Golf’s 2015 Inaugural Event: The Tournament of Champions

Got the post-holiday blahs? Cheer up, friends: You can forget about the winter blues for a bit when the 2015 PGA Tour heads to Hawaii for the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

Some people make New Year’s resolutions—and some refuse. Whatever side of the fence you’re on, golfers can always look at the year ahead and put some thought around what they’d like their game to achieve.

Remember when Rory Mcllroy made two eagles in just three holes to beat Rickie Fowler in the third round of the Open at Royal Liverpool? We’ve seen some awesome shots this year (check out the top ten shots of 2014 by pga.com), but it’s time to say goodbye to the 2014 PGA Tour . The 99th season began last year on October 10th at the Frys.com Open in California and ended on September 28th at the Ryder Cup in Scotland. The season included forty-five official events and over 900 holes. Read on for the highlights from this season!

If you plan your vacations around golf, chances are you usually focus on which courses provide the best challenge or are most unique. But have you ever considered which clubs have the best clubhouses? These structures often set the tone for a club and help you feel miles away from everyday life thanks to their style and amenities. Check out our list of the top 10 clubhouses in America and you might just find the perfect spot for your next weekend getaway.

The (golf) heroes of the world are about to be challenged. No, we’re not talking about the latest big-screen adaptation of a comic book. The Hero World Challenge Tournament will be held from December 3-7 at the Isleworth Golf and Country Club in Orlando, Florida.

Just because outdoor golfing may have gone south for the winter doesn’t mean you can’t maintain your skill. While playing golf in your living room might not be the best idea, there are exercises for your golf muscles that you can do at home—without breaking the bank or a vase. Stay in and stay in shape for golf by creating your own daily workout routine from our favorite golf exercises. Wrist Flex

This Christmas, add some of the magic of the course underneath the tree. We’ve been playing “Santa’s helper” to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, from your boss to your co-workers to your children and grandchildren. Check out our list (and check it twice!) for the best golf gifts on a budget. The Boss For the avid golfer technology whiz, Game Golf ($199) is sure to please. An external device records your rounds using tags that attach to your clubs. After you play, plug the device into your computer to analyze your performance. Download the accompanying mobile app to track your progress on the go! You can’t go wrong with a classic golfer gift set ($39.95) — great for a beginner or an expert golfer. This one includes a deluxe golf shoe bag, a valet, and a bag cooler. Give the gift of sight with a golf scope ($17.99) that allows you to estimate the distance to the flag using an internal distance reticle. It provides a clear view with yardage clearly labeled. Leatherette pouch and wrist strap included. The Lost Golf Balls 12 Titleist Pro V1 2014 Holiday Box ($29.99), makes the perfect gift for your boss. Included is a LostGolfBalls.com Poker Chip, 2-sided Club Brush, a 30pk of Zero Friction Tees and a one size fits all glove.

While you can leave the top hat, tuxedo, and bow tie at home (unless that’s your thing), it’s important for everyone to remember basic etiquette on the course. If you’ve ever been waiting for a hole for an excessive amount of time, had a shadow come over your ball, or felt boxed in at the tee box, you know what we’re talking about. Ladies and gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to the rules of basic golf etiquette. 1) Do the honors. The player who took the lowest number of strokes on the previous hole has the honor of teeing off first at the next hole. However, if the player up-to-tee is not ready, then ready golf it is! Do your part to keep up the pace. 2) Wave players through. If you and your buddies are playing at a slower pace than the waiting group behind you, simply let them play through. 3) Pay attention and keep track of where you are in relation to other golfers. For safety reasons, always be aware of where others are hitting and stand behind or even with them. Don’t overstep the mark: it’s never wise to stand in front of a golfer (no matter how good they think they are). 4) Wondering if you should go for the green or not? If the players on the green are reachable, don’t hit your approach shot yet, even if you’re not sure you could make it. You wouldn’t want to feel rushed because of the group behind you. It’s common courtesy. 5) Calling all fellow golf ball hunters! If the course is busy and there are several groups on every hole, don’t spend more than seven minutes looking for your lost ball. (Don’t worry, Lost Golf Balls will find it later. After all, it’s what we do!) 6) Without a shadow of a doubt, be mindful of shadow hock. When another golfer is putting, don’t let your shadow obscure their line of putt. 7) Watch your step; you don’t want to accidentally step into a putting line. Be polite and walk around. 8) Think outside the box—the tee box that is. Don’t disturb a player on the tee by talking or moving during their swing. It’s not polite to stand directly behind them either. 9) Fix any marks with either a ball-mark repair tool or even a tee. That way, you can help the green heal quicker and maintain the overall aesthetic of the course for everyone. 10) Know and follow the cart path rules for the day. Some courses don’t allow carts on certain holes in an effort to keep fairways in better shape after adverse weather conditions. So please, remember to mind your P’s and Q’s on the course and we’ll tip our hats to you—before collecting those magically disappearing balls that require more than seven minutes to find. And at Lost Golf Balls, get a golf ball that minds its manners on the course.

Put away those warm-weather shorts and that polo shirt—cold weather is coming. But don’t reach for the puffiest, fur-lined coat you can find just yet. It is crucial to keep your body warm, especially your muscles for optimum performance and to prevent injuries. However, a heavy coat can restrict your movements and put your swing in jeopardy (feeling like a walking marshmallow doesn’t help much, either). Fortunately, we’ve put together some tips to help you get dressed for a round of golf on a cold day. Just as the layers in a golf ball affect its performance, layers are the key to helping you stay warm without affecting your golf game. You’ve probably been told to layer up since you were a child, and there is plenty of wisdom to that advice. By combining multiple thin layers, you can maintain your flexibility while keeping warm. There’s a practical element to layers, too: if you get too hot, you can remove one layer at a time until you feel comfortable. Try a long-sleeved shirt, a thin sweater or sweatshirt, and a light-weight, waterproof jacket on top.