As the stock market turbulence causes investors to panic and hunt for the options that will give their money something at least resembling a return, some of the truly desperate among us have even considered putting it all on the horses. Are we mad?

Racing is thrilling. The ups and downs, the zero-sum game. The winner takes it all. But is ownership of a thoroughbred really just a rich man’s play thing or is there a smart stategy for making money on the track.

Loving horses is not a prerequisite for racehorse ownership. But it sure does help, especially when our expensive animal is costing a small fortune in maintenance and has yet to even place.

photo credit: osedgman

Like all smart investments, the real skill is finding the people who can make your money go far. And, again like other investments, finding the best people to manage the investment is in itself an expensive undertaking.

In ViVo Magazine (printed edition) we take a look at the pros and cons of horse racing ownership, asking whether or not it can ever be a sound financial move to put capital in to racing thoroughbred.

Your swing will change, your accuracy and distance will improve with practice, and you’ll become deadly with a putter, but you will always do these things while standing on your feet. Your feet need to be comfortable! Have you ever developed a blister while walking or running?

It’s all you can think about and it ruins the experience. Don’t let uncomfortable shoes ruin your golf game. This is one area where you shouldn’t let your frugality make the decision for you. You will be wearing these shoes many times and they should be considered an investment.

Comfort should be your biggest concern when buying shoes. Your foot should not move at all on your heel when you walk, yet your toes shouldn’t feel cramped. Have you shoes professional fit to your feet and walk around in them before you buy them. Proper golf shoes should be waterproof so that your feet remain dry in damp conditions. Good socks are important too; they will wick perspiration away from you feet, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

All golf courses prohibit metal spiked shoes in the effort to protect their delicate greens. Purchase shoes that allow you to change the rubber spikes easily, and while you’re there, purchase some extras. You never know when you might lose one. Replace the spikes when they become worn.

With all the things you have to worry about while playing golf, your feet shouldn’t be one of them. When it comes to golf footwear, quality counts.