Picking The Right Gear to Improve Your Game

golf gearIf you are finding that no matter what you try, your golf game is just not getting to the point where you want it, the answer may be in the tools and equipment you are using. Many players go their entire lives without a proper fitting for their clubs. Others may never realize that their feet may be the culprit. Here are some tips on how to get the best equipment and the best results for your game.

  1. Schedule a fitting.

    A club fitting is vital for any golfer and the good news, most pro shops will offer a free fitting, especially if you’re ready to make a purchase. Everyone is built differently, and off-the-rack clubs may not be suitable for your needs. For example, if you have arms that are a bit short, you will need to find a club that is longer to compensate. Otherwise, you’ll be throwing off your stance. If you are shorter in the legs than the torso, this can also affect the type of club that you should be using.

    By getting a proper fitting, you’ll be able to get an expert’s advice on the types of clubs that you will need. It may be that a custom set that is built specifically for you may be the answer to your game problems. They may cost a bit more, but in the end, custom clubs are well worth it, especially if you’re trying to work towards a better score.

  2. Wear the right shoes.

    Our shoes make a huge difference in the way that we play golf. If you’re pitched wrong, or using shoes that are not intended for golf, it can completely throw off your swing. For example, let’s say that you are an overpronator. This means that your feet tend to bend in a little towards the inside. If you are not wearing a shoe that corrects this problem, you won’t be able to get as much power into your swing as you would like.

    To see whether or not you may need a special pair of golf shoes, here is an easy test. After your shower, before you get out of the tub, place a towel on the floor. Get out of the tub and stand on the towel. Step away and take a look at the footprints. Do they seem like they disappear in the middle of your foot? You may be over or under pronating. Do they seem very flat? You may need special arch support to improve your posture, and your swing.

    The type of spikes that you’re using can also affect your swing and how you play the game. Most courses are now switching to soft spikes, but you’ll need to play around a bit to find the spikes that are best for you. You may not need a full shoe of them, or you may need quite a few. Experiment to find the best spike configuration for your unique needs.

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Tuscan Ridge Golf Course, Chico, CA

Tuscan Ridge Golf Course, Chico, CATuscan Ridge Golf Course is located in Chico, CA

Phone: (530) 624-7006

Website: http://www.tuscanridgeclub.com/

Course History:

Tuscan Ridge Golf Course is a beautiful course that is off the beaten path near Chico, CA. This is truly a rare course and we were very happy to find it. Since it opened, it became an instant favorite of the locals and it's easy to see why. This course offers a great challenging level of play and some of the best facilities we've seen in the area.

What You Need to Know:

Tuscan Ridge doesn't specifically state that there is a dress code, but we do recommend standard golf attire. You can register your tee time by calling the number listed above. In addition to their usual pro shop gear, which is terrific by the way, they also offer some of the best club fitting and repair services we've ever seen. This is a great place to go if your clubs are getting a bit run down and you need them fixed properly.

The clubhouse is worth the trip alone and it is extremely relaxing. This was definitely one of the nicest rounds of golf we have played in years and we simply cannot say enough nice things about this incredible course.

Playing Hints:

The designer of this course was a master of optical illusions and the "risk reward" strategy. You'll need to bring your best game here and chances are, you'll want to keep coming back to perfect your own strategy. We found that the natural terrain was very challenging and there were times that we weren't sure where the green was.

There are numerous hazards on the course that make it fun to play. One wrong move and you may find yourself in a small quarry. Accuracy is definitely key here and we highly recommend working on the art of the straight and powerful drive before you arrive. Watch out for the bunker on The Vineyard Hole. You may need a bulldozer to get out if you have the misfortune of landing in there.

Fees:

Weekday Rates Weekend Rates
18 Holes $29.00 $36.00
Student, Senior, Military $19.00 $26.00
Twilight Rate -3pm $21.00 $24.00
Super Twilight Rate -5pm $12.00 $15.00
Jr. Rate (18 & under) $10.00 $14.00
Replay Rate $11.00 $14.00
Cart Rental
18 Holes
Twilight Riding Fee $10.00
Riding Fee $14.00
Driving Range Fees
Small Medium Large
Range Balls $4.00 $6.00 $8.00
Club Repair

How to Get There:


View Larger Map

From Bay Area (East I-80)

Approximately 2 hours drive time from Vacaville, CA

1. Drive East on I-80

2. Merge onto I-505 North

3. Merge onto I-5 North

4. Take EXIT 619 in Orland (CA-32)

5. Turn RIGHT at light and follow CA-32 to Chico

6. In Chico, take a LEFT at East Ave (first light)

7. East Ave turns to Manzanita Ave, then to Chico Canyon Road and finally to Bruce Rd.

8. Bruce Road intersects Skyway Blvd at a major intersection

at Skyway Blvd, turn LEFT

9. Tuscan Ridge Golf Course will appear on the right side of Skyway Blvd

10. Turn Right at rock sign under 4.5 miles from Bruce Road

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