Your Golf List of New Year’s Resolutions

Perhaps it is safe to say to everyone that New Year is about getting a new start in life. It’s about making changes happen and to make room for improvements in whatever you do as a person. This is where the cringe-worthy tradition of making a list of resolutions enters.

As for all you golfers out there, apparently, this list applies for you as well… Pros, amateurs and enthusiasts alike! Whether on and off the course; your awkward swing or the way you dress yourself as a golfer, there’s always a room left for improvement.

Being the golf aficionados that we always are, we made our own golf resolutions that may come in handy in the near future for most golfers. Although this resolution tackles more improvement outside the fairway rather than focusing on your swing, this few pointers will benefit you not only as a player, but also as a full-fledged golf lover.

1. Stop taking your own golf gears for granted – A good golf set is not cheap, and a cheap golf set is never good! That’s why this year, try to give extra effort in taking care of your clubs. That means your drivers, wedges, putters, practically the entire golf set. Keep it in its mint condition at all times by making sure to clean once every after a few rounds. Also, assign a dedicated closet for your golf stuff for proper storage. It would also be nice to get a set of club headcovers to your set for added protection.

2. Make sure to keep your golf cart in good running condition – Most golfers nowadays couldn’t stand the exhausting terrains of a course. Thank god for golf carts, no need for you to endure the long walks. But then, just like us, humans, golf carts get tired also. And with flagrant disregard for maintenance, don’t get surprised if you encounter some cart trouble in the midst of your game.

Time to bring the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” mentality. Make sure your cart is always in good condition. Keep it clean and tuned. Giving it a shade in the form of a sturdy and reliable golf cart cover is a plus, of course!

3. Treat your caddy as more of a partner rather than just the person bringing your set – Caddies are more than just golf club carriers. They know about golf courses more (and by heart) than we do. Treat them as your partner… As your teammate! However, this doesn’t say that entrust the entire game into your caddy’s hands, but rather more of considering his/her insights, advices and judgments when it comes to “reading” obstacles within the green.

4. Stay fit – Golf itself is already considered as an exercise. However, how will you supposed to improve your stroke and putting this year if you’re not in top shape? So better yet hit the gym and pull a muscle. It also wouldn’t hurt to go for a half hour-or-so of cardio to pump up your stamina and endurance. And since you’re already doing some gym work, might as well go straight to the driving range to work on your swing. This may get you feel a bit sore within the first few weeks, but it will be all worth it. After all, a wise man once said that “without struggle, there is no progress.”

5. Enjoy and savor the game – Lastly, learn to love the game even more. Without dedication, all your efforts will only go to waste, so give your 100% to every game. However, don’t take the game too seriously. We all know how discipline plays a big role in golf, but a part of you should make it a point to remind yourself that it’s only a game, and games are supposed to be fun!

How about you, have you done your list of golf resolutions yet? If yes, then feel free to share some by leaving a comment below!

Happy New Year, everyone! Wishing you a sweet hole-in-one this 2015, and more to come!

Activities to Enjoy with your Dogs during Winter Season

Holidays may be over, but winter season is just warming up! (Ironic, isn’t it?) That means expect colder days in the next couple of months. As for your pet dogs, it pretty much says that they need to stay indoors for most of the time being. But just because they’re staying inside the house for quite some time, it doesn’t mean they’re off to slack the entire season by curling up on their pet throw and forget about staying fit. Because just like us, humans, dogs need to limber up as well!

Yes, you can still give him/her a quick run outside the street (mostly for morning walks and for doing their usual “business”). Other than that, it is not advisable to keep them exposed in the cool breeze of winter for too long.

To keep your dogs in the zone this winter season, here are some simple indoor activities to enjoy with your pooch!

Indoor Fetch – Now, who said “fetch” can only be played outside? Evidently, fetch can also be fun when played indoors, especially during the coldest month of the season. You don’t really need to have a large space for your furry K-9s to enjoy the game. All it takes is a relatively long hallway and a tennis ball to flex their legs. Or perhaps, move a few tables and chairs by the living area for a more spacious indoor ball game.

Stair Exercise – More rigorous cardio workout to develop your dog’s legs and stamina? Go for the stair exercise. Warm up your pup by walking him/her up and down from your stairs. Pace the level up a notch by walking a bit faster, then jog.

Indoor Tag – Your dog wants to go running? Indulge your pooch for a game of tag by sprinting all over the house. As a variation, you may put some obstacles within the way (chairs, pillows, throw pillow) to make it a bit more challenging. That way, you also get to work out on his/her navigation skills and vision.

Treadmill Exercise – If you think you don’t have enough space to accommodate a full run for your dog, and you happen to have a home gym, why not let your pooch do a few minutes of treadmill rounds? Heck, might as well join him and pull off a couple presses.

Sense Test – A relatively simple pet exercise to sharpen your dog’s senses and attention. You may use laser pointers or perhaps, play a game of hide-and-seek (hide one your dog’s favorite toys in various spots and let him/her find it) and fetch tease (while playing fetch, pretend to throw the ball and see if he/she will chase after it.)

Doga – This pet exercise seems to be getting a lot of attention from both humans and pets, because apparently, yoga can also be enjoyed by your fido. This can be a great way to stretch out your pooch’s muscles and loins, as well as to de-stress them. Also, this is one of the perfect way to utilize your pet seat cover other than a den of slack for your mutts.

Got more indoor activities on how to keep your dogs busy and fit during the winter? Feel free to leave a comment and hit us up with some ideas!