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Dale Ketola Named One of World’s Top 100 Club Fitters

Article Featured on MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com

Golfers love getting new clubs, but even more important than having the longest driver on the market or the most forgiving irons is making sure those clubs are properly fitted for your game.

If you are in the market for new sticks, whether you are a local or part of a group that takes an annual Myrtle Beach golf trip, you are in luck.

Dale Ketola, PGA, who runs the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center, has been named one of the “World’s Top 100 Clubfitters.”

Ketola was the only South Carolinian and one of 46 Americans to earn a spot on a list that included fitters from 21 nations.

The ranking won’t surprise the countless golfers who Ketola has expertly fitted over the years, allowing them to improve their game and maximize their investment in new clubs.

A former All-Big South Conference golfer at Coastal Carolina University, Ketola brings more than 18 years experience to his role as Director of Instruction and Clubfitting for the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center. His combination of technical expertise and experience as a high-level competitive player have made Ketola a rising star.

He is a member of Callaway’s National Fitters Board and sits on the Carolinas PGA player development board, a testament to the respect Ketola has earned.

Whether he is working with a professional player or a newcomer to the game, Ketola brings the same level of precision to clubfitting. His attention to detail results in better golf, and now his work has him recognized among the world’s best.

If you are thinking about a new set of clubs, it’s time to set up an appointment with Ketola, who will make sure you are in the right equipment for your game, at the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center.

View the Full List Here as Reported by The Golf Wire

Golf Performance Center Student Makes Second Hole-in-One!

A golf student from Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center recently made his second hole-in-one during Andrews High School team practice.

Two solid golf shots were hit by players on the 3rd hole at Cherry Hill Country Club in Andrews, SC but it was 14-year-old Robert Higbe IV who found his ball at the bottom of the cup.

“I couldn’t find my ball, I hit it good and over the tree-line, but I didn’t see it anywhere,” Higbe said. “When Christian walked up to the hole, my ball was in the hole.”Mejor blog de Viagra.

The 9th grader has also been an active member of the First Tee Program; Andrews High School Coach Poston expects great things from the young Higbe.

Dale Ketola, Golf Performance Center’s Director of Instruction and Clubfitting said about his student,

“Robert is a great young player with tons of power for his size. Currently, we are working on attacking the ball from a more shallow angle and more from the inside.”

From the results of his lessons with Ketola, it looks as if Higbe has been paying attention in class!

Read more about the Andrews High School Golf Player from South Carolina.

Contact Dale Ketola to schedule a private lesson and check out a few of the Instruction Programs offered by Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center.

Biomechanics and 3D Motion Capture Help Improve Efficiency in Golf Swing

Mark Bull, Ph.D., an expert in Sports Rehabilitation Science, biomechanics, 3D motion capture & movement science, recently stopped by Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center to show players how to improve efficiency in their golf swing.

Golfers learned the influence the body has in the golf swing using sensors, wires, and biofeedback.

“Real-time position and orientation of various parts of the body (head, shoulders, arms, hips, hands, club, etc.) are recorded as the golfer swings the club – all in three dimensions,” describes the Bull 3D website.

With a video feed analysis, golfers have seen a skeletal image of themselves swinging a club!

We’re always hosting new events! Check the Grande Dunes Performance Center Events Calendar for upcoming golf instruction and club fitting dates or contact us for more information.

Balance, Rhythm Lessons Learned at Orange Whip Golf Clinic

An Orange Whip golf clinic held recently at Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center proved to golfers that good balance and rhythm results in cleaner contact with the golf ball…and more consistent ball striking!

Have you ever used a metronome while taking a golf swing? At first, you may be a bit off-tempo but, once you slow down and feel the rhythm, a natural “back-and-through” motion occurs, you start to feel more relaxed and your body naturally takes over to complete the process.

You could hear the “click” on many of the golfers’ clubs as the Orange Whip began to take effect – the students were happily stating that, in the short period of time using this golf training aid, the ball was going farther with less effort.

Could you imagine what will happen when these golfers take home an Orange Whip and use it as directed?

Jim Hackenberg, the inventor of the Orange Whip Trainer, showed a group of about thirty students how he designed several of his products to help synchronize the upper and lower body and achieve repetition in the golf swing. Along with Dale Ketola, Director of Instruction at the Performance Center, the two coached the group on setup, the putting stroke, the short game, and driver improvement using several different products in the Orange Whip lineup; the Putter, Wedge, the Orange Peel, and the original Orange Whip Driver Trainer.

This was another engaging golf clinic brought to you by Dale Ketola, a leader in South Carolina Golf Instruction, and the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center. Contact Dale Ketola to schedule a private lesson and check out the Events Calendar to sign up for an upcoming golf clinic.

 

 

Passport Golf Clinic Provides Instant Access to Instruction

A Passport golf clinic was recently conducted as appreciation for its current members. Presented by local Executive Director and Regional NGCOA Representative Tracy Conner, and conducted by Dale Ketola, Director of Instruction and Club Fitting at Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center, the Passport golf clinic was both informative and fun for the entire group.

Dale discussed pre-swing fundamentals with a full crowd of about 20 students; topics included where the clubface should be in the swing, proper grip, posture, balance, how golfers should learn a skill, make changes in a swing over time and how to practice with a purpose. There was a lot of information passed onto willing students!

Where the first part of the golf clinic focused on the basics, part two was dynamic, with students set-up at bays, hitting golf balls while Dale observed each and every golfer, helping them overcome their most obvious errors.Mucha gente se pregunta dónde comprar viagra online.

Everyone who attended learned something new about their golf swing and what is needed in order to improve their golf game.

After the golf clinic, the group met in the clubhouse for a question and answer session conducted by Dale as well as a cold drink.

Keep an eye out for our next golf clinic! Contact Dale Ketola directly for private lessons, group lessons and for club fitting assistance.

What Makes Good Golf Teaching Professionals Successful?

Dale Ketola Golf Teaching Professionals Seminar at Grande Dunes

At a recent seminar for teaching professionals, Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center‘s Director of Instruction and Club Fitting, Dale Ketola, discussed ways in which good golf teaching professionals can become more successful in his or her chosen field.

“You have to build a relationship with the student, ask questions, find out why he or she wants to improve and make a plan showing how it’s going to happen,” said Ketola. “And, have the golfer bring a notebook to write down lessons so he or she can refer to the lesson on the driving range or at home.

Make it easy for students to learn and want to continue their relationship with you,” advised Ketola.

Dale also offered business tips such as how a teaching professional can better understand a student’s learning curve, how to overcome barriers, when and how to use video during instruction,  and how to determine whether or not a student needs new clubs or a swing adjustment.

The most compelling part of the seminar examined common mistakes made by instructors when trying to start a business and how to look at a business in a completely different way.

Dale suggested that advertising methods should focus more on the “why” and not the “what”, drawing inspiration from Ted Talk speaker, Simon Sinek, about how great leaders inspire action.

Following the model of the “golden circle” and starting with “why” your business exists, then following with “how” your business fulfills its core belief and then finally discussing “what” your business does, can help teaching professionals to gain a following.

People don’t necessarily buy what you do – they buy your passion and will align themselves with your core values…powerful stuff!comprar viagra online farmacia

Dale will be holding another teaching seminar for professional instructors – future dates are being arranged. If you would like Dale to speak at your next business conference, contact him through this grandedunesgolfperformance.com website.

SPECIAL EVENT: Mark Bull 3D Golf and Biometrics Instruction

Bull 3D golf instructionAre you looking for that competitive edge?

Are you wondering why you have lost distance?

Are you looking to take your game to the NEXT LEVEL?

Grande Dunes Golf Performance is pleased to host Mark Bull, PhD Sport, and an expert in Rehabilitation Science, biomechanics, 3D motion capture & movement science for two days only in March, to our center.

According to makingaclubchampion.com Mark, “has extensive knowledge on the relationship between skeletal movement and an effective golf swing, something he has used to help many of the best golfers on the planet.”

Mark Bull is an expert in golf 3D and Biomechanics. He has worked with over 100 PGA/European PGA Tour Professionals including the current #1 player in the world Justin Rose.

Bull 3D biomechanicsOn March 22 and 23, 2019, Mark Bull and Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center will be offering you an opportunity to:

• Get 1 on 1 time with Mark Bull
• Let him show you how to move/swing more efficiently.
• Learn how to work around injuries/limitations or improve motor patterns around them.

Mark will see 8 golfers over the 2 days he is here. 5 spots are already filled. 1st come/1st serve. Call today to register. Payment up front is required with a credit/debit card. $250/per golfer.

Limited spots are available for this exclusive event.

Please contact Dale Ketola to reserve your space or if you have questions: 843. 833.3332.

PXG Club Fitting Photos

Photos of Dale Ketola, Head of Golf Instruction and Club Fitting for the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center in Myrtle Beach, helping a golfer find the best golf clubs for her swing during a recent PXG Fitting Event. Dale is also a Callaway Certified Master Club Fitter, TaylorMade Certified Tuning Expert, and Flightscope Academy Certified Professional.

Interested in a getting fit for TaylorMade, Callaway or PXG golf clubs? Check out our Events Page for times and dates of a club fitting event near you.

 

Golf Performance Center Featured in “The Grain” E-Magazine

Golf Performance Center The Grain E-MagazineSeveral well-known golf teaching pros along the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand were recently featured in the August 2017 edition of The Grain, an e-magazine which specializes in instruction, equipment and luxury travel to the golf market.

Dale Ketola, Allen Terrell, Mel Sole and Meredith Kirk offered playing advice and club fitting tips to readers seeking game improvement.

Ketola is the founder and lead PGA instructor of the newest teaching and club-fitting facility in Myrtle Beach, the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center. Dale uses the latest technology, among them V1 Software and Flightscope, with his keen sense of judgment, to identify and eradicate swing problems. Ketola is also a Callaway Certified Master Club Fitter, TaylorMade Certified Tuning Expert, and Flightscope Academy Certified Professional.

Allen Terrell is a PGA instructor at the Dustin Johnson Golf School at TPC Myrtle Beach, Mel Sole is the owner of a golf school at Pawleys Plantation and Meredith Kirk is not only one of the most beautiful women in golf, according to Golf.com, she is also the PGA Teaching Instructor at Indian Wells Golf Club.

Click the link to read the Golf Performance Center tips in The Grain E-Magazine.

 

South Carolina Junior Golf Association Kickoff Party to be Hosted at Grande Dunes

Founders Group International and the newly-opened Golf Performance Center are excited to host The South Carolina Junior Golf Association Kickoff Party at Grande Dunes Resort Golf Club June 10 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The event will consist of contests, prizes, refreshments, and goodie bags. In addition, participants will be given the opportunity to register and speak with staff regarding upcoming tournaments.

Parents, players, and families are encouraged to stop by and take part in the party festivities. Juniors will be given chances to win prizes with contests held throughout the day and this will be an opportunity for participants to meet other players and parents within the association.

South Carolina Junior Golf Association  Founded in 1990 by community leaders, the mission of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association is to introduce juniors to the sport and to pass along the heritage of golf to future generations.  Golf instills crucial values in its participants, including a drive for success, healthy competition, character, and commitment. The association has found such success in this endeavor, that in 2008, the SCJGA was named the top regional junior golf association in the country by Golf Digest magazine.

“Since its establishment, the South Carolina Junior Golf Association has provided youth across the state opportunities to experience this sport. We are proud to host this event here at Grande Dunes,” said Dale Ketola, PGA, Golf Performance Center Director of Instruction. “We look forward to a great turnout and an incredible opportunity to invest in the next generation of golfers.”

Also, the PGA Junior League begins practice June 14 and the first match follows June 20. There are two spots still available for interested juniors to join the team.

For more information and to sign up, contact Dale Ketola at 843-315-0333.

About Founders Group International

Founders Group International (FGI) is the foremost golf course owner-operator company in the Southeastern United States. Formed in 2014 through various purchases and the 2015 acquisition of National Golf Management, FGI owns and operates 22 golf courses (423 holes) in and around Myrtle Beach, S.C., America’s seaside golf capital.

Those courses include Pine Lakes Country Club, the “granddaddy” of Myrtle Beach area courses; TPC Myrtle Beach, host site of the 2019 NCAA Division I men’s golf regional and Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship; and Grande Dunes Resort Club, home of the Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center.Levitra sin receta

FGI administers www.MBN.com, a leader in online tee time bookings, as well as package outlets Ambassador Golf and Myrtle Beach Golf Trips. With the help of Golf Insider’s 100 percent player-generated course ranking system, thousands of golfers plan and assemble their ideal golf itineraries through FGI’s assets, including “top-100 caliber” courses Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club, and more than 80 other Myrtle Beach area courses.

More information about Founders Group International is available at  www.foundersgroupinternational.com, www.mbn.com or MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com.

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