1. Lisa, I am a good golfer but I find I don’t know what tee box I should tee it up from. My buddies always want to play from the tips but I am not comfortable there. (Frank from Lethbridge, AB)

Frank, too many guys think they are PGA Tour all stars and should play the tips. I find it most prevalent and annoying at golf resorts when a group of 20 guys on a mancation all tee it up from the back tees and are playing 54 money games so treat every two footer like it is a putt to win the Masters. Say hello to 5 hour rounds. Yuck! What many courses have done to battle this is to post signs recommending golfers play the tee box that corresponds to their handicap. There is no set standard but many courses suggest 0-9 handicaps can play from the tips (often the blacks), 10 – 19 play from the tee box one up (often the blues), 20 – 29 play from one up from that (often the whites) and 30+ play the forward tees (often the reds). If more players went by this standard they would have lower scores, more fun on the course and allow for a faster pace of play.

2. I will be attending the upcoming CN Canadian Women’s Open at the Vancouver Golf Club. It is my first professional event I have seen. Do you have any tips to make it a great experience? (Colleen from Vancouver, BC)

Autographed flags

I am a huge fan of attending any professional tournament. As a golfer, there is so much for you to experience, take in and take away. My suggestion is to go to at least one practice round. The players are easy going and will happily sign autographs and often chat to you. Often you can purchase a flag in the merchandise area, do this first thing to collect autographs on. The best place for autographs is coming or leaving the driving range, and during the practice rounds even entering teeing areas and exiting greens. On tournament days do not do this as players need to focus on their game. Meet them at the scoring area after they are finished. I also recommend going to a practice round because you can take pictures and video of the players and maybe even be lucky enough to get one with a player. Also go to the practice area and watch how tour players practice and warm up. Note some of their stretches and incorporate them into your own routine. Don’t forget to turn your cell phone off and under no circumstance yell “In the hole” as a player tees off on a par 5. Spectators who do this should be yarded for stupidity and banned from golf.

3. What are your thoughts on the belly putter? (Sam from Kenora, ON)

The belly putter

Well Sam, to be honest I used to be vehemently opposed to them. I always thought that if the putter was anchored to your body it is not making a true stroke. I trash talked them and thought they should be illegal. Well guess what, they are legal and condoned by all governing bodies including the Royal and Ancient. They also seem to be helping many players on tour including Web Simpson 2012 US Open Champion, recent Bridgestone Invitational winner Keegan Bradley along with 2nd place finisher at The Open this year Adam Scott. Putting has always been a vice of mine and I was recently fitted for a putter at Nike’s R&D Facility The Oven in Texas, and guess what I was rolling the best…the belly putter. I used it kicking and screaming but you know what, I have way less 3 putts and have dropped my putts per round significantly. So while they are still legal I am using it!

Longball Tip

Chipping

We all miss greens. To score it is important to be able to miss a green and still get up and down for par. To do this work on your chipping. Practice leaning the shaft of your club forward and keeping your weight on your front side. Open your stance but ensure your shoulders are square to the target. Use a putting stroke and keep the back of your front hand driving towards the target not allowing your knuckles to turn towards the sky.

Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk is the reigning 7-time Canadian Long Drive Champion for Women and is ranked #2 in the World. Lisa can be reached at li**********@**************da.ca.