These days men’s golf shoes come in a wide variety of designs. There are sporty trainer-styles and there are also smart golf shoes for those who favour a sharp, classic look.

This season there is a very trendy new range of Adidas Golf Shoes which look cool, impressive and offer all the aforementioned attributes. There is even a range styled on the retro casual Samba trainer.

Adidas adiCross Tour Golf Shoe

Adidas adiCross Tour Golf Shoe
The Adidas AdiCross Tour Golf Shoe comes in three colour schemes (white, black or iron with colour co-ordinated trim) and is a premium leather golf designed for the Adidas stable of tour golfers.

Adidas AdiZero Tour Golf Shoes

Adidas AdiZero Tour Golf Shoes
The Adidas AdiZero Tour golf shoe is a new edition to the Adidas golf shoe range for 2013.  It proclaims to be the lightest golf shoe ever made – an amazing 38% lighter than its predecessor, the Tour360 ATV.

Adidas adiCross II Golf Shoes

Adidas adiCross II Golf Shoes
The Adidas adiCross II men’s golf shoe offers young cool golfers a shoe with the classic Adidas street design.  This comfortable golf shoe consists of a lightweight mesh upper for street style and comfort. The sole is designed with no spikes but comes with 100 strategically placed lugs providing optimal traction and comfort in all conditions with no need to change shoes when you leave the golf course and head to the 19th hole!

Function 18 is an online shop selling a great selection of golf clothing including a wide range of golf shoes to cater for all tastes.

Galvin Green Blake Gore Windstopper Jacket

A Swedish brand, Galvin Green has built an edge on its competitors through how their in-house designers and clothing specialists are actually golfers themselves – therefore no one has a better understanding of the requirements and aesthetics of golf clothing.

To create a range of distinctive designs that will set any golfer apart on the course, Galvin Green have incorporated a bold mix of colours which can be seen in their selection of waterproofs as well as in their funky golf trousers. These vibrant pieces can be effortlessly mixed with smart golfing polo shirts as well as golf shorts to build a classic and distinctive playing look every time.

Galvin Green Melvin Golf Shirt

Strong protection has been skilfully implemented by Galvin Green designers through the use of innovative materials such as Gore-Tex®. No one likes to call off a game just because of a spot of rain, and with Galvin Green golf clothing you will not only stay protected from whatever the elements throw at you, you will also remain smart on the course.

Galvin Green Marco Golf Shirt

Every golfer knows that well-fitting golf clothing is all about freedom of movement. Galvin Green have incorporated full stretch materials to ensure you get that full freedom of swing – so not only will you look well, you will play well too.

The new season range of Galvin Green golf wear is available to buy online at specialist golf clothing retailers such as Function 18.

Golfplan offers a range of discounts off their golf insurance premiums for families

Golfplan offers a range of discounts off their golf insurance premiums for families, and if that isn’t enough of an incentive, playing with younger people could actually be one of the secrets to keeping young!

Research by a healthcare provider of 1,000 over 50s found that playing games with younger relatives, and even better, beating them, was listed amongst the top reasons for feeling and staying young.

In the survey, age – related sentiments featured several times, with the average person claiming their youth secrets made them feel 18 years younger than they actually are. Other ‘secrets’ included spending time with grandchildren and catching the eye of someone younger as major reasons to feel more alive – both of which might be achieved on the golf course!

Amongst other secrets to feeling youthful, people listed using social media; eating chocolate; dancing; flirting with a stranger and drinking lots of water. And the research company’s spokesperson added that it wasn’t just a question of feeling young but included being content with life and making time to do the things that make you happy.

So make yourself time to play golf and be content in the knowledge that you’re safely covered against the unexpected by taking out your golf insurance with Golfplan. It’s no secret that their products have been trusted by golfers for over 25 years as they are the only golf insurers to be partners with the PGA.

Tommy Hilfiger Laurence Golf Polo Shirt

The new collection, which incorporates the traditional, preppy Tommy Hilfiger styling, includes a wide range of golf polo’s, trousers and shorts ideal for keeping cool and looking stylish on the fairways this summer.

The collection has a strong focus on pastel colours and stripes this season, putting a new spin on classic Hilfiger lifestyle designs.

Tommy Hilfiger Grant Golf Polo Shirt

If the collection’s great new colours and styles don’t win you over, Tommy Hilfiger have incorporated three technical performance fabrics within the new collection, combining comfort with the functional properties required in high performance-driven garments.

Tommy Hilfiger Martin Check Golf Shorts

Ranging in price from £30 to £60 – the affordable range is a great breath of fresh air for the summer and comes highly recommended from the Function 18 team.

Shop the new Tommy Hilfiger Summer 2013 collection online at www.function18.com.

Unless you are playing golf on the greens of Florida or the south of Spain, weather conditions are never certain. That’s why using technical elements such as breathable and insulating fabrics within golf clothing will allow the wearer to maintain comfort and movement while staying protected from whatever the weather conditions have in store.

Sunice Austin Softshell Golf Jacket

One such brand that saw the potential in using the same technical fabrics found in skiwear for the creation of golf clothing is Sunice. Established in 1976 as a dynamic skiwear brand, Sunice recognised that the same protective elements used in their collection of ski clothing could also be advantageous to those playing golf – and the range of golf wear was born in 1992.

No one likes calling off a game just because of a spot of rain, and Sunice golf clothing comes with a Gore-Tex waterproof guarantee to ensure quality protection even in the dampest of weather conditions. Ideal for the year-round golfer, the high quality golf wear not only provides a technical design but also quality and stylish fits that will make sure you look the part both on and off the course.

Offering insulation that doesn’t compromise on performance, Sunice golf jackets feature insulating properties but with a completely stripped down design so that there is no unrequired material – ensuring not only a comfortable fit but also a great level of swing movement.

For additional freedom of movement, Sunice also offer a number of short sleeve cover-ups with innovative Gore-Tex materials, providing superior protection from the elements, allowing you to concentrate on your round, not the conditions.

Sunice Livingstone SS Waterproof Golf Jacket

Try out the technical designs of Sunice golf collection for your self – Sunice can be purchased from a number of leading golf clothing retailers including online golf store Function 18.

Accuracy and consistency has always been the key to the success of a golfer of any level.  But the game has changed dramatically in recent years due to several advances in the sport.

Manufacturers constantly compete to produce high quality golf clubs and balls that make it easier for golfers to hit harder and more accurate shots.  While the upper body strength and over health and fitness of professional golfers who undertake rigorous workout programs has also help towards producing a younger breed of golfer that can now play longer and more accurate shots in equal measure.

As with all professional sports, the very top golf pros are aware of the role of a good diet and the importance of sports psychology.  Many of the top players’ entourage will include personal trainers and sports psychologists to keep the body as well as the mind healthy and positive before, during and after a big tournament.

Of all the big hitters I’ve seen in recent years, it never ceases to amaze me to watch an inform, relaxed and confident Justin Rose coil and unwind his upper body as he hits a power-driving tee shot down the centre of the fairway.  The accuracy and the power he gets is amazing.  But the way his upper body twists while there is no movement from his hips down is almost cartoon-like.

Justin Rose is a perfect example for amateur golfers to follow.  He looks healthy and fit, and the power he creates comes from the suppleness and action of his body as much as the swing itself. New titanium head drivers allow even amateur golfers to hit longer drives.   But length is only as good as accuracy.  A good tip for any aspiring amateur golfer who wants to improve their handicap is to consider their suppleness and strength as much as simply attempting to hit the ball harder through the speed of the swing.

An American Caddie in St. Andrews

An American Caddie in St. Andrews: Growing Up, Girls, and Looping on the Old Course by Oliver Horovitz

A caddie since he was 12 and a golfer sporting a 1.8 handicap, Oliver Horovitz decides to spend his gap year in St. Andrews – home to the Old Course, golf’s most famous eighteen holes, where he enrolls in the St. Andrews Links Trust caddie trainee program.

An American Caddie in St. Andrews: Growing Up, Girls, and Looping on the Old Course is an amusing behind-the-scenes insight at the world’s most celebrated golf course and its equally famous caddie shack.

Free Competition

Enter our Free Competition to win a copy of An American Caddie in St. Andrews by Oliver Horovitz

To enter the competition all you need to do is correctly answer the following question:

In which country is St. Andrews – the home of golf?

a) England
b) USA
c) Scotland

Send your entries to comps@buzzinmedia.co.uk with “American Caddie” in the subject line along with your answer and your full address and contact telephone number. Entries without this information will not be entered.

This Buzzin Golf Free Competition ends on 28th April 2013.

The editor’s choice is final.

With 23-year old Rory McIlroy not playing at the event, Woods is in good stead to win the invitational and reclaim the number one spot; a place that Woods’ name has not featured since October 2010.

Speaking at a press conference earlier in the week, Tiger Woods said:

“I don’t want to be as good as I once was, I want to become better.”

The 14-time major winner has previously spent a record 623 weeks as world number one and has already this year won two of the four major events in which he has played.

Having already won at Doral and at Torrey Pines in January, bookmakers have placed Woods as the favourite to claim victory this weekend.

Speaking about the invitational, Woods said:

“Just got to win this week, not too complicated.

“Things are still becoming more efficient. You know, these two wins I’ve had this year have been built [on] some nice leads, which means I’ve played really well and things are starting to come around and become more efficient day in and day out.”

With the 37-year old eyeing up yet another title, both golf commentators and ex-professionals are predicting victory for the former world number one.

The BBC’s Golf correspondent, Iain Carter wrote:

“The 23-year-old’s closing 65 at Doral and top-eight finish were evidence that he is ready to play competitive golf rather than a game of rediscovering his swing.

“It is a big step in the right direction. Indeed, McIlroy and Woods are on the same road in that regard – all be it with the American in a more advanced position.”

To support Carter’s prediction, 83-year old and seven majors champion, Arnold Palmer, believes that Woods is already back to his best.

Speaking to the Golf Channel he said:

“He looks probably as strong and as good from a golf perspective as I’ve ever seen him.

“I think his swing and his posture and his attitude is far better than it’s been in some time, and it takes me back to when I first played with him at Augusta when he was a rookie.”

For any hints and tips on becoming a Golf champion this summer, visit the Direct Golf UK site for the best professional advice.

England’s Justin Rose and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington finished in eighth with Adam Scott.

Pre-tournament favourites Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy ended a disappointing tournament tied on five over last year.  But that has no bearing on this year’s golf betting ahead of the US Masters 2013 where Tiger Woods is closing in on Rory McIlroy at the top of the official golf world ranking list; and after winning this year’s WGC Championship title for the seventh time, is now only one average point behind Rory McIlroy.  A victory at the US Masters would see Tiger Woods regaining the #1 world ranking he held for so long before injury and personal problems caused a meltdown in 2009.

The US Masters 2013 starts the week commencing Monday 8th April with the actual golf tournament beginning on Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th April at the famous Augusta Golf Course.

Is anyone prepared to bet against Tiger Woods (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005) winning his fifth US Masters Tournament next month?

I am expecting Tiger Woods to win but hope to enjoy a battle between Woods and Rory McIlroy all the way to the final pin. If both players have a good tournament and play to their potential, the US Masters could offer one of the most exciting final rounds in recent history.  But don’t forget three-time winner Phil Mickelson (2004, 2006, 2010) has his own private love affair with the tournament and US golf fans.

At the time of writing this article, bwin golf betting has Tiger Woods favourite at 5/1 from Rory McIlroy at 9/1 and Phil Mickelson at 11/1.  The big three are followed by Brandt Snedeker,  Charl Schwartzel & the highest place Englishmen Luke Donald at 21/1.

Staff, pupils and players were delighted to raise the impressive sum for The Springfields Academy and their Charitable Trust, which supports the work of the school; the outstanding SEN Award-winning residential specialist academy works with pupils who have complex learning difficulties and challenging behaviour.

Funds raised in this particular event are going towards The Springfields Academy’s ‘Extreme Classroom’ initiative, where they plan to take a group of the most challenging and disadvantaged children to a base camp at Mount Everest for The Highest Classroom on Earth in October 2013.

A crowd of players, family, friends and over 40 golf club members took to the fairways at Woodbridge Park Golf Club in Brinkworth to support of the cause. The 18-hole course is well-known in Wiltshire for its lush greens and fairways, but also for its challenges: golfers faced water hazards, bunkers and other tricky obstacles.

Whilst no-one was lucky enough this time to sink a hole in one, Sonny Saunders, a pupil at The Springfields Academy came closest and landed his shot within only four feet of the hole, in what was a thrilling day of competitive golf. Golfer, Olly Worts, powered a huge drive of over 325 yards to win the trophy for the longest drive, and The Springfields Academy team themselves, sponsored by Parent Ruth Diver, took the winning team trophy with 103 points.

Select Windows team member, Tony Bull, took the nearest to the line award, whilst Dan Pickford of the Fare saver Busses team said, “It was a fantastic day, well organised and great fun – we’ll definitely be back next year to win that car!”

The day was supported by event sponsors Chippenham Motor Company, Box Steam Brewery and TBT Ltd. Their help was instrumental with the success of the day.

Trystan Williams, Principal at The Springfields Academy, said “I was completely humbled that so many people turned up to show their appreciation and support for our cause. The Springfields Academy team put so much enthusiasm and creativity into the event and, as I expected, the entire day was a success.”

Kevin Derby, event organiser commented “it was a wet, cold and windy day, but the support received from Woodbridge Park Golf Club and all those who attended was heart-warming, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our sponsors. Plans are already being made to make next year’s event bigger and better: we want to involve more businesses, families, and no doubt the prizes will be even more enticing.”

One of many groundbreaking initiatives of The Springfields Academy, “The Extreme Classroom” was created by Principal Trystan Williams and Alan Chambers, MBE, Former Royal Marine Commando, a renowned, determined and inspirational figure most known for his expeditions in the Polar Regions. The intrinsic belief driving this project is that pupils excel when they are challenged, pushing them beyond the limits of expectation. The unique initiative presents an opportunity for pupils to develop self-belief, overcome adversity and prove a point to themselves and others who may have written them off. Vice Principal, Jon Hamp has lead and consolidated the development of this concept since its initiation.

So far there have been two BBC documentaries covering the experience of the pupils with complex learning difficulties, on the extraordinary expeditions: The Coldest Classroom on Earth trip to the North Pole was 78 degrees north, whilst The Hottest Classroom on Earth saw the pupils, lead by Trystan himself, trek their way through an eight-day trip to the African Rift Valley, Tanzania, to the Ngoro Ngoro crater accompanied by Masai tribesmen. More of The Extreme Classroom expeditions are in the pipeline, including a climb to Everest Base Camp in 2013.