Hiltons Fairways and Greens

When I took my qualifications to become a Coach, I remember that one of the first training modules I was taught was all about effective questioning skills. It made me re-think about, not only how I presented questions to other people, but also the manner in which I questioned myself.

This is because asking the right question creates curiosity potentially opening doors in the mind that you may have locked away, closed or forgotten.

Curiosity is not about prying, but can lead to really unexpected discoveries for the person to whom the question is being directed.

How can I apply this?

Curiosity starts with a question. If I were to say to you now ‘I wonder …’ what would happen? Your mind would automatically go searching for an answer to the rest of the question. As human beings we are predisposed to go looking for the answer as soon as a question is posed. Being curious changes the direction of the conversation or our thoughts and will often lead to a path of discovery.

Try this exercise:

Let me give you an example of a question that simply gathers information versus one that creates curiosity.

For instance if I were to ask you ‘What golf coaching options were available to you at the moment?’ how would your response differ to if I asked you ‘What would you like to know that you do not know right now?’

In the first example we would go for an accurate assessment of the golf lessons available and you may answer ‘perhaps a putting lesson would be best’.

But, if you were to answer the more thought invoking second question you might begin to look deeper and say ‘I would like to know how to be less anxious when playing a four foot putt to win the hole’.

Can you see that this could result in an alternative solution to having a normal putting lesson, as the problem here suggests a mind issue rather than a playing issue.

From a coaching point of view being curious enables the Coach to step out of the role of being an ‘expert’ and instead allow the client to find the answers from within themselves.

Every person has the correct answers within themselves. By asking yourself the appropriate questions the effect of finding the answers will be very energizing because you have worked out the answer. Curiosity allows the client to look for their own answers.

It is also effective learning that lasts, because you are finding the answers within you.

How many times has a friend or relative given you good advice but you haven’t taken it! This is because you have not come up with the solution yourself. You are more likely to change your behaviour and act upon advice if YOU have found the answer in the first place.

Many of you will have read the tips and tools that come from my ‘Confidence Caddie’ programme. The reason I named it that was because I wanted to enable you to become your own best friend and to find your ‘Inner Caddie’. You can talk to yourself without being crazy!

Learning how to find that inner coach starts with asking yourself really effective questions; questions which will help you to become a more confident golfer.

In my CD series every topic begins with AWARENESS because without this how are you going to make those changes that will help you to become a better golfer?

Do you ever stop and ask yourself why you do the things you do? Usually it is because this is the way you have always done it.

Learning to ask yourself effective questions is one of the most powerful tools you can use to achieve the results you seek on and off golf course. Knowing that the answers lie within and that you have the means of finding them is one big step towards playing fun and confident golf.

I am going to leave you with a couple of questions to get you started on this subject that will really help you in those most anxious moments on the golf course.

Firstly, next time you feel those first tee jitters or you freeze as you are about to take that all-important putt, in fact anytime you hear yourself saying something negative to yourself; I want you to stand back, take a breath, and ask yourself –

Question 1 -‘How is feeling and thinking like this helping me to play golf the way I want to?’

Of course you are going to answer – ‘Well it isn’t!’ But now you have the choice, because you have created the awareness and allowed yourself to stop for a moment, to do something about it.

Question 2 – ‘So, what do I need to do to stop feeling like this?’

Again look for a positive and constructive response always. You may wish to start your pre-shot routine all over again but this time ensuring that you are ready to commit when it comes to taking the shot. Whatever you choose to do it begins with awareness and taking the time to ask yourself an effective question to help you to stop thinking and feeling in a negative way.

Of course you do not need have to wait to question yourself as you are standing over an important shot you can use Question 1 at any point in your round when you start to think and feel negatively.

This is the beginning for you to start working with the ‘Inner Caddie’ inside you. So good luck and enjoy trying out the questions. You need to repeat this process again and again – do not just try it once and expect miracles. This is a tool you can use forever – on and off the golf course – and it will really help to empower you.

Finally I will leave you with what we in the coaching world call an ‘enquiry’ question. Ask yourself the following and not only take your time with finding the answer but have real fun with the answers -

‘What if I truly believed that I was unstoppable – how would this impact on my game?’

Golf Holiday Marbella Spain

The Costa del Sol in southern Spain is the perfect and most popular destination for a wonderful golf holiday. A golfer’s paradise, it has become the “Costa del Golf” for golfers from around the world. It prides itself on having the highest density of golf courses in all of Europe with over 70 golf courses new courses coming up by the day. Four of the golf courses in Costa del sol, Spain are ranked among the top 10 European courses.

One of the major reasons for the popularity of the region is the pleasant Mediterranean climate which remains mild and welcoming all year. The tourist from northern Europe always finds the sun up in the blue skies and the weather just right for a wonderful round of golf no matter what time of the year.

Another reason would be the fact that most of the courses here are designed by celebrated names such as Gray Players or Severiano Ballestros. Many of the golf courses here are championship courses and have been host to prestigious events like the Ryder Cup, Volvo Masters and many more.

Golf holidays in Spain are a rage among northern Europeans as it is an ideal winter golfing destination away from the harsh cold weather back home. The tourism department has ensured that everyone gets the best of golfing experience and there is top class infrastructure on every course to provide for all the requirements of golfers.

Accommodation facilities are available near all the courses and there are some world class golf resorts like the La Cala Golf Resort and many more like it. There are also 5 star accommodation facilities available in hotels surrounding the golf courses. Given all this, it is only natural that the summer months see the highest number of golfers in Spain and it is virtually impossible to find any tee times or accommodation during the peak season.

So take into consideration the following tips to enjoy a hassle free golf holiday in Spain:

Book in advance:

It helps you to weigh all your options and you get to play on the course of your choice. Also you can avail of the lower rates when you book early.

Conduct an online research

Check out all the option in terms of golf courses, tee times, costs, accommodation facilities and car hire. There are pictures, maps & detailed course descriptions on the golf sites.

Golf lessons

By a resident golf pro are offered by most of the golf booking services, and many of the courses. There are even lessons for children. Group bookings are always economical as there are discounts. See what all you need and which booking company offers you all these services.

Choose a golf holiday company which offers you all services under one roof from car hire to golf bookings, hotel bookings, advice and information about the courses, difficulty levels, and golf lessons.

Other Activities in a Golf Holiday

In Spain, when you are not playing golf, there is so much more that you can do. Go exploring the beautiful Spanish cities and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Go shopping, explore the quaint villages of Andalucia, and visit the typical museums…and when the sun sets go clubbing and party the night away in the wonderful nightlife of Spain. If you’ve rented a car have a hired car at your disposal, this isn’t as critical, since you’re free to drive where you’d like.

Tee times Algarve

Algarve is a premier golfing destination in Europe. The brilliant sunny weather and grand golf courses make Algarve a golfing paradise. There are over twenty world class golf courses in Algarve and the number is steadily rising. All the golf courses are complete with faultless infrastructure to afford you an unforgettable golfing experience. Not to mention the stunning scenery of the Algarve region and coastline that only adds to the appeal of the courses. There are so many top courses here in the Algarve, you will be spoilt for choice when you have to decide on a golf course among them. The by now famous names of some of the courses are Parque da Floresta, Palmares, Boavista, Penina, Morgado do Requengo, and many more.

The Algarve region enjoys 300 days of glorious sunshine coupled with very pleasant weather. Tourists from the UK, Germany and Holland especially come to the region to enjoy days of winter golf away from the freezing conditions back home. That is why Algarve is the top European golfing destination for golfers.

Accommodation facilities are available near all the courses as classy golf resorts have come up all along the course routes. There are also 5 star accommodation facilities available in hotels surrounding the golf courses. Given all this, it is only natural that the summer months see the highest number of golfers in Algarve and it is virtually impossible to find any tee times or accommodation during the peak season. So take into consideration the following tips to enjoy a hassle free golf holiday in Algarve.

Book in advance:

It helps you to weigh all your options and you get to play on the course of your choice. Also you can avail of the lower rates when you book early.

Conduct an online research

Check out all the option in terms of golf courses, tee times, costs, accommodation facilities and car hire. There are pictures, maps & detailed course descriptions on the golf sites.

Golf lessons

By a resident golf pro are offered by most of the golf booking services, and many of the courses. There are even lessons for children. Group bookings are always economical as there are discounts. See what all you need and which booking company offers you all these services.

Choose a golf holiday company which offers you all services under one roof from car hire to golf bookings, hotel bookings, advice and information about the courses, difficulty levels, and golf lessons.

Other Activities in a Golf Holiday

In Algarve, there is so much more to enjoy and explore when you are not playing golf. Soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere: go shopping, savour the quaint countryside…and when the sun sets go clubbing and party the night away in the wonderful nightlife of scene in Algarve.

If you like playing golf and getting paid, there’re some options which you have and which are available for exploring. The chances for getting paid for enjoying your hobby is always growing and also with more creative thinking you might turn it as a great way of income on one side or it might even potentially change it to money for replacing the full time salary. However, only jumping into this idea is never a great decision, you should ensure that you possess the skills required for being successful, because without some necessary talents your potential job may not work and you may get very frustrated.
The prime thing which you might consider doing is a small amount of caddying. This might allow you for brushing up the skills in the green and might make some connections. Most of the low level caddies get $20 for every game and if you’re playing a short version game which translates as some decent amount of money. Higher caddies might earn like $100 per bag also the top stages caddies are also made to carry much more than a one bag, which would make you to double the potential cash. Once you get everything up this might turn into a good source for money.
Another option which you might explore is by teaching golf lessons in which you’re highly skilled. This might allow you to set our own hours, select whom you will like to learn and even with a sliding scale decides your own payment. This might allow you to select the correct group of people which works best with. For eg, if you perform individual lessons you’re looking at charging higher rates than what you might ask for group lessons. However, for making good money in these lessons you should need to possess a solid base in this game and should be an advanced player, at least. If you’re only a starter or some intermediate level player which you would have some more work for doing, before you start teaching successfully.
If you’re good in writing and possess an extensive knowledge of golf, you may even consider authoring a book and even some articles for helping others. This might allow you for spreading your knowledge among people during some time which is convenient for those people. If you’re not good in writing this might be somewhat difficult to perform, but you must consider creating some video tutorials too. Without regards, there’re people all around our world who’re always looking for these tips and tricks which would make them improve their own skills.
If you’re good in golf, it’s very much possible that you might make some cash for it. Some best jobs in our world are those which rotate around something you love. With some passion which comes with a specific determination to succeed and improve our entire lifestyle, both personally and financially. If you’re able to make your hobby and make it as enjoyable as money making venture, also without making you overwork, you may still improve all your talents, help others to enjoy golf and earn a small amount of money at the same instant. This is best way for enjoying golf, or even other hobbies that you have.

The popularity of golf has really taken off in recent years. To accommodate the many people who play, take lessons, watch, or read about the sport, golf employment has become much more readily available, in a variety of interesting businesses.
Golf courses: There are many more golf courses in operation today than there was twenty years ago, and every one of them offers dozens of golf employment opportunities. In order to run smoothly, golf courses need groundskeepers to care for the turf, operators and technicians for the equipment needed on a golf course, instructors to provide training for the golf course’s members, and managers to make sure everything runs smoothly. Additionally, many golf courses have clubhouses and golf stores, both of which require sufficient staff in order to provide members with their conveniences.
Golf resorts: Golfing vacations are becoming more and more popular, as the explosion of golf resorts has indicated. A golf resort requires all of the same staff as a golf course does, except that a golf resort is often bigger and therefore requires more employees. Additionally, a golf resort needs a larger establishment to house their guests, and with a bigger building and more services comes a larger staff: housekeepers, front desk employees, and an expanded kitchen staff all contribute to the success of a golf resort.
Golf schools: As golf becomes more and more popular, more schools are opening every day to teach the sport. These schools are a wonderful source of golf employment for those who would rather teach the sport as the next best thing to playing it themselves.
Golf stores: There are a variety of retail businesses that sell golf equipment, clothing and accessories. Some stores, such as those small stores located in golf course clubhouses, may sell only products that relate to golf. Other stores, such as large sports stores, sell equipment and clothing for a variety of different sports, golf included. Both types of stores offer excellent opportunities for golf employment, as they both have a need for sales associates who know about golf well enough to give their customers the best service possible.
Community centers: Believe it or not, your neighborhood community center may be able to provide you with golf employment. Community centers frequently offer residents fun, seasonal programs, such as classes on art, dance, and golf. Even if your community center doesn’t already offer a golf program, you may be able to get a job just by suggesting one.
Junior high or high schools: Extracurricular activities are an important part of most junior high and high schools. Whether you are a teacher or just a golf enthusiast living in the area, you may be able to score a part time job by suggesting golf lessons or a golf club as an after school activity.
Golf publications: Most people wouldn’t think of it, but golf publications offer another source of golf employment. There are at least a half-dozen golf magazines on the shelves of any well-stocked bookstore, and every one of them needs writers, editors, and photographers who know all about golf.
On your own: Golf is an industry that leaves plenty of room for entrepreneurs. As an experienced golfer, you can offer private golf lessons, meeting your clients wherever they enjoy golfing the most. You can also translate your knowledge and experience into written form by publishing biographies about famous golfers, travel guides that discuss the pros and cons various golf resorts around the world, or even how-to manuals for golf enthusiasts who want to learn more about the sport.
As you can see, there are many places of employment for golf enthusiasts. The golf industry is so popular that anyone with the right education and experience will never have to worry about having reliable golf employment.