C2 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday A ugust 20, 2003 Having fun is par for the course when golfing "Casual" golfers who. don't play on a regular basis but try to get out to the links at this time of year will appreciate these tips on how to get into the right frame of mind -- and body. They are borrowed from How to Play Consistent Golf, by Tom Kite, the PGA all-time leading money win ner. Equipment Check Take a good look at your equipment. Are your grips worn? Poor-fitting golf clubs can cre ate specific swing problems. If you are unsure of your fit. have a local PGA-certified pro check your clubs. It can make a big difference in the distance and accuracy of your shots. Practice Visit the driving range regularly to hit a bucket of balls. If you can't go to the driving range, set up an old mattress in your backyard to hit balls against. Another method that works well is hitting balls in any baseball diamond because the balls run up against the backstop. Roll a newspaper lightly to practice grip stance at work if you do not have a club available. Exercise Regularly Regular exercise is important to a healthy lifestyle in general; but a routine that builds car diovascular strength and strengthens muscles will dramatically improve how you feel at the 18th hole. You have to be able to walk to play golf. Use a treadmill each day. If you do not have access to one. take a daily walk around the neighborhood. Use stairclimbers because they give a com plete workout. Instead of taking the elevator at work, use the stairs. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, cotton clothing on the course that will not restrict motion but will protect you from the sun. Wear a glove to protect your grip hand from blisters and help reduce slipping. Stay Flexible A limber body is better able to create angles and rotation during the golf swing. Leg stretches are important before and after playing. Stand two feet away from a wall and put one foot in front of the other. While leaning against the wall, lower the heel of the rear foot to the floor for a count of ten. Reverse feet and repeat on the second foot. While out to the green, use your umbrella as a support to twist and stretch your back and waist. Begin Strength TVaining A physically strong individual will hit the ball farther. Use hand springs to strengthen fore arm. wrist and hand muscles. Start a free-weight program -- consult a physician before beginning. Stay Focused Concentration is crucial to a successful game. It's important to practice concentration the same way that you would practice your golf swing. Q Have objectives and goals set for each prac tice session. There are always deviations, if you find that you are losing your concentration, make a point of getting back on track. Don't Forget to Have Fun Remember that the reason you are out there is to have a good time. If a 13-year-old kid can hit golf balls for hours and all he's doing is having a good time, why is it any different for a 44-year-old kid? Tips to prevent summertime playground injuries Staying in shape improves concentration, dedication and results in a stronger game. Be Health Sm art It is important to wear a good sunscreen, especially on your face. Always wear a hat. Drink plenty of water. Never drink alcohol before a full day on the links. Q Always get a good night's rest. Be Confident Have confidence in yourself and your game. Walk out on the green with enthusiasm and pur pose. Choose Comfortable Apparel Wear shoes that are comfortable and help the foot move naturally. Golf is played from the ground up. so you feet serve as the foundation for your golf swing. (M S) -- Playgrounds are fertile ground for sprains, cuts and bumps this summer. Parents and teachers can help keep playgrounds safe by remembering the acronym S-A-F-E. Supervision -- Have an adult present and active ly watching while children play. Survey the area for hazards like broken glass or pieces o f metal before allowing children on the equipment. Age-appropriate equipment -- Guide chil dren to play on equipment that is at a size they can handle and safe for their age and level o f ability. For example, overhead bars are too difficult for most chil dren ages 2 to 5. Falls -- Look for soft materials like wood chips and rubber mats, which cushion falls better than asphalt, cem ent, dirt or grass. Equipment -- Check the condition o f ladders, platforms, steps and guardrails, and make sure slides are w ell-anchored and have firm handrails. Look for soft seats on swings and bumpers under seesaw seats. * (upturn IV vtgn & I landnuuk Jo*rW cn * Platinum . 10-14*18 l>t. NO INTEREST, NO PAYMENTS FOR 6 M ONTHS o .a .c . 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