Category Archives: Golf

Get In The Swing Of Things And Learn These Amazing Golf Tips!

If you already knew the keys to golfing success, you wouldn’t be here reading this, and you’d have probably written a best selling golf book. However, since you are viewing this article then hopefully there are tips here that will help improve your golf game.

You can implement this subtle research into your own style, which helps create a stance and methodology that is perfect for you. Your stance depends on your gender, size and height. When you find the proper stance for you, your game will improve.

Be sure that all of your attention is dedicated towards your next shot. Don’t allow the success or failure of previous shots or looming hazards distract you from the perfect shot in front of you. Worrying about mistakes or hazards will take your mind off the current swing. Put them aside, and focus on the present.

Be sure to drink enough water and stretch properly just like you would during any other sport. Giving proper attention to your body will help you make improvements in your golf game.

Knowing how to keep track of your score is a crucial element of playing golf. You should know how to keep score because you can judge how good you and friends did. The score, in its basic form, is every swing is counted as a stroke, and the number of strokes it takes to reach the hole is the score for that hole. The goal is to minimize the number of strokes it takes you to get the ball into the hole.

Before you take your shot, make sure that you align the rear of your forward facing foot with the ball. Every other shot requires that your ball is between your feet as you swing. The ball may be off center during shots that are sitting on a slope.

If you really want to improve your golf game, it helps a lot if you can become mentally prepared to play. Forget about your stress and focus on your game.

Before you buy a golf club, you may want to think about getting custom-fitted for it. No two golfers are exactly alike, so it naturally follows that no single club works equally well for all golfers. Getting the club that suits your body can help your swing.

Make sure that you are holding your golf club correctly before you swing. The handle must rest on top of your palms while your thumbs are pointing down. Both hands will be touching each other on the club. When you want to hit your shot as far as possible, you must choke the club slightly as you swing.

Don’t get caught trying to have an abnormal posture. First, try addressing the ball with no club. Assume a posture where you are bent a little forward at waist and knees. See if your arms are in a good position to swing the club. Clasp your hands together as if you were holding the club. You should feel completely comfortable while in this position. If you feel tight or uncomfortable, relax your body more or shift your weight.

Always stand a few feet behind your golf ball, and keep your gaze on the spot where you want it to land. Then you need to take the wind speed and other factors into consideration. Taking the time to consider these factors will give you a better alignment, and make it easier to direct the ball. Once you have all these factors determined and pieced together, you can address the ball confidently, knowing you have the destination in mind.

Deep Breath

Take a deep breath before hitting the ball. A deep breath will center your focus on the ball and calm your nerves. Take the time to visualize the destination you want your ball to go to, and take your swing. Taking some deep breathes can help you stay calm if you are competing in golf.

If you learn from other people’s mistakes you will be able to have a better time than if you had to deal with your own mistakes. If you wish to develop a better game, apply these tips and keep practicing until you get better.

Get Better At Golf With These Amazing Tips

Whether you’re an experienced or inexperienced golfer makes no difference, if you believe that eagles and birdies are limited to the realm of birdwatchers. There are plenty of challenges, as well as opportunities for any golf player, no matter how skilled. Before teeing up, look through this set of handpicked tricks and tips to get insight about this sport.

By experimenting with different feels while on the driving range, you will have a better chance to find a stance that allows you to swing comfortably. Finding a good stance is essential, but several variables, including body type, height, and gender can affect which stance is best. However, taking the time to find this ideal stance will do wonders for the rest of your game.

Entire Body

Make sure to use your body to your advantage while you play. Your entire body–not just the arms–should be viewed as a major source of power. Your entire body needs to be involved in moving your club. This will send the ball further on long shorts, help you to control putts and get that ball into the hole in less tries!

When you first start out playing golf, it is important you understand how to properly grip the club. Most commonly, people try to grip the club hard in hopes of hitting the ball further. The best grip is actually soft, yet firm. Think of the golf club as if it were a bird.

You can find flaws in your stance by using a toe-wiggling exercise. If it is difficult to wiggle your toes when preparing to swing your club, this indicates you are leaning too far towards the ball. Proper posture is incredibly important when swinging. To find the right posture, try gently leaning back until your feet feel comfortable and aligned.

Sweet Spot

The sweet spot on a club is where the ball meets with it, and is then launched with perfect accuracy. Practice with clubs to find their sweet spot, and remember to have those spots contact with your ball on your downswing.

Give every shot 100% of your attention. Do not let water hazards or unsuccessful shots intimidate you when making your next shot. Thinking about past mistakes or future actions takes your mind off the swing, so do your best to just move on and forget about them.

To keep your energy up on the golf course, you should bring a snack with you. Foods high in protein, like nuts and seeds, are the perfect golfing companion. Golfing can tire you out physically and mentally. You can get some extra protein from the snacks and you will be sharper and less tired throughout your golf game.

Refrain from using a unnatural stance. Practice standing without holding your club. Stand at the same distance from the ball you would stand if you were holding the club. Flex your knees, bend your waist slightly, let your arms down in a natural way. Clasp your hands together firmly. If the position you are in feels awkward, it is likely not a good one. Keep it simple.

Now that you have taken the initiative to learn something new about the sport of golf, you can impress your golfing buddies (or that gorgeous pro shop attendant) with the information you’ve just picked up. Look for new ways to apply these skills to your current game, to make the game even more challenging and engaging.

Smart Tips To Build Up Your Golf Game

While golf can be a frustrating game, always keep in mind that you are playing a sport that allows you to stay outside and enjoy nature. Slicing a ball to the right or hooking it to the left are some of the many frustrating shots you will encounter while playing golf. Golf is a game that requires a whole lot of skill and even more patience. Choosing the right clubs for whatever kind of shot you are taking is key to becoming an excellent golfer. Keep reading for a handful of useful tips.

It is a great idea to consult with a golf pro prior to investing in new clubs or other equipment. They can help you find the club that best suits you and will know about the newest available clubs.

Make sure to use your body to your advantage while you play. Don’t just rely on your arms for power, use the formidable power of your entire body. Your body should be fully involved in moving the club. By putting your whole body into your swing, not only you will take some of the stress off of your arms, your shot will be propelled further.

For beginner golfers, learning to grip the club properly is key. Many people think gripping a club hard can make the ball go further. A better approach is to employ a grip which is firm but softer. One popular piece of advice given by instructors across the country is to envision that you are trying to keep hold on bird.

A good tip to improve your golf swing is to use your whole body for power. Beginning golfers often assume that the swing is all in the arms, but if you use only the strength in your arms, then your drives will literally come up short. Your whole body’s movements must be synchronized to produce a great swing of the club.

If you wiggle your toes in a certain way, you will be able to get over any problems in your stance. If wiggling the toes is difficult when the golfer prepares to swing, it indicates that he or she is leaning too far in towards the ball. The player should lean back as much as possible to improve their posture.

Sweet Spot

There is a particular spot on a club that, when it hits the ball with a well-aimed swing, produces the most accurate shot. Golfers call this the “sweet spot”. You may need to experiment with your clubs in order to find your sweet spot. Furthermore, when you make this contact, your club should be at the top speed.

Be sure that all of your attention is dedicated towards your next shot. Don’t carry with you the mental weight of your last shot, regardless of its success or failure; nor should you get distracted by the water hazard you are approaching. Dwelling on past mistakes will only beget more of them, so let them go and move on.

Always stretch your muscles before and after your golf game, and always stay hydrated. Tending to your body’s needs will help you play your best game.

Snacks are important during the game, but it’s recommended to bring something with a high protein value, such as nuts. Golfing can tire you out physically and mentally. By enjoying a snack designed to keep you focused and energized, you will have a better chance to finish your round with gusto.

To better your skills, stand in the proper position. How you are standing will dictate the velocity of the ball’s flight. If your slouch goes too far or even not far enough, then your ball isn’t going to get a lot of distance from your shot.

Most players benefit from using a hybrid club, regardless of their level of experience. This kind of club can be controlled more easily than a wood and has a head larger than the one on an iron. Hybrid clubs may prove to be the biggest improvement to the sport in decades.

Simple Tricks For Improving Your Golf Game

Of course, if you knew how to play golf perfectly, you would be writing your own golf tips articles and making lots of money! If you’re reading this, then you should find some great tips to make your game better.

You will eventually find the best stance for you. Proper stance is essential, but it is not the same for everyone. However, taking the time to find this ideal stance will do wonders for the rest of your game.

If you have the opportunity, ask a professional his or her opinion on a club, or certainly on a set of new clubs you are considering purchasing. A professional should be able to help you with this important decision. They will have information on the newest clubs, and can help you choose a set that is a good fit for you.

One of the first things you want to get down when learning golf is the proper grip for all of your clubs. A mistake made by many is gripping the club too tightly, thinking it will add weight to the club. A better approach is to employ a grip which is firm but softer. One popular piece of advice given by instructors across the country is to envision that you are trying to keep hold on bird.

Giving your toes a wiggle can tell you a lot about your posture when you are ready for a golf swing. You may be leaning in the wrong direction if you can easily move your feet, so don’t distance yourself so much from the ball. Lean forward, toward the ball. You should still be able to move your feet slightly.

Be sure that you keep all your focus on the shot you’re going to take next. Do not let the previous successful or unsuccesful shot, or the upcoming water hazard, take you away from the hit you are about to make. Getting hung up on a mistake you’ve made or celebrating a great shot for too long can ruin the rest of your game. Good or bad, it is in the past, so keep it there by putting it from your mind.

When you are putting, you should address the ball with your left hand ahead of the ball. Sustain this position as you take your swing and follow through on your stroke. This helps to get a smooth roll of the ball and prevents the ball from popping up as it meets the putter.

To get a strong swing going, you have to use all of your muscles, particularly your trunk and legs. Push down with your legs while you throw your body forward and through your club.

As you take your driving shot, your front heel should be in line with your ball. Place the ball squarely between your feet for all other swing types. The ball may be off center during shots that are sitting on a slope.

Custom golf clubs are the very best and are well worth the investment, if you golf even semi-seriously. Your various dimensions, such as height and weight, will reflect differences in how the club should be shaped. Getting the club that suits your body can help your swing.

When playing golf, it’s a lot easier to learn from other players’ mistakes that to have to learn from your own mistakes. If you have the passion for golf, then you will take these tested tips, that others have learned the hard way, and apply them to your own winning and wonderful game!

Great Golfing Tips That Will Help You Win

This article is full of helpful advice if you are looking to improve your golf game. With a little new knowledge, and a lot of practice, your game will be on the up in no time at all. Continue reading to learn what it takes to better your golf game and start beating your playing partners!

This will ensure that you optimize your stance. Proper stance is essential, but it is not the same for everyone. However, taking the time to find this ideal stance will do wonders for the rest of your game.

Therefore, you should stretch prior to playing, and always drink lots of water. Taking care of your body can add to your golfing success.

A powerful golf swing requires you to use your abdominal, back and leg muscles but the finesse of the swing comes from the movement of your wrist. You need to whip your body around during the swing, deriving strength from your legs as they push against the ground.

A neutral grip is best. If the golf club is gripped too tightly, shots will generally veer to the right. If you’re holding the club too loosely, it tends to veer to the left. If you have the right grip, you can control the direction your ball will go in.

When playing golf, you should be both mentally and physically prepared. Leave all the stress in your life elsewhere for just a while and concentrate on the game at hand.

Before you purchase any golf club, be sure to check your club heads! A worn, shiny area on the head of the club may be an indicator that the club was used excessively. These clubs will not be able to hold the ball like they should.

When you are squared into position to take a swing at the ball, try to give your hips a swing as you move, so that you are distributing your body weight from your back foot, onto your front foot. This can increase how far your ball travels by boosting the power of the swing.

Golfing with others who play at your level can keep your confidence up. When you are new to golf, choose courses that are easy and play with others who are just beginning. Challenging very hard courses, and playing with semi-professional players, is only going to crush your spirit.

Golf Ball

When striking the golf ball, make sure the club’s face is square with the ball. This will keep the direction of your shot straight and true. If your club is not squared up with the golf ball, the ball will launch off in a different direction than you originally intended. Try different grips and stances until you can hit the ball perpendicular to the club every time.

Always make sure your feet are in the proper position. Here is one way to test whether or not you are standing in the proper position: Without moving either foot, attempt to tap all of your does repeatedly. It should take little effort to perform this test successfully. Wiggling your toes is hard if you’re leaning too much towards the ball and excessively easy if you’re leaning back too much.

Although not every tip in this article will work for each individual golfer, you should have been able to pick up a few things that will help you better your game. Implement some new techniques, switch up your swing or get a better grip, and you will soon discover yourself winning more rounds and a much greater enjoyment of this great game of golf!

Read This If Your Golf Game Is Stuck In A Sand Trap

Without patience and a willingness to develop your skills, you will have difficulty on the golf course. The goal of golf is to put a small ball into a small hole with a variety of different golf clubs. It sounds easier than done, right? Read on for some solid advice on how to play like a pro!

This will help you figure out the stance that works best for you. The right stance can vary a lot depending on your body type, weight, height and gender. When you can identify and maintain the proper stance, your overall game will greatly improve.

Wiggling your toes can determine whether your golfing stance will be effective. If wiggling the toes is difficult when the golfer prepares to swing, it indicates that he or she is leaning too far in towards the ball. Ideally, your stance should allow for just enough backward lean to allow for movement in the feet.

Don’t take yourself, or the game of golf, too seriously. Everyone makes mistakes and the ability to laugh at them will help you to learn from your flubs and relax while you play.

Sweet Spot

Each golf club in existence has it’s own “sweet spot.” When you hit your ball squarely with the sweet spot on the face of the club, your ball takes off with perfect accuracy. Work with each of your clubs to find this “sweet spot.” Once you do, contact the ball with the club’s sweet spot right at the end of your downswing.

Focus 100% on your upcoming shot. Don’t think about your past shots or the water hazard you’re going to have to face; don’t get distracted from the very next shot that’s up. Getting hung up on a mistake you’ve made or celebrating a great shot for too long can ruin the rest of your game. Good or bad, it is in the past, so keep it there by putting it from your mind.

If you are right-handed, swing the putter with the left hand in front of the ball at the point of impact. Hold this position as you swing the club, maintaining it throughout your stroke. This will minimize the chance the ball will skip off the face of your club at impact, and makes it easier to maintain control of your stroke.

If at all possible, golf with strong players and pay attention to their technique. You can benefit from the experience of other players by just watching them. You need not engage a pro to benefit from the company of a superior player. By watching how superior players golf, you will be able to pick up new techniques and hone your skills further.

When holding your club, utilize a neutral grip. A grip that is overly tight will pull your shot rightwards. Inversely, holding your club loosely will cause the ball to go left. Analyze what direction your shots are traveling in, and then make alterations to your grip accordingly.

See to it that you’re holding the golf club the right way before your swing. Your thumbs should be pointing downward while the handle rests on your palms. Your hands should be touching. To strike the ball father down the fairway, choke upwards on your club.

Golf is a sport incorporating silence, skill, and accuracy. The point of golf is to get the ball inside of the hole. Using the tips in this article will make the game easier, more fun and significantly more winnable for you in the future.

Read This If Your Golf Game Is Stuck In A Sand Trap

Lots of things we try to do in our lives need a lot of precision and concentration. Gold presents a prime example of this truth. Golf is a game that requires skill and precision; even the slightest break in concentration can throw your entire game off. It’s difficult to master, but that’s part of what makes it interesting. Read this advice on how your golf game can be rapidly improved.

Learning to use your body as part of your golfing strategy can produce marked improvements in your score. Your arms shouldn’t be the only source of strength; your whole body should be! Learn how to take advantage of all of your body’s strength as you swing. You are then more likely to hit the ball farther without swinging your arms as forcefully.

Put your whole body behind your golf swing. Just relying on arm strength, as novices tend to do, will not produce a strong, smooth swing. Your whole body’s movements must be synchronized to produce a great swing of the club.

A simple way to spot possible problems with your golf stance is to use the toe-wiggle procedure. Try to take a swing, if you are having difficulty wiggling your toes while doing so, then you are leaning in too far in favor of the ball. The player should lean back as much as possible to improve their posture.

One good suggestion where golf is concerned is to not let yourself get too serious over the game. All sports contain mistakes, and this is no different. You need to be able to laugh off your errors if you want to continue being relaxed about playing the game.

Sweet Spot

There is a “sweet spot” on every golf club, which is where you always want to hit the ball to get the best accuracy. Instead of practicing with only one club, you should try each one to discover the best way to hit that sweet spot.

Always stay focused on the next shot. Do not let water hazards or unsuccessful shots intimidate you when making your next shot. Dwelling on past mistakes will only beget more of them, so let them go and move on.

While putting, use your left hand to guide the ball by making sure it is slightly in front of the ball. Putt the ball, keeping your hands steadily in this position as you follow through. You will then be able to hold the position of your golf club and stop the ball from going off the front of the club.

Make sure you do get plenty of stretching in and hydrate yourself sufficiently. To become successful with golf, take care of your body.

Golf Club

Keep proper alignment with your feet. This simple step is considered to be one of the most important parts of maintaining a consistent swing. You want to line up your feet perpendicular to the direction you want the ball to travel. A way of accurately determining this is lining the golf club up beside your feet. The golf club end will point in the direction of the ball travel.

If you desire to improve in golf, you need to make sure that you’re standing while having the right position. Your stance is the number one determinant of ball flight distance. If you are not bending over enough, or too much, your ball will not travel that far.

In golf, swing your hips swiftly so that you may shift weight from your back foot to your front foot during a swing. This will increase the power of your swing and the distance the ball will travel.

Try out tips like the ones you’ve just read above to help keep your game going as smoothly as possible. Employ what you’ve just learned here and you can continue to get better at golf, no matter how long you’ve been playing the game.

Get Your Swing On With These Great Golf Tips

If you want to try a new sport, give golf a shot. Golf is a fantastic way to spend more time with your friends while getting fresh air. Golf is a game that requires more than just some physical exercise, it will exercise your mind, as well. Apply the advice presented here to begin playing golf. You may find that it will soon become one of your favorite things to do.

Before you spend a few hundred on a new set of clubs, ask a professional what sort of clubs might work for you. This is something you should know because a professional will be able to aid you in club selection and will know what types have been created lately.

A helpful tip when it comes to golf is to not take it too seriously. All sports contain mistakes, and this is no different. You need to be able to laugh off your errors if you want to continue being relaxed about playing the game.

If you are staring down a really long putt, then you should concentrate your focus on what speed you hit your ball with. Try to hit a target in between your current location and the hole, rather than trying to get the ball in the hole using only one shot. This strategy will likely shorten the distance required of your second putt.

Rank Player

If you’re going to be a golfer, take the time to learn how to properly fill out a scorecard. Your average score gives you an idea of whether you are a D-rank player or an S-rank player. Count each time you hit the ball, call it a stroke, and add the times it takes to get it in the hole! You want to reach the hole in the least amount of strokes possible.

Use a neutral grip on your golf club. If the golf club is gripped too tightly, shots will generally veer to the right. On the other hand, tightening the grip too far will have the reverse effect and cut a well-aimed ball towards the left. Correct your grip by using the direction of the shots.

Take a small snack rich in proteins with you, such as nuts for instance. Golf is a game both physically and mentally exhausting. The nutrients of your snack will sharpen your mind and ward off fatigue, keeping you focused for all 18 holes.

Check the club head – before you buy a used golf club! You will be able to easily notice wear and tear on clubs that have had a lot of use in the past. This wear means less action from the grooves in the club that are designed to give you the best chance for distance and accuracy.

Golfing with others who play at your level can keep your confidence up. When you are new to golf, choose courses that are easy and play with others who are just beginning. Don’t crush your enthusiasm taking on tough courses and competing against those who are much better than you.

As stated above, golf is a great sport to get both physical and mental exercise while hanging out with friends outdoors. So, if you are looking forward to taking up an engaging new sport, look no further. These easy tips will help you start playing golf and be on your way to a happier, healthier you.

A Golfer’s Handy Resource – Tips You Should Consider

Golf is a famous game that has been immortalized in quotes by some of the most famous authors in history, like Mark Twain. There are things that can be very frustrating when it comes to golf, such as wind or your ball landing in a sand pit or a lake. If only we all could have an expert caddy to provide guidance as we played! To become a much better golfer, you need to know which clubs are best. The tips you are about to read will get you started.

Wiggling your toes just before your stroke is a good indicator of your readiness for a good swing. If your feet are easy to move, you’re leaning too far from the ball. The proper position would be to lean into the golf ball, allowing your feet to move slightly, but not overly much.

Regarding the game of golf, try not to obsess over it. You will be able to relax and have fun if you recognize that mistakes happen to everyone and are simply a necessary part of the learning process.

It is crucial that you maintain all of your minds focus on the shot that you will be making the next time it is your turn to swing. You don’t want to let anything around you alter your success, don’t let any unsuccessful shots or something like water make you worse. Stressing over bad shots has been the downfall of many players, so learn to let go.

Put your left hand before the ball while putting. Attempt to maintain the position for the duration of your swing. This will stop the ball from leaping off your club when you hit it and keep your club in proper position.

One excellent way to improve your game is to play with people that are better than you and observe how they approach the game. You can benefit from the experience of other players by just watching them. Any golfer who’s more skilled than you can help you. A golfer at a professional level isn’t required. Not only should playing along with a better golfer help encourage you to put forth more effort, you can also glean ideas relative to strategy, composure, and swing technique.

So you need to drink lots of water and do your stretches before you play. Tending to your body’s needs will help you play your best game.

Have a neutral grip for your club. Holding your club too tightly when you swing will usually make your shots turn right instead of going straight. By the same token, an excessively loose grip will pull the ball leftwards. Use the way your shots go to figure out the right grip for yourself.

When lining up on the tee, make sure that the ball is aligned with the heel of your forward foot. For most of your shots, you will want your feet to align with the ball. Imagine that you are making a triangle with your feet and the ball acts as the top of the pyramid. If you are hitting while on a slope, you will want to avoid centering the ball.

Hybrid Club

One new piece of equipment that has proven to be useful for beginners and professionals alike is the hybrid club. More manageable than a wood and more powerful than an iron, this club gives all golfers a chance to be more consistent when at longer distances. Many golfers over the last decade agree that one of the biggest positives that they have made to their game was the addition of a hybrid club to their bag.

Effective Strategies To Help Improve Your Golf Game

Golf is a sport that requires the discipline of technique learned through practice. Learn to swing the club correctly. Make sure you are aware of other things having to do with your golf game that will play a part in a good game. This article can help you better your game.

One way to check for correct posture before you swing is by wiggling your toes. If you can do this without difficulty, you are probably leaning too far back from the ball. Lean toward the ball, moving your feel a little. If you move your feet too far, it does not work the way it should.

Don’t take golf too seriously. Certain errors can occur and laughing at these errors will relax you, so you can refocus on the game.

A great tip for putting is when you address the ball, your left hand needs to be in front of the ball. Attempt to maintain the position for the duration of your swing. When you do this, you maintain a solid grip on your club while at the same time preventing the ball from unexpectedly jumping off the club face as it makes contact.

If you are faced with a very long putt, you should devote most of your concentration to the speed with which you hit the ball. Avoid the temptation to go straight for the hole, instead choosing a larger target area. Not overshooting or undershooting gives you the advantage of a second putt that is much shorter.

The true power for a swing comes from using the entire body, including leg and trunk muscles. While progressing through with a swing, picture your body being a whip, then push your legs against the dirt below your feet, giving them power to assist in the swing.

Golf Club

Make sure your grip is neither too loose nor too tight. When you grip your golf club tighter than you should, your shots will tend to hook right. On the other hand, tightening the grip too far will have the reverse effect and cut a well-aimed ball towards the left. Let the direction you want your shot to go direct the grip you have on your golf club.

When teeing off, make sure the back edge of your leading foot is parallel to the ball. In every other shot, the ball should be right between your feet. If you are hitting while on a slope, you will want to avoid centering the ball.

Mental preparation is as, if not more important, than physical preparation when playing a round of golf. Block out the stress and issues of your life and concentrate on your game.

Prior to purchasing a golf club, consider getting one custom-fitted for you. While it may be tempting to grab a stock set off the shelf, the wide variety of body types makes it unlikely that you will fit the set without adjustment. Getting the club that suits your body can help your swing.

Before you purchase any golf club, be sure to check your club heads! In many cases, clubs that have undergone extensive use will have a shiny spot on the head. When this happens the club head doesn’t hold the ball the way it should be doing.

Don’t get used to trying to assume unnatural stances. You can practice hitting the ball, and doing your swing, without a golf club. Stand up while flexing your knees, bend them slightly at your waist and have your arms drop right on your front. Clasp your hands together, then maintain your hold. This position should feel natural to you, and if it does not, you might be overcompensating it.

Now that you know a number of methods you can use to up your game, it’s time to get to the driving range and hit a few buckets of balls. Use the tips offered here and you’ll see your game improve. Golf is a more enjoyable sport if you just have fun!