Say "island golf" to someone and they’ll probably picture Hawaii or some other tropical destination. But the word “island” doesn’t always equal swaying palms and surfers hanging ten a sand wedge away from the fairway. After all, golf was invented on an island where weather is anything but balmy.

In recent years, new golf courses have sprung up in non-traditional destinations. Consider Bandon Dunes in Oregon, which opened in 1999. It (and its sister courses, Pacific Dunes and Bandon Trails) turned an otherwise sleepy Oregon coastal town into a golfing mecca.

The big guy from Finland, Janos Uotila, says the key for a fast downswing is a slow, smooth backswing.

3 time Re/Max long drive champ Sean “The Beast” Fister advises you to use your knowledge and experience with other sports to maximize your driving distance.