Putting is much simpler than driving the golf ball and doesn't have to be a complex set of events.It is an art to be cultivated and acquired through your own individuality or personality.It's an art because it is a reflection of the philosophy of the putter. Putting is an important game within the game of golf as it is an art requiring vivid imagination and sharp eyesight to assess the characteristics of the green, good judgment to gauge the distance for long putts, as well as the power and touch to strike a "specialized" stroke and to deliver the perfect putt. Using the putter is both the easiest and most difficult part of golf.It's the most precise aspect of the game of golf and so the putter must be designed to give the golfer every technology advantage including smooth stroke, good glide, sweet impact, and bounceless topspin ball launch and every technique advantage including perfect fit as to shaft angle and length.
Golfers refer to this as "going to school" on a putt. Golfers, many times, are overanxious to see the result, so they lift their head and turn their body too quickly. Sometimes, golfers also try to hit the ball with their wrists.
The reason putting is an art is because there are no hard and fast rules regarding how one should deliver the perfect putt. Good putting will help your golf scores far more than a bunch of 300-yard drives down the fairway. What makes putting such an important part of your game is that no matter how well you're able to hit the ball with all your other clubs, until you roll that little white ball into the hole, you have no score. In other words, if you drive your ball 300 yards right down the center of the fairway, and stop your approach shot 15 feet from the hole, neither of those shots have done you any good if you end up 3-putting for a bogie.
Putters are designed for use on the golf green where they are suppose to hit the ball to roll on the surface of the green to land in the hole, thus completing a "hole" in a game of golf which consists of several such holes, usually eighteen but sometimes more or less.
Putting is a big part of his golfing philosophy. It is much too delicate a process to withstand any body motion. This stroke is the greatest test of skill on the golf course and requires regular, high quality practice sessions, ideally on a putting green or with something that represents an actual hole as nearly as possible. Putting is unique, in that it is intended that the ball travel substantially on the ground toward the hole.It's more sensory, tactile, than any other stroke in golf. It's about feel, touch, stroke, speed and distance.This stroke is one of the most important parts of the game of golf -- remember that one half of all the strokes allotted for a score of par are putts. It's the key to scoring better, no matter what your handicap may be.It's almost always the maker or breaker of your game and all it requires is some basic confidence and technique. Putting is also different in another way: It is one of the few skills in all of sport in which any player, regardless of size, strength, speed, gender, or education, can compete equally with--and have a realistic chance to surpass the skills of--the best professionals in the world.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Beauty Of Gold Lies In The Cart
Golf is often associated with the elite or the upper-middle class at the very least. It is considered a game of luxury and leisure, but golf is not just about showing up in the coarse with your latest gears as any golfer would know, like any other sport, it requires tremendous amount of discipline on the part of the player not to mention the very same amount of passion for the game. Golf is not well loved just because it's classy. The game is loved for the sport itself and the many virtues it imposes on the player.
Given all this, is it any wonder that golfers, even though they practically live and breath on the gold course already, would still appreciate gifts related to golf?
Not really, like any addiction, the bind of golf on the athlete-yes you heard it right. Athlete because not anybody who has the spare amount of cash can play decent golf-only intensifies with every game. Suddenly, its not just a hobby or a way to release stress and stretch out the muscles, all of the sudden, it has become a way of life, a theme in the wardrobe, a favorite subject in books, a logo on automobiles and a symbol of persona. Golf can easily turn a man's life upside down making it the world that revolves around anyone with its offers of constant challenges and instant gratifications. It is a testament of what life is about.
Everything starts with an awkward grip, and with much patience and perseverance, the player learns his personal grasp. He maintains a stance that will become his comfort zone and he will learn to get out of it when the situation for it arises. Yeah golf is a battle of wits not to mention coordination. It is that and so much more, so ladies why not impress your men by showing support for their love of the game instead of constantly trying to be its competition? We have just the right ideas too, and believe us when we assure you that your guys will love you for it.
Go get him a personal golf car honey, give it as a form of a reward after a strenuous season of competing with his pals. It can be because he won, or it can be a form of compensation if he lost but obviously fought remarkably, which is what really matters if you care to read about sports camaraderie really.
A gold cart is indeed quite a pricey gift, but you'd be surprised how popular it is among the corporate league. No golfer is to play without one, or at least renting one, and no aficionado can be caught dead without several personal ones. Invest on a golf cart that runs on electricity and with a shade that is classy, nothing too loud mind you, golf is about standing out for the skill and not the profile after all.
This will make up for a much sought after prize after a golf tournament, especially if it is marked as a trophy-to remind the winner of his victory.
Gold carts commonly range up to 5000 dollars but you can find a better deal on your patron distributor if you are a regular. The personalization shouldn't be much of a problem too.
After all, nothing is too expensive for genuine pleasure.
Given all this, is it any wonder that golfers, even though they practically live and breath on the gold course already, would still appreciate gifts related to golf?
Not really, like any addiction, the bind of golf on the athlete-yes you heard it right. Athlete because not anybody who has the spare amount of cash can play decent golf-only intensifies with every game. Suddenly, its not just a hobby or a way to release stress and stretch out the muscles, all of the sudden, it has become a way of life, a theme in the wardrobe, a favorite subject in books, a logo on automobiles and a symbol of persona. Golf can easily turn a man's life upside down making it the world that revolves around anyone with its offers of constant challenges and instant gratifications. It is a testament of what life is about.
Everything starts with an awkward grip, and with much patience and perseverance, the player learns his personal grasp. He maintains a stance that will become his comfort zone and he will learn to get out of it when the situation for it arises. Yeah golf is a battle of wits not to mention coordination. It is that and so much more, so ladies why not impress your men by showing support for their love of the game instead of constantly trying to be its competition? We have just the right ideas too, and believe us when we assure you that your guys will love you for it.
Go get him a personal golf car honey, give it as a form of a reward after a strenuous season of competing with his pals. It can be because he won, or it can be a form of compensation if he lost but obviously fought remarkably, which is what really matters if you care to read about sports camaraderie really.
A gold cart is indeed quite a pricey gift, but you'd be surprised how popular it is among the corporate league. No golfer is to play without one, or at least renting one, and no aficionado can be caught dead without several personal ones. Invest on a golf cart that runs on electricity and with a shade that is classy, nothing too loud mind you, golf is about standing out for the skill and not the profile after all.
This will make up for a much sought after prize after a golf tournament, especially if it is marked as a trophy-to remind the winner of his victory.
Gold carts commonly range up to 5000 dollars but you can find a better deal on your patron distributor if you are a regular. The personalization shouldn't be much of a problem too.
After all, nothing is too expensive for genuine pleasure.
Golf Swing Help For the Older Golfer
As you get older you lose some of your ability to turn your torso on your back swing, so it's important to replace that power loss with a power gain elsewhere. You can accomplish this by making a freer arm swing which doesn't depend so much on flexibility. The following drills teach you to use your arms as major source of power.
Turn your shoulders, swing your arms.
Hang your arms. At address, your arms should hang freely from your shoulders. If they start too close to your body, they won't have enough room to swing freely. Extending your arms too far, on the other hand, causes tension, which in inhibits a free swing. Make sure you have 6 inches of clearance between the butt end of the club and your body.
Turn, then finish. Don't start your back swing with your arms. Take the club from address to hip by height by rotating your shoulders. Your arms simply follow. That's a classic one- piece take away. Focus on rotating your shoulders as you start the club back along the target line. Once the club head reaches your hips, your arms takeover, swinging the club to the top
Here is a drill. Take a 5-iron, swing it back to hip height, and stop. Now pretend you're starting your swing with the club at hip height. Swing to the top, then swing down and hit the ball. You should have the feeling that your arms are generating most of the clubhead speed. The trick is that your shoulders are helping too, but the second half of the back swing is where your arms take over.
Turn your shoulders, swing your arms.
Hang your arms. At address, your arms should hang freely from your shoulders. If they start too close to your body, they won't have enough room to swing freely. Extending your arms too far, on the other hand, causes tension, which in inhibits a free swing. Make sure you have 6 inches of clearance between the butt end of the club and your body.
Turn, then finish. Don't start your back swing with your arms. Take the club from address to hip by height by rotating your shoulders. Your arms simply follow. That's a classic one- piece take away. Focus on rotating your shoulders as you start the club back along the target line. Once the club head reaches your hips, your arms takeover, swinging the club to the top
Here is a drill. Take a 5-iron, swing it back to hip height, and stop. Now pretend you're starting your swing with the club at hip height. Swing to the top, then swing down and hit the ball. You should have the feeling that your arms are generating most of the clubhead speed. The trick is that your shoulders are helping too, but the second half of the back swing is where your arms take over.
The Longest Hitting Drivers in Golf
What is the longest hitting driver in golf? All the major golf manufacturers claim they make the longest hitting driver. The Internet is filled with all sorts of ads about finding the driver with the most distance off the tee. Even your local paper golfing magazine has features about special products that guarantee you can drive like a champion. So, what's the great secret?
The answer may already be in your bag or as close as your golf professional or online Internet golfing store. But, before dashing off to purchase that magical driver, lets look at what really makes drives go long and straight.
A longer club shaft - Conventional wisdom suggests that a driver with a loner shaft will hit a golf ball farther than a shorter shafted golf driver. The pun is intended. The bad news is that not everyone can hit a long shaft driver and the results can often be disappointing. Tests have shown that if a golf ball is mis-hit by as little as ½ inch, driving distance can be reduced by as much as 20 yards. The more you miss the sweet spot, the shorter the drives. And we're talking about distance, not accuracy. Unless you are a low handicap golfer, by itself, a longer shaft could, in fact, hurt your distance off the tee.
Lighter club - It certainly helps, but it depends where the weight is removed. The theory is that the lighter the club, the faster the swing. The faster you swing your driver, the farther the golf ball flies down the fairway. Since the shaft has the most weight, that is the best place to remove club weight in order to speed up the swing. Here is where shaft flexibility enters the picture. If the driver's shaft is too stiff, a lighter shaft weight may cause your shot to be short and a bit to the right. If you want to lighten the shaft, make sure shaft flexibility is part of your calculations.
More loft - Conventional wisdom also weighs in on loft. Simply put, the slower your swing speed, the higher the required trajectory necessary to keep the ball in the air. Check this out by comparing the distance with a three wood, versus the driver. If they are about the same, a common occurrence, consider a driver with a little more loft with the CG (center of gravity) slightly back from the club face.
Club head Design - This is where modern technology and strong club head design can really help the average golfer and is the place where technology has really helped long hitting drivers. Most of the above techniques work great if the ball is struck directly on the sweet spot. Unfortunately, only PGA golfers do that almost every time. Perimeter weighted clubs like the Callaway Big Bertha and drivers from Ping (who pioneered the technology), King Cobra and TaylorMade have become extremely popular driving companions for golfers, worldwide.
The Grip - The grip is one of the most overlooked aspects when choosing a driver, but one of the most important. This is the connection for you to the club and if everything isn't comfortable and natural, your swing, and the resulting distance off the tee, hasn't a chance.
The size of the grip is totally dependent on the size of your hands. The bigger the hands, the thicker the grip. If the grip is uncomfortable or irritates your hands, change it quickly. This is where totally comfortable is really good.
Believe it or not, grip weight is also a distance factor. A light grip increases the relative weight of the club head. This is good for players with good strong swings. A heavier grip decreases the relative weight of the club head and makes it feel lighter. This helps the golfer with a slower swing.
There are many answers to the question of what is the longest hitting driver in golf. Almost as many as there are golfers. Modern technology can help you find the best driver for your game. It also wouldn't hurt to work on your swing so you can take advantage of the advanced weight and flexibility features on the big name clubs. Match your driver to your skills and play within yourself. That old sports saw really fits finding the longest hitting golf driver.
The answer may already be in your bag or as close as your golf professional or online Internet golfing store. But, before dashing off to purchase that magical driver, lets look at what really makes drives go long and straight.
A longer club shaft - Conventional wisdom suggests that a driver with a loner shaft will hit a golf ball farther than a shorter shafted golf driver. The pun is intended. The bad news is that not everyone can hit a long shaft driver and the results can often be disappointing. Tests have shown that if a golf ball is mis-hit by as little as ½ inch, driving distance can be reduced by as much as 20 yards. The more you miss the sweet spot, the shorter the drives. And we're talking about distance, not accuracy. Unless you are a low handicap golfer, by itself, a longer shaft could, in fact, hurt your distance off the tee.
Lighter club - It certainly helps, but it depends where the weight is removed. The theory is that the lighter the club, the faster the swing. The faster you swing your driver, the farther the golf ball flies down the fairway. Since the shaft has the most weight, that is the best place to remove club weight in order to speed up the swing. Here is where shaft flexibility enters the picture. If the driver's shaft is too stiff, a lighter shaft weight may cause your shot to be short and a bit to the right. If you want to lighten the shaft, make sure shaft flexibility is part of your calculations.
More loft - Conventional wisdom also weighs in on loft. Simply put, the slower your swing speed, the higher the required trajectory necessary to keep the ball in the air. Check this out by comparing the distance with a three wood, versus the driver. If they are about the same, a common occurrence, consider a driver with a little more loft with the CG (center of gravity) slightly back from the club face.
Club head Design - This is where modern technology and strong club head design can really help the average golfer and is the place where technology has really helped long hitting drivers. Most of the above techniques work great if the ball is struck directly on the sweet spot. Unfortunately, only PGA golfers do that almost every time. Perimeter weighted clubs like the Callaway Big Bertha and drivers from Ping (who pioneered the technology), King Cobra and TaylorMade have become extremely popular driving companions for golfers, worldwide.
The Grip - The grip is one of the most overlooked aspects when choosing a driver, but one of the most important. This is the connection for you to the club and if everything isn't comfortable and natural, your swing, and the resulting distance off the tee, hasn't a chance.
The size of the grip is totally dependent on the size of your hands. The bigger the hands, the thicker the grip. If the grip is uncomfortable or irritates your hands, change it quickly. This is where totally comfortable is really good.
Believe it or not, grip weight is also a distance factor. A light grip increases the relative weight of the club head. This is good for players with good strong swings. A heavier grip decreases the relative weight of the club head and makes it feel lighter. This helps the golfer with a slower swing.
There are many answers to the question of what is the longest hitting driver in golf. Almost as many as there are golfers. Modern technology can help you find the best driver for your game. It also wouldn't hurt to work on your swing so you can take advantage of the advanced weight and flexibility features on the big name clubs. Match your driver to your skills and play within yourself. That old sports saw really fits finding the longest hitting golf driver.
The History of the US Open Golf Tournament
30 years after the start of The Open, the US Open was first played in 1895, making it the second oldest of the modern day golf majors. Since 1895, the original golf majors were The Open, The Amateur Championship, The US Open, and The US Amateur. It wasn't until 1960, when Arnold Palmer commented that he could win the Grand Slam, after he had won The Masters and The US Open, if he could manage to win The Open and The PGA, that the modern day golf majors were established.
The Championship was played for the first time on the same course and on the same week as the US Amateur. It was held at a 9-hole course at Newport Golf and Country Club, Rhode Island. It comprised 4 rounds of 9-holes played on the same day and was won by Englishman, Horace Rawlins. Only ten professionals and one amateur took part and the total prize money was $335.
From the original 36 holes in one day, the format of the event has changed several times during the years. The Championship was extended by the USGA to 72-holes in 1898; 36-holes played over each of two days. The format was changed in 1926 to 18-holes played over each of two days, finishing with 36 holes on the third day. The present day format was established in 1965 - 18-holes played over each of 4 days.
Its popularity really took off after spectator tickets were sold for the first time in 1922. This almost coincided with the amazing career of an amateur golfer from Georgia, Bobby Jones who won in 1923, 1926, 1929, and 1930. The second big rise in popularity was in 1954 when the event was televised for the first time on national television. But it wasn't until 1977 that all 18-holes of the final two rounds had live coverage and 1982 that the first two rounds were broadcast live.
The event was dominated by British players since its beginnings up to 1910 (actually it was Scotsmen who took most of the titles (12 of the first 15 events.) The top Scotsman in those days was Willie Anderson who won the event four times between 1901 and 1905. In fact, there have only been three other golfers to win four US Opens - Bobby Jones from 1923 to 1930, the year he won the Grand Slam; Ben Hogan from 1948 to 1953; and Jack Nicklaus from 1962 to 1980.
With Tiger Woods third victory at the 2008 US Open, it can only be a matter of time before he joins the illustrious golfers with four wins, and who knows, maybe he will go into the golfing history books with 5 wins or more. Did you know that a European has not won the event since 1970, when Tony Jacklin from England won? Another Englishman, Lee Westwood, had a chance in the 2008 event but missed a 15 foot birdie putt on the last hole.
Surprisingly, only 5 players have managed to win The US Open as well as The Open, The Masters, and The PGA. None of them have won all 4 majors in one single year though - Bobby Jones did his Grand Slam with The Open, The (British) Amateur Championship, The US Open, and The US Amateur. The five players to win the four golf majors were Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
With 78 wins between 1911 and 2008, Americans have dominated The US Open. No other country have come close; South Africa has the second most wins with 5 titles. There have only been a handful of nations that have won the event once or twice - Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, and Argentina. Since 1910, Scotland have only managed to produce one golfer that has won The US Open; Willie MacFarlane in 1925. In fact, in recent years, only Sandy Lyle has managed to win a golf major on US soil - The Masters in 1988.
The Championship was played for the first time on the same course and on the same week as the US Amateur. It was held at a 9-hole course at Newport Golf and Country Club, Rhode Island. It comprised 4 rounds of 9-holes played on the same day and was won by Englishman, Horace Rawlins. Only ten professionals and one amateur took part and the total prize money was $335.
From the original 36 holes in one day, the format of the event has changed several times during the years. The Championship was extended by the USGA to 72-holes in 1898; 36-holes played over each of two days. The format was changed in 1926 to 18-holes played over each of two days, finishing with 36 holes on the third day. The present day format was established in 1965 - 18-holes played over each of 4 days.
Its popularity really took off after spectator tickets were sold for the first time in 1922. This almost coincided with the amazing career of an amateur golfer from Georgia, Bobby Jones who won in 1923, 1926, 1929, and 1930. The second big rise in popularity was in 1954 when the event was televised for the first time on national television. But it wasn't until 1977 that all 18-holes of the final two rounds had live coverage and 1982 that the first two rounds were broadcast live.
The event was dominated by British players since its beginnings up to 1910 (actually it was Scotsmen who took most of the titles (12 of the first 15 events.) The top Scotsman in those days was Willie Anderson who won the event four times between 1901 and 1905. In fact, there have only been three other golfers to win four US Opens - Bobby Jones from 1923 to 1930, the year he won the Grand Slam; Ben Hogan from 1948 to 1953; and Jack Nicklaus from 1962 to 1980.
With Tiger Woods third victory at the 2008 US Open, it can only be a matter of time before he joins the illustrious golfers with four wins, and who knows, maybe he will go into the golfing history books with 5 wins or more. Did you know that a European has not won the event since 1970, when Tony Jacklin from England won? Another Englishman, Lee Westwood, had a chance in the 2008 event but missed a 15 foot birdie putt on the last hole.
Surprisingly, only 5 players have managed to win The US Open as well as The Open, The Masters, and The PGA. None of them have won all 4 majors in one single year though - Bobby Jones did his Grand Slam with The Open, The (British) Amateur Championship, The US Open, and The US Amateur. The five players to win the four golf majors were Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
With 78 wins between 1911 and 2008, Americans have dominated The US Open. No other country have come close; South Africa has the second most wins with 5 titles. There have only been a handful of nations that have won the event once or twice - Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, and Argentina. Since 1910, Scotland have only managed to produce one golfer that has won The US Open; Willie MacFarlane in 1925. In fact, in recent years, only Sandy Lyle has managed to win a golf major on US soil - The Masters in 1988.
Get a Grip to Improve Your Swing
The phrase "get a grip" may be one that is commonly said to people to encourage them to get back to reality but it's also one of the most important things that can be said to a golfer. It may seem like every bit of advice that is offered to an up and coming golfer is the most important thing ever but without a firm and confident grip, everything else would be pointless. Even the position of your fingers and hands on the golf club can make a huge difference to your performance so if you want to get on the green in the shortest time; you really need to get a grip.
There is no point in denying the importance of having a proper grip. To ensure proper contact with the ball and to get the best flight of the ball, the placement of your hands is vital. By holding the club too weakly, it is likely that the angle of the club will be off line and this will be enough to ensure that the ball will curve away from its intended target. Similarly, a grip that is too strong will be rigid and will prevent a clean follow through of the shot. This means that the best golf grip would be neutral, in between weak and strong. Judging this is the hard part but over time, a player will be able to determine what level of grip works best for them.
One of the first aspects of the grip is to ensure that the club is held and wrapped within your fingers as opposed to within the palm of your hands. This sort of hold can be easily done by if you pick up the club from a flat position so be sure to hold the grip from your fingers. This will ensure that a stronger grip is placed on the club, ensuring the golfer has better control of their swing.
As well as focusing on the basics of the grip, it is worthwhile looking at the actual grip of the club itself. If it is old and worn then it can lessen the impact of the golfers grip, undoing all your good work. If the grip of the club is weak or slack, the golfer will tend to tighten their own grip to overcompensate and this can lead to rigidity in the arms, which can impact on the strength and speed of the swing. It can seem hard to imagine how such a little thing like the condition of the handle of the club can impact on players overall game but that is the way of golf. There are so many little details and even psychological issues that can derail a golfer and a player needs to be able to overcome the majority, if not all, to get the very best from the game.
Not every player wants to be professional or compete professionally so they may think that its not too important to get the minor details right but even just a few things wrong can greatly impact on a player performance so it is of the utmost importance to try and get as many things right as possible.
When placing your grip, it is important to determine what the top hand is and what the bottom hand is. For a right handed golfer, their left hand will be the top hand and their right hand will be the bottom. Unsurprisingly for a left hand golfer the opposite exists, where the right hand is the top for a left handed golfer.
The bottom hand should be placed where the grip meets the shaft and the top hand should come onto the other end of the grip and slowly wrap around the club ensuring a strong grip. The bottom hand should then be slid down the club to meet the top hand. The hands should then join in either an overlap or interlocking grip with a careful hold being placed on the club. It is up to each golfer to judge their own strength of holding but the grip should be compared to holding something fragile, with enough strength to protect it but not too much to break it.
Holding the grip with your fingers, rather than hands or the palm of your hand, will ensure the line of your arms have a better chance of remaining straight, which will help the swing of the club.
Following these outlines for a great golf grip may not be enough to turn you into a golfing superstar but by bearing in mind the basics, there is a strong chance that your golfing game will be a lot more enjoyable.
There is no point in denying the importance of having a proper grip. To ensure proper contact with the ball and to get the best flight of the ball, the placement of your hands is vital. By holding the club too weakly, it is likely that the angle of the club will be off line and this will be enough to ensure that the ball will curve away from its intended target. Similarly, a grip that is too strong will be rigid and will prevent a clean follow through of the shot. This means that the best golf grip would be neutral, in between weak and strong. Judging this is the hard part but over time, a player will be able to determine what level of grip works best for them.
One of the first aspects of the grip is to ensure that the club is held and wrapped within your fingers as opposed to within the palm of your hands. This sort of hold can be easily done by if you pick up the club from a flat position so be sure to hold the grip from your fingers. This will ensure that a stronger grip is placed on the club, ensuring the golfer has better control of their swing.
As well as focusing on the basics of the grip, it is worthwhile looking at the actual grip of the club itself. If it is old and worn then it can lessen the impact of the golfers grip, undoing all your good work. If the grip of the club is weak or slack, the golfer will tend to tighten their own grip to overcompensate and this can lead to rigidity in the arms, which can impact on the strength and speed of the swing. It can seem hard to imagine how such a little thing like the condition of the handle of the club can impact on players overall game but that is the way of golf. There are so many little details and even psychological issues that can derail a golfer and a player needs to be able to overcome the majority, if not all, to get the very best from the game.
Not every player wants to be professional or compete professionally so they may think that its not too important to get the minor details right but even just a few things wrong can greatly impact on a player performance so it is of the utmost importance to try and get as many things right as possible.
When placing your grip, it is important to determine what the top hand is and what the bottom hand is. For a right handed golfer, their left hand will be the top hand and their right hand will be the bottom. Unsurprisingly for a left hand golfer the opposite exists, where the right hand is the top for a left handed golfer.
The bottom hand should be placed where the grip meets the shaft and the top hand should come onto the other end of the grip and slowly wrap around the club ensuring a strong grip. The bottom hand should then be slid down the club to meet the top hand. The hands should then join in either an overlap or interlocking grip with a careful hold being placed on the club. It is up to each golfer to judge their own strength of holding but the grip should be compared to holding something fragile, with enough strength to protect it but not too much to break it.
Holding the grip with your fingers, rather than hands or the palm of your hand, will ensure the line of your arms have a better chance of remaining straight, which will help the swing of the club.
Following these outlines for a great golf grip may not be enough to turn you into a golfing superstar but by bearing in mind the basics, there is a strong chance that your golfing game will be a lot more enjoyable.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Choosing the Right Golf Driver
When the time comes to buy new golf clubs, particularly when it comes to drivers, you may feel a little bewildered. There are a lot of choices out there, and everyone from experts to amateurs will tell you that the right driver can have an extremely positive effect on your game. The key to keep in mind, however, is that there is no perfect driver out there, just the perfect one for you, so make sure that you purchase your driver with this in mind.
In looking at drivers, you'll find that they can be made of stainless steel, an alloy or forged titanium. For someone who only golfs from time to time, an alloy driver will be preferable because while they can certainly be found in a fairly high quality, they will invariably be cheaper than one that is made of pure stainless steel or titanium. Titanium is a good material for people who play more consistently and who is looking for a lightweight driver to get more distance, while a stainless steel club will lend more weight to your swing, giving you more control on the descent.
Remember that you should always check a driver for the shaft length; don't simply assume that your old driver's shaft length will work for you. It is important to think about the shoes you will be wearing on the green to take your height into account. When you are testing the length of the shaft, check the length of your arms, your height, and the size of your swing to find one that is comfortable for you.
You'll also need to decide if you want perimeter weighting on your club face. This allows you to have some extra weight around the toe and the sole and it can be very helpful if you happen to miss a shot. The extra weight will also help reduce the shock and help your ball fly straighter and with greater distance. You'll find that the amount of extra weight you want will be a personal thing. For many golfers, too much perimeter weighting makes it harder to control, while some says it actually makes control more simple.
Also make sure that you consider how much the shaft can bend as you put force into it during a swing. You'll find that different flexes will have different effects with your swing and you should definitely do some experimenting. The traditional flex ratings include regular, stiff, senior, ladies and extra stiff, and it is a good idea to try all of these.
If at all possible, see if the place you buy your clubs from will help you with a club fitting. You'll find that this is a great opportunity to try out lots of different clubs and to figure out which one really suits you, so take a look around and see what you can find out about your own game and your own needs for a driver!
In looking at drivers, you'll find that they can be made of stainless steel, an alloy or forged titanium. For someone who only golfs from time to time, an alloy driver will be preferable because while they can certainly be found in a fairly high quality, they will invariably be cheaper than one that is made of pure stainless steel or titanium. Titanium is a good material for people who play more consistently and who is looking for a lightweight driver to get more distance, while a stainless steel club will lend more weight to your swing, giving you more control on the descent.
Remember that you should always check a driver for the shaft length; don't simply assume that your old driver's shaft length will work for you. It is important to think about the shoes you will be wearing on the green to take your height into account. When you are testing the length of the shaft, check the length of your arms, your height, and the size of your swing to find one that is comfortable for you.
You'll also need to decide if you want perimeter weighting on your club face. This allows you to have some extra weight around the toe and the sole and it can be very helpful if you happen to miss a shot. The extra weight will also help reduce the shock and help your ball fly straighter and with greater distance. You'll find that the amount of extra weight you want will be a personal thing. For many golfers, too much perimeter weighting makes it harder to control, while some says it actually makes control more simple.
Also make sure that you consider how much the shaft can bend as you put force into it during a swing. You'll find that different flexes will have different effects with your swing and you should definitely do some experimenting. The traditional flex ratings include regular, stiff, senior, ladies and extra stiff, and it is a good idea to try all of these.
If at all possible, see if the place you buy your clubs from will help you with a club fitting. You'll find that this is a great opportunity to try out lots of different clubs and to figure out which one really suits you, so take a look around and see what you can find out about your own game and your own needs for a driver!
What Are The Best Hybrid Golf Clubs?
The world is crazy about golfing and it shows! In 2005, Golfer's Digest released a statistic saying there are almost 32,000 golf courses around the world. Over half of those alone are in the United States! After that comes Scotland, New Zealand and then Australia. It has become a passion that's evolved into a billion dollar industry. People just can't seem to get enough of it. Statistics show that about 4.6 million Americans play golf 25 times or more every year. It is especially popular because it's a sport that can be played regardless of one's age or gender. This sport is always changing and innovative ways are constantly being found to create the best players possible. Hybrid golf clubs are one of those innovations.
Hybrid golf clubs are sometimes called utility clubs. The two terms are universal so don't get confused if you hear someone call them that. Just what is a hybrid club? They bring you the best worlds of iron and wood clubs into one set. Hybrids allow you to get the ball up more easily and it gets the ball up higher. They are quite a bit easier to hit with and therefore quite a favourite among many recreational players. Professionals, however, are playing with hybrids as well. Because these clubs haven't been around as long as irons or woods, there are few concrete rules when it comes to their design. That means you'll have to be a very watchful consumer when you go to buy a set. You have to do your research and be vigilant. There's no sense in buying something that isn't the perfect fit for you. So, which clubs are the best?
If you want to improve your golf game with hybrid golf clubs, you simply have to buy the best. There is no point in spending money on a lesser quality product when it won't be as good or last as long. The best hybrid club maker is undoubtedly Pinemeadow Golf. When it comes to golf club makers, this company is consistently on the top of their game. They've been one of the top fifty for many years and continue to put out extraordinary golfing products. They've been in the business a long time and know what they're doing. Best of all, their prices are reasonable and their staff is always willing to help you push your golf game to the best it can be. They even sell pre-owned clubs for those who just want to try a hybrid without paying full price, or for those whose wives don't allow them a very high monthly golfing allowance!
If you are looking to improve your golf game, hybrid golf clubs might just do the trick. If you are thinking about buying but just aren't sure, why not try them out first? Ask a buddy to borrow his set for a round or go try some in a golf store. Many have indoor driving ranges and putting greens to practice on. Whatever you choose, be sure to take your time so that you walk away with something you truly love. You'll be soon be aching 'fore' more!
Hybrid golf clubs are sometimes called utility clubs. The two terms are universal so don't get confused if you hear someone call them that. Just what is a hybrid club? They bring you the best worlds of iron and wood clubs into one set. Hybrids allow you to get the ball up more easily and it gets the ball up higher. They are quite a bit easier to hit with and therefore quite a favourite among many recreational players. Professionals, however, are playing with hybrids as well. Because these clubs haven't been around as long as irons or woods, there are few concrete rules when it comes to their design. That means you'll have to be a very watchful consumer when you go to buy a set. You have to do your research and be vigilant. There's no sense in buying something that isn't the perfect fit for you. So, which clubs are the best?
If you want to improve your golf game with hybrid golf clubs, you simply have to buy the best. There is no point in spending money on a lesser quality product when it won't be as good or last as long. The best hybrid club maker is undoubtedly Pinemeadow Golf. When it comes to golf club makers, this company is consistently on the top of their game. They've been one of the top fifty for many years and continue to put out extraordinary golfing products. They've been in the business a long time and know what they're doing. Best of all, their prices are reasonable and their staff is always willing to help you push your golf game to the best it can be. They even sell pre-owned clubs for those who just want to try a hybrid without paying full price, or for those whose wives don't allow them a very high monthly golfing allowance!
If you are looking to improve your golf game, hybrid golf clubs might just do the trick. If you are thinking about buying but just aren't sure, why not try them out first? Ask a buddy to borrow his set for a round or go try some in a golf store. Many have indoor driving ranges and putting greens to practice on. Whatever you choose, be sure to take your time so that you walk away with something you truly love. You'll be soon be aching 'fore' more!
Golf Carts
There are caravans of golf carts going for numerous miles each day on golf courses around the country. As they carry golfers to the next hole, pro shop, or the clubhouse for some grub, they may run for miles and miles but they need special attention too. Golf carts are an integral part of operations at many golf courses. This is especially true on large golf courses or those that make their way through rugged terrains.
This is why golf card small engines need to be re-powered. In today's world most golfers would find walking a course while toting the weight of a golf bag cumbersome and unappealing. Walking wouldn't even be plausible at some golf courses. Most golfers would instead prefer to have a golf cart do the hard work of navigating over rugged terrain and up steep, mountainous elevations for them. Golf carts are the golf course carryall from drinks to umbrellas the golf cart can take it all.
A golf course wishes to allocate money each year towards either the purchasing of new golf carts, or the repairing, repowering of golf carts already in inventory. A brand new golf cart may run longer before any problems prop up compared to a golf cart that has been refurbished. But keep in mind that with the demands placed upon the average golf cart, even "new" ones will eventually need some repairs to keep them running smoothly. It might be wiser to implement a plan wherein "new" golf carts are added to your 'pool' of golf carts when possible and "older" carts repaired until their repair costs start to "outweigh" the amount of time the carts are available for use on the fairways.
Golf carts are subjected to rigorous daily workouts what with carrying various golfers and equipment to and from the fairways. These demands can be especially rough on the small engines of golf carts. But because golf carts are so important to the smooth operations of most golf courses: it's important to have as many as possible running and available to golfers each day. The last thing you want is to lose golfers and the revenue they generate because your pool of golf carts has more carts in the garage than on the greens.
Okay, certainly we can agree that keeping as many golf carts as possible motoring is essential to happy golfers and for the golf courses bottom financial line. But is it better to repair golf carts? Or is it a wiser investment to continually purchase "new" golf carts to meet ever-growing numbers of golfers?
You can reduce the costs of golf cart repairs by opting to "repower" your golf carts with small engines such as those manufactured by Briggs Stratton, Cushman, Kohler, and Honda, who have the small engines with the power you need to keep your golf carts running. The manufacturers of these small engines have designed them to withstand heavy workloads, even the workload placed upon the average golf cart. These small engines come in a wide assortment of sizes, available horsepower, and different transmission set-ups, to meet all of your power needs. These engines also use a variety of sources such as gasoline, diesel, and electricity from batteries for their power: making them quite adaptable to the course-specific needs of every golf course.
Briggs Stratton is the largest manufacturer of air-cooled gas-powered engines. A Briggs Stratton small engine is durable even under the harshest of conditions and doesn't require a lot of maintenance to stay in peak running condition.
This is why golf card small engines need to be re-powered. In today's world most golfers would find walking a course while toting the weight of a golf bag cumbersome and unappealing. Walking wouldn't even be plausible at some golf courses. Most golfers would instead prefer to have a golf cart do the hard work of navigating over rugged terrain and up steep, mountainous elevations for them. Golf carts are the golf course carryall from drinks to umbrellas the golf cart can take it all.
A golf course wishes to allocate money each year towards either the purchasing of new golf carts, or the repairing, repowering of golf carts already in inventory. A brand new golf cart may run longer before any problems prop up compared to a golf cart that has been refurbished. But keep in mind that with the demands placed upon the average golf cart, even "new" ones will eventually need some repairs to keep them running smoothly. It might be wiser to implement a plan wherein "new" golf carts are added to your 'pool' of golf carts when possible and "older" carts repaired until their repair costs start to "outweigh" the amount of time the carts are available for use on the fairways.
Golf carts are subjected to rigorous daily workouts what with carrying various golfers and equipment to and from the fairways. These demands can be especially rough on the small engines of golf carts. But because golf carts are so important to the smooth operations of most golf courses: it's important to have as many as possible running and available to golfers each day. The last thing you want is to lose golfers and the revenue they generate because your pool of golf carts has more carts in the garage than on the greens.
Okay, certainly we can agree that keeping as many golf carts as possible motoring is essential to happy golfers and for the golf courses bottom financial line. But is it better to repair golf carts? Or is it a wiser investment to continually purchase "new" golf carts to meet ever-growing numbers of golfers?
You can reduce the costs of golf cart repairs by opting to "repower" your golf carts with small engines such as those manufactured by Briggs Stratton, Cushman, Kohler, and Honda, who have the small engines with the power you need to keep your golf carts running. The manufacturers of these small engines have designed them to withstand heavy workloads, even the workload placed upon the average golf cart. These small engines come in a wide assortment of sizes, available horsepower, and different transmission set-ups, to meet all of your power needs. These engines also use a variety of sources such as gasoline, diesel, and electricity from batteries for their power: making them quite adaptable to the course-specific needs of every golf course.
Briggs Stratton is the largest manufacturer of air-cooled gas-powered engines. A Briggs Stratton small engine is durable even under the harshest of conditions and doesn't require a lot of maintenance to stay in peak running condition.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Golf Beginner Free Tips: Address Position
Maybe one in a hundred students shows up for a lesson with his body in a position that is going to enable it to be used most efficiently in connecting solidly with a golf ball.
Tour pros' address positions are distinctive, uniquely recognizable. Despite this, they have certain features in common. These features relate to the coming action. Eliminate one of these features and the use of the body is going to be less efficient and shotmaking is going to suffer.
Their knees are flexed. The most important muscles in the golf swing are between the knees and waist. Flex in the knees stretches these key muscles and helps them get ready to do their job.
They're bent at the waist--in two directions. Most obviously, they're bent forward, toward the ball. This creates a pathway for the arms to whirl through. Their arms hang down loosely, but not straight down. The hands are away from the pants fly about five inches.
The second waist bend is less apparent: they're bent backward slightly. Their sternums are about one inch in back of a line drawn vertically from their belt buckles. This position creates some initial stretch of muscles on the left side. It also means they can immediately begin rotating their right sides around and behind as they start their backswings. They do not need to slide back. The time to get behind the ball is at address, not during the backswing.
Their feet are splayed open, the left twice as much as the right. This enables hip rotation. During the backswing, the right hip rotates 50-70 degrees, and the right foot being open about 10 degrees facilitates this action. The left hip opens up 90+ degrees by the finish, so the left foot is open about 20 degrees.
For a full swing on level ground, all Tour pros will be very close to the position just described. Craft such a position for yourself and you'll increase the chances that you'll be bringing all that your body can to its shotmaking.
Tour pros' address positions are distinctive, uniquely recognizable. Despite this, they have certain features in common. These features relate to the coming action. Eliminate one of these features and the use of the body is going to be less efficient and shotmaking is going to suffer.
Their knees are flexed. The most important muscles in the golf swing are between the knees and waist. Flex in the knees stretches these key muscles and helps them get ready to do their job.
They're bent at the waist--in two directions. Most obviously, they're bent forward, toward the ball. This creates a pathway for the arms to whirl through. Their arms hang down loosely, but not straight down. The hands are away from the pants fly about five inches.
The second waist bend is less apparent: they're bent backward slightly. Their sternums are about one inch in back of a line drawn vertically from their belt buckles. This position creates some initial stretch of muscles on the left side. It also means they can immediately begin rotating their right sides around and behind as they start their backswings. They do not need to slide back. The time to get behind the ball is at address, not during the backswing.
Their feet are splayed open, the left twice as much as the right. This enables hip rotation. During the backswing, the right hip rotates 50-70 degrees, and the right foot being open about 10 degrees facilitates this action. The left hip opens up 90+ degrees by the finish, so the left foot is open about 20 degrees.
For a full swing on level ground, all Tour pros will be very close to the position just described. Craft such a position for yourself and you'll increase the chances that you'll be bringing all that your body can to its shotmaking.
3 Rules Of Etiquette For Beginner Golfers
you are new to golf, your very first game can be quite an intimidating experience. Much like your first flight or very first visit to a super luxury hotel-resort, there is a 'proper' way to behave on a golf course. You must familiarize yourself with these golf course etiquettes so that you can step on the course with complete self-assurance and confidence! Get a quick lesson on the 7 rules of etiquette that can help you overcome these first day jitters.
Dressing Up For Tee (and Golf) Time: Yes, much like for any event or occasion, proper attire is a must for this sport. Typically, most golf courses have a dress code. If you are visiting a golf course with a friend, ask him for advice and dress appropriately. If you've newly acquired membership of a golf course, then find out the dress code. In any case, you can either dress up in a pair of slacks, or khaki shorts and a proper golf shirt or t-shirt with collar. Golf dress code is not too strict about the shoes, while a proper pair of golf gloves will definitely come in handy (no pun intended)!
Note: it might be a good idea to keep some extra change in your pocket to tip the cart jockeys and/or the guy who bring you your drinks.
Clubbing Right: What's a game of golf for a beginner like you without the right equipment? Golf equipment is not just about etiquettes but also about rules. According to golf rules, you can only have up to 14 golf clubs in your bag, but there is no set minimum requirement. What you must remember is, never borrow clubs from any other player on the course (known or unknown). As a beginner golfer, simply carry some clubs that are most commonly used. Since you are probably going to be hitting in all directions and thus, losing plenty of balls, carry them in bountiful!
Note: Carrying a ballmark repair tool will help you repair ballmarks on the course and you can find one for a couple of dollars at any golf pro shop.
Keep Your Hands Off The Ball: A sacrosanct rule in the little book of golfing etiquette is to never move or touch the golf ball. 'Play it as it lies' term in the golf rulebook simply means that you - the player - do not touch or move the golf ball! Simply play the ball in the state and resting position it achieves after being played.
Note: While there are exceptions to the rules, playing by the rules allows you to enjoy the game better. And the rule book states - never move, touch, or pick the ball unless you are sure that you aren't breaking any rules!
As a bright and upcoming golfer, you must remember that golf courses are created for your enjoyment and as responsible beginners, golf following the etiquettes and rules is part of your responsibility towards the sport that has caught your fancy!
Dressing Up For Tee (and Golf) Time: Yes, much like for any event or occasion, proper attire is a must for this sport. Typically, most golf courses have a dress code. If you are visiting a golf course with a friend, ask him for advice and dress appropriately. If you've newly acquired membership of a golf course, then find out the dress code. In any case, you can either dress up in a pair of slacks, or khaki shorts and a proper golf shirt or t-shirt with collar. Golf dress code is not too strict about the shoes, while a proper pair of golf gloves will definitely come in handy (no pun intended)!
Note: it might be a good idea to keep some extra change in your pocket to tip the cart jockeys and/or the guy who bring you your drinks.
Clubbing Right: What's a game of golf for a beginner like you without the right equipment? Golf equipment is not just about etiquettes but also about rules. According to golf rules, you can only have up to 14 golf clubs in your bag, but there is no set minimum requirement. What you must remember is, never borrow clubs from any other player on the course (known or unknown). As a beginner golfer, simply carry some clubs that are most commonly used. Since you are probably going to be hitting in all directions and thus, losing plenty of balls, carry them in bountiful!
Note: Carrying a ballmark repair tool will help you repair ballmarks on the course and you can find one for a couple of dollars at any golf pro shop.
Keep Your Hands Off The Ball: A sacrosanct rule in the little book of golfing etiquette is to never move or touch the golf ball. 'Play it as it lies' term in the golf rulebook simply means that you - the player - do not touch or move the golf ball! Simply play the ball in the state and resting position it achieves after being played.
Note: While there are exceptions to the rules, playing by the rules allows you to enjoy the game better. And the rule book states - never move, touch, or pick the ball unless you are sure that you aren't breaking any rules!
As a bright and upcoming golfer, you must remember that golf courses are created for your enjoyment and as responsible beginners, golf following the etiquettes and rules is part of your responsibility towards the sport that has caught your fancy!
5 Tips To Hit Longer Drives
Does the fact that people are watching you play, force you to drive badly? Do you want to hit harder and longer drives? It's never too late to do just this. Follow our 5 tips to not just increase your driving distance by 1 or 2 yards but by a whole 15 yards at the minimum!
So get ready to take over the golf course by driving the distance. But before that a word of advice: Technically different from the other golfing shots, the most important aspect when hitting a drive is to visualize it because there lies the key! So let's get started:
1. Swinging A Wide Arc: Swinging hard may let you hit a few blasts, but you won't get too far as you won't be hitting the ball in the middle of its face. If you have looked closely at how Tiger Woods and Davis Love make a wide arc when swinging, you'll know that it's a crucial part of your preparation to hit longer drives. So, next time you step on the golf course, extend your arms as far as possible when swinging back and try to make a wider arc to create good club head speed.
2. Be Light On Your Feet: A sure way to hit a longer distance is to move your weight through the golf ball. The basic principle to hit long and hard lies in reverse weight shift. Your weight should move from the back to the front rather than the other way round. Also, you must not sway but turn in such a way that your back foot's spikes are in plain view.
3. Turn On Your 'X' Factor: According to Jim McLean, a great PGA teacher, the big shoulder turn is your "X" factor! After conducting a proper study on many players who hit long drives, it was concluded that they have bigger shoulder turn than their hip turn. This simply means that a greater hip turn lowers your ability to generate more club head speed as less torque is formed. So get a spring in your step and keep your lower body steady as you hit the ball using your 'X' factor!
4. Maintain Your Balance Firmly But With Flexibility: To achieve a steady swing, you need to keep your knees balanced firmly. Shaky knees can lower your power and ability to coil. As you make a backswing, keep your right knee firm (if you are left handed then it will be your left knee) and feel your body's weight on the inside of your right foot. Keep your left knee quite as well and try not to move it laterally maintaining distance between the two knees.
5. Get That Butt In Proper Shape: If you want to flat rip then get into shape. A flexible, strong, and lithe body is a sure way to increase your drive distance by over 15-20 yards. So get to the gym as quickly as you can!
So get ready to take over the golf course by driving the distance. But before that a word of advice: Technically different from the other golfing shots, the most important aspect when hitting a drive is to visualize it because there lies the key! So let's get started:
1. Swinging A Wide Arc: Swinging hard may let you hit a few blasts, but you won't get too far as you won't be hitting the ball in the middle of its face. If you have looked closely at how Tiger Woods and Davis Love make a wide arc when swinging, you'll know that it's a crucial part of your preparation to hit longer drives. So, next time you step on the golf course, extend your arms as far as possible when swinging back and try to make a wider arc to create good club head speed.
2. Be Light On Your Feet: A sure way to hit a longer distance is to move your weight through the golf ball. The basic principle to hit long and hard lies in reverse weight shift. Your weight should move from the back to the front rather than the other way round. Also, you must not sway but turn in such a way that your back foot's spikes are in plain view.
3. Turn On Your 'X' Factor: According to Jim McLean, a great PGA teacher, the big shoulder turn is your "X" factor! After conducting a proper study on many players who hit long drives, it was concluded that they have bigger shoulder turn than their hip turn. This simply means that a greater hip turn lowers your ability to generate more club head speed as less torque is formed. So get a spring in your step and keep your lower body steady as you hit the ball using your 'X' factor!
4. Maintain Your Balance Firmly But With Flexibility: To achieve a steady swing, you need to keep your knees balanced firmly. Shaky knees can lower your power and ability to coil. As you make a backswing, keep your right knee firm (if you are left handed then it will be your left knee) and feel your body's weight on the inside of your right foot. Keep your left knee quite as well and try not to move it laterally maintaining distance between the two knees.
5. Get That Butt In Proper Shape: If you want to flat rip then get into shape. A flexible, strong, and lithe body is a sure way to increase your drive distance by over 15-20 yards. So get to the gym as quickly as you can!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
How to Make a Good Golf Shot Out of a Fairway Bunker
You have just hit a great drive but it runs into a fairway bunker! You are still a long way from the green so you want to get out and get as far as possible up the fairway. So what is the easiest way to get out and get a long way up the fairway?
The first thing is that you do not want to play the same sort of bunker shot as you would do from a greenside bunker where you need to float the ball up and out to land softly on the green. Take any sand with your shot and the ball will not fly so far. And there is the clue to hitting out of a fairway bunker: you want to hit the ball taking little or no sand with it.
Hit the Ball First!
The primary aim when hitting out of a fairway bunker, apart from getting it out in the first place (!), is to get some good distance on the shot. If you hit the sand, even just one centimetre in front of the ball, you will lose distance. Now it is quite difficult to take no sand at all, so what you need to do is make sure you hit the ball before you hit the sand.
To make sure you hit the ball before the sand, the trick is to play the ball further back in your stance. It could even be as far back as your non-target side foot! You need to experiment a bit to find the position that is right for you.
Select the Right Club
You also need to make an adjustment to the club face angle because you are playing it further back in the stance which means the clubface is actually open at this point in the swing. So you need to close the face slightly to make sure it is square to the line at the point of contact with the ball.
Now, as you have closed the face, you have de-lofted the club - a sand wedge is now playing like a 9 iron for instance. So make sure you are still taking a club with enough lot to clear the face of the bunker.
In summary
1. Hit the ball before the sand by playing it further back in your stance
2. Close the clubface to square it to the target line
3. Select a club with enough loft to still clear the bunker face when it has been de-lofted by closing the face.
Try this method next time you find yourself in a fairway bunker and you may be surprised how easy it is to get out and well up the fairway.
by mark pearson
The first thing is that you do not want to play the same sort of bunker shot as you would do from a greenside bunker where you need to float the ball up and out to land softly on the green. Take any sand with your shot and the ball will not fly so far. And there is the clue to hitting out of a fairway bunker: you want to hit the ball taking little or no sand with it.
Hit the Ball First!
The primary aim when hitting out of a fairway bunker, apart from getting it out in the first place (!), is to get some good distance on the shot. If you hit the sand, even just one centimetre in front of the ball, you will lose distance. Now it is quite difficult to take no sand at all, so what you need to do is make sure you hit the ball before you hit the sand.
To make sure you hit the ball before the sand, the trick is to play the ball further back in your stance. It could even be as far back as your non-target side foot! You need to experiment a bit to find the position that is right for you.
Select the Right Club
You also need to make an adjustment to the club face angle because you are playing it further back in the stance which means the clubface is actually open at this point in the swing. So you need to close the face slightly to make sure it is square to the line at the point of contact with the ball.
Now, as you have closed the face, you have de-lofted the club - a sand wedge is now playing like a 9 iron for instance. So make sure you are still taking a club with enough lot to clear the face of the bunker.
In summary
1. Hit the ball before the sand by playing it further back in your stance
2. Close the clubface to square it to the target line
3. Select a club with enough loft to still clear the bunker face when it has been de-lofted by closing the face.
Try this method next time you find yourself in a fairway bunker and you may be surprised how easy it is to get out and well up the fairway.
by mark pearson
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Golf balls advise
Titleist Pro V1x
The Titleist Pro V1x™ golf ball is designed for serious golfers of all levels seeking long distance with Tour-validated feel and performance. With a new, softer Urethane Elastomer™ cover, the Pro V1x provides improved playability and feel with mid and short irons. Featuring an improved, higher coverage 332 dimple design, along with a new staggered wave parting line and exclusive A.I.M. (Alignment Integrated Marking)™ sidestamp, the Pro V1x golf ball maintains long, consistent distance with softer feel and Drop-And-Stop™ control around the green.
• New, softer Urethane Elastomer cover - higher spin with irons for improved workability
• New, staggered wave parting line - enhanced ball flight
• New, higher coverage 332 dimple design - penetrating trajectory for longer, consistent distance
• New, A.I.M. (Alignment Integrated Marking) sidestamp - integrated alignment guide for improved putting alignment
• Longest driver distance
• Soft center dual core for low spin off the driver.
• Drop-And-Stop™ greenside control
• Increased short game spin
Friday, April 25, 2008
Golf equipment advise
iron,ping G5
The large head and wide sole
of the G5 Iron provides forgiveness and consistency across the club face. By designing a deeper, parallel cavity, the sole is widened to allow the center of gravity (CG) to be positioned lower and further from the face for higher launching, more accurate results. The large Custom Tuning Port (CTP) stabilizes the face and dampens vibration to ensure a solid, pleasing feel.
Ping G5 Iron Specifications
The large head and wide sole
of the G5 Iron provides forgiveness and consistency across the club face. By designing a deeper, parallel cavity, the sole is widened to allow the center of gravity (CG) to be positioned lower and further from the face for higher launching, more accurate results. The large Custom Tuning Port (CTP) stabilizes the face and dampens vibration to ensure a solid, pleasing feel.
Ping G5 Iron Specifications
Speed Kills Your Golf Swing
Would you say you have a fast looking swing or a slow swing? (If you don’t have a fast swing show this article to a playing partner who does). You would think that a recreational golfer’s fast swing would hit a golf ball a long way wouldn’t you? After all, it looks fast! Yet the ball doesn’t go as far as a slow swinging pro’s ball. I wonder why...
If you think about your body for a minute, you know that it moves much slower than your arms in real life. So if your body can’t turn all that fast, how do you get a fast looking golf swing? You get a fast looking golf swing when you try to hit the ball as hard as you can with just your arms. This means that your arms are moving independently from your body.
This fast looking swing can be understood by imagining a clock. If you look at a clock, you will see that the little post in the middle tells the minute hand how fast to swing. If the little post moves slowly, the minute hand moves slowly. If the little post moves faster, the arms move faster. The center post and the minute hand are relative to one another. If you compare your golf swing to the movement of a clock you will see your body as the center post on the clock and your arms as the minute hand. Having a fast looking swing would be like the little center post of the clock turning slowly yet the minute hand is moving very fast. This, of course, would never happen because they are connected to one another.
What happens to your shots when your arms outpace your body?
First, won't make solid contact with the sweet spot on the clubface because swinging with your arms alone will cause you to manipulate the clubface as it swings through impact.
Secondly, the harder you swing, the tighter your wrists and arms will be through impact. Tighter wrists release slower than looser wrists and looser arms extend more than tighter arms (which increase the width of your swing arc).
To slow down a fast looking golf swing, we first have to think logically about it. Pros have a slow looking swing and they hit the ball a long way and you have a fast swing that hits the ball shorter. So why do you insist on hitting the ball harder than the pros do? Unfortunately, human nature usually takes control of us when we go to hit a golf ball. It says that the harder you swing the further the ball will go. This does not allow us to see the logic behind swinging slower. Swinging slower feels like you have less power so you cannot see how you can actually hit the ball better and farther by not using your arms. You must convince yourself that you must swing slower to hit the ball better. Once you slow down, you will make better contact in the middle of the clubface, widen your arc and release the club faster. All of these things add up to more distance with less effort.
I like my students to try this drill in order to take the arms out of their swing. All you have to do is hold the club at about waist high and feel your body swing the clubhead. Remember the clock. If the post turns faster the arms swing faster. As you swing, listen to the swishing sound the clubhead is making as it swings through impact. Now, try to make the club swing faster by shifting your body weight from the right leg to the left leg allowing your body to turn at the same time. If you let your arms swing freely you will hear the club swish faster as you increase the speed of your body.
by paul wilson
If you think about your body for a minute, you know that it moves much slower than your arms in real life. So if your body can’t turn all that fast, how do you get a fast looking golf swing? You get a fast looking golf swing when you try to hit the ball as hard as you can with just your arms. This means that your arms are moving independently from your body.
This fast looking swing can be understood by imagining a clock. If you look at a clock, you will see that the little post in the middle tells the minute hand how fast to swing. If the little post moves slowly, the minute hand moves slowly. If the little post moves faster, the arms move faster. The center post and the minute hand are relative to one another. If you compare your golf swing to the movement of a clock you will see your body as the center post on the clock and your arms as the minute hand. Having a fast looking swing would be like the little center post of the clock turning slowly yet the minute hand is moving very fast. This, of course, would never happen because they are connected to one another.
What happens to your shots when your arms outpace your body?
First, won't make solid contact with the sweet spot on the clubface because swinging with your arms alone will cause you to manipulate the clubface as it swings through impact.
Secondly, the harder you swing, the tighter your wrists and arms will be through impact. Tighter wrists release slower than looser wrists and looser arms extend more than tighter arms (which increase the width of your swing arc).
To slow down a fast looking golf swing, we first have to think logically about it. Pros have a slow looking swing and they hit the ball a long way and you have a fast swing that hits the ball shorter. So why do you insist on hitting the ball harder than the pros do? Unfortunately, human nature usually takes control of us when we go to hit a golf ball. It says that the harder you swing the further the ball will go. This does not allow us to see the logic behind swinging slower. Swinging slower feels like you have less power so you cannot see how you can actually hit the ball better and farther by not using your arms. You must convince yourself that you must swing slower to hit the ball better. Once you slow down, you will make better contact in the middle of the clubface, widen your arc and release the club faster. All of these things add up to more distance with less effort.
I like my students to try this drill in order to take the arms out of their swing. All you have to do is hold the club at about waist high and feel your body swing the clubhead. Remember the clock. If the post turns faster the arms swing faster. As you swing, listen to the swishing sound the clubhead is making as it swings through impact. Now, try to make the club swing faster by shifting your body weight from the right leg to the left leg allowing your body to turn at the same time. If you let your arms swing freely you will hear the club swish faster as you increase the speed of your body.
by paul wilson
How To Build A Consistent Golf Swing
1. Slow Down Your Golf Swing
You’ve seen the pros on TV hit a golf ball. When they hit shots they make it look effortless. So why is it that when you go to play, you try to hit every shot as hard as you can? The next time you go to play, try to swing at half speed. You may have to take an extra club on certain shots but swinging slower will make you hit the ball straighter because the harder you hit the more you amplify the sidespin on the ball. If you are off even a little with a fast swing your ball will be gone. If you put a little less into it and you don’t hit the ball quite perfect you will still be able to find you ball thus saving you shots. Plus, confidence breeds distance. If you keep hitting fairways and greens you will gain confidence. As you gain confidence, you will gain distance. So, slow down and you will become more consistent.
2. Practice Regularly
How do you expect to get better at golf if you never practice? I know you’re busy. Everyone’s busy but those who are serious about becoming better golfers make time to practice. One of things I promote, is to do practice swings at home in the basement or backyard while working on the proper positions. I know what you’re going to say. You’re going to say that you have a great practice swing but when you go to hit a ball it’s totally different. Well first off, you don’t have a great practice swing. It’s probably okay but it’s not great. If it were great you would have the knowledge to use this very same swing to hit the ball. The reason your practice swing changes when you hit a ball is because you are thinking about hitting the ball. The more you try to hit the worse you will become (see #1 above). What you should be doing is learning the proper positions and repeating them over and over again (in practice swings) until you know no other way to swing. These positions must be precise and must be repeated exactly the same way each time you swing. So, learn the proper swing positions. Set up a practice station in or at your home and get serious about how you are supposed to be moving your body. Forget hitting golf balls for a while. Once you master the movement the ball will just get in the way.
3. Practice ONLY One Method
There are many teachers out there who all see the golf swing differently. These teachers have all studied the game for a long time and probably know a lot more about it than you. So try to find a teacher that you like and religiously follow this person’s instruction. This will help you to master the positions and develop a consistent golf swing because you will stop trying all those different tips and tricks that have done nothing to help you become a consistent golfer.
4. Get Your Clubs Fitted
Equipment is very important to playing consistent golf. If you are using equipment that is not fitted to your body, you will have to make compensations to your swing to hit perfect shots. Some days you will make these compensations perfectly and other days you won’t. For the sake of a few dollars, have your clubs checked. If you do, you can rule out using the wrong equipment as the cause of your inconsistency.
5. Use the Same Brand of Golf Balls Each Time You Play
Okay quit looking for balls when you play. I know you just saved yourself $3-4 dollars but using a ball that has been in a pond for a year is not going to do your game any good. Also, not all golf balls are made the same. If one day you play one brand and the next day you play another how are you going to become consistent? There is a lot of feel in golf especially around the greens. If you are always using a different ball how can you possibly develop a consistent feel.
by paul wilson
You’ve seen the pros on TV hit a golf ball. When they hit shots they make it look effortless. So why is it that when you go to play, you try to hit every shot as hard as you can? The next time you go to play, try to swing at half speed. You may have to take an extra club on certain shots but swinging slower will make you hit the ball straighter because the harder you hit the more you amplify the sidespin on the ball. If you are off even a little with a fast swing your ball will be gone. If you put a little less into it and you don’t hit the ball quite perfect you will still be able to find you ball thus saving you shots. Plus, confidence breeds distance. If you keep hitting fairways and greens you will gain confidence. As you gain confidence, you will gain distance. So, slow down and you will become more consistent.
2. Practice Regularly
How do you expect to get better at golf if you never practice? I know you’re busy. Everyone’s busy but those who are serious about becoming better golfers make time to practice. One of things I promote, is to do practice swings at home in the basement or backyard while working on the proper positions. I know what you’re going to say. You’re going to say that you have a great practice swing but when you go to hit a ball it’s totally different. Well first off, you don’t have a great practice swing. It’s probably okay but it’s not great. If it were great you would have the knowledge to use this very same swing to hit the ball. The reason your practice swing changes when you hit a ball is because you are thinking about hitting the ball. The more you try to hit the worse you will become (see #1 above). What you should be doing is learning the proper positions and repeating them over and over again (in practice swings) until you know no other way to swing. These positions must be precise and must be repeated exactly the same way each time you swing. So, learn the proper swing positions. Set up a practice station in or at your home and get serious about how you are supposed to be moving your body. Forget hitting golf balls for a while. Once you master the movement the ball will just get in the way.
3. Practice ONLY One Method
There are many teachers out there who all see the golf swing differently. These teachers have all studied the game for a long time and probably know a lot more about it than you. So try to find a teacher that you like and religiously follow this person’s instruction. This will help you to master the positions and develop a consistent golf swing because you will stop trying all those different tips and tricks that have done nothing to help you become a consistent golfer.
4. Get Your Clubs Fitted
Equipment is very important to playing consistent golf. If you are using equipment that is not fitted to your body, you will have to make compensations to your swing to hit perfect shots. Some days you will make these compensations perfectly and other days you won’t. For the sake of a few dollars, have your clubs checked. If you do, you can rule out using the wrong equipment as the cause of your inconsistency.
5. Use the Same Brand of Golf Balls Each Time You Play
Okay quit looking for balls when you play. I know you just saved yourself $3-4 dollars but using a ball that has been in a pond for a year is not going to do your game any good. Also, not all golf balls are made the same. If one day you play one brand and the next day you play another how are you going to become consistent? There is a lot of feel in golf especially around the greens. If you are always using a different ball how can you possibly develop a consistent feel.
by paul wilson
the correct grip
The beginner golf tips
-the left hand must exert very
-the right hand exerts a little
-the forefinger in the right hand must pretend a hook
-the alphabet is V at the right hand points to go to at right shoulder
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