it's better to "moderate your expectations."
Although tips can be helpful, its still a good idea to review and practice the fundamentals: grip, stance, alignment and ball position. Get those right and you'll be better prepared to play the grand game anywhere, including the sunny Bahamas.
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