Golf Questions You're Afraid to Ask (But We Aren't!)

Golf dialogue seems simple enough when it comes time to the basics: par, birdie, dogleg, chips, etc., when it comes time to some less popular terms, it can put you at a disadvantage on the course. Our PGA Professionals often hold educational courses throughout the season, including private lessons, so being a step ahead of the game by familiarizing yourself with key terms like slice and fade helps you better understand your training.

So, what is a slice and fade? If you are a right-handed player and hit the ball that curves a little left-to-right, that is a fade. If it curves a lot left-to-right, it's a slice. However, if you are a lefty, the terms are inverted — a fade curves a little right-to-left and a slice curves a lot right-to-left. If a right-handed player hits the ball straight out to the right without any curve, that is called a push, and if they hit it out to the left without any curve, that is considered a pull. Once again, this is completely flipped for lefties.

What's a handicap? Knowing and understanding a handicap is a huge part of golf, especially when it comes to The Forest's Tournaments. So, what is it? Each hole has a number next to it, indicating the "handicap" of that hole. The higher the handicap you have, the more strokes you are "given" as you play the course, with the extra strokes typically given on the more difficult holes. Handicaps are often used to judge how a player performed compared to their average level of play instead of a straight head-to-head matchup. Handicaps allow players to compete and win against more skilled golfers based on how they each played that day. Here's an example, let's say you and your friend play on the Par 72 Bobcat Course. Your friend, with a golf handicap of six, is expected to play 78 strokes or six over par. In contrast, you are twelve handicap and expected to hit 84 strokes. So, let's say you shoot an 82 and your friend shoots an 80. Although your friend shot the lower round, you are the victor because of your handicaps!

Now, your friend is mad, but is it okay to get mad during golf? Absolutely! It is common to feel discouraged, frustrated, or bitter when you aren't playing like the pros. So, harvesting that anger and putting it towards improving is a much better method than bending your club over your knee. We suggest, if you are in a rut or just a beginner, only keep score on the holes you perform well on! Also, there is no issue with starting from the most forward set of tees.

Shaping Up For 2021

Okay, now you're gazing into the Crystal Golf Ball and seeking to become a part of the so-called Golf Capital of the World that dominates Southwest Florida's topography. With over 140 or so (mostly private) golf courses, how do you know which is the best course for you? Thanks to our two revolutionary and prestigious 18-hole golf courses, you have everything you need and more at your fingertips! With an unlimited amount of golfing goals to accomplish this season, achieving them starts at The Forest. In January alone, we have clinics, fitting days, and private lessons available to help build your confidence on the links from the beginning. 

Starting your 2021 season off with our Cobra Fitting Day allows you to get fit for a new driver, or even a full set if you schedule your appointment now. The first step to shaping up this 2021 season is to practice with a set of custom clubs designed just for you! Having a driver that is fit to your swing, you can optimize ball flight, which will lead to distance gains and improve accuracy. Such a small adjustment can help you reach your new handicap goals. In relation to your fitting, learn your yardages with every golf club. Go ahead and hit the range so you can use a shot track and work your way through the bag; that way, you know exactly how far you hit each club with full, three-quarter, and half shots.

Once you know your yardages, now you can try them out on our two diverse courses, The Bear and The Bobcat. Getting familiar with your playing style and challenging it helps you gain confidence on the course! Once you can cross off the goals you have made for yourself based on skill, you can start to break into the fun goals! With several competitions and tournaments throughout the entire season, camaraderie and laughs become the season's ULTIMATE goal.

Our members come from around the world, specifically for our staff and members' hospitality and friendliness. While you may start with skill-based goals on the course, you start to focus more on the lifelong friendships you yearn to create. While about 24.3 million people stepped on a course last year, only a few left with lifelong memories and friendships. While our club offers two prestigious courses, a stunning clubhouse, pickleball, tennis, and bocce ball courts, it's the people that create a lasting impression. So yes, you may have stepped onto a course in 2020, but your new goal should be joining a club where everyone knows your name. Whether you are searching for a hobby or a place to call home, The Forest Country Club is waiting for you! If you're interested in scheduling a private tour or seeking to gain confidence on the green, our membership director, Brenda Lanza, would love to help! You may contact her at 239-482-1310 or email her at [email protected] to find out more!