Events
Golf
January 18, 2020

The Benefits of Joining a Country Club

If you love golf and play often, a country club membership could be very worthwhile. There are many country club membership benefits, notably the unlimited quality golfing, as well as all sorts of other activities and events to enjoy. A country club membership can be a considerable investment, and as with any purchase, you’ll want to fully explore all the membership benefits before making a decision. Let’s explore some of the best perks that come with country club membership. Learn More About Memberships BENEFITS OF JOINING A COUNTRY CLUB The costs of a country club membership cover many different perks and amenities for the members, meaning membership might be well worth it if you’re a golf lover. Here are some of our favorite advantages of joining a country club: GOLF COURSE ACCESS One of the best benefits of a country club membership is often the golf itself. Many country club memberships offer unlimited golfing to members, so if you are an avid golfer, this could make your membership fees well worth the cost, all by itself. It can also sometimes include unlimited access to driving ranges, putting greens and other on-site practice facilities. Often, clubs have reciprocal agreements with other courses locally or around the world so you can play different courses with your membership. The more you golf, the more you’ll feel like you’re truly getting value from your membership. The golf courses of private clubs are usually in pristine condition, with thoughtful landscapes and meticulous upkeep. Many of them are designed by well-known architects or have historic significance. Some of the historic golf courses will have much more natural landscaping, rather than more planned styles seen in newer courses — but styles will vary depending on the club’s design and presentation. The fees generated from memberships can provide for a higher level of professional care on the course, including annual maintenance and renovation projects that keep the course and club buildings looking their absolute best. TENNIS, SWIMMING AND OTHER AMENITIES Many country clubs have more than just golf. They offer other great amenities like tennis courts and swimming pools. Generally, your membership gives you unlimited access to all these additional amenities. If you have a spouse or a family, everyone can spend the day at the country club, participating in the activities that interest them. Many country clubs feature tennis courts for members to reserve and play a few matches. There are also often tennis tournaments and events, and professionals available for advice and personalized lessons. Swimming pools at country clubs generally charge daily guest fees for use to non-members, sometimes around $10 per day, per person, but this price can vary depending on the club. Many clubs also limit the number of times per year that a guest, or non-member may visit the pool. However, as a member, you’ll have unlimited access, and no added daily pool fees. Professional swimming lessons and swim teams are also offered to kids of all ages and abilities at country club pools. Tennis and swimming are among the most popular, but some clubs also offer diverse activities like bird watching, sailing activities, bocce ball, basketball courts and racquetball courts. Some clubs have fitness centers, spa services and entertainment venues, too. Many of these all-inclusive clubs resemble resorts but are much closer to home. You can feel like you’re on a luxurious vacation by spending a day at the club. Ask at your country club to find out what extra fun activities and amenities they may offer. COMMUNITY AND SOCIALIZING When you join a country club, you join a community of like-minded people. One of the best benefits of country club membership is all the opportunities to socialize with new people who enjoy the same activities as you. You could find your next golf buddies or a tennis partner. Country clubs are also full of networking opportunities — golf is well-known as being a great place to treat clients, have meetings with co-workers and network with other professionals. Many top CEOs love to golf, so you may even meet some influential people on the course. READ: How Do You Play Golf? The Terms You Need to Know and Other Basics Country clubs also often host a variety of social events for members. Events range from networking meet-and-greets to private dinners and from dances to themed evenings. Many clubs have a wide variety of fun activities and social outings for you to take part in and get to know other club members. The club will also likely host several golf tournaments a year for members. Club-sponsored golf tournaments give you a chance to socialize with others at a similar skill level while practicing your golf game. PRIVATE RESTAURANTS AND LOUNGES Country clubs often have great on-site restaurants with excellent service and delicious food. Each club is unique — you might find any kind of experience from casual pub fare to world-class dining. Many clubs also have several different options for dining on the property. Often, club memberships include a monthly allowance or minimum to use and enjoy at the on-site dining facilities. The allowance is usually “use it or lose it,” meaning it’s in your best interest to make sure you use up the full amount each month. Your allowance can provide snacks and drinks after golfing, or a meal at one of the club’s restaurants once a month. At Colonial Golf & Tennis Club, you can dine at Squires Restaurant after a day of golf or tennis with friends. Enjoy cocktails on the beautiful outdoor patio, a romantic dinner for two or a night out with the whole family. Enjoy the lovely views of the 18th hole as you dine on delicious contemporary American cuisine in a luxurious atmosphere. EVENT SPACES Another great perk of a country club membership is the access to private event spaces that may not be available to the public. If you want to host a work event, dinner, wedding, holiday party or any other private event, country clubs often offer both indoor and outdoor venues for you to rent out. Even if the club offers the event spaces to the public, members will likely get reduced rental fees or fees waived completely. Many country clubs offer full-service venue packages, and go beyond just a location for your event, often providing on-site catering services, a professional event planner and many other amenities. GOLF LESSONS AND TOURNAMENTS Country clubs often provide free or discounted lesson packages to members. Without the benefits of membership, lessons for golf can get expensive, so access to free or discounted lessons can help you save money. A country club wants to help its members improve, and provides professional golf lessons for their members. Many clubs have PGA professionals on staff to offer tips or provide lessons. Golf lessons can help you improve your golf game — plus your overall experience on the links and at the club. Often, country clubs have golf associations for both men and women, offering several annual tournaments in a variety of styles, as well as fundraisers and other special events. The tournaments can range from group scrambles organized just for fun, to serious championships or themed events. For any members with children, junior golf lessons and programs can be a great benefit to explore. These offerings are a great way to get the whole family involved and introduce your children to the rules and etiquette of the game, as well as provide a way to work on social skills and make new lifelong friends. Soon, you could even play a game as a whole family. IS COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIP WORTH IT? One of the biggest considerations when joining a country club is the cost. Understanding the costs involved in joining a country club can help you decide if all of the benefits are worth membership. The initiation fee — the payment you make to gain access to the club — is probably the biggest expense related to the cost of membership, and can vary widely between clubs, and even year to year. Initiation fees might be between $1,000 and $5,000, or they might be hundreds of thousands of dollars at the most exclusive clubs. The initiation fees can be based on the current economy and financial operations of the club at the time that you join, and so they can easily vary from one year to the next. Clubs may also offer discounts at certain times to attract new members. Financing is often available to spread out the payment of these upfront costs. READ: Golf Course Wedding Packages In addition to the initiation fees, there are a few other costs to consider when joining a country club: Monthly dues: Many country clubs charge ongoing monthly fees for membership, which cover operating costs of the club. The exact amount of the monthly dues can vary widely, so it’s a good idea to verify the price before you decide to join a club. Assessments: Just like with homeowners associations, sometimes assessments are levied to pay for emergencies, debt payments or special projects. Assessments can be used for things like weather damage, or to build a new clubhouse or other amenities. Each member is required to contribute to the cost of the project through the assessment fees. Not all clubs use assessments, and those that do may have different rules about them, so it’s wise to ask if they are used at all and if there are any plans for projects needing assessments in the near future. Minimums: Some clubs have a minimum amount that each member needs to spend each month on extras like the on-site pro shops, bars or restaurants. This is sometimes built into the monthly dues as a spending allowance, but the monthly amount expires at the end of each month. For most members, it’s easy to hit the minimums while enjoying the amenities, and the monthly amount is similar to what they would spend even without a membership. Cancellation or separation fees: It’s a good idea to find out the policies for canceling membership if you ever decide to leave the club. The policies can vary for each club — sometimes as long as you’ve paid all your fees, you are free to leave. Other times, there is a fee when you cancel your membership, or you may be required to find a replacement member in order to leave. Other costs: Other miscellaneous costs could come along with using your country club membership, including spending on food and drink at the clubhouse and pro shop. You might give tips and gifts for club employees or caddies, or purchase golf lessons, lockers or bag storage. Check if there are any additional fees to use the driving range, pool, tennis courts or other amenities, or what costs might be involved to join any tournaments. Every club is different, and some of these fees may be included in your membership, but it’s a good idea to ask in advance about all the possible costs associated with membership. Knowing this information lets you decide if the total cost is of value, and lets you properly budget and plan for your purchase. Remember too that you’d pay for many of these costs, and maybe more, golfing as a non-member at other courses. If you golf often, you may be paying a similar amount already, but without all the country club membership benefits.

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Golf
May 24, 2021

Choosing the Right Golf Clubs for You

Are you new to golf and looking for your first club set? Maybe you’ve been golfing for years but want to review what to keep in mind when buying new clubs. If you started golfing by borrowing a friend’s clubs or renting from your local course and found it’s an excellent activity for you, it may be time to purchase your own set of clubs. You can save money in the long term by buying clubs and avoiding rental fees. Learn More About Memberships We’ve created a beginner’s guide to picking the best golf clubs to help you purchase the clubs you need to play at any course without breaking the bank. GETTING STARTED WITH GOLF CLUBS Beginner golfers may feel intimidated by golf’s frequently used terminology and the amount of equipment needed to play — but that doesn’t have to stop you. It’s simple to quickly learn all you need to know about the variety of clubs you can use. The United States Golf Association (USGA) limits the number of clubs you can carry to 14, but that full amount typically isn’t necessary as a beginner. You can start with a few essential clubs and add more as you continue playing and learn what feels best for you. As a beginner golfer, you may want to use forgiving clubs that offer game-improvement features. Game-improvement features mean the club has construction elements that limit the effect of a poor swing and poor contact with the ball. They make it easier to get the ball where you want it to go, even if your swing technique is still a work in progress. Each golfer has different preferences for club types based on their play style and swing. For example, if you commonly find yourself hitting long shots to get to the green, you may value an easy-to-hit hybrid over a more challenging wood or short-range iron. If you bring plenty of strength to your drives and spend most of your time hitting precise, short shots onto the green, you may prefer a few trusty irons. As a beginner, knowing how to buy golf clubs may rely on the types of situations you encounter and what club types work well for you. TYPES OF CLUBS It’s a good idea to have a general understanding of the types of clubs golfers use, even though you may not purchase all these types when you’re first starting. There are five primary types of golf clubs: 1. WOODS Woods earned their name because club manufacturers initially made them out of wood, and the term stuck. Now, they’re most commonly made from steel alloys or titanium. Woods are the longest clubs golfers use and also have the largest head. Drivers and fairway woods are both categorized as woods. You’ll typically use a wood to tee off and take long-range shots. Beginners may want to buy a driver with the largest head available because it can provide a more prominent sweet spot and be more forgiving while learning. 2. IRONS Sets of irons typically come numbered from a 3-iron to a 9-iron, with an unnumbered pitching wedge that sits above the 9-iron. A 2-iron also exists, but golfers use them infrequently, and they’re not necessary for beginners. The 1-iron is now obsolete, having been replaced by drivers and other utility clubs. The iron number range denotes loft, which is the angle the ball will travel. A higher-numbered iron will have more loft, so the ball will travel at a wider angle for a shorter distance. You can expect the distance to decrease by around 10-15 yards for each iron number you increase. For example, shots with your 3-iron may travel 10-15 yards farther than a shot with your 4-iron and 20-30 yards farther than your 5-iron. Beginners may want to choose cavity back irons because they distribute the weight around the head’s perimeter, making them more forgiving and more comfortable to hit with. READ: Top Reasons Children Should Play Golf 3. HYBRIDS Golfers use hybrids in place of irons, and they follow the same numbering format. A 3-hybrid is a replacement for a 3-iron, and so on. Hybrids are the newest categories of clubs and have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. Hybrids may be particularly suited for beginner golfers because they’re easier to hit than irons. The heads of hybrid clubs resemble a smaller version of woods. Hybrids are more forgiving than irons and offer many game-improvement features that irons don’t have. When deciding which golf clubs to choose, hybrids are a great option as a beginner. 4. WEDGES Wedges are a group of specialized irons you use in specific situations when you want the ball to ascend and descend quickly and at sharp angles. They’re most useful in your short game. For example, you can use a wedge to get your ball out of the sand or over any rough terrain with a chip shot or a pitch shot. These clubs look similar to irons but have higher angles to provide more loft. A few commonly used wedges are the pitching, sand and gap wedges. If you purchase an iron set, you’ll likely receive a pitching wedge with it. A pitching wedge should suit your needs as a beginner golfer until you decide what additional wedges would serve you well. If the course you golf at most has few sandpits, it may not be worth the money to purchase a sand wedge right away. 5. PUTTERS You use putters for your final few strokes on the green to get the ball into the hole. Putters are meant for precision and moving the ball short distances along the green. Putters are the most diverse club, with different head types, lengths and shapes. Choosing a putter comes down to personal preference and what feels best for you. It can be good to try out various styles until you find the putter you feel most comfortable with. HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT GOLF CLUBS Now that you know more about the different types of clubs, we’ll dive into the process of choosing the correct golf clubs and some tips to help you select the best options for your game: 1. TEST BORROWED OR RENTED CLUBS You can first make sure you enjoy golf enough that you want to make the investment of buying your own club set. You may start by borrowing clubs from friends or family members or renting a set at a local course. By starting slowly, you can ease into the game and figure out what works best for you. There are many different styles and designs for golf clubs, so if you make a purchase when you’re first starting, you may realize another option would work better for you. For example, if you buy a set of irons, but try a friend’s hybrid and realize it is a much better fit, you’d have to spend more to get your own hybrids. Spending time at the driving range or on the course experimenting with different club styles can help you pinpoint a better outline of what you’re looking for when you’re ready to purchase. 2. BROWSE BEGINNER SETS AT GOLF SHOPS When you decide it’s time to purchase your own set of clubs, you can go to a discount golf or department store and browse their beginner sets. A specialized golf store may serve you well because they often have a large selection of used clubs in good condition that you can buy for a much lower price. Consider looking for clubs that advertise game-improvement features that make it easier to hit the ball where you want it to go. These features can give your game a boost while you’re still learning and won’t detract from it as you become more experienced. 3. CHOOSE BETWEEN GRAPHITE AND STEEL SHAFTS You’ll have the option of purchasing steel or graphite shafts for your clubs. Steel shafts are cheaper and more durable, so they may be the best option for beginners. Graphite shafts are lighter, which leads to a faster swing speed and more power. Try out both, and if you prefer graphite over steel and can find clubs in your price range, choose the clubs that feel best for you. Read: Golf Course Wedding Packages WHAT GOLF CLUBS SHOULD I BUY? While you can carry a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag, that amount isn’t necessary for a beginner. Having six to nine clubs can set you up nicely and leave you room for expansion. Many sets specifically designed for beginners have around six to nine clubs, so these options are a great starting point. If you want to pick clubs individually, you’ll need a putter, driver, a few irons or hybrids and one or two wood clubs. When it comes to irons, you don’t need each club from 3-iron to 9-iron. The small difference in loft between irons next to each other, like a 4-iron and a 5-iron, isn’t significant enough to make a big impact for beginner golfers. You can go with the odd-numbered irons like three, five, seven and nine to start. If you’ve experimented and found that you prefer using hybrids as opposed to irons, you can get a partial set of odd-numbered hybrids in place of irons. Pick up 3-wood and 5-wood clubs to finish off your set. As you continue golfing, you can buy additional clubs for your set as you feel you need them. Over time, add in some specialty wedges and the even-numbered wedges to build a complete set. SHOULD A BEGINNER GOLFER GET FITTED FOR CLUBS? A custom club fitting is a comprehensive process that involves a professional fitter asking you questions about your play style, needs and where you want to improve. After the interview-style session, you’ll perform test swings in front of the fitter, and they’ll analyze your form and technique. The fitter will then take into account your body dimensions, swing style and various other factors to pick out personalized clubs for you. You can choose to have a fitting for a single club or an entire set. The price for club fitting varies, but you can expect a fitting for a single club to cost around $50 to $100 and a fitting for an entire set to cost about $200 to $350 depending on where you go. Many fitters offer to discount the price of the fitting if you buy a set from them afterward. A fitting likely isn’t necessary if you’re a beginner golfer because you’re just starting to learn and aren’t too concerned with taking a few strokes off your game right away. It can help if you prioritize learning the basics and becoming a more confident golfer to get the most out of a custom fitting. Custom fittings are a great option to get a set of clubs that work best for you, though, so if you’re committed to developing your game, a fitting may be worth it. It may be a good idea to check out local fitting shops to see your area’s costs. Some golf courses also offer custom fittings, so if you’re a member, you could likely receive a free fitting. If you know which clubs you need but still question how to choose new golf clubs that fit you specifically, a custom fitting is a good idea. If you’re shorter than 5 feet 6 inches or taller than 6 feet 1 inch, it’s recommended that you go through a custom fitting. Those heights are outside the standard range for golf clubs, so you may have trouble finding a set that works for you without a fitting. A custom fitting could help you get clubs that work the best for your height and dimensions.

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Weddings
May 24, 2021

How to Plan a Wedding

It’s finally here. You’ve found the love of your life, and you’re excited to share your vows to declare your love in front of your family and closest friends. Perhaps you have a clear idea of what you want for your wedding, or maybe you feel lost among wedding industry lingo. No matter the case, after the excitement of engagement wears off, most people wonder how long it takes to plan a wedding and what is involved. Book Your Wedding Wedding planning takes time, attention to detail and communication so your day can be exactly how you imagined it. With some insider tips, you can feel confident and prepared when thinking about your big day. This step-by-step guide is designed to help you every step of the way. From sticking to a timeline and budget to choosing your wedding party and writing your vows, you and your love will be ready to say “I do” in no time. BEFORE YOU START Planning your wedding is like shopping for your dream house. You likely already have specific, nonnegotiable features in mind. However, there’s a lot to do before you get carried away with inspiration. Staying on top of the finer details means taking your time with every step, so nothing falls through the cracks. The foundation for a foolproof wedding plan is communicating with your partner and setting important boundaries that will help with your decision-making later on. Check out these pre-planning steps for success: 1. TALK TO YOUR PARTNER Your special day is about you and your partner. The choices you make are going to affect both of you, as well as represent your image as a couple. Together, you need to decide how big you want your wedding to be, the budget and the number of people in the wedding party. With all your closest friends and family giving their input and wanting to be involved, a wedding may come with many expectations. To make the day as smooth and joyous as possible, you and your partner need to talk about what decisions are nonnegotiable and necessary. As long as you and your love are on the same page, planning your wedding can be easier than you imagined. 2. SET A BUDGET The wedding industry is one of the largest in the nation. The word “wedding” can add hundreds of dollars onto the price tag for entertainment, food, attire and transportation. That’s why the most important part of planning a wedding is setting a budget and sticking to it. Of course, you can leave some wiggle room because the nonnegotiable things like the venue or dress may add up to a higher cost than you anticipated. Whether you have $100,000 to spend or $5,000, there are ways to set and manage your budget so you can have peace of mind. 3. DETERMINE YOUR WEDDING STYLE Planning the aesthetic of your wedding involves more than color schemes and seasons. You want your wedding to be unique and special, and your wedding style is a huge part of that. Are you a classic duo who loves candlelight, refined food and sophisticated decor? Or are you a free-spirited bohemian couple who loves natural floral elements, fringe and family-style dining? Finding your wedding style can help you choose your venue, wedding party dresses and suits, decorations, guest favors and flower arrangements. Looking through wedding magazines and online inspiration can help you determine your wedding style. READY, SET, PLAN Once you’ve set your budget and boundaries, you’re ready to start planning the big day. There’s a lot to do, and organization is key for sticking to deadlines and keeping up with everyday life. The following are some tasks you’ll want to accomplish: 1. CREATE A MASTER CHECKLIST A master checklist comes in many forms. A traditional binder, computerized spreadsheet and handwritten legal pad list are all efficient ways to stay on top of your timeline and tasks. Whichever way you choose to track your progress and checklists, make sure you’re updating the list daily and following through with each project. There are also apps available that can act as your personal wedding assistant. Tools like these can help set your deadlines and send important notification reminders to keep you accountable. You can also create your own master checklist on a spreadsheet if you prefer even greater organization. 2. MAKE A GUEST LIST Who are the most important people you want to share your day with? Making your guest list may sound like the easiest part of planning your big day, but it can prove to be one of the more difficult tasks. Your budget and venue will determine how many people you can invite. If your parents have requests about people they want to invite, you may have to make another compromise or set some boundaries. The guest list should have at least three drafts. The first draft is usually made up of you and your partner’s friend lists and family trees. The second draft will add the people you may have left out. This draft can also include removing people who may not be able to attend. The third draft is the nearly finalized copy. By the time you create it, you will know who won’t be able to make it for the date. Read: How to Choose a Wedding Catering Service Any variation after the third draft typically comes after the invitations have been sent out and people have returned their RSVPs. 3. CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PARTY The wedding party is made up of the people you can’t imagine this day without. They are your best friends, siblings and closest connections. All these people hold a special place in your heart, and they’re all just as excited to share your day with you. The people in your wedding party will be your support system throughout the whole wedding process. They are there to help you make decisions and overcome any hiccups. If you’re planning a smaller wedding or don’t want to make the tough decision of who to include in your wedding party, you have the option of not having one at all. Remember, this day is about what you and your partner want. If you prefer to stand at the alter with only your love, you are welcome to do so. 4. CHOOSE A VENUE Perhaps the most classic wedding venue is a beautiful cathedral or church. However, times have changed, and wedding venues come in all shapes, sizes and forms. Today, anywhere can be a wedding venue if it suits you and your partner’s theme and tastes. Your wedding venue plays a huge role in: Setting your date. Creating your guest list. Planning the menu. Adding decorations. Choosing your wedding party outfits. Before you can plan most other details, you have to choose your venue. Do you want an outdoor wedding on a beautifully manicured golf course or tropical beach? Or do you see yourself walking down the aisle of a country lodge or airplane hanger? The location, capacity, availability, layout, price, restrictions and facilities will all play a role in choosing your picture-perfect venue. 5. VENDORS AND CONTRACTS Unless you plan to DIY most of your wedding, you’re going to have to work with one or more vendors to help create your special day. If you can’t imagine your day without a certain local DJ or photographer, you’ll have to act fast to secure your contracts with them. Remember to always read the fine print and ask for revisions and compromises where you need adjustments. Consider these two high-priority decisions: Entertainment: About 72% of brides said they wish they had taken more time to choose their reception entertainment. Whether you want a DJ or a band, the musical entertainment you choose for your reception will play an enormous role in setting the tone and getting the party going. The entertainment is the emcee for the night, so you’re trusting them to get your guests up on the dance floor to celebrate with you. Food and catering: If you want to save time in your master checklist, you can work with a venue that takes care of the catering for you, like Colonial Golf and Tennis Club. It will be one less thing for you to stress about while still ensuring you get the quality and taste you desire. 6. TO DRINK OR NOT TO DRINK? The answer to this question may be a simple yes or no. However, many couples have differing opinions when it comes to having an open bar or any alcoholic beverages at all. The decision all comes down to personal preference. Some religious traditions preclude alcohol consumption, so the choice is obvious. Whether you want to create your own special cocktails or limit the serving time, there is an option available for every budget. 7. PLAN YOUR PRE-WEDDING EVENTS In the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, you can’t forget to make time for all the other special events that go along with the celebration. Of course, you’re not obligated to host every occasion. Traditionally a couple will mark the beginning of their engagement with an engagement party or dinner. This allows them to celebrate with their inner circle as they start their journey towards married life. There are also optional bridal or groom showers, where the bride or groom is given gifts in preparation for the upcoming wedding. And you can’t leave out the milestone bachelor and bachelorette parties. Even if you don’t want to partake in a wild party night, you can host a tasteful and intimate dinner with your friends to celebrate your last days as a single individual. 8. BUILD A REGISTRY Planning a wedding goes hand in hand with receiving gifts. With today’s technology and trends, your registry can come in many forms. If this is your first time getting married and living with your spouse, a gift registry helps your guests furnish your home. You also have the option of a honeymoon registry, where guests can pay for your vacation expenses like a dinner for two or couples massage. Registering for gifts is one of the most exciting parts of getting married. It keeps your guests from wondering what to get you and commemorates the occasion. 9. HIRE AN OFFICIANT Finding the right person to legalize your wedding vows can be a deeply personal experience. Whoever you choose will have to get to know you and your partner intimately so they can speak to the strength of your relationship. Your officiant will set the tone for the ceremony. If booking a justice of the peace or clergy member is aligned with your vision, you’ll have to thoroughly research your options. You can also ask a close family member or friend to usher you into your new shared life. Read: The Ultimate Guide to Micro Weddings 10. FIND YOUR DREAM DRESS AND TUX One of the highlights of the entire day is seeing your partner in their wedding clothes. Whether the bride is donning vintage lace or shining in rhinestones and embroidered silk, the dress will hold a special place in her heart forever. A groom’s tux no longer just comes in white, light blue, black, or grey. Suits are made in every cut and color today, which makes choosing the perfect silhouette and shade that much more fun. There is always the added excitement of spending the day with your closest friends searching for that perfect attire. Shopping for your dress or tux early on in the wedding planning process ensures you have plenty of time for tailoring and customizations. The same goes for your wedding party. 11. GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE This is one of those smaller details that can easily slip through the cracks when you’re busy looking at the bigger picture. Unfortunately, getting married is not as easy as being declared married on the actual day. Depending on where you live, it can take a few weeks to apply for and attain a marriage license. So don’t forget to do your research — this website can get you started — and take the legal steps towards officially becoming partners for life. 12. WRITE YOUR VOWS If you’re not the best at expressing your feelings or never got the hang of writing down your thoughts, this step can seem daunting. Many couples prefer the traditional vows that promise commitment and comfort through thick and thin. If you want to personalize your vows, you don’t want to wait until the last minute in hopes that inspiration will strike. With each milestone of the wedding planning process, take a few minutes to reflect on how far you and your partner have come as individuals and as a couple. After dating and relationship growth, you have finally come to a point where you are ready to become one unit in love and life. It’s a beautiful time, and writing your vows allows you to appreciate it apart from the busyness of planning. If you don’t like the idea of sharing vows in the presence of your family and friends, you can set time aside before or after the wedding to share love letters to one another. If you ask your photographer to be there, it will make for an unforgettable moment you both can treasure for years to come. 13. TAKE TIME OFF The most important piece of advice is to take time off from planning to simply enjoy one another’s company. You will have emails, notifications, text messages, appointments and task lists that will demand your attention and time. Don’t forget that the reason you’re planning a wedding is so you can take this next step forward, hand in hand with the love of your life. Cherish every minute of it by having fun, spending quality time with your partner and taking a break from your busy schedule. HOW TO PLAN A SMALL WEDDING Not everyone dreams of having a big wedding, and that’s okay! The thing about a wedding is that it is your day. That means whatever you want or envision is what the day should be as long as your partner agrees. Many couples love the attention that a large wedding brings. But you may prefer a more intimate gathering that offers exclusivity and greater personalization while staying within an ideal budget. These tips can help you create the perfect private affair: 1. MATCH YOUR GUEST LIST TO THE VENUE Every venue will have a limitation on how many guests you can host on your wedding day. This may not seem like a concern when planning a small wedding, but smaller venues offer limited capacity, and you may need to cut down your guest list. If you are having trouble meeting an occupancy rate, start with listing the people you would ask to be in your wedding party. This ensures your closest friends will be included, along with your immediate relatives. 2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ACCOMMODATIONS Hosting a small wedding offers the benefit of using the venue’s accommodations to your advantage. Along with access to special amenities, you can reach out to local hotels and venues that have rooms so your special day becomes a weekend event. You can still save money while sharing the entire experience with a select group of guests. 3. GET CREATIVE From the entertainment to the menu, a small wedding can be a completely different experience. Get personal with your guests by changing up the traditional seating arrangements with an estate or U-shaped table. Add unique touches with customized place settings and decorations. Make time with each of your guests by planning games or activities that will get everyone moving and laughing. Let your personality shine through.

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Golf
August 2, 2022

When Should Kids Start Golf Lessons?

Kids can start taking golf lessons around the same time they can learn how to walk — the legendary Tiger Woods could swing a club effectively as a toddler. Ultimately, kids should start taking lessons as soon as they become interested in the sport. This will ensure they get a good baseline of fundamentals. Still, knowing when the best time is to have your child start taking lessons can be challenging. Golf is filled with various moving parts that demand close instruction. If you’re able to teach your child the right way to play, it can set them up for years of success. Below, we’ll take a look at the best age for kids to start taking golf lessons, as well as the benefits of lessons and signs that it’s time to find an instructor. WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO START GOLF LESSONS FOR KIDS? Though there is no ideal age for kids to start taking lessons, it’s best to have them start when they begin taking the game a bit more seriously. Many instructors teach a minimum age of around 5 years old, though this could be a flexible range that can swing lower if a child is showing a lot of interest at a younger age. Lessons at young ages like 5 could teach basic fundamentals and qualities like sportsmanship. But more thorough instruction programs in the early teen years can help break down the game and allow for vast improvements in the mechanics of their swing. It will mostly depend on how dedicated your child is and if they’re ready to take that next step with lessons. Here’s a breakdown of the various ages and how they may benefit from golf lessons. 2-5 At this age, golf should act as more of a playful endeavor than a serious sport. Great success usually comes with a sort of playfulness with your craft, so it’s important to introduce the game with fun and relaxation attached to it. Children can be introduced to various clubs and the most basic rules of the game. Although golf is quite a complex game, many children will likely be able to grasp a lot of the more fundamental aspects. You can even create small replica holes where kids can practice hitting a ball toward the target. This action will mirror the larger game and help them get a feel for how to aim and swing. At this age, lessons will likely be very basic and be geared more toward playfulness. This quality is important, as too much serious, complex instruction can turn younger kids off. The right instructors can emphasize fun and allow kids to learn the game in their own way and on their own time. This method lets kids truly discover the game on their own without being forced to learn it. 6-10 This is a great range to get your child involved in golf lessons. Starting this early can help feed their interest in the game while also helping them out with basic mechanics. At this age, many kids can follow instructions and understand the various intricacies of the game. Kids will be able to understand fundamentals and develop the basics before they pick up bad habits, like improper grip or swing techniques. While individual lessons can work great here, kids can also benefit from group lessons. Many programs take kids out on the course to play actual rounds, which is one of the best ways kids can learn how to play. Out on the course, kids can learn about golf etiquette and how to play the game with others. Though golf is an independent sport, much of it is social. Kids can learn about: Reacting to other players’ shots Being mindful of how you present yourself on the course Being careful not to step in anyone’s line on the putting green Keeping your composure even through a bad round In this way, golf lessons are a great way to teach kids about the game and a way to socialize with others. Ages 6 to 10 are a great time to start getting your child involved in golf lessons. READ: The Benefits of Joining a Country Club 11-14 At this age, kids may begin to show clear interest in golf. It may help to have a talk with them and see if they’re willing to pursue this sport more seriously. Around this time, kids may be playing a variety of different sports and be starting to lean into those that they like or are good at. If golf is one of those, lessons at this age can be very rewarding. Junior golf lessons will help kids take that next step to improve their swing. During this time, kids may graduate from using kids clubs to adult clubs. An instructor can help a child make this transition smoothly and show them how to evolve in their game. As preteens and young teenagers, kids in this age group will also grow a lot, which means there will likely need to be various tweaks to their swing. Experienced instructors will help make these adjustments while still teaching the fundamentals to propel kids to the next step, whether that be golf clubs, programs or academies. At ages 11 to 14, kids may be developing a sharper focus for the game and can benefit greatly from junior lessons. 15+ For kids ages 15 and over, golf lessons become even more integral and beneficial. At this stage, your child will likely have made a commitment to the game and may even be playing on a competitive team at school. Individual golf lessons can be instrumental in allowing your child to become even better at the game. A lot of golf is about confidence, understanding what you’re doing wrong and seeing how you can improve your game. Golf instructors can help kids understand what they need to do to become better golfers. A lot of golf revolves around putting the time in and practicing, but it also involves identifying small intricacies in your swing that are keeping you from shooting better scores. Finding out what those small issues are can help your child improve and also allow them to enjoy the game with greater confidence. For kids who are 15 years or older, golf lessons are essential. If you’ve started your child in lessons early, they may even already have a trusted instructor who knows their swing and can work to improve it. SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR KIDS TO START LESSONS To know when it’s the best time to get your kids into golf lessons, stay aware of a few signs: 1. THEY’RE BECOMING INTERESTED IN THE GAME There’s a difference between playfulness and becoming genuinely interested in the game of golf. If you notice that your child is frequently wanting to go golf or asking questions about the game, see if they’d be interested in taking lessons. Lessons can be a great way to feed this curiosity and let them learn if this is a sport they want to pursue. 2. GOLF COMES NATURALLY TO THEM For most of us, golf is a challenging sport that requires a lot of practice before we feel comfortable hitting a golf ball. Some kids, however, may have a natural knack for it and pick it up quickly. If this is the case, then lessons may be a way to harness that talent and allow kids to see what they can really do with it. 3. THEY’RE GROWING FRUSTRATED Sometimes, kids may get stuck in a rut in golf where they can’t figure out what they’re doing wrong. If they don’t know how to fix it, this frustration can turn into defeat and they may give up altogether. Lessons can help kids get out of that rut by showing them how to improve. Usually, it’s something that can be fixed with some tweaks and a little practice. BENEFITS OF GOLF LESSONS FOR KIDS Starting golf lessons for kids early has so many advantages. The earlier they start lessons, the more comfortable and confident they’ll likely be as they progress throughout their lives. Lessons are more than just learning about the game — they also offer kids life lessons they can take with them into adulthood. LEARN FUNDAMENTALS EARLY Many of us pick up golf lessons after decades of developing bad habits — one of the first things an instructor does is point out poor mechanics in our swing that we’ve likely become comfortable with. Children have an added advantage in that they probably haven’t developed these bad habits yet. Their swing is like a clean slate on which an instructor can develop a swing rooted in fundamentals. READ: Choosing the Right Golf Clubs for You DEVELOP PATIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY Golf teaches patience and focus. If you have a bad shot, you don’t have time to dwell on it and think about what went wrong because the next shot is right around the corner. You’re encouraged to keep your wits, take a deep breath and focus on what’s ahead of you. This patience is a powerful lesson that kids can learn at a very young age by playing golf. Golf is also about responsibility. Aside from keeping track of your score, finding your ball and deciding what club to choose, golf is also a very independent game. Instead of a team sport, which spreads responsibility to an entire team, golf hangs accountability on one person — whoever swung the club. As a golfer, you have to take responsibility for good shots and bad ones. GAIN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Interestingly, golf also teaches us how to control our emotions. Especially in lessons, kids may often hit many bad shots and battle through frustration. A lot of golf is about controlling that frustration and knowing how to use it as energy in the next shot. Part of becoming a great golf player is learning how to manage those bad shots and moving on to focus on the next one, which can help kids develop emotional intelligence. GET HEALTHY EXERCISE Whether you’re walking the course or in a cart, golf is great exercise. You’re outside getting fresh air and stretching, using nearly every part of your body to coordinate a swing that sends the golf ball flying toward your target. Golf lessons can be just as rewarding, teaching kids balance, power and control all at once. BE SOCIAL Though it’s often thought of as just an independent game, golf is actually very social. Most of the time, people will be playing with friends, colleagues or even in tournaments with many people watching. You can make many connections on the golf course that can lead to fruitful relationships or even promotions as an adult. If you’re able to play golf comfortably, you can help forge these relationships on the course and even impress people with your skills. Taking golf lessons at a young age can give kids a leg up on others so they’re ready when they step foot on the course as an adult. At the very least, they can make friends in their lessons they may not meet at school, expanding their social circles. PICK UP A GAME OF LONGEVITY One of the best things about golf is that you can play it almost forever — many older adults continue playing as they age. It’s a non-contact sport that emphasizes fluidity of motion, meaning that injuries are rare and the physical toll on the body is minimal. Learning how to play the game early will set your child up for a lifetime of success and allow them to play one of the few sports that defies age. FINDING THE RIGHT GOLF INSTRUCTOR With all of the benefits of golf lessons for kids, you could be looking for a way to get your child involved. One of the most important parts of golf lessons is finding the right instructor. You’ll want to find a place that offers experienced professionals who have a deep knowledge of the game. At Colonial Golf and Tennis Club, we offer what you need.

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