Golf modalities in Mallorca
Stroke play, match play and other ways to enjoy the game
If you like this sport, playing golf in Mallorca is a real joy. Do you know that there are different modalities with different standards? In this article, we want to introduce some of them.
Variants of golf in Pollensa
We don't intend to make a very long article, so we are only going to consider some of the most popular or significant options. Do we comment them?
Stableford
It's the most frequent in local tournaments, because it allows the ball to be lifted when the result is bad, so it saves time in games. The scores, which take into account each player's handicap, are assigned in relation to the pair: albatrosses, 5 points; eagle, 4 points; birdie, 3 points; pair, 2 points; bogey, 1 point; double bogey and following, 0 points.
Medal play
In this case, it's played by shots. It's common in professional tournaments and wins who takes the ball to the hole in the least amount of impacts.
Match Play
It's the other usual alternative in professional championships. The score is established in each hole: whoever does it in fewer strokes wins it and, in the end, the holes won by both rivals are added and compared. If one of them has more advantage than the missing holes, the match ends.
Greensome
Is played in pairs. The two members of the same team leave each hole and choose the best ball of the two. Then they play it alternately, starting with the first one who picked up his ball when he left.
Fourball
Known in Spanish as the “mejor bola”, it's a competition for 4 players who play their balls and score for holes (as in the Match Play). It's the most common among friends.
Now that you know a few alternatives, remember that you can practice your favorite modality in the Pollensa golf courses. Playing golf in Mallorca is wonderful!
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Golf, a noble and elegant sport, is still a competition. That's why there should be clear rules that everyone accepts. If you want to know what a golf referee does, below some of their functions are explained.The behaviour and discipline of golfers are essential for the game to be brought to a successful end and for a fair competition.Functions of a golf refereeThis professional's role is not so much to punish or rule infractions, but to prevent or avoid them.This work is carried out by accompanying the players around the golf course. The golf referee is the person who judges the situation and makes decisions in cases that may be controversial.FunctionsThe following are among the golf referee's main tasks:- They must ensure that the golfer has counted his/her clubs on the tee of the first hole.- Find out if the player can identify his/her own ball on the tee.- Let the golfer know if it has been placed correctly.- Alert whether the drop that is going to be carried out is valid or not.Requirements to become a golf refereeTwo of the conditions established for applicants to become a golf referee are: to have been federated for the last 4 years and to have a handicap of less than 18.The relevant theoretical test must be passed with a score higher than 80%. This is on the subjects that a referee must have a strong knowledge of, among which are the 34 rules that govern the sport.Other important issues within the broad knowledge base required are etiquette, shots, holes and relief situations.Now that you know what a golf referee does, you can feel confident when you play under his/her watch. -
The hit of the ball is very different depending on several factors, such as the place of the field from where you play or the strategy you are using to win a particular hole. It's very important to know when to use a stick or another, which shot is the best and which elements condition the shot. Therefore, below we show you the different types of strokes so that you know how to choose the best one on each occasion.First shotIt serves to start the game and is done from the tee. It's necessary to calculate the length and the design of the hole to be able to choose the suitable stick, although it's advised to use the wooden ones when the hole is long.DriveIt's used for long distance shots, both from the tee and from the fairway. It's the best to bring the ball as close to the green as possible.PuttIt's the ideal stick for short distance shots, with its shot the ball only rolls and doesn't detach itself from the ground. It requires greater precision, so it's necessary to calculate well the force and direction of the shot.ApproachIt's used to bring the ball closer to the green. It's a blow where rhythm is very important. In addition, the contact between the ball and the club must be smooth and controlled.Safety shotIt's a strategic hit that's made to place the ball in a more favorable position in the next shot. Mostly it's used to avoid obstacles such as water, a bunker or any other element.ChipIt's a short and low shot to approach the ball to the green. The iron that's chosen depends on the distance to reach the green.PunchFor this type of shot a shorter swing than usual is performed and is usually used to prevent the ball from hitting the branches of the trees. It also minimizes the effect of the wind. It's a shot with which distance is lost, but rewarded with control.Flop A shot totally opposite to the previous one, since it's used to achieve a greater flight, enough to surpass any obstacle.Now that you have it a little clearer, we hope that you come to Golf Pollença to practice your strokes. And if you need us to advise you, sign up to our academy and learn from the best professionals. -
The first thing to keep in mind is that golf is a sport in which you need concentration, precision and coordination. Starting in this sport can be intimidating at first. So, if you're ready, here you have a few tips to start playing golf in the best way.1. Sign up for classesLearning on your own is a complicated task. The best way to start in this exciting sport is to take classes with a professional who knows how to tell you at all times how to improve your gestures and postures. Remember that in Pollensa Golf you can take classes with the best professionals.2. Get the necessary equipmentAt the beginning, it's enough if you rent the equipment. In Golf Pollença we can offer you the ones that you need. But if you're ready and want to get your own club equipment, we recommend that at first you only buy the basics to begin with.3. PatienceAt first, it's difficult to go directly to an 18-hole course. It's best to practice for a while before venturing on a long field. Another good option is to play a game of Pitch and Putt, a type of golf that is played in a field of reduced dimensions.4. Warm up wellIt's true that golf is not a rough sport, but during your practice many joints of the body move, so it never hurts to perform a good warm-up before you start playing.5. Keep your feet on the groundSurely you've seen more than one professional on TV making turns with their feet when making a swing. But if you are starting now, it's best to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground when hitting the ball, so you'll not lose sight of it.6. Always with a gloveAt the beginning, we hold the sticks with excessive force and this can cause blisters. So, before you start playing, take off the rings and put on a glove. You will appreciate it.7. Do not despairThe beginnings can be hard. Don't expect to send the ball to 100 meters and direct the ball to where you want. You have to practice a lot and, even so, in golf there're more bad days than good ones. But the good ones are wonderful.With these simple tips you're ready to start this exciting sport. We wait for you in Golf Pollensa! -
There are many different models and types of golf clubs on the market. However, if you are looking to buy the golf clubs which are best suited to you, you should keep the following things in mind:"How to choose golf clubs"Materials:Steel clubs are the heaviest but provide more control. However, graphite clubs are the most commonly used and widely recommended because of their lightness.A right-handed or a left-handed person:If you are buying golf clubs, check to see if they are designed for a right-handed or a left-handed person. This is one of the most important criteria when buying.Durability and rigidity:The materials the golf club is made from will affect its durability and rigidity. Clubs which are less rigid will give you more height and distance.On the other hand, if what you are looking for is speed, you will need a more rigid club.Weight:Steel clubs are heavier and allow us to be more accurate with our swings. There are also hybrid golf clubs that combine materials to achieve intermediate results without you having to use a heavy club.The shape and the "head":The shape and the "head" of the club will help determine the thrust of the ball.These features will allow you to influence the ball's trajectory in one way or another.The handleAs well as the head of the golf club, another element to consider if we want to buy the best golf clubs is the handle.The handle of the golf clubs should give us a good grip and be comfortable. Price:Price is another factor that will influence our decision when buying golf clubs.The price will vary depending on what features we are looking for in our golf club.It is very important that you are clear with regard to these aspects before buying golf clubs since your set of clubs has to be suited to you, your physical characteristics and your style of play.