13 Ridiculous Golf Superstitions

Who knew there was such a thing in golf, but apparently every sport has its fare share of "superstitions."  The Foursum.com blog had a great post that recently highlighted some of the most ridiculous.  Number 8 has to be our favorite, I mean we all know you never wash it off....

 Original article featured on Foursum.com by Bryan Cromlish

1. Don’t Use Red Tees
This isn’t a superstition I’m prone to believing, but red is the color of stress and aggression – maybe that’s where it comes from. It’s hard enough keeping your focus on the course without added subliminal pressure.

2. People Have Their Lucky Club
I know some golfers who just love certain irons or woods – they swear by them. They take their favorite club with them and it never leaves their bag. Most of them probably don’t even remember why they love that particular club. In fact, many of them barely use their favorite.

The best I can figure is that they nailed an amazing shot with their favorite club a very long time ago. After that, they don’t want to use it because they’re afraid to destroy that memory with a bad shot.

3. Don’t Use Water Balls On Holes With Water Hazards
Somewhere inside some golfer’s head the thought occured: “Maybe a ball, once it lands in the water, is forever attracted to every other water hazard that exists.” Or, maybe the golfer who was first bit by this superstition thought that water worked like a magnet.

4. The Curse of The Stray Ball
I think this was started by people who couldn’t keep their shots on the fairway and got tired of having their balls stolen. This superstition says that if you pick up another person’s ball that was hit out of bounds, your game will be cursed and your score will suffer. I can’t hear this superstition without hearing a witch in the back of my mind chanting, “Double, double toil and trouble.”

Sure, it’s bad manners – but it’s not going to screw your game.

5. Don’t Use Found Balls During The Same Round
Okay, sometimes you’ll stumble across balls that aren’t out of bounds. The karma gods of golf aren’t going to penalize you for nabbing this ball. Well, unless you use it during the same round.

You see, if you nab another person’s ball that is in bounds, you just have to wait until the next round. Then you’ll be safe!

6. Tap The Inside Of The Cup After Long Putts
So, you just sunk a putt where the ball was more than three feet away from the hole. First, great work. Before you take the ball out of the hole, you need to tap the ball on the cup’s wall. If you don’t do this, says the superstition, you’ll suffer on every hole for the rest of your round.

The only possible explanation that I can even think of for this is that some golfers need routines. We know that pre-shot routines help golfers focus – maybe the same thing can be said for post-shot routines. If you don’t start this habit, you’ll never have to keep it up.

7. Don’t Wash The Awesome Off
Are you having a great round? Have you just birdied three consecutive holes? For goodness sake don’t wash your ball off! After all, your success on the course is clearly the result of some magical, invisible substance coating your ball and not you and your skill.

8. Use Only Low Numbered Balls
Two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw doesn’t use any balls that are numbered higher than four. Why? Because he doesn’t want a score higher than that on any hole.

Could he have won two Masters without this? Maybe, but he’s a two-time champ and I’m not calling him out.

9. Picking Lucky Clothes
Remember that round you hit a 79 in the blue Nike shirt? Then, the next day you shot 103 in a black Nike shirt? Clearly the blue shirt is just a good luck charm. Lee Bacchus, writing for Golf World, admits he falls for this superstition. He writes, “It’s a damn good thing I’m a consistently bad golfer or else I may be still wearing the same Calvin Kleins I donned when I started the game two decades ago.”

10. Don’t Keep Extra Balls In Your Pocket
It’s pushing your luck, tempting fate, and you’re going to lose whatever ball you’re swinging at – all of this because you kept one in your pocket. I’ve also heard that you should never golf with anything in your pocket, but that makes a bit more sense. Sure, something in your pocket could cause discomfort and a messed up swing – but I don’t think it alone will cause you to lose your ball.

11. Only Golf With Stuff In Your Pocket
Throwing concern to the wind, some golfers refuse to tee off unless they actually have something in their pocket. Tom Weiskoff needs three cents and three tees in his pocket, and Jack Nicklaus will only golf when he has three coins in his pocket (the denomination doesn’t matter).

12. Every Ball Has Only One Birdie In It
This one comes from Ernie Els. Again, the man has been incredibly successful – so maybe he’s onto something. If you watch Els, every time he birdies he switches balls because he doesn’t think you can get more than one birdie with the same ball.

13. Ball Marker Madness
This is another common area where superstition prevails. There are many different beliefs about ball markers – some people will only use coins with pictures of states where they played a good round and others will only use coins of certain denominations.

Crime on the Golf Course

Our friends at GolfStinks.com wrote a great article about the use of "illegal" equipment throughout commonly played sports (by non-pro athletes). They make a great point in stating as a sport who’s players claim they are “playing against themselves,” they sure are awfully worried about what everyone else is doing (or using).

Authored by Chris Chirico, GolfStinks.com:
It’s amazing what an uproar is caused when a golfer finds out that another golfer is using “illegal” golf equipment.  You know, for a sport who’s players claim they are “playing against themselves,” they sure are awfully worried about what everyone else is doing.

Let’s start with that word…”Illegal.”  That’s a funny way to put it.  Illegal…not “non-regulation,” but illegal…like the golf course S.W.A.T. Team is going to come repelling out of the trees and surround you right there on the fairway for using the old Condor golf ball.  No other commonly played sport (by non-pro athletes) refers to non-regulation equipment as illegal, only golf.  People don’t call a basketball with better grip an illegal ball.  It’s simply a non-regulation ball.  When I played softball in a league, we didn’t care if someone wore specifically softball cleats or not.  Some players didn’t even wear cleats!  The softball justice squad didn’t bust through the gates to take us down.  No arrests, no charges.

Secondly, why does it matter so much?  If you’re out playing a pickup basketball game, do you care what type of ball you have?  Do you call someone on it when they show up without a Spalding Official NBA ball?  I sure don’t, and at $90+ each, who can blame them for not showing up with one?  If you’re playing a game of touch football, do you care if you’re not playing with an official Wilson regulation NFL ball?  Of course not.  So why do you care if someone plays with a Polara golf ball?  Or an “illegally” weighted putter?  Or pretty much anything made by a company like NGC Golf?  I’ll tell you why.  Because as much as you claim to be, you’re not really “playing against yourself,” are you?

In the grand scheme of things, in relation to playing at the pro level, you and I playing on our local public (or private) course is no different than a few guys playing pickup hoops or beer league softball.  So what do you care what kind of ball someone else uses?  Why do you care if some other guy is using an ”illegally” weighted putter?  What does it matter to you if the face of somebody’s driver has “illegal” grooves?  You’re supposed to be playing against yourself, right?  So worry about what you do, not what some other guy does.  I played an entire round with a guy who used the Polara balls.  I even tried it out once!  So what do I care?

However, if there’s money on the line…well now…that’s a different story.

Swing ’til you’re happy!

a sport who’s players claim they are “playing against themselves,” they sure are awfully worried about what everyone else is doing. - See more at: http://golfstinks.com/blog/page/4#sthash.UHiFfAmk.dpuf

a sport who’s players claim they are “playing against themselves,” they sure are awfully worried about what everyone else is doing. - See more at: http://golfstinks.com/blog/page/4#sthash.UHiFfAmk.dpuf

ID8 Nation Features Polara Golf in its feature on San Diego's Entrepreneurial Scene

(KANSAS CITY, Mo.), Aug. 13, 2013 – San Diego’s perfect climate and beaches are more than tourist attractions; they are fundamental elements in the city’s flourishing entrepreneurial community. San Diego’s vast entrepreneurial landscape is featured today in the latest installment of ID8 Nation’s profiles of city startup communities. They can be found on the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s multimedia web channel on entrepreneurship.org.

“For U.S. cities striving to develop strong entrepreneurial communities, San Diego is inspiring and instructive,” said Thom Ruhe, vice president of entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation. “While its startup ecosystem is unique to the city, you can find models of innovation and collaboration that other cities can learn from and apply.”

ID8 Nation’s San Diego profile explores the growth of the city’s startup community and the factors that contribute to its diversified entrepreneurial ecosystem. With startups involved in biotech, life sciences and wireless innovations to across-the-border tech collaborations, defense contracting, sports and art, San Diego’s startup ecosystem maximizes its natural resources and diverse population. Organizations featured include startup-turned-industry-giant Qualcomm; Polara Golf; Firewire Surfboards; and Spanish-language entertainment media and service provider, Busca Corp.

The next city to be profiled on ID8 Nation is Seattle. The first city featured was Pittsburgh, and it is still available, along with San Diego, on the ID8 Web channel as well as the ID8 Nation tablet magazine. The magazine, now available via iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.com, extends the Web channel content and allows users to interact with feature stories.

Each city’s story on ID8 Nation is told through video, with supporting prose, podcasts and infographics. Visitors are encouraged to leave comments and exchange ideas. ID8 Nation also invites nominations for cities with vibrant entrepreneurial communities for future segments.

Follow the conversation on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ID8Nation #ID8Nation.

About the Kauffman Foundation
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that aims to foster economic independence by advancing educational achievement and entrepreneurial success. Founded by late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman, the Foundation is based in Kansas City, Mo., and has approximately $2 billion in assets. For more information, visit www.kauffman.org, and follow the Foundation on www.twitter.com/kauffmanfdn and www.facebook.com/kauffmanfdn.


Media Contacts:
Rossana Weitekamp, 516-792-1462, rossana@weitekamp.com
Heather Kessen, 216-574-9100, hkessen@theadcomgroup.com, The Adcom Group

Advantage Driver a Hit Among All Types of Golfers

We asked, you answered. Tell us how the Polara Golf Advantage driver has improved your golf game:

Ron Gilbert, Riverside, CA
I had the opportunity to play a round of golf with my new Polara driver last week.  It looks like I have added about 25 yards on average to my drives.  And with using my Polara balls, I am no longer rummaging around in the rough trying to find my lost balls!  My buddies told me this has been the best club that I have added to my bag in the last couple of years.

John Nolan, Murrells Inlet, SC
I love my new driver. I am straight down the middle of the fairway.  I was hitting from the gold tees, but now that I am not in the woods or in the water off the tee, I can hit from the white tees.  I had a 21.4  hcp and  I am down to 17.2.  I am enjoying the game more and my friends can’t believe how good I am getting. I have only been playing for 3 1/2 yrs.  great club and great balls.

Michael lapadula, Carlsbad, CA
I recently bought the new Polara 12 deg driver and I love it.  I started using the ultimate straight balls (75% correction) and wow, not only straight down the fairway every time but 20 yards or so further drives than I expected.  Now that I have my drives cleaned up (or should I say straightened up,  I can concentrate on the several other flaws in my game!!

Elizabeth Persinski , Pittsburgh, PA
I am getting more distance and have been complimented on the fact that my ball goes straight down the fairway.  I definitely get about 20 more yards on my drives.   It was well worth buying and wish I could get the rest of my golf game going as good as the distance my driver gets me.

Barbara Howard, The Villages, FL
I just started to play golf four years ago and have taken many lessons.  The one thing I could never do well was get distance and loft out of my driver.  Since playing with the Polara Ladies Advantage Driver my distance and loft has been awesome.  My friends can't believe how much better my drives are now.  I am 72 years old and loving the game of golf.

Jim Gularek, Dartmouth, MA
I recently bought the Polara Advantage Driver and two dozen golf balls. The first two rounds I played I hit all but one fairway and my drives were 10 to 20 yards further than my best drives with other drivers. I sold my TaylorMade driver.

John Steinkamp, Carlsbad, CA
Once on the 1st tee with my new Polara Advantage Driver in hand, please be a good shot. It was……right down the middle. I was smiling all the way to the ball; normally I’m in the lake on the right or the woods on the left. Middle fairway was a whole new territory for me.

Bill Ruzicka, High Ridge, MO
I would not trade [the Advantage Driver] for anything. I'm hitting it great and straight. My golfing buddy/scramble partner has his finger prints all over it. He's going to buy one of his own or sit and watch a winner. Best dam driver going in my book.

Marvin Chotiner, Laguna Niguel, CA
I have the H-1 driver and use the XD ball.  My slice has disappeared and I have more confidence both off the tee box and the fairway.  I don't have a fast swing and the ball hits the fairway most of the time. I believe for the recreational golfer the club and ball makes the game more enjoyable.

Gary King, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This driver performs as advertised. Combined with my Polara Golf balls I'm driving straighter and 10 to 15 yards longer than previously. At age 77 I welcome all the help I can get.

Bill Cameron, Tarpon Springs, FL
I'm 78, bothered by arthritis, and have never played better, more consistent golf. I purchased an Advantage driver - 15-20 more yds. on my drives, , consistently 8 to 10 strokes off my game! Once again it's a thrill and satisfying to play a round.  Thanks for providing the "tools" to put the fun back in my golf!

Paul Adams, Tacoma, WA
Since getting my Advantage Driver about a month ago, I'm driving it consistently further and straighter. I now outdrive my playing partners. All I need now is Polara to come up with putter to round out my game.

Gary Hanie, Farber, MO
I purchased an HL1 driver last month. After a couple of rounds getting acquainted with the new driver, all of a sudden I can hit 215-220 yard drives. I am 70 years old, 18 handicap. I will continue to be 70 years old, but, I can guarantee my handicap won't continue to be 18. I reach a lot of par 4 holes in 2 and don't have to hit long approach shots anymore. It puts more relaxation in the game for me, and now my putting has also improved. Many thanks POLARA GOLF.

Richard Hall, Phoenix, AZ
I purchased the 12 degree Advantage driver. BANG! Straight down the fairway, longest drive ever and set me up for a great round. I can actually aim left or right of the fairway for a good set up. Best purchase I ever made, Ultimate Straight golf balls and Polara Advantage driver. Thank you for keeping me in the game.

Michael Kolkjen, Rochester Hills, MI
I'm currently using your extra distance ball in conjunction with your new driver. With this combination I'm reaching places on the fairway that I have never been able to get to with a driver before, making my second and third shots easier.  The PGA needs to have separate, different rules for professionals, amateurs, and recreational golfers opening up the market for products like yours. Your products also help speed up the game because golfers are not in the tall grass or in the woods looking for their ball. I would think golf course owners would be promoting your products - faster play makes them more money.  

David Moody, Louisville, KY
I have no doubt the Advantage driver has added length to my drives. I have gone from the "short knocker" to one of the "longer drivers" in our group. With the driver and the XD balls I have not lost a ball in the last several rounds. In fact the balls are getting beat up to the point I have to replace them.

Edward Braun - Swampscott, MA
I am really pleased that I purchased this driver; in my foursome of seniors, I am now amongst the furthest off the tee.  It feels better hitting the ball and the drives even look good, gaining me several nice compliments.  Pairing them with the Polara balls is changing my game. Thanks for offering this product.

William Yaeger, Penfield, NY
Bought the new Polara Advantage driver and not only am I getting 15-25 MORE yards per average, but I've had many mis-hits "forgiven" by this driver. Especially off the toe.

Doug Coope, Mississauga, ON
I received my driver about a month ago and have been simply amazed with the change to my game. I am a weekend hacker at the best of times but the change has been unbelievable. I am 50 years old and for the last 30 years I have had a big slice off the tee with my driver. I have compensated for this by lining up with my feet pointed way left. I have lost so many balls off the tee over the years, and spent so much time hunting around in the trees that I had totally given up on the driver altogether and used a 2 hybrid off the tee no matter the distance. Once my Polara driver arrived I took it right out to the course with friends without even trying it at the range. My first drive went straight! I hit another, this time lining up in the direction I wanted to hit it. It went straight again. For the rest of that first day I hit the ball about 225 yards and on EVERY fairway. I did not lose a ball all day and shot the best score I have ever shot on that course, by far. It also gives me confidence with other clubs in my bag. It makes golf more fun and the round shorter. It is like magic! I am enjoying this golf season like never before.

Wendell Harris, Vista, CA
It still depends on my swing being right of course, but 5-6 times a round I really unload one that will be 50-75 yards further than everyone else.

George Valverde, Alhambra, CA
I am so pleased with My 47" Advantage driver that my golf partner Ronald ordered one also. When we saw the increase of at least 40 yards on my drive we knew we would decrease our scores. Thanks so much for helping us average players!

Jerry Thompson, Fairfax, CA
I am sure of distance but I am getting the ball up in the air much better, so I think that means more length, Great club.

Kerry Williams, Spring, TX
I bought one of the drivers a couple of months ago and absolutely love it. Not only does it outdrive my Taylormade, but it appears to drive regular golf balls further and straighter. I went to a golf outing recently and allowed others to try it and everyone, including some of the better golfers, agreed it was a great driver. But the best part is that using it with the Polara balls allows me to get distance in addition to straightness.

Marshall Nadler, The Villages, FL
My new driver is great. I am very happy that I purchased it and I'd like to thank Jon Chu for all of his help. I am getting more distance better than I ever did and I have recommended the club to several other people.

Kevin Pumphrey, Courtice, ON
Since I have been using the Polara Advantage driver for the past two months, I have been hitting the ball longer and straighter, particularly straighter.  I notice it rolls a lot closer to the flag when you hit it straight.  My golf buddies have taken notice.

Bill Cameron, Tarpon Springs, FL
I'm 78, bothered by arthritis, and have never played better, more consistent golf. I purchased an Advantage driver - 15-20 more yards on my drives. Once again it's a thrill and satisfying to play a round.  Thanks for providing the "tools" to put the fun back in my golf!

Dan Kelsey, Mapleton, Illinois
I have the 10.5 and 12.0 degree drivers. I also use your XDS balls. Both drivers are the BEST drivers I have ever hit. I am getting about 25 yds. more distance and hitting about 80 percent of the fairways in each round. I have never played from so many fairways ever and my average score has improved by 7 strokes! I consistently hit the ball with these drivers 250 yds. or more. In one recent round out of a possible 14 holes to use these drivers I hit 13 out of 14 fairways another first for me!! Great feel! All my golfing friends are shocked with my improvement and all of it is due to Polara Golf! That is why I am a Ambassador of this great company! Thank you for making the game of golf fun again!!

Bill Turnbull, Dallas, PA

Thank you Polara Golf!  I really enjoy hitting the ball with my new driver. It is really easy to get the hang of driving the ball 250 yards or more.

Tony Baranoucky, Sheboygan, WI
My daughter proceeded to hit about 10 or 12 straight drives about 160-180 yards without a miss. I also tried a men's 10.5 degree driver and proceeded to hit balls to areas I had not been able to reach all year.  My daughter returned to Denver, CO and me to Sheboygan, WI, where we are continuing to amaze people that we have played with in the past. I am 68 years old and was continuing to lose distance over the years. My drives were usually in the 200-210 yd range but now they are in the 220-230 range. That difference allows me to hit my second shot to the green with an 8 iron rather than a 6 which is a heck of a lot easier! My daughter has called me several times and told me how much she loves golf now and the surprise each time she plays with someone she played with in the past and now played with her and her new driver. They say they do not believe what they are seeing! All I can say is try one and I know you will become a believer!

Barbara Johnsen, Rancho Mirage, CA
Definitely getting better distance!  Love it!  Lots of "Wow!!" off the tee!