I have recently taken up golf, can anyone recommend some good websites that can help me improve my game

A. There are hundreds of golf sites on the web, mainly about courses in the US and linked tours, but not many actually provide information on how to improve your game. One good site for UK golfers is MyGolfZone it provides lots of tips on how to improve your handicap and keep your cool long enough to start winning games.

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If you want additional information on any aspect of the game this site is a good one to bookmark because it is literally an "everything you want to know about golf" site, with a good UK focus. Some of its main features include comprehensive tournament coverage, news, auctions, shopping, holidays, equipment and an accurate weather forecast. It also has a forum for players to discuss tactics; this week's topic is golf club yardage. This is a site for serious players, but it does let you have some fun - you can play 3D golf online. Have a go, it's really difficult.

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Another good site is Golfix it is good for novices and old timers alike as it takes a unique look at the psychology of the game and how to overcome hurdles that could be hampering your performance. It is also unique in the fact that it acknowledges that women play golf too, and takes into consideration gender differentials in equipment and actually playing the game. It has a good section on fitness and worldwide tournaments.

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Q. Do any sites give information on the actual courses

A. Most sites will have some information on the courses. If you want to get a good look at all the courses in the UK the Golf Courses Directory at UK-Golf� is very comprehensive with fantastic links to individual sites for golf courses in the UK. The main emphasis of this site is to provide information for golfers who travel to play the game�- so its course information is great because it presumes that you haven't played on the course before. It also has good information on hotels, travel arrangers, car hire, membership and insurance. The site also has a facility for golf clubs to update their own information through its web browser. If you plan to travel abroad this site includes information on courses in France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and the US.

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Another good site with excellent information on golf clubs and courses is Golf Europe, it has a great section on reviews where golfers let you know what the course is really like.

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Q. Is it possible to book playing time online

A. You can reserve "tee times" for courses in the UK and some parts of Europe at Golf Reservations.

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Q. Can you recommend anywhere to buy golfing equipment online

A. Most general sites will let you buy equipment on them, if you just want the gear however, and not the additional information on golf, check out http://www.direct-golf.co.uk it boasts the lowest prices in the UK for accessories, irons, putters, bags and shoes. Or go direct to Slazenger one of the leading equipment manufacturers in the UK, their site is easy to navigate and has extensive information on local dealership in your area.

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Q. How can I follow the PGA championships online

A. The official PGA Tour site, in conjunction with Golf Web is a good place to start. It has lots of great information on the players, tournaments, scoring, statistics but the pages are quite slow, with the JPEG images taking some time to download. But if you stick with it, it does pay off especially its multimedia section that allows you to see video highlights of the PGA, Senior and Buy.Com Tours.

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Its "Broadcast Booth" is also very good; it is a live Internet show that analyses the day in golf.

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This site is currently running a banner ad that allows you to win tickets to this year's British Open, so its worth a look if you're having problems getting tickets.

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Q. Do any sites take a less serious angle on golf

A. There are a few out there, but golf die hards do take the game very seriously indeed. The Amateur Golf site takes a good look at the non-professional circuit - i.e. the actual game for Joe Public and the issues surrounding it and will even help you find a golfing partner.

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But the best site has to be the official Mini Golf site that gives you a complete guide to mini golf courses (and crazy golf) in coastal destinations in the UK, now that's more like it!

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If you have any other Internet related questions, please click here

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By Karen Anderson