They have had a vision of going into local gym and being intimidated by "muscle heads." It can also be overwhelming to decide what plan of action to take and if it will be worth time and effort. I have listed three myths about strength training for golf and truths about them as well.

"I will bulk up too much and that will hinder my golf swing."

Golf conditioning specific for golf will not result in muscle gain that will alter your swing mechanics. To increase muscle size, involves lifting increasingly heavier weights with lower repetitions, increasing your calorie intake dramatically, and spending a couple of hours per day lifting weights.

A golf conditioning program incorporates moderate weight, with medium (12-15) repetitions, and in a time frame of 30-45 minutes. This type of program is designed to improve your golf specific strength and endurance, not build muscle.

"I will lose flexibility if I lift weights."

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We Canadians consider ourselves a hearty people, however, 2003 winter was excessively bitter cold and endless. By February we had had enough and were ready to trade in our winter boots for a pair of sandals.

Travel ads for Caribbean beckoned us south like Siren's called to Odysseus. One by one our colleagues seemed to disappear for a week then reappear sporting tans and relaxed smiles. Feeling left out, a person can crack under pressure and decision is made. South or bust!!!

I walked into my kitchen and yelled at nobody in particular, "I'm officially sick of winter!", I emailed my editor and suggested he plan a trip south to write a golf article. He jealously obliged and my travel companion and I soon began planning a golf/relaxation trip to Dominican Republic, to write about two new Hilton properties (Marien Coral by Hilton and Costa Caribe Coral by Hilton) and Guavaberry Golf Resort. Our departure date couldn't arrive too soon! The Dominican Republic is a well-known favorite destination of Canadians from Newfoundland to British Columbia. It is second largest island in Caribbean, with a population of eight million and a landmass of 48, 442 square kilometers. The island offers something for everyone - seductive sunsets, highest mountains in Caribbean, rolling landscapes, villas, busy cities, and over 1,500 kilometers of gorgeous beaches. The island is actually entitled (Hispañiola) and hosts two countries: Haiti and Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is located on east side of island and is surrounded by Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

My traveling companion, Kevin, an avid bogey golfer like myself, and I, flew into Puerto Plata, located on northern tip of island. We were looking forward to experiencing and writing about two hotels recently acquired by Hilton and Guavaberry golf course.

Prior to departing we considered best method of getting around island. We obtained maps; we inquired about car rates and researched public transportation and hotel shuttle services. In end we were undecided and concluded that this was one item we could arrange upon arrival. We have driven in many places including: London, England; Athens, Greece; Germany and even Montreal. Heck, if you can drive in Montreal without an insurance claim, you can drive anywhere, right? As a result, we opted to a rent a car to get us around island. Figuring we're both careful and confident drivers and competent navigators, we didn't anticipate too many problems.