golflessons

In this episode of Tee'd Off, Dale Ketola from the Grande Dunes Performance Center joins Ben in the studio to discuss the latest in the golf world. They discuss the controversial news on the imminent golf ball rollback, Jon Rahm's departure to LIV Golf, and Tiger's possible departure from Nike! They also discuss the beautiful Resort Course at the Grande Dunes and Dale's state of the art Performance Center.  Ben gives an update on the happenings in Myrtle Beach and.. of course.. what Tee's them Off!

The USGA and R&A announced in December their formal intent to roll back the performance of the golf ball. In 2028, professionals will be playing with a "nerfed" ball, with amateurs to follow in 2030. The predicted effect on distance for elite players is expected to be 10-15 yards, with amateurs to experience an decline of 3-10 yards. This news has been met with almost unanimous chagrin from all golfers. Teaching PGA Professional  Dale Ketola explains how the ball rollback is just the beginning, that they USGA and R&A also have plans to dial back the performance of equipment, something he exclaims that will certainly effect the salesmanship on future club fittings;, "how do we convince people to spend their money on something worse than they already have?" We hope that these manufacturers use the next 4 years to innovate and achieve the most performance possible with the new restrictions!

Jon Rahm becomes the highest ranked player to make the switch to LIV Golf. The strong Spaniard inked a deal reportedly worth $450-$600 million; once again that money talks! The PGA is hopeful to stop the bleeding and mitigate future star player defections by a multi-billion dollar investment from the Strategic Sports Group in early 2024. Equity payouts to PGA players is expected from these funds. The timeline for the PGA and LIV merger is still unknown, so hopefully this financial support will help keep the world's best on the PGA Tour and stop further fracturing of professional golf.

Tiger Woods was cold and reserved when asked at the PNC Father Son about his future with Nike Golf, stating bluntly, "I'm still wearing their product." Rumors are swirling that the PNC may have been last tournament for the Goat and Nike, creating even more rumors with where the big cats claws may land next. Our guess is on a current partner, such as Bridgestone or TaylorMade, creating an apparel line. If it's truly over with Nike, what a run it was, and we are excited to see where and what Tiger's new brand will be! 

Dale Ketola gives his history in the game of golf. A self taught golfer that earned a golf scholarship to Coastal Carolina, he missed playing on the team with Dustin Johnson by just one semester. He does however have a hilarious story on playing golf with DJ outside of CCU! Dale breaks down the Grande Dunes Performance Center offerings and what makes the Grande Dunes Resort Course so special. Built on a bluff with many views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the 2001 Roger Rulewich design has claimed many awards both locally and nationally since it's opening, and has recently underwent a green, bunker, and clubhouse renovation in 2022! The Terrazza 19 Tapas Restaurant in the Resort Clubhouse offers unmatched views and bites and a must-try if you tee it up at the Grande Dunes. Dales gives a rundown of the Grande Dunes signature hole, Number 14! This par three is daunting, with tee yardages closing in on 200 from the men's tees! A front to back pitched green and slick Champion Bermuda greens makes this hole a tough landing spot. This hole provides some of the best views of the waterway in all of Myrtle Beach golf, but look out for that random gust of wind!

To play Grande Dunes, make sure you check out the Founders Inclusive Package! To stay, try the highly requested Crescent Shores condos in North Myrtle Beach, with 2, 3, and 4 bedroom oceanfront condos! Stay and play in style with MB Golf!

This week on Those Weekend Golf Guys, John Ashton and Jeff Smith discuss the reasons why playing Business Golf is a great idea for all salespeople. As a sales professional, there are several reasons why playing golf with clients can be beneficial and impressive. Here are three key reasons: Relationship Building: Golf is often considered a sport that facilitates relationship-building and networking. By playing golf with clients, salespeople have the opportunity to spend quality time in a relaxed setting outside the office environment. Golf rounds can span several hours, allowing for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and the chance to develop personal connections. Building a strong rapport with clients can greatly enhance the sales process and increase the likelihood of successful partnerships. Trust and Credibility: Golf is often associated with trust and integrity in business settings. Playing golf demonstrates your willingness to invest time and effort in developing relationships and shows that you value your clients beyond just the transactional aspects. It allows salespeople to showcase their skills, character, and work ethic in a different light. Engaging in friendly competition while adhering to the rules and etiquette of the game can foster trust and credibility, which are crucial for successful sales relationships. Shared Experiences and Common Ground: Golf provides a shared experience that can help salespeople and clients find common ground and strengthen their connection. The game offers opportunities for camaraderie, shared challenges, and moments of celebration, fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Being able to relate to clients on a personal level through a common interest like golf can break down barriers, facilitate open communication, and lead to a deeper understanding of their needs, preferences, and goals. This deeper understanding can be a valuable asset when customizing sales strategies and solutions for clients. By playing golf with clients, salesmen can enhance relationship-building, establish trust and credibility, and create shared experiences. These factors can significantly contribute to building long-term, successful partnerships and leave a lasting impression on clients, ultimately benefiting the sales process.

Improve your short game in 51 minutes. That’s how long this episode of Those Weekend Golf Guys is. This week, Jeff Smith, Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher, explains how to get the speed of your putt right no matter the green’s conditions and why how close your first putt is to the hole is so important. Jeff also helps a listener with greenside bunker play by explaining his “Hinge and Thump” shot guaranteed to get you out of the sand first time, every time. So, after you listen, your short game can do nothing but improve Add John Ashton’s expert commentary and witty repartee and you have another gem! Listen now to the Second-Best Golf Show In The World, Those Weekend Golf Guys.

This week Jeff Smith, a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher and co-host of Those Weekend Golf Guys show offers some invaluable advice: Play Within Yourself. In short, don’t do more than your abilities, your body, and your equipment can do. For instance, if you are taking your second shot into a par 4 hole with something higher than a 7,8,9, or wedge, you need to move up a tee or two. Don’t let your ego ruin the fun of golf by frustrating you because you are doing stuff you are not capable of doing. Don’t try to be a superhero, the cape often times gets tangled around the shaft of the club.

Those weekend Golf Guys are here this week with their semi-regular reminder that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to play golf. There are ways to swing the club that are not compatible with your body’s motion. There are ways to move that might be inhibited by your flexibility, or lack thereof. But keep in mind there are myriad ways to be successful at this game. Some have short backswings (like Jon Rahm). Others have long backswings (like Justin Thomas). Jeff Smith, one of Golf Magazines Top 100 Teachers, also describes the transition; that short period of time when the backswing stops and the downswing begins. Get this right for you and your game will improve noticeably. This is one of those programs where a simple listen (OK. Maybe take some notes too) will make you a much better golfer the very next time you head out to the course.

This week on Those Weekend Golf Guys, The Second Best Golf Show in The World, Jeff explains the differenmces between teaching technique and asuring your equipment isright for you, Can yiu not hit yout driver straight because of your swing> Or because the shaft you have is wrong for you? You must have the right equipment before the lessoins, that you definitely need, will work. Join Top 100 teacher, Jeff Smith and John Ashton on this week's episode you can't afford to miss.