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  • Brackenridge Park = Open / Carts 90*
  • Cedar Creek = Closed for Renovation
  • Mission del Lago = Open / Carts 90* / Range Open
  • Northern Hills = Open / Carts 90* / Range Closed
  • Olmos Basin = Open / Carts 90*
  • Riverside = Open / Walking Only / No Carts
  • San Pedro = Par 3 Open / Range Open / Sim Open
  • Willow Springs = Open / Carts 90*

News, Tips, and Current Promotions

90 Degree Cart Rule

The “90-Degree Rule” is something golf courses put into place when they want to allow the convenience of golf carts but minimize the impact of those carts on the golf course’s fairway grass. On the Alamo City Golf Trail the 90-degree rule is in ALWAYS in effect. What it means: Key Takeaways: 90-Degree Rule How to Drive the…
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PGA Jr. Leagues – Now Forming!

Join the team. Play with friends. Learn the game with expert coaching. Find your community! PGA Junior League Golf is a fun, social, and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls, ages 8 to 17, to learn and enjoy the game of golf from PGA and LPGA Professionals. Like many other recreational youth sports, participants wear…
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2024 Twilight Times & Rates

Notice the reduced green fees for members? Our lowest-priced membership is just $74.95 a year! Reduced green fees, reduced range ball pricing, loyalty points, and FREE green fees!
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Insperity Invitational World Long Drive Qualifier- April 13th at San Pedro

Attention all power hitters! Get ready for an exciting opportunity as San Pedro proudly presents a regional Long Drive competition qualifier. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 13th, and join us for a showcase of strength, skill, and sheer distance. Don’t miss out on your chance to participate in this thrilling event! When? Saturday, April…
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Volunteers Needed for USGA Event

Attention all golf enthusiasts! We are excited to announce that Oak Hills Country Club, has been selected to host the prestigious 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship.
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Cedar Creek – Greens Before and After

Check out the before and after pictures of a few greens at Cedar Creek (Slide the line left or right). We used satellite images of greens from six months ago for comparison. The after photos are after removing the grass and restoring the green to the originally designed size and shape. Over the past 34+…
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30% OFF – Men’s and Women’s Outerwear Sale!

This sale ends on the first of March! Available at ALL ACGT facilities!
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On Par Golf – Saturday Junior Golf Clinics – Spring 2024 Series

On Par Golf is offering low-cost junior clinis for golfers ages 6 and up
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February 2024 Players Club Promotion

Become a member today to take advantage of this and other promotions. CART FEE is $18(+tax) all day, including twilight. You must have an active membership to use the promotion, and CART FEE IS REQUIRED, walking or riding. BOOK A TEE TIME
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2024 STATE OF THE TRAIL REPORT

Happy New Year Friends of the Alamo City Golf Trail – 2023 has flown by, but not without plenty of highlights sprinkled across the Alamo City Golf Trail. This past spring, we took delivery of a new fleet of golf carts. The new EZ-GOs are an upgraded model from the previous fleet, and we leased…
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Cedar Creek Closing January 15th for Renovation

Dear ACGT Golfer, Established in 1989, Cedar Creek Golf Course has been a fixture in the San Antonio golfing community, capturing the hearts of golfers with its scenic and challenging layout. To elevate the golfing experience, the course is set to undergo a remarkable facelift beginning Monday, January 15, 2024, marking the first major renovation…
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Competitive Golf – South Texas Amateur Tour Series 2024 Schedule

The South Texas Amateur Tour Series is thrilled to announce the release of the 2024 STX Am Tour ~ ACGT Division tournament schedule for the 13th year of the South Texas Amateur Golf Tour, ACGT Division, formerly known as the ACGT Tour. This year, we are proud to continue our partnership with the Alamo City…
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Riverside Reopening January 12, 2024 – Tee Times Available

We’re thrilled to announce the long-awaited reopening of Riverside Golf Course after an extensive 13-month renovation. Tee times are now available for the reopening on January 12, 2024. Things to note: We welcome you back to Riverside, you’ll enjoy the updates and the challenge!
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A cold-weather golf guide: How to play your best when temperatures are down

Fall weather is in full swing, and for many of us, that means brightly colored leaves and colder weather. Give yourself an advantage as those temperatures drop by making these adjustments to help you play your best as you combat the freezing conditions. Stop leaving your clubs in the car Even though you probably think…
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Custom Club Fitting Now Available

Shcedule your custom golf club fitting with a certified Master Club Fitter!
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10 ways to stop topping the ball

BY: KELLIE STENZEL, TOP 100 TEACHER Topping the ball can kill a round. If you’re a golfer who tends to top the ball, the first step in hitting better shots is readjusting your mindset. This means you must learn to hit the ground with each swing; including your practice swings. Get over any fear of a mishit by…
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2023/2024 Green Fees and Players Club Pricing

As a non-profit entrusted with the stewardship of the city's golf facilities, The Alamo City Golf Trail has strived tirelessly to enhance the quality of these courses while fostering an affordable and inclusive environment for players of all levels. Through recent projects and ongoing efforts, we have transformed these spaces into more than just golf courses – they are thriving community hubs. Our accomplishments are proof of our dedication to providing top-notch facilities, fostering the growth of the game, and preserving the legacy of golf in San Antonio.
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Riverside Updates

Photos of the the progress being made at Riverside.
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10 reasons you hit the ball better on the range than on the golf course

BY: KELLIE STENZEL Why does it always seem so much easier to hit the ball well on the range? All it takes is a short walk to the 1st tee for everything to start to change. The shots on the course suddenly have no resemblance to what you saw during practice. Here are some of the…
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60 One-Sentence Driver Tips

Need some help off the tee? Here are 60 one-sentence driver tips from GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers BY: LUKE KERR-DINEEN We asked our Top 100 Teacher for a quick one-liner to help us improve our drives. They didn’t disappoint. There’s no substitute for hard work, but as golfers will attest, there’s also nothing that compares to…
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How to hit the ball higher

6 tips to make your ball soar BY: KELLIE STENZEL Everyone wants to hit the ball higher, but it’s easier said than done. There is a true art to hitting high, beautiful golf shots. It’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing shot to watch, and one that everyone enjoys watching. Golfers with higher speed and power can do…
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Beat your putting nerves like Jon Rahm

By Matthew Rudy The 66-foot putt Jon Rahm sank to win on Sunday in a playoff against Dustin Johnson, after DJ drained an impressive 43-footer on the 72nd hole to force extra holes, will probably go down as the best finish on tour this season. This was Rahm’s fifth win on tour and his second since the restart. Rahm’s birdie…
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5 research-based feels that will upgrade your golf swing, according to a top coach

By Luke Kerr-Dineen Whether you’ve heard of it, you’ve likely seen a golfer who has benefited from the Titleist Performance Institute. If you work with a coach or golf-specific trainer, there’s a good chance you’ve benefited from it yourself. The Titleist Performance Institute, or TPI, is a facility in California that studies the biomechanics of the golf…
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The Mental Benefits of Playing Golf: This will have you booking more tee times

BY: NICK DIMENGO Now you actually have a scientific reason for booking more tee times. For years, I’ve been looking for a scientifically-backed reason to play more golf. Sure, I care about the actual physical and mental benefits of playing golf, but, more so, I just want to use those reasons as an excuse to tell my…
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On Par Golf Camps at Cedar Creek and Mission del Lago

On Par Golf is hosting Junior camps at Cedar Creek, and Mission del Lago! Sign Up Today!
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ACGT Scholarship Recipients

We’re excited to share that we’ve awarded $10,000 in scholarships to four deserving ACGT employees!  The Alamo City Golf Trail Scholarship fund is open to any college-bound employees or dependents of employees. Congratulations to the recipients! Student winners were selected by a board-appointed committee based on their academic achievement, financial need, and other eligibility requirements.…
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Adult Co-Ed Beginner Golf Clinics at San Pedro

Friday April 28th, May 5th,12th Classes are offered the following days and times: Registration fee is $225.50 for five one hour classes and group size is limited to twelve adults per class. Two coaches will work with each group at all times to ensure a small student to teacher ratio. Areas that will be covered…
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New Cart Fleet now has FM Radio/Bluetooth Enabled

Along with our new carts, we have installed a software update giving our GPS units a new feature! Golfers can now enjoy listening to FM radio or streaming music through their wireless devices (via Bluetooth) with quality speakers and an easy-to-pair system. To take advantage of this new feature, follow the instructions below: Step 1:…
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Callaway Custom Fitting Event at San Pedro

FREE Callaway golf fitting event at San Pedro. Limited spots available, sign up today! May 11th from 4-8PM
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Northern Hills Driving Range/Cart Path Upgrades

The range has been reopened, and we are allowing hitting off the artifical turf line only to start. The new sod needs time to root. Beginning Monday, April 3rd the driving range at Northern Hills be closed for upgrades. The hitting deck will be leveled and enlarged, with a new cement synthetic tee line installed.…
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Adult Clinics at Mission del Lago – On Par Golf

On Par Golf is offering adult clinics at Mission del Lago. Sign up today!
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Golf Cart Etiquette

By Sharon Penn Make sure you are aware of the rules specific to the course you are playing before teeing off. If you use a cart on the golf course, be aware of golf cart etiquette. These rules are designed for your safety, and to protect the turf on the fairways and greens. When you…
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Try Arnold Palmer’s Timeless Tips

I’ve seen a lot of changes during my time in golf, and one is that the teaching of the game has gotten complicated. If you do a handful of things correctly–like take the club away without breaking your wrists and keep your head still throughout the swing–you can play pretty well without too much thought.…
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South Texas Amateur Tour Series

The #1 Amateur Golf Tour Series in South Texas has been rebranded, and is now the South Texas Amateur Golf Tour
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15 ways to be a faster golfer

By E. Michael Johnson I hate slow play. Ever since I was a caddie picking up the range at the Country Club of New Canaan in Connecticut, I learned to play fast—because playing fast meant getting more holes in after the range was picked. Play fast, and you’ll make fast friends on the course. To be…
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Tee Time Booking Rules

Please book tee times for ONE course per day. Tee times booked at DIFFERENT courses on the SAME DAY will be subject to cancellation without notice. We will keep the first tee time made, and any subsequent tee times will be canceled.
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Winter Golf: 5 Things to Remember

Winter is a reality that almost all golfers face. Colder weather and shorter days have a big impact on playing conditions and course management pretty much no matter where you’re located. In colder parts of the U.S., golfers may only get a few chances to play their local courses during winter because of snow cover…
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7 maintenance mistakes that golfers make too often, according to superintendents

BY: JOSH SENS OCTOBER 7, 2022 It’s a golden rule of golf: Always leave the course in better condition than how you found it. But even those of us with good intentions often fail to carry out basic maintenance tasks correctly. In an informal (and anonymous) survey, we asked a half-dozen superintendents across the U.S. to count the ways that golfers get…
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Single Golfers Can Now Book Online

Single golfers can now book online! Just choose “1” for the number of players and choose your tee time. There is one limitation… You will be paired with an existing twosome or threesome automatically and the tee times that are displayed already have other players at that time. You no longer will be required to…
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Golf Rule Changes for 2023

These rules changes for 2023 will bring more forgiveness, inclusivity to the game. When the big ball drops on New Year’s Eve, a few updates will be dropped into the Rules of Golf. The modifications, which take effect on Jan. 1, are part of an ongoing effort by the USGA and the R&A to make the…
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10 Tips to Break 90

BY: JAMES COLGAN 1. A warm-up is non-negotiable: If you don’t warm up properly, you’re guaranteed to hand away strokes over your first three holes as your body gets warm. And if you’re trying to climb out of the 90s, it’s critically important to take advantage of strokes wherever you can save them. Take 20 minutes before…
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Retirement is on hold after Nick Flanagan’s Cathedral Invitational triumph

By Tony Webeck via pga.org.au There is life in the playing career of Nick Flanagan yet after the 2003 US Amateur champion defeated Scott Arnold in a playoff to claim the 2022 Cathedral Invitational at Cathedral Lodge & Golf Club. One of Australia’s most exclusive golf properties, two hours north of Melbourne, opened its doors to…
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A more consistent short game begins with your setup. Here’s how.

A handy wedge game can cure many woes. No matter how bad your ball striking is on any given day, if you can wedge it close, you can erase tons of errors. Unfortunately for many recreational players, hitting wedges consistently is not a strong suit. And the biggest culprit for their struggles often comes in their…
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2022-2023 Riverside Renovation

Starting November 28, 2022, a full renovation of the 18 and 9-hole golf courses will begin.
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Which tees should you *really* play from? This clever formula will tell you

Choosing the proper tee box from which to play can be a difficult task — especially for inexperienced golfers. For some, ego gets in the way and they tee it back way too far. For others, naivety leads them to believe they need to play from the same markers every time. And for the rest, a…
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Nick Flanagan – Proper Posture

The 10th of a series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – Proper Posture from ACGT & TXGHOF Book A Lesson with Nick Today
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Nick Flanagan – Proper Takeaway

The 9th of a series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – Proper Takeaway from ACGT & TXGHOF Book A Lesson with Nick Today
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Nick Flanagan – Body Rotation

The 8th of a new series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – Body Rotation from ACGT & TXGHOF Book A Lesson with Nick Today
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We’re Hiring!

We’re hiring for golf course maintenance, clubhouse, outside services, and event staff. Apply Now or Tell a Friend! Do you like golf? Do you like people? Do you like people who golf? We’ve got a job for you! Discounts on food, apparel, golf equipment, AND free golf privileges! Apply Now!
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Nick Flanagan – Posture

The 7th of a new series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – Posture from ACGT & TXGHOF Book A Lesson with Nick Today
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How to Fix a Slice in 5 minutes

By Hank Haney Photos by Dom Furore There’s a good reason why people who slice the ball want to fix it: Because on the road you take to playing good golf, nowhere is there a slice. You can go from hitting a hook to playing good golf, but if you don’t learn how to stop hitting shots with…
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Nick Flanagan – Greenside Bunkers

The sixth of a new series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – Greenside Bunker Shot from ACGT & TXGHOF Book A Lesson with Nick Today
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Long-Term Junior Player Development Programs

We are excited to offer monthly Junior Player Development memberships at San Pedro for children 6 years and older. The USA Junior Golf Team is excited to announce that this long-term junior golf player development program will be starting at San Pedro Performance Academy. USA Junior Golf is designed for all ages of junior golfers…
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Nick Flanagan – The Grip

The fifth of a new series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! This week’s video gives you a few tips on getting out of a plugged lie in the bunker! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – The Grip…
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I wonder if TACOS think about me too…

The Rockin G Grill at Mission del Lago has a breakfast taco deal going on for August!
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Nick Flanagan – Flop Shot

The fourth of a new series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! This week’s video gives you a few tips on getting out of a plugged lie in the bunker! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – Flop Shot…
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Nick Flanagan – Plugged Lie Bunker Tips

The second of a new series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! This week’s video gives you a few tips on getting out of a plugged lie in the bunker! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – Plugged Lie…
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A Work of Art

If you’ve ever played Brackenridge Park, you drove right past some true works of art. The “Mill Race Bridge” by San Antonio artist Diana Kersey uses 24 ceramic panels integrated into the cement guardrails of the bridge. Installed in 2011, each unique insert features designs that portray various golf scenes, referencing the historic relevance of…
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Nick Flanagan – Pitching

The second of a new series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! This week’s video gives you a few tips on pitching techniques! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan – Pitching from ACGT & TXGHOF Book A Lesson with…
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MDL Rockin’ G Grill / Clubhouse / Course Updates

Over the past couple of months the Rockin’ G Grill, clubhouse, and restrooms have gotten a much-needed facelift. In addition, the golf course conditions have significantly improved, and we think you’ll really enjoy the continuing results. Be sure to check out the new menu at the grill before or after your round. Soon the grill…
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Nick Flanagan – Basic Chipping Technique

The first of a new series of videos from former Tour Professional Nick Flanagan! This week’s video gives you a few tips on basic chipping techniques! Be sure to follow Nick on Instagram @njflanagan to see more! Better yet, book a lesson with Nick today! Nick Flanagan Basic Chipping from ACGT & TXGHOF Book A Lesson…
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Alamo City Golf Trail Tumbler & Drink Deal

Available only at San Pedro and Willow Springs Just buy one of our custom stainless steel tumblers for $24.99 and you can fill it up with ice-cold Modelo, Bud Light, or Michelob Ultra on draft for just $2.50 on every visit! If beer isn’t your thing, we can also fill it with a frozen drink…
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Malcolm Kirven – AA Golfers HoF Induction

In March of this year, we brought to your attention to a fundraiser for local Amateur golf legend, Malcolm Kirven (See original story here). Some of Malcolm’s accomplishments include winning the 1959 and 1960 San Antonio City Junior Amateur Championships and the 1962 San Antonio City Men’s Amateur Championship. Malcolm and his family needed the…
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San Pedro Corporate Events

Looking for a fun event for your company outing, to entertain clients or just get some friends together for your own private event? Let the San Pedro Performance Academy team handle all the details for you! Testimonial: “Thank you for helping me set our event at San Pedro- everything went great and we’ll be looking…
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How to use the Trail’s GPS Heat Map

A new feature on our GPS units is the GolfLogix green heat map. As you reach a green on the Trail, the GPS unit will display a heat map view of the green. The arrows indicate the direction of the break, and the colors represent the speed at which the putt will break. The heat…
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9 Tips To Make More Putts

1. Don’t worry about putter arc A common question surrounding putting is whether the putterhead is directing the ball in a straight or curved direction. Surprisingly, the answer is both, and it is simply a matter of perspective. Don’t even let it bother you. According to Frank Thomas, “For more consistency, your goal should be…
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Olmos Basin

How long stuff lasts on a golf course, according to a superintendent

BY: JOSH SENS There’s a lot of talk in golf about the length of courses, but not much about their longevity. Irrigations systems age. Tees and greens lose their shape and luster. Bunkers require restoration. Nothing lasts forever. But how long do key course elements endure? Terry Buchen, a retired superintendent and 54-year member of the Golf…
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The top 25 economy golf courses in Texas that cost $59 and under (2022)

Our panel members list their favorite courses for a cheaper round. Hole 12 marker at Texarkana Golf Ranch.(Tom Fox / The Dallas Morning News) By Mark Kazlowski and Scott Bell of the Dallas Morning News 12:47 PM on May 7, 2022 CDT Fee is the cost of a greens fee and cart plus tax for a prime Saturday…
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8 tips that will help you hole short putts with confidence

Legendary golfer Bobby Jones once said that when it all comes down to one shot, nothing is more frightening than having to make a short putt. The thought of a putt less than 3 feet creates an expectation that you should make it. But because you place enormous pressure on yourself that you can’t miss…
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Rules School: Hit one out of bounds? This new local rule can save you strokes and time

**NOTE** The following “Local Rule” is not meant to apply to competitive rounds. There are few things in golf that feel worse than blasting a tee shot out of bounds and reloading with your third shot from the tee box. Even worse, looking for a wayward ball down the fairway only to have to make a walk…
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Hit better bunker shots with Michael Breed’s simple tips

By Michael Breed I can always tell when golfers are nervous in the sand: They make no body turn through the shot—it’s just a fast swipe with the hands. And when the hands get active, they tend to close the clubface, which makes the leading edge dig. You want to do just the opposite: Slide the…
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Support Malcolm Kirven – Local Amateur Golf Legend

Malcolm Kirven was recently inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame. He needs the San Antonio golfing community’s help to travel out to Florida for the induction event in May. Malcolm stopped by to practice his putting at Brackenridge Park, and we had a chance to sit down with him. Born and raised…
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18 reasons why your pace of play might be too slow on the golf course

Brandon Tucker Why is pace of play such an issue for many golfers in the United States? Having played this game with what feels like just about every demographic possible, I’m convinced that most of us actually don’t take too long on our pre-shot routine, or spend too much time reading the greens. Slow play,…
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Superintendent of the Year!

Our own Mick Garza, Superintendent of Olmos Basin Mick Garza, Alamo City Golf Trail, 2021 Superintendent of the Year Mick Garza has worked in the golf industry for over 30+years. Mick began his career at the Dominion Country Club back in the 90’s, where after a short spell he joined the agronomy team at Sonterra Country…
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Timeline of African-American achievements in golf

By Bob Denney, PGA Historian From John Shippen to Tiger Woods and Renee Powell to Charlie Sifford, African-Americans have played a significant role in the growth of golf, both on and off the course. Here is a timeline marking some of the many memorable moments in the history of African-Americans in golf. 1896: John Shippen, whose father…
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10 things golfers need to do to hit longer drives

There aren’t many of us who don’t want to hit the ball farther, especially with our driver. Nothing is more fun than ripping a shot off the tee, approaching the green from close range, and making birdie. A solid, long drive starts the chain of good events. It’s like a domino effect that leads to…
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Tips and Suggestions for Improving Pace of Play

Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as everyone else’s. Adopting this mindset – and not being afraid to share it with your fellow players – will ultimately add enjoyment to your golf experience.…
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Golf for Beginners: Golf Etiquette, Rules and Glossary

The New Year is here and there is no better time than now to take up the game of golf. The best part it can be picked up at any time and be played for life. Whether you’ve dabbled with the sport or are starting from scratch (no pun intended), it’s good to have an…
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Frost Delays – It’s worth the wait

The return of cold mornings means frost delays will be making a comeback. While frost delays can be frustrating, the temporary inconvenience helps protect long-term playing quality.
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Valero Texas Open Historical Marker at Willow Springs

In honor of the Valero Texas Open’s 100th anniversary, Executive Director, Larson Segerdahl and Seymour Battle, III (SVP Communications, Public Relations & Engagement at Valero Energy Corporation), and Andrew Peterson (President&CEO of The Alamo City Golf Trail) were on hand to unveil a historical marker at Willow Springs this morning. This marker commemorates the second…
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Warm-Up Bays at Brackenridge Park

Get those golf muscles moving before your round in our two NEW Warm-Up bays at Brackenridge Park Golf Course – Est. 1916. Bring a club, a couple of golf balls, and follow the path to the left of the 9th green from the clubhouse.
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Seven Restored Golden Age Courses You Can Play

Turn back the clock (sort of) and play these top-notch courses that have benefited from some tender and loving restorations. by – SHAUN TOLSON Many of the recent, headline-grabbing restoration projects of Golden Age courses have been affiliated with exclusive, members-only clubs. However, all is not lost for the intrepid public links player, since a…
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Valero Texas Open Historical Marker at Brackenridge Park

The Valero Texas Open turns 100 this coming year, and Larson Segerdahl, Executive Director of the Valero Texas Open, Valero Texas Open winners, the legendary Lee Trevino, and David Ogrin were on hand to present Brackenridge Park with a commemorative plaque honoring the role our historic course played in the history of the Texas Open and golf here in San Antonio.
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10 tips to help golfers make all their short putts

BY: KELLIE STENZEL, TOP 100 TEACHER You’re feeling good. You’ve either hit your approach shot close to the hole or rolled your birdie putt up to near tap-in range. And then you do something that all of us have done — even Tour players. You miss the short putt. It might be the most frustrating and embarrassing…
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Youth On Course

The Alamo City Golf Trail is proud to have partnered with to provide an avenue to young golfers to play the great game of golf without the high hurdle of expensive green fees. Youth on course members can play all of our courses at reduced rates, however with a few time constraints. $5 Green Fee at…
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A Solid Preshot Routine is a Must for Good Golf

By Lou Guzzi, PGA Do you have a Pre-Shot Routine? Do you know it? So many golfers have a Pre-Shot Routine for most golf shots but don’t even know what their routine is when asked in a lesson. We don’t want to be the golfer who makes a swing when it finally feels right. Unfortunately, without…
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Dave Pelz: Chunk it – On Purpose!

Most golfers consider the 20- to 40-yard greenside bunker shot the game’s most difficult. This situation can have you penciling in a double-bogey in no time. Why are these shots are so hard? Because you must be incredibly precise, striking the sand right next to the ball instead of a couple of inches behind it,…
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10 tricks to boost your driving distance as you get older

Tips to increase your driver distance as you get older.
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Fore the Golfer: Golf Cart and Pull Cart Etiquette

Following a golf course's policies regarding golf carts and pull carts can save its turf from unnecessary wear and tear.
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Golf Carts: Five Things Every Golfer Should Know

By George Waters, USGA Golf carts play an important role at many golf facilities. They provide a revenue source and increase accessibility, allowing golfers who might not otherwise be able to walk the course to enjoy playing. These benefits are not without their costs, however. Golf carts can have very negative impacts on turf health…
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Simple Tips To Get Out Of Any Fairway Bunker

By Corey Lundberg Photos by J.D. Cuban A lot of golfers think hitting it into a fairway bunker is a sentence to a big number. But that doesn’t have to be the case. No matter whether your ball is up against the lip, on a downhill slope, or resting in the middle, make these simple adjustments and you’ll…
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10 ways to improve your game without changing your golf swing

Having great technique and skill certainly can lead to good golf, but often the golfers who score the lowest don’t look like they are doing anything amazing and, therefore, make low scoring rounds seem very ordinary. Low scores often come from golfers who play the smartest and know how to get the best result out…
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10 basics that will help beginner golfers play the game better

BY: KELLIE STENZEL, TOP 100 TEACHER MAY 16, 2021 These basics will help get your golf game on the proper footing. I love teaching beginner golfers, and I’m so honored whenever I get to give a golfer their first lesson to learn the golf basics. Once you get a good handle on those, you’ll be able to…
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How Do I Get Out of Wet Sand?

By Jim McLean Playing on a course after a big soaker presents all kinds of challenges—thick rough, mud balls, slower greens, etc.—and one that bothers many is a bunker with firm, packed sand. Too often, golfers mistakenly use their standard greenside technique, only to watch the ball rocket over the green or plug into the lip.…
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The Right Way To Chip

Chipping looks so easy when you see a good player doing it. On the flip side, it can be hard to watch when someone is struggling with these little shots. The No. 1 issue is making solid contact. Why? Because the club’s not moving fast enough to keep going if you hit the ground—you chunk…
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Scoring Essentials Clinic – Presented Nick Flanagan

Four One Hour Classes (dates & times are in the link below) focusing on the Scoring Essentials: Short Game, Pitching, Shot Shaping and Routines. Each one hour session will focus on one of the four topics. Limited Time Special Pricing $129.95 per person (Regular rate is $199.00) Only four students per class to ensure small…
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Padraig Harrington reveals the secrets to hitting out of hard and soft sand

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, three-time major champion Padraig Harrington has taken to Twitter to keep golf fans entertained – and to help them improve their games. So far, Paddy has dished out quality lessons on chipping, breaking 80, and incorporating your hands, arms and wrist into your swing (although that one went haywire). Now he has a new…
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Rickie Fowler’s secrets to reading greens like an expert

Rickie Fowler’s putting tips can help you start reading greens like a book. GETTY IMAGES Even 20/20 vision might not be enough to save you from being blind as a bat around the green. Reading a line is a skill that requires an amalgam of information, ability and patience. The good news is, if you’re…
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Mental Golf Techniques

By Herm Otto For most, golf is an escape for fun, camaraderie, exercise, fresh air and to experience the beauty of the course landscape–all reasons that should contribute to an enjoyable outing and strong performance. This escape usually includes a bit of competitive spirit, whether between you and the course, or you and your companions,…
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10 ways golfers can stop missing their drives to the right

BY: KELLIE STENZEL, TOP 100 TEACHER Stop hitting those frustrating blocks and slices with these tips. Missing your drives to the right, usually by way of a slice, is frustrating. And while it can be a completely different feel when you start to get your club face more square at impact, golf becomes more fun. The…
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Swing Tips: How to Hit a Hybrid

Copy this setup and light a fire under your long game. BY JAMES WESTMAN The hybrid is a minor miracle: It’s forgiving, versatile and easy to hit—for most golfers. But if you’re struggling to enjoy its many benefits, you may be swinging it with a sweeping, fairway wood motion. The result? Thin or fat contact.…
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The 30 best municipal golf courses in America, according to GOLF’s raters

BY: GOLF’S RATERS & RAN MORRISSETT JUNE 9, 2021 Though the game itself can never be mastered, one thing is for sure: The most affordable way to pursue our sport is by playing municipal golf courses. For that reason, none of our course rankings is, arguably, more important than this one, the first such compilation of munis ever put…
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10 basic tips that can help golfers chip better than ever

BY: KELLIE STENZEL, TOP 100 TEACHER MAY 31, 2021 For most golfers, improving your chipping is one of the simplest ways to lower your score and build your confidence. First, you need to understand what a chip shot is: It’s a short game stroke where the ball carries into the air and then rolls and equal distance…
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Players Club Birthday Rounds

Players Club members receive a free green fee during the month of their birthday. A sample is below. DISCLAIMER: You must have an active membership at the time of usage to take advantage of this benefit, and while you must pay the cart fee regardless of time of day, riding or walking. This round MUST…
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Top 10 Swing Tips Ever!

Golf is a game that is full of tips. If you regularly practice around other golfers, or if you play with a regular group of friends, you are sure to hear countless tips each time you visit the range or the course. Keep your head down. Change your grip. Adjust your stance. There are numerous tips…
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Warm Weather Golfing

Early Morning Tee Times – Beat the heat by booking your tee time before the temperatures rise. Hydrate – Start drink water a couple of hours before you tee off, and opt for sports drinks on the course to replenish your energy. Avoid drinks with high alcohol content, caffeine, or high amounts of sugar. Sunblock…
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How to Rake a Bunker

By Paul Jacobs, agronomist, Northeast Region Superintendents work hard to provide good bunker playability and presentation, but the maintenance team can only do so much. Once they have completed daily bunker maintenance it’s in our hands as golfers to keep bunkers looking and playing great. Doing a good job raking bunkers is an easy way…
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Want to hit the ball straighter? Try these 3 tips from LPGA pros

BY: ZEPHYR MELTON RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — Bombing the golf ball is all the rage these days. The long ball has always been appealing, but hard data has increasingly supported the sentiment that distance is an incredible advantage. And with Bryson DeChambeau pushing the limits in the professional ranks, golf is at a crossroads. But just because distance…
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Do You Know How High To Tee Your Driver?

By Keely Levins How do you tee up your ball when you’re hitting driver? Do you have one of those tees that has lines on it that lets you know how high the tee should be? Do you measure with your pinky? Or do you more go by feel? There are a lot of theories out…
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Dave Stockton’s all time top ten putting tips

Blessed with a putting game that brought him 25 titles – including five majors By Dr Paul Hurrion In his prime in the early 1970s, Dave Stockton once went some 950 holes without a three-putt. Still blessed with his revered putting game that brought him 25 titles – including five majors – Stockton is now…
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Rockin’ G Grill NOW OPEN @ MDL

Now open at Mission del Lago! Open 7am to 8pm Wednesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. MENU
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5 common mistakes high handicap golfers make way too often

BY: LUKE KERR-DINEEN  Many higher-handicap golfers think their games need a total overhaul for them to reach the promised land of being a consistent 80s-shooter. Often, that task seems so monumental they discourage themselves from trying before they even start, which is a shame, because whether they realize it or not, most golfers are closer to…
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Watch And Study Senior Golf Pros To Help Hit Longer Drives

By watching professionals of similar age and build swing the club, senior golfers can imitate certain characteristics and build them into their own swing A senior golfer similar in age to Tom Watson, for example, will learn more watching Tom than Tiger Woods in the quest to hit the ball longer. This isn’t because Tiger…
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Golf much? These are the guys to know

UPDATE-VISIT THEIR SITE The San Pedro Club Repair Studio is now OPEN! Tuesday – Friday 10am to 6pm Saturday 10am to 5pm This month the new instructional, club fitting, and club repair studio will be opening at the San Pedro Driving Range and Par 3. The club repair studio is and will be run by…
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5 reasons why you should play from the forward tees (you’ll thank us later)

BY: ZEPHYR MELTON  In the 2020 Distance Insights Report, the USGA and R&A concluded that the average male golfer hits their driver just 216 yards. For females that number drops to 148 yards. In other words, most golfers don’t hit the ball very far — and yet most still play from pretty ambitious tee boxes. Based on my experience…
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10 Rules for Good Golf Etiquette

By Arnold Palmer I. Don’t be the slowest player In my casual games at Bay Hill, we get around in under four hours — and that’s in fivesomes. Evaluate your pace of play honestly and often, and if you’re consistently the slowest one in your group, you’re a slow player, period. Encourage everyone to move…
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The Proper Way to Hit a Fairway Wood

By Mike Southern A well struck fairway wood should always feel solid at the point of impact. Many players struggle to hit their fairway woods solidly. They make the mistake of trying to “sweep” the ball off the ground, sometimes even trying to lift the ball with the club; this results in a thin or…
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Golf 101: Dos and don’ts for beginners

By Jessica Marksbury – Golf is the greatest game in the world—just ask anyone who plays! But getting started as a beginner can be a daunting—and often intimidating—prospect. To help you (or someone you know) take the plunge, here’s a definitive list of dos and don’ts for the aspiring player. First off: DO: Start on a practice…
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The 6 shots you need to turn good rounds into great ones

By Jason Guss It’s an awesome feeling when you drive it great, stripe your irons, hole a bunch of putts and post a score in the low 70s. But if you want to do that regularly, you’re going to have to rely on more than just solid ball-striking and a hot putter. All good players have…
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Beginner Golf Tip: Keeping Up the Pace of Play

Many people take up golf for the game’s leisurely aspects. The calm, slow pace separates golf from most sports and makes it an excellent stress-buster. That said, golfers aren’t expected to dawdle on the course. The phrase “take your time” has its limits, especially when the course is busy.  Experienced golfer prefer to play at a…
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Tom Relf Golf (TRG Entertainment) Now at San Pedro!

Things are different now at the Alamo City Golf Trail San Pedro!  Looking to improve your golf game?  Check out the new offerings with TRG Entertainment (Tom Relf Golf) as we begin to offer a variety of “best in class” teaching, coaching and club fitting in South Texas!  Our instructors will ensure golfers of every…
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KSAT 12 News and the Alamo City Golf Trail

Number of golfers rising during pandemic as more kids, families taking an interest Alamo City Golf Trail seeing boom that will help finance local projects Max Massey, Reporter/AnchorAzian Bermea, Photojournalist SAN ANTONIO – Over the past year golf has become more and more popular and that influx of players is not slowing down. Since the COVID-19…
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4 Steps to Make Your Next Fairway Bunker Shot a Great One

If you’re standing over a fairway bunker shot thinking: ‘Pick the ball out of the sand,’ you’re already setting yourself up for trouble. Mike Malaska, who’s on our list of Golf Digest Best 50 Teachers, says you should hit the ball and then the sand when you’re hitting out of a fairway bunker. To get…
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Why treating every putt as a straight putt can help you on the green

“Every putt is a straight putt” is an old adage that’s been used for years. While it’s not true in a literal sense, the idea is a good one in terms of thinking about hitting a straight ball on every putt, and allowing the slope of the terrain make the ball break toward the hole.   You don’t…
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10 Tricks for Breaking 90

1. A warm-up is non-negotiable: If you don’t warm up properly, you’re guaranteed to hand away strokes over your first three holes as your body gets warm. And if you’re trying to climb out of the 90s, it’s critically important to take advantage of strokes wherever you can save them. Take 20 minutes before your tee…
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Four tips for hitting it clean from a tight hardpan lie

Cooler temperatures aren’t the only thing golfers face during the winter months. Grass goes dormant in most locales, which means there’s less material between the ball and ground. That results in a lot of tight lies, and if it’s been a dry winter, hardpan as well. So how do you deal with tight lies, particularly…
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7 airtight excuses to get out of work and go play golf

Golf is a game of honor and integrity. But let’s face it, sometimes in order to play this great game of honor and integrity, you need to be less than honest. What does one do when it’s 80 degrees and sunny, and you’ve just been asked to be a fourth? Here are seven airtight excuses.…
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Tips and Suggestions for Improving Pace of Play

Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as everyone else’s. Adopting this mindset – and not being afraid to share it with your fellow players – will ultimately add enjoyment to your golf experience.…
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Here are the 11 best (and a few of the worst!) foods to eat during a golf round

By Pat RalphGETTY IMAGES/AMAZON Here’s one thing all golfers have in common: we like to eat. Before, during and after a round. While some snacks are great for energy and focus, others can drag you down. To identify the best and worst, we got some help from nutritionist Marc Halpern, who runs a personal training and…
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The top 10 ways to be a better bunker player

BY: KELLIE STENZEL, TOP 100 TEACHER OCTOBER 11, 2020 Greenside sand shots seem to instill fear is so many, and I can relate. The wide variety of different bad shots can range from barely advancing the ball to thining the ball so far that you may have to yell “fore” at golfers on the green. This wide…
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7 Ways to Improve Your Golf Focus

Like it or not, golf is a long game. There are very few sports that can take almost 5 hours to complete. Hence it’s no surprise that a common question I get is: “how do I improve my focus for golf and hold it for all 18 holes?” At some point during the back nine,…
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3 Stretches for When You’re in a Hurry to Get to the 1st Tee

BY: AMANDA BALIONIS SEPTEMBER 11, 2020 The stretches are perfect for when you’re running late for your tee time. In our golf fantasy world, we have a late-Sunday afternoon tee time at Augusta National, with all day to warm up in our quest to win the green jacket. In reality, we’re running late again — traffic jam, kid’s soccer…
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What you can learn from Dustin Johnson’s practice habits

A lot of guys misunderstand quality practice. They think they’re getting value out of going to the range and beating balls for hours. But if you’re not working on the correct things, not practicing with any kind of focus, you’re actually hurting your game. Me? I can’t focus that long, and I get bored fast.…
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Your Cold Weather Golf Survival Guide

As temperatures dip to the low 40s (or lower) in some areas of the country, those best prepared for the less-than-balmy conditions have a chance to be 1 up on the first tee, perhaps more. So as golfers in the Northeast and Midwest get ready for their annual Turkey Shoots, there are a few things…
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Frost Delays: 5 Things Every Golfer Should Know

It’s a frosty time of year across much of the country, so be prepared for delays.  While much of the U.S. deals with winter’s brunt, golfers in the Sun Belt and other mild parts of the country are still playing away. However, cool, crisp mornings bring the risk of frost delays. At some golf courses…
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Sean Foley: How to Hit a Draw

By Sean Foley Photos by Stephen Szurlej Many of you would probably give up red meat if you could consistently hit a sweet, little draw. If you’ve struggled for years trying to get the ball to start just right of the target and curve back to it, stop blaming a lack of ability. It might be a lack…
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Amateur Tour Series

The ACGT Amateur Tour Series is a fun and competitive year long golf series in San Antonio played on The Alamo City Golf Trail. The Tour is for golfers of all ability levels and age groups. Each event is flighted and handicapped to insure an equitable playing field. Each golfer receives his/her own individual handicap,…
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JASON DAY: HOW TO HIT THE HIGH BALL

My standard ball flight is about as high as anyone’s on tour—from driver right down to my wedges. That gives me a huge advantage in carrying hazards, flying it over trees and holding greens. It certainly helped me win the Players Championship last year. In the opening round when I shot 9-under-par 63, I hit…
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Ditch the Flop Shot and Learn the Bump-and-Run

LEONARD KAMSLER When I practice low-running chips, a swing aid helps me minimize unwanted wrist hinge. One of the great quandaries in golf is what shot to play with which club when you’re just a few yards short of the green and can use almost any club. The possibilities seem infinite—and that’s the problem. Most…
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10 strategy tips for golfers

BY: KELLIE STENZEL, TOP 100 TEACHER MAY 9, 2020 Good golfers often look as though they aren’t working very hard. This is because they’re being more efficient and making smart decisions. You can, too. Here’s how: 1. Give it a rip Longer drives convert to lower scores. This is a proven fact and one of the most…
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Fix Your Putting Stroke

The Worst Miss: Short and low: The problem is, you're slicing your putts—here's why
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Control A Slice And Embrace A Fade

You’ll Find The Fairway With Plenty Of Power By Derek Nannen, PGA Hitting a slice isn’t all bad. If you can minimize it, then control it, a slice is actually one of the most repeatable shots you can hit. A “fade,” which is also known as a slice that still finds the fairway, can produce a…
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More Lag

How to Soften Arms to Create a Lag in the Downswing

By M.L. Rose It’s important that the club head lags behind your hands on the downswing. This hand position allows the clubhead to compress the ball, according to golf instructor Rob Akins. He recommends that golfers focus on keeping their hands in front of the club head through and past the impact zone. Many golfers…
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10 short game tricks to instantly lower your score

BY: KELLIE STENZEL, TOP 100 TEACHER  Maintain the triangle formed by your shoulders and arms at address throughout your motion. The club will hug the ground and catch every chip super-crisp. One of the most efficient ways to lower your golf scores is to improve your short game. A combination of good technique, proper shot selection,…
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These 5 simple stretches will improve your flexibility and help your golf swing

BY: RACHEL BLEIER AUGUST 26, 2020 Roll up to the course just before your tee time. Hit some golf balls. Play 18 holes. Perplexed by why you feel tight during and after your round. Does this routine sound familiar? If you’re like most golfers, you probably know how important flexibility is to the swing — Tour players…
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Tiger Woods: What you want to know standing on a par 3

By Daniel Rapaport Tour pros take in a great deal of information before hitting a shot into a par 3. What’s the raw yardage to the flag, the front of the green, and the back? Is it playing uphill or downhill, and how much? How much room do I have between the pin and the edge…
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Repairing Ball Marks: 5 Things Every Golfer Should Know

s golfers, a small amount of our time and attention can go a long way in helping to maintain high-quality playing conditions on the courses we play. Repairing ball marks on the putting greens is an easy way to make a positive impact, but the importance of ball mark repair and the proper tools and technique are often misunderstood. Here are five…
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Cedar Creek Golf Course

How to Hit a Golf Ball Straight Every Time

Hitting a golf ball straight is not easy. In fact, a “USA Today” article once listed hitting a long, straight tee shot as one of the most difficult tasks in sports. The most frustrating thing for most golfers is to see their shots slice or hook. The secret to hitting a straight shot lies in…
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A Beginner’s Golf Guide: What every new golfer should know when picking up the game

There's never been a better time to take up golf. Here's some essential advice to help you get started
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How to make the golf hole bigger when you putt, according to science

We’ve all been there. We know what it’s like. You’re standing over a makeable putt — maybe it’s for birdie, or for a clutch par — so you decide to give it a little something extra. You hit the putt firm, watch as it rolls towards the hole… and then groan in agony as it…
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Why Do Mowers Follow Me Around The Course?

Golf is the only sport where the field is being maintained while it is in play. As a result, we often see the maintenance staff during our round, especially fairway and rough mowers.
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Six keys to picking the proper putter

Recreational golfers are lousy putters, as a bunch. That generalization might sound a little harsh, but according to data collected by Shot Scope, a U.K.-based shot-tracking system, golfers with a single-digit handicap average 32.8 putts per round. Players with handicaps from 10 to 17 average 35.1 putts, while the typical golfer with a handicap between…
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Topdressing and Quality Greens

After sand topdressing is applied, it is common to hear reactions like, “The putting greens were perfect, why did the superintendent need to apply sand to them?” Remember, although some agronomic practices such as topdressing can temporarily impact playability, they are implemented for a reason – to produce the best possible putting surfaces.   Topdressing…
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Why Do Golf Courses Aerate So Much?

The word aeration stimulates negative emotions for many golfers. It may come as a surprise, but golf course superintendents also dislike aeration. After all, the last person who wants to disrupt the smoothness of the putting greens they work so hard to maintain is the superintendent. Golfers often ask, “Why is aeration needed so often?”…
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