BUG ME TEE

Bug me t-shirt by Golf Refugees.
https://www.facebook.com/golfrefugeespage
#golfrefugees #bugme
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A DECADE BEHIND

“Since sometime after 2005 or so, the major companies were maxed out on distance, defined as a good hit going down the fairway. Compared to real technology like, for example cell phones, golf clubs are static and that’s just the way the USGA and R&A want it” – Barney Adams, founder of Adams Golf

Golf Refugees agree with this statement. Unfortunately the current rules are designed to restrict professional golfers and not help the vast majority of golfers to enjoy golf. People who play golf as a hobby, with work and family commitments have insufficient time for practise and lessons. We need the latest technology; current golf equipment is 10 years behind what we should be using. It’s crazy and undemocratic. Why don’t we all call the rule makers bluff? I don’t give a damn about what’s in Rory’s bag. I want the latest technology which allows COR to reach the limits of physics and not the limits of a bunch of rules created to restrict a full time professional who’s been playing golf since the age of 4.
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SO YOU WANT TO PLAY GOLF: A BEGINNERS GUIDE

So you want to play golf: A beginners guide

American author Mark Twain once famously quipped that “golf is a good walk spoiled”. The frustration that so many players feel when talking about the game, could curb any possible enthusiasm that you may have had about taking it up.

The truth however is that golf is on the rise. With record numbers of courses opening every year, prize money and viewing figures in the professional ranks higher than ever and a resurgence in membership figures. So if you are thinking about taking up the game, what do you need to know?

The basics - The aim of golf is a simple one. Using a set of various clubs, the player attempts to strike a golf ball from the starting point, (the tee box) to the finish (the flag/hole) in as few strokes as possible. There are 18 holes on a professional course and each hole is given a suggested number of shots (par). On a par 5 hole the player must attempt to get from tee to hole in five shots or fewer. The winner will be the player who completes his round of 18 holes in less shots than any other player. Playoffs are held for players who finish on the same score.

What you need - Well it may sound obvious but the most important things for anybody wanting to play golf are a set of clubs and balls.

In any round a player can carry 14 clubs in their bag at any one time. The following is a typical set that most players will carry:

●        A driver (D) - Used for long tee shots

●        Woods (3w/5w, 7w) - Used for shorter tee shots or for longer fairway  shots

●        Long irons (3i, 4i) - Used for long fairway shots and to tee off on long  par 3 holes

●        Medium irons (5i, 6i, 7i) - Used for medium fairway shots and to tee off on short par 3 holes

●        Short irons (8i, 9i) - Used for short fairway shots or long pitches

●        Sand/pitching wedges (sw/pw) Used to pitch or chip onto the green or  to escape a hazard such as a bunker

●        Putter (p) Used to putt the ball when on the green

When a player is choosing their clubs they should seek professional advice to make sure they are the right size. Most good sports retailers will sell full sets at a reasonable price. Once you are more experienced,it is possible to have custom clubs made although this comes at an inflated cost.

Basic shots - There are several types of shots that all players must learn to perform if they are to master the game of golf. These include driving, iron play, chipping, pitching, and putting. Each type of shot has a different purpose and must be used at different times during the round. Understanding both your limitations and when to use the shots is key to good golf management and the rewards of getting it right are priceless. Pick the wrong shot and you could pay the penalty when it comes to scoring.

All players start each hole with what is referred to as the tee shot. This shot takes place at the ‘tee box’ which is a  predetermined distance from the flag. The length of the hole determines if the player uses a driver or an iron and the ball is struck from a tee which is a small wooden peg placed in the ground.

After playing the first shot you could be in three places. On the fairway but a fairly long distance from the hole, this is where a long-medium iron/fairway wood (3w, 5w, 3i, 4i, 5i, 6i, 7i) shot is required. You could be short of the green or in a hazard such as a sand filled bunker where a pitch or a chip is required, for this you would use a short iron or a wedge (8i, 9i, pw, sw) or you could be on the green (usually on a par 3) where a putter (p) is required.

Practice - It goes without saying that practice improves your game and that it is the fastest way to see positive results in terms of scoring. Practice gives you an understanding of how far you can hit the ball with each club and that, in turn, leads to better course management. Another key benefit is that it helps you to get into the correct position before, during and after a shot, allowing greater control and accuracy.

Looking online, there are various websites that will point you to practice drills and exercises, websites such as YouTube will give you visual tutorials and you will also be able to find your nearest driving range.

What to wear - Wearing the right thing on the golf course or when practising is essential. Companies such as Le Sports can provide you with everything that you need to look stylish and to conform to the regulations that many courses have.

When kitting out your golfing wardrobe,  remember that a large range of movement that is required for golf, so clothing must be light and loose fitting so that you aren't constricted. You must also remember that the game is played outdoors, therefore it is essential that you prepare for any inclement weather.

Most golf clubs will be for members only and even those which aren't, may have a dress code, this normally includes, tailored golf trousers or shorts, which are smart and well fitted. It is also common practice that players wear a collared sports shirt. The last thing is to make sure that you have the correct footwear. Proper golf shoes are specially designed to deal with the strain of covering lots of undulating ground and the range of movement whilst playing. The soles are normally studded to ensure good balance.

Successfully buying the right equipment and practising both the physical and mental aspects of the game will mean that you are ready to play on a full course, and unlike Twain, hopefully you will find the sport to be as enjoyable as the walk.
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NOT JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE OR RINGO

Beetles golf shirt. Not John, Paul, George or Ringo but Dung.
#golfrefugees #beetleshirt
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NO LESS MIGHTY

Some brands like to use athletic animals such as Puma, Jaguar, Reebok and are very successful. Obviously we are too dumb to follow such a path and prefer the less obvious. Here we give you the 'dung beetle black ball.'
No less mighty in our eyes.
#golfrefugees #beetleball #blackball
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FORMALDEHYDE AND CANCER AND ME

Formaldehyde, a substance widely used in consumer products including textiles, has been authoritatively judged a carcinogen despite the best efforts of the chemical industry to confuse the issue. A panel of experts convened by the National Academy of Sciences found sufficient evidence from human studies to declare formaldehyde “a known human carcinogen” linked specifically to nasal cancer and leukaemia.

Brands that still use formaldehyde as an ingredient insist that it is safe.

Consumers have a vital role to play in persuading companies to remove known carcinogenic and other toxic chemicals such as hormone disruptors from their consumer products.

Sports apparel brands; Nike, Adidas, Puma (and many others) all use formaldehyde in their apparel.

Textiles are treated with formaldehyde finishers to give them additional performance properties such as:

Anti-cling, anti-static, anti-wrinkle, and anti-shrink

Waterproofing and stain resistance

Perspiration proof

Moth proof

Mildew resistant

Colour-fast

Just ask them; why are you still using a known carcinogen in my clothing?

Why would any consumer want to buy and play sport wearing textiles containing formaldehyde?

Sports media; printed and digital, all side with the brands and not you the consumers, for they rely on brands advertising revenue. So, unfortunately, it really is up to you to ask questions and persuade brands to change to safer alternatives.

After all it is your sweating skin and body.
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SWEDEN TO SUE EU OVER HORMONE DISRUPTORS

For decades, studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have challenged traditional concepts in toxicology, in particular the dogma of “the dose makes the poison,” because EDCs can have effects at low doses that are not predicted by effects at higher doses.

Thus, fundamental changes in chemical testing and safety determination are needed to protect human health.

Current epidemiology studies link low-dose EDC exposure to a myriad of health problems; diseases, disorders and suggest that the costs of current low-dose exposure are likely to be substantial.

It is logical to conclude that low-dose testing followed by regulatory action to minimize or eliminate human exposures to EDC’s could significantly benefit human health.

EDC’s include; lead, mercury, phthalates and ethoxylates.

It just so happens that all of the above hormones disrupting chemicals in low doses are used to make polyester ‘plastic’ sportswear designed to interact with your sweating skin.

They don’t tell you that in any of the marketing blurb. The brands probably don’t even tell the sport stars they sponsor to wear them.

Sweden's environment ministry is threatening to sue the European Commission in the European Court of Justice over alleged foot-dragging on endocrine disruptors.

Environment minister Lena Ek said she is seeking the lawsuit to force the European regulatory authority to "deliver the scientific criteria so we can start moving toward a poison-free society."

Ek blamed the delays on the "European chemical lobby," which she claimed is putting commissioners under pressure.
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TOUR BAGS

We've never been keen on tour bags, always felt they were over-sized, looked awful and made from dodgy materials. Until recently we didn't perhaps appreciate all of the gear a tour pro needs. So we've had a little re-think and come up with some new features; all pockets lined with aluminium foil, a secret hidden pocket for your stash, plenty of room for all paraphernalia, enlarged teepeg holders capable of holding hypodermic needles and where possible hemp fabric is used. There’s also an optional deer-antler club cover.
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FLORIDA SNOW

'Florida snow' t-shirt. 100% pure. #golfrefugees #floridasnow
There's much more than sunshine in Florida. Why do so many tour pros live in Florida?
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WHAT ARE PHTHALATES?

You may have heard about a class of chemicals called phthalates, most notorious for their hormone disruption. They’re found in a variety of consumer products including polyester (plastic) sports apparel, and based on a law passed in 2008 a USA government panel was tasked with reviewing the science around health effects of these chemicals, despite intense meddling from the chemical industry.

A commission of scientists issued a long-awaited report last month recommending a ban on toxic compounds called phthalates in children’s articles.

Despite the chemical industry’s relentless campaign to overturn the ban on these extremely toxic chemicals, we are heartened that the science and concern for the protection of children’s health won out, at least at this step of the process.

The decision was based on anti-androgenic activity of phthalates, where these chemicals were associated with blocking the action of androgens, the hormones responsible for male characteristics.

What are phthalates?

Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible. Phthalates have been linked to serious health concerns including early puberty in girls (a risk factor for breast cancer), birth defects, asthma, fertility issues, obesity, reproductive harm in males, DNA damage to sperm, and decreased sperm counts. The World Health Organization and the United Nations released a report in February 2013 identifying phthalates as endocrine disruptors that interfere with important developmental processes in humans and wildlife.

Implications

The report called for better information on the hazards and exposures to people and more evaluation of the potential risks. The regulatory systems currently in place is woefully ineffective, leaving the American public unprotected.

The scant data available on phthalates and their alternatives frustrated the scientists as they tried to make sound decisions on the safety of the chemicals, particularly for children. The report stands as a clear and urgent message that Congress needs to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act to provide real protection to the public and especially our children

Next steps

The recommendations on phthalates now go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission for action, which must consider the proposal within the next six months. Industry will no doubt continue to fight these health protective measures in favour of their bottom line. Advocates will be there, in fewer numbers but with stronger scientific grounding, to ensure the CPSC stays focused on their mission to protect children and the broader public from toxic chemicals.
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DJ REHAB

For DJ's all over the world.

Golf Refugees 'DJ rehab' t-shirt. 100% pure. Available from all good drug-stores.
#golfrefugees #djrehab
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HIDE AND SEEK

Which is the only professional sports association who keeps punitive punishments for rule violations behind closed doors? Yes, that will be Golf and the PGA Tour - the professional golfers addiction tour.

Hence whenever a golfer leaves the tour unexpectedly without explanation everyone else has a pop as to the ‘real’ reason why.

Instead of endless speculation of drug abuse, why not just come clean?

The PGA’s policy doesn't protect the image of the PGA Tour or it’s golfers by hiding.

If athletes fail a drug test the media report the substance(s) found in the initial blood sample. They are suspended and if confirmed in a B sample, banned for a period of time. No cosy deals behind closed doors. Which golfers have escaped steroid abuse, beater blockers and recreational drugs? Just avoid the deer antler spray.
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