Some of us are lucky enough to play ‘around’ the weather, but the majority of golfers are restricted to weekends, so need to be prepared to play in rain or shine.

Get set for the Wet!

Here are some tips for enjoying your game in the ‘wet’:

• · Keep your hands and grips as dry as you can at all times
• · Only take your club out of the bag when you’re ready to play your shot
• · Wipe your hands with a towel before each shot to keep grips dry
• · Wipe your club (shaft & grip) dry after each shot before returning it to bag
• · Use a rain cover to help waterproof your golf bag
• · Invest in a waterproof rain jacket
• · Take a couple of towels and spare gloves in a zip lock bag
• · Get an umbrella holder on your buggy
• · Hang your towel & glove from the inside of your umbrella
• · Take glove off between shots and hang inside the umbrella to keep dry
• · Hit the ball to where you want it to land, it’s not going to run much

Remember, the conditions are the same for all players. It’s those who will best cope with the conditions and don’t get frustrated that will score well. Be realistic and adjust your expectations of your game accordingly. And don’t forget to have fun!

Laser Clay Shooting is new to Darwin. It involves participants shooting authentic 12 bore shot guns (which have been deactivated) at reusable, launched targets. 5 people shoot at a time so it is ideal to shoot in teams. The electronic score board records the hits and allocates points accordingly as well as simulates the sound of the clays crashing and shotgun firing. With different games and levels to play it can get pretty competitive in a very fun way. Laser Clay Shooting is totally safe and environmentally friendly, you can even enjoy an alcoholic beverage whilst you are playing! How good is that?

Another exciting team activity is Target Archery. Players are given instruction and a couple of warm up rounds proceed before the real action begins. Teams are formed for the scoring rounds and then the session finishes off with a ‘Shoot Out’ or ‘Survivor’ round to find the ‘hero’ of the day. Everyone enjoys a new challenge and archery is a fun sport that you can easily improve on very quickly. Most participants get a couple of ‘bull’s eyes’ in their first session.

Even the most ‘wound up’ of your group will enjoy a game of mini golf. Another challenging group activity! It’s played in teams of 4 players. Teams are staggered around the course (not stagger around the course – although sometimes they do!) so that all teams finish around the same time. It’s great fun when everyone can hear each other playing and cheering and this also becomes quite competitive.

Where can you find out all about these experiences or make a booking? Call the guys at the Golf Driving Range in Berrimah on 08 8947 1257 or see their website for more details. They would love to see you. Why not crank up the BBQ or have them cater for you and make a night of it?

Target archery is great fun and easy to learn.

Line up your target for some archery practice this weekend in Darwin?

Are you and your mates looking for something different to do on the weekends in Darwin? If you like a bit of ‘friendly’ competition and you haven’t tried target archery yet then you should definitely work it into your schedule.

Re-curve bows are used to shoot arrows into heavy foam targets. The friendly instructors will make sure you get a thorough run down on how it’s done and after a couple of practice rounds you’ll be shooting arrows in the ‘bull ’s eyes’ before you know it. Finish off with a ‘scoring’ round to see who the winner is on the day.

Archery is a great sport. It is easy to pick up and with a little practice and perseverance, like any sport, you can improve quite quickly.

‘Team building’ sessions are also a specialty. Corporate groups or school and sporting groups can book the archery range at anytime for an hourly charge.

Re-curve bows are used in competition archery and should not be compared to compound bows or cross bows (which are generally hunting bows).

All equipment is provided but, unfortunately private equipment is not allowed.

The golf driving range at Berrimah in Darwin caters for anyone over the age of 8 years for target archery. The range is open to the public from 12noon on Saturday, Sundays and Public Holidays and restricted hours during school holidays. The cost is $12 for 30 arrows per person. Group bookings can also be made at anytime by appointment.

Come and have a go with a bow!

If you happen to be double jointed or your elbow is a bit nobly, chubby or muscley then you could be in danger of hitting your arm with the bow string on the release. It is very wise to address this the moment it happens, the first time, to avoid a lot of pain and of course a hideous bruise that can run down the entire inside of your arm.

This is easily prevented - don't let it happen to you!

The problem is caused by locking your bow holding arm in at the elbow joint which can align your inner arm into the path of the bow string.

The quick fix is to keep your elbow joint soft which will slightly rotate the elbow out of the way. You could also alter your grip on the bow to form an angle from your wrist which will allow more space between your arm and the string.

Your muscles will soon adapt to this different hold and this grip will far outweigh the disadvantage of hitting your arm.

It may seem an obvious solution; however some people will forget and need a painful reminder every now and then. Happy Shooting!

Great Golf Shoes Designed for Australian Conditions

Endorsed by Greg Norman, these shoes are designed for Australian conditions with leather uppers and built for comfort! There’s several styles to choose from in both men’s and ladies designs including wide fittings. The mens ‘Kingston’ style has proven to be very popular. It’s available in black which looks really smart and one would imagine they are a bit easier to keep clean.

You’ll be surprised by the price, once you try them on, you’ll love them and they’re cheaper than a pair of sandshoes at around $100 a pair. 

Try some on at Flight Path Golf on Vanderlin Drive in Berrimah, Darwin, you’ll love them.

Flight Path Golf Pro Shop

Well you can pay as little as a couple of hundred dollars for a set of clubs and a bag. However, if you want value for money, be prepared to pay around the $500 mark. This will get you a really good set of clubs that you will even be able to sell off second hand when you are ready to move on to the next level.

Some sets will include a bag and putter for this price although some will not include a putter. The putter is an individual thing and usually the golfer will need to try several to choose one that feels right. These will range from $45 upwards.

The other thing to be aware of is that if you are quite tall then you will obviously need clubs that are a little longer than those that you can buy off the shelf. Some sets come one inch over standard length but it is good to get a golf professional to fit them personally for you. This fitting service is usually included in the cost of the clubs.

Men and women generally have different requirements however this area does cross over slightly sometimes.  It is really good to have a chat with someone in the know.

At the golf driving range at Berrimah in Darwin they stock this mid range golf equipment. Shane will help you with good advice regarding what type of club will suit you best. Oh yeah, they have all sorts of buggies too. You’ll also need some balls and perhaps a glove. It’s all there under one roof. Ask him for a good deal, he’s more than happy to make sure you’re happy with your purchase.

There’s always one person it get’s left to. Is that you?

Help is at hand! Here is a foolproof plan for your next work or social function.

Target Archery - the ultimate team challenge!

Set the date and allocate a minimum of 5 hours for a great team building function with an interactive twist. None of this sitting around the table stuff! Be prepared to have a full on night of fun and entertainment.

Your function will include a structured hour of fun archery games and interaction. Archery usually brings people on to the same level playing field. You don’t have to be sporty to be good at archery. We finish off with a shootout at the end of the session crowning someone the ‘hero archer’.

After that guests can enjoy the more relaxed experience and wind down with a few drinks while hitting off a few balls on the driving range.

The BBQ is fired up at this stage and groups can opt to cook their own or catering can be arranged for you.

Whilst enjoying a lovely meal in a relaxed environment you will witness a truly unique Territory sunset.

Now who’s up for another bit of ‘friendly’ competition?

A game of mini golf is now on the agenda. Get yourselves into groups of four people to set the challenge. To do this activity altogether is awesome fun, especially once everyone is relaxed!

Now just kick back and settle into the night. Groups are welcome to bring their own music to enjoy.’

This type of corporate function can cost as little at $25 per person (excluding catering). The function can also incorporate Laser Clay Shooting as an addition or option.

See the guys at Flight Path Golf & Outdoor Recreation to put together a package that suits your group’s needs.

Private and group golf coaching available

Your choices are to grab someone you know that says he’s pretty good and can give you some tips or you can line up for the group golf clinic at Flight Path Golf and Outdoor Recreation in Berrimah on Monday night at 5.30pm. Golf professional Brad Baker can show you the basics to get you started so you don’t embarrass yourself. If you can also score Wednesday morning off, you can also join in the mid week clinic at 9am. Then squeeze in a practice on Thursday night after work and you’ll be prepared for the big day on Friday.

I can’t promise you you’ll play like a champ but you will have heads up on how to hold the club right and all those important things.

Who knows you may end up really enjoying it and want to learn more. Golf is a terrific game that you can enjoy well into old age. Learning the basics early is a good tip. A 6 week beginners golf course is also offered for an exceptionally affordable price. These run throughout the year, so get on it!